42. Arlo
“This is epic.” Karris cheers before Dobson tugs him into his seat.
A few laughs carry on the breeze.
I don’t flaunt my money. It’s not important to me. It never was. Money was my way to freedom. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thrilled to have it, though.
Dollar signs allowed me to orchestrate all this inside of a week, and it is pretty fucking epic.
My freedom allows me to stand under an archway of grape vines and dried flowers in this stunning yard overlooking a French vineyard, waiting for the loves of my life.
They poured themselves into my scars, my broken bits, and deep fissures. Like kintsugi—the ancient art of mending broken pottery with gold—they made me whole. By filling me with their love, they restored me to someone greater than I was before. Greater than I imagined I could be.
My gaze doesn’t stall on the two simple rows of family and friends gathered to celebrate our commitment ceremony. Not even Nat and her handkerchief. Nope, it bounces between the doorways at two ends of the grand villa that has been in Laurent’s family for generations.
A string quartet plays a song that my mother would be appalled I don’t recognize. It’s sweet and soft. My heart tugs. What I wouldn’t give to have my family here to witness the joining of my life to Hota’s and Hailey’s. But if my family were here, I wouldn't have Hota or Hailey.
It's an odd feeling, accepting the fact that I had to go through hell to get to my heaven.
The doors open almost in tandem. Warmth and a low vibration course through me the moment I see them.
“Holy shit.” I gasp.
“A lucky man, you are,” Laurent says from his spot behind me under the archway where he will officiate our ceremony.
“The luckiest.” I blink away the tears in my eyes to clear the picture they make.
Air gets stuck in my lungs. Hailey’s smile beams at me from across the garden, then I swing my eyes to Hota. He winks at me like the devil he is. When his eyes find Hailey, his mischief is replaced by wide eyes and a slacked jaw.
She wears a dark emerald gown that hugs her neck to wrist and everywhere in between. Sheer fabric gives the illusion of flesh and jewels, creating patterns over her most intimate parts and accentuating her curves. Not a hint of the artwork underneath shows. We couldn’t see the dress before today, but she told us she was saving her monsters for us and us alone.
Hota has no right to look as handsome as he does in an emerald tux that matches mine. His hair is pulled into a silk tie atop his head. His hands are fists at his sides, as though it’s the only thing keeping him from running across the balcony to her.
After giving him a smile and tilt of her head, Hailey turns and begins the walk down the stairs. My heartbeats rev. At least I can breathe.
Hota matches her descent on the opposite staircase, and they slowly meet under an archway that mirrors mine.
“That’s my cue.” Laurent claps me on the shoulder. He takes a few steps forward, and his arms go wide.
“Friends, family, lovers.” He bows to Nat in the front row. “We are gathered to celebrate the union of three magnificent people. The world we live in won’t lawfully recognize their binding love, so it is our honor and privilege to bear witness to the promises they make today, and it is our duty to nurture their bonds as long as we all shall live.”
The small crowd cheers.
Natalia. Astor, her father and cousin. Dobson. Karris. Celeste and her family. Mio. Leo. Ziya, Sana, Sigrid, and Laurent’s parents and siblings. All here to witness our union.
I rub my bare ring finger. I cannot fucking wait.