Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
NOAH
I barely slept last night, too excited for what today would bring. I want the memory of saying our vows to see me through my upcoming surgery.
It’s how I found myself here, sitting alone on a bench as the sky morphs from a deep, inky blue night sky and slowly ascends into a sunrise. The fact that no one sunrise is ever the same makes it even more stunning.
I think Muhammed Ali had a point when he said at sunrise every soul is born again .
Because that’s how I feel—revived, reborn—as I listen to the happy sound of birds nearby.
The sky is glowing in vibrant hues of oranges, yellows and reds as they blend, complimenting each other perfectly over the horizon.
I pull out my camera, wanting to capture it, even though I don’t think my camera will do it justice, it’s too beautiful not to.
I sit there soaking up the sight before me when I hear the sound of feet crunching on the gravel path and glance over my shoulder. Elliot, River, and Tommy are all jogging towards me.
They slow down as they approach and all say morning.
“You’re out here early,” River says.
I nod. “As are you guys, it would seem. I’m just soaking this all up,” I reply, waving my hand towards the sky.
“Yeah, it’s something alright,” Elliot says.
“You got wedding day jitters?” River asks as he bounces on the balls of his feet.
I swallow because yeah I think I might.
“You guys want to go on ahead, I just want to talk to Noah for a sec,” Elliot says.
River glances between us briefly. “Yeah, sure, we’ll see you later,” he says before kissing the corner of Elliot’s mouth.
“Last one to the top of that hill has to clean up the dog shit for the next week.” He takes off before Tommy can even reply. Tommy waves over his shoulder at us as he shoots off after him.
“Dog shit?” I ask, confused.
“Jax got Lily a dog,” Elliot says, smiling, and sits beside me on the bench. “It’s taking a while to get Frodo house trained.”
I raise my brow. “Frodo?”
Elliot smiles. “He’s a rescue. We didn’t feel right about re-naming him to be honest. Anyway, Mia saw him on social media and cried for like an hour. So, of course Jax, being the big arse softie he is, tracked the dog down and viola, newest member of the family.”
I’d hardly call Jax soft, but when it comes to Lily and Mia, I’m sure he’d do anything to make them happy.
“I think Aspen will love him.”
I smile because I’m sure she will. Aspen stayed with the girls last night.
It’s why I love that we’re having our wedding here, it means we get to have her as part of the ceremony too. We have caterers, and a marquee set. At least then, if the weather does turn—because this is the UK and the weather is anything but predictable—we have cover.
“You okay? You looked deep in thought before we interrupted.” Elliot says, resting his elbows on his short-clad thighs as he leans forward and looks out at the sky. It’s nice to see him more confident in his skin and not hiding his prosthetic.
“Yeah, I was just thinking about my surgery,” I admit. “Today will be a core memory for navigating the hard days.” I know they’re inevitable.
“Let’s just hope they are few and far between. I know you have a fight on your hands, Noah, but you’re one of the strongest people I know.”
I almost scoff at that because I feel anything but strong right now.
His hand moves to my shoulder, and he squeezes. “You know I’m here anytime, whether you need to talk or sit in silence. You’re not alone.”
“Thanks man, I appreciate it.” I shake my head. “I didn’t mean to get all melancholy, that’s not what I want today to be about,” I say.
He smiles. “I know, man, but it’s okay to get it off your chest at least, so you can embrace the day.”
Yeah, he’s right. I might not have said much, but I got it off my chest. Words maybe I’ve been holding onto.
“I still can’t believe I’m getting married,” I say, smiling.
He laughs. “I can, I think it was always meant to be, you were just waiting for Jessica.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”
Pushing to his feet, he holds out his fist to mine. “I’ve been known to have my moments.”
I bump my fist with his. “You have, and thanks again, man, for being here today. It means a lot.”
And it does, even more so now that Caleb is more accepting of our friendship.
“Of course,” he replies, checking his watch. “I should let you go get ready.”
I swallow my nerves and nod. “See you soon.”
He points his thumb over his shoulder. “I need to go and try to catch up with them two, make sure Tommy isn’t trying to kill River,” he says with a smile.
I watch as he jogs towards River and Tommy who are waiting at the top of the hill. River is waving his arms about, speaking animatedly to Tommy.
I check my phone as I head back towards the house and see some messages in the group chat.
Caleb: I can’t wait to say I do to the both of you xox
Jessica: Look at you rhyming. Ditto xx
Caleb: Was Aspen okay?
Jessica: Apart from missing both of you, she’s fine.Mase is walking her now and then he’ll bring her to you xx
Me: Love you both xAny cold feet I should be worried about?”
I see Caleb and Jessica typing at the same time.
Caleb: Absolutely not.
Jessica: Nope. I want to be married already. I missed you both so much last night.
I missed them both, too.
Me: We’ll make up for that tonight, of that I have no doubt
Caleb: You bet your arses we will.
Jessica: Are you two flirting with me?
Caleb: Always
Me: See you in a few hours. Love you x
Jessica: We love you more
Caleb: Uses a GIF pointing to Jessica’s reply.
And then I pull up a few of the pics I took of the sunrise before sharing them.
Me: As stunning as this sunrise was this morning, it has nothing on either of you. I’ll see you soon. Mase is waving for me, he looks stressed.
Caleb: Smooth and yeah he was here less than five minutes ago, after walking Aspen, he looks frazzled.
Jessica: That’s gorgeous. Maybe it was a bit much with him being best man and giving me away?
Caleb: Or maybe it was a certain brunette running him through his paces?
Me:
“Good, there you are,” Mase says breathlessly. “Why aren’t you answering your phone?”
I lock it and then stuff it into my pocket.
“Sorry man it was on DND.”
He raises his eyebrows. “That’s helpful.” he runs his fingers through his hair, a newspaper in his other hand.
“Everything alright man? Anyone would think you were the one getting married.”
Which was clearly the wrong thing to say if his current expression is anything to go by.
“Come on, let’s get back and you can tell me what has you stressed out.”