Lightning In a Bottle
Alessa
I should have known they would turn this into a circus. But they soon shut their yaps when Jordan steps out from behind the tree. I am not supposed to be looking, but the snake incident drew my attention. I want to see it too. I make a mental note to go find it after we are done.
Sandy is busy getting everyone into position and they’re complying now they’ve figured out what is going on. Some of them have been guessing about this and I fist pump at our ability to throw them off. We convinced them it wasn’t happening.
Who throws a surprise ceremony and gets married in the middle of a mountainous forest by a waterfall?
We do. The man I am tying my soul to.
There is nothing ordinary about Jordan. It is a given we will be different to everyone else.
I look towards the man I love. I swore to all above and beyond the stars, marriage is not in my future. Until Jordan. He is insane, gorgeous, spontaneous, and erratic, and many other words, but I love every side of him.
His proposal had been a series of polaroid photographs of him, which he trailed from the living room to the bedroom in our apartment. Like a treasure hunt. Each picture was more x-rated than the last. In each he is holding up a piece of paper and an item of clothing is removed. The pages had a single word until it spelled out.
‘ Alessa, love of my life, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?’
The final one was a question mark he had drawn on his stomach, just above the giant erection he was holding.
I found him like that in our bed, swinging a pair of fluffy pink handcuffs around his finger. The actual ring came as an afterthought once he’d cuffed me and brought me to the heights of pleasure more than once.
How can a girl say no to that?
We made many decisions about how to do this, where, when, who with. My family is scared to fly. They will not come over for the ceremony. We are planning to go and see them soon. With the help of the rangers, there are cameras set up all around that will capture the occasion.
The song we chose together is not one I knew. We sat in Sandy’s loft with hundreds of vinyl albums around us. Jordan had been in his element. He listened to everything, drawing up a list of possibilities.
I love to watch him as he closes his eyes and mumbles along with the lyrics. He listens with his whole body. I love that passion in him for music.
People very often take drummers for granted, like they are an afterthought, but drums are the heartbeat of any band.
If my love for the bass had not been so profound, I would have been a drummer.
Sandy put on the Trial by Fire album by Journey. I never expected to hear this song and have it resonate with me. We looked at one another as soon as we heard it, and we made the choice.
Now, the song is halfway through. I don’t want it to stop before I get to him.
I bend over and grab a rock, then toss it at Stone. He looks back at me, his eyes widen. First at being hit by a rock, then at me standing there in my dress. A soft smile falls over his lips and he nudges his companion.
I forewent my usual dark style. It is what will have been expected of me, even for an occasion such as this. This is the most important day of our lives. It will mean the world to him to see me in a proper wedding dress.
So I bought the dress. It’s ivory, not white. Although I’ve still not been able to discern the difference. I left the saleswoman aghast at my twenty questions about the hundreds of stupid shades of white.
Nonsense, I stand by that.
Guns N Roses is one of my favorite bands. Jordan had been beside himself when he realized that, because he’s loved them forever. I have never forgotten the first time I saw the video for November Rain. That Jordan loves it too, says everything I need to know about that man.
The Stephanie Seymour dress fucking rocked. So that is what I wanted for my day. The front hemline hits mid-thigh. My traditional blue garter is on show for everyone to see. The skirt at the back trails along the ground, already sweeping up pine and dirt as I head out of my hiding place.
It has a sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder sleeves. I did not want a veil, but have pulled my hair up with a flower and skull barrette. I love it and I feel amazing.
The dress also gives me a chance to add my flair, my trademark gray Rocket Dog boots are visible.
Marcello smiles and steps towards me. Where Stone is BreakNeck’s bodyguard, Marcello is mine, hired by Jordan to protect me. I have become quite fond of him, and he is happy I asked him the favor of walking me down the aisle.
He holds out his arm and we step into the clearing.
There are more gasps as I’m spotted. I see tears on Adrestia’s face. I would scoff at such nonsense, but I know they are tears of happiness for Jordan and me.
At least they are now corralling themselves into a position to watch us and allow me to pass.
I could not care less where they stand as I focus on Jordan. I see him gulp, his throat working as he stares at me. He bites his lip and I shiver at that movement. Nothing else around us matters but getting close to him.
Marcello pulls my arm to prevent me running, and everyone laughs. I march towards him and Sandy anyway, not caring for this slow stroll anymore. Marcello gives in and quicksteps along with me.
I stop in front of Jordan and Marcello relinquishes his hold. I stare at him, then look at Sandy, then back to him. His green eyes are sparkling and the smile that takes over his face is meant only for me.
“Hi,” Jordan says, his eyes roaming all over me. He takes both of my hands and holds them out to the side so he can see the dress. “November Rain,” he nods. “Fucking perfect.”
“Tak.”
People laugh again, but I am not sure why. I am confirming he is aware of what my dress symbolizes for us. I hear more sniffling, but ignore it. Although Jordan glances back at everyone.
“She’s fucking beautiful,” he says to them.
I concede and look back too. They’re all gathered close now. They have closed the gap I walked through to encircle and become a part of this with us.
Adrestia has a tissue pressed into her nose. Nash has his arm around her, nuzzling his lips into her hair as he stares at me. He gives me a smile and I nod at him with a serious look.
We have not had time to discuss what is going on with Riley. I know he has been waiting for me to declare my allegiance.
It is with him, with our band, always. Riley made her bed. She must lie in it, whether it is warm and comfortable or broken and spiky. And it is very broken right now. If she meant anything to me, she would be here. I hope he understands that.
Ocean is standing in front of Dylan, his arms wrapped around her middle. She is like a doll, small and pretty, with huge eyes. His chin rests on top of her dark hair, and he winks at me.
He worries too much about everyone else, always looking after the band. It makes me happy to see him with his little beauty.
Jack looks like a dope with a huge grin on his face as he waves at me. I roll my eyes and he grins wider, lifting one elbow to rest on our bandmate’s shoulder. Ciro doesn’t flinch at Jack leaning against him, but he is looking all grumpy and pissed off.
It’s perfect.
I smile at him and although it is very begrudging, he returns it. I would not want to do this without him here. He is the first friend I made when I came to this country. He stood by me through thick and thin. He had faith and joined Red Alert with me.
For all her panic over the snake, Brooke is now all dreamy faced, leaning into Archer. I try not to scowl. It is not her fault my best friend has feelings for her. He admits his inaction made her walk away and gave her the opportunity to fall for Archer.
I believe in true love. Despite what people may think. So whatever Ciro feels for Brooke would never be returned. She is in love with Archer.
He will find his own woman. I will not help because that is not what I do, but Jordan will. Or interfere and end up pissing Ciro off even more. I look forward to seeing that.
Elsa is snapping photographs of us, a huge smile on her pretty face. She looks like a fairy princess, even in her hiking gear. She smiles when she sees me looking, then snaps a photograph. Nick is standing close, one hand on her hip in a possessive manner.
When Jordan realizes she is taking pictures, he twists and gives the peace sign, pulling me in tighter. She has taken on the role of our wedding photographer, which pleases me.
Adam has sat down on a large boulder and pulled Jenna on to his lap. His hands loop around her waist, holding her close, one hand protectively over the stomach where their baby is brewing.
She sits facing us, her eyes misty, as she looks from us to her mom. Sandy is trying to get everyone’s attention so she can officiate this ceremony.
There is love all around us here. Even though I am sure each couple feels the same. There is no one more in love than my man and me.
“Shall we get this show on the road, Divchinka?”
“Tak, my love,” I pull him back around to face me. Jordan's smile is beautiful at hearing the endearment.
As we face each other, and everyone watching settles into silence, the last verse of the song plays. I studied and learned the words, letting them sink into my heart.
Jordan holds both of my hands in his and brings them up to his mouth. His lips graze across my fingertips, despite the callouses from the bass strings. As he stares into my eyes, he sings the last line of the song.
His voice is not as good as his drums. But it is sweet and holds so much love, it is difficult to breathe.
And fuck my eyes, they tear up. He bites my knuckle when he sees, standing so close to me, we are almost one person. He brushes away the tear using both of our hands and then looks at Sandy.
The music segues into an instrumental version of ‘ With Your Heartbeat’, the BreakNeck song Adam wrote for Jenna. I am not angry about this choice, it is a beautiful melody without the lyrics. Jenna sits up and glances at her husband. I hope they realize it is a genuine compliment and not stealing their song.
“Hey everyone, by now, I’m sure you know what this entire trip has been about. For those of you who are a little slow on the uptake. This is a wedding,” Sandy tells the guests.
Some of them laugh, but all of them smile.
“Jordan and Alessa want to say a few words to each other. Then we’ll exchange the rings and then, you know the drill. Jordan, do you want to go first?”
“Tak,” I tell him. I want to hear what he has to say.
“Okay, babe, here goes.” he swallows, looking nervous, very unlike him.
I touch my hand to his cheek to settle his nerves.
“Alessa, I’m crazy as shit, but you allow me to be myself with you, and I love you for that. When I’m struggling, or I’m hurt, or sad, you are there for me, with infinite patience and kindness. I’ve never met a woman like you. Many people might not believe this, but you have an immense capacity for love. It’s all aimed at me, and that is fucking awesome,” he dips his head when everyone laughs.
“I love the face you make when you first wake up in the morning. And how you tuck your toes underneath mine when we lay down in bed to go to sleep. I love how your nose scrunches up when one of our friends says something sappy,” he points. “Like that,” he rubs my nose.
“One of my favorite things about you is how easily you put up with my unique sense of humor. You allow me to be the only one who sees how truly hilarious you are. Because you sure as shit don’t let anyone else see.”
I nod my approval.
“I vow to be your family for the rest of my life, Alessa. To build a home with you, to laugh at the good times and hold you during the bad. I want to be your best friend until the end of eternity. And I promise to always be your partner in life, in any way you need me. Even if it is only to choose which nail polish to wear on a particular day, to brush your hair, or make you a hangover cure. Right until the end you’re mine, Alessa. I promise to give myself over to you forever.”
Sandy clears her throat a few times before she turns to me to encourage my words. I can never be quite so eloquent as him. Or sure my words will get across how I feel about this man.
“You make me laugh,” I start, and he grins. “I love your passion and determination in everything you attempt to do. Even if you fail, you see the good in your defeat.”
He frowns and I can tell this is not going over the way I want it to. I hurry on, wishing I had written something down.
“I will always be there when you are downhearted, to lift you and show you, you can do anything you want. I will be there by your side. I never want to be anywhere other than right here with you. You are patient and kind. Especially when I do or say something I don’t understand can be hurtful.”
“Babe-”
“Hush. I no finish.”
“Okay,” he beams.
“I am a free person, allowing no one to control or demand of me. You let me be that way but I want you to know from this day onward, it will be your name that I cry out for when I fall. It is your eyes that I will smile into each morning, after I pull a funny face.”
Jordan laughs, but his eyes are filling with tears. I am doing it right. Finally.
“Our love is never ending. We will remain equals from this life into the next. And most important of all, I give you the window seat, so long as you share armrest.”
Everyone laughs and I smile up at him. I am sure my vows are erratic and nonsensical, but English is not my first language and I stand by that as the reason. Jordan is happy, and that is all my heart is concerned about.
Sandy runs through the rest of the ceremony. We say I do, we exchange our rings and before she even finishes the pronouncement, I am in his arms. His hands are under my dress as he grabs my ass and lifts me up to kiss him. Our friends cheer and clap.
The music changes into ‘ Can’t Help Falling in Love ’ by Perfume Genius.
I cling on to his neck as he spins around and walks with my feet dangling, right into the group of people behind us. Jordan sets me down and holds me tight pressing his forehead to mine as we stand together with our friends around us. He dances with me like there is no one else here. And I stare into his eyes, not knowing how I got here, but knowing I would never want to be anywhere else.
Elsa is snapping photographs until Nick grabs her and pulls her into him. Everyone watches our slow dance. I have always loved this song, but this version is dark and soothing and perfect for the way I feel about my Jordan. My heart, my love. My everything.
After our song finishes, ‘Any Way You Want It’ by Journey starts to play. Sandy shrieks and grabs hold of an unsuspecting Stone. He goes with it and dances with her, surprising everyone.
Jordan stares at them in shock, then bursts into genuine laughter.
Jenna drags Adam onto the makeshift dancefloor and starts jumping about like her mom. Then everyone is dancing. Even the ranger is singing along as he watches us all.
Everyone bombards us with questions and congratulations on keeping them all in the dark, but everyone is pleased.
Dawson lets us know we have another half an hour and brings out champagne. Our friends toast us and Jordan shouts he is going to dive into the waterfall. Dawson freaks out and tells him no. Jordan just laughs and hands him a glass of champagne.
My cheeks hurt from smiling and I whisper to Jordan that I will have used up my smile allowance for a year in this one day. He kisses me silly, rather than responding.
‘ Electric Love’ by Borns comes on and Adrestia grabs my hand and spins me around, singing at the top of her lungs. Elsa and Ocean join us, then the rest of the women, leaving the men watching and laughing. My good mood and smiling face shocks them. But how do I wipe the smile off my face? I can’t. In all my life, I have never been as happy as I am at this moment.
Ciro is standing off to the side. I dislike seeing him alone like this. He is not getting away with that. I walk over to him and reach up to kiss his cheek. It is too much to hope he will dance, but he does smile and allows the hug.
“I’ll still kick his ass if he hurts you,” he says.
“I would not need help,” I say. "But it will not happen."
Ciro nods with a tilt of his lips, because he knows it’s true. I know with all my heart, he will never hurt me. Ciro wipes the smile off his face when Jack comes over and gives him shit about not dancing.
Jordan is never too far, and he wraps an arm around my waist, tugging me away from our friends. Ciro looks as if he is about to beg me not to leave him. I blow him a kiss and walk away with my husband. Jordan kisses me, bending me backwards, sparking more cheering and laughter.
I stare into his eyes when he lets me up for air. And just like the song says, he is my lightning in a bottle.
Damn, why did I not think of that for my vows?