Chapter 27
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
NATE
Once I know James is settled with Royal and Sage, I place a soft kiss on her cheek and linger a little longer than I should. Her scent consumes me, honey and cocoa and I need to walk away from her before I end up dragging her into a closet and ruining the contract and her make up.
Walking off, I see Kaleb standing in the lobby with Keaton and Titus.
“There he is,” I beam, pulling him in for a cuddle as I pat him on the back.
He is wearing a black tuxedo, same as his brother and they look handsome. Titus is in a similar style to me, but we're all wearing black with matching bowties.
“How you feeling?” I give his shoulder a friendly squeeze.
“Yeah I'm good, didn't sleep great but that was more excitement than nerves.” He is beaming, a glint in his eye and I find myself getting emotional.
“Man,” I swallow, and I am struggling to string the words together.
“I know,” he nods heavily, and I don't miss the glisten of tears that run through his brown eyes.
“Can I go see Connie?” His breath trembles at my question.
“Of course, up the stairs, second door on the left.”
“Good luck,” Titus calls out and I know I am most likely going to be a wreck when I see her. Climbing the stairs two at a time, I pass a couple of guests, and I have no idea who they are, but I say hello quietly as I go. Reaching the top, I count the doors then give it a soft knock.
“Come in,” her voice is soft, and I open the door slowly, worried I was going to hit one of the kids in the head or something.
“It's only me...” I trail off as I pop my head around and make sure the coast is clear before I step into the room and close it behind me.
Walking past the bathroom, I swallow the lump that is growing as the seconds pass and my eyes widen when they land on her. Her moms Lara and Katie stand with glassy eyes, Lara has her hands pressed against her lips, Katie’s head it tilted as she stares in awe at their beautiful daughter.
Ari, Amora and Reese all stand, tear-stained cheeks and Killian can't stop his infectious smile, his eyes flicking towards Lara and Katie every now and again.
“Wow, Connie...” I am lost for words, and I feel pricks of tears at the back of my eyes, my bottom lip trembling.
“Doesn't she look amazing,” Reese whispers as she steps beside me, head resting on my arm and I stiffen but don't move her.
It's fine.
This is fine.
“Yeah,” I just about manage as I let my eyes focus on her and an ache radiates in my chest that James didn't get a moment like this. I feel guilty almost, and that's on me.
Rolling my head to Killian, he is a mess looking at his baby girl just as Celeste tugs at my leg.
Reese moves from me and swoops her onto her hip, and I give her a soft smile before my eyes settle on Connie once more and when her eyes catch mine, I smile a little wider and step towards her, placing a kiss on her cheek then glide back to get one final look at her.
“Connie... you look…” and she blinks, tears teetering on her lashes.
Her shoulders are on show, delicate laced wrapped around the top of her arms and a sweeping neckline that is detailed with little gems. The dress tucks in at her waist then clings to her thighs before fanning out just above her ankles.
I never understood those kind of dresses, but Connie? She pulls it off like the dress was made for her.
“Kaleb is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”
“That's the plan,” she giggles and Killian groans beside me, rubbing his eyes with his palms and I laugh when Lara swats him across the arm.
Connie’s brown hair is pulled away from her face in a neat bun and a veil sits just above it, trailing down and making a longer train.
“I'll let you finish getting ready and I’ll see you soon,” I whisper before nodding at Ari and Amora who are wearing matching champagne-colored dresses, the same as Reese.
Twyla and Celeste are wearing ivory flower girl dresses and Sebastian and Smith are in little white shirts, black trousers and braces.
They're not paying attention to anything as they all sit on the bed around a tablet.
“See you soon Nate,” she smiles at me before a woman swoops in from nowhere and begins to touch up her make up again and I walk out the room quietly to find my wife.
I give Kaleb another pat on the back and move to the small stately room, my eyes seeking her out but it doesn't take me long.
An emerald gem amongst the dullest stones.
She is listening to something Xavier is saying, her face is laced with comfort and understanding as she nods along before bearing a beautiful smile. Her fingers are locked around a champagne flute, and I watch as she takes a sip, throat bobbing as she drinks it down and as the waiter passes with a tray, I swipe a glass and thank him as I go back to just gazing at her.
“You've got it bad,” I hear Dex's voice, and I roll my eyes.
“He so has,” Titus' voice rumbles beside me and I look to see my friends gathered around me.
“Excuse me,” I clear my throat, “I am going to see my wife,” as I wade through the crowds to get to her. Xavier's eyes trail to mine but I ignore him as I swoop my hand around her waist and pull her close.
“Hey you,” my voice is low as I swing my face to look at her, eyes bouncing between hers and she purses her lips.
“Hey,” she rolls her lips just as Xavier begins talking again, and like the saint she is, she still continues to listen.
A small yawn escapes me as she sips her drink slowly.
“Keeping you up, Nate?” Xavier's sarcastic tone riles me up.
“Just bored, Xavier,” I wink and James nudges me with her elbow.
“Oh, it's okay James. I am not bothered by the opinion of sheep, not when I am a lion, a leader,” and I watch as Royal rolls her eyes but twists her lips to fight the smile.
“Ouch,” a genuine laugh rumbles through me, hand to my chest as I feel it vibrate, and James turns her head to face me.
“Just stating facts, Nathaniel,” he lifts his champagne glass to me, and I clink the glass.
“That's fine Xavi, I was always told to respect my elders and that's what I am doing,”
and now it's Xavier's turn to laugh.
“Touché Nate, touché.”
“And on that note, if you wouldn't mind, I am going to whisk my wife away,” and Xavier and Royal nod at us both before I lead her towards our friends. “What was he telling you about?” I ask over the low string quartet that is playing.
“Just about how proud he is of his kids and that they've all done so well with their new lives.”
“He should be proud,” I chime in as I take another mouthful of my champagne, my fingers brushing against hers.
“Yeah?”
“Oh yeah,” I nod heavily, then move my glass in the direction of the gang as I lead her towards them. “Well, look at Amora, she has an art gallery opening in a few months, her own art is going to be there. Xander and Ezekiel have started their own business, pretty much in what Xavier done, they have the house, I believe they have partners...”
“Sounds like he has every right to be proud.”
“There you are,” Keaton swipes a glass from the tray and downs it in one and Ari side-eyes him.
“Calm down,” she places her hand on his forearm, and he gives her a warm smile.
“Just to calm the nerves,” he winks at her then leans in and kisses her on the side of her head, she glances at the time and her eyes widen.
“I need to go back up to Connie, won't be long now,” she presses onto her toes and places a kiss on his lips before giving Killian a warning look and he gives her a knowing nod.
“Nervous about the speech?” I ask, my eyes watching as Arizona disappears into the crowd.
“Yeah, just all of it really... big day, isn't it?”
Titus lets out a breathy sigh.
“Should have just done it like we did, aye boys...” he looks in mine and Keaton's direction.
“What about me?” Killian pipes up, “Didn't me and Reese do it like you?”
“Well, at first you did, but then you had the big wedding didn't you.”
He shrugs.
“Wouldn't have had it any other way though,” he smiles, eyes glistening like he is remembering it again.
“Ours was intimate, wasn't it baby ,” and I will never tire of watching how she reacts to the nickname that passes my lips, she's looking up at me, her blue eyes volleying gently between mine and I don't miss the way her pupils dilate. Her dimples in her cheeks prominent as her lips curl into a beautiful smile.
“It was,” she squeezes my hand.
“Wouldn't know,” Keaton rolls his eyes.
“Yeah, we were NFI...” Titus grumbles.
“NFI?” I crease my brows, and James is already giggling beside me.
“Not fucking invited,” Keaton and Titus say in unison.
“Not cool bro,” Kaleb shakes his head from side to side slowly, head dipped.
“No one was invited,” my brows dig in deeper, causing frown lines.
“Well, Heidi and Brooke were there,” she says nonchalant and that's when their eyes are on me, each and every one of my friends gazes are burning a hole into my skin.
If looks could kill I would be dead.
Easy.
“Look,” I begin, stammering but I am soon cut off.
“No,” Kaleb holds his hand up to stop me, “we get it, Mr Secretive had to have a secret wife and a secret wedding, obviously we weren’t important enough to even know about her until this weekend.”
My mouth opens but I slam it straight back shut.
“There is no point even try to fight your way out of this one Nathaniel, just admit—” Titus grumbles.
“You fucked up,” Keaton finishes Titus' sentence and they both nod at each other like they're thinking the same thing or something.
Pricks.
I decide to keep quiet. Nothing will help so I may as well just shut up.
“Shouldn't you be taking your place at the top of the aisle?” and Kaleb glances at the time just as Killian runs through the room full of people, disappearing to where Connie is no doubt spitting feathers.
The sound of a knife hitting a glass has the chatter of the room silenced.
“If you would please like to take your seats...” the wedding planner’s voice is loud before it drifts off and I am glad that it is time, but I know that this conversation is far from over.
“I'm sorry,” James whispers as we follow the boys out and towards where Kaleb and Connie are getting married. They chose the country house that sits overlooking the ocean. It was a beautiful building, lots of character and of course, Connie has transformed it wholly with her flowers and decor ideas that all link and tie to their theme of elegance, along with a sprinkling of her favorite show, The Vampire Diaries.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” and I give her a reassuring squeeze of her hand.
“Okay, but still, I am sorry.”
I nod, because I appreciate it, but I also wanted her to know she doesn't need to apologise, because she hasn’t done anything wrong. She told the truth.
We had her friends there, she told them the morning of the wedding, they were pissed... probably a bit like my friends are right now, but what I need to remember is that it's not about us anymore.
It's about my best friend and Connie.
It's their day and I couldn't wait to watch them get married then celebrate into the early hours of the morning.
We're shown to our seats, and my heart drops when I realise I won't be near James.
She is next to Royal and Xavier, but I am in the front row with the rest of the guys.
I look towards the seats then back to her.
“It's fine, I'll be fine,” she reassures me, but I can see the hesitation in her eyes.
“I can ask...”
“Go,” she smiles, her throat bobbing just as Royal gives her a warm smile, wrapping her arm around James' shoulders.
“We will look after her,” and I know she will be more than okay with both of them, but that wasn't the problem.
The problem was me not being with her.
I was going to miss her.
Reluctantly, I let go of her hand, my fingers lingering for a moment more before I have no other option but to let go.
She tilts her head, then softly winks at me. Returning a smile, I twist and walk up to the front to stand next to my friends.
This was really about to happen.
I was going to watch my best friend of thirty odd years finally get married.
He was getting his happily ever after.
And I got to witness that with my three best friends by my side.
With one last glance over my shoulder at my wife, I inhale heavily before I am locked on Kaleb. I've seen Connie, I want to see Kaleb's reaction to her walking down the aisle.
The sound of soft music begins to play, never let me go - Florence and the machine fills the speakers, echoing around the room and we wait with bated breath before we're told to stand, and just as the bridge begins the room falls deafly silent and I watch as the guests turn and focus on the bridal party. Reese walks down with Celeste who is dropping soft, white rose petals down the aisle, Arizona follows holding onto Sebastian’s and Smith’s hands, her eyes locked on Keaton who stands a little taller and a lot prouder next to his brother and I don't miss the tear that rolls down his cheek. Next is Amora with Twyla, and she walks closely to her mom, Titus is giving her a soft wave from the top of the aisle and her little cheeks swell as she smiles whilst calling out daddy , sweet giggles escaping her. Then just as the last bridge starts to loop, Killian and Connie appear, and I have never seen a man prouder than him. His arm is linked through hers, his spare hand resting on top of her hand as they walk towards the altar, Connie's eyes locked with Kaleb's and he is a blubbering mess as she finally comes into view, I can hear the whispers, the gasps and the tears of pure love and happiness that fill the room. I let my eyes loiter towards Lara and Katie who stand next to the bridesmaids, tears rolling down their cheeks as Katie holds Lara close, happiness etched into their faces.
I swallow down the lump, my own eyes glassy as I wait for Killian to hand her over.
“I am so proud of you darling,” he whispers to his daughter, “I have never been prouder than I am now. I love you,” and her chin wobbles.
“Dad,” she whispers and fans her face and I see Reese lose it whilst standing next to Connie’s moms; Lara throwing her arm around Reese’s shoulder as she tries to comfort her.
I am unsure of the significance of this moment, but it seems to catch a few off guard. Lara hands Katie a tissue as she dabs her eyes, she glances across at her wife and gives her a small smile.
He finally lets her go, placing her hand into Kaleb's but not before leaning in and kissing her on the cheek.
“I love you,” she mouths to her father before she focuses on her husband-to-be.
I watch as Killian moves to his seat, Connie's moms joining him, they both kiss him on the cheek which he returns.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today...”
I zone out, the chatter silencing around me and my eyes settle on them both. I watch with intent as Kaleb mouths you look so beautiful, I love you.
She meets his smile and returns it, mouthing back so do you, I love you more.
He shakes his head softly, not possible .
Glancing over at James, her eyes are already on me and my heart skips a beat and I hate when she finally shifts her gaze back to Connie and Kaleb, and reluctantly, I go back to watching them.
Every part of the ceremony was perfect.
Rings are exchanged, Keaton manages to hold it together enough to not drop the rings or make any rude remarks, a few laughs are had and we listen as they say their vows. Private and meaningful, every aspect of their relationship penned into a two minute paragraph, you could feel the love pouring off the pages and it makes me sick just how in love they both are and I can only dream of having that one day.
I tease a look over my shoulder and my chest throbs as I watch her wipe a stray tear away and suddenly all I want to do is be with her.
By her side.
Always.
Later, we’re standing in a small circle, Kaleb and Connie walk over to us and we all take turns in congratulating them.
“I am so ready for the party now,” Connie beams, swaying her hips from side to side as she dances, and Kaleb catches a glance of his wedding band.
“Finally, I fit in,” he teases as he holds his hands up and we all laugh softly at him, and I try and hide the fear that creeps onto my face by masking it with a beaming smile. It won't be long until I will be back being ringless with no wife and I'll be known as always as just Nate .
No plus ones.
No dates.
Just meaningless sex where I can find it just so I can get my fix.
Her fingers tease over the back of my hand and I open my tensed fists as she slips hers inside of mine and my heart slows as her fingers interlink with mine.
“You doing okay?” she pulls me from my thoughts and I realize I have zoned out completely and not paid attention to what has been said for maybe the last five minutes.
“Yeah, fine, you?” I tilt my chin, so I am looking down at her and she nods a few times.
“Was such a beautiful ceremony, wasn't it?” she leans closer to me and I am consumed by her scent, her arm pressing against me and I freeze.
“It was,” I clear my throat, the thickness making it nearly impossible to swallow and I find myself running my finger under my collar, trying to loosen it without opening buttons. “Drink?” I squeeze out and slip my hand from hers and then try and casually run it down my suit pants to rid of a clamminess.
“Yeah, I’ll come with,” Titus calls out, and Keaton follows.
I begin to walk away but not before catching her over my shoulder and I can see the fear in her eyes that she has done something wrong.
My heart aches.
It's not her.
It's me.
It’s the way I am.
“All okay?” Titus asks quietly as we approach the bar.
“Yeah,” I swallow, the thickness finally loosening and the need to remove my bow tie is no longer needed.
“Nate?” Keaton catches me staring at James before I avert my gaze to the barman and gain his attention.
“Whiskey, neat, double,” I give him a tight-lipped smile then wait for the other two to make their order.
I know they're glancing at each other thinking what the fuck but I needed this drink in me quickly before the panic rises again.
“Same for both of us.”
Silence cripples us for a moment and Keaton grabs my attention.
“What's wrong?”
I sigh and I know if I keep ignoring them, they'll keep asking and the whole wedding will be spent with them wanting to know what’s wrong with me.
The sound of glasses being pushed along the marble bar makes my ears prick and I swing around, grabbing them before I turn and look out at the full room.
“I just felt claustrophobic.”
That’s the only way I could explain it.
“Because it's busy?” Titus asks and before I even answer Keaton swoops in like a caped hero.
“Because James was touching him,” and Titus blinks just as I take a mouthful of my whiskey, welcoming the burn.
“Oh,” is all he says, and I give a heavy nod.
“So, like during...”
“I have to be in control,” and I hate that I am insinuating that something has happened between us, but I am using past experiences just so I can pacify them.
“So, no touching at all? From her part?”
I nod again.
“Right,” and all three of us simultaneously bring our glasses to our lips and take a large mouthful, Keaton wincing.
“She is constantly looking for you,” Titus points out and I sigh.
“I know,” I whisper and run my tongue across my top lip as I remove the left-over whiskey.
Turning my back on where everyone hovers, I place my glass back and order another glass of champagne for James and another whiskey for me.
“Do you two want anything? Ari? Amora?” I look at them over my shoulder just as they turn and rest their elbows on the bar.
“Same all round,” Titus nods at the bartender who makes a start on our order.
“Just give yourself five and go back over to her,” Keaton says softly and I nod.
“That's what I was doing,” and sarcasm drips from my tone.
Titus chuckles beside me just as the drinks are passed across.
“Are you getting your father and mother-in-law something?” I raise a brow and I watch as Titus' mulls my question over before replying, “naaaah.”
“I don't have that problem,” Keaton lifts his glass up and nods towards Titus, “cheers, father-in-law .” Before disappearing into the crowd.
“Such a prick,” Titus growls and I laugh as I scoop up James' champagne glass and my fresh whiskey as me and Titus walk over towards where James is waiting.
Relief swarms her face and I pass her the flute of golden liquid then pull her close to me before burying my lips into the side of her head as I place a soft kiss there, heart thrumming in my chest.
“Sorry, I just got a little overwhelmed...”
She turns to look at me, beautiful blues blinking at me as she gives me a knowing nod.
“The noise, lights... my emotions are all out of sorts,” I admit, and she just gives me a heartbreaking smile.
“I get it,” she says softly as we drop into easy conversation with the rest of the group whilst Mr and Mrs Mills go around greeting and thanking people for coming.
“I am starving,” Killian groans as him and Reese break through our circle.
“Me too,” I grumble, and I glance at my watch, “should be served soon hopefully.”
Reese watches as the kids are led away by a child minder and Ari's head pops over as she follows their little line.
“They'll be okay won't they?” Ari asks the group and Reese throws her a look, “She is qualified isn't she?” and I know she is panicking.
“Yes,” I say, my voice low. “Connie and Kaleb made me look into her background, made me look into everything about her.”
“And?” Ari waits for my response.
“She is the villain,” and I roll my eyes in an exaggerated manner. “What do you think? She is like Mary fucking Poppins.”
Ari and Reese both let out a sigh of relief, hands pressed to their chests.
“You can do that?” James' voice tugs me from the girls.
“Do what?” I ask and take another mouthful of whiskey.
“Look into people, not just businesses and that…” and my skin pricks with a coolness and I know I need to answer this in a way that doesn't ring alarm bells.
“Yeah, but only their employment history and public knowledge.”
“Public knowledge?”
“Everything is accessible if you know where to find it.” I shrug it off and I can see the cogs turning but I turn the conversation to Killian. “You done so well man,” I say and give him a nod.
“I was a mess,” he admits, and Reese places her hand over his chest, her head resting on his arm as her other arm links through.
“We noticed,” Keaton smirks just as Xavier rocks through and stands next to Titus, giving him a hard pat on the back.
“Hello Titty.”
“Xavi,” Titus straightens up and Amora gives him and her father a glance.
“I think where we had an estranged relationship for so long, I just checked in with Lara and Katie when I needed to... and also with my heart condition... I never thought I would see the day that my baby girl would walk down the aisle,” and I watch as his face creases, head falling forward as he covers his eyes with his large hand.
“Oh baby,” Reese coos, rubbing his back.
“Is he crying again?” Lara sneaks in and gives Killian a sympathetic look, Katie giggles behind her hand.
I explain quietly to James that Lara and Katie are Connie's moms. I could have gone into the whole ordeal with Adele, but I didn't think now was the right time. Katie and Lara have always been her moms, just like Killian has always been her dad.
“It's an emotional time,” Xavier begins and I watch as Titus’ shoulders vibrate with a sigh. “I mean, when I watched my daughter get married it wasn't as luxurious as this,” and Amora palms her face.
“Titus was covered in blood, his eye was bruising, lip busted whilst they said I do .”
“At least you got to see your daughter get married,” Titus groans and now it's Keaton's turn to roll his eyes.
“You saw the photos the next day.”
“Online!? Killian saw you get married, but I didn't.”
“Technically you did,” Arizona chimes in, wincing as she rests against Keaton's back, his large hand curled around her hip.
“I meant the first time, back in Vegas,” and I watch as his lips twitch.
“What about you James, did your parents get to see you get married?” I feel her stiffen in my arms; my fingers press a little deeper into the fabric of her dress.
“My parents are dead,” she didn't beat around the bush. But why would she? She is stating a fact, the truth.
The group falls silent for a moment, eyes bouncing around and she shuffles.
“It's fine, I was really young when they died, it was just me and Nate,” she looks up at me just as I look down at her and I watch as her lips part, her breaths shallow.
“And James' two friends, mustn't forget about the friends now,” Keaton throws it in there and I knew as soon as the words left his lips, the girls would be on my case. I open my mouth to defend myself, but we're saved by someone calling out to tell us that the tables are ready.
“Saved by the bell,” I lean in and whisper in James' ear and she giggles softly, but then Arizona is up beside me.
“Don't think you've got away with this,” she jabs her finger in my face before smiling sweetly at James. She moves a little quicker, fingers lacing through Keaton's as we walk towards the next room.
We find our table and of course, each table is Vampire Diaries themed. If you didn't know, our blushing bride is obsessed with The Vampire Diaries.
We're seated together, and Keaton is wifeless for a moment because Connie, her bridesmaids and her parents are all out having photos.
“It's so beautiful isn't it,” James sighs beside me and I nod.
“They've done an amazing job, it's so elegant.”
“Connie done amazing,” Titus grumbles and Keaton agrees. “You know Kaleb had nothing to do with this,” Titus smirks.
“Okay fine, Connie done an amazing job, better?” I tease and they both nod.
I glance over at the kids table next to me and see the kids all sitting nicely, all well behaved... shame they're not like this all the time. They're feral ninety percent.
Letting my eyes trail to my wife, she is smiling at a young, handsome blond man who sits over on the next table.
“Don't forget baby, you're my wife .” I lower my voice, just giving her a gentle reminder.
She snaps her face around to look at me and I don't miss the way she blushes at being caught just as I let my arm drape behind her then I avert my gaze to him, narrowing my eyes on his and he shuffles and turns away.
“Oh, someone caught your eye, James?” Keaton jibes and I dig my brows in as I stare at him. “I must admit, he seems more your type if I had to be honest.” He continues and I want to punch him in the throat.
“We didn't ask for your opinion.” I hiss before letting my eyes travel back to where he sits.
“Who is it anyway?” Keaton asks, his eyes dusting across to the mystery blond.
“Someone to do with Lara and Katie,” I grunt. I lift my chin before I waste any more of my life looking at him.
“I was just smiling,” she confesses, “I was admiring the room and then he was staring. You,” she pauses and looks me up and down and I don't miss the disgust on her face, “just looked at the wrong time and stupidly tried to put two and two together and came up with six.”
She shakes her head, and I know I have annoyed her.
“Someone is in the doghouse,” Titus whistles and I really am trying to keep a lid on my bubbling rage.
“No, I'm not,” I try and laugh it off but my blood is boiling under my skin and the urge to scratch until I bleed just to relieve some of this anger that is getting harder to ignore.
“Oh, baby, ” she teases the name I use on her on her tongue, “you really are.”
My heart stammers in my chest, my cock throbbing under my suit pants and I have no idea why that has turned me on. Leaning across, we still have the attention of the blond God at table three and I think about sticking a stake through his heart just to keep up with the theme of the wedding. My lips press against the shell of her ear and that's when I hear the sound of her breath catching at the back of her throat.
“Drink up wife, I'm sure you'll forgive me soon enough,” I dust my lips against her ear lobe then sit up, curling my fingers around my whiskey glass and take a mouthful. I know Titus and Keaton are staring at me, but I don't give them the satisfaction of even looking at them.
I was riled up; I didn't need them making the situation any worse than it already was.