Chapter 21 #3
Instead of going to the living room, Bayu crossed the hall to Juni’s room where Gemi had already put him in different clothes. Gemi, however, was still in the shorts and T-shirt she had on at supper.
“Did Juniper or Kat get you some new clothes? I apologize for not making sure you were taken care of before now.”
“They did, and you have had plenty else to worry about.”
“Do you have something a little dressier? I know I said what we wear isn’t as important as the words, but Carleigh is wearing a sundress.”
“I thought this was a family portrait?”
“It is, and you are family, Auntie. Please do not forget that.”
Gemi’s eyes misted amid a smile. “Thank you, Nephew. It has been too long since I was part of something. I do not regret raising Juni, but it was only the two of us for the last year. My life was lonely, and you have given me back something I lost many years ago.” Gemi placed a hand on Bayu’s cheek before leaving the room.
Juni was on the floor with several of his plushies. “Do you want to bring one of your toys downstairs?”
“Free of dem.” Juni carefully chose three, stating the type of animal each was.
Bayu didn’t realize the cub could count.
He couldn’t wait until his mission for Baekyo was over so that he could spend quality time with Juni, learning more about him, teaching him new things, and showering him with all the love Bayu possessed.
He stopped off in their bedroom for the ring before heading downstairs.
Juni ran to Katherine as soon as he was past the bottom step, showing off his plushies.
She and Julian were dressed similarly to Bayu and Carleigh.
When Carleigh, Juniper, and Gemi joined them, Juniper pointed toward the backyard.
“What do you think of having the ceremony on the patio? The lighting is perfect for pictures.”
Bayu thought it would be lovely, and Carleigh agreed. Silas, who was standing by the sofa, lifted Juniper’s tripod and camera bag. The bodyguard followed everyone outside, and once Juniper had the camera set up, Bayu and Carleigh stood where the female indicated.
Bayu took Carleigh’s hands and spoke to their families first. “The reason I asked that we do this in front of everyone is so you will hear my vow. I grew up with wonderful parents who loved one another beyond measure, and I have witnessed the love between you, Julian and Katherine. I applaud you for raising a fine daughter in Carleigh. Juniper as well. I cannot express how much it means that you all so readily took my family into yours.” Bayu bowed slightly before turning to Carleigh.
“My Sayang, I pledge my life to you, from now until the end of my days. I vow to put you above all others. To care for you and protect you. To honor you with everything that I am. I will love you in this life and all the ones that follow.”
Bayu pulled the ring out of his pocket, nodding to Juniper in thanks. “Please accept this ring as a reminder of these promises.” He slid it onto her left hand, then lifted it and pressed a kiss there.
A tear rolled down Carleigh’s cheek, but her smile was brighter than ever.
“My tiger, we have already sealed the bond, but I promise to be the best mate to you and the best mama to Juni. I will love you with everything I am, standing by your side with pride as we traverse our lives together. I adore you.” Carleigh also had a ring, which she slid on his finger before pulling his face down for a kiss.
Their families clapped and cheered, and Carleigh laughed against Bayu’s lips.
“Okay, everyone, line up over here,” Juniper instructed.
Carleigh and Bayu stood in the center with Juni in front of them.
Katherine and Julian stood on Carleigh’s left, and Gemi stood next to Bayu.
Juniper adjusted her camera, then she stepped next to Gemi.
She had a remote that allowed her to snap the photos when she was ready, so Juniper instructed everyone to smile.
It took several takes before Juni got the hang of looking at the camera instead of up at Bayu and Carleigh.
Then Juniper took photos of them with just Juni, the three of them with Gemi, them with Carleigh’s parents, and then one with Silas included.
He protested until Juni grabbed his hand and pulled him to where everyone waited.
To no one’s surprise other than Bayu’s, Juniper had run out and bought a cake and champagne.
What Bayu thought would be a simple ceremony turned out to be more than he could have hoped for on such short notice.
Juniper went to the pool house and turned on some music.
It was soft jazz, which fit the mood perfectly.
The string lights lit the area around the pool, giving it a romantic glow.
Gemi and Katherine served the cake while Julian poured champagne.
Carleigh and Bayu ate off the same plate, feeding each other small bites.
Once Juni finished his cake and juice, Silas put him on his shoulders and swayed to the music.
Bayu couldn’t have envisioned a more perfect night.
The only thing that would make it better would come later, once everyone had gone to bed.