Chapter 36 Ares
“We never fought like other brothers. Any regrets?”
Ares concentrated on tying his shoes, afraid to look at his brother. He heard the crack of Xander’s voice.
“No. Not a single one.”
“I never asked you to be my keeper. But I'm a lucky bastard you took on that role.”
“It’s time for me to take on another one. Leave the past behind.”
“You got that right,” Xander held out his tuxedo jacket.
Ares slipped his arms into it. “The house is fucking awesome though, right?”
Xander straightened his lapels, a huge grin on his face. “Yeah. The castle over the sea is awesome. My loves are happy.”
Ares caught sight of them in the mirror. Xander looking menacing as usual in his tuxedo with the deep burgundy shirt, next to Ares with his curly blond hair, slicked back into submission. He chose a creme colour for his shirt and traditional black tuxedo. They had come so far together.
Together they had chased a dream that got them out of their impossible beginnings and along the way they tried to make the world a little bit better.
But it was the love they had found that made their world brighter. Ares was going to do everything in his power to nurture that love.
To make sure it stayed strong and lasted, no matter what came their way.
“Your bride is here, Ares,” Logan strode into the room, his arm finally healed. “I wish you all the happiness in the universe, brother.”
A lump rose in his throat as the big man hugged him, then hugged Xander.
“Okay, knock this off. You can’t keep Josie waiting,” Xander pushed out of the circle.
“Never.”
He exited the small dressing room, walked up three stairs to the main floor and his breath caught in his throat.
She was stunning.
“Happy wedding day, gorgeous.”
She flashed him a smile. He walked over to her, adjusted the tiara she wore.
“You look damn fine yourself,” she brushed her lips against his cheek.
“That dress hugs your curves so right I don’t think I want to go out there,” he whispered in her ears, as his hands wandered over her white lacy corset. The skirt fell in a straight line just above her ankles.
Josie didn’t want anything to trip her up today.
“We’ve come too far.”
“True.” Ares straightened her tiara and took her hand. “Ready my love?”
“Yes. I can’t wait to celebrate with all our family and friends.”
“Then let’s go make this the real deal.”
Ares nodded at the usher to open the screens for them. The band started up and he guided his wife to be down the aisle to meet the officiant.
They had chosen to have the wedding and reception in the recording studio Kayleigh and Erik had held their reception in. It was the first time Josie said yes to him and agreed to dance and they both decided it was a nice full circle moment.
Walking down the aisle, catching sight of his friends, he had to clear his throat. There was Sasha and Finn, with their little one and next to them, Nick and Mulberry. They passed Dax and Gardenia
Gabe gave him a thumbs up as he passed, Ivy blew a kiss to Josie. Quinn and Simone, sat with Kayleigh and Erik, Kayleigh holding her newborn daughter.
Harper sat between Logan and Xander at the front row waiting for them
Fleur and Carlos were on the other side of the aisle, along with Josie’s friends.
“So many people love you,” he said to Josie as he held her arm for her to take a step on the platform.
“Love us,” Josie corrected, squeezing his hand.
They kept the numbers small, only their inner circle and as he caught sight of Beth and her partner, he was glad he’d invited only the people who mattered.
This room was filled with love, and he knew that wasn’t something he’d ever take for granted.
“Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate…” the officiant started the ceremony, saying the words they’d spent a week pouring over and writing, late at night, in the living room, as the view outside changed from grey to black and they could make out the stars in the sky.
He had rubbed Josie’s feet, listening to her read the vows, knowing he could listen to her read a dictionary and never tire of hearing her.
He wanted to make her feel cherished and loved every single day and he couldn’t wait to bring her home as his bride.
Her dark eyes shone with tears, she held his hand, only letting go when it was time to slip the ring on.
“Mine,” Ares said.
“Yours,” Josie echoed.
The officiant finally said it was time to kiss and not able to wait a second moment longer, he took his bride in his arms and kissed her.
Kissed her until his lips bruised, until the room erupted in applause, then descended into shouts.
He didn’t care.
He’d kiss his bride until the very sky fell.
“I love you,” Josie broke off the kiss.
“I love you.”
He held her hand, then turned and faced the crowd as they applauded again. The music started and he offered her his hand.
“Dance?”
“I don’t like dancing,” her smile made his heart leap.
“I won’t let you fall.”
“I know.” She placed her hand in his.
He was the luckiest man in the universe that this woman put her trust in him and he’d love her forever.
***
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