EXTENDED EPILOGUE
THE WEDDING
J.D. Stevens
I never thought I would do this again, but I was ecstatic that today was finally the big day. I stood in front of the altar in a church, I would have never stepped in wearing a fitted tux, if it weren’t for the woman, I was waiting for to walk down the aisle. It was nerve-wracking but there wasn’t any other place I’d rather be.
“You nervous?” Grimm leaned over and asked.
Ever since my unexpected visit to Vegas, I’ve been keeping in touch with my cousin. And he was more than happy to stand by my side, his eyes filled with pride, while I pledged my life and fidelity to the woman who had my heart. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Just a little. You got the rings?”
As he tapped the pocket of his tux’s jacket, a sigh of relief escaped me, and Grimm chuckled.
Today was a big step for both of us, but it was a necessary step in our relationship. I’d already given her my Property of J.D. patch which she accepted with a squeal of excitement. Now it was time to do this in front of all our friends and family. Or least the ones that were here.
As the classical music began playing, I adjusted the lapels of my tuxedo, readying myself. I’d been fidgeting since I’d been up here. I was ready to get this part over with and start the honeymoon.
The back of the doors opened and in walked Mya, Rebel’s best friend. And let me say, the bond between them was apparent from the way they laughed and finished each other’s sentences. Mya was a very successful businesswoman and didn’t hold back what she thought about you. She had stood by Rebel, providing support, as she dealt with the shit involving her family.
I liked her.
When Mya reached the front of the church, she winked at me, then stood across from Grimm and me. I watched as my little girl, dressed in a light pink dress and white shoes, her hair styled in ringlets, gracefully walked down the aisle, scattering white flower petals as she went. She looked so much like her mother. She proudly wore a tiara, handpicked by herself, insisting it be a part of her ensemble for the day.
She took her role as a flower girl seriously, carefully scattering each petal with a determined expression. All I could do was smile, my heart overflowing with joy and pride. This moment was so important for her, and she had been practicing for weeks to get it just right.
As she reached the altar, she excitedly waved at me, her smile lighting up the entire room. I winked at her, giving her a thumbs up for a job well done, then she stood in front of Mya with a proud smile on her face.
As a different classical song resonated through the church, the attendees stood. The sheer number of people who came left me in shock. Today, not only had some of the other chapters came, but Demon and Kira joined us as well. While Rebel’s family decided not to attend, there were at least one-hundred and fifty people here to show their support for us. It was their loss.
The moment she stepped into the church, a sense of awe washed over me, leaving me breathless. She was incredibly stunning, with a radiance that captivated everyone around her. Her dress wasn’t the typical wedding gown, but it was gorgeous and perfect for her. As soon as her eyes met mine, a huge smile spread across her face, and I couldn’t resist smiling back. As she made her way towards me, memories of the past year flooded my mind, reminding me of how drastically my life had transformed, all because of her.
When they arrived at the altar, Caesar planted a tender kiss on her cheek, exchanged a firm handshake with me, and sat on the front pew of the church.
I grasped Rebel’s hand. “You look fucking amazing,” I whispered. “I can’t wait to fuck you in this dress.”
She chuckled squeezing my hand. With a slight cough, the priest grabbed everyone’s attention. Our attention shifted to him, and he shot me a disapproving glare, but I simply shrugged it off. I couldn’t wait to fuck her in her dress. It wasn’t like I was lying in the house of the Lord.
As the Priest droned on about love and unions, my mind wandered to the memories of my past, the present moment, and the anticipation of a future spent with this woman.
“Rebel, do you take Jacob to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health?”
She smiled. “I do.”
With a gentle motion, I placed the ring onto her finger, and it sparkled in the light.
“And Jacob, do you take Rebel to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health?”
I uttered the words, “I do.”
I watched as she slid the ring onto my finger, the cool metal sending a wave of excitement through me.
“You have declared your consent before the Church,” the priest said. “May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined men must not divide. Amen. You may kiss your bride.”
I wasted no time pulling her close to me. I gripped her by the back of her neck, and my mouth covered hers. As our lips met, she pulled me closer, her fingers gripping the lapels of my tuxedo.
Shouts and whistles sounded around us, and it brought me back to reality. Along with the priest whispering for me to get a hold of myself in the house of the Lord. Reluctantly, I pulled away from my wife, and her laughter filled the air. With a gentle swipe of her thumb, she removed the trace of lipstick from my lips. “I love you, Mr. Stevens.”
I gently pressed my lips against hers and pulled her close in a warm embrace. “I love you too, Mrs. Stevens.”
“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens,” the priest said, causing more cheers and shouts to erupt inside the church.
This was truly what family was all about.
I wasn’t one to believe in Fate, but there was no other way to describe what happened to me. Having my entire life destroyed and then being introduced to the woman who helped me rebuild it, I couldn’t help but feel there were forces at play beyond my understanding. Rebel Pierce Stevens was more than just my wife. She was my angel, my chance at redemption, and my new beginning.
THE END
***