Chapter 28: The Wedding
The Morning
Jay woke to sunlight and butterflies.
Not real butterflies.
The ones in her stomach.
Hundreds of them.
Fluttering.
Nervous.
Excited.
Today.
Today I marry him.
She lay still for a moment.
Hand on her heart.
Feeling it beat.
Alive.
Loved.
Ready.
Her phone buzzed.
Keifer: Good morning, future wife.
She smiled.
Typed back.
Jay: Good morning, future husband. Aren't we not supposed to talk?
Keifer: Don't care. Had to say it. One more hour of you not being officially mine and I might lose my mind.
Jay: One hour? The wedding isn't until 4.
Keifer: Exactly. I'm already losing it.
She laughed.
Held the phone to her heart.
Jay: I love you. See you at the altar.
Keifer: I love you too. Forever.
---
The Bridal Suite
Mamma arrived with a tray.
Breakfast.
Champagne.
Tears already in her eyes.
"Good morning, my beautiful bride.
Today's the day."
Jay sat up.
Took the tray.
Grinned.
"Today's the day, Mamma.
I'm getting married."
Mamma sat beside her.
Took her hand.
"Are you nervous?
Excited?
Both?"
Jay considered.
"Both.
Definitely both.
Happy-nervous.
Good-nervous.
The best kind."
Mamma squeezed her hand.
"That's how it should be.
Now eat.
We have hours of preparation ahead."
---
The Preparation
The next hours were chaos.
Beautiful chaos.
Perfect chaos.
Hair stylists arrived.
Makeup artists arrived.
Photographers arrived.
Flowers arrived.
Dress arrived.
Everything arrived.
Keiran burst in every few minutes.
Updates on everything.
"Rex is ready!
His bow tie is perfect!
I practiced walking!
Only fell twice!"
Keigan appeared occasionally.
Calm reports.
"Percy is crying already.
The wedding hasn't started.
He's just emotional."
Aries checked in.
Steady.
Loving.
"Everything's under control.
Just focus on you.
We've got everything else."
Percy burst in once.
Already in his tux.
Pineapple socks visible.
"JAY!
IT'S HAPPENING!
TODAY!
FINALLY!
I'M NOT CRYING!
OKAY, I'M CRYING A LITTLE!
BUT HAPPY CRYING!"
Jay laughed.
Waved him away.
Loved him so much.
---
The Dress
Finally, the dress.
Mamma helped her into it.
White lace.
Sweetheart neckline.
Flowing skirt.
Train just long enough.
Jay turned to the mirror.
Stared at herself.
Not the scared girl from months ago.
Not the dying woman from the hospital.
A bride.
Beautiful.
Healthy.
Hopeful.
Alive.
Mamma cried.
Of course.
"Oh, my darling.
You're breathtaking.
Absolutely breathtaking."
Jay cried too.
Couldn't help it.
"Thank you, Mamma.
For everything.
For being my mother.
For loving me.
For this day."
Mamma hugged her carefully.
Mindful of the dress.
Mindful of the makeup.
Full of love.
"My daughter.
My beautiful daughter.
Today you marry the love of your life.
Today you become Mrs. Watson."
Jay smiled through tears.
"Jay Watson.
I like it."
---
The Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
Mamma presented the traditions.
"Something old?"
Jay held up Keifer's letter from yesterday.
"This.
His words.
I'll carry them in my heart."
Mamma nodded.
"Something new?"
Jay touched her dress.
"This.
All of this.
New life.
New love.
New future."
Mamma smiled.
"Something borrowed?"
Jay looked at Mamma.
"Your love.
I've borrowed it since I met you.
But I'm keeping it forever."
Mamma cried harder.
Pulled her close.
"You already have it, darling.
Forever."
"Something blue?"
Jay pulled Rex from her bouquet.
Keiran's dinosaur.
Tucked safely among the flowers.
Blue.
Perfect.
Loved.
Mamma laughed through tears.
"Perfect.
Absolutely perfect."
---
The First Look
Keifer wasn't supposed to see her.
Tradition.
Bad luck.
But Jay couldn't wait.
Neither could he.
They met in the garden.
Before the ceremony.
Just them.
Just this moment.
He stood with his back to her.
Waiting.
Breathing.
She walked toward him.
Dress rustling.
Heart pounding.
"Keifer."
He turned.
Those storm-gray eyes found her.
Widened.
Filled with tears.
"Jay...
You're...
You're everything.
You're more than everything."
She smiled.
Walked into his arms.
Held him close.
"I love you, Mark Keifer Watson."
He held her tighter.
"I love you too, Jasper Jean Mariano.
My bride.
My forever."
They stood there.
Just them.
Just this moment.
Before the chaos.
Before the vows.
Before forever officially began.
---
The Ceremony Begins
Guests arrived.
Just family.
Just the ones who mattered.
Mamma cried before it started.
Pappa held her hand.
Both watching.
Both loving.
Keigan sat quietly.
Book put away.
Full attention on his family.
Percy was already crying.
Aries patted his back.
Both emotional.
Both proud.
Keiran stood at the ready.
Rex in one hand.
Petals in the other.
Determined not to fall.
Music started.
Soft.
Beautiful.
Perfect.
---
The Procession
Keiran walked first.
Slowly.
Carefully.
Dropping petals.
Beaming.
He made it halfway.
Tripped.
Caught himself.
Kept walking.
Grinning anyway.
Everyone laughed.
Loved him.
Perfect.
Keigan followed.
Rings secure.
Serious.
Proud.
Percy and Aries walked together.
Both emotional.
Both trying not to cry.
Both failing.
Mamma walked next.
Beautiful.
Proud.
Crying openly.
Pappa followed.
Strong.
Steady.
Waiting to give her away.
Then the music changed.
The bridal march.
Everyone stood.
Everyone turned.
And Jay appeared.
---
The Walk
Aries walked her down the aisle.
Her brother.
Her protector.
Her rock.
He squeezed her hand.
"You okay, little sister?"
She nodded.
Tears in her eyes.
"More than okay, Ari.
Perfect."
They walked slowly.
Each step bringing her closer.
To him.
To forever.
She saw Keifer at the altar.
Those storm-gray eyes.
Full of tears.
Full of love.
Full of forever.
He was everything.
He was home.
He was hers.
Aries placed her hand in Keifer's.
Kissed her cheek.
Whispered, "Be happy, Jay."
Then stepped back.
Jay looked at Keifer.
He looked at her.
The world disappeared.
Just them.
Just this moment.
"Hi," she whispered.
He smiled.
Tears falling.
"Hi yourself."
"You're crying."
"So are you."
"Happy tears?"
"The happiest."
---
The Vows
Pappa stood before them.
Officiant for the day.
Voice steady.
Eyes wet.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."
Jay barely heard the words.
Couldn't look away from Keifer.
His eyes.
His love.
His everything.
Then it was time.
Their vows.
Written themselves.
Spoken from the heart.
Keifer went first.
"Jay.
Jasper Jean Mariano.
My love.
My life.
My forever.
"I remember the first time I saw you.
In my office.
Scared but brave.
Messy bun.
Secondhand clothes.
Eyes that held the whole universe.
"I remember the first time I held you.
The first time I kissed you.
The first time I knew—really knew—that you were the one.
"I remember sitting by your hospital bed.
Watching you fight.
Watching you suffer.
Watching you never give up.
I fell in love with you a thousand times in those dark days.
"I promise to love you.
All days.
Easy days.
Hard days.
Every day.
"I promise to hold your hand.
Through everything.
Through joy.
Through sorrow.
Through life.
"I promise to be your home.
Always.
Forever.
No matter what.
"Jay, you're my miracle.
My heart.
My wife.
I love you."
---
Everyone cried.
Percy openly.
Mamma openly.
Aries secretly.
Even Pappa wiped his eyes.
Jay took a breath.
Her turn.
"Keifer.
Mark Keifer Watson.
My love.
My life.
My forever.
"I remember the first time I saw you.
Behind that huge desk.
Storm-gray eyes that saw right through me.
I was terrified.
I was home.
"I remember the first time you caught me.
Literally.
When I slipped in the hallway.
You held me like I was precious.
You've held me like that ever since.
"I remember you sitting by my hospital bed.
Never leaving.
Never giving up.
Loving me through the darkest days of my life.
You saved me, Keifer.
Not just from cancer.
From loneliness.
From fear.
From giving up.
"I promise to love you.
All days.
Good days.
Hard days.
Every day.
"I promise to hold your hand.
Through everything.
Through joy.
Through sorrow.
Through life.
"I promise to be your home.
Always.
Forever.
No matter what.
"Keifer, you're my miracle.
My heart.
My husband.
I love you."
---
The Rings
Keigan stepped forward.
Rings ready.
Proud.
Serious.
Percy took the rings from him.
Handed them to Keifer.
Whispered, "Don't drop them."
Then stepped back.
Keifer slid the ring onto Jay's finger.
Perfect fit.
Like it was meant to be.
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Jay slid his ring onto his finger.
His hand steady.
Her hand shaking.
Both full of love.
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Pappa smiled.
"By the power vested in me...
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Keifer, you may kiss your bride."
---
The Kiss
Keifer cupped her face.
Gentle.
Reverent.
Loving.
Those storm-gray eyes.
Full of tears.
Full of joy.
Full of forever.
"I love you, Mrs. Watson."
She smiled.
"I love you too, Mr. Watson."
He kissed her.
Deep.
Slow.
Full of everything.
Not just a kiss.
A promise.
A forever.
A beginning.
Everyone cheered.
Keiran screamed with joy.
Percy sobbed happily.
Mamma cried and laughed.
Pappa smiled proudly.
Keigan nodded approvingly.
Aries wiped his eyes.
Jay and Keifer pulled apart.
Foreheads together.
Breathing the same air.
Living the same dream.
"Mrs. Watson," he whispered.
She grinned.
"Mr. Watson."
He kissed her forehead.
"Let's go celebrate."
She took his hand.
"Let's go live forever."
---
The Reception
The garden transformed.
Lights everywhere.
Flowers everywhere.
Love everywhere.
Food.
Music.
Laughter.
Tears.
Joy.
Keiran danced with Rex.
Didn't stop for hours.
Eventually fell asleep under a table.
Still smiling.
Keigan observed everything.
Took mental notes.
Approved of the celebrations.
Percy gave his speech.
Long.
Funny.
Emotional.
Perfect.
Aries gave a short speech.
Simple.
Powerful.
Loving.
Mamma cried through both.
Pappa held her hand.
Both beaming.
The cake was cut.
Chocolate with raspberry filling.
Elegant topper for show.
Dinosaur topper for the kitchen.
Both perfect.
First dance.
Jay and Keifer alone on the floor.
Everyone watching.
Everyone loving.
"Mrs. Watson," he whispered.
"Dancing with my wife."
She smiled against his chest.
"Mr. Watson.
Dancing with my husband."
He held her closer.
"Best day ever?"
She looked up at him.
Those storm-gray eyes.
Her home.
Her heart.
Her forever.
"Best day ever."
---
The Toasts
Percy stood again.
Glass raised.
Voice steady for once.
"To Jay and Keifer.
My sister and my best friend.
Two people who taught me what love really means.
"Jay, you're the bravest person I know.
You fought cancer and won.
You fought for this family and won.
You fought for Keifer and won.
"Keifer, you're the best friend a guy could ask for.
You loved my sister through the darkest days.
You never left.
You never gave up.
You're the reason she's still here.
"Together, you're unstoppable.
Together, you're everything.
Together, you're forever.
"To Jay and Keifer!"
Everyone raised their glasses.
"TO JAY AND KEIFER!"
---
Aries stood next.
Quiet.
Powerful.
"Jay.
Little sister.
I've taken care of you since you were twelve.
Watched you grow.
Watched you fight.
Watched you love.
"Today I watched you marry the man who loves you most.
Today I gained a brother.
Today I watched forever begin.
"I love you both.
Always.
Forever."
He raised his glass.
"To Jay and Keifer."
Everyone repeated.
"TO JAY AND KEIFER!"
---
The Last Dance
The night wound down.
Guests tired.
Children asleep.
Music soft.
Jay and Keifer danced one last time.
Alone on the floor.
Everyone watching.
Everyone loving.
"Mrs. Watson," he whispered.
"How does it feel?"
She smiled.
"Perfect.
Absolutely perfect."
He kissed her forehead.
"Good.
Because it's forever now.
No takebacks."
She laughed.
"No takebacks.
Wouldn't want any."
He held her closer.
"I love you, Jay Watson."
She looked up at him.
Those storm-gray eyes.
Her home.
Her heart.
Her forever.
"I love you too, Keifer Watson.
My husband.
My forever."
---
The Getaway
Car waiting.
Decorated by Keiran.
JUST MARRIED signs.
Dinosaur drawings.
Balloons.
Chaos.
Perfect.
The family gathered.
Goodbyes.
Hugs.
Tears.
Laughter.
Keiran hugged Jay tightly.
"You're really married now?
For real?
Forever?"
Jay knelt down.
"For real, Keiran.
Forever."
He nodded.
"Good.
Rex is happy.
I'm happy.
Everyone's happy."
She kissed his forehead.
"Best day ever?"
He beamed.
"BEST DAY EVER!"
Keigan hugged her next.
"Statistically, your marriage has a high success probability.
You're well-matched.
I approve."
Jay laughed.
"Thank you, Koya.
Your approval means everything."
Percy crushed her in a hug.
"MY SISTER!
MARRIED!
I'M SO HAPPY!
DON'T LEAVE FOREVER!"
Aries pulled him off.
Hugged Jay gently.
"Be happy, little sister.
You deserve it."
She held him tight.
"I will, Ari.
I promise."
Mamma hugged her last.
Long.
Tight.
Loving.
"My daughter.
My beautiful daughter.
I'm so proud of you.
So happy for you.
So grateful you're mine."
Jay cried.
Couldn't help it.
"Thank you, Mamma.
For everything.
For loving me.
For being my mother."
Mamma pulled back.
Wiped her eyes.
"Now go.
Your husband is waiting.
Forever is calling."
---
The Drive Away
Jay climbed into the car.
Keifer beside her.
Hand in hand.
Rings gleaming.
Hearts full.
They waved through the window.
At their family.
Their chaos.
Their love.
Keiran ran after the car.
Waving.
Shouting.
"BYE KUYA JAY!
BYE KUYA KAI!
HAVE FUN BEING MARRIED!"
Keigan pulled him back.
"They'll be back, Keiran.
They're just going on honeymoon."
Keiran nodded.
"Oh.
Okay.
BYE HONEYMOON!"
Everyone laughed.
Waved.
Cried.
Loved.
Jay watched them fade in the distance.
Her family.
Her chaos.
Her home.
She turned to Keifer.
Those storm-gray eyes.
Her husband.
Her forever.
"Mr. Watson."
He smiled.
"Mrs. Watson."
She kissed him.
Soft.
Sweet.
Full of forever.
"Where to, husband?"
He held her closer.
"Anywhere.
Everywhere.
As long as you're with me."
She leaned against him.
Happy.
Safe.
Loved.
Home.
"Then anywhere it is.
As long as it's with you."
He kissed her hair.
"Always with me.
Forever."
The car drove on.
Into the night.
Into the future.
Into forever.
Jay and Keifer.
Mr. and Mrs. Watson.
Their story just beginning.
Their love just starting.
Their forever officially begun.
---
End of Chapter 28