by Penny Blush
“Jupiter Calliope Riverworth, when it comes to fashion when have I ever steered you wrong?”
“No, never but…”
“But nothing, now shut up and say hi to Belinda,” Tabby said tilting her chin towards the tall, gorgeous raven-haired woman holding up a cloth garment bag. “Belinda Haven, Jupiter Riverworth. Jupiter meet Belinda the greatest designer this side of Paris.”
“I don’t know about that, but I try.” Belinda said giving me a brilliant smile. “Hi Jupiter.”
“Hi,” I replied unenthusiastically as Belinda hung up the garment bag, unzipping it and slipping the cover off the plain looking dress.
“You know you're amazing,” Tabby said swatting Belinda on the shoulder. “Jupiter darling what do you think, isn’t it amazing?”
“Umm,” I replied trying to think of polite words for the boring, shapeless, dowdy looking gown hanging limply on the hanger.
“Jupiter, I know it doesn’t look like much on the hanger but please just try it on, it will work I promise,” Belinda encouraged.
“Babe put the damn dress on and trust me already,” Tabby demanded with her hands on her hips.
“Okay fine,” I conceded.
I would try on the stupid dress to placate Tabby and as not to offend Belinda. Then I would go back out into the shop and look through the dresses on display. I stripped down to my underwear and let Tabby and Belinda help me into the dress. I held my breath as I turned to look in the mirror.
“Oh. My. God.” I whispered.
“Right,” Tabby replied.
“It’s … Belinda I … Tabby,” I stuttered and then burst into tears.
Tabby was right the dress was perfect.
Delicate white lace over a champagne coloured slip. The neckline was straight across the shoulders that ran into little cap sleeves. The back of the dress was open all the way down the back. It hugged my hips and then flared out as the fabric reached the floor with a small train. There was beadwork, crystals and embroidery that made the dress shimmer and sparkle in the light.
Tabby found me the most amazing pair of platform wedges that matched my dress. I would never have thought of wearing wedges for my wedding, but Tabby has a freaky sixth sense with these things, and it just worked.
My accessories were minimal just my engagement ring, delicate pearl teardrop earrings that belonged to Jaxon’s mother. A diamond bracelet that was Memphis’s grandmothers and the dog tags that Davan had given me. Because they were so chunky, I had pinned them inside my dress, so they rested against my heart.
“Jupiter, something is missing,” Jax said breaking me out of my memories.
“I have my something borrowed – your mum’s earrings. Something old,” I held up the bracelet. “Something blue,” I wiggled my engagement ring at him. “I’m set.”
“What about something new?” Jax asked.
“Well, my dress is new.”
“Your dress doesn’t count,” Jax said reaching into his jacket pocket pulling out a jewellery box.
“Jax, you didn’t have to get me anything,” I said taking the box. I cracked the lid and my breath caught in my throat and my eyes misting. “Jax is this…”
“I know it’s technically not new, but the safety chain is. I had the setting tightened, and they replaced the pin but …Oomph,” Jax hissed as I crashed into him giving him a crushing hug.
“Jax you do not understand what this means to me,” I croaked trying to hold in my tears.
“I had a little bit of an idea Kid,” he replied giving me a squeeze.
I stood beaming as Jax attached my mother’s cameo broach to the silk sash at my waist. I thought I had lost it in the apartment fire. Somehow Jaxon found it and had it cleaned and repaired for me. The broach was handed down through the women in my family for generations.
“Jax, wherever did you find it?”
“The building owners collected everything they could when they demolished the building. When they rang me about your bike, they said to check out the other items to see if there was anything else that might belong to you. I found this and could claim it because of the inscription on the back.” Jax explained.
From the women of the past for the women of the future.
“Thank you, Jax,” I whispered.
“I’m not done yet,” he said sheepishly. “I have one more gift for you, but you’re not allowed to cry.”
“Jaxon it’s my wedding day crying will happen,” I replied with my hands on my hips.
“Fine, here,” he said handing me a tiny tissue-paper wrapped gift. I opened the delicate wrapping to find a tiny square hanging photo frame with a yellow ribbon. In the frame was a picture of my parents and Davan, they were all hugging and smiling, and looked so happy. I held the photo frame like it was a fragile baby bird. “It’s to hang off your bouquet. I thought you would want them with you today,” Jax explained shrugging.
“Thank you, Jax,” I fought not to burst into tears as we hugged again.
“All right Kid, enough with the mushy stuff,” Jax said wiping his eyes. “You ready to get hitched or what?”
“Let’s do this,” I laughed.
After I secured the photo frame to my bouquet, Jax linked his arm with mine and held on tight as we walked out onto the veranda. He winked as Cassidy who was standing with Tabby in their bridesmaids’ dresses.
“Ladies first,” Jaxon said.
The girls started across the lawn towards the aisle created in between the guests seated by the river providing the backdrop for our wedding. ‘Arms’ by Christina Perri played, and the guests stood as Jax guided me down the aisle. People were smiling and waving and taking photos. I took a deep breath and looked up locking eyes with Memphis, and the world fell away.
He looked so handsome in his gunmetal blue three-piece suit; he had pulled his hair back into a low man-bun. His eyes shone as he looked at me and I just stood rooted to the spot taking in the scene before me.
“You know if you want to run Kid, just say the word,” Jax whispered squeezing my hand.
I looked back up the aisle, Memphis tilted his chin at me, his eyes saying Come here Baby Girl. It froze me on-the-spot love, excitement and lust coursing through my veins. Memphis smirked and crooked his finger at me beckoning me. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face.
I looked at Jax as said, “Not on your life.”
We walked across the rose petal covered grass towards my love, my life, my future.
Chapter 63 Jupiter
The ceremony was perfect and so ‘us’, with plenty of laughs, love and a little bit of dorky awkwardness.
They say right before you die your life flashes before your eyes. That may be true, but for me, it was the moment Memphis slid my wedding ring onto my finger and said, ‘I do’. My life flashed before my eyes, but it wasn’t what had happened in my life I saw, it was the life we would have. I saw all the life, love and adventures we would have together, and I couldn’t wait to live it.
I wanted to make sure we had photos with everyone who attended our wedding. After what felt like a million photos Memphis and I were taking a moment in the guestroom to catch our breath.
“Hi Mrs Blue,” Memphis said taking me in his arms. “You don’t know how good it is finally to have you all to myself.”
“Memphis, we have seventy guests waiting for us, we can’t just abandon them for sexy times,” I giggled as his fingers traced lazily up and down my spine.
“Jupiter as much as I want you out of that dress, you look so good, I think I can hold out a little while longer,” he chuckled. “I meant, I just wanted a few moments alone, just you and me.” We started slow dancing wrapped in each other’s arms. “Thank you for saying yes,” he whispered. “I love you so much.”
I looked up and took his face in my hands. “Thank you for asking Memphis, you are my world. I love you.”
We took our time slow dancing to the music drifting through the window from the band outside, expressing our love
for each other and kissing sweetly. I could have stayed in that moment forever.
“Baby Girl let’s get back to the party, so we can finish celebrating and then let the honeymoon begin.”
Memphis gave me one more kiss before leading me back out to the party.
The festivities were in full swing when we re-joined our guests. Drinks flowed, laughter was everywhere, and I couldn’t have been happier. The food was amazing and plentiful. After a round of speeches that were heartfelt, funny and slightly embarrassing, Davis took to the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for Memphis and Hedge …”
“Jupiter!” Cassidy called out interrupting him making everyone laugh.
“Your name may be Jupiter, but you will forever be Hedge to me,” Davis said. “Now, ladies and gentlemen it is time for Memphis and Hedge…” Davis emphasised looking at Cass making everyone laugh again. “… to take to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.”
Our guests applauded as Memphis held out his hand to me and lead me to the dance floor. “Are you happy Baby Girl?” he asked as he guided me around the dance floor.
“So very happy Memphis, today is the perfect start to the rest of our lives together,” I sighed resting my head on his chest.
“Our life together won’t always be perfect, we will have our ups and downs. We will fight, we will laugh and love together. Our life won’t be perfect, but with you, by my side, it will be pretty close.”
“Memphis, I am so glad they arrested my boss, that my boyfriend cheated, and my apartment burnt down because all that horrible lead me to you. You are my version of perfect Memphis, you're all I need.”
I couldn’t help but kiss him, and our guests applauded. Memphis smiled against my lips then dipped me backwards deepening the kiss, and the crowd erupted into cheers and catcalls.
“I love you Baby Girl, now, always and forever,” Memphis said kissing me again.
The music changed signalling the end of our solo dance and the guests started to join us on the dancefloor. I felt a tap on my shoulder, someone was wanting to cut in, smiling I turned expecting to find Jaxon.
It wasn’t Jaxon, my world tilted.
“Can I have this dance?”
I was frozen in shock.
It couldn’t be.
I hadn’t seen or heard from him in close to eight years.
The world stopped, and blood roared in my ears.
How could this be?
“Davan?”
My brother stood before me very much alive and intact. He looked a little older but so damn handsome in his military dress uniform his chest laden with medals.
“Hey, Little Bug,” he replied.
Before I could think what, I was doing, I drew back and punched him in the shoulder. I was aiming for his stupid square jaw, but I didn’t want to break my hand on my wedding day.
“Ouch! What the hell Jupiter?” Davan asked rubbing his shoulder.
“Hey, little Bug! That’s all you have to say to me after eight years!” I screeched.
“Jupe, I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you. I wanted to so many times, but I couldn’t.”
“Where the hell have you been Davan?”
“I can’t tell you.” I threw my hands up in the air and Davan places his hands on my arms calming me, “not here, not now. Not yet.”
I was so overwhelmed. My brother who I thought was dead was here in front of me alive and whole, at my wedding.
All my emotions exploded through me.
“Davan, is it really you?” I asked through gathering tears. “Are you really here?”
“Yeah, Little Bug. It’s me, I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. I’ve completed my service, I’m out.”
I threw myself at my brother and hugged him with everything I had. My friends and new family cheered and applauded in the background. I didn’t think this day could get any better. I married my best friend and the love of my life in front of my friends and family, and my brother had returned.
“Oh, I’m so sorry Davan,” I said wiping the tears from my eyes. “This is my husband, Memphis Blue. Memphis this is my Brother Davan.”
“Yeah, I know,” Memphis said sliding an arm around my waist and shaking Davan’s hand. “How you doing man? Glad you could make it.”
“Good thanks, Memphis. I’m sorry I missed the ceremony,” Davan replied.
“What? How do you two know each other?” I asked confused looking at them.
“Well, I didn’t know what to get you as a wedding present so Jax and I went to Mitch, and we tracked your brother down. I wanted to give you something special for our wedding.”
“Baby, how?” I asked.
“You’re not the only one with secrets,” he said winking at me.
Chapter 64 Davan
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked Emmaline, who was sitting beside me with her head on my shoulder.
I knew she must be exhausted. I insisted she rest as much as possible and she slept for most of the trip. I knew the trip would be too much for her to do in one day. I tried to convince her that taking a few days was the better way to do it to allow her to rest. She insisted we be here for the wedding. Not that I didn’t want to be here for my sister’s wedding, but I knew Jupiter would understand. But, Emmaline can be annoyingly stubborn.
“We can go if you need to. I’m sure Jupiter will understand.”
“No, Davan, I’m fine,” Emmaline replied sighing contentedly. “I’m having fun people watching. Just a little while longer okay, I promise I will let you know when I’ve had enough.”
We were sitting on a bench seat under a willow tree filled with fairy lights. It was beautiful. It was far enough away from the party that the music wasn’t too loud. But close enough I could still see the happiness on my little sister’s face.
“She makes a beautiful bride,” Emmaline commented. “I wish I could see Tilly on her wedding day,” she said leaning down to kiss our daughter curled up on my lap asleep.
“EJ, come on now,” I said looking into her eyes.
She was having a good day today. Her eyes were clear even if she looked tired. She had colour in her cheeks. She’d been able to keep food down and even lasted a song on the dancefloor. I knew she was sick, really sick, but I hated when she spoke like that. I didn’t want to be reminded at my sister’s wedding of all places that my best friend was dying.
“Davan, I know you don’t like it when I mention that I won’t around much longer, but it will happen. We have to be able to talk about it and not pretend it won’t happen. I know you will look after Tilly and make sure she’s happy and cared for after I’m gone, but I want the same for you too.”
“EJ,” I started.
“No Dav, you’ve all but put your life on hold for the past five years. I don’t want you to do that anymore. Between us and the military you haven’t had time for a life.”
“I love my life. I wouldn’t change anything. Not one thing.”
“I know but you’re not getting any younger you know,” she chuckled.
“I’m thirty-nine EJ,” I said, “not ready for the grave just yet,” I winced at my poor choice of words.
“Davan, quit it. Death and dying are all part of life. Please stop pretending like I’m not dying,” Emmaline tisked at me. We sat in silence for a while before she added, “I think you should go ask the pretty redhead for a dance.”
“Who?”
“Don’t even act like you haven’t been sneaking looks at her all night. Davan Christopher Riverworth, I know you better than anyone. You may be able to use your military skills on everyone else, but not on me. You’ve been watching five people all night.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” she replied smugly.
“And who would they be Captain?” I asked using her military rank.
“Memphis and Jupiter. You want to make sure she’s happy, and that he is treating her like a queen. And he is, and she is,” s
he smiled at me petting my hand reassuringly. “You’ve kept an eye on me as per usual, because you want to make sure I’m okay. You always have an eye on Matilda, and she’s fine Davan. Tilly has had so much fun she had worn herself out.” Emmaline looked down at the little girl who stole my heart from the second she came into the world hollering like an angry kitten.
“And the fifth?” I asked, my eyes drifting towards the answer.
“The redhead.”
I looked towards the woman Emmaline was talking about. The redhead was a friend of Jaxon’s girlfriend. She had bright blue eyes, fiery red hair cascading down her back. She had a smile that lit up the world and she snorted when she laughed, which made her laugh harder. The woman was so damn cute, and it annoyed the hell out of me. I was sitting here with my wife who was dying and our sleeping child on my lap, and I was looking at another woman thinking she was cute!
I am officially a bastard.
“EJ, I told you I will not be with anyone else while you’re still alive,” my eyes drifted back to the redhead. “It would be a dick move and I don’t want people to think I’m the kind of asshole who would cheat on his dying wife, even though you’re pushing me to find someone.”
“It’s not cheating,” Emmaline said for the millionth time. “You’re a good man Davan, and you deserve a good woman.”
“I do EJ. I have. I have the two best women in the world right here,” I said giving her a one-armed hug and kissing her cheek.
“Life is precious Davan. Don’t put it on hold. Time is not infinite, trust me I know, don’t waste it,” she smiled looking at our daughter.
It was so hard sitting here listening to Emmaline talk about me moving on and finding someone else as if her life meant nothing. She was everything and had given me the greatest gift in our daughter.
“EJ, let’s not talk about it now,” I said while thinking or ever.
“Davan you will be happy.”
“Is that an order, Captain?” I asked
“Yes, yes, it is,” she smiled back at me.