by JA Low
“What are we doing here?” Christian groans.
“This wasn’t on my itinerary,” Derrick adds.
“I know. I know. But, today has been kind of awesome and I’ve been inspired.”
“Did you forget to buy her a wedding gift?” Evan asks.
“No. I have that. I’ve seen you fuckers go through this all. I’ve got it all covered. No. I had an epiphany while we were scuba diving this morning.”
“No. That’s called shitting your pants,” Oscar jokes. I flip him off.
“I love it here.” I throw my arms out.
“Can’t deny this island is awesome,” Dad adds. “Best holidays I’ve had in a long time.” He slaps me on the back.
“Good. Because I want to buy this house.” All of my family and friends go quiet.
“Excuse me, son?” Dad is the first to talk.
“I want us to make more memories as a family,” I tell him. “I also want to get Easton away from the whole Hollywood scene.” Now that I’m a father I don’t want our son to grow up being a rich prick like all those Hollywood kids. I never grew up with a lot of money, but we were happy. “My son will grow up wanting for nothing and this Hollywood bubble he is going to grow up in isn’t the real world. I want to show him there is more outside of all the riches of where we live.” Dad claps me on the shoulder and looks at me with pride.
“And you think buying a multimillion dollar home in Hawaii is going to make him realize there’s more to life?” I roll my eyes at Hudson, my older brother.
“It’s safe here. He can run around and not worry about anything. He will be able to immerse himself in nature. Plus, there are no paparazzi here. No people trying to get photos of him or the threat of kidnapping because of who I am.” Hudson’s eyes widen.
“You think someone would do that?”
“The guys live in the public eye, there are always threats,” Jackson, our head of security as well as my brother, adds.
“I had no idea,” Hudson tells me.
“It’s not something we like to dwell on. But eventually it would be nice to not have to be in LA.”
“That’s why we love being down in Australia,” Evan adds. “If I could live at our home in Byron Bay all year round I would. The lifestyle down there for the kids is great. The only thing I have to worry about are the sharks in the water and stupid killer octopuses in the rock pools,” he chuckles.
“That’s the same with England. We can kind of go anywhere and not be worried when we are at Olivia’s family estate. You notice the difference, the clean air, the green rolling hills, no traffic, the friendly faces.”
“And the rain,” Axel’s dad adds, making him laugh.
“Yeah, the rain. But it kind of adds to the charm of it all. Now that Olivia is pregnant, the lifestyle I was chasing isn’t what I think I want anymore. Maybe I’m getting old or maybe I just want to slow down and stop working for a while, I mean we all haven’t stopped since we were teens.” Axel has a great point. Maybe we are growing up, the plans we thought we were chasing may not be what we want anymore. But that’s okay. Priorities change as you get older; at least we are all in the same boat.
“You boys have started expanding. If you all want to live somewhere else why don’t you set up offices in those locations and work from there. You don’t have to be in LA,” Evan’s dad advises us.
“We have already started London and New York,” Axel states.
“I guess we could expand into Australia.” Evan mulls this over.
“I know Stacey would love to live closer to her family in Australia.”
“Your mom would miss you, son,” Oscar’s dad tells him.
“You could always come with.” He gives his dad a broad smile.
“I’m not sure about those killer sharks and octopuses Evan was talking about earlier.” We all laugh.
“You didn’t die when you were there a couple years ago.”
“True. But I don’t want to tempt fate,” his dad argues back with a grin.
“Sounds like big changes are happening for Dirty Texas again,” Zander, our tattoo artists from California Bros., adds. “We would all miss ya.”
“Kids change everything,” my Dad adds. “You’re a family man now, Finn. You have to do what’s best for your family.” I nod in understanding.
“Well, how about I start by buying this house?” I point to the beautiful home behind us. “And then we can work out the rest.”
233
Isla
“You’re getting married today.” Derrick comes rushing into my room and jumps on my bed excitedly.
“I don’t need to be sick on my wedding day either.” Derrick stops jumping and gives me a look.
“Fine. Now get up. It’s time to get ready.” He’s so damn forceful but I follow his lead. He takes me next door to the suite that is set up with all the hair and make-up people. There are people rushing around everywhere.
“You’re awake. You're getting married today, sweetheart.” Mom gives me a kiss. I didn’t realize I had slept in so late. Finn had kept me up late last night making love to me before he disappeared to the other house with his dad.
“Grab something to eat, and then we can start on your hair.” Camryn whirls in looking fresh as a daisy. She places a plate of fresh fruit and croissants in front of me then pours me an orange juice. I hastily devour my breakfast and take a seat for the next couple of hours, watching the hair and make-up team do their magic.
“This is the moment.” I hear Derricks voice behind the door. Yvette has just placed me in my wedding dress. Thankfully, I still fit it after all the food I have eaten since we arrived. My dress doesn’t leave much room for me to hide. It is a simple, elegant dress that hugs my slight curves. It has a deep V in the front, but luckily I have a small chest. The back dips down low and the bottom of the dress falls in an elegant mermaid hem with a bit of train. Simple but perfect for a beach wedding. My Scandinavian blonde hair is pulled into an elegant low bun. I’m wearing the beautiful jewelry Finn gave me for my birthday, the bracelet, earrings and necklace, they all fit perfectly. My veil sits in my bun and falls down my back. Apparently, it is cathedral length, that’s what Yvette called it. It’s to make a statement. I hope no one steps on it otherwise I’m going to pull my neck out. My bouquet sits to the side; it’s stunning and made up of two large pink proteas, white orchids and palm leaves. Yvette opens the door to the suite and steps out to the gasps of my family and friends. Our mothers are already crying, Derrick’s face is frozen in shock and I’m not sure if that is a good thing or not.
“Do I look okay?” I feel a little self-conscious as no one is saying anything.
“Sweetheart, you look beautiful.” Mom steps forward crying. She’s dressed in a gorgeous burnt orange shift dress. My mother is a stunning Scandinavian woman who hasn’t aged at all, with her flawless skin, blue eyes and blonde hair. We look more like sisters than mother and daughter. “I am so proud.” She sniffles in my arms.
“Stop. You’re messing up your make up.” She nods against my shoulder but the tears keep coming.
I look around and see my stunning bridesmaids, Sienna, Vanessa, Olivia and Stacey all dressed and now it’s my turn to try and hold in the tears. I decided on different shades of pinks and purples for them, the same dress but in a color that matched them and they look beautiful. Then I see Sadie and Ruby dressed in their little lace dresses, they look adorable. Finn wanted the little boys to get ready with the big ones, so Dad is going to bring Easton, Ryder and Levi back when we are ready.
“Oh wow. You all look amazing.” Camryn enters the room taking in the wedding party for the first time. “How are you feeling, Issy?” she asks.
“I’m nervous, excited.” Camryn smiles.
“Totally normal. I’ll let your father and little ones in now that you’re ready.” My little man. I’m dying to see him. Camryn opens the door and in walks Ryder, pushing Levi and Easton in a little car. They are dressed in cream shorts, whit
e short sleeve shirts with tiny pink bows. They look adorable. Easton claps his hands when he sees me. I scoop him up from the car and snuggle into him. He tries and pulls my veil off with his little pudgy fingers.
“Little man has a present from Daddy for you in there.” Dad hands me the black bag. I look inside and see a note and a velvet box. What has Finn done?
“Here, let me.” Mom takes Easton from my arms. I pull out the elegant envelope and open it up.
Dear Isla
I have waited a lifetime for today, for the moment you become my wife.
I can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle, for us to pledge our love for each other in front of family, friends and God. Today I am the luckiest man in the world because you have chosen me to spend forever with and I promise that I will spend forever being worthy of your love.
I can’t wait to make new memories with you and Easton and however more little ones we have, so I thought that this would be the perfect present for us.
Love your soon-to-be husband.
Damn him. Now I am going to have to redo my make-up with all my sniffling. I pull out the velvet box and open it, there’s a gold key in it and that is all. I look up, feeling a little confused. Is this to something? Or is it a metaphor like he’s giving me the key to his heart.
“I have the missing piece for you.” Derrick hands me an envelope and I open it. I pull out a real estate brochure of a beautiful house here on the island. I turn it over and see in black writing.
THIS IS OURS
My eyes widen. What the hell has he done? He didn’t just buy us another house, did he? I look up and see Dad and Derrick smiling.
“He showed us the house; you’re going to love it,” Dad reassures me.
“He’s keeping that damn Dirty Texas tradition alive buying their women houses,” Derrick laughs. Finn is crazy. I look down at the brochure again, taking it in fully. This house is ours, to make memories in. Damn him. My eyes start watering again.
“Ready, sweetheart?” Dad asks as we watch my bridesmaids walk down the beach aisle before me. I had to laugh watching Ryder pull Levi and Easton on a little toboggan through the sand, during rehearsal it went pear shape a couple of times but he nailed it today. Sadie and Ruby are next holding Vanessa’s hands as they waddle down the aisle. Camryn has done an amazing job, the stunning aisle that starts from the grassed area and goes down to the beach, at the end I can see Finn and his brothers and the Dirty Texas boys standing beside a wooden arch that is wrapped in palm leaves and white orchids. White chairs sit on either side of the aisle filled with our guests. A traditional Hawaiian group have been singing as everyone walks down the aisle, their voices so beautiful against the tropical setting.
Now it’s our turn, we take the first steps toward the aisle, my bare feet digging into the warm sand. I grab my father’s arm tightly as the nerves get the better of me. But as soon as I see Finn standing there, his green eyes filled with tears watching me walk toward him I know everything is going to be okay.
234
Finn
“You look like you’re about to barf.” Hudson elbows me in the ribs as we stand at the end of the aisle waiting for the ceremony to start.
“Fuck you,” I whisper yell at him.
“Wonder if she’ll turn up,” Parker adds.
“Fuck you too.” I point at him; this just makes him laugh.
“We know the feeling, man,” Christian adds.
“Thank God I had that shot before I got married,” Evan adds.
“Lucky I have reinforcements.” Jackson pulls out the hips flask.
“Give it here.” Grabbing it from him I take a swig from it. Ugh it’s fireball, but I don’t care and take another to calm my nerves.
“That better not be alcohol in that flask,” Mom scolds us from the front pew.
“Finn just needs something to calm his nerves,” Jackson tells her.
“Sweetheart, it’s going to be okay. She looks beautiful and is just as nervous as you. Once you see her, everything is going to be okay. Trust me.” Mom always knows how to calm me down.
“Jackson, hand it over.” Dad points to his flask. He throws it at Dad who takes a swig. Mom rolls her eyes at my father’s antics. He pockets the flask, telling us it’s for safe keeping. Camryn arrives.
“Okay, everyone ready?” she asks us and everyone mumbles something in response. “Good. She will be here in t-minus fifteen. Game face on, Finn. The show is about to start.” And with that pep talk she slaps me on the back and walks off.
“I think I like her,” Hudson comments.
“Too bad she’s taken.”
“The good ones usually are,” he moans.
Music starts to play, a traditional Hawaiian band off to the side, with their ukuleles. My nerves being to kick in, thank goodness Isla didn’t want me in a proper suit today because it’s boiling hot here on the beach. We are all in cream linen shorts, white long sleeved shirts with the sleeves rolled up, with pink bow ties. The crowd begins to murmur and we see what has caught their attention. Ryder is pulling Levi and Easton in a little toboggan through the sand. The boys are happily clapping and looking around in the back as Ryder pulls them along, a look of pride on his face.
“That’s my boy,” Evan says proudly. There is a cream cushion in between the boys where are wedding rings are. When Ryder makes it to the end Evan’s Mom grabs the boys and asks Ryder to hand the ring cushion to his dad. He does so, shuffling over to him, Evan bends down and gives him a kiss before he scampers away again into his grandma’s arms. Mom picks up Easton and hands him to me to cuddle. He slaps my face a couple of times for good measure, then becomes a little fussy. I hand him back to Mom, who gives him a bottle which settles him again.
I watch as Vanessa walks down the aisle with Sadie and Ruby, dressed in their white lace dresses. When they see Christian at the end of the aisle they both scream out, “Dada,” making the guests giggle. He quickly gives them both a kiss as the grandparents take over. Vanessa gives me a smile. Stacey, Olivia and Sienna walk down the aisle next, looking stunning. They all give me smiles and good luck wishes. Now is the moment. The song ends and the choir being to sing a traditional Hawaiian wedding song. I see the two specks in the distance walk toward me. When I finally see Isla everything stops. She is a vision. I don’t think I have ever seen her look more beautiful than at this moment. She’s a damn angel walking toward me. I can see she has a tight grip on her father’s arm. Her dress is simple, yet elegant. Her hair is pulled up off her face which is covered by her veil. Tears fall down my cheeks. Today I am the luckiest man alive. She keeps walking closer to me. Our eyes lock and in that moment all my fears and anxiety disappear and I see the next sixty years loving this woman. I see our family growing, expanding. I see laughter and joy surrounding us for years to come.
Then she is standing before me, her father giving her over to me. I promise him I will protect her and love her. He shakes my hand and sits down. I can see the tears glisten against her ice-blue eyes.
“You look beautiful.” She gives me a smirk. “I’ve missed you.” Isla looks up at me through her veil.
“That was our last night apart.” I nod in agreement; damn right it is. I lift her veil and kiss her cheek as I do. I know now is not the time to break protocol. The celebrant asks us to hold hands; she places hers in mine and grounds me.
We say our vows, both of us a mess. We then exchange rings and thankfully they fit. And then the moment comes. The one I have been waiting for all day.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride,” the celebrant tells me and he doesn’t have to tell me twice. I grab her face and kiss her softly at first because we are in front of family and friends and then I think, fuck it. The kiss becomes heated as I try and pour all my love for her into that first kiss as husband and wife. And when we are finished her cheeks are flushed, her eyes are glassy with desire and I am seriously trying not to have a hard on as I walk down the aisle.
“Mr. and Mrs. Connolly,” the celebrant announces and everyone cheers. I grab her hand, then ask for Easton and pop him on him hip and then we walk back down that aisle as a family. My Family!
235
Isla
Five months later
“I am so excited,” I tell Finn as we make our way to the hospital to see Olivia and Axel’s twins who have just been born.
“Just think this will be you soon.” I grumble. Yep. Finn knocked me up on our magical honeymoon in Hawaii. We just found out we are having a little girl and I can’t wait. Also, thanks to the magical waters of Hawaii, Sienna is pregnant as well and she too is having a little girl. There definitely was something in the water. Vanessa was thanking her lucky stars that the Hawaiian water didn’t work on her. We find a car park and we slowly make our way up to the private suite. We can hear the commotion from the hallway; the room looks like it’s bursting at the seams with balloons and flowers. We pop our head in.
“Congratulations,” I say, giving Axel a big kiss and a hug. He looks exhausted but glowing. Then I look down at Olivia and she looks amazing for having just birthed twins. “You don’t look like you just gave birth.” I say as I greet her.
“I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck. But it’s all been worth it.” She looks down at the two sleeping princesses. Yes! Twin girls. I think it’s karma for all their womanizing. “This is Poppy and this is Daisy.” Oh my goodness their names are just so cute.
“The boys are now outnumbered with these two.”
“And will be even more with you and Sienna adding to the Dirty Texas princesses.”