Part 3
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
5 Years Later
Jessica
"They're not coming," she said quietly.
Carter looked down at her, sympathy in his eyes. "I'm sorry."
Jessica shook her head. "It's okay." She took a deep breath. They wouldn't get to ruin her big day. This was about her. Her and Ava. Not them. "I didn't expect them to anyway."
Carter put his hands on her upper arms and lightly rubbed over her bare skin, as if he were trying to warm her up. Jessica offered him a tiny smile of appreciation as she looked up at him.
There was a knock at the door.
Jessica wet her lips and inhaled deeply. "Come on in!" It wouldn't be her parents. She didn't even want it to be.
As soon as she caught sight of her brother's mop of hair poking into the room, she breathed out, grateful for the distraction.
"Hey, sis!" Luke barely got the words out before he was pushed aside by their older sister. He stumbled before he could catch himself on the dresser beside the door.
"You look gorgeous, J!" Debby gushed as she came to a halt a few feet away. Her gaze trailed up and down Jessica's frame, as if she were trying to commit the moment to memory.
Carter took a step back to give them all some privacy.
"I look pretty gorgeous if I dare say so myself," Jessica replied. She twirled once to show off her dress and fancy hairdo. "Zyan did my hair, and Lucy designed the dress. They did the same for Ava."
"Apropos for your wife-to-be," Luke said. "We caught a glimpse of her on our way here, and she looks pretty damn fine." He winked at Jessica.
She smiled brightly. "I can't wait to see her. Carter and Carol wouldn't even let us see each other's dresses before the ceremony."
"It's bad luck!" Debby and Carter replied simultaneously.
Jessica caught Carter's smirk before she rolled her eyes at them. "You're all so superstitious," she complained. "And here I was, thinking we could create our own traditions."
Debby shrugged. "Sometimes the ways of our ancestors aren't so bad."
"I'm gonna go check in on Ava!" Carter announced and headed for the door.
Jessica had to lean to the side to get a proper look at him over Debby's shoulder. "You do that, you lucky bastard! And should Zyan be doing or saying something stupid, please get him away from her!"
Carter stuck his tongue out at her before he left.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Zyan
"I can't believe Jessie's parents aren't here," Ava muttered. She'd been pacing back and forth for almost ten minutes and almost tripped over her dress repeatedly. "How can they do this to their own daughter? I mean, I know her mother is a despicable human being, but I thought at least her father would get up off his ass and show up to her goddamn wedding! Do they just not care?"
"Calm down, Ava," Zyan said. He tried to sound reassuring, but it didn't seem to be working. "I'm sure she's fine. You said it yourself: she didn't even expect them to show up! Her siblings are here, and so are most of her uncles, aunts, and cousins, plus two of your employees, plus Lucy, for some reason I cannot comprehend."
"They invited us to their weddings as well," Ava said.
"And the flowers look great, despite what everybody else had to say—"
"Pansies are pretty unusual for wedding flowers," Ava mumbled.
"They really are," Zyan stressed.
"But they've got these little grumpy faces—"
"Yeah, yeah, we've been over this." Zyan stepped closer and put a hand on Ava's shoulder to get her to look at him. "Look. The universe is clearly on your side today. The cake looks fantastic, the decorations for the party room you rented turned out exactly as we'd planned, the music system is all hooked up and ready to blast the playlist you two put together…as unfitting as it is for the occasion.
"Carol and her husband are here, and Lucy showed up with her new boyfriend, who seems like a decent guy. At least, according to your fiancée and Carter. And so far, none of the five babies present have cried or thrown up. Literally everything worked out in your favor. There are no disasters, no unfortunate weather, or unexpected occurrences. What more could you want?"
"Oh, I don't know…" Ava shook of Zyan's hand. "For Jessie's parents to show up at their own daughter's fucking wedding!"
Zyan sighed and stepped forward to wrap Ava into a hug. She sagged against him as she sighed in frustration. The combs in her hair dug into Zyan's chest. It hurt, but he only held her tighter.
Roughly two minutes passed as Ava's breathing calmed down before there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Ava called out and pulled out of Zyan's hold. Her hands flew up to pat along her done-up hair to check for loose pins and combs.
It was Carter who poked his head into the room, his messy hair gelled to look at least somewhat presentable.
"How are you holding up?" he asked. His voice was low, comforting, as he stepped into the room and closed the door.
Ava pinched and tugged at her dress, clearly a nervous tic, and took a few deep breaths. "I'm good. A little nervous. Quite angry at my bride's awful parents."
Carter's small smile looked rather fake. "I'm not gonna lie: Jess was disappointed, but she's with her siblings now, and they've cheered her up." His face softened. "She's really happy, Ava. She can't wait to see how beautiful you look today."
A grin broke out on Ava's face. It felt like the sun coming out after a rainy day. "I bet she looks gorgeous. God. I can't believe I get to marry her."
Carter gave her a fond look. "I'm sure she feels the same."
"Thank you, Carter. Seriously. And you too, Zyan."
"Should we go and search for your siblings as well?" Zyan asked.
"That'd be great, yeah. I think I need Sheila to talk some sense into me when I inevitably start freaking out again."
Zyan nodded. He dipped his head to press a kiss to Ava's forehead before he headed for the door, Carter on his heels. They'd barely closed the door behind them when Ava's siblings came rushing down the hallway.
"Is she in there?" Sheila asked. She sounded like she'd been running.
Zyan nodded. "She just asked for you."
Sheila's gaze zeroed in on the door. "I better go check on her, then." Despite her words, she threw Zyan another glance. "How's everything going? Are we still on track?"
"Everything's running smoothly," Zyan reassured her. "She's got nothing to worry about."
Sheila's shoulders drooped, as if a weight had been lifted off her. "All right. Perfect." She reached for the doorknob but paused before opening the door. "Thank you," she told Zyan. "Both of you." Her gaze flitted over to Carter.
"No problem." Carter inclined his head. "Thank you all for being here."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world." With that, Sheila opened the door, closely followed by Ava's brothers.
Zyan watched them disappear. A second later, loud, excited voices reached his ears. He smiled and glanced over at Carter, whose expression mirrored Zyan's.
With Ava now in the care of her three siblings, Zyan and Carter searched out an empty hallway to get some privacy. They leaned against the wall, shoulders pressed together, as they thumped their heads back against the wall and closed their eyes to take some deep breaths. Zyan felt a little freaked out by how in-sync they were, but he was too exhausted to think too hard about it.
Neither of them had gotten much sleep this week, with how involved they'd been in the wedding preparations. Both of them had been there every step of the way: Zyan with cool authority and several folders filled with organized notes, and Carter with an excitement almost as strong as that of the happy couple. Neither of them had ever planned a wedding that wasn't their own, and new experiences were rare for people their age, so they'd jumped at the chance.
Zyan turned to look at Carter, who stood so close Zyan could've counted his individual lashes.
"How are you feeling?" Carter asked. He must have sensed Zyan looking.
/> "I'm good. Happy for them. And tired. Ugh…so…very…tired." Zyan sunk further against Carter's side, his head drooping onto Carter's shoulder. He could feel the rumble of Carter's huffed laugh against his temple.
"Me too."
"You know what?" Zyan mumbled.
"Hm?"
"I almost forgot how hot you look in a suit."
Carter burst into laughter. Zyan jerked back for the sake of his eardrums.
"You're looking pretty hot yourself there, Zavala."
"Yeah?"
"Hell yeah."
"Then I'm glad I can still keep up with you."
"As if that had ever been a struggle."
"Come here, you dork." Zyan grabbed hold of Carter's tie and pulled him in.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Jessica
Jessica fiddled with her fingers as she stood in the hallway. She could hear the murmur of voices and saw light shining through the doorway a few feet away. Her siblings were right there with her. She could feel their eyes on her, worried and sympathetic.
"I can't believe it's about to happen," she repeated for the millionth time. "I get to marry her. She'll be my wife. I'm about to be actually, literally married. Ava's right there across that room!"
Debby's chuckle was laced with fondness. "And she's probably just as nervous as you."
"Oh no, she's worse."
Jessica jerked around to find Carter right behind her. "Where'd you come from?"
"I just got back from Ava."
"Yeah? How's she doing? Is she happy? Is she getting cold feet? Does she—"
"Slow down." Carter looked amused. "She's just eager to put a ring on you."
Jessica nodded repeatedly. "Alright. Good, good, good." She turned to look back at Debby and Luke. "Where's my bouquet?" She checked all their hands. "Oh god, where's my bouquet?"
"You're holding it!" Luke cut in.
Jessica looked down. "Oh. Right, right. Good." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Why am I so nervous? I always told myself I wouldn't be that bride."
"It's fine, Jess," Debby said. "Because you're sure you're doing the right thing, right? You're sure you wanna marry her?"
"Of course!"
"Then there's nothing to worry about."
Jessica nodded again. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right."
"Good, because the ceremony's about to begin," Carter told her from where he was standing by the open doorway.
"Oh god."
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Zyan
He watched as Ava paced from wall to wall in front of him, her bouquet clutched so tightly he was afraid the stems were about to snap. Behind her, Joe, Sheila, and Sebastian followed her with their gazes. They looked not as worried as expected.
Zyan looked through the doorway and past the altar to where Carter stood in a similar position. The hallways they were in were mirror copies of each other. They'd chosen the venue to allow Jessica and Ava to walk in through the sides at the same time and meet at the altar. It was a break from tradition they'd both pushed for.
A few seconds passed before Carter looked up and met Zyan's eyes. He inclined his head in silent question—'How is she?'
Zyan raised his hand and moved it in the universal gesture for 'so-so' and mouthed an over-enunciated 'nervous.'
Carter nodded and mouthed a 'her too'
Zyan smiled and found it returned before Carter waved goodbye and stepped further down the hallway and out of sight. When Zyan looked back at Ava, he found her watching him.
"Were you just talking to Carter?" she pressed.
"Kind of, yes."
"How's Jessie? Did he tell you? Is she okay?"
"She's perfectly fine," Zyan reassured her quickly. "Just a little nervous, like you."
"Why? Why is she nervous? Does she wanna delay the wedding? Or call it off completely?"
"Of course not! She just can't wait to be married to you."
Ava nodded. "Me, neither. I can't wait! I'm gonna have a wife soon, Zyan!"
"I know." Zyan glanced back at the altar. "And it's gonna happen sooner than you think." He looked back at Ava. "They're all ready."
"Oh god."
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Jessica
Luke and Debby stepped around her, blocking the doorway as the music began to play. She walked up behind them and waited for her cue as her grip tightened on her bouquet. She was nervous. Excited. Happy. She wanted to get out there and get married, but also stay here and hide. What if she tripped? What if she messed up her vows? What if she dropped the ring? What if she threw up?
"Go!" Carter prompted from beside her.
And then it began.
Luke and Debby passed through the doorway, Jessica only a step behind. Beside her, their wedding guests came into sight, all staring at her with smiles. Some waved, which she automatically and awkwardly returned; others sent her thumbs up. It happened so fast, and when she looked back ahead, Debby and Luke had moved aside to clear her view and take their positions at the Chuppah. And then there she was.
Ava was flanked by her brothers and sister, as her gaze flickered over their guests before her head turned and her eyes met Jessica's. She looked breathtaking. Her hair was partially braided and pinned up on her head with golden combs. Her dress was an ombre of blue, where Jessica's was green, and embroidered at the top and bottom in the colors of the pansies lining the aisle and framing the altar. The moment their eyes met, Ava's nervous tension left her shoulders as her face lit up with a smile so bright it outshone the sun falling through the windows and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Jessica didn't know how her feet kept moving when her brain had short-circuited, but the distance between them grew ever smaller. She felt hands on her back, pushing her to step up to the rabbi as Ava's siblings did the same for her. She heard the laughter from the audience as they both stumbled with wide, happy grins, and had to steady themselves without dropping their bouquets.
"Hey," Ava whispered.
"Hey," Jessica replied. Her goofy smile stayed in place, even as they were only a foot apart and right in front of the rabbi.
"Are you two ready?" the rabbi asked. She sounded amused.
Jessica nodded, her gaze never leaving Ava's.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate…"
Jessica tuned her out as she stared at Ava, who seemed giddy as she waggled her eyebrows and forced Jessica to bite her lip to hold back a laugh.
'Stop!' Jessica mouthed.
Ava only grinned wider. Jessica shook her head, though her cheeks still hurt from smiling so hard.
"The love between you joins you now as one. The brides now have a few words to share."
Ava's head whipped around to stare at the rabbi. "Huh?"
The rabbi visibly bit back a laugh. "Your vows. You may now exchange them."
"Oh, yes." Ava looked back at Jessica. "You go first."
Jessica burst out laughing and had to fan her hand to stop the tears from smudging her make-up.
"If you need a moment…" Ava teased.
"No, no, I'm okay." Jessica cleared her throat. "You know, I had this whole speech planned, filled with big words and metaphors—"
"Sounds exciting," Ava said.
"I don't think you're supposed to interrupt me," Jessica replied.
"Sorry." Ava looked more amused than sorry.
Jessica chuckled. "But—" she continued with a pointed look "—now that I'm standing here and looking at you, I don't think those vows would be appropriate. I'm not here to show off my ability to sound formal and eloquent, or prove myself to anyone—this is not a job interview."
Ava's laughter rang, brilliant, over the rest of the crowd.
"I'm here because I want to speak from the heart and show the world how much I love you, how much you mean to me, and how every single thing about you makes me long for a lifetime with you by my side. Not a day goes by where I don't wake up in the morning and thank the universe for going the extra m
ile to bring you into my life. We had our first meeting in the name of love, even if it wasn't our own, and now we're standing here in the name of love. And I think that's one of the few clichés we can both put up with."
Jessica had never seen Ava look happier than she did right then and there. "I'll happily put up with that."
"Good, because that's all I got, and now it's your turn."
Ava's laugh sounded a little watery. "Damn." She fanned her face and cleared her throat. "Okay, here goes." She looked at Jessica as she visibly tried to smother her smile and look earnest. "Unlike you, I didn't have a speech planned. I mean, I tried, but nothing I could come up with sounded right and Google wasn't as helpful as it usually is."
Jessica chuckled. "You tried to Google your wedding vows?"
"I thought interruptions weren't allowed?"
"Apologies."
Ava huffed, but her smile still wouldn't leave her. "After the internet couldn't solve my dilemma, I called Sheila. Her husband picked up, though, and he didn't sound happy to be woken up in the middle of the night."
"Don't tell them that!" a voice in the crowd called.
"No interruptions, Enzo! That goes for you too!" Ava called back. The crowd laughed, and Ava looked back at Jessica. "So, when he didn't help me, I went to Zyan. And he told me to just wing it."
Jessica chuckled.
"Here I am, standing in front of you, after you delivered this superior example of a love confession with nothing in my brain except 'oh, wow, she's so beautiful, and amazing, and I can't believe I ever got that lucky.' All I've got left to say is: oh wow, you're so beautiful, and amazing, and I can't believe I ever got this lucky."
Jessica let her laughter bubble out and looked over at the rabbi. "Can I please kiss her now?"
"The rings first," the rabbi reminded her.
"Right." Jessica turned to look at Sebastian, who held out the bright magenta pillow. She couldn't remember him holding it earlier. Had Carter or Zyan come rushing in to give it to him? She couldn't recall.
Ava took the first ring, made of silver and gold, engraved with their names and the date on the inside, and bedazzled with white and green crystals on the outside. Jessica shot her another smile before she picked up the matching counterpart. The white and blue stones gleamed in the sun.
The Thing About Forever Page 29