by Taryn Steele
Copyright 2016 by Taryn Steele
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form of by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, without express permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes, if done so constitutes a copyright violation.
This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblances is entirely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or names featured are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and that are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these forms are used.
Cover designed by: Robin Harper at Wicked by Design
Edits by: Sarah Banks
Photographer: Aimee Krzykowski at AK Photography
Formatted by: Elaine York at Allusion Graphics, LLC/Publishing & Book Formatting
ISBN-13: 978-1541128910
ISBN-10: 1541128915
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue
Cheers!
Acknowledgements
Connect With Me
MY HEART IS STINGING. My chest is constricted. I can feel tears burning at the back of my eyes. I silently pray to myself while the words replay in my head. “Does anyone hear object?” I keep my face forward while I know everyone else’s eyes are on Marcie. Father Fuller quickly continues with the ceremony while I let out an exasperated breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“Everyone please kneel to pray,” Father Fuller says.
Jameson and I are at the front of the altar, kneeling at our own miniature pew. A twinge of stimulation rolls through me, and I can’t help but share it with Jameson. I faintly turn my head to the right and whisper in his ear, “I’m horny.”
I know it’s completely inappropriate to say in church but I couldn’t help it. It was true, and I felt like I needed to lighten the very serious mood in the church. Jameson bows his head even further down and tries to mask his chuckle; all the while he whispers to me “I love you so much for that.”
I can see Lily looking at me with confusion out of the corner of my eye trying to figure out what the hell is going on between me and Jameson.
After we exchange our vows and rings, we finally get to that moment. The big kiss moment that I’ve been thinking about throughout the entire engagement. I want it to be perfect. I will be looking at these pictures of this moment from for the rest of my life.
“Ladies and gentleman, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jameson Michaels. You may kiss the bride.”
We turn to each other and smile. I step up on my tippy toes, wrap my arms around Jameson’s neck and plant a big wet kiss on his lips. We linger there for only a moment, not wanting to make it look like we’re about to perform a pornographic movie in church, in front of friends and family.
We step down from the platform and walk hand in hand as husband and wife down the aisle to the front of the church. As we reach the front we turn to see the rest of our wedding party closely behind us smiling from ear to ear. Each and every one of them greets us with big smiles, warm hugs and congratulatory words.
Attempting to remember what part was to come next in this whole wedding process we form in a line for the guests to congratulate us as they exit the church. Every hug I get pulls at my veil. I can feel it falling out and I’m starting to panic. I see my hairdresser in the line and the panic lessens. I know she’ll fix it for me. Everyone in my family congratulates me and tells me how much they love Jameson. The one thing that is consistently being told to me from everyone else is the words “Good luck with Marcie.” Not congratulations, not it was a beautiful ceremony, not I love your dress – just good luck with Marcie. I heard it from her sisters, her nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, and even her parents. You name it, they said it.
I tried to put it out of my head as quickly as possible. This wasn’t the day to dwell on such a negative thing. I know it will come back to haunt me somehow or someway in the future.
When we are done with the receiving line the photographer calls us all back in to the church for formal pictures. As much as I like to say I’m not the typical bride when it comes to pictures I’ve always wanted them inside my childhood church. Even more than that, I wanted them outside in the back of the church by their white gazebo. The enormous, bright green grass surrounded by tall maple trees, with a stark white round gazebo planted right in the middle. I used to run around on it when I was a child after catechism class on Saturdays. I took formal pictures by it when I was the flower girl in my Aunt Chrissy’s wedding when I was just eight years old.
We are anxious to be on our way to the reception. The photographer finally tells us we are done at the church. We have two limos ready to take off. I’m anxious to get my new husband alone in one of them. Unfortunately our ring bearer and flower girl have other plans and are already sitting in our limo. Jameson and I smile at each other and let them ride with us. They were absolutely perfect little kids through the entire wedding ceremony. How could we turn them away? Ten minutes in to the thirty minute drive to the reception hall Rory is all over Julian. The poor boy just wants to play on his Game-Boy and Rory wants to hold his hand, kiss his cheek, anything to get his attention. I can’t help but laugh at the interaction.
Arriving at the Marriott I am immediately greeted by Karen the wedding coordinator. She motions for Jameson and me to follow her in to the private bridal suite where the rest of the wedding party is already waiting. As I walk in I can see my dad with a big smile on his face standing by the raw bar he wanted last minute no matter the price. The man loves his seafood.
The girls are helping me with the train on my dress. The guys are drinking, snacking on food and chatting. And then there’s Marcie, she just stands in the corner of the room with a puss on her face drinking Canadian Club Whiskey and Ginger Ale. I’m glad no one is really paying her any attention. I notice it briefly out of the corner of my eye and turn back to my girls who continue to make me smile on this special day.
Twenty minutes later Karen comes in and announces that we are going to be heading in to the ballroom shortly and we should finish up our food and drinks, then form a line. I’m exceptionally anxious for the bridal party introductions because Jameson and I picked specific songs for the DJ to play for each couple. Jameson and I couldn’t agree on one song for Bevan and Lily so they are going to be introduced separately. I can’t wait to see their reactions.
My brother Jerry and Mallory are first and I can already hear the beat of Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” kicking in. I do my best to peek through the crack of the doors to see if they like the song. Jameson is very giddy about his good friend Ronny hearing his intro song with his cousin Amy. For the record, I had no say in this one at all. The well-known guitar strings come out loud and clear through the speakers. I can hear the chuckles from our guests through the doors. George Thorogood sings about being “Bad to the Bone” as Ronny and Amy raise their hands in the air proudly and walk in to the reception. Joe and Karolyn anxiously bounce at the closed doors awaiting their intro
duction as I hear Lily quietly groan about what song could be for her. I warned her ahead of time that she and Bevan were being introduced separately, now she knows why. The popular female voice of Pink comes out booming about getting the party started and out Joe and Karolyn go struttin’ their stuff.
Lily quickly turns around toward me, “I’m totally going to kick your ass if you picked something horrifying.”
I can’t help but bust out laughing knowing what is going to be played for her in a few seconds. Before I can even respond to her, the music starts and everyone starts cheering and laughing. Rick James starts singing about a very kinky girl you don’t take home to your mother and Lily drops her head and starts laughing. She turns to me, shouting “My future mother in law is here you know?” I don’t say anything. I just blow her a kiss and tell her I love her. Bevan hasn’t stopped laughing since the song came on. Like a true champ Lily shakes her ass proudly into the room.
Jameson’s choice for Bevan wasn’t anything any of the guests would understand. It was something between Jameson and Bevan. There were a few metal heads in the crowd who cheered when they heard the heavy guitar strums from Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” extremely long instrumental introduction. Bevan, who rarely smiles, turns back to look at Jameson with the biggest smile on his face showing off his pearly whites. No words are said between the two, none are needed.
After Bevan walks in Karen quickly closes the doors and turns to Jameson and myself asking if we’re ready. I slightly cringe hating to be the center of attention but thankful I have Jameson by my side so I’m not alone. I wonder what people are going to think of our introduction song. Jameson and I are not what I would consider your typical, clichéd twenty-something couple. I like to think that we are very diverse when it comes to music. Early on in our relationship one particular song always seemed to come on when we were together, Bodies by Drowning Pool. Yeah, I know, it’s not exactly the song you think of when someone asks a couple what their song is. I was torn when Jameson said he wanted that to be our introduction song. Mostly because I was afraid of what people would say, especially Grandma Nowal. We came to an agreement last week that would just use the instrumental in the beginning. I really don’t want to freak people out with lyrics of bodies hitting the floor. Hah.
The mood of the room is immediately changed after we walk in when the music in the room soothes slowly to George Strait with “I Cross My Heart” for our first dance. Everyone is still standing, eyes focused on us and big smiles on their faces. I still can’t shake the feeling of shyness that comes over me with so many people staring at me.
Three and a half minutes later we can finally sit and have a much needed drink. I’m happy to see our guests are happily eating, drinking and socializing. The DJ comes across his microphone to announce that the best man will be now making his speech. Lily told me that Bevan was really nervous, and has been practicing a lot because it truly came from his heart. Knowing Bevan is not one to show emotion I am anxious to hear his speech.
“Good afternoon everyone. I’d like you all to make yourselves feel at home. By the looks of it, most of you have already located the liquor. Apart from being here to make sure you all stay in line, I’m also here to toast the wedding of two very special people – Jameson and Hillary. I’ve decided to keep this speech as short as possible, so even if it is the worst thing you ever heard come out of someone’s mouth, you can at least compliment me on its length. I’ve known Jameson for a while now. He’s my best friend. We’ve had some crazy fun times together. I’ve seen him smile a lot but never as much as he has since he met Hillary. She’s a cool chick. She can hang with the guys like no other female I’ve seen. One time she came out with us guys and she followed another chick in to the bathroom to get her phone number for me when I was single. That’s pretty cool in my book. These two are the perfect pair. Cheers to Jameson and Hillary.”
Tears prickle at my eyes remembering back to that night Bevan mentioned. I did follow that girl in to the bathroom for him. That was such a fun night! I love hanging out with my guys. I’ve always had more male friends than female friends. They’re less dramatic, straight to the point, and just tell you how it is. I’d be lost without my girl-friends but guy friends, they’re just different.
While dinner is being served people approach our bridal table to express their congratulations, take pictures and tell us what a nice time they are having. My friend Cassidy approaches me with her arms wide open for a hug. As she does she whispers in my ear, “What’s up with Marcie walking off after her entrance, refusing to stop for the photographer for a picture with Rick?” I pull back from the hug and look at her with confusion.
“Did she seriously do that?” I ask.
“Afraid so. That woman just can’t let shit go, can she?”
“I was a fool to think she would get over herself just for today for her only fucking child. How silly of me, huh?”
Shaking her head with a sad grin, she rubs my arm, pulls me in for another hug and whispers, “Don’t let it ruin your day. She’s not worth it.”
I kiss her cheek and go in search of my dad when the DJ announces it’s time for the father-daughter dance. Picking the song for my father and I to dance to was not the easiest task. I knew I wanted an “oldie.” I also knew that it couldn’t be a long song. My father and I both detest being the center of attention. I suggested about a dozen songs to him and we finally agreed upon “The Wonder of You” by Elvis. It’s only two and half minutes long and we both love Elvis so there it is. My father and I attempt to make idol chit chat during the short dance. We make awkward smiles as the photographer tries to get our attention. As much as I’m loving this special moment with my dad and I know he is too, what we both really want is to run away to the bar to grab a drink and go outside for a smoke. Before the thought is even out of my head the song is over. Two and half minutes does go by seriously fast.
As I go back to the bridal table to retrieve my drink the DJ announces it’s time for Jameson and Marcie to have their dance. I never asked Jameson about their song choice. All he told me was that Marcie knew what song she wanted to dance to and he went along with it. When the DJ announces the name of the song I now know why Jameson never said anything, I would have pitched a fit. Leave it to Marcie to pick a song that is five minutes long, “Wind of Change” by the Scorpions. Even after the first two minutes I got up from the table and went outside. I wasn’t the only one who felt the same way about it being too long. By the end of the dance no one was around watching them. I’m not afraid to admit it made me a little giddy inside she didn’t get all of the attention she wanted.
The DJ found me at the bar talking with guests and gave me the two minute warning to the cake cutting. I’m excited and nervous. Jameson and I never talked about the cake cutting part, and whether or not we would smash it in to each others faces. I’m just hoping he’s first so I can follow his lead. The music of Pat Benetar, “Hit With Me With Your Best Shot” kicks in and the DJ yells into the microphone for everyone to gather around the cake table. Before I realize what is happening I’m being told I’m the one that has to go first and feed Jameson the first piece of cake. “Fuck!” I shout to myself. My pathetic attempt to smear his face with cake is an utter disappointment. He knows me too well and saw it coming and was able to lean out of reach. It sucks being on the short side.
The cheering begins for Jameson as he grabs his piece of cake in his hand and the devil shows himself in his eyes and smile. All I can think to myself in this moment is I am so fucking screwed. Jameson smiles and points the slice of cake towards me. As I lean back to avoid it Jameson connects with my face and proceeds to push up towards my nose. My eyes quickly close as I feel the cake cover my face, go up my nose and in to my mouth. The crowd erupts in laughter. Jameson grabs both sides of my face and comes in for a very messy kiss. We turn to our guests who are awaiting a picture perfect moment from us, and smile.
Lily grabs me by the arm and ushers me to the bathro
om to clean me up because I have to toss the bouquet next. I take this moment with her to help hold up my dress so I can pee. It was the first time all night that I had taken the opportunity to pee. I really didn’t feel like I had much time at any other point in the night. Lily and I cannot stop laughing at our attempt to keep my dress out of the toilet. The entire situation is like a circus show. We have tears running down our faces because we cannot contain the laughter.
“Are you done peeing?” Lily asks.
“I think so. I don’t think we have any more time anyway. I have to do the bouquet toss now.” I remind her.
“Dude, your pee just got on my hand!”
I double over in laughter when I hear more voices enter the bathroom.
“Hillary? Lily? Are you guys in here?” I hear Karolyn shout from the other side of the room.
“We’re in here at the end. Hillary just pissed on me. Fucking get in here now! I am not wiping her vagina. That’s where I draw the line.”
“Oh-My-God you guys are too much. I’m not scared of her cooch. I’ll wipe it,” Karolyn tells us at she pushes the bathroom door open.
I can’t contain my laughter. This whole situation is comical. A moment I will freeze in time of epic girl-friend memories. Now if only I could get the photographer in here.
Finally exiting the ladies room I can hear one of Jameson’s favorite metal songs playing loudly in the ballroom of our reception. I smile inwardly knowing either he or his metal friend Christian requested this be played. As I round the corner in to the room I see a cluster of guys jumping around making their own mosh pit. I look around to make sure the photographer is capturing this moment. I shake my head laughing, loving the smile on Jameson’s face.
“What the hell is she doing?” I hear from my left and look around the room.
Marcie is charging across the dance floor over to the guys. She’s yelling “Hey Hey Hey!” and pulling the guys apart. They look mad. They look confused. I’m about to take a step forward to pull her back and have a few choice words with her but before I can I have a hand grabbing my arm. I turn back and see my cousin Kelly at my side.