You & Me: The Complete Series (3 Book Boxset)

by Lisa Shelby

  “Yeah man, I almost feel bad. Your groomsmen are looking good. I sure hope we don’t steal your thunder, brother,” Liam says backing me up.

  “See Devon, I told you getting these two together would be bad news,” Jonathan says over his shoulder while putting the finishing touches on his suit. He’s wearing the same thing we are, only he has a jacket as well.

  “That’s what I’m here for. Balance. I promise not to steal your thunder, Irish,” Devon replies while lining up shot glasses and opening up a bottle of tequila.

  “But D, you’re the prettiest one here,” I exclaim while batting my eyes and placing a peck on his cheek. He just shoos me away and wipes my kiss off of his baby smooth face.

  He really is a good-looking dude. I can’t even imagine the ass he would have gotten in life if he hadn’t been in a relationship since he was in high school. I would say it’s a waste, but my view of life and love has changed since Alex became mine. I get not wanting anybody else when you have the one. It doesn’t hurt that Gabby is fine as hell too. The two of them look like they’ve walked right off the pages of a fashion magazine. We always joke that he’s a taller Taye Diggs and she’s the spitting image of Kelly Rowland but the truth is…Devon and Gabby are prettier.

  “Watcha got there, D?”

  “Well, Mick…I thought we’d have a little shot of tequila to kick things off. Gentlemen, here you go,” Devon says as he hands each of us our shot glass full of tequila. I’m not a big shot drinker, but one shot won’t hurt and it’s for a good cause.

  We all lift our glasses and Devon raises his voice and exclaims! “To Jonathan and Emily and to getting your girl back!”

  “TO JONATHAN AND EMILY!” We all yell and then slam down our shots.

  Just as we slam our glasses down on the counter there’s a knock on the suite door.

  “I got it.” I say opening the door to a smiling Robert. Seeing him wearing the same thing we are and beaming with pride is a reminder that my own father isn’t here for his daughter. I know it’s what Emily wants but it still sucks. “Come on in, Mr. F. Our boys are ready!”

  He enters the suite, looks us all over and says, “You boys clean up nice.”

  “You’re not looking too bad either. Thanks again for being here.”

  “Jonathan, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m honored to watch you get married to that beautiful girl. Now what’s wrong with you? You look like you’re gonna be sick.” Robert asks him with concern.

  Jonathan starts pacing the room. He walks into the master bedroom then back out to the living room area where we all just follow him back and forth. In and out of the bedroom. He’s suddenly a mess.

  “Son, what is it?”

  He stops his pacing and then looks at each of us and then brings his attention to me. “Is it too much? Should I have done all of this without her? What if she felt pressured to say that she wanted to get married tonight because everybody was here? What if she hates her dress? What if she hates it all? What the hell was I thinking?” He’s practically hyperventilating and I can see his level of panic elevating with each word that comes out of his mouth.

  I give him a little shove to his shoulder. “Dude, she’s gonna love it all. She loves your Irish ass and has dreamed of marrying you for years. Cami and Alex know her better than anybody, and they helped you with all the girlie shit. Alex may not be here but she helped you plan the whole thing and she’s damn good at her job. You don’t have anything to worry about. My little sister loves you and she would have married you up on that dirty hill today. She doesn’t care what she’s wearing tonight as long as you’re waiting for her down there on that beach.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Thanks, Mick. I hope you know that this isn’t a case of cold feet. I would have married your sister a long time ago if I had thought she was ready. I promise you I will do everything in my power to make Emily and Ireland happy.”

  “I know you will. You don’t want to know what will happen to you if you don’t.” He gives me a nod, letting me know that he hears me.

  Robert claps his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder and looks him dead in the face. “My dear boy, I just saw your girl and there is nothing about her that is unhappy or scared. You have made both of those little ladies happier than you’ll ever know and she is more than ready to marry you tonight.” With a soft reassuring pat to the face he says, “Today’s your day, son. It’s all gonna be just fine.”

  Not trying to break up their emotional moment but knowing we need to get this show on the road I interrupt. “Now, go splash some cold water on that pretty boy face of yours and let’s go get you married to my baby sister.”

  Minutes later we’re all walking down the hall together on our way to the beach. This may be a community center, but it’s actually really nice, and once the lights are shining on this place tonight, it’s gonna look great. Alex did a banging job helping him plan it all. It’s perfect.

  The five of us men saunter our way down to the beach like we own the place. There are just a few rows of white chairs and a flower covered archway waiting on the beach.

  Because there wasn’t time for a rehearsal Jonathan meets with the minister now, just minutes before the ceremony is about to begin. As Jonathan finishes up with the minister, a double check is done to make sure that Liam has the rings, and then I’m given the cue to go get my mom and escort her to her seat when the music starts playing.

  My mom looks beautiful and she’s beaming when I extend my arm to her. When we reach her chair she gives me a hug and then grabs my face and says, “I’m so glad you and Alex have each other, sweet boy. I’m not rushing you but I hope that one day you’ll be having your own special day. She’s a special girl, that one.”

  “She is Mom. I hate that she’s not here for this. It’s just not the same without her.”

  “I know sweet boy, I know.” She smiles up at me and pats my cheek like she always does and takes her seat.

  I take my place up at the front with the rest of the groomsmen and Jonathan. Then I get my phone out and get ready to video the whole thing for Alex. I know it’s not wedding protocol, but my girl gets what she wants. I double-checked with Jonathan, just in case, and he said it was cool.

  The music changes and I get my phone ready just in time to see the prettiest little flower girl come walking our direction. Ireland couldn’t look any sweeter in her little white dress, with a pale blue sash around her waist and flowers in her hair. She looks like a real life little princess. She does a perfect job at dropping her rose petals in the sand then she stops and stands in front of Jonathan and he bends down to give her a hug. It’s a good thing I’m distracted and getting this on video for Alex because I would be an emotional mess right now.

  Next comes Gabby in a pale blue dress with a dark blue sash and she looks beautiful as always. I’m watching the procession in my phone to make sure I’m getting it all when my screen lights up with the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

  “Sweet Thing,” I whisper and she must be able to read my lips, because she gives me a wink and a smile and then blows me a kiss.

  She takes her place next to Gabby looking beautiful as always and her eyes never leave mine. When I see Cami standing next to her I realize that I’m still taking video but it’s just been trained on Alex and I’ve missed Cami and her walk down the sand. Alex, motions with her hand that I can put the phone down now that she’s here. She’s here! My Sweet Thing is here! All is right in the world. I feel my body relax and my face is beaming with the happiest smile anybody has ever seen.

  The music changes yet again and this time I know it’s because my sister is about to make her big entrance. This is the only thing that makes me turn my gaze away from my girl. When I do turn my head to look up the aisle I see that Emily isn’t moving. She’s just standing there and not walking towards us.

  Liam turns to me and says, “Now that the surprise of your girl is no longer a surprise, you n
eed to go walk your little sister down the aisle.”

  Confused that Liam knew that Alex was going to be here, but not having time to question him, I take off down the aisle to my sister. My sister who should have her dad walking her down the aisle. I’m happy to fill in for him but it really is a shame. Emily has tried as of late, and I am so proud of her. Not only has she been spending time with me and Sidney, but she even went with me to dinner with Dad the other night. It didn’t go as she had hoped. As always, he drank too much, didn’t accept responsibility for his actions and behaved just as Emily expected he would.

  I think that was about it for me too. Having Alex in my life has made me see my dad through different eyes, and I don’t like what I see. Yes, he’s still my dad, and I’ll always love him, but that’s not enough anymore. He doesn’t deserve a relationship with Emily and Ireland, or with me for that matter. I can’t believe how stupid I was all of these years. It was so much easier to believe that my dad was right and that men weren’t meant to be with one woman their entire life. My dad clearly didn’t love my mom because I can’t imagine wanting anybody else but Alex. There was no need to argue with him over the matter. I don’t think my dad is going to be a very big part of my life in the future, but I will stay in touch enough to keep Sidney in my life. Watching her and Ireland play together is pretty awesome, and I have a feeling they’re going to be really close.

  “Hey sis, I hear I get the honor of walking you down the aisle.”

  “You do, if you don’t mind? We couldn’t have you back here with me because then Alex wouldn’t have been a surprise. Good, surprise?”

  “The best. Now let’s get you down to your man. I don’t think he can wait much longer.”

  I offer my sister my arm and we make the journey down the sandy aisle until we’re standing in front of Jonathan. He can’t take his eyes off of her and he’s still holding Ireland’s hand. There are tears in his eyes and it’s clear to everybody here that this man loves my sister with all of his heart. I have no doubt in my mind that he will take care of my niece and little sister fiercer than any man ever could.

  The minister asks who gives this woman away and I tell him that my mother and I do. I look over to see Jonathan isn’t alone. Emily and my mom both have tears streaming down their faces, but they’re both smiling through their tears.

  “I love you, Emmers,” I say as I give my sister a kiss on the cheek and then place her hand in Jonathan’s.

  Taking my place next to Devon, I finally take in just how beautiful Emily looks today. The dress that Jonathan picked out for her is perfect. It’s a simple long, white flowing dress with tiny spaghetti straps. Watching her hair and dress blow in the wind…she looks beautiful. Like an angel.

  As the minister starts to speak my eyes move back to Alex. I think she can feel me staring at her because her eyes find mine. While the minister talks about loving one another through rich and poor and the good times and bad, I can’t help but think that I already love Alex like that.

  Her eyes leave mine when she hears Emily say, “I do.” When she looks back at me there are tears in her eyes, and she dabs them with the tissue that just magically appeared in her hand.

  “Jonathan, you may kiss your bride,” the minister says and the minute their lips meet our small gathering goes crazy and starts cheering. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kelly!”

  There are more yells and whistles and Emily and Jonathan lift their hands in the air. Emily takes her flowers back from Cami and then she, Ireland and Jonathan walk hand in hand through the sand and up the steps to sign their marriage certificate. I was so enthralled watching Alex’s hair blow in the breeze that I didn’t even notice the ring exchange. I missed most of the ceremony come to think of it. I can’t help it; Alex takes my breath away. I don’t think I will ever get used to her beauty. Her looks are so exotic and so soft. Her chestnut eyes and her long dark hair against her tan skin is pure perfection. She is a walking dream, and I know that I am the luckiest man alive.

  Devon and I switch spots so that we can each walk back down the aisle with our ladies and I can’t get to Alex fast enough. We both take the last step toward each other up at the altar and I can’t help but take her in my arms, pull her tight to my body and kiss her senseless. She doesn’t protest and melts into me and my kiss. I can feel Devon and Gabby walk past us and soon it’s just Alex, the minister and me standing front and center. If only I was marrying this woman! We’re standing here, we’ve got the minister, we’ve got the altar. Wouldn’t that be the shit? But today is Em’s day and I’m not sure Alex is as ready for all of that as I am.

  I finally release her lips and say, “You’re here.”

  “I’m here.”

  The sound of the minister clearing his throat brings me back to reality, and to the fact that we should have already walked back down the aisle by now. Instead of simply offering her my arm I put my arm around her waist, and she follows my lead and does the same, and then we finally walk down the aisle in each other’s arms. I can’t help but notice the smile on everybody’s face when we finally join them up at the little outdoor courtyard where the reception will be held.

  We all watch Emily and Jonathan sign their marriage certificate and I can’t believe I am actually jealous of a piece of paper. There are a multitude of hugs and congratulations passed around. Soon Jonathan is directing everybody to the tables that are covered in white with strings of lights hanging above. The sun is just dropping below the horizon, and it couldn’t get much better than this.

  While everybody is taking their seats I grab Alex by the hand and pull her into a little alcove just off the courtyard. I grab her beautiful face and ask, “What in the world are you doing here?”

  Her smile beams across her perfect face and I can feel my knees weaken. “Well, when Jonathan originally picked the date I didn’t think there would be any way that I could get here. When I did figure it out I knew that I could get here for the ceremony but not the proposal. I figured it would be fun to surprise you so everybody played along. You aren’t mad are you?”

  “Mad? How could I be mad? You’re here! That’s all that matters!” I kiss her again and she just giggles. “I’m glad you’re wearing these flip flops and not heels because you are gonna be dancing your pretty little ass off tonight. I think of our first night on a dance floor often, and I can’t wait to recreate some of those memories.”

  Her tongue darts out and traces my upper lip and then she takes my bottom lip between her teeth and gives it a little tug. “Some of the moves that I’d like to recreate with you may not be appropriate for this dance floor.” Good God! I want to take this woman right here and now!

  “Is that right? Well, I’ll do my best to see what I can remember, but I might have to depend on you to help remind me just exactly what those moves were.”

  “Oh, that won’t be a problem. I’ve got that night etched into my brain for eternity. I’d be more than happy to help. Now, we should probably go celebrate. Jonathan’s worked hard for this night and we don’t want to miss any of it.” She places a peck on my cheek and then pulls me back to our table.

  Jonathan really has thought of everything. I know that Alex has been helping him, but he’s done a lot for a dude. There’s a DJ spinning tunes to go along with the dance floor we’ll soon be tearing up. There’s a cake, a buffet dinner, flowers, little white lights everywhere and bottles of champagne on every table. The place looks great, but turning to my left to see Alex sitting next to me makes the place truly light up.

  Still holding my hand, she gives me a squeeze and whispers, “Hi.” It’s now that I realize that I’m just sitting here like a grinning fool staring at her. I don’t want to speak and ruin the moment so I bring our hands up so that I can kiss the back of hers.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, Sweet Thing.” I finally say.

  “Me too.”

  We’re interrupted by the DJ as he asks us all to stand as he introduces
the bride and groom. My sister and her new husband join the rest of us and look happier than I have ever seen either of them. I know I’m a guy and guys don’t say shit like this…but they are both glowing. I couldn’t be happier for them, but right now I feel something that I don’t usually feel…jealous. I so badly want what they have. I know I have the right girl. I know I love her madly. Now, I need to grow up and figure out what to do from here.

  The next couple of hours are filled with speeches, cake cutting, food, toasts and dances. The night is filled with the best dances of my life. My sister asked me to dance with her during the father/daughter dance and since this was all a bit unexpected and we don’t exactly have a song, we just rolled with my style. I asked the DJ to play a little California Love for us. I know it’s not a typical sappy song to dance to but the song title fits why we’re here, and anyone who knows me knows that this is one of my all-time favorites. Emily loves my selection and we dance around the floor like nobody’s business. She’s Tupac and I’m Dr. Dre. As soon as Emily and I finish showing the rest of the gang how we roll Ireland throws herself at me and hugs my legs. I hold her on my hip with her arms around my neck and we slow dance. She giggles and talks a mile a minute about the day. At the end, she gives me one of her sweet little kisses on the cheek and jumps out of my arms and over to Liam. She really knows how to make all of us men do whatever she wants. I am dreading her teenage years.

  As I watch Ireland run away I feel a tap on my shoulder and hear my Sweet Thing ask if she can have the next dance.