by King, C. M
I grabbed both of his hands. “You did amazing, a girl seriously could not ask for a better friend than you.”
“I don’t like to brag, but you’re probably right.” He winked and I giggled.
“Funny.”
“Are you ready for your mother?”
I took a deep breath to compose myself for her reaction then nodded, signaling for him to send her in.
“Oh Izzy.” She descended into tears, walking towards me.
“You look beautiful, Iz,” Kara concluded, dabbing her eyes.
“Thank you.” I could barely get the words out.
“I always knew you would make a beautiful bride, but you standing there makes me so proud.” She grabbed both of my hands and lightly kissed my cheek.
“I just wish Dad could’ve been here. I never imagined walking down the aisle without him but with short notice it was never going to be something that was achievable.” That was the only part of today that I’d be sad about, not having him here to give me away.
“That’s where you’re wrong, baby girl.”
“No—” I shrieked in surprise.
“Yes.” He walked in smiling, his eyes glistening with tears as he headed
toward me, gently embracing me. “You didn’t think I’d seriously miss my baby girl’s big day did you?” He gave me a look that had me filling up.
“I hoped but I never thought for one moment you would be here today.” It was probably more of a surprise than Joel unveiling the wedding. The whole thing just left me stunned.
He grabbed my hands and kissed them. “Izzy, you look like an angel. My sweet little bookworm is now all grown up and ready to marry. I might need to sit down.”
“Dad.” I batted his chest. “Have you seen Joel?”
He smiled. “Yeah, he looked like he’d won a million dollars. You two are perfect together.”
I nodded, feeling the tears again. Elijah was on hand with a tissue to swipe away before handing me my beautiful white rose bouquet. My dad held his arm out for me to thread through his own, and we made our way down to the beach. I couldn’t believe that within a few minutes we would be legally wed.
The moment my foot hit the sand, I smiled. It was the perfect place to be to say I do, just Joel and a few close family and friends was all I needed to make my day complete.
When the violinist struck up the wedding march, I stared in disbelief. Elijah grinned, he had literally thought of everything. My eyes fell on Joel, he stood there along with Mike and Ruby by his side. She was wearing a large corsage around her neck, standing there proud as punch. Joel’s eyes held mine all the way, the smile never leaving his face as he took in the sight of me. I could see his eyes fill with emotion.
My lip started to quiver, but I was determined not to cry, though it couldn’t be said the same about my dad.
My dad kissed my cheek and sighed. “I’m only letting you go because I know that Joel is so worthy. Welcome to the family, son.” My dad shook his hand and Joel smiled biting back the emotion. I didn’t think he was ready to speak just yet.
The officiant stepped forward and smiled. “What a beautiful day to get married, shall we?”
We both nodded and laughed, linking hands. My concentration was solely on Joel as we slowly made our way through the service. When it came to the vows part, my eyes widened, I had nothing prepared. Joel smiled, pulling me in a little closer.
“Iz, from the moment you came into my world I knew things were about to change. You went from being the sweet little bookworm I loved to tease to the love of my life. Our road to happiness has been a rocky one but you never faltered and never let go, that’s why I know you are destined to be by my side forever. There will never be a moment that will pass when I don’t thank my lucky stars. I picked you up from the ground that day, now it will be my hand in yours forever, till we take our final breath.”
I was speechless, and looking around at everyone, there was not a dry eye in sight.
“I want to say something, it’s not prepared, but it’s equally from the heart. From the moment I saw you, you bewitched me. I knew then I had fallen. My world had changed, that my heart would never love another. People might say it’s impossible, but I believe in true love. I believe in soul mates and I found that in you. There will never be anyone else. My heart can’t physically love another. So I am bound to you, to love you for the rest of our days, and right now, that doesn’t seem long enough. Every day will always be a blessing with you by my side.”
“Oh sweet lord, you are killing us here,” Elijah sobbed and I turned to find all the ladies dabbing their eyes. Sam was soothing Elijah as he grinned, sending a wink my way.
“Well now then, I think it’s time for the rings.”
I lost myself the moment I looked in Joel’s eyes reciting back the vows that would seal us as husband and wife from this moment on. I stumbled a little over my words, the nerves taking over. Joel followed after. I could tell he was more than eager to get to the final part.
“Now you may kiss the bride.”
“The part I’ve been waiting for.” Joel grinned.
“Me too.”
His lips found mine and I sighed sinking into the kiss. It was slow and perfect as we lost ourselves in the moment before everyone clapped breaking the spell bringing us back to the present.
“Now now, you two, you have tonight for all that.” Elijah chuckled. “We now have photographs to take. Now chop chop, everyone, get in an orderly queue. Bride and groom first.” Oh he was now in military mode.
We were mid-kiss when we were yanked away, positioned in various poses as everyone oohed and ahhed over us. My mum and dad joined us, followed by Mike and Kara then Elijah and Sam.
“Hey Izzy, it’s good to see you under better circumstances. You look beautiful. Joel is a very lucky man.” Robert smiled, kissing my cheek.
Joel shook his hand before Robert pulled him into a hug. “I’m so glad you made it. I didn’t know whether you would get the time off work at such short notice.”
“I’ll always make time for my favourite nephew,” he replied, patting his back.
A smile tugged on Joel’s lips. “I’m your only nephew.”
“Well then, aren’t you the lucky one? Now come on, I want a nice pic of us all for my mantle.” He winked.
“I don’t think that will go down well.” Joel frowned. The mention of his dad bringing the mood down.
“He can either like it or lump. It’s my house and you are my family. I want a picture to mark the occasion.”
That’s what I had always admired about his uncle—that he stuck to his principles regardless of if it brought him any trouble.
“Pity he doesn’t have the same values as you,” I added bitterly.
“How is he doing?” Joel asked, looking concerned.
“He’s fine. He’s off the drink, working hard. He’s even started dating.”
“Lucky woman,” I scoffed.
“Izzy, don’t,” Joel warned.
“Look, I don’t want to spoil your wedding. Let’s take this picture and then enjoy the rest of our day.”
“Please, baby,” Joel pleaded.
“Fine.” We lined up together, huge smiles despite the little spat moments before. This was our big day, and I wasn’t about to let John ruin it for us.
Joel’s grandparents were next, looking proud as punch as they stood beside us both. “You look so handsome, Joel. Reminds me of myself in the earlier days. You know you get your looks from me. I turned heads back in my day. Joan will tell you.” Bill grinned, taking great delight in winding up Joan.
“Oh shush, Bill, you can’t take him anywhere. Oh Iz, darling, you look beautiful, so elegant. You truly are breathtaking.” Joan’s eyes filled up with tears, to which she quickly dabbed away.
“Thank you.” I kissed both their cheeks, blushing slightly as they continued to pay compliments. We smiled throughout as Bill did his little routine, laughing at his jokes. I could see so much of Joel
in him. I was so happy that they got to be a part of such a special occasion after missing out on so much of his life.
Kara and Micha joined us next squealing before encircling us both in a hug. Several photos later, we waved Josh and Luke over. They were slightly reluctant being typical guys, but we wanted pictures of everyone to look back on.
Ten minutes later we were done. Elijah checked over the photos before giving his approval. After smiling for a solid hour, I was ready to relax and eat my body weight in wedding cake.
“Are you ready to let me escort you to the reception, Mrs Sinclair,” Joel asked, his eyes filled with emotion. I knew finally taking his surname meant the world to him.
“Wow, that will take some getting used to.”
Joel kissed my ring and smiled. “You’re mine now, no backing out.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Looking forward to getting naked with you later,” he shamelessly whispered.
“Can we just sneak off now? Do you think anyone would notice?”
He pressed his lips against mine before stepping back. “I think we are the main attraction, baby, else trust me I’d be inside you already.”
“Joel.” He always was straight to the point.
“What?” You love my honesty.”
“I love you.”
“And I love you too, Mrs Sinclair, but we need to go before Elijah has my balls.”
“Yeah, we kind of need them for later.” I winked.
“Come on, I’ll personally feed you cake.”
“That’s an offer I certainly can’t refuse.”
* * *
“Quiet now, everyone, I’d like to make a toast,” Elijah all but shrieked around the marquee that was erected in the garden of the cottage. It was a good job this garden was huge to accommodate it all. As usual Elijah had gotten everything on the nail. Incorporating in the deep purple and white colour scheme and décor. Each table was dressed so exquisitely it was hard to believe all of this had been transformed within hours. I could only imagine the screeching and wailing from Elijah at the hired help. I think they more than deserved a tip.
“I think it’s the best man that’s supposed to give the speech,” Mike piped up.
“Listen here, you’ll have your turn but as chief organizer, I think I get to say my speech. Now pipe down and have another champagne, as we might be here for a while. Izzy, my bestest friend in the whole wide world, we were destined to meet. We will be friends for life no matter where our path takes us, and that’s why I was honoured to give you this day of your dreams. Of course mine will be far more fabulous, that is a given, but I know you wanted a far more elegant wedding that would suit your taste. I hope it’s everything you dreamed of because today was my pleasure to see my friend get the happy ending she so richly deserved. So let’s raise a toast to the happy couple. To Joel and Izzy.”
Everyone repeated the toast raising their glasses.
“And now onto the good part—the cake!”
“What about my speech?” Mike huffed.
“Oh we’re all over the speeches, now there is cake to be had,” Elijah replied with glee.
Everyone cheered and I couldn’t have agreed more.
* * *
“I think I’ve had too much cake and champagne,” I grumbled, feeling fit to burst in my dress and hiccupping with all the bubbles.
“You’ve only had two glasses. You are such a lightweight,” Joel remarked and on this occasion he happened to be right.
“I know but I may have gone overboard with the cake.” I felt nauseous just at the thought, but I knew once that passed I’d be eager for more.
“That cake is amazing. We need to slice that up and take some home.”
I giggled at the fact that was my exact thought.
“Make sure you get more of the chocolate layer. That is to die for.” Despite the fact, I was cursing myself for overindulging.
“Oh no, I want the strawberry and cream layer. I want you to feed me it later when I’m hungry from having all the sex.”
“So you think you’ll get lucky, huh?” I asked raising a brow.
“It’s my wedding night so I think it’s a guarantee, but you’re always good for it anyway.” A smile tugged on his lips as he watched my reaction.
What a cheek!
“Joel.”
“Have you ever turned me down? You know I’m irresistible.”
“Ugh, I hate to admit it but it’s true.” There was no denying it.
“Like I said irresistible.” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes. “I think your head is growing. Are sure you can fit through the marquee when we leave?”
“Trust me, we’ll be leaving soon, along with the cake. I am eating it off that hot body of yours.”
Now I couldn’t wait to leave.
“We have a while before we can leave, we are the guests of honour after all.”
“Tell Elijah to hurry up with the first dance,” Joel replied, looking mighty impatient. From the lust growing in his eyes, I could see he was more than ready to leave. I gave him a cheeky flash of my garter and his eyes widened then darkened.
“Fuck Iz, you sure like to torture me.” He let out a long slow breath trying to compose himself.
“Just giving you a preview for later.” I giggled.
“That’s all you’ll be wearing later. Now where is Elijah?”
* * *
There were smiles and clapping as we made our way to the dancefloor. I sighed as my favourite song began to play—We are Stars by The Pierces.
“I love this song,” I sighed, as I kissed and nuzzled against Joel’s cheek.
“Yeah, you listen to it a lot,” Joel teased, his arms encircled around me tighter.
“That’s because the words are so beautiful and true. All my life the only person I’ve ever wanted to love me was you.”
“Then your wish came true.”
“You’re my dream come true.” He always would remain to be.
“And mine,” Joel whispered.
“I love you, Joel, with all my heart. But even that doesn’t sound quite enough.”
“Hey, I know . . . what we have, it’s something beyond words.”
“It’s our happily ever after.” I sighed.
“I hope I can continue to make you happy, Iz, for the rest of our lives.”
“You just did today, by agreeing to be mine.” I would forever be happy to live the rest of my life with Joel by my side.
Joel smiled softly. His eyes filled with emotion as we fell into a perfect kiss. The day had been beyond expectation and the night that would follow would exceed expectation.
6 Years On
Soft, warm sunlight streamed in through my window. What once was a pleasant way to wake up had now changed into something far different when the usual little bundle of fun dive-bombed on top of me causing me to groan.
“Ugh, every morning.”
“Wake up, Mummy,” an eager voice squealed.
My eye popped open to find my very own miniature me staring back, my little tomboy smiling as she inflicted her usual torture.
Joel walked through the door chuckling. “Now what did we say about letting Mummy sleep, she works late nights, so we don’t wake her up.”
“Mummy, up.” She slapped me on the head.
“Ow, you little gremlin.” I grabbed her and tickled her hard. She laughed till she was almost out of breath.
“Olivia Linda Sinclair, that wasn’t nice, now say sorry,” Joel urged, giving our daughter the serious face.
She frowned at his response. She hated being told off. She was a proper daddy’s girl. “Sowee.”
It was hard to stay mad; she’d inherited Joel’s sapphire blue puppy dog eyes no one in our family could say no too. She even had Mike wrapped around her little finger. Kara and he absolutely adored her. They’d babysit the odd time, but now they had their own little bundle of fun. Lily Grace was born just three weeks ago and was the apple of their
eye. Mike had astounded me over the years in how he’d stepped up to the uncle role, so I knew it was a foregone conclusion he’d be a great dad too. Of course Joel and he turned my little baby girl into an Arsenal fan. She was football mad, living in her football strip. We made sure to keep several spares on hand to make up for wash day. Joel lived and breathed our daughter. From the moment she was born he’d had first hold. When he’d kissed her tenderly on the head introducing himself as her daddy, the waterworks had started, the amount of love shining in his eyes sealed the deal. Giving Olivia his mother’s middle name seemed perfect and meant the world to Joel. He spent every waking moment feeding, bathing and rocking her. He barely left her side.
Work had been pretty consistent over the years, some roles taking me away from Joel, but I had lucked out in receiving parts more locally since Olivia arrived. My most recent one playing the role of Rumpleteazer in Cats at The London Palladium. It was my biggest role to date. Elijah’s luck had changed too, going from playing small parts to landing one of the lead roles as Adam/Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. We all said he was born to play the part, and boy, did he ever. The rave reviews he received only cemented his talent on stage.
Joel put work on the back burner to take care of Olivia. After a popular boy band covered a Phoenix song, it became a YouTube sensation going on to hit number one on the charts. He was then commissioned to write more songs for other bands. Work was hard going but very satisfying, especially arriving home to a shirtless Joel sound asleep with Olivia lying across his chest. Her little, chubby fist covered the tattoo of her name lovingly inscribed beside mine. I would kiss each one each day, and Joel would smile each time. They were my perfect little family, and I treasured each moment we had.
Elijah and Sam were always over or babysitting. Elijah lived for Olivia time. Their spare room had been decked out as a playroom. She was in her element whenever she went over. Elijah spent hours, playing and reading. She looked at him more like an uncle, and my heart melted every time I saw them together. I knew Sam and he would make amazing parents one day. As Olivia had grown, she had taken on more of a tomboy role, dismissing Elijah’s little outfits in favour of her football strip. It had not gone over well, and eventually he conceded that this little lady’s mind was not for changing. So he bit his tongue, but there were times he would still try but fail. Elijah was good at getting his way, but Olivia was the pro at winning him round so she could get hers. She was shameless at times, but I had to admire her spirit.