by Fox, Lizzie
The next couple of days were just spent basically in bed, talking and confessing everything. I told Seth all about my long history with alcohol, from how much I’d drink to forget the pain of my loss to the “casual” amount I’d take when trying to deal with Adam. We agreed that I would start seeing his therapist, too; but at a different time. Alcohol was a coping mechanism, and I needed to figure out what I was coping from. Loss? Anxiety? Worry for the future and feeling inadequate? I wasn’t sure, but we’d figure it out.
That following Monday, before Night Addiction’s first practice in over a week and one of two they’d have before leaving for Florida, Seth piled me in the car and marched by my side into the church basement that held the meeting that would make or break everything.
Seth sat back at the edge of the room, not wanting to interfere, but watched me with pride as I stood up at the podium and said the words that I never thought I’d ever have to say again:
“Hey, everyone. I’m Jessalie, and I’m an alcoholic.”
Kelly’s friend, Tasha Redmund, took me under her wing. We talked that night for hours at a nearby café, about life and everything I had gone through with alcohol from what had been bothering me to an unrealized temptation I couldn’t control. Tasha was in her late forties, with a short-angled bob and natural makeup, and instantly I felt comfortable around her. She gave me her number and all her information, instructing me to call her whenever but at least weekly.
And Seth sat by in a nearby booth, not interfering at all but playing around on his phone for hours until it died, and Tasha finally invited him to come over and chat. As usual, Seth won her over with his magnetism and charm that he wasn’t even aware that he exuded. The subject of his bipolar came up, and Tasha mentioned her sister was bipolar as well. It was nice that we both had someone to relate to.
That led us to today, and right now.
“You all right, Jessie?” Shane inquired anxiously, patting my bare shoulder. I turned and gave him a somewhat forced smile through my nerves.
“Fine,” I squeaked out, and he rolled his eyes. He pulled me into him for a hug, careful not to smear my makeup on his light blue button up shirt or get his boutonnière caught in my hair. I gave a slight grin looking up at it; a yellow lily for Seth’s sister.
“You’re going to be just fine. I swear it, and you’re going to live happily ever after,” He said, stepping back and holding me at arm’s length as he looked me over. “Seth is going to freak. You look absolutely breathtaking.”
Biting my grin, I glanced down at my white dress. It fit perfectly and was made even better by the bright green sash that trailed out in back. The windows to the suite Shane, Christi, and Sabrina had helped me get ready in were open wide, letting in the balmy, evening Florida air. It’d been in the nineties earlier in the day, but since nighttime was near, it’d cooled without the sun and felt absolutely perfect. The wind blew the ends of my hair around and billowed my dress, and with the small bouquet of lilies and hibiscus flowers with the green ribbon I carried in my hand, and the jeweled strands around my feet, I actually felt beautiful.
“Just one more thing,” he said, snapping his fingers. He turned and reached behind him for a bright yellow hibiscus, smoothed my hair back over my ear, and tucked it in gently, pinning the little stem with a bobby pin. “There. Perfect.”
I reached out, gently touching it, and dared to glance at myself in the full-length mirror. I was surprised with what I saw. I looked…good. More importantly, I looked happy. My cheeks were pink with a flush—and not just from the designer blush and foundation I wore—and I could barely contain the smile on my face. “Wow…” I said quietly, in awe.
“Yeah, you’re amazing. Seth couldn’t have found a prettier girl, you know,” Shane crooned, gently leaning over to peck my temple. “So… you ready? I have the ring,” he said, patting his khaki shorts pocket.
“Yeah. I can’t believe you guys pulled this off,” I said. The original goal was to have the wedding after the festival, but Shane surprised us with a ceremony that was to be held the day after we flew in. He figured with Seth’s anxiety, the anticipation was just too much. Since we wanted to hold it at twilight, with both the moon and the sun rising and setting in the sky in tandem, there wasn’t any trouble switching.
After the ceremony, we’d have dinner and drinks—no alcohol was being served to us, much to Christi’s dismay—in the venue’s restaurant. Since it was just the nine of us, no big reception was planned, we’d just be dining with whoever was there that night. Afterward, Seth and I would come back to the suite and have nothing planned until Saturday. It was going to be absolute bliss.
“You should know I can pull anything off, sweetheart,” Shane said with a cheesy smile, and I snickered. He crooked his arm, and I slid mine in. “Let’s go. Any last words, Miss Reynolds?”
“Um…” I stammered. “Don’t let me trip?” I said, kicking out my bare foot, and I laughed, wondering how well this was going to work with sand and the slight flight of stairs we’d have to walk down.
“That I can definitely do. On the way down, anyway. On the way up, that’ll be your husband’s job.” Shane nudged me, and my face heated. Husband.
A year and a half ago, meeting Seth for the first time at his first performance, I never would have thought this would ever happen. But, here we were. Or were about to be.
Thankfully, it wasn’t a far walk from the suite to the beach; just a small hallway, through the restaurant, and through a set of glass doors.
My breath hitched as Shane opened the door for me, and I saw everyone along the beach. Seth was being blocked by Wes, but everyone looked happy, standing under a white trellis covered with a gauzy white fabric that billowed in the wind. Christi and Sabrina stood barefoot off to the side, talking animatedly and looking fantastic and relaxed in floral maxi dresses; Christi’s was yellow, Sabrina’s was blue. Anthony and Ian were nearby, wearing dark khaki shorts and a pale yellow and green shirt, respectively, both carrying guitars—which was a surprise to me.
Under the trellis stood our officiant, an older woman with long gray hair and a pleasant smile, wearing a necklace of flowers and holding a book. Then, Wes stepped aside, and all the air escaped me. There he was. Holy crap did he look amazing. Not because of the clothing—khaki shorts and a white button-down shirt, though it was nice to see him in something different—but because of the huge smile on his face as he talked and laughed with his friends. His family.
Shane gave a wide wave that seemed to catch Anthony’s eye, and he nodded, nudging Ian, and the guitars began to play.
“I didn’t know they were going to do the music,” I whispered, but I didn’t hear the answer because Seth turned to face me, grinned widely, and put his tattooed hand to his face, which made me notice that he’d removed his lip ring, just for today. My heart fluttered warmly, and my hand shook, but Shane held on tightly.
“Let’s go, gorgeous.”
Since it was informal, there was no procession or fancy walk, and Shane didn’t take his time, thankfully, but was careful to go slow enough so I didn’t slip down the flight of stairs to the beach. We emerged onto the shoreline to the sounds of Ian singing “Marry Me” by Train and Anthony doing background and guitar. It was just loud enough to be heard over the crashing waves in back. But I barely heard any of it. I think there was a videographer nearby, but I didn’t really notice him. I only had eyes for Seth, and my tunnel vision didn’t allow me to see anything else. My god this is really happening…
I managed not to trip, though my legs were jelly and my insides complete mush. Everyone spoke sweet “awws” of approval, but I was relieved when we finally reached the end and Shane handed my hand to Seth who gripped it tightly.
My chest constricted watching him look down at me, a single tear rolled down his cheek. I blinked myself trying to keep mine from falling, so overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions. Happiness, anticipation, an overwhelming sense of awe and most of all…love.
The actual ceremony was a bit of a blur. The officiant spoke a few words about love and marriage, but all I concentrated on was the feeling of Seth’s hand in mine, his thumb rubbing little circles on my palm.
I was barely able to squeak out my “I do” when asked to, and both our hands trembled as we exchanged rings. Seth finally saw the inscription, and he beamed widely as I slipped it over his healed finger.
After a few more moments of anticipation, everything was over. It happened like a flash of lightning in the sky.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss your bride, Seth,” the officiant said.
Seth smirked, giving me a brief predatory look that clearly said, “wait until later,” and my flesh heated and tingled as our lips met for our first married kiss. The guys whooped and hollered as Seth got a little R-rated, probing my mouth with his tongue and diving in when I parted. I was left a trembling mess when we separated, and he tipped his forehead against mine and whispered so quietly I didn’t think anyone could hear.
“I love you so much, Mrs. Archer.” I trembled hearing the name. It was real. We made it. It really, really happened.
Holy crap… we did it.
33
Seth
After the little ceremony we signed whatever legal papers we had to and were whisked away for dinner in the dimly lit restaurant on the beach. I hadn’t been able to eat anything all day, the nerves had gotten to me but now I just felt like flying. I didn’t think it was possible to be any happier, but if there was a way to be so, I was sure Jessie would give it to me.
All time stopped for me, it seemed, when I watched her walk down the beach. She was always beautiful but at that moment, she was stunning and otherworldly. I got choked up and could barely contain my adoration. I wanted everything to hurry so I could take her back to the private pagoda along the little private stretch of beach it belonged to; and we’d have five days to ourselves before the festival, and after that we’d come back for another week. I tried to go all out and I hoped she’d like it.
We spent the next couple of hours talking, laughing and snacking on whatever food they provided for us, and even though technically we weren’t supposed to be dancing, we did anyway. Sorta. I couldn’t dance, but I’d take any excuse to hold my wife in my arms and feel her against me.
True to her word, Jessie didn’t touch any wine and she said she didn’t miss it. It was during a slow song and I felt her sort of start to slump in my grasp I bent over and whispered in her ear, “Ready to start the wedding night part?”
She grinned up at me mischievously. “Hell yes!”
With a low rumble in my chest, I waved and shouted at my friends, “See you all later!” The guys snickered and cheered as I took her hand and we headed out of the venue for the little pagoda I’d rented. I couldn’t walk fast enough, really, smoothing my hands all over her creamy skin that glowed in the moonlight outside and feeling the fabric of her dress against me…my dick had about all it could take.
“Uh, where we going? The hotel is that way?” She asked, confused as we bypassed the entrance entirely.
“Nope, not for us,” I smirked as we walked down the beach and we came to the little beachy building, just big enough for a bathroom, bedroom, and a hot tub outside. “I decided we should have something a bit more private.” We walked up the deck and I took the key from my pocket I’d been holding all night and opened the door.
She tried to slip past me and look inside, but instead I grabbed her up in my arms as she let out a little squeal that was music to my ears. “It’s bad luck to let you walk in here without carrying you, right?”
She snuggled up against me and sighed before looking up at me. “I don’t think it matters.”
I cocked a brow. “Did you do this with Adam? Or Blake?”
“Um…no?”
“Better to be safe than sorry,” I added with a laugh, and I stepped inside. Everything was exactly how I planned it. Rose petals on the ground and bed, flameless candles everywhere, a bottle of sparkling grape juice chilling nearby on a nightstand, and the bed was plush with white bedding that matched the gauzy curtains that blew in. I set her down gently on the bed and took no time at all in climbing over her, pinning her down against the mattress.
“Everything looks amazing, baby,” she praised, setting a hand on my cheek. “You didn’t have to do this, though.”
“Yes I did. This little stretch of beach is private, we can have food sent here and we don’t have to leave until Saturday if we don’t want to. I plan to take advantage of it,” I said lowly, with a grin, leaning in to gently nip at her cheek, reminding my aching cock of just what I planned to do. She let out a little moan and arched into me.
“It’s perfect, honey, thank you. Oh god…” she panted as I kissed a trail up her jaw to her lips. I felt her tremble under me and it send waves of desire through me. I wanted to take her right there, but I forced myself to pause, and remember this moment. After all this was going to be the only wedding night I’d ever have. That was a guarantee.
“Do you like the ring?” She asked suddenly as I’d been admiring the way her hair fell against the pillow, and how the dress showed off hints of her perfect breasts and enhanced her deliciously dangerous curves I just couldn’t get enough of. Her jade eyes shimmered as she looked up and smiled at me. I was the luckiest person on the planet; I had to be.
“I’m sorry, what?” I grinned sheepishly, and she blushed. “Sorry, totally checking out my wife and thinking how fucking lucky I am.”
She shook her head. “Nope. That’s me. Not many people would forgive a hidden alcohol problem and go with her to A/A, and deal with her shoving him alongside the highway and getting pissed.”
I snorted. “There’s nothing to forgive. No one is perfect. And I deserved every bit of that shove.”
“Yes, you did,” she responded, and I laughed, moving to place a smiling kiss on her sexy mouth. I felt her grin fall and I asked her what was wrong.
“Seth… what if I relapse? I don’t want to but sometimes… it happens. I didn’t realize how tempted I was by it. Just… what if?” Jessie asked, with a deep frown that furrowed her brow.
Sighing, I slumped over on my side next to her, pushing her hair aside to bare her shoulder and kissed her collarbone gently. “I hope it doesn’t happen, but if it does… we’ll deal with it. Okay?”
She nodded slowly. “You won’t leave?”
“No, honey. You’re stuck with me. For the damn long haul.” I held up my left hand, wiggling my fingers, still trying to adjust to the feel of the black metal band around my finger. “I wouldn’t wear a ring for just anyone, you know.”
“Or ink your finger,” she pointed out. I scoffed.
“Eh, ink for me is no big deal. Obviously,” I said, rolling my eyes, holding out the arm I wasn’t laying on.
“It’s a big deal to me,” she said solemnly, setting her hand on my face and looking straight into my eyes, like she was searching for my soul. Judging by the smile on her face, she found it…and didn’t hate what she saw.
And that was the best feeling of all.
34
Jessalie Archer
Five days went by in a flash. Besides a couple of times at the big restaurant, we didn’t even see the guys or their wives. It was pure bliss. I couldn’t believe this was my life now.
We spent the entire week on the beach, talking, laughing, sleeping and of course the best thing: making love. God it was good. I never thought this would happen for me again; that I’d be married to best guy in the world who made me feel like everything. Like I was beautiful and amazing despite all my flaws.
“You look like you’ve just had the best week of your life!” Shane said into my ear as we stood below the big stage, out in the open field, waiting for Night Addiction to begin their performance. The area was packed, and I knew Seth had been a little nervous, even after performing for Milwaukee during Oblivion Orange Zero’s show two weeks ago or so now. I think he was more nervous
though to see Miles; they hadn’t parted on the best of terms, he thought. I figured everything would be fine, or else he would have cancelled the show.
“I did!” I replied to Shane finally, after letting my mind wander.
“Did you see this?” He asked, holding out his phone to me. I grinned; it was Night Addiction’s social media page, and someone—probably Shane—had put up a photo of us getting married, with the headline, “Congratulations Seth and Jessie!” and the caption,
“The members of Night Addiction want to wish lead singer, Seth Archer and Jessie Reynolds on their marriage! Here’s to many years of happiness! We love you! Signed Quin, Ian, Anthony, Shane, Christi, and Sabrina”
And the comments were filled of plenty well wishes; it made me feel good, especially after hearing Miles say before “Attached singers aren’t as popular.” Forget that.
The photo itself was beautiful and fitting; it was of our first kiss, and the wind had blown the bottom of my dress over Seth’s legs. He held my windswept hair back with his hand, and our eyes were closed, enjoying the feeling of the romantic first kiss. The moon reflected off the waves in the background, and the sky was all the colors of a perfect sunset, from gold to blue to pink. I almost jumped up and down giddily at it. This was the first time I’d seen one of them.
“I love this, thank you,” I said, nudging him with my elbow.
“It’s great, huh?” Christi asked, coming up beside me, with Sabrina in tow. She carried a clear plastic glass of what smelled like beer and I eyed it. Sheepishly, she held it away. “Oh crap, I’m sorry, I forgot. I just haven’t had anything since the baby and I’m nervous being away from her so long, and—”
I held up my hand. “It’ll okay, really. I’m not tempted.” I really wasn’t. I didn’t need that crutch any more, not when I had my new family—the band—and Seth to lean on.