Chapter Fifteen
Xander
It feels like a dream. There she is. Tera Ramirez, the girl I've loved forever, walking toward me to become my wife.
"Don't cry, you pussy," Linc says.
I give him the finger. Fuck him. I'll cry if I want to.
"Let him cry," Ethan tells him, elbowing him hard in the ribs.
"Boys," Mrs. M chastises and they sit up straight in the front row.
Shea's Tera's maid of honor and my dad is my best man. Odd pairing, but I wouldn't want anyone but my dad by my side today. He's my hero.
"Here comes your bride," he whispers.
It feels like my face is going to break for how big my smile is. I nod.
"Don't fuck it up," he adds.
I laugh. "Not a chance. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"Don't you forget it, either."
"I won't, Dad. How can I? All I need to do is look at her, see how much she loves me, and I'm reminded. No one will ever love her better than I will."
"I know, son."
Then she's here, in front of me, looking into my eyes. Her green eyes shining with happiness, her smile as bright as the sun.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" the Justice of the Peace asks.
"Her mother and I do," Mr. Martinez answers and I want to hug him for declaring them to be her parents.
"Thank you, Mr. M, Mrs. M," I say, nodding at both.
"Take good care of our girl and be happy," Mr. M tells me.
"I will. I promise."
Linc coughs out a "getonwithitalready" and Ethan elbows him again.
"Remind me to hurt him later," Shea tells me with a laugh.
"My pleasure."
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Xander Thomas Mackenzie and Tera Louise Ramirez in holy matrimony…
We say, "I do”.
We promise to love, honor, and cherish one another for as long as we both shall live.
We exchange rings.
We smile at each other while the Justice of the Peace finishes the ceremony.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
