The weather is different this time. It’s spring. The Jacaranda tree is in bloom, its beautiful purple flowers rise up so high that you can see them from the house.
Some things haven’t changed over the last twelve or so months, but a lot has.
I’ve learned how to be a mum and fill Bobbi’s days with fun activities and learning. I’ve learned how to prepare meals with love, with Doreen teaching me how to cook so many different dishes so I can keep my husband’s stomach full, something I’ve realised means a lot to me. I’ve learned that raising a teenager is a nightmare. Tahli has been giving me a run for my money with wanting to ride on the back of motorcycles all the damn time. And I’ve learned that the Southern Sadists compound is actually a really nice place to be around now that the toxic leadership is gone.
Both Tahli and Bobbi love it there when we go to stay.
When Ringo’s gaze meets mine from the deck, I can tell his eyes are tearing up a little, and it instantly makes my own glassy.
Flicking my gaze to the left, I see Lexi sobbing, holding her flowers as my Maid of Honour, standing next to Dee, Jols and Nessy.
Over on the other side, Ringo’s Best Man, JD, holds out a tissue, and Ringo bats it away, his lips moving to say, ‘fuck off.’
I giggle.
Oh, my beautiful monster. Always such a tough guy.
Murf, Vender and Mex also stand on Ringo’s side, their eyes light with happiness as they watch me approach.
The moment I get near, Ringo holds his hand out, and I stop, turning to face my cousin.
“Thank you for being here, Rhys. And for giving me away.”
“Nothanks needed, Abs. We’re family, and just so you know, I considered you that even before I knew the same blood ran through our veins.”
I slap her arm playfully, dabbing at the corner of my eyes. “Stop. You’re going to make me cry.”
“Don’t you dare ruin your makeup,” she scolds me. “That’s Ringo’s job to do later.”
My cheeks heat, and I bite my lip as my eyes flash to Ringo, who is nodding.
“That’s right, Angel. Get your sexy arse up here so we can move this along and get to the fun part.”
The crowd laughs, and his ma scolds him, much like she did on our original wedding day.
“Cameron Eugene, behave yourself.”
Ringo’s lips twitch into a smirk, and I can’t help but have a sense of déjà vu.
I take his hand, and he leans forward, his hot breath fanning my ear. “Let’s hurry this along so I can eat your sweet pussy under our tree.”
Now my cheeks flame to life on a whole new level, and my eyes dart around as I check to see if anyone heard him.
He simply chuckles, and Ace opens the ceremony, as Bobbi dances around, weaving between all of us, before calling out to the ducks as they swim past on the surface of the water.
This time, when we say our vows, we don’t need to read the words off the paper. We already know them, looking into each other’s eyes, and meaning every single word, we say the first part together.
“Today, we take our vows of marriage before our family and friends.
We will honour one another when we are together or apart, and always respect each other’s differences.
We will cherish the good times, and endure the storms. Hand in hand. Side by side. Riding this life together and always leaning into the curve.”
A tear pools in the corner of my eye, and Ringo reaches out, catching it with his thumb as he cups my face, and I speak the next words to him.
“Cameron, when I sayI love you, what I’m really saying is that I’ll hold on tight until our ride on Earth ends,” and then I add a little extra, “and then forever in the afterlife.”
His brows hitch, and it’shiseyes that turn glassy this time, obviously not expecting me to add on my own little touch.
