Page 26 of Scorched

A surprised bark of laughter burst from Fabrice. “Sorry. I had an immediate image flash through my mind of Atticus carrying a pillow down the aisle, and in no way did he behave.”

Kirkland laughed. “It was probably a premonition.”

Fabrice slapped Kirkland’s ass. “Get going. I don’t know how much time we have before Beau comes looking for us.”

“You’re right. See you out there.” He skimmed a quick kiss across Fabrice’s lips before walking away.

Fabrice watched him slip past Kylo and disappear. When the last wisp of clothing vanished, Fabrice focused on Kylo.

Kylo motioned for him to follow. “Come on. We have to pick out something to wear.”

Fabrice followed, keeping his thoughts to himself. There was no way in hell Fabrice would fit into any clothing Kylo owned. Kylo talked a million miles a minute about clothing and makeup. Fabrice couldn’t keep up. All he gathered was that it would take Kylo hours to put together the proper outfit, and Fabrice wasn’t sure he could handle that.

“I like what you’re wearing.”

Kylo tossed him an annoyed look as they entered his room-sized closet full of clothes. “This isn’t a wedding outfit. This is a seduce-Daddy outfit.”

Fabrice nodded along since he had no words for that one. He watched as Kylo dove in and yanked outfits from the hangers with a little too much enthusiasm. “Hmm. I can’t wear white.” Kylo looked his way. “Do you want to wear white?”

“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t fit into your clothes.”

Kylo made a dismissive gesture. “Don’t be silly. You’ll wear one of Daddy’s tuxes. He has several colors. I figured you want either white or black.” He went back to searching through his clothes. “I wonder what color flowers Daddy ordered. Let me text him.”

Fabrice’s mind wandered. What would Kirkland wear? Should they match? No, he would let it be a surprise. That might appease Beau slightly. Something about the wedding would be genuine.

“Be sure to tell him I’m not seeing Kirkland again before the wedding. I want to be surprised by what he chooses to wear.”

Kylo nodded as he typed. “Okay. Daddy says he ordered a variety of colors, so I’m good with any outfit.” His phone chirped. Kylo looked at it again. He chuckled. “He says he accepts your apology.”

Fabrice shook his head, but he couldn’t stop smiling. No matter how this wedding came about, Fabrice realized he wanted it. “You should wear purple.”

“A starting point. Yay!”

Fabrice’s face hurt from smiling. He had needed this day and hadn’t even realized it. He supposed Beau had been right about everything again. How irritating,

For Kirkland, the best part of having a wedding was Fabrice not working. He got to have a celebration where he wasn’t trapped in the kitchen. Pierre had stayed to put in the work, so Fabrice didn’t need to even think about the food table's side of things.

They had chosen to walk down the aisle alone. Then Beau had let them know that wasn’t fucking happening. Pierre and Beau gave Fabrice away. As Kirkland watched Fabrice head toward him, wearing a white tux, his chest filled with pride. He hadn’t once believed this life could be his. Kirkland had resigned himself to a life of being alone. He had too many secrets. People like him didn’t find love. But here he was, exchanging vows a second time with the most wonderful man Kirkland had ever met.

Somehow, time moved simultaneously slow and fast. Kirkland couldn’t keep his eyes off Fabrice. Just as he had in Vegas, Fabrice held his stare and spoke his vows clearly, as if he had never meant anything more. Kirkland did the same. He wished he had been given a little more time to write vows rather than sticking with the norm. Fabrice deserved more. Kirkland would make sure he spent the rest of his life ensuring Fabrice never regretted him. A realization hit. One that had lived in the back of his mind, where he had pushed it. He wouldn’t get anywhere near as much time as he wanted with Fabrice. He was about to turn fifty, and then what? Not only would he look old as fuck pretty soon, but Fabrice would likely outlive him by several years.

Atticus elbowed him hard in the ribs and spoke from the corner of his mouth. “They’re taking pictures. Smile before someone thinks you regret this marriage.”

Thankfully, the crowd of guests kept Fabrice from overhearing. Kirkland immediately rearranged his features.

After a few more pictures were snapped, Kirkland leaned Atticus’ way. “Sorry. The age gap just hit me all over again.”

Atticus shot him an annoyed look. “You’re the only one worried about that shit. That guy loves you. Don’t fuck it up.”

A laugh burst from Kirkland, catching Fabrice’s attention. Happiness highlighted his every feature when he looked Kirkland’s way. Atticus was right. Fabrice loved him for real. Their gazes met and held. Cameras flashed, bringing them back to reality. Kirkland had to look away before they embarrassed themselves.

“Time to cut the cake.”

At the announcement, they joined hands and stood where they were told to stand.

“No cake smashing, please? This is Beau’s suit. I don’t think ruining it would upset him much, but I don’t want to find out I’m wrong the hard way.”

Kirkland leaned his way, being playful. “Feel free to do what you want. I don’t care about this suit. I only wore it for you.”