Always Us (Always and Forever 2)

“Yeah, I am.” We leave the room and walk down the stairs.

“I envy you, you know that?” Hitting the last step, I look over at him with raised brows.

“Of what? I know I look better in a tux, but give yourself some credit, big guy.”

“Not that, fucker.” I rub out the pain from his punch, my sides splitting with laughter. Fuck, I love pissing him off.

“I meant I’m jealous that you get to start a family, get married, buy a home with the woman you love. It was like pulling teeth to get L to promise an extra three nights here with me.”

“I bet.” Maybe one day he will walk away or maybe one day she will let him in, who knows really.

“Honestly, I don’t care if we spend three days without sex, I just want to spend time with her, alone. Make her fall in love with me, damn it. I want my best friend to love me like I love her.”

“Damn, that’s pretty deep. Have you told her you love her yet?” The breeze is nice with the warm sun and sand. We make our way down to the altar we set up. I see Kathy and Pastor John standing there talking.

“Yes, I did, and she freaked out, we haven’t talked much since. That’s another reason it was so hard to convince her to stay with me. I told her I was sorry and I wanted to make this trip a fun, relaxing getaway. AKA operation make her fall in love with me.”

“You’ll get her one day, bud. I know it. I mean it’s you. You won’t take no for an answer and for her own sanity, she will eventually need to just give in.”

“Let’s hope that’s soon, because I can’t do this much longer…”

I never thought Kingston would default to giving up, that’s not like him.

“Man, listen, I’ll be here if you need me, just because I’m getting married and moving to the suburbs like the Brady Bunch doesn’t mean I won’t be here for you. Stay strong, you and Lana will get through this. I know it,” I reassure him, the smile on his face never reaching his eyes. And if it weren’t my wedding day, I would take his ass to the bar and help him drink away all this shit, for just a moment of clarity.

“Thanks, fucker. You’re right.” And he’s back. Slapping his back, we walk to the altar.

“Stop shaking, my handsome boy.” Looking across the way from me, I look at Kathy. Grinning at her, I chuckle.

“It’s excitement, don’t worry, Mama.”

“Your dad’s here, I can feel him.” She gets misty-eyed instantly.

“Mom, don’t cry, I know he’s here. He wouldn’t go anywhere else but where you are.” Moving into me, she hugs me hard around the waist, my face buried in her hair at the top of her head. I kiss it and squeeze her for assurance.

“I know you do.” Pulling back she rubs my cheek, I lean into it.

“You know, I made a vow to your father to always love you and put you first. Did you know that was one of the promises he made me make before we got married? He told me he wouldn’t marry me unless I loved you unconditionally and made you a priority first. Little did he know, I already did. When I met you for the first time, I melted. You were such a sweet, caring young man. Even at fourteen, you stole my heart like that of a newborn baby.”

“Really?” This fucking hits home, deep in my chest, I feel the ache that once throbbed constantly, dissipate.

“Yep, he did, and I told him I would. You’re my son—no DNA test, no crazy ex moms, no one can change that. You’re my boy, and I’m glad I still have you here with me. My heart doesn’t hurt when I think of your dad, because his spot is open with more room for you to fill.”

“You don’t have to hide how you feel, you know?” I place my hands over hers on my face.

“I don’t have time to be sad, I have to be a mom and a grandma to two babies, boy, I’m getting old.” We both laugh. She’ll be a great grandma.

“No, you’re far too young to be one. If you ask me, Mama, you’re as beautiful as the day I met you.”

“I love you, give me a hug and stop flattering me, save all the compliments for the beautiful bride over there.” She pulls back from our embrace, and I look toward the tilt of her head and see the most breathtaking fucking sight. Stepping back, or more like stumbling back into place, I unashamedly gawk. My heart tingles, burning inside me; my hands shake as I try to wipe my tears away as manly as possible.

“Holy fucking shit, she’s a fucking angel.” I take note of Kingston’s hand on my shoulder, comforting me.

“Told you, man.”

She looks perfect, not just beautiful. The sunset hits her eyes briefly and her green irises hit a bullet straight into my heart. Those eyes will look into mine for the rest of my life, stirring my primal need for her. I wield it to calm the hell down, but she’s turning me the fuck on with her beauty.

Her dad looks at me and winks, and I nod at him, gaining composure finally. The breeze blows her hair, making her look like a siren. Mine. Mine. Mine.