Chapter 13

The chapel was small, intimate, and perfect. Music played softly through the speakers. There were 2 rows of pews, where Maverick had just slid in, and a small, well-polished platform upfront where the officiant stood, a tiny lady by the name of Mae, dressed simply in a cream-colored dress, standing in front of a small stand with a bottle of water next to her notes. She had gone over everything before we started after we paid our registration fee and even surprisingly took time to ask us a few questions. Despite the Vegas hype, this felt normal. It was exactly what I would have wanted: nothing flashy, nothing crazy, no theme, just me and Matt. 

I wish my mom could have been here for this, but for once I don't feel the gut-wrenching pain thinking about something she is missing in my life. It felt right being here; Mom's earlier words echoed through my head as we stood hand in hand: "Fate has a way of making things right." I felt it now, looking into Matt’s green eyes. This was fate; I belonged here with him right now. I don't know where this would all lead, but it has brought me to my family, like a circle finally closing. I am not alone anymore. This trip had also officially turned my best friend into family, and right now she was here for me, again. I ducked into the small side room off to the left to get changed while Mae got everything set.

I took one look in the mirror; my hair is the same shade of black as Mom's was before she lost it. With my makeup all done, I looked so much like a younger version of her. The same eye shape, high cheekbones, face shape, sharp jaw, full red bow-shaped lips that never needed lip gloss or color in their lives, and nose. Mom was beautiful. My eyes, a glacial blue, and the stubborn dimple and just a hint darker skin tone than what Mom had. Mom always told me we're all part of my father's traits. I wonder sometimes how much of my physical appearance was attributed to his genetics. I wonder if I would recognize him the minute I saw him or if he would know me and know I was his daughter just by looking at me. My nerves were making my mind wander, and I had a wedding to get to.

Nikki stood beside me in a cute sundress she had picked out yesterday on our shopping trip; the pale blue made her skin glow, her blond hair in an elaborate braid, teary and smiling like crazy at Nate directly across from her. She had helped get ready earlier, weaving baby's breath into places in my hair, and had somehow pulled out a gorgeous white dress for me as her something borrowed. I wore my mother's diamond stud earrings so I would have a piece of her with me and tucked her letter in the top of my dress for my something old. My something blue came from Nate as he gave me a small bracelet with a blue dandelion charm, and the same for Nikki. I don't know if he knew the significance, but it made my eyes water, and he hugged me. And my something new, Matt had picked out a delicate gold chain with a heart-shaped locket; he had gotten it engraved somewhere along the line with our initials and today's date on the back of it. 

Nate stood beside Matt, dressed in a plain white button-up and pair of khakis, staring at his wife, a dopey smile on his face, reaching over and handing her a tissue. Even now I could almost physically feel how they felt for each other; it may have been a bit of a drunken mistake, but even sober, I think the outcome may have still been the same. 

Matt held my hands tighter; I don't know if it was my hands that shook slightly or his. Our palms were sweaty and we were both nervous. “Kenna, from the moment I saw you my heart skipped a beat. You saw me for who I am. Saved me from something that I cannot thank you enough for and made me yours. I look at you and I see forever; I see a future that I want, and I will do anything to make sure that happens. Thank you for giving me this chance. There will be times you may want to bury me in the backyard or times you may want me to sleep on the couch, but I promise today I will fight to get to hold you every night and lay my head beside yours. One night beside you, and I don't think I could ever be apart from you again." 

Now my eyes misted over. “Matt, you brought light and care in a time I have felt lost and alone. In 24 hours you have shown me that a future is something to fight for when you want it bad enough. I want this; I want the love you told me about between your grandparents. I want to love with all my heart and smile every day and know that where I go, I will always have you beside me. I am still figuring out what the rest of my family feels like, but I'm not scared of it, and I know you will be there. You make me feel safe and loved, and I want that same future you see." 

Mae let us finish our promises before prompting the formal words. During this time my best friend and her husband held hands, staring deep into each other's eyes. I even saw Nate whispering the official part, staring at Nikki, and Nikki doing the same. When time came and rings were exchanged, this bride got her kiss. 

Sweet, gentle, and promising. Matt’s hand cupped the back of my head as he lowered his lips to mine, sealing the commitment and promise we made. He stared deep into my eyes, grinning from ear to ear, and I mirrored the exact same smile. A camera went off in front of us, forever capturing the moment. We signed the licenses and got our copies, walking out, hand in hand, our fingers intertwined. 

Matt pulled out his phone. “It's done, Gramps. You can bring everyone in.” A pause. Then his grandfather's voice, rough with emotion, said, "About time, boy. About time.” I knew he had told his grandfather earlier that we were getting married. I didn't know who all were coming, and Matt asked me just to trust him, telling me good people were on the way and I would have an army before the day ended. 

Nate stood a little distance away from us on the call with his mom and dad; they were also coming. Nate hadn't said anything about me to them yet, only that they had better get over there to meet their new daughter-in-law. Which had the effect he wanted. Two first-class tickets were booked, and there were 4 hours until they landed. He did tell them he had a lot more to tell them, but he should have led with that; anything after the daughter-in-law part was lost in the chaos. Surprisingly, they sounded excited. 

Nikki had called her parents earlier; she had not mentioned the married part, only that I needed backup and that my mom's demon sibling and niece were here about to be joined by the devil's spawn. That seemed to be enough, and they were already in the air. My mom had apparently told Ray and Patricia everything before she passed and asked them to protect me. 

Maverick had arrived just before we had said our vows. He stood outside now leaning against the car, waiting with a grin. “Took you long enough. Justin is about to do the same thing. We are going to need a family group chat after today.” He came and gave me a hug and then did the same with Nikki. Nate took Nikki in his arms, looking directly at his brother and saying, "You just hit the nail on the head, bro, and you don't even know it all yet."