Page 35

Aria

I thought the wedding would be a piece of cake after that crazy dance ended, but I was so wrong. As soon as the crew cleared off the stage and started setting up the chairs, my nerves kicked in. I’m sure the deafening screams from the crowd didn’t help, since they had no clue what was about to unfold. Most likely they’ll figure it out as soon as our family and friends walk on the stage and take their seats.

“You all set, babe?” Macy bumps her shoulder into mine and I can’t help smiling. I’m wearing the same dress I wore for the dance and Jax still has the same outfit on, too. A pair of jeans and a white T-shirt and I’m in my gauzy beige and white striped dress. Both of us wearing sneakers. It’s perfect for an unconventional wedding, don’t you think?

“I’m more than ready to spend the rest of my life with the man I love. I wouldn’t want to be on this crazy journey called life with anyone other than Jax.”

“I know, and I’m so happy for the both of you. Sure took you long enough to get here but you did and that’s what’s most important.” We both get a little teary eyed when she pulls me in for a hug.

“You trying to talk my girl out of marrying me, Macy?” Even after all this time, just the sound of his voice sends shivers down my spine.

“Caught me red-handed, Jax. I even bribed her with chip and dip, but she turned me down.” These two know me so well—they can keep things so lighthearted, even if I’m about to jump out of my skin.

When he wraps his arms around me, leaning his chin on my shoulder, he whispers, “You must really love me, Aria, if you turned down your favorite snack.” He is by far my favorite, but now is not the time or place to divulge such secrets.

“My love for you is infinite, Jax.” I sigh when he turns me around and claims my mouth. Soft, sensual, and slow.

“There’ll be plenty of time for that later, you two,” Zander quips. “It’s time for your guests to be seated.” Jax blows me a kiss before they walk backstage. Waiting for their cue to get in position.

Pinch me because I can’t believe this is really happening.

I get all choked up when Ace and Micah usher our mothers to their seats. The moment Zander and Jax stand on the other side of Macy, the rowdy crowd goes wild. I think they might have guessed what’s about to happen.

Now they’re chanting Aria and Jax over and over again while stomping their feet. Maybe getting married with over twenty thousand adoring fans might not have been the smartest idea I’ve ever had. Too late now.

It’s not lost on me that although Jax can’t see me, he knows exactly where I’m standing. He hasn’t stopped staring in my direction since he took his mark next to Zander. My heartbeat kicks up a notch as soon as the minister joins them.

I jump a mile when my dad asks, “Are you ready, baby girl?” My dad was the first man I’d ever fully given my heart to. I’m over the moon that I’ve found my prince, but my dad will always be my king. Don’t tell Jax. He’ll find out for himself if and when we have a baby girl of our own. And if it’s a boy, then Jax will be his hero, hands down.

“I’m ready, Daddy.” Threading my arm through his, we walk onto the stage to the roar of the crowd. I barely hear a sound since I’m focused on the man I love waiting for me. I thought I had prepared myself for all of this with all the planning I’ve done, but nothing could have prepared me for this moment. My wedding day. Or perhaps I should say, unconventional wedding day.

As soon as we’re standing in front of our family and friends, my daddy gives me a great big hug and a kiss on the cheek before placing my hand in Jax’s. Remember we opted out of a traditional wedding, so no one is giving anyone away. Period.

When Jax squeezes my hand, all nervousness evaporates because I’m right where I was meant to be all along.

As if enthralled in what’s to take place, a hush fills the stadium. They’re all waiting with bated breath to hear our vows and I’ve no doubt we’ll go viral by morning. If not sooner.

The minister begins.

“Today is a celebration of love, commitment, and family, and of Aria and Jaxon sharing their forever with all of you. Whether it’s a traditional wedding or an unconventional one, it brings people together and the reason why you’re all gathered here today. Despite everyone’s likes and dislikes, love is a universal language. It’s something we all share. So without further ado, Aria and Jaxon, are you ready to exchange your vows?”

My hands are shaking in his as we both say, “We are.”

We both decided I would go first since whoever thought a man should take the lead must have been sexist. So here goes nothing.

“From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one I wanted to spend my life with. Your kindness, your laughter, and your unwavering support have made me a better person. Today, I promise to love you more than you’ll ever know, to stand beside you through every joy and challenge, and to treasure every moment we share. I vow to be your partner, your confidant, and your best friend, now and forever.” Macy hands me his ring and I happily slip it on his finger. I was grateful that I didn’t botch my lines.

“Standing here with you today, I am filled with gratitude and love. You have shown me what true love means, and I am endlessly thankful for your unwavering belief in us. I promise to end each day with a kiss, to hold your hand through every storm, and to celebrate every victory with you. I vow to love you deeply, to always respect you and to walk this journey of life with you, hand in hand forever.” Zander hands him my ring and when he slips it on my finger, I want to squeal like I did the very first day I met him.

I barely hear the minister pronounce us husband and wife in the state of New York because of the rowdy crowd. The thunderous screams and applause that fills this stadium must echo for miles as Jax’s mouth slants over mine. All of the noise suddenly disappears as the only ones who exist are Jax and me. No longer fiancés but husband and wife.

We are eternal rhythms, our hearts in sync…

THE END

I hope you enjoyed The Wedding between Aria and Jaxon. These two were so much fun to write and although they had their ups and downs along the way, they now have their Happily-Ever-After!