Groaning and yawning with the last bit of sleep fading, the Vegas returnees climbed out of the trucks upon arrival back at Justin and Kiki’s house.
Stretching in the middle of the driveway, Kiki felt rejuvenated after her road nap. “Ey!” She yelped and jerked her arms down when Justin poked her exposed stomach as he passed her. He chuckled as she shoved him ahead of her towards the front steps.
“So you ready chica? It’s all downhill from here.” Tami teased slinging an arm over her shoulders.
Kiki rolled her eyes as they followed Justin and the others into the house. “To get married? Yes. To deal with all our family, all my future in laws, and whatever else madness I know is awaiting me today and tomorrow? Hell no.” She laughed.
The house was surprisingly quiet when they walked in; no screaming kids running around, TVs blaring, or voluminous talking. But then again, considering the size of the house, the madness could be hiding in a number of places. Entering the kitchen, they started seeing signs of life pointing them out to the patio. There they found the screaming kids “ Cheyenne and Robbie playing with Jonathan and Stephen in the pool “ and all the parents and grandparents sitting at the outdoor kitchen around the long patio table.
“Ha, ha! Look at them.” Wilson’s booming voice resonated through the backyard. “They look like they each got ran over by a bottle of Jack.” The group of matriarchs and patriarchs perused their younger, hungover counterparts and busted out laughing.
“Not funny Granddad.” Kiki pouted as she walked into his open arms.
“How’s my little girl feeling?”
“Better now.” She cracked and moved on to hug her grandmother. “Hi Gram.”
On the other side of the table, Justin was making the rounds welcoming his father, Lisa, and his grandparents. They switched and when Kiki reached Sadie, she was near tears.
“Oh my gosh Sadie. The wedding is tomorrow. Save ‘em up for then.” She joked, hugging her.
“I know.” Sadie pulled away from her. “But do you know how long I’ve been waiting for that knuckle-headed boy to get his butt together and marry you?”
“You sound just like your daughter.”
“Well good then, you should know how serious we are…..And if you two even think about divorcing, I’ll beat you both.” She poked Justin, gaining his attention.
Kiki nodded in amused compliance and Justin said. “Yes ma’am.”
The rest of the new arrivals had already passed out greetings, hugs, pulled up chairs and Rhea had quickly reclaimed her baby from his grandmother. Justin and Kiki were the last to sit and had just settled down when the screaming kids noticed their returned. Robbie waved at his parents before doing a back flip off the edge of the pool.
“Robbie stop doing that!” Alana yelled. “You’re going to give me a heart attack! I could kill your nephew for teaching him that.” She huffed at her husband.
“Mommy, Daddy! Look what Uncle Jon and Uncle Steve taught me.” Cheyenne yelled, having climbed out with Robbie and taking her place on the edge.
Justin and Kiki were almost out of their seats, thinking she was going to attempt the same acrobatics. Thankfully she had other plans.
“Cannonball!” She shouted and jumped into the water.
Considering her small stature, she hardly made a splash and Joey had to say. “That was more like a bullet.”
Everyone laughed, some playfully admonished him for teasing, but Kiki found none of it funny.
“I think I just had a heart attack.” She finally relaxed back in her seat when she saw Cheyenne surface and continue to swim around.
“Get used to it. Robbie’s been getting very daring lately.” Alana warned.
“When does their soccer league start so they can burn off some of this excess crazy?”
“October. Thank God.” Alana lamented.
“Did you see me?” Cheyenne exclaimed when she was out of the water again and totally oblivious to the fact that she was soaked, she jumped into her father’s lap.
He masked a groan as he felt his cargo shorts soak down to his leg. “Yeah baby we saw you.” Lorraine passed him her beach towel and he started drying her off.
Robbie had gotten out as well and was getting the same treatment from his father. “You guys ready to pack it in?” Alana asked the little ones.
“No.” They replied simultaneously.
“Well too bad. We have stuff to do to get ready for tomorrow.” Kiki reminded her junior bridesmaid and junior groomsman. They pouted, but had no choice but to comply especially when their pool babysitters got out as well. Being ushers for the wedding, Jonathan and Stephen were a part of today’s preparations too.
“So what’s the plan for today?” Maya asked, stepping into her MOH shoes.
Kiki pulled out her Blackberry and went down the list. “We have to check in at the hotel in about an hour. Lauren is going to have the dresses and tuxes there around that time so we can try them on one last time to make sure everything fits.” Speaking to her bridesmaids, she informed them. “We have an appointment at the spa at three. You guys are doing…..” She motioned for Justin to fill in.
“We have a tee time at Sherwood at three.” The guys let out various cheers of approval and Kiki continued.
“Ok then after that, dinner with the entire family back here at six.” She topped off.
“You know it’s been a long time since all of our family’s been together. Add in your in-laws Kik and it’s gonna be like an international festival up in here. I’m talkin’ Achy Breaky Heart, Macarena and the Electric Slide all in one.” Derek cracked, stirring up another round of raucous laughter through the yard.
On a time table from now until tomorrow, the bridal party didn’t stay at the house for too much longer. They piled into the SUVs again and headed to the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Kiki had called Lauren before they left for the hotel and soon after they dropped off their luggage in their rooms, everyone was in Kiki and Justin’s suites respectively for a quick final fitting. They all looked perfect and once Lauren assured Kiki that preparations for the ceremony and reception were going smoothly, it was time for some rest and recreation.
Arriving at the Key West, the ladies were taken to a private suite where they changed into warm fluffy robes and flips flops; and were served mimosas and finger foods. The treatment started off a little rough, with waxing, but it was quickly followed by a soothing full body massage. Next were facials, manicures and pedicures. By the end of the entire treatment, everyone was relaxed and ready to face the chaos that awaited them.
Meanwhile, the guys, accompanied by Paul, Randy, Bill, Wilson and Frederick, were having a good ol’ time knocking back a round of beers at the bar and then shooting the shit through their round of golf. Like the bride, the groom was having relaxing afternoon, but Justin had to deal with some last minute, good natured threats of bodily harm from his soon to be father and grandfather in law. He simply laughed along with the others and replied.
“Gentlemen while I never plan on leaving my wife or mistreating her in anyway, if hell were to freeze over and I did, it’s not any of you that I’d be running from screaming like a bitch. That would be my wife.” He stood from setting up his tee and look at Frederick and Wilson. “She’d killed me and then go crying to you about what I did.”
Wilson chuckled deeply. He clapped his son on the back and said. “Good to see our little girl’s finally found the right one who can really appreciate what a pistol he’s got on his hands.” His granddaughter was a force to be reckoned with and a man had to have a strong set to hang with her. “She’ll keep you on your toes Justin and that’s a good thing. Means you two got stickin’ power.”
All the old married men muttered words of agreement and knowing they all saw a forever for him and Kiki, made Justin’s already solid faith in his soon to be marriage even stronger.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
By sunset, the girls had returned to the house to find a mini family reunion going on. The Timberlakes, Lewises, Bomars, and even some of the Jiminezs “ Nina’s cousins in Mexico “ were all in attendance. The minute Kiki was spotted coming into the backyard from the driveway, she was engulfed by various members of hers and Justin’s family with hugs, kisses and well wishes. Once they all got their fill of her and she was freed from the melee, the bridesmaids were next. Kiki used the opportunity to escape as did Cheyenne who had been hiding behind Maya, overwhelmed by seeing her mother being bombarded. Lynn’s niece Carrie raced over to reunite with her cousin and the two ran off to where Robbie and the other few kids were playing.
Sometime later, the guys showed up, and like Kiki, Justin was greeted the same. The rest of the guys were next in line “ Trace was especially happy to see his parents since the last time he saw them was three months ago. Not to mention, he had plans to introduce them to Bianca for the first time. Stepping away from the masses, Justin made his way over to Kiki who sat at the outdoor kitchen within the congregation of the women in their families.
“Hey.” He said approaching her at her stool by the bar.
“Hey yourself.” She replied and kissed him. “How’d it go?”
“Good. I got my handicap down again.”
She blinked vapidly. “I’m guessing that’s good?” He nodded and laughed. “Feeling ready for the tournament?”
Since the end of the tour, in tandem with planning the wedding, Justin had been working on incorporating a PGA event in Las Vegas with his charity work with the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. It had all come to fruition and his first event would be in two months. It was to include the PGA golf match, a celebrity pro-am and a live show with him and some of his peers performing. It was a cause that was near and dear to his heart, and he was proud to be able to put this all together and give to the community. Plus he got to play golf while doing it!
He shrugged. “Yeah. I got plenty of time to get even better. And….” He drawled, wrapping his arms around her, and grinned. “I got time to get your ass out there.”
“I am not playing. I’m only going to support you and the cause, and to wear my cute golf outfit.” She replied haughtily. “Cheyenne can be your partner.” He grumbled at her suggestion. “What? She sinks the ball every time.”
“Yeah cause she cheats!” He exclaimed and she giggled.
“Ah um.” Nina cleared her throat behind them. “Love birds. There are people here who would like to actually meet the groom before the wedding.”
Coming out of their bubble, the couple separated sheepishly and Kiki apologized. “Sorry.” Hopping off the stool, she pulled Justin over to the table where the adults had gathered. “Family this is Justin, Justin this is…” And she proceeded to go around the table introducing him to her mother and father’s sides of the family.
A catering company soon arrived to deliver and set up a small buffet dinner. Everyone shattered around the patio and in the house to eat, chat and watch TV. Around nine o’clock the maid of honor, appointed schedule keeper, announced that it was time for the bridal party to head back to the hotel so they could get plenty of rest for tomorrow.
“No drinking tonight.” Frederick’s sister, Cynthia warned. “You do not want to be hungover at your wedding. Trust me.” She and her husband chuckled together at the memory.
“And no sleeping together. It’s bad luck to see each other before the wedding. Maya, Trace you two are responsible for that.” Sadie ordered, standing among some of the family in the driveway watching them depart.
“Gee thanks Granny.” Trace said sarcastically as Maya rolled her eyes heavenward. All of a sudden being Best Man and Maid of Honor wasn’t so much fun.
“Bye. Love you guys.” Kiki said laughing at Sadie, Trace and Maya. Justin waved bye as he and Kiki disappeared inside the truck before the fleet took off back to the hotel.
Stepping off the elevator onto their floor, Trace and Maya went right to work heeding Sadie’s warning and grabbed the bride and the groom, steering them in opposite directions towards the east and west wings.
“Say bye hubby and wifey cause ya’ll ain’t gonna see each other till it’s official. Don’t even think about sneaking off either.” Trace warned.
“Bye baby.” Kiki said feigning sadness as they stood feet apart from each other in the middle of the floor, their guard dogs close at the ready.
“See you in an hour.” Justin teased and she giggled.
Maya grabbed her hand and yanked her down the hall making them laugh even harder. Kiki blew Justin a kiss and the rest of the girls trailed her and her sister to their rooms. Justin and the guys followed suit to theirs. Each group changed into their night clothes and met back up in Justin’s or Kiki’s suite.
The girls talked and watched a series of wedding movies through the night, like The Wedding Planner and…..
“Tami picked this one.” Alex commented as soon as Big Fat Greek Wedding started.
“So what? My baby is so cute in this movie.” She gushed. “I’m going to have to sneak back down the hall when this is over.”
“You guys really suck.” Kiki blurted out. “All of you have gone over there, Cheyenne and Robbie have been in Justin’s suite for hours playing video games and I’m stuck here.” She complained.
“Oh shut up. After tomorrow you two will be attached to the hip forever.” Rachel joked.
“I’m going to call Justin so he can come rescue me.” Kiki said, moving to grab her cell, but Marissa beat her to it.
“Good luck. Maya already told him that her knee would be the ultimate cockblocker to his nuts if he even tried to get anywhere near you.” Her sister was down in Justin’s suite playing poker so she was definitely in reaching distance to make good on that threat. “Sucks to be you guys.” Tami taunted her and she hit her in the face with a pillow.
Eventually Maya came back with a sleepy Cheyenne and Robbie and she and Kiki put them to bed in Kiki’s room. The adults stayed up a little bit longer before following in their footsteps and returned to their rooms to crash.
As Kiki was settling under the covers next to snoozing Cheyenne and Robbie, she heard her phone vibrating. Opening the text message from Justin, she read.
Goodnight Mrs. Timberlake. Love you.
Smiling broadly, she sent a reply message before snuggling down under the covers. Happy thoughts of tomorrow lulling her into a peaceful sleep.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Later the next morning, after a nice relaxing bath, Kiki was greeted by a big breakfast in the sitting room, curtsey of the hotel. She and Maya took the opportunity to enjoy it along with a private bride to maid of honor/sister to sister moment.
“Are you nervous?” Maya inquired.
Thinking about it briefly, Kiki concluded confidently. “No. I’m not. Next to having Cheyenne “ I’ve never felt so happy and.....perfect about a moment in my life.” There wasn’t an ounce of fear or apprehension inside of her over marrying Justin. If anything she couldn’t wait to become his wife. “Even after everything, it’s like me and him were supposed to end up here.”
Maya smiled. “I know it hasn’t always seemed like I supported you two, but I’ve always known you belonged together. I think that’s why I got so mad at you. You two were screwing up a good thing.” She knew a long time ago her sister couldn’t truly be happy with anyone other than Justin so she didn’t want them to do something stupid that might jeopardize a second chance at a future together. “I’m glad you guys finally got it together and I’m so happy for you hermanita.” She reached over and the two shared a loving hug.
Their moment came to end when the kids woke up, but even as Kiki and Maya bathed them and they were tucked into their breakfast, the mood was still serene and mellow……It was the calm before the storm……Almost two hours after waking, Lauren, part of her team and Nina descended on the bride’s suite, the wrangled bridesmaids in tow.
As instructed everyone had already showered and ate so they went straight into chairs for the stylists to start in on hair and make-up. Once they all had been beautified, it was time to head to the villa. It was an hour and a half limo ride to Temecula and as soon as the limo pulled into Villa de Amore, you could already see glimpses that this was going to be a beautiful wedding.
“Oh my gosh.” Kiki gasped at the pink roses and white calla lilies that decorated an archway that lead to the garden where the ceremony would occur.
“Oh no you don’t.” Maya tsked and turned her away from the window. “You can’t see it yet.”
“I know, but it already looks so beautiful.” She was almost in tears at this point. Not only was she seeing bits and pieces of her dream wedding unfolding, but the fact that this day was really here was starting the get her emotional.
Being escorted to the bride’s room, they were able to relax a little until they needed to get dressed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Wake up dude. Time to get ready and officially hand your balls over to Kik.” Trace joked, opening the curtains to let the sun into Justin’s room.
Wincing, he covered his face with his pillow. “Too late.” He volleyed back and eventually climbed out of the bed. “Room service?” He asked headed towards the bathroom.
“Out front.” Trace answered, walking back into the sitting room.
Finished showering, Justin got dressed and left the bedroom to see all his groomsmen and ushers eating.
“Here comes the bride. All dressed in white.” Derek sang and the guys whistled and applauded when he walked in.
Laughing, he joined in on the feast and right as they were finishing up, Lauren’s partner, Simon, part of their team and his mother marched into the room.
“Hi boys.” Lynn greeted them and approaching her son, she leaned down to kiss the top of his head. “You ready baby?”
He smiled happily. “As I’ll ever be.”
“I’m so happy for you and Kiki. And I am very proud to have raised a son who I know is going to be a wonderful husband.”
“Thank you Mom.” Knowing how much Lynn care for her, he ensured his mother for Kiki’s sake as well as his. “I promise I’ll always take good care of her.”
“I know you will.” She nodded and they hugged.
The guys were quickly settled into seats around the room and the stylists went to work on their trims and edge ups. When they were done, everyone piled into the limo downstairs to head to the villa. Arriving minutes after the girls and at the opposite entrance, they were taken to the groom’s room where they all found a spot to veg out for the time being.
“Alright guys.” Lauren said bursting in and examined each of them. “Great. You all still look in good shape so you have about a half hour to relax before you need to start getting ready. Please try and keep yourselves in one piece till then. Simon will be back to help you out.” She hooked her arm around her partner’s and led him out the room so they could recheck the garden on last time.
An hour to go until the ceremony began, the ushers were dressed and rushed out by Lauren to assist the guests that had started to arrive. Nick, Trent, Jonathan and Steven stood together at the entrance to the garden waiting for the next wave of guests to walk in needing to be directed to their seats. Seeing a few celebrities scattered around like Brian McKnight, Pharrell, and Timbaland, it was no wonder Kiki and Justin had told their families not to bug out too much.
“What are ya’ll doing here? Shouldn’t you be getting dressed by now?” Nick asked, looking at his watch, when he saw Trace and Derek creeping around the perimeter of the garden in their direction.
“Just doing some recon work.” Derek patted his back in passing and he and Trace started snickering as they continued on their way back to the groom’s room.
They rushed into the room to find that they were late and the guys had started dressing. Being corralled over to the racks where their tuxes were waiting, Trace announced dramatically.
“Ok J you’re straight. Your best man’s got your back. No ex sighting anywhere.” When a hot glare was thrown at him, the corner of his mouth turned up slyly.
“They can still show up though.” JC pointed out. “Which would be worse “ Cameron or Shai?” He mockingly questioned while tucking his shirt into his pants.
Unamused, especially about the latter ex, Justin growled at his laughing friends. “Fuck ya’ll.” He turned back to the mirror and continued to tie his tie before slipping on his vest.
“Alright gentlemen how are we coming along?” Simon asked as he bustled into the room with Randy and Lynn following him in.
“Mama Lynn! We’re naked up in here.” Joey feigned as if his virtues were being compromised.
She rolled her eyes. “No you’re not and even if you were its nothing I haven’t seen before.” She playfully took a swipe at him. “Besides you need a mother’s touch to make sure you’re presentable before going out there.” And she proceeded to go around to each of them, making sure ties, lapels and boutonnieres were all in order.
When each of them were set, she and Simon stood back to look at the line of handsome men dressed to the nine in black on black three piece Armani suits with a pink tie and a pink rose/pink to white calla lily boutonniere combination.
“Hot damn.” Simon exclaimed, making everyone laugh.
“Oh.” Lynn squealed happily when she saw her son.
“Mom stop.”
“Leave me alone ok. My baby is getting married. I have a right to be extra happy.” She reached up to kiss his cheek. “Not that you need it, but good luck honey. I gotta go take a peek at your beautiful bride now.” She patted his shoulders and waved bye to the other as she left the room.
“Ok gentlemen I will be back for you.” Simon said in regards to the groomsmen. “Mr. Timberlake, I’d say it’s time for you to get in position to greet your bride.”
Taking a deep breath, Justin nodded. “Alright. Let’s go.”
All the guys patted him on the back and wished him luck as he walked out the room with Simon and his father.
“How ya feeling?” Randy asked.
“I’m good. A little nervous, but good.”
“Yeah that’s normal.” As they approach the entrance to the garden, Randy stopped Justin. “Listen, I want to let you know how proud of you I am. You’re already a great father and I think you’re going to be an even better husband.”
“Thanks Dad.”
Randy placed his hand on his son’s shoulder and advised him. “Make sure you love her everyday with all your heart and above all, always show her the utmost respect.”
“I will.” Justin answered and they shared a warm hug.
“Good luck son.” Randy said and they parted ways; he headed towards his seat next to Lisa and Justin went to stand next to the minister at the altar.
As he waited, he tried not to let his nerves get the best of them and distracted himself by chatting with the minister and scanning the rows of guests, waving back or head nodding at some of them like Johnny and Erika, Esmee, and various members of his entire band that was in attendance. He couldn’t wait until he had only one thing to focus on - his beautiful soon to be wife.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Meanwhile, Nina had excused herself from the garden where she had been mingling with the guests to see and take pictures of the bride in all her glory. On her way to the bride’s room, she ran into Lynn who was headed in the same direction. They were let into the room to see that Cheyenne and all of the bridesmaids were dressed and posing for pictures for Bianca and Eva.
“Oh my gosh you all look so beautiful. Look at you nieta.” Nina cooed as Cheyenne skipped over to her.
“That dress looks gorgeous on every single one of you.” Lynn complimented in regards to the black strapless, knee length Chanel bridesmaid dresses adorned with a pink sash around the waist.
“Yeah you guys don’t have to kill Kiki for making you wear butt ugly dresses.” Bianca joked.
“Okay she’s ready.” Maya announced as she led Kiki out of the spacious powder room.
Everyone moved into position so they could all get the perfect view of the bride. And when she walked out to the center of room, a hush came over everyone; one full of wonder and sudden joyful tears.
“Wow Mommy. You look really pretty.” Cheyenne said breaking the silence.
Kiki was draped in stunning floor length, white A-line, strapless Chanel flare gown with an asymmetrical skirt cinched mid thigh by a white gold and pearl beaded broach. Her hair was straightened and styled into a classy updo with her bangle swept across the side of her face. Her dress was accessorized with just a simply white and pink pearl bracelet and a pair of pearl studded earrings.
“Thank you baby. I think you look prettier.” She reached out for her daughter’s hand and twirled her around, kicking up the skirt of her dress and making her giggle.
Cheyenne looked beyond adorable in her white bell shaped sleeveless dress with a chain of pink roses stitched into the skirt and a pink waist sash topped with a white rose, and a pair of pink patent leather Mary Jane shoes. Kiki squealed and clapped happily when she first saw her baby and she was almost more anxious to see her walk down the aisle than herself.
Lauren was the last to file out of the powder room behind Kiki, adjusting her skirt and making sure her bird’s nest veil was perfect before she was set free. “Alright are we ready?” Kiki scanned the group surrounding her.
Last minute mirror checks and bouquets in hand, and everyone was rearing to go. They walked out the room and headed to an alcove by the entryway to the garden where the procession would begin. Frederick was waiting there and when he saw his daughter, he was mesmerized.
“Wow.” He muttered. Beaming, Kiki walked over to receive a big hug from her father. “You look absolutely beautiful baby.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m so proud and happy for you.”
“Thank you Dad.”
“All you ladies look amazing.” He told them.
“You all look hawt.” Alex co-signed colorfully as he and the other groomsmen arrived. “I might consider playing for the other team for ya’ll.” Walking up to Rhea, he sensually pulled her into his arms with a growl. She giggled and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Hey, hey, hey!” Derek cried. “Don’t make me hurt you at our sister’s wedding man.” He glowered at him, to which Alex just winked and kissed Rhea on the forehead.
“You two are so cute.” Eva gushed, after taking their picture and squeezed Cheyenne and Robbie’s little cheeks. “Ok everyone huddle up so we can get a picture.”
She, Bianca, Lynn and Nina snapped away for a few moments before they headed back to their seats. Lynn and Nina were the last to leave, each with a parting sentiment for the bride.
“I’m so happy that you’re marrying my son, but you know in my heart you’ve been my daughter for a long time.” Lynn said, tears cracking her voice. “I love you sweetheart.”
Kiki hugged her tight. “I love you too Mama Lynn.”
Lynn stepped back and Nina moved to stand in front of her daughter.
“Te amo hijita. So very, very much.” Nina held the sides of her face and kissed her cheeks lovingly. “You may be becoming a wife today, but you will always be my baby.”
Kiki tried and failed to blink her tears back and Nina used her handkerchief to bloat them away. “I love you too Mamí.”
Nina smiled, and after kissing her husband’s cheek and accepting a hug from him, she locked arms with Lynn and they returned to their seats.
At 3 p.m. on the dot, all the guests were seated, Lauren signaled for the string quartet to start playing and Rhea and Alex took their cue to start the procession. Every other bridesmaid had either an all white calla lily bouquet or all pink rose bouquet while Cheyenne carried a miniature version of Kiki’s. Once the maid of honor and best man were half way to the altar, Frederick steered Kiki into position.
“You ready for this?” He asked.
Linking her arm with her father’s, Kiki took a deep breath and smiled. “Yup.”
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
As the quartet play a soft melodic piece, the bridal party continued down the aisle of white and pink flower petals. Following Rhea and Alex were Rachel and Derek, Marissa and Joey, and Tami and JC. Finally the maid of honor and best man, accompanied by the junior bridesmaid and junior groomsman, made it to the altar where Justin and the minister were waiting.
Before going to the bride’s side, Cheyenne broke protocol and skipped over to her father. Justin ducked down to her level when she beckoned him with a crooked finger.
Cupping her hand around his ear, she stage whispered, “I got your ring in here,” and pointed to the little pouch attached to her flowers.
“I know. Keep it safe ok?” She nodded and he kissed her nose.
“Good luck Daddy.” She returned the kiss and bounced over to stand in front of Maya.
When Frederick and Kiki reached the edge of the aisle the guests stood. As they took the first step, Wilson stood by the altar with the quartet, and sang an abridged version of Every Time I Close My Eyes.
A big grin split on Kiki’s face when she saw yet another part of her dream wedding unfolding, her Granddad singing her down the aisle. The moment only became more perfect when she looked down the end of the path of petals to see Justin waiting there for her. From that point on she couldn’t take her eyes off him and he couldn’t take his off of her. It was like the entire world fell away and all that was left, was the two of them.
Justin had to catch his breath when Kiki started walking towards him. She looked so incredibly beautiful and he couldn’t believe this amazing woman was finally going to be his wife. He felt his eyes mist up as he thought about everything they’d survived to be here today and how their life together was only going to get better from this moment on.
When Kiki and Frederick reached the altar, the music ended and Justin stepped up to accept Kiki’s hand. Frederick hugged his daughter, whispering his love for her and before giving her away, he and Justin embraced.
“Take care of my baby girl.”
“Always.” Justin promised.
Once his and Kiki’s hands were joined, Frederick left them to stand next to his weeping wife, pulling her tight into his side. Taking their place together in front of the minister, Kiki mouth “hi” to Justin and he returned the silent greeting. Their eyes were glued to each other, shining with utter love and happiness.
“Please be seated.” The minister instructed the compliant guests. “We are gathered here today to witness the joining of Kiki and Justin in holy matrimony. These are two people who have overcome many obstacles to be here today expressing their never-ending love and vowing before God to commit to one another for the rest of their lives.” The couple beamed brightly at each other at the minister’s words. “Kiki and Justin have elected to write their own vows. Kiki.” He nodded signaling for her to begin.
Rearranging their hands so their fingers were laced together, she breathed deeply to settle her emotions before speaking. “I know some people may think what I’m about to say is a bit inappropriate, but I don’t care.” She shrugged dismissively. “This is about us and you’ll understand, if anything you’ll think it’s funny.” They both snickered. “But I cannot believe I’m marrying you.” She said incredulously. He laughed heartily as did she. “I mean the first time I met you, I wanted to slap you.” This time their guests and the bridal party laughed with them, knowing how true that statement was. “But at the same time we still managed to work perfectly together. And that should have told me something right there. Because some people think that finding the perfect dance partner is like finding your soulmate.” All the dancers in attendance, which was about half of the guests, motioned and murmured in agreement. “I never really brought into that…Until I met you.” She smiled and reached out to cup his cheek. He turned his head slightly and kissed her palm. “No matter what we’ve gone through, something inside of me has always been so connected to you. And it always will be. You’re a part of me Justin and I’m a part of you. We’re going to be together forever and I’m going to love you everyday of our forever.” She made her promise as she began to cry.
“I’m sorry everyone I gotta do this.” Justin grabbed the sides of her face and gave her a passionate kiss. He couldn’t help himself. The words she’d spoke were too much for him to not kiss her. “I love you, you know that right?” He asked still cupping her face, wiping her tears with his thumbs and she nodded, holding on to his forearms. “What you don’t know is that I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you. I just didn’t know what it was.” He explained. “You saw right through me and I couldn’t help but be so attached to you, to someone who saw me and only me. Even if you were yelling at me all the time.” Kiki giggled, through more falling tears and sniffles. “You are a breath of fresh air for me Kik. I need you to survive. There’s just no other way to put it. I’ve lived without you and it sucked. It wasn’t really living. And I don’t ever want that to happen again.” It took almost losing her forever, for him to realize that she belonged to him and he belonged to her. “I’m going to do everything within my power to make sure we live the rest of our life together - happy, pissed off, dancing.” He emphasized and she beamed. “And everything in between.” He smiled. “You’re my heart Baby Doll.”
Sniffling was heard and tissue was being used all around the couple. Once again they ignored tradition and kissed tenderly. The minister had to clear his throat to get them to stop and get back on track.
“Oh sorry.” Kiki winced when they pulled away.
“Yeah sorry.” Justin snorted, clearing his throat and shrugging himself back in order. Kiki reached up to wipe her gloss from his mouth. “All good?”
“Yup. Me?” She asked, swiping at her own bottom lip.
“Yup.”
“Ok, we’re ready.” She glanced at the minister and he chuckled along with their entertained audience.
Getting back to the task at hand, the minister requested. “The rings please?” Robbie handed over his loot and Cheyenne handed over hers. “These rings are a symbol of your union and your devotion to the life you are embarking on together for the rest of your lives.” Accepting the ring and the duty they both were binding themselves to as a husband and a wife, Justin held out his left hand to Kiki as she held out hers to him. They slid the rings onto each other’s fingers at the same time and once they were firmly in place, their hands intertwined and the minister continued. “Please repeat after me - with this ring I promised love, honor and cherish you, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, for as long as we both shall live.” Both Justin and Kiki recited the words perfectly and the minister declared. “By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now, officially.” He quipped at Justin. “Kiss your bride.”
Kiki’s smile was so big it looked like it hurt and Justin couldn’t contain his joy either. He swooped in to wrap his bride in his arms and kissed her fiercely. Their guests were on their feet, clapping, whistling and cheering loudly for the newly married couple.
They finally pulled their lips apart and Kiki squealed. “We did!”
“I know Baby Doll.” Justin marveled, caressing her smiling face. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” She proclaimed and they crashed into another intense kiss.
