Will's POV
"Mom, is my bow tie crooked? It looks a little lopsided. And what about my hair? Is anything sticking up in back? And do I need to run the lint roller over my pants again?" I am rambling out of sheer nervousness, and my mother is getting a kick out of it. She stands behind me, smoothing my jacket down, while trying to suppress a smile. I have so many emotions boiling up inside of me I feel as if I'm going to explode. Who knew you could be happy and scared at the same time as you are trying not to dry heave your breakfast?
"Mom, are you laughing at me?" I say taking a few shaky breaths.
"Who me?" She says innocently, avoiding my eyes. "No sweetie. I am just so happy for you and Sonny. You look wonderful, Will. Positively dashing."
"Thanks, Mom. I just want to be perfect for Sonny." I glance one more time in the mirror.
"Oh my dear Will, you are. You are perfect for each other." With that, she kisses me on the cheek and leaves me alone in the "bride's suite" to finish getting ready.
I want to sit down for a moment, but I can't for fear of wrinkling my tuxedo pants. So, instead, I lean up against the wall and close my eyes, breathing deeply, remembering the journey of how we got to this day. Remembering how I felt the first time I saw him in Horton Town Square. Even though he didn't notice me...I noticed him.
I remember so clearly the first time he talked to me at the coffee shop, when he offered to help me with my "Kite Runner" report. One look at Sonny's gorgeous brown eyes, his dazzling, sexy smile, smell of coffee on his clothes, and I was hooked. I couldn't stop thinking about him that entire night. But then one of the next times I saw him, he was with Janice, and I thought for sure they were married and Jax was their son. I quickly lost hope for us. Then after I got my cup of coffee, he motioned me over to their table and introduced me to Jax and Janice. That's when I felt it again, that electricity between us, and I knew I had been wrong with my recent assumptions. After that, the homework help turned into a date and it didn't take long for us to get really close, really fast. Sooner than I ever thought possible, I had fallen in love with Sonny Kiriakis. And little Jax, too. I never knew how much I'd love being a Dad until I met the two of them.
Who would have ever thought that I would end up being someone's rock? The stability in the relationship? None of my friends or family, that's for sure, and certainly not me. My life had been juggled around so many times that I figured that's the way it always would be. But when Sonny and Jax came into my world and Patrick started to pull us apart? Well, out came the claws. I became mother lion to my baby cubs. No one was going to hurt my Sonny or my Jax. I made damn sure of that, and I will continue to do that for the rest of my life. Wow, that sounds long, so very long. But I am more than ready for it.
When Sonny decided he was going to return to London to turn himself in for stealing? Well, I was determined, no matter the outcome, to keep our family together. I love the man and his son, and it was in that moment, when Sonny told me his decision to go back there to face his crime, that I knew that I could never, ever possibly love anyone else again. That I couldn't - didn't want to - live without him. That was the night when I decided to propose; even if the wedding had to wait for a prison sentence, I would wait. I wanted him to know that I was there for him and always would be. I can't help but smile at the memory of our engagement party and the moment he said, "yes".
"I love you Sonny Kiriakis." I whisper out loud through my memories; small happy tears filling my eyes.
Finally, we're here on our wedding day. With Grandma Caroline's help, we have a church full of our friends and family, we have a beautifully decorated pub for our reception and a lifetime of endless possibilities for our future together. And the one person who has always been there for me, guiding me through a difficult childhood and everything after, has made this possible. She was there every Halloween to help me with my costumes, she gave me my first job at the Pub, she babysat me when mom was out with one of the many guys she's been with; The honest truth is that I wouldn't be me without her.
Just as I am thinking about her, she steps into the suite and gives me a hug and kiss. "Will, you are so handsome, and I am so proud to be your grandmother," she says with a smile and a little dampness in her eyes. We hold each other for a while until she pulls away. "Oh, I came to tell you that it's time! I got a little distracted…" she remarks with a twinkle in her eyes. She leans back and brushes some imaginary lint from my shoulders and pats my arms twice.
"Okay, Grandma. I'm going to get Sonny, then. This is going to be so amazing and I can't thank you enough for all you've done to make this day so special for us. I'm happy beyond my wildest dreams, and I can't wait for us to be married." Grandma gives my hand one last squeeze, and she motions down the hall as she heads back downstairs. I take a deep, calming breath and head down to Sonny's room.
Sonny's POV
I always envisioned walking down the aisle with Will – hand in hand or arm in arm – but certainly not escorted by our parents. Don't worry, I'm not forgetting all the family support we've received from the Kiriakis' over the last year. (Well, I'd maybe like to forget my mother's "help" aka cruel interference.) The truth is, Will, Jax and I couldn't have survived without my family; especially my Dad. So I suppose if Will had felt strongly enough about having family walk us each down the aisle, well, then, I would have asked my father. But we're walking together, with Jax right ahead of us, a united front, a loving, strong and unbreakable family. My family. The family that I have always wanted and dreamed of, but never saw myself having. The family that I love and support and in turn, they support me equally. Will is my family now, and I can't see myself with anyone else, ever, for the rest of my life; it always has and always will be William Horton. Jax is my heart and soul. No one could ask for a better son. He brings sunshine into my day, and he fulfills me with a joy I never knew I was missing and now can't bear to live without.
It doesn't seem that long ago when I came out to my parents back in high school in Paris. Though it happened many years ago, the feeling of abandonment that broke my heart and soul so severely is painfully fresh today. I remember leaving that night - I'm not sure who was more shocked that I was actually doing it, me or them! They didn't even see me out. I felt so alone after they rejected the "real" me. It was far worse than what I felt living on the street. At least then I had Janice and my pride. Losing my parents back then had been a turning point in my life, because if I hadn't have left that day, I wouldn't have met Janice, and then I wouldn't have Jax.
How amazing is it that despite our years of separation and distance, Janice appeared back in my life when I needed her most? I am just sorry that our reunion came far into the progression of her illness. We didn't have nearly as much time together as I would have liked. But when do you, really? We always want more time, more money, more stuff…and then when we get it, we just want even more. We can be so greedy sometimes. But not Janice. She made me leave her to give up a life destined for uncertainty and crime. She came here with her son, leaving one of the only homes she's ever known, to make sure Jax had a family once she was gone. Janice was terribly selfless and kind. I hate to think of my life if I hadn't run into her during my first week of being homeless and hungry. She was my savior. Just like Will has been. Just like Jax will always be. I firmly believe I wouldn't be alive today without the three of them. Janice protected me until my real protector appeared in my life. She was like a Guardian Angel if you will. Always protecting me from what she thought was the wrong thing, and the wrong men. How ironic that Will had to end up protecting me from the same men. I miss Janice, today more than any other day; I wish she was here to walk me down the aisle.
Today feels only slightly bittersweet. But the overwhelming joy and blessings I feel knowing that I am about to marry the man of my dreams and become a "real" family with our son Jax, well, that helps dissipate most of the sadness I still have from missing Janice. As for my mom, she made her choice when she intervened in my relationship and tried to make me give up Jax and break up with Will. She was not invited to the wedding, and for that, she only has herself to blame. I am at peace with these losses, though, and I recognize that what we had to go through as a result of their presence in our lives only made us stronger. With Will and Jax by my side, I feel anything is possible. I've lived on the edge enough to know that it won't always be smooth sailing, but if we made it through illness and death and raising a toddler and blackmail and harassment and abuse and betrayal, then I am quite sure we can make it through anything.
"That's pretty good," I say to my reflection in the mirror, "maybe I need to add that to my vows…"
"Maybe you need to do what?" asks Will as he pops his head into the room I'm using to change.
"Nothing," I brush him off. "Hey, you are NOT supposed to see me before we meet to walk down the aisle together!"
"Ummm, true, so, why do you think I'm here?" Will tilts his head and gives me a dazzling, breathtaking smile. I can only shake my head. "Because it's time, my dear Sonny! We're ready to get this wedding started."
"Well, then by all means, look as much as you want," I wink and give him a fashionable turn, showing off how the tux fits so perfectly in all the right places.
Will is silent for a minute. "Honey, are you okay?" I ask tentatively.
"Yes, I am more than okay. You just look, I mean, holy crap, Son, you are so beautiful. You look amazing in your tux. I can't believe I get to marry you; you take my breath away."Will says in soft whispers as he stands glued to his spot. Mesmerized by the man standing in front of him.
I can't help but step to the door and pull Will inside the room with me. And then it's my turn to be speechless. I hold him at arm's length and take in the sight that is my incredibly sexy and generous and perfect Will. "Wow," is all I manage before pulling him into my arms. "Wow."Will slides his hands from my waist up to my chest where he rests them, gazing into each others eyes; we know how lucky we are to be here today. To have so many wonderful people here with us today.
We stand there, holding one another, feeling the rhythm of our hearts beating together, as if they have became one, cherishing this time we have alone before the festivities of the day begin. I pull back to look deeply into his bright blue eyes, and we hold our gaze steady until I can't resist any longer moving my eyes to his full, inviting mouth. Leaning in, I brush his lips ever so softly with mine, and the sheer tenderness of it, the simplicity of that touch makes us both hum with pleasure.
"Dadas!" We hear from the hallway and our intimate moment is ended abruptly by a certain very excited and adorable 3 ½ year old little boy.
"Jax!" Will and I say in unison. "You look so handsome!" I can't help but grin at my toddler all in white.
"You do, Jax," adds Will. "I think you are the most handsome of all of us!"Will says as he pulls slightly at Jax's coat to straighten it up.
"I am!" Jax proclaims proudly. "Gwampa Justin toad me I was the handsomest." We laugh to ourselves. This amazing little boy is ours, and he is with us today, on the happiest day of our lives. Could life get any better?
Just then my Dad appears in the doorway of the room, not too far behind Jax. "He's right. I did tell him that. But, gosh, you two are quite the sight as well! It might actually be a three-way tie!" Dad comes over to give me a hug, followed by Will. He fixes my tie and pats my chest one more time for good luck.
"Thanks, Dad."
"Yes, thanks for all you've done to make this day happen, Justin. You've been such a huge support. We don't know what we would do without you, right Son?" Will looks expectantly at me but I'm just too overcome with feelings to do anything but nod in agreement.
"Well, it has been my pleasure. You two are meant to be, and I am so proud to be a part of your life together." He says and then pulls a small box from his inside coat pocket.
"It's traditional to give the bride something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Well, since there is no bride involved in this wedding, I needed to make some adjustments to figure out just the right gifts for you two." Dad hands the box to me. He pulls out another box, about the same size, and hands it to Will. Inside each rests a sterling silver watch with a face of light blue and tiny diamonds at each number. They are absolutely gorgeous. We stare at the beauty of the watch and then at each other, and then at Dad. I'm speechless. He's been so wonderful and generous. "Well, are you going to put them on?" he teases as we slowly, with shaky hands, slide it on our wrists.
"That is your new and blue. I thought your old and borrowed could be these, if you'll have them." And he presents each of us - even Jax - with a beautiful gold "K" tie tack. "They belong to me and Uncle Vic. And we do expect them back when you're done with them." He says with a wink.
Dad glances at the time as he helps Jax put on his tie tack. Jax beams at his Grandpa; he's so proud to be involved in the ritual. "Dadas! I have a K, too!"
We all look at each other with pride; we are strong, brave and good-hearted men. We are a family. And in an hour or so, we'll be the Horton-Kiriakis family."You know, we should get going, it's a few minutes after."
Will and I both grab my Dad and bring him in for a hug. "Thank you dad." I try to say through my tears.
"Thanks, Mr. K." Will says as he pulls out of the hug, wiping his tear-filled eyes.
"Okay, Jax," I grab his chubby hand in mine and Will's warm one in my other, "show us the way! It's time to get married!"
********Will and Sonny were the picture of perfection as they walked down the aisle together. Though they moved slowly, acknowledging those in attendance, they were so focused on each other, that their hands never stopped touching and the smiles never left their faces. Jax, who was supposed to walk as slowly as he could in front of the couple, had made it to the alter and was doubling back to retrieve his dads.
"Dadas! Hu-wee up!" If most of the eyes in the church weren't already on the adorable toddler practically dancing down the aisle, well they were now! Jax could not contain himself as he reached Sonny and Will, still only halfway to their destination. "Tum on," he practically squealed.
The couple, quite accustomed to their son's energy and impatience, indulged him. "Okay," Sonny replied and let go of Will's hand just long enough to put Jax between them to connect them once again. Picture of perfection? So much more. This little family who weathered many storms together, who experienced devastating loss and betrayal, who despite all odds, came out stronger than ever, well, they were simply a representation to all those in attendance of life at its very best.
Will turned to look at Sonny and smiled again for what felt like the millionth time that day. They both leaned down to kiss Jax and sent him off to Grandma Caroline and faced Eric for the beginning of the ceremony.
Eric began:
"Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy nor is it envious, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always honors, and always preserves."
Eric paused to take in the couple before him and all of their loving supporters filling the pews behind them.
"Love does not dishonor. Love protects, love trusts. Looking at those verses I am reminded of a time in this relationship when that kind of pure love was needed. These two young men were going through a rough time and when they didn't think things could get worse, they did. But these two... they stood by each other and their love never waivered. They are each other's trusted protector and anyone can see clearly just by looking at them how perfect they are together. If anyone is the epitome of love, it's these two." Eric finished and started the service.
After a poem, a song and some wonderful words of wisdom, Eric pulled Sonny and Will back to the forefront for the next big step.
"Will and Sonny have both decided to write their own vows." He looked at Will and gave him a nod.
Will turned to face Sonny and grabbed his other hand. He took a slow deep breath. "Sonny, who knew that the first day I laid eyes on you would change my life forever? Who knew we would be standing here in front of our family and friends pledging our love for each other? Up until now, I had only dreamt it."
Will continues, "In the early part of our relationship, I learned what I could about you through how you interacted with Jax, and when I found out you were in trouble with Patrick," they both cringed at the name, "I knew then and there that I needed you more than I needed air. I needed to be your protector, I needed to be your lover, I needed to be your husband. I just need you Sonny. You're my other half, my soul-mate. I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. Or so I thought. Then you gave me our son. A son whom I can't imagine my life without. Not only did you complete my soul Sonny, you completed my life." Will paused, trying to hold back the tears but unsuccessfully doing so.
"I look forward to our new beginning. I can't wait to see how much more we grow in our relationship, and falling more in love with you every day. It's a new adventure Sonny, and I know how you like adventures. So Sonny, will you take this adventure with me? For the rest of our lives?"
Sonny wasn't sure if he could recite his vows now, he was so choked up by Will's. He nodded, "yes" and Will smiled.
"Yes, Will, yes until the day that I die, I will be with you. I promise to be your friend first and lover second. I promise to be faithful to you and I can't wait to see your smiling face every morning and see your hazy eyes every night. I don't want to be anywhere except by your side. You have been my constant companion through good times and bad times, and I don't know how to thank you." Sonny paused trying to hold back his tears, but seeing Will's tears made it harder.
"Sonny, I should be thanking you." Will reached up and touched the side of Sony's face, Sonny snuggled his cheek into Will's palm.
Sonny shook his head, "No Will. You have given me so much. You've given me yourself and there's nothing more I could ever want or need. So Will, yes, I will take this journey with you. I will be with you and love you until the day that I die."
The church filled of their emotional families was lost on the boys because they were in their own little world. Nothing on the outside mattered to them. They turned their heads, never breaking their hands.
Eric continued: "A ring is symbol of love. It's a circle, a circle has no beginning and has no end. Like your love, it has always been."
Grandma Caroline sent Jax up to Will and Sonny to hand them the box of rings.
"Will, please take the ring and place it on Sonny's finger."
"Will, do you take Sonny to be your lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, til death do us part?" Eric asked.
A squeaky "I do." came from Will as he pushed the ring the rest of the way on Sonny's finger.
Eric turned to Sonny, "Sonny do you take Will to be your lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, til death do us part?"
Sonny, with shaky hands replied, "I do." And slid the ring on Will's finger. Both boys were getting antsy, they wanted so badly to have some sort of physical contact.
Will motioned for Jax to come up front with them. Leaning over, he whispered conspiratorial to Eric. He smiled broadly and addressed the toddler."Jackson "Jax" Eowin McLean Kiriakis, do you take Sonny and Will to be your dads forever?" Jax looked at them both expectantly, happily surprise. He nodded his head excitedly.
"Say, I Do," Will encouraged.
"I do!" Jax practically squealed.
"Sonny and Will, do you take Jackson "Jax" McLean Kiriakis to be your son for the rest of your lives?"
Jax started jumping up and down chanting, "they do, they do!"
"We do," the couple repeated after their son.
Eric motioned for Will to step forward, only the two of them in on this little secret. Anticipating something as spectacular as his new husband, Sonny lifted Jax into his arms and they both watched in awe.
"So often I feel like I can't put into words how deeply and totally in love with you two I am. I feel what I say doesn't do how I feel justice. You both move me in ways I never thought possible. So, well, I wrote a poem months ago that I'd like to share with all of you...and I think it finally captures how I truly feel." Said Will
Beyond the Sea
Will Horton (aka Christina Phillips)
I look at the father as he looks at me
He smiles through the pain so bravely.
I look at the son as he looks at me
his eyes shine like coal, so beautifully.
A year ago, how could I not see
how amazing love like this could be?
A year ago, how could I not see that he
would be a wonderful father, so wild and free.
Now the father is the holder of that grand key,
the one thing that makes me so very happy.
And the son, is what makes me think that maybe,
we found the truest love, from beyond the sea
After Will's last word, Sonny and Jax rushed to him and embraced as one complete family. Will's arm was around Sonny's shoulder and his other was around his son; Sonny's arm made its way around Will's waist and Jax was cuddled happily between the two. For anyone who had ever doubted their ability to make this work, to persevere, to be strong in the face of adversity, to remain faithful and loyal, to make decisions with integrity, to parent with openness and unconditional love, well, these three were living proof that it's not about "who" makes up your family, it's about "how" you live and love as one.
As the couple pulled back from their embrace, Eric looked out into the eyes of all the guests in the church.None of them were dry. Including his own.
Holding his arms out in welcome, he concluded the service. "It is my distinct honor to say that by the power invested in me and the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you Jackson "Sonny" and William "Will"...and Jackson "Jax" Horton-Kiriakis"...he added with a smile and a wink, "husbands and son. You may seal your vows with a kiss!"
The church erupted in applause as the two kissed each other. When they separated, Will reached down to pick up Jax so his dads could also seal their "deal" with a kiss.
******Sonny stood tall at the start of their meal once everyone was seated and had their celebratory glass of champagne in hand. He raised his glass and spoke with quiet strength. "I always thought I'd have to forget all the mistakes I made in the past in order to move on. I pretended that they didn't happen and I tried to leave the past in the past. But what I know now with absolute certainty is that my past is an integral part of me...without it, I wouldn't have become the man that I am today. Without it I wouldn't have met Janice and became the father of this amazing little boy, without it I wouldn't have let myself be vulnerable enough to show this wonderful man, sitting beside of me my true self. So, as hard and painful as it must be, the past will always remain. But the future, it's filled with endless possibilities and a lifetime of memories. And lots and lots of love."