The flight to Vegas was uneventful and it was not long before Jesse was at the hotel. He was still early. Plenty of time for a drink at the bar before he has to meet up with Bumper. He checked his phone yet again. Nope, no missed calls. He had not heard from Beca for nearly three weeks now. And it had been six weeks since he left them. The last phonecall she sounded a little distant - like she had a lot on her mind.
Stop overthinking it. She loves you. Don't be an idiot. - Jesse chastised himself severely.
He then smiled a little thinking of that night in the hammock. That had been sweet and all these weeks he held on to that memory of holding her, in that gently swinging hammock under the stars, the little ring twinkling on her finger.
His phone rang and he quickly answer it.
"Jesse?"
"Oh hey Bumper..."
He was a little disappointed.
"Wow, you sounded happy," Bumper said sarcastically.
"Just waiting for an important call."
"Damian told me you are at the bar. Come on up."
Jesse made his way up to the penthouse suite. Bumper kept a room here whenever he was in town. Unlike the previous times when there was always a full on party, the suite was empty. Only Bumper lounging on the sofa, making a few phonecalls. He waved Jesse to a seat whilst he was speaking on his phone.
"So you've got it?" Bumper asked as soon as he finished his call.
Jesse just tossed the stick over to him.
"Yep. Not too hard to find. I'm surprised Camilla didn't remove it right after that night."
Bumper frowned.
"Are you sure it's the right one and not a decoy?"
Jesse just shrugged his shoulders.
"I wouldn't know. I can't open it."
"Why not?"
"Password protected. And heck of a password."
"Have you tried running it past our boys?"
Jesse just raised an eyebrow.
"Bumper, please. Of course I did. No dice."
Bumper was swearing underneath his breath.
"Are you sure you didn't miss anything? Maybe Camilla has the password."
"No, I don't think so. She only had the co-ordinates. I think someone else has the password..." Jesse was suddenly thoughtful. Ah fuck. He knew who had the password. It fitted.
"Well?"
Jesse was jolted out of his thoughts. "Send feelers out. Maybe another organisation might have the password."
"You think?"
"Maybe. That place was crawling with agents."
Bumper was quiet before finally saying, "You are not telling me what happened that night?"
"You've never been interested before, Bump. Just as long I bring home the goods." Jesse answered non-committally. That was the charm on working freelance. No messy reports and accounting to anyone. Just as long as he delivered.
"What's the deal anyway?" Jesse continued. "Why do you ask me to come all the way here to hand this over? I got other things to do."
"Chill, man..." Bumper said, getting up and laying a hand on Jesse's shoulder. "Haven't seen you in a while. And you sorta disappeared for a few weeks. Just wanna see my best boy, that's all."
Jesse scoffed. Almost on cue, the elevator to the penthouse pinged and out spilled a few scantily clad girls. Bumper switched on some thumping music before greeting them "Laaaadeeeezzz." Jesse rolled his eyes - another Bumper party. He usually just stayed for half an hour for courtesy before making his excuses.
The elevator pinged again and staff came through with food and drinks. A helluva lot of drinks. Jesse was discreetly checking the time, wondering when he could make his escape. He was not very comfortable with this rather forward redhead now squeezing his arm and plying him with drink.
The third time the elevator pinged and out spilled Donald, a few more of the old Trebles and a very shaken looking Benji. Wait. What's happening? What are the boys doing here?The boys came over, shouting and bumping fists, and Jesse could not help but smile.
He got to stop drinking. He was decidedly getting quite merry. Jesse was laughing at the boys now. He loved his Trebles. Honestly. They were the funniest.
"So Jesse!" Donald shouted. "A little bird told me you are back with Beca. Is that true?"
Jesse frowned, trying to recollect whom he told the news. Really? Did he tell anyone? He could not remember telling anyone. It must be Benji. Could be no one else but Benji. "Dude..." he said, looking at Benji with exasperation. That guy would not be good under torture. Like at all. No good.
"So it's on?"
"Yeah."
"When's the big day?"
"I don't even know."
"What? Seriously?"
Jesse just shrugged and laughed.
"You are getting married at some point, right?"
"I've put a ring on it."
"Great! Bumper, ring the strip club. We are going to throw Jesse a stag party!"
"What?" Jesse shouted. "Guys, come on..."
The guys were chanting "Strip club! Strip club! Strip club!" by now. They dragged him, laughing, to the elevator and bodily brought him to the strip club. They spilled into the club and made sure he had a prime spot right in front of the stage.
"Come on. First dance on me!" Bumper shouted, shoving a fistful of dollars into Jesse's pocket. "Come on, baby. Give my boy here a good time. It's his stag do!" he yelled to the nearest dancer, who came over smiling. The rest of the Trebles were laughing too hard seeing a very uncomfortable Jesse trying to avert his eyes as this rather buxom dancer who was shaking everything she had in his face.
"You are useless! Useless!" Bumper shouted. "She had you whipped, boy!"
Jesse just laughed easily, thanked the lady and tipped her handsomely before getting another drink. He then sat next to the boys; just drinking and talking and refusing any further offers of lapdances. He only wanted one woman to do that for him.
The party just got more raucous as they did a bar crawl. The last thing he remembered was singing on top of his voice with the others and laughing hard as one of the boys fell into a fountain. Then the neons seemed to be lying on their side.
What the hell is that drilling? Seriously. Who the fuck is drilling at this time in the morning?
Jesse opened his eyes and groaned. It was too bright. His mouth felt like sandpaper. And something that felt like tissue was stuck to one side of his face. What the hell?
That drilling continued. What the fuck? He then realised it was actually his phone ringing.
He blindly reached for his phone. It should be in his trousers. Where the hell are his trousers? He looked down. He was just in his underwear, shirt and his socks, for some reason. Oh fuck. He wildly looked around. OK. It's OK. There were no naked girls around him. Just a few of the Trebles all in a comatose state around him in Bumper's suite.
His phone stopped ringing and he sighed in relief. Then it started again.
"Fuckkk! Whose phone is it?" Uni groaned.
"Mine." Jesse said, scrambling to find it.
"Answer it, will you? Fucking phone." He turned over and promptly fell asleep.
Jesse found it and answered the call without looking.
"Hello..." he said, his voice hoarse.
"Jesse Samuel Swanson!"
"Beca!" He jolted upright and his head felt like bursting. "Umm.. hello baby."
"Don't baby me!"
Jesse tried hard not to groan out loud. "Hey..honey. I was not expecting your call."
"Yeah, I can hear that. What were you doing last night?"
"Nothing! Nothing, love. Just spent the night with the boys." Jesse said hurriedly. "Quiet night. We just watch the game and had a few beers."
"Yeah? What game?"
"Ummmmm..." Jesse was scrambling, trying to think which fixtures played last night. The other Trebles were waking up and looking at him panicking. They could almost hear Beca's tinny voice shouting from his phone. Some of them were now laughing quietly.
"You liar! You are a fucking liar, Swanson. Doesn't look like a quiet night from those photos."
Jesse was on full panic mode now. He was half listening to Beca berating him while he kicked Uni awake. "Dude! Lend me your phone! There were photos last night?" he whispered yelled, one hand over the receiver of his phone so Beca wouldn't hear.
"What photos, love?" he croaked, trying to buy some time as he frantically scrolled through Instagram and Facebook.
"You with your head on some whore's boobs! And half naked somewhere else. What the fuck, Jesse!"
He then saw it. Oh fuck.
"Baby. It was just the boys messing. I swear!" Jesse said, his voice a little high from fright. "I got trapped into a lapdance, sweetie. I swear I didn't enjoy it one bit."
He heard Beca just muttering darkly. Where the hell is Benji? Benji can tell her how much he hated it.
"Baby... you know I love you right?" he said slowly. Please let it be his lucky day and Beca doesn't rip his balls out. Please. Pretty please. "I love you, you know that. And just in case you don't, I love you, baby. Very much."
"So you didn't like it?"
"What? The lapdance. Nope. Hated it. Hated it like I hate... err... stale popcorn. You know how I hate it when the popcorn is stale."
"Oh, it's ok then." Beca's voice sounded like she was smiling widely. "Love you too, babe. See you later." She hung up the phone.
What happened? Jesse looked at his phone, confused. He rubbed one eye with the palm of his hand. That was a little surreal.
The door opened and in came Donald, Bumper and Benji, looking quite fresh and smiling widely.
"Come on, dude," Donald said, coming over and pulling Jesse up. "Time to get ready."
"Guys, I'm spent. No more parties for me." Jesse groaned.
"Oh trust me. You want to get ready for this party."
"What am I getting ready for?"
"Just your wedding."
"Whaattttt?!" Jesse looked around wildly at the smiling Trebles all around him. He looked at Benji who nodded at him, his smile getting wider. "Wedding?...Now? Today?...I'm ... I'm getting married?...Today?"
"Yep. So unless you want to meet Beca up the aisle in your underpants, I suggest you take a shower now."
Beca was chortling as she put down the phone. She had to admit that was rather funny. There was a ping on her phone and she opened the message with a photo attached. It was of Jesse looking decidedly terrified speaking on the phone. Beca could not help it. She laughed out loud.
"Stop laughing so hard, Beca..." Aubrey wailed. "I won't be able to get your curls right."
Beca just passed the phone to Chloe who took a look and laughed as well. Another picture text came through with Jesse looking quite bewildered with a laughing Donald at his side. The phone started to ring and Jesse's callerID popped up. Beca just shook her head. She was not going to answer it. Then a slew of text messages came through.
We are getting married? Today?
Today, today?
Where are you?
I love you so much.
God, I love you so much, Beca.
Are we really getting married?
Today?
OK this is quite an elaborate prank. Answer me, Beca.
Beca was laughing so hard. Aubrey took one look and decided to take matters into her own hand. She punched a number into her phone. "Benji? It's Aubrey. Take Jesse's phone away, please... No, no one's allow to ring or text Beca... I can't get her ready in time with all these interruptions... Do it Benji!"
"Come on, dude. You've got to eat something." Benji was trying to coax an excitable Jesse. "It's going to be a long day and I don't want you to pass out."
"I'm getting married, Benji!" Jesse sang out. Benji just rubbed his temples and shook his head.
"Yeah, we know, dude. We've got a long trip so please eat and have some more water and aspirin. I have to make sure you are up that aisle."
"Where are we going?"
"LA. We are going to LA."
"It's not a Vegas wedding?"
"No. Now can you please eat something?"
"Benji!" Jesse suddenly realised something. He started to panic. "I don't... I don't have the rings! How are we going to get married without rings? Oh my god. Is there time? I just rush down and get the rings."
"Easy, dude. I got it." Benji pushed him back down the seat.
"And the honeymoon? I have to arrange the honeymoon!" Jesse was still panicking.
"Bumper got that. Now can you PLEASE eat something?"
Beca was swearing now.
"It doesn't fit. Oh my god, this is going to be a disaster!"
"Calm down, honey. Let me take a look," Stacie said. Beca straightened up grumbling as Stacie sized up the dress. "Girl, how much weight did you lose? The waist is loose. Thank god, it's bigger rather than smaller. Now aren't you glad I asked you to try it on now?"
"Fuck it! I just get married in my jeans."
"Oh hell no!" Sam said, coming up to her and looking at the dress. "You are getting married in that dress. Can we get it fixed?"
Stacie was already on the phone, calling the seamstress. A few tense minutes later, she got off the phone. "Yeah, she can fix it but it will take a few hours. We'll be very late."
"Benji...are you sure about this?" Jesse was wailing now. He was worriedly looking at the rings.
"What's wrong with them?" Benji frowned as he looked at the rings which were now in Jesse's palm.
"The inscription on them." Jesse wailed again, shutting his eyes. "Oh god, why did I not know I am getting married today? She is going to kill me if I put this on her finger."
"I think they are cool."
"Bro, i love them. I really do." Jesse said, giving Benji an honest look. "But I love you on one ring and I know on the other? Princess Leia and Han Solo? Star Wars movie reference? Are you sure she's not going to kill me?"
"Relax...I ran it past her."
"What?" Jesse stuttered. "She's ok with these? She's ok with me putting a ring with a movie reference on her?"
"Yeah man." Benji smiled, clapping a hand on his best friend's shoulder. "You are one lucky dude."
"Someone kill me now." Beca was muttering. "Why the hell are we doing make-up now? We got hours to go."
Aubrey looked up and hollered, "Can someone get Beca a drink? Or maybe something stronger? Like a spliff? Beca, you need to chill. And stop chewing your nails. Stacie, manicure emergency!"
Stacie jumped up, brandishing her nail file. Beca was shrinking back in her chair. "Come any nearer and I'll kill you."
"Becaaaaaa!" Chloe was wailing now. "Why are you being so difficult?" She was trying to give her a pedicure but Beca looked like she was going to kick her. "Sammmm, she's being impossible!"
Sam came up to Beca. She stood and stared down hard at her. Beca tried staring back and then dropped her gaze.
"What's the matter, girl? You ain't being good and lettin' your nice friends help you."
Beca's bottom lip was trembling.
"What is it, baby? Tell momma."
Beca was quiet for a minute and then she started wailing, "He's going to hate it! He's going to hate every single thing I've arranged. Oh my god! I've trapped him into a wedding. And he's going to hate it and run away and leave me and.. oh god... I am going to be an old maid. I'm going to die with my cats eating me!"
The girls were trying hard not to laugh out loud.
"It's not funny!"
"OK, baby," Sam said, fighting that smile tugging at her lips. "Don't worry. If he bail, I personally hunt him and shoot him for you."
"Yeah. And the Bellas will definitely skin him and roast him alive." Chloe chimed in.
"Not before we make sure his boys are cut off. No other woman will want him," Stacie said soothingly. "And you can wear them as earrings, if you want."
"Really?"
"Yes, we are being serious." Chloe said.
"Dixie chicks." Aubrey said, rubbing her shoulders now.
"OK," Beca said in a small voice.
"Anything else, baby?"
"I'm hungry."
"Got that covered. I got chicken and waffles."
"Oh dear God in heaven," Aubrey groaned, rubbing her temples now. "Chloe, get the bedsheet. I think we might need that as a bib."
"Oh god.." Jesse was groaning now, clutching Benji's arm. They just got out of the car onto the tarmac. He flinched at how tightly Jesse was grabbing him.
"What now?"
"Come on, guys. Enough now."
"What?"
"Great joke, guys. Ha ha. Where's the camera?"
Benji was facepalming himself.
"Bumper!" Benji yelled. Bumper looked up at them. "Can you take this one? He's driving me nuts now."
"What is it?" Bumper came over, noting Jesse was looking white as a sheet.
"He thinks it's all a big joke."
Jesse was squeaking a little now, his eyes a little wild.
"Aw man! You found out already?" Bumper yelled. "I thought we can get you up the aisle before you catch on, man."
Jesse was at the blubbering stage now.
Benji just sighed. "Donald, you are up! Bumper's being a dick."
Donald came over, eyes still on his phone, busy texting and when he was level with Bumper, he just slapped him at the back of his head. Donald then spoke very calmly to Jesse.
"Dude, just breathe."
Jesse took deep breaths in.
"We all love a good prank. But seriously? I won't hire a private plane just for one. You got that?" Donald waved at the small jet plane on the tarmac.
Jesse nodded, still taking deep breaths.
"We are just going to get on that plane now, OK? Nothing big. Just get on that plane. You think you can do that?"
"Amy! What? I can't hear you!" Aubrey was now shouting into her phone. "Amy!"
"I'm here."
"What is happening? What's that in the background?"
"Nothing. It's cool. It's all cool." Something that resembled squawking was heard in the background. "Ummmm... maybe the chooks have escaped."
"Chooks? Chooks!?" Aubrey's voice was rising to a fever pitch. She then pressed her fingers on her lips and clammed her eyes shut, concentrating hard. Chloe came over and rubbed her back soothingly. Aubrey fought down the vomit coming up and handed her phone over to Chloe. "Here. I can't understand a word she said."
"Amy?" Chloe asked tentatively. "What is happening? Is the venue still in one piece."
"Nothing. It's all cool." Amy replied. "Ummm... we couldn't get any doves or pigeons. So I got some choo... chickens instead."
"Aaammyyyy..." Chloe wailed. "We said no livestock!"
"Don't worry. It's all good. CR is trying to round them. And oh, another thing..."
"What now?"
"I think we may ordered too many flowers..."
Chloe hung up, looking rather pale. "OK, who is going to tell Beca?"
Beca came round and looked at both of them, "Tell me what?.."
"I think I am going to be sick," Jesse moaned.
"Someone get him a paperbag. Just breath, man."
"We are not even airborne yet and he's freaking out. Are you sure he wants to get married? Maybe we can just tell the pilot to make a run for it?"
"No! No! I want to get married. Definitely want to get married. Benji! Make sure I get married today. I don't know when Beca will say yes again. Maybe she change her mind already. Oh god, pass me that bag again..."
"I don't think I can stand him freaking out for the next hour in the plane."
"Give him something to drink... Not water, you fool! Something stronger."
"Are you mad? We can't get him drunk at the aisle. Beca will kill us all!"
"Maybe drugs? Anyone got any sleeping pills?"
"Don't be stupid. He has to be awake to say his vows."
"Stand back, everyone. I'll knock him out with a punch."
"You are going to punch him? What if he gets a black eye?"
Bumper surveyed the melee in front of him and shook his head. There was always a reason why he was the Treble Leader who led them to victory like a hundred time. "Shut the fuck up!" he bellowed. When they finally stopped squabbling and manhandling that poor boy, he looked at them seriously and said. "Everyone...match pitch."
"Beca, open the door."
"No!"
"Beca, honey. It's going to be OK."
"Just go away."
Chloe, Aubrey and Stacie just looked at each other worriedly. Aubrey was motioning towards her watch, mouthing We are going to be late! Beca had effectively barricaded herself in her room. Sam came over to the gaggle of girls in front of the door.
"What's happening?"
"She refused to come out. The seamstress can't make it and the dress is a disaster."
Sam shut her eyes and shook her head a little.
"Baby, open the door." Sam said.
"Go away, Sam!"
Sam sighed and switched on her coms. "White Angel, we've got a situation here. Come in, White Angel."
"What's the problem, Sleeping Beauty?"
"We have a wardrobe malfunction. Situation is Defcon 2, I repeat, Defcon 2."
"I'm on my way."
"You OK, man?"
Benji looked at Jesse who was now looking out of the window at the passing scenery. They were now in the car on the way to the venue. Bumper's timely intervention had calmed everyone down and took Jesse's mind off the enormity of what was happening. They had spent the hour flight doing what they did best.
He turned to Benji and smiled. He was still feeling nervous but at least he was not freaking out. "Yeah. Sorry for freaking out just now. I just can't believe this is finally happening. I am getting married to Beca."
Benji had to smile at that look of wonder on his best friend's face.
"It's alright, dude. Look, we are here."
The car stopped and Benji got out and walked towards the entrance. He turned around when he noticed Jesse was not right behind him. He was actually halfway out of the car, still sitting down, looking gobsmacked.
"Dude, you OK?" Benji asked worriedly. He swore if Jesse were to freak out again, he would punch him out cold all by himself and drag him up the aisle.
Jesse was looking up at the venue with a look of disbelief. He came out of the car slowly, still looking gobsmacked.
"A movie theatre? I am getting married in a movie theatre?"
"Open up, Beca."
"Go way, Luke."
Luke looked heavenwards for a moment before sighing loudly. He turned to the worried looking girls and said, "Why don't you guys make your way to the venue? I'll handle this."
They nodded and when all of them had left, Luke simply took a credit card, jiggled about with the lock and opened the door. He stood still for a moment, taking in the sight. To his dying day, he would always remember how beautiful Beca Mitchell looked on her wedding day. True, she looked swamped in that too big dress and her face is far too cross to look like a virginal bride, but in that light, sitting by the window, with her dark hair in curls and her skin glowing, she looked ethereal.
His eyes softened and he smiled.
"You look beautiful, Beca."
Beca just narrowed her eyes at him and said crossly "Don't patronise me. I look hideous."
He came over and stood in front of her. "Would I lie to you?"
Beca had to smile. "All the time."
"Not now though."
Beca just helplessly gestured to her gown. "I can't marry Jesse looking like this. I looked like I'm going to fall out of my gown!"
Luke just laughed, "I don't think Jesse would mind you falling naked out of that gown, love."
"Luke! I don't want to be naked in front of friends and family! This is impossible! Cancel the whole thing. I look hideous, I just spring this on him, there's two chickens loose in the venue, he's going to hate everything. And he won't want to marry me!"
He simply laughed before kneeling in front of her.
"Are you done being a drama queen?"
"No." came the petulant reply.
Luke just chuckled and took her hands.
"You do love him, right?"
Beca calmed down somewhat after that bout of hysteria. She hiccuped a little and then looked at Luke before nodding slowly.
"And you want to marry him, right?"
Beca looked everywhere for a few minutes, chewing her lower lip. Her eyes finally landed on Luke's face and she then gave him a small, shy smile before nodding.
"And he wants to marry you. Trust me. So why don't we get this show on the road? Before I put you in a headlock and knock some sense into you..."
"But my dress..."
Luke looked at her seriously.
"Rules of Espionage 101, Agent Mitchell."
"Always have a back-up plan."
"I assume you have a back-up dress?"
Beca smiled gratefully at him. "I do... but we are running very late. I don't think I have time. It's across town. And the traffic...and he's..."
Luke just put his hand up and shushed her.
He then pressed his comms. "SB, come in, SB."
"Yes?" Sam answered back.
"Show's back on track. We are going to need a bird."
The moment Jesse saw his mom and dad, and the rest of his family, dressed up to the nines, grinning at him, he knew this was not a joke. Charlotte was there too. His nephew, Jimmy, came running and hugged his legs while Kate came over and gave him a huge hug without asking. She was actually tearing up as well and Jesse had not seen her cry since she was twelve.
"You guys knew? How long have you known?" Jesse asked in disbelief, looking at their faces in turn. "And you manage to keep it from me?" Jesse could not believe how sneaky his family had been.
His eyes roved around the lobby of the cinema. It looked lovely with the old Art Deco look with old playbills and posters on the walls. Staff were flitting in between the guests serving drinks and small portions of popcorn and movie snacks. He just had to laugh. How? What? He just could not process it all. How the hell did it all come together? He thought Beca cancelled everything.
"Beca got in touch with us a month back. We had time to send out the invites," his mom explained. "Quite a few had saved the date. Oh my baby is getting married! I'm going to get grandbabies!"
"Mom..."
"Oh, hey Jesse," Fat Amy careened into them, looking a little flustered and red and is that feathers in her hair? "Umm...just need to borrow Benji and Kate for a minute."
"Is everything alright?"
"Oh yeah. Cool. It's pretty cool actually, " she answered . The last thing Jesse heard as they hurried away was a hushed "We've got a chicken situation." Surely that's not right?
He was still musing over that when he was waylaid by a familiar old couple.
"Mr and Mrs. Callahan!" Jesse was rather pleased to see them. "I'm so glad you both are here."
"Call me George, son."
"What did the boy said, George?"
"He said he's glad we are here."
"Oh. What a nice boy... Is he the same boy from the other day? What was his name?"
"Now, Flo, you know that..."
"...what was his name now? Rebecca was shouting his name out so loud when they had se..."
"Mrs. Callahan! Have you met my mom?" Jesse quickly interjected, face flaming now. He quickly thrusted his mom forward. "Mom, this is Mr and Mrs Callahan, Beca's neighbours."
"Who are you now?" Flo said, peering up at Martha.
"I'm Martha, Jesse's mom."
"Flo, she's Martha, Jesse's mom."
"Jesse! That's it!" Flo suddenly said. She suddenly took Martha's hand and began pumping it earnestly. "Jesse's your son? You've raised a fine young man there. He's a lovely boy. Very strong. Very energetic. Rebecca's bed didn't stand a chance!"
"Ladies and gents!" Bumper's voice boomed out. "Due to a ...(small cough) livestock situation, we will be having the ceremony on the roof terrace. If you would like to make your way up the stairs..."
The guests were now making their way up the stairs. Jesse could not believe how many of his close friends, clients and family were there.
"Colin! So great you can make it!" Jesse was happily shaking his hand. He always had a soft spot for Colin. After all, he did give Jesse his first big break all those years ago and he had always been very grateful.
"Wouldn't want to miss, man." Colin chuckled. "I should have seen it."
"What now?"
"You and Beca."
"You knew Beca personally?"
"Yeah, man. She was going on and on about you like a broken record, all those years ago. Twisted my arm to give you your first job. I'm glad she did though. You're the best."
"Beca was the one?" Jesse croaked out, too surprised to keep his voice even.
"Oh no... she didn't tell you yet?" Colin said in trepidation. "Hey man, don't tell her I told you, ok? She's fantastic and all that but she scares me sometimes."
Jesse could only nod and Colin went through to join the other guests. Benji and Donald had somehow materialises next to Jesse during the five minutes and he was somewhat grateful to have them next to him. Benji took one look at Jesse, who had his eyes shut tight and grimly said, "Donald, he's freaking out again."
"Man up, Treble." Donald said, eyes glued to his phone.
"I'm OK." Jesse opened his eyes and straightened up, smiling. "Strangely, I am amazingly OK."
He could not wait to see his Beca.
45 minutes later
"She's not here yet? Isn't she supposed to be here already?" Jesse felt his collar getting tighter. He could not breathe properly and damn, he was sweating. Sweating like a pig.
"Calm down. The bride's always late," Benji said soothingly. He did gave Kate a worried look but heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Aubrey, Chloe, Stacie and Sam coming through the door. Chloe was frantically signalling to him and after giving Jesse a reassuring squeeze on his arm, Benji made his way to Chloe.
"Where's Beca?"
"Dress emergency!" Chloe hissed. "She's going to be late. We were asked to go ahead."
"Ummm.. ok.. I hope she comes soon. I don't know how long Jesse can hold on." Benji gestured to Jesse who was looking as white as a sheet. "He had been freaking out all day."
"Oh god! Why did we ever agree to do this for them?" Aubrey said, fingers pressed on her lips, fighting down her vomit again.
"Are we supposed to play the bridal march now? We are missing a bride!"
"Just walk up and take your position. Nothing about this wedding is normal!"
They made their way up the aisle, trying to look nonchalant while the guests were looking around, curiously. When Benji took his position next to Jesse, he leant back and whispered, "What's happening?"
"She's on her way." Benji said soothingly.
"Isn't the bride supposed to come with the bridesmaids?" Jesse was squeaking now. Benji just shrugged and kept a calming hand on Jesse's shoulder.
There was a noise at the doorway and everyone's head swivelled round, expecting to see a vision in white. Luke was standing there instead. All alone.
"Oh god... It's The Wedding Singer..." Jesse whispered. "She's not coming...oh god.. I am going to sing sad, manic songs for the rest of my life..."
Luke walked quickly up the aisle, dashing in his tux.
He stopped in front of Jesse, looking at him gravely. His face was impenetrable.
"Luke.." Jesse said, hoarsely. "Is she..."
"How are you, Jesse?" the Englishman said calmly.
"I'm shitting bricks, to be honest."
"Hmm..."
"Is she..." Jesse could not make himself to say the words.
"I'm her best man, you know. If she didn't turn up, you can marry me instead."
"Umm... hey, thanks for that. I like you, man... but I am sure it is not legal in this state.. umm... is it?"
The registrar just nodded. "It's legal if you both want to."
Jesse was beyond sweating now.
Luke chuckled deeply. "Chill out, dude. Are you alright with all this? I know it's all a big surprise and caught you on a hop. If you aren't, just say it."
Luke was looking at him steadily, with a smile on his face. Jesse straightened up and stared back at Luke. He suddenly felt an enormous amount of calm descended on him. Why the hell is he freaking out? He knew he wanted this for the longest time.
"If she'll have me, I marry her now."
A loud, chopping noise cut the air. Luke's smile widened.
"Here she comes."
A loud whoosh and a helicopter came into view. It hovered over the roof, some fifty feet up. The air was whipping around turbulently and there was a few panicked screams as guests tried to hold on to their hats and in some cases, toupees.
Jesse looked up. And there she was, standing by the door of the chopper.
"Take care of her, will you?" Luke said.
"With my life." Jesse said, eyes still on her.
And she jumped off gracefully from the chopper, feet first, one hand holding her bouquet and the other, gloved, guiding her descent on a slim rope round her waist. There were a few screams. Jesse could only expelled a sound of disbelief.
Luke was waiting for her and caught her as she came down. He undid the rope and gave it a tug for it to rewind back, while Beca took off her glove and straightened herself, tossing her hair back. Her dress was perfect.
No one made any noise. Everyone was too shocked to say a word and do anything, except stare at the very unusual entrance. She walked the few steps and stood in front of Jesse. Now that they faced each other, they wondered why were they freaking out. This was just so right, so perfect, so...inevitable.
The silence was deafening.
Beca swallowed hard and looked worriedly at Jesse. "So..."
"I'll marry you anytime, anywhere." Jesse breathed out, his eyes still fixed on the vision before him.
Beca smiled. "Let's get married then, nerd."