Sarah- Yes this is the wedding chapter
RaeElle- I think you've gotten all your answers now lol
Song: John Legend - All of Me
Max's Pov
Everyone was meeting up for breakfast I guess Kayla and Ryland weren't the superstitious types where you're not allowed to see each other before the wedding. I wonder what Sadie thinks about that… What the fuck? Why was I thinking about marriage? I shifted uncomfortably in my chair Sadie turned to look at me. "Are you okay?" She handed Empire to me.
"Yeah, I'm okay just a lot on my mind right now." We were waiting for everyone to come down so we could eat.
"I'm hungry daddy," DJ whined laying his head down on my lap. "You said we were going eat."
"We are we have to wait for everyone," I said but DJ didn't seem to like that answer.
"Wait for who?"
"Grandpa and Papa."
"Oh, grandpa!" DJ lifted his head up and started looking around impatiently. "Where is they?"
"They're coming." DJ sighed and sat down on Sadie's lap, once DJ and Rosie saw dad and pops they both bolted for them. "Hey guys." Pops said lifting Rosie up and on her shoulders. "Everyone else is coming down now let's get a table."
Everyone started showing up one by one a little after we got our table, Clary, and Jace were the first ones to show up. "Hi Blueberry." Clary came around the table and kissed my cheek. "Can I hold him?" She held her hands out for Empire.
"Of course." I handed him over and uncle Jace sighed.
"Full on grandma fever." He mumbled Clary glared at him.
"I miss having such little babies."
"I want a brother," Benji said sitting down next to Jace.
"You have four," Jace said.
"No, I only have three dad."
"Don't let Jon hear you say that he'd put you in a headlock." Ryland came up from behind him and ruffled his hair.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about Jon for a second." Ryland looked to Clary who was having a full on conversation with Empire.
"Oh no… Who gave her the baby?" She stopped her conversation with Emp to look at Ryland.
"What's the supposed to mean?"
"Nothing…" He mumbled. "Where're the kids?"
"With Kayla and Cambry," Jace said, Ryland sat down next to Benji and whispered to something to him.
"Shut up!" Benji yelled slapping Ryland's shoulder. "Mom Ryland said that I-" Ryland pulled him towards him covering his mouth.
"No one likes snitches," Ryland mumbled while Benji struggled to get free.
I feel like we all took up most of the small restaurant we were at the entire family was here from Grandma and Grandpa to Jon on his family. "Are you guys ready to order yet?" The waitress asked her Italian accent was really thick.
"No we're still waiting," Dad said she didn't look too thrilled about that.
"Where is Kayla? Is she coming by snail?"
"Shut up she's pregnant she can take all the time she wants," Clary said hitting Ryland's shoulder.
"She's not even that pregnant yet." He shrugged.
"Does it matter? She still has a human inside of her."
"I just-"
"And that human is your child so show a little respect," Cecily said picking up her spoon and pointing it at him.
"You guys act like she's about to pop!" Ryland yelled.
"Like who's going to pop?" Cambry asked walking up with Harlan.
"No one, where's Kayla?" Ryland asked.
"She decided that she can't see you until the wedding so I was on drop off duty…. Okay, Harlan time to say goodbye." Harlan whined and looked at the phone.
"Daddy do you want to say hi to Kai?" Harlan put the phone to Ryland's face and handed him an ear bud.
"Hey little dude how's vacation?" Ry asked and whatever Kai said made Ryland laugh. "Oh yeah? Did you like your presents?" Ryland asked him and then looked at Cambry who nodded.
"Right when he got it he put it on and hasn't taken it off since practically and the other one I haven't told him about yet but I cannot thank you enough." What present? I tried to get his attention but he was focused on Kai.
"Are you taking him?"Ryland asked.
"God no I don't know shit about hockey I'm pretty sure Aaron will end up taking him." I glared at Ryland but he wasn't paying attention to me. "I gotta go Harlan say bye to Kai." Cambry said but Harlan shook his head.
"But we aren't done talking yet!" He whined.
"You've been talking to him for an hour Harlan." He didn't seem to care because he shook his head and looked at the phone.
"But Kai doesn't want me to go yet." Harlan said pointing at the phone.
"Daddy." Rosie said tapping on my leg. "I need potty." Sadie picked her up and kissed my head.
"We'll be right back."
"Okay babe." I looked back over to Harlan and Cambry he was still trying to get Cambry to let him talk longer.
"Ryland do you have my mom's number?" Cambry asked.
"Yeah she gave it to me and Kayla, I can let him use my phone so you can get yours back." Why the fuck do they have her number and I don't? I'm his fucking father. I was getting pissed but I bit my lip to keep from saying something that would start a fight.
"Kai do you want to say hi to grandma?" Harlan asked picking up the phone jumping off his chair and running to Clary. "Say hi grandma."
"Hi Kai it's good to see you again."
"Harlan sit down buddy." Ryland said pointing to his seat.
"Okay hold on." Harlan looked at the phone and shook his head. "Jessie?" Harlan tapped on her. "How do you say poop head in sign language?" Jessie laughed and signed it and Harlan copied her showing Kai.
"Cammie I taught Kai something new!"
"Thank you now he's gonna call everyone poop head for the next few weeks…" Cambry sighed Harlan giggled and looked back at the phone before frowning.
"Daddy? But you already said hi to him." He shrugged and went back to Ryland. "Daddy Kai wants to talk to you again." Ryland took the phone and laughed.
"He didn't want to talk to me."
"But he said he wanted to talk to daddy… Kai didn't you want to talk to daddy?" He listened to what Kai said and then nodded and looked at Cambry. "Kai wants you… Bye Kai i'll ask mommy if I can call you when you wake up okay? I love you bubs." Harlan looked from the phone to Ryland. "Daddy next time we go somewhere we have to invite Kai cause he'll be sad okay?" Harlan said to Ryland who nodded.
"Okay buddy."
Dad leaned in towards me and whispered, "She was actually really pretty…" He seemed surprised.
"Did you think she'd be ugly?"
"Not what I expected to be honest she kinda looks like-"
"A bitch? I know…"
"Max." I rolled my eyes.
"Yeah, yeah."
After breakfast we had a band meeting no one really wanted to go to it but Bryan our manger said that it was really important. "Ryland can we talk?" I asked he looked at me and shrugged.
"You never need to ask me just talk you know that."
"What did you get Kai?"
"A custom face mask of our band and tickets for a hockey game I never got him anything for his birthday."
"And Aaron's taking him…." Ryland stopped walking.
"Well you're moving so I doubt you'd be able to take him if I'm home i'd have no problem taking him but it's a good bonding for them."
"I don't want them to bond…" I mumbled Ryland raised his eyebrow. "What how would you like it if you and Kayla weren't together and she was dating a guy you didn't like and your kids were best fucking friends with him and you never got to see them."
"Max I know not being able to see Kai sucks and then having some other person step into Kai's life just about when you did and he gets to see him more then you but you are Kai's father and nothing will change that Aaron knows that he isn't Kai's dad and even when he slips up Aaron corrects him."
"All this sucks…"
"Are you alright?"
"I don't even know when I'll get to see Kai again and that's killing me… He didn't even want to talk to me when he was talking to Harlan."
"Actually the last time Kai gave me the phone he asked to talk to 'daddy' Harlan assumed he was talking to me but when I had the phone he laughed and said your not my daddy."
"I know I'm a deadbeat dad and I haven't tried to be there for him enough and he deserves so much better then me maybe Aaron would be a better father for Kai but I can't let him go and that's selfish-" Ryland punched me.
"It's selfish that you want to be there for your son?"
"But i'm not…"
"So change your ways."
"He already knows that i'm not-"
"He's only three in ten years he won't remember that you weren't there but if you continue this then he'll know you aren't there for him but you still have time to change that… Do you want Kai growing up hating you?"
"No…"
"So start being better, you are amazing with DJ and Rosie what's so different with Kai?"
"I dunno…"
"Yes you do."
"I don't want to lose him."
"As long as you don't fuck up to badly you won't."
"Not that kind of losing him… Actually losing him."
"Max-" I shook my head and started walking again this was not a conversation I wanted to have but Ryland grabbed my arm. "Isn't that all the more reason to be there for him?"
"I'm moving to New York…"
"How long do you get him after the move?"
"I don't…"
"What?"
"Kai can't get on a plane so my only other options would be to drive or just come back once in awhile to see him."
"Oh." He said softly and looked at me. "Well it's not like you can't see him Cambry always post pictures of him and everything." I laughed bitterly.
"She has me blocked…"
"What is with you guys? Why can't you get along?"
"It was from when we first broke up she blocked me and just never undid it." Spencer popped his head out of the room.
"Hey asshats we're all waiting for you guys." Ryland rolled his eyes.
"Coming dipshit." Ry said bump in his shoulder into mine. "Don't worry about it right now." I sighed knowing he was right.
Bryan our manger was pacing when we sat down everyone was confused because he'd start talking but he'd make no sense then he'd stop talking and start all over again. "Fuck it, here." He handed out packets to each of us. "Ryland, Max do you remember that show you guys were on when your father's-"
"No." Max and I said in unison.
"Why?"
"Kayla would never agree for the kids to be on tv and we already did something like-"
"No your mistaken they don't want it to be your home life they want to see your tour life it's an actual tv show!" Bryan said excitedly. "Do you know how big this would be for us?"
"Does that mean I'd have to stop doing drugs?" Spencer frowned and then pushed his packet away. "That's fucking gay no way." I glared at him for using that word but he just rolled his eyes.
"Everyone already knows you do drugs." Gabe said.
"Would Kayla have to sign this?" Ryland asked biting his lip.
"She would need to sign off just in case she came when they were filming." Bryan said but Ryland didn't seem to like that answer. "I know it seems like a lot but do you know how much money they are offering you guys?"
"I like money…" Spencer said taking his packet back.
"The only things you like are money, drugs, and whores." Gabe grumbled.
"You forgot rocking out." Spencer smiled in his direction and got a pen to the face. "Ayy fuck head." He threw it back at Gabe.
"I don't know about this…" Bryan sat down beside Ryland and I. "The last time it almost made my parents get a divorce and Kayla and I are getting married today… I don't want to start drama on our wedding day I don't think she's gonna like this at all."
"It's not your home life so your kids won't be on it unless you choose to let them on the show."
"So Max you'd need Cambry to sign off on it then because of Kai right?" Gabe asked.
"...What?"
"Only if you'd want him on the show you'd need both parents permission so we don't have any legal issues." This was too much right now…
"How long do we have to decide?"
"They want to start filming by the next tour."
"We don't even have a set schedule for our next tour let alone a new fucking album…"
"I know but we usually do a little break I was thinking-"
"If it's anything less then six months the answer is no." Ryland said and Bryan raised his eyebrow.
"Well I was thinking four."
"No."
"Why?"
"In case you forgot I'm having another kid in six months and I'd rather not miss him or her being born."
"I forgot about that…" Bryan sighed and looked at the guys. "Do any of you have a problem with the show?"
"No." All of them answered and Bryan looked back to Ryland and I.
"Talk to your girls find out how they feel and get back to me.. We have about a month to accept the offer."
"Thanks for at least giving us some time." I said. I didn't think Sadie would have a problem with it she just most likely wouldn't let the kids on.
After the meeting everyone went their own way I was just wandering around trying to think about what I should do and how I could even ask Sadie let alone Cambry, it wouldn't be fair if the kids got to be on the show and Kai didn't. "Max!" I stopped walking and turned as Cambry ran up to me. "I've been calling you for like three minutes."
"Oh sorry… I'm in my head, is everything okay?"
"I uh… I wouldn't be asking this but Kai begged me to… I told him about the present Ryland got for him-"
"The hockey tickets?"
"Yeah… I told him Aaron would most likely take him and he threw a fit he wants you to take him but I know your moving but-"
"I'd love to take him."
"R-really?"
"I know I'm a horrible dad to him and I'm really trying Cam… I don't want him to hate me like I hate her…" I said softly I don't think I've ever spoken that softly to her and I knew she could tell it to because her eyes went from cold and distant to something much more friendly.
"Kai thinks you walk on water Max he's always talking about you… I'm sorry that even after all this I still treated you like shit I just want you to be there for Kai like you are Sadie's kids because you are an amazing father Max I just don't get to see that side of you very much."
"I'm sorry." Cambry smiled and shrugged.
"Don't make me regret asking you Max if I tell Kai you said yes and then you don't show up-" I leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"I won't."
"Were you pissed that Aaron was going to take him?" I didn't say anything and she rolled her eyes. "So that's where Kai gets it from."
"What?"
"When you don't want to tell the truth you make this face and Kai makes the same exact one." I know he looks just like me just a tad bit lighter but I never knew we had things in common… "And he sleeps just like you do." She pulled her phone out and scrolled through some pictures before she showed me I laughed because she was right. "Sorry you probably have better things to do I'm gonna go."
"Can I talk to Kai?"
"He's asleep right now but I'll have him call you when he wakes up."
"Thank you."
"Yeah and I'll text you the info about the game."
I wanted to bring up the show but that was our first normal conversation in… probably forever I wasn't going to ruin it by asking I'd wait awhile and hope that we were going on the right path.
Kayla's Pov
Sadie kept fussing over my hair and my makeup and it was getting to the point where I wanted to punch her. "Come on Kayla! Stop eating I need to finish."
"I'm hungry!" I tried to pick up my bowl of pasta but Sadie took it from me. "I'm gonna cry."
"Get it together you need to look beautiful and you have sauce on your chin." Sadie said sighing.
"Well if you'd let me finish eating we wouldn't be having this problem and plus I still have a few hours before I even have to get ready so leave me be."
"Willow's up." Was all Sadie said as she pulled my hair out of it's sloppy bun.
"Maama." Willow sat on the couch with her arms in the air. "Pa?" Pa meant pacifier in Willow talk she had it when she fell asleep and if she doesn't have it all hell is gonna break loose.
"Have you seen her pacifier?"
"Oh yeah DJ found it and put it on the table hold on." Sadie left so I took a giant bite of my pasta it was a mistake it was falling everywhere and the sauce got all over my face. "Seriously Kayla?"
"I'm sorry I didn't eat last night I was nervous and now I feel like I was just starved for twenty hours… Can I have a napkin?" She rolled her eyes, gave Willow her pacifier and threw a balled up napkin at me. "Thank you."
"So why were you so nervous?" Sadie picked up Willow and brought her to me.
"Som?" Willow asked when she noticed the food and her little hand was already out.
"Can you say please?"
"Pes?" She asked even tilting her head.
"I can't wait until Alex is this age." Sadie said softly kissing Willow's head.
"You mean Empire?"
"No… I mean Alex because my sons name is Alexander."
"Empire."
"Stop!"
"I like when they call him Emp it's really cute." Sadie sighed in defeat and shrugged.
"Fine I'll just enjoy being the only one calling him Alex…" Sadie played with Willow's hair and then glanced at me. "You think she'd let me put her hair up?"
"She throw a fit anytime I try and do it but if you distract her with food she might not care."
"You want a popsicle Willow?" Sadie asked and immediately she started to nod.
"I didn't say you could give her a-" But Sadie was already gone.
"No one ever listens to mommy do they baby?" I asked her.
"Som?" Willow asked pointing to my pasta. "Som?" Willow asked again when I didn't answer. "Pes?" They way she scrunched up her face and closed her eyes when she tried to say please was the cutest thing i've ever seen, once she took a bite she clapped her hands. "Mmm."
"Was that good baby?" She nodded and looked behind her where Sadie had disappeared. "What's taken you so long?" I yelled.
"I'm coming bitch!" Sadie yelled back and another ten seconds she was back with a popsicle and Willow's cup. "I was getting her some water."
"So I heard Cambry had a surprise for you or something the other day." Sadie said messing with Willow's hair to see if she'd get mad but she was totally invested in her popsicle.
"Yeah her and Aaron surprised me with some friends of mine from high school."
"Are they gonna be here for the wedding?"
"Yeah I think they're all staying longer it was good to catch up with them and I was definitely not expecting it."
"Pigtails?" Sadie asked I nodded. Willow didn't have very much hair so there wasn't that much you could do with it other then put it in a ponytail right in the center of her head.
"Who's watching the kids for you guys tonight?"
"I think Clary and Jace but even if they don't want to by the end of the night we'll most likely end up keeping them."
"Max and I can take them."
"You sure about that?"
"Yeah Max wouldn't mind it's only adding two more to our mix."
"I know but you guys have Empire to worry about if it came down to it i'd ask Cambry I wouldn't wanna do that to you guys."
Sadie finished Willow's hair right as she got done with her popsicle, "Perfect timing." I said Sadie smiled proudly.
"My years of practice with Rosie." Willow got off the chair and started running around but when someone knocked on the door she ran to me. "Who is that?" Sadie asked me.
"I dunno but if it's Ryland tell him you'll punch him if he tries to come in!" She laughed and went to the door.
"Ye-" She screamed and wrapped whoever it was in a hug. "I've missed you so much!" I couldn't move because Willow was trying to hide under my shirt. "Kayla come here."
"I can't." Sadie looked back at me I pointed to Willow she laughed and pulled someone into the room.
"Hey Kay." Rowan smiled brightly I jumped up trying to wrap him in a hug dragging Willow who had her arms wrapped around my legs. "I've missed you so much." He muttered into my hair.
"Is mom here?"
"No… Ryland paid for my flight he actually talked to mom… She said the only way I could come is if I only came for the wedding and left in the morning…"
"It's better then nothing Rowie." I kissed his cheek I would have to think of a way to thank Ryland for this. "You've gotten bigger since I've last seen you."
"I know right?" He flexed his arm Sadie slapped him.
"You ain't got no muscle your just skin and bones." He shook his head in mock outrage.
"I'll have you know I do weight training and I even go on runs." He looked down at Willow and frowned. "She doesn't remember me?" He kneeled down and waved. "Hi I'm your uncle." She just stared at him. "Do you want some candy?" Willow nodded.
"No! Sadie just gave her a popsicle she's not getting candy to."
"Come on! She doesn't like me I have to buy her love now Kayla or else she'll never love me."
"It's called playing with her not bribing her into liking you."
"I'll do both but for now." He dug into his pocket and pulled something out. "Come here." He held it out for her she stuck her hand out but he didn't hand it to her. "Come on." She took a step close to him and then looked up at me.
"It's okay baby i'm right here." She took another step and grabbed the candy.
"Can I chill with you guys while you do all your girly shit?"
"That's not to boring for you is it Row?"
"Well unfortunately I have two boring sisters so I have no choice…."
Clary's Pov
Ryland was starting to get annoyed with how mushy I was being with him but my baby was getting married and I didn't know how to handle that it's like it almost wouldn't process in my head. "Your staring at me again mom…" Ryland looked at me uncomfortably. "What's been with you this weekend? Are you alright?"
"I'm just remembering every single day with you since you've been born and I didn't think i'd be this emotional when you guys started getting married but it just means you aren't my baby anymore." Ryland finally stopped frowning and gave me his signature Herondale smirk.
"I will always be your baby mama." That's been his answer since he was four anytime I told him he was getting big or that he wasn't my baby anymore without fail those words always came out of his mouth. "I know lately I have been fucking up but thank you for never losing hope in me…"
"Ry no matter what you do I will always be there for you it's my job."
"Are you still mad at me?" I wanted to say yes because I was still furious but he's been staying out of trouble as he has been with Jace 24/7 since then.
"I'm still mad of course but I'm less mad because you actually told the truth instead of just denying it like you'd normally do."
"I-"
"Have you done anything since then?"
"I haven't even an aspirin for all the headaches dad caused me." He groaned rubbing his head like it was all coming back to him. "How do you do it? Twenty four hours with that man and for long periods of time I wanted to strangle him sometimes…" I couldn't help but laugh Jace wanted to get on Ryland's nerves to see what he would do and how he'd react last time we went through this when anyone talked to him he'd usually be an asshole.
"Well I love your father and I think it's adorable when he-"
"Ew no stop I don't want to hear that."
"It wasn't even-!"
"I don't care mom anything mushy between you and dad is gross." He shivered when he looked up at me he was totally different. "Are you sure your alright mom? You've been acting weird all weekend… Is it about the drugs? Because if it is please just yell at me until your not angry anymore…" He actually looked sad but I didn't understand his sudden change.
"It's got nothing to do about you baby… I never thought I was going to get to see this day and now that i'm here and…" Tears came to my eyes I quickly turned hoping he didn't see that but of course he was up on his feet in seconds pulling me around.
"Mom…"
"When I had cancer I pictured everything because I was so scared I wouldn't make it to this day and let's be honest I thought this day was very very very far into the future… Sorry… And now that it's all real it's scaring me what if I wake up and it's all my dream again I felt like I had a cold the other day and I almost broke down… I'm just so happy and grateful to be here and it's a weird pour of emotions I have right now and I feel awful because your father tries to help but I'm a mess right now." He was crying now and I felt even more worse then I did a second before. "No baby don't cry…"
"I don't know what i'd do if you weren't here today I wouldn't be here getting married with two kids and another on the way i'd be… I don't know what i'd be without you…" He wiped his tears and then smiled. "I never thought about getting married even when Kayla came back into my life marriage was never in my mind at the beginning but it all changed… I guess I could see how all dad's annoying traits would be," He gagged. "Adorable…" He gagged again. "To you."
"Sometimes, other times I want to beat him with a stick." Ryland smiled.
"I'd like to see that it would make good payback for all the things he's done to me."
"It couldn't of been that bad." I said and Ryland's eyes opened wide and he threw his arms in the air.
"Once, I was napping he let Benji run in and jump on me because I didn't answer his text I was napping! Another time I made a sandwich and dad wasn't around so when he came into the room he took it from me and said he had to "make sure" I wasn't trying to sneak anything into my room and that jerk ate my sandwich. Oh and when i'd get up to do anything he'd follow me around until I went back to sitting down."
"Sounds like you two had so much fun." I said sarcastically Ryland rolled his eyes but then shrugged.
"He told me what happened with the twins…" Ryland studied my face waiting for some kind of reaction. "It was a good bonding experience actually I learned a lot he wasn't always annoying."
"I'm glad you at least learned a lesson or two."
"I'm surprised you didn't leave dad for what happened…"
"He had a choice that day and I hope it's one you'll never have to make but he made the best one for himself and us."
"One last question?"
"I don't want to talk about this anymore Ry it's not a very good memory and-"
"Completely unrelated."
"Oh… Go ahead." He sat back down and looked up at me.
"Do you think she's good for me?" I've never seen that look on his face before so much love and happiness in his eyes I haven't seen it since he was a kid.
"I don't think there is a more better person for you in this entire world she made you into a better man. Before her you were turning into someone I didn't know you didn't talk to any of us for months and when we'd call you'd act cold and that wasn't how we raised you Ry but once you rekindled that relationship with Kayla you took the fame mask off and my baby was back."
"I'm sorry I was such a dick to you guys before…"
"I know you are Bubbie."
"And I'm really glad you like Kayla."
"She's the only girlfriend you've had that I ever liked." Ryland rolled his eyes.
"Well my previous relationships were never all to great to begin with."
"You can say that again."
"I'd rather not."
"How about mom knows best?"
"No."
"Or how about I Ryland will always go with mom's intuition because she knows my heart and who is good for it." I pinched his cheeks playfully.
"How about my mom thinks she's so funny because I have a horrible taste in women?" I started pinching both his cheeks now.
"How about my mom makes all major life decisions for me?" I joked he smiled and let out a small laugh.
"You do not!" He tried to pull my hand off his cheek so I grabbed his arm and started to tickle him. "No! Please stop! You know I hate this!" Ever since a baby his sides have always been very ticklish and he's always hated it. "You win! Your right and I was wrong!" I stopped he didn't try and get up from the couch instead he rested his head on my shoulder. "You are an amazing mother." Ryland said lifting his head to kiss my cheek. Ryland's phone went off a few times he moved away to pick it up and a big smile came to his face.
"Who's that?"
"Kayla… She's thanking me for one her wedding presents."
"One of them?"
"I couldn't decide what to get her and she does so much by herself for the kids I figured she deserved more then one.."
"What did you get her?"
"Well this one wasn't really a gift more like a favor… I called her mom and asked her if her brother could come to the wedding and she said no because she's a bitch but I'm rich so of course for a fair amount she let Kayla's little brother come to the wedding."
"Her mom blackmailed you?"
"No… She said the only way he'd be able to come was if I paid for his ticket and paid her."
"Pay her so her son could come to his own sisters wedding? How cruel can she be…"
"She's an awful person but Rowan is a good kid thanks to Kayla and Sadie and I know Kayla was heartbroken when her mom told her that he wasn't allowed to come so I paid her…"
"Paid her how much?"
"Ten." I crossed my arms and waited.
"Ten what?"
"Ten thousand…"
"Ryland!"
"It didn't matter to me I mean I make more then that in-"
"It doesn't matter Ryland she's an awful person and she doesn't deserve the children she has if anything you should have-"
"It doesn't matter to me mom as long as Kayla is happy and she has everyone who loves her here and she has a smile on her face I would have given her mom any amount of money she wanted hell if she wanted one of my cars I would've said yes."
"Really?"
"Not my ones that are away in the garage… any of the ones I had at home."
"So your not so expensive ones."
"Yeah." He laughed.
"Are you going to tell her that?"
"Fuck no she'd try and pay me back." That's what I wanted for my kids someone humble and truly kind not someone who sees the money and success.
I took a nap before we had to start getting ready for the wedding when I woke up Jace was asleep with his head on my back, his body right against mine, and his arm thrown over me, I couldn't move and I needed to pee. "Jace…" I tried shaking so he'd move but he didn't budge. "Baby." I whined.
"Hm?"
"Move." He snuggled in closer and sighed. "Jace wake up!" I yelled he lifted his head and yawned.
"Sleep good babe?" He tried to kiss me but I was already getting out of bed. "Where are you going?"
"Bathroom!"
"I need more sleep." I heard Jace say softly.
"No!"
When I came out of the bathroom Jace was asleep on his stomach hugging my pillow, I took a moment to admire how beautiful Jace was. "Do you want to miss seeing your son get married?" I kissed his back a few times.
"No." Jace muttered but didn't move.
"So get up." He groaned rolling onto his back.
"I need sleep."
"You've slept enough Jace."
"No I haven't, we are going to have three kids in this bed tonight I'll probably end up on the floor… I need sleep to make up for the sleep I won't be getting tonight."
"We'll only have Harlan and Willow…"
"And Benji."
"Oh yeah… You probably will end up on the floor." I smiled while he glared at me but it didn't last long before he sat up. "Glad you're finally up." Jace rolled his eyes and rolled out bed and stepped behind me.
"You were the one who was asleep when I came to get you I tried to wake you up but you threatened me while bodily harm so I decided to join you instead." He wrapped his arms around my waist hugging me. "Glad to see your in a better mood after a nap I can finally tell Ryland where Willow gets it from." I elbowed him as he tried to kiss me.
"I don't see why you tried to wake me up you knew I would've yelled at you."
"Yes you would've thought after nineteen years of marriage I would learn." He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before picking up his clothes he tried to go into the bathroom but I grabbed his arm.
"You ready for this?"
"One down… Five to go…" He smirked closing the door.
Ryland's Pov
I can't believe Chris and his family came… I sent the invite to them at the last minute because the wedding was last minute and he never responded so I just figured they weren't coming. "We wanted to surprise you!" Dev said. Dad, Logan, Harlan, and Benji all left to give me some time with Chris, Callie, Bailey, and Dev.
"I'm definitely surprised I didn't think you guys were coming at all."
"Well, it took a while to sort everything out," Chris said with a huge smile.
"Sort what out?"
"How the family could get out here in such a short time."
"It's only four of…." He couldn't really mean… Chris got up and opened the door and GiGi, Peter, and Emily were there. "You… You guys came?"
"Do you think I'd miss my grandbaby get married?" GiGi kissed my cheek and wrapped me in a tight hug for someone so old she sure could hug tight.
"Peter." I saluted him just like I would Poppy.
"Hey, Soldier." Beside's Poppy, Peter was the only other one who ever called me that and it made tears come to my eyes because I wish Poppy could be here to see me get married my hand moved without my permission and rested on my tattoo for him.
"He would be so proud of you Ry," Chris said ruffling my hair. "I'm proud of you too."
"Thanks, Pop…"
"I can't wait to meet the lovely little lady who stole your heart," GiGi said patting my cheek. "Oh and my great grandbabies I want to meet them to."
"God your old mom…" Peter said shaking his head.
"Want this old mom to beat you one?" She asked.
"No…"
"You aren't old grandma uncle Peter is just a dick." Bailey said I held up my hand for a fist bump but Callie was already scolding her.
"You don't say things like that." Bailey rolled her eyes and looked at me.
"Ryland agrees with me right?"
"Uh…" Ma looked at me and I knew not to get on her bad side so I held my hands up in defeat. "I'm staying out of this."
"Ryland!" Bailey smacked my arm.
"Ouch! Why are you hitting me?"
"Because you're supposed to take my side."
"I'm not going to get in trouble with you."
"Yeah!" Dev said sticking his tongue out her.
"Do that again and I'll chop your tongue right off." Dev's tongue was still out but he quickly put it away.
"Mom Bailey is threatening me."
"Be nice to your brother," Ma yelled.
"He doesn't have a nice bone in his body," Bailey mumbled.
"Not when it comes to you." Chris stepped in between them.
"Would you two stop one more thing out of either of you and neither of you will go to the wedding."
"Dad!" They both wined, Dev turned towards me.
"Are you ready to get married Ry?"
"Yeah I am a little scared but I'm ready." Dev raised his eyebrow.
"Why are you scared?"
"Grown-up things…" Chris answered for me ruffling Dev's hair.
"Dad stop!" He whacked his hand off his head he grabbed my arm pulling me down to him and whispered in my ear. "When dad doesn't have an answer for something he says it's grown up stuff he just doesn't want us to know he's not very smart." Chris crossed his arms clearly hearing what Dev was saying.
"I'm standing right here Devereux do you think I can't hear what you're saying?" Dev gulped and held his hands up.
"Ryland said it!" He pushed me towards Chris and ran. "GiGi help me!"
"That kid will be the death of me…" He said shaking his head. "You ready?"
"Yeah… As much as I can be…"
"Why are you scared?"
"I've never felt like this in my entire life about someone but what if things fall through? What if it ends up like all my relationships? I'm scared because I can't imagine my life without her and I know she feels the same way but what if-"
"You can't keep thinking ahead live in the now Ryland you will worry yourself sick if you keep doing this."
"I know your right… I'm hoping after this wedding I won't feel so nervous."
"Did you feel this nervous yesterday?"
"No I was fine all weekend and earlier too but now I'm freaking out.."
"Because you're about to get married it's okay to freak to out. You ready?"
"Yeah… I'm ready…"
I felt like I was going to pass out my head was spinning and my heart was racing everyone started taking their seats and my heart started hammering more. I had a small fear that she'd leave me right at this moment and Jessie or someone would come out and tell me she left I knew it was ridiculous but my brain was going a million miles an hour and I couldn't keep up. When the bridesmaids and groomsmen started walking out I kind of calmed down a little bit. "You look scared." Max whispered as he took his spot beside me. "Don't worry wedding's only last like twenty minutes."
"I knew we should've gone to the courthouse…"
Harlan came out holding Willow's hand he dropped it and handed her the basket of flowers she'd take one step and drop it on the ground look at Harlan and clap her hands and take another one, everyone laughed and clapped with her when she'd put a flower down. When they got to the end of the asie Willow put the last flower down and looked in the basket. "Don." She shook her head and held the basket upside down, mom held out her hand for Willow and she ran to her Harlan stood right between Max and I.
The music started and everyone stood up and just like that my heart was racing again I held my breath until I saw her and dad appear and then it was like I lost the full function of being able to breathe at all she looked…. She looked… Dad stopped just at the edge of where everyone was sitting and looked at Kayla. "This is the last chance you have to run are you sure?" He asked everyone laughed she whispered something to him and they started walking again. "Take good care of her JJ."
"Thanks dad." Kayla looked at me and then down at the ground. "You are gorgeous baby," I said softly she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "Are you gonna cry already?"
"Shut up I'm pregnant and emotional."
"We are gathered here today…" I lost focus on what he was saying and stared at Kayla I didn't care if that made me seem creepy she was glowing and the happiness was pouring out of her just like I felt. All my worries faded away I knew we would be okay and if something was wrong I'd move heaven and earth to make it right. I repeated everything the pastor said even though I was barely half paying attention. I couldn't take my eyes off her I tried a few times but I couldn't from the way her dress hugged her body or the light that was perfectly hitting her to make her shine. Kayla squeezed my hand, "...The couple has prepared their own vows." That would've been bad I cleared my throat thinking momentary about the hour I spent in the mirror practicing these words. I really hope I don't mess this up…
"Before you came back into my life I was going down a really bad path and I was treating the people closest to me like crap I almost let everything that was meaningful to me slip away I didn't expect you to come into my life and turn it upside down. I didn't expect this kind of love that just gets more and more intense as the days go on. You have me question everything I believe in and thought I needed to survive, you've broken down my walls and made me something far more than just happy words can't describe how you make me feel or how I feel about you but I will spend every day showing you that you are my life." There I didn't fuck it up! Kayla had tears were falling down her face I've never felt happy for making her cry before but at this moment I was happy.
"I wasn't expecting that." She said while carefully wiping her eyes she took a deep breath."
"I know i'm amazing," I said quickly she rolled her eyes but a giant smile was on her face.
"The first time I ever saw you you'd just fallen flat on your ass skiing," Everyone laughed even Harlan. "We talked only for a little while but I felt us click i'm pretty sure I annoyed my sister talking about you so much," Sadie nodded her head Kayla rolled her eyes. "Our first date was to the movies and after we went to the arcade you felt bad and told me when you became a rockstar you'd take me on the greatest date of all time but I'd choose a million times over all those walks we'd take in the park where we'd sit under trees and talk because the you I fell in love with wasn't the famous fast life Ryland it was the sweet boy who wrote me poetry and recited Shakespeare with me…" She stopped and took a deep breath. "I had to get used to a whole new you when we met again and it sucked at first because you weren't that same fun loving kid who wanted loved life and wanted to go on crazy adventures but as time went on I knew my Ryland was still there you just needed the right push to come back . I had to fall in love with two versions of you but I realized that you have always been that first Ryland I fell in love with you are truly the best thing that's ever happened to me."
I didn't wait for anything else I pulled her into me and kissed her with everything I had the pastor closed his book and everyone started cheering.
I thought after you just go to reception and everything is a party after that but no… We had to take five million pictures and then take pictures with all the guest before we could even go to the damn reception I was hungry and I pray Kayla wasn't because she gets mean when she's hungry but she seemed to be in an amazing mood. I looked down at my black wedding ring and just stared at it for a minute… I'm married… Holy shit… "Daddy!" Harlan ran to me wrapping his arms around my legs. "Good job marrying mommy." He patted my leg.
"Thank you buddy…" I picked him up and went to photobomb Kayla doing a mini photo shoot with Willow. "I get to be doing this while everyone's having fun at my reception party…" I muttered to myself.
"Oh, good sit next to Kayla we need some with the whole family and next is you with your brothers and sisters okay?" Kill me now… This was the worst part… I hate this…
Thirty minutes later and we finally got to make it to our damn party, "You look grumpy." Kayla whispered to me.
"I'm not…"
"Are you hungry?"
"Yes."
"My poor RyRy." She sarcastically.
"Already being mean to your husband?" Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Say that again."
"Alre-"
"No you idiot."
"Oh… I'm your husband." She smiled taking a step closer to me.
"And I'm your wife." The way she said wife made my heart hurt.
"I fucking love you."
"I fucking love you too."
Kayla's Pov
The only thing I have been dreading was the first dance I didn't like being the center of attention and I had no idea what song Ryland picked it was the only thing he wanted to pick and I was nervous. "May I have this dance my love?" He held his hand out for me.
"You may." I took his hand and we walked to the center of the dance floor everyone was watching and it was giving me anxiety I just wanted to curl up into a ball and hide in the corner of the room. We swayed back and forth for a second before any music started to play.
What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
"That's… You singing…" I whispered softly Ryland smiled but didn't say anything.
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
"Ryland… "
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you
"You're too much sometimes."
"In a good way, I hope…" He whispered, he put his lips to my ear and started to sing to me as we moved on the dance floor.
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every move
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm, and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all, all of you
Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you
I didn't want to lift my head up from his shoulder I was already crying from the song and him singing it just added to the overwhelming sense of love today. "Did you like present number two?"
"You wrote me a real love song…"
"A real love song? What's that supposed to mean? I've written you so many."
"At least this one didn't have anything to do with our sex life." He sighed.
"I've already said sorry for that song." More and more people were starting to come onto the dance floor I noticed Spencer coming our way dragging someone along with him.
"Ryland I wanted you to meet my date." Spencer had a date..? A girl came out from behind him and she was the total opposite of what I would expect. She wasn't that tall compared to Spencer.
"Hi, I'm Addaline." She had a beautiful English accent. "Congratulations on getting married." She pushed her glasses up and then bit her lip. "I'm sorry I'm congratulating you and I don't even know you…" She looked down at her feet and then back up.
"Thank you," Ryland said smiling he looked at Spencer silently having a conversation with him.
"I met her a few days ago and well she likes weddings so-"
"He had no one to come with him so he begged me." She said staring at him with big grey/blue-ish eyes. "Go ahead tell them I'm lying."
"Fine, I didn't have a date." She smiled in victory.
"You admitted something… wow…"
"Shut up Ryland."
"Are you a miracle worker? If so you need a raise."
"No, I'm-"
"Don't interrogate her Ryland." Spencer put his arm over protectively and pulled her in.
"I just want to know how she got you to admit to something I still can't get you to take responsibility for the window you broke when we were eight."
"First of all you broke that window and second she didn't do anything." Ryland and Spencer started arguing so I turned back to Addaline.
"Hi I'm Kayla it's nice to meet you I look forward to getting to know you better." her eyes widened like she was surprised I was being nice to her.
"Kayla!" Benji ran around a few chairs and grabbed my hand. "Can I dance with you?"
"Well of course handsome." He blushed and started pulling me. "Ryland! Go ask your mother to dance." I yelled he stopped his pointless bickering and nodded.
"Okay baby."
"Wanna dance?" Spencer asked Addaline she shook her head vigorously her light blond hair going in a million different directions. "Come on i'll lead." He whispered something into her ear and she turned bright red but she let him pull her to the dance floor.
"Welcome to the family Kayla." I ruffled his hair and looked out on the dance floor. Henry and Jessie were laughing dancing around, Jace was spinning Willow around, Harlan and Cecily were dancing, and Ryland melted my heart he had his head on Clary's shoulder swaying back and forth to the music with a smile plastered on his face.
