Chapter Three-Hundred and Forty-Nine
"Wow…" John breathed as Claire stepped toward him down the aisle, the sight of her in that white dress causing his lungs to freeze and his heart to race.
Andy nodded, taking the ring pillow from Flynn's hands as Julia held him out to the teen. "Thank you, young sir." He smiled.
Claire took John's hand in hers, a soft smile on her lips as she looked into those deep eyes.
"You look beautiful…" He whispered, stepping up to the minister.
Andy tapped his fork against a Champaign flute that was filled with apple juice. "I guess, that I should make a toast…" He rose to his feet, swallowing as his nerves started to get the better of him. "I don't really remember the actual first time I met John… but I do remember when the Breakfast Club started." He met the young couple's eyes. "My first impression of John that day was that I might kill him before detention's over. But… as the day went by, we learned more about each other than we ever thought we could… imagine, if you will, an Athlete and a Criminal, stuck in one small room for eight hours. Two boys for two different social circles. One, who lived life in physical pain, and the other in mental pain from peer pressure. But now I see that it was all part of the plan. Without John, we never would have met Dominic and Jade, or most of the rest of the family." He raised his glass. "Congratulations! To John and Claire Bender-Standish!"
John and Claire linked their arms, and took a drink of their soda's. John cleared his throat, taking a stand. "I guess I should make a toast to my cousins, Dominic and Jade Bender." He motioned to the other couple at the table. "Dominic saved my sorry behind a lot when we were kids, and without him none of us would be here today. Without Jade Dom and I would probably still be trying to drive each other crazy. So, here's to Dominic and Jade Bender! May your lives be long and happy!"
Claire kissed her mother and father goodbye as they prepared to board the plane, squeezing their hands as John lifted their bags onto his shoulders. "We'll write you when we get there." She smiled, twisting her wedding ring around her finger.
"Have a wonderful wedding night." Clarissa whispered, kissing her head as a sweet goodbye. "And remember, it's okay if you don't do the deed right away…"
John chuckled, kissing his wife's neck. "She'll let me know." He smiled.
Thomas nodded, patting John's shoulder. "Have fun."
Claire rested her head on John's shoulder as the sun set behind them. She could hear his breath, feel his calloused hands on her arms. "I love you, Hubby." She whispered, kissing his jaw.
He hummed a reply, the meds that Ryan had given him to keep him partly sedated during the flight still strong in his bloodstream. "Love you more, Sweets."