Page 77 of Dark Notes

“You’re here.”

She hugs me back and says, “I’m here.”

I step back from her, and wipe the tears falling down my face, and she starts rambling.

“Let’s get this over with, okay? I got fat. I’m here for you, but I’d really like to not be photographed.”

I roll my eyes at her. “You are not fat.”

She lets out an audible sigh.

“Yes, for a model, I’m fat. An extra thirty pounds is unacceptable. Which is why I’m not a model anymore. Anyway, this is your day. I just didn’t want weird awkward silences with us.”

“What made you change your mind?”

She shakes her head like she can’t even believe it herself.

“Long story short, Jett showed up at my apartment, and convinced me to come.”

I gasp louder than I intend to. “You listened to Jett?”

She giggles softly. “I either came on my own, or he was going to kidnap me, or so he said.”

“I still can’t believe you’re here.”

Shrugging her shoulders, she says, “I also realized I was being a selfish asshole, but enough about me. Want help with your hair?”

I nod emphatically. “Yes. I’m so glad you’re here.”

JAGGER

“Where’s Mia?” I ask Jett, as he walks up to me on the beach.

“Up with your girl. Probably crying about what an asshole I am.”

Jake and Hendrix have been standing with me for a few minutes, as I wait for my bride. We all laugh together at Jett, but then I think to ask how he got her here.

“You didn’t kidnap her though, right?”

That is not a conversation I wish to have with my new wife.

He shakes his head through laughter. “I didn’t, but I was going to. If I’m honest, if I had kidnapped her, we probably wouldn’t be here. I asked her out again, and she said no.”

“Did she say why?” Jake asks.

Jett sighs loudly. “I told her I wanted a shot with her more than I want anything. She asked if I wanted it more than I want heroin. We both know the answer to that.”

He stares at all of us one by one. “She’s gained some weight, and none of you assholes better say a fucking word.”

None of us respond, because the minister tells us the ladies are on their way. We kept it small, but still most of the people here are for me, but I’m sure once they get to know McKinley better they’ll probably prefer her over me. I demanded we don’t have sides, because I didn’t want her to feel bad because of the uneven sides.

Jett walks over to the piano and begins playing.

McKinley’s Songis a piece I wrote for her, and she loved it so much, she decided she wanted to come down the aisle to it.

As she comes closer, all the fucking breath leaves my lungs. There has never been a moment I didn’t think she was beautiful, but this is overwhelming. I’ve never been an emotional man, but she makes me one.

She’s wearing an ivory lace gown with a band under the breasts, and it flows to the ground. The dress is strapless, showing off her stunning cleavage. My gaze travels from her bare feet to her gorgeous face, and I’m lost in everything McKinley. Her hair is pulled up with my mother’s hair clip. A veil is tucked behind her updo, and hangs down to the middle of her back.

---