Page 105 of Tear Me Down
“Let’s continue forever.”
After a quick visit to fill out the correct forms, show our IDs, and pay the small fee, we walk back down the hallway to what I thought was going to be a courtroom, but instead he pulls me along, walking right past them. This man cannot possibly have any more surprises waiting for us. I’m already trying to wrap my head around how he managed to orchestrate all of this while I laid in bed beside him, but it is Damien after all. The few texts that I assumed were work related probably weren’t at all, and now I partially feel like a dumbass for not seeing this coming.
As we turn the corner towards the middle of the building, I see Richard standing in the middle of the hall, pacing like he’s waiting for something—no doubt us. He’s wearing casual, but appropriate, clothes. A bright, collared top with khaki-colored paints and loafers, probably something he would wear to church on Sundays. He’s standing by the large windows and patio door that leads to a courtyard sitting in the middle of the property, practically leading me to where we’re going to hold our tiny ceremony.
My heart swells, and those damn tears trigger again, desperately wanting to fall, but I don’t let them yet. I know once I start, that I won’t be able to stop, and I don’t want my tears to be interpreted as anything other than joyous. I’m sure he’ll notice the gauze, bruises, and scrapes, but I refuse to think about that, and I know Richard will respect me enough to not mention them. I’m not sure what all he knows, but my guess is Ser called him and warned him of what not to say or do. So, I’m just going to be grateful that he’s here and soak in the moment.
We approach him nonchalantly, and the look on his face is that of a proud father, one that I thought I would never get to witness. After my first hospital stay, and when the Andersons showed up at our house unexpectedly, Ithought he would hate Damien forever, but I’m glad he doesn’t. His attendance today proves that he either respects Damien enough or just loves me enough to be here—either is fine with me. The look on his face alone is enough to melt my heart, and I just hope that he can take my love for Damien as enough of a reason to tolerate my soon-to-be husband.
We stop in front of Richard, while Damien kisses my cheek and walks past us, taking Carter with him outside. Ser then turns to face me and rakes her fingers through my hair before she fluffs my dress a little—seemingly proud of herself for the display. Thewhitegarb.
“The fucking dress,” I point out, halfway feeling like an idiot.
“I know, I’m such a bitch.” She smiles at me before turning to face Richard and kisses him on the cheek. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Hey, Sunshine,” he says back to her as she also walks through the patio door, practically prancing. “You know,” he looks back at me and says, “if you need to run, I have a getaway car,” he grins, but I can see the hint of seriousness behind it. I laugh again and shake my head as he finally pulls me in for a gentle hug. “You’re sure about this?” he asks hesitantly, and I pull back a little to look up at him.
“I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life,” I reassure him, and he only nods once before he reaches into a bag on the floor and pulls out a black rose, one with a black card attached that’s etched with gold calligraphy. Of course, a Damien moment wouldn’t be complete without one, and I’m not surprised by it, but in awe. The feeling the familiar cool stem with the thorns clipped glides easily along my fingers as he hands it to me, and I check the card—feeling my chest get warmer as I read it.
Here’s to always, Mrs. Hartley.
A small huff escapes my lips at the simple gesture that means so much. I smile softly and bring the flower to my nose, letting the natural spice crawl up my nostrils and seep in. Richard then turns towards the door and holds his elbow out, eyeing me with that knowing glare.
“I told you. It’s Dad now, young lady.” A tear finally slips, and I quickly wipe it away before looping my arm in his, ready to let the man that raised me hand me off to the man that gives me life.
“Wait!” We turn around to see Zeke and Taylor running down the hallway, hand in hand, both laughing as they sprint. She gives me a quick hug and runs past, right into the courtyard, but Zeke stops beside me, trying to catch his breath and compose whatever nervousness he’s built up. He looks like an anxious mess. Beads of sweat cover his forehead, and he’s wiggling his fingers like he can’t settle down. “I know I haven’t earned it from you yet, but can I sit on your side?”
My eyes widen, but then they soften. Zeke is a pain in my ass, and while he’s been forced to follow me around for weeks, he’s done almost nothing but tease and ignore me. Though, those in-between moments, when he’s come to my side at the smallest inconvenience at the drop of a hat, ready to back meup or accept any blow I give him, he’s become much more than Damien’s friend. Blood related or not.
He's my brother.
Damn these hormones.
“I have an arm free,” I quietly suggest, and he literally shakes out a final nerve before he puts his arm out too. I loop it as well, and then he and Richard pull the doors open, unveiling my entire life right in front of me.
The yard is covered with a glass dome that lets all of the sunlight in, a few of the panels are open to let in the fresh air and the sounds of birds outside. Small trees, countless bushes, and flowers are all in bloom, scattered across the edges of the round conservatory, with a lone tree in the middle. The plant life encircles benches, chairs, and small fountains, all perfectly placed, like they were moved not long ago.
Call it a good nervousness, but my eyes immediately scan the small group of people. Damien’s parents are on the right, along with Dani, Mel, their Nana, and what seems to be all of his aunts, uncles, and cousins. The tiny courtyard barely fits all of them on that one side, but of course, they don’t seem to mind being cramped together. On the left sits Marla, Taylor, Emmett and Linette, and to my surprise, Jaimie. Every single person sports a happy smile, and their body language is relaxed and carefree, like a day they’ve all waited for is finally happening.
I start to get a little nervous when I don’t immediately notice Charlie, but it melts away as I look to the middle. Serena stands up on the left, Carter on the right behind Damien as a best man, and in the very middle, behind everyone else, stands Charlie as the officiant. He stands shakily, but tall and proud. Well, as tall as his old ass can at about five foot six with his hunched back, but still as honored as ever.
Every step on the concrete stones towards the love of my life feels finite. Absolute. A moment in fate that was always meant to be, and that will be replayed as long as time stands. Past, present, and future, it was always meant to be us, and this moment only solidifies that truth.
As we walk, my gaze fixes and doesn’t waver from those kaleidoscope eyes, the ones that have seen me since long before I ever knew his name. There’s not an ounce of nervousness in his stance, and no sign of the pain—just pure, unadulterated confidence like he’s always had. He’s always been willing and at the ready to scream his devotion from the rooftops, to broadcast his unwavering affection to the world, and he certainly brought that energy here to this little yard.
Once we finally approach Damien, there is no awkward stop or question of who gives me away. I just unloop my arms and take his hand, displaying that this is my choice, and mine alone, just like it always has been. One final step to stand beside him, and I’ve found my rightful place. One that connects me to him forever.
Charlie tilts his head only a little and leans over his walker to whisper.
“I see you took my advice,” he teases, flashing his dentures in a smile that’s too cute for any old man to have. I shrug, but the smile on my face doesn’t fade.
“Well, it was pretty great advice,” I whisper back and he stands tall again, looking at our small village with pride. Charlie clears his scratchy throat and then begins.
“We’re all gathered here on this joyous day to witness and celebrate a true representation of partnership. One that requires work, sacrifice, and most importantly, respect. Adoration is something that grows, but love is bestowed upon those who have earned it, and I have never met a more deserving couple. Love is a warzone, always filled with unexpected bumps and unforeseen circumstances, but it’s dedication that holds the frontlines—something these two will have no issue withholding.”
He clears his throat again and continues.
“Now, I’m only here for the legal mumbo-jumbo.” Everyone chuckles. “But I couldn’t be more proud to be in attendance for this union. So now that I’ve said that, I’ll let Romeo take over.” He gestures to Damien, and we all laugh again, even though, in my opinion, Damien has a better way with words.
