The ties that bind us th.., p.23
The Ties That Bind Us: The Ties Duet Part Two, page 23
The sun is a beautiful orangey hue as we step out of the limo Jaxon rented for us. As we wait outside the restaurant for the manager, Mark, to meet us, Camilla and the girls excitedly stand in a line holding their bouquets. They all decided to wear the same taupe dresses, and I’m glad they did because they look so beautiful in the off-the-shoulder, chiffon gowns.
“Cam, come take a selfie with us before you’re officially off the market.” Kim waves me over as she smiles for the camera.
It’s your wedding day, I remind myself. This shit has just begun.
Trying not to cringe as I squeeze in with them, we all smile as Camilla holds out her iPhone to take the shot.
“Say single dick for life!” Tegan shouts before Camilla snaps the photo and shoves her in the arm.
“You’re impossible!” she scolds Tegan as Mark makes his way to us.
“Welcome, ladies!” He greets us in a navy blue suit. “What a beautiful evening to get married.” His words have me instinctively looking up at the setting sky. I take a deep breath through my nose; the scent of sand and salt fills my nostrils, reminding me of the first night I met Jaxon.
Mark’s next statement brings me back to the present. “I believe we have a very eager groom waiting at the end of that ramp.” He gestures to the entrance of the beach. “Is the bride ready to greet him?”
“I am.” I tighten my hands around my flowers as Sayeed appears, making his way up the ramp with Emersyn in his arms and Sam by his side. Sam waves at me in the navy blue suit Jaxon picked out for him, pointing proudly to the small pillow he’s holding with our fake rings on it.
He doesn’t need to know that, though.
I wave back at him and watch as Emersyn’s eyes follow his hands and meet mine. She’s already squirming to get out of Sayeed’s hold to get to me.
Butterflies scatter in my belly, and my heart starts to beat wildly in my chest. It’s happening.
I’ve felt anxiety about so many things in my life, but there’s not an ounce of nerves in my body for what’s about to happen.
Marrying Jaxon is as essential to my happiness as breathing is to living.
“Okay then, ladies...” Mark gestures to the girls. “Make your way to the ramp in the order we discussed. The bride will stand back to wait for her escort to the beach.”
The girls walk towards Sayeed, and when they reach him, he sets Emersyn down. Sam immediately grabs her hand and tries to hold her attention with funny faces. Tegan stands beside the kids with Kim and Camilla behind her.
“Just follow the carpet we laid down, and you won’t have to worry about sand in your feet,” Mark informs me as he waves Sayeed over.
“I guess this is why most beach weddings are barefoot,” I reply with a small chuckle.
“Not necessarily,” Mark retorts, “And it seems you guys drew a bit of an audience with beachgoers.” My eyes widen with the first wave of panic just as Sayeed approaches us, standing tall and ready.
“An audience?” my voice squeaks, almost pleading with Mark.
He gives a soft head shake as if to tell me not to worry about it.
“I’ll meet you two at the bottom of the ramp.” Mark pats Sayeed on the shoulder before hurrying towards the girls.
Why is everyone so damn nosey?
“You look very beautiful, Cameron. The most perfect bride.” Sayeed’s soft-spoken words manage to distract me from the nerves doubling over in my gut. He reaches his arm out, elbow bent for me to hold on to. “I’m so very proud to be doing this.”
I place my hand into the crook of his arm and squeeze it firmly, as if the tighter I hold, the more invisible I’ll be to the onlookers waiting down below. “I’m honored to have you here with me.” My face twists slightly with a smile. “Please don’t let me fall.”
Sayeed’s face stays unbothered by my concern. “Don’t you worry about that. I made sure they laid the carpet down perfectly for you. It will be okay.”
The more he speaks to me, the lower the temperature on my face gets. Having Sayeed here with me is probably the second-best decision I’ve ever made. Leaving home being the first. Sayeed is my second chance at knowing what paternal love looks and feels like, and I’m certain it’s this kind of love I’ve always needed before any other.
“Sayeed?” My voice comes out much more nervous than I intended.
“Yes?” He looks down at me curiously.
“Why’d you agree to walk me down the aisle?”
A smile spreads across his face, the wrinkles by his eyes tightening together, showcasing his age and sense of humor.
“There was no other option for me to consider.”
I don’t know how to respond to that. Instead, I lean my head gently against his rounded shoulder, taking in the musky scent of his cologne. Sayeed pats my hand, not in comfort, but in reverence.
In another life where I could choose, this would be the type of man I’d want as a father. He’s kind, generous, and loves as unconditionally as Jaxon does.
Sayeed doesn’t acknowledge my affection in any other way, just stands proudly and lets me bask in the moment.
“I never thought I’d have this chance, you know,”
My head perks up to look at his face, but he stares ahead at the beach. His tone turns somber. “Aliya and I struggled for over a decade to have children. It’s why we had Samir so late in life.” His eyes dart to mine before looking back at the beach. “I was forty-nine when he was born...my wife was thirty-eight.” He clears his throat, becoming visibly emotional. “Aliya said she didn’t care what gender our miracle baby was, but I know in her heart she wanted a girl.” His sad eyes meet mine again. “She always spoke about the joys of watching me give away our daughter on her wedding day,” his voice strains, and he wipes at his nose with the back of his hand. “Everything comes full circle Cameron, but sometimes the road taken looks different at the end than it did at the beginning.”
“Sayeed…” My heart squeezes, and my eyes close tight at his confession.
“Thank you for giving her this, for giving us this.” He squeezes his hand over mine.
I feel my eyes water, so I blink away the impending tears and try my hardest to keep my shoulders from trembling.
“Oh no, I’m sorry—” Sayeed tries to apologize, but he can’t finish.
My arms wrap around his waist so tight I can feel his breathing restrict, but he doesn’t complain. Sayeed wraps his warm arms around my back in return, and I inhale his comforting scent.
After a brief silence, I hear him ask, “Are you ready to make our way down?”
I step back and slide my arm through his bent one, straightening my shoulders. Bringing the flowers to my stomach, I nod my head. “I’m ready.”
“Then let’s get you down that aisle, Beti.”
Chapter 35
Jaxon
There are so many strangers gathering around us. It’s sunset in early June, for fucks sake. Why are so many people on the beach right now?
They aren’t hovering, though, just noticeably watching and waiting from a small distance for the bride they know will be walking down the aisle in front of me.
“Bro, chill out. You’re shaking,” Morgan whispers in my ear.
“I just don’t want her to clam up when she sees all these people, man.”
He places his hand on my shoulder. “If there is ever a time to give her credit, it’s now, man. She’s come a long way like you always say. It’ll be fine.”
I take a deep breath and watch as Sayeed makes his way up the ramp with the kids.
“It looks really good out here,” Shane adds, obviously trying to ease my nerves.
The three of us are standing in front of the flower arch, waiting for the girls to come down. The officiant stands next to me with his book, reading through some pages.
Taking in the white carpet before me, I focus on counting the flower arrangements framing the sandy aisle. I examine the pinks, purples, and oranges as I try to let the scenery ease my worries about Cameron. A warm breeze sweeps my face, and I unbutton the collar of my white dress shirt to alleviate the heat and my rampant thoughts.
I’m thankful I didn’t wear a tie because it’s hot as fuck out. Morgan and Shane are both in suits too, but they don’t seem to be as uncomfortable as I am. Maybe the light gray doesn’t attract as much heat as my navy suit does. Fuck if I know.
A stronger gust of wind sweeps past, making the planted palm trees sway along with it. Feeling eyes on me again, I look around and notice even more people have gathered around us.
C’mon Nyx, I need you.
Mark appears at the top of the boardwalk directing the bridesmaids...and if I felt nervous before, it’s just doubled now.
It’s happening.
The piano’s feathery sounds start from the speakers, and I straighten my shoulders as Tegan begins her walk down the ramp to the beach. She’s holding her flowers tight to her front as she smiles, her eyes widening in surprise at the people who’ve set up camp around us.
The music is filling the air as she makes her way to the other side of the arch. Kim follows behind, and I can barely contain the smirk I’m holding back at seeing her Vans peek out from under the dress. She smiles knowingly and winks as she reaches the makeshift altar, nodding in approval as she checks out my navy blue suit.
I splurged a bit and bought an Armani, Morgan not leaving me much choice in the matter. I don’t miss how he shifts uncomfortably as Kim passes.
Camilla reaches us, and I hear Shane let out a low whistle as she passes. She blows him a kiss in response, and he pretends to catch it.
In the distance, I see Sam and Emersyn slowly making their way down the ramp. Sam is holding her hand carefully with one hand as he steadies the pillow in his other. When they reach the aisle, he whispers in Emersyn’s ear right before she starts to throw rose petals on the ground, and they make their way to us.
Oohs and ahhs can be heard from the onlookers, and Emersyn waves excitedly at all the strangers, her puffy dress bouncing as she walks.
“Daddy!” she yells as she rips her hand from Sam’s, drops the basket, and runs towards me with her arms wide.
I bend down and scoop her up to kiss her cheek while Sam picks up the basket, shakes his head, and makes his way next to Shane.
“I love you, pretty girl.” I give her one final kiss before Tegan steps in front of us and opens her arms for Emersyn.
Once everyone is in place, the piano music stops, and it gets eerily quiet. My chest is aching in anticipation of seeing just how beautiful my girl will look tonight.
The pinks and oranges of the sunset cast a golden glow onto the beach, and the song coming from the speakers causes my heart to beat that much faster.
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is playing, and the sound of each guitar string being plucked is like a zap to my heart. I swallow deep as Sayeed appears on top of the boardwalk with Cameron by his side.
They stop briefly as a woman adjusts Cameron’s train, then they make their journey down the ramp to us.
To me.
As they reach the beginning of the aisle, my lungs freeze in place.
Cameron. The sunset. The song. The dress.
The fucking dress.
I knew she’d love it when I saw it on the boutique's online store. I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t want to pressure her, so I was subtle about it. When I called the shop and spoke to the consultant, I asked her to sneak it in for Cameron to try on, and I couldn’t fucking wait to see if I was right.
And I was.
Because Cameron looks like an angel walking towards me. Her loose curls blow in the wind, and I watch as they dance along her face, those bright glistening eyes boring into mine.
She smiles at me, and my lungs lock as I try my hardest to keep it together. Her necklace shimmers in the sunlight, and I look up at the sky, trying to gather my composure. I scrub a hand down my face to wipe away the tear leaking from my eye.
There is no sight in the world more beautiful than what’s in front of me right now.
As Cameron gets closer, her eyes turn glassy as she watches me, and she grips Sayeed’s arm with both hands. It’s as if she needs him to keep her from falling apart...and he returns the sentiment by placing his hand over hers as he guides her towards me.
This girl’s strength is unwavering. Her beauty is captivating every single person on this beach, and she doesn’t even fucking know it.
Thinking back from where I started to where I am right now has my chest tightening in my ribcage.
I went from a kid on the street with no family to being the son of a man who chooses his role as my father every day. I got a second chance at life, at being a father to a perfect little girl. Now I have the chance to spend the rest of my life with a woman who continues to repair every fractured piece of my soul.
They stop in front of me, and it takes several bites on my inner cheek to stop me from reaching out and kissing her in front of everybody.
Sayeed turns to Cameron and takes the top of her hand to bring it to his forehead, holding it there with both hands.
Cameron watches in pure adoration.
When his eyes close, her shoulders start to tremble, and she covers her mouth with her palm as a single tear runs down her cheek. She doesn’t attempt to pull away, even though he’s holding her a bit longer than one would deem necessary.
It’s almost as if she knows he needs to do it.
Sayeed mumbles some words under his breath before releasing Cameron and joining her hand with mine.
My breaths are shaky as I take Cameron’s delicate hand, and Sayeed pats me on the back. “I love you both very much, and I’m so very happy for you.”
Releasing Cameron, I bring Sayeed in for a hug. “Thank you, old man.” I squeeze him tightly as he pats me on the back.
“My son,” he replies, like an act of affirmation.
When the moment is over, Sayeed clears his throat as he gives me two quick pats to the back. He walks over to the few chairs set up before the archway and sits. Sam follows and settles next to him, resting his head against Sayeed’s arm.
“Who’s ready to get these two married?” the officiant asks aloud, his arms wide.
Cameron and I step in front of the arch, our hands clasped together as our eyes lock on each other.
“You’re beautiful,” I mouth, and Cameron smiles bashfully.
“Friends and family,” the officiant begins, “we are joined today to share in a very important moment in the lives of Jaxon and Cameron. Their love and understanding of each other have grown and blossomed so beautifully, and they have decided to live out the rest of their lives together as one.”
My grip on her hands tightens as her eyes dance before me, unwavering from my face.
“Marriage is not only an act of love, it is also an act of acceptance…” The officiant continues on with his speech, but at this point, the words are muffled behind the sound of my pulse pounding through my ears.
All I see is Cameron before me in her wedding dress; everything else is a blurry haze. She runs a thumb over mine, and I bring her hand to my lips for a kiss.
“Are we ready for the vows?” he asks us, and we both nod.
“Okay, let’s start with the groom—”
“I actually have my own vows if that’s okay,” I cut him off. The officiant nods with a go-ahead.
Cameron’s eyes widen, obviously caught off guard because we didn’t discuss this beforehand. And for a good reason. I didn’t want her to feel the pressure of being on display even more than she already is.
I tighten my grip on her hands as a reassurance before I begin.
“Cameron Jade, to say it was love at first sight would be, well, a lie.” Low chuckles come from our friends and the strangers surrounding us. “In fact, I’m pretty sure you threatened to stab me with a pocket knife.” More laughs erupt, and Sayeed’s eyebrows shoot up his forehead.
“Nevertheless, in between the eye rolls, movie choice complaints, and criticism of my literary genre preferences, we fell into the deepest form of love. Although our road hasn’t been a long one, it wasn’t easy either. It came with heartache, revelations, and obstacles neither of us could have ever imagined. But one thing remained. You were always my light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. You changed me for the better.”
I clear my scratchy throat and continue, “Now, I can’t promise to be the perfect husband for you at all times, but I can promise to love you through every tough day. I will love you through the arguments, and I will love you through the tears we know will be inevitable sometimes.”
I cup her face with my hands as her lip trembles before me. “I will dedicate my entire mind, body, and soul to you. I will protect your body and your spirit. I will cherish the moments we have together and promise to never leave you wondering where my loyalties lie. Because they will always be with you. You’ve become a vital piece of me and the most amazing mother to Emersyn.” Cameron blows out a shaky breath, her eyes fluttering closed. “You’re it for me, Nyx. I told you. Until my very last breath.”
I straighten my back, and the officiant’s eyes bounce from me to Cameron as if he’s waiting to see what comes next.
Cameron clears her throat, her mouth opening to say something. “I…” Her lips seal tight as if she’s taking back what she was about to say.
Gathering her composure, she attempts to speak again.
“I definitely can’t top what you just said.” She smiles sweetly at everybody watching us before bringing her attention back to me. “But I can promise you a few things, too.” She shifts on her feet. “I can promise you that I will always choose you. Even when you drive me crazy with your bad dad jokes and inappropriate innuendos.”
“Yeah, buddy,” Morgan says under his breath, and Cameron huffs out a chuckle, shaking her head at him.
She finds my eyes again. “I can promise you that I will never stop fighting for you, and I will never stop trying to be the woman you need.” I take a reassuring step towards her, desperate to remind her she already is, but she stops me. “I will try my hardest to protect Emersyn and teach her all the things a mother should.” Cameron shrugs. “But most of all, I can promise that I will never give up on us. No matter what hand life deals out, I will be by your side through all of it.” She brings my hand to her face and presses it to her cheek. “I can promise to more than love you, forever.”
