AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"But Hollis isn't a stranger, dad. She's my new bestest friend."
"Mine too. When can I dye my hair blue like hers?" Emsley chimes in.
I give Hollis a small smile before looking down at a sleepy Maelie, tucked nicely in her car seat.
"You're right, I'm sorry. Hollis isn't a stranger," I say.
"Sometimes, adults have understandings between each other about certain things in life. But I don't think I have to do much convincing to your father, little Aria." Hollis smirks at me and my heart starts to pound in my chest because she knows my secret.
A few hours before the ceremony, when the girls were getting their hair and makeup done, I wondered on over to meet the guys. I had to take the girls with me of course, but Sterling gave me the okay to do what I had asked of her the night before, so I wanted to run it by the guys while getting to know them a little better.
When I walked in, both Jax and Callan were fully dressed. They welcomed me into their space with open arms and a beer and it seemed that Sterling had already talked to Callan who then of course told Jax what my plan was. We spent the rest of the time getting to know each other, talking about work and family life. The guys even hung out with the girls and Jax asked to hold Maelie, so I gave him a shot at consoling a crying three-month-old. Dakota and Hollis had just walked in and the look in Hollis' eyes when she saw Jaxon holding a baby was a rather feral one if I do say so myself, as an observation by a man at that.
I assume that Jax had told Hollis what the plan was.
We get up from the chairs and make our way down into the grand hall for the reception. Hollis is holding the girls’ hands while I carry the car seat and we find our assigned seats. Luckily, we’re all at the same table. We wait for Dakota and Jaxon to make their way back to us and when they do, the girls start bothering Jax. They’ve really taken a liking to him in the past few hours. Hollis too.
The next forty minutes pass of guests mingling and walking around the room to wait for the newlyweds to make their grand entrance.
“May I have your attention,” the DJ shouts over the speaker system.
Everyone quiets down and takes their seats.
“If you could turn your attention to the left entrance. I’d now like to introduce to you, Mr. & Mrs. Callan and Sterling David!” Music starts to play over the speakers, and everyone applauds as the two of them make their way into the hall and out to the center of the dance floor.
I look over to see Dakota in utter awe of the sight before us, her best friend is now a wife. I can’t help but wonder if that’s what she really wants. But I guess we'll find out soon enough.
“The newlyweds are now going to celebrate with a first dance.” The DJ announces and we all turn our attention back to the where Callan and Sterling stand.
Speechless by Dan + Shay starts to play and they grab at each other, gently swaying acorss the floor and making light footwork of their first dance.
This is where I start to realize that this is really what I want. I was okay not marrying Dakota at first. I really was. The husband-and-wife titles don’t solidify love and a promise forever. But something about a celebration of exchanging vows, having your whole family and friend group there to enjoy the celebration with. And the first dance.
It’s special.
Sterling is looking Callan in the eyes, and it is exactly how Dakota looks at me. I turn my head to see her with a tear streaming down her cheek.
“Hey, Firefly.” I swipe the tear away as she smiles at.
“It’s just so damn cute. This whole thing. I think-” she gets cut off as the song and dance end, the bride and groom meeting for a kiss.
And then the DJ announces the next thing on the schedule.
Sterling looks at me, and my heart kicks into a high-speed chase against my breathing.
It’s time.
I’ve never been this fucking nervous.
“Can I get all of the single ladies to the dance floor. And that also include the ladies who have a man but don’t have a ring on that finger!” The DJ shouts as all the girls get giddy walking over to the center of the dance floor.
There have to be at least a dozen of them, and my palms start to get sweaty because I notice Dakota doesn’t move.
“Come on.” Hollis stands up and grabs Dakota by the hand with a smirk on her face.
“Oh, no. I don’t think-” Dakota attempts to deny but Hollis doesn’t relent.
“No way. We don’t have rings on our fingers." She playfully shoots daggers at Jax and I. "We’re doing this thing.” Hollis tugs on Dakota again.
