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CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Abel
The next night we've all gathered at Monroe's. One by one, the news went out to us all about what Dad and Alexis were planning on doing. Today we all got together to transform the inside of the bar. Gone are the alcohol and beer signs. In their place are sheets draped over the walls, along with fairy lights. The way we managed to do it, it looks like the place was built this way.
I'm wearing a pair of black dress pants, along with a white sweater. This is about as dressed up as I get, even when my dad asks me to.
"Abel, can you grab the other two containers in my car, please?" Kara comes in carrying a container of food, wearing one of the hottest dresses I've ever seen.
"Yeah, is that all you need?"
She nods. "Keep them covered so they stay warm. After the ceremony, we'll open them up so I can serve."
"Got it," I nod. "By the way, babe. You're lookin' smoking."
She smiles wide over at me. "You too, but pull up them sleeves, yeah? I'd prefer to see the ink."
"Like this?" I wink as I hitch the material up slightly.
"Yeah, thanks. I'll be looking at them as I'm standing across from you. I gotta go check in with Alexis, but I'll see you in a few?"
It's a few steps across to her, and when I'm there, I take her in my arms. "It'll be us next," I whisper. "I talked to Dad, and he said it's okay if we announce during the reception. I didn't want to steal any of their thunder."
She tilts her head back, eyes bright. "That's sweet of you."
I look down at the metal circle on her finger. "I might have something to show you a little later. Just wanna keep you on your toes during the ceremony."
She quirks her eyebrow. "Okay, now I'm interested."
"You should be. See you. I'll be standing up front with my dad."
Leaning in, she gives me a kiss on the cheek, and then heads up to Alexis' old apartment to help her finish getting ready.
"You doing okay?" Dad hits my shoulder.
"Feel like I should be asking you that question since you're the one who's about to get married. I am slightly nervous about the ring I bought. I'm afraid she won't like it." I run a hand through my hair, nervous as fuck.
"You picked it out. Of course, she's going to love it. I'm excited to be sharing this day with you in more ways than one." Dad hugs me tightly.
"I haven't said it today, but I'm happy for you. You went through a lot to get here, and I've never seen you as happy as you are with Alexis. It's been a long time coming and I am looking forward to the next thirty years for our family."
Dad looks like he's pushing back tears. "Me too, son. Me too."
* * *
My eyes meet Kara's as she walks down the aisle ahead of Alexis. If I close mine, I can imagine this is our wedding. That she's walking toward me and about to say the vows that will connect us for the rest of our lives. She steps to the side, and thirty or so guests that have gathered, stand for Alexis and her dad as they make their way down the makeshift aisle.
She's gorgeous, and I know my dad is dying to get his hands on her. There's a white dress covering her body, and pink high heels on her feet. It's not a wedding dress, but the symbolism is there.
When she gets to the end of the aisle, Dad takes her hand in his, and together they approach the officiant. "Who gives this woman to this man?" He asks.
Alexis' dad swallows roughly before he smiles at Dad. "Her mother and I do."
I glance across the aisle and catch Kara's eyes. From the beginning of the ceremony to the end, we stare at one another, except for when we have to hand over the rings. I'm imagining how our wedding might go. What kind of dress she'd be wearing, and how many people would be at ours. Before I know it, they're being pronounced man and wife, and they're leaning in, kissing each other with no regard for anyone else around.
They walk down, and I offer my arm to Kara. As we follow them, I know asking her to marry me is the best decision I ever made.
Kara
