October 1, 2022




So, it's safe to say that everyone is ecstatic about the engagement, but no one more than myself. Since I accepted Jace's proposal, I haven't been able to wipe the grin off my face and Zoe and Seth's energy and liveliness has only added to it.

The moment Jace and I left our beach, Grams and Martyn both congratulated us and when we arrived back at our new home, I was pleasantly surprised to see Leah and Seth had spent all the time I'd been running around to set up a party to celebrate for when we returned. The entire night had been so lovely and with Jace's arm never leaving my waist, I can honestly say it was the happiest I've been since the day we got back together. Maybe even more so.

Now, Jace and I had originally decided that we'd wait until next summer because a winter wedding would be too cold and we wanted it outdoors and fall was too soon for either of us to plan it and spring would be too wet and it's always busy. Like I said, that was the original plan until Zoe and Seth found out and decided they were having none of it. Within the last day, they'd taken it upon themselves to begin planning out the wedding for us, saying that a fall wedding would be absolutely gorgeous and since I really didn't know a thing about weddings, I trusted them to make it wonderful.

Jace and I were just cleaning up our lunches when Zoe and Seth came barrelling through the front door, calling after us with huge grins on their faces. Bewildered, we share exasperated glances before turning to our zany, unpredictable friends.

"Okay! So, it's decided!" Zoe exclaims, holding a giant book in her hands and tossing it down on the dining table. "We've set the time and place! We considered spending a fortune on a big fancy venue, but I know how you enjoy simplicity so instead my dad's agreed to let us use their backyard because firstly it's big enough and it's really pretty in the fall with the trees framing the property. We will however rent out a party hall for the reception because it'd be a royal pain to set up a dance floor and all the seating one day and then have to take it all down and set up another arrangement afterwards."

"That all sounds lovely, but what about the budget," Jace cuts in, eyes wide and looking a little overwhelmed.

"Oh, your parents--thanks to Martyn-- will be covering it. They said that covering the whole wedding and honeymoon expenses would be their gift to you both and also..." Seth waves off before trailing off, eyes meeting mine. "They also want you to consider it a thank you gift."

Zoe grins at that, "All you two need to do is show up, look pretty, and then-- well you know what comes after."

A hot blush streaks across both our cheeks as I clear my throat and try to pretend she didn't just insinuate what I know she just insinuated, "When is this all happening?"

"October nineteenth," They say at the same time, smiling in a way that kind of creeps me out.

My jaw drops though as I glance at Jace who seems equally shocked, before turning on Zoe and Seth, "That's less than three weeks away!"

They shrug, grinning anyway as Seth flips open the book, "Don't worry your cute little head, we have it all under control. Zoe and I are on top of all the coordinating, while Martyn and Jared are taking care of the guest list and RSVP's and most of the internal day-of things. Grams, Daisy and Sam are on top of food and drinks. Zaq and Zoe's dad's are going to be in contact with florists, bands and are searching for someone who will actually perform the ceremony. Leah is actually insisting on being on top of the photography and her, Zoe and I will be taking you both on different occasions to pick out your tuxedos."

"What about the rings? Who's going to be doing what in the wedding? Have you made sure the weather will be okay? Will everyone be able to make it? Guys, this is all on such short notice. I-I don't--" I begin to become overwhelmed, but the feel of a familiar gentle hand touching my shoulder makes me pause and glance over at Jace who is smiling warmly at me.

"It's ridiculous, but they've got it covered. Just relax and let them handle it, okay? It's all going to be okay. Regardless of how the day turns out, I'm just going to be happy you'll be there with me--marrying me." His voice is like music to my ears as I feel my nerves melt away.

I nod, looking to my friends who hold their breath in anticipation, wanting my approval, "Okay. It sounds good so far. I know there's a million and one things more to do, but... you've got this?"

"I'm insulted you would doubt me, Kai-bear," Zoe says with a bright grin, grabbing up the book and dragging an equally excited Seth towards the door. "We bid thee farewell! This wedding is going to go down in friggin' history it'll be so amazing!"

With that, the two excitedly chatter, bouncing on the insane amount of caffeine they've probably both consumed, all the way out the front door. When they're gone, I can't help but turn to Jace and drop my head on his shoulder with a tired chuckle. "It's going to be a long month."

He laughs quietly, lifting my face to meet his as he smiles lovingly at me, "Yes, but it's going to be a wonderfully long month, and at the end, you're going to officially be mine forever."

I didn't think it possible, but my smile widens at his words, "I like the sound of that... Kailas Levett. Has a certain ring to it, huh?"

His smile falters, before widening, something sparkling in the corners of his eyes, "You really want to take my last name?"

I can feel my smile soften as I lean in and kiss him sweetly on the lips, adoring the sweet taste that is so uniquely his, "I'd be honoured to share your name, Jace. I want everyone to know who I belong to. Now and forever."

He says nothing more, but something about the way the soft afternoon light shimmers through the kitchen windows, warming us as we sit content in one another's embrace, smiling and staring into the other's eyes with thoughts of our future; I can't help but feel like there are no words in any language that could possibly describe the utter bliss and happiness we feel in this moment.

If heaven does exist, then I don't want to go. I'd rather stay right here, in this moment, for the rest of time.

October 7, 2022

"Stag party!?" I exclaim at the girls who've taken it upon themselves to barge into my bedroom and start raiding my closet. "Does Jace know about this?"

"Well, duh!" Zoe exclaims, pulling out all my best shirts and jeans. "It's for both of you! Zaq and the guys are handeling him right now!"

I deadpan at that, "So, why am I stuck with the girls?"

"Because, you're taking the name, walking down the isle, and wearing the white tux. You're pretty much playing bride role, hunny," Leah snorts, holding different coloured shirts up to me.

Rolling my eyes, I purse my lips to hide the smile trying to break through, "Har-har, you're hilarious. You take joy in this don't you?"

"Naturally," She chirps, gliding over to Zoe to match up a shirt to a few different jeans she's picked out.

Lucy steps up to me next, grabbing my arm to make me face her as she holds up a specific shirt up against me and smiles widely, "I think he should wear this one! It's the best one."

Leah looks over and snickers, hopping over to surprise Lucy with a flick on the nose, "How would you know?"

"Oh yeah! Make fun of the blind girl!" Lucy huffs, sticking her tongue out at her girlfriend. "It feels nice to touch. I bet Jace would like it on him."

I take it from Lucy's hands and despite Leah and her bickering playfully, I step in front of the mirror and examine the shirt. It's just a casual black dress shirt, but Lucy's right, it's really soft to the touch. I don't even remember where I got this, but I wouldn't doubt it if Jace had just bought it and shoved it in my drawer so I couldn't complain. He likes to spoil me when he thinks I won't notice.

"I agree with, Luce... I like this one," I say quietly.

All the girls stop to look at me, until Zoe smiles brightly and hands me a pair of dark jeans and ushers me into t he bathroom to change. "Hurry up, then! We've got less than an hour to finish getting you ready."

Later in the night, after everyone had danced and talked and laughed and drank (I refused to not let others enjoy their fun, but Jace, Zoe, Zaq, Charlie and myself all decided to stay sober). At the moment, Seth and Leah are dancing and laughing like idiots while Lucy and Charlie watch happily, chatting amongst themselves while Jace pulls me into the kitchen for a bit of quiet alone time.

"Enjoying yourself?" He asks, brushing my hair from my eyes, his other hand caressing my waist gently.

Lucy was right, he loved the shirt and had been eyeing me up all night.

I nod happily, leaning up with only the intent to give him a gentle peck, but he has other plans as he quickly backs me up against the counter, trapping me as he braces both hands on either side of me. He deepens the kiss so much I feel my lungs ache and my knees go weak, but I don't dare stop him. If anything, I pull him closer, wrapping my arms around his neck as I gently tease his lower lip with my tongue, eliciting a gasp from him and giving me the opportunity to deepen the kiss further until his tongue is playfully battling my own for dominance. That, I'm unashamed to say, is a battle I quickly give into as I let him win.

His hands finally move, only to shift under my thighs to lift me up onto the counter, our lips never parting as I now lean down, with his chin tipped upwards to kiss him, one hand in his hair, the other venturing down to feel his chest beneath the collar of his shirt.

The clearing of throats has us jerking away from each other, cheeks flushed in both embarrassment and arousal as we turn to see all our friends grinning like fools at us, and of course, Seth and Zoe giggling like school girls.

I can't even feel true embarrassment as I look back to Jace, chuckling at his frustration, "It's for the best, Love."

He frowns at that, looking up at me in confusion, "What do you mean?"

I smile sheepishly, fixing the top button of his shirt that I'd popped open, "I think we should wait until after the wedding... you know?"

His confusion instantly melts into a warm smile as he leans forward and pecks my cheek, "Okay, if that's what you want, I can wait. I can always wait for you."

I shake my head, hiding my face in his shoulder as he just laughs at me and our friends make 'aww'ing' sounds. As cheesy as it sounds, I think I just fell in love a little bit more than I thought possible.

October 19, 2022

Today is the day. The day I officially become Jace's. Excitement pumps through my veins, but as happy as I am, my nerves have inevitably gotten the better of me. I've heard of cold feet before the wedding, but this is ridiculous. My mind has managed to conjure up every possible thing that could possibly go wrong today.
What if I miss my cue to walk out? What if I trip? What if I drop the ring? What if he isn't even at the alter when I walk out? What if the tux doesn't fit because of that extra slice of cake at the party? What if, what if, what if!

Suddenly, the front door swings open and in comes Seth, Zoe and Leah who all freeze and gawk at my haggard state. Still dressed in pajamas, with bedhead made worse by frantic hands running through it, my bottom lip caught between my teeth and my eyes looking both wired and exhausted. Zoe is the first to walk up to me and speak, grabbing me by the shoulders and forcing me to look her square in the eye.

"Breathe, Kaily," She coos. "Talk to me, okay? Tell me what you're doing today."

I sigh, shaking my head to clear my hectic mind, "Getting married."

"To?" She presses gently.

I smile lightly as I stare down at the ring on my left hand, "Jace Levett."

"How does that make you feel?" She asks.

I grin this time, letting a shy chuckle escape me, "Pretty fucking ecstatic."

"Good! Then lets get this party started! Lee, set up my make up and hair crap down here. Seth, go lay out Kai's tux on his bed and make sure all is there and ready. Kai, you go get showered, relaxed, and then put on only your underwear and this robe and come down to the living room. Alright everyone; go, go, go!"

With that, we're all off to do our assigned duties, and I must say, knowing that my friends are so on top of all this and helping me so much is really calming. Even if my friend is a crazy, control freak. For someone who grew up a loner, she's awfully good at being a leader and supporter.

After showering thoroughly, shaving, dressing in the silky black robe, and dabbing on some light cologne, I head downstairs. Immediately I'm dragged to the sofa where the girls begin to poke and prod me from the shoulders up. Doing everything from blow drying and styling my hair, to brushing powder along my cheek bones and other random places and after my first and last complaint they said that I won't look like a woman and to shut up. So--being smart--I listened.

When they finish up, they quickly usher me upstairs where they leave me in the hands of Seth who is dressed rather sharply in a dark grey tux with a beautiful teal tie being the only splash of colour. He quickly helps me discard my robe and start putting on the suite piece by piece. All the while, he has this serene look on his face and as he stands before me, tying my bowtie for me--an adorable replacement for a normal tie because I know how much Jace loves them--I notice his smile widen as he looks at me with what I can only describe as pride.

"You're not going to cry are you?" I ask, fidgeting with my cuffs.

He chuckles and shakes his head, "No. I just... I'm really proud of you, Kai. I've seen you change so much over the years and more so in just these last few months and I'm really happy seeing you finally so happy. You deserve it, after coming so far, and it couldn't be with a better guy. Well, except Charlie, but he's mine."

I laugh at that, "Thanks, Seth. And thank you for being by my side through it all. None of this might have happened if it weren't for your encouragement and support."

"Okay, enough gushiness! Let's go shock our girls, hot stuff, because boy do you look fine," He teases with a wink, swatting my butt as we hurry out the door.

I roll my eyes and laugh as he leads me down the stairs, but my humor flees as I hear twin gasps and quickly look down to see the girls staring at me with gaping mouths-- soon becoming full blown grins-- and glittering eyes.

"Kai, you looks so handsome," Leah says in awe.

"Jace is going to be stunned into silence when he sees you," Zoe assures me.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I nod, hoping she's right. Hoping that everything goes right today. So much can go wrong, but we made it through the prep stage without any problems, so maybe for once, luck is on my side.

The girls themselves look absolutely stunning. They both wear matching, strapless, teal dresses falling just above the knee, with sweetheart necklines (Which I've been notified Daisy, Sam and Lucy would be wearing also). Both of them have their hair curled and pulled up into beautiful up-dos and in all honesty, I've never seen my two favourite girls in the world look more beautiful.

And I tell them so. "You both look gorgeous."

Leah blushes and rolls her eyes, while Zoe unashamedly grins and gives me a little curtsy, linking arms with Leah, "Thanks darling, but enough talk! The limo is outside and we have twenty minutes until the ceremony is to start."

Without another word, the four of us quickly hurry out into the beautiful black limo and the whole ride I'm full of the jitters. All my doubts and worries keep coming back and swirling menacingly around my mind no matter how much I try to reason with myself. Everything will be fine, I just need to calm down and enjoy myself. Like Zoe told me, all Jace and I have to do is get married and be happy today. I just need to trust my friends have everything taken care of.

As we step out of the limo in front of Zoe's dad's house, I feel my heart warm at how beautiful everything looks. The little sign that says 'pick a seat, not a side' makes me warm at the thought of everyone I love uniting today along with us. There's a lovely white carpet leading up through a white picket archway with flowers strewn artistically throughout it. There's flowers everywhere actually; lining the carpet, hung around the entrance, and ahead I can see flowers framing the aisle I will soon be walking down. The place I hope Jace is currently waiting for me is just out of my line of vision however, making my final worry eat at me.

"Deep breath, Kai," Leah says, squeezing my hand as she guides me out of the limo. "You have nothing to worry about."

I nod, trying to make my mind listen to her words. Looking around, I smile at the site of all my friends and who I consider family looking at me with loving, tearful gazes. Leah quickly walks over to Lucy, surprising her with a kiss and probably whispering to her about how beautiful she very clearly looks. Sam and Daisy look incredible as well and I happily give them each a hug and thank them for being a part of this.

"Careful of the suit!" Zoe scolds, fussing over my bow tie and fixing my hair.

I grin down at my best friend and grab her small hands to make her relax, "Thank you, Zo. Everything looks beyond perfect."

Pride and happiness shines in her eyes, but she quickly takes the modest road as she simply shrugs and nods at everyone, "They all helped. We wanted your special day to be as perfect as you deserve."

I smile at them all, and observe as Zoe quickly corrals them all into line, partnering up with who they will be walking down the aisle. From beginning to end; Leah and Jared, followed by Seth and Lucy, then Charlie and Daisy, Zaq and Sam, Zoe and Martyn, then Ollie--who I insisted would be my flower girl-- and lastly, me.

That's when it hits me. "Wait, but who do I walk with? I know the tradition is to be given away, but I don't have parents to do that."

Zoe goes to open her mouth, but suddenly, my arm is linked with a much smaller one and I glance down into a familiar pair of dark blue eyes. Grams.

"From the moment Jace brought you through my door all those years ago, I've looked at you as another member of this family. Over these years, I've honestly come to think of you as one of my own. If you will have it, I'd happily give you away to my Grandson, Kai," She says with her usual warm smile.

I can't even begin to explain the emotion that overcomes me as tears fill my eyes, "I couldn't ask for anyone better."

With that, the sound of music startles me as everyone starts making their way down the aisle slowly. I watch with anticipation as each pair begins their slow walk and I can hear people whispering in awe at how lovely everyone looks. Just before Zoe is to walk out, she turns back to me and smiles, "Deep breaths. Just look for Jace, and everything will be just fine."

With that, she left and before I know it, it's my turn and Grams is leading me through the archway and it's like the silence is hushed further, the air going still. Maybe it's only for me, because the last thing I remember is hearing my feet thudding quietly against the carpet, my heart pumping loudly in my chest, and the sound of my breath catching in my throat as I glance up and see Jace standing there looking more beautiful than I've ever seen him.

It's like everything else around us simply vanishes as my eyes lock onto his wide, tearful ones. The look on his face is one I know I'll remember forever. The awe, and love and joy. All in one expression clear for all to see, but meant only for me. As I reach the end of the aisle, I lean down to peck Grams cheek as she gently lays my hand in Jace's, walking to the right as Jace guides me up the two steps to stand before him and the rest of our audience.

"You look..."He seems lost for words as I chuckle quietly and whisper back. "You, too."

He truly does. The polar opposite of my pure white tux with light grey vest underneath, topped off with a black bow tie. Jace is dressed in a stunning, black suit with a dark silver vest and a lovely white bow tie. His hair is styled much like my own; straight and slightly pulled out of his eyes, but just enough to frame those lovely pools of azure blue.

The sound of the man before us speaking somewhat reaches my ears, but my attention is fully on the man I am so impossibly in love with.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, and to cherish the words which shall unite Kailas Harkins and Jacen Levett in marriage.

"Marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, and who trust in that love, who honour each other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together.

"This ceremony will not create a relationship that does not already exist between you. It is a symbol of how far you have come these past few years. It is a symbol of the promises you will make to each other to continue growing stronger as individuals and as partners. No matter what challenges you face, you now face them together. And no matter how much you succeed, you now succeed together. The love between you joins you now as one.

"The grooms have a few words they would like to share."

He gestures to Jace, and I watch with nothing but adoration as he smiles down at me. "Kai, I think it's safe to say we've been through hell and back at this point. To have you standing here before me after every moment between that day in the rain and now... it seems like a miracle. Who would have thought the grumpy boy who fell in a puddle to save my letter would become my husband somewhere down the road."

Laughter can be heard from our loved ones, but my eyes don't leave his as I stay entirely captivated by his words.

"I've nearly lost you so many times, and during these past eleven years, I truly thought I'd finally screwed up too badly and lost you for good. Yet, here you are, becoming mine forever on this beautiful day and I couldn't be happier. Before I met you, I thought that I needed to run away and do something drastic to find happiness, but you showed me that wasn't true at all, without even realizing it. You changed all of that by simply existing. You came into my life at full tilt and sent me on one hell of a ride. You taught me to be more patient. You taught me to slow down and look around at everything that's already here before me and appreciate it before I deem it as unsatisfying. You opened my eyes and changed me in so many ways, and you--my love--have become everything I'll ever want and need in this life.

"You've given me adventure, and passion, and laughter, and heart ache, and complete and insane love. Every second I spent with you made me question why I ever wanted to leave, and every moment I've been with you now makes me wonder how I could have ever lasted a single day without you and how I never want to do it again. You brought me closer with my family, and through a million and one mishaps, I've made an incredible group of friends. You say I saved you, but you, Kailas Harkins... you saved me. And, I promise to love you with all of my heart and soul until the day I die and if there's an afterlife--even longer. I'm undoubtedly, and hopelessly yours for as long as you'll have me."

Tears trickle from my eyes at his words as I smile at him, taking his hands in mine, as he looks to me along with everyone else.

"Jace... there is so much I could say to you. I could tell you about how after that day at the coffee shop, when you walked me home, I went home and went to sleep happy for the first time in ten years. I could tell you how much your annoying persistence to make me happier and healthier when I was a stubborn fool really meant the world to me, and even when I got angry with you, I was secretly happy that you chose to hang on to me and love me in spite of my flaws. I could express my undying gratitude to you for never giving up on me when most would have. I could tell you how you've completely changed my life, by teaching me my worth in this world, my importance. You gave me a place to call home, a foundation and you supported me and gave me the strength and room to grow. I'm someone that I can be proud of today, and I have you to thank for it.

"Happiness has always seemed like this thing just out of reach for me, but when I look at you, and you look back at me with so much love like you always do, I finally feel like I've got something so much more than just happiness. With you, I have safety, joy, bliss, and so much damn love. When I'm with you, my worries and fears and frightening thoughts all fade away, and I'm at peace.

"The word home, to me, doesn't make me think of a physical place. Those places are just houses to me. I've had many, and none of them, no matter how lovely, have ever brought me the security and happiness that you do. For me, love, you are my home. You are all that I need in this world. No matter where we go from here, I am home and I am happy as long as I am with you.

"My heart, my soul; my everything. It's all yours from this day on. I truly couldn't possibly begin to tell you how much you mean me and how excited I am for our future, but I'll try with the only words that come close. I love you so much, Jace, and I promise to only love you more and more with each passing day."

When I fall silent, the man marrying us gestures to either side of us, "Would the best man and maid of honour please present the rings."

I watch with blurred vision as Zoe steps up to my side, and Martyn to Jace's as we each take the presented rings and turn back to each other, locking eyes as we step closer.

As Jace lifts my hand, slowly slipping the ring onto my finger, the man speaks, "Do you, Kailas Harkins, take Jacen Levett to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I grin happily as I nod, "I do."

I take Jace's slim hand into my own, doing the same and gliding the perfectly fitted gold band onto his finger as the man speaks, "And do you, Jacen Levett, take Kailas Harkins to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

He sniffles quietly, nodding as he grins that wondrous crooked grin, "I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now kiss the groom," He says the words I've waited all month to hear.

Without further ado, Jace wraps his arms around me and quickly turns me, dipping me low, before pressing a sweet, but passionate kiss to my lips. Everyone is suddenly standing, clapping and the room is filled with so much joy that when he pulls me upright, I can't help but grin and throw myself back at him, kissing him with all I have, enjoying every blissful moment.

I can hear everyone laugh and cheer on my excitement, Seth and Zoe the loudest of them all. As I pull away, I grin and look out to the crowd, only to have Zoe practically throw herself into my arms, quickly followed by all of my friends as they pull Jace and I into a huge group hug.

"Wait! There's one more thing!" I say, as I wave for everyone to gather round, rather than wait for me to make my leave back down the aisle.

I walk over to a bouquet of flowers to the side of the alter and walk back over to a confused Jace as I grin cheekily at him, "I don't care if I'm a bride or not. I'm going to throw the damn bouquet."

Everyone laughs as I turn my back to them and toss it, only to hear laughter break out as I turn and see that none other than Charlie has caught it, his cheeks flaming red. Seth's cheeks pinken also, but I can see the happiness blooming on his face as he practically attacks Charlie with kisses.

If there's one thing I can say about my wedding day, it's that it'll definitely be one of my happiest memories to look back on. Today has been, in short; perfect.

Later that night, as we all gather around in the dance hall. The wedding party sitting at the front at the row of tables while the rest of our friends and Jace's family all sits and tables around the dance floor.

After both Zoe and Martyn have given their speeches according to the protocol as Zoe puts it, Seth quickly stands and to Zoe's chagrin, insists on making his own speech.

"Oh, come on, Zoe," I pout, leaning into Jace's side as he laughs at us.

She quickly relents, and Seth stands eagerly, but the look he gives me makes me suddenly regret ever letting this happen, and I soon realize that I probably should have stopped him, "Kai is one of the greatest people you'll ever meet. I'm extremely honoured to have him as a friend, and I think that as one of his best friends, it's my duty to share with you all, our secret little tale. Jace, darling, do bear with me."

My eyes widen as Jace grins and nods for him to continue. Oh god. Not the story.

"As you probably know, Kai and I met back in University around the time he first moved to London. We actually weren't friends right away. We actually hung out in completely different crowds. Lucky for me, on one particularly lovely night, our dear Leah decided to invite him to my friends party.

"Before then, I'd only seen Kai in a class or two, and I thought he was cute, and assumed him to be the shy, awkward type. That was, until this party. Oh, the foundation of our friendship, huh Kai?"

I glare at him, wishing my burning hot stare would melt him on the spot.

"During this party, Kai managed to get himself piss drunk. In all honesty, it was adorable. He kept babbling on about how he was in love and how tragic it was-- but to be honest, it was really hard to keep up with him, since he kept getting distracted and calling me pretty. Still think I'm pretty, Kai-babe?"

"Screw you," I grumble, taking to eating my dinner as Jace chuckles and kisses my burning cheeks.

"Anyway, at some point, we both got caught up in a juvenile game of 'seven minutes in heaven'. And who did I get paired to go in the closet with? My ole' buddy Kai!

"So, we go in, right? He's literally in a fit of giggles, so much so that he can't even kiss me properly. I still don't know what was ever so funny. But, I assure you, he tried his little hardest. He kept saying how he 'could do it' and 'no one can stop him'. I mean, A plus for the determination. The best thing that came out of his mouth was, 'I'm gonna show you things you've never seen before, hot stuff.' Well, you certainly did that!

"I specifically remember watching him try to act sexy, winking at me as he failed horribly in his attempt to take off my clothes. He really only succeeded in unbuttoning like three buttons before it happened."

I groan at that, pointing my fork threateningly, "If you say anymore, this will be the story of how our friendship ended."

He grins and feigns shaking in fear, "He stopped and gave me the strangest look, and then to my shock, puked all over the crotch of my pants, and then attempted to still look sexy as if he could move on from that. He then proceeded to stumble and knock us both to the floor, where he then passed out. Must say, of the many interesting things that have happened to me in closets, that one probably tops them all."

Everyone, even Jace and Charlie, burst out into fits of laughter as I bury my face in Jace's shoulder, eventually laughing at my own horrific past as well. I was such a mess, and I can't believe he just told Jace about that traumatizing event.

"It turned out okay, though. He crashed in our dorm and the next morning after we all nursed hang overs and he apologized profusely, we all had a good laugh and look where we are now! I'm sure we could have met in a much less embarrassing and gross way, but then we wouldn't have a hilarious story to tell today! To Kai and Jace! May their love flourish, and Jace's pants stay puke free!"

Everyone cheered to my horror, but in all honesty, the night was wonderful. Everyone ate and shared stories and laughed and I don't think I've ever seen everyone I love so happy before. Jace's parents congratulated us. Mr Levett promptly shook my hand and welcomed me to the family, as a newly named Levett. Mrs. Levett was basically crying and hugging on me, while Martyn then pulled me and Jace into a huge man hug.

Rhys and Kyle were beyond thrilled and I had a good conversation with them about something Jace and I agreed we may consider in a couple years after things settle. Adoption.

Just as we finally sit back down after receiving the congratulations, Zoe's voice catches my attention.

"Would the grooms please make their way to the dance floor for their first dance?" She says, smiling lovingly to me.

Jace offers a hand to me, which I take graciously, allowing him to lead me out onto the empty dance floor with all eyes on us, but our eyes purely on each other. Just as he pulls me into his arms, a very familiar song plays and my heart pounds erratically as memories come flooding back to me.

I close my eyes, resting my head against his strong shoulder as he holds me close, twirling us in slow circles, making us dance as elegantly as we did all those years ago.

"I won't give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up," Jace sings along quietly.

I toss my head back and laugh, feeling more free and blissful than I have in all my life as he carefully spins me out before pulling me close to him again, ours noses touching and breaths mingling. I don't remember who leaned in first, but soon our lips are meeting and the butterflies in my tummy, the chills down my spine, and the pounding of my heart are just as fierce as they were the first time he kissed me, back when we were just two ridiculously in love kids in the janitor's closet of a bowling alley.

I pull back, a tear slipping from my eye as I smile lovingly at my husband.

"What is it, Love?" he asks.

I smile wider if that's even possible, "I'm happy, Jace. So, incredibly happy, and this just replaced prom as the best night of my life like you said it would."

His expression is one of shock for a second, before it's suddenly bright and joyous as he pulls me into a loving embrace, whispering those three gorgeous words to me. I love you.

The song soon changes to a more up beat tune, and everyone joins us. Throughout the night I manage to dance with most everyone. Zoe, Leah, Daisy, Lucy, Mrs. Levett, Grams, and of course Seth. Even Jo, who had come along with Erik.

The music, the people, the laughter, all of it just makes me so happy as I step back and just watch everyone enjoying themselves. In my moment of peace, I close my eyes, reaching beneath my collar and pulling out my mother's pendant and pressing a light kiss to it. "I wish you could see how great things are now, mum. If you're listening... I love you, and wish you could be here."

A piano cover of 'Thinking out loud' comes on, and I'm suddenly being called onto the dance floor by my friends. I allow myself to be swept away by Jace yet again, with all my loved ones dancing sweetly around us, and it's just as I lean in to kiss him, that I feel a light tug on the back of my jacket. Looking down, I see none other than little Ollie looking up at us shyly.

"Yes?" I say, smiling warmly at my god-daughter.

She looks between us both, her cheeks pink and eyes wide, "Can I dance, too?"

Jace grins, taking one of her hands and twirling her around gracefully, before I playfully butt in and 'steal' her away to spin her around, making her giggle uncontrollably. Eventually, she takes each of our hands in her tiny ones and has us all dancing together and honestly, I couldn't have found better dance partners.

"Ollie-darling, come dance with me!" Seth exclaims as a faster paced song comes on and she goes dashing over to Seth and Leah who start dancing like tools with the little girl.

Jace pulls me close, despite the faster paced song and dancers and kisses me deeply, pulling back only to rest his forehead against my own to stare into my eyes adoringly, "So, was it everything you ever dreamed of, Mr. Levett?"

I grin up at him, loving my new last name, "No."

His smile fades, as the nostalgia makes my heart warm and my smile widen, "It was so much better than I could have ever hoped for, Mr.Levett."

He laughs, shaking his head at me before kissing me--despite both of us smiling like fools-- and grabbing my hand to run over to our friends and join in on all the fun.

And we certainly danced our hearts out with our loved ones, celebrating the uniting of our family of misfits. A new beginning, where we only look forward to a future full of happiness and promise.

And the rest of the night was history. 

~Shay<3