Julia

"A girl..."

I could feel Jagger's body trembling as he took in the news.

"A girl.." he repeated as Jaye congratulated us, "Jubilee.."

"Jubilee..."

"I'm gonna miss Peppercorn.."

"She can still be called that," I told him, "Look at her.."

We watched our little one wiggle as the sonogram continued on.

"I will take some pictures and if Jagger wants to take a video, we can share little Jubilee's heartbeat," Jaye told us as Jagger took out his phone.

I couldn't believe what we were seeing—what we were really doing together.

Me and...

Jagger Hayes.

Jagger

We went to the courthouse right after.

Holding the first pictures we had of Jubilee, I made a promise to Julia in those chambers that I'd honor and cherish her forever.

I didn't care anymore about football or random girls or my voids.

I cared about her and Jubilee and my sisters, my Mom.

We called Heather, Carlene, Cody, Zoey, Jake, Moose, and my Mom who was more than happy to take my sisters out of school so they could be there.

Julia didn't call her brother and I knew that made her heart shatter, but she was surrounded by people who loved her.

I think I was falling in love with her, too.

Julia

I was shocked when Fran brought flowers and Heather brought the sundress I'd purchased so many years before.

"It's perfect," Jo said as she put little butterfly barrettes in my hair, "It's so you."

"Is it?" I looked in the mirror of the courthouse bathroom, "My hair does look nice thanks to you."

Jas and Fran mentioned I didn't need makeup, but if I wanted some there were cosmetics on hand.

"Nah," I smiled, "Apparently Jagger likes me natural."

Heather, Carlene, and Zoey had flowing dresses on as if they knew this was happening today.

I wondered what the guys looked like.

"We don't have rings.." I shook my head, "I just have my foil.."

I stared down at the little band that I kept with me even though it's time was almost up.

I would have to store it away soon.

Fran leaned into my ear and whispered,

"Oh, I think Jagger will think of something."

Jagger

I was in a white button down shirt with black slacks and new boots.

Hair slicked back, I watched Jake, Cody and Moose as they stood behind me.

"You got the rings?"

Moose smiled, "Of course I do."

I nodded, trying to remain calm, but my heart was racing.

My coolness and bravado washed away with every minute I was in the bathroom with my friends.

I was going to be a dad and now I was going to be a husband.

"She makes you so happy." Cody said, "I didn't think it was possible, but Julia Bennett is your missing piece, Jagger."

Moose laughed, "When did you become so fucking poetic?"

Jake smiled, "He's right, though. Jagger, you might be terrified, but this is it, brother. She's a wonderful woman and I've never seen her smile as much. The last two years, she always had her head down, in a book, at the library—staying far away from us, but now? She's glowing."

Glowing...

My nerd was glowing.

Julia

"Are you ready?" Carlene asked.

"Are you ready?" I joked, "I see how Cody looks at you."

Heather nodded, "Oh, hell yes..Carlene and Cody! I knew it was bound to happen."

"Hush!" Carlene blushed, "This is Julia and Jagger's day!"

Zoey stepped forward with the bouquet of wildflowers, "You look beautiful."

I studied myself in the mirror and smiled, "I feel beautiful."

"Then let's get out there and get you married."

I didn't walk down an aisle, but the timing was perfect as Jagger and I stepped out of each bathroom at the same time.

He smiled at me, eyeing me up and down as I couldn't take my gaze away from how handsome he was.

"Nerd.."

"Jock.."

"Sugar.."

"Spice.."

He linked his arm with mine as we filed into the judge's chambers.

"You're beautiful.."

"You're not too shabby," I winked, "Very handsome, Mr. Hayes.."

The judge, the honorable judge Melton, smiled as we presented ourselves to him.

"What a lovely couple!" He smiled, "I was informed earlier there would be no vows read, but there are rings, yes?"

I gasped as Moose handed over a beautiful set of rose gold rings with tiny sapphire gems topping it.

"Jagger.."

"I hope you like it.." he whispered, "I will take it back,-"

"I love it!" I said, my body shaking with anticipation, "You didn't have to,-"

"Yes, I did.." Jagger insisted, "You deserve the best and don't think I wasn't keeping tabs on what you circle in bridal magazines."

I blushed.

He knew me.

My enemy.

My friend.

My jock.

My spice.

Jagger

"And do you, Jagger Julian Hayes, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I most certainly do!"

A giggle from my sisters made me blush.

"And do you, Julia Janine Bennett, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do," Julia said, squeezing my hands, "I do more than I thought I ever would."

Melton smiled, "Then by power vested in me by the state of New Hampshire, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jagger, you may kiss your bride."

I leaned in and cupped her face, smashing my lips with hers as a little moan escaped her.

She tasted so sweet and now she was all mine.

My enemy.

My friend.

My nerd.

My sugar.