A stunning sunset, for a unique wedding.
God is the name of a spirit who people believe in to give them hope and love, to guide them when times are tough and when you need something there to support you.
God to me is a name.
But it wasn’t always.
The only people now I count on for this is Slate, Caden, and Tanner. The three men standing beside one another waiting for our women to show. Perched high on the hill, with the celebrant, I wonder when I stopped believing that God could make everything right. Mom was a religious woman, who prayed nightly with us by our bedside before going to sleep. Melody and I shared a room until I was eight. We were close and we didn’t need separate rooms because she was happy to play with my things and do what I said. She may have been small, but she still cleaned up after us. It was a win-win for me. Someone to boss around and someone to clean up after me.
I wouldn’t admit it, but I prayed to God that he would keep my sister in the room with me. Having her there was a comfort, being scared of the dark, I was able to conceal my dislike of it because she always had a nightlight on. I didn’t have to reveal my embarrassing secret. He didn’t listen. She was moved into her own newly painted room, decorated with girly stuff.
Perhaps this was my first let down by Him.
There were many more, bigger and more significant letdowns. Eventually I came to solve my own problems, to rely on who and what I knew to give me hope and support.
Together, the four of us have saved each other more times than I care to remember and standing under the tree, with the picture-perfect colored sky, I know who I would talk to if I needed something done. The guys are my god, and I am so proud to call them this.
Support, give hope and love one another is what we do.
Today is another example of how we are committed to each other. Not only is Emerald marrying Slate, but she becomes part of our family. As Lace did and of course Crystal will, we have more of us to love and lean on in times of happiness and sorrow. It can never be replaced. I’d rather put my belief in them than any God that lets you down on more than one occasion.
“She’s staying true to the tradition. Emerald’s late.” Tanner in a black suit swivels and faces the few people that have been invited to share the wedding vows.
Slate interjects with some snide remark while I walk over to Melody, hugging her gently so I don’t squash her dress.
“You’re looking beautiful, sis. This orange color suits you. Goes nicely with your hair.” She usually doesn’t like her orange hair color, but she smiles proudly.
“I thought so. The saleswoman told me this light, yellow-orange would complement my hair tone. I’m glad you approve.”
“I do. You’re radiant.” I pull her in for another hug.
“You scrub up well in this dark blue suit too. Did you pick it for any purpose? You normally keep to black.”
“Well, someone let it slip that my girl was wearing blue, so I thought I’d try and match.”
Pulling back, there’s a quizzical look on her face, then a grin breaks out.
“Your girl?” Slapping me on the shoulder, I smile.
“Yeah. I think Phoebe’s the one, Mel. We kind of somehow worked out that she would come and live with me.” Running my hand through my hair, she continues staring at me like I have three heads. “She brings peace to me that I haven’t had before. Plus, she’s gorgeous and innocent.”
“I’m sure you’ve already corrupted her.”
“Perhaps.” I laugh again. “But she enjoys it all. Phoebe is special. She’s had a few challenges that have created huge cracks in her but slowly I hope to put them back together.”
“If anyone can, you can, Ocean.” Kissing my cheek, her eyes are gentle when she moves back. Exactly how Mother’s used to look before alcohol consumed her. “You were always the only one who could get me back on track when I went off on my silly tantrums, escapades, or binges. You were the only one who could. You have a gift. A special way of dealing with the people who matter to you. To the ones you love. I know you don’t see it, but it’s there and always has been, big brother.”
Holding her waist, I look around at the people who she’s talking about: The guys, Emerald’s mom, the gay guy from Crystal’s work—who annoys the hell out of all of us but would do anything if we asked.
Yeah, I would do anything to spare these people’s pain.
“I can’t wait to see how radiant she will be looking today. It was lovely she is a part of this wedding.” Spinning her around on her heels, I point her in the direction of the car pulling up.
“Looks like you won’t have to wait long.” Kissing her head, I shut my eyes briefly. “Enjoy the wedding. I love you, Mel.” Strolling up to the others, anticipation is written on their faces.
Melody calls, “I love you too, big, bad, brother.” A frenzy claws in my stomach but releases a little hearing my sister’s words. They always make me laugh.
Lace and Kyle step out of the car first. Kyle stands there and watches inside the car, Lace’s eyes go straight to Caden’s, staying there. She blows him a small kiss.
Sweat pools on my palms and my teeth clench. I have no idea why my knees are quaking and my fingers are opening and closing. A leg I would recognize anywhere pops out of the open door and I want to rush down and help her. My feet start to move, and Tanner puts his arm out to stop me subtly.
I murmur but am relieved he’s looking out for me. Phoebe needs this. She can do it without me being by herself twenty-four seven. Hopping down from the seat, she brushes her short dress down and reaches in to get her flowers. Her ass looks edible in the tight fabric caressing it. Running my eyes from her ankles up her bare calf muscles, my cock springs to life instantly. By the time I’m at her curvy hips, her body swings around and I see her breasts captured tightly by the strapless dress, highlighting how plentiful her boobs are. Tearing my eyes from this feast, her neck stretches and Phoebe’s chin drops. Bright blue eyes shine across the natural landscape, piercing mine. Her smile is captivating and fuck…
Blowing out a breath, I compose myself before I run down there and find the nearest tree and fuck her into next week, after I ravage her with delicate kisses.
Phoebe’s elegant, alluring, and mine.
Concern crosses her face and I realize I’m concentrating too much on containing myself. Using my fingers, I point to myself, then hold up my hands in the shape of a heart and then point to her. I’m a love-struck fool it would appear.
She mouths back, “I love you, too.”
Nodding and smiling like an idiot who has won the lottery, I steady my breathing and get my pulse in check. I glance at Melody who is watching me with interest. She puts her hand on her heart, a full wide smile adorning her sweet face. I know she’s happy for me.
Tanner straightens beside me and his stance is wide like he’s ready for battle. It could only mean one thing: Crystal is near Kyle.
“Let it go, T. For tonight, get over it.”
His turn to grunt at me, I watch the car for Emerald who appears at the side of the black SUV.
Wearing a dress.
“If you fuckers weren’t my family, I’d have to kill you all looking at what’s mine.”
Laughing, we know Slate’s possessive of his woman. He’s deadly serious though.