Chapter 33

33

Today’s the day…

JAXON

I’ve been a nervous wreck ever since I opened my eyes this morning. Not because I’m getting married, that’s a piece of cake. It’s because I haven’t seen my bride to be since last night. Can you believe that this crazy woman who insisted on an unconventional wedding decided that we shouldn’t see each other until we’re standing before the minister! Crazy right? I thought so, but Aria’s not like any other woman I’ve ever met. She makes me laugh, tolerates my quirky phrases, and loves dessert as much as me. It’s a match made in heaven.

How did she expect me to survive the day, let alone play to a sold-out crowd at Liberty Stadium tonight is beyond me. I’m desperate to have her in my arms, tell her I’m crazy in love with her, and how happy I’ve been since she agreed to be my wife. Now I just need to wait a few more hours before I can make her mine.

“Hey, big brother. Are you ready for your big day?” Mel slides in next to me, kissing me on the cheek.

“I was born ready, but I’m not thrilled that Aria’s determined not to see me before the wedding. How’s she doing?”

“She’s anxious but doing great. Kinda like you.” She nudges me, then leans her head on my shoulder. I put my arm around her and pull her close.

“Aria worked so hard on creating something quirky and crazy to fit our personalities, and I don’t want to let her down. I’m only anxious because I want everything to go perfectly. I’m a damn good drummer but dancing is not my forte.”

“Dude, I’ve seen you in rehearsal and you kick fucking ass. The two of you together is da bomb. It’s extremely entertaining in case you’d forgotten what that meant.”

“No, I remembered. Thanks.”

“Time to get this show on the road, unless you don’t want to get married tonight.” Oh, Zander thinks he’s a comedian tonight, I guess. “Drew sent me in here to get the groom ready for makeup since we’ve finished. Move your ass, Jax.”

“Duty calls. It’s fucking surreal knowing the next time I walk in here I’ll be a married man.” As soon as I walk out the door, I’m pummeled by a ton of rice flying in every direction. I shield my eyes as I walk past the crew who are clapping and slapping me on the back.

“Are you trying to blind the fucking groom on his wedding day? A heads up would have been nice, bestie. Kinda hard playing the drums when I can’t see a fucking thing.” Zander chuckles before he grabs me by the shoulder and guides me through the dressing room door. Too little too late.

“Ladies be gentle with him today. He has the wedding day jitters.” I flip Zander the one finger salute as he sits on the leather couch behind me. I’m pissed but only because throwing rice is a prank that I would have done to one of the guys. Just mad I didn’t think of it when Zander and Micah got married. Food for thought when Ace takes the plunge.

Not long after, my makeup is complete. Hey, you can’t mess with perfection. As soon as the girls leave the room, I change into my concert clothes and kick back. Sitting on the couch with Zander.

“Did you remember the ring?” I nod when he pulls it out, shows me, and tucks it back inside.

“Told you a long time ago that I got your back, Jax. Always.” Why is this asshole making me all emotional? I’ll ruin my makeup.

“Yeah, well, right back at ya. Can you believe how far we’ve come since that first day we met? It seems like just yesterday and it’s already been fifteen years. Crazy. Time goes by too damn fast, doesn’t it?”

“That’s the fucking truth. The thought of being a dad again by the time the tour comes to a close is surreal.” What?

“No fucking way. Mel’s pregnant? Get the fuck out. I’m going to be an uncle again?” When the crazy bastard laughs, I want to hug him but hey we’re guys.

“Yeah, she just told me yesterday. I can’t wrap my head around it yet and it certainly was unexpected, but I’m overjoyed. Guess I’ll be caring for two babies while Mel’s on tour. Want to help?”

“Told you a long time ago that I got your back, Zander. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband or father for Melody and Hadley. Sorry I ever doubted you in the beginning but never again.” Swear we both get a bit misty eyed. Damn allergies.

“Okay, gentlemen. It’s that time. I heard we have a wedding to attend in a few. Let’s get this show on the road.” Drew leaves the door open and that’s our cue. It won’t be long now.

As we wait backstage for Wicked Immortal to finish their set, I search the crowd for a trace of Aria. She’s nowhere to be found. Should I be worried that she had cold feet? No, she’s just taking this superstition about not seeing one another before the wedding too seriously.

The guys run off the stage, wish me luck, and then disappear into their dressing room. They were invited, but whether they come is totally up to them. I know all of our families and friends will be here and that’s more than enough. To be surrounded by those we love.

I must admit, I’m a little nervous when Drew peeks around the curtain. “You guys are up in five. Let’s get this party started.”

All these thoughts are running through my head. Like what happens if I lose my drumsticks, because my palms are fucking sweating right now. That’s never happened. Ever.

All fear suddenly disappears when slender arms wrap around my waist. And her warm breath skates across my back. I rest my hands on top of hers. No words are needed since we’re spiritually connected in every way.

Our hearts beating as one and our souls joined forever.

ARIA

I realize now that I was punishing the both of us by being so stubborn about not spending time together before the wedding. I’m sorry now but it’s too late. I just wanted to be close to him before he went on stage. No words since we’ve already said everything that’s needed to be said. I have found my twin flame in Jaxon Carter. He’s the other half of my soul. My missing piece. And I’ve never felt so safe, so seen, and so loved as I do with this man. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

When Drew calls his name, he hesitates. I know he’s desperate to turn around and kiss me before going on stage. It’s in every fiber of his being, but he won’t because he respects my wishes. And Jax has always given me what I want. Don’t you think it’s high time I gave him exactly what he deserves?

Me too.

He deflates when I release him and take a step back. Of course, he thinks I’m letting him go so he can do the show. Not a chance in hell. When he starts to walk away, I grab his arm, and he turns to look at me. Now that I have his attention, I stand on tiptoes and crush my mouth to his. Holding me tight, he lifts me up as our tongues seek the warmth of the other. Like heat seeking missiles desperate to hit their target.

“Jax, now!” Oops, Drew’s upset and that’s on me.

Brushing his thumb across my lips, he says, “To be continued, baby.” And then he disappears behind the curtain.

I’m nervous and yet so damn excited, because I know the next time he kisses me, we will be husband and wife.

“Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, put your hands together for Rebel fucking Riot.” I’ve no doubt that the thunderous roar of the crowd echoes in the night for miles and miles and miles.

It’s a beautiful night for a wedding. Wouldn’t you agree?

“Hello, Manhattan! Not only are we fucking pumped to be here in our hometown with you all tonight, but you’re going to witness a piece of history in the making. Are you ready to get this party started?”

Jax doesn’t wait for the fans to settle down before tapping out the beat. Good thing because we’d be here all night, and I have more important things to do and places to go.

On any normal night, I’d be singing and dancing to their songs. Living in the moment. Tonight, though, I’m impatient. The sets seem to drag on forever and ever and the longer it takes, the more anxious I become. I was hoping Macy would be backstage already so I could hold her hand while we wait.

Since we had a rehearsal of sorts last night, I decide to play it over in my head, so I know exactly where everyone is supposed to be. While my dad walks me down the makeshift aisle. Hey, I told you it was going to be an unconventional wedding, but you’ll find out soon enough.

Once I finish running things over and over again in my mind, wondering what the hell I’m going to do for the next hour or so, Macy kisses my cheek and pulls me in for a great big hug.

“Are you getting cold feet? Not too late to run since you have your sneakers on instead of a poofy white dress.” I swear I hold her so tight that she can’t breathe. I’m so damn happy to see her.

“The only place I’m running to is right on that damn stage and into his arms.” She laughs, and since it’s contagious so do I.

“That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Okay, so everyone’s in place. They’re all so damn excited for the both of you and so am I, sweetie. Now if they’d just finish this damn set, we’d be golden.” Ain’t that the truth.

When Zander sings the last note and the lights fade to black, my stomach turns into a flutter of butterflies. The crowd is going wild, and they have no idea they’re in for a treat tonight. I’m just waiting for my cue after Zander’s announcement. Drew will come grab me when it’s time to run onstage.

The anticipation is killing me. When the lights snap on, Zander is front and center. Either the crowd notices his change of clothes or they’re just ecstatic they’re going to play longer. So not the case.

He tries to quiet them down, but they’re not having it. All the guys walk out, with the exception of Jax. They whistle, wave their hands, and do whatever they can to get their attention. I grab Macy’s hand and squeeze, because this isn’t something we could have anticipated if we tried.

Finally, once the crowd realizes there’s no more music, they shut up. Thank God. “Earlier I mentioned that history is going to be made here tonight.” The crowd gets rowdy again. Zander screams, “Be quiet.” Well, that got their attention. “Thank you. I’m sure all of you know that my best friend’s engaged, yes ladies, he’s off the market. And tonight’s a very important night for both of them, and for all of you, too. They decided to forfeit a traditional wedding so they could get married here tonight with all of you.” We did anticipate the roaring of the crowd after this announcement, and they didn’t disappoint.

Once they quiet down, Zander continues. “And they have something very quirky, unconventional, and entertaining, to say the least. In true Jax fashion. If y’all are ready, let’s bring this fucking house down!”

Everyone in the band takes their mark. Zander and Ace strap on their guitars, Micah’s ready at the keys, and Caleb takes Jax’s spot right behind his kit.

Drew peeks around the curtain. “Aria, that’s your cue. Are you ready?”

“I’m more than ready.” Macy kisses my cheek, slaps me on the butt, and I run on stage. My nervousness instantly disappears when I see Jax’s smiling face across the stage. When Caleb taps the beat, it’s showtime.

When Zander’s guitar starts playing the iconic tune, “Shut Up and Dance,” by Walk The Moon, the crowd grows so deafening, that I’m not sure if I’ll be able to hear the music. Well, since the guys are changing the word ‘dance’ to ‘marry’ I’ll wing it, too.

Jax and I meet in the middle of the stage. He gives me a kiss and then we’re recreating the amazing social media shorts that were blowing up the internet over a year ago. We might be centerstage, but we’re not alone because we have a little help from our friends and family.

Jax’s feet are moving, arms swinging, and he’s popping just like a rockstar. I’m following his lead. When he grabs my hand, spins me around, and then lifts my leg to play the air guitar, the fans go nuts. When he sticks out his ass, I use them for a set of drums. Playing my own tune. All the while our backup dancers, Melody, Lyric and Harmony, are spinning and twirling around us and killing it.

When he grabs me from behind, with our arms locked together, he flips me over his head. I land on my butt and go sliding across the floor. Then I lay on my side with my leg slightly bent and my arms relaxed while forming a frame. Then here comes Jaxon, sliding across the floor on his knees. Stopping right behind me. Just like we planned!

The crowd roars when Jax bends down, kisses me firmly on the mouth, and whispers, “Shut Up and Marry Me.” Not long after, we seal the deal with a kiss and a certificate. Oh, and we make sure to have lots and lots of dessert.