Wedding o'clock!
[Unknown POV]
The setting was the Molenvliet wine and guest estate in the secluded part of Berkeley. It was the perfect venue for a wedding, with beautifully landscaped gardens and romantic vineyards. It was a picturesque setting, with enough magic and love filling the air as the guests trickled in one by one. White chairs adorned with silver and peach draping sat on a manicured lawn, with a white carpet leading to an arc adorned with peach flowers.
The weather was clear, with no cloud in sight, in contrast to normal California weather that time of the year. Instead, the sun was shining brightly. Even the weather was excited about the wedding!
Inside one of the rooms, one of the grooms was "panicking". It is not a word he would rather use, but he was having a moment. The cool and calm man was for once in a long time, having butterflies in his stomach.
"Relax man, it'll be fine", the best man assured.
"Relax? I'm fine", Felix said adjusting his tie.
"Sure, we all say that", Marx said.
He'd seen the subtle clues that his friend was nervous. He kept adjusting his tie and looking at his watch.
"I'm fine".
"The time hasn't changed much since the last time".
"What if he doesn't come?" Felix finally admitted what was gnawing at him.
"Are you kidding? Archer loves you. He's spent so much time organizing this wedding to ditch it", Marx assured.
"His mom doesn't like me. We got engaged six months ago. We planned the wedding in a month. I don't know".
"Is it him or you who's having doubts?"
Felix glared at his friend. How dare he even insinuate that?
"I want to be married to him today, no doubts about that. I'm just...worried I guess. Does it sound like I put pressure on him?"
"He doesn't sound like someone you can pressure into anything. Relax. We are up in about 5 minutes. I can't have you sweating through your suit".
"At least there's going to be a few people if he doesn't show", Felix said looking at his watch.
"I give up", Marx said.
On the other side of the building, the mood was happier.
"How do I look?" the groom asked.
"Like a million bucks. Felix is going to fall over his feet", the best woman swooned.
"The groom eating mud? I don't think that's what Archer is going for", the best man countered.
"I don't mean literally you idiot", Stella said twisting her lips.
Clark shrugged. "Idiot" was a word he was accustomed to. In Stella's world, it was a term of endearment.
"How do you guys think Felix is?" Archer asked.
"Waiting impatiently", Clark said.
"I agree. Anyway, it's almost time to go", Stella said.
As if Stella's words were the key, the door to the bedroom suddenly opened. The mother of the groom was standing there.
"God, you look handsome", she said as she looked at her son. "Can you give us a moment?"
"We kinda have to go now", Stella mentioned.
Clark held out his hand for her to take, hoping she got the sign. He knew how important it was for Archer to talk to his mom.
Stella wasn't pleased about the delay but she put her hand in Clarke's and he led her out of the room.
"Stella is right mom. Felix is probably waiting now", Archer said.
He was a bit uncomfortable, wondering what his mom was going to say. She was probably going to try and change his mind. He couldn't let her even try, knowing if she didn't change his mind she'd succeed at making him angry and sad. He couldn't walk out there looking sad.
Maggie Christensen walked to her son and adjusted his thin black tie. Admittedly, he looked a handsome groom in his slim flit stone suit. She adjusted the peach flower on the lapel near his shoulder.
"Mom"
She sighed.
"I can't believe you are getting married. You are all grown up", she said.
"I know you are not happy about..."
Maggie cut in. "Don't worry about me sweetheart. Have fun out there. Now, smile", she said.
Archer smiled. A heavy load had been lifted.
"I think we've made him wait long enough. Come on", Maggie said intertwining her arm with her son's.
"I love you mom", Archer couldn't help but say.
"I love you too sweetie".
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Outside on the lawn where the ceremony was going to take place; Felix was getting more and more anxious. Archer was supposed to have walked out at least 4 minutes ago.
He looked at his best man, who gave him an assuring nod.
He looked at the people seated on the chairs. They had about 20 guests at the wedding, most of which were Archer's family and friends. Felix had met most of them over the Christmas break. He'd had Christmas dinner with Archer's extended family.
"Sara made me wait 15 minutes for good measure. It really isn't a big deal", Marx whispered to his friend.
"You are just saying that to make me feel better. Did you call her the previous night drunk?" Felix said.
"Well...no. What could you have possibly said that would lead to him not coming? I doubt the many 'I love you's' you uttered would scare him away" Marx asked.
"I don't remember what else I said. I told you not to let me drink too much".
"As if you listen to me", Marx said.
"If he doesn't come, at least it's not a large audience, ri..." Felix said to reassure himself but couldn't finish his sentence.
Everyone's attention had turned to the back. Stella, Clark and Alex were standing there in a line. They walked along the white carpet to the front, with Stella also taking on the role of flower girl. Felix couldn't wait for all of them to clear the way for his groom. He would have pushed them out of the way if he could. There by the end, Archer was standing with his mom.
The music started playing again.
People stood up just as they had stood up for Felix's entrance. But this was different. The puzzle was now going to be complete. Everyone was eager. There was excitement in the air.
As the sound of over and over again by Nathan Sykes played, Archer walked down the white carpet with his mom close to him. Unbeknownst to him, his groom could now breathe a sigh of relief.
Handing over her son was the most difficult thing the overprotective mother Maggie Christensen had ever had to do, but she did it anyway. She placed her son's hand in Felix's and blessed their marriage. It was seeing her son's smile that silenced her objections for that moment.
Felix smiled. Archer smiled. Felix had to resist the urge to kiss him before he was allowed to.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to...."
Felix wasn't listening. He tried to but he really couldn't. He was mesmerized by his soon-to-be husband. The sun shining comfortably on them highlighted Archer's beautiful face. His pink lips looked so plump and fresh. This was it. This was the guy he wanted to be married to for the rest of his life.
"I was told the grooms have their own vows?" the retired judge said.
Felix nodded.
"Can I go first?" he asked, and laughed at himself for seeking permission. The boy had changed him in ways he loved.
Archer nodded.
"Pancakes...There is still a part of me that can't believe I'm the one who gets to marry you. How lucky can I person be?" he said and chuckled. "You take ridiculous pictures and videos of me, you always leave the light on in the bathroom, you strangely like cats...and you make me so happy it's hard to describe in words. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have met you, to have gone through the past years with you by my side. I'm far from perfect but you accept me for my shortcomings. I cannot promise to be perfect, but I promise to do all I can to make you happy, to be a willing student. I love you with all my heart, and I hope to not only grow old with you, but for us to grow together in every way possible. You've showed me love I don't deserve, and for that I'm grateful".
Even my heart melted as Felix said his vows. I spotted a few people smiling widely, and came to the conclusion that Felix's words had touched their hearts the way they did mine. For a moment Archer forgot what he wanted to say, spell-bound by Felix's words. They had warmed his heart.
"Um...Felix...clearly there is one thing you refuse to learn. I think I should make "Pancakes" my official name now", he said and the guests laughed.
"I chose you. I still choose you. I choose to stand by your side and sleep in your arms. I choose to argue over our pet names and to hold the bucket when you puke your guts out, and change your dressing if you ever need it. I love what I know of you and trust whatever I will discover. Before you even asked me, I was yours. I've been yours for a long time. My heart is yours to cherish and I hope you will continue doing so as you have done. Today I'm saying this in front of our families and friends, I love you babe. I'm marrying you with no hesitation and doubt, and my commitment to us is absolute. Whatever may come, I'll be there to hold your hand and stick my fingers where they don't belong, because...you are worth it".
No one knows what line did it. I was just a bystander and eavesdropper. Felix as confident a man as he was, crumbled. He didn't go into a full-on cry, but some tears managed to spill uninterrupted.
He wasn't smiling. He was just looking at his soon-to-be husband as if he'd said something that sealed the deal.
"I love you", Archer finished.
"I think we will all agree that both vows were beautiful", the judge said. "The law says it's mandatory that I ask the following questions, though I don't think they are necessary. Do you Felix Alexander de la Cruz take Archer Christensen to be your lawfully-wedded spouse?"
"I do", Felix replied and a few people clapped.
"Do you, Archer Christensen take Felix Alexander de la Cruz to be your lawfully-wedded spouse?"
"I do", Archer replied.
"Can we have the rings please?"
The rings were presented by the best man. After fitting the ring on Felix's finger, Archer took the time to wipe the tears off his face, looking at him lovingly.
"By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husbands. You may kiss", the judge said.
Felix put his hands on Archer's waist and leaned in for a kiss. Just as he was getting into the rhythm of things, Archer pulled back. The kiss was just too short for Felix. He made a second attempt and heard a few chuckles in the background as his lips moved with Archer's - his husband.
It was the judge's turn to interrupt the kiss. He coughed, separating the lovers.
"I present to you, the newlyweds", he shouted to applause as Archer and Felix turned to face their guests.
"Happy tears?" Archer whispered to Felix. Having Felix cry was just too rare.
"Still trying to decide"
Archer couldn't help but be alarmed, and his face betrayed him.
"It's nothing bad, I promise. It's just your words made me realize something", Felix said.
"What?"
Felix was about to reply when they were interrupted by the wedding party and their guests coming to congratulate them. Soon they were whisked away to take pictures. Archer didn't get to ask his question until they were seated in the small banquet room where the reception was held.
The place was beautifully decorated in silver and peach.
"So um...remember you said my words reminded you of something?" Archer began, moving on his seat at the main table slightly. He was dying to know what Felix had realized.
"Pancakes Marx is about to talk"
"I know that. I just...answer me".
"Sheesh, a few hours into this marriage and you are already bossy", Felix joked. "You made me realize how lucky I am, really lucky. You accept me the way I am".
"Of course babe. I am not in love with the idea of you; I am in love with you".
The best man, woman and best man gave their speeches. The guests laughed and some shed tears.
The grooms had their first dance on Marx's insistence. Felix was getting really tired of hearing Nathan Sykes belting the same song, but Archer insisted on it. It spoke all the words he wanted to say to his husband.
It was a really beautiful day. As Felix held his husband and whispered, "I love you", even I couldn't help but smile.
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Below is the lyrics of the song Archer and Felix danced to. Will upload the video for you guys to listen to it some time when my WiFi isn't shitty.
:)
Nathan Sykes, "Over and over again"
From the way you smile to the way you look
You capture me unlike no other
From the first hello, yeah, that's all it took
And suddenly we had each other
And I won't leave you
Always be true
One plus one, two for life
Over and over again
So, don't ever think I need more
I've got the one to live for
No one else will do, and I'm telling you
Just put your heart in my hands
Promise it won't be broken
We'll never forget this moment
Yeah, we'll stay brand-new 'cause I'll love you
Over and over again
Over and over again
From the heat of night to the break of day
I'll keep you safe and hold you forever
And the sparks will fly, they will never fade
'Cause every day gets better and better
And I won't leave you
Always be true
One plus one, two for life
Over and over again
So, don't ever think I need more
I've got the one to live for
No one else will do, and I'm telling you
Just put your heart in my hands
Promise it won't be broken
We'll never forget this moment
Yeah, we'll stay brand-new 'cause I'll love you
Over and over again
Over and over again
When I'm with you I lose track of time
When I'm without you you're stuck on my mind
Be all you need till the day that I die
I'll love you
Over and over again
So, don't ever think I need more
I've got the one to live for
No one else will do, and I'm telling you
Just put your heart in my hands
Promise it won't be broken
We'll never forget this moment
Yeah, we'll stay brand-new 'cause I'll love you
Over and over again
Yeah, over and over again
Over and over again
Credit: Major Johnson, Carmen Reece, Harmony Samuels, Nathan Sykes
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