Chapter 492
0492
“Ugly girls, but Uncle looks cool. I look cooler though,” Xander whispers from where he’s sitting next to Sebastian.
“Xander…” Zaia warns.
I don’t think anyone is more relieved than Zade when they reach the front, he lets go of the girls and they stand to the side excitedly. After a few moments, the door is opened by two of the staff and Linette wheels Shelby in.
I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by how stunning she looks. I haven’t seen her dressed up in a while and it makes me feel so nostalgic. She’s wearing a knee-length ivory dress, her hair in a simple yet elegant bun, but the most beautiful thing is how she is looking at Hugh, with love in her eyes.
I take a deep breath not wanting to break into tears knowing that she doesn’t have long left, and she isn’t the only one…I blink away my tears, my heart thudding as I look at Hugh, there is immense love in his eyes and a shade of sadness, and I look down.
Love is hard. Losing someone is harder…
Knowing that someone you love unconditionally will soon be gone.
‘Little Mate.’
I look up, my breath hitching.
‘I’m ok, I reassure him, but he knows me better and I smile softly at him, but I don’t think I convinced him. I turn to the bride again. Linette turns the wheelchair and walks over to where her husband and children sit whilst Hugh instantly bends down on one knee, taking Shelby’s hands.
“You look beautiful,” he says, kissing her hands. She smiles at him, but she’s too emotional to speak.
Aran smiles, “We’re gathered here to join these two beautiful souls in the blessed bond of matrimony…”
Time slows, capturing that perfect moment as the sun shines through the window right over the couple. At least this will be a memory that we can all cherish…
I look around at each of our loved ones. Each one of us is silently watching as the couple take their vows.
I glance around at them all. Zaia is holding Kaia as Sebastian runs his fingers down Zaia’s back. Zion, who sits observing the couple with a small smile. Xander who is making faces at his little sister…
Linette and her family… Atticus sitting at the piano, and Adriana, who steals a few glances.
Sia… Zade… both who stand behind the couple, Sia smiling at her uncle who raises his eyebrows at her in response. They have a good relationship forming.
We’re all here… all safe… to a brighter future… but there will be moments of sadness and pain, but we’ll face them together.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride, Hugh,” Aran says with a grin as Xander shudders.
“Eww…” he whispers. 2
But the aww from several of us, as Hugh kisses her tenderly, drowns the Menace out. Yes, Zade’s nickname for him has rubbed off on me.
We all stand to congratulate the new couple, and Sebastian gives Shelby a kiss on the forehead. “Well congratulations to you both, and congratulations to Atticus on earning himself a new sister oh and brother,” he smirks. “Don’t be too sad on the sister part.”
“Drop it,” Atticus says coldly, his eyes sharp, and I hear the door close softly. Looking around, I realise Adriana’s disappeared.
Oh no…
‘Leave her be, Baby Girl.’ Zade’s voice in my head makes me pout.
“And Aunty! You and Uncle Zade now share a brother.” Sia says, finding it very fascinating.
“He is not my brother.” Zade clarifies and I nod in agreement as he turns to Sia. “You’re pretty interested in how relationships work. Did you take after your dad?”
Sia giggles, and Zade gives her a faint smile.
“Sounds like it,” I reply as Zaia and Shelby chuckle.
“You look beautiful, Shelby,” I say, smiling at the woman.
“Oh, thank you, dear, you do as well.”
“Well, how about we all head to the dining room? Lunch is ready?” Linette suggests.
I nod along with Zaia. After all, Shelby can’t be out of bed for long. It is too much for her.
“You all go ahead. We will be there soon,” Hugh says with a smile.
“Oh, I’ll stay too,” Xander says, folding his arms.
“Oh no, you won’t,” Zaia intervenes firmly, making us laugh.
“But mom!”
“Xander, listen to your mother,” Sebastian says.
“Kids.” Zion sighs as if he himself isn’t a kid.
“Ok everyone, come on,” Linette says, ushering the kids out of the room and we all follow.
I glance back at Hugh who has pulled up a chair as he smiles down at his wife and I can’t help but smile as I take Zade’s hand; he threads his fingers with mine, raising my hand to his lips and I smile up at him realising one day I want to marry him too…
When he’s ready, of course.