To Hate My Stepbrother

Mason’s POV

Staring back at myself in the mirror, I knew my cheeks were red because I was blushing and I really couldn’t help the excitement every inch of me was feeling.

I’m getting married today!

Knotting my tie, I adjusted my shirt and turned to look at the men already dressed up and ready to go down to the beach house with me.

“Who’s getting married today?!” Ryan yelled as he spun me around like I was a little kid.

“Mason!” The whole group howled and I couldn’t help the laughter that bursted out of my mouth as everyone tried to reach for their phones so we could take selfies.

Soon, we all stood to take normal pictures together while shaking and bumping shoulders with the groomsmen.

“I can’t wait for Mason to see how beautiful Ava would look today, his eyes will literally pop out of their sockets.” Ryan joked and I laughed.

He was right, I can’t wait to see her walking down the aisle and knowing that today is the D-day where I’ll get to take her as my wife, my excitement just skyrocketed.

“I have a picture of her that Nicole sent to me here and boy, she’s so fucking beautiful!” Ryan added as he showed the rest of the men pictures of Ava and they were all gawking.

She’s so beautiful I have no doubt she’ll be a million times gorgeous today.

“Can I see?” I asked Ryan who immediately locked his phone and protected it like it was the last piece of a cookie while telling me point blank that he could never show it to me.

Defeated, I couldn’t help but pace around the hotel room, it’s really happening and today Ava will not only be my wife, she’ll have my last name, she’ll be mine to keep and I’ll get to spend the rest of my life with her.

She’s going to be my partner, my life partner!

I was filled with oceans of emotions that I can’t describe and my hands shivered as they held the paper tightly.

Staring down at my handwriting, I re-read it all like I didn’t know what I had written and I just hoped that the speech would sweep her off her feet like I sincerely thought it would because I really did the best I could to pour my heart out into this piece of paper.

“Mason,” my father’s voice jolted me out of thoughts and I had no idea that I was already tearing up until I turned to face him.

“Can I do it?” I asked, I didn’t remember uncertainty being part of all the emotions I was feeling but it really was.

“Yes, you can and you’ll do a wonderful job. I trusted you with her when you were teenagers, don’t you think I trust you to take absolute care of her now?” He added with a reassuring smile that made me calm down.

“You can do it, you’re getting married now and soon you’ll be shouldering lots of responsibilities but that’s where Ava comes in, let her in on everything, she’s going to be your partner and while you’ll be obligated to protect her and the house, your family, also know that you need the support of your wife and don’t be afraid to seek it.” He started and I had no idea why it makes so much sense because the Mason of years ago would’ve just shrugged.

“It’s a whole new journey and I’m really glad that I’m alive to see you embark on it.” He finished as he hugged me, I never knew getting married would be filled with so many emotions.

“Also, I’ll be walking Ava down the aisle because I know she’ll be too scared to do it alone.” He gave a smile that I returned, if only he knew that Ava really wanted him to be the one to walk her down the aisle.

Our limo arrived and we all got in as the chauffeur drove us to the venue and the sight of it made me let out a sharp breath.

The exterior was so beautiful with flowers on both sides and I could tell that it was supposed to be for the bride, she’d be walking in between the flowers and the walkway that was set up already.

Driving in, I saw flowers everywhere and the fabrics flying like it was some sort of movie, the beautiful decorations and not only does it look like a wedding, it looked as though the wedding was not being held on earth.

Smiling, the sight of all of these made me feel fulfilled and I’d picked the beach house because of the memories tied to it. Every important moment in our lives centered around this beach, our lives changed here and seeing all of these just made me proud of myself.

Everyone got out of the car, leaving me in there and soon I was also ready to get out of the car. The venue was already getting filled up by guests.

Walking through the walkway, I lifted my gaze and the sight of the pastor standing in front and ready with a Bible in hand made me almost bail.

My legs suddenly became heavy and my hands shook in a way that I couldn’t help it as I stared at the guests who all looked really happy for me.

“You can do it, Mason,” Ava’s mother’s voice put a halt to my thoughts as she took my hands and hugged me, “your dad and I, we’ll be with you every step of the way.” She reassured me with a smile and I nodded as I got myself ready to walk in.

“The groom can come in.” A voice announced and I took Ava’s mother’s arm as we both made our way to the altar.

The groom’s men followed us in and soon took their seats while I was left standing in front of the pastor. My fingers were still shaking but I braced myself.

“The bride can walk down the aisle now.” The voice announced again and all heard turned in that direction.