To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

“I can’t do this Nicole, I can’t walk down the aisle alone.” I finally let out to Nicole and I could feel the hot tears at the back of my eyes as I stared at my gown.

Remembering how I’ve always wanted my father to be by my side when I finally get married makes me want to cry about the fact that he isn’t here and he won’t be because he’s dead.

“You don’t have to walk down the aisle alone, I’ll be by your side, I’ll take your hands and walk down there with you Ava, just please let us go.” Nicole assured me but it wasn’t going to be the same.

My chest hurt at the thought of it and no matter what Nicole said to reassure me, I really didn’t want to walk down there alone.

After some minutes of back and forth with Nicole, we heard a slight knock on the car window but we didn’t really see anyone outside.

Almost crying, I took a look at Nicole who only nodded as she opened the door and the both of us got out of the car.

My breathing got caught in my throat and I could hear the thumping sound of my heart beating as I looked ahead of me to see Danny grinning widely.

Holding back my tears, I let out a loud laughter of relief as I hurried towards Danny and threw myself at him without caring if I was going to smear his suit with my makeup. Danny also laughed and stroked my hair lightly.

“You came,” I breathed as I pulled away from him, “thank you, thank you so much for doing this for me. Thank you.” I repeated countless times while Danny laughed.

“You really shouldn’t thank me because I’m just doing my duty, we might not be blood related and I know I’m nothing like your biological father but I’m also a father figure in your life.” He smiled and I couldn’t hold back the drop of tear that made its way out of my eyes as I sniffled.

Hugging him again, I picked up the piece of paper that I’d written my vows on and held the flower close to my chest as a happy smile escaped my lips.

The announcement for the bride to come in came again and I took Danny’s arm as we made our way down the walkway while Nicole held my gown from the back.

The ladies and little girls in front of us sprinkled flowers on the floor for me and Danny to walk on and when we almost got to the altar, confetti came pouring down on Danny and I and I couldn’t hide my happiness.

Lifting my gaze, Mason and I made eye contact, his mouth and eyes were opened so wide that he was almost drooling and he didn’t blink until I was standing in front of him.

He looked like he wanted to say something but was too shook to even let the words out. Looking over at Danny, I saw him wipe my mother’s tears and kiss her before they both sat down beside each other.

Nicole stood by my side and Mason had finally gotten the strength to blink as he stared at me, “you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He finally spoke.

We both had no idea that the small microphone on his suit was on until his voice came from the speakers and everyone laughed as they clapped their hands.

“Dear friends and family, we’re all gathered here today to celebrate the holy matrimony of Ava and Mason. Today is indeed a very special day for these two who have both decided to embark on a journey of love, Commitment and a lifetime of partnership.” The pastor started and I couldn’t look away from my husband’s beautiful eyes.

“Well, as a pastor, I have had many experiences of many couples exchanging their vows and beginning a beautiful journey together and I must say that the foundation of a beautiful marriage is built on love, trust and respect which I’m sure that these couples have for each other.” He continued as I smiled at Mason.

“I encourage you both to always communicate with each other even in difficult times and always remember to keep God at the center of your relationship as trials will definitely surface but being together in love, trust and in God will help you conquer anything that the devil might want to plant in your way.” He continued and I just couldn’t wait for him to finish.

“I’d like to end with a quote from 1 John, chapter 4 verse 7-8, Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. May God bless your union and guide you through your journey together.” He finished and I could hear the butterflies in my stomach as he asked us to exchange our vows.

“I’ll go first,” I started, opening up the paper as I prepared to read what I’d written down, “Mason, we’ve been together through many hurdles and yes, there are some that we’ve thought we can’t overcome but we did and here we are today, on this day, I vow to love you, cherish you and support you. I promise to be your partner in all things and to love you unconditionally as I did then, now and forever.” I finished with a proud smile.

“My dear Ava,” Mason started and I could tell that he was nervous, “Like you said, we’ve been through so much and trust me, each time I just can’t help but wonder what you see in me to love so much, a love like the one you’ve shown me is hard to come by.” He paused to catch his breath and sniffled.

“And today, you’re standing in front of me as beautiful as Ava, just like the stars at night. I remember the first time I told you you were beautiful, we’d just had our usual fight as teenagers and you weren’t talking to me, you were watching the stars and you got so engrossed that I had to take the top of my car off so you can take a proper look at the stars you love so much.” He added and I remembered that night he was talking about.

My tears became uncontrollable as I heard Mason speak, “I said the word “so beautiful” and you thought I was referring to the stars but the truth is I was actually talking about you and today, I’m making a promise to love you forever, to not ever let the glint in your eyes go away and also, thank you for doing this with me. I love you so much, Ava.” He finished and I knew I was already a mess.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” The pastor permitted and it was the moment I was waiting for as Mason’s lips touched mine and I could tell that he could taste my tears.

We broke the kiss and then it was time for our parents to take pictures with us.