2.0 The Chronicles of Us - Shame & Blame

Epilogue two

•★ Tex ★•

I'm getting married today. Fucking married! There's something I thought would never happen. If someone had the nerve to tell me three years ago that I was getting leg-shackled today, I would've laughed, and probably cussed. A lot has changed, though. My girl showed me love and I can't get enough. So we're making it official. Besides, she already has my heart, might as well give her my name. She'll probably kick me in the nuts, but I kinda like that alpha-male feeling of knowing she's mine in all ways.

However, I'm less amused with the damn circus that comes with it. I may have gained a pound or two from the cake-tastings. Ellie spent more time finding the perfect bakery than the perfect dress. Not really a surprise. And then there were venues to visit, flowers to choose, and colors to pick. I even had to deal with daily Pinterest updates! Let me tell you, the wedding business is a brutal one.

On top of all that, I'm wearing an actual suit. Not just a casual blazer and my usual jeans. No, the whole fucking shebang: leather shoes, a deep purple suit, and a black dress shirt. I'm even wearing a damn necktie. Okay, I haven't tied it yet because I have no clue how to. Probably should've figured that out before the ceremony. Fuck.

I'm not second guessing my decision to get married. Not at all. It's just that I'm inclined to complain when I'm fucking nervous. I tried to style my hair like a casual cool guy. Unfortunately, I ain't neither of those. My hand keeps running through the tousled strands.

Fuck it.

I shouldn't be here. In fact, more than one person forbade me to come here. I glance over the rose bush to catch a glimpse, but the door is still closed. What's taking so long?

"Tex?" The surprised voice of Ellie's mother scares the shit outta me. "Why are you hiding behind that bush? Shouldn't you be waiting underneath the flower arch?"

Pretending I'm not the weirdest groom ever, I leave my place behind the shrubs and step beside her. "Yeah, I don't really know. I was hoping to see Ellie. What if she's having a nervous meltdown? She might need some reassurance."

All of the above apply to me. I know it, she knows it. Her little head-shake and comforting smile tell me as much. "You don't have to worry. Ellie will not run this time. I'm quite sure of it."

I try to hide my nerves with a casual shrug and a dumb chuckle. "Well, I already checked. There are no bands touring nearby for her to seek refuge."

Mrs. Walker smiles some more. It's a pretty one. The same one her daughter wears all the time. Despite her more stern character, the resemblance is clear as day. Both women have forest green irises and auburn locks. Though, the older one of the two is seasoned with strains of gray hair and tiny wrinkles near the eyes. If this is a glimpse of my future, it's safe to say, I can't complain.

"There's something I wish to tell you, if you don't mind." At my slightly hesitant nod—I mean, what if she's about to voice her doubts?—she continues, "You've proven yourself to be a very loving partner. I'm sorry for any judgment I passed on your character without truly knowing you. I've come to learn that you are a fine young man and you make my daughter very happy. My husband and I warmly welcome you to our family."

I'll be damned, or rather, blessed!

"Thank you. That means a lot." Since I'm an awkward idiot, I pull her into a hug that borders on being too tight. Suffocating my almost mother-in-law on the day of my wedding might not be the smartest thing to do. The opposite, probably.

She chuckles when I let go and then nods at my tie. "Is that supposed to be loose?"

I look down at the pretentious piece of fabric. "No, I don't know how to tie it. I watched an instruction video about a fox chasing a rabbit but as you can see, it got me nowhere."