Finally Free - Charlie Gillespie

Chapter Seventy-two

Kenedi
As soon as she gets out of the car, I'm already tackling her in a hug.

"I'm so so sorry, Sof." I sniffle quietly trying not to cry.

"I'm sorry, Ken."

"No no. Don't be sorry. I'm sorry. I don't ever want to fight with you again." She laughs making me smile into her hair.

"I don't ever want to fight with you again either."

"I love you."

"I love you." I kiss her head still hugging her as tightly as I can. I'm scared that if I let her go, I'll have imagined her being here and I don't want to break down again. "I still can't believe you're getting married right now."

"Oh trust me. I can't believe it either." We both laugh until Owen decides to join our hug.

"GROUP HUG!!" I groan after breathing in the scent of his armpit sweat.

"Owen!!! Ewwww. Take a shower." I duck out of his reach fanning the air in front of my nose. He pouts.

"At least Sofia still loves me." Sofia scrunches her nose shaking her head no.

"Babe, I love you, but Kenedi is right. You need a shower because boy you are ripe." She moves over to me making me giggle.

I wrap my arm around her as she leans her head against mine. He pouts at us making me giggle.

"Kenedi!"

"Jeremy!" I squeal running over to him and jump into his arms. It feels like forever since I've seen him. "Oh my god. I missed you so much."

"How long has it been since I've seen you?" I laugh looking up to him.

"Feels like forever." He smiles lightly gently smoothing my hair down.

"Are you ready for this?" I slowly look over at Charlie talking to Zion and Owen. I smile lightly honestly really happy.

"I've been ready, Jer. I'm so ready."

"You know marriage is a promise to forever, right?" I look up at him smiling wider.

"I know. Married or not, he has me forever."

"I'm so proud of you." I bite my lip blinking rapidly. He smiles lightly pulling me into his chest again. "I'm so, so proud of you."

"Don't make me cry!" My voice cracks as I sniffle. He laughs tightening his hold on me. "I love you, Jer." He kisses my head as a few tears fall.

"I love you, Ken." I pull away from him and wipe away my tears smiling at him.

"Ah there's my favorite child!" Kenny pushes past Jeremy making me giggle.

"Hi Kenny." He holds his arms out for me and I shake my head walking straight into them. He gives the best hugs.

"I can't believe you almost got married without me here." I giggle looking up to him.

"I didn't think anyone would approve so we just didn't say anything. I'm sorry though."

"It's okay. I'm here now and that's all that matters. But I will always support you. I may tell you that you have a dumb idea, but I will always support you."

Jesus I can't wait to not be pregnant anymore. These hormones really will be the death of me.

I hide my face in his chest really not wanting to cry again today. I already know I will be crying once Charlie and I get married, but I don't need to cry anymore than I already have other than that.

"You ready, sunshine?" I feel his hand on my back followed by the cologne he always wears. I stay hiding in Kenny's chest for a few seconds until I compose myself then smile at him.

"I'm always ready for you, baby." He holds his hand out to me and I intertwine our fingers nervously. All our friends watch us walk in and follow in behind us.

I look back at Sofia and smile wife seeing her already smiling at me. I look over at Zion and giggle as she gives me a thumbs up.

I kiss Charlie's cheek and let him talk to the receptionist while walking over to Zion and Sofia. I'm still trying to process this is actually happening.

"Are you ready for this?" I let out a shaky breath looking at Zion.

"Honestly? Nope. Not at all. But at the same time, I'm so beyond ready." Sofia laughs.

"I know what you mean."

"You do?" She looks over at Owen making me smile. She really does love him.

"Yeah. You had all the plans and goals that you wanted to accomplish before you got married, but then he just came into your life and knocked all of those down. He swept you off your feet and here you are."

"Jeez, Sof. Sounds like you're getting married and not Kenedi." Sofia rolls her eyes and shoved Zion scoffing.

"Uh huh." I giggle shaking my head.

"Not but seriously. I know you want to marry Owen, but would you marry him soon?" She looks back over at him and I roll my eyes watching him pour hand sanitizer on Madi's head.

"I would. Without a doubt."

"So then why don't you make a move?" I look at Zion confused. "Why do you have to follow all the social norms and let him be the one to propose? Why can't you be the one to do it?"

"You think I should?" I nod.

"No what she's saying actually makes sense."

"Thanks Kenedi."

"Oh you're welcome. But seriously. If you love him and want to marry him, maybe you should propose."

"But how would I do it?" I shrug and look at Zion.

"Any ideas?"

"No, but we have time to come up with something. Right?" We both look at Sofia.

"If I'm proposing to that dork, then it needs to be perfect so yes we have time to think of something." I laugh leaning into Zion's side.

"But we will still have a night just the two of us, Sof. No interruptions I promise." She smiles at me and hugs me tightly.

"For now, just go get married okay?" I nod smiling at them and then follow Charlie into the judge's chambers.

This is really happening. Whether we're ready for it or not.

I guess we really are living like it's now or never.