8: The Wedding - Part 1

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Frank's birthday was on the same day as Halloween, so he had a costume party for his birthday.
Cherry and Lily dressed up as the two girls from the Parent Trap, Miles was Freddie Mercury (which was the most adorable thing I have ever seen, he had a little fake moustache and all!), Gerard was the Joker, Mikey was Hopper from Stranger Things, Ray was a wizard, Rachel was a clown, I was Marty McFly and Frank was Doc Brown, a Back to the Future duo costume we'd decided on just days before.
I grabbed his card of a shelf before going and the vinyl record I'd bought him as well as the poem.
Unfortunately, halfway through the party I realised I'd completely forgotten the poem. Not to worry, I'd see him again at the weekend for the wedding.
That Friday, I raced around the apartment trying to get my shit together to go to Frank's.
All the while, Rachel was giving me a pep talk.
"Now, Andy, just relax, be calm, just go with the flow of the night," she said as I practically sprinted past her, "Don't be nervous, you got this, babe. Oh, and don't forget about protection. Unless a fourth Iero baby is part of the plan."
"RACHEL," I snapped, leaning against a doorframe trying to catch my breath,"Not helping."
"Sorry," she laughed, "Just text me if you need me. You have everything?"
"Yeah," I nodded, zipping up my suitcase, "Got it all."
"Wrong," Rachel said, handing me a folded piece of paper, "Your artwork, Shakespeare."
"Thanks," I rolled my eyes, giving Rachel a hug and taking the poem from her, "Don't miss me too much. And please, no parties in the apartment while I'm gone."
"Then what am I supposed to do all weekend?" Rachel smiled and patted my shoulder, "Have fun, okay?"
I nodded, "Yeah. I'll have fun."
I drove down to Frank's house and knocked on the door.
Cherry opened it for me, "Hi, Andy, dad's in the shower."
"Hey, honey," I gave her a quick hug and ran upstairs to leave my bag in Frank's room.
The bathroom door opened as I turned to leave his room, and out stepped Mr Iero, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.
His beautiful, toned, tattooed body dripping wet from the shower.
"Hi," I mumbled, peeling my eyes away from him, trying not to smile.
"Hi," he said, quietly.
I could hear the smirk in his voice.
I turned my head back towards him.
'Just look at his face,' I thought.
Easier said than done.
"I... uh... Cherry let me in," I stammered, feeling myself start to blush.
"You're bright red right now," he said, teasingly.
"So are you," I began to smile, noticing the beetroot red colour that was creeping into Frank's face.
We stood there for a moment, looking at each other. Glancing away every now and again, then looking back.
It was pure torture. My heart was beating in my throat.
"I'll... uh," I smirked, "I'll let you get dressed, Mr Iero."
I then turned on my heel and walked away, feeling his eyes watching me as I left.
As soon as I was down the stairs, I let out a breath of relief.
He came down a few minutes later, wearing a Metallica t-shirt and jeans.
We ordered pizza for dinner, then watched some tv with the kids before going to bed.
Frank insisted that he sleep on the couch and I sleep in his bed. There was no disagreeing with him. So, I fell asleep in his bed. The sheets all smelled like him.
We all got up early the next day and drove down to the hotel where the wedding was being held.
Our room had three small beds and one double bed.
"Huh," Frank looked at the bed, "Well... uh..."
"It's fine," I smiled, "Sharing is caring after all."
"Couldn't agree more," he smiled back.
I slipped into the bathroom and put on my red dress. It was long, down to my ankles. Silky red satin with long, lace sleeves. The one formal dress I owned.
I stepped out of the bathroom after a few minutes and Frank stood there staring at me.
He looked so fucking gorgeous. Black shirt with a red tie and black trousers. The top button undone in that Iero style.
"You look..." he trailed off, momentarily, then smiled, "...beautiful. You look beautiful."
I smiled back, "Let's get this show on the road."
Frank and I walked arm in arm down to the ceremony, the kids with us.
As we walked into the big hall, a woman stepped in front of us.
"Oh my goodness, Frank Iero!" she grinned.
"Oh, hi, Rebecca!" he smiled.
The woman giggled and tapped my arm, "This a new conquest? Be careful, hon, he's a devil."
She winked at Frank. I wanted to tear her eyes out.
I laughed awkwardly.
"Rebecca, this is Andrea King," Frank introduced me, "She's an amazing woman."
"Nice to meet you, Andrea," Rebecca shook my hand, "Frankie and I go way back! He was the first man I ever... well."
She winked at me this time.
"Cool," I said, monotone, "Good to know."
"We'd better find our seats," Frank smiled, pulling me away.
"She seems nice," I said, as we sat down, trying not to show my annoyance.
"I'm sorry, that was awkward," Frank chuckled a little, "We dated back in high school for a little while... I'm surprised she's even here. Every time I see her she starts doing her whole winking thing at me. Seems to be especially forced now that I've brought a girl."
I chuckled, "Wow, well I'll save you from her whenever you need me to tonight. I can make something up. Like... hey Frank, Cherry's doing shots of vodka!"
Frank laughed against my shoulder, "That'll be our code for 'SOS'."
The three kids sat some other kids and Frank and I sat together at the groom side.
Mikey was at the front of the room, grinning. I'd never seen him smile so much.
Gerard was beside him, seemingly the best man. He spotted Frank and me and waved at us.
Once everyone was inside, music began and we all stood up to see Kristin walk down the aisle.
She was alluring. Stunning.
Beautiful, long, white gown, her copper hair curled and tied up. Light makeup, making her delicate features sparkle.
I realised I was holding Frank's hand as I watched the bride glide down the aisle.
He didn't seem to want me to let go.
We all sat back down and listened to the vows.
Then, it was time for Mikey and Kristin to say 'I do'.
Frank's eyes were glistening. He was almost in tears.
"You okay?" I whispered.
"I'm so proud of him," he whispered back, smiling.
I grinned and caressed the hand I was holding with my thumb.
I could see Gerard tearing up as well.
The couple said "I do" and shared a kiss as newlyweds.

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