Despicable Desires

Epilogue

Jayden

I study my reflection in the mirror. My navy blue three-piece suit is cut to perfection, but the tie that's supposed to complement it is proving to be a struggle. I never dress like this for work. I work mostly in offices and can wear jeans. Shirts are mandatory, but I can do without ties or bow ties. I'm in communications, not fashion. I mutter to myself, struggling with the piece of fabric I can't seem to tie around my neck to make it look presentable.

"Give it to me," Henri laughs as he comes up behind me. He is dressed in light gray with an ecru bow tie that brings out the stunning blue of his eyes.

He has the same eyes as his daughter.

I offer him my tie and let him take care of it while I concentrate on his confident movements. In no time, the knot is perfect and he tucks everything under my vest.

"Are you nervous?" I ask, admiring our reflection.

"A little," he admits with a smile. He puts a hand on my shoulder before patting my neck, like a father with his son. Cameron comes next, wearing a suit of the same color as mine, only his tie is different. His is burgundy, while mine is light gray.

"You guys look great!" she exclaims.

"So do you," Cameron whistles as he approaches Henri. "I know someone who's going to fall head over heels for you!"

"I don't want her to faint either," he chuckles. "But I do want her to be a little conscious!"

I let them exchange jokes and look at my watch. The first guests should be arriving soon, so I hurry them along.

"Relax bro, it's not your wedding!" Cameron teases.

"It's not a wedding," I grumble as Henri leaves the room.

"Do you think we would have taken the name Henri if they had done a proper ceremony? It would have made things easier for you and Adeline. You would have already had the same last name," he asked me.

"Shut up," I murmured, grabbing him by the neck and forcing him to leave. "You're getting on my nerves."

He burst out laughing as we entered the hallway. I lost my words when I noticed the person next to Henri and released my grip on my brother. My gaze was fixed on her, admiring her green dress that accentuated the blondness of her hair and revealed her long, slender legs. I approached her without restraint, forgetting that her father was right next to her.

It's been five years since we announced our relationship in a brutal and rash manner. At first, Henri was completely against what was happening between us, but he managed to get over it. I think my mother had a lot to do with his acceptance. Her support was unwavering and boundless. We only came back to San Francisco for the holidays, and with each new arrival, the exchanges between us became more natural. Little by little, things fell into place and our family formed. It became welded. Until today, when my mother and Henri will exchange their vows, a pledge of their love for each other, with family and friends as witnesses.

"You look beautiful," I said as I reached Adeline's side.

"You look beautiful too," she blushed.

"Stay here," Henri added. "I want a picture."

He stepped back and tapped deftly on his phone. I hugged Adeline, my arm around her hips, feeling her floral scent tickle my nostrils, and I couldn't wait to get her dress off later that night.

"Is Mom ready?" Cameron finally asked. "I think people are starting to arrive."

"I'll go greet them. Go make sure she doesn't need anything. Adeline, make sure your sister is done with her hair," I said. Henri tucked his phone into the inside pocket of his suit and gave us a little encouraging gesture before disappearing upstairs.

The big day was here.

***

Seated at the round tables in the garden, we savour the delights of the outdoors. Next to me is Adeline, and I am holding her hand tight while we mingle and converse with the others present. Our respective parents' two sets of friends comprise the attendees, with the remaining guests a little further away.

The fact of my relationship with Adeline, which was previously kept under wraps, is now widely understood. As a perfectly normal couple now, one might recall that there were initial anxieties regarding the supposed incompatibility of our emotions. Anyhow, as far as we know, not once have we been judged for it. No uncomfortable gazes gaze our way today even though our parents have brought us together- not for a wedding, but to affirm their love and vow of fidelity to one another. Though their surnames differ, their ardor for each other is undeniable. Their harmony fills my heart with joy and delight.

"Are you feeling alright?" Adeline asks placing her fingers gently upon my thigh.

As I turn and smile at her, adorably engrossed in her, I reply, "Everything is absolutely lovely."

Tenderly, I take her hand in mine and kiss it ever so lightly, before directing my attention back to the ongoing discussion amongst our guests.

"Marriage isn't always destined towards failure," contests one of my mother's friends.

"I'm an expert insider," declares Henri with a smile. "We are both divorced."

"I fail to see why you shouldn't go the whole hog, when it's quite evident that you both love one another," the friend persists.

"It's to their credit that they don't intend to reboot the system," concurs her husband. "At our age, making the most of what we have is the smart option in life."

"And we have everything we need," confirms my mother. "A family, friends, a working couple. Weddings are reserved for the young!"

Henri winks at me and I chuckle, settling a tad deeper into my chair, as he adds, "To love!"

All around us, the tables clinked together in acknowledgment, as Henri nodded his head towards me, indicating his open acceptance- I knew at that instant.

He had bestowed his official approbation.

To remain in the family.

To love his daughter.

However, despite his approval, I had loved Adeline for eight long years and nurturing my profound love for her seemed not to have an end in sight.