When the Past Returns

Wedding Bells

"Okay, everyone, this is my older sister, Abigail Cobb. These are her daughters, Juniper, Storm, Frankie-Jean, and Teagon. Her sons are with her fiancée, Nikki Sixx. Yes, don't freak out. He is here and no, you're not allowed around him." Haley says, zipping up the peach color maid of honor dress. "Thanks. Okay, girls, get dressed. We need to hurry. Aunt Haley is going to walk down that aisle soon to finally marry the man of her dreams. We are the only ones stopping her. Let's go, kiddos." I rush. Haley and I help the girls with their dresses and soon the door opens. "Do not come in here!" I shout. "Mom, it's me." Decker says, coming in with Gunner. "Oh, sorry, boys. I'm just very scattered. What is it that you need?" I ask, finishing up the last tie on the back of Storm's light cream color dress. "Dad wants to see you. He says he wants to see you in all your beauty. He doesn't want to spend any time away from you." Decker says, mocking his father. I giggle and roll my eyes. "You do look beautiful, mom. Go see dad. We'll help them get the flowers ready." Gunner says, grabbing the baskets of rose petals. "Are you sure? June can do it, right, June?" I ask, turning to her looking out the window. "Uh, yeah, sure. I can do it, mom." She says, distantly. "Hm. Watch her carefully, please." I whisper to the boys. They nod in understanding and get to work.

I walk down the hall to the groom's dressing room and I knock. "Come in." Someone says. I open the door, walk in, and see my boys lined up in their tuxes. Black tuxes with baby blue bow ties. "Oh my god. Don't you look so handsome?" I squeal, hugging Ashtyn and Nikki. "You look amazing, Abby." Nikki says before kissing me. "Hey, none of that in here." Kyle says, laughing. "Congratulations." I say, hugging him. "Thank you. Congrats to you, too. You're getting married soon." He says, patting my back. "Yeah, he finally did it." I laugh, looking at my Nikki. His sweet eyes and his beautiful smile. He makes my heart melt... "Oh, I must get going. Hal needs me to calm her nerves. I have to make her that tea." I say, hugging Ash and placing a quick kiss on his cheek. "You'll walk her out, right?" I ask Nikki. "Of course." He says with a smile. "I love you, Nik." I give him a kiss and leave.

I walk out with Gunner at my hip behind the bridesmaids. Kyle looks so nervous and I give him a look. "It'll be okay." I say, giving him a locket. It was our mother's and it holds two pictures, one of her and one of our father. He looks at me, clueless. Finally, it's time. The doors open and Nikki and Haley walk out, arm in arm. Nikki takes my breath away. Haley looks beautiful, but Nikki...I'm so amazed that Nikki's mine. They walk to the end of the aisle, Nikki handing Haley off to Kyle and Haley handing me her bouquet. They exchange vows and soon the ring bearer is called upon. Brendan, the twin I hadn't seen all day, shows up. He has blonde hair with green eyes, like his sister. The rings are placed on each other's fingers and the bride is kissed by her groom. They're married now. My little sister is married. My daddy would be proud. Haley Jane Vixen. I don't realize I'm crying until my family is surrounding me and Nikki is wiping away my tears. "What is it, sweetie?" He asks, kissing my hand. "I'm so happy for her. I know daddy would be proud." I say, wiping away the few more that escaped. "Let's get changed. I don't want these dresses ruined." I say. I knew what was next, the reception party. The girls and I hurry to the dressing room, stripping off the dresses and putting on ones that are more comfortable and less expensive. We meet the boys out at the van, get in, and follow the limo. The venue wasn't too far from the church, about 20 minutes away. We get out, our presents already in the pile thanks to Kyle's dad, and meet them inside. "Abby, come. You and your family have to sit with me." She says, grabbing my arm and dragging me away. "Nikki!" I shout over the loud music. He follows.

"Alright, not a lot of you know me, but I'm Haley's older sister, Abigail Cobb. While she grew up with our grandparents, I was already grown. So, we never really knew each other until my second son was born. We didn't click at first. We were raised differently. But, soon we grew close. Our father died and soon so did our grandparents, she's my only family. I remember her calling me the night she met Kyle Vixen. If you know the story, it's quite an embarrassing one. Should I tell them? I think I should tell them. Nah, they should know already. But, I remember the way she'd speak of him. So fondly. I knew this was it. But, I didn't know it'd be before me. Not fair. But, now here we are. I want congratulate my little sister and my little brother-in-law and may all your ups and downs be in bed." I say, sitting down. "Oh my god, Abigail. His parents are right there!" Haley shrieks. "And they're laughing. I did good." I say, winking. "Mom, please don't ever say that again." June says, rolling her eyes. "Your Uncle Tommy said the same thing for his wedding. It's great." I say, taking a sip of my wine. The night continues with dancing. Lots of dancing.

"I'm not dancing, Nikki." I say, crossing my arms. "Babe, please. For me, please." He begs, clasping his hands together. "Fine. But, if I fall again, you'll be paying for it." I say, glaring at him. "Sorry, Nikki." Somebody yells and soon the intro to Rocketship begins to play. He groans, playfully. I laugh and lay my head on his chest. I feel Nikki's lips to my neck then move to my ear. He starts to sing:

"Fly to the moon
We'll take my rocketship
It's outta sight
Oh so outta sight
Leave your head
Check into this time
Check your mind
Let your sparkle shine

Pass the sun
Say goodbye to everyone
We'll fall in love
As we pass the sun
Hang from a star
Forget just who we are
It's outta sight
Oh so outta sight

From the moon
To the stars
To the sun
Baby, I'm in love"

"I love you so much, Nikki. You have absolutely no idea." I say, crying into his shirt. I love every single part of him, even his off-key singing in my ear.