American Royalty III

Part 39: Stackson, Always

Connor was pacing back and forth in his room, his tie hanging limply in his hands as he fumbled with it for the tenth time. His nerves were getting the best of him. He could handle monsters, gods, and prophecies, but standing in front of a crowd about to marry Kit? That was a whole different kind of challenge. His palms were clammy, and his stomach churned.

"Okay, deep breaths," Connor muttered to himself, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. "You can do this."

Travis, his best man, walked into the room, arms crossed and a smirk tugging at his lips. "You okay there, big guy?"

Connor sighed, dropping his shoulders. "Not really. How am I supposed to marry the most amazing person in the world? What if I mess this up?"

Travis raised an eyebrow, walking over to Connor. "I get it. You're freaking out. But listen, you're Connor. You're gonna do great. And, besides, Kit's been planning this wedding since we were like, twelve. She's gonna love you no matter what."

"I'm supposed to be the one she turns to for strength," Connor grumbled, looking at the tie in his hands again, frustration bubbling up. "What if I mess up? What if—"

Travis reached out and grabbed his hand, cutting him off. "You're perfect for her. She knows that. And so do I. Trust me, you've got this." He glanced at the tie and then grabbed it from Connor's hands. "Here, let me help you before you strangle yourself with that thing."

Connor laughed weakly, and Travis quickly tied it into place with practiced ease. "See? No problem. Now you look like a guy ready to marry the love of his life."

Connor smiled at Travis's attempt to ease the tension, feeling a little better. "Thanks, man."

A knock on the door interrupted them. "Time's ticking," Percy's voice echoed from the other side. "You ready?"

Connor took a deep breath. "Not yet, but I guess I better be."

With one last glance at his reflection, he straightened his suit and turned to Travis. "I guess it's time."

The porch of the Big House was quiet, save for the soft rustle of the leaves in the wind and the occasional call of a bird. Percy stood with his back to the expansive green, trying to control his emotions. Sally and Paul were beside him, both beaming with pride, but there was a nervous energy in the air.

"I can't believe today is the day," Paul said, his voice full of awe as he glanced out toward the horizon, where the sun was just beginning to set, painting the sky in golden hues.

Sally, her hands clasped tightly together, was watching her son closely. "She's going to look beautiful. I just know it."

Poseidon, standing a little to the side, gave a knowing smile. "It's a big moment, but Kit's always had a way of making everything feel right. This is her day."

Annabeth, standing next to them, gave a soft nod. "Alright, everyone," she said with a grin, her voice full of excitement. "It's time."

Percy, Sally, Paul, and Poseidon all turned their heads slightly toward her, their anticipation growing. Annabeth, standing a few steps away from them, spoke softly to Kit. "Okay, Kit, you ready?"

Kit nodded, her hands trembling ever so slightly. "Ready."

With a final, reassuring smile from Annabeth, she turned to face the others. Percy couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. He had grown up alongside Kit, and now, as she prepared to marry Connor, he knew everything was changing. He was proud, excited, but also, deep down, a little emotional.

Annabeth gave the signal. "You can turn around now."

At that moment, the world seemed to stop.

The air seemed to hum with energy as Percy, Sally, Paul, and Poseidon all turned at once, and there, standing in the soft glow of the evening light, was Kit. She looked breathtaking.