One Million Branches

Part Twenty Four

Austin drives us to the church and we head into the little dressing area.

“Can someone check to see who’s all out there?” I ask as Mike helps me into my dress.

“I will.” Alan says heading out the door.

“Mike?” I ask.

“Yes?” He asks.

“Walk me down the aisle?” I ask.

He smiles and nods.

I fix Austin’s and Mike’s ties and as I wait for Alan to come back.

Alan opens the door and he smiles at me.

I fix his tie as he tells me who’s out there.

“So All Time Low, Bring Me the Horizon, Of Mice and Men, Mayday, Tone’s mom and sister, Mama and Papa Fuentes, and they guy’s girlfriends if they have one.” He says.

I nod and smile.

“I know I fucked up a lot but thank you for taking me right back into your family Mike.” I say.

He hugs me tight and cries softly.

“You’re literally a part of my family. It’s not complete without you here.” He says.

“Thank you guys also for helping me out today. I know it’s stressful for a last minute wedding.” I say.

“I actually had a feeling Tone was going to ask you. So I was kind of expecting it.” Mike says.

I laugh and kiss his cheek.

I hug Austin and Alan.

“Thank you both for supporting me all these years.” I say with a smile.

They both nod and smile.

“Alright we have to go wait by Tone.” Austin says grabbing Alan.

They head out the door and Mike smiles big at me.

“Ready?” He asks smiling.

“More ready than I’ve ever been.” I say smiling.

“Let’s go then.” He says smiling.

I hook arms with him and we walk down the aisle together. I look up and stare at Tony. His eyes sparkling and a huge smile across his face. He looks so handsome in his tux. I start to tear up and Mike smiles at me.

We get to Tony and Mike hugs me and kisses my cheek.

“Be good to her. I know where you live.” Mike says pointing at Tony.

Everyone starts laughing and I step up across from Tony.

He starts crying when he looks at me and I smile big at him.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony.” The priest says.

Tony and I stare at each other and I start crying from happiness.

“I understand you’ll both be saying your own vows. Tony go ahead.” He says.

He nods and grabs my hands harder.

“Liz. Since the day you came over with Vic and Mike for our band practice I was head over heels for you. I knew since that day I wanted you in my life. We became closer and soon enough I was in love with you. It sucked being a day without you. When Vic told me you were going on tour with us I was so nervous. A lot of things happened on that tour and it brought us together. A lot of things happened in the middle and it really fucked us up for a while. These last two years without you really sucked. I missed the way you sang in the shower and fell asleep. I missed how concerned you were for me when things happened. I love how you put me first even when I shouldn’t be your priority. I love how you care for me and talk to me. I love you. Without you I would have no idea who I am. Thank you for being you. I love you, Liz.” He says.

I cry harder and carefully wipe the tears from my eyes.

“Liz.” The priest says.

“Okay all of you know how bad I am at talking in front of friends.” I say.

Everyone laughs and I take a deep breath.

“Well one day I was going through Vic’s room and I saw a picture of you, him and Mike. The second I saw you in that picture I was in lust. When I met you I was so nervous but that lust became actually liking you. We became best friends and I hid me liking you for years. When Vic invited me on tour I accepted immediately because I knew we’d get to spend more time together. Sorry Vic.” I say smiling.

He smiles at me and gives me a thumbs up

“I spent about every waking second with you on that tour. You made me so nervous that I was even clumsier than I usually am. The night of my 21st I will never forget. We weren’t drunk but we spilled our secret feelings for each other. As you said a lot of shit happened in between but it seems like we always find our way back to each other. I’m not really good at explaining my emotions and how I feel, but when I’m with you I can. I feel happy and giddy and in love. I can honestly say you are the only person I have ever been in love with. I love you for everything you do for me. I love you for putting up with my emotions and supporting me for everything that I do even if you don’t agree with it. I love you for being with me every step of the way. And I love you for waiting and not giving up on me when I decide to be an asshole. I can list every reason I love you but I would go on for years. Thank you for helping me grow up and helping me learn who I am. I love you, Tony.” I say.

Tears leave his eyes and leave my eyes too.

“Do you, Tony, take Liz to be you’re lawfully wedded wife?” He asks.

“I do.” He says staring into my eyes as he slides a princess cut diamond ring on my finer

“Do you, Liz, take Tony to be you’re lawfully wedded husband?” He asks.

“I do.” I say sliding his ring on his finger.

“You may now kiss the bride.” The priest says.

Tony steps forward and gives me the most passionate kiss I’ve ever received from him.

I pull away and smile at him.

“You’re mine for good. You can’t back out now.” He says kissing my hand.

“You’re mine too. I won’t ever leave you.” I say smiling.

“I won’t leave you either.” He says smiling.

I lean up and kiss him again.

We run down the aisle and out to the car. We head back to our old house and walk inside. A lot of my things still fill the closet so I change into a pair of yoga pants and one of Tony’s shirts. He changes into basketball shorts and pulls me into his embrace. We fall onto the bed and he kisses me.

“I love you.” He says smiling.

“I love you too.” I say smiling back.

This is a great beginning to the rest of our lives.