Pain and Love Comes in Many Forms

Chapter Fifty Two

The reception was all pretty, and we paused for dinner and all the toasts.

David made the first one.

"Honestly, I'm sure that almost every actor is sad to see that Ethan is off the market, such a catch, in fact, I'm sure many of us are even happier he found someone. He is a dedicated friend and a dedicated worker. He's always putting in one hundred and ten percent into every project. Even when crap gets bad, he shows up to work and owns up to it, he'll state us down and go, 'so what? It's a dumb video.' Or, 'I'm pretty sure no one here thought I was straight.' Or he just throws, 'just another day. Let's get to work and stop gossiping.' He's truly, and amazing guy, and i wish you two well. Cheers!"

Everyone lifted their glasses and clunk them together. The kids had apple juice, but they held those cartons high.

Kyle went next, being next to David already. "I've worked with Ethan for awhile and it has truly been a journey. He someone manages to power through it all. And Jack, he's something. I remember one of the only times I saw Ethan cry. Jack enters the picture, hugs Ethan, and he's able to calm down. Nothing we did worked, but Jack and Ethan have such a bond that it's beautiful. So, cheers!"

*clunk*

Ian somehow managed to beat Heather to the microphone.

I'm impressed.

"These two are basically family. I mean, bad to say this, but I think most of us at least tried to date Ethan at some point and all failed miserably, so it just shows how in love with Jack he is. I work more with Jack than Ethan, but both are amazing friends and I'm glad fir them. Cheers!"

*Clunk*

Heather quickly snatched the microphone away, "I'm still upset jack took his position back as best friend, but I had those eight years, so I beat him there."

"Come on!" Jack jokingly exclaimed.

"Either way, since high school, I knew the two had something special. Even when Ethan was trying to be straight, I knew why I was the one he tried to date. I look a lot like Jack, but I'm the end, he lived Jack more than anything else. I've been a thorn in the side to both of them at times, but they are family, the future godparents to my kid and, maybe one day, if they choose to have more kids, I'll be a surrogate! Cheers!"

*clunk*

My mom was next, she slightly shook holding that mic.

"Ethan, from the day he was born, I knew there was something about him. He's kind and he cares so, so much for everyone around him. When he was sad, I was sad, when he was happy, I was happy. He's a strong kid, and I'm proud to stand here as his mom. Cheers!"

*clunk*

A few more people have toasts and it seemed like my brother was going to do nothing to cause a scene.

Boy, was I wrong.

My brother walked up to the mic and no one knew him. Jack looked at me, seeing if I knew him.

"Dan." I mouthed, and he went wide eyed, looking at my brother.

"I flew all the way out from Australia to see this wedding! Was it worth it? Yeah, it was. It's been awhile since I've seen a wedding where they carry the other out bridal style." He started.

Thank god, it started normal at least.

"Anyways, much like most of you, I know Ethan better. None of you even recognize me either, sadly. Not the point. Now, before I make a grand reveal of who I am, I just want to say, beautiful wedding, wonderful couple who go above and beyond when it comes to others."

"What's he doing?" I muttered.

"So, most of you know about the awful 'brother'  of Ethan's, right? At least seen some news about it. They're not really related though."

A collective nod.

"Well, here I am! In the flesh, to apologize for everything I did, and to turn myself in. A change I heart triggered in me seeing Ethan's genuine love for Jack. He never gave up , he was always hopeful. Ethan is a real stand up guy too. O call his number from a pay phone, and he hears me beg him to save my kids from their awful mother. And he doesn't skip a beat. Saying that he loved them anyways and would see what's going on. Not for me, cause he hates me, but because kids don't deserve pain, and seeing them now, makes me regret so many aspects of my life. He constantly hates himself for things that aren't his fault, and he deserves better. So I'm sorry for everything i caused you and Jack. So, cheers to Ethan and cheers to his happy life. No need to escort me to the police, they're already here!" He lifted his glass and took one last drink, walking past everyone to a police officer who was waiting for him.

It was...

Kinda chilling.

All of us shared a moment of silence, and then, we continued on.

With one last speech. One from Mark.

He made it to the microphone, and we all watched him as he stood there.

"My sister and I... we never really got the 'happy life' thing for the longest time. Our birth dad being arrested and birth mom being hurtful. Then, uncle Ethan- no, dad, came into the picture. He saved us. He treated us as his own kids right away. He made rooms for both of us, custom to us because he knew what he loved. When Lily or I got scared or had nightmares, he'd let us slip in bed with him and papa, when they were doing anything, they never stopped to talk to us. They never once stopped loving us since taking us in, so thank you dad, papa. Cheers?"

I got up and went over to him, hugging him as he still held the mic, and he hugged back. Lily escaped from her seat to join and Jack couldn't help but walk over and join the hug too.

A collective awe went through the crowd.

What happened with Dan was on the back's of our minds now.

Soon we all moved to cut the cake, and Jack was a normal person and just fed me a slice, were I shoved it in his mouth. Causing quite a chuckle from everyone, including him.

Then my mom and I shared the first dance, her giving me off again to Jack, and we swayed so warmly against each other, peaceful as the music seemed dull in our ears.

I knew after the wedding, Heather and Ian would look after the kids for a month, which we told them about before hand, and Jack and I honeymooned.

I knew when we got back, the kids would be happily waiting for us.

I knew that now, we were the Kings, no longer separated by the king-queen status.

Everything was so, right.

The music changed and Jack and I parted, talking to guest, greeting everyone, the other always just in sight.

Then

We threw two things. My bouquet of flowers and Jack's corsage. Whoever caught them would dance with each other.

Jack and I faced away from the crowd of singles, and threw blindly, men and women alike scrambling.

But they landed perfectly in Kyle and David's hands.

Not planned, but I half wish it was.

"Well then," I laughed.

"This is just our luck." Kyle groaned. The two took the floor and everyone else partnered up as we all danced to the music that played.

The night was truly, truly...

Beautiful.