Fated (A Chris Evans Series)

Down the Aisle

Their moment under the oak tree ended when both bride and groom got texts reminding them their wedding was starting in approximately five minutes. Sebastian's text sarcastically stated "it would be grand if the bride and groom showed face." And though he didn't mention it in the text, their musician and their photographer were needed back too. Currently, as their guests were waiting for the ceremony to begin- there was no music, nor was there a photographer. The videographer was there but there was question as to what he was filming. Everyone was starting to wonder where the bride and groom were considering their entire wedding party was waiting at the end of the receiving line.

As they hurried back, Denise spotted their photographer a few steps ahead. She smiled, excited about the prospects of the photos he must've taken of their moment under the tree. She tried to suppress her excitement and kept from laughing out loud when she remembered Ed Sheeran was at her wedding. The actuality was absurd, she had yet to comprehend it. But then again, she was yet to comprehend that she was marrying her celebrity crush, Chris Evans; the man she thought she could only love through her writing. Even now as they walked together towards their wedding ceremony, fingers lovingly entwined, she still couldn't believe that she was about to marry and start a brand new life with him.

"Let's go!" Luca waved them over frantically, forcing the five to break into a jog. It was fortunate Denise was good in heels, and in a dress she could actually maneuver in. If she'd been in that Vera Wang ball gown, there was no doubt she'd fall flat on her face in an attempt to walk- let alone run. "You," Luca pointed at Chris then threw her thumb over her shoulder, beckoning at the alter, "get to the alter."

"Yes ma'am," he saluted Luca then released Denise's hand to take his leave, but not without kissing her on the cheek first. "I'll see you so-" He was yanked away from her before he could finish his sentence. "Geez, relax. It's our wedding, we can start whenever we want." He glanced over his shoulder as Scott and Sebastian dragged him down the stone steps, smiling when he saw Denise giggle. "I love you!" He called, waving and earning a wave in return.

"I understand it's you're getting married, Denise. But we'd all appreciate it if you and Chris weren't so disgustingly sweet." Luca tried not to smile as she playfully bit. "The sneaking off, the secret little meet ups...I mean- I'm happy the two of you are so in-love, really, it's great. But let's try and remember that today, we've got a schedule to keep."

"I'm going to remember those exact words for your wedding day."

"Let's get her veil on." Luca laughed as she gestured for Denise's hairstylist to pin her veil on. April kept her handiwork delicate, making sure both the bride's elegant hairstyle and stunning headpiece were accentuated. "Alright," Luca looked over at Denise's father as he approached. "Dad, let's do this thing. Guys and dolls, let's get in position." Denise smiled at her best friend, who was doing an amazing job as her Maid of Honor. She was excited to return the favor whenever she and Sebastian decided they would get married. "Stella, Ethan, Miles, I'm going to need the three of you to walk with Dodger, okay? Just down..." Luca's voice trailed off in Denise's mind when her father got to her.

"Here you go, sweetheart." Richard passed Denise her bouquet of roses in champagne and white. "Your something borrowed." He beckoned his head at her bouquet and her eyes narrowed in confusion. "They say your something borrowed should come from a happy couple, so we tied our wedding bands around the bouquet." Denise smiled, brushing the familiar silver bands with her thumb. "I know your mom and I aren't perfect. We argue, and we fight, and we have moments I know you wonder why we're still together. But that's what marriage is, it's loving someone in spite of everything. I want that for you and Chris, to tough everything out and love each other in spite of everything."

"Thanks, Dad."

She hugged him and felt him wrap his arms around her in return. Her father held her tightly, unable to let go for a while. It was a difficult day for him, he wasn't going to lie. On the one hand, he was incredibly happy that his daughter was marrying a good man; one she loved dearly, who loved her dearly too. On the other hand, she was his only daughter about to start a life away from his. The fact that she had only just turned twenty-two didn't help how conflicted he felt about the whole thing. He knew he would have to give her away eventually, he had just never expect it to be so soon. He wasn't sure if he was ready, much like Denise wasn't sure if she and Chris were ready for everything about to come. It was a huge change for everyone, but it was a change that had to be received with open arms.