Brothers

Chaptee 37

The Wedding Rehearsal

Christians POV

I haven't had a drink for a few months now. I'm ashamed in myself. I promised to never have a drink again. Not after what happened to my family.

"Today's the day. We better get to the chapel for the wedding rehearsal. It starts in an hour." Anastasia says coming into our room.

I finish tying my tie, standing in front of the mirror on the wall.

I look at Anastasia, whose dressed in a simple blue dress. What was Tessa thinking? The bridesmaid dresses are hideous, although Anastasia pulls it off. She's stunning in just about anything.

"What? Is it too much?" She laughs.

"No. You look beautiful." I say as she models her dress off for me.

"The kids are just about ready to go. I just have to pack a few more things. Be ready to go in ten minutes. You know if we're late, Hardin's going to kill us." She laughs, giving me one last kiss before exiting the bedroom.

"I can take him. Remember I'm the older brother." I laugh.

Anastasia rolls her eyes and leaves the room.

I take a deep breath and look in the mirror. Six months ago, I would have never thought I would see my brother again, let alone be his best man. The last few months, we got closer. Hardin and Tessa would come over for dinner at least once a week. Theodore loved hanging out with Hardin, he would ask about him all week until they finally came over.

I take one more look in the mirror and smile before exiting the bedroom.

"All set to go?" I say as I walk downstairs.

"Now, all you have to do is walk down the isle with the rings. When you get up to the alter you will give them to daddy. Okay?" Anastasia gives Theodore a pep talk as I walk into the living room.

"Okay mommy." Theodore smiles.

Anastasia fixes Theodores bow tie and gives him a smile back.

"Look how handsome you look. Uncle Hardin is going to be so proud." Anastasia says.

Theodores face lights up, his smile growing.

"Ready? We don't want to be late. The wedding rehearsal." I pick Phoebe up and smile at her.

"Well don't you look beautiful little miss phoebe."

She gives me a smile through her pacifier.

—

As we enter the chapel, we are greeted by Vance and Kimberly.

It's still weird seeing Vance as my father, I've always seen him as the friend of the family growing up.

"Well don't you look handsome as ever." Vance says looking down at Theodore.

Theodore hides behind Anastasia.

"Theodore say thank you to Mister Vance. Be polite." Anastasia says, moving Theodore towards Vance.

The few times Theodore met Vance at family dinners, it always took him awhile to warm up.

"Hi mister Vance." Theodore says shying begins Anastasia.

Vance crouches down in front of Phoebe.

"Hey there flower girl. You look beautiful." He says giving phoebe a wink.

Phoebe giggles.

Vance stands back up and looks at me. He puts his hand on my shoulder.

"It's good to see you again Christian." Vance smiles.

"Good to see you too." I say, returning with a smile.

"Alright everyone, if I can have your attention please... the big day is tomorrow, we have a lot to go over so if you can take your positions we will begin the rehearsal." The wedding coordinator says, walking up to the front of the room.

"We'll talk later." Vance whispers in my ear before taking his seat with Kimberly and Smith.

Everyone shuffles around going to where they need to go. Anastasia and I lead Theodore and Phoebe out in the hallway. We take our spots with the other people apart of the wedding party.

The music begins in the background and the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk out two at a time, arms linked. Soon it is time for Anastasia and I, who following the others walk out arms linked together.

After the rehearsal is over, we all settle around the long table for dinner. The wedding party crowds around, smiling and laughing. Sharing stories about Tessa and Hardin when they first met, and how far they have come.

I wish I knew Tessa and Hardin when they first met. I wish I never left my family behind. I wish I never fucked up my life or my families life. But I'm glad to be here now. I'm glad to be with my family, seeing my brother get married. It's amazing how all the pieces can fit back together, after enduring so much damage. But for that I'm grateful.

Hardin clears his throat and taps his silverware against his glass standing up. Tessa stands up beside him, taking his hand in hers.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight. It's been quite the ride between us, and I never thought I'd be standing here today to be honest. But I'm happy I am and I'm happy to share it with all of you... surprisingly enough."

Tessa gives Hardin a look. He looks at her and chuckles.

"Well I'll share the speeches for tomorrow. Everyone enjoy your dinners — don't get too drunk. I expect all of you to be well for the big day tomorrow." Hardin says before sitting back down.

The night fades, Anastasia and I head back to the hotel. Theodore and Phoebe both asleep in our arms. This is my family. This is my life and I'm happy for it. The journey was long and rough, but looking at my family makes me realize it was all worth it. Nothing could make me go back to how it used to be.