Afterglow (Book Three)

Twenty Four

Nick

I kept my eyes locked with Demi's as the priest spoke.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments and to cherish the words that will unite Nicholas Jerry Jonas and Demetria Devonne Lovato in marriage" it was slowly growing difficult to keep the tears at bay. I'm finally marrying my best friend. "Marriage is a promise between two people who love each other, and who trust in that love, who honour each other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together. Nick and Demi have a few words they would like to share with each other. Nick, if you'd like to go first" I could feel my palms beginning to sweat, my heart thumping rapidly against my rib cage as I tried to remember everything that I had written down.

"Demi..." I lifted my hand up to wipe away the teardrop that rolled its way down her cheek. "The moment we met; I knew that I wanted you in my life. I knew that I had to have you in my life, whether that be as a friend or something more. The first thing that caught my attention was your laugh" her eyes rolled as our friends and families laughed. "That laugh owned my heart from the first moment I heard it. I knew I needed to protect that laugh because I never wanted it to go away. Your laugh is still my most favourite sound" the smile on her face widened. "We tried dating for the first time a couple years back but because of stupid old me, we broke it off. It took for you to get pregnant and give birth to our beautiful baby boy for me to finally realise that I never wanted to let you go. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to grow old together. I want us to have many more children and make so many amazing memories together. I can't wait to continue our life together as husband and wife. I love you so much, Demetria Devonne, my heart is yours forever, so please take care of it" tears were pouring down both of our cheeks.

"Very beautiful words" I smiled over at the priest, lifting my hand up to wipe at my cheeks. "Now, Demi. Are you ready to share your vows?" Demi nodded with a sniffle, her eyes locking with mine. She released a breath before she spoke.

"Nick, I love you, and as much as I tried to deny it, I've loved you since we were teenagers. You owned my heart without even knowing that you did" I watched as her chin quivered and her voice shook, her head tipping down to momentarily stare at the floor. "You've been there for me through everything. You've been my rock for years. You've saved my life so many times and there aren't enough words in the world for me to express how thankful I am for you" I gave her hand a squeeze as her eyes locked with mine. "I was terrified when I fell pregnant with Peyton. There was so many times throughout my pregnancy that I just wanted to take you back. I wanted to cave in and just kiss you but my head was all over the place. I don't regret Peyton" our eyes danced to Peyton who was sat on Joe's lap. He was smiling big as he stared at us, giving us a shy wave causing us both to laugh. "He's my world, and he looks so much like you which just makes me love you so much more, and I didn't think that was possible. There aren't many people in this room that know about our little angel, but I know that they would have been so lucky to have you as their daddy" the tears were flowing down my cheeks. "I can't wait to have more children with you. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. To grow old with you. I love you so much, Nick Jonas."

The priest continued with the traditional vows as we both tried to control our tears which seemed impossible.

"Now, who has the rings?"

"Me" Peyton squealed causing everyone to laugh. He slipped off Joe's lap and grabbed the pillow from beside him that held the rings. Watching him walk towards us so slowly and carefully was adorable. Demi and I shared a smile that was full of love.

"Thanks, Bud" I held up my hand for a high-five, Peyton giggled as he slapped his hand against mine. I took the ring from him, glancing over at Demi as she crouched down in front of Peyton.

"Thanks, Baby Boy" Demi took the ring off the pillow with a smile. "I love you" he leant to press a kiss to Demi's cheek causing the smile on my face to widen as the room filled with a collective 'awe'. "Go back to uncle Joey" Peyton nodded, running back towards Joe who pulled him back onto his lap. Demi stood, her eyes locking with mine.

"Demi, do you take this man to be your husband, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health until death parts you?" she nodded, a wide smile instantly spreading across my face.

"I do" her smile was enormous as I slid the ring onto her finger.

"Nick, do you take this woman to be your wife, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health until death parts you?"

"I do" Demi's hand shook as she slid the ring onto my own finger.

"Now, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nick, you may now kiss your bride" I slid my hand along Demi's waist as I took a step towards her, my other hand sliding along her neck as I brought her lips to meet mine.

"I love you, Mr Jonas" a wide smile formed on my face as she muttered the words against my lips. The air around us was full of our families and friends cheers.

"I love you too, Mrs Jonas" our second kiss was full of fireworks just like the very first time.

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