FIFTY SHADES OF THEO JAMES

Chapter 12

Hearing from Ellie that she loved me was somehow the magical key to ending the long string of horror-ish nightmare dreams that I had succumbed to for so many months. Here and there though, a stressful day at work would bring them back, and with Ellie's reassurance they would be silenced again for just a little while.

Standing in front of the massive three way percy mirror I fixed my suspenders before buttoning my vest. I thanked Marshall as he held up my dress jacket for me to slide my arms into. It was a bit of a tight fit, in the pool house that we were using as the suite for my groomsmen and myself to get ready, but it worked.

In less than thirty minutes I would be standing under the altar down on my private beach watching Ellie walk towards me while all our loved ones watched.

I had been eagerly waiting for this moment since the second she said "I do". I was impatient, wanting the time to just dwindle down so I could marry the love of my life. Now that it was here I was anxious... nervous. What if she changed her mind?

Just the thought alone had me trembling.

"Hey man," Nico said, shoving his flask into my hand. "You need to calm your nerves or you won't be able to stand at that altar. Take a drink... A nice drink and go sit down for a minute." He said, patting me on the shoulder.

With a jerky nod I took a long draw from his flask... it was burbon. The moment I took a seat in the plush leather chair I forced my eyes closed and worked on evening out my breathing.

"Woosa!" Marshall said, jokingly rubbing my earlobes between his index finger and thumb. I couldn't help but laugh as I batted his hands away and rose to my feet.

"Okay, guys, time to put your game faces on, it's that time!" jeffery said as he came into the pool house carrying a tray with shots. "Take a shot and let's get on out there, we got a wedding to put on!"

Simultaneously we each grabbed a shot glass and following the sounds of clinking glass we downed our shots before heading out to the beach.

The entire layout was as perfect as I could've imagined it. A few feet from where the sand met the waves rolling in was where the altar was, made up of worn white driftwood, decorated with flowers. The isle that led from the altar was framed every foot or so on either side with beautiful glass lanterns that were lit with cream colored candles and scattered between, blush colored flower petals.

"See you soon!" I said to my groomsmen, and with a smile I passed through the entry arch that had a curtain of hanging wisteria.

As I started down the isle I noticed our own perspective families seated on either side of the isle. Once I made it to the altar I turned to face the entry arch and watched as Ellie's bridal part was moving into position beside my groomsmen. Though I couldn't make out who was who or what anyone looked like outside of wearing formal clothes, I could make out their silhouettes moving around behind the curtain of hanging wisteria.

Then Amazed by Lonestar began to play from the blue tooth speakers set up on the beach. Two ushers pulled aside the curtains of wisteria and pair-by-pair the bridal and groom party began their walk down the isle in a timely march.

My heart beat grew faster and fast with each couple passing through the arch - first came Grace and Jeffery, then Nico and Zoe, followed by Shannon and Marshall.

I couldn't help but hold my breath once the ushers released the curtains and I saw my lovely bride moving into position. It felt like my chest was going to explode as my heart sped faster and faster, and then the curtains were pulled back again, and there she was.