A Leap of Faith (16 page)

“All I have to do is keep my mouth shut for a day and I get to have dinner with Alex and the band?” Angie’s eyes widened with excitement.

“Yes
.” I softened her words as I reflected them back to her, “All you have to do is hold off telling anyone about this tiny piece of paper. Then after that, you let everyone know what a great help you were to us.”

“I’ll do it!” She squealed, clapping her hands together.

“Oh thank you Angie. Let me grab your number and I’ll call you tomorrow with a location.” My smile was easy as I wrapped up my negotiations.

“Ok, you need to fill these out and I need to see your documentations, but I wouldn’t recommend you guys getting married here. Not if you
want to keep it low key. Most courts are in session and the minute you walk into that part of the courthouse it will all be over.  My brother-in-law is an ordained minister, he can marry you. I can arrange it.”

Angie looked to me for direction.

“Sure, that would be very helpful. Could you contact him now and see if he is available? Just tell him we are just a couple of regular tourists who are caught up in the magic of this beautiful city.”

“Sure! I’ll be right back!” Angie disappeared behind a door.

“Very smooth Ms. Reed. Glad you are on my side during negotiations.” Alex wrapped his arms around my waist while I filled out the forms.

“I’m just good at getting people to see things from my point of view.” I smiled as inputted all the relevant information onto the page and fished out our passports as supporting documents.

Angie returned with a beaming smile across her face, her mobile phone pressed against her ear.  “He can marry you in about 2 hours? That ok?”

“Yes that’s fine, I’ll write down where we are staying.” I grabbed a business card from my bag and scribbled the name and address of our hotel on it for her.

Angie disappeared again with my business card, clutched tightly in her mitts.

“So looks like I have time to buy a dress after all,” I teased, handing over the papers for Alex to sign.

“Looks like it!” Alex grinned as he chewed lightly on the pen.

Angie returned and processed our paperwork. We had no witnesses unfortunately so Angie went and dragged out Susan from city records to come sign on our behalf.

Susan was at least sixty years old and had no idea who either of us were, she eyed us suspiciously as she looked over our paperwork and passports. I’m sure she probably assumed I was a crazy nut-case tourist who was trying to land a US husband for a Green Card but she didn’t ask any questions and signed our marriage license.

“Ok, that’s it you’re done! You just need to finalize this when you have the ceremony and you are legally married.” Angie handed us our certificate.

“Thank you Angie, you have been a big help. I will call you tomorrow, just remember our agreement!” I gave her a pointed look reminding her that she still had to uphold her end of our bargain if she wanted to be our dinner guest tomorrow night.

“My lips are sealed!” Angie promised as she made a crossing motion over her heart.

We stepped out into the street; the lunch time people-traffic littered the footpath.

“Where to now?” asked Alex, hiding his eyes from the bright afternoon sun behind his mirrored aviators.

“I need to make a call, then we are finding a dress.” I held out my hand for his phone.

“The whole idea for you to leave your phone was so you didn’t make any calls, remember?” Alex reluctantly handed it over.

“I know but just this one call and I’m done, I promise.” I dialled as I walked over to the parked Ferrari, while Alex released the internal locking.

“Hey Alex, what can I do for you?” Matt’s smooth cool voice filled my ear.

“Matt, it’s me. I need you to do me a favour.” I blurted as I stepped into the car.

“Lexi? Are you guys ok? Why are you using Alex’s phone?” I heard the confusion in Matt’s voice.

“We’re fine...Shit, why do you always assume something’s wrong? I left my phone back at the hotel, long story but I need you to do something for me,” I explained.

“Sure, no problem Lex. Watcha need?” Matt drawled, his Texan twang peppering his tone.

“Can you gather up the guys and get the Hotel to have a meeting room or something cleared for us. We’ll be there in an hour or so. Just text me the details of which room we have.” I smiled at Alex as he took his seat beside me, hitting the ignition.

“Yeah, I’m not sure they are going to be too happy about a meeting on their day off but you’re the boss.” Matt laughed uneasily.

“Thanks, tell them it will be worth it! See ya soon,” I breathed into the phone.

“Bye Lex.” Matt ended the call.

Alex turned to me, his eyes milling with excitement. “I thought you wanted it to be just the two of us?”

“It will be, but they should be there too, and Matt.” I ran my hand along his jaw, in a few short hours this man was going to be my husband.

Sharing the moment with these men who had become my family, felt right. Alex nodded as he took my hand and kissed my fingertips. “So… the dress?”

I grabbed my iPad and did a quick search. “Mall in Bal Harbor looks amazing! It’s about thirty minutes away, take the I-95 and I’ll direct you from there.” 

We crossed over into North Miami and quickly arrived at the exclusive shopping centre. This was definitely a place where the rich came out to play. Sports cars lined the streets and luxury yachts bobbed in the water.

No one even gave us a cursory glance as we parked the Ferrari and stepped out of the car.

“Ok, meet me back here in thirty minutes,” I panted as I grabbed my handbag.

“I can’t come with you?” Alex cocked his head to the side.

“NO! You can’t see my dress until it’s time!” I shot back horrified.

Alex laughed as he shook his head, “I think we have kind of done away with the whole traditional thing Lex, but if that’s what you want, I’ll go get a suit.”

“Ok, thirty minutes.” I confirmed before taking off in a half jog into the beautiful mall.

Time was not my friend, I was going to have to chose a designer and run with it. The store directory offered a plethora of choices - Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Gucci - I was literally spoiled. I opted for Carolina Herrera, classic and elegant.

“Hello. How can I assist you today?” A sweet voice greeted me. She was wearing sky-high heels, a crisp white shirt and a fitted black pencil skirt. Her dark hair was pulled back severely into a tight bun fixed at the back of her head. She was stunning, her lithe body glided across the floor of the store gracefully as she approached me.

“Yes, I need a dress. Something elegant. An evening dress. Not black or white but something that makes a statement.” I tired to sort through my mind as to what I actually wanted.

I’d never really given much thought to a wedding dress. I was not interested in a white monstrosity that looked like a tulle factory threw up on me.

She nodded as she led me to the part of the store that held their full length gowns.

The minute I saw it, I knew it was the one. It shone out of a sea of muted colours, it’s unique design drawing me in.

“That one, I want to try on that one.” My heart raced as she sifted through the rack for my size and handed it to me.

I entered the plush over sized change rooms. The mirrors faced me from every angle as I took off my dress and carefully slid into the gown.

It was breathtaking. A champagne coloured silk gown with a delicate chiffon overlay. The stunning one-shoulder neckline tapered into a fitted bodi
ce. Intricate beaded embroidery intersected bias seams across the body of the dress in a startlingly impressive display of workmanship. It clung to my body like it was painted on, the delicate skirt falling to the floor. It was perfect.

I finalized my purchase and raced from store to store before managing to buy a pair of Jimmy Choo heels to match it and some lingerie from Agent Provocateur. Thirty minutes was a challenge, even for me.

I was out of breath by the time I made it back to the parking lot. Alex was leisurely leaning up against the car waiting as he watched me run amusingly in heels toward him.

“Ok...I’m good
,” I panted as I struggled to bring my breathing to heel.

Alex looked over my collection of bags, raising an eyebrow,

“I’m impressed. You can do a lot of damage in thirty minutes.”

“It’s a talent!” I puffed as I collapsed into the car.

Alex smiled as he shook his head, walking around to the driver’s side and joined in me the car. “Ready?” He asked, a playful smile flirting on his lips.

“Hell yes! Let’s get out of here,” I affirmed.

The Ferrari roared back to life as I input the address of the hotel into the iPad. The animated voice commenced directing us back to Coconut Grove.

I was ready. Ready to go back to the hotel and ready to marry him. I did not want to wait another minute.

Alex gently rapped on the bathroom door. “Lexi, it’s time”

I studied my reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. My hair had been swept off my face but I left it loose at the back so the curls cascaded over my shoulders. I felt beautiful. I carefully put on the earrings Alex had purchased for me while we were at Tiffany’s. A stunning pair of solitaire diamonds, 2 carats each, their simplicity complimented the intricacy of the beautiful floor length gown, which clung to my every curve.

I opened the door slowly, Alex stood in the do
orway in a stunning black tuxedo. The suit was perfectly cut, the angles of the fabric showcasing his breathtaking body. Alex looked amazing.

“WOW!” I breathed, the clearness of his astonishing blue eyes contrasting against the starkness of the black.

“WOW yourself!” Alex kissed my bare shoulder. “Lexi you look...” he paused as he looked at me again. “You look overwhelmingly beautiful.” Alex’s lips covered mine as his hand traced the line of my spine. Tingles emanated from his touch, almost as if electricity was passing through our bodies.

“If you don’t stop that, we won’t make it downstairs
,” I moaned into his lips.

“You are impossible to resist Lexi.” Alex groaned back, his hands showing no signs of leaving my body.

“Yes we’ve already established I’m cock kryptonite,” I laughed “but I paid almost ten grand for this dress and I’m going to wear it for at least an hour before I allow you to remove it.” I grabbed Alex’s hands and removed them from my ass.

I led Alex from our room, the rings and Marriage license in hand and we stepped into the elevator. Matt had sent a text informing us that a meeting room on the second floor had been booked and I had communicated this with our helpful friend Angie at the Courthouse who had arranged our nuptials.

The band had already assembled there and I had fended off a couple of messages from Matt who was trying to keep them from getting impatient and restless.

Alex gripped my hand tightly as we descended. My heart was pounding from excitement but I felt relaxed and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

The elevator reached its destination and we followed the hallway to the meeting room we had been assigned. I could hear voices chatting as we approached.

“They are probably up in their rooms fucking, I don’t see why I have to sit around and wait!” Dan huffed as he pushed himself into a chair.

Alex and I stood in the doorway, the occupants of the room were dumbfounded as they eyed us up and down.

“I didn’t realize this meeting was black tie?” questioned Troy, who was wearing a pair of board shorts and a tank top.

James stared at us bewildered, searching for an explanation. “Did I miss some memo or something?”

“No, you haven’t missed anything.” I smiled as Alex gently kissed my hand allowing me to take the lead. “In fact, the reason we’ve asked you here is because we want you to share this with us. Alex and I are getting married.”

There was silence as my words were absorbed by the room. Alex placed his arm around my waist and drew me in closer. We were met with wide eyes and confusion.

“You mean you guys are engaged?” Matt volunteered, still trying to sort through my statement.

“Yes.” Clarified Alex, “I asked Lexi to marry me and she said yes. So we are engaged. However, rather than wait we’ve decided to get straight to the ‘I do’ part.”

“Wait a minute! You are getting married today? As in now?” James gulped.

“Yes,” we said in unison.

“What’s the rush? You knock her up?” Asked Dan who was scratching his nether regions rather indiscriminately.

“Why does there have to be a reason? Can’t we just want to get married and not want to wait?” I huffed impatiently.

“Totally knocked up!” mused Dan, who held up his hand to high five Alex.

“No Dan, I didn’t knock her up.” Alex smiled amusingly as he kissed my neck, ignoring Dan’s hand.

Matt tipped his head and gestured to the corner the room. “Lexi, can I have a word?”

I kissed Alex and he released me. I knew what Matt wanted, I could see the concern on his face. He was worried. Matt knew my history, I had resisted being in a relationship for so long and now I was agreeing to get married. He wrapped his arms around me as we moved away from the group.

“Lexi, are you sure about this? I know you do things in your own way but even for you this is a little... extreme, don’t you think? You guys have only been dating a few months. Have you told him about your past?” 

Matt’s concern was genuine, my beautiful friend was just looking out for me. His tenderness was so endearing as he gazed at me with his beautiful blue eyes.

“I know Matt.” I breathed as I rubbed Matt’s arm tenderly,  “I love him and I’ve waited so long to feel this way. I don’t want to wait any longer. I want this. My past doesn’t matter any more. That “stuff” can’t hurt me any more.”

“Lexi, I am glad to see you so happy, really I am. I don’t think Alex would ever do anything to hurt you and I even understand the impulsiveness, but I wish you would tell him about what happened to you.” Matt kissed me gently on the forehead.

“I will, I promise.” I nodded.

I had always intended to tell Alex about
him
it just seemed the longer I left it, the easier it was to let it go. I didn’t want it to define me and I didn’t want Alex’s feelings to change toward me. He had already seen facets of my fucked up-ness, part of me didn’t want to push my luck.

“Matt, I love you. I know you want the best for me. I want you to stand beside me when I marry Alex.”

“Of course I’ll stand with you Lexi. You aren’t going to make me wear a dress are you?” Matt pulled a face.

I playfully smacked his broad chest, “No! I’m not competing with you in a dress! You have a much nicer ass.”

Alex looked over at us, his beautiful blue eyes relaxed as he watch Matt and I laughing together.

There was a sharp knock at the door, Jason walked over to open it. A tall, lanky man with thinning blond hair walked in. His face was weathered with deep-set lines.

“Hi, I’m Larry. So which one of y’all am I marrying?” He looked around the room.

“That would be us,” announced Alex as he walked over to me and took my hand.

“Hey, aren’t you that rock star? My daughter has your poster on the wall!” Larry’s face lit up in recognition.

“Hi Larry. Yes, I’m Alex Stone.” His clear liquid voice spilling from his lips as he handed him our marriage license.  Alex introduced him to the rest of the band and promised his daughter a signed photo after the ceremony, which made Larry rub his hands together in excitement. There was one Father who was winning the “Dad of the Year” award.

“Ok let’s get this started then and get y’all hitched.” Larry opened up an old, faded leather-bound book as he stood before us.

Alex held my hand as he stood beside me. As I had assumed, he had asked James to be his best man who flanked his side, Matt took his position beside me.

“Two best men?” Questioned Larry as he looked between Matt and James.

“Yes
,” I affirmed, a more apt name did not exist to describe these two wonderful men standing beside us.

“Ok, then,” Larry scratched his head in confusion. “I guess you can take a ring each.”

Alex carefully opened the beautiful Tiffany box and handed a ring each to James and Matt.

Larry cleared his throat as he commenced, “Friends and Family we are gathered here today to join together in Matrimony Alexandra Reed and Alexander Stone.”

“Can you call us Lexi and Alex?” I interrupted.

Larry, seemingly a little put off by the injection, looked up bewildered before nodding and continuing, “They stand before you declaring their love and commitment to each other.”

A silent chuckle coursed through Alex’s body. “Couldn’t help yourself could you? You are such a control freak. Let the poor man do his job,” he whispered into my ear.

I bit my lip playfully as I whispered back, “You know this, and yet you are still marrying me.”

Larry looked at us sternly as he cleared his throat again, “Have you both come here of your own free will and do so without reservation or hesitation?”

Alex squeezed my hand as we answered in unison, “We have.”

“Do you have some words for each other that you would like to say as you declare your commitment to each other?” Larry asked, looking directly at me.

“Yes,” I answered as I turned to face Alex. “Alex, nothing about us is conventional. Two people, from two different worlds were thrust together by fate and never in a million years did I expect to find my soul mate. Yet here I stand... There is nowhere else I want to be, other than with you. I have no doubt, no hesitation.  I know this won’t be easy but I promise you, that I will always love you.”

Alex smiled as he took my hand. “Lexi, the minute I saw you I was captivated. I was drawn to you, an irrational pull that challenged my ideas on what I thought I wanted. What we have defies explanation or reason. There can be no one else for me, you are my other half. I too have no doubt as we stand here. I love you, Lexi and a lifetime with you will never be long enough.”

Alex didn’t break our gaze as he stared into my eyes. The gravity of his words pierced my very heart and soul. I loved him, I knew this but to hear him tell me that he felt as strongly as I did, it seared me.

Larry turned to Alex. “Do you Alex, take Lexi as you wife and cherish this union. In sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer. Forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?”

Alex didn’t hesitate as he answered, “I do.” His beautiful smile, flirted on his lips as he gazed into my eyes.

“Do you Lexi, take Alex as your husband and cherish this union. In sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer. Forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?”

My heart skipped a beat as I looked into his astonishingly clear blue eyes, “I do.”

“The rings please” Larry held out his worn, leather-bound book as Matt and James and placed them gently on the pages.

“These rings serve as a symbol of your love and commitment. The promise you make to each other.” Larry handed Alex my ring. “Alex, please place the ring on Lexi’s finger and repeat after me.”

Alex’s eyes glistened as he slid the delicate ring over my finger, repeating the words Larry asked him to. “Take this ring as symbol of my promise. I will honour, respect and cherish you and as this ring has no beginning nor end, neither will my love for you.”

My head swirled as the words spilled from Alex’s lips. Was this some crazy, weird dream? My heart raced as Larry handed me Alex’s ring and I slipped it over Alex’s finger.

I repeated, as Alex had, Larry’s words. “Take this ring as a symbol of my promise. I will honour, respect and cherish you and as this ring has no beginning nor end, neither will my love for you.” I breathed out the words as my eyes misted. I meant every word. There would be no end. I couldn’t imagine a moment without loving Alex.

Larry’s voice broke me from my thoughts. “Wel
l then by the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Alex sealed his lips on mine and it was like everyone in that room ceased to exist. There was no one else there, it was just us. All sights and sounds faded as Alex took me into his arms, his mouth devouring mine.

“I love you,” Alex moaned in my mouth.

“I love you too,” I breathed as my lips parted.

Larry coughed. “Well then... I guess we’re done here.”

Alex reluctantly released me as we turned back to our friends.  James beamed as he hugged Alex offering his congratulations.

Matt’s beautiful smile lit his eyes as he whispered in my ear. “I’m so happy for you Lexi.”

We thanked Larry, Alex shaking his hand and promising to send him a personal “Thank you note” that I’m sure would be commandeered by Larry’s daughter. Larry took his exit, his signed photograph clutched in his hand and left us to our celebrations.

Troy and Jason took turns in congratulating us. Dan instead shrugged as he pulled a bottle of Wild Turkey from under the table. “Another one bites the dust!” he smirked as he raised the bottle into the air and took a swig.

“You talking about Alex or Lexi?” joked Jason, who took the bottle from Dan and gulped the amber liquid.

“Everyone’s getting married and popping out kids.” Dan gestured wildly to James and Alex. “I swear if either of you bastards buys a mini van, I’m walking!”

“If either of them buys a mini van, I’m walking.” I laughed as Alex swept me into his arms, tenderly kissing my neck.

“Oh, I don’t know...” winked Troy as he grabbed the bottle from Jason. He paused, taking a sip before continuing, “We can put those “people” decals on the back windscreen. I think Lexi, you would make a kick-ass Soccer Mom.” The room erupted into laughter.

“Not even in my worst nightmare!” I hissed indignantly, shoving my hands on my hips.

“Those bitches are crazy!” Dan shivered as he retrieved his bottle. “And not in a good way.”