CHAPTER 24: WEDDING BELLS

HAZE.

As I fixed my black suit in the mirror, I thought about my bride. My beautiful bride as she stared up at me. As we read our vows. As I took her for my wife. I’d always love her. I’d always take care of her. Soft whimpering broke me from my thoughts, and I turned my head. Ella began to stir. I picked her up. She was in a cute pink dress, and her big green eyes stared up at me. Gabriella slipped unconsciously into my mind, and I swallowed hard. Every time I looked at this baby, all I had was guilt. Guilt about what I’d said to Gabriella. I’d never gotten to apologize. Now, my daughter had to grow up without a father. How could people be so cruel? Placing her back into her cradle, I smiled at her. Today wasn’t about Gabriella. It was about Story. It was about it being her day. Her adventure. I’d let no one ruin it.

***

“Nervous, brother?" said Forrest as he headed towards me. I stood outside the church, smoking a cigarette nervously. I shrugged, trying to play off the fear that infected my body. I loved Story but marriage. That was a huge step that Story and I were nowhere near ready for. She’d cried the day she’d found out. She didn’t want this, but my dad did. Story didn’t want this.

“Don’t you look smart”, commented Izack as he walked up with Gage. Ever since his dad, Gage has been a nervous wreck. The police had ruled Ryder's death an accident. However, my dad had covered it up, and it had worked. Gage stood smoking. He stared ahead, not even speaking. I looked at Izack, and he just shrugged, looking around. He was probably looking for our girl. “She’s here, brother. Best go in”, murmured Forrest, checking his phone. I rolled my eyes, stubbing my cigarette. This was going to be fun.

***

STORY.

I found myself sitting in the elegant wedding car, feeling a mixture of emotions as I turned to Tyler. His warm smile and the gentle touch of his hand reassured me. I couldn't help but notice the small tattoo on his neck, a detail that always captivated me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I held his hand tighter.

"I love him, Tye, but this wasn't part of the plan," I confessed. Tyler's smile was comforting as he responded,

"I know, princess, but it's going to be okay," while gently running his tattooed hand through my curly hair.

"You look stunning, by the way," he added, reaching into his pocket and presenting me with a small box. Inside was a beautiful blue pendant, a thoughtful addition to my dress.

“Your something blue”, he managed, pressing his head to mine. I smiled as I pressed my lips softly to his. Tears invaded my eyes.

“I love it”, I whispered as he attached it around my neck. He then stroked a finger down my collarbone, and I smiled.

“I promise you, whatever happens, I’ll be right by your side”, he murmured. Then he’s getting out of the fancy wedding car and opening the door for me.

I gazed up at him, captivated as he gently grasped my hand. His demeanor exuded chivalry, and he was always there to support and laugh with me. At that moment, he was the epitome of perfection, and I knew I depended on him just like I did with the others. I felt the love for him growing within me, and I wanted to confess it to him soon. As he took my arm and let out a resigned sigh, he said,

"Let's confront this unruly crowd." A giggle escaped my lips, and I couldn't help but feel that his aim was to bring me joy and distract me from the swirling thoughts that clouded my mind. We entered the room. When our eyes met, everything else seemed to fade away. Haze's mesmerizing green eyes held me spellbound, and I realized that I adored every single aspect of him. He was exquisite, embodying everything I had ever yearned for. As I joined him, Tyler settled in beside my other boys.“You look stunning”, he whispered charmingly. I grinned at him.

“Let’s begin, “ said the minister.

***

GAGE.

Numbness tingled my body. I shouldn’t have drunk that last shot. I was an idiot. I stared at Story. Her elegance made me think about her In more ways than one. But especially ways that involved her in my bed. She was breathtaking. Every smile. Every nervous laugh. Everything. Suddenly, I heard a loud shout outside, and I bolted upright. Turning to face the door. We were in a reception room linked to this posh hotel. Turning to Forrest, he stood up, about to walk to the door. Unmistakably, a gunshot went off, and Haze pulled Story close to him. The doors burst open, and the gunmen rushed in. There were five of them, all armed in black outfits. Their faces were covered.

“Everyone down” I bellowed, grabbing my gun. I signaled my boys to do the same. I watched Tyler sneak up the side of the white chairs. A gun in his hand. Quinn was behind Tyler. Haze had his gun but was clutching  Story close to him. She was shaking violently. I met her eyes.

" I love you,” I mouthed. She whispered it back, and then I ran. Shooting at any and all targets. Then, men shot back.

One bullet had snagged my arm and was bleeding down my arm madly. The rush of adrenaline surged through my veins, propelling me into action. Peering out from my hiding spot behind a chair, I observed the guests in a panicked frenzy, running and screaming in all directions. The scene was sheer chaos. Frantically, I scanned the room for my boys and Story, but the chaos made it nearly impossible to focus. Dizziness washed over me, and as I looked around once more, the world seemed to spin out of control. Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead as I attempted to push through the mayhem, but my efforts were futile. Suddenly, I was immobilized, and the echo of noise drowned out any attempt to hear. As darkness closed in around me, it was game over.

Forrest

All the gunmen had run, I looked around. Some of the guests were injured, including Haze’s dad, who had a gaping wound on his leg. Paramedics were assisting him. I looked towards everyone else. That’s when I saw the scene I’d failed to miss. Gage lay on the floor, medics surrounding him. Story was spilling blood on that beautiful white dress as Haze and Izack pulled her back. I stared at my brother as he lay on the floor, cold and unmoving. A memory of us as kids flashed into my mind. Me and him playing in the park. He was captain of the climbing frame. I remember the other kids pushing me.

Calling me a freak. Not Gage. He’d helped me up and made me captain. He was like my brother. Losing him would destroy me. The memory flashed out of me, and I turned around. I was now in the hospital. I didn’t remember how I’d got here. Or anything before it. Looking around, Haze sat his head in his hands.

“Will he be okay ?” I asked. Haze looked up at me with wide green eyes and breathed a heavy sigh whilst nodding.

“He lost a lot of blood, but he’s going to be okay, “ he said. Utter relief swept through me, knocking me off and into a nearby chair.

“Where is Story ?” I quizzed. “Tyler took her home. "They’re babysitting Ella to keep her mind off all this”, said Haze, rubbing his face tiredly. I nodded quickly. I just wanted to go home. But worst of all, I needed something strong to make it all disappear.

***

TYLER.

Story rested her head on my chest as I stroked her hair. Her pink-tinged hair fanned across me, and I couldn’t help but stare at her beauty.

“Are you okay ?” I asked. Her little body shook. Her tears ran down her cheeks, and I held her tighter.

“I love you, Tyler,” she said quietly. Sitting up, I pulled her up, too, pulling her face into my hands gently.

“I love you too, Story”,  I managed quietly. She stared up at me, and those soft lips left mine, and I swear I stopped breathing. Her tongue teased mine as I traced my hand through her hair gently. Her eyes studied me as she pulled away. I rested my hand on her thigh as we stared at one another. We just stared.

Like we said, everything with our eyes. Then she asked me something that made me stop.

“Why did you join Fight Club, “ she asked. I pulled my hands from her, standing up.

“You mean, what’s my story, princess,” I said, feeling nervous. I’d never told anyone what I would tell her.

“I was five When I found my mom overdosed,” I said. Story reached forward but I pulled back.

“I was moved from foster home to foster home without A care in the world. I was beaten. Older boys. Carers, everyone that could somehow have some control over me,” I stated seriously. I felt the punches.

The tattoos on my back covered the scars. The burns. “One night there was a fire. I survived it, but not without consequences,” I whispered, turning around to let Story see my back.

“ Fire. That’s what I’m running from. When I saw you that night by that fire. I lost it,” I cried, tears filling my eyes as sharp pain invaded my chest at the thought of losing her. “Hey, I’m still here”, she cried, wrapping her arms around me. Then she held me. That’s when I knew. I’d always belong to Story Rangers.

***

STORY.

Haze entered the room the next morning and gazed at me in silence, his weary eyes conveying a deep sense of regret.

"I'm sorry, Story," he whispered, his voice heavy with emotion. Tears welled up in his striking green eyes as he stood before me. Leaving Tyler still asleep in bed, I hastily threw on Tye's T-shirt and went to Haze. His disheveled appearance, still clad in yesterday's crumpled suit and blood-stained shirt, tugged at my heart. I embraced him tightly as tears streamed down his cheeks, holding him close in a comforting embrace as I whispered how much I loved him.

***

I lay in bed. No motivation to do anything right now. Gage was in hospital. Forrest as awol. Tyler was sleeping beside me. Izack was getting the club in order, but Quinn kept phoning me. Haze had gone into the shower to wash off the pain he felt. Ella began to cry, and I got up carefully, minding not to wake Tyler, and then picked her up. Rocking her gently. She smiled up at me, making me smile with love at her. I brushed back the little baby hairs on her head. Wow. A whole life. Here right now, in my hands. Suddenly, a loud bang made me jump, and I put Ella down, much to her protests. Tyler was now awake and had reached for his gun.

“What’s going on ?” Asked Haze, coming out of the shower. Tyler edged forward and let us follow him. Forrest stood swaying. I watched him. His eyes were wide. He had a bottle of vodka and was slurring his words.

“Why am I not goodddddd enoughhhhh” he slurred; pain filled my chest as I stared down at him.

“What have you took ?” Hissed Tyler, ripping into Forrest’s pockets. Forrest just smirked whilst looking at him.

“Why do you care ?” He asked, staring at me coldly. Tyler found what he wanted because he cursed and took the vodka bottle from Forrest. Forrest roared and staggered towards him. Tyler looked at me.

“He’s hooked again. Story he’s got to go back to rehab”, he stated, grabbing his phone. Tears fell down my cheeks as I stared at him.

Tyler dialed a number, and I observed him as he spoke in hushed tones. Haze stood nearby, enveloping me in his arms. "Look at you. You sicken me," he sneered, his eyes fixed on me. Nausea churned in my stomach, and tears continued to stream down my face.

"Why don't you tell her, Haze? Tell her you never wanted to marry her," he jeered mercilessly. I felt Haze stiffen, but he didn't budge. Panic overwhelmed me, and I hastily grabbed my jacket. Then I fled.