79. Take Me To Church

- - - - - Three Months Later - - - - -

~ Audrey ~

“Are you ready, princess?”

Audrey turned around to see her dad standing at the door. He was dressed impeccably in a suit and bowtie. Audrey smiled and nodded her head. She lifted her long white dress up slightly and walked over to him. Olivia, acting as Audrey’s maid of honor, was quick to lend a hand. She adjusted the lace cape covering Audrey’s shoulder, making sure everything was immaculate.

Maxwell stretched out his hand and Audrey took it. Slowly, they began to walk out of the room and down the stairs. Meanwhile, Olivia was already running in front of her. She was taking her maid of honor duties seriously.

Audrey and her dad made their way out of the house and through the small gate leading to the secret garden. Audrey and Killian wanted a small and intimate wedding. They figured having it in their backyard would be a great idea. Especially that it was now owned by Killian.

Why would anyone own such a beautiful park in the city and not get married in it?

Audrey couldn’t stop the smile forming on her face when she heard the music playing in the distance. It was the beginning of March and the air was a little chilly, but Audrey’s heart was burning with passion. She could even feel a little kick coming from her stomach, her baby must be just as excited.

Audrey and her dad finally arrived at the glasshouse in the middle of the park. It was decorated with all sorts of flowers and fairy lights. Audrey gasped at the sight. The glass door opened for them and she heard the string quartet playing the wedding song.

On the seats around her were her closest family and friends. Her aunts, her uncles, her good friends at work, as well as Killian’s parents and other family members. She smiled and blushed as people stood up for her. It was such an emotional moment. Audrey felt like crying, but she held it together and stared ahead.

Straight in the distance, Audrey saw the big flower arch. Right underneath it was Sebastian, acting as the wedding officiant. Standing next to him was Mikey, looking sharp in a suit. Since Olivia got to be Audrey’s maid of honor, Mikey was asked to be Killian’s best man. Even though Killian had lots of other guy friends, he said none were as great as Mikey. Mikey was absolutely ecstatic about his role. He immediately forgot about his dibs to become the maid of honor.

Standing next to Mikey was the most handsome man in the world, Killian Vanderbilt. Audrey’s eyes met his and she couldn’t drop her smile. He was dressed in a cool black suit and wearing a black tie. His hair was neatly trimmed and slicked to the side. His crystal blue eyes were as captivating as ever, but what Audrey liked the most was his smile. He was smiling so wide when he saw Audrey walking in. Audrey had never seen him smile like that before.

Audrey’s eyes began to glaze over. Everything was so beautiful, it felt like a dream. She was standing with Killian in front of her family and friends, exchanging vows to live out the rest of their lives together in love. Her heart felt so warm and full. It was everything she ever wanted and more.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs,”

Sebastian was giving his speech, reciting a verse from the bible about love. Audrey listened as she kept her eyes straight at Killian. He was staring back at her too. They were looking at each other meaningfully. It was such a bittersweet and understated moment. No one could possibly understand what they had been through to get here, and the amount of love they have for each other.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,”

A single tear trickled down her face. She didn’t want to cry and ruin her make-up, but Audrey couldn’t help it. Truer words had never been spoken. Despite everything that happened to her and Killian, love continues to protect them. Love truly never fails.

“Killian Carter Vanderbilt, do you take Audrey Nicole Huntington to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Killian said, full of conviction and assurance.

“And do you, Audrey Nicole Huntington, take Killian Carter Vanderbilt to be your lawful wedding husband? Do you promise to love, adore, and support him? Share the good times and achievements as well as the hard times and disappointments? Keep him in sickness and in sorrow and to be loyal to him forevermore?”

“I do,” Audrey smiled.

I really do.

“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Sebastian declared proudly. Then he turned to Killian and smiled. “You may now kiss the bride,”

Killian didn’t need to be told twice. He stepped forward and cupped her cheeks with both hands. He brought her face up to him and leaned down to meet her lips. Electricity coursed through her veins as Killian kissed her slowly and deeply. Killian had kissed her plenty of times before, but this one felt different. This was a culmination of his steadfastness, perseverance, and love.

This is everything.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present for the first time as husband and wife, Killian and Audrey Vanderbilt!”

The crowd broke out in cheers and claps. Olivia was even sobbing her heart out. Audrey and Killian pulled away from the kiss, and they were both smiling from ear to ear. Killian took her hand and laced their fingers together. Knowing what they had to do next, they turned their heads to the door and looked at the bright light shining through. With their hands clasped together, Killian and Audrey Vanderbilt walked into a new chapter of their lives, a future full of possibilities and love.

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~ Killian ~

Killian thought it was a beautiful wedding ceremony. It was simple, yet truly meaningful. They held the ceremony at Audrey’s favorite park in the city, which was also a special place for the two of them. It was also only a stone’s throw away from his townhome. So once the party was over, Killian carried his wife in his arms all the way into the threshold of their home.

Audrey thought Killian was being ridiculous, carrying her around like that, but Killian liked the idea behind that gesture. It was said that by carrying the bride over the threshold, the groom is putting a protective space between her and the floor; thus, protecting her.

Not only that he carried her over the threshold, but Killian also carried her all the way up the stairs and into their room. He laid her down gently on the bed and Audrey was a giggling mess. She locked her arms around his neck and pulled him close. Killian closed his eyes and buried his face into the crook of her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent.

“I knew it,” Killian’s mother said.

Back at the party just moments ago, Killian learned of a new revelation from his mother. Anna was a bit drunk, holding her fifth glass of champagne for the night, and she was talking to Killian about Audrey.

“What?” he asked.

“I knew you love her. I saw the look on your face at her engagement party with Caspian. I knew it then that their engagement wasn’t going to work out,”

Killian didn't know how to respond. He remembered how he acted at Caspian’s engagement party with Audrey. It was a long time ago and he was a different person back then. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. He ruined everything for Caspian and Audrey.

“She must be a great girl. Both of my sons are in love with her,”

This was the only thing Killian could answer with absolute certainty.

“Yeah, she is,”

After this obscure talk he had with his mom, Killian couldn’t stop thinking about Caspian again. His mind went into overdrive thinking of what would’ve happened if he never started the fire. If he never asked Audrey to marry him in the first place, maybe today would’ve been Caspian marrying her and not him. Sure, maybe Killian would get his heart broken, but Caspian would still be alive.

These thoughts were burning through his head and Killian was spiraling out of control. He let out a deep sigh and held onto Audrey’s body like it was his last lifeline. Audrey noticed something was off, and she started stroking his hair gently. It was a soothing gesture, but it only made Killian feel even guiltier.

I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve her.

“Hey, Kill,” she said softly.

“Yeah?” he mumbled.

“Penny for your thought?”

Killian didn’t answer right away. Audrey peeled his face from her neck and pulled him up so she could see him better. One look into his eyes and Audrey knew right away, Killian was struggling.

“What is it, Kill?” she said again. “I’m your wife, you can tell me anything,”

A weak smile escaped his lips. It was so nice for him to hear that.

“I just… can’t help but think of him…” he said lowly.

“Of Caspian?”

“Yeah,” he sighed and rolled to Audrey’s side. He was staring at the ceiling above and his eyes glazed over. “I can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if I never made you two end the engagement. Maybe you two would end up married. Anthony would never be in the picture and Caspian’d still be—“

“Killian, stop,” Audrey cut him off. “None of this is your fault,”

She stared at him meaningfully, and her hand reached up to his face.

“You’ve read the file from the FBI. Anthony had been planning this since I was sixteen,” she said again. “You couldn’t have changed anything,”

Killian closed his eyes and swallowed hard. He knew she was right, but his heart still felt heavy. Audrey sat up straighter and put her hands on Killian’s head. She pulled him closer and rested his head on her lap. Killian still had his eyes closed and Audrey caressed his face. She ran her fingers soothingly over his forehead, pushing the wild strands of hair away.

“I know it’s awful what happened, and I still wish every day that he’s here with us. But I know he’s in a better place. He’s happy out there. And he wants us to be happy too. He hates it when we get sad because of him,” she said with a soft smile.

Killian opened his eyes and saw Audrey smiling down at him. He knew he didn’t deserve her, but he got her anyway. To have her as his wife and to have Caspian as a brother, he must be the luckiest man on Earth.

“I don’t know what I’ll do without you,” he whispered.

“I don’t know what I’ll do without you,” she whispered back.

Killian pulled himself up and sat facing Audrey. He rested his head on her forehead and held onto her face for the longest time. Slowly, he then leaned his lips until he captured hers. His kiss was soft and gentle, but also full of desire and need.

Audrey kissed him back and ran her fingers through his hair. Killian deepened the kiss and soft moans escaped her lips. His tongue slipped into her mouth and he tasted every inch of her. Killian let out a muffled groan as their tongues tangled and danced. His chest was burning with passion.

I’m sorry you can’t be here with us, Cas.

Killian laid her down and climbed on top of her. He showered her body with kisses, starting from her neck and all the way down to her bulging stomach. Slowly, Killian’s hands began to unzip the white dress off of her body.

I know I don’t deserve this, but I’m never gonna take her for granted.

Audrey laid naked before him and Killian’s eyes turned hooded. She let out a little smile, and he smiled right back at her. Delving down, Killian continued trailing kisses down her stomach. Audrey parted her legs open for him and Killian took what was his. He claimed her with his mouth first, and then his fingers, and then his length.

And while I’m still here on earth, I’ll be sure to love our girl for the both of us. I won’t fail you, I promise.

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- - - - - To Be Continued - - - - -