Molly glances over her shoulder at her mother, venom on the tip of her tongue, but I nudge her to remind her that we’re not here for anyone but each other.
Her body shivers slightly as she turns her attention to Jameson who begins to speak. It’s not the usual wedding vows, because we aren’t usual people, so he wrote something special just for us.
I can feel it coming.
The part where we get to pledge a lifetime of devotion to each other and it’s making me as giddy as a schoolboy. Jameson nods at us and we turn to face each other, clasping our hands together, and I can actually see the love swelling in her eyes.
“I do!” she yells happily, and I can’t help but smile and shake my head.
“Baby, we haven’t gotten to that part yet,” I say to her softly.
“Daddy, there’s nothing I can say to you now that I haven’t said already to prove how much I love you. And to be honest, there’s nothing you can say to me that will prove your love. You’ve done so much for me—more than those pieces of shit have,” she says nodding at her parents, “and I just … I just want to be your wife.”
I can feel a tear spill down my cheek.
Of all the years we’ve spent together, not once have I ever shed a tear. Not when her mind has come close to leaving me; not when she’s cried in my arms begging me to never leave her.
But this.
Seeing Molly being so vulnerable with her love—the love I’ve silently questioned so many times before stirs the humanity in me.
“You two can’t get married!”
Molly inhales sharply as she turns her head toward my father, who’s now standing on his feet, ready to charge the altar and she hisses at him.
“I didn’t ask about objections,” Jameson offers with a laugh. “Your words don’t count here, buddy. Anyway, I now pronounce you husband and wife—you may now kiss the bride.”
I put a hand on either side of my Sweet Molly’s face and turn her trembling body toward mine. I push away the stray piece of hair that’s fallen into her eyes and I smile softly at her.
She’s focusing now.
She’s remembering that this is just for us and no one else.
And as my father’s heavy footsteps starts walking toward us, I lean down and kiss my new bride passionately on the lips.
The Bloody Reception
Molly
There’s never been a more perfect day. The moment I looked into Pike’s big blue eyes and vowed to be with him forever, I knew it was the right thing to do. Lifting my gaze, I find a swirl of colors before me—a rainbow of promises.
Of course, my parents had to spoil the day by showing up, but it’s okay because I know that even though they don’t approve of our union, they can’t stop us. They’re lying six feet underground. They look good for dead people. My mind swirls again and the bright colors pulse like those lights in a nightclub, but we’re far from the busy city fluorescents.
A giggle escapes my lips and Pike turns his gaze to mine. Those big blue eyes that offer me calm and solace, now allow me to be free. He’s my husband. Mine. The ring on my finger is made of some sort of black metal. He told me what it was, but for the life of me, the only thing I can think of is drenching it in blood. A sacrifice of sorts.
“Molly, Pike,” the low hiss of his father startles me, and I find my right-hand gripping Gigi tight in my fist. The wrinkled skin on Uncle Greg’s neck makes my fingers itch and tingle. They want to see him drained of the Merlot colored liquid. “This is blasphemous.” His continued complaints make the thick vein on his forehead pulse wildly and I wonder if there’s a lot of liquid in it. Would it spurt, or would it merely trickle down his face?
“Father, this is our day. Would you be happy for us for once in your godforsaken life?” Pike’s voice is cold, harsh. He places a hand on my thigh, holding onto me as if I’m going to root him to the spot, but I can’t, because I’m flying away.
Lifting my hand, I trail the sleek silver blade over the table where we’re all sitting. Uncle Greg’s face is one of pure horror when he sees Gigi. Everyone is always scared of her, and I’m not sure why.
I rise silently, stalking around the table, making my way toward the man whose vein is ready to pop. Perhaps I should help him.
“What are you doing, girl?” He grunts when my hand wraps around his neck. He’s old, frail, but he’s still strong. He attempts to fight me off, but Pike’s friend Jameson holds the old man down for me.