My Hometown Love

Chapter 15 – Wedding Bells

Lexie’s P.O.V

There I was facing this gorgeous girl in front of me who was asking for Kevin. Something told me that she knows Kevin well enough to call him Kev. I tried to fight this urge of jealousy bubbling within me as all kinds of scenarios played in my mind. For a moment, I was about to curse myself again for falling too fast for Kevin all over again. I felt a slight prick of hurt as I assumed the worst.

“Casey?”, I heard Kevin’s voice call out, snapping me back to the present.

“Kevy!”, the girl replied as she ran and jumped into Kevin’s arms.

I felt the world spin and my breath hitch in my throat as I watch this unfold before me. I gripped onto the gate tightly until my knuckles turned white. I was ready to get the same pang of hurt I always got when it came to Kevin Walker.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were only flying in at midnight?”, Kevin asked as soon as he put Casey back on the ground.

“I got an early flight so I wanted to surprise you. Since you texted me that you would be at Jake’s house, I dropped by. I did text you, you know.”, Casey replied, wiggling her phone in his face.

“Yeah. My battery died. I just charged it in the car and saw your text. So, I came straight away.”, Kevin replied giving her a side hug.

It was a while before they both realized that I was still there, watching them. Kevin’s eyes met mine and I saw a flash of guilt show on his face before it changed to a smile.

“Casey, this is Lexie Cooper. Jake’s sister.”, Kevin said wheeling Casey around to face me.

“Oh my god! You’re the famous Lexie! I have heard so much about you!”, she said before rushing to squeeze me in a hug.

“Lexie, meet my baby sister, Casey.”, Kevin said as he peeled of Casey from me.

“Wait, your sister? – I mean, Hi! Nice to meet you.”, I said as I extended my hand to shake hers.

“Why couldn’t you properly introduce us?!”, I said glaring at Kevin as I folded my arms angrily.

“Yeah, he sucks at that.”, Casey said as she imitated me glaring at Kevin.

“Hey! Don’t g**g up on me now. Anyway, we got to go. See you tomorrow.”, Kevin said as he dragged Casey to the car, turning around to give me a wink before getting into the car himself.

I locked up the yard and crawled into bed silently cursing myself for letting my emotions go wild.  

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V

It’s so nice to see my baby sister again. But it was finally the wedding day and I have to suit up as Best Man. I have to admit I might be a little impatient to see Lexie. I adjusted my dark blue tie and buttoned up my lavender suit. I took a last cheeky look at the mirror before picking up my keys and the corsage for Lexie and heading for the church.

It was a nice peaceful drive to the church for a Saturday afternoon. As I drove, I found myself in disbelief that my best friend is finally getting hitched. I quickly parked my car and headed to the groom’s dressing room.

“Did someone order a best man?”, I said chirpily as I popped my head into the room.

“Dude! Get in here. I am so nervous!”, Jake said as he nervously paced up and down.

“Jake, relax! Listen here. It’s all going to be okay. You’re marrying the love of your life. You’re going to have an amazing life with her. You’re ready for this.”, I said to Jake as I gently shook his shoulders, to shake him out of his nervousness.

“Thanks, dude. I really needed that. I’m ready now.  You know, you’re a great Best Man. I hope I can be yours one day too.”, Jake replied as he wiped off his sweat from his forehead. 

I smiled nervously and quickly helped Jake get ready. We both eventually made our way to the church doors, where we waited for the bridesmaids.

Soon enough, Lexie came in, looking absolutely gorgeous in her lavender dress with a dark blue sash. I felt weak in my knees as I saw her laugh and twirl for Jake.

“I can’t believe it’s your wedding day already, Jakey!”, Lexie said with a hint of sadness.

“Yeah. I know you can’t wait to get rid of me.”, Jake replied as he tried to ruffle her hair.

“Don’t you dare! It took me long enough to get dolled up for your special day.”, she said warning him as she stepped back.

“Thanks, Lex.”, Jake replied fondly as he hugged her and held her close to him.

I couldn’t help but feel emotional but I quickly shook it off as Lexie made her way towards me.

“Hey stranger.”, she said as she walked up to me slowly, making my heart skip a beat.

*************

Lexie’s P.O.V.

I walked up to Kevin after an emotional moment with Jakey. I have to admit, Kevin looked absolutely dashing in that lavender suit. We were both matching and I could help but think how great we would look next to each other in a picture.

I slyly greeted Kevin, still aware of our little “first date/meeting” plan.

“Good day milady. You look rather enchanting today.”, Kevin replied as he did a little adorable bow before me.

“Why good day to you, kind sir, and how pleasant for you to say so. Might I add, you look rather dashing today as well.”, I replied with a curtsy, before bursting out laughing along with him.

“So, you still up for our plan?”, he replied while waving the corsage box in front of me.

“Of course.”, I said sweetly as I extended my hand for him to place it.

“Hi, I’m Lexie Cooper. The groom’s sister and maid of honor. Nice to meet you.”, I said as soon as he placed the corsage on my hand.

“Hello, Ms. Cooper. I’m Kevin Walker, your brother’s best friend. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”, he replied politely.

We stood there looking at each other awkwardly, contemplating what just happened.

“Can we not? I like what we have with each other now, and this is just too awkward.”, Kevin blurted out, clearly unable to carry on acting like a stranger.

“Oh My God! Yes, please. I totally agree. This is just too weird.”, I said in relief.

We both shook our heads in disbelief before looking up and smiling at each other.

“Ready?”, Kevin said as he extended his arm.

“Always.”, I said as I took his arm and stepped in front of Jake and my parents as they stood in front of these big wooden Church doors.

I gave Jake a quick squeeze on his shoulders, encouraging him, just as the doors opened.

“Here we go.”, Kevin said as we began walking down the aisle, all eyes on all of us.

“So, since it’s a long walk, I wanted to apologize for my sister’s sudden appearance yesterday and for not properly introducing you.”, Kevin said as he casually nodded to his sister sitting in one of the pews, recording the procession.

“Oh, it was no big deal. It was nice to meet your sister anyway.”, I replied coolly.

“Oh really? I thought I saw a little spark of jealousy yesterday before I introduced her.”, he replied, completely throwing me off guard.

I was completely surprised by his words that I lost focus and almost tripped on my dress. I quickly felt his hand tighten on mine and gracefully keeping me upright. It was done so well that no one even noticed. I turned to look at him with gratitude as he returned my look with a smile like he knew what I was thinking.

“Oh, by the way, I need a favor from you.”, I said, changing the topic before he could dig deeper into my feelings.

“Okay? What is it?”, he replied, clearly unhappy I changed the topic.

“When Maria walks down the aisle if you see Jakey not crying, can you punch him for me?”, I reply with a smile plastered on my face.

“Wait, what?! Why?”, he replied confusingly.

“Maria looks so beautiful in her dress that I told her if Jake doesn’t cry, I will punch him. Since I’ll be on the other side of the alter, will you do it for me?”, I said as we were approached the altar.

Kevin remained speechless, clearly confused as we continued down towards the end of the aisle.

“Looks like the time has come for us to part ways. Till the next time we meet, milady.”, Kevin replied, changing the topic coyly as he slowly let go of my hand and walked up to stand next to Jakey, while I stood opposite him on Maria’s side.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

I can’t believe I asked Lexie if she was jealous of Casey yesterday. Apparently, my question caught her by surprise so much that she almost tripped. My protective instincts immediately kicked in like lighting as I gripped her hand and graciously kept her steady. However, she changed the topic much to my disappointment. I was looking forward to digging into her feelings to find out what she feels about me.

But, her request left me in shock and confusion. She needed me to punch Jake if he didn’t cry when Maria walks down the aisle. I quickly used her tactic and changed the topic as we reached the end of the aisle and went our separate ways.

I stood my place next to Jake just as Sam and Mindy took their places as well. The organ started playing the Wedding March and the doors opened to Maria standing there in a beautiful wedding dress and a gorgeous purple bouquet.

She started floating down the aisle, as my mind starting thinking of what Lexie said. I turn to look at her as I can see her signaling me to make Jake cry. I signaled back that I wouldn’t do it and focused my attention back on Maria. Within seconds, I hear a sniffle only to turn and see Jake crying at the sight of Maria. I quickly hand him my handkerchief as I look at Lexie, who has started crying at the sight of Jake crying. After Jake hands me back the handkerchief, I act like I was handing it to her to wipe her tears and she starts giggling.

The rest of the wedding went by beautifully as I saw my best bud exchange vows and rings with the love of his life. I couldn’t help but keep stealing glances at Lexie. I can’t help it, weddings are so beautiful and always makes me sentimental. This time there was another special element in this wedding, I thought to myself and I looked at Lexie as she fondly looked at her older brother become someone’s husband.

Within minutes from that, my best bud was hitched and walked out of the church with his new wife, Mrs. Maria Cooper. I re-united with Lexie as we walked the aisle again escorting the newlyweds out. She seemed more relaxed and much more open to me than usual. Maybe she had soft spots for weddings as well.

We headed down the church stairs for a photography session just as the golden orange rays of the sunset shined over all of us.

*************

Lexie’s P.O.V

I felt this wave of relief and emotion wash over me as I watched Jakey and Maria walk out of the church as newlyweds. I was filled with joy for my brother and so proud of him.

We headed down for the photography session with a sunset background before heading home for the reception.

“Okay a photo with the groom’s family please”, the photographer called out as I found my way to Jake and Maria.

Loads of photos later with us, Maria’s family, and the wedding party later, the photographer wanted to take photos of the wedding party separately. So, I and Mindy huddled up for a photo with Maria and one with just the two of us.

“Now one with just the Best Man and the Maid of Honor, please.”, the adamant photographer insisted.

“Milady.”, Kevin said as he appeared out of nowhere, with his arm out, ready to be held by me.

I composed myself as we took a few photos together and headed to look at them through the photographer’s camera.

“Wow, you guys look really good together.”, he said as he flipped through our photos.

I couldn’t help but smile at his words as I glanced at Kevin who couldn’t get enough of the pictures.

“Lexie! You look gorgeous. You must model for me sometime!”, Casey exclaimed as she made her way out of the crowd towards us.

“Aww, thanks, Casey. You look lovely too.”, I said hugging her.

“Come, we must get a picture together. What about a selfie? Kevy, get your butt here!”, Casey said as she scooted closer to me on my right.

I placed my right arm over her shoulder as I moved closer to her, while she got the camera ready for a selfie. I felt an arm around my back as Kevin scooted closer to my left to fit himself in the camera. I looked up at him to find him smiling lovingly down at me before looking into the camera, adjusting his hair.

“Okay. Everyone squeeze in. Smile!”, Casey says as we all move closer to take a selfie.

About 20 selfies later, Casey was finally satisfied as she flipped through the photos on her phone.

“Ok, Casey. We have to go get the venue ready. We will see you later okay?”, Kevin said as he gave his sister a side hug, who was just nodded, completely immersed in her phone.

So, we both walked towards the parking lot to Kevin’s car. Suddenly, Kevin stops right outside the church garden.

“Hey Lex, I was wondering if I could have a selfie with you? If you don’t mind?”, Kevin asked coyly.

“Aww, you’re so precious. Yes, I would love to take a selfie with you.”, I say with a little pout, smitten with his shyness and his sweet way of asking.

And so, Kevin pulled out his phone and we started taking selfies, which started out with little shy poses but escalated to crazy faces. We ended our little selfie session with a picture of him cozying up behind me as he moved closer to my face to fit himself into the picture. I found myself completely star-struck and unable to think of what to do next. My heart was probably beating a hundred times a minute.

Luckily, Kevin quickly took his phone back, looking back at the photos we took as I turned to look at the beautiful garden behind me.

“Wait, hold that pose. That is such a nice picture with the garden.”, Kevin said as he held up his phone to take a picture.

Despite feeling awkward at first, I slowly relaxed and found myself enjoying doing different poses with the garden, much to Kevin’s delight.

He finally put the phone down and continued watching me as I stopped to enjoy the scenery.

**************

Kevin’s P.O.V

I was on cloud nine as I took pictures of Lexie as she posed around the garden. She was perfect. I stopped to look at all the photos I took with my phone and I was so tempted to put either our cozy selfie together or the single picture of her in front of the garden of hanging roses as my phone wallpaper, but I knew I can’t.

Instead, I put my phone away and continued watching this girl of my dreams float around the garden soaking in all its beauty.

I suddenly felt this strong sense of confidence and emotion build up inside me as I approached Lexie slowly, ready to let my heart out.

“Hey, Lexie. I need to tell you something.”