A year later in LA,
"Are you sure you want an officiant named Andy?" Blair pointed out, cringing.
"Andy's a cute name plus he's a total rebel, friendly and makes funny jokes.You'll like him, trust me."
"Last chance for you to run from that control freak,I'll even cover your tracks.I can even call Bowser up right now."
"Funny,Blair.I've made my choice and I'm going to marry that control freak."
"So how is your wedding plans coming up? When's the date?" I swiftly changed the topic and Blair nodded, taking a shot.
"We're taking it very slow,I mean no rush.We're moving in to our apartment in two weeks, his restaurant is booming."
"That's great,Blair.See, who said we couldn't make it?" I nudged and she chuckled.
"So April is celebrating her bachelorette's party with Ezekiel, Hannah B and her other college friends?"
"Lame, we're going to all the bars and strip clubs.Even bloody Vegas if we have to." Blair declared and I shook my head.
"No Vegas,I'm not going to be black out drunk and get married in Vegas like Ross and Rachel."
"Wow, you're like a legit Friends fan and your future wife is a Star Wars.A comedian and a nerd,the great duo America has yet to see."
"Blair,cmon,you're like a total Chandler except that you have none of his commitment issues and issues with women."
"You know it's funny,I'd always thought I'd be the gay one in the family but turns out you are."
"Well,I gotta take one for the team and I'm really I glad I came out.It meant a lot to me for having you guys, and you,Blair."
"I may lightheaded but you don't have to go sister lovey on me.Wait till the wedding, thank me then."
"You're mean and grumpy when you're drunk." I whined as the bartender comes over.
"Another shots ladies?"
"Hell yeah! Cause everyone my sister is getting married tomorrow.Bottoms UP!" The bartender slides our shots over and downed in within seconds.Everyone cheered, raising their drinks as well.
I guess a bachelorette party wasn't such a bad idea after all.
April's POV
"Can I see the ring again?" Hannah B asks for the millionth times but at this point,I wasn't surprised.
"April Stevens, the first amongst us to marry.I've always thought it'd be Hannah B with a lawyer or banker."
"It's funny but I'm dating this writer.He's so cute.Let me show you a pic." She pulled out her phone and showed one of his many pics from his Instagram feed.
"He is and scrumptious." Ezekiel pointed out, coming off a little strong.For me.Hannah B is somewhat gullible,how can't she not tell? My gaydar is totally on high alert.
"You know Ezekiel, it's always better to be out in the light and be truthful to yourself." I winked and he chuckled nervously.
I mean, cmon, he's still in the closet for years now.He needs to be out there, unshaken by the words of hater.
"Do you want to do anything crazy tonight? Like break the law or something?" Hannah B suggested and I frowned my brows.
"Why would I need to do that?"
"It's a bachelorette party.I was thinking we could go to bar or a fancy restaurant and drink their finest and exquisite wine or champagne.My treat." Ezekiel reached out for my hand and I hesitated.
I didn't want to be full-blown drunk or anything, my wedding's tomorrow.
"Nothing too crazy,I just want a peaceful beautiful night out."
Writer's POV
So they did.Sterling had a crazy night out with Blair and Eric while April had the most amazing time at the bar, with Ezekiel and Hannah B.
The following day was the wedding.Both of the brides got up pretty late but still in time for all the other preparations.April double-checked on the band, caterers,florist while Sterling made sure that her ring wasn't misplaced.
The roles of everyone was already explained specifically by April through a one hour powerpoint presentation.Blair couldn't even get through it without falling asleep every now and then.
On April's side, her mother will be walking her down the aisle and her maid in honour is Ezekiel and Hannah B.Yes,I said Ezekiel.
On Sterling's side, her father will be walking her down the aisle and her maid in honour is Blair and Eric.Her biological mom couldn't get a leave out of prison for her reasons were not accepted but she'll watch it once the video is edited.
The ring bearer will be Eric's little brother,Immanuel, and the flower girl will be Blair herself as well.
For months the couple debated on where the wedding should take place and it all comes back to church.Not in Atlanta,Los Angeles.First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.
Once they stepped into the building, they knew it was the one and booked a date right away.The only problem they had was that if the church was okay hosting a same-sex marriage.
They discussed it back and forth with the priest and he was really understanding with the whole situation.Yes, they knew that this church has history and is one of the oldest church in LA and what it meant for them to be given this opportunity to.
The best part was that everything was up to Sterling's standards.There was security and the staffs were friendly.Plus, she loves the old craftsmanship of woodcarvings.
Sterling was just amazed by its gothic and great architecture , the stained glass windows lend an ethereal glow to the interior and the size of the organ.The cost of the venue was pretty high but I couldn't see it anywhere else.
The wedding invitation and seating charts for the reception was a struggle because we didn't want a closeted homophobe to ruin our wedding when they start having a little too much wine.
For the seating charts, we didn't want the nosey ones to be too close but we also didn't want any fights to break out.
The rest of the details all blurred out as it finally comes to this day.
"So how's our lovely bride doing?" Blair checks in on Sterling, as the beauty crew finished up the final touches of Sterling's makeup. "Great."
"You know ever since the proposal, your anxiety hasn't kicked in.Usually, you would have freaked out bout the wedding and future.Like one of those 'cold feet.' " Blair pointed out and Sterling found that ridiculous, ignoring her sister.
"Go get dressed,Blair and stop making me nervous." Sterling shooed Blair away , as she was about to slip on her suit.A classic white lesbian suit.She knows that April is going to melt.
"How do I look?" Sterling stepped out of the changing area and twirled.Mom walks in on them and smiled at the sight of Sterling.
"You look beautiful and handsome at the same time.It's all so confusing but whatever."
"I agree with Mom.If you wear this on my wedding,you'd totally pull all the chicks." Blair teased.
April's POV
I'm all set,I'm in a wedding dress but I'm having cold feet.How can I, April Stevens , have cold feet.This should be something that Sterling experienced.Did Sterling passed me her anxiety issues to me all this time?
"I mean I'm spending the rest of my life with Sterling.Sterling.The love of my life.And I'm going to give my virginity to her.Tonight.Oh my God-" Hannah B stops me from pacing around the room like an idiot and looks me in the eye.
"You are going to marry Sterling because you love her,April and she loves you.And yes, you will lose your virginity to her but sex can be a blissful experience especially with the one you love."
"You're right.You're right." I took a couple of deep breaths and calmed down.
"Well, see you up there." Hannah B hugged me before she left.Mom walks in, with a pant suit, leaving me speechless.
"I can't even look at you right now, it feels like you outshine me."
"Cmon now, look at yourself.I'm so proud of you,April.Now are you ready because we're walking down the aisle in....one minute." She looks at her watch and I nodded.
"Ready." We walked out of the room, to the entrance doors.Mom got reminded and covered my face with the veil.
The song "Running Home to You' by Grant Gustin starts playing and the doors burst open, allowing both of us to walk down the aisle.
The music, the people around, Sterling right at the altar. This is it.My wedding.
As we reached the altar,Mom gave me a kiss on the cheek before she lets me go.Sterling helped me up to the altar and we were now face to face.
"You look...like an angel." Sterling whispered, and I smiled with tears.
"You too,handsome."
"If our lovely brides are done whispering under my breath..." Andy started out, breaking the serious tension around all of us.
"I want to start by saying loving the venue.Amazing taste, wouldn't you say?" The guests agreed as they took a moment to take in the church.
"Right.Welcome people that I have never met.We are all gathered here today to be a part of Sterling's and April's marriage."
"When it comes to love and marriage, we should not be held back to be with whoever we want to be with.Sterling and April mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love with all of us."
"Enough blabbing from me and now your vows."
"Sterling,I have been picturing this moment, this day since I was a kid.I just never thought it'd be someone like you.My best friend, my former enemy.You make me brave and I wanna do it by you every single day.I vow to be with you in every aspect.Rent, evil exes or anything because with you, it feels like I can take over the world."
"That's hard to keep up.Blair,wanna do my speech?" Sterling joked and the crowd laughed.
"If 8 years ago,I was told that I was going to marry April Stevens,I would've been shocked.The best part is that you decided to take a leap of faith to be with me and all of my craziness."
"You set my heart aflame and it burns for you,April.I vow to make you happy and ensure that you're satisfied because you are my home now."
"If anyone doesn't see why these two shouldn't get married, speak now or forever hold your tongue."
"Sterling, do you take April to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"And April, do you take Sterling to be your lawfully wedded wife.To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Now,the rings." Blair presents the ring and we both slid into each other's.
"If there's nothing else,I pronounce you wife and wife.You may kiss the bride." Sterling and I both leaned in, feeling the warmth of her lips.This one felt different and I liked it.
Sterling's POV
We had a reception right outside and the food, alcohol and dessert was all there.We had to slip away from the crowd for the wedding pictures, plus we wanted some alone time.
After the pictures,we headed back in for some food because this was tiring.Both of us were going to worn out by the end of this.
And one by one,Blair, Luke and friends raised a toast and gave out their speech to how we met or one of our embarrassing moments.
"With that, our bride and bride will be having their first dance." Andy announced and the DJ
The song comes on and it was 'Kiss me' by Ed Sheeran.I know I let April picked and she has amazing taste.
"May I have this dance?" April said as she extended her hand to me.
"I would love to." I smiled and she pulls me swiftly to the middle of the dance.
"Man,who would've thought this day would come?" I said and April sighed.
"I mean I've been planning this wedding for a whole year and it's still surreal for all this to be happening."
"Thank you,April.I mean wife.Wifey.I'm going to stick with honey because we're old and married now."
"You're so welcome,honey." She smirked and kissed me lovingly, taking all the time in the world.
After everyone left and it was just our family,I was thinking of just going home.Though that's like another 8-9 hour flight back to Atlanta.
"Sterling,come here." Blair ushered me over and followed Blair to the back of the church.Creepy by the way.
"You two are going to have the best night of your life because I booked you a suite.Not strings attached, just a wedding gift."
"Thank you so much.Come here." I bring Blair for a hug and it feels like we've been hugging a whole lot since the wedding.Maybe I'm just tired.
"Plus,you're going to get laid man." Blair punched me playfully. "I know!"
"Are we going home because I cannot stand the jet lag, babe." April whined and I smiled at how cute she is.
"We're going to a suite.A wedding gift from Blair." I let out and she did a little dance.It's kind of her victory dance but I'm just thankful we don't have to fly out.
The suite had food and champagne all ready and it even has a card saying congratulations.We run over to the bed and laid there for a few minutes before we popped the champagne.
"To you,April Wesley."
"And to you, my beautiful wife."
We toasted to each other and I leaned in for a kiss.The kiss only intensified, and we both know where this going to lead for tonight.
April stops for a moment and I looked at her.
"Are you okay? If you don't want to April,I'm totally fine." I moved back but April pulled me back in.
"No, no.I want to do this.With you."
"Good cause me too." Sterling smiled.
April placed my hand over her chest and her hands on my mine, as we feel our heartbeats.It was fast and irregular.We took deep breaths until it was reassuringly slow and steady, rhythmic.
"You feel that?" April said and I nodded.Our eyes stared at each other and I couldn't be more in love.
April was about undressed herself when I stopped her.I was going to do it,duh.
I grazed my hands against her thigh and slowly goes up,and back down.I pulled the lace off her and untie her,though many many layers.It came undone and I kissed her chest with small kisses.
"You look..." April just shushed me as she pulls me into her and wraps her arms around me.
I took off my suit and threw it across the room.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
And that night was theirs alone as they tangled themselves under the sheets, and their bodies intertwined beautifully as one.
And so they lived their life to the fullest because it was theirs to own.In this new beginning they embark, they embraced everything together unlocking new experiences and meet new challenges.
Of course as always, their love wasn't all rainbows and flying pigs, there will hardships and pain but when it's with the right person, it's an absolute bliss.