Chapter 66

Rowdy
Axel and I are standing in front of a flower-covered arch waiting for Merigold to walk down the aisle. Am I nervous? Hell Yes. Am I having second thoughts? Hell no! I'm nervous to see her. What will she look like? What will she think of the ceremony we planned for her as a surprise? Will she be disappointed? I hope not.
I look down at Jax who is standing next to me holding my set of rings. Jace is standing next to Axel holding his set. Even though they are twins we encouraged them to pick what they wanted to wear for the ceremony. And what they chose is the exact opposite of the other one. Jax is wearing a new pair of black jeans, a white button-up shirt, a kutte made just for him, and cowboy boots. And it looks good on him. When Viper saw him I could see the pride in his eyes. Hell, I'm proud of my son. Yea he may not have our blood but he and Jace are our sons.
Now let me tell you about Jace. I'm not sure how Alaric did it but he got Jace an Army dress uniform. He has blue slacks that look like they have been pressed. He has a white button-up shirt under his blue dress jacket. He even has a medal pinned to his jacket that I suspect belongs to his father. His dress shoes are even shined. He is a small version of Alaric or what I imagine his father would look like. Does it bother me that Jace is dressed like his father? Fuck no. His father died serving his country. He died a fucking hero. I'm not trying to replace his father. I only hope I can help raise them to be someone their father would be proud of.
I'm interrupted from my thoughts by Axel " Holy shit." he whispers. I turn in the direction he is looking and holy shit doesn't do it justice. I see Merigold standing with Alaric and Mac. She is fucking gorgeous. The dress she is wearing is simple but it looks incredible on her. She is smiling walking down the aisle towards us. I know there are other people around but all I can see is Merigold.
Once she is standing in front of us Jace and Jax go stand by her side. I look at Axel and he shrugs his shoulders. He doesn’t know what’s going on either. The twins were supposed to stay by our side. Before I can say anything Viper asks " Who gives this incredible beauty to these two jackasses? " I knew Viper was doing the ceremony but I had no idea what to expect but not this. The whole group stands at attention. " Alaric, Mac, River, Andrew, Tony, Matt, Jace, and Jax." " I see. Are you sure?" Viper says. What the fuck Viper? The group puff out their chest and yells " Hooah."
I can't help but laugh. The twins come back to our side. I take Merigold's hand for her to stand in front of Viper. I'm ready to get this show on the road. I don't want to wait for another second to marry Merigold. I can't wait to start my life with her.
Viper begins " Brothers, sisters and extended family. We gathered you here today because my wonderful little sister for some reason wants to marry tweedle dee and tweedle dum here." I knew this wouldn't be an average wedding but really Viper. I'm starting to second guess having him do this. " Merigold only asked for one thing concerning her wedding. She said ‘Keep it simple’. So that's what I'm going to do." Viper continues " Merigold Raider Stevens do you take Alan 'Rowdy' Mcgee to be your old man and legal husband till death do you part whether you kill him or natural causes. Or until you change your mind?" Merigold is trying not to laugh but looks me in the eyes " Absolutely." " Do you Alan 'Rowdy' Mcgee take my badass little sister Merigold Raider Stevens to your old lady and legal wife until you piss her off and I have to kill you?" Viper asks. " Hell yes!" Yeah like I said not your typical ceremony. Everyone is cracking up even the twins. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Alaric steps up beside Viper and now Merigold, Axel, and I are confused. " Merigold Raider Stevens 'Snow' , do you take William 'Axel' Pierce to be your old man and honorary husband. And treat him the same as your legal husband?" She smiles at Axel " Definitely." " William 'Axel' Pierce, do you take our 'Snow' to be your old lady and wife until she calls me crying and I have to shoot you?" " Absolutely," Axel says. " Alright give Merigold her rings." Viper says. I slide mine on first then Axel slides his on. They link together to form one. " Snow since for some unknown reason you insist on doing this, give them their rings," Alaric says. Merigold slides a simple silver band on my finger. She puts a rose gold band on Axel's finger. Our rings are similar to her engagement rings.
Mac steps up. At this point, nothing surprises me. " I bet you thought you were done. Not quite," he says. He motions to the twins and they stand in front of us. " Jace Michael Adams Jr. and Jaxson Alaric Adams, do you take Rowdy and Axel to be your father's and permanent part of your family? Do you promise to ask them embarrassing questions and torture them when you are teenagers? Do you promise to make them teach you anything your heart desires." They look at Axel and me and smirk. Oh hell, what are they up to? " Sir yes sir," they say in unison. If I was going to cry it would be now. " Rowdy and Axel to take Jax and Jace to be your sons? Do you promise to treat them as if they are your blood? Do you promise to make sure they respect their mother? To be there for the good times and the times when you want to strangle them for taking the car for a joy ride? And raise them to be the best version of themselves? Do you promise to make sure they are cared for in every possible way. Do you promise to be there when they need you and more importantly when they don’t?" Mac asks. I look at the boys and smile. " It would be an honor." Axel says " Until I'm no longer breathing." Mac nods and smiles. " Then by the power of the piece of paper I printed out and as President of the Reckless Renegades, I now pronounce you a family. Oh and you can kiss your old lady." I don’t waste a second. I pull Merigold to me and give her a tender but quick kiss. Axel grabs her, dips her dramatically, and kisses her. Jace and Jax turn their heads " Yuck." they said. If everyone wasn't laughing already they were now.