CHAPTER FIVE
TO JOHN B

     THE sun hung low in the sky, casting the world in a warm, golden glow as the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the air. The private beach behind the Genrette estate was transformed, not by opulence or extravagance, but by the intimacy of love and friendship. A simple arch stood at the edge of the sand, wrapped in crimson roses and white ribbon, framing the sea and the horizon beyond. Chairs were arranged neatly, their backs adorned with matching red and white sashes, and a narrow aisle of white sand led the way to the altar.

     JJ stood at the end of the aisle, shifting nervously as he adjusted his red tie for what felt like the hundredth time. His cousin Ricky patted him on the back.

      "Relax, man," Ricky said, grinning. "You look good. Jordyn's gonna lose it when she sees you."

     "Yeah, well, she already said yes. No going back now," he replied with a nervous chuckle, though his eyes betrayed the deep emotion bubbling beneath the surface.

     "Exactly. So, stop fidgeting. You're about to marry the love of your life."

     JJ smiled, the weight of his words grounding him. He turned his head, catching Pope's eye. His best man was standing a few feet away, straightening his jacket.

     "You good?" Pope asked, walking over to him.

     The blond nodded. "Yeah. Just... nervous, I guess."

     "You should be. It's a big deal. But you've got this." He clapped him on the shoulder, chuckling softly. "Never thought I'd see the day the Pogue Player got married."

     JJ scoffed, a smile etching onto his lips. "Shut up."

     Behind them, the very small group of guests settled into their seats. Kiara's parents exchanged quiet smiles, and Pope's parents whispered to each other, the warmth of their pride evident. Ricky leaned casually against one of the chairs, already pulling out a blunt he promised to light the moment the vows were exchanged.

     The music began, soft and melodic, and JJ's heart stuttered. He turned to face the aisle as Kiara appeared, walking with measured grace, her arm linked with Jordyn's.

     Jordyn.

     JJ's breath caught as he took her in.

     Her dress was stunning, an ivory gown that hugged her form before flaring out slightly at her hips. Crimson accents trailed down the bodice in delicate embroidery, mimicking the curve of vines. Her hair was loosely pinned back, soft tendrils framing her face, and a red ribbon laced through the dark strands. She clutched a bouquet of roses—red and white—and her obsidian eyes shimmered with emotion as she met his gaze.

     Beside her, Kiara looked radiant in a simple, flowing burgundy dress, her smile wide and genuine.

     As they reached the altar, Kiara handed Jordyn her bouquet, whispering something that made her laugh softly before stepping aside.

     JJ reached for her hands as she stepped up beside him, his fingers trembling slightly. "You look... God, babe, you're so fuckin' beautiful."

     She smiled, her grip tightening on his. "You don't look so bad yourself, Maybank."

     The officiant, a retired judge Ricky had somehow convinced to preside over the ceremony, cleared his throat. "Shall we begin?"

     The ceremony was simple, but every word felt weighty, significant. JJ and Jordyn exchanged vows they had written themselves, words that were raw and heartfelt.

     "You're my anchor, Jordyn Clara Routledge," JJ said, his voice steady despite the emotion welling in his throat. "You're the one who keeps me steady when the world feels too heavy. I never thought I'd have something like this, something like you. But now that I do, I'm never letting go."

     Jordyn's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she spoke. "You've been my light in the dark, Jackson Jesse Maybank. The one who sees me for who I am, the good and the bad, and loves me anyway. With you, I feel whole. With you, I'm home. I promise to stand by you, no matter what."

     As the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, he pulled her into a kiss, his hands cupping her face as the guests erupted into cheers.

     Kiara let out a whoop, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief while Pope clapped loudly, grinning from ear to ear. Ricky lit his blunt, puffing it dramatically as he raised his arms in celebration.

     The reception was just as intimate as the ceremony. A table was set up on the beach, lit by strings of fairy lights that crisscrossed above them. The cake was small but beautifully decorated, its white frosting accented with crimson roses to match the theme.

     Kiara gave a heartfelt speech, recounting memories of the group's teenage antics and how JJ and Jordyn had always been drawn to each other, even before they realized it themselves. When it came time for Pope's speech, they fell quiet again; there was no telling what he would say, but they knew it would be tear jerking—they just knew Pope. He was good with words.

     He stood at the front of the small gathering, a glass of champagne held in his hand, the soft glow of the string lights above casting a warm halo around his head. He looked out over the group—Kiara, Ricky, and the small handful of others who had witnessed the love and union of JJ and Jordyn—and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at how far they'd all come.

     He cleared his throat, his voice steady but thick with emotion. The usual wit he carried was tempered by something deeper tonight.

     "Alright, alright. So, uh, I wasn't really prepared for this," Pope started, raising his glass slightly as he looked down at it with a small smirk. "But when JJ asked me to be his best man, I couldn't say no. Because, let's be honest, I've known him a long time. And if there's one thing I know, it's that the guy can't do anything without me at his side to make sure he doesn't burn the whole damn place down."

     A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, and JJ, sitting beside Jordyn with his arm around her waist, rolled his eyes but smiled at his best friend. The ravenette gave him a knowing look before continuing.

     "But in all seriousness," he said, his tone turning a little more sincere, "I've been lucky to see the both of you grow into who you are now. We all have, honestly. Just a few years ago, we were a bunch of kids living on the Cut, struggling to get by, just trying to survive. But look at us now. Look at where we're standing. We've all made it, one way or another. And that's because of the people standing in this circle right here."

     He paused, his eyes flicking to Jordyn, who was standing beside JJ with her hand firmly in his, both of them beaming with happiness.

     "I don't have enough words to describe how much I love both of you," he continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I mean, sure, we've had our fights, our bumps along the way. And JJ, you've probably pissed me off more times than I can count. But at the end of the day, you're my brother, man. And Jordyn, you've been like family to me too. I don't know what I'd do without you guys. You both have always been there for me, even when things were at their worst."

     JJ's grin softened as he glanced at Jordyn, squeezing her hand as the words sank in. Pope wasn't one for overly emotional speeches, so hearing him speak like this—so raw—was a testament to how much this moment meant.

     Their friend's lips quirked into a smile as he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough to add a little humor to the moment.

     "Now, let's not pretend like any of us saw this coming. I mean... nobody in a million years would've expected JJ Maybank of all people to settle down, right?"

     The small crowd burst into laughter, including JJ, who shot Pope a playful middle finger.

     "Look at him," Pope continued, gesturing toward his best friend. "Who would've thought that the guy who barely made it through high school, the guy who lived for the next party and the next thrill, would one day be standing here, not only married but happy? I mean, hell, I still remember the look on your face when Jordyn first told you she was into you—like you'd won the lottery or something. And honestly, I think you still feel that way."

     JJ couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, well, I'm lucky she gave me a shot instead of shootin' me with my own gun."

     Pope chuckled, because he remembered when she'd threatened to do just that, then turned serious once more, the humor fading but the sincerity only deepening.

     "But all jokes aside," he said, looking directly at his friends, his voice quiet but firm, "I see the way you two look at each other. I see how much you care. And I know you're gonna make it, because you're not just a couple. You're family. And family sticks together."

     A brief silence settled over the group, and Pope's eyes softened as he let out a breath. He set his glass down on the table beside him and looked out at the horizon for a moment, gathering his thoughts. When he spoke again, his voice cracked slightly, though he quickly masked it with a smile.

     "I think we all know who would've been here tonight, too, if he could've been," Pope said, his words quiet and weighted. "John B would've been the first person on that aisle, probably trying to convince Jordyn that it was his job to walk her down it."

     There was a collective intake of breath from everyone, and JJ's heart tightened in his chest. Jordyn's grip on his hand faltered for a split second, and he squeezed her fingers in reassurance.

     "But... I know John B would be proud of you two. Hell, he'd probably kick JJ's ass for mackin' on his sister, but he'd be proud. And I'm sure he's looking down, just as happy as we are, that you found each other. So, let's raise a glass to that."

     Pope lifted his glass once more, and the others followed suit, clinking their glasses together. JJ swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. Jordyn leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, her hand still holding his tightly.

     "To family," he said, his eyes glistening, "to love, and to the memories we've made—and will continue to make. And to John B, the guy who always made sure we kept each other in check."

     "To John B," everyone echoed softly.

     The sound of the waves, the soft hum of music in the background, and the warmth of the night settled around them. Despite the loss, despite the grief, there was a sense of peace—a sense that, no matter what had come before, they were all right here, together. And for that moment, that was enough.

     JJ glanced at Jordyn, her tears shining as she looked up at him, and he smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Together, they had survived, and they'd ensured her brother didn't die in vain—and now, they could move on with their lives, and enjoy whatever the hell came next.