Kam's POV

Travel day for Layla's wedding.

Our flight to Jamaica left before Ryan and Layla's. He wants us to stand there on the runway when they arrive. 

The flight to Jamaica was 3 hours and 37 minutes. Marco and Noeli flew with us. The kids were knocked out on the plane. When we land in Jamaica, there will be three limos there. Marco and Noeli will take the twins to the hotel with them. One will be for Cris and Ryan. And the other one will be for myself and Layla.

We arrived safely in Jamaica. The kids gave us kisses and hugs. Then they left with Marco and Noeli.

We then waited in the waiting area for Ryan and Layla's flight. Daddy Val let them use his family's jet. Ryan called Cris and told him they were about to land.

Once we saw the plane land, we got the okay to walk on the runway, as well as the limos.

When Layla, Ryan, and Sean got off the plane, he took off her blindfold. We yelled, "Surprise!"

"Kam! Cris! You guys are here?"

"Of course. I could never miss my best friend's wedding."

Then Ryan asked her, "Does this place look familiar, Layla?"

She looked around, and it hit her. "You brought me to Montego Bay?!! I always wanted to come back here but never had the chance. What made you pick this place?"

"Your dad told me the story of how you loved it here when you all came that time for a vacation. You were 12 years old at the time."

"I do love it here. It was beautiful then and is beautiful now. Thank you, sugar. I will cherish our wedding even more."

"You're welcome, love. Now, we must go our separate ways. You are going with Kam, and Sean is going with you both. I am going with Cris. Until tomorrow, my queen."

"Until tomorrow, my handsome king." Layla and I started walking to the limo, but Ryan grabbed her arm. "Um, Layla, no sugar for your king?"

"Nope. That's for making me wear that blindfold. You'll be fine."

"Layla, I know that look on Ryan's face all too well. You are in trouble, girl. I get that look from Cris all the time."

Layla's POV

"Kam, I have had that blindfold on practically all day. He will be fine until tomorrow."

"You, my best friend, are going to be very sore come Sunday."

"He doesn't scare ----." I didn't even finish the sentence because I saw him running after me. If I had on flats, I could have run faster. But, of course, I just had to wear my heels. He scooped me up and carried me over his shoulder.

"Cris! Be a dear and tell him to put me down." He was just like Sean, silent. The both of them stood there and laughed. "Thanks a lot, Sean and Cris!"

He told Kam, "Give us about 5 minutes." And then proceeded inside the limo. "Ouch, that was my head."

Then, Ryan started tickling me. "Now, you want to rethink your answer?"

"No. That was my answer, and I am sticking to it." Okay, call me crazy, but I like when he does that. So, I guess you could say that I am a glutton for punishment. He started tickling me again.

"How about now?"

"How about no?" And he just kept tickling me until I couldn't take any more. "Fine, one kiss. And, make it last."

Well, he made it last, alright. He was in the limo for more than five minutes. We broke our kiss for some air. "I'm sure Kam really wants to sit right now with her being five months pregnant. So, until tomorrow, my handsome one."

Ryan then got out of the limo. I heard him apologize to Kam. "Sorry about that. See you tomorrow."

While on our ride to the hotel, I told Kam, "We are ordering room service. I am starving. I haven't eaten since breakfast. The only thing is I don't know where we are staying."

"Layla, Ryan gave that to me. He wants you to be stress-free."

"Thank you, Sean."

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to the hotel Ryan chose for us. "Kam and Sean, this is the same place my parents and I stayed at when I was 12 years old. They did some beautiful upgrades."

A bellhop gathered our luggage and put it on a cart while Kam and I followed Sean to check in.

Once he was done, we walked over to the elevators. "Kam, are you going to be okay?" I gave her a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm going to be okay. Thanks, Layla."

We stayed in the elevator and went to the top floor with the penthouse suites. "Layla and Kam, you are in this one, on the left. The guys are on the right. I'll open the door to let you in, then wait for the bellhop."

"Kam, look at the vi--."

I turned around and heard, "Surprise!"

My mom, Braelyn, Valerie, Ryan's sister, Victoria, Noeli, and Mrs. Alyshea were standing there. "Mommy's crying, grandma."

"Sean drove Braelyn to Austin's place, and they caught a flight this morning. The rest of us have been here since yesterday. Your dad wanted to be here, but he had an emergency at the company. So, we are going to stream the wedding to his office. He said even though he is not here physically, he still wants to see his pride and joy get married."

Kam's POV

The last part was a lie. Layla's dad is over in the room with the guys. He wants to surprise her before she walks down the aisle to Ryan. So, Ryan's mom then says, "Layla, Jason would be honored if you walked down the aisle with him."

She was bawling right now, so Braelyn and my princess both walked over to Layla and hugged her.

"Mommy, why are you crying?"

"These are happy tears because my family is here with me. And my baby girl is with me."

"Now that Layla and Kam are here, the party can begin. Food and drinks are in the kitchen," Mama Olivia said to everyone.

"Thank goodness because I am starving. Let's go get something to eat, Braelyn and Dia."

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

Cris' POV

Ryan's brother, Josh, asked him, "Are you nervous, bro?"

"Nervous about marrying Layla? Absolutely not. What I am nervous about is people like that nut case Chase and psycho chick Miranda. Especially now that Layla has that interview on The Natalie Duncan show. That is a popular nationwide talk show. I don't want to be an overprotective husband."

"As long as Kamea has Jake by her side, I know she is safe. Sean will do the same thing for Layla and Braelyn."

Marco added, "Let's all agree that we have beautiful women and will do whatever it takes to protect them."

"Agreed."

A few hours later.

Ryan called Layla to see how she was doing. After hanging up the phone, he said, "Dad, Victoria said mom and Olivia got Layla strippers."

"Oh, William and I already knew."

"What's the matter, Ryan? Don't you trust Layla?" Her dad said with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"Yes, I do. But I don't trust those strippers."

"Ryan, for Kamea's bachelorette party, Jake had connections and got the cast from 'Magic Mike' for her. I was fine with it. The only thing was Channing Tatum was a little flirty."

"Look, if your mom and Olivia got the strippers, don't you think they set ground rules? So, let the ladies have a good time. While you worry about that, I am going to say good night."

Ryan's POV

They all left me standing there like an idiot. Well, I'm curious.

I stepped out the suite door. They were wide awake because the music was blaring. Suddenly, I heard the door open and saw three guys walk out of the suite. They were definitely the strippers - two dressed like firemen and one dressed like a cop. Of course, I heard my sister's voice. But I also heard my mom and Olivia cheering. I didn't hear Layla's voice - thank goodness.

"Knucklehead, why are you in the hallway? You were spying on us. Mom! Ryan is spying on us!"

My mother came over and asked, "Why are you out here? It is after midnight."

"I uh, uh, was checking to make sure everything was okay out here."

"Boy, please. You were checking to see what Layla was doing with those strippers. And you better not give her a hard time. I wasn't born yesterday. Layla had a good time. Olivia and I made sure the strippers just danced and stripped. There was no touching or grinding on Layla. Now, good night. We will see you tomorrow."

My own mother closed the door in my face. All that matters is Layla is okay. Now, I can get some sleep.

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

Kam's POV

Everybody is up and downstairs eating breakfast except the bride.

Mama Olivia said, "I'll go wake up Layla. Braelyn and Día, follow me just in case."

Olivia's POV (Layla's mom)

When we reached Layla's room, she was fast asleep. And it is close to 11 o'clock. I tried calling her name twice, but that did not work.

"Braelyn and Día, jump on the bed to wake mommy up."

They started jumping up and down. "Mommy, wake up!"

"Braelyn and Día, why are you jumping on the bed?" Layla asked them while she grabbed them to tickle them.

"I told them to do it. You are a heavy sleeper, girl. It is 11 o'clock. You need to eat something now because the next time will be at the reception."

"Okay. Give me about 20 minutes to take a shower."

Layla's POV

"All fresh and clean."

After my shower, I put on a t-shirt and shorts, then made my way downstairs to the kitchen. "Morning, everyone."

"We made pancakes and bacon, so have a seat." I miss my mom's pancakes, so this is a treat.

"You ladies can go first with hair and makeup. I am not going to bother with makeup. Ryan is going to see me without it when I wake up in the mornings. So he can get a preview now. I am just going to get my hair done."

We heard a loud knock on the door. My mom went to open the door. It was my wedding crew, as Ryan put it. There is a sitting room upstairs, so that is where my mom put them. I went last and got my hair done. The photographer took pictures the whole time we were there. I heard my phone ring, so I looked at it and saw it was my sugar.

After we finished talking, I went to tell everyone about the two limos. Then, I went back upstairs. After talking with Ryan, I just gazed out the window at the amazing view of Jamaica. I must have been staring for a while because I didn't hear my mom or Valerie.

"Layla honey, it is after 3 o'clock, and you still don't have your dress on?"

"Now that the wedding is here, I am really nervous. What if I am not good enough for him? What if he tires of me?"

"Layla, you have nothing to worry about. That child of mine is head over heels in love with you, and he cares about Braelyn. He told me the moment that he saw you at that party, he wanted you and was willing to wait however long it took to be with you. He has the biggest grin on his face when he talks about you."

I knew there was a reason I didn't wear makeup because tears started falling from my eyes.

"Honey, he wasn't nervous at all when he asked your father for permission to marry you. Ryan is madly in love with you, Layla."

Kam came into my room too. "Layla, I understand how you feel. I was a nervous wreck too. But Cris makes it easy for me not to be nervous. That nervousness flew away when we said, 'I do.' Ryan and Cris talk a lot, and he glows when he talks about you."

"I'll call the guys and tell them we are a little behind." Valerie left my room to call Ryan.

"Layla, I was nervous too when I married your father. But, like Kam said, my nerves went away when we said, 'I do.' You can do this."

Kam's POV

After our chat with Layla, she put on her wedding dress.

I loved the dress that we picked out for me too.

By the time we left the suite, it was 4 o'clock.

"Let's go get your man, Layla."

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

Cris' POV

While talking to the guys, Ryan got a phone call. "The ladies are running late. My mother said Layla was nervous. She's afraid she won't be good enough and that I will tire out of her. That is never going to happen. I could never tire of her."

"It is okay to be nervous because marriage is a serious step in a person's life. Heck, our dad was nervous when our parents renewed their vows. I was nervous about our first wedding day in April. By the way, thank you for letting us celebrate our five-month anniversary."

"You're welcome, Cris."

"I am nervous too. With me being a model, fans can become crazy. So far, Noeli gets glares from jealous women. When Layla walks with her father, give her a big smile or something to reassure her."

"Tell her in your vows too."

30 minutes later.

Layla's dad came over. "The ladies just have arrived. Noeli, Victoria, and Alyshea Toscano are going to take their seats first. Then, your mom and dad are going to walk first. Olivia and I will walk next. But, then, I will hide from Layla to surprise her. Cris, you, and Kam. Then, cue the music for Braelyn and Día, and they will toss the rose petals. When Layla approaches the aisle, she will think it is your father but will be surprised when it is me."

"Okay. I'll get in my position." Ryan took his spot to the left of the table and stood behind the chair. And I went back to the ladies to walk with my lovely wife.

Ryan's parents walked out first, then Layla's parents. Kamea and I came next. This brought back happy memories of both of our wedding days.

Día and Braelyn threw the white rose petals from their baskets.

Then, Layla positioned herself to walk down the aisle. Layla looked beautiful in her dress, and Ryan was grinning from ear to ear. He looked her straight in her eyes and smiled at her, and winked as well. Layla was surprised when she noticed it was her father waiting to walk her down the aisle.

Layla's POV

When I positioned myself to walk down the aisle, I noticed Jason. Well, I thought it was until I realized it was, "Daddy?! Mom said you couldn't make it, and it would be streamed live to you." I started crying.

Every girl dreams of having their dad walk them down the aisle. But sometimes it is not possible. Like my cousin Darlene. If she marries Tone, her dad won't be able to walk with her because he passed away. My dad is going to approach her when she gets married.

"Surprise, Layla. There is no way I could miss walking with my baby girl down this aisle. You are going to mess up your makeup if you continue crying."

"I didn't wear any. I wanted to be natural. Ryan is going to see me without makeup in the mornings, so I figured, why not start it now? So, that is why he chose this song. I heard him playing it but never caught onto why."

"You ready to take the walk?"

"Yes, daddy. I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, princess." I saw a tear or two from my dad as we started walking toward Ryan.

He had the biggest smile I have ever seen on his face and even winked. As we finished our walk, my dad kissed my cheek, then gave my hand to Ryan. "Take care of my girls, Ryan."

"I promise you that I will." Then my dad left. Ryan and I walked to the chairs before us and sat down.

Cris' POV

Ryan and Layla had intertwined their hands and kept stealing glances at each other throughout the service. The ocean was a beautiful shade of blue, and the sun shone brightly. After the officiant said his words, it was time for them to say their vows. So, they both stood up and turned to face one another. Ryan motioned for Braelyn to come to stand with Layla.

Layla said her vows first.

"When we first met at that party at Dean's penthouse, I felt instantly attracted to you but was not looking for a relationship. But, after we talked and danced, I convinced myself to give you a chance. That was the best decision in my life. All I ever wanted in a relationship was for someone to love Braelyn and me. And you have. I was more than happy to say yes when you proposed. I have to admit that I was nervous and that is why we were late. But your smile and wink let me know that I didn't have to be nervous."

Layla started getting teary-eyed.

"Thank you, Ryan, for the past five months. Thank you for being my knight in shining armor. I love you very much. I vow to be your wife, best friend, mother to your children, and support system. I promise to love, cherish and always be there for you just as you have been there for me. That is my vow to you. Braelyn wants to say a few words too."

Braelyn's POV

"Thank you for marrying my mommy and for being a good person to her. I love my mommy, and I love you too."

Ryan's POV

There was not a dry eye at the ceremony after Braelyn said that. So I talked to her first. "When Layla told me she had a daughter, I didn't mind. I love kids because one day, I want to have kids that I can love. Braelyn, I vow to be a friend and a protector. You are a sweet little girl, and I promise to take good care of you and your mom. I made a promise to your dad and grandpa. And I will do all I can to keep it."

Braelyn came over and gave me the biggest hug and kiss and said, "Love you, Ryan."

"I love you too, Braelyn."

Then, she walked back to Layla.

"Layla, I felt the same way about you when we met at the party. So that is why I went to find you and saw you sitting on the balcony. When you said you weren't looking for a relationship, I was willing to wait. Things happen for a reason. And now, here we are today, about to become husband and wife. I love you very much, and you don't have to be nervous."

"In front of our family and friends, I vow to be the best husband I can be, father to our children, stepdad to Braelyn, and supporter to you. Thank you for giving me a chance. My dreams came true, and I will cherish this day forever."

Cris' POV

Those were beautiful vows they said to each other. That was cute of Braelyn too.

The officiant said, "Before Layla and Ryan say, 'I do,' who is here to give the bride and her daughter away?"

Layla's father said, "I do." And Austin said, "I do" for Braelyn.

"Secondly, Is there anyone here who objects to Ryan and Layla getting married?" No one raised their hands.

"And now the wedding couple will exchange their rings as they say their 'I do's.'" I handed Ryan Layla's ring. And Kamea handed Layla Ryan's ring.

Do you, Ryan Alexander Meyers, take Layla Danielle Jordan to be your lawfully wedded wife and Braelyn Alexis Mitchell to be your stepdaughter?

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death, do you part?

Without hesitation, he said, "I do."

Then, it was Layla's turn.

Do you, Layla Danielle Jordan, take Ryan Alexander Meyers to be your lawfully wedded husband?

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part?"

She looked up, with tears in her eyes, to Ryan and said, "I do."

The wedding officiant proclaimed, "In front of this gathering before us, I now pronounce you, Layla and Ryan, husband and wife. Ryan, you may kiss your bride."

Ryan picked up Braelyn, hugged her, and kissed her cheek. Then, he grabbed Layla's hand and pulled her close to him. He shoved his tongue in her mouth. Without hesitation, she let him in.

Braelyn said, "Ewww, mommy." Then, Dia and Rocco said the same thing, "Ewww."

Ryan's father says, "Um, son, you can save that for later. We have pictures and kids to feed."

He didn't want to break from their kiss, but they did. "Right."

"Family and friends, introducing Mr. & Mrs. Meyers, Ryan, and Layla."

We suddenly heard a helicopter and saw a reporter in the distance.

"Ryan and Layla, that is the paparazzi. How they found out, I am not sure of. This kind of stuff happens to me all the time," Marco mentioned.

"But, I am no way near popular."

"Trust me, Layla, you are becoming popular. I have been asked at a couple of photoshoots about your availability."

After Marco finished talking, Ryan added, "Several of my clients are in the advertising business and inquire about your availability for shoots. Layla, I have had guys walk up to me and congratulate me on having such a beautiful girlfriend. Well, now, my wife. Some even asked inappropriate things, and I immediately put them in their place. Don't ever doubt yourself, understand?"

"Okay, sugar."

The photographer then asked, "Mr. & Mrs. Meyers, where would you like me to take your pictures before your reception?"

"Over by that beautiful gazebo with an ocean backdrop."

"The gazebo it is." We all walked over to the gazebo for picture time.

After we walked over, the first picture was of Layla and Ryan. He stood behind her, wrapped my arms around her waist, put his head on her shoulder, and planted kisses on her neck and cheeks.

The next one was of the three of them - Braelyn, Layla, and Ryan. He asked Braelyn, "Hey Braelyn, jump on my back and hold on tight." She did, and he lifted her carefully on his shoulders. "Now, wrap your arms around my neck and rest your chin on my head." Layla said, "Perfect."

Then, the photographer snapped the pictures. They took pictures with everyone. Layla, Austin, and Braelyn even took one together.

Layla's POV

"Layla, is what the officiant said true?"

"Yes, it is. That is Braelyn's proper last name. And before you ask, you are Braelyn's father. Regardless of what happened to us, you're Braelyn's dad. We can co-parent and be friends too."

"You're right. Thank you. This is special, Layla."

"When you get back to New York, you just need to sign her birth certificate, and they will give you a copy."

"Daddy, can you put me on your shoulders like Ryan?"

"Of course, baby girl."

"Everyone can start heading towards the reception."

"Hang on, Braelyn."

Yup, I will never forget this day - perfect and drama-free.

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

Thank you all for reading chapter 44. 

The pictures are courtesy of Can Stock Photos. 

1. wedding dress - © Can Stock Photo / shalamov

2. wedding location - © Can Stock Photo / Isaac74

3. gazebo - © Can Stock Photo / cmcderm1

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘