Layla's POV

Travel day for the wedding.

"Ryan Alexander Meyers, put me down!!!!"

"Layla Danielle Jordan-Meyers, no I will not put you down. Oh, looks like we just made it to the couch."

"I'm not going to hyphenate my name. It will be just Mrs. Layla Meyers. I love it already. I always vowed I would never do that. I will forever cherish my maiden name. But, being married is a new journey in my life. So, new journey comes with a new name." I laid my head on his chest so I could hear his heartbeat before he placed me down on the couch. He then proceeds to sit on me and start tickling me. "Now, are you willingly going to put on the blindfold?"

I couldn't take no more tickling because my stomach was hurting. "Okay! Yes, I will." My neck started hurting. "Ouch."

"Good girl. Layla, is your neck bothering you?"

He got off me and I sat up. "Yes it does. It feels like I am being stabbed."

"Listen, we can postpone our wedding night."

"No way! No way! No way! We have postponed it several times already. No more postponing. If we really had time, we could have had a wedding night rehearsal right now. But, I hear the door being opened. So, Sean is hear and we need to go."

He was disappointed because once we land, we won't see each other until Saturday evening. That is when I will become Mrs. Layla Meyers.

Ryan's POV

While on the way to the airport, I thought that I would never find a woman to not only be the love of my life but marry me and be my wife in the span of 4 months. But, I have. I can't wait to see Layla tomorrow, walking down the aisle in her wedding dress. She is going to be surprised when she sees her father there to walk her down the aisle.

My parents, Layla's parents, Cris, Kam, Día, Rocco, Marco, Noeli, Braelyn and Austin will be there too. That one I am still surprised about. My brother and sister are coming too.

The flight to Jamaica was 3 hours and 37 minutes. A big thank you to Mr. Toscano, he let us fly in his family's private jet. Layla kept bugging Sean about where we were going. He didn't say one word. She didn't even know where he was sitting. "Layla, I am going to take the blindfold off because you can't tell where we are going while in the air. And, I want to see your beautiful, brown eyes." When I took them off, Layla had fallen asleep. "Well, so much for making out." I grabbed a blanket and placed it over her. I talked with Cris a bit on the phone. He wants to surprise Kam tomorrow as well. They were married on the same date. And their honeymoon was interrupted, thanks to that piece of crap, Chase.

Time flew by fast because the flight attendant came by and told us we were about to land. "Layla love, I have to put the blindfold back on you and I will take it off once we walk off the plane."

She was still tired but said yes. 15 minutes later, we arrived at our destination. "Are you going to tell me now?"

"Nope. You will know once I take your blindfold off." She started pouting again. "Hmm, looks like tickle therapy is needed again."

"Sean! Little help here."

He couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry Layla, you are on your own this time."

"Geez, thanks a lot."

"Come on, give me your hand and we can get off the plane." She stuck her hand out, I grabbed it, and we got off the plane. Once we stepped off the plane, I took off her blindfold.

"Surprise!!!"

Kam and Cris were standing there waiting for us. "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 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 started walking to the limo we got for her, but she forgot something. "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."

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 no 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 5 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. 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."

20 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 all the way 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, Ryan's mom, Ryan's sister, Victoria, Noeli and Mrs. Alyshea were standing there. "Mommy's crying, grandma."

Victoria Meyers

"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."

Olivia's POV

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

She was bawling right now, so Braelyn and Kam's daughter, Día, both walked over to Layla and gave her a hug.

"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."

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

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Ryan's POV

"I just got a text from Layla's mom that she believes you aren't here, Mr. Jordan."

"From now on, it's William, Ryan. That child of mine is nosy."

"She was pouting this morning when I didn't tell her where we were going."

"Yup, that sounds just like Layla."

My brother, Josh, asked me, "Are you nervous, bro?"

Josh Meyers

"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 that 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 - "Hey Braelyn, is mommy near to talk for a minute?"

Braelyn - "Mommy is dancing. I can get her."

Braelyn put the phone down and went to get Layla. I heard "Pon de Replay" by Rihanna playing in the background. And, I heard, "Go Layla! Go Layla!"

Layla - "Hey sugar, what's up?"

Ryan - "One, I miss you. Two, I wanted to tell you that your wedding crew is coming at noon - hair, makeup, and photographer."

Layla - "I miss you too. You can't see it, but here is a kiss through the phone. I love you, sugar."

I heard my sister in the background say, "Come on, Layla. Knucklehead can wait until tomorrow to see you. It's stripper time!"

Layla - "Before you get mad, your mom and my mom got them. I didn't."

Ryan - "Well, don't have too much fun."

Layla - "Trust me, my fun will happen tomorrow night with you."

Ryan - "Now, that's what I like to hear. Until tomorrow, my queen. Good night."

Layla - "Good night, sugar."

After hanging up the phone, "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."

"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."

"I am too." They all left me standing there like an idiot. Well, I'm curious. So, 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 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 was 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 go get some sleep.

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Olivia's POV

Everybody is up and downstairs eating breakfast, except the bride. "I'll go wake up Layla. Braelyn and Día, follow me just in case."

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!" She shot up and said, "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. He 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 that it was my sugar.

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

Ryan - "Good afternoon, Mrs. Meyers."

Layla - "I can definitely get use to that. Good afternoon, Mr. Meyers, aka 'sugar.'"

Ryan - "There are going to be two limos coming at 3:30 pm. One is for you, Kam, Braelyn, Día, my mom, and your mom. The other limo is for Noeli, Victoria and Mrs. Alyshea. Your mom should also have flower baskets with rose petals for the girls."

Layla - "Okay."

I heard Valerie in the background screaming, "If that is Ryan, tell him he will see you later! We are getting ready!"

Layla - "Sorry sugar, that's my cue to hang up. See you later."

Ryan - "I have to think of a name for you. See you later, love."

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

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 in my room too. "Layla, I understand how you feel. I was a nervous wreck too. But, Cris makes it easy for me to not 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 go 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."

"Thanks, mom, Kam, and Valerie." After that little chat, I put on my wedding dress. It is the perfect dress and has an island feel to it. No wonder my mom suggested it.

After putting on my dress, I went to get my hair fixed again. Then, I went downstairs. By the time we left the suite it was 4 o'clock.

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

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Ryan's POV

While talking to Marco and Cris, I got a phone call from my mom. "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 on our first wedding day in April. By the way, thank you for letting us celebrate our 5 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 women who are jealous. 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 let me choose the song for her to walk down to. And, she chose our first dance song. I chose "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran because Layla is the perfect person for me.

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. Me and Olivia 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." I took my spot to the left of the table and stood behind the chair.

Just like William said, my parents walked out first, then him and Olivia, Kam and Cris. After them, Día and Braelyn threw the white rose petals from their baskets. Then, Layla positioned herself to walk down the aisle. She looks absolutely beautiful in her dress with her hair swooped to the side with a flower pin. I looked her straight in her eyes and gave her a smile and winked as well.

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. He 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 towards Ryan.

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

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

Ryan and I had our hands intertwined the whole time and we kept stealing glances at each other throughout the service. The ocean was a beautiful shade of blue and the sun was shining bright. After the officiant said his words, it is now our turn to say our vows. So, we both stood up and turned to face one another. Ryan motioned for Braelyn to come stand with me.

"Layla, you may say your 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 me and Braelyn. 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." I started getting teary-eyed.

"Thank you, Ryan for the past 5 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 will make sure 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."

She came over to me and I knelt down to her. She 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 wasn'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. You are the best thing that has come into my life and I will cherish this day forever."

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

Layla's dad said, "I do." And Austin said, "I do" for Braelyn. It is only right since he is her father.

"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.'" Cris hands me Layla's ring. And, Kam hands Layla my 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, I say, "I do."

"And Layla,

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 me and said, "I do."

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

I picked up Braelyn, gave her a hug, and kiss on her cheek. Then, I grabbed Layla's hand and pulled her close to me. I shoved my tongue in her mouth. Without hesitation, she let me in.

Braelyn said, "Ewww mommy." And, Cris' kids said, "Ewww."

"Um son, you can save that for later. We have pictures and kids to feed."

I didn't want to break from our kiss, but we did. "Right."

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

"And 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."

"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."

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

"Sugar, calm 'Jr' down back there. He's a little happy. Not much longer and he can enter he temple."

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

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

Layla's POV

"Layla, is what the officiant said true?"

"Yes, it is. That is her rightful last name. And before you ask, you are Braelyn's father and deserve it, Austin."

"Don't say it, Layla. Remember, that is in the past. I just want to say 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.

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Thank you all for reading chapter 16. 

The pictures and videos are courtesy of Pixabay, You-Tube, and 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. 😘