Page 84 of Unhinged

As we reach the gazebo, I look around at the fine details of the reception. Every table is meticulously decorated, shimmering under the warm glow of string lights that crisscross above us. With Gaston’s wealth, it’s no surprise he would go for such extravagance. But there’s a touch of Blake, too - the rustic charm, the aromatic flowers, the understated elegance.

We sit at the main table where Gaston and Blake are sitting. Her parents don’t approve of her match with Gaston despite his success. It turns out they’re pretty racist and don’t like foreigners. It’s hard to believe they brought up Blake, one of the most open, inclusive people I know. They refused to attend the wedding, especially after Blake told them she wasn’t taking the internship her dad secured for her and was moving to Mexico City. It’s a shame they can’t be happy for their daughter.

So, the bridal party is at their table rather than family. Matias and Kali are already in their seats. Matias has his arm around her shoulders possessively, and Kali blushes as he quietly says something.

“That was beautiful,” I say, smiling at Blake as I sit beside her.

She turns to me and squeezes my hand. “I can’t believe how happy I am.”

I shake my head. “Neither can I, considering the two of you were at each other’s throats just a few months ago.”

Gaston clears his throat. “I was never at her throat. Blake is the one who enjoyed fighting me.” He squeezes her hand. “I loved that fight. It’s part of what I fell for.”

He looks at her with such love. It’s amazing.

“Careful, Marques, or people will think you actually have a heart,” Taren teases.

Gaston glares at him. “No one would think that. My ruthlessness precedes me.”

Thiago and Luna join us at the table, their hands entwined. Thiago pulls out the chair for Luna, and she smiles at him, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. She seems to have found happiness with this man.

“Nice of you to finally join us,” Taren mockingly says.

Luna flips him off, earning a chuckle from Thiago. “We were enjoying the sunset. Can’t you lay off the sarcasm for once?”

Thiago raises an eyebrow in Taren’s direction. “She has a point; it’s a wedding, after all. Time for celebration, not banter.”

“Alright, alright,” Taren concedes, raising his hands. “I won’t be the one to spoil the mood.”

Clinking his glass against Matias’, Gaston smirks. “Too late for that, I think. But let’s make a toast for new beginnings and old friendships. To love in all its fucked up glory.”

“To love!” we all chime in, raising our glasses. The night carries on, filled with laughter, shared stories, and the occasional tear. We’re all a little fucked up, but maybe that’s what makes this moment more beautiful.

As the night winds down, Taren leans toward me. “I want to show you something.”

I frown at him, but don’t argue as he grabs my hand and leads me out of the gazebo and away from the party.

“Where are we going?” I ask, staring at the dimly lit beach before us.

“Patience is a virtue, baby. Wait and see.”

Taren’s grip tightens around my hand as we veer off from the party’s twinkling lights and into the darkness. A soft glow soon comes into view, casting long shadows over the sand and frothy waves. As we approach, the glow intensifies, revealing a small cove sheltered by towering cliffs.

In the middle, a blanket lies spread out, bordered by flickering candles that dance in the night breeze. Taren guides me toward the blanket, releasing my hand only to pick up a bottle of wine positioned conveniently beside a pair of empty glasses.

“What is all this?” I ask.

He ignores my question, pouring me a drink and handing it to me.

“Taren?” I push.

He smirks at me and I know he will just keep ignoring me.

“Patience is a virtue, right?”

He nods and doesn’t pour himself a glass. Instead, he gets onto one knee. My heart rate quickens, and every muscle in my body tenses when he pulls out a small black box.

Opening the small black box, Taren reveals a dazzling ring that glitters under the moonlight. My breath hitches as he looks up at me, his eyes filled with a burning determination that has my heart pounding.

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