His Priority (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty Five (Final)

25 - The Best Man

"I told you we needed the lights lowered! What's so hard about moving a couple of lights down an inch?" Charles angrily demanded at the film crew. Dane rolled his eyes and walked to the back of the room where Jack, Lee, and Thomas were sitting. They were all watching as Kaitlyn fanned herself underneath the bright lights, her long white dress only adding on to the obvious heat stroke that she was likely to have later. Dane grabbed a bottle of water as he leaned back against the counter with the other guys.

"Did Kaitlyn even want all of this?" He asked. Jack hadn't taken his eyes off of his fiancé since the moment they had gotten to the wedding rehearsal. Not that he did anyways. Ever since they had finally stopped acting like a bunch of timid teenagers and gotten together seven months ago, they couldn't seem to keep their eyes off of each other. Jack's eyebrow twitched as he responded to Dane.

       "No, but Charles talked her into it. Said it would be good if we just went ahead and aired the wedding instead of letting the fans find out through the paparazzi or some crap." He said irately.

Lee wiped some sweat that had settled onto his face away. "If you ask me, I think Charles just wanted to play movie director for the day." He motioned to the older man barking orders like he was making the final cuts on a movie his life depended on.

       "Agreed." The other three nodded. When Charles's attention was drawn away to something else, Kaitlyn immediately shot Jack a 'help me,' look and he smiled for the first time since they had been there, mouthing for her to wait just a little bit longer.

Dane took a sip of his water, watching the interaction between the two. "Are you really sure you want to get married tomorrow, man?"

     Jack turned to him. "I thought you liked Kaitlyn."

"I do, it's just that you're tying yourself down for life, man. That thought by itself gives me the chills." He admitted honestly.

       "Whatever. Kaitlyn's it for me." He looked Dane into the eyes, "and when you find the one you'll feel the same way."

       Dane gagged a little. "Goodness, I hope not." He said with a shiver.

When Charles had finished yelling down the throat of the poor guy who was standing next to him, he shouted for everyone to get back into position. Jack groaned as he watched Kaitlyn on the stage, looking as if she would collapse at any moment.

      "I gotta do something." He stated, readying himself to go talk to Charles when Thomas stuck his hand out.

"No, I got this." Thomas intervened.

Jack frowned. "No, I really don't.."

        "Just trust me." He insisted as he headed to the stage. Jack leaned back against the counter with his head in his hands.

Lee chuckled. "This outta be good."

They watched as Thomas trailed up the steps of the stage, stopping right in front of Charles. He was saying something, but they were too far away to hear. However, whatever he said next had Charles frowning before he shook his head. Thomas's shoulders slumped as that sad puppy dog face appeared upon his face. He nodded to whatever Charles was saying next and then proceeded down the steps.

Unfortunately for him, one of the guys who was rolling out the electrical cords, lifted up just as Thomas crossed his path. Thomas's foot caught and before anyone could stop what was happening next, all of the lights and sound systems that Charles had spent so much time on, came shattering to the ground. The sound of breaking glass echoing throughout the auditorium.

        "Uh-oh." Lee said faintly as he watched Thomas scramble to get up. Charles was still in shock until the sudden laughter of Dane snapped him out of it.

"I am going to kill you!" He shouted, storming off of the stage. Thomas hurriedly pulled himself from the cords and took off, briefly sending a wink in Jack's direction.

       "You're welcome!" He shouted, barreling out the front door with Charles hot on his heels.

Dane was still taking in the damage. "So I'm guessing no wedding tomorrow?" He couldn't help but ask. Jack shook his head as Kaitlyn approached them. He reached out for her and pulled her against his chest.

        "Nope. I was actually thinking in maybe a few hours." He glanced down at Kaitlyn to get her approval and of course she rolled her eyes before laughing.

He looked back to his friends. "You guys in?"

        "I'm down." Lee confirmed, just as Dane clapped his hands together in excitement.

     "Las Vegas? Heck yeah!" He replied, "I'm gonna meet so many girls." He said to himself, causing everyone to chuckle. Jack brushed a stray piece of hair from Kaitlyn's eye. Every time he looked at her he couldn't help but thank God for letting them cross paths that night at the bar. He gently caressed her cheek, trying to hide the small smile that threatened to surface as he nodded to the open doors behind them.

          "Someone still has to tell, Thomas." He said seriously, "After all, he is the best man."