Passage 48
Axel had been sitting in Mr. Anders office for two hours as he signed legal documents making a living trust of all the properties and businesses that Bethany explained to him. It was overwhelming and he losten carefully as he took notes how Bethany felt dealing with this alone. Sunshine had her trust set up and other trusts prepped for future children. Axel wanted children. He loved his nephew . Bethany even set aside a school fund for Caden . Axel signed the last document as the lawyer took axels hand and shook it pleased. He liked Axel. Bethany knew the engagement party was only two days away and they were wrapping up all the wedding plans. Axel felt like he hadn't sat down since he practically moved in with Bethany. The lake house was placed in Sunshine's name with Axel as a beneficiary in case she wasn't eighteen yet so that Avery couldn't keep kicking him out and Sunny loved him so much she would never let him be on the street. Bethany also had a modest house picked out for them after marriage . She wanted to be closer to axels work . This made Paul very happy . Bethany was good with business. She even showed him her mom's publishing company as the employees ran around not expecting the CEO and owner to show up. Plans were put in place . Bethany had an urking feeling all this property she had a target on her back . She was living on borrowed time. She needed to have her business handled before her wedding . She wasn't planning on divorce. Axel looked at Bethany standing outside the lawyers office and sighed. He smiled feeling everything falling into place. Axel was going to get moved to the new house . The furniture was being delivered today. He wondered how she did it all. Bethany made sure the house had a garden . Axel even started talking about getting a pair of puppies . Well until they had their own children. Dinner was at Paul's after a long day. Paul had a dream bachelor pad. All glass and leather around. Paul's style was very sheek for a single man. He had no picks of family on the walls she noticed . Bethany wondered if he had any family at all. Axel and him acted more like brothers that grew up together. Paul was twenty years older than Axel but he treated him well . " This is a nice place. How long have you live here?" Asked Bethany looking around. " Thanks. I'm sure you've seen grander . I've been here about ten years after my career really started to slow down. I had time to settle in one general location. That is the fighters lifestyle moving here and there and when you retire you can put down roots." Explained Paul. "You do know Axel talks a lot about you during warmups." He admitted. Bethany shot Axel a look and he put a sly smile on his face as Axel averted his eyes looking everywhere but at Bethany. " Exactly what has he told you I'm curious now. I'm always fascinated by gossip about me I haven't heard yet?" Joked Bethany. " Well he says you put him to shame when it comes to business sences . You both went to business school together and he learning something new everyday. Mostly good things about you." He said slapping axels shoulder playfully . " Well to be fair. I grew up around business. It was bred in me. So I have an unfair advantage. But he has an unfair advantage with fighting so I'm useless physically ." She admitted. " Well we can amend that. Axel man you should get her in a few days a week. Everyone should learn how to fight. " Paul offered . " Paul your fees are well extraordinary . Plus I'm a handful . Do you have time for another you know with your age?" He teased him. " I may be getting grey in my hair but I'll put up a good fight before I'm ready to go down." He said air boxing Axel. Bethany laughed as Sunny looked between the men with curiosity. Bethany shrugged her shoulders as she was as confused with their behavior as she was. " Seriously man. Your not always going to be around to defend her. Someone her size it takes them by surprise if she knew how to use her speed to put manuver someone twice her size. If I was traveling a lot for work it give me a peace of mind she knew how to defend herself. Take it as a wedding gift the lessons if money is the problem?" Paul said . " It couldn't hurt. I might need it one day." Bethany said finally. " See I like her. She knows reason." Laughed Paul. As Axel shot him a look.paup raised his hands in surrender as he knew that conversation was over. Axel hated the thought not being able to defend Bethany. It was a mans job to do that. But he also hated her unable to defend herself as well. He was torn between his duty and her self defense. " If Bethany thinks it's a good idea it won't hurt anything. Besides I'll get to check out her moves first hand to make sure your not teaching her to go all assassin on me." He said slapping Paul in his back harder than he thought as Paul's eyes wide in response. " It you break me no one in this room can work." Complained Paul . The week flew by as the closer Bethany got to her engagement party she started to have nervous thoughts. She had always wanted to get married but never did. This was going to be her first marriage. To a man who wanted kids with her. Why was she thinking of Gregory and the life they could have had. Fantasizing about Sunny knowing her father the way it was supposed to be. Bethany was confused about her thoughts as she was preparing to marry another man. Perhaps it was backwards thinking on her part. Axel wanted to marry her at that all that mattered right now. Bethany stared at herself in her wedding dress. The off the shoulder cream dress. That had hand sewn pearls and a modest train not to long. The mini half veil with matching pearl and jeweled headband to match the engagement ring. The ring on her finger was a stainless steel set with a Pearl and diamond rapped in a infinity symbol. It was beautifully unique and she loved it so much she had a dress made around it. " Forever " whispered Bethany more to herself than anyone else in the bridal boutique. She looked at herself in the long length mirror as she teared up. Wanda and Sandra sipping champagne that was provided during the fitting . They both looked at Bethany in awe . " Well I honestly think your wedding night might happen in the ride home the way that dress looks on you. I can barely keep my eyes off of you." Boasted Wanda in her loud voice . Sandra nudged her in disapproval. " It is a beautiful dress. I'm sure Axel will be very pleased with the dress." Said Sandra trying to be more appropriate with Sunny sitting in the room. " Momma what did Ms. Wanda mean by the wedding night?What happens then?" Said Sunny confused at Wanda's comment. "Oh I meant nothing by it . How old are you again?" Said Wanda as Bethany glared at Wanda from the mirror. " I'm eight going on nine . I'm bright for my age. My momma says I'm in specials . I might be the next genius the rate I'm going." Beamed Sunny proud of herself. " Your momma never spoke of the birds and the bees?" Said Wanda. As Bethany turned and Sandra popped Wanda on the arm to stop her from continuing. " Wanda , she is eight not eightteen." Hissed Bethany in a low warning tone. " Right. Yes eight." Wanda corrected herself. " I'm waiting what happens the wedding night? And what are the birds and the bees?" Refused to give up Sunny for her answer. " Well Axel and momma gets married and she takes his last name as his wife. Instead of Bethany Grigori she will be Bethany jing. Then they move in together and start to plan for babies." Said Sandra being vague. " Well how are the baby's made? Because it don't happen just moving in together. Axel and momma have been living together" Asked Sunny now curious. Bethany glared as she turned around to face the woman before they had a chance to answer. " They are made with love and marriage." Said Bethany trying not to be awkward . She hated this conversation happened over one remark. " So when you get married you will just get a baby. I don't think I like that part of being married. I do want a sibling but I didn't know weddings was the cause." Said Sunny in a innocent niave manner. The woman began to laugh as Bethany shook her head at the women. She hugged Sunny covering her ears. They whispered," thanks for that" as she stood back up on the podium to take off the dress and pay for it. The three woman and Sunny went to a local restaurant to eat as they were helping wrapping up the details of the venue. They had to stop by the barn for last minute touches and Axel was going to stay at Paul's for the night before the wedding and Bethany was going to stay with Sandra and Wanda. They had moved all their items to their new home and had placed turned all the power off with the circuit breaker at the cabin. Bethany was going to miss that cabin. But didn't want to disconnect in case they wanted to visit. Wanda tried talking Bethany in a bachelorette party but Bethany refused . Both woman were disappointed but understood. Bethany went to sleep to get ready for the big day. The next morning came and Bethany rose early as Wanda was unusually cheerful in the morning before caffeine could be consumed. Bethany rolled her eyes and Sandra nodded in agreeance handing Bethany a cup of coffee. " So are you ready for today?" Asked Sandra. " As ready as I'll ever be." Said Bethany still waking up. And slowly sipping the coffee as she was processing why Wanda was such a morning person. Bethany did well in the morning after her cup of coffee but wonda hasn't had any and it was a bit overwhelming. Wanda was a tea morning drinker not coffee drinker. Bethany thought If she had a cup it might mellow her out a bit . " I remember my wedding. I threw up all morning out of nerve-wracking feelings. Than sweat right through my dress. My brides maids were walking around holding napkins to my pits to not stain my dress." Laughed Sandra as she remenised. " My wedding was a shotgun wedding." Boasted Wanda. " My daddy found us the week before in the middle of fornicating and he told the boy well looks like we have a wedding to plan. To my mom then she popped in to see what he was talking about and chased him out the door. It was a big ordeal being in a small town and all. Seeing a naked man running down the street with a gun pointed at him. But he showed up like my pops said." Laughed Wanda . The woman snickered at the story. Bethany finished breakfast and she knew the engagement party was at six in the evening. No one other than these women knew it was a doubled up wedding. The woman went and got pedicures and manicures and deep tissue massages to prepare for the evening. Then at some lunch at a restaurant. Bethany liked hanging out with these woman. Wanda left early to go get the cake prepared to be moved to the location of the wedding as Sandra stayed to help Bethany get ready. " How on earth are you going to hide a wedding dress ?" Mused Sandra as she curled Bethany's hair in ringlets around her head. " I bought a special wrap around jacket . It looks like a normal coat not it has a place to safety place the train . The veil I decided to do without. I did keep the headband. For something new. " She said explainning it. " Ahhh well then you need something borrowed and something old , and something blue." Said Sandra as she pulled out an pearl neckace that drapped with a sapphire in the center jewel. " That is something old, borrowed ,and blue. " She said smiling at Bethany as her eyes lit up. " Thank you so much. " Bethany said as her eyes watered . " Stop that you here. You'll mess your face. Besides I have been waiting to use it on someone. My mom made me give it back to my nana just out of spite. Her and my nana loathed each other . When nana died I inherited it. You can borrow it today but I'm taking pictures to show my mom." Said Sandra. " Oh wow you using me for your revenge schemes." Smirked Bethany. " Well someone has to take advantage of this opportunity other than you." She said finishing Bethany's hair with her head band as a finishing touch. Sandra rode in the car with Sunny and Bethany. When they arrived Sandra took Sunny to get in position as Bethany stepped out of the car and Axel eyes swelled up with joy to see her. Avery rolled her eyes as she saw Bethany approaching Axel as he was speaking to his sister. Avery was so tired of Bethany constantly distracting her brother from her time with him. No matter what point of conversation they were in Bethany always made him stop what he was doing to look at her. It was becoming rather annoying.Avery held her gift in her hands as she was waiting for the opportunity to deliver it. Axel smiled big as he saw Bethany . He excused himself to meet her . Bethany smiled looking at the room lit up with fairy lights and intimate candles purfuming the room. The tables were dressed and set beautifully with white roses and babies breath in the center. There was a satin aisle runner in between the tables on both sides of the aisle and a rose trellis archway on a stage dressed in hanging satin and draping roses completed with fairy lights. The room look spectacular and bettered than Bethany imagined. The bar was set up and waiters stood in attire with chilled champagne on the bar tops ready to serve.The food was layed out. As servers waited to distribute the plates . Toasts were made and gifts placed on the round table as agreed because they wanted to take them to new house before the ceremony. Avery held the envelope in her hand as she was well wishes praise the union to come. She smiled and waited for her opportunity. Then Axel and Bethany separated as Bethany disappeared behind a door and waited. Avery also noticed Paul was missing too. Avery looked around as she noticed the change in the room wondering what the hell was going on.Axel tapped his glass as he stood by the alter tressel with roses covering it on a stage. The pastor stood on the other side of the curtain that concealed his presence. The room quiet down as Axel spoke. " Welcome family and esteemed guest I want to thank you for attending mine and Bethany 's engagement and rehearsal dinner. We both try to make as many steps with every day we are together. It's not only financially smart but economical . But what is a future marriage without a sound rational mindset of the economy.I'm so happy you all came out of your way to wish us both happiness for our future. Because all of you today we also have one more surprise for you instored for you. So please remain seated and enjoy"He had as the pastor stepped out in his official robes and the music began to play over the speakers. " Damn you , Axel and Bethany." Avery swore under her breath as Caden looked at his momma not understanding . Avery was catching on what was going on. He was marrying her right now . What the hell thought Avery now upset. The doors opened and Sunshine in her flower dress dropped the roses on the satin floor runner making a slow dramatic show if the beautiful flowers cascading out of her little hands she smiled big as she went to stand by Axel . Then Wanda and Sandra made their enterence and smiled in their brides maids dresses and bouquets and stood on the opposite side of the aisle . Then Bethany breathed in deeply as Paul held her arm. Paul patted her arm gently . " Are you nervous?" Asked paul. " I might be just a little bit." Admitted Bethany. " Just think. If you don't marry him today I'll have to hear about it during our warmups. Axel is a very vocal person when he is upset." Said Paul playfully. " Oh is that the only reason to marry him today? Hmmm. I might want you to suffer that just for the hell of it " laughed Bethany . Teasing Paul. " That man loves you. I've known him since he was to my knees and he has never introduced a single girl to me the entire time. He has changed since he has been with you." Smiled Paul looking at Bethany. " Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Asked Bethany cautiously. " Its definitely a good thing. He seems lighter. Less broody. For a minute there I thought I was going to have to pay for therapy for him the way he came in sometimes." Admitted Paul studding Bethany's reaction. The doors opened revealing Paul and Bethany. Bethany with her jeweled headband and cream off the shoulder dress that was adorned with pearls and satin. The train was modest with a short lace trim on the edges . Axel took a deep breath as he saw Bethany for the first time . She is so beautiful thought Axel as he saw her walking down the aisle towards him. Avery sat and watch in horrified shock watching the wedding going on in front of her and no one told her. Their mother stayed at home as she didn't want to see her son and had other plans. Caden sat next to Avery clapping happy at what he was witnessing. Avery pushed her sons hands down as Bethany passed their table. Bethany reached the stage and handed her bouquet to Sandra and the pastor start. " Who gives this woman away." Asked the the pastor. " I do. As a stand in proxy for the spirit of the dearly departed Rana Grigori and the dearly departed Antonio Bruno. They are both in spirit on this day as witnesses to their daughter Bethany Bruno Grigori. I give this woman here away in honor of her parents who could not see this day" Said Paul with honor . Tears filled Bethany's eyes as he said his words. Paul took his spot next to Axel as his best man as he patted him on the shoulder as a job well done. The ceremony went on like a dream as vows were made and exchanges were done. Sunny held up a pillow with two rings she held in her flower basket as they exchanged rings and sealed the ceremony with a kiss. The crowd erupted . Everyone but Avery as she glared at the couple with distain in her eyes and envy in her heart. The crowd cheered louder as Avery' s anger built. As the ceremony was concluded plates were served and Axel excused himself to the bathroom. Avery followed him in a rushed manner " When were you going to tell me this was a wedding?" She said irritated at him for keeping this from her . " Avery would it make any difference? I told you I was going to marry her. Did it matter if it was now or six months from now. I believe our marriage was our time to make." He Retorted. " I see." She showed the envelope she had been carrying around all night into his chest. " What is this?" He asked now tired of her attitude towards him and Bethany. " Open it and see. It's your wedding gift." She said with venom on her tone . Axel thought it was a kind gesture until he narrowed his eyes looking at the paperwork not understanding it was not a peaceful wedding gift but serving papers. " what the hell is this, Avery?" He demanded. " Axel Jing I hearby serve you papers of property surrender . My lawyer shall contact you will further instructions. " She said cold and unmeasured. " Your doing this now of all nights." He hitched his voice as the crowd started to hear the fight. " I came to do what I came to do. Come on Caden we are leaving." She said demanding as she jerked her son into her arms and left the party. Axel stood there with the papers angry at what Avery just did. This soured his happy mood and she did it on purpose. This was a very low blow for Avery. The day that was meant to be his happiest day ruined by his hateful sister . Axel couldn't forgive or forget what Avery did as he saw her drive away from his wedding. Sadness filled his heart. How long did she plan this? Then he remembered her quitting her job all this change to screw him and Bethany over in the end. All Avery had to do was ask for the house and he would have gave it to her. But now the cat was out of the bag . This was war. He clinched the papers in his hand and then he saw Bethany's face as she approached him knowing something was wrong as he handed her the paperwork to read . The utter betrayal made tears prick at his eyes . All he wanted was his families support in this happy moment. He wasn't going to get it as he now saw . Family was important to Axel . This hurt him deeper than he like to admit. " Don't worry I'll handle this in the morning with our lawyer. Avery don't know what she did . I know this isn't what you wanted but it is what it is. Right now we can't do anything about it. " Bethany said calmly trying to ease axels anger . " It's fine let's just go home. I want to take my wife over the threshold of our new home to our new life." He said to Bethany brushing off what just happened. " Hey stop all that . You know Avery did this to her a rise out of you . Don't let her ruin your wedding. You married the girl of your dreams . Go dance with your wife and enjoy all your hard work to put all this together. Handle your sister later .right now go to your bride."Paul said to Axel as he stood by him concern for Axel's temper. Axel nodded to Paul as they headed back inside to enjoy the rest of the wedding party without Avery. Axel looked down at Bethany as he made his way out to the dance floor to dance with his bride.