The moment we entered the reception hall, I knew I was in trouble—and not the fun kind of trouble. I mean, the "chaos is already happening, survive if you can" kind.
Keifer held my hand tightly. "Wifey… breathe. It's beautiful."
And yes, it was beautiful. The chandeliers sparkled like a thousand tiny stars. The flowers… oh, the flowers!—blush roses mixed with lilies and greenery, cascading down every table. The scent made me feel dizzy with happiness. And yet… I could feel the chaos waiting to pounce.
In my head:
Jay… survive. Chaos incoming. And somehow, I'm excited.
Before I could even glance around properly, Rory was yelling, "Jay! Wifey! You need to approve the cake!"
I groaned. "Hubby… why is he yelling at me like I own the bakery?"
Keifer laughed softly. "Wifey… it's Section E. They always yell."
In my head:
Jay… yes, survive. And yes, melt every time he calls me "wifey."
I walked over to the cake table, and there it was—a three-tiered masterpiece with tiny edible flowers, shimmering silver accents, and a golden "A+I" topper for Angelo and Ion. I couldn't help but smile.
"Jay… it's gorgeous, right?" Keifer whispered.
"Hubby… it's perfect."
And then I heard it. Baby Grazel Jay squealing and crawling across the hall like she was auditioning to be the chaos ambassador. Grace was chasing her, while Rory tried to scoop her up mid-spin, almost knocking over a table.
"Wifey… survive!" Keifer murmured, wrapping an arm around me.
In my head:
Jay… survive. Chaos + adorable baby = meltdown imminent.
Then came Section E's commentary. Rory was inspecting the aisle. "Jay… you need to approve the width. Too narrow, people trip. Too wide, it looks empty."
I rolled my eyes. "Rory… it's Angelo's wedding, not a runway show. Relax."
C In piped in, pointing at the flowers. "No, no. The lilies need to be facing east. West-facing petals are disrespectful to the cake!"
I blinked at him. "What?!"
Keifer kissed my temple softly. "Wifey… ignore them. Chaos is their love language."
In my head:
Jay… yes. And yes, he's perfect. He knows exactly how to calm me.
Meanwhile, Mayo was attempting to juggle champagne glasses and failed spectacularly, nearly spilling one on Baby Grazel Jay. Felix and Alex were laughing uncontrollably, and Percy's piercing blue eyes were clearly judging every single action. Aries whispered something dramatic about alignment and horoscope energy.
I buried my face in Keifer's chest, laughing quietly. "Hubby… help me survive."
"I always will, Wifey. Always." He pressed a kiss to my forehead.
Then Lia, my savior of sanity, tugged me toward the flower arch. "Jay… imagine you walking under this. Do the petals feel right?"
I reached out and brushed the soft blooms, smiling. "Lia… it's perfect. I can see it all… our day, the chaos, everyone laughing… and Keifer holding my hand."
Keifer squeezed my hand. "Wifey… that's the plan. Chaos included."
In my head:
Jay… yes. Perfect. Love, chaos, laughter… forever.
Dinner began, and Section E took over. Rory "supervised" the food, Calix argued with Felix over who could eat the most cake, and Mayo… I think Mayo was trying to start a food fight.
I whispered to Keifer, "Hubby… I might need to hide behind you if Mayo actually does it."
He laughed, nuzzling my hair. "Wifey… hide? Or fight with me?"
In my head:
Jay… melt. This man. Every day. Every moment.
Then came the speeches. Rory gave a speech so dramatic that even the chandelier seemed to lean closer to listen. C In recited a poem about Angelo and Ion, Felix made everyone laugh with stories about Mayo, and Percy… well, Percy gave a very judgmental but surprisingly heartfelt speech about love and loyalty.
I couldn't stop giggling at all the chaos. "Hubby… our wedding will be nothing compared to this," I whispered.
He kissed my hand softly. "Wifey… exactly. And I can't wait to see you in your gown."
In my head:
Jay… survive. Dream wedding incoming. Dream husband holding my hand.
The dance floor opened, and Section E transformed it into absolute madness. Baby Grazel Jay was spinning, Liam was attempting a moonwalk, Rory was trying to choreograph everyone, and Percy's blue eyes were glaring at the chaos like he was the manager of disasters.
I leaned against Keifer, whispering, "Hubby… I might faint from laughing and stress."
He chuckled, holding me tighter. "Wifey… then I'll catch you. And kiss you while you recover."
In my head:
Jay… melt. And yes, I will survive. With him. Always.
As the night ended, we hugged Angelo and Ion, laughed with Section E, and kissed every member of our families who were crying, laughing, or both. The chaos didn't end—it only made it more emotional, more heartfelt, more… perfect.
Keifer held my hand as we stepped outside into the cool night. "Wifey… imagine ours. Imagine our wedding, our reception… but with us at the center."
I rested my head on his shoulder, tears in my eyes. "Hubby… I can't wait. I want everything… chaos, love, laughter… and you. Always you."
In my head:
Jay… perfect chaos, perfect love… and him. Always him.