MIA
THIRTEEN YEARS LATER

"Babe we're gonna be late," Isla said.

"Isla we're literally a block away from the church, chill," I said.

"I can't chill," she said. "I've never been best woman of honour."

I thought for a moment. "I don't think anyone has," I replied.

"Shut up," she said, fixing the lapels of her suit jacket.

"Babe," I said. "Chill out, you'll be amazing."

She twirled her wedding ring around her finger. "You think so?" she asked.

"I know so," I said.

I pulled our SUV up to the church and Isla kissed me goodbye before heading off. After I locked the car, our children Magnus, Maple, Madison, Isabelle, Iris, and Ian and I sat down in our seats.

Magnus and Maple were my children, while Isabelle and Iris were Isla's children and Madison and Ian were adopted.

Magnus, Maple, Iris and Ian were brought to us through a sperm donor. Magus and Maple are twins, fraternal of course. They have my dark black hair—Maple has natural blonde highlights near her roots—, tanned skin and brown eyes—though Magus's eyes have a hint of green in them. They're the second oldest, both just six years old. Iris is just over eight months old. She has Isla's hazel eyes and her pale skin. Her hair is growing out reddish though, most likely because of whoever her father is. Isabelle is four years old, she has Isla's brown hair and hazel eyes but her skin is tanner. Ian was adopted from South Africa when he was three. He has dark skin and eyes that almost seem black in certain lighting. Isla and I were so happy to go and adopt him, it was such a lengthy process and we were glad to have it over. He's our oldest at nine years. Madison was adopted from Ecuador as a baby. She has dark brown hair, olive skin and caramel coloured eyes. She's only four but has quite the attitude on her. Since her and Isabelle are the same age, they became quick friends.

Matt and Will waved from a few pews away and walked over to us. "I swear every time I see you, the family gets bigger," Will said.

I smiled. "Isla says we're like the gay Brangelina."

"Uncle Will!" the kids exclaimed. "Uncle Matt."

Will smiled at them. "Hi guys," he said. "I missed you."

They all charged at once sans for Iris in her stroller.

Will held them all in his arms.

"I guess y'all missed me too," Matt said.

The kids all moved to Matt.

"I'm sorry," I said.

Matt played with the kids, but Will's eyes never left mine.

"We've been busy at the law firm," I explained

He nodded. "How's Grant and Grant working out?" he asked.

"Actually it's Grant and Grant-Hawthorne now," I said.

"Your dad's finally changing it?" Matt asked.

I nodded. "After eight years of being married to Isla," I said. "I guess the brain cancer is affecting him."

"I'm sorry about that," Will said.

"It's fine," I said. "I'm taking it over when he passes and then maybe Ian will take it over after me. He's been following me to work almost every day."

"Because someone says I have to go to school," Ian said. "I would be there every day if I could, just like mom."

"Mommy?" said Isabelle. "Where's mommy?"

"She's helping in the wedding remember?" I said. "We'll see her later."

Isabelle nodded and then giggled as Matt threw her over his shoulder.

The priest walked up to the altar.

"Kids," I said. "Sit down, the wedding's gonna start."

They all sat down. Will on my left and on my right Isabelle, Madison then Magnus, Maple and Ian with Matt sitting at the end.

Isabelle and Madison held hands as little girls do with their best friends who also happened to be their sister, Magnus and Maple were engaged in a silent game of rock, paper, scissors, Ian and Matt were carrying on a quiet conversation with a lot of hand gestures and Iris was asleep in her stroller.

The grooms walked up to the altar.

"Dearly beloved," the priest started. "Today we are gathered for the renewing of vows of Parker and Noah O'Connor-Mcallister."

O'Connor was wearing an all-white tux while Mcallister was wearing a white tux with a rainbow striped bowtie.

The ceremony flew by pretty quickly.

"Parker," the priest said. "Do you take Noah for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Beaming in his white tux, O'Connor said, "I do."

"Noah," the priest said. "Do you take Parker for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"Hell yeah, I do," Mcallister said.

"You may now kiss your groom," the priest said.

Smiling, the boys kissed each other as the crowd cheered.