Las Vegas is an exciting city. Some come for the gambling, some for entertainment, and some for both of those things. My stepdaughter and I came here to get married. We fell in love a while back when our relationship changed quite unexpectedly. It was a turning point in our lives, and definitely for the better.
Lexi's mother, Megan, was a few years older than me, and we were very much in love. Megan and I met when Lexi was six years old, and we got married soon after. I loved Lexi to bits. She was a wonderful girl. We lived happily as a family for almost ten years, until a drunk driver ran a stop sign, and Megan was taken from us. Lexi and I cried, mourned, and supported each other through that terrible time. Eventually, I started dating again, but I was a lost soul. Nothing seemed right, and it seemed like I was doomed to just live life out. The only bright spot in my life was Alexis being there for me, and she saved me from a life of loneliness. She confessed her evolving love for me and turned my life around. Now, Lexi is pregnant, and we are here to get married.
I planned everything. A limousine picked us up at the airport to take us to the Bellagio. It felt good to check in as Mr. and Mrs. Jake Davis. Our suite was magnificent. Lexi's best friend Katie, my brother Tim, and Lexi's grandparents, Kaye and Rick, arrived earlier in the day, so we weren't surprised when they all arrived at our door together.
Kaye and Katie, swooped in to give us both hugs, and immediately took Alexis aside to start planning. Kaye had arranged for them all, to have their hair styled before the wedding, so off they rushed. Tim suggested the three men go for a drink. That sounded great to us, so we headed down to the bar. Rick got sidetracked and wandered over to a blackjack table, so Tim and I sat at the bar with our drinks.
Tim raised his glass in a toast, grinning as he said, "To you and Alexis. You're a lucky man Jake. It's not often a man gets to marry his own stepdaughter."
I almost blew my drink out my nose at that. After recovering, I was able to reply, "Tim, I can't believe how lucky I am either. Lexi makes me feel alive and loved in a way I didn't think was going to happen again." And then, after looking over my shoulder, continued, "I'm glad Rick didn't hear you say that though. I thought he was going to take my head off when he found out about us."
"I think he's okay with things now," replied Tim, "By the way, he and Kaye were talking before you guys got here, I can tell they really like you. I think it was just the shock of hearing it. Even I was surprised." Laughing, he added, "You know though, she's closer to me in age. I think she should be marrying me!"
My brother has a way with words. I just shook my head and laughed with him, "Maybe you and Katie will hit it off, you never know. I saw the way she looks at you. She's interested in you – and cute."
After a few hours, Lexi called me. They were back in our room. Tim and I found Rick, and we headed up to change. Kaye and Lexi were in the master bedroom. The men took turns changing in the other. Finally, as the guys were standing around the room with another drink, the girls emerged from the bedroom. Alexis looked stunning. Her hair and makeup were done to perfection, and her dress was beautiful on her.
"Lexi, you look absolutely gorgeous," I gasped.
I went over to kiss her, but Kaye put her hand on my chest and backed me away.
"Listen to me Jake, don't you dare ruin her hair and makeup. You two will have to wait."
The urge to go to her was almost overwhelming, but I was able to behave.
We all headed down to the lobby and outside, where our limo was waiting to take us to the Marriage License Bureau. Thankfully, we had filled out the application ahead of time, and were able to get our license in short order. Next, we were off to the Wedding Chapel.
The chapel was what you might describe as "elegantly cheesy", but it was nice nevertheless. After meeting the minister officiating the ceremony, and signing the necessary paperwork, Katie, Tim and I went into the chapel to stand at the front. Soon, the wedding music started. Alexis walked down the aisle escorted by her grandfather and trailed by Kaye. For years, I imagined that I would be the one walking her down the aisle. It's funny how circumstances can change. I admit I felt nervous for some reason, but that went away the minute she looked up at me and smiled. I was a lucky man indeed.
The ceremony seemed to pass quickly. We exchanged vows and rings, and the next thing I knew, I was kissing my bride.
The rest of the evening was a whirlwind of activity. We had reservations for dinner in a private room of a restaurant. When Lexi and I walked in, it was obvious to everyone that we had just gotten married, and the other diners nearby broke out in applause.