"Guys..please..let me see" Arabella groaned. Her heart was racing and for the past two hours, all of her siblings were getting her ready to go but they had hidden all of the mirrors. Which, by the way, was a major task in the Aphrodite cabin. Arabella's heard was spinning and she could hardly contain her nerves. She was going to be getting married. She was going to marry Hunter and she wanted it to be perfect but she so nervous, she was shaking. What if she said or did something wrong? What if this was all just a big joke?
"You look so amazing, sweetie" Daniel said, looking at her with a big grin. Arabella looked over at him and she pouted a little bit.
"I can't believe this is happening" Arabella breathed and she gasped a little bit when someone behind her started pulling at the ribbon, fitting her dress to fit her perfectly. "Danny, what if I mess up my vows? What if I trip on my dress? You and I both know that that is a very likely situation"
Hunter sat not so patiently in the Hermes Cabin. It was more patient than when he walked in at least. As soon as the countdown started, Hunter started shaking. His mind went from thought to thought, his mouth blurting out incoherent streams of words. After the first hour he finally sat down and his mind slowed down a little. "You guys are finished with the-"
"YES." They replied in unison. "You've asked us this like 12 times. I had no idea how anal you would become in this situation. Will, you want to trade? You can be his best man."
"No, come on. I'm sorry." Hunter said, about to run his fingers through his hair, but stopped when he remembered Geoff threatening him with a comb. "I just really want this to be perfect for her and if even one thing is out of whack then it can snowball and...Yeah. Sorry."
"Dude, you made it here. I almost didn't." Kyle said with a nod. "That night when we went out to the bar. It was a couple days before the wedding. I remember you said to me--"
"Is he ready?" Hunter looked over and saw Marina's head poking through the door.
"You are not going to trip and fall, Arabella" Daniel said and he reached over, fussing with her hair. "Okay..I think you're done" He said and he looked over at a few of their sisters, who giggled and took the cover off of the mirrors that we behind Arabella.
"Oh, dear.." Arabella breathed and she closed her eyes as Daniel put his hands on her arms and he spun her around. Slowly, she opened her eyes and she saw her reflection in the mirror. She let out a squeak and she covered her mouth with her hands, tears starting to form already. Her dress fit her perfectly, hugging her curves but in a classy sort of way. She didn't have much makeup on at all and her hair was down in loose, beachy waves. It was hitting her. She was getting married. She was going to spend the rest of her life with the man she loved. Arabella looked down at the engagment ring on her finger and she smiled softly.
"You were born ready, right, Hunter?" Kyle said with a smile as he patted Hunter on the shoulder. Hunter took a deep breath and swallowed, putting his gameface on.
"You've got the ring?" Kyle nodded. "And the water is ready?" Will nodded. "And the dining hall is ready?" Marina nodded. "And Chiron is ready?"
"He's already waiting there." Marina said as she walked up to Hunter. She adjusted and straightened his suit, unbuttoning the top button of the shirt and spreading it out a little. "And the groom is ready?" She asked, looking up at him with a little smile. Hunter took a deep breath and then nodded. "Let's go then. I'll tell Danny." Hunter followed Will and Kyle out the door and Hunter knew that it wouldn't be long until he would be married. Not long at all.
There was a small knock on the door and Daniel ran to get it. Arabella wasn't really paying attention though. She was looking at herself in the mirror, in total awe. After a few moments, Daniel rushed back to them, bouncing up and down. "It's time!" He said and Arabella looked up at him with a stunned look on her face. The nerves came rushing back and she starte smoothing out her dress, looking around.
"Now?" Arabella gasped. The past two and half hours had gone by so fast and Arabella wasn't totally convinved that she wasn't dreaming. She just wished that she could see Hunter before all of this. He always calmed her down. Arabella closed her eyes and she took a deep breath, picturing Hunter's face and her nerves faded a little bit. After a moment, she opened her eyes and she nodded. "Now." She breathed. Daniel grinned and he hooked his arm with her, walking outside of the cabin with her. As soon as they stepped outside, Arabella saw her father and her heart skipped a beat. "Daddy" She said softly and she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"You look beautiful" Matthew said and he pulled away to look at her. Tears started welling up in Arabella's eyes again when she saw the look on his face. She cleared her throat and looked over his shoulder. Daniel had started walking and she could see that he was heading down to the beach where a crowd of people were sitting. Arabella looked back at Matthew and she slipped her arm in his, letting him walk her through the cabins and down towards the beach.
"I can't believe this is happening" Arabella breathed as they got closer to the beach. She could now see that there was a new sandbar in the ocean and Chiron was standing there with Marina, Penny, Will, Kyle and Danny. Arabella finally turned her eyes to the man in the dark blue suit and her heart fluttered. Hunter was waiting for her and he looked so perfect.
"You should be happy that I didn't get any of the naked baby pictures for your reception" Matthew said under his breath, a small smirk on his face. "Well, I didn't get too many"
"Daddy!" Arabella gasped, looking up at him with wide and amused eyes.
"I'm just saying, this could be my first and last chance to get those pictures out to the public. Most parents would have shown them to the boy on the first date" Matthew teased, looking like he was trying really hard not to laugh.
"You are so mean to me" Arabella huffed.
"And I'm also really proud of you" Matthew said, looking over at her as they got to the start of the aisle. Arabella smiled softly and she looked down at Hunter, locking eyes with him and feeling her heart race. This was really happening. Arabella couldn't be happier.
Hunter was waiting nervously. For the first few minutes, he had been able to make small talk with Kyle or Will or Marina, but after that he was just too anxious. He kept staring toward the cabins and as soon as he saw the golden blonde hair and the shining white smile of the love of his life, everything slowed down. Everyone's talking, the sound of people shuffling in their chairs to look at her. It was all gone. All that he heard was his own heartbeat as it picked up the pace and the sound of the waves as they lapped at his feet. A small orchestra started playing when Arabella started down the aisle, her father at her side. Apollo kids, a couple of satyrs and a nymph that decided to show up were all playing Here Comes the Bride. Hunter couldn't believe it. He wasn't nervous anymore. His hands stopped shaking. It's like everything became clear. Hunter stepped toward her and shook her father's hand a moment before taking her and leading her to her spot at the front.
"You look beautiful." Hunter said quietly as they finally stopped. She blushed a little and bit her lips, trying not to cry.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Chiron began. "We're gathered here today to join these two, Hunter Reed and Arabella Marie Foster, in sacred matrimony. We shall be performing a traditional Greek ceremony. Hunter, take her left hand in your right hand and face each other. Your other hand goes on top of each others." Hunter followed suit and soon he had her hand in his and he was so glad for it. "Ω, Ήρα. Η μητέρα των θεών. Η μητέρα του γάμου. Ευλόγησε αυτά τα δύο, εφόσον αυτές επιδιώκουν θείο δώρο σας και να προχωρήσουν μαζί στην ένωση του άνδρα και της γυναίκας." He said in almost a singing voice. Hunter looked from him to Arabella who twisted her face a little, trying to translate what he said. Hunter bit the inside of his lip to stop from laughing. "Δώστε τους την υγεία. Δώστε τους την ευημερία. Προστατέψτε τους και να τους καθοδηγήσει.Με αυτά τα δαχτυλίδια κάνουν δεσμό τους." He paused and everyone looked around. He stopped for a long time. "Do you have the rings?" He asked finally.
"Oh! Yes!" Arabella squeaked and she turned to Daniel. He rolled his eyes at her, trying not to laugh and he passed her the wedding ring. Arabella looked down at it in her hand before looking up at Hunter with big eyes. Eveyone was silent, holding their breath and waiting for Arabella to start her vows but she was trying really hard not to burst into tears. "Oh gods, I'm going to cry. I promised myself that I wasn't going to cry" She said to Hunter, laughing a little bit at herself as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. She opened her mouth to speak, wishing that she had remembered what she wrote down for her vows, when Hunter reached over and brushed her tears away with his thumb. Arabella smiled up at him and she took a deep breath. "I've loved you from the moment I first saw you, Hunter Reed. You were so much cooler than I was when I saw you walking out of the Hermes cabin. But I was crazy about you. And when I first spoke to you, I was hooked. Things have not been easy for us. I mean, seriously, our life could be a friggin soap on TV" She said and she laughed a little bit. Arabella paused to try and get a bit more control over her tears again. Hunter reached over and he pushed a piece of hair behind her ear but Arabella put her hand on his, holding it close to her, like he was cradling her head. "You've saved my life so many times, stud muffin. I would be so lost without you. I promise that I am going to love you for the rest of my life, no matter what else the world throws our way. You're my best friend, my hero and the love of my life. I adore you, Hunter. And I am going to adore you for the rest of all time" she said, her voice breaking off and tears falling down her cheeks easily. Arabella took his hand and with shaking hands, she slipped the wedding ring onto his finger, taking small breaths.
Hunter took a small breath and looked down at the ring on his finger. He didn't even want to do his vows. It just seemed so perfect. He took a deep breath and took the ring from Kyle, turning it in his fingers then taking Arabella's hand in his again. "Ellie..." He started, but it's like the words got stuck in the back of his throat and he just looked at her. She was still crying and her hair had fallen a little out of place again and Hunter didn't think he could build up the composure to say his vows. He took a deep breath and turned the ring again. "Ellie, I've known you for so long. I think about how long it has been since we first met and I just can't think about how my life would be different if we had never met. Your hair was down to your waist, but you kept it in a braid down your back. You wore a little Barbie wristwatch on your right hand, but the battery had died long before that. That day that you first said hi to me you were wearing a camp t-shirt and a pair of jeans that were rolled up and had butterflies on it. Ellie, I've seen so much and done so much and there are gaps from when I fell out of trees probably, but the only thing that I remember all of is you. The little movement your nose makes when you're eating. The way you smell your coffee every time before taking a sip. The way your lips part a little in your sleep every time you inhale. The way your smile makes me smile. The way that your kisses make me feel like so much more than I am. The way that you hold onto my hand like you could float away at any moment. The way that every time you open your eyes in the morning, you make me fall even deeper in love with you then I was before. Ellie, I remember every kiss, every touch, every hug and every smile and nothing will ever make me forget it. Even when we're old and gray and our kids have kids and we can't even remember what we had for breakfast that morning. I will remember the way you hug me every time I get home. I will remember the way you kiss me every time I'm nervous. I will remember the way you smile every time you wake up. I will remember the way I lose my breath every time I see you. I love you, Ellie and I couldn't ask for anyone more beautiful or perfect than you are and that's never going to change." He finished and looked at her with a small smile as he slipped the ring on her finger.
Arabella looked down at the ring on her finger before turning her eyes to look up at Hunter. She felt so warm and so complete and so happy. She could hear Daniel crying beside her and she bit her lip, smiling up at Hunter. Arabella tore her eyes away from Hunter and she looked up at Chiron who had an odd look on his face. He looked like he was actually getting rather emtional and trying to hold it all in. Arabella had never seen him like that. The only time they spent together, really, was when he had caught her doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing. Chiron paused for a moment and he took a deep breath before he went on.
"It is my privilege and by the power given to me by the gods and the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride" Chiron finished and as soon as his words ended, Hunter has his arms around her and he was kissing her tightly. Arabella was crying but she felt like she could fly and she leaned into Hunter, kissing him with all the love and all the passion that she possibly could.
Hunter leaned back, unintentionally picking her up and keeping his arms around her. "I love you, Arabella Reed." Hunter whispered as he finally pulled away. Applause erupted from the shore and from the people around them and as much as he wanted to run and scream and shout, he kept his arms around Arabella, his new wife. He put his forehead against hers and smiled "I love you so much."
"I love you too" Arabella breathed and she leaned into him, smiling up at him. Arabella Reed. She was officially a married woman. Hunter was her husband. Arabella giggled and she slipped her arms around his middle, kissing him lightly again. Her friends and her family were cheering around them and all Arabella cared about was Hunter. But then she felt Daniel's hand on her shoulder and she remembered that they were supposed to walk back down the aisle, so she took Hunter's hand and together, as a pair, they walked back down the sand bar that Will had created for them and they walked back onto the shore.
As soon as Hunter walked onto the shore, he turned and pulled Arabella into his arms, kissing her tightly on the lips. He heard a camera click and broke away to see Danny taking another picture. He had a smile on his face and his eyes were red and puffy.
"You guys are just so cute!" He said, taking another picture. "Come on, guys! It's wedding picture time!" Hunter rolled his eyes, but Arabella dragged him over to the beach and grabbed his arm, leaning up and kissing him on the cheek. Hunter laughed and put his arms around her.
"Wait. Hold on." Penny said as she snapped her fingers. Vines sprouted out of the ground and wrapped together and flowers poked out, creating a beautiful arch. "Congrats, you guys."
Arabella looked around at the flowers and she smiled softly over to Penny for a minute but she couldn't keep her eyes away from her husband for very long. She turned her eyes back to Hunter and she wrapped her arms around his middle, looking up at him with big eyes. "I can't believe that you did all of this" she breathed, totally stunned. People were walking around, talking and a few were watching as Daniel took another picture of Hunter and Arabella. She leaned up to him and she placed a kiss against his jaw. "I have the best husband ever"
Hunter smiled down at her and let out a sigh of relief. "I just wanted it to be perfect, sweetheart." Hunter leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. "I was worried you were going to be mad that I lied to you. Those pictures were fake. You didn't do any of that stuff. I had Danny take them." Hunter studied the ground a little bit then put his hands on her hips. "I'm sorry I lied to you, baby." He said with a sigh.
"Alright. Now the whole wedding party! Will. Kyle. Get your buns over here." Danny said with a little laugh, handing his camera over to one of his siblings. He hurried over and took his place next to Arabella while Kyle stood next to Hunter.
"Well....I am a little mad at you" Araabella muttered to Hunter as everyone stood around them to take a picture. "But, angry sex is hot, so.." She said with a little shrug and she laughed at the look on Hunter's face as the picture was taken. Arabella looked up at him and grinned before she turned towards Danny and she linked her arm through his, smiling at the camera for another picture.
"This is amazing, Danny" Arabella said softly with a little smile. "I better get to help plan your wedding soon" She added, winking at him.
"Oh, hush" Daniel laughed and he pulled away, running over to get the camera. "We need a few of Hunter and Will and Kyle" He said and Arabella kissed Hunter's cheek before she picked up the hem of her dress and hurried over to Daniel's side.
Hunter finally shook himself and then looked over at Kyle and Will as they detached from the group. Hunter stood between them and they posed together for several pictures. When they finished Hunter walked back over to Arabella and was about to put his arms around her when Danny pushed him away.
"Not so fast. Now it's the girls' turn. Well, the girls' and my turn." Danny said, going to pose with Arabella, Marina, and Penny.
Arabella winked at Hunter as she walked over to stand in the middle of the girls and Daniel. She smiled at the camera with a smile that would never fade. Arabella turned her eyes away from the camera, just a little bit to look behind it at Hunter. Her eyes locked with his and she got butterflies, like she did everytime she saw him and kissed him and hugged him. As soon as the pictures were finished for them, Arabella walked towards Hunter and she stood in front of him, smiling up at him. "Hi, husband" She said softly.
Hunter sighed a little and kissed her on the forehead. "Hi, wife. I missed you." Hunter said, putting his hands on her hips. "Well, the reception is waiting, my dear. Shall we?" He said, offering her his arm. She took it and kissed his cheek and they started toward the mess hall. "I really am sorry for lying to you. I do mean that." Hunter said as they entered into the mess hall, followed by the rest of the wedding party.
"Are you kidding? After you did all of this...I could never be mad at you" Arabella said softly and she looked up at him. "I was so scared that I had really messed up when I saw those pictures" She told him and she bit her bottom lip. Arabella looked around the mess hall as they walked in and she gasped, holding onto Hunter's arm tighter. "Oh, Hunter! It's perfect!" She squeaked, looking around at all of the amazing and beautiful decorations.
Hunter smiled and hugged Arabella a little. "It really is perfect." He said, turning to Marina. "Thank you, Marina." She smiled and stepped forward, giving the two of them a hug.
"Well, it was the least I could do. Now don't expect a gift." She said with a wink. Hunter looked at her for a moment and then looked up when Kyle walked behind her, wrapping his arms around her, putting his hand on her pregnant belly.
"Our baby wouldn't have a name without you, man." Kyle said with a laugh.
Arabella put her hand over her heart and she smiled over at Kyle and Marina. They had the life that she so desperately wanted and was on her way to getting. Hunter and her were married. It felt so grown up to think that she was married but at the same time, it felt so right. Arabella knew that Hunter was the one for her and now it was just a matter of the baby and her life would be pretty perfect. "You're going to be such an amazing mom, Marina" She said softly, trying not to look too jealous.
Hunter looked over and put his arm around Arabella's waist. "Ellie, give it time. We'll get there." Hunter said with a little laugh when he saw how she was looking at Marina and Kyle. "Come on, wife." Hunter said as they found their seat at the front of the hall. He pulled out Arabella's chair and let her sit before he sat down next to her, almost reflexively taking her hand. He looked over at her and smiled. "I love you."
"Well, I was kind of hoping you did. I mean, if you didn't then this whole wedding would be pointless" Arabella teased and she giggled. She leaned into him and she kissed him lightly. "I love you" She told him and she ran her thumb over his knuckles. Arabella smiled up at him then turned to look out at eveyone taking their spots and sitting down, getting ready for the speeches and the food. Arabella squeezed Hunter's hand and looked up at him. "I'm really happy that we're back at camp"
Hunter pressed his lips to her cheek and smiled happily, putting his head on her shoulder a moment then lifting it up and kissing her shoulder. "Did I tell you how beautiful you are?" He said, scooting a little bit closer on the bench. He put his hand on her leg then looked up when Kyle stood up and clinked a knife against his glass.
"It's my honor to welcome you to the reception of the Reed-Foster wedding. Before we get started I'd like to congratulate the happy couple." He said with a smile. There was applause and Kyle started to sit down, but Hunter stopped him.
"It's speech time, Kyle. It's part of the deal." Hunter said, grabbing his arm and standing him back up. "Get started, flowerchild."
--------------
Arabella brushed her hands off on her napkin and she took a very small sip of her sparkling apple cider. "That was a really good supper" She said to Hunter and she looked around the room. It looked like everyone else was pretty well done their food and a few people were getting the dance floor ready to go. Arabella looked at it with a confused look on her face then gasped and turned to look at Hunter. "We need to dance. I can't dance. I'm gonna fall on my face" She said, getting a little nervous about dancing in front of a bunch of people.
Hunter laughed a little and turned to look at her. "Ellie, you need to stop worrying about that. You're a lovely dancer and a beautiful wife." He stood and then stood her up. "Let's dance, sweetheart." He said with a smile, offering her his arm.
Arabella gingerly took his arm and when the DJ announced that it was time for their first dance, she nervously followed Hunter onto the dance floor. Arabella took a deep breath, looking down at her feet but she felt Hunter's fingers under her chin, lifting her head up. Her eyes locked with his and her worries melted away. It didn't matter if she looked like an idiot, Hunter was going to take care of her. The song started playing and Arabella bit her bottom lip, moving closer to Hunter. It was a perfect moment and she felt like she was they were the only people in the room.
Hunter swayed gently, holding her close and he brought his hand up, placing his thumb on her chin, and pulling her lip out of her mouth. "Look at me." He said with a smile as he stared into her eyes. She started to bite her lip again as she focused, but Hunter kissed her on the lips, putting his arms around her. She put her head down on his shoulder and leaned into him. "You're a beautiful dancer, Ellie." Hunter said with a smile as he saw Kyle and Marina join them and Will and Penny start dancing on the dancefloor near them.
"Thanks, babe" Arabella said softly and she closed her eyes. She took a small breath, trying to make sure that she remembered every moment, every feeling, every sound and every smell. This was her wedding and she wanted to remember every single little detail until the day that she died. "I'm still so amazed that you managed to pull all of this off and trick me the way you did" She said and she looked up at him with a grin.
Hunter laughed a little and he kissed her on the forehead. "I wanted this to be perfect for you, Ellie. It needed to be perfect or you would always have been disappointed." Hunter placed his forehead against hers. "I'm really glad you fell for it, though." Hunter said with a little smile as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw Arabella's father smiling at him.
"Do you mind if I cut in?" He said with a small laugh.
Arabella grinned up at her father and she glanced at Hunter before she took a step closer to her father and he took her hand. She moved to the music with him in silence for a moment. It was nice to be with her dad like that. It felt like it had been a really long time since she spent a good amount of time with him. "I'm really glad that you could come, Daddy" She said softly, looking up at him.
"Yeah, so am I. It's pretty great that they could get me and your brother in here" Matthew said with a little chuckle and Arabella nodded in agreement. When she first found out that she was going to be getting married at Camp Half Blood, she was upset because she assumed that her family, mortals, wouldn't be able to get there. "This is normally the part where the parent gives advice to their child about being married but..." Matthew said with a little shrug. "You are truly your mother's daughter, Arabella. You don't need any advice from me"
"Awh..Daddy.." Arabella said softly, biting her bottom lip. "You're going to make me cry again"
"Well, don't do that" Matthew laughed and he looked down at her with happy and proud eyes. "I love you, baby girl" He told her softly and Arabella threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly and holding back tears.
Hunter watched Arabella and her dad a moment before hearing a laugh from nearby and Hunter saw Kyle dipping Marina, but he was having a little trouble bringing her back up. Hunter hurried over and helped her up and Marina couldn't stop laughing. "Do you mind if I cut in?" Hunter said with a little chuckle.
"Oh, Hunter. I'm flattered, but who's Marina going to dance with?" Hunter shook his head at Kyle and then laughed a little. "Oh, you meant--"
"Not at all." Marina said with a smile, pushing Kyle a little and then stepping up to Hunter. "Congratulations, Hunter." She said with a little smile. Hunter pulled her into a hug real quick before taking a dancing stance.
"Thanks, Marina. I'm really happy." Hunter said with a nod. "I didn't think that I would ever get married, but now I can't imagine anything else, now. I'm really happy with Arabella. I couldn't be happier."
"I love you too" Arabella said softly and she pulled away from him a little bit to look up at him.
"I'm really glad that you've found Hunter. After all of those jerks that you brought home, I was a little nervous when you brought Hunter home. But he's a good man and I'm trusting that he'll be good to you" Matthew said to her, locking eyes with her. Arabella looked up at him and she nodded a little.
"Hunter's the best." She said with a smile.
The song ended and Hunter pulled away from Marina and sighed happily. "You're a wonderful dancer, Mrs. Julius." He said, bowing a little. Kyle walked up and took Marina's hand.
"I'd like my wife back, Hunter. It looks like yours wants you back, too." Hunter looked back just as Arabella wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. Hunter laughed a little and turned around.
"I missed you, Mrs. Reed." Hunter said with a little laugh as he kissed her nose.
"I missed you too, Mr. Foster" Arabella teased and she leaned up, kissing him lightly. "How are you doing, stud muffin?" She asked, leaning into him a little. The party was amazing and everyone looked like they were having a blast but she was just happy to be with Hunter. After the previous day, it was wonderful to be in his arms.
"I have never been better." Hunter said with a grin as he put his arms around her and leaned down kissing her tightly on the lips. "I'm really happy that you're my wife, Ellie. I couldn't have imagined anyone so perfect." He said, kissing her on the lips again as he pulled away. "It only gets better from here, right?"
-----------------
She was peaceful and she was warm, wearing a pair of shorts that she borrowed from one of her sisters and the shirt that she had been wearing when she got to camp that morning, Hunter's shirt. His jacket was slung around her shoulders and she had her head on Hunter's chest, his arms wrapped around her and keeping her warm. The last thing she remembered before she fell asleep was looking into the bonfire they had made on the beach and listening to Will and Penny debate about which city was better, Halifax or Chicago.
"Hunter, can you pass me the bag of machmallows or did you finish them off?" Penny asked, looking over to Hunter with a little teasing grin on her face.
"I had like...4." Hunter said with a smile. "Your boyfriend over there had about 50." Hunter said, balling the bag up and throwing it at Will who batted it away.
"I was hungry. What do you want?" He said with a laugh. Penny elbowed him in the side.
"You're always hungry, kelpboy." She said with a wink. Hunter smiled softly and looked over when Arabella started to stir a little bit. "Is the blushing bride alive in there?" Penny said with a giggle. Hunter laughed and brushed some hair out of Arabella's face.
"You doing okay, sweetheart?" Hunter said quietly, placing a kiss on her forehead.
Arabella scrunched up her nose a little bit and she leaned into Hunter when she felt his lips on her forehead. She yawned a little bit before she slowly opened her eyes. In all honesty, she didn't really think that she would wake up and still be at the fire. But she also didn't think that she would actually fall asleep on Hunter's lap in front of a bonfire. Arabella looked up at Hunter with slightly hazy eyes. "How long was I asleep?"
"About 30 minutes. Who falls asleep on their wedding night before...their wedding night" Daniel said with a laugh and Arabella looked over to him to see him wiggling his eyebrows at her.
"Oh...shut it, Danny" Arabella said, laughing a little bit and rolling her eyes at him. She looked around the ground a little bit then looked up at Hunter. "Did you seriously eat all of the marshmallows?" She asked and Penny burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand.
Hunter couldn't help, but laugh a little and he looked over at Will who laughed extra loud as he shoved another marshmallow in his mouth. "It was Will!" Hunter said in an exasperated voice. "I had like 4 or 5 total. Just enough to keep me awake." Hunter looked back down at Arabella. He shook her a little. "Accuse me of eating all the marshmallows, will you?!" He said in mock offense. "Well, this means war!" He said before dramatically pulling away and pushing Arabella down to her back. He quickly straddled her legs and then poked her in the sides again and again so she was writhing around trying to break free, but she couldn't so she just kept wiggling around while Hunter poked her sides.
Arabella laughed and she tried to roll out from under him. "Hunter! I can't breathe!" She gasped between her laughs and she smacked his leg lightly. She covered her face with her hands and she giggled, take short breaths. When Hunter stopped tickling her, sitting back a little and laughing, she reached up and smacked his chest. "Gods, you are so mean to me!" She huffed and she stretched out a little, still laying down on her back and grinning up at Hunter, who was still straddling her legs.
Hunter grinned and watched as she stretched out. He poked her in the side one more time and then rolled off, keeping their legs in a tangle, putting his arm around her. She snuggled into his side and Hunter looked up into the sky, watching the stars. Hunter looked around and noticed Will and Penny doing the same and soon after Marina and Kyle did the same as well.
"This is unfair." Danny complained. "Why don't I have a guy to cuddle up with?"
"We invited Tom. What happened?" Hunter asked, sitting up a little to look over at Danny.
"Oh, Tom had some family crisis. Some uncle that he never really knew died, I believe and so he couldn't be here when we let the mortals into the camp, so he couldn't make it." He said, looking out into the water a moment. He looked back at the cuddling couples and sighed. "I'd really just settle for anyone right now. You guys look cute."
"Awh, Danny...don't be jealous" Arabella said with a little giggle and she smiled over to him. "I can share Hunter with you" She said and she burst out into giggles when she saw the look on Hunter's face.
"Oh, I'm sure that Hunter would love that" Penny said with a laugh and she rolled her eyes. She looked down at her hand in Will's and she tangled her fingers up with his, brushing her thumb against his knuckles. Penny smiled a little bit then looked up, into the fire. "It's funny how fast thing can change, eh? It feels like just yesterday, Hunter was a hunter and was walking in on me and Will.....talking" Penny said and cleared her throat "And now we're at his wedding" She said, looking up at Hunter and Arabella with a big grin.
"Come on, Danny." Hunter said, scooting over a little and patting the ground next to him. "You can at least look up at the stars with us." He said with a small smile. He looked over at Penny. "Talking. Yeah, right." Hunter said with a scoff. "Well, I was looking for Will back before our second quest." Hunter said in a storyteller voice as Danny laid down on the ground next to him. "I walk into the Demeter Cabin and Will is laying on top of Penny and shoving his tongue in her mouth."
Arabella looked over, with an amused look on her face. "Penny! You never told me this!" She said with a giggled and she grinned over at Penny, who was a deep pink and biting her bottom lip, trying not to smile. Arabella liked sitting with Hunter and sitting with their friends. It was fun and it was easy. The fact that it was her wedding night, made it even more special. She looked up at Hunter and smiled softly and the look on his face. After everything that he had been through in his life, she just wanted him to be happy and to be able to sit with the people he loves and have a good night. She was going to make sure that he was happy.
"I don't blame you, Penny. He's a babe" Daniel teased, giving Will a playful wink.
"Now that Hunter's married you're already moving on, huh, Danny?" Will said with a laugh. "Save me, Penny." He said, hiding behind her. Hunter laughed and looked up when Marina and Kyle stood up.
"We should probably get going. I gotta get the missus home." Kyle said, putting his arms around her putting his hands on her stomach as he kissed her cheek. She slapped his arm.
"Oh, stop. You're making me feel old." She said with a little giggle. "Congratulations, you guys. Have fun on your honeymoon." Hunter jumped up quickly and hugged them both.
"Thank you so much for coming, you guys." He said quietly. "Seriously. Thanks." They pulled away and said goodbye again before leaving. Hunter took his spot next to Arabella, but before they could cuddle up again, Danny put his arms around him and put his head on his shoulder.
"Arabella, I am so jealous!"
"Danny...you have a serious boyfriend" Arabella laughed and she patted his arm. "You'll get to see him in no time and then you can cuddle with him all you want" She said and she looked over at Hunter with happy eyes, holding back her giggles. "So, Hunter..are we going home tonight or our we staying here at camp?" She asked him.
Hunter pushed Danny away and stood up. "Well, I highly doubt that Camp has a newlywed suite." Hunter said with a chuckle. He helped Arabella up and put his hands on her hips. She leaned into him and lifted her head up, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him lightly on the lips. Hunter kissed her back and put his forehead on hers. "It's up to you though."
Arabella looked up into his eyes and she took a deep breath, slipping her arms around his middle. She looked up at him, thinking about what they could do and debating it in her head. On one hand, it would be nice to spend a bit of time at camp but on the other hand, going home with Hunter and seeing their dogs before flying off to Greece would be amazing. Arabella brushed her lips against his softly then smiled up at him. "Let's go home, stud muffin" She breathed.
Hunter smiled and pressed his lips to hers again. "Thanks for coming, guys." Hunter said, taking a little breath. "Really. Thank you so much." Hunter said, pulling away to hug Will and Penny and Danny. He walked over to the fire and grabbed the bag of his clothes and the dress bag with Arabella's dress in it. "I'll be back. I'm going to put this in the car." He said before running off.
Arabella watched Hunter run off before she turned towards her friends and she hugged Daniel tightly. "Thanks for everything tonight" She said softly and she kissed his cheek before going over to hug Penny tightly. "It was really good to see you again"
"It was really good to see you too, Arabella. We should all get together again sometime or something" Penny said with a little smile and she pulled out of the hug to look at Arabella. "Stay in touch"
"You too. Don't be a stranger" Arabella giggled and she turned toward Will, giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Hunter walked back and he looked around a moment. "Alright. You ready to go, sweetie?" He said with a smile as he put his arm around her waist. "Again, thanks for coming, guys. Keep in touch, but not for like two weeks." Hunter said with a grin as he grabbed Arabella's hand and turned around, finally leaving camp.
Arabella looked down at her hand in Hunter's and she leaned into him, smiling softly. When they got up to the car, Hunter held the door open for her and she looked up at him for a moment before she kissed him tightly and she slid into the car. Hunter got into the driver's seat beside her and she moved over, slipping her arms around his and placing her chin on his shoulder.
"Ellie, I'm really glad you're here." He said, putting an arm around her. She leaned into him and placed a kiss on his neck. "I guess, since we're married now you're really going to have to put up with me." He laughed and kissed her on the forehead. It felt good to know that when he got home, he wouldn't be living with a friend or a girlfriend or a sex buddy or a roommate. He would be living with his wife.
"Oh man, that's going to be a lot to deal with" Arabella said with sarcasm and she rolled her eyes. She leaned into him and she closed her eyes for a moment. "You know, if I have to put up with you that means that you have to put up with me" She giggled and she placed a gentle kiss on her husband's shoulder and she placed a hand on his thigh lightly.
Hunter laughed a little and put his hand on hers, his cheeks a little rosy. He tried to show that now they were married he wasn't going to be awkward all the time, but he still was. He probably always would be. "I think I can manage." He said before kissing her lightly on the lips. He pulled onto their street and sighed happily as he saw their house come into view. He parked in their driveway and he shut off the car, quickly getting out and opening her door. She turned and then Hunter picked her up and started walking toward the house, intending to walk through the threshold with his blushing bride in his arms.
Arabella squeaked a little bit and she wrapped her arms tightly around him, smiling and resting her chin on his shoulder. "You are the most incredible, handsome, sexy, brilliant, strong husband in the whole wide world." She said softly and shelooked up at him with big, happy eyes. "I think you're pretty much the best" Arabella concluded with a tiny nod and she looked towards the door as they got closer to the house.
Hunter grinned and kissed her on the cheek as he finally reached the door. Arabella used a free hand to open it and he stepped inside, immediately greeted by the dogs and Piggy. Hunter grinned down at them a moment and then looked up at his wife. "Welcome home, Mrs. Reed." He said, kissing her on the lips and starting toward the stairs to the bedroom.
Arabella reached behind her as they walked in and she pushed the door closed. She leaned into his kiss and she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding herself closer to him. It was their wedding night and even though it was horribly late, she couldn't be happier. Arabella kissed him once more before brushing her lips along his jaw. "When do we leave for Greece?"
"We need to be at the airport," Hunter paused so he could navigate his lips to hers again. He kissed her tightly on the lips as he backed into their bedroom. "in time for our flight at 9." Hunter set her down on the bed, but she didn't move her arms away from him, dragging him down on top of her. "What time is it now?" He said, placing tiny kisses along her jawline.
Arabella tilted her head back and to the side a little bit so that she could look at the time. "Oh my gods.." Arabella laughed and she looked back at Hunter with a devious little smile. "It's almost 5 in the morning" She said and she kissed him lightly. "That was some party.."
Hunter froze and then looked at his watch. "Oh my gods..." He muttered, putting his head down, burying his face into her neck, kissing her skin gently. "Ellie, we're not even packed. We don't have time to be laying here and making out." Hunter let out a groan and stood up off of her. "What are we going to do with the dogs?" He asked, turning to the closet and pulling out the luggage.
Arabella walked over to Hunter and she slipped her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek lightly. "Babe...deep breaths" She said and she traced a circle on the back of his neck with her finger. "I talked to Daniel the other day and he said that we can leave the dogs here and he'll come by everyday to see them. I gave him a key" She told him and she pulled away. "And it's a good thing that I'm really anal about things like this because I packed my stuff two days ago. I've also been on about a million business trips and can pack luggage really fast"
Hunter narrowed his eyes a moment at her. He finally sighed and put his hands on her arms, running his fingers up and down. "Did I tell you how beautiful you looked today? Well, yesterday, actually." Arabella blushed and Hunter kissed her nose. He pulled away a little. "Wait, does that mean you packed my clothes, too?" He asked and he grabbed his bag to find it fully packed. "Oh my goodness...How perfect are you?" He said, looking her in the eyes and pulling himself closer.
"Mmm...I'm pretty darn perfect" Arabella said with a giggle and she backed towards the bed, pulling Hunter with her. She sat down and laid back, pulling Hunter down ontop of her and she kissed him in a teasing way. "I missed kissing you the day after our parties" She said in a whisper.
Hunter sighed and rolled off to the side. He took her hand and kissed it before lacing his fingers with hers. "I can't tell you how hard it was to see you like that. I actually slept next to you that night." He said quietly. "You didn't wake up, but I just held you. I couldn't not hold you." He cleared his throat and looked at their hands linked together. "I'm really sorry."
Arabella looked at him with wide eyes and she smacked his chest. "You slept with me?!" She squeaked out of shock but seeing the look on Hunter's face, she slid next to him and she placed a kiss against his chin. "Don't be sorry. It was so worth it in the end. I mean..I had planned this big wedding and I didn't even want it..but this was perfect" She whispered and she looked up at him through her eyelashes. "It was the most perfect wedding with the most perfect man"
Hunter smiled and blushed a little before pulling her on top of him and putting his arms around her. "I said next to. Not with. Next to." Hunter said before kissing her tightly on the lips. "And besides. With the way you reacted in your sleep, you didn't seem to mind at all." He laughed and ran his fingers down her back over her butt to her legs. He squeezed her legs a moment and then slid his hands up to her butt, giving it a little squeeze as he kissed her again.
Arabella looked at him with a slightly stunned expression before she kissed him again. "Well..what did I do?" She asked, really hoping that he wasn't going to say something rather embarrassing. Arabella looked up at him with happy eyes, though. She was glad that she was in his arms and she was going to be heading off for a couple weeks with Hunter. It would be nice and relaxing and fun.
Hunter laughed a little and kissed her nose, gently rubbing her butt. "Well, I laid down and was watching you sleep then you turned over and you started mumbling something about martinis and then you tried to shove your hand down my pants and then-" Hunter stopped when he saw the look on her face. "I'm kidding. You just put an arm around me and we snuggled. It was nice."
"You are so terrible to me" Arabella said softly and she moved as close to him as possible, closing her eyes. They stayed like that for a while, not talking or anything, just being together. Arabella loved feeling his arms around her and she didn't really want it to end. "I am going to sleep so much on the plane" She whispered, laughing softly before she yawned.
Hunter smiled and nodded a little before kissing her head. She looked up and then leaned up, kissing him lightly on the lips. "I am too. Unless, I'm too busy freaking out about being in an airplane." Hunter laughed a little and then wrapped his arms a little tighter when she yawned again, causing him to yawn. She put her head down on his chest and Hunter put his head back on the pillow. "Do you want to sleep or should we just stay up until we have to leave?" He asked, gently running his fingers through her hair. He looked down at her when she didn't answer him and he smiled a little when he saw that she was already fast asleep.