“I promise to always leave the lights on in the bathroom. I promise to mysteriously take three hours to make a simple breakfast as I have no idea how to cook. I promise to create a life for us of unexpected and strange adventures. I promise that I will love you.”
Blink back the tears, damnit.
“I pledge to listen to your advice and occasionally take it. I pledge to never take score on Super Mario… even if I'm totally winning. I pledge to always admire your huge, strong, kind, and determined heart. I pledge that I will love you.”
My heart is close to exploding.
“I vow to listen for as long as it takes for you to feel heard. I vow to watch in awe as you kick ass and take names. I vow to be your unrelenting cheer squad on the days it feels too much. I vow that I will love you.”
I’m losing it.
“I believe that me-time is an actual concept that can be proven by science. I believe that carefully folded underwear makes you happy. I believe there is no time or place I'm more content than when you're close to me. Because of this and so, so much more… I believe that I will always love you, Ayla.”
Tears were running down my cheeks as I became a blubbering mess.
His vows were everything, and so much more.
I could not believe he had come up with that on the spot. Seriously, who the hell knows how to speak romance like that? I could not even talk. I was too busy biting my trembling lip, afraid to open my mouth in case I burst into tears.
“It’s okay,” he whispered, reaching forward and using the pad of his thumb to wipe away the tears underneath my eyes. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”
Ahh.. I could not take the feeling I was feeling right now. I wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss him like crazy—then drag him off to our bedroom and bang him like a hammer.
My vows were so going to suck compared to his.
“Griffin...” I began, taking in a steady breath to calm myself. “I love you.”
He grinned, mouthing ‘I love you, too’ back to me.
“You make loving easy. For starters, you’re the best roomie I’ve ever had. Living in sin without our parents’ blessings was totally worth it. I now know you are able to deal with my annoying habits, and I’ve discovered that you have very few. You pick up my half-empty coffee cups that I leave around the house, and you make me breakfast on the weekends even if it takes you hours. You stay up until I finish work even if you’re asleep when I come home. I know you try to stay up.”
“You always know where my phone and keys are when I go into full panic mode and scream that someone stole them.” Like my coffees. “With you, I have learned to take it slow—although I could have dealt with getting to this altar a little faster. When we met, all I knew was that you made me laugh and that you had a dorky look, which I thought was seriously hot. Only time would allow me to see your true colours. You’re generous, loving, sensitive, kind, an insomniac, and a lover of man baths.”
He burst out laughing, blushing slightly as his friends roared in laughter.
“I promise with all my heart to love you when times are good and bad. Wen you’re sore on Monday from sitting the same position all day during Sunday football, when men hit on you, and when you need someone to lean on when work gets tough, I will always be your girl.”
“When I’m scared, you make me feel safe. When I’m sad, you make me smile. We’ve had tough days, but there’s never been a day where I have stopped loving you. I never want there to be one.”
“I promise to continue loving your children as if they were my own as I officially become your partner in their lives. But most of all, I promise to love you under any circumstances; happy or sad, easy or difficult, through the sunshine and through the rain for the rest of my days. I am the luckiest girl alive, and I couldn't imagine growing old with anyone else.”
I turned towards Mack and Toby who were standing near Griffin’s side. I had something to say to them now.
“Thank you for sharing your daddy with me, loving me, and allowing me to love you with all of my heart. I was not there when you took your first steps, but I promise that I will love and support you in every step that you take in your life.”
I was crying, and so was he. Mum was sobbing. Even Dad teared up. It was all happy tears around.
As soon as we were pronounced husband and wife, Griffin flushed me to his front and tongue down my throat, kissing me with the most passionate kiss I had ever felt before. His hands snaked around my waist and dipped me backwards.
I felt his smile against my lips. “Want to skip to the honeymoon?”
“Mmm… I do.”
“Get off her,” someone from the crowd said.
We finally pulled apart to see my mum dabbing her eyes as she came up towards us. “You’re not skipping out on us yet. We’re going to celebrate this wonderful surprise.”
My hands grasped hold of his strong biceps as another camera flash went off. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”
Her brow raised, but I knew she wasn’t being serious. “Yes, quite the shock to see your only daughter getting married.”
We had not planned on it. It was just a spur of the moment thing. We had been discussing possible wedding dates and were leaning more towards in a year. Then we had shared a look between us, and asked, why wait? We wanted this. We wanted to marry. We had that discussion, the baby talk, and then talked about a housewarming party. We decided to be different and combine the two without telling anyone.
My dress was bought last week, and Griffin picked up our rings yesterday morning.
“You look lovely.” Helena gushed, coming over. “I can’t believe you got married. I knew it’d happen soon.”
I still did not know what to make of her and Karen. They were all close. It would only be a matter of time before she knew and rain hell on our lives.
Bring it on. We were ready for whatever was to come.
Griffin’s hand slid down my ass and squeezed. “Who knew she’d look that good in a dress.”
I laughed, lightly slapping his chest. “Excuse you. I like my jeans and shorts.”
“Yeah. Well, I like you in that dress.” His hand squeezed once more. “I also think someone should be helping out the big fella with that meat. I don’t trust him to cook after last time.” He turned to me and winked, both knowing it was not actually food poisoning I had, but a bun in the oven.
“Go help. I’ll help inside.” I offered, about to head on in.
“Oh no, you don’t.” Mum pointed towards the garden. “You two... over there and get some photos taken. Mack, Toby, you too, please.”
After what I felt like a gazillion photographs, we were allowed to go back to everyone else. The food was amazing. Boy did I eat a ton of food. Griffin was pleased I did not want a drink. He was on baby patrol like you would not believe. It was insane. For a man who was happy to just give up marriage and babies, he had done one hell of a turnaround.
His hand grazed up and down my hip as I sat on his lap, feeling his warm breath hitting my neck. “What are you thinking about?”
“You,” I replied.
“What about me?”
I nestled my nose against his cheek. “Just how I can’t wait until you finger me with your ring finger.”
Shifting in his seat, he gave a low cough. “Is that so? When can I do that?”
“Soon.” I wanted to go to bed really soon. I went to move, but his arm tightened around me, keeping me in place. Someone had an erect cock poking against my ass. Drunk on happiness, I leant in with a giggle. “Naughty husband. You know I could just up and leave you here.”
“You could, but then my father-in-law would also know that I was hard for his daughter, and I don’t fancy being knocked out on my wedding night.”
Yeah, my dad would definitely not appreciate that one bit.
I sat and waited until his raging hard on finally turned soft and got up to go grab something else to eat. I was quite impressed with myself that I had not spilt anything on my white dress. Griffin was still uber sexy with those suspenders and his bow tie now taken off. By now, the top three buttons of his shirt was already undone, showing off a hint of chest hair. My parents left with the offer of taking the kids to give us a wedding night, but we declined. We wanted to share the first night in our new home with the boys.
Plus, their rooms were way away from our bedroom. They would not hear anything, hopefully.
We laughed and talked about how Griffin proposed in the shower. Of course, I skipped the wanting my pussy for the rest of his life part. The night had been perfect—almost.
Karen’s voice interrupted us. “The front door was locked. What’s going on?”
Are you kidding me right now? Like, seriously? She was not meant to be here.
One day was all I asked for—one day to not have her in our faces. It was our wedding day, and I especially did not want to see her today. She was not even invited. This was Griffin’s time with the boys, and Karen knew. She damn well knew that. My heart was not able to take any more. This woman could not take this day from us. It was our day. We were a family here, and Karen could not ruin it. As much as she tried, she needed to get the hell out of our property before I lost it and smack the bitch out.
My eyes found Griffin. He was already standing, muttering fuck as he took off towards her, stalking and glowering directly at her. “You need to leave. Now.” His voice was cold and harsh.
“I missed the boys. What are you—Why are you dressed up?” She went to touch his chest, and he flinched away.
“Karen.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Griffin… Please, let me spend five minutes with them. I miss them.”
“Karen!”
“No. Please don’t do this. You let me come over all the time before. Just five minutes.”
Was she kidding me right now? What the heck?
“It’s my damn wedding, for Christ sake. Do not come here and wreck this for us. You need to leave now.”
Her eyes widened, looking around at everyone there and realising that her friends were celebrating with us. It must have finally hit her that it was done and over. She had no claim to him anymore. He was off limits—married and completely taken. I began to stand, and her eyes narrowed at me.
It was nothing compared to the slap across the face she got as the two boys came yelling excitedly towards me from the other side of the house where she could not see.
“Mum! We found a spot.”
Toby cut Mack off. “We know where we want our bike track. Come and look, Mum!”
“Mum?” Her voice was a low, menacing hiss as her eyes glued to mine.
Every hair on my body stood on its end. Oh, shit. “Boys, go play,” I said. They did not need to see any of this.
“Griffin, what the hell is this!” She went past him and came at me.
Maggy was running over to her along with Helena. “Karen, this isn’t the time or place. You should go.”
“Bullshit! You’re all meant to be on my side. How could you? How long have they been calling her mum for? She isn’t their mother, Griffin. I told you how much I didn’t want that, and now you’ve gone and forced it on them!”
“I didn’t,” I said in a whisper. I did not force them to.
“I never asked them to. Neither did she. They asked her, and you know what? I don’t care how you feel about it. You’re completely irresponsible, leaving them alone for nights at a time. I found out about your weekend bender and leaving them to fend for themselves. Now get off my property before I have the police called and your chances for custody are done for.” His hand thrust out, pointing back to where she came from.
Karen glared again, ignoring him and screaming at the top of her lungs. “Mack! Toby! Come here now! You’re coming home with me!”
Both boys slowly walked over, but neither looked happy. Toby spoke up as Mack hid behind him. “We don’t want to leave. We want to stay.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Get in the fucking car now. You’re coming with me. Do not make me walk over there and get you.” She glowered at them, threatening the boys with an obvious punishment.
“Look, Karen, you need to leave. I’m calling the police.” Bryan pulled out his phone and began to dial a number. He looked up at her with threatening eyes. “Last warning. You need to leave. Now.”
Karen pointed and poked her finger into Griffin’s chest, but he did not budge. “You fucked over the wrong woman. All of you can fucking rot in hell! I’m done!”
She left us all gobsmacked. We stood there, wondering what the hell had just happened. The boys were obviously shaken, and our night had come to an end. Nothing to ruin a party like an ex with a mission to destroy it.
I took them inside and led them to their new rooms. Not much was said as they climbed into their beds. I tucked them in, walking out once Griffin came down to say good night. She really knew how to put a damper on our evening.
Scooping my hair to the side, I went to undress when the bedroom door closed behind where I stood. “Here, let me help with that.” His voice was soft, calmer. “I’m sorry for how everything turned out.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.” The back of my dress unzipped and pooled at the bottom of my feet.
“I should have seen this coming. We can sell and buy somewhere else untainted by her if you want. I’ll do anything to keep you happy.”
I smiled. “I like this house, and she was just outside. Next time, I’ll get the garden hose on her.” Or charge at her with a pair of hedge trimmers. “She’s becoming unpredictable. It's frightening.” She was scary at the best of times. Now, she was just plain crazy.
“I’m going to call my lawyer in the morning. I think custody may have just gotten worse.” He was right. Things were going to become harder for him now that she knew the boys both wanted to call me mum. “What you said tonight in your vows… How you spoke to my sons, Ayla… I don’t even know what to say to that. It meant more than you could know.”
“I love you and understand you’re a package deal. I love them like my own.”
“I really don’t deserve you… her coming here…”
Turning in his arms, I tilted my head back to look up at him and slide down one of his suspenders. “No more talk of her. It’s our wedding night.” A playful smile tugged at the corner of my lips. “Let me undress you and make love to your cock with my mouth, and then you can have your wild way with me.”
“Jesus…” he groaned and fell into bliss as my warm mouth made him forget all the worries of tonight.
***
A ray of sunshine warmed up my naked back as I lay with my eyes half closed. The body pressing behind me gave me a smile as his arms drew me in closer. No words were said as my leg was lifted and he slid inside me. I moaned, wincing as we had only just fallen asleep not long so ago. He was still obviously, in the mood. Last night had been amazing, especially that part when he told me to hang on. Damn, he really meant it. He left no part untouched, kissing and sucking my breasts as he fucked me deliciously. His cock had me in every position possible, and we finished the night off with a tender lovemaking. I was utterly spent.
“Griffin…” I reached behind as I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him in for a kiss.
His tongue slid down my throat, and his body was heavy on top of mine as he begins to plow in deeper. Hard and fast, our breathing matched each other. My eyes closed, and I arched against him as we both come together.
No, less than two seconds after he rolled off me, our door opened, and two sleepy-looking boys stood at the door. “We’re hungry.”
“Give us two minutes. We’ll be out there soon,” Griffin answered, keeping the covers over us both—mainly me.
Toby rolled his eyes. Walking away, he called out. “You do know, that bed isn’t as quiet as you think.”
My face flushed with heat as I covered my eyes with my palms. “Oh, god.” I wanted to hide. “Do you think they heard us all night?”
“No. Probably just then,” Griffin grinned and planted another kiss. “I’ll make a start on breakfast. You have a shower if you want.”
“Nope. I’ll cook and wait until you’re ready to take one too.” I smiled, reaching for a bra and something to throw on quickly before they come back in again.
Pancakes… waffles… bacon and egg…
The boys were still unsure of what they wanted to eat. Mack just wanted anything while Toby and Griffin were changing their mind. As they were having what sounded like an in-depth conversation about food, I made the whole lot.
“Someone’s here, Mum.” I looked up to see a shadow at the door when Mack walked over to take his plate of food from me.
Griffin and I shared a look. Mine said, Please let me handle this without you going all caveman and beating the shit out of him. He nodded and sat back down.
Harvey stood at the door with his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans. “Hi.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked, stepping outside with no intention of inviting him in.
“I got your messages.”
“Nice to know. You could have replied back to one of them.” I was not forgiving him easily. “Where have you been? You just dropped off the face of the planet.”
He shrugged and blew out a long breath. “I heard you got married. When?”
So he knew that already.
“Last night. You were invited, but you know… never answered the calls at all.” No, he was not invited due to Griffin’s strict No Harvey policy. “You should go.”
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I never meant to hurt you.”
Ha, you never hurt me. Just embarrassed me, maybe.
Looking around uncomfortably, I said. “It’s fine. I’m glad you found someone.” Whoever she was, she must really be something for him to give up his playboy ways.
“She’s pregnant… six months along.”
Oh. My heart ached in jealousy. Well, then. I could not really say much to that. “Umm. I’m happy for you.”
“I didn’t think I wanted kids, but when she turned up and told me the baby was mine—”
I cut him off. I could not bear to hear any more. “Please. Just go. I’m happy for you, but you need to leave, Harvey.”
“He won’t let me in?” he asked, nodding as he spoke of Griffin.
“It’s not just him. I think we need some time apart. I have to focus on my family, and you need to do the same. You’re going to be a father.”
“I wish we could have done this together.” His confession made me feel guilty. I did not need to hear this. He should never have said that to me.
With a smile, I walked back to the door. “Take care, Harvey.”
Griffin walked over to me as I closed the front door. “Are you alright?” He had obviously heard, and it was hard not to be jealous that Harvey was going to have a baby soon. It was something I wanted with all my heart.
Smiling, I slipped my arms up under his shirt and hugged him tightly. “I’m okay. Now, let’s eat before we go search out this place where you’re going to build a BMX track for our boys.”
Griffin stopped me before I could walk away, his eyes searching mine for something. “Ayla, you’ll be pregnant soon. I promise.”
“I know.”
I hoped so, but then again, when does anything ever go my way without me suffering some kind of consequence?