CHAPTER 24
Ainsleigh
Something was up with everyone around here. There were hushed conversations when I walked into the room. They all tried to play it off, but I could tell they were hiding something from me. Especially when it came to seeing Gentry and my brothers huddled together football players did when they were talking about their next play.
I wouldn’t say I hated surprises. I actually loved them. But I had a feeling they were all being quiet because they were scared I was going to break down. They were scared to admit they were worried about this pregnancy.
Absentmindedly, I rubbed the now barely there bump that had popped up earlier this week. I was now eleven weeks pregnant and anxiously awaiting the moment when I felt this little one moving around. That would give me comfort when I let my mind wonder to the bad place I tried not to let it go to when thinking about the possibilities of this pregnancy ending badly. I tried to hide my feelings and thoughts when they appeared, but Gentry being Gentry could always tell. And he was always there to reassure me that the baby was doing great and everything would work out just fine. It didn’t matter that the doctor tried to tell me that. It didn’t matter how many times Gentry or my brothers said the same thing. Until I held the screaming baby in my arms and could see for myself, the worry would always be in the back of my mind.
Today I was extra tired and my dad told me I could leave early as long as everything was finished for the day. For the past hour, I hurried to get my work done. All I wanted was my comfy yoga pants, an oversized shirt of Gentry’s, and our bed.
Finally, I shut the computer down and was thankful I drove my Jeep to the office instead of riding the four-wheeler. One less stop I’d have to make before heading home. It was just past three in the afternoon. The sun was high in the sky as I exited the office and locked the door. I held my hand over my eyes to block the bright rays as I looked out into the front field. I’d always loved this land, but even more so now that I was older and appreciated it.
Letting out a sigh, I walked to my Jeep and set off for home.
The drive was a quick one thankfully.
Once inside the house, I dropped my keys in the bowl by the door and walked to mine and Gentry’s bedroom.
A gasp escaped me when I walked into the room to find a bouquet of sunflowers on the bed along with a beautiful white sundress.
On unsteady legs, I walked over to the bed and picked up an envelope that laid on top of the cotton material.
Inside was a letter written in Gentry’s handwriting. My hands shook as I read the words he wrote.
Good afternoon beautiful girl,
I need you to put on the dress and your boots and meet me out at the tree.
I have one last confession to make.
Yours,
Gentry
Confession.
What would he have to confess now?
My heart pounded in the walls of my chest as the piece of paper dropped to the floor.
I sat down on the bed, careful not to wrinkle the dress as I went over the words I’d just read in my head.
Part of me wanted to race out of the house and say screw the dress.
No way could I do what I’d intended when I came home early now.
Instead, I quickly undressed and slid the material over my head.
The dress was simple yet beautiful. It hit me at the top of my knees. It was tight around the top and the material flowed down my body. He knew me so well. I couldn’t stand anything too tight on my stomach right now.
Carefully, I bent down and pulled my boots on.
I walked over to the dresser and looked in the mirror. My hair was still in waves down my back, but if he wanted me to meet him outside in this heat, I’d have to do something with it.
I fluffed it out with my fingers and grabbed a ponytail holder and made sure I got all of the lumps out before I tied my hair back into a low side ponytail. The curls that flowed down across my shoulder made the look more sophisticated.
I took a deep breath as I shut my eyes.
Then another.
And another.
Until I was ready to face the confession Gentry had to give to me.
Without procrastinating any longer, I walked to the door, grabbed my keys, and set off for my parents’ house.
I parked my Jeep in the driveway and looked around the backyard. No one was around and all was quiet. Not unusual for this time of day, but something felt off.
On shaky legs, I exited the Jeep with my purse in hand and walked toward the tree.
With every step I took, my anxiety grew worse.
My mind couldn’t stop thinking of what he could possibly have to say.
Everything was going well.
Or so I thought.
The confession could be something good, but they rarely were in my experience.
Something must have happened in the past two weeks, and it was about time I found out what.
The tree came into view, but there was no sign of Gentry.
I pulled my phone out of my purse and checked the time. It was a little after four. Maybe he hadn’t finished his last tour just yet. The note made it seem like I should come right away. Like he knew I’d be leaving work early. But maybe I was wrong.
The sun was high in the sky and the closer I got to the tree the more I longed for the shade it would provide.
I was about twenty feet away from the tree when I stopped dead in my tracks. My mom and dad were heading in the same direction as me. Riding my dad’s horse.
What in the hell was going on here?
I couldn’t move.
Let alone think.
My mind just went blank at the sight of them here at this tree when I was supposed to be meeting Gentry.
My dad pulled on the reins of the horse and stopped her in her tracks. He hopped off first then helped my mother down. Seeing the way they looked at each other melted my heart. The look in their eyes still showed the love that they held for each other all these years.
“Come over here, baby girl,” my dad demanded as he waved me over.
Gotta get this over at some point, right?
I walked over and stopped right in front of my dad. I searched his eyes for some type of clue and yet they held none. He was hiding whatever this was really well. I didn’t bother looking at my mother. She could keep a secret better than any of us.
“What’s going on, Daddy?” I choked out, fearing the worst with his upcoming response.
Instead of my father speaking, my mother spoke instead.
“Sweetheart, from the moment we started having children, I always wanted a baby girl. Time and time again, we had one boy after another. I told your father we’d try just once more after Holden was born. And luckily, we finally got you. I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become. Seeing you flourish and grow over these years has warmed my heart and given me a few of these gray hairs I’ve been trying to hide,” she stated, and we all laughed when she paused.
Tears filled my eyes as my mother made a confession of her own.
“The loss you’ve had to endure, I’m not sure I could’ve made it out of that. But you did. In your own way, you’ve overcome your pain and came out on the other side of it. And now you’re bringing another precious baby into this world. I’ll admit, we weren’t very happy when you told us you and Gentry were becoming an item. Not because of the family feud, but because his parents insisted on continuing it. But now, I wouldn’t have chosen a better man for you than him.”
Two tears escaped as she said her final words.
But this didn’t explain why I had to be here.
“You kept us on our toes from the moment you could walk. Your brothers tried to torture you, but you played them at their own game. You never backed down from them. Seeing you stand up for yourself, especially to them, showed me we’d done something right. No matter how many times I tried to tell them to back off, you’d always tell me to let you handle it. I just never thought I’d see this day so soon. See you so in love and starting a family of your own. It’s a beautiful sight to see, and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you are and the man you have in your life,” my father spoke as he walked toward me.
He kissed me on top of my head, and I closed my eyes taking in the scent of my father that comforted me so many times over the years. The spicy scent of his aftershave always made me feel safe when I was near him.
I heard the grass crunch under someone’s feet in the distance and pulled back from my dad to see who was here.
Brooks.
I furrowed my eyebrows as I took him in. He was dressed simply in a pair of blue jeans and a fitted shirt with his boots.
“Hey there, sis,” he said as he walked toward where we stood.
“Brooks?” I questioned, hoping someone would tell me what was going on.
“In the flesh.” He leaned down and kissed the top of my head just like my dad had done.
“What’s going on?”
“You’ll see,” he replied with a cocky grin, leaving me with more questions than answers.
“By the time you came along all I could think of was that there was going to be another person in the house to crowd my space. You were so little and needed protecting. And I protected you more than you’ll ever know from all the boys who looked your way in school. Except for one. He didn’t take the hint all the others had. And over the years, even though I didn’t always like him, I’ve come to love him just as much as I love all of my siblings. He’s another brother to add to this crazy bunch. He’s one lucky man to have you in his life.”
“Thank you, I guess,” I said as I turned my head to give him a questioning look.
“You didn’t think I wouldn’t be here, now did you, Ainsleigh,” someone off in the distance said.
I looked around Brooks and saw Leo coming toward us from behind the tree.
How many other people were back there?
“I have to say when Mom and Dad brought you home, I was hoping for another brother. Four boys would’ve been awesome. But I’m glad they didn’t. You’ve kept us all on our toes all these years. And you never backed down not once when we did all those crazy things to you. You laughed and got us all back ten times as bad. You were devious when it came to revenge. I’m so glad you’re more of a tomboy than a girly girl. You hunt and fish with the best of us. And you can ride a horse like there’s no tomorrow. I can’t wait to see you become a mom. You’ll be the best there is. You have so much love in your heart to give. And just remember, if Gentry ever hurts you, he’ll have me to deal with,” Leo confessed, again kissing me on top of my head.
“And me,” I heard Holden say from behind us.
Leo stepped out of the way just as Holden made his approach.
He had a smile on his face that actually looked like a real smile. Not the fake ones he’d been giving everyone since before he saw the ultrasound. He seemed lighter today. Freer than he had since I arrived.
I could only imagine what he had to say.
He’d most likely make me cry.
“I was so happy when Mom and Dad told me we’d gotten a sister the day you were born. I felt this overpowering feeling of protectiveness when they told us they were having another baby. Even as a young child, I remember always asking Mom if you were okay in her stomach. I just knew I had to be there for you. And when you came home I wouldn’t leave your side for days. I slept where you slept. I think I drove Mom and Dad crazy with being around you so much. But I just had to. I had to make sure you were okay. And to this day, I always feel this need to know you’re happy and loving life. We’ve always been the closest. Some say it’s because we’re closer in age. I don’t agree. We’ve always shared this connection. The only thing I can think to compare it to is that of a twin’s bond with its sibling. I know that sounds crazy since we aren’t twins, but it’s how I feel. I know when you’re hurting before you even tell me you are. I can just sense it. And I pray to God that I never have to see you in the pain I did four years ago. Seeing that little one you’re carrying on the screen made me long to see you become a mother. I can’t wait till the day she’s born. She’s going to have the heart of you and Gentry and your sassy attitude, and it’ll be a sight to see and watch her grow. Any time, day or night, I’m here for you. No matter what the future brings. I hope you’ll remember that,” Holden said, and I let the tears I was holding back escape.
Damn him and his sentimental ways.
He came up to me and wiped the wetness from my cheeks before he too kissed me on top of my forehead.
I looked around him for more people to pop out from behind the tree. That had been the norm for the past few minutes.
Aspen and Dylan didn’t disappoint when they walked hand in hand from behind the enormous tree.
“I thought you’d be at work at this time,” I said to them as they walked over to me.
“We got the afternoon off.”
I hoped she’d give something away, but nope. Not Aspen. She was tight lipped when it came to secrets and surprises.
“I see that,” I replied with a smile that I couldn’t contain as I saw her standing there happily with Dylan. They were totally made for each other, and I couldn’t have been happier that he finally told her how he felt.
“Four years ago, at orientation you, Dylan, and I met, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We’ve laughed together. Shed many tears together. Enjoyed way too many drinks together. And the decision to move here was the easiest we’d made when we found out this is where you were going to be. While leaving our families was hard, we couldn’t leave you. Seeing you happy with Gentry makes me happy for you. And knowing you’re carrying our little niece or nephew in your belly makes me over the moon, and I can’t wait to spoil that baby something fierce. You’ll never have to worry if we’ll be here, because you’re stuck with us like glue,” she said as they brought me in for a hug.
Being wrapped in their warmth made me feel so full of love and joy for the people who were surrounding me. The only one now missing was the man I’d loved as a friend as a small child and grew to love as the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
And suddenly he appeared.
From behind the tree.
The place we’d shared so many secrets.
Our joys.
Our fears.
Our hopes.
Our dreams.
Most of them were all shared around the branches of this sturdy tree.
The ones that weren’t, we’d shared huddled together in any place we could find.
“Hello there, beautiful girl,” he said with a smile that made me weak.
I didn’t waste any time as I rushed over to him and jumped into his awaiting arms.
He caught me just like he always did and carefully spun me around in a circle before he placed me on my feet.
“What’s going on?” I asked as I kept my hands on his shoulders for support. But more so because when he was near, I always felt this need to touch him.
“You mean you haven’t figured it out just yet?”
I shook my head as I waited for his explanation.
“I’m here to make one last confession. The most important one I’ll ever have to make,” he said as he bent down slightly to kiss the tip of my nose.
With bated breath, I waited for the words he was about to speak.
“I’ve loved you since I was a little boy sneaking onto your property to see you. I fell in love with you when we were just young teenagers trying to figure out what love really was. But I always knew when I would think about who I’d love forever that it would be you. Even when you were away, I knew you’d be back someday and I knew—just like I always did—that you’d be mine for the rest of my life. There hasn’t been a day that’s gone by since I met you that I haven’t loved you. Even when I wanted to hate you for leaving, I couldn’t because all I could do was love you. And for the rest of my life, I will continue to love you,” he said with tears in his eyes as he pulled something out of his jeans pocket.
I hadn’t taken the time to take him in when he got here. I was just excited that he was. He wore a white button-up shirt with a sunflower in his front shirt pocket, dark blue jeans that fit him like a glove, and a pair of dark brown boots that were his favorite pair. The cowboy hat on top of his head matched the color of his boots. He couldn’t have been any more handsome if he tried.
My breath caught in my throat as he got down on one knee and opened the box that he’d retrieved from his pocket. Nestled inside was my grandmother’s engagement ring.
How?
How did he know I always imagined wearing that ring one day?
“Ainsleigh Courtright, will you do me the honor of allowing me to love you for the rest of our lives? Will you spend the rest of your life loving me the way no one but you could? Will you be my wife?”
And now the waterworks freely flowed down my cheeks as I nodded. I couldn’t speak if I tried.
He’d allowed my whole family to be a part of this amazing moment, and my heart filled with even more love than I thought I could have for this man.
He slipped the vintage style diamond ring onto my finger. Somehow, it fit perfectly. My fingers were dainty, whereas my grandmothers were wider.
He stood and placed a chaste kiss on my lips. I wanted a deeper connection, but he refrained.
“I have another confession now that you’ve said yes,” he replied as he pulled back and took both of my hands in his.
I couldn’t imagine what else he’d have to say to make this day any more perfect than it already was.
“What’s that?”
“There’s one more person patiently waiting behind that tree. If you’ll have me, I’d be over the moon if you’d marry me today.”
“Today?” I squeaked out my answer.
We needed rings. I didn’t have one for him, and that wouldn’t do.
Someone walked up behind me and tapped me on my shoulder. I slowly turned my head to see my mother standing there grinning wider than I’d ever seen her. She handed me something before she stepped back.
Looking down, I noticed it was a weathered ring box. I swallowed hard as I took my finger and pushed the box open. Inside was my grandfather’s wedding band. He’d really thought of everything.
“You did all of this for me? We can really do this today without a license? There’s so many things that we’re going to need,” I rambled on and on before he placed his finger on my mouth to stop me.
“I’ve got it all covered. The judge is standing behind the tree with the license waiting for you to sign, and he can officiate the ceremony as well. We can do this today if you’re okay with that,” he replied.
We’re getting married.
Today.
Holy hell.
“Let’s do this,” I told him.
I couldn’t wait to be his wife.
We were married.
Man and wife.
I never imagined once I returned that my life would lead to that moment.
But it had.
And I felt almost complete.
I was now Ainsleigh Parkhurst.
I loved the way that sounded.
I couldn’t stop staring at my ring throughout the ceremony and afterward.
We said simple yet meaningful vows that meant everything to each of us.
“I love you, Ainsleigh Parkhurst,” he said as he kissed the tip of my nose before we left the tree and my family.
Gentry surprised me by taking me on a week-long trip to Aspen for a honeymoon. I immediately tried to talk him out of it since it would put my dad in a bind, but he’d already covered it with him. He’d thought of everything to make this such a special occasion that I didn’t argue with him.
Instead, I rushed to pack so we could leave right after the ceremony. He told me not to change, and I listened. He had this odd look on his face as he told me his demands. I threw so many different items into the suitcase. Several he swore I didn’t need, but I packed them anyway.
We arrived just after nine at night. After the short time it took us to check in, we arrived in a beautiful hotel suite with a perfect view of the mountains. I rolled my suitcase over to the window and pulled the curtains open even farther so I could get a better view. They were probably even more beautiful in the winter when they were covered in a white sheet of snow.
“They’re beautiful,” I said aloud.
“Not as beautiful as you,” he replied as he came up behind me and kissed my bare shoulder. Shivers traveled throughout my body as his lips traveled up the side of my neck, stopping right below my ear. Goose bumps covered my arms, and I sighed at the feel of his body behind mine.
“Thank you. You’re quite handsome yourself.”
“You’re my wife,” he whispered in my ear.
“And you’re my husband.”
His fingertips trailed up each of my arms, causing more goose bumps to arise. When he reached my bicep, he gripped my right arm and turned me to face him.
“I love you, Mrs. Parkhurst.”
“I love you, Mr. Parkhurst.”
With those words, he groaned and finally pulled me into him, planting his lips firmly upon mine. A groan escaped at the feel of him so close to me.
He guided me backward to the king-sized bed that sat in the middle of the room. I went to reach for the zipper of my dress when he pulled back to catch his breath, but he shook his head.
“I want to slowly undress you and make love to you for the rest of the night,” he confessed as he turned me around and pulled the zipper down ever so slowly.
I couldn’t wait to make love to my husband. The man I would spend my forever with. The man I would love for the rest of my life.