Crazy Twisted Love (Crazy Love Series Book 3) by MF Isaacs (4)

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I couldn’t have asked for a better woman. I can’t believe she spent all day working her fucking magic to help Shelley’s parents get their money back. All but one place gave them a full refund. I heard her talking to Sierra about the dress, I didn’t see it but I could tell by the tone of her voice that she wants the dress. I had Jimmy contact Shelley’s mom and tell her I’d pay for the dress.

 

My sister thought she was being sneaky when she sent me a text telling me I should buy Natalie the dress without her knowing. I loved that I could respond to her telling her I’d already done it.

 

I received a second text from Sierra saying I should call Kyler. Something about the guys on the team. I didn’t waste any time, I called him knowing that practice should be over. I try not to put Kyler in an unfair position simply because of our family connection, but I didn’t know what Sierra was referring to. “Hey man.” He sounded distracted when he answered.

 

“Hey, I just got a message from my sister saying I should call you. What’s going on?” I could hear him exhale as I asked the question.

 

“Fuck. Nothing. Everything will be fine. When are you going to be back?” I could hear him moving around, I was hoping he was going somewhere that he could talk and tell me what was happening.

 

“Kyler, you gotta tell me what is going on, I am not supposed to be back until Sunday night. But the wedding has been cancelled. If you guys need me to be there, I can come home tonight. Just say the word man, I’ll be there.” At this point I don’t think there is anything he can say that will stop me from heading back early.

 

“Coach said there will be several college scouts at our game tomorrow. That’s all good, but we couldn’t help notice the smell of alcohol on his breathe at practice yesterday and again today. I know the seniors who are being scouted are freaking out about how he might impact things for them.” I’m proud of him, I know it sucks to rat out someone who is in a position of authority over you.

 

“No worries. Natalie and I will be on the road shortly. We’ll have plenty of time to get home tonight, we’ll be home before eight. We can have a team meeting at our place tonight or an extra early one tomorrow morning before the game. You decide and call the guys. Let me know one way or the other.” I made eye contact with Natalie so she knew we were packing it up right away.

 

“Sounds good. I know for sure the guys will pick tonight. Do you want me to order some pizzas? Call me when you guys are a half hour away and I’ll head over there.” He reminds me of Amy when he does things like that. Goes out of his way to take care of those around him.

 

“Sounds good. Hey Kyler, I’m proud of you. I know Coach has put you guys in a shitty spot, you guys could have handled it different ways and I’m glad you chose this way. I’ll see you soon.” I heard him make a noise to acknowledge my compliment, then said “Bye.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

The whole weekend didn’t go the way we thought it would. I expected to enjoy a few nights in a hotel with Curtis, get drunk at the wedding reception and have hot, drunk, wedding sex. At least I didn’t have to endure a wedding sober, I don’t think I’ve been sober at a wedding since I was 13 when I went to dad’s co-worker’s daughter’s wedding. Even then I probably would have snuck some champagne if we hadn’t left right after dinner.

 

I can’t say after the way things went on Thursday, that I am sad there wasn’t a wedding. I’ve been to a lot of weddings; shit, I’ve been in a lot of weddings. I decided when I turned 24, after being in 6 weddings the year before, that I would be selective in the weddings I agreed to play bridesmaid in. My rules for agreeing were pretty basic, like have either cheated or currently expecting a baby with someone else, but surprisingly the rules helped weed out weddings. At this point, I don’t plan to be in any wedding other than my own.

 

As I listened to Curtis talk to Kyler, I started packing up our things. I could sense the disappointment rolling off Jimmy, but couldn’t concern myself with his drama. We’d done all we could to help him. It is his turn to figure shit out for himself. I busied myself and allowed the two guys to talk before Curtis and I took off. Jimmy was kind enough to help us with our bags and gave me a warm hug good bye along with thanking me over and over for my help canceling everything. Curtis helped me into the car and took a few minutes to say good bye. I couldn’t hear the conversation but I didn’t miss the look of devastation that washed over Jimmy’s face as Curtis spoke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

“I’m sorry this weekend didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to. I thought she was your person.” I had too, especially when he told me he wouldn’t share her.

 

“I hate admitting this, but I don’t have much to lose at this point. I am thankful I found out now before I went through with the wedding. I knew she wasn’t my person. I knew in the back of my mind that I was just trying to do the right thing by marrying her. I knew if she had my child, my family would expect that we get married. I couldn’t have explained it to them, or anyone really. Yes, I got her pregnant but I am in love, always have been with someone else.” At his confession, my gaze connects with his. My heart rate picks up along with the desire to run, before I can he continues, “I am glad we didn’t go through with the wedding because I didn’t love her the way I love you. The way I have always loved you.”

 

“Don’t. Jimmy, don’t. I, I don’t. I love Natalie, she is my person. Your confession is not going to make me change my mind about her or my own wedding.”

 

“What about like before? Can’t we try like before? Maybe just let me watch at first, I’d be happy with that for now.”

 

I shook my head stopping him. “No, it’s not going to happen.”

 

I watched his face fall. “Is there anything I can say to get you to change your mind?”

 

“It won’t matter, ten years from now, twenty years from now, I won’t look back and wonder if I made a mistake because I know in my heart and mind that she is my person.” I hated to stand there and watch his face as I once again broke his heart. This time it was different, the words were out there and I wasn’t taking them back. “I need to go, but I want you to agree that you’ll take some time to figure things out for yourself. I know you were hoping for a different response from me, but I can’t give you that. She has my heart and my future. I’ll give you some time, but then you really need to figure out what you want out of life. And the answer can’t be me.” I gripped and squeezed his shoulder before I made my way to the driver’s side of the car. His simple chin lift showed me he wasn’t going to put up a fight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

In my mind, I played out how I thought their conversation went; I think Jimmy confessed his undying love for Curtis. When Curtis climbed in behind the wheel and drove off without looking back I expected some type of conversation to happen. We drove for an hour in silence. An hour in which my mind replayed how I imagined the conversation going. For an hour, I sat allowing my heart to break a little each time I played the conversation.

 

When Curtis pulled off to get gas and drinks, I silently went into the gas station and made my way to the nasty ass bathroom in the back. I’ve never been more thankful for a nasty bathroom, with a door that locked. It wasn’t until I was hovered over the nasty toilet that my emotions bubbled over. My balance on a good day was bad, today wasn’t a good day. The cast didn’t help either. I was forced to sit, it was that or fall over. I opted for the nasty seat, because I knew if I fell to the floor it would be worse. I sat crying for longer than I wanted. I cried for my heart and my butt.

 

The knock on the door forced me to pull myself together. My tears didn’t help resolve anything, I still felt in limbo. I still have questions about what Curtis is feeling toward Jimmy. I still know in my heart that I am not willing to share him. I fear with every fiber of my being that I am going to lose him by not backing down and allowing our relationship to include a third. After washing my hands and using the wet paper towel to dry my eyes I look myself in the mirror and voice my thoughts out loud, “Baby or not, I am not backing down.”

 

I expected a line of women waiting to use the bathroom, instead I walk right into Curtis who is waiting for me outside the door. “Are you okay?”

 

I force a fake smile, not willing to have this conversation here, “Just ready to be home.”

 

I feel his hand on my lower back as he guides me to the door. “Let’s go Hot Stuff, let’s get you home.”

 

Eleven words were all he spoke for the entire three-hour drive home. It took everything in me to keep from crying. I thought when he was waiting for me outside the bathroom at the gas station that maybe he was ready to talk, but the second he was back on the road, silence took over. I tried to come up with different scenarios to the conversation he had with Jimmy before we left but none any better than the one before it.

 

As we pulled into the driveway at the condo I could see Kyler waiting for Curtis. His presence allowed me to escape the reality of dealing with whatever was going on. I greeted Kyler and told both guys I was going to shower and give them room to have their meeting. In my heart, I had hoped that Curtis would excuse himself for a minute to check on me, he usually helped me with the cast. Not tonight, he didn’t follow me. I stood in the shower and let the tears fall. I planned to stay in there until the water ran cold, until I remembered Curtis telling me about the fancy ass on demand hot water heater and how it will never run cold. So, I stood in there until my fingers looked like an old lady and my eyes hurt from all the tears.

 

Rather than climbing in bed naked or wearing one of Curtis’ old t-shirt, like Curtis seems to enjoy, I pulled on my old lady flannel pajamas. The emotions exhausted me, which means I didn’t play the imagined conversation over and over. I was asleep within minutes of sliding into bed. I thought about sleeping in the other room where my old bed is, but I was afraid he wouldn’t come find me. I was afraid he would let me stay there, I was afraid that it was where he ultimately wanted me to be. Sleeping in our bed, it was up to him whether he climbed in or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

The team meeting went longer than I expected. The boys had all come prepared for me to automatically side with them. When that didn’t happen, they freaked out a little. I reassured them that I had contacted the athletic director and it was out of our hands. We agreed to stick with the plans coach had put in place for tomorrow’s game. I agreed to be there early to ensure the scouts had access to what and who they wanted. But reassuring a bunch of teenagers is exhausting.

 

I knew that Natalie was exhausted as well, I could tell on the drive home that she was tired. I kept the music low thinking she would fall asleep on the way home, but she didn’t. I almost checked on her when I heard the shower stay on for over a half hour, I was worried she might have fallen asleep. I was just about there when I heard the water shut off, it was the same time a group of the guys showed up. Now that everyone was gone, it was almost midnight and I didn’t want to wake her up.

 

I stood in the doorway of our bedroom, with the hallway light I could see her sleeping form. I couldn’t help but notice that she was wearing her old lady flannel pajamas. I’d seen them, but never on her. I preferred her to sleep naked and if she was cold I liked her to wear one of my t-shirts. I quietly undressed and slowly climbed into bed hoping not to wake her. At the shifting of the bed she mumbled in her sleep. I couldn’t hold my chuckle, which caused her to roll over.

 

Our eyes connected as we each rested our head on our own pillow. There was still enough light from the hallway for me to see the puffiness of her eyes. Immediately my thoughts went to the baby. I reached for her, to pull her into my body so I could hold her, and when she pulled back from my touch my heart stopped. I watched as her already puffy eyes filled with tears. My eyes mirrored hers, tears filling them without even understanding what is wrong. “Natalie, talk to me. What is wrong? You’ve been crying. What is it?”

 

“I am not ever going to change my mind. I am never going to want him to join us. If you want him…” I covered her mouth with my hand, trying to stop her from saying another word.

 

“Natalie, Honey, listen to me. Look at me.” I waited for her to blink away the tears before I slowly smiled at her, my heart hurt seeing her so upset. “I do not ever want anyone other than you. I will not change my mind. You are all I want. I am sorry if I haven’t done a good job showing this to you over the last couple of days. I am sorry if you have been worried all this time because I wasn’t clear. I don’t know if you heard the conversation I had with Jimmy as we left.” She looked guilty but shook her head no. “He asked point blank if he could join us. I shot him down and made sure he understood that would never be a possibility. I encouraged him to get out and find what he wants. Babe, it’s you and me. That is all our bed will ever have. Maybe a kid or two, but as far as being intimate it will only be you and me.” I pulled her into my body and lightly kissed all over her face, including her puffy eyes.

 

I didn’t let her go, within minutes of me reassuring her she relaxed into my arms. Both of us asleep shortly thereafter. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

The athletic director was waiting for me when I arrived at the field. He didn’t look happy, but I didn’t figure he wanted to be on the field this early on a Saturday morning. I kept my word to the guys that I would be there early to meet with the scouts to help them get access to those they wanted. As I approached I could see he had some of the usual coaching stuff. The minute he opened his mouth I knew the guys hadn’t been exaggerating, “You prepared to be head coach?”

 

“Yes sir. It won’t be much of a change from our current set up. Although today there are supposed to be a few scouts in the audience. I might need some help assisting them while I coach.” I wasn’t sure who they were coming to watch or even what schools they were coming from.

 

“I’ll manage the scouts if you can handle everything on the field. I can’t make this official until I can meet with the Super on Monday. I already called him, so he’s aware of what we’re doing today. Ultimately that means no extra money for you, yet.” He spoke the last sentence quickly, apparently worried that money was going to be an issue for me.

 

“No worries, I am not here for the money. I do need to make a couple phone calls before the guys get here. I think my sister is going to bring coffees if you want me to have her grab you one?” He lifts his travel cup letting me know he was covered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I was shocked at the crowd that sat in the stadium seats watching the guys play soccer. I alternated between watching Curtis on the sidelines and watching Kyler on the field. I had overheard everyone talking about Kyler’s athletic abilities but I was not prepared to see him in action. I was blown away. They won, and after watching them, I am willing to bet a good chunk of money that they will be the team still standing at the end of the season.

 

The whole McMann clan was in attendance, which warmed my heart. They cheered for Kyler, along with all the other guys out on the field. When the game was over, it was clear the scouts weren’t in a hurry to leave. I watched as two made their way over to Luke, it wasn’t until that moment that I realized they were scouting Kyler. Never mind he is only a Junior. I didn’t realize they would scout someone knowing he has another year of school.

 

Since they won, it was agreed the gang would all go to Jack’s for lunch. All eyes immediately flipped to me when Curtis announced, “You can’t have that.” When Calvin poured me a beer without asking.

 

There wasn’t a single thing I could do to stop the automatic assumption every person at the table made. So, what if it was a correct assumption, they weren’t supposed to know yet. We didn’t even know everything yet. Curtis didn’t even realize what he’d done. I cleared my throat trying to get his attention, but he just kept looking at the menu. It wasn’t until I pinched the inside of his thigh and he yelped, “ouch!”

My raised eyebrow did nothing. He looked at me like I was crazy for pinching him. When Steve finally asked the question, everyone was waiting to hear the answer too, “You need to tell us something bro? Did we miss the announcement that you’re having a baby?”

 

Curtis froze, looking at me with his wide eyes. There was no denying it now so I shrugged my shoulders, giving him the go ahead to tell everyone. “Since we have you all in one place, we are. We found out Thursday morning. We have her first Ob appointment on Monday morning.” He kept his eyes on me as he spoke but as soon as we heard Sierra squeal he looked away.

 

Sierra was the first to speak, “I knew it! There was no other reason for you to asked me about my doctor.” She’d made her way beside us hugging me from behind. “Can I come?”

 

“Oh, me too? Please, I’ve never seen an ultrasound.” Hannah surprised me. I shrugged my shoulders, it didn’t bother me any to have them along.

 

As soon as I shrugged, Amy pipped in too. “Me too, please!”

 

That is how we ended up taking up over half the waiting room Monday morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I knew she didn’t want to tell everyone until after our appointment, I honestly didn’t mean to blow it. I’d been overwhelmed with everything that morning, but it is still no excuse. The game was amazing; it was hard to know how much of our success as a team had to do with individual players and how much had to do with coaching. I knew the guys who showed up Saturday morning where not the same guys who had been at my house the night before. They came prepared and I couldn’t have asked for more.

 

The scouts, four in all, were there for three of our seniors and early scouting for Kyler. I’ve never heard of early scouting for high school, but Kyler definitely deserved it, the kid is a natural.

 

Natalie picked at her lunch Saturday and spent the rest of the day lazing around the condo. Sunday morning I agreed to take her to breakfast if she would help me grocery shop afterward. I now understand why she hates grocery shopping, she is so easily distracted by all the end caps. She is the prime example of what marketing experts hope people will do while shopping.

 

Now, here we are sitting in the waiting room with, Hannah, Amy and Sierra there with us. I almost feel like I have sister wives or something. I help her fill out the paperwork including family history. For a brief minute, I realize how much I wish my parents were here to experience this with me, with us. Without realizing it I zoned out until Amy looped her arm through mine, ultimately pulling me back into the present. Without me needing to say anything or her ask anything, she knows, “They are watching over you. They know. They are here.” I couldn’t have asked for a better fill in parent.

 

I leaned over and kissed the top of her head before telling her, “And you are here.” I didn’t miss the hitch in her breathing when my words hit.

 

The nurse called for Natalie and I instantly stood with her, as did Amy, Hannah and Sierra. The nurse looked overwhelmed and I did what I could to ease the freak out. “Stay here until they do the ultrasound, then we’ll have you guys come back.”

 

The nurse agreed immediately when she realized why they were here. “Of course, I will come get you all personally when it’s time. Besides, the first part of the appointment isn’t nearly as much fun.” She smiles until she turns to see the look of panic on Natalie’s face. “Oh, it’s not that bad. It just isn’t something you want to sit and watch. Let’s go, we’ll get your weight and urine sample.”

 

Natalie made me turn around while she stepped on the scale, as if I give a shit what she weighs. The nurse was kind enough to her not to announce her weight for all to hear. She showed me to the exam room while Natalie gave her urine sample. Heartrate and temperature done and the nurse told us that the doctor would be in shortly. Sitting there silently with just Natalie I want to freeze time, we are still in the dark about the pregnancy and it’s just the two of us.

 

I know the chair in the corner is for me, but I am too anxious to sit and I can’t reach her from there. Instead, I am standing off to the side of the exam table, where I gently rub from her shoulder down her arm and back. When the doctor comes into the room, she introduces herself as Dr. Donna. She’s younger than I expected but instantly, I can feel her calming presence.

 

She asks Natalie a handful of questions and then has her lay back on the exam table. Step by step she walks us through what she is doing. When she measured her stomach, she asked if there was a possibility that she could be further along than we thought. If Natalie was further along, it means that she was with someone else before me. Natalie didn’t even pause before she declared that being further along was not a possibility. I slowly released the breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. Dr. Donna confirmed that we would know for sure one way or the other when she did the ultrasound.

 

While Natalie undressed in preparation for the possibility of needing to do an internal ultrasound, I grabbed the other women in my life from the waiting room. I’m sure they were entertaining the staff, but as a first-time dad they were embarrassing. Hannah sat in the chair with Amy standing right beside her. Sierra stood at the head of the exam table while I held her hand.

 

“Okay, wow. We got the whole family here. What do you say we take a peek at the baby? Figure out what your due date is.” Getting right down to business, she squirted the blue gel on Natalie’s stomach and started rolling the wand across her stomach. She clicked away as she went. I’d seen the ultrasound pictures from Sierra but it didn’t mean I knew what the hell it was we were looking at. Dr. Donna kept a straight face as she continued to work. I kept glancing back and forth from the screen, to the doctor, to Natalie. Natalie did the same and every once in a while our eyes would connect. “Okay folks, I got a few images, but I’d like to get a better look by doing the internal ultrasound.”

 

I stood back and watched as she took the wand under the paper sheet Natalie had covering her lower half. The instant she had inserted the wand the image on the screen appeared much clearer than the one that had been there before. She clicked then moved, and clicked again then moved, and clicked again. Just as it dawned on me, my eyes connected with my sister; she already had tears rolling down her face. I leaned over next to Natalie’s head and told her what I thought I was seeing, while posing it as a question for Dr. Donna at the same time. “Hot Stuff, I think we made more than one.”

 

Dr. Donna laughed at my comment. “You’re a smart man. I wanted to get a better image with the internal ultrasound. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was looking at. It appears you have two separate sacks, which means they are not identical. This one here is slightly bigger than it’s sibling. You are still very early in the pregnancy which means it’s hard to tell for sure when the due date is. Twins make it harder to determine. Twins also make this pregnancy higher risk than a single, so we’ll see you bi-weekly in the beginning instead of monthly. We will want to monitor you closely.”

 

We’re all shocked, but none more than Natalie was, as we walked out of the clinic with our ultrasound pictures. Dr. Donna did an ultrasound of Natalie’s leg, which she’ll send over to the other Dr. for a second opinion before telling Natalie she can finally ditch the cast.

 

The ladies agreed to take my girl for a late breakfast and some light shopping while I headed to the school to finish out my day student teaching and coaching the guys on the soccer field. I’m not sure I’ll be any good at any of it because all I could think was ‘holy shit we’re having twins.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

Never in a million years did I think I would have twins. I sat through breakfast with Hannah, Sierra, and Amy; their conversation went on all around me while I tried to wrap my mind around it all. Amy finally pulled me from being stuck inside my head when she asked, “Do you think your wedding plans will change now that you’ll definitely be showing by May? Do you still want a beach wedding with a baby belly?”

 

Damn I hadn’t even thought about the wedding. I was still stuck in the ‘holy shit I have two babies growing inside me’ and ‘my body will never be the same again.’ Shaking my head to clear the pending freak out, I take a deep breath before turning to their waiting eyes. “I hadn’t even thought about the wedding. I think we might have to wait until after the babies are born. I don’t know. I guess I need to see what Curtis wants. I should also tell my parents, my sister is going to have a hay day with this.” Reality is setting in and I think the three of them are gearing themselves up to help me avoid a major panic attack.

 

Sierra was the first to respond, “I can tell you exactly what Curtis wants, he wants the wedding to happen as soon as possible. He will give you two choices: get married as soon as we can get it organized or stick with your original plans. Waiting until after the babies arrive will not be an option for him. Now, in terms of telling your family we know the perfect place to get your personalized announcement presents. Your sister won’t be able to freak out because she’ll be excited about her present.”

 

Hannah is nodding in agreement, “She’s right. After we finish eating, we’ll head over there and you can pick out gifts. Tonight, you and Curtis can decide on when to tell your family and go from there with wedding plans. Valentine’s day is coming; we could totally have your wedding planned and perfect by then.”

 

The excitement between the three of them was freaking me out a little. “Hannah is right, we had each of their weddings planned within a week. Actually it was less than a week. I’m not being smug when I say that both weddings were perfect. We can do the same for you. And just think, we’d have her mom and sister to help this time.” The last comment was directed at Hannah and Sierra, since I hadn’t been around for either of their weddings.

 

Then, it was as if I wasn’t even there, Hannah turned to them as she spoke. “I should probably call Mary right now. I don’t know what her schedule is, but she will need to be here. Oh, we’ll need to add the twins to her schedule as well. What did the doctor say, 38 weeks is typical for twins to arrive?”

 

I was getting overwhelmed by everything they were talking about. I’d heard of Mary, both Hannah and Sierra had talked about her. I’d also seen her work, I knew I would be extremely lucky to have her take pictures of either the wedding or the twins; getting her for both events would be amazing. In the back of my mind I am worried about putting my parents on the spot for our wedding. They do okay financially, having our wedding in May is allowing them to pay for it in phases. If we rush it, there is no paying as we go. I certainly don’t have the money and I would never expect Curtis to pay for everything.

 

My phone buzzes in my purse while sitting in the back seat of Amy’s car.

 

Baby Daddy: How are you doing? Shock wore off yet?

Me: Not yet. Just leaving breakfast for a shop they said I’ll be able to get ‘I’m pregnant with twins’ presents for my mom, dad & sister. Not sure anything will soften this blow for them.

Baby Daddy: You don’t think they are going to be happy? I’m over the fucking moon Babe. I know it’s overwhelming, but we have a few months to prepare for them.

Me: Amy asked about the wedding, as if my mind wasn’t already twisting like crazy.

Baby Daddy: I don’t want you to worry about the wedding or the babies.

Me: Easier said than done.

Baby Daddy: What part of this is making you worry most?

Me: What part isn’t?

Baby Daddy: I just text Sierra, she’s going to give you my other credit card. Please don’t let money be any part of your worries.

Me: Money isn’t the only thing. But thank you for that, she just gave it to me.

Baby Daddy: We can talk about it tonight. I’ll be home right after practice. Call me if you need me. I love you.

Me: Love you too.

 

Getting out of Amy’s car, Sierra was waiting for me with a giddy smile. “You do realize our babies will get to grow up together. Cousins. I maybe further along than you, but since you have two babies they might actually be born pretty close together. Won’t that be nice? We’ll be able to help each other or at least understand each other.”

 

I couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement. She’s had time to come to terms with her pregnancy. I was just getting there, then had to go find out that I’ve got two babies. “Yeah, you’re going to help me. I’ll see what you have to go through and panic because I’ll have to go through it twice. Seriously. Two babies. I don’t know how I’m going to do it.”

 

“You won’t have to do it alone. Curtis will be there. He’s going to be a great dad and husband. When I was little, I mean really little, I told my mom that I was going to marry Curtis.” That made me smile, I knew she didn’t talk much about her parents so I listened anytime she did. “She told me I couldn’t marry him, and I remember crying. She told me that I could use him as my guide to finding my husband. I should look for someone just like him. I love Calvin more than I thought I would ever love someone, but even I can say he isn’t as good as Curtis. You are very lucky to have him.”

 

Well shit, that made me cry. The two of us stood just outside the shop hugging while tears rolled down our faces. Amy popped her head out of the shop door to tell us, “Get your pregnant butts in here. We have some shopping to do.” We followed her orders.

 

They helped me pick out twin gifts. Buy one get one free t-shirts; keep calm at least I’m not having twinsshe is; #twinning bibs; double trouble onesies; future drinking buddies onesies. We bought it all. I special ordered a couple of coffee cups with ultrasound pictures on them. Getting to openly pick out baby items made me feel a little less anxious about what was happening.

 

After shopping, we all went back to Amy and Luke’s house. I was secretly thankful for not being dropped off at the condo to be alone with my crazy thoughts. I was also thankful for the phone call from the doctor telling me he reviewed the ultrasound of my leg and I was free to go without the cast. The day was getting better and better.

 

I sent Curtis a message to meet me there then spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with the girls. Sierra let me borrow a couple of her pregnancy books that she’d already read. I fell asleep in Luke’s recliner, when I woke up I found Sierra sleeping next to me in Amy’s matching recliner.

 

Luke was the first one to get home, I was thankful for the opportunity to talk to him before Curtis got there. He was surprised to hear that I was ready to get back to work. I’d been out of work long enough. Without paying for rent or food, I’d been able to use the money I did have to pay my credit card bills and my student loan payment. Without having access to my missing car, I was almost ready to cancel my car insurance. My checking account was nearing empty, so the cast coming off couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ve got approximately twenty days before my next payments are due, so getting back to work within the next six days is critical.

 

“Natalie, are you sure? You just got out of the cast today. I would hate to push you to quickly and have it do more harm than good. Plus being pregnant. What does Curtis think about you going back to work?” Crazy thing happened when he asked me that. My first thought is, Curtis doesn’t get to determine if or when I work. My second thought is, shit does Curtis get to determine if or when I work? Being that Luke is my boss, I held my tongue which means I hadn’t answered when Curtis walked into the house and found us sitting there. “Oh good timing. Natalie was just telling me she was ready to get back to work. The doctor gave her the go ahead to ditch the cast.”

 

Before I could even greet him, Curtis was giving his two cents, “She’s not ready yet.” He narrowed his eyes at me, clearly trying to assess why I would want to get back to work. He leaned over kissing me on the forehead and whispering, “Hi Babe.”

 

“Okay, in that case take all the time you need.” He didn’t stick around, clearly sensing the pending argument. Curtis, on the other hand, was oblivious. He scooped me up out of the chair and quickly sat down with me in his lap. My natural instinct was to wrap my arms around his neck and shoulders, which I did but only because he moved so quick and I was afraid he would drop me.

 

“I’m not happy with you right now.” Once he was settled in the chair with me on his lap I pulled my arms away from him and crossed them across my chest. The move obviously pushed my suddenly tender boobs up. Cleavage for days appeared, and Curtis noticed.

 

He leaned into my ear without taking his eyes off the boob display, “I’m not worried about that right now. I don’t mind sitting here with the view I’ve got going right now. I think I like it when you aren’t happy. I gotta tell you Hot Stuff, your tits look fucking hot right now.” Of course, the deep rumble of his voice and the erection I could feel poking me in the ass work against me. Suddenly, instead of wanting to stand my ground and fight for feminist rights, I wanted to turn around, straddle him, and ride him hard. “Okay, seriously though. I was hoping you wouldn’t get right back to work just yet. I think we need to seriously consider moving the wedding up. I don’t want to wait until May. I know you have your heart set on wearing a beautiful wedding dress, that I may have already purchased and it won’t fit around my babies come May. That and there is no fucking way we are waiting until after they arrive.”

 

The slick bastard whispered into my neck and ear, the feeling of his hot breath and the way his lips skimmed my skin, I would have given him anything he wanted. “I need to work Curtis. I have bills I need to pay. I am not accruing more debt, but I am also not done paying off my old stuff. I need to talk to my parents about moving the wedding, I don’t know if they are prepared to pay for it sooner than May.” The stress instantly shuts down the lust I had been feeling seconds ago.

 

“Natalie, please look at me.” With his finger guiding my chin, I lifted my face toward his. “I know you have worked extremely hard at being an independent woman. I know your sister has harassed you for a long time about being irresponsible. I will be the first person to support your decision to work or stay home. I will be the first person to encourage you either way. Right now, I am not trying to be an asshole about any of this. We can figure something out. I know you are hell bent on not letting me just pay for everything, but Natalie I want to. I want to take care of you. I want to give you everything.”

 

His financial situation is not one I will ever be able to understand. Even if I could understand his need to take care of me going forward, I will never allow him to pay financially for my past. My credit card and student loan debt is really not that big when you talk about how bad it could be, but it is my responsibility not his. I am sure my parents would be thrilled if they didn’t have to pay for my wedding, it is just something I have always assumed they would do since they paid for my sisters. “Let me talk to my mom tomorrow and we can go from there.”

 

“I don’t want to take away from your parents and their dreams for you. Do you think I could talk to your mom? I know you try not to call her in the evening, never sure of when wine o’clock starts. Drunk or not, I would like to talk to her.” Unsure of what he has up his sleeve I decide it just isn’t worth arguing with him.

 

“Fine.” I slide off his lap, needing to go to the bathroom anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

As I sat with Natalie on my lap I felt confident in my solution for being able to pay for the wedding and stop her from going back to work just yet. But as the phone rang, I was suddenly hit with a massive amount of insecurity. I clearly hadn’t thought this through all the way, my argument is going to give her a reason to question the fact that we are moving up the wedding.

 

“Hello?” Shit, too late.

 

“Hi Angela, it’s Curtis. I hope I am not catching you at a bad time?” I crossed my fingers hoping she would tell me she had to call me back.

 

“It’s a perfect time. I just sat down with a glass of wine and my dinner is in the oven for another 20 minutes.” Wine o’clock has started, please let that mean she doesn’t connect the dots just yet.

 

“I am hoping to work something out with you and Tim. Natalie and I haven’t been able to come to an agreement. Rather than stressing her out, I thought I would talk to you.” If Natalie weren’t so stubborn, I wouldn’t need to have this conversation.

 

“Curtis, before you drag me into the mix of your disagreement with my daughter, should I remind you that she is my daughter. That usually means I will side with her. You do know that, right?” Well shit, this might not be a good idea.

 

“I completely understand that. If I thought for one second that you would side with her on this, I never would have called you. That being said, I feel like my solution is a win, win for everyone. Natalie is just being stubborn.” I probably shouldn’t have called her that, but her mom laughs which I take as my que to continue with my plan. “Let me start by saying I am all for Natalie working if she wants to. I will always support her decision in that area. Work if she wants to, stay home if she doesn’t. I am currently asking her to not work for a little bit longer because I want to get married now. I don’t want to wait until May. Before you freak out, let me explain the issue from your daughter’s perspective. She is worried about you guys needing to pay for the wedding now, if we push it up. She is also worried about how she is going to pay her bills if she doesn’t get back to work right now.” I can hear the rumbling her mom is making so I start to talk faster, “Hear me out. I can afford to pay for the wedding. Hell, I want to pay for the wedding. I would pay her bills too, if she let me. She won’t, she won’t even tell me how much she owes. If I can pay for the wedding the money you and her dad planned to spend on the wedding in May could be paid toward her bills.”

 

She doesn’t say anything, but I can hear her drinking her wine. A second later I can hear what I think is her pouring more wine. Finally she speaks, “Does the fact that you want to get married now have anything to do with my daughter being pregnant? Be very careful how you answer that question Curtis.”

 

Fuck. Me. “Um, well. Shit. Here is the deal,” I paused longer than is socially acceptable, “I’ve wanted to marry your daughter since the first day I saw her. And I have wanted to have children with her just as long. I will neither confirm or deny what you are asking me, but only because I know she spent a lot of time today preparing something for you guys. Please don’t make me, please let her have this?”

 

“Okay. I will keep it to myself. Now back to the money issue. We’ve had money set aside for her wedding since she was a little girl, just like we did for her college. I laugh when you call her stubborn, because other than books and tuition she refused to let us help her. If you think she will let us pay her bills because you are paying for the wedding, so be it. But Curtis, the reality is we are prepared to pay for it.” With that done, I decide wine o’clock might be the best time for me to talk to her.

 

“I think you should be prepared to come visit one day this week. I imagine wedding plans will start first thing tomorrow, if they haven’t started already. You have my number if you need me for anything. Can you do me a favor? When you talk to her, can you get a ballpark figure out of her for how much her debt is? I really don’t care if it is one thousand or a hundred thousand, I just want to know so hopefully I can show her the advantage of letting me just pay it.” She didn’t react to my comment about paying Natalie’s debt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

Curtis was down stairs talking to my mom longer than I expected. I was shocked when I got a simple text from my mom.

 

Mom: I love you honey.

 

I couldn’t ignore it, assuming Curtis told her I was here.

 

Me: I love you too. I’ll call you in the morning. I’d like to see you this week.

 

Mom: Perfect.

 

I saw Curtis emerge from the stairs looking smug as ever. Just one glance and I was completely aroused again. I hadn’t forgotten the feel of his cock poking me while I was sitting on his lap earlier. “You talked to her.” It was a comment not a question. “How drunk was she?”

 

“She had just sat down with her wine when I called. I can’t be positive, but I would guess she drank two or three glasses while on the phone with me. I told her you would probably contact her in the morning. Now, come sit on my lap so I can share with you what she and I came up with.” He guided me back into his lap, just like I had been before. His eyes automatically checking my cleavage, this time I refrained from crossing my arms. The dilating of his eyes clearly indicated that he wasn’t disappointed. “Here is the deal. Your parents, not me, are going to help you cover your bills. I am going to pay for the wedding, our wedding. Once we are married, if you want to work while you’re pregnant I will support your decision. Once we are married, what is mine is yours and what is yours is mine. We can worry about combining shit then.”

 

“Did you tell her?” He avoided eye contact which made my heart sink. I can’t imagine my mom responding positively if he told her.

 

“No. She asked and I told her that I couldn’t confirm or deny anything. I told her that I have wanted to marry you since the first day I saw you and that I have wanted children with you just as long. She didn’t react. I’m guessing she won’t be shocked to hear the news. Having two babies, that will be the shock for her.” He squeezed me into him and kissed the side of my head.

 

“I think dinner should be ready. Let’s go eat with everyone, give them their announcement presents and then go home.” He lifted me off his lap and smacked my ass as I started to walk away.

 

I had convinced the ladies not to tell their husbands about us having twins. We gave both Calvin and Steve cards that said “Say Uncle, say it again.” On the outside and the inside says, “We are having not one but two, that will want to be just like you.” Luke got the “buy one” onesies and Kyler got the “get one free” to match. Everyone was excited and happy for us. Easy for them, they aren’t the one growing two or giving birth to two.

 

Amy broached the subject of the wedding. “I know you two haven’t had much time to talk about what is going to happen now, but have you at least talked about moving the wedding up?”

 

“We are moving the wedding up. We haven’t talked about how far up, but we already have her wedding dress and if we waited until May it wouldn’t fit. No offense honey. Natalie has one of my cards and I’ll give the other one to Sierra, hopefully you guys can get things squared away so we can be married soon. Oh, there is also the possibility that Angela will come in the next day or two to help.” Based off the excitement rolling off Amy, you would think Curtis was her real son.

 

After dinner, we agreed that Curtis would drop me back off on his way to school in the morning. Amy reassured me that she would already be up so not to worry about coming over so early.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

I might have made it over to the McMann’s house at the crack ass of dawn, but I shouldn’t have crawled out of bed in the first place. Amy quickly led me downstairs to the bedroom Curtis used before the condo was ready. I flopped into the bed and was asleep before she could shut the door. I am not sure if it was the simple fact that I know I’m growing two babies or if I hit a stage in my pregnancy that I need extra sleep. Either way, I didn’t stir until well after ten. I made my way upstairs and was shocked to find my mom sitting at the table with Sierra, Amy and Hannah. Overwhelmed with my emotions, they bubbled over and the tears rolled down my face.

 

My mom wrapped me in the most loving hug I can ever remember getting from her. “Don’t cry baby girl. Everything is going to work out.” She just held me for a few minutes, when she released me she asked, “Why the tears?”

 

Thankfully Amy had been with me when I wrapped presents yesterday so she knew which one was for my mom. I nodded to her when she motioned toward the gift. Amy passed it to me and I handed it over to my mom. Her present is the “I can’t keep calm I am going to be a grandma of twins.”

 

Her tears made mine double. Thankfully Hannah had enough smarts to snap a few pictures of us hugging. Not only was she on the ball, she was creative enough to focus on the mug while we hugged in the background. After I called my dad and sister, my mom took great pride in sending her girlfriends the picture.

 

One hurdle down, the next is figuring out our wedding. Our original plan of getting married on the beach was definitely out, I wasn’t about to fly or sit for a long period in the car. I didn’t care when or where the wedding took place, but my heart is set on wearing the dress. Curtis told me the whole story of him contacting Shelley’s mom about the dress.

 

Sierra was the one who mentioned the club house at the condo. We’d driven by there almost daily but never paid any attention to it. Instead of calling, the five of us loaded up in two cars and drove over. Within two hours, the whole wedding is planned. The club house is perfect, they have a beautiful courtyard patio that rests up against their man-made lake. The clubhouse has a beautiful indoor area that will fit more than we need.

 

Since the neighborhood development is new, the calendar is completely open. Hannah contacted Mary to see if she could be available any weekend soon. In the end, Mary determined that we book everything for this coming weekend. It’s Tuesday and our wedding is now scheduled for Saturday. We opted for later in the afternoon, so Curtis could still coach the boys game which is schedule for ten o’clock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I got a message from Natalie to meet her at the condo after practice. It had been a long day and I was looking forward to spending the night at home with my girl. I was shocked when I walked in the front door and I found my girl with her body on display for me. She was wearing a black sheer nightie, I could clearly see the nipple rings and that she wasn’t wearing any panties.

 

"Hell yeah. I think I like coming home to you like this. Fuck. Lift the nightie and spread your legs.” She followed my instructions. “I can see how wet you are from here Hot Stuff. Did you miss me?” I was wasting no time; thankful I’d changed out of my teaching clothes in favor of warms ups. I was able to pull my sweatshirt and t-shirt off without missing a beat. I toed off my Nikes and pulled my pants and boxers off in one smooth motion. I stroked myself as I slowly walked toward her. I could smell her arousal the closer I got, my mouth watered in response. I pulled her until her ass was on the edge of the couch, without hesitation I slowly swiped my tongue through her folds. Her hips bucked in response. I will never get enough of her flavor on my tongue. I used my tongue to bring her to the edge and then backed off, several times over. I could ignore the grip she had on my hair where she tried to hold me in place so she could take what she wanted. I could also ignore the begging she did. I couldn’t however, ignore the pulsing of her pussy and the telltale sign of her orgasm hitting. I replaced my tongue with my thumb and quickly guided myself inside her.

 

I swiped the back of my arm and hand across my dripping face before I kissed up her neck. I couldn’t get enough of her, being inside her will always be my favorite place on earth. “I love you Natalie” my words were broken up by the movement of my hips.

 

My broken words, my thumb twirling her clit, and my cock rocking in and out of her is exactly what she needed to find her bliss. The pulsing grip of her pussy pulled every last drop out of me. I slowly rocked my hips through the aftershocks. As soon as we were able to catch our breath, while I was still buried inside her, she spoke for the first time other than calling out my name. “Want to get married on Saturday?” I heard the words, but I was speechless due to the shy look she gave me.

 

“Please tell me you are serious?” She nodded slowly, “I most definitely want to marry you on Saturday. Holy. Shit. We are getting married in less than a week!” My cock stiffened as soon as my lips connected with hers. The thought of being married to her was all it took to want her all over again.

 

She laughed before moaning in response to the feel of me moving. “This is probably how we made the twins. Once is never enough.”
 

“Hell yeah. Once will never be enough with you. Damn, show me your nipples, I can see the rings.” I flipped us around until she was straddling me. I wanted to watch her tits bounce and play with them while she’s wearing the rings.

 

I went to sleep that night beyond thankful for the help she got with planning our wedding. I had a few things I needed to take care of before the big day, I could get away from the classroom for a day, but I couldn’t let the team down and miss a practice. I made a mental note to talk to the principal first thing in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I felt the kiss on my forehead this morning but couldn’t manage to open my eyes. Apparently, the days of me getting up with Curtis to see him off to work are long gone. We haven’t even gotten married yet and I am already failing my duties as a stay at home wife. My welcome home greeting last night might offset the lack of good bye this morning. Wonder which he prefers. I’m sure that since sex was involved, he would choose the welcome home.

 

When I finally managed to get my ass out of bed, I moved slower than I planned. I know that everything is set for the wedding, but I still have a few things that I need to take care of. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a last-minute salon appointment. I need to make sure I have all my traditional wedding stuff: something old, new, borrowed and blue. I need to get my hands on the dress to make sure it fits. I need to buy new lingerie and lastly, I need to get Curtis a wedding present.

 

Apparently, my soon to be sister-in-law knew exactly what I needed to get done before Saturday. When I called her, she already had my salon appointment set up for Friday. She said she had a handful of things for us to go through today and tomorrow we would do the shopping. She told me to get dressed, they would be over soon.

 

Sierra arrived first, carrying a box that had clearly seen better days. Without waiting for me to ask questions she started to explain what she had. “When Calvin asked my brothers for permission to marry me, they gave him my mom’s engagement and wedding ring.” She held out her left hand for me to see her ring. I’d noticed that her ring was modest and outdated, knowing that it had belonged to her mom explained why. “My brothers pulled my mom’s wedding dress out of storage for me. I tried it on and decided that it wasn’t what I wanted to wear. Turns out it was perfect for Hannah, fit her like a glove. She surprised Steve by wearing it on their wedding day. You already have a dress and even before I got engaged, Curtis didn’t want anything to do with our parents wedding rings. So, I brought this stuff over for you to look through. Some of it is from my mom, some of it is from our Grandma Rose. I think it would mean a lot to Curtis if you use something from in here on your wedding day. Maybe something old or even something blue. I haven’t gone through everything yet, so I thought we could do it together.”

 

Pregnant emotions and realistic thoughts that is this is the closest to his mom I’ll ever be caused a massive lump in my throat. I nodded in agreement rather than trying to speak. She headed to the living room and I swung by the kitchen for drinks before I said anything. “Alright, let’s see what we can find. I need something old, blue and borrowed.”

 

She pulled out a shoe box and slowly lifted the lid, I expected the box to be filled with random things, not an actual pair of shoes in there. I was amazed to see a pair of heels, white with multi-colored beads which create a flower pattern, they were stunning. I took one shoe in my hand and was shocked to see the pristine condition of they were in. “Whose were these? Looks like they’ve never been worn.”

 

“Those belonged to Grandma Rose. Grandpa Buck bought those for her to wear to their first Marine Corps Ball. Grandpa proposed to her that night.” The size listed on the box was bigger than my feet, so I didn’t even consider trying them on.

 

“If all the items in the box are going to have a story behind them I needed to grab a box of Kleenex and grab some snacks.” I sat back and let her do the digging, she pulled out a small jewelry box.

 

“Oh, I haven’t looked in here since I turned 16 and Grandma let me pick something from here. For sure we’ll find something in here for you.” The two of us took turns grabbing item after item from the olden jewelry box. It was clear to me that she had no idea what all this jewelry was worth. Based on her joking about how gaudy some of the items were. I was willing to bet she thought it was costume, not quality diamonds and genuine gemstones. She held out a beautiful sapphire and diamond broach that I knew immediately would be perfect as a hair accessory. It could cover my blue and old item.

 

I took it from her to get a better look before asking her, “Could you make this work in my hair? It could be my old and blue item.” I handed it back so she could see what she had to work with.

 

“Absolutely. We’ll make it work. I think we can just use a ribbon hair tie and pin the broach right to it. We can practice later. Did you want to try on the shoes? There is no way I’ll ever be able to wear them and Curtis will know instantly where they came from.” She set the broach aside and continued pulling items from the jewelry box.

 

“No, I don’t think they will fit me. I’m only a 7 and these are 8’s.” I picked one up out of the box because I love the story behind them.

 

“Just try them on. Sizes were funky back then.” She handed me the second shoe, not giving me a choice. I slipped my foot into the first shoe and felt like Cinderella because the shoe fit perfectly. Sierra clapped like a little girl when I managed to get the second shoe on just as easily. I slowly stood and took a few tentative steps to make sure I could walk. “Um, you have to wear those. I’m not giving you a choice.”

 

I couldn’t argue with her because the shoes are perfect and I love the fact that Curtis will know where I got them from. “So, I have old, new and blue. I just need something borrowed.”

 

Right on que Amy and Hannah walk into the living room. Amy announces, “I have your borrowed covered.” She hands me a small jewelry box, with the tilt of her head she indicates that she wants me to open the box. Inside are a pair of diamond earrings, whose sparkle indicated their quality and their size humble.

 

I looked to Amy for an explanation of where these came from. “Those are mine. Luke worked his ass off to make something of himself after the tragic start to our relationship. Those are the first gift he gave me after the dust settled and he was earning enough to take care of me, according to him ‘the way I deserved.’ I was perfectly happy without diamonds but it was important to Luke that I have them.”

 

I hugged her in appreciation, over her shoulder I see Hannah as she unzips an oversized garment bag. I realize then it’s my dress, for the first time in person I am seeing my dream dress. It’s beautiful and I pray to all that is holy that it will fit me. I know Shelley and I are pretty close to the same size and thankfully my body hasn’t shifted with the added babies growing inside me.

 

With Amy and Sierra at my back, I slowly make my way to the dress Hannah hung on the hall closet door. I just want to feel it against my skin. Never one to be concerned with public nudity, I dropped my pants right there in the living room and my top quickly followed. Hannah helped me step into the dress and carefully zipped me up. Without warning, Sierra was at my feet slipping her Grandma Rose’s beaded heels on my feet. I glance up, just as Hannah finishes with the zipper and see Amy standing there with tears in her eyes.

 

Severe panic hits when I hear the front door open. I release a full breath when I hear my mom and sister chatting. Amy is quick to stop them from making it all the way into the room. Sierra and Hannah pull me down the hallway, grabbing my borrowed and blue items before being seen. Sierra works her magic with my hair and I put in Amy’s diamonds. In less than ten minutes I am walking down the hallway to show my mom and my sister the whole package. They join Amy as she tears up again. Surprisingly my tears don’t come, instead I have the most genuine smile I’ve ever had. Even Caroline comments on my obvious happiness.

 

Hannah helped me change while Sierra put everything in the spare bedroom, keeping it hidden from Curtis. In the living room, Amy, Caroline, and Mom were talking about what everyone else is going to wear. Hearing their conversation, I realized Curtis and I hadn’t even talked about who was standing up with us. I excused myself and crossed my fingers that Curtis would answer my message quickly.

 

Me: Any idea who is going to be your best man? How many guys are going to stand up with you?

 

Instead of getting a text back my phone rings. “Hi Honey.”

 

“Hi Hot Stuff. I’m just eating lunch. I was going to call you but I wasn’t sure if you were awake yet. I already asked Steve to be my best man, it kind of comes along with the twin title. I have up to three other guys that I would like to ask, but wanted to check with you before I do. Have you thought about it?” My mind went busy trying to figure out who his three guys are. If Steve is his best man, I figured Calvin and worried about Jimmy.

 

“I don’t know. I should probably ask my sister. I’d like to ask your sister and Hannah. That leaves me one short. I don’t want to ask someone just so we have even sides, I also don’t want to stop you from having who you want up there. Who are the three?” I quietly held my breath as he put it all out there.

 

“Calvin, Jimmy and Kyler. Don’t worry, I will figure something out. Ask the girls and let me know how it goes. I will hold off until I hear from you before I ask any of them. I could be good with just Steve, if you want to just ask one. Honestly Nat, other than Steve it doesn’t matter to me so long as in the end we’re married. Hey Babe, I gotta go, sounds like there is a fight in the hallway. I’ll call you later.” He didn’t wait for my good bye.

 

Amy found me hiding in the spare bedroom, I am guessing she heard part of the conversation I’d just had with Curtis. My gut told me to trust him and give him the go ahead to ask all the guys to stand up with us. “You look worried. Does it have anything to do with who he wants to be in the wedding?” Damn, she doesn’t beat around the bush at all. Not only that, she asks the question while giving you the opportunity to be honest without feeling judged.

 

I remember a time or two in my past that I passed judgement on my friends when they were getting married. I thought, and sometimes even said, if you can’t trust him completely, you shouldn’t marry him. So here I am, days away from marrying Curtis and judging or questioning myself. I want to give him the go ahead to ask whomever he wants. But I don’t want to question Jimmy’s motive as he stands up beside Curtis. Pulled from my crazy thoughts I realize that Amy is expecting a response. “I’m trying not to panic. I know in my heart that Curtis loves me. That Curtis is choosing me. I just don’t know that I trust Jimmy enough to want him to stand up with us as we declare our commitment to each other.” I make eye contact with her and feel the intensity of her eyes as they watch me. “Does that make me a bad person?”

 

Without answering, she pulled me into her arms. She held me as my tears rolled down my face. “You are far from a bad person Honey. You have every right to feel the way you do. From what I have gathered, Jimmy has been poking around looking for a weakness in Curtis and your relationship. Luckily for you,” she pulled back and winked at me, “he hasn’t found one. My only words of advice are, speak up for yourself because nobody else will.” She kissed my cheek and walked out of the room. I took a minute to get myself together before joining the ladies in the living room.

 

The group of us visited while my mom made a big salad for lunch. The topic of what everyone was wearing didn’t come up again. After a few hours, everyone was heading off on their own. My mom and Caroline hung back for a little bit, which gave me the perfect opportunity to ask her to be my matron of honor. I didn’t give her much choice, but I did tell her she could wear whatever she wanted. I didn’t have a preference on color or style. The two of them left with finding the perfect dress as their sole mission.

 

When they left, I climbed back into bed where I planned to take a short nap before Curtis got home. Reality, I woke hours later to voices that I recognized. My heart broke that he is out there spending time with Jimmy, did he even bother to check on me? I can’t be sure one way or the other that he did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I was shocked to see Jimmy standing alongside the field after school. When I messaged him this morning, I just needed him to contact Natalie’s mom to coordinate getting her the dress. I hadn’t heard from Natalie since talking to her at lunchtime. I assume she has been busy with the girls, I know her mom and sister were there. I figure if she needed me, she would have contacted me.

 

“Hey man. I didn’t have much to do this week, since I was supposed to be on my honeymoon. It was just as easy for me to bring the dress here as it was to meet up with Natalie’s mom. Don’t worry, I got them the dress.” We shake hands and he grips my shoulder at the same time.

 

“What are you doing here? I still have two hours of practice before I’m done for the day.” I am confused about him being here. I didn’t invite him, I hope that isn’t what he got from my messages this morning.

 

“I figured I could help out with practice.” At that point the guys were all making their way out onto the field, so I didn’t have time to argue with Jimmy. Not to mention, Jimmy is an excellent soccer player. For the next two hours, we worked side by side and back to back with the team. He took the defenders while I worked with offense, then we switched. At the end of practice, I met with the players to announce the change in our practice schedule. Regular practice on Thursday but Friday we’d have early morning practice before school.

 

As the guys left the field, Kyler hung back to see if he could help with anything before the wedding. I told him I’d know more once I got home and found out from Natalie where we stood. I let him know I’d text him if we needed his help with anything.

 

Walking away from the field, I asked Jimmy what his plan was. He said he didn’t have a plan and was hoping he could crash at our place for the next couple of nights. For a brief second I hesitated in responding. I felt awful when I realized I didn’t want him staying with us. We are days away from getting married, we still have a lot of shit to figure out between us and having him there isn’t going to make that any easier. But what can I say? I still feel bad for him, his life isn’t what he expected. A week ago, he had plans to be married and enjoying his honeymoon right now.

 

“Listen. I need to double check with Natalie before I agree to let you stay. If I had to guess, we have a handful of things that we need to get done before Saturday.” He was putting me on the spot and I wasn’t doing a very good job of dealing with it.

 

“No worries, why don’t you head home. I’ll got get pizza and some beer. That will give you a little time to talk to her. If I need to get a hotel, I can.” In theory, it sounded good. Hind sight, it wasn’t.

 

When I got home I found Natalie sound asleep in our bed. Poor girl is exhausted. I am thankful she is tired and so far, hasn’t had any morning sickness. She said her sister didn’t have any so we’re hoping she won’t either. I didn’t want to wake her up, but I also didn’t like making these kind of decisions without her input. Especially when it comes to Jimmy, I know she is already hypersensitive to him so this isn’t going to help.

 

With Natalie asleep, I contact Amy to see how things had gone today. I knew she got her dress and I believe Sierra was bringing her the box of our Mom and Grandma Rose’s stuff. I also wanted to know if she had asked the girls to be in the wedding. She answered on the first ring, “Good timing, I just put dinner in the oven. How’s it going?”

 

“Good. I just got home and Natalie is in the same place I left her this morning. In bed sound, asleep. How did things go today?” I stood in the front window waiting for Jimmy to show up.

 

“I think everything went great. The dress fits, she picked her things from your Mom and Grandma’s stuff. I talked to her briefly after you did,” she paused clearly waiting for me to do or say something but I had no clue what it was. “I think she has reservations about Jimmy being in the wedding. She was planning on telling you tonight. She didn’t ask Sierra or Hannah to be the in wedding. I think the only reason was because she figured it was the only sure fire way to keep Jimmy out of it. Honey, you need to understand that she loves you but she doesn’t want to compete with him on her wedding day. She doesn’t want him to have your attention on the biggest day of her life. It’s your job to see that it doesn’t turn out that way. He may be your friend, but she needs this day to be about just the two of you.”

 

Damn, leave it to Amy to explain it in a way that clicks. I started to see it out on the field when Jimmy asked to stay with us for the next couple of days; now however, it’s crystal clear. My heart stops as I realize what must happen when Jimmy arrives. “I get it. It took me long enough huh? Damn it. I keep fucking it up when it comes to him.”

 

“Honey, listen to me. I don’t need to know everything to know that he clearly still has feelings for you. You need to stop anything that might be leading him on. Then encourage him to find his own, because Natalie isn’t going to allow any sharing.” Not how I wanted to spend my night.

 

“He just pulled in, no time like the present to do this. I’ll call you tomorrow. Thank you for always knowing just what I need to hear. Love you.” I think it’s the first time I’ve said the words, but I knew them to be true for quite some time now.

 

“Love you too Curtis. Just like one of my own. Let me know if you need anything. If Jimmy really needs a place to stay, we’ve got the room here.” I couldn’t ask for more.

 

We said good bye as I stood waiting with the front door wide open. I watched him walk up to the door with a cocky swagger, clearly thinking I might find that appealing. He apparently hasn’t heard any of my previous explanations about only wanting Natalie. I realized, based on the amount of beer he was carrying in, that he wants to get drunk. I’m sure he’s hoping I will do the same, at which point the lines might blur. Time to stop it before it goes anywhere.

 

I grab the beer and he continues to carry the pizza. Once in the kitchen I cut straight to the chase. “We need to talk before we eat. Let’s head out on the back deck.” I pointed to the sliding door, hoping we wouldn’t wake up Natalie.

 

“Where’s Natalie?” For two seconds I wanted to tell him, none of your business. The shift in my feelings for him and what he’s doing or trying to do hits me quickly.

 

“She’s busy.” I indicate for him to take a seat and I sit across from him. “Listen. This isn’t easy for me, so I’m just going to rip the band-aid off. You can’t stay here. If you need a place to stay tonight, Amy McMann has offered you a room at their house.” I watched him as he took in my words, clearly they weren’t what he expected. “Natalie is my world, she is my number one. When you are around, you’ve been manipulating things to interrupt that. I’ve told you before that when we were with girls it was never about you or them for that matter; it was always just about me getting off. Now, it is all about Natalie and you do not fit into it. I realize that isn’t what you want to hear and for that, I’m sorry. I hope you can find your person. I hope you can be honest with yourself enough to open your heart and mind to find what you really want. Jimmy, look at me.” I waited for him to look at me. “I am not what you want. You know why?” He shook his head. “Because I don’t want you in return. When you find your person, they won’t run from you like I’ve done. Find someone who is willing to fight for you. Right now, I am fighting for Natalie.”

 

I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but I could also tell that my words were heard. For the first time, it wasn’t just words to him, he was finally understanding them. “I hear you man. I’m sorry. Damn, I bet Natalie hates me. I should head out, if I leave now I can make it home before it’s too late.”

 

“Give her time. I can call Amy if you want to stay there. We’ve planned for you to be here for the wedding and if you don’t have anything else going on we could use an extra body to help us get ready. It’s up to you.” I wait for him to decide.

 

“Okay. It’s not like I have anything else to do. I can help with practice the next couple of days too, if you want. I forget how much I like working with kids that age.” This is the friend that I’ve missed. I just hope he continues to understand that I’m not interested in him and that will never change.

 

He grabbed a piece of pizza while I called Amy back to let her know Jimmy would be over in a bit. She told me that he was welcome to stay until after the wedding if he wanted. I reassured her that I would extend the offer to him. Two pieces of pizza later he was on his way out the door. I thanked him for finally understanding how things are.

 

It was still early when he left so rather than climb into bed, I cracked a beer and watched sports center. When I finally got up to head to bed I was shocked to see that I’d polished off more pizza and beer than I thought. I wasn’t drunk, but probably would have been if I hadn’t eaten half the damn pizza.

 

I didn’t bother brushing my teeth, I just stripped down to my boxers and climbed into bed. I tried to be quiet, but wasn’t successful. Natalie rolled over and opened her eyes just as I settled into bed. With the lights out, I didn’t notice the redness around her eyes, but I couldn’t miss their puffiness or the tears that rolled down her cheek.

 

“Baby why are you crying? Come here, let me hold you.” She didn’t move, her eyes narrowed and I could feel her fire building. “What is it?” I sat up and turned the bedside light on so I could see her.

 

“Where’s Jimmy?” My stomach dropped, the reality of her having hurt feelings yet again because of Jimmy makes me want to kick my own ass.

 

“He’s not here. Come here and let me hold you. I need to talk to you but I want to have you in my arms when I do.” I sat against the head board and pulled her until she was straddling my lap. “I am sure you are sick of hearing me apologize to you because of him. I can tell you with 100% certainty that this is the last time. I finally saw today what you’ve been seeing. Top that with a very frank conversation with Amy, I understand that I have not done a good job of putting you first when he is around.  I also hadn’t done a good job closing the door for him. I had unintentionally let him dangle, I didn’t cross any lines with him but I didn’t make it clear enough that I would never cross those lines. Natalie, look at me,” I used my finger on her chin to lift her gaze to meet mine, as soon as we were eye to eye I continued, “I was very clear with him tonight. I closed the door and for the first time he not only listened, he heard me. We, you and me, are not going to struggle because of him. Got it?” I kissed the tip of her nose, knowing if I kissed her mouth I wouldn’t be satisfied without hearing a response from her.

 

“I hear you. So, you closed the door but then had to sit out there and get drunk?” I laughed, which wasn’t the right thing to do. I loved that she is putting me in my place.

 

“I didn’t want to wake you up. Every time I came in here to check on you, you were snoring. I hadn’t planned to drink as much as I did. I’m sorry I probably smell like pizza and beer.” I hugged her while continuing to chuckle.

 

“You have pizza?”

 

I just grabbed the whole pizza box and a couple bottles of water. For the next hour, we sat up in bed eating pizza and talking about the wedding. We agreed she would ask Hannah and Sierra to stand up with us and I would ask Calvin and Kyler. Not once did I feel bad about not having Jimmy stand up with us and that felt amazing.

 

That night we fell asleep spooning together, my hand instinctively resting on her lower abdomen where my babies are busy growing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I woke to the distinct feeling of being poked in the ass with morning wood. It was natural instinct for me to push my ass back into him, the small subtle rotation of my hips caused his hand to drift lower. My nipples pebbled, and suddenly, I wish we’d slept naked instead of being clothed. No words were spoken but his lips were busy kissing up and down my neck, the closer he got to the spot behind my ear the bigger rotation my hips made.

 

His fingers found my clit even through my panties. Enjoying the freedom to move my leg without a cast I hooked my leg backward over his hip. He liked that idea and spoke for the first time. “Lose the panties Babe.” I made quick work of following his request. As soon as I was naked from the waist down he rolled to his back and pulled me with him. Reverse cowgirl gave him a perfect view of my ass. He couldn’t keep his hands to himself. I pulled my tank top off, allowing him a full view of my naked back side. I lifted myself up enough to guide him to my opening. I wasn’t gentle when I slammed myself down his full length. As soon as he was rooted deep, I leaned forward slightly with my hands on his thighs and bounced my ass as I rode him hard.

 

He took great pleasure in grabbing a cheek in each hand. His thumbs brushed against my asshole several times. That sensation alone had my rhythm faltering, but it did nothing to decrease my pleasure. I was so wet with arousal, Curtis simply ran his fingers along my spread pussy lips for lube. When his fingers were wet, he slowly pressed his fingers one by one into my ass. I lost count of the number of orgasms that pulsed through my body. I know if he’d had the choice, we would have stayed right there. Instead, his one beep warning for his upcoming alarm caused him to drive himself as deep as he could go. Spurt after spurt, he filled me with his orgasm.

 

We showered together and I made his lunch while he got dressed. I saw him off to work, knowing that we only had two more days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***

 

I was still tired as all hell but that didn’t stop me from looking forward to finding lingerie and a wedding gift for Curtis. Hannah and Sierra volunteered to help me shop, which just confirmed for me that I wanted them to be standing up with us at our wedding.

 

Thankfully, Sierra drove. I’d been in the car while Hannah drove; since the accident and now being pregnant I don’t think I’m willing to risk being her passenger anymore. I wasn’t prepared with a cool present or card that asked them to be a bridesmaid, instead it was just me poking my head between the driver and passenger seats as we drove to the lingerie store.

 

“Will you two be bridesmaids?” They both laughed, which confused me and made me a little nervous that they would say no. I looked back and forth between them waiting and hoping for them to say yes.

 

“Of course, we will. Sorry, I know it’s not nice to laugh. It’s just funny because on the way to pick you up, Hannah said if you didn’t ask us we were going to pull some pranks. Nothing major but mostly because you’re pregnant with my nieces.” Sierra laughed at Hannah’s outrage that she was thrown under the bus.

 

Three hours later, I had spent more money than I expected. Hannah should have earned commission at the lingerie store. If she had said, “I have this one” one more time I would have been convinced that she owns the whole store. According to her, I needed two panties to every bra I bought. That way if Curtis decided to rip a pair, I’d still have a matching set. Her explanations opened a window into her and Steve’s private life.

 

I don’t know what Curtis is expecting in terms of a wedding gift. The reality is, I don’t feel right using his credit card to buy him a gift. My mom said she was going to transfer some money to my account; she said it was money they planned to use for the wedding. Internet service was sketchy so I couldn’t verify whether she had done it. Without that money, I knew I had less than $100 in my account. I had to get creative if I wanted to give him anything at all.

 

There was a tourist type t-shirt shop across the street from the lingerie store. With limited funds and not a lot of time I told the girls I was going to check it out. They went the opposite direction in hopes of finding dresses.

 

I instantly found two t-shirts I wanted to get him. The first one said, “The Man Behind the Bump” and had the two thumbs tilted back. The second one said, “Mission Accomplished” with stick figure man and pregnant woman. As soon as I set them on the counter the saleswoman let me know they had a few others in the back. She pulled out one that said, “Be Nice To Me My Wife Is Pregnant.” I added it to my pile before asking her how long it would take to add “with Twins” to the last one. She got giddy and pulled the notebook out with pre-made designs. I picked two more “Real Men make Twins” and “I Make Twins What is Your Super Power?”  Of course, I visited with the lady as she pressed on the pre-made designs, when she heard that we were getting married she suggested I get him the “Taken” t-shirt as well. My gifts weren’t expensive, she gave me a discount for buying so many, but they were funny and had meaning behind them.

 

I found Hannah and Sierra two doors down at a greeting card store. This wasn’t your everyday greeting card store either, this one was clearly coming from the theory that love is love. The products were on the verge of pornographic in nature. I believe most of their stuff could be reported on social media. I had a great time picking out a card for each t-shirt. I figured I may not have spent a lot of money on his wedding present, but I could put a lot of thought into them. I could see a massive gift wrapping section behind the checkout counter. I commissioned the store to individually wrap each shirt which they did while I carefully selected a card for each package.

 

With our mission completed, I just wanted to see Curtis. Obviously, he had been on my mind while reading all the erotic cards. He only had about an hour left of practice, so I had Sierra drop me off at the field.

 

After our long talk the night before, I wasn’t shocked or hurt to see Jimmy out on the field with him. I wasn’t interested in interrupting the practice, my only interest was having my eyes on my man. I watched with pride as he directed drills and encouraged each player. I knew he saw me sitting in the stands and I respected the fact that my presence didn’t take away from him doing his job. I was taken by surprise when Jimmy joined me while the guys scrimmaged for the last 15 minutes of practice.

 

“Hey Nat, mind if I join you?” I could tell he was nervous but he had enough sense to wait for me to give him the go ahead to sit with me.

 

“Sure, why not. How are the guys looking?” I didn’t want my relationship with Jimmy to be strained. I can understand his desire for my soon-to-be husband, I imagine it’s the same desire I have for him.

 

“The guys look great. There is a lot of talent on the team, I don’t know what they are playing against so my opinion might not mean shit.” He didn’t look at me as he spoke, which I took to mean he felt uncomfortable.

 

“Fair enough.” I kept my eyes trained on the field as the guys fought for possession of the ball.

 

“I am sorry. I realize it might be too little too late, but I want you to know that I really am sorry.” I think I might have pulled a muscle in my neck from jerky it quickly so I could look at him. Always one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, I am sure he saw the shock and disbelief on my face. “I know Curtis has been honest with you about our history. I know you are not the average woman, or at least you aren’t the type of woman I’ve ever met. You accepting his past without question makes you even more amazing than he is.” I make a move to correct him, but he doesn’t let me. “No wait, let me get this out before you try to say anything. I owe you the biggest apology. I am sorry I didn’t respect you and what you have with Curtis enough to stop with my attempt to get him back in my life. Back in my life in the way he used to be.” He paused allowing me to register his admission. I nodded to let him know I understood what he was saying. “I know he has picked you. I know he will never look at me the way he does you. Hell, he never has looked at me that way despite my wish that he would. I know it is time for me to be honest with myself so I can move on.”

 

He fell silent as he looked back out on the field. My eyes were drawn to the same place, my soon to be husband had the guys huddled around him as he coached them. I will be the first to admit Curtis is easy to love, but in that moment, I question whether Jimmy wants Curtis specifically or if it is simply just a man. I hadn’t ever put much thought into it until this minute, but I suddenly questioned if Jimmy was gay and just now coming to terms with it. My question was answered moments later when Jimmy asked one of his own.

 

“Do you think, do you think I will ever find someone like him?” My heart and my mind suddenly felt sympathy for him.

 

“If you open your heart to the possibility, you will find exactly what you need.” He wrapped his arm over my shoulder in response. In return I dropped my head against him. “You deserve to be happy, don’t settle for anything less.” With Curtis walking toward us Jimmy kissed the top of my head as he quietly thanked me.

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I was secretly nervous when Jimmy told me he was going to go talk to Natalie. Those nerves lessened each time I snuck a glance in their direction, it was clear by their body language that their conversation was going better than I expected. I was over the moon when I turned to them after the guys left and found his arm around her. My girl isn’t the type people can touch without her allowing it, unless of course she’s drinking tequila.

 

Jimmy left us at the field, something about Amy inviting him to have dinner with them. I wasn’t complaining, I was looking forward to an early night with my fiancée a.k.a. baby mama. I’ve been secretly wondering if she’d be offended if I call her my baby mama or better yet babies mama. I held her hand all the way to the parking lot, the gesture seems juvenile. It didn’t matter when a group of students walked out of the building as we walked by and hooted as they asked if she was my girlfriend. I refrained from using the babies mama title, but proudly announced that she was my fiancée.

 

Having her here, embracing my role as coach and supporting me. It feels amazing. Seeing her connect with Jimmy is more than I ever expected. I know without a second of hesitation, that I am the luckiest bastard ever.

 

Rather than heading home, I took her to a small diner for dinner. She looked happy but tired and I certainly wasn’t in the mood to cook. We talked about our day in addition to her sharing about the conversation she had with Jimmy.

 

I jumped in a quick shower when we got home, by the time I walked out of our bathroom I found her laying on top of the covers sound asleep. I undressed her before getting her tucked into bed, then wasted no time climbing in with her. I had plans to just hold her for a few minutes but quickly fell asleep in my new favorite position, wrapped around her with one hand resting on my babies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

When his early alarm went off I felt him hurry out of bed, I’m sure he thought it would allow me to sleep for a little longer. My excitement for all that is to come had me wide awake. I watched him dress from my perch on the bed, there wasn’t a single thing about him that I didn’t find sexy. The man seriously just pulled on a pair of jeans and a Henley and I’m aroused. He noticed that I was awake when he made his way to my side of the bed, I’m guessing he was coming in to give me a kiss before leaving. “Good morning handsome man that I get to marry tomorrow.”

 

“Good morning my babies’ mama.” I laughed, it was clear he’d put a lot of thought into calling me that. “Sorry if I woke you up. I’m heading out for early practice. I was just trying to kiss you before I left.”

 

I looped my hand behind his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. With one touch, the arousal I felt as I watched him dress spiked. “Just watching you get dressed and now kissing you, makes me horny. I wish you didn’t have to leave so early for practice.”

 

“Damn, you can’t say that to me as I’m about to walk out of the house.” I glanced down and saw that he was suddenly just as aroused I am. I brush my palm over the bulge which simply causes him to groan in appreciation.

 

“Give me two minutes, let me taste you.” I already have his pants unzipped and my hand wrapped around his girth. I didn’t wait for his response, instead I pulled him free and quickly shifted on the bed so my head title off the edge. Unable to say no once my wet mouth makes contact.

 

“Oh shit Nat. Spread your legs.” I quickly straightened my body out and spread my legs at his request. “Play with yourself, show me.” His hand took over after I dipped my fingers to gather evidence of my arousal and swirled it around my clit. Without warning he leaned forward enough to use his tongue on me, the movement of his body launched him deeper in my throat. Breathing through my nose I swallowed around him on each thrust. The feel of him groaning while sucking my clit sent me over the edge. My release triggered his.

 

My timing was off but not by much. He left the house less than ten minutes later than he’d planned. Luck for him, he had planned to get to the field fifteen minutes before the players.

 

Rather than going back to sleep, I soaked in the bathtub until I was ready to face the day. All the girls, including my mom and sister, met at the condo and made our way to the salon together. I was pampered within an inch of my life, waxed, buffed, polished on top of getting my hair trimmed. It was exactly what I needed to keep my mind from freaking out. Not cold feet, just nerves.

 

Hannah and Sierra surprised me as I walked out of the last of my services. They were standing there with a lady I didn’t recognize but she apparently knew who I was. “Oh shit, this is going to be fun.” I looked back and forth between Hannah and Sierra hoping for an introduction.

 

Amy took care of it for me when she walked out and spotted the lady. “Oh my god Mary, I’m so glad you are here. I didn’t think you were coming until tomorrow.” Ah ha, Mary is the photographer. But why did she need to come early.

 

“Okay, I hear you have a beautiful new condo and new furniture? I can’t guarantee top quality, but I can get some prints done overnight. That means you could have them in time to give him as a gift. But we need to hurry if we’re going to pull this off.” I can see that everyone is already ready to go now that Amy and I were done.

 

Back at the condo, Hannah and Caroline pull all my lingerie out while Sierra did my makeup and Mary scoped things out looking for the best locations. Not usually one to be shy about getting naked, I suddenly realized it was so much easier to do when drinking. In that moment, I missed tequila.

 

For the next two hours, Mary took picture after picture of me. Some in each room of our house, ending with me fully naked on our bed. She was amazing, the experience is something I will never forget. I am sure I will look back at those pictures in ten years, with my post twins body and wish I could have it all back.

 

Post pictures, we all made our way to the club house to set up. Our initial rental didn’t include enough time for us to set up, so Curtis just rented it for an additional day. He said not having to stress about it was worth every penny. It certainly made it nice. As soon as we were done, we did a walkthrough of the ceremony and then per the McMann’s insistence, we all went to Jack’s for dinner.

 

After dinner, my mom tried to convince us that Curtis and I needed to spend a night apart. Curtis shot her down without giving it a second thought, “No offense Angela, but that isn’t happening. She’s carrying some precious cargo and I won’t be able to sleep without them snuggled up against me. I will get up extra early, if you are worried about us seeing each other before the ceremony.”

 

I couldn’t talk around the lump in my throat. I’d never had anyone stand up for me with my mom, or anyone for that matter. Sounds ridiculous, but the gesture made me feel special, so did the idea that he needed us to sleep at night.

 

Not a single person argued with him. So, the night before our wedding we were facing each other, side by side, as we talked into the late night. Our dreams, our hopes, our plans. It’s one thing to have them running through your head, it’s another thing to voice them, and even better to make the plans to have them. I realized how I had never voiced any of them out loud for fear of falling short or not being supported. Not once did he question my hopes or doubt my dreams. Instead, he nourished them, added to them, and held my hand knowing that we’d get there faster together.

 

I fell asleep with love in my heart, life in my uterus, and peace in my mind. The knowledge felt amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

I did get up extra early, I wanted to go for a mind clearing run before the soccer game and then the frenzy of wedding activities. I’d been slacking on the running, other than running drills with the players. Mostly, my mind hadn’t been driving me to the point of needing to run. Today, I just wanted to clear it so I could be 100% present.

 

I felt amazing after six miles. When I returned, Natalie had a smoothie and coffee waiting for me. Natalie rode with me to the field for the game. We couldn’t have asked for a better game, total shut out. The crowd in the stands was bigger than it had ever been and it included all those people who were important to me. Having Jimmy down on the field with me was a bonus, not just for me but the players too.

 

After the game, all the ladies headed back to the condo and I went with the guys to the McMann’s where I was getting ready. Before leaving, I pulled Natalie into my arms and kissed her like I wouldn’t see her for months, instead of hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

The next three hours felt like forever, but the reality is we had just enough time to eat something, do hair and makeup, and get dressed before we needed to be at the club house. Mary was waiting with several printed images from my last-minute photo shoot, I opted for a simple image of me on our bed. I knew I was naked, but you couldn’t tell in the picture. It was sexy yet discreet.

 

I sent my mom and Amy to the club house ahead of us. My mom was driving me crazy and I wanted Amy to deliver the gifts to Curtis. No sooner did they leave, there was a knock at our front door. It was Jimmy. Had I not had the conversation with him the day before, I would have been nervous to see him standing at my front door. Instead, I couldn’t contain the smile that took over my face. He stood speechless at the sight of me. Sierra spoke, having known him longest she had no qualms about being frank, “Jimmy close your mouth and come inside.”

 

Shaking his head before making his way inside. “Natalie, you are so beautiful. Girl, it’s no wonder he wants you. Damn.” I laughed, everyone else just stood by watching. “I come baring gifts. He asked that I bring these to you.” I could see he had several.

 

“Oh I love presents. Do you know what they are?” Jimmy shook his head as he handed me several packages. I didn’t waste any time opening the first one, inside was a soft cotton t-shirt that said, “Just a little preggo…with twins” I laughed. Seriously I picked all those t-shirts for him thinking I was giving him something original and here he is giving me the exact same thing. The next two gifts were more t-shirts, “Daddy did it, twice” and the funniest one, “If you didn’t put it there, don’t touch it.” The last gift was wrapped the exact same as the others, only it wasn’t a t-shirt it was a picture of a picture. The picture showed a shelf that looks like a latter, each shelf has a floating frame. Wedding, baby A, baby B and Family are written in each frame. The gifts were perfect, just one more thing to show me that I am his number one.

 

My dad arrived at the condo next, he announced that it was time to go. The guests were all here and the guys were ready. We piled into cars, my dad and I sat in the backseat of the one Jimmy drove. Without planning it, he became our unofficial chauffer.

 

From the waiting room off to the side of the courtyard, I watched as the girls slowly made their way down the aisle. When it was my turn, my dad kissed my cheek and told me he was proud of me, before we walked toward the man who wouldn’t take no for answer.

 

I honestly couldn’t tell you a single thing about our ceremony. I know we exchanged vows, I know we exchanged rings, and I know when it was all over he kissed me like we were the only two people in the room. My happiness level had never been this high, not once.

 

I may have been sober for the reception but it doesn’t mean I remember it. I know my parents’ friends were there, the guys from his team, a few of his old frat brothers, a few coworkers from the dealership, and some of his fellow teachers. It was beautiful, but exhausting. We endured a million pictures, our first dance, toasts from my sister and Steve, cutting the cake, and tossing the bouquet and my garter.

 

I hadn’t realized until I was ready to leave that Curtis hadn’t been drinking. When I questioned him, his response was more than I expected. “My wife is giving me the gift of a life time, in the process of doing that she can’t drink. In honor of her and all that she’s giving me, the least I can do in return is refrain from drinking. Not to mention, tonight I am hoping to get laid.” Loving and laughing at his response, I kiss him and tell him I am ready to go home.

 

I wanted to say good-bye to our core group of people before we left. In the process, I notice that Jimmy and Jay were busy chatting it up. In that moment, I hoped they could make each other happy because they both deserved that and so much more. After saying good night and thank you, the crowd lined up to blow bubbles. It was cheesy, but it was something I had always wanted done at my wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURTIS

 

It is official, we’re married! It’s been an exhausting day and I am not growing babies. I can only imagine how tired she must be. I parked in the driveway and asked her to wait for me before she got out of the car. I was overcome with the need to protect her. She refused to let me carry her from the car into the house, insisting that she walk to the front door where I didn’t give her a choice.

 

I kicked the door closed and carried her straight to our bedroom. “I’ve been dreaming all afternoon of having you naked on our bed just like in the picture. I was shocked to see the picture. I have so many questions, but right now I just want to devour you.” She sat on the edge of the bed where I knelt before her and slowly removed her shoes. I’d caught sight of them earlier and she confirmed while we were dancing that they had been my Grandma’s.

 

I slid my hands up her legs under her dress. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to taste her while wearing the dress of if I needed her naked first. I opted to taste her over the skimpy thong she wore. I was desperate to trace the thin material as it disappeared between her ass cheeks. Before allowing her to cum, I stood her up so I could carefully remove her dress. She was fucking beautiful in the dress, it was worth every penny. I was careful with the lace which was hard as fuck because what I really wanted to do was tear the damn dress down the middle to get access to her faster.

 

With the dress off, I took a step back and cataloged the image of her standing there in the tiniest piece of material that did nothing to cover her pussy. It was more for decoration than anything else. She wasn’t wearing a bra so her beautiful breast swayed as she moved. I undressed myself without taking my eyes off her.

 

I spent the next hour kissing every square inch of her body. I ran my tongue over the sensitive places while also running my hands all over her. I lost count of her orgasms but I will never forget watching her cum just from sucking on her tits. If she weren’t already pregnant, I would have agreed with anyone who said I fucked her like I was trying to get her pregnant.

 

In the wee hours of the morning, after exhausting ourselves to the point of passing out, I snuggled her into my body. I couldn’t rest my hand on the babies but knew that they were currently resting alongside my hip which worked almost as well. “I will never be able to thank you enough. Without you, I would have continued to wander aimlessly. I know our relationship has been crazy with unexpected twists, but I wouldn’t trade a single thing if it meant I wouldn’t have you and the twins.”

 

“I love our crazy twisted love. I knew years ago, I wouldn’t pick a normal guy with a normal relationship. I’ve always been a little twisted, which makes this, us, fucking perfect.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPILOGUE

 

CURTIS

 

She’s been on bedrest for three weeks. At least we had a small preview of the bedrest when she broke her leg. This is completely different, she can be up for a 10-minute shower and to use the bathroom. Anything else is completely off limits. The girls have been taking turns hanging out here with her. At this point, I think they are flipping coins because nobody wants to do it. I’ve wanted to wear the “Be Nice to Me My Wife is Pregnant with Twins” t-shirt every day. If I thought she wouldn’t turn into Lorena Bobbit, I would get a new one made that says, “You think your Ex is crazy, my Wife is pregnant with Twins” seriously I think I deserve a medal. I’ve been doing everything I can to make her as comfortable as possible.

 

I sat up in bed thinking that something must have happened. I still get “the feeling” when it comes to my sister and Steve but it’s been diminishing the further along Natalie gets in the pregnancy. When I could see that she was sleeping soundly I realized it meant that my sister was probably in labor. I took my phone with me into the closet where I quietly got dressed. By the time I was done using the bathroom I kissed my wife and went to let my mother-in-law know I was heading to the hospital for my sister. As I walked out of our spare room my phone rang, it was Steve letting me know it was time for Sierra. I told him I was on my way.

 

 

 

 

NATALIE

 

I never want to have more children. I couldn’t even go see Sierra and Cal’s baby. Thankfully, the family all came to me, but it wasn’t the same. One day shy of 37 weeks I was ready to be done. I couldn’t possibly stay in our bed another day. I was ready to kill someone if I couldn’t get up and go. Thankfully I had a doctor’s appointment which was my only hope for getting off the bed.

 

It would be on thing if I was getting sex while staying in bed, but I’m not. I’m as big as a fuck house. I can’t even have sex I’m so big. Let me rephrase that, I am so big I can’t have sex in a position that doesn’t put the babies at risk. If I was a bitch from being on bed rest, I’ve become an even bigger bitch because I’m not getting any sex.

 

Curtis, bless his heart and not in the nasty southern belle way, has been beyond patient with me. When I realize I’ve freaked out on him again I feel terrible, until it happens all over again. I am sure he thinks I’m crazy on a whole new level. He helps me outside to the car and just as I lift my leg to climb in, I feel the liquid running down my leg. At first I thought I peed, it wouldn’t have been the first time, but this was different it just kept coming. It was then that I realized my water broke.

 

Rather than going to the doctor’s office, I had Curtis take me to the hospital. I called the clinic to let them know I wasn’t going to be there and why.

 

Eight hours later with my parents; Luke and Amy; Steve and Hannah; Calvin, Sierra and my niece; Kyler; Jimmy in the waiting room our daughters arrived via c-section.

 

On August 31, 2017

Baby A became Avery Nicole Morrison, 7lb 2oz, 18-1/2 inches long

Baby B became Brynn Louise Morrison, 6lb 8oz, 18 inches long

 

 

 

 

COMING UP NEXT

 

The Crazy Love Series wouldn’t be complete without including Kyler’s story. The athlete of the McMann, he family struggles with the pressure and decisions regarding his future.

Stay tuned for the final book in the series:

CRAZY YOUNG LOVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

Without doubt I owe a huge thank you to my family and friends, this book wouldn’t have been possible without your love and support. Gough girls and all the wanna be Gough girls, you continue to be the driving force behind everything and I am beyond grateful for you.

 

To all of you who have taken the time to read and share my books, thank you.

 

Last but certainly not least, my kids. You are my everything and I love you more than anything, even when you don’t pick up or put the lid back on all the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT ME

 

I recently traded in the island life for life in the city. From southeast Alaska to Kansas City, Mo. I also upgraded my mom status to single mom.

 

I’m still the favorite sister and working hard at becoming the favorite Aunt. My love of vacation, the Seahawks and a good book remain strong.

 

You can find me on social media, where I can’t get enough of the hot book boyfriends & sunset pictures.