Chapter Twenty-Five

 

 

Brody pulls at his tux bowtie and I bite my lip. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” He opens the door and the fog machine starts. He dances down the aisle, a bit stiff, to his song. His face red, his hands shaking, and I’m sure preparing his apology for his soon to be wife. Saylor looks at me and winks.

“You’re up.” She smacks Mason on the ass and Deacon grips her hand and pulls her to his side. Usual antics with them. Mason steps through the door and ‘If I Were A Boy’ by Beyoncé starts; he pauses and turns to Saylor.

“That’s fucked up.” In true Mason fashion he hams it up. Pelvic thrusts, gyrating, winking, and his trademark smile that has panties dropping. Caden can’t breathe through his laughter and Deacon kisses the shit outta his wife.

Halfway through his aisle dance the music switches to ‘Lazy Love’ by Ne-Yo and his moves come full force. He eats up the attention while his wife rolls her eyes. He turns, winks, and drops it like it’s hot. I’m guessing things ‘work down there’ again . . . I don’t dare ask.

“Go show him how it’s done, stud.” Saylor pushes Deacon and you can tell he’s reluctant. He isn’t into attention unless it’s from his wife. “Make me proud.” Lord, this girl would keep Caden in practice if he was gonna be a cardiologist. Finding a song for him was hell— he nixed everything we chose.

When Saylor brought me his choice I wasn’t shocked. ‘Body Like A Backroad’ with Sam Hunt serenading us, echoes through the venue and he channels his inner stripper— or his wife has been giving him lessons. For someone who shies from attention, he’s working it. His eyes smolder, his hips rotate, his posture draws you in . . . and that fucking dimple. “He’s mine.” Saylor fans herself. Believe me, there’s no doubt who he has eyes for. I swear he’s fucking her to this song— in front of everyone. I need a cigarette . . .

“You quit, baby.” Caden breathes in my ear. Shit, I said that out loud.

“You ready?” He shakes his head no and I know my silent, dominant, and sexy as fuck man isn’t ready for his debut. But I’m ready to show him off.

I wink and push him to the door. ‘Show You Off’ by Blaire Hanks grabs his attention and he turns back to me.

“You’re a mess.” I nod. “My mess.” I accede again. Always his. I stand like a statue watching his ass shake, because dat ass is a work of art. The globes nice and tight from all the squats his position afforded him. It’s my favorite part to grab as he’s thrusting into me.

“Wipe the drool.” Brecklynn kids, but it wouldn’t surprise me if I had a puddle at my feet— and not just from my mouth.

“Do you think they’re quaking in their boots?” Saylor asks.

“Probably. Idiots.” We’re smarter than we look. Emberlee was in tears every day planning this wedding. She can turn any occasion into a party but her wedding was killing her. This was all okayed with her— I’d never pull a stunt like this without her approval. Bitch can be evil. We put our heads together and she loved the idea. Unconventional— like her relationship. She was so stressed with everything she wanted her wedding to be fun.

“I’m up, bitches.” Brecklynn giggles. “Mason is gonna die.” Lee Lee peers around the wall.

“I gotta see this.” She whispers. That girl is a vision. A tiny baby bump shows with a trim waist and her skin glows. She’s wearing ivory and her green eyes are vibrant.

“Come here.” I pull her to me and shield her body so she can see without being seen. ‘Come & Get It’ by Selena Gomez starts and she shimmies her sexy self down the aisle and Mason’s eyes bug. She leans over so he has a good view of her cleavage and shakes her chest. Emberlee hoots, I hug her. To see her so happy melts me. And to see the fact Breck gives it to Mason as good as he dishes shit out warms me. We all found our person and I have no doubts our love can handle what life throws at us. We’re stronger together than apart.

“Five bucks Deacon storms the place and throws me over his shoulder.” Saylor bets as she changes shoes.

“I’m not biting. The spread is too large. I’ll wager on how many beats you get before it happens.” I’m no fool.

“Yeah. I say five.” Lee Lee says.

“I’m giving it seven. Caden can hold him for a few seconds.” I toss.

“Oh ye of little faith. I say three because wait til you see my entrance.” Saylor winks and struts her tiny ass to the entryway. ‘Low’ by Flo-Rida plays and she kicks her foot in front of her, drawing attention to her boots— covered in fur at the top. The wedding erupts in laughter and Deacon’s already taken a step outta line. Caden catches him and Mason helps.

It’s all over when Saylor spins, puts her ass in his view and drops while twerking. The Hulk himself couldn’t restrain Deacon. Emberlee and I are holding each other up in fits of giggles as he reaches her. She’s still dancing and decides to use his leg as a pole. He swings her up, slaps her ass and places her in position at the altar. Problem being, when he sets her down, the music is still playing. She whips her hair, bends back and I can feel the vibration of his growl back here.

“Lord, he needs sedatives.” Emberlee sighs.

“At least with that vixen he won’t need Viagra.” I laugh.

“Good thing. You can’t mix blood pressure and heart problems with that little blue pill.” I snort at her.

“You ready for this?” She bites her lips as her eyes fill with tears.

“So ready, Aves. I can’t believe this is my life.” I wish she’d realize she’s worth this. She’s deserving of this love.

“He loves you.” I remind her.

“I know. And I love him.” She pushes me away. “Go. Show em’ what you got.”

‘No Scrubs’ by TLC blares and I start down the aisles. I’m not a dancer by any means but I can hold my own, so after a couple hard hitting steps I make my way to the guys and point my finger at them while lip syncing the words. Half way through the lyrics, Saylor and Breck join me and we have fun.

As the song ends, we all take our places and wait for Emberlee. A few chords of the wedding march begin and the doors open to her standing there like a vision, her dad escorting her.

Bam— the music changes to ‘Like A Virgin’, the Glee cast version because Madonna is all sorts of off her rocker of late. General Winchesters face pinks but he holds it together as he dances with his daughter who is showcasing her bump. Fitting song for humor and this is what she wanted.

“She knew?” Mason yells to us.

“No shit, Sherlock.” Saylor gloats.

“Saylor Douglas, you may not be mine, but I’ll tan your hide.” Wanda hollers from her front row seat.

“Oh my Gosh.” Brecklynn drawls. “I don’t know why we invite her to stuff.”

“Uh, have you met our parents?” I raise my eyebrows. “She’s in good company— the crazy kind.”

We all quiet as Emberlee reaches Brody. “Embe,” we hear him sigh and I have to wipe a tear.

Their vows are traditional so it evens out the craziness of the procession, and Lee Lee freaked with hormones, being a mom to a toddler and writing vows.

“She said obey.” Mason snorts.

“Embe. Kill him.” Brody sneers and Emberlee shrugs.

“I did just promise to obey.” She hands me her flowers.

“Brody, hush. Emberlee, stay right there. Mason, stop antagonizing. Brecklynn, control your man. You didn’t promise to obey.” Wanda warns us all to behave.

Thank goodness the kids are in the nursery. We need to break the cycle of filterless conversations no matter the place. It was passed to us through our parents; we have to help the next generation. I stare at my friends and want to weep. There is no help. None. The next generation is fucked. And they’ll be in charge of picking our nursing homes. I make a mental note to start bribing all the kids and to spoil mine rotten. It’s the sole chance I have. If they’re like us, they’ll stick together and it will only take one vote to sway me into a shit hole to live out my golden years.

 

 

As much as I love our life and home here in Nashville, it isn’t where I wanna be forever. Sure, the school systems are good, the people friendly, and the nightlife great— but our family is in Kansas. And New York. But I don’t see Emberlee and Brody staying. He’s got a good job, but he misses the collegiate level. It’s a more personal level and the sheer amount of staff is daunting for him with working in the MLB. His mom isn’t moving from Texas, and coming back home without all the travel gives her an opportunity to visit and actually see him. Coach Gill says he’s welcome anytime but they have seven months until his contract is concluded. He’s announced he’ll extend it until the season ends.

Thanksgiving is approaching and everyone’s gonna be home. Including us. The girl I’ve hired part time is responsible and will be fine handling the gallery in my absence. Caden has a week off, Deacon is taking vacation, and Brody and Mason are in off-season. I can’t wait.

“Aves, you pack yet?” Caden hollers from the kitchen.

“Doing it now. Want me to pack for you?” I call back.

“I’ll help.” He’s right behind me and I scream in surprise. “Do we have set plans while we’re home?”

“Dinner is at Deacon’s parents’ this year. I’m wedding dress shopping one day since everyone will be home.” His grin blinds me. “Lee Lee is insistent she have a say so in her bridesmaid dress since she’ll ‘just have had twins’.”

“Isn’t she due in March?” He tilts his head.

“Yes. But they don’t expect her to go full term.” I roll my eyes and throw a bra into the suitcase.

“Yeah. That’s all you.” He grabs his duffel and starts tossing shit in. I wish I could pack like a guy.

“I want to talk to you.” I whisper.

“What?” He’s serious as he sits.

“I wanna write our own vows. I want the dress. The hoopla, but only want family there. I don’t want to send hundreds of invitations to people that we haven’t seen for years. I want it to highlight us.” I don’t know what his vision is so I’m going out on a limb.

“Perfect.” That was easy.

“You sure?”

“Aves, I’d go to Vegas tonight if you wanted. I want to see you in that dress walking towards me but I don’t care if we were the only ones in the room.” He pulls me to his lap. “Considering the history with weddings, it may be best if we’re the only two in the room.”

“I have a place in mind.” I curl into his chest.

“Prom?” He knows me better than I know myself.

“Prom.” I sigh. I won’t have sets. I won’t have to hide my love. I won’t have to leave alone. It’s a do-over— but one that ends with us being tied forever.

 

 

Holy drunkenness. We’re all trashed— sans Emberlee’s pregnant ass— in Saylor and Deacon’s living room. Snorting, sloppy, slurring drunk.

“Truth or dare?” Emberlee asks. Pinning me with her stare.

“I’m not dumb enough to strip in front of y’all, so truth.” I lean back waiting for it.

“When did you first fuck?” She points between Caden and me.

I look at him and smile. “Prom.”

“No way. Who’d you fuck Spring Break? We bought sexy shit and I know nobody would turn you down in that.” She’s crass.

I can top her crudeness. “Caden’s tongue.” I sigh. “Y’all were throwing your v-card away as soon as you could walk. That’s why your asses have stretch marks.”

“Not cool.” Breck glares. “I didn’t know you then.” Mason freezes.

“Subject off limits.” He pulls Breck to his side and I face palm. I forgot what happened with her and I feel like shit.

“Breck, I’m sorry.” I whisper.

“I’m not upset about that. I do have stretch marks on my ass. That’s why I’m mad. I hope you get as big as a house.” She sticks her tongue out. “With the size of your man, I bet your baby will be ginormous.” She eyes Caden. “But if you don’t quit taking it in the ass you’ll never be pregnant.”

Saylor spits her drink all over Brody and he stares at her like she’s lost her fucking mind. “Uh, thanks.” He gets up to find a napkin and we lose it.

“Go ahead. Puff your cheeks. Let me see you, Chippy Chipmunk.” I taunt.

“Fuck you.” Mason falls over at her irate response. Spilling three drinks in his belly laughing fit.

“This is why we can’t have nice things.” Deacon falls back to the floor.

 

 

“That’s it.” Saylor stares in wonderment.

“Aves.” Emberlee sighs.

“Holy fuck.” Breck exhales. She looks at my mom and apologizes. My mom waves her cussing off while wiping tears.

“Baby girl.” She stands in front of me and adjusts the bodice of the dress and steps back. “You’re beautiful.”

“Are you sure? It isn’t a normal wedding dress.” I glance in the mirror. The dress is ivory with a gold tint with all the crystals that decorate it. Strapless, form fitting, and it’s perfect— but it isn’t a wedding dress.

“And you’re an extraordinary girl, not an ordinary one. It’s perfect. I promise.” She waves the sales lady over. “We’ll take it. Do your thing, please.” I’m poked, shoved, spun, and pinned to death.

“Okay, girls. Your turn.” I turn to them. “Pick a style and no arguing.” I don’t care what they wear, as long as they’re happy and comfortable. I watch them hold dozens of dresses up until Saylor grabs one they all agree on. It’s halter style, flowing, and floor length. “Perfect. Saylor you’re in red, Emberlee you’re in pale blue, and Breck you’re in gray.” Simple.

“Flowers and food.” I groan when my mom reminds me.

“I got this. Go home.” Emberlee shoves me to the door and takes over. She’s in her element and all I want is some quiet time with my dad.

 

 

“Hey stranger.” I find him in his office.

“Wow. Is this my daughter that’s gracing me with her presence?” He sets his pen down.

“Hardy har. Wanna take a walk with me?” He stands up and I notice pep in his step. “I miss you.” He pulls me in close and kisses my head.

“Miss you, baby girl. When you leaving that bum and moving home?” I slap his chest.

“Never. That bum is gonna be your son-in-law.” He groans. “And I think he’s gonna do his residency here or at least closer to home. We miss everyone.”

I can tell he’s excited with that news. “You know I love you?” I nod. “And I’m proud of you. And happy. He loves you.”

“I know.” I smile.

“And I give him a hard time but I trust him with you.” He swallows and continues. “I don’t trust many with you but that boy— he has my blessing.”

“He’s scared of you.” I admit.

“Good. Means I’m doing my job. Until I give you away you’re mine to protect. With fear or force.” I chuckle, that was his line when I started dating. “Try coming home more.” I sigh because I’m home each quarter.

“Okay, daddy.” He clutches his heart.

“How much is that daddy gonna cost my wallet?” I ignore him. “And no babies until your back home.” Again, I ignore him.

 

 

Valentine’s Day I get the call. They’re inducing Emberlee in the morning so I scramble to get a flight. “Can’t anyone have a damn kid during summer?” Caden gripes. He’s jealous he misses everything.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to pass the message.” I joke and go finish packing.

Once I land, I go to Breck’s and we’ll go back and pick up Saylor later when her flight lands.

“I hope they give her drugs to knock her out. Today would be great. They could just keep her sedated until she gives birth. Give the earth a peaceful day.” Breck rambles. I do feel bad for her because she’s had the full brunt of Emberlee pregnant. It isn’t pretty. And I’m excited for her but I hope like hell she’s done.

 

 

“Ice chips? Are you fucking kidding me?” Emberlee demands from the bed glaring at me.

“Same as Darby, honey. Ice chips. Want me to stick my finger in them and make them sweet?” She flips me off. “I take that as a no.” I’m in the room with her again for the delivery with no questions. Breck is her sister-in-law, but Emberlee and I have a childhood bond that is stronger than anything.

“How much longer?” She whines.

“When the doctor shoved his fist up you what did he say?” Brody cringes at my explanation and it makes Emberlee laugh. I swear she lives to torture that man.

“I was six. Six. I have to get to nine.” Holy hell, where’s the sedation?

“You’re lucky they’re letting you go natural. You could be having a C-section.” Oh, Brody why’d you have to talk?

“And you’re lucky you’re still alive. I better have a fucking caffeinated coffee waiting when I get done pushing.” He nods, sits down and lets her do her thing. I think he needs to meet the Pope. We could share a day. I want the afternoon because then Emberlee will celebrate. She isn’t so nice in the mornings.

 

 

“Come on, Mrs. Collier. One more push and you’ll meet your baby.” The nurse cheers her on.

“That’d be great but there’s two of them. So, I won’t be done.” She struggles. “Aves, why do people lie when you give birth? One more push. Oh shit, one more push ten pushes ago. Fuck.”

“Embe.” Brody brushes her hair from her forehead.

She looks at him and starts crying. You never know what you’re gonna get with Emberlee when pregnant. Or giving birth. “I’m sorry. I’m awful.”

“No, baby.” Fucking liar. “I know you’re tired.”

Fuck this coddling. I grab the large iced coffee I had Saylor bring and walk behind the doctor who is between her legs. Jesus. “I’m taking you for a wax when your hoo-ha heals. See this.” I hold the coffee. “Fucking push. Less whining. More birthing.” She focuses on the iced concoction and lo’ and behold . . . here’s a baby.

“Boy.” The doctor yells and the nurses whisk him away to do their thing. “Push. The other one is in position.” I hold the cup and shake it so she hears the ice. Ten minutes later . . . “Girl.” The doctor hollers.

I bring the cup while they’re doing god knows what in the area I never want to see again. She sips, exhales, but doesn’t take her eyes off her children. A blue bundle is swaddled and laid against her chest. “Holt Gerald.” She looks to Brody and he nods.

The pink bundle of joy is laid next to her twin brother. “Holly Beth.” Brody whispers.

I leave to give them some time and deliver the news to Brecklynn and Saylor.

 

 

 

Caden is slammed with exams and I’m busy cleaning the fridge, prepping the house to be shut up during most of summer. In a few weeks’ time, I’ll be Mrs. Caden Monroe and I don’t think I’ve been this excited since the first night he rescued me during spring break.

“I’m home.” His voice echoes through the house.

“In the kitchen.” I call.

“What are you doing?” He grabs water from the fridge and gulps.

“Cleaning the food from the fridge. We leave in two days.” I kiss him. “How’d exams go?’

“Fine.” He’s quiet. He’s quiet with everyone else— not me.

“You okay?” I question.

“Yeah. Just tired.” He acts like he’s gonna leave and I panic.

“You having second thoughts? Cold feet?” The words tumble and when he turns his look is murderous.

He softens when he sees my panic stricken face. “Damn.” He’s in front of me in two seconds and grabs me tight. “No, I’m really just tired and my mind is wandering. I’m constantly writing my vows in my head and every fucking time I see you I add a paragraph about how much I love you.”

I feel like a fool. “I’m sorry.”

“You sure you wanna marry me?” He teases and I hold him tighter.

“Every day of my life.”

“You’ve got a deal.” He kisses me and the feel of his lips warms my heart and I can’t wait to walk down the aisle, pledge my love to him for eternity and start our life.