Charlotte
Six months later…
I look at my reflection in the mirror and no amount of foundation can cover the paleness in my face. I look like a train wreck. I hear a soft knock on the door and Savannah comes in, her light brown hair in a curly side ponytail and her teal strapless gown hugs her body beautifully.
“Charlie, you look--”
“Terrible, I know. Can you help?” I sob, tears starting to form in my eyes.
This has been happening a lot lately, and I hate it.
“No, oh gosh Charlotte, what's the matter? You look beautiful!” she says, rushing to my side.
She hands me a tissue and puts a hand on my shoulder.
“I just...I…”
I can't tell her before I tell Gabriel.
“I'm fine I just need...to puke...shit!”
I run to the bathroom inside my suite, Savannah trailing behind me as I vomit into the toilet. She holds back my hair and I try not to get any vomit on my dress. I lean up and wash out my mouth in the sink, cleaning the makeup from under my eyes. I look in the mirror and smile.
My dress has lace off the shoulder straps that follow the dress all around the front, and back down the train. It's classy and elegant and it fits like a glove. My hair is down and curly and my veil is perfectly in place at the crown of my head. I see Savannah from behind me in the mirror and she smiles.
“That don't look like the ‘I just puked because I'm so nervous look’. You ain't sick right?”
She squeezes my shoulders and I smile turning towards her, shaking my head. She squeals and claps her hands together and I giggle.
“I haven't told him yet so...keep it a secret for a little while longer,” I say hugging her.
“My lips are sealed sis!”
I laugh and look at her. She has been such an amazing friend and aunt to the kids. She deserves all the happiness in the world and my heart breaks that she hasn't found it yet.
“I'm gonna spoil the crap outta this kid,” she beams, putting her hand on my flat belly.
“You already spoil the other two rotten, I can't imagine a baby,” I say shaking my head.
Her face falls slightly and I back track, thinking about what I said wrong.
“Hey, what's wrong?”
“No, nothin’,” she says smiling again, shaking off her previous expression.
“I have an idea,” I say, wiggling my eyebrows.
“No! Charlie, don't even think about it!”
“I'm not gonna set you up, but here take this. Don't think I've been missin’ the heat between you and Jackson. It ain't a weddin’ unless you bang a groomsman!” I say, putting a condom in her hand.
“Where the hell...you know what, forget it. I don't wanna know. Can we get you married already?”
“I might need a bucket to get down the aisle,” I say, holding my stomach again.
“I'll bring a bag. Let's go future Mrs. Gavinwood!”
Gabriel
I shuffle my weight from one foot to the other as I wait at the head of the aisle. I look out into the crowd of the church and look at all the faces of friends and family that I shut out for most of my life.
The past year has been incredible with Charlotte and the kids. Realizing how much I missed, was a swift kick in the ass. I spend my time differently now, cherishing every single second that I have with my family.
I look up and see my parents, making their way down the aisle. My mother smiles at me and my dad winks. They've really taken to being grandparents. They mentioned to Savannah that they might want to sell their house in Florida to buy something in town. They are slowly mending the bridge of friendship that they had with Charlotte's parents and it's been fun to have the whole crew back together.
My parents are followed by Charlotte's mother and Tony. He is such an integral part in Devin’s baseball career, I had to have him as a groomsman. He's been the closest thing to a friend I've had all these years, and he is very important to me.
Mikey and Caryann are next down the aisle. They've been such great friends to Charlotte, and used to be such good friends to me, in high school. We're getting back to that place, slowly, but having them in the wedding has been a little like old times.
Devin is next down the aisle, escorting Bella, and my heart hammers in my chest. Bella looks beautiful, and so grown up. I hold back the tears threatening to break free. She smiles and stops in front of me to give me a hug. She has been absolutely crushing it at State and is trying out for the national team soon. It's amazing watching her out on the field, wearing that gold and purple.
Devin, in his dark grey tux with teal tie, dark blonde hair, styled to the side looks the spitting imagine of me. I pull him in for a hug and he slaps my back. He's made a name for himself and rumor has it that he'll be moving up the ladder pretty soon.
I glance down the aisle again and see my sister and Jackson, arm and arm. He's been a great friend to me the past couple of months and I know he's a great guy, but seeing him next to my sister stirs something inside me. It's not the same as seeing her next to that ex-asshat, but I still don't like it.
I remember her days hanging around the team when I played rookie ball, and briefly try and recall if there was anything there between the two of them. Jackson is a good guy, but she's still my baby sister, even if it is only by a minute and a half.
I smile at the both of them and look down to the church doors and the world stops. Everyone inside the church blurs and my blinders are on to the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. My girl, the one who endured so much adversity throughout our time apart, raised two amazing kids and she is walking down this aisle, to me.
The tears I held in a couple of minutes ago break free, and I feel one trickle down my clean-shaven face. I wipe it quickly and smile, until I see her face and I step forward.
“Charlotte, what's wrong?” I ask, reaching for her.
Her father stops and looks to her and I feel someone push in between us. Savannah opens a plastic bag and Charlotte vomits right into it. Savannah holds her hair back and I move to her side, pushing her hair away from her face. She shakes her head and Savannah moves the bag away, tying it up and passing Charlotte a piece of gum. She rubs her back and smiles and then looks over to me. She kisses my cheek and walks to the side of the church to dispose of the bag.
I look over to Charlotte, just as confused as her father, as he shakes my hand and I lead her up the steps to the altar.
“Are you okay?” I ask concerned.
I put my hand on her cheek and she burrows into it, closing her eyes.
“I'm pregnant,” she whispers. She opens her eyes and they lock on mine and she smiles. “Surprise.”
“Are you serious right now?” I ask, holding my breath.
We've been leaving it in God's hands and each month has led to disappointment. We've pretty much accepted the fact that it was going to be harder than what we thought and were looking into fertility treatments but hadn't decide on anything yet.
She nods her head and tears start flowing down her cheeks.
“You ready for this?” she asks.
I can hear the uncertainty in her voice. This will be her second time through, but my first. She knows what to expect, while I have no idea.
“We’re havin’ a baby!” I yell to the church.
Our friends and family clap and whistle and I look over to Devin and Bella. Bella has her hand over her mouth and Devin’s eyes are as big as a bugs’.
“Y'all ready for that?” I ask laughing.
Bella nods her head furiously and Devin smirks, giving the thumbs up. I reach for Charlotte and wrap my hands around her waist.
“I love you so much, baby cakes,” I whisper to her.
“I love you too.”
“When are you due?”
“I'm actually already 12 weeks so Christmas time,” she says, putting a hand to her belly.
“Our good luck holiday,” I gush.
I slam my lips to hers and I smile against her mouth. Everything I missed with Bella and Devin, I now get to experience with this new baby and the excitement flows through my body, causing me to lift Charlotte in the air and spin her around. The applause echoes throughout the church and Charlotte slaps my shoulder.
“You're gonna make me puke again, put me down Gabe!”
“Sorry, sorry,” I say, putting her back on her feet.
I kneel down in front of her and kiss her stomach.
“Behave for your mama for a little while. I gotta marry her first, alright kiddo? Wait, it is just one kiddo, right?”
She nods, laughing at my pale face and I get to my feet again.
“Okay, ready to go Father!” I say.
The priest nods and I grab Charlotte's hand as I finally make her my wife.
Charlotte
I take a sip from my water and look out on the dance floor. I see Bella dancing with Gabriel and it's unreal. I never thought I would see this day come, but here it is. I am Mrs. Gavinwood.
“Come on Mama, let's show ‘em how it's done,” Devin says, breaking me out of my thoughts.
He extends his hand out and I smile, grabbing it. We make our way out to the dance floor and move closer to Gabriel and Bella.
“So, we gonna find out what the tiebreaker is or you gonna make us wait?” Bella asks.
“Yes.”
“No.”
Gabriel and I answer differently at the same time.
“Hey, I’m carryin’ your third baby, I decide! Plus, I didn't find out with the twins, it would be nice to be prepared for this one,” I say.
“You're right,” Gabriel says, reaching for me, switching partners.
Devin spins Bella and Gabriel's arm goes around my waist. He slides it lower as his lips skim my neck.
“This dress looks absolutely beautiful on you, but I can't wait to see what it looks like on the floor.”
“You're so corny,” I laugh.
“Corny or horny?”
“Stop,” I laugh again, smacking his arm. “Wanna come grab a drink with me? I'm so thirsty,” I say.
Gabriel nods and we walk off the dance floor towards the bar.
I lean against the bar, sipping my water and I feel the nausea start to creep up again.
“Bathroom,” I say quickly.
I jog quick and bust open the last stall and throw up, barely making it into the toilet. I lean against the wall, grabbing a piece of toilet paper and wipe my mouth. I'm about to open the stall when I hear the bathroom door slam open and lock, as two voices laugh.
“I don't do this. I never do this, ever. I don't ever do this,” says a familiar voice.
“Me either. You look so hot in this dress,” says another familiar voice.
“You look so hot in this tux.”
Savannah. Oh. My. God.
“Wrap your legs around me...oh God, you feel so good.”
Jackson! Oh Lord have mercy, how did I get stuck in the middle of this?
“I’ve wanted this for so long. Don't stop, I'm so close...oh God, my God!”
“Shh...someone is gonna hear us.”
Yes, good thinking Jackson, because this is a public bathroom!
“It's been...oh my...it's been too long. Fuck, it's never felt...yessssss.”
I cover my ears and try to block out the sounds, but I still hear their moans and groans. A couple of minutes later when I think I hear silence, I take my hands off my ears.
“That was amazin’.”
“So good. Wait, you have a little lipstick on your collar,” Savannah laughs.
“I...Savannah, this can't. I mean this was just a one-time thing, right?”
Oh God, no! Jackson, you idiot!
“Ye...yeah of course,” Savannah says stuttering.
“Scratchin’ that itch, after all these years, right?” Jackson says.
I can tell he's smiling, and I want to slap him right across the face, if Savannah doesn't do it first.
“Right, yeah,” she says, nervous laughing.
“Did I live up to the hype?” he asks slowly.
“Of course you did.”
I can hear the emotion in her voice and it kills me to sit here and not run to her rescue. There's silence and then the door is opened, and then closed again. I run to wash my hands and get out of the bathroom, looking for Savannah.
“There's my wife,” Gabriel growls in my ear. “Let's go consummate our marriage.”
“Ohhh the romantic,” I laugh.
I turn in his arms and kiss his lips softly.
“Is Jackson an asshole?”
“Nah, he's a good guy and he's a great dad. Why do ya ask?” Gabriel asks skeptically.
“Just um...just wonderin’, for a friend.”
“I am way too blinded by lust to wonder what shenanigans you're up to, but when the fog clears, we're discussin’ this. Let's go Mrs. Gavinwood.”
“Lead the way husband.”
“Ohhh. I like the way that sounds!” he says lifting me off my feet.
I giggle and he carries me through the hall and up the stairs. Luckily, we reserved a room on the top floor of the bed and breakfast where we had the reception, so Gabriel climbs the stairs like a man possessed. He reaches in his front pocket for the key and opens the door, as he carries me across the threshold.
He takes my hand and we walk slowly to the bedroom. He turns me around and puts his hands over my eyes.
“Walk slowly, I’ll guide you.”
I smile and revel in the warmth of his hands on my skin. I cover his hands with mine and walk forward. I hear the door open and he takes his hands off my eyes. I look up and see the bed covered in food.
“What is this?” I laugh.
“I googled all the different things women crave durin’ a pregnancy and ordered it all here for ya,” he says, pride lacing his tone.
I cover my mouth with my hand to hide my laugh and look over to him.
“You did all this? I only just told you at the ceremony.”
“Get used to it baby cakes.”
He kisses my lips and I grab his tie as he pulls away.
“Get back here,” I say, pulling him closer to me.
Our lips collide again, and I wiggle my fingers through the knot of his tie. I start to unbutton his shirt and pull it out of his pants, feeling frantic. My fingers aren't working as fast as I want them to and Gabriel grabs my hands to stop me.
“Sit,” he says, walking away from me.
“Hey…” I pout.
He smiles and sits me on the edge of the bed. He takes the carton of ice cream off the bed and dips the spoon in, getting a big chunk. I open my mouth but the cold spoon collides with my neck instead. I flinch but his warm mouth soothes the chill.
“I thought it was for me. Don't tease a pregnant woman, Mr. Gavinwood.”
I pant as his hands roam up my neck, caressing the pulse point there.
“Open your mouth,” he rasps.
I open my mouth and he dips the spoon inside, the chocolate assaulting my tastebuds.
“Mmm. That's more like it.”
I watch as he pulls back from the bed, taking another plate of food and walking towards me again.
My eyes snap to his fingers as he dips one into the melted chocolate. He slowly moves it to my lips and I part them willingly.
I swirl my tongue around his long finger, licking every last drop of the chocolate off. His eyes squeeze shut and he lets out a breath.
He gets off the bed quickly, coming back with another tray.
“Last one before I die from pure torture,” he chokes out.
He lifts the pickle off the tray and I laugh.
“You are torturin’ yourself,” I say, my voice lowering.
He presses the pickle to my lips and I wrap my lips around it, slowly pulling each inch into my mouth. The juice is delicious but it only makes me crave something else in my mouth, something bigger.
He groans, pulling the pickle out of my mouth.
“Hey! I wasn't done!”
“You can have all the food you want later. I need you now.”
He takes each plate of food off the bed and places it on the side table and rolling cart. With each tray he cleans up, he takes a piece of clothing off until he's standing butt naked and I lean back on my elbows to watch the show.
“Feedin’ me, cleanin’ up, strippin’...what's next?” I ask, lifting an eyebrow.
His eyes darken, and his smirk turns devilish. He kneels between my legs and pulls my dress up, inch by inch, painfully slow. My heart is beating rapidly, threatening to burst through my chest. I grab the hem of my dress and pull it all the way up and Gabriel laughs, putting his hand over my small belly.
“My wife is eager.”
“Your wife is desperate,” I pant.
He runs his fingers up the inside of my thigh and freezes when he gets to my garter belt.
“You...the whole time you've been wearin’ this?” he asks, through gritted teeth.
Now it's my turn for the devilish smile.
“Sit down...husband of mine.”
I reach down and cup his cheeks and pull him to his feet as I stand and crash our lips together. I spin around and push him onto the bed and he sits, his eyes zoning in on every movement that I make.
I turn with my back facing him and motion for him to undo my buttons on the back of my dress. I feel his fingers flicking each button and his touch leaves a jolt in its wake. Finally, with the last button undone, I turn and slowly peel the straps from my shoulders. First one arm, then the next and my dress bunches around my waist. I shimmy out of my dress and scan Gabriel's face as it drops to the floor, pooling by my feet.
I'm in a white lace bra with matching garter belt and stockings. My white lace pumps click on the floor as I bring my dress to the nearby chair. My veil is still fastened to my hair and I feel the fabric rubbing across my ass as I walk.
“Charlotte Faye Gavinwood, you are gonna give this old man a heart attack before he even gets a taste.”
“A taste huh? That's it?”
I walk slowly over to the bed and position myself in between his legs. I crawl up his body as he lays down on the bed.
“Scootch up all the way. I have a surprise for you,” I say in his ear.
He smiles and moves his body higher on the bed.
“Close your eyes and don't peek.”
I grab for his tie and I fasten it tightly around his eyes. The straps on the top corners of the bed hang loose and I quickly fasten them around each hand.
“I don't like this,” Gabriel says, trying to peek out of the corner of his tie.
“I'm bein’ the good little wife you deserve and makin’ my husband feel good,” I say, making my way up his body to straddle his lap.
His thick length bobs as I lightly stroke it with my finger. He sucks in a breath and pulls on his restraints.
“Charlotte don't be a tease…”
“I wouldn't dare,” I feign shock.
I hop off his lap to fasten the restraints on his ankles. He. Is. Mine.
“Dammit,” he says through gritted teeth. “Did I already say I don't like this?”
“Don't like to give up control, ol’ husband of mine?”
He shakes his head and tests the restraints on his ankles.
I slowly trail kisses up the inside of his calf, licking the bulging muscle there and moving to the other leg. He flinches and turns his head, trying to see through the tie, but it's useless. I watch his legs tighten, his quadriceps turning into a solid brick wall.
I lick and suck my way up his inner thigh and he curses when my tongue grazes his balls, first one then the other.
“Charlie…” he says warningly.
“Remember last weekend…”
“What about it?”
His voice is rough and tense.
I lick up the side of his shaft and flick the tip softly. He jumps, and I see his hands ball into fists.
“When you licked…” I lick up the side of his length again, “and sucked”. I cover his erection with my mouth and suck hard, hollowing out my cheeks and coming off with a loud pop. “And touched,” I grab his shaft in my hand and squeeze, as he groans.
“Yes,” he says straining.
“Do you remember how that ended...husband?”
He is silent, and his breathing is labored, and I smile again, a victorious smile.
“Let me remind you.”
I crawl up his body and straddle his face. His head instinctively moves up and his lips collide with my heat. I feel myself dripping onto his face, down his chin as he eats me like he hasn't had a meal in days. He pulls on the restraints again and I grip his hands, holding him in place.
“I come first, then you,” I command, wiggling on top of him, chasing my release.
His lips suck on my clit and I explode on top of him, every ounce of my bliss coating his lips. I crawl back down to his waiting length and suck it into my mouth. I grab the base with one hand, while I play with his balls with the other.
“Five long agonizin’ minutes I waited for you to allow me to come,” I say grabbing his balls
“Charlotte, please…” he begs.
“Five minutes Gabriel. Do you know how long five minutes feels like, when you have a warm tongue teasin’ you? Promisin’ you one thing…”. I fist his cock and move my hand furiously up and down. He curses and grips the restraints and his legs buck up. “But then doin’ another?” I say, letting go of him.
“I'm sorry, baby cakes. It was so good when I let you come though, wasn't it?” he asks, cheekily.
“You tell me,” I say, licking from his balls to his tip and stopping.
“I...please, Charlie. I need to come.”
His teeth are clenched and all the sudden, the joke isn't so funny anymore.
“I like being in charge,” I whisper in his ear.
I lick down his neck, across his chest and slowly across each solid pec. I trace the lines on his abs with my tongue, one ab...two...three.
“Charlie I can't. Please, just… let… me… come.”
I ignore him and keep licking my way down over one hip bone and then the other. I hear a snap and my eyes follow the sound. Gabriel's hands are over his eyes moving the tie away from his view. His hands are free.
“What the--?”
I'm on my back in an instant, Gabriel hovering over me and his cock bounces off my clit.
“Oh God, how the hell did you…”
“Our first night of marriage and you're already bustin’ my balls. Enough teasin’. We're even.”
He kisses my lips softly, entering me slow, caring for me like I'm made of glass. The change of tempo makes my head spin and I grab onto him to ground myself.
“I love you, Charlotte Faye Gavinwood.”
“I love you too.”
He rubs his length through my lips and I groan. I lift my head up and bite the side of his neck and he pushes himself inside me.
“Yesss,” I moan. “Give it to me Gabe.”
“You little minx. I'm gonna last two seconds with all this teasin’,” he growls.
He pumps into me, hard and fast and I feel him explode inside me. His length rubs against my clit as he rides out his orgasm and I grab his back, gripping it like it's my lifeline.
“Close…” I whine.
He keeps pumping into me and I convulse around him, his breathing rapid in my ear. He braces himself above me on his elbows and laughs.
“All these years later and I'm still a two-pump chump.”
He shakes his head and rolls off of me.
“At least it wasn't all over my face this time,” I say laughing.
“I ain't done with you, Mrs. Gavinwood. You know I still have more in me.”
He sits up on his elbows, kissing my neck and down my chest to my bra. He pushes a cup to the side and takes a nipple in his mouth.
“Oh fuck…” I gasp. “I'm gonna love bein’ pregnant this time around.”
“Oh yeah?” Gabriel raises an eyebrow.
He flicks my other nipple and I grab the back of his head.
“I didn't have this,” I say, grabbing his hardening cock. “I'm gonna take very advantage of it this time.”
I move to straddle his lap and sit, sliding him inside me and moaning in satisfaction.
“I have a lot to make up for. By all means wife, take advantage.”
His hands grip my hips, and I ride him until I'm too exhausted to finish. He takes over and we stay that way, tangled in each other all night.
The next morning, we walk into the main room and I smile. We decided to have a brunch with everyone after the wedding last night and I spot Savannah, sitting at a table in the corner by herself. She has her glasses on and she is immersed in her phone.
“Grab me some toast and orange juice. I'm gonna go talk to your sister,” I say, kissing Gabriel.
I spot Bella and Devin in line and they hug Gabriel. My body warms at all my dreams, actually becoming a reality.
I walk over to Savannah and sit, trying not to make it obvious on my face that I heard her having sex last night. I feel my face redden and try and lean my cheek on my hand to disguise it
“Hey, how was last night?” I ask, my voice higher than I intend it to be.
“It was…” she looks up from her phone at me and her face drops. “Oh God, how do you know?” she whispers.
“I...I don't know what you're talkin’ about,” I stutter.
God damn my inability to lie!
“You do Charlie, you're a terrible liar and you know it. Did he tell Gabriel?”
“I uh…”
“Oh God,” she says burying her head in her hands. “Please don't tell me you were in the bathroom.”
“I spent most of the wedding in the bathroom. Pregnant remember?”
“I'm...Oh God, I'm so embarrassed. I'm so sorry Charlotte, that was...I never do that.”
“I know, you said it quite a lot. ‘I never do this. I don't ever do this. I never, ever do this’. I think Jackson got the message, loud and clear.”
“He did.”
She looks down to her phone and her expression changes from mortified to hurt.
“Hey, he seems like a good guy. Why don't you talk to him?” I ask, reaching across the table to hold her hand.
“I'm sure you heard him last night. It was a one-time thing, I'm fine with it,” she snaps.
I shake my head. “I'll let it go but it don't sound like you're fine with it. Maybe he's just lookin’ out for Lacey?”
“I get it. It's fine. I'm fine.”
I put my hands up in defense. “You're a big girl, I get it. I'm glad you put yourself out there though, got back on the horse.”
“Is that supposed to be a sexual innuendo? You heard me ride the pony and all that? You should have stopped us. God knows I would have died on the spot if I had to sit there and hear you bang my brother.”
“That's because he's your brother,” I laugh. “You're my best friend, it's different.”
“You're a freak, Charlotte Gavinwood,” she smirks.
“Hey, I'm not volunteerin’ for another front row seat to Savannah’s Sexscapades. I'm just happy you finally popped your, sex after-divorce cheery.”
“Charlie,” she admonishes.
“Okay, okay. Good thing I gave you that trusty old condom, though right?” I wink.
“Right...yeah,” she says breaking eye contact.
“Savannah….” I say, in a warning tone.
“I…”
Her mouth slams shut, and I gasp.
“You didn't Savannah!”
“Stop talkin’ so loud,” she whispers. “You're one to talk! It just happened, okay? I was drunk, and...it's fine.”
“Stop sayin’ fine, dammit. I'm sick of that word!”
“Well it is!”
I shake my head and let out a breath. Calm down hormones.
“I'm sorry. Gabriel says he's a good guy, but Savannah, he was with a drug addict, he could have--”
“He doesn't,” she snaps.
“You could be pregnant.”
“I'm not. Just...drop it okay?”
The strain in her tone makes me relent but I'm going to get to the bottom of it.
Gabriel comes over and pulls my chin up to kiss me hard on the lips.
“Mornin’ brother,” Savannah says smiling.
She eyes me as if to say, ‘don't you dare say a word’ and I smirk.
“Mornin’. You have a good time last night?” Gabriel asks.
Savannah chokes on her coffee and I giggle softly. Gabriel eyes both of us curiously.
“What did I miss?”
“Nothin’. It was great. I'll be back,” Savannah says, getting up from the table.
Gabriel eyes me and I shrug.
“So, what now, husband?”
“Well now...I feed you and my little bean in there, we go back to the room and then I get to eat,” he whispers.
His breath tickles my ear and I feel the electricity whiz through my veins. His hand is trailing up my thigh and I grab it.
“Don't you dare,” I chide.
“Mama, Daddy. Are y’all headin’ out for your honeymoon yet or can Devin and I give you your wedding present now?” Bella asks, interrupting Gabriel's wandering hand.
“What did you two do?” I ask, eyeing them.
“Come on,” Devin says, smiling.
I look over to Gabriel and he shrugs his shoulders. We follow the kids outside and they open the back door to our limo. It's supposed to take us to the airport for our honeymoon.
We are going to the Bahamas for the week. I ran it by my doctor and he said it was fine. I hope my nausea subsides a little so I can enjoy the whole week alone with Gabriel, but even if my stomach acts up, I'll be in the Bahamas with my husband. How bad can it really be?
“Where are we goin’?” Gabriel asks, as the twins climb in the back seat with us.
“You'll see,” Bella says, winking.
We make small talk on the drive and I recognize where we are immediately.
“Why are we at your old house?” I ask Gabriel.
“Come on,” Devin says, opening the door when the car stops.
We walk to the front door of Gabriel's childhood home and Bella takes out the key. She opens the door and we step inside. I'm immediately hit with memories from this house, all good. My childhood with Savannah and Gabriel, our first kiss, our nighttime make-out sessions sneaking through Gabriel's window.
“What's goin’ on?” I ask the twins.
They both smile and run up the stairs. They stop outside what was Savannah's room growing up. They open the door and we walk into a beautiful...nursery. The walls are a soft yellow and the rug is like walking on top of a puffy cloud. The crib is grey with yellow and white crib sheets and accent blankets. There are pictures on the wall, old pictures of me and Gabriel, the twins when they were little, the twins and Gabriel now and a picture of the four of us at the wedding, last night.
“How…” my voice breaks with emotion and I clear my throat. “How did you do this? We only found out yesterday.”
“I might have known somethin’ was up 2 weeks ago,” Bella admits.
“How?” I ask.
“You were cryin’ while we were watchin’ the home and garden network, Mama.”
“I...those fixer upper shows...they're so touchin’!” I say, my voice breaking.
“And exhibit A!” Devin laughs.
I slap his shoulder and roll my eyes.
“Okay fine, you had a hunch and you were right, but this is Savannah's house now. I'm so confused,” I say looking to Gabriel.
He's not looking at me and my mouth drops open.
“Wait a second, you're on board with this? Can someone please explain what is goin’ on?”
“It's ours now,” Gabriel says, putting his hands on my shoulders. “We need room for a family of 5, so Savannah signed the deed over to us. She don't need much room, since it's only her, so she's gonna take over your place. I hope that's okay. I didn't want to over step but--”
I cut off his next words with a kiss and tears stream down my face.
“Gabriel Gavinwood, I absolutely, wholeheartedly, love the ever-livin’ crap outta you!” I say, kissing him again.
I jump up into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist.
“Ahem...your children are still in the room,” Devin coughs.
“Oh gosh!” I say, untangling myself from Gabe. “So wait, at the wedding? You already knew I was pregnant, too?”
“No!” he says quickly, “I swear, I didn't. I ran the idea by the kids about the house and they said they wanted to surprise us with somethin’. I had no idea. It was all them.”
I look over to Devin and Bella and reach for them. I pull them in for a hug and Gabriel wraps himself around us.
“You ready for this craziness, Gavinwood’s?” Gabriel asks.
“The craziness is all on y'all,” Bella laughs. “Devin and I will come and visit but if this baby is a nutjob, I'll bring my butt right on back to State!”
We laugh and hug tighter and in this moment, everything is right. The pieces of my heart are all back together again and I am whole.