Epilogue
1 year later…
Aaron
“You about ready, babe?” I called from where I was packing up some toys for Brooklyn. We were getting ready to go to my parents’ house for the weekend. Emma was getting married tomorrow, and the rehearsal was tonight.
“Almost,” Mel called from somewhere down the hall. I heard footsteps and then she appeared in the doorway, “Black or red?” she held out two dresses in front of her.
“How about nothing,” I grinned as I stared at her standing there in a robe. She’d just gotten out of the shower and had been stalling on the packing all day.
“I’m serious, Aaron,” she sighed.
“You’ll look great in whatever you wear. It’s just family tonight,” I sighed. When she didn’t budge, I pointed to the red one, “that one.”
“Thanks,” she smiled before skipping back down the hall.
“Your mommy is nuts,” I looked over at where Brook was playing on the floor.
“Nuts, nuts, nuts,” he sang as he crashed two dinosaur toys together.
“Mel!” I shouted again.
“I’m coming,” she shouted back before bursting into the room with the black dress on a hanger. I don’t know why she always asked my opinion, she almost always picked whatever I didn’t.
We’d been living together now for about three months. After graduation, I moved closer to Eastman. I started helping with Brooklyn when I wasn’t at work, and when Mel graduated, she and Brook moved in. So far things have been great, and if they keep going this way I can see this as a permanent thing. I’m hoping that one day soon we’ll be the ones getting ready to have a rehearsal dinner.
“So you picked the black one, huh?” I smirked.
“Yep,” she grinned at me. “Ready?”
“Ready. Let’s go before he loses his good mood,” I nodded at Brooklyn.
“It’s a long drive. He’ll sleep for most of it,” she shrugged as she grabbed our bags and began carrying them out the door.
“You ready, buddy?” I asked as Brooklyn stood up.
He raced over and threw himself into my arms. “Up, Daddy,” he giggled. I paused for a moment as I let it wash over me. He’d just started calling me daddy a few days ago. I didn’t correct him, and Mel didn’t either. I think she was worried how I would react to it, but I assured her that it was fine. I loved the little guy, and I was the only dad he knew. His real dad didn’t have anything to do with him. Every time he called me daddy I thought about Avery and how she let me call her mom. It was natural for me, and growing up it made me feel special to have a mom that chose me. I chose to be a part of Brooklyn’s life, and I hoped when he was older he’d look back and know that I always wanted him.
“Let’s get out here before Mommy finds another reason to slow us down,” I laughed as I swung him in the air. He clapped before wrapping his arms around my neck.
“I heard that,” Mel grumbled playfully from the doorway.
“You love us,” I chuckled.
“That I do,” she sighed as she rolled her eyes.
“Let’s go. I promised a certain little boy a sandcastle tonight,” I headed for the car as Mel locked up the apartment.
“Beesh! Beesh!” Brooklyn clapped as we buckled him in and headed to our home away from home.
Ryan
“Mom said I could have your room once you move out,” I stood in the doorway of my sister, Emma’s room. She’d been back home for a month now, though you’d never know it. She’s getting married tomorrow, and she’s spent practically every day at Brock’s. I think they’ve been breaking in his new place. “I’ve got big plans,” I grinned when she finally looked up and acknowledged me.
“Oh, really?” she narrowed her eyes. “What? A few posters with some bimbos, or a home gym? Dad’s not going to let you turn it into a ‘love nest’— you know that, right?”
“Love nest? Really Em? What kinda guy do you think I am?” I teased. I knew what she meant. She’s caught me plenty of times with a girl. I thought I’d never lose my virginity with the way she had a habit of walking in on me.
“You’re more creative than that, huh,” she laughed.
“I’m more careful than that,” I chuckled.
“So, who’s the flavor of the week?” she smirked.
“What do you take me for?” I scoffed. “I’m not a manwhore,” I slapped my chest, feigning innocence.
“Right?” she rolled her eyes. “I know that every time I came home from school there was a new one. I will say, at least they had brains.”
“Speaking of brains,” I chuckled. “Have you met that girl Cade’s been following around?”
“She’s never going to give him the time of day. She’s too old for him right now anyway,” she laughed.
“He’ll learn,” I shrugged. Cayden always was a rockhead when it came to women. I think over the years he’s worked hard to keep up with his big bro. Aaron was the ultimate player until he met Melinda. She tamed him just like my sister tamed Brock. “Someone in this family has to keep its reputation alive. Dad is proud of my exploits.”
“Oh he is, huh?” my dad startled me when he slapped me on the shoulder. “We’re all set for tonight,” he tipped his head toward Em. “I can’t believe my baby is getting married,” he sighed and got this faraway look in his eyes.
“What about me? I’m your baby too,” I held my arms out.
“I’m not worried about you. You’ll never marry. You can’t man up and go after your girl,” Dad shrugged before walking away.
“He’s right, you know,” Emma smiled at me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I sighed.
“Keep telling yourself that. She’s coming tonight so you better be nice,” she wagged her finger at me.
“She’s in Cali right now. Didn’t you here? She’s a big time surfer. Even Billabong wants her,” I grumbled before turning and leaving her there. I didn’t need Em telling me anything more about Jess. The fact that she was coming tonight was enough for me to deal with. Do you think I’m going to let it bother me, though? Nope. Time to find a date for the night. I plan to have a hot little number by my side for when Jessica Ryland shows up tonight. She may be a superstar in the surfing world, but she’s nothing to me.
The End
Coming Soon
Finding the Green Room- Jess and Ryan