“I know, though Sophia might be a tad disappointed.” I held up my thumb and pointer finger.
The baby moved, and Preston sucked in a quick breath. He glanced up at me with watery eyes and a huge smile. “That’s so cool.” He beamed down at my stomach. “Hi, baby. It’s me, your daddy.”
I ran my nails over the short hair at the back of his head, soaking in this moment. This man.
“Does it hurt?” he asked.
“No.” I laughed. “It tickles. As the baby gets bigger and stronger, it can hurt.”
“Is it weird that I really want to have sex with you right now?”
I glanced down at his tuxedo, noticing a prominent bulge. “Are you hard?”
“When I’m with you? Always.” He smirked. “Want to go have a quickie in the dressing room?”
“Preston.” I slapped his chest, backing away. “We have thirty guests waiting downstairs, including your parents and our daughter. We are not having a quickie in the dressing room.”
“You know you want to,” he taunted, and he wasn’t wrong. I also knew he was joking—at least, I thought he was.
“All right, people.” Juliana clapped her hands. Where had she come from? “It’s time to get this show on the road.”
“You ready?” Preston asked. “Because there’s no turning back now.”
“I think we’re well past the point of no return,” I teased. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Okay. Preston, you and the photographer can head downstairs. Take your place at the front like we rehearsed.”
He nodded then turned to me. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, Sophia was already there. Juliana handed me my bouquet with a watery smile, and I took a deep breath. She spoke into her headset, and then it was time.
The doors opened to reveal the dark-paneled club I remembered, but it had been transformed. Chairs flanked a central aisle, and white flowers perfumed the space, while candles cast a warm glow. It was romantic and sophisticated, yet relaxed all at the same time.
Family and friends smiled as we passed, including Sam and Indy, but I only had eyes for one person—Preston. He stood at the altar, hands clasped before him and a grin that split his face. After Sophia “gave me away,” we recited our vows. The entire time, I felt as if I were living a dream or someone else’s life. And when we were pronounced husband and wife, well, I didn’t think I’d ever been so happy.
Preston scooped Sophia into his arms, carrying her down the aisle as he held my hand. After we’d posed for some family pictures, it was time for dinner and dancing. Though we’d kept some traditional wedding elements, we’d ditched others. There were no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, and there would be no tossing of the garter.
The food had just been served when Hunter stood, clinking a fork against his glass to get everyone’s attention.
“Preston may have opted out of having a best man, but we all know who he would have chosen.” With his hand still wrapped around the microphone, he pointed at himself, and everyone laughed. “You know, when Preston started working as a manny, I gave him so much shit.”
“When did you stop giving me shit for it?” Preston asked, drawing another wave of laughter.
Hunter waved a hand through the air, his movements loose from the alcohol. “But I have to say, after watching Sophia for a day—love you, girl—I do not know how he did it. And—” he turned to Preston “—I have a newfound respect for you.
“You are an incredible man. I’ve watched you overcome so many obstacles. And I’m honored to call you my friend. Alexis—you’re good for him. And I wish you both so much happiness. So please raise your glass to toast the bride and groom.”
Everyone lifted their glasses, and I raised my glass of sparkling water.
“To Alexis and Preston—health, wealth, and happiness.”
“Health, wealth, and happiness,” everyone repeated.
Dinner was delicious, and the cake…the cake was the same tiramisu I’d tasted the night of our first date. Though the club had made it gluten free so Sophia could enjoy it as well. The dessert was just as good as I remembered, and this time, I didn’t hesitate when Preston raised his fork to my lips. I licked off the excess cream, noticing the way his eyes darkened.
“Keep doing that,” he said. “And we’ll be leaving our reception early.”
“Tempting.” I smirked. “I just hope I don’t pass out on our wedding night.” I patted my belly, knowing that I tired more easily now that I was pregnant. And today had been a big day.
“Don’t worry.” He grinned, smoothing his hand up my thigh. I tried to keep my expression neutral even as my breathing quickened. I had a flashback to the last time we were here. “I promise to keep things interesting.”
“Was that part of our vows?” I teased. “Spice up the sex life?”
“No, but it should be.” He removed his hand, and I immediately missed his touch.
I laughed. “Deal.”
“Now…” He stood, offering me his hand. “I believe I owe you a dance, my beautiful wife.”
“I believe you do, my handsome husband,” I said, allowing him to lead me to the dance floor.
As he twirled me around, I saw the faces of friends and family. Juliana, Lauren, and Harper, but also, Preston’s friends and even his parents. I’d been worried they’d freak out when they found out about us, but they’d only ever been supportive. They didn’t seem bothered about our age difference or the fact that he’d been Sophia’s nanny. And they adored Sophia, doting on her and giving her the type of love only grandparents could.
Before I’d met Preston, my life was perfect—at least, from the outside looking in. I had money and success, but I was lonely. Perhaps even more than I’d realized. It wasn’t until Preston showed me what I was missing that I knew what I really wanted—a partner.
Someone who would be there, cheering me on when I was struggling. Someone to celebrate the highs and commiserate the lows. Someone to love, and who loved me in return. And that was what I’d discovered in him.
He picked up Sophia, holding her in one arm as he wrapped his other around me. I smiled up at him, pressing my lips to his, with our child fluttering in my stomach. And I knew that no matter my age or what challenges life threw my way, I didn’t have to do it alone. Because I knew without a doubt that he would be at my side, every step of the way.
Sophia dropped her head against his shoulder, and the three of us swayed to the music.
“What three things are you grateful for?” I asked Preston.
“They’re right here—in my arms. And I’m never letting go.”
I pressed my lips to his, my heart near to bursting with happiness and love. Preston had shown me the value of slowing down and savoring every moment. And this was definitely one I never wanted to forget.
Chapter Thirty
A few months later
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the fateful cry. And then there was a loud wail, and I grinned at Alexis, holding her hand.
“It’s a girl!” cried one of the nurses.
“Did you hear that, beautiful?” I asked, smoothing her hair away from her face. She was lying on the operating table, and I was so incredibly proud of her. So in awe. “It’s a girl.”
She smiled, but it was a dazed smile. One that spoke of exhaustion and a cocktail of drugs swirling through her system. “Sophia’s going to be thrilled.”
I stayed there with her while the doctors finished stitching her up, watching as the nurses fussed over our daughter. Our daughter, I thought, letting those words sink in.
“We did it,” Alexis, said, but her eyes nearly fluttered closed.
I leaned down and pressed my lips to her forehead. “I’m so proud of you. You are amazing.”
“I don’t feel amazing. I feel like I’ve been run over by a Mack truck,” she muttered.
I combed my fingers through her hair, watching as her eyes closed an
d her face relaxed. “Just rest.”
They wheeled us to our room, and then rolled in a tiny bassinet with a little bundle of pink nestled inside. The nurse carried our baby over and set her on Alexis’s chest, helping her move the hospital gown aside.
“She’s beautiful,” the nurse said with a soft smile.
“Just like her mother,” I said, drinking in the scene. Alexis was so fucking beautiful. And she was my wife, the mother of my child.
“I’ll give you some alone time. Page me if you need anything,” the nurse said before disappearing to the hallway.
I stood there a moment just watching them before taking a seat on the bed next to Alexis. I could already see the immense love she had for this baby, and I felt it too. We’d waited to find out the baby’s gender, and discovering that she was a girl after all had been the sweetest surprise.
We stayed there, cocooned in our own little world with our new baby girl. “Do you want to hold her?” Alexis finally asked.
“I’ve been dying for you to ask,” I said, eager to hold our baby but not wanting to rush her.
Alexis carefully swaddled our daughter and then handed her to me. I stared down at her, cataloging her features—the blue eyes, the tuft of brown hair, her rosy lips. My voice was clogged with emotion, my heart overflowing.
“Hello, little one,” I cooed at her. “I’m your daddy.”
One of her little fists emerged from the blanket. “She’s so tiny,” I said, marveling at the size of her hands.
“Hard to believe Sophia was once that little.” Alexis looked down on her with a wistful grin.
“What do you want to name her?” I asked, unable to take my eyes off my beautiful daughter. My miracle.
Alexis pursed her lips. “I don’t know. I’m not sure any of the names we were considering suit her. Do you know what I mean?”
I nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. “She doesn’t really seem like an Ava or a Madison to me. We have time to decide, right?”
“Yes, but I’d like to decide sooner rather than later. I don’t want to keep referring to her as the baby or baby.”
“Agreed.” I studied my daughter. “Who are you, little one? Are you an Amelia?” She didn’t say anything. “Or maybe a Sloan.”
“Not Sloan,” Alexis said.
“How about Alice or Everly?” I asked.
There was a knock at the door, and the nurse stuck her head inside. “Mom, are you okay with having visitors? Your daughter is asking if she can see you and meet the baby.”
Alexis smiled. “Send her in.”
A moment later, Sophia peeked her head around the door. “Mommy?”
“Come in,” Alexis said. “Come meet your baby sister.”
“Yes!” Sophia fist-pumped, which only made me laugh. A tear leaked out, and I wiped it away. “I knew it was a girl. You’re naming her Charlotte, right?”
Charlotte had always been Sophia’s first choice. She liked how regal it sounded, and I had to agree. Though, I still wasn’t entirely sure I was sold on it.
“We’re still deciding,” Alexis said. “Why don’t you sit on the couch with Preston, and you can hold her.”
“Really?” Sophia’s face lit up, and I knew she was excited she’d get to hold the baby so soon.
“Yes, but wash your hands first.”
Sophia did as Alexis asked and was soon settled on the couch. I could tell from the way she squirmed that it was a struggle to remain still. I carried the baby over to her, sitting next to her on the couch. “Remember to support her head, like this.” I showed her.
“Okay.” She nodded, and I placed the baby in her arms. “Hi. I’m Sophia, and I’m your big sister.”
I grinned, glancing up at Alexis to see her watching us with a smile.
“Your face is kinda scrunched up, but I’m sure you’ll get cuter with age. I certainly did.”
I coughed into my hand to cover a laugh. This kid—she was hilarious. I hoped her little sister would be just as independent and precocious.
I wrapped my arm around Sophia’s shoulder, holding her close as we stared down at the newest addition to our family. “I love you,” I said, pressing a kiss into her hair. “Both of you.”
“I think we should name her Blair,” Alexis said. “Blair Elizabeth.”
“Blair.” Sophia glanced down at the baby. “Are you a Blair? I think I like Blair.”
“Preston?” Alexis asked.
I grinned, feeling a sense of rightness settle over me. “I think I like it too.”
We stayed that way for a while, until Blair started crying. Her face was red, and she shook her little fists, showing her displeasure. I handed her off to Alexis, while ushering Sophia out to the waiting room where a crowd had gathered.
My parents were there, along with Hunter and Lauren, though they sat on opposite sides of the waiting room. Everyone cheered when I told them it was a girl, announcing her weight and height with pride. Sophia ran over to my dad, excited to tell him all about her new baby. Lauren and Hunter offered their congratulations and said they’d stop by the house once we’d settled in. Then it was just Sophia, my parents, and me.
Mom wrapped her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you. To be able to know the joy of parenthood—it’s everything.”
She pulled back, cupping my face in her hands. “I’m so proud of you, Preston. You went through hell, but now you’re married, you’re a father. And you’re about to graduate.” She shook her head, pressing her fingers to her lips. “It’s everything I ever could’ve wanted for you.”
“Mom.” I wrapped my arms around her once more. “Thank you. And I love you too.”
“Preston.” Sophia tugged on my shirt. “I’m hungry.”
“Okay. Okay.” I chuckled. “You guys know the drill, right?” I asked my parents.
They’d generously offered to come and help when the new baby was born. And with me in the middle of finals and Sophia’s school year coming to a close, we needed all the help we could get.
Though Sophia would be spending a few weeks with Cal for the summer, we’d all agreed she could spend some time with her new sibling first. Cal wasn’t my biggest fan, nor was I his. But he had apologized for his behavior at Sophia’s party, and we’d reached a sort of tentative peace.
“We’ve got it covered,” Dad said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, son.”
He wasn’t an emotional man, but his watery smile told me everything I needed to know. He was proud to be my father, to be a grandfather. And he loved me.
“Thanks.” I gave him a big hug. After all the shit we’d been through with cancer, it was nice to finally be at the hospital for such an amazing reason.
I crouched down before Sophia. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay, princess?”
“Okay. Take good care of my baby.”
My parents and I laughed. “I will. I promise to take very good care of Blair.”
“You chose a name?” Mom asked.
I stood, ruffling Sophia’s hair. “We did. Blair Elizabeth.”
“It’s beautiful,” Mom said. “Strong yet feminine. It’s perfect.”
“Thanks.” I smiled. “I better get back to them.”
“Yes, of course. Go.” She pushed me in the direction of Alexis’s room, and I gave the three of them one last wave.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” they called. “We can’t wait to see Blair tomorrow.”
When I returned to the hospital room, Alexis’s eyes were closed, and Blair rested on her chest. They looked so peaceful, I couldn’t help but stare. My whole world was wrapped up in Alexis, Sophia, and now, Blair—my girls.
Alexis’s eyes fluttered open, and I stood from the chair, going to her side. “Do you want anything? Something to eat? Are you comfortable?”
She glanced down at Blair before meeting my eyes once more. “I have everything I could ever want.”
I pressed my lips to hers, so incredibly grateful for th
is woman. “I know the feeling.”
“What three things are you grateful for today?” she asked.
“You, Sophia, and Blair,” I said without hesitation.
She grinned. “You say that every night, except now we know this little one’s name.”
“I say it because it’s true. And it will be true every night for the rest of my life.”
She removed one of her hands from Blair’s back and placed it over mine. “Thank you for taking a chance on me, for being patient and kind and loving. You showed me what love could be. What family could be. And for that, I will be forever grateful.”
I touched my forehead to hers, needing to feel that connection to her. “I love you.”
“I love you. So, so much.” She placed her hand on my cheek, pressing her lips to mine.
Blair stirred, and I peered down at her sweet little face. And I knew that life wasn’t made up of the big moments like weddings or graduation, it was lived in the small, quiet moments. The tender kisses we shared. The times Sophia wrapped her arms around my neck or told me she loved me.
I considered myself lucky, not only because I’d survived cancer. But because I’d been given the chance to live life—an amazing life. And I intended to savor every moment.
Thank you so much for reading Unexpected. I hope you enjoyed Alexis and Preston’s story, and I’d so appreciate it if you took the time to write a review. Short or long, they mean the world to me.
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Unexpected Page 24
