The wedding went by in a blur. She was so focused on Ashton, that she barely heard anything else around her. She said her vows and wasn’t completely aware of everything until Ashton kissed her. Once everyone started clapping and whistling, the fog seemed to lift.
“You okay, baby?” Ashton asked as they walked out of the ceremony, away from their family and friends.
“Yes, it was just all surreal and unbelievably beautiful. I just feel like it all happened too fast,” she smiled.
“Don’t worry about it, there were lots of pictures and video taken. You can watch it as many times as you want,” he told her, kissing her forehead. “Now let’s head over to the reception.”
Adalyn and Ashton walked into the reception to the sound of clapping and whistling from their friends and family. Ashton was handed Moxie, causing him to smile. They sat down in their seats, and he snuggled with her until Adalyn needed to feed her.
When Adalyn returned from feeding Moxie, she handed her off to her mother-in-law and joined her husband on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. They danced to, “Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran.
“I love you,” Ashton told Adalyn as they danced.
“I love you too, so much,” she told him.
Adalyn was completely enjoying the feel of being in his arms. It was exactly where she wanted to spend the rest of her life, safely in his arms. She had never been as happy as she was right now. Being married, with a beautiful daughter, and finally a family that cared about her was all she wanted in life.
“I know this is probably not how you expected your wedding day, but I didn’t want to spend another day without you as my wife,” Ashton told her.
“I couldn’t have planned it more perfect. I love it and I love you,” Adalyn told him.
Over the next few hours, they danced with family and friends. They ate a wonderful dinner and danced some more.
By the time midnight rolled around, they were both exhausted, but extremely happy. Most of the guests had left and only immediate family was still around. Moxie was asleep soundly in her car seat.
“I don’t know about you, but I am ready to get out of here,” Ashton told her.
“Yes!” Adalyn agreed, trying to hold back a yawn.
“We are out of here, Mom and Dad,” Ashton told them. He leaned down and gently kissed Moxie. He kissed his mom on the cheek, hugging her goodbye. Hugging his dad goodbye also. They hugged and kissed Adalyn goodbye, reassuring her that Moxie would be perfectly fine.
Fourteen
Adalyn woke the next morning, earlier than she expected considering they had spent several hours enjoying each other once they reached their hotel suite. She stretched, feeling the delicious ache of overworked muscles by all their lovemaking.
She noticed then that the bed next to her was empty. Putting on the robe, she entered the sitting area of the suite. Ashton was sitting on the couch, holding a sleeping Moxie.
“Mom dropped her off about twenty minutes ago. She knew you would want to see her,” he told her knowingly.
Adalyn sat down on the couch next to him, kissing the top of Moxie’s head. “I missed her last night, but I am happy that we got to spend that time together alone.”
“I know it was difficult for you, being away from her. I also know that most married people have a honeymoon, but you won’t want to leave her for that long. So I have planned a small getaway for the three of us. It will be for a week at a bed and breakfast where we can just relax together. How does that sound?” Ashton said.
“It sounds perfect! You have thought of everything. I hope you aren’t too disappointed that we aren’t going to have a traditional honeymoon,” she said.
“I want to be wherever you are, baby. I don’t want to be away from Moxie either. I understand completely. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he explained.
“You are perfect,” Adalyn told him, leaning up to kiss him.
“I would do anything for you, haven’t you figured that out by now?” Ashton said, kissing her again.
“So when is this supposed to take place?” Adalyn asked curiously.
“Whenever you get dressed so we can leave,” he explained with a wink.
Within the hour, they were on the road toward the bed and breakfast they would spend the next week. When they pulled up to the bed and breakfast, she couldn’t help the shock she felt. It looked like something out of a storybook. It was quaint and absolutely homey looking. It was nestled back into the surrounding trees and looked like a cottage.
When they entered, she was pleasantly surprised at the deceiving size. It was much larger on the inside then it looked from the outside. It still had the homey feel and smelled of freshly baked cookies.
“Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, it’s so nice to see you. Who is this little beauty?” the lady behind the desk asked with a smile.
“This is our daughter Moxie,” Ashton told her proudly.
“She is beautiful,” Caitlyn cooed. She was the owner of the beautiful bed and breakfast.
“Thank you, Caitlyn,” they told her in unison.
“Let’s get you situated in your room, so you can start enjoying your honeymoon,” Caitlyn told them.
Caitlyn showed them to their room and pointed out the itinerary and menu for the week. Leaving them to get settled, she closed the door quietly behind herself.
“Tea and coffee are being served in the dining room and then lunch will be at noon,” Adalyn read to Ashton.
“Whatever you want to do, sounds good to me,” Ashton told her.
“Did you happen to pack my wrap, so I can wear Moxie instead of carrying around her in the car seat?” Adalyn asked.
“It’s right here,” Ashton told her, pulling it out of the diaper bag.
“You thought of everything,” Adalyn cooed, hugging him. Ashton wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close.
Ashton helped to place Moxie into the wrap, securing her safely on Adalyn’s chest. They had decided to skip tea and wander the grounds instead. They found a small picnic area, where there was a picnic basket and a blanket set up for them. They enjoyed their lunch in the peace and quiet by a beautiful pond. Moxie slept through the entire meal.
*****
“Are you sure we have to leave?” Adalyn asked Ashton as he loaded up the car. Moxie was already cozy in her seat, sleeping away.
“Unfortunately, we do have to get back home. I promise we will come back though. I am glad you enjoyed yourself,” Ashton told her, as he helped her into the passenger seat. They ended up leaving with double what they came with because all the guests and Caitlyn decided to spoil Moxie with toys and clothes.
Ashton pulled into the driveway, which was full of cars, just before dinner time. Upon entering the house, they realized that Ashton’s parents, sister, Silas, and George were all there to greet them. And of course, dinner was already prepared.
“Where is my baby?” Ashton’s mom asked in way of greeting.
Adalyn giggled and handed Moxie over, kissing her on the head. Ashton returned a few minutes later once he was finished unpacking the car. Everyone sat down to eat and hear about all the things they did on their honeymoon.
“Caitlyn was very sad to see Moxie go,” Adalyn giggled. “They spoiled her the entire time.”
“So you enjoyed yourselves?” Aislyn asked.
“Yes, it was very relaxing and beautiful. I will show you all the pictures later,” Adalyn told her sister-in-law.
“It was good to see you, sweetheart, but I need to take my old, tired ass home. Let me know when you want to come back to work,” George teased.
“I love you George, but that isn’t going to happen for a while. I am in love with being a mom. I will come and visit my favorite store though soon,” she hugged him goodbye.
“I am sure you are tired, so I am going to head out also. I just wanted to welcome you all home and see my niece,” Silas said as he hugged Adalyn goodbye, and kissed her forehead. He hugged Ashton goodbye, and
slipped out without another word after kissing Moxie.
Adalyn glanced to Aislyn, noticing that she hadn’t left when he did. She silently questioned her sister-in-law, who barely shook her head in response.
“I am heading to the shop for a bit, so I will see you tomorrow Adalyn,” Aislyn told her as she hugged her parents and brother. She hugged Adalyn and kissed Moxie on the head and left without another word.
Adalyn sat on the couch with Moxie on her chest and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep. She was worn out.
EPILOGUE
It had been three weeks since the wedding and Ashton had gone back to work. Moxie and Adalyn spent their days at home, hanging out with Aislyn when she wasn’t busy. Ashton’s parents came over at least once a week to see them. And every Sunday they went to their house for a family dinner.
Today was Sunday so Adalyn, Ashton, and Moxie were heading over for dinner.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Ashton asked her for hundredth time.
“Nope, you will have to find out when everyone else does,” Adalyn teased him. “You really shouldn’t pout. You will be happy that I tell you with everyone else.”
“I am not pouting. I just don’t understand why I have to wait to find out something that involves you,” he told her, pouting.
Adalyn climbed out of the car and took Moxie from her seat, carrying her into the house. Ashton silently followed them into the house, still pouting.
“What’s wrong with him?” Aislyn asked, pointing to the scowling Ashton.
“He is upset that I wanted to share news with everyone at once instead of telling it over and over,” Adalyn laughed.
“Well we are all here, what is this news?” Her mother-in-law asked.
Adalyn stood silently staring into the faces of the people that she had grown to love immensely over a short period of time. And for the first time since she learned of the news she wanted to share; she was unsure. She wasn’t sure how they would take the news.
“I’m pregnant,” she blurted after several minutes of silence.
The room erupted in cheers and whistles. Hugs and kisses came from everyone, well almost everyone. After several minutes, Adalyn realized that Ashton hadn’t said anything. She turned to face him, unsure of what she would find when she looked into his eyes. Would she see anger, hurt, disappointment?
When she finally was able to make eye contact with Ashton, she didn’t see any of that. She saw love, happiness, and utter joy! He was speechless with tears running down his face. Before she knew what was happening, she was wrapped in his arms, and he was kissing her senseless.
“I am so happy and excited for this adventure. Our kids are going to be so close. You have made me the happiest man in the world. I am so lucky to call you my wife,” Ashton told her. Then he dropped down to his knees in front of her and kissed her tummy.
“This is so exciting,” Mrs. Montgomery cooed. “I am going to be a grandma again. I never thought it would happen again so soon, but I am so happy.”
“Well it was a surprise when I found out, but I knew it was meant to be,” Adalyn smiled.
Adalyn sat down on the couch next to Ashton and enjoyed watching his parents fuss over Moxie. Over the last week or so, she had started making noises and smiling. She was in heaven, watching her family love each other. She enjoyed every moment and looked forward to what the future brought.
Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed meeting Adalyn and Ashton as much as I enjoyed introducing them. They are very special to me, and I hope they become special to you as well. This is not the end of Adalyn’s and Ashton’s story though.
It will continue into Aislyn and Silas’ story. Will they end up together, or won’t they?
I know that is what you are wondering.
Follow me for updates:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B08JZH34R5
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/r-a-krauszer
Website: https://paperlypigeonproductions.mailchimpsites.com/
Email: [email protected]
My Twist of Fate Page 16
