Marrying My Best Friend's BFF: A Friends to Lovers, Accidental Baby Romance (Love You Forever Book 2)

by Alexis Winter

  “It’s beautiful tonight,” I say, watching the lights and water dance.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispers.

  I turn to face him with a smile as I wrap my arms around his neck. “And you’re sweet,” I reply, moving in for a kiss.

  He kisses me softly and slowly and it’s romantic in spite of how uncomfortable I am. For a moment, my overly-full stomach is forgotten.

  He pulls away with his blue eyes shining. He offers up a cocky smile and slides his hands into his pockets. “Riley, I love you. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. I know that now, and I’m not afraid of it. I used to be afraid of our love, but then I realized what facing this world without you looked like . . . and that was even more scary. I knew another woman would never compare to you. And that’s when I realized our love wasn’t something to be feared. It was something to be envied. We have something that many people never find. And with that love comes strength. We’re stronger together. Together, we can take on anything. That’s why I bought this ring.” He pulls it from his pocket and drops down to one knee in front of me.

  He holds it out and the lights from the fountain illuminate it, making it sparkle. He looks up at me and suddenly I see why he was so nervous at dinner. But doesn’t he know I can’t live without him either? There’s no way I could say no to him.

  “I promise to love you for the rest of my life, Riley. I promise to always run to you when I’m afraid, and I promise to protect you and this little baby with every fiber of my being. Will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?”

  I smile down at him. Those words . . . they’re perfect and everything I ever hoped to hear him say. I nod my head and whisper, “Yes.”

  His nervous smile transforms into one of pure happiness and relief now as he slides the ring onto my finger and stands to pull me against him. His lips find mine and his hands cup my cheeks as he holds me. I reach up, putting my hands on his, wanting them to stay there forever. The kiss slows down and he pulls back but doesn’t remove his hands from me.

  “What do you say we get you home so you can strip out of this dress and get into something a little more comfortable?”

  Fifteen

  Preston

  She agreed to marry me. I’m the happiest man on the planet right now. To be honest, I didn’t know if she would. I mean, I know she’s independent and all that, but after I took off last time, I didn’t know if she’d trust me again. We agreed to live together and to raise this baby together, but I think in the back of her head, she was mentally preparing herself in case I took off again. Hopefully, this is all she needs to see that I’m in this time. I’m all in.

  I take her home and the minute we step inside, she kicks off her shoes and lets out a soft moan of relief. That sound shoots straight to the ache in my pants. I step up behind her and help her with her coat. It slides off her arms easily and I hang it up with my own.

  “Unzip me?” she asks, looking at me from over her shoulder.

  I place my hand on her zipper and start to slowly lower it. About halfway down her back, I can’t hold back anymore. Her skin gets to me. Her heat and scent. I lower my lips to her neck and kiss her soft skin. She relaxes into me, tilting her head to the side and giving me more of her neck.

  When the zipper can go no lower, I raise my hands to her shoulders and push the straps down her arms. The dress falls into a pile at her feet. I spin her around to face me and our lips meet as I pick her up against me and carry her to the bedroom.

  I lay her back on the bed gently and cover her body with my own. Her pregnancy hormones have been working in my favor lately and she can’t seem to get enough of me. Her hands start unbuttoning my shirt at lighting speed as she pushes it over my shoulders. I tear it off, not caring if it rips or not, and toss it to the floor.

  Her hands are on my belt next and I feel her tugging and hear the clinking of metal. I pull at her panties until they slide down, then I pull myself away from her to rip them off completely and push my own pants down to my knees. Moments later, we’re connecting as one again, just like we’re meant to be. She fits me so perfectly—tight and snug and warm.

  Already, I can feel her tightening around me, ready to explode at any minute. Her breathing picks up and her moans grow louder. Her nails bite into my lower back then move down to my ass, urging me to go faster, deeper. I give her exactly what she needs, and within moments, she’s shattering beneath me. My own release is rising too quickly and I want nothing more than to hold it off a bit longer. But since she’s become pregnant, I’ve been drawn to her even more. I crave her constantly and I know there’s no holding it back. My release bubbles to the surface and my hips start to move faster, pushing me right over the edge along with her. I pump into her until I’m spilling every last drop.

  With our hearts and breathing doubled, I rest against her as she wraps me up in her arms. I could melt into her if possible. Neither of us talks as our bodies calm. Her fingers thread into my hair, combing it softly. “I love you, Preston.”

  I lift my head from her chest to look into her eyes. “I love you too, Riley. I can’t wait for the day I get to call you my wife.”

  She smiles. “Me neither. I wish we could get married tomorrow.”

  That’s when it hits me. Why do we have to wait? “Let’s do it then.”

  “Do what? Get married tomorrow?”

  I shrug. “Well, it can’t be tomorrow because we have to get our marriage license and you have to wait at least a day. But we could go get it tomorrow and get married this weekend—a shotgun wedding since you’re already pregnant and all,” I joke.

  “Seriously?” she studies me.

  “I am. This weekend will give our families enough time to get up here. I can throw something together at the field.”

  Her eyes double in size. “We could get married at Wrigley Field?”

  I laugh. I knew that would get her. “I can pull some strings.”

  She squeals as excitement pumps through her veins. “Oh my God! Yes! Yes! Yes!”

  I laugh as she pulls me back for a kiss.

  It seems we’re trapped in a never-ending loop. This kiss only brings my body back to life and we’re right back where we started.

  The next day, I get the approval I need to host my wedding on the field. Luckily, the Cubs are on the road for the next week and we don’t need anything fancy. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner. It’s perfect for us. Our first date was at this field. In a way, we’ve come full circle. Calvin and Piper were both surprised by our quick shotgun wedding invitation, but Piper is excited and happy for us. I’ve already contacted my parents and Piper’s parents and Riley is getting in touch with her family today. We went this morning and filed for our marriage license, so that’s out of the way. Now I’m sitting at my work computer looking to secure everything else we need: a preacher to marry us, a photographer, and someone to make the cake.

  This whole thing is going to be perfect even though it’ll just be thrown together at the last minute. Riley is on the hunt for a dining hall so we can have a reception dinner after the ceremony, and that’s where we’ll cut the cake. Instead of a honeymoon, we’ll be sticking around to finish up the final paperwork and pack for the new house.

  Somehow, everything just falls into place and the week goes by in a flash between work and all the rushed wedding planning. Somehow, by Friday, we have everything planned and done. We’re getting married tomorrow and tonight is our last night as two single people. But we’re not planning on going our separate ways. We’re both so tired from the week that we don’t have it in us to do anything other than have a quiet night at home.

  We order some dinner and eat it on the couch as we watch TV. We cuddle, talk, laugh, and hold on to each other so tightly that neither of us could run if we wanted to. Around 9 p.m., we clean up our mess and turn off the lights, heading into the bedroom and the connected bath, where I fill the big tub with hot water and essential oils. I light a few candles
and scatter them around the room, then I dim the lights and open the door.

  “Riley?”

  “Yeah?” she asks, walking up to the door.

  I reach out and take her hand in mine, pulling her into the bathroom.

  She walks in and smiles. “Did you do all of this for me?”

  “I just don’t want those feet getting cold.”

  She smiles. “That’s never going to happen.”

  I reach out and take the bottom of her shirt in my hands, gently pulling it up to undress her. “Better safe than sorry.”

  We both climb into the tub and she rests her back against my chest, with her head against my collarbone. I wrap my arms around her, keeping my hands flat on her stomach so it’s like I’m holding my baby too. Everything I could ever need is in my hands right now, and that warms my soul more than anything ever has.

  “Are you nervous about tomorrow?” I ask softly.

  She shrugs one shoulder. “I’m not nervous about marrying you, but I do feel a little anxiety when I think about how all eyes will be on me.”

  I laugh. “Whether you realize it or not, sweetheart, all eyes are already always on you.”

  She snorts. “I don’t think so. The effect I have on you isn’t mutual with the entire world.”

  “I’ve watched the people around us when we go out, Riley. Everyone is drawn to you. They’re amazed by your beauty, your kindness, your heart. People watch you everywhere you go.”

  “Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

  “I’m afraid you’re going to come to your senses and leave me standing on the pitcher’s mound,” I joke, but I’m also completely serious.

  She sits up and turns to face me. “That’s not going to happen, Preston. I love you. I’m having your baby. You’re not getting away that easy.” She offers up a smile that steals the air from my lungs.

  She moves herself into my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. “What do you think our lives will look like together?”

  I press my lips as I think it over. “I think we’re going to have the greatest love story of all time.”

  She looks up at the ceiling. “I don’t know about that. Noah and Alley from The Notebook would be up there,” she jokes.

  I snort. “Yeah, but they weren’t real. Our love is. And we have this baby to prove it. I’m sure not every moment will be sunshine and rainbows. We’ll get into fights. We’ll have scars. But at the end of the day, our love will bring us back together. We’ll be able to achieve more than we ever could on our own.” I lean in, pressing my lips to hers. Her kisses are soft and slow, and they cause my body to harden and my toes to tingle. “Come on, let’s get you to bed. We have a big day tomorrow.”

  She releases me and stands up to climb out of the tub. She wraps a towel around herself as I drain the tub and dry myself off. I blow out the candles as I watch her pull her pajamas back on, then we fall into bed together. I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight, just happy to have her body against mine.

  I wake bright and early in the morning and slip out before she stirs. I know we’re not having a super-traditional wedding, but some things I’d like to keep intact. Like not seeing the bride before the wedding. Piper will be here soon to help her get ready, and I’m pretty sure her mom and sisters are coming too. I grab my wedding attire and take off for Calvin’s.

  Piper is heading out the door as I’m walking in. “She still in bed?” she asks, pausing before heading out.

  I laugh. “You know it.”

  She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “That girl would be late for her own funeral if she could.”

  I crack a smile. “She likes her sleep. See you at the field.”

  She walks out and Calvin walks into the living room holding Mason in his arms. “Look at that, Mase! Uncle Preston is here.” He holds out the baby. I give him a look that says, man, I gotta hold the baby? I’m not big on babies, but I’m hoping that changes when I have one of my own.

  I drop my things and reach out, taking the baby from him as I sit on the couch.

  “God, my arms are dead. He’s been constantly attached to Piper, so I thought I’d pitch in. But now he’s just constantly attached to me. I don’t know how she does it. And I’m not breastfeeding!” He drops onto the couch.

  I laugh. “I’m sure she loves every minute of it.”

  “Mom and Dad should be getting here at any moment, and I’m sure Mom will want the baby as soon as she comes in. At least I’ll be able to regain the use of my arms again. You wouldn’t think a little baby could get so heavy!”

  I chuckle and shake my head.

  “So, are you ready to be a married man?”

  I look over at him. “Got any advice for me, big bro?”

  He places his hand on his chin and thinks it over. “Hmm, let me think.” There’s a long pause before he starts. “Don’t ever leave dirty dishes in the sink, or wet towels on the floor. Also, the laundry hamper is designed for you to put your clothes inside, not beside. Same for the trash can and sink. Never set anything next to these things. Actually put them in it.”

  He seems completely serious and I can’t help but laugh.

  “If she ever says something like you’re wearing that? you should immediately change, but never say that phrase to her. If she asks you to do something around the house like take out the trash, change a light bulb, or fix something, do it when she asks. Waiting will only result in her trying to do it herself, and she’ll give you every dirty look she can muster while doing it.”

  I shake my head and say, “So you’ve basically been in trouble the entire time you’ve been married, huh?”

  He shrugs. “I didn’t have anyone to tell me the rules. I had to figure them out the hard way. You’re lucky.”

  Someone knocks on the door and it immediately opens as Mom and Dad walk in.

  Calvin stands up to greet them. He shakes Dad’s hand but Mom has her sights set on Mason. She runs over and starts taking him out of my arms. I let him go, more than happy to give her what she wants. Mason and I will be good buddies, but probably not until he learns to stop crapping his pants and can tell me exactly what he wants.

  I stand up and move toward Dad to shake his hand. He tells me, “Congratulations, son. We have a little gift for you.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope, handing it over.

  “What’s this? You didn’t have to do anything.”

  “When Calvin got married, we gave him the same. It’s nothing we haven’t had planned for years.”

  I open the envelope and pull out a check that has way too many numbers on it. I look up at him with disbelief.

  “It’s for the down payment on that house you two are buying.”

  “What house?” Calvin asks, suddenly worried that Piper will be upset we’re buying a house that won’t be next to the one they’re buying.

  Dad looks over at Calvin and then back at me. “You haven’t told him yet?”

  I shake my head and turn to look at my brother. “The thing is, Cal, Riley and I are buying the house next door to you and Piper. We wanted to wait until everything was said and done to surprise Piper.”

  His mouth drops open and his eyes stretch wide. “What? That house isn’t even on the market. I love that house! It has stables!”

  I laugh. “It’s a private sale. I guess my real estate manager was better than yours.”

  He frowns. “There’s only one real estate office in town. Who did you use?”

  I laugh. “Dad.”

  He shoots a look at Dad. “What? Why didn’t you tell me about that house? You knew we were looking.”

  He shrugs. “I would’ve, but Preston called before you did. The night before, actually. Oh well, the important thing is that you guys will be together just like you want, and you’ll all be home just like your mother and I want. Win-win in my book.” He goes to sit down beside Mom.

  Calvin looks over at me and slaps me on the back. “Dad’s right. I love t
he house we’re buying and I’m happy our kids will be raised together just like the three of us were.”

  The four of us sit around and catch up until it’s time to start getting ready for the wedding. Since we’re having the ceremony at the baseball field, we didn’t find it necessary to do the whole tux-and-massive-wedding-dress thing. Instead, the guys will be wearing black pants with a Cubs jersey. Riley still wanted to wear a white dress, so she found a little white summer dress with a blue ribbon around the waist. Piper will match us guys, and even Mason is wearing a little Cubs jersey.

  When we get to the field, we all go to where we’ve been directed. I’m told that Riley is here but she’s off in a private room to finish getting ready. We walk out to the field, and I’m standing on the pitcher’s mound while Calvin stands at my side since he’s my best man. Mom holds Mason and stands with Dad on the green. The preacher makes his way to the pitcher’s mound as well, and the photographer is already here, snapping pictures of everyone. Slowly, more and more people make their way to the field. I’m assuming they’re Riley’s family since I don’t know any of them and they stand on the opposite side of my parents.

  It would be nice if everyone had a chair, but chairs aren’t allowed on the field, so everyone is left standing, but they don’t seem to mind. They all seem blown away by the fact that they’re even on the field to begin with. They’re all looking up at the stands, probably trying to imagine what it’s like to look up when all these seats are filled with people. I love that Riley and her family are such baseball fans.

  The music starts up and everyone gets quiet. We all turn to look at the dugout. Piper walks onto the field holding a bouquet of white flowers wrapped in blue ribbon. Soon after, Riley is right behind her. Her long, dark hair is hanging down her back in soft waves, and her white dress fits her perfectly. Her chest is growing bigger and it looks extra nice in that dress, but the blue ribbon around her stomach hides the fact that she’s pregnant.