by Karen Deen
We had to explain we want her there as a guest, my girlfriend, and part of the family who this foundation is based on. Fleur and TJ will have everything under control, and she will be there if needed. She didn’t like it but agreed to disagree.
I can’t wait to see her in the dress she bought last week. She doesn’t know yet, but we have organized for a bit of pampering for her and Bella tomorrow. With a hairdresser and makeup artist coming here to help them get ready. I want her to feel special and treasured on such an important day. Her and Bella both.
Turning out the light, I slide into bed next to her and pull her into her sleeping position. Tucked into my side, head on my heart. She told me late one night that the rhythm of my heart is what puts her to sleep and allows her to know she’s home.
As I settle her in my arms, she murmurs those few words that mean the world. “I love you.” Then the next little snore comes out. Even in her sleep she needs to tell me before the night ends.
“I love you more.” Kissing the top of her head, I close my eyes and pray that tomorrow goes just like I’ve planned. I’ve waited so long for this moment I just can’t believe it’s finally here. Drifting off to sleep, I think of my mom and know this is what she would have wanted. I know she will be happy watching from above.
The night takes over and morning will be here before we know it.
“Grayson, where did you put that bag with my jewelry in it?” I hear her screaming from the bedroom. I don’t dare go in there. She’s like a donkey on the edge. Dad and Bella left a few minutes ago to pick up Tilly’s parents and we’ll meet them all there. We will have a little time together, alone in the town car to just breathe before the night gets crazy.
“Don’t worry, I found it.”
I don’t even bother answering because I know she’s not even listening to me. Looking at the time, I’ll have to give her a hurry along shortly. Just then I hear her shoes coming from the bedroom down the hallway. As I stand there in my black tuxedo, I am absolutely in awe of the beauty in front of me.
“Matilda,” is all that leaves my mouth.
She plays nervously with her handbag waiting for me to say something.
“Don’t do that. Don’t be shy. You look so beautiful you took my breath away.” Walking up to her but afraid to mess her up, I just place my hand on her cheek. She melts instantly into it.
“My little one, you are just stunning. I am so blessed to have found you. Every man in that room tonight will be jealous of me. I intend to show you off to the world tonight.” I lightly kiss her cheek, not wanting to wreck her makeup.
“Thank you. You look very sexy in your tux too. Love a man in a suit. Reminds me of another night I went out dressed up and there was this guy in a suit. He wouldn’t stop staring at me. I was too frightened to walk over to him. He just looked so fuckalicious I knew he was out of my league.”
“Tilly, that is where you are so wrong. It was you that was out of my league. I just knew, though, I couldn’t let you go. There was something about you that made me keep chasing. I didn’t know at the time what it was, but I do now. It was my soul. It found its mate and knew where it belonged, and that is together. I love you, baby. Now let’s go and show the world just how much.”
“If you make my makeup run from tears, you’ll be in trouble from your sister. So, stop being so perfect.” Her hand on my cheek, I can feel everything she is trying to say. “Let’s go and make memories of your mom.”
I take her hand and raise it to my lips as I lead her to the door and say to her, “Let’s go and make some memories.”
Pulling up to the entranceway of The Blackstone Hotel, I can feel my nerves starting to go. I’m not one to get nervous usually but tonight is special, for all of us. Tilly senses my anxiousness and takes my hand, squeezing it before we get out of the car. She looks at me with her beautiful eyes and repeats my words back to me, “We’ve got this.”
I feel a wave of calmness wash over me as I take a big deep breath. “With you beside me, we can do anything.”
“Exactly.”
Exiting the car, I stand waiting for Tilly to slide across the seat and take my hand. I feel a light wisp of air brush across my cheek. No trees are moving and there is not a breath of air after it. I smile and know it’s just my mom letting me know she’s here. That everything will be fine.
Tilly stands and smooths down her dress, then straightens my jacket and bow tie. She looks up at me.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“I am now.”
Let’s do this.
After the first hour I start to feel more settled. The night is going according to plan. Already we have raised more than we were dreaming about. The vibe in the room is so heartwarming and positive. Bella is circulating and looks happy like she has found her place. Dad is enjoying chatting with everyone and managing to drag money out of them before he moves on to the next person. Tilly’s parents seem to be having a good time. Todd is over with Tate, Lex, Mason, and Paul who has flown in especially for tonight. After I told Tilly that it was Paul who had told me about the baby, she called him and thanked him for watching over her all these years. They talked for a long time and she asked him to come along.
Shelley, on the other hand, keeps getting in trouble with Fleur for trying to help the waiters. God bless her, she just wants to help and that’s the way she knows how. We have now given Hannah and Deven the job of keeping her busy before Fleur blows a fuse.
My ever-efficient girlfriend has just come over to send me to the stage. Fleur was five steps behind her about to do the same thing. We both just shake our heads at her. She might not be working officially, but she may as well be.
Having everyone’s eyes on me and the room becoming so silent is a humbling experience. Standing up here telling the world about my mom and how she loved to help others.
“By starting this foundation, we hope to grow it, so every woman, no matter what her income, race, or social standing will still receive immediate attention and the best care. With your help together we can save lives.”
The crowd is all applauding loudly, and I feel elated at the sight of everyone keen to help fulfill our dream.
“There is one more thing I would like to do tonight. I want to introduce you all to the most important woman in my life. My girlfriend, Matilda Henderson. Come up here and join me, Tilly.” I see her blushing as she walks through the crowd to join me on stage. “This beautiful lady has worked tirelessly along with her company Fleurtilly to make tonight’s function so perfect. I couldn’t be prouder of her.” Everyone cheers her as I take her hand and bring her closer to me.
“This foundation and my mother brought us together after a few misadventures. I have never felt so happy and loved as I do when I’m with you. From that first day, I knew I couldn’t live without you. You are the air that I breathe. So tonight, as we start the Maxine’s Angels Foundation, giving it life, I thought it’s the perfect night for us to start our new journey too. You asked me for slow, but this is as slow as I can go.”
Dropping to one knee and pulling the box from my jacket pocket, Tilly’s hands rush to curb the gasp of air she’s taking in surprise.
“Matilda, my little one, my Tilly, I have never loved another like I love you, and I know now I never will. Will you let me love you with all I am for the rest of our lives? Will you do me the honor of marrying me? Will you let me be your GG and only your GG?”
Her tears are streaming down her face and she’s nodding up and down. I smile at her, willing her to say the word. Her hands come down to mine as she whispers that one simple word.
“Yes.”
As I slip the ring on her finger, I hear her beautiful voice just a little louder this time.
For all the letters in the alphabet I only needed three. Just three simple letters to strengthen the bond of those three simple words I never tire of hearing.
“Yes.”
And then I hear my three favorite words.
“I lov
e you.”
Well, maybe make that four words.
“I love you more.”
THE END
Epilogue
MATILDA
“Where do you think you’re going?” Allison looks at Gray with the stare that would put the fear into most men.
“Into the exam room with my wife.” He stands in the waiting room with his arm around my waist. Staring down his friend.
“I don’t think so. This is doctor-patient privilege. My patient would like a little privacy. You can sit your butt back down on the chair like all the other husbands.” I can’t tell if she’s serious or just doing it to annoy him.
“Not a chance. You do know she doesn’t need to keep seeing you, she has her own gorgeous gyno. Plus, I can guarantee I know that area of my wife far better than you ever will.” He huffs with a glint in his eye of having the upper hand.
“Grayson,” I scold him for being so crass and he shows no remorse.
“Maybe so, Mr. Garrett, but if your skills are as good as you say they are, then why is she still seeing me?” I’m starting to feel like this is a bit of a pissing competition between two doctors.
I can’t help it, I just start to giggle. “You two are ridiculous. Can we just get on with the appointment?”
Grayson doesn’t wait, he just starts walking towards the examination room pulling me by the hand.
I’m still laughing while I hear Alison behind call out to him, “You always were an asshole.”
“Not the first time I’ve been called that in your waiting room and look where it got me.” We’re all laughing now. Thank goodness this is an after hours appointment and no one else is in the office.
As I lie down on the bed, I look to both of them. “Have you two finished now? Can we play patient and doctor for a minute?”
They both smile at me, but I know full well Allison may as well step aside now because Gray will be over her shoulder.
“We can if Mr. Arrogance over here agrees to play patient, doctor, and patient’s husband. Just remember there is only one doctor in that sentence and that would be me.” She waves her finger at him to reinforce the point.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Can we just do this?” he huffs, pacing the room.
“Yes, hello, over here. Patient just wanting to get examination over with. Can you two argue the point of who has the biggest stethoscope later?” They both stop and look at me. Mumbling sorry, they start getting things organized.
Grayson comes and kisses me on the forehead and leans down to whisper in my ear but loud enough she can hear him. He knows how nervous I am and I’m sure he is just trying to distract me.
“Don’t worry, baby, if the mean doctor lady hurts you or makes you uncomfortable, I will make it all better when we get home.”
Allison just groans and rolls her eyes.
The look on my face as she picks up the ultrasound machine must have shown on my face.
“Gray,” I whisper.
“Baby, we’ve got this. No matter the outcome. We will be okay.”
I just nod my head and all the joking is gone between him and Allison as he nods at her to start the scanning.
I’ve known for over two months that I’m pregnant, and the only people who know are the three of us in this room. I didn’t want to go through the hard part of telling people if I miscarry again, which is always a possibility. I didn’t want a scan done until the baby was big enough for an external scan. I was scared that it may be too risky. As much as Gray assured me it’s safe, I put my foot down and refused. The blood test confirmed the pregnancy and now it’s time to finally confirm I have a little peanut inside me. Having a little spotting still each month, I just can’t settle yet.
“Just relax, Tilly. This will be a little cold.” She squirts the gel on my stomach and tilts the screen so we can all see.
To me it looks like just black and white shapes and a whole lot of noise. I keep looking between the two of them to read their faces.
Then it happens, the most amazing smile spreads across Grayson’s face as we hear a heartbeat. I turn to the screen to see our little baby’s heart happily pumping away.
“Gray,” I gasp.
“Fuck,” is all that comes from him.
“Yep, that’s what did it. Gray fucked and now we have a little Garrett baby. Congratulations, my beautiful friends.” Allison is also crying a little.
I can’t completely let go yet. I need to know everything.
“Is the baby okay, is anything wrong, does everything look normal?” My breathing is a little fast and I’m squeezing the blood out of Gray’s hand.
“Princess, just breathe, everything is fine. Give Allison a chance to finish the scan and take some pictures for you. But that amazing little baby on the screen is happily secure and growing nicely. We still have a ways to go, but we are out of the worst of the risk period. Now let’s see how far along you are so we can find out when our baby is due.” His voice and his touch just calm me every time.
“Our baby…we are really having a baby…that’s our baby…” Finally, it all sinks in and I let go. I’m crying and laughing at the same time.
“Yes, little one, we’re having a baby. A little GG. Another Gorgeous Garrett just like you.”
“Oh, we can only pray for that,” Allison teases. “This world can only cope with one Grayson Garrett, another cocky overachiever in your house will have Tilly going crazy, or crazier than she already is married to you.” She continues with her scanning and doesn’t even miss a beat with her reply to Gray.
That just makes me laugh harder which is not good when you’re full of water for the ultrasound.
“Stop it or I’ll pee on the bed.”
“Gray, you’re cleaning it up if she does.”
He just rolls his eyes. “Oh, now she wants me to be the doctor. Too late. I’m happy sitting here being the husband and the dad. You’re on your own, Dr. Fontain.”
He leans down and kisses me with such love that I know what he’s saying without even saying it.
Then he makes my heart melt when he moves down to kiss my stomach with just as much emotion even though it’s covered in gel. He doesn’t care.
With him back at my side, I look up into those eyes that captivated me that first night and have never let me go.
“We love you.”
To which he replies the only way he knows how. My always overachieving Gorgeous Gyno.
“I love both of you more.”
GRAYSON
I’m sure I’m being punished for all the years of laughing at the expecting fathers. Here I am on the due date of our little GG. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, and I can’t let Tilly out of my sight.
I think she’s getting close to divorcing me, but I don’t give a fuck. I promised I would always look after her for the rest of her life, and I’m just doing my job. Plus, she’s carrying precious cargo. I know all the logic, not many babies are born on their due date, but I don’t care. I’ll be here waiting as long as it takes.
“Grayson, go take Memphis for a walk when you’re finished. He looks bored,” Tilly snarls at me from the couch while I’m in the kitchen preparing her a snack.
“Nope, no need. Hannah and Daisy are coming over to take him out for a doggy date shortly. You know I’m not leaving you.”
“Ughh, you are ridiculous. GG has no plans of going anywhere soon, I can assure you. Apparently, it’s comfy in there and they don’t have to put up with their crazy overprotective father if they stay put.”
“Your pregnancy humor is so funny…not!” She thinks she knows more about babies being born than I do. Damn woman is going to be the death of me. “You should just be thankful that it’s Hannah and Daisy coming and not your mom and dad. Keeping your apartment for them to come and go as they please for visits was all good in theory, until you told them that there’s a little GG on their way. I swear your mom has been here in the city more than at home in the last two months. Your dad is biting his tongue, but it�
�s wearing thin, he misses his garage.”
“Oh my god, Gray, if you let my mother in here today you will no longer be the G Master. You will be master of nothing because you will be getting nothing. I love her but she is driving me crazier than you are and that is saying something. I already feel stressed enough.”
I see the look on her face change and show how tired she is. The pregnancy hasn’t been easy on her because the whole way she’s still had the fear of losing the baby. I didn’t tell her I silently feared it too. For all my knowledge, if it was going to happen then I couldn’t stop it.
Putting her snack on the table, I sit down next to her, pulling her on to my lap.
“I’ll squash you,” she protests.
“Not a chance.” I run my hand up her neck and into her hair, pulling her closer so I can kiss those beautiful lips.
“What are up to, Gray?”
“Calming Mommy down. The stress is no good for GG. Besides, no matter how pregnant you are, I still think you are so fucking hot.” Our next kiss turns steamier, and it doesn’t take long for her to be moaning with my hand in her pants, stroking her pussy.
“You know I can’t resist sex at the moment,” she mumbles between kisses.
“Like it was any different before you were pregnant. Now stand up so I can strip down those pants and sit you on your favorite seat, me.” No matter what, I can still make her laugh.
Stripping off my pants and then slowly lowering her down, we both moan at how good it feels. This is the best way to be connected. Nothing between us. As I lift her to bring her down again, she screams out this time.
“Fuck, tell me you just came super quick,” I ask as my lap is saturated with fluid.
“Ummm no. You’re good but not that good.” She slaps my shoulder.
