The Touch Series Box Set

by t. h. snyder

  “Well, for your sake, I hope it doesn’t strike again for the rest of the night.”

  He pulls me in closer to him and wraps his arms around my waist.

  “I want you by my side all night long. You are my bride and I want to show you off, do you think we can arrange that?”

  “I would love nothing more than to be on your arm all night.”

  “Good, then let’s head out and find the rest of our group and get this party started,” he says and pauses for a moment. “But, if at any time you think you need to be sick, let me know right away and I’ll come back in here with you.”

  A smile crosses my lips and I stand on my tips toes to kiss my husband. He is so perfect in every way. I don’t know how I got so lucky but I’ll never let him go…never.

  Riley and I make our way out of the bathroom to find the rest of the bridal party standing near a private bar.

  I let go of Riley’s hand as he walks over to the bar to get us something to drink.

  “Hey, girlie, you feeling okay?” Angie asks, rushing over to me.

  “I’ve been better, but I think for now I’m good.”

  “I don’t know how you do it, but even after getting sick you still look amazing.”

  I laugh at her as Chloe and Emma come over to my side.

  “Doesn’t she look great? It’s like she’s freaking glowing,” Angie says.

  “You do look pretty good, sis,” Chloe says pulling me into her. “Are you going to be okay for the reception?”

  I nod my head and smile as I catch Riley looking over my way.

  “I’ll be good. I don’t feel queasy anymore, so I’d rather just move past it and start having some fun.”

  I step away from Chloe and reach into the bag for some lip gloss.

  “Did you guys all hear that?” Emma yells. “Char is ready to party, someone get her a drink!”

  Riley comes walking over to me with a wine glass filled with something that I can tell is definitely not wine.

  “What’s this?”

  “Its ginger ale, sip it slowly and let’s see if you can keep this down before you try anything else.”

  “You’re amazing, Riley, thank you,” I say, taking the glass from him.

  “I need to take care of my girl,” he says, kissing my forehead and pulling me into him.

  Pete and Derrick walk over to us and pass Emma and Chloe a drink.

  “The bartender said he’ll set out some appetizers in a few moments. We’ll have about a half hour before we need to head into the reception to be announced.” Derrick says before taking a long swig of his beer.

  I’m giddy inside to know that soon I’ll be able to make my first public appearance since the ceremony as Mrs. Riley Kincaid.

  I look around the room, tucked into Riley’s side. Emma and Pete are nuzzled into one another while sipping their drinks, Derrick is talking to Chloe’s belly while she rubs his back, and Chris, Tony, Ruthie, and Angie are in some deep conversation about who can do the electric slide the best.

  Today has been an amazing day, and I’m so happy that our closest friends have been right here by our sides to share in it with us. Everyone here holds a special place in my heart, and I know that Riley and I have a forever family with this special group of people.

  I look up as the bartender sets out a few trays of snacks for us. The smell of the food hits my senses and my stomach begins to growl.

  “You hungry, babe?” Riley asks.

  “Actually yes, I kind of am really hungry. All I had to eat today was some fruit and a muffin this morning, and well, we both know where that wound up.”

  He laughs at me and leads us over to the bar.

  “Let’s see what we have here that you can eat. Crackers for sure, but don’t try anything too heavy until you know it will stay down.”

  I look up at him as he talks to me. He’s doing such a good job taking care of me today.

  “I’m feeling much better now, but I’ll listen to you…just this once,” I say with a smile.

  We snack on some finger food for the next half hour and chat about a bunch of nonsense. The DJ comes in and gives us the signal that it’s time to make our way in to see our guests.

  “You ready for this, Mrs. Kincaid?” Riley asks with a smile and his hazel eyes shining.

  “You bet your ass I am, Mr. Kincaid.” I reply, smacking him on the ass.

  The DJ and photographer run over the list of names to make sure everyone is standing in the right order. Once they get us in the right place, and give us the directions on how to enter, Riley and I wait.

  I hear the music start pumping through the speakers of Back in Black by AC/DC, and once again I feel happiness rush through me. This is our day, our big day, and I can’t wait to walk through those doors and hear our friends and family cheer for us.

  Riley and I watch as Tony and Angie go through the doors first, then Chris and Ruth, followed by Emma and Pete.

  Chloe turns to me and grabs for my hands. Her smile is contagious and I can’t help but smile back at her like a fool.

  Derrick grabs for her and they walk out the two wooden doors.

  The music stops and Burn It To The Ground by Nickleback starts to play. Riley grabs my hand and interlocks our fingers.

  He gives me a wink as the doors open.

  “It’s go time, baby,” he says, leading me out the doors.

  We walk through the reception hall, toward the rest of the bridal party, as our friends and family stand and welcome us. This moment is so surreal; I never want to forget it for as long as I live.

  The ten of us stand in front of the main table on the dance floor as the photographer and guests snap millions of pictures. By the end of the night, my face will either have a smile plastered to it or my cheeks will be sore…maybe a little of both, but so worth it.

  The bridal party leaves the dance floor and Riley pulls me into his arms as our wedding song, For Once In My Life by Tony Bennett, begins to play. I wrap my arms around Riley’s neck as he sways us back and forth with his arms wrapped around my waist. I rest my head on his chest and savor this moment as he sings to me the words of the song.

  I look up to him and smile. “I love you, babe,” I say as he leans down and kisses me softly on my lips.

  “I love you more,” he replies before letting me go, twirling me away from him, and spinning me back into his arms.

  The song comes to an end, and as much as I hate for us to part, I’m anxious to have my father and daughter dance with Daddy.

  My gaze moves from Riley to Daddy standing on the side of the dance floor as Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle begins to play. I walk toward him, his arms stretched open for me. I grab on to his hand and wrap my other arm around his back. I lean into him and can feel his heart beating a million beats a second. I listen to the words of the song as tears begin to pool in my eyes. My dad has always been there to support me, cheer me on, and wipe away my tears when I felt like I was falling.

  “You are a beautiful bride today, baby girl. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Daddy. I love you for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “I love you, too, Char. Riley is a lucky man and I know the two of you will have a long and happy life together. That man loves you very much.”

  My father has been the most important man in my life. That is until, the day I met Riley and today when I became his wife. But one thing is for sure, my dad will always play an important role in my life, my husband’s life, and our family’s life.

  The song slowly comes to an end and I look up to see tears falling from Dad’s face. I smile up at him and step up on my tips toes to give him a kiss on the cheek.

  He leads us off the wooden floor as Emma and Riley make their way to the center of the dance floor.

  Through The Years by Kenny Rogers starts to play as I pull my big sister into my arms.

  When Char and I first discussed Emma and I dancing at the wedding, I was a bit turned off by it. But then I tho
ught more about it, and decided it was a good way for the two of us to treasure the memory of Mom and Dad.

  I listen to the words of the song and can feel the tears begin to surface. Thank God for my sister; she really has always been there for me. Even when Mom and Dad were here, she was the best big sister. Always making sure I was well taken care of and happy. When we lost our parents, times got tough for us, but I’m so glad we are back in one another’s lives. She is the only immediate family I have left, and I don’t want to ever lose the bond we now share.

  The song comes to an end, and I pull back to look down at my sister. Her eyes are red and tears are streaming down her face.

  “We’ll always have each other, Em, no matter what.”

  “I know, Riley, thank you so much for being there for me when I needed you. Mom and Dad would be so proud of you for everything you’ve done. They would have loved Char, you know that, right?”

  “I do, she’s pretty great, ya know,” I say, pulling her into my side and walking toward my bride.

  Char comes over and wraps her arms around both Emma and me.

  “I love you both so much,” she says.

  “We love you, too,” Emma replies. “Now let’s turn off the water works and have some fun. It’s your wedding day, go live it up.”

  I watch as Emma walks over to where Pete stands. He wraps his arms around her and pulls her into him.

  We’ve both found happiness and that is something Mom and Dad would have wanted.

  Char begins to lead us around the room to mingle, chat, and thank everyone for coming.

  The waiters begin to bring out the trays of food and I steer Char back over to our table. As we sit down, clinking glasses begin to sound through the reception hall. I lean to my bride and kiss her on the lips. Cheers echo through the walls and we both pull away with smiles on our faces.

  Monsignor stands to offer a prayer before the meal and Derrick and Chloe tell a few tales together while they give the Best Man and Matron of Honor speech. It’s crazy how they were able to sum up our relationship in only a few sentences, but they did an amazing job.

  I watch as Char nibbles at her meal, and I worry for her that she’ll get sick again. I don’t want her in pain or having the stomach bug today, let alone tomorrow when we leave for our honeymoon. Hopefully, it’s just a case of her nerves and she’ll be feeling one hundred percent better once she gets something in her stomach.

  We finish up our meal and Char suggests that we head back out to meet with the rest of our guests. The times passes by so quickly, and I don’t let my girl leave my side for a moment. Having her next to me as we talk with friends and family is the best feeling in the world.

  The DJ announces that it’s time for the bouquet and garter toss. Chloe comes over to us and hands Char the extra flowers for her to toss out to the single ladies. I stand to the side with the guys and watch as Char heaves the flowers over her head. It’s no surprise to me Emma catches the bouquet. Of course, she’ll be the next in the crew to get married. That is, if Pete decides to propose anytime in the near future.

  Derrick pulls a chair from a table over to the center of the floor and Char takes a seat. Derrick discreetly slides the secret stash under Char’s dress and I signal for the DJ to start playing You Can Leave Your Hat On by Joe Cocker. I get down on my knees and duck my head under Char’s white dress. She starts to giggle and tries to reach under for me to come out.

  I run my hands up her legs and smile as she begins to wiggle in her seat. I dig my hand into the bag and pull out my first surprise. I move out from under the dress and hold up my first find…a set of chopsticks. Everyone starts to laugh and Char sits back with a smile on her face, shaking her head. I toss the sticks to the side and make my way back under her dress. This time, I feel like being a bit more daring and kiss a trail from Char’s calf up to her thigh. I reach back into the bag and pull out my second surprise. I move the dress from over my head and hold up my second find…a wine glass with a baseball inside. Again everyone goes crazy with laughter and I watch as Char smiles and pushes me back under her dress. I slowly tickle her leg and pull down the garter just far enough for me to get my teeth on it. I remove it from her leg with my mouth and come out from under her dress with my third find…the Boston Red Sox garter I gave her for a wedding present.

  I move to stand and reach out for Char’s hand. She stands alongside of me and we raise our hands in triumph.

  She turns to me and I lean down to kiss her.

  “You are one crazy man, but I love you that much more.”

  “I love you, too, babe.”

  She walks off the dance floor and the single men line up behind me. I toss the garter over my shoulder and turn back to see who catches it. There’s a heap of men on the floor, and as they step away one by one there is one man left holding the garter…Pete.

  Char comes back alongside of me and we both stand there shaking our heads.

  “Looks like it’s time to pop the question, tough guy,” I say, slapping him on the back.

  “In time, my friend, in good time,” he responds.

  Char and I watch as Emma sits down on another chair and Pete goes to town running it up her leg.

  I pull Char in close to me and whisper in her ear, “You've captured my heart and soul. My day rises and sets with you as the sun that lights up my life. You are everything to me. Happy Valentine's Day, babe.”

  For the rest of the night, Char and I enjoy each other and the love and support of those that are here with us.

  This truly was the best day of my life and I cannot wait to spend a lifetime with the girl I love, cherish, and cannot live without.

  I make my way down the sidewalk from our house to Derrick and Chloe’s place with my arms filled with gifts and goodies. As I walk onto the front porch and up to the door, I smile. I’m reminded of so many memories of these steps, this porch, and this house.

  Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined this would be my life, but it is, and I couldn’t be happier.

  The past few years have changed me in so many ways, but the last couple of months have made me the woman I am today. It has been truly amazing; so much has happened that at times I feel like my head is going to spin.

  Our family has grown and the six of us have become closer than we ever could’ve thought possible. We’ve built a bond together that no one can break. We’re stuck to each other like glue and I would be lost without them all.

  Who knew that in one year our little tight-knit group of six would become a loving family of nine?

  The day after our wedding, as Riley and I were getting ready to leave for the airport, Derrick called to let us know Chloe’s water broke. Riley and I dropped everything and quickly got into the car to rush over to their house. The three of us took her to the hospital while Chloe screamed at Derrick and I tried to time her contractions.

  It was a day I’ll never forget. Instead of boarding a plane for my honeymoon, I was given the greatest gift of all. I got to watch as my niece, Heather Nicole, the most perfect angel, was born.

  As soon as Chloe delivered her daughter, both sets of grandparents were ready and waiting to meet their special little girl. Being the first grandbaby in the family, my parents went nuts with excitement over Heather’s arrival.

  That day was also when I found out I was pregnant. Talk about a shocker, well, at least it was for me. After another morning and afternoon of puking all over the place, Mom, Chloe, and Riley insisted I see a doctor at the hospital. A series of blood tests proved one thing for certain, it wasn’t my nerves or the flu…I was pregnant.

  Everyone was over the moon excited with the news and Riley couldn’t wait to start planning for the next few months. By the time we made it to my OBGYN the next day, we were told that I was already a few months pregnant….oops.

  Two weeks later, Emma and Pete surprised us all with some news of their own. Emma was a few weeks pregnant herself. We were all so excited about their news, but for Emma it w
as a shock to her system. For years she tried to have a child with Keith and was told time after time that they weren’t successful. Pete was comforting to her for the next few months, ensuring that Emma and their baby were well taken care of ‘til her scheduled due date.

  Everything happens for a reason and I couldn’t be happier with the way our lives have turned out.

  I walk into the house and glance around the inside of Chloe and Derrick’s living room, making sure everything is in its place. Chloe and I have been planning this big day for the past few weeks, of course she had to have the perfect first birthday party for her little angel.

  I turn as I hear the garage door close and Chloe heads toward me with a handful of pink, purple, and white balloons.

  “Char, here, help me tie up these balloons,” she says, extending her hand full of string.

  I look to her and then to the items in my hands.

  “Give me a second to set this stuff down and then I’ll help you.”

  “Everyone should be here in about a half hour. Where is Riley?” she asks, looking around the room.

  “Napping,” I say with a giggle. “They’ll be over in a few minutes. He insisted that he get them ready.”

  “I’m beginning to think that Riley and Derrick are in competition….ya know?”

  I smile back at my sister; she’s totally right and I love my husband for it.

  Setting down the birthday girl’s gifts and the goodies I made, I reach for the balloons.

  Chloe and I finish up with the decorations and I make my way into the kitchen. I start prepping the food while Chloe goes upstairs to get Heather. We’ve gone totally overboard, as usual, but with our guys we need to make sure we have enough food.

  For the next few moments, I busy myself around the house, making sure that everything looks perfect.

  I hear someone coming down the stairs and I turn to walk toward them.

  Derrick is holding the most beautiful little angel in his arms. I reach my hands out for my niece. Her cute dark curls are set back in a pink clip and her bright blue eyes smile back at me.