Sweet, Sweet Savannah

by HL Nighbor

  My parents did not take the news well, as I expected. After telling my parents about the relationship, my mom spewed her normal, judgmental bullshit my direction. Considering they couldn’t be bothered to visit or offer support after their daughter and granddaughter almost died in the fire, and only called briefly to check on us weeks after, I chose to cut my losses and fully end my relationship with my parents.

  They know where to find me if they choose to reach out.

  With unseasonably warm weather, everyone selected our house as the location for the end of summer celebration due to the in-ground pool in the backyard. The newly built play structure and sandbox will keep Mac entertained, and the huge patio with outdoor kitchen makes for a perfect spot to cook and socialize.

  Brittany arrived earlier this morning to help with the preparation of potato and macaroni salads. She also cut fruit and vegetables to munch on and got the meat marinated and seasoned for grilling. Bas, Austin, and Finn took off with Mac a couple hours ago to pick up beverages and ice to load into the coolers. For dessert, we’ll make s'mores, which quickly became a tradition for our group at every barbecue.

  A glance at the clock lets me know everyone should be arriving in less than an hour. I take a final peek at the to do list and find everything crossed off. I head outside to find Brittany and to check if she needs help but she’s nowhere to be found. I find the tiki torches placed around the patio, the pool uncovered, and the chairs set up. It appears she finished her list, but where did she take off to without a word? Weird.

  With little time left before the crowd arrives, I run upstairs to change for the party. I place my hair in braided pigtails and touch up my makeup. After changing into my halter style black and white polka dot bikini, I throw on a pair of denim shorts and find my white crochet bathing suit cover-up. Grabbing my sunglasses, I place them atop my head and slip into my flip-flops. Ready, I make a quick run into Mac’s room to grab her bathing suit and dress for the party, as well as a brush and set of hair ties.

  On my way back downstairs, the sound of the front door closing grabs my attention. I holler as I descend, “Hey guys, did Mac behave for you?”

  “She was a little angel, as always,” Finn says when I reach the bottom of the stairs. “Bas and Austin took the drinks and ice to out back and are filling the coolers as we speak.”

  “Perfect. Come here, mama’s little angel. It’s time to get dressed.” I grab Mac’s hand and turn to head toward the living room with my other hand full of the items I grabbed from upstairs.

  Without warning, Finn tugs me back toward him with the belt loop on my shorts and presses a brief kiss to my lips. “I love you, pretty girl.”

  “I love you, too,” I respond in a daze.

  I get Mac changed into her swimsuit and dress. I decide to put her hair in braided pigtails to match mine. As I fix her hair, the guys’ odd behavior the last week enters my mind. Their super affectionate behavior, walking in on conversations only for them to stop abruptly, and the disappearing at strange hours, provide the most glaring examples. I know something fishy is going on but they refuse to answer my questions or confide in me.

  Could it be work related?

  They refused every government contract job since the accident, telling me they don’t want to leave me and Mac alone. Did they decide to take an overseas contract? I will never be excited for them to accept one. They usually involve a significant amount of danger and could keep them overseas for several months. Are they trying to figure out how to tell me they will be leaving?

  A knock on the door catches my attention and stops my pondering. Getting Mac’s attention, I ask her, “Do you want to answer the door, baby girl? Go answer the door for mama.”

  When Mac answers the door, her uncles enter the house to her delight.

  “Where’s your mama and your daddies, pretty princess?” Chris picks her up and gives her loves. “Princesses shouldn’t be answering the door without mama or daddy,” Chris firmly tells her, and her bottom lip begins to quiver.

  “I’m over here, Chris,” I respond as I stand from the couch and gather up Mac’s discarded clothing. “We were getting her all pretty for the party.”

  “You’re such a good girl.” Chris gives Mac enthusiastic, sloppy kisses. Laughter replaces the quivering lip. Crisis diverted.

  The gang heads into the backyard while I make a quick stop into the laundry room to throw the clothes in my hand in the washing machine. Noticing the full load, I add some detergent and turn on the machine. Walking through the kitchen, I grab the fruit and vegetable platters from the refrigerator and join the others on the patio as more guests arrive. Brittany comes out the back door of the garage with a garbage can, answering my question of where she disappeared to earlier.

  The afternoon provides tons of fun and proves to be exactly what Brittany and I needed before going back to school. My yard bursts at the seams with all my friends and family present. In addition to the regular circle, Jenna joined us, as well as a couple co-workers from the bar I grew close to over the last several months. Surrounded by friends and family, I smile. Life doesn’t get better than this.

  Every day I thank God he brought these wonderful people into my life. Things would be significantly different if it wasn’t for Brittany and Jenna’s support from day one. Brittany, my sister and best friend, and Jenna, my surrogate mom, stood by my side and offered me their hands to hold, their shoulders to cry on, and their unwavering love. I couldn’t ask for two better people.

  Jackson, Cooper, Beck, and Chris stepped into the roles of brothers and friends without question. Their love for me and my daughter astonishes me daily. Always taking care of us and stepping up whenever needed, I’m grateful. Grateful for the friendship. Grateful they fill the role of Mac’s protective uncles. Grateful she will grow up with these four warriors in her corner. Those men hold special places in my heart.

  My wonderful co-workers at the Still Water Pub fill me with happiness. I couldn’t imagine working with a better circle of people - stepping in to cover shifts for me when Mac was sick, when I reunited with the loves of my life, and after the fire. The friendships created at the pub mean a tremendous amount to me, and one day, I hope to repay their kindness when they find themselves in need.

  What can I say about Bas, Austin, and Finn?

  Their love makes me stronger. Their support provides me with security. Despite their quirks and flaws, I love them wholeheartedly. Our respect and friendship is mutual. We navigate this new life as true equals and partners. A decision never made without the input of all. Our foundation unbreakable – steady and strong. With them by my side, I know I can accomplish anything my heart desires.

  “What are you thinking about so hard over here?” Bas bumps my shoulder with his, gaining my attention, Mac in his arms.

  “I’m thinking about how lucky I am to have all these wonderful people in my life. How lucky I am to have you, Austin and Finn in my life.” I lay my head on his shoulder.

  Bas kisses my forehead. “We’re all lucky to have each other. This is an amazing group of people and we’re all lucky to have you, too. You’re something else, baby.”

  “I love you, Bas.”

  “I love you, too, baby. I’m going to head in and get Mac changed into dry clothes.”

  As the day transitions to night, the pool and sandbox get covered, we light the tiki torches, and s'mores are made and eaten. Lounging around the fire pit, we settle into relaxed conversation and a stress-free evening.

  All of a sudden, the crowd gets quiet as Mac walks over to me with a soggy, signature blue box in her hand and gives it to me.

  I take the wet box from Mac and find Bas, Austin, and Finn standing behind her with matching grins on their handsome faces.

  “What happened to the box? Did Mac drop it in the pool or something?” I ask the guys.

  “Uh, not exactly,” Finn replies sheepishly. “I thought the washing machine would be a great place to hide until we were ready for it.”<
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  Laughter erupts from my throat. “That was until I decided to start the load of laundry, huh?”

  “About sums it up,” Finn answers through his own laughter. “Go ahead and open it, pretty girl. I know you’re dying to.”

  I remove the soppy, deteriorated lid from the top of the box and pull the wet, Tiffany blue, velvet box into my hand. When I open it, I find myself speechless. Inside I find the most beautiful ring ever. Three thin platinum bands encrusted with diamonds wind together to hold a large, princess cut diamond surrounded by a halo of light pink diamonds.

  “We wanted to get you something unique,” Bas says from in front of me. “The three winding bands represent Austin, Finn, and me. The center diamond represents you – the center of our worlds and the princess in our fairytale. Finally, the halo of pink diamonds represents Mac and how her love surrounds us all.”

  “Marry us,” Austin continues from Bas’s left. “Grow old with us. Make us the happiest men in the world and spend the rest of your life with us by your side as your husbands and partners. As your best friends and lovers.”

  Finn resumes the proposal from Bas’s right. “Marry us and continue to build a family with us. Fill this house with more beautiful little girls who look like their mama with us. Let us celebrate life’s joy with you. Let us comfort you and provide you strength in times of struggle. Choose us.”

  “Will you do us the honor of becoming our wife, sweet, sweet Savannah?” Bas asks with his voice full of emotion.

  “Yes,” I whisper through tears. “Yes. Yes. A million times yes.”

  Our friends and family erupt into cheers as Bas removes the box from my hand and gently places the ring on my finger – a perfect fit. He wraps me up in his strong arms and covers my lips with his in a kiss which characterizes everything he represents in my life – power and passion.

  Bas releases me and Finn sweeps me off my feet into his embrace. He kisses me with a gentleness I’ve come to expect from my quiet warrior. Full of emotion and tenderness, his sweet kiss consumes me and makes me weak in the knees. Lowering me to the ground, he shifts me into Austin’s waiting arms.

  Austin spins me in a circle and captures my lips. True to his personality, he’s playful and over the top. The teasing kiss stokes a fire deep within me in a way only he can accomplish. With a gentle nibble on my lip, he sets me down to accept the congratulations and well wishes of our guests.

  After the house empties, Mac is fast asleep in her bed and hours of privately celebrating our engagement, I find myself lying in bed wide awake. The guys’ steady breathing surrounds me as they sleep. I reflect on my life, the choices I made, the twists and turns along the way, and how things came full circle. Once again, I find myself sending a prayer up above.

  “Thank you. Thank you for bringing Bas, Austin, and Finn into my life. Thank you for the miracle I found in Mac. Thank you for the friendships and family you have provided me. Some call it fate, some call it a higher power, and some call it divine intervention. Regardless of what you call it, thank you for giving me my happy ending, my fairytale, my happily ever after.”

  EPILOGUE

  Bas’s POV

  If you asked me a year ago the direction I believed my life was heading, this would not be the answer I gave you. Today I stand with my two best friends in front of our families and friends to marry the beautiful girl who changed our lives forever in all the best ways possible. Today, Austin, Finn, and I will sign the paperwork to change our daughter’s last name to match her mama’s new married name. At the end of the day, we will officially be a family – the four of us together for the rest of our lives.

  The best word I could use to describe our lives up until a year ago would be survival. We merely proceeded day-to-day trying to survive, dwelling over missed opportunities. Savannah doesn’t know the three of us thought about our weekend together as much as she did, if not more. We talked frequently about how different things would be if we didn’t deploy. When we reunited, Austin, Finn, and I knew the universe blessed us with a second chance we could not waste. We hashed out all the details sitting in the sand in the Middle East pondering what-ifs – deciding we would share her if ever given the opportunity.

  Today our lives can be best described with three simple words – loved, blessed, complete. Austin, Finn, and I finally live. We live our lives to the fullest without hesitation or regret. It’s amazing how one gorgeous creature can cause such a monumental shift. While legally I will be Savannah’s husband, the ceremony today will bind the four of us together – completing our journey and blessing us with a lifetime of love.

  The music switches signaling the beginning of the ceremony. Austin, Finn, and I wait patiently as the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the short aisle. A smile instantly graces my face as our two-and-a-half-year-old daughter walks toward us in her fluffy white dress sprinkling white petals along the way. Once her eyes meet mine, she runs toward me at full speed, her basket of petals thrown to the side and forgotten, much to the amusement of our guests.

  Mac also blessed our lives.

  I never imagined the joy of being a father but with one smile from this little girl, who’s a spitting image of her mama, I melt. It doesn’t matter to Austin, Finn, or me whose sperm created her. We all love her, nurture her, and provide for her. All three of us claim the title of her father and it will be the way with any other child we create together in love. There can be no room for mine and yours in this arrangement.

  When Mac reaches the end of the aisle, she spins in a circle. “Daddy Bas, see my pretty dress?”

  I laugh with the rest of the guests before I squat down to meet her sparkling eyes. “I do, angel. You’re beautiful. Come give daddy some sugar, baby.”

  After a hug and a kiss from me, Mac proceeds to ask her Daddy Austin and Daddy Finn the same question. Both tell her how pretty she is and get their own moment to shower her with hugs and kisses. When our angel sits down next to Jenna in the front row, I peek over at Austin and Finn. They both watch the end of the aisle, knowing who should be walking down next.

  When I catch their attention, I ask quietly, “Are you guys ready?”

  They both respond with smiles and nods. This moment is one we dreamt about for years.

  The change in music causes us to straighten up and give our full attention to the moment. After a few seconds, the guests stand and turn to watch Savannah come down the aisle. Her floor length dress fits tight against all her curves. The tattoos on her arms pop against the white of the dress as she carries a bouquet if teal gerbera daisies. Her dark hair with bright-blue highlights lays in flowing waves on her bare shoulders and I smirk when I remember her hair being the same color when we first met. When teal chucks peek out from under her formal gown, my smirk turns into a full-blown smile. My beautiful, crazy girl.

  When Savannah’s eyes catch mine, the brightest smile appears on her face and my breath gets caught in my throat while my eyes fill. She’s always breathtaking, but when she smiles, man when she smiles, she’s angelic. Authors write stories describing her type of beauty. Musicians sing songs about her ethereal presence. She possesses a magnificence many try to achieve but never reach, and I know I’m a lucky bastard because I can call her mine.

  With Savannah now standing with us, the officiant launches right into the ceremony. “We welcome you to the commitment ceremony of Savannah, Sebastian, Austin, and Finn. These three men stand before you today to commit their lives to Savannah and she will do the same.”

  The pastor continues to speak but to be honest, it sounds like the adults talking in a Charlie Brown episode – wah, wah, wah. Will I remember the words the pastor recites? No. Will I remember every single person in attendance today or every gift we will receive? Nope. Will I remember exactly what she wore and what music played? Not likely. But I will remember her radiance. I will remember the love shining in her eyes. I will remember how amazing I felt in this moment. Photos and our wedding video will remind me of the rest.

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nbsp; I catch the pastor mention something regarding the exchange of vows and I snap out of my daze. We decided to write our own vows to share and while Austin and Finn stressed for the last few weeks over this task, I knew exactly what I planned to say. For me, this task came as easy and effortless as our relationship. Loving Savannah comes naturally – like my soul is drawn to her and her heart calls to mine.

  “Finlay August Porter,” the pastor says to Finn. “Please share the words you prepared for Savannah as you commit to be her husband on this day in front of your friends and family.”

  Finn pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and recites his promises to Savannah. “Savannah, on this day, I vow to love you with all my heart and soul. I vow to cherish you and treat you with respect. I promise to honor you, protect you, and support you. I will pick you up when you fall, carry you when you’re weary, and provide you strength in moments of weakness. I promise to accept you as you are – quirks and flaws included. Most of all, I will always be your partner as we navigate life.”

  My beautiful Savannah takes a tissue and blots the tears from her eyes, trying to keep her makeup intact, and the pastor directs his next words to Austin. “Austin Michael Black, please share your vows with Savannah as you commit yourself as her husband today with your friends and family as witnesses.”

  Austin steps forward and gives her an exaggerated wink and her beautiful smile reappears. Leave it to Austin to brighten her mood and make her laugh. “Savannah, what can I say that Finn already didn’t? First I will say ditto on everything Finn promised, and I know Bas’s will be good as well. So ditto to his vows, too.” Savannah tries hard to control her laughter but fails as Austin continues with his vows. “But seriously, I vow to always make you smile in times of sadness and to always make you laugh when times become too serious. I promise to care for you in times of sickness and to hold you in times of sorrow. I promise to tell you every day how beautiful you are and to never take for granted that you chose me. I will love you with everything in me and will walk this journey with you as your equal.”