“I can’t wait to meet this little guy,” Ethan says as they bring the baby around.
Watching him hold our son opens my heart to a whole new emotional level. I’m crying and smiling at the same time. I’m overjoyed and proud. I’m filled with fear and happiness, but above all, love.
“It’s time to go home, little man,” I coo as I lay Grayson down to dress him.
Someone knocks on the door and Ethan stands to open it. Liam comes walking in, pushing Vesper in a wheelchair, Arie in her arms.
“We’re about to head out, but I wanted to introduce you to your niece,” Ves says.
“Oh my goodness, look how adorable she is!”
Vesper hands me Arie, and Ethan picks up Grayson to hand to Vesper.
“Oh my gosh. They’re both so perfect,” she gushes.
“They are,” I agree, looking down at my new niece. Her little eyes are closed, and her pink hat is pulled down over her forehead. I lift it up to find a small amount of peach fuzz for hair. Her complexion is tan, taking after her daddy, but she has her mom’s cute button nose and long fingers.
“She’s so adorable.” I look up at Ves, who’s in awe as she looks down at Grayson.
“So is he. I can’t decide who he looks more like—you or Ethan.”
“He’s too cute to look like me,” Ethan says. “That’s all Aria.”
I smile and motion for Grayson. Ethan takes him and hands him to me. I hold both babies. “Arie, meet your little cousin, Grayson. Grayson, meet your older cousin, Arie. Now you two are going to love each other like siblings and be as close as you can be. And when Arie gets her first boyfriend, you get to beat him up, Grayson.”
Everyone laughs. “Hey, I didn’t think of that,” Liam says with a smile. He leans over and picks up his hand, making Grayson give him a high five. “You’re going to be my little spy, aren’t you?”
I laugh and hand him his daughter. “Can you believe this? Both our babies born on the same day, only minutes apart.”
“It’s perfect,” Ves agrees.
“Yeah, until they have to share everything, that is,” Ethan adds on.
Mom and Dad both walk into the room, and before Vesper and I know it, we’re both baby-less. The grandparents snagged them the moment they walked in and now refuse to give them back.
I can’t help but watch them with the babies. Both are talking and cooing to the babies, not paying us, their children, any mind at all. They love those little babies already.
Amy and Tyler walk in with two bouquets of flowers, then put them down quickly to rush to Mom and Dad’s sides to look at the babies.
I sit back and look at my family. Everyone is so happy and in love. We all have our own lives: Vesper and Liam have a new baby, multiple businesses between the two of them, and plans to jet-set around the world. Amy and Tyler have a new home, an upcoming wedding, and a baby on the way. And Ethan and I have a new baby, a house being built, and a wedding to plan, not to mention, many, many more babies.
This is my family now: one big, happy family. And I know that no matter where we are, we’re always going to be together. I couldn’t ask for anything else.
Ethan sits down on the bed and wipes away a fallen tear. “What’s the matter?”
I shake my head and laugh. “Nothing. I’m just so happy. Look at all of us. Just a few years ago, we all had our own separate lives. And now, here we are, all together and happy. We’re a family.”
He leans in and kisses my forehead. “We’ve always been family; we just didn’t know it at the time.”
“I love you, Ethan,” I whisper.
“I love you too, Aria.”
He leans forward and kisses me deeply, forgetting the fact that we’re in a packed hospital room, that my parents are right there, and that our newborn son is in the room. Right now, it’s just us and our love that’s overcome everything thrown in its way.
Epilogue
Aria
Eight Months Later…
“Seriously, Aria, you have to calm down. I don’t know why you’re so nervous,” Vesper says as she places my veil on my head.
I stand back and look myself over in the full-length mirror. My dark hair is styled in loose curls—the top half pulled back by small beaded barrettes. My dress fits to perfection. The bodice of the dress is form-fitting, showing more cleavage than I’d like—but since I’m still breast-feeding Grayson, nothing can be done about that. Actually, it’s no more than I used to show, way back before Ethan and I got together, but now, it’s more than I’m comfortable showing. The skirt on my dress is long and flowing. There are tiny beads sewn into the hem, making it sparkle when the light hits it. I turn and examine the open back of the dress. I let out a deep sigh of relief just from seeing myself in it, happy that I somehow managed to lose all the baby weight with the time frame I gave myself.
“I’m not nervous to get married,” I reply, stepping closer to the mirror to fix my red lipstick. “I’m just nervous because everyone is going to be watching me.”
Vesper laughs. “You don’t want to be the center of attention?” She acts shocked, but then wipes the expression away and smiles sweetly. “You’ve really grown up, you know.”
I laugh. “Don’t remind me.”
Her brows pinch together. “Why not? Aren’t you happy?”
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “Of course I’m happy. I love Ethan and Grayson more than anything. And now that the cabin is done and we’ve moved in,” I motion around my master bedroom, “I can focus more on opening my photography studio. I never dreamed I’d actually be here: getting married, having a baby, and about to open my own business. If only I could find the right location,” I add on.
Vesper smiles. “Everything will work out, Are. I promise. But for now, just focus on this day: your wedding day.”
“Thank you, Ves. For everything.”
She pulls me in for a hug. “Are you ready?” she asks when she pulls away.
I nod. “I am.”
Ves leads me down the stairs and opens the back door. There’s a long white rug that runs down the length of the back patio and out into the yard where everyone is sitting, with Ethan at the end of the aisle. My heart hammers away in my chest as my dad steps up to my side.
“It’s showtime,” he whispers in my ear. “Are you sure you’re ready for this? My truck is right out front.”
I nudge him in the ribs. “Stop it, Daddy. You know I’m ready.”
The music starts up and Tyler and a very pregnant Amy walk out first, followed by Liam and Vesper. Finally, it’s time for my grand entrance. Dad leads me down the aisle and I feel my face heat up, knowing everyone’s eyes are on me. But I don’t look at them. My eyes are glued to Ethan and the smile on his face. He looks so excited and happy and proud. His dark eyes are sparkling, and his jaw is cocked like he’s grinding his teeth—his way of holding himself back. It’s taking every bit of willpower he has to stay in place and let me come to him.
When we make it to the end, Dad passes me over to Ethan, whose shoulders visibly fall with relief.
I laugh. “Were you worried I’d run away?”
He chuckles quietly. “It wouldn’t have done any good. I’d just chase after you,” he jokes.
“We’re gathered here today to bring these two people together in holy matrimony,” the officiant starts.
At this point, I daze off, lost in Ethan’s eyes and the way they sparkle when the sunlight hits them. He knows I’m not paying attention and he smiles, and still, all I can do is stare at him and thank my luck stars he’s mine.
“Aria,” Ethan starts his vows, “neither of us is the person we were when we met. I was closed off, selfish, and afraid. You were wild, carefree, and crazy beautiful. I knew then that if I wanted my life the way I’d been planning it, I needed to avoid you.” He laughs. “But I’m so glad I couldn’t stay away. You demanded my attention, and once I gave in, I couldn’t look away. You pulled me in with your charm, generosit
y, and beauty. You’ve changed my life for the better, and now, I can’t imagine living the life I thought I wanted. You and our son are my life now. You’re the only thing I want, and I know that I can do anything as long as you’re by my side. I promise to be by your side in the good times as well as the bad. And I promise to love you until the end of time.” He slides the ring onto my finger, and I’m prompted to recite my vows.
I clear my throat. “Ethan, you were the man I knew I wanted, even if I had to convince you that you wanted me.” Everyone laughs. “But I didn’t realize how badly I needed you. You walked into my father’s dealership one day and forever changed my life. Suddenly, my future—which was always so blurry—became clear. You’ve taught me so much. You’ve taught me to love myself and to never settle. Just know that I’ll never be settling with you. You were the star I dared to reach for. You light up the sky for me like no one ever has. With you, everything is brighter and crystal clear. I vow to light your way the way you’ve lit mine. I vow to stand by your side, no matter how dark times get. And I vow to love you with every piece of my heart.” I slide the ring onto his finger.
“You may—” the officiant starts, but Ethan doesn’t need permission to kiss me. He jumps the gun and pulls me in, pressing his lips against mine. The crowd laughs and cheers, and the music starts up, indicating we’re supposed to be walking down the aisle, but neither of us cares. We’re back in our own world where no one can reach us.
My hands hold his lapels, keeping him close while his hands are on either side of my face. I’m lost in his deep, rich scent, the mint taste on his tongue, and the beat of his heart, which is pounding against his chest so hard I can feel it. I know I’m the reason it’s beating wildly. And he’s the reason mine is racing right alongside his.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the officiant says to the crowd, and finally—but all too soon—Ethan pulls away and we turn to view all our guests. Everyone is on their feet, clapping and cheering as he takes my hand and leads me back down the aisle and into the house. Two guests close the doors behind us, giving us a moment of peace, and Ethan spins me around as I land in his arms.
“I love you, Mrs. Brighton,” he mumbles, leaning in for a kiss while he backs me into a corner.
I smile. “I love you too, Mr. Brighton,” I whisper against his lips.
His hands find my waist, and he picks me up as our kiss grows more urgent. I can feel him pulling and tugging at my dress and I break the kiss and smack him away.
“What are you doing? We can’t have sex here.”
“Why not? It’s our house, isn’t it?” He moves back in.
I laugh and sidestep him. “Yes, but we have guests out there. Not to mention, we still have pictures, and if I take this thing off, it’s never going back on.”
“Good. I’m looking forward to tearing it off.” He wags his eyebrows at me.
I snort and slap him away. “Let’s get back out there, hubby.” I hold out my hand.
He takes a deep breath, straightens his jacket, and places his hand in mine. “Let’s do it.” He opens the doors and we step out to find only the wedding party since the rest of the guests have moved over to the tent for the reception.
It’s going on five p.m. when we sit down for dinner. My stomach is so queasy, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to eat the meal I’ve dreamed about for months. The steak on my plate is covered in a garlic mushroom sauce, and the mashed potatoes look light and fluffy. The vegetables are green and crisp, and the wine looks sweet. My mouth waters, and I know that even though I’d love to eat all this food before me, baby number two won’t like it one bit.
Ethan stands and taps his knife against his wineglass, which contains grape juice. “Excuse me, everyone. We’d like to say a few words.”
Everyone quiets down and I stand to join my husband.
“We’d like to take a minute to thank everyone who came out here today. You all mean the world to us. It really means a lot to be able to share such an important day in our lives with all our family and friends. Each and every one of you played such a huge part in getting us to where we are now: parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, friends, and children.” He pauses. “Speaking of children, we should probably tell you: we’re expecting baby number two!”
The whole tent erupts in loud cheers and laughs. Ethan pulls me close to his side just as Mom hands me Grayson. Flashes start going off and Ethan and I look at each other with smiles, knowing that this is the perfect family moment. This time next year, we’ll be a family of four, and neither of us could be happier.
Once everyone calms down, we all sit to enjoy our meal. Since Grayson is eight months old, he’s desperately trying to eat anything he can get his hands on. He sits on my lap and chews on my fingers, which he’s managed to cover in mashed potatoes.
“Dada!” Grayson cries, reaching for Ethan. I pass him over and he laughs and smiles like Ethan is his whole world.
“Come on, sis,” Vesper says, pulling me up. “It’s time to throw the bouquet.”
I stand but Liam steps between us. He holds up a finger. “One thing before you get too busy.” He reaches into his suit jacket and pulls out an envelope.
I press my lips together as he places it in my hand. “What’s this?”
Ethan steps up to my side, still holding Grayson.
“It’s a wedding present from Vesper and me. Hope you like it, but if you don’t, blame Ethan,” Liam says with a laugh.
I look at Ethan and he winks at me before nodding his head, motioning for me to open it.
I slide my index finger into the opening and tug it open. Inside is a piece of paper. Confused and excited about what it could be, I pull it out and unfold it.
“It’s the deed to your new photography studio!” Ves gushes.
“What? Where?” I’m speechless.
“Right next door to Amy’s coffee shop. The office supply store is shutting its doors at the end of the month, and then it’s all yours,” Liam says, wrapping his arm around Vesper’s shoulders and pulling her to his side.
My mouth drops open. “I don’t know what to say. I can’t accept this. It’s too much!”
Liam waves his hand through the air, dismissing the thought completely. “It’s nothing, Aria. You deserve it. Ves has shown me some of your work and it’s all amazing. In fact, I have a few connections in Los Angeles. They’re always looking for great photographers for their online magazine and marketing business. The pay is great, you get to make your own hours—as few or as many as you want—and you get to work from home. I’ll give you their info later.”
Laughter bubbles up and pregnancy tears fall freely.
“Don’t cry,” Vesper says, lifting her hands and wiping away my tears. “You’re going to ruin your makeup.”
I laugh; she would be worried about something like that. “Thank you guys so much. I can’t explain how much this means to me.” I lean in and pull them both to me for a hug.
Vesper smiles. “Now, let’s see whose wedding we’ll be attending next, shall we?” She pulls me up to the makeshift dance floor and all the ladies line up. I spin around and everyone counts down.
“Three! Two! One!”
I throw the bouquet and spin around to see who caught it, unable to hold in my laughter when I find Amy front and center, flowers in hand, with red, glowing cheeks.
We cheer and clap, and I pull her in for a hug. “Better hurry up or those babies will beat you.”
She rubs her big belly that’s home to not one, but two babies: a boy and a girl. “That’s okay. We can wait a couple of years.”
My eyebrows skyrocket. “A couple of years?”
“I’m having two babies, Aria! It’s going to take a while before I can fit into a wedding dress.” She laughs.
“I’d say you could borrow mine, but I think Ethan has plans to tear it off later,” I say around a laugh.
She scrunches her nose. “Eww, gross.”
The music starts up and I take her han
ds in mine. “Come on, dance with me!”
We begin moving our hips and swaying to the music, but she suddenly jerks away, holding her stomach. “Ow. Ow. Ow. Find Tyler now! These babies are coming!”
I laugh and jump up and down, but quickly gather myself enough to tell the DJ to announce it over the loudspeaker.
“Tyler, please come to the DJ booth. You’re about to become a dad!” Chris, the DJ, announces.
Again, everyone claps and cheers loudly.
Tyler rushes up front and sees Amy. “Are you okay?”
She shakes her head. “No—the baby’s coming! Get the car. NOW!”
He rushes away and Ethan and Liam hold Amy’s hands and walk her to the driveway.
“Man, this family picks the best days for giving birth,” I joke, referring to the movie night we’ve yet to make up.
“Call us and send lots of pictures,” Vesper tells Amy as she’s being placed in the car. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Tyler and Amy head for the hospital, and Liam and Vesper go back to the tent for the babies—Ves is on baby duty tonight so Ethan and I can spend the whole night alone.
Ethan wraps his arm around my shoulders as we watch Tyler and Amy speed down the drive. He leans his head against mine. “Can we skip out of this party now? I love that dress, but I think I’d love it torn up on the floor better.” He offers up a smirk.
I laugh and pull him in for a kiss. “Take me away, Ethan,” I whisper against his lips.
“Gladly,” he replies, picking me up and carrying me into our new cabin.
We’ll make it back to the party later, but right now, I just want to celebrate with my husband—a man I know I’m going to spend the rest of my life loving; a man who has already become a better father than his own; and a man who knows there is no darkness we can’t light up together.
The End
Also by Alexis Winter
Just Friends: Mountain Ridge Book 1
Baby Shock Page 15
