by Cee Bowerman
Phoenix heard me and threw his arms around Martha’s neck protectively. “My Gamma.”
“I’m going to finish my donut and then go tell my new Gamma that I love her more than Phoenix does. I do because I’m older. That’s the way things work, you know.” Hawk was so serious, Smokey and I just nodded in agreement. “You’re going to be our Daddy, but I’m going to wait until Christmas to call you that, okay?”
“Me too.” Crow agreed.
“Why Christmas?” Smokey asked quietly.
“Because that’s a special day, and I’ve been asking Santa for a Daddy and he only comes at Christmas. So, we have to call him Bird now until Santa says it’s okay.” Hawk had worked this all out in his head at some point, and I was thrilled that he had been thinking of me in that way already. “So, we’ll call you Daddy at Christmas, okay?”
“Okay. I can work with that.” I told them, my voice serious like Hawk’s, but my heart was thundering in my chest at the thought of having three boys of my own, calling me Dad. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“You don’t mess with Santa. He’s tough like Uncle Atlas and that man in the pool with the tattoos. He was strong. His girlfriend had good tatas too.” Smokey spewed coffee out of his mouth at Hawk’s declaration. I coughed a few times after I inhaled my hot coffee at his words. Summer came down the stairs, shaking her head.
“Hawk, we don’t talk about women’s breasts at the table. Or ever.”
“Why not? That’s how you feed babies. When she has babies, she has good tatas to feed them with. You can talk about that at the table. It’s food.” Hawk rolled his eyes and I stared at him with my eyebrows raised. He put his chin down and mumbled an apology.
“That’s true. Tatas are where some babies get their food, but it’s impolite to talk about a person's body like that.” Summer ruffled Hawk’s hair as she passed by him to give me a kiss. I handed her the coffee mug and she groaned. “Good morning Smokey. Hello, Martha!”
Martha had Lark sitting up in her lap, and she smiled over at Summer.
“Why don’t you feed my baby sister with your tatas, Mama? You let Nix eat there.” Crow was talking around a mouth full of donut, but I could still understand him as he gestured at my chest with the hand holding the rest of his donut.
“I let all of you eat there, but Lark didn’t get to be my daughter from her birthday, so my tatas weren’t ready for her. She gets to drink out of a bottle instead. That works just fine too.” Summer handed Crow a napkin and he balled it up to wipe his face. He swiped it across his forehead and then sat the napkin on the table.
I snorted out a laugh and Smokey bit his lip to hold in his laughter. Summer just shook her head and blew out a breath.
“I guess we didn’t think about the not seeing each other on the wedding day, did we?” Summer asked me with a smile. “You getting ready to run?”
“Not running anywhere, babe. I like this. It’s been the most fun conversation I have ever had over coffee. Seriously.” I put my arm around her shoulders and kissed her on the side of the head. “These guys are a comedy team.”
“Oh, they’re a barrel of fun. Until they’re not.” Summer looked down at her boys and caught their attention. “Gigi and the kids are coming over to play with you while we get ready for the wedding. I need you to go upstairs and make your beds, then help Phoenix make his bed. The two of you get your swim trunks on and help Phoenix with his. When you come back down, I’ll get your sunscreen on and you can jump in the pool.”
Both boys at the table hooted in agreement, and I saw Phoenix scrambling off my Mom’s lap to come and eat his breakfast. When he got close to me, he put his arms up for me to pick him up. I sat him on my hip and opened the box for him to choose a donut. Once he picked his favorite, he stuffed it in his mouth without a word. I guess the little one was ready for the pool too.
“Tatas, Mama.” Phoenix looked over at Summer and put his arms out to her.
Summer tilted her head and looked at him seriously.
“Nix. Just because the baby gets a bottle doesn’t mean that the buffet is back in service. You can drink out of a cup like you’ve been doing for the last year.” Summer turned to the cabinet to get each boy a sippy cup and I swear I saw Phoenix shrug. The boy took a shot, I had to give him credit for that.
I heard the side door open and waited to see which brother would appear. It was Daughtry. He came over and ruffled each boy’s hair, grabbed a donut and then went over to take Lark from our Mom. I looked over at the clock on the microwave and realized it was already Lark’s morning nap time. Apparently, it was Daughtry’s turn.
Once the boys were finished eating, Summer directed them to go upstairs and do what they had been told. After a few minutes of conversation with my parents, the boys came back downstairs in their swim trunks. Summer moved to the back door to unlock it at the top, and held it open for the boys. Crow and Hawk both ran outside, but Phoenix looked torn. He looked out at the pool and then over at Daughtry leaned back in the chair with Lark sleeping in the crook of his arm.
Daughtry won out, and Phoenix climbed up in the chair to be snuggled in under the other arm. Daughtry got Phoenix settled in and closed his eyes again. Phoenix put his thumb in his mouth and closed his eyes, comfortable in my brother’s arms.
I looked over to see that Summer had tears in her eyes. I gave her a soft kiss and patted her on the ass as I followed her out the door to watch the boys in the pool.
Behind me, I heard Mama tell Smokey to get a picture of her grandbabies sleeping with Daughtry. I smiled to myself, because I knew this was the first of many pictures we would have with my children and my brothers.
This was it. I had found the woman and kiddos who would make my house into a home that I couldn’t wait to walk into and would hate to have to leave every day.
My kids, my wife. My family.
~*~
SUMMER
Drea walked into the bathroom just in time to see me take a deep breath and then let it out as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
“You’re nervous.” Drea stated.
“Um. Yeah. I’m about to marry a man I met a week ago, I very well might already be pregnant, and I have my three sons and an infant already. I haven’t had time to get settled in the house yet, and I can’t find my eyelash curler.”
“So many things to talk about there, sister, but let’s focus on the wedding first.” Drea patted me on the shoulder. “As much as I give him shit and pretend I hate him, I love the man and know he will be a good husband to you and a good father to your children. No matter how many of them there might be.”
“I know, Drea. I can see it. It’s crazy to me. If some woman told me she was going to marry a man she met a week ago, and move her and her kids in with him, I would consider her certifiable. But, he’s different.” I turned to lean back onto the vanity. “I just feel different around him, like I’m complete now.”
“That is some horribly sappy shit, but I’m glad you feel that way.” Drea leaned in and looked at herself in the mirror. “Are you ready? You look fucking fantastic.”
“I think I’m ready. Are there a lot of people here? Did my mom get the kids dressed yet?”
“They are all dressed and sitting calmly in front of the television with your little brothers and sisters. Your Mom is watching them like she’s a prison guard and they are planning the great escape. She threatened Crow with horrible repercussions if he takes his clothes off before the wedding is over. Oh, by the way, Bird made some changes to the plans I had for the wedding, but I think you’ll like them.”
“I just want this to be done. I’m so nervous. I haven’t met ninety percent of the people that are supposed to come.”
“They are a diverse group. The guys shut down their businesses until this evening for this, so all their employees are here. Downstairs mingling together, you have strippers, bartenders, short order cooks, the Mayor and his wife, the Chief of Police and his wife, quite a few cops, everyone
from at least three tattoo shops and about forty bikers with their women and children of all ages. And then, of course, the small army that is your two families together.”
“The Mayor is here? And the Chief of police? Really?”
“I find it funny that you are more appalled that the pillars of our community are out there, but the strippers and each of their plus ones didn’t faze you at all.”
I laughed at Drea’s comment. I shook my hands at my sides to release some tension and looked at myself in the full-length mirror in the corner of the room.
I had chosen an old-style dress with a sweetheart neckline and a full skirt. The background of the dress was white, but there were large flowers all over it. The flowers ranged from a dark red to the palest lilac, and every color in between. On my feet I wore strappy sandals with a high heel. The leather on them was pale lilac to match one of the colors in the dress.
“Drea! I forgot the old, new, blue bullshit!”
“Got it covered. Your Mom and Martha are coming up here to deal with that. I’m going to go downstairs and watch the heathens with your sister. She’ll hold the whip and I’ll hold the chair. I’m going down there now and I’ll send the Mom’s up here to you.” Drea hugged me tightly, and reminded me, “You have about fifteen minutes. Whatever the Mom’s say to you, don’t you dare cry and fuck up your face.”
“Okay. I won’t cry.” She and I both knew that was total bullshit.
I fiddled with my hair for a minute as I waited for Martha and my Mom to come upstairs to me. When I saw the two of them walking into the bathroom, it was all I could do to hold my tears back. I could see that both had already been crying at some point today.
“My sweet baby.” My Mom pulled me in for a hug and when she let me go, Martha took her place and pulled me into her arms.
“I’m excited to have all of you as part of my family, Summer. I couldn’t have picked a better match for my Bird. Your Mom and I talked yesterday, and we came up with some things for you to wear today, if you want to.” Martha took my hand and led me into the bedroom to sit on the bed. She handed me a gift bag and sat down on one side of me, my Mom sat down on the other.
I reached into the bag and felt a narrow jewelry box.
“That’s your something new. Smokey and my other sons picked it out for you.” I gasped when I opened the box and saw a silver necklace with four little charms hanging on a hoop that held the ends together at the front of the necklace. The four little charms were different silver birds, to represent the four children waiting downstairs for me.
I sniffed and tried to hold back my tears as Martha attached the necklace at the back of my neck, under my hair.
I pulled the next little box out and saw that it was a small piece of paper inside a small plastic sleeve. I realized it was a movie ticket when I read the faded words.
“That is your something old and something borrowed. On our first date, Smokey took me to see Grease. I kept the ticket stub in my keepsake box. I had it sealed up so you could wear it in your bra while you marry Bird.”
“Oh, Martha, that’s so sweet. I’ll give it back to you right after the ceremony.” Martha squeezed me to her with her arm on my shoulder and I reached into the bag to find another small box.
“This is your something blue, honey.” My Mom told me as I opened the box.
Inside was a hair pin with a small bluebird on it. The details of the little bird were perfect, and I realized that it had to have been hand painted.
“I saw that when I was at a craft show a few months ago, and I just had to buy it. I had no idea why, because I don’t normally wear things like that. I’m glad I got it, because it’s perfect for you today.”
I wasn’t even trying to hold in my tears now and as I looked up, I realized that both women were crying right along with me.
“Okay, baby girl, go put that in your hair and fix your makeup. You’ve got a groom to meet downstairs.” Mom patted me on the back and all three of us stood up.
“I love you, Mom. And you, Martha. I know I just met you, but I’m glad to have you as my Mother-in-Law. I promise to take care of your son.”
“I know you will, sweetheart.” Martha put her hand up and patted my cheek. “That’s my good girl. Dry your tears, baby. We’ll meet you downstairs.”
~*~
I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and saw Drea sitting on the couch with my boys. I was so happy to see that all three of them were still wearing clothes and shoes. It was rare for the youngest two to keep on clothes for any length of time.
“You boys look so handsome.” I leaned down to kiss each of them. “Are they going to go and sit with you?”
“Bird asked me to have them walk you down the aisle. We’ve been talking about it and they know what to do.”
“Oh.” I took a deep breath and held the tears back. “That’s so sweet.”
“Oh, honey, this is just the beginning.” Drea leaned over and ripped three Kleenex out of the box on the coffee table. “Put these in the cleavage, sweetheart. I guarantee you’re going to need them.”
I chuckled as I stuffed the Kleenex into my bra. Drea pulled out a few more and did the same thing.
“Okay, boys. This is your part. You remember what we talked about? You hold Mama’s hand and walk her to Bird, then you sit down in front of Gigi and Gamma, right?”
All three boys nodded.
“You two help Nix remember, alright? And then, what do you get if you are all three good boys while Mama gets married to Bird?”
“Cake!” All three boys shouted in unison.
“Yes. All the cake you want. I promise.”
Drea gave me one last hug, squeezing me tightly she sniffed and said, “Congratulations, sister. I’m so happy for all of you.”
I watched Drea walk out the front door and the boys stood up for me to take their hands.
Phoenix was on my right, holding my hand. Crow was on my left. Hawk was holding Phoenix’s other hand, most likely at Drea’s instruction so that he could help Phoenix remember what to do.
I heard a guitar start to play and tried to concentrate on the sound. It was a song I had heard before, but I couldn’t place it. I let go of Crow’s hand for a second and opened the door.
The boys and I stood there for a second as everyone stood up from their chairs. As we took our first steps out onto the porch, I recognized the song that was playing through the speakers.
I heard a man’s voice start the lyrics, and then a second voice join his. A third voice came in and the three men harmonized together.
I looked to my right and saw Sonny seated, playing a guitar, a microphone in front of his face. Kale was on one side of him and Daughtry was on his other side. They were singing the song, “All For Love” from my favorite movie, The Three Musketeers. Sonny was singing the part for Sting, Kale sang Rod Stewart’s part, and Daughtry sang Bryan Adams' vocals.
The words to this song were perfect for us. And, I had my three little musketeers with me to walk down the aisle. Bird was telling me through his song choice that he would defend and fight for us, he’d be there when we needed him, and he was making a vow to take care of me and my children for the rest of our lives. All for one and one for all.
I looked ahead and saw Bird standing at the front with Lark in his arms. I couldn’t stop my sob, and felt the tears start down my face. The boys and I got to the end of the aisle and were about three feet from Bird and Lark when the guys finished the last harmony of the song.
Phoenix let go of my hand and reached up to grab Bird’s hand in his. Hawk took my hand and squeezed it tight as he looked around. I heard him gasp, and then heard Crow do the same thing.
“Mama! Santa Claus is here!” Hawk let out in a near shout. “He’s here right now and Mrs. Claus is with him!”
Bird and I turned to look in the direction that Hawk was pointing. It was a man I didn’t recognize, but the boys thought they did. He was a large man with quite a belly. His long hair was almost white,
and his long beard was the same. He had earrings winking in both of his ears, and I noticed that his arms were covered in tattoos. The woman next to him had dark hair shot with gray, and she was wearing glasses. She was smiling from ear to ear, right along with the Santa that was at her side.
The man put his finger up to lips to shush the boys, and then crooked his finger to have them come sit with him. Crow took off running toward the man and woman. Hawk grabbed Phoenix to drag him to the older man and yelled up at Bird, “Santa’s here, so we can call you Daddy now. I told him I wanted a Daddy and he’s here to give you to us.”
I heard laughter in the crowd behind me, and I looked up at Bird and saw tears in his eyes. Jenna stood up from her seat and took Lark from Bird’s arms. I noticed that Jenna had tears streaming down her face. Bird locked his fingers with mine as we turned to look at Grunt to start the ceremony.
