“Never been more ready for anything, Pops.” Ryan answered. “I just hope I don’t fall on my face.” He said in his best impression of a woman’s voice as he eyed Mark.
“I am proud of you, Son. You know your mom and I love Abbi already and I am proud that you let someone in and found the one.” William choked slightly as he embraced Ryan. “Jace, Son. I am proud of you too. You know Janet and I think of you as our own. I am proud of you for stepping up and taking on the responsibility of giving that sweet boy a home.” William came over taking Jace into a tight embrace.
“Thank you, Mr. Dixon. That means a lot.” Jace hugged him back.
“Alright, let’s get this started before we all turn into pussies.” Mark hopped up off the couch.
“Oh come here, Mark.” Jace motioned his arms into a hug. “I know you need one too.”
“Hell no. Stay away from me.” He laughed as he hopped over the table away from Jace leaving Aaron and Gabe in Jace’s path.
“Aaron? Gabe?” Jace asked towards them with his arms open.
“Naw, I’m good man.” Aaron laughed.
“I’ll take a hug, just be easy on me. I really will cry if you hug me too hard.” Mason laughed as he straightened his tie.
“Ok boys! Outside!” Janet called from the back room. “William! Get back here!”
“Well, I have been summoned. Good luck boys.” William took off down the hallway.
“Alright, Men. We have been through many wars, battles, and fights together. I want you all to know that there isn’t a better group of guys I’d want standing next to me today.” Ryan said to the group standing around him. “I want to say thank you for everything. We have been through a lot. I am glad I’ve got you guys.”
As they lined up to head out the door Mark called out from the back. “Alright, Pussies. Let’s make this shit look good. No crying!”
Jace tried to contain his laughter as he followed Ryan down the stairs towards the altar.
chapter nineteen
“Mommy! Where awe you?” Judy heard Sebastian call from outside the door.
Mommy. Judy could never tire of hearing that from the lips of that precious little boy. Every fiber of her being felt that it was now her responsibility to carry on that role in his life in honor of Alexis.
“I’m in here, Sweetheart.” Judy called out.
She watched as his face lit up as he came running into the room. “Mommy!” He ran into her arms as he looked over to Abbi. “Aunt Abbi, you wook weally pwetty. Are you marwying Uncle Wyan?”
“Yes sir I am.” Abbi smiled over to him as Bridgette pulled the lace of the corset back wedding gown tighter. “Good grief I am not going to be able to move in this thing. I knew I shouldn’t have waited this long.”
“It’s ok. We got this girl. You are going to look hot!” Bridgette blew the stray hair from her face as she tied off the laces and tucked them down into the lace skirt of the dress.
“Poor Livie is gonna be squished in there.” Abbi laughed.
“Aunt Abbi you have a pewson inside you?” Sebastian looked over at her confused.
“Too soon.” Judy laughed over towards Abbi. “Yes Baby, Aunt Abbi has a baby inside her tummy.”
“How did that happen?” Sebastian looked over at her with a shocked look.
“Oh, Honey we will talk about that later.” Judy smiled at him.
“Ok girls how do I look?” Janet said coming out from the bathroom.
It had taken her months and one last trip with Judy to the store to find her dress. For an older woman she had a rocking body and Judy was happy that she’d let her talk her into a more modern dress. The coral one shoulder dress flowed down to the ground in flowing chiffon. It was very modern and more than fitting for a beach wedding. She insisted that Abbi have her own friends in the wedding instead of her being the Matron of Honor but Abbi had won that battle; mostly because she didn’t have many friends.
“You look great Janet! You’re so getting some tonight.” Bridgette smiled over at her.
“Mommy? What’s she gonna get?” Sebastian asked.
Judy cut her eyes over to Bridgette who was turning every shade of red in the book. “She is gonna get some cake later, Baby.” Judy answered Sebastian.
“Sorry.” Bridgette laughed. “I am so not used to you having a kid.”
“It’s ok. I have already considered making him walk around with ear muffs on.” Judy joked. “Baby, I am gonna go fix my make-up. Can you stay in here with Gigi Janet?”
“Yes, Mommy.” He hopped down and walked over to where Janet sat on the bed. “Hey, Gigi. Did you know Uncle Mason has a cape?” Judy laughed at the excitement in his voice as she walked into the bathroom.
“Judy picked up the brush and touched up her powder as Abbi came into the bathroom.
The dress Abbi had picked was absolutely stunning. She’d been so worried that it wouldn’t fit and that you’d be able to see her stomach through the dress but it accentuated all of her beautiful new curves. It was a champagne lace gown fitting down to her hips and then flowed out beautifully with an old Hollywood style train that gathered just below her backside and flowed out behind her as she walked. The first time she’d put it on in the store Janet, Judy, and Bridgette were all in tears.
“You look amazing Abs. I am so happy for you and Ryan.” Judy took her into a tight hug.
“Thank you, Sis. It means a lot to me that I have you and B here with me today.” Abbi started to sniffle.
“No crying! You will mess up your make-up.” Judy sniffled too trying to contain the emotions that were running high today.
“I’m trying. It’s pointless though, I know I am going to start crying as soon as I walk down that aisle.” Abbi laughed. “Judy, I am so proud of you and what you’ve done for Sebastian.”
“Thank you. I can’t believe in such a short amount of time I have grown to love that little boy as if he were my own.” Judy looked out of the bathroom from where she leaned on the counter taking in the smile on Sebastian’s face as he and Janet sat on the bed playing a game on her phone. “It’s hard some days. I see so much of Lexi in him. But every time I look at him I can’t doubt how much she knew I loved her. It helps to know that she entrusted me with her son’s life in the event that something had happened to her.”
“She loved you very much Judy and she knew how much you loved her too.” Abbi looked over at Sebastian and laughed as he high fived Janet.
“It will be your turn soon.” Judy smiled over at Abbi.
“Yeah I know. I don’t know what to think. It helps seeing you with Sebastian. To see how natural it came to you. I can’t help but think I am not going to know what to do, that I will be terrible at being a mother.”
“Oh hell. I don’t know what I am doing half the time. But I know it will get easier and Sebastian is amazing. He makes it all worth it. To think we are both going to be mothers.”
“Ok girls. Everybody ready?” Janet called out from the room.
“Yeah I think so.” Judy called out.
“Alright, Sis. It’s go time.” Judy gathered the back of Abbi’s dress and helped her to walk to the door.
“Ok boys! Outside!” Janet poked her head out and yelled down the hallway. “William! Get back here!”
“Do you have your sign, Baby?” Judy asked down to Sebastian as she grabbed her bouquet from the vase on the dresser.
“Yes, Mommy.” He held up the wooden sign that he and Jace had made this morning adorned with the phrase Uncle Ryan it’s your last chance to run.
“Ok, Baby. When we get down there you just walk straight down to daddy and you can stand next to him and Uncle Ryan.”
“Ok, Mommy.” He smiled up at her.
Judy leaned down and kissed his cheek as they walked out of the room. As they made it to the balcony Sebastian lined up with his sign ready to walk out. As he made his way out she could see Lucas standing at the bottom of the stairs to make sure he made it down safely. Bridgette followed making
her way down towards the aisle behind him. Judy went next, turning one last time to give a wink to Abbi who stood in between William and Janet each with their arm entwined with hers.
As she made her way down the stairs she could hear the instrumental music of Turning Page by Sleeping at Last coming from the speakers on each side of the aisle. As she made her way down to the warm sand she took in the warm smiling faces of all the guests. Five rows of chairs on each side were full and a few people stood behind the last row. Looking down towards the alter she locked eyes with Jace who stood to Ryan’s left. He was so handsome, his dark disheveled hair caught in the wind. He wore a white dress shirt with khaki pants and a coral tie. She could feel his love as a large smile came across his face. She smiled back as she took her place at the altar.
*****
Jace watched as Judy came down the stairs in her navy bridesmaid dress. The wind blew the material gently as she walked barefoot down to the altar. His breath hitched as he locked onto her sparkling golden eyes. He couldn’t help but smile at the beautiful woman that was walking down the aisle; the woman that was now the mother of their child. He loved her more every time he looked at her.
As the crowd stood Jace saw Abbi step out onto the balcony, her wedding gown shimmering in the sunlight as her hair blew around her face. Escorted down the aisle by both Janet and William, she had a glow about her that couldn’t be explained. Jace patted Ryan on the back as he heard him choke back a sob. He couldn’t be more proud of Ryan at this moment. He’d met an amazing woman who in every aspect had completed him.
The ceremony wasn’t long as they both exchanged the vows they’d written for the other
. Sebastian stood patiently next to Jace until it was over. The rest of the evening was spent eating and dancing. Jace had sat for what felt like hours watching Judy and Sebastian running around and dancing on the make shift dance floor that had been set up under the large white tent. Once Sebastian was finally entertained by Uncle Mark’s Candy Crush, Jace took the opportunity to take Judy out onto the dance floor. The white lights draped around the edge of the tent illuminated her face as she looked up at him.
He pulled her close to him as Adele crooned the words to Make you Feel my Love. “I love you so much, Judy.”
“I love you too, Jace” She smiled up at him.
“What do you say we head home and cuddle while watching cartoons?” He wiggled his eye brows at her.
“Oh, well that sounds amazing.” She eyed back up at him. “I think it’s about Sebastian’s bedtime anyway.”
After they had said their goodbyes, gotten grief from Mark and Mason on not staying to take shots with them, and said their farewell to the bride and groom, they headed towards the house. Sebastian had almost made it to the house before he was out in the backseat. As they parked, Jace gently woke Sebastian and un-buckled him from his car seat.
“We are home buddy.” Jace gently coaxed him awake.
He picked him up from the car and carried him to the elevator as they made their way up to the apartment. With each floor they had gone up Sebastian came more awake. I am gonna beat Mark for giving him so much damn cake. As they made their way into the apartment Jace took Sebastian’s hand and headed down the hallway.
“I am gonna put Sebastian in the bathtub.” Jace called out to Judy.
“Ok, Dear.” She called out as she walked into their bedroom.
Motioning to Sebastian to be quiet they tip toed into his office.
“What are we doing Daddy?” Sebastian questioned.
“I need you to do something for me ok?” Jace smiled down at him.
“Ok, Daddy.” Sebastian grinned up at him.
*****
Judy unzipped her dress and let it fall to the ground. She rummaged through her drawer until she found one of Jace’s old Army shirts and threw it on with a pair of yoga pants. As she made her way out she heard Sebastian’s voice calling from the living room.
“Mommy!”
“Yes, Baby. I thought you were in the….” Her voice trailed off as she looked up. Jace and Sebastian stood side by side. Jace was still in his dress shirt and slacks and Sebastian matched him with a dress vest on over his shirt. “Jace?”
“I got these for you, Mommy.” Sebastian smiled as he handed her a bouquet of roses.
“They are beautiful. Thank you, dear.” She knelt to take the flowers from him.
“Daddy bought you this.” He held out a small box with his other hand.
“He did! What’s in it?” She smiled up at Jace.
“Open it!” Sebastian giggled with excitement.
She took the box from his hand and opened it. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the beautiful diamond engagement ring placed neatly in the box. One solitaire stone that had to be at least three carats sparkled brightly from the platinum band. She couldn’t hold back the tears as she looked up at Jace. In the back of her mind she believed this day would come, but could never imagine what it would feel like.
“Daddy wants to know if you will mawwy him like Aunt Abbi did Uncle Wyan.” Sebastian gave a thumbs up to Jace who now had a tear rolling down his cheek also.
Kneeling down Jace took box from her hand and gently took the ring from it placing it onto her finger. “Judith Adams, from the moment I first saw you, you took my breath away. I have loved you every moment since that day. I never thought I could have such an amazing person in my life until you came along. Now that we have Sebastian I want us to be a true family. I would be honored if you would be my wife.” His hands shook as he placed the ring all the way onto her finger. “Will you marry me?”
Judy wiped at the tears running down her face as she looked down at the ring and back up at Jace. “Of course I will.” She grinned.
“She said yes, Daddy!” Sebastian wrapped his arms around Judy’s neck before giving Jace a high five.
“Couldn’t have done it without you, Buddy.” Jace leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“It’s beautiful, Jace. Thank you.” She placed her hands on his face and kissed him.
“I helped pick it out, Mommy.” Sebastian said bouncing across the living room.
“You did a great job, Baby.” Judy smiled at him. “Where does he get this energy?” She laughed.
“Ok, I got your mommy to marry me. Now it’s bath time.” Jace leaned over and kissed Judy, his lips lingering against hers.
“Do I have to?” Sebastian asked from the hallway.
“Yep, I don’t want you to be the smelly kid. What do you say we grab the boat and fight pirates tonight?” Jace asked as he followed him down the hallway.
“Yeah!” Sebastian’s footsteps took off towards the bathroom.
Judy sat on the couch. Her life was so full of love now. She had amazing friends and now a family. A family. That was something that she had never truly had before. As she thought about everything that had happened over the past year, the soft ringing of her phone pulled her from her thoughts. Reaching into her bag she pulled it out and looked at the caller ID. She hesitated a moment before answering it.
“Hello?” She answered. As the soft voice on the other end of the line came through, her heart almost stopped beating. “Mama?”
To be continued…
Acknowledgements
I don’t know how to begin thanking all of the amazing people who have accompanied me through this journey. I have been blessed to have an amazing group of ladies, some who have been with me through book one and some who have joined during the making of book two. All of you mean the world to me. You have inspired me, pushed me, and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I love you all!
I would like to give a huge thank you to Lisa Survillas and Peggy Frese who have been a huge help in the editing and planning process for both books. Thank you for all of the time and creativity you put into my baby. I would truly be lost without you.
I would like to give another huge thank you to my Street Team. It has been a new experience for me, but on
e that I would never change. You have all stood by me through the writer’s blocks, the various contests, and promoting for both Protect Me and Cherish Me. I would like to take a moment and thank each of you personally. Zee Hayat, April Joyner, Philomena Callan, Marilyn Ortega, Sue Ward, Bridgette, Jenifer Wooten, Colleen Lee, Alexis Brodie, Linsey Davis, Jenny Harris, Crystal Martyn, Brittany Alexander, Christine Davison, Lorena Garcia, Donna Cheatle, Kate Benson, Ashley Garland, Krissy Malott, Lora Musikantow, Tina Myers, Joyce Herbert, Melissa Weeks, Jessica Murphy, Katelyn Broad, Kathy Arguelles, Melissa Cahall, Tracey Williams, Sarah Armstrong, Nancy Hejjo, Ivette Sanchez, Charlotte Wilcoxson, Jennifer Reyes, Jasmin Feliciano, Heather Pierce, Janina Steves, and Courtney Williams
I would like to thank my family for always believing that I could do this and my husband for inspiring me by showing me what true love really is. I love you all very much.
Thank you to all of my beta readers and to all of the many people who support my page and my writing.
Cherish Me (The Protected Love Series) Page 14
