Tangled Paths

by Kimi Flores

  “Long story short, Mom, we were in our own little world and everything came out squeaky clean.” Grinning at Bri’s blushing face, he pictured asking her while they were in the bathtub together. He winked, silently communicating with her.

  No, beautiful, I am not going to tell them you made me wait.

  He went on, “When she said yes, I knew my search was over, and I had found my prize.”

  Bri reached behind him, pinching his ass, giving him her ‘that’s enough info’ face.

  He chuckled, puffing with pride that only he and Bri knew what was going on. “I did get down on one knee to give her the ring, Mom. I’ll never get tired of remembering her face when I asked her.” At that moment, he couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing as Bri narrowed her eyes at him one last time.

  Josh saw Bri reach for the gift under the table. He leaned back in his chair so she could make her presentation. She cleared her throat, and he realized it was more of a way to keep the laughter from coming out than nerves, so he relaxed and prepared to see what his beautiful woman had come up with.

  Bri gently touched the top of Maryanne’s hands. “I have something here that I think would be perfect in your trophy room. I know Josh feels uncomfortable with his accomplishments, but I think his latest one might make the room a happier place for him.” She winked at him, sending his heart into a panicky flutter.

  He watched the gift exchange hands, and his mother begin to untie the yellow bow. Maryanne gave Josh a curious look, but he honestly didn’t know what was in the box either. He just shrugged his shoulders.

  Bri’s eyes lit up as she watched his mom place the ribbon on the table and slowly lift the lid. A gasp escaped Maryanne’s throat after she moved the tissue paper to the side. Her hand shot to her mouth.

  Before Josh could even see what was in the box, she flew over, squeezing them again as she squealed, “Are you shittin’ me? I get a new daughter and a grandbaby?”

  Josh leaned over and glanced inside the box. In a bed of pink and blue tissue paper sat a white framed picture of the baby’s ultrasound printout.

  Damn, she’s creative when it comes to surprises.

  Josh’s dad took a quick peek and grinned.

  As Maryanne fussed over Bri, touching her belly, Bri’s dad came around the corner, into the kitchen. Understandably, she jumped off Josh’s lap and into her dad’s arms. “Daddy, I’m so glad you’re here.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he lifted her feet off the ground. Stefen and Leah stepped to the side, coming in behind him.

  “Princess, I wouldn’t miss this day for anything in the world. I still can’t believe both of my kids are having babies.”

  Out of the corner of his eye, Josh caught Stefen touching his wife’s stomach, almost subconsciously. Josh smiled. He’d picked up that same habit this past week.

  Maryanne lifted her eyebrows at Josh, and he knew exactly what was on her mind. He whispered in her ear, “I know what you’re thinking, Mom, but she wanted to tell you in her own special way. You’re the first to know about the engagement though.”

  With a satisfied grin, Maryanne made her way around the room. As she bounced around the room, greeting and introducing herself, he relished in the fact that he was lucky enough to come from such an accepting family.

  Once Josh and his father said their hellos to Leah, Stefen and Alec, they all made their way out to the backyard, where Dani and Zachary were talking in hushed tones off to the side. The moment Dani noticed the group, she strolled away toward Joel, who was already seated at one of the tables with Dani and Leah’s mom, Maria, as well as Maria’s husband, Sal.

  A noise from the driveway, on the side of the house, caught Josh’s attention. Tilting his head, he saw Abby holding Max while she grabbed a diaper bag out of the car. He grinned at Caleb struggling to get a stroller and travel crib out of the trunk.

  That’ll be us in a few months. He loved that thought.

  Past Caleb and Abby, Madison’s grandparents, Grace and Robert, were getting out of their car. Grace bent forward, her arms wide open as an excited Maddie ran to her.

  Smiling, Josh turned back to the yard full of guests. Stefen was standing next to Bri as they spoke animatedly with their father. It appeared Stefen was relaying information as Bri slapped her brother’s shoulder. Stefen shrugged, like whatever he’d said had to be told. Their father laughed out loud, enjoying the exchange.

  Then Stefen’s eyes caught Bri’s hand. He pulled her ring up for a closer inspection before a huge grin covered his face. While everyone around her took notice and congratulated her, Stefen gave Josh the eye. Not the, I’m gonna kick your ass eye. It was more like, okay now you earned the right to keep those ‘bulls’.

  Watching Bri hug her dad again, Josh noticed that she was absolutely glowing. She had her family now and, by the looks of everyone around, that family was going to be even bigger by this time next year.

  Stefen made his way over to the long table where Leah, Dani, their mother, Sal, and Joel were all sitting. Josh was amused at the territorial expression on Stefen’s face as Sal rubbed Leah’s tummy.

  Damn, he better get over that before he sees what the doctor gets to do to her at the appointments.

  Feeling a slight smack on the back of his head, he turned to see Brad’s cocky smile. “Dude, Mom just told me you turned in your bachelor card.” Slowly stretching, he waved his hand, pointing at the panoramic view. “In a few months, this’ll be you. Tied down to strollers, dirty diapers, and in-laws. Better you than me.”

  Josh just stood there, holding in a smug smile. One day, Brad. You’ll get it.

  Josh watched Zach make sure Uncle Joel was settled and comfortable at one of the rustic wooden tables situated under the large trellis. Joel laid the gift Bri brought beside him. With Grace and Madison chatting away next to Joel, Josh looked back at Zach. He felt a tug at his heart, knowing Zach was at war with his feelings over the future of Joel he remarked to his brother, “You’re absolutely right, Brad. It is better that it’s me because I know how to appreciate it, little brother. It would serve you well to remember that family is everything. Someday that fame will fade.” He placed his hand on Brad’s shoulder. “But your family will always be there.” Giving him a brotherly smack on his cheek, he turned to go find his woman and thank her again for showing him what he did have in life.

  By the time they brought the food to the Thanksgiving tables, sat and said grace, Josh was starving and couldn’t wait to dive into his mama’s cooking. His favorite holiday dishes of turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberries, glazed sweet potatoes, green-bean casserole and sweet cornbread pudding were being passed around the table.

  Maryanne addressed Bri’s father, Alec. “It’s so wonderful to meet you. I’m so glad you’re here with us today. I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of each other now, with the wedding and new grandbabies.”

  Alec looked at his daughter and son poignantly before making his announcement, “Well, I’ve been thinking a lot these last few months. I haven’t told anyone yet, but I just sold my practice. And as of a few days ago, the house is on the market.”

  Clearly shaken, Bri placed her hand on Josh’s thigh. “Daddy, why? Is everything okay?”

  He gave her a comforting smile. “More than okay, princess. I bought my way into my old college buddy’s partnership, and I’m moving to the L.A. area next month. I need a fresh start. More than that, I want to slow down and enjoy life. I decided before I knew, but now that I’m going to be a Grandpa, I’m planning to savor every second of it.”

  Josh felt Bri’s excitement filling the space. The clinking of silverware on a glass rang through the air. Finding the source, he saw Joel leaning on his cane as he stood by the table, wanting to get everyone’s attention.

  Joel handed Zach the gift Bri brought and asked him to pass it around the table. His voice was shaky and weak, but his words were clear enough to be heard. “I want to thank each of you for sharing Thanksgiving with us. I kno
w we’ve made it a tradition in the past to do this gathering a day late, but Zach and I decided,” he stopped, as if searching for his next word, “Thanksgiving is a day for family, and that is what each of you are to us.”

  Smiling at Bri and Leah he went on, “We have even more to be thankful for this year, and Bri gave me a gift that I feel is only right to share with all of you men. Please take one and let’s be thankful for all the blessings we’ve been given.”

  Zach and Josh looked at each other, both holding up one of the cigars that had been passed around. As his face broke out in a cold sweat, Josh noticed Zach was also turning the same shade of green.

  Seeing their discomfort, Joel busted out with a laugh and asked if they’d like to light up first, then he shared the story of Zach and Josh’s teenage cigar smoking adventure.

  Bri grimaced while smiling and mouthed, “I’m sorry, babe”. She blew him a kiss as an added apology.

  With a sweet apology like that, how can I ever get mad at this woman?

  He stared a moment longer at the cigar, and even though he felt he might puke, he knew he had to do it. Winking at Bri, he reached over for the light Joel was holding out, almost as a challenge.

  Time to get this party started.

  Bri was really regretting wearing those damn heels as she stretched her achy body out in bed.

  Josh sat at the end, rubbing her foot. “I had the best time today,” he said as his fingers kneaded her sole. “I think everyone was surprised by the engagement.”

  Tucking the sheet between her arms and the side of her body, she smiled. “I don’t know. I think everyone was kinda waiting for it. Well, everyone but your parents of course.”

  His thumb found a really good spot and he continued to massage as a moan came from her. His hands stopped for a second as a sensual smile covered his mouth. “Have I told you how much I love the noises you make?”

  She giggled. “Yeah, but I’ll never get tired of you telling me the reasons why you love me.”

  Gently placing her foot down, he ran his fingertips across the sheet covering her body then laid next to her. “Have you thought about the wedding? What you want to do? Where it’ll be?”

  She shrugged. “When I was little, I wanted to have the biggest wedding around, but I think it was just so I could impress everyone else.” She reached up, smoothing her thumb over his cheek. “It doesn't matter to me now, Josh. I just want to be your wife. I don’t really care how it happens.”

  He tilted his head. “What do you think about having a courthouse wedding? No fuss, just us and anyone else that wants to be there.”

  “Hmmm.” She tapped her index finger on her lips, mulling over the idea. “I like the no fuss part and we haven’t done anything traditional so far. I never really thought about it before but actually, it’s kinda perfect for us. We can even get married as early as this week.” She reached up, giving him a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. “I like the way you think Mr. Tucker. I bet they even take appointments so we don’t have to wait in a long line.”

  A sly grin appeared on his face. “Babe, I’ll walk in there with you on Monday, the minute the office opens, and stand in line as long as I need if the end result is you walking out as Mrs. Tucker.”

  Bri grinned, daydreaming. “Bri Tucker. Bri Hunter-Tucker. Hmmm...”

  Josh frowned. “Are you thinking about keeping your maiden name?”

  “No, I like the sound of Bri Tucker,” she told him, patting his arm. “I want to be a proud card-carrying member of the Tucker clan. I’m fully committed to you, Josh. I don’t need to hang on to my old self.”

  He gave her a poignant stare. “Babe, I don’t want you to lose yourself completely. Our new life together should complement everything else.” He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles.

  “To be honest, up until Catalina, I never really had a life.” She watched his lips trace the contours of her fingers. “I did whatever was expected of me. I focused on trying to not bring attention to my flaws and mistakes. It wasn’t until that night on the beach that you showed me I can live life without fear.”

  Getting off the bed, he reached for his phone and started pressing numbers.

  “Who are you calling?” She yawned, exhausted and ready to tuck herself next to him for the night.

  “Your dad. If we’re getting married, we need to tell him before he flies back. I’m not going to sweep up that man’s only daughter and cheat him out of walking her down the…well, hallway in this case.” He gave her a goofy look. “I just earned my balls back today, and I intend on keeping them right where they belong.”

  “When did you lose you balls?” Bri laughed.

  Putting the phone to his ear, he chuckled. “Never mind. We’ve done everything ass backwards. Let me at least do this part right.”

  She watched Josh on the phone as he anxiously apologized for not asking her father for her hand in the first place. Her dad must have joked with him since Josh seemed to relax and even laughed at whatever was said.

  Wiping his palms on his thighs, Josh then asked her father if he would give his blessing for them to have a courthouse wedding while he was still in town that coming week. Beaming, Bri couldn’t help but think about how cute his nervous tone was.

  A wide grin covered Josh’s face as his eyes popped open. Apparently her father agreed. Now they were talking about…golf? Shaking her head she couldn’t help but giggle. Her father would use anything in his power to get new golfing buddies, even if it was her unsuspecting soon-to-be husband.

  Rolling on to her back, she looked up at the ceiling, thanking her lucky stars for the life she’d been given. Both Josh and she had come a long way in a short amount of time. No matter how fast things seemed to come at them, they were there to catch each other when it all became too overwhelming.

  Taking another quick peek at Josh, she sensed the excitement in his voice over the conversation her father and he were having.

  “I’ve never golfed before but I’m a quick learner,” he admitted.

  She had to hold in her laugh. If he only knew that her father was even more competitive than she was and took no mercy on inexperienced players.

  He was happy and she wasn’t about to burst his bubble.

  Bri glanced lovingly at her husband seated beside her as he chatted with his dad on the phone. They’d been married for seven months now and not a day went by that she didn’t thank God that Josh was by her side.

  She peered out of the limo’s backseat window as they headed to L.A. for Brad and Caleb’s movie premier. Everyone but Leah and Stefen were going to be there. Poor Leah had been put on bed rest when she’d gone into early labor a few times and Stefen wasn’t willing to leave her side for anything. Bri loved her brother for that and imagined Josh would do the same if it had been her.

  While Josh continued to talk on his cell, Bri laid her head back on the limo’s headrest, closed her eyes and allowed herself to get lost in her memories of the day she’d become his wife.

  After she’d gotten all dolled up in her knee-length chiffon one-shoulder column wedding dress with sequins, and her killer white heels, they headed to the courthouse in Santa Barbara.

  The first available appointment was only five days after they’d decided to get married there. Josh had been so wonderful about taking care of the arrangements. Once they stepped inside, though, Bri had been so disappointed that none of their friends or family members were there waiting. Josh kissed her tenderly, reminding her that they were getting married to spend the rest of their lives together, not as a show for everyone else. She knew he was right, but it still hurt.

  When they got to the counter, they were informed that the justice of the peace had an emergency and had to leave for the day. They were able to get their marriage license but not get married.

  By the time they drove home from the courthouse, it had already started to get dark. Bri’s mood swings were in full force as she bounced between being upset that they weren’t mar
ried yet and pissed off that nobody had showed up. Sure she and Josh had just dropped the wedding on everyone last minute, but she’d been there for every single thing everyone else celebrated and couldn’t believe they wouldn’t want to be a part of Josh and her special day.

  As they approached the gates of their home, she took in all the twinkling lights Josh had installed just for her. She would never get over how romantic and thoughtful he was. Suddenly, it hit her that the lights hadn’t been on when they’d left earlier, and now there were a ton of cars parked on the street outside. That’s when she realized the gates were open.

  “What’s going on?” she asked Josh as he drove in silence up the driveway. She saw a few familiar cars parked along the side fence, then took in the huge group gathered in rows of chairs along the pathway under the large oak trees filled with white lights.