by Anna Brooks
“Brad told me.”
“Told you what?”
“About how he met Vaughn and what they did.”
My stomach drops, worried what he’s going to say next. But if he was mad, he wouldn’t have married Brad.
“I’m so mad he never told me earlier. I couldn’t care less that he got messed up with some bad shit in high school; what bugs me is that he didn’t think I could handle it.”
“I’m not sure that’s the exact reason. Like Vaughn said to me, it embarrassed him, ya know? And he didn’t want you to look at him any differently.”
He leans against the old brick wall and releases a breath that is visible in the cold temperature. “I know. He told me last night, said he couldn’t marry me without my knowing who he really was. I . . . I don’t think he could have done anything that would make me love him any less. And his telling me that makes me love him even more.”
“Good, I’m glad.”
“What I called you out here for, though, was to make sure you’re okay with the whole robbery thing. I can’t imagine how it must have made you feel to hear that.”
I love my best friend. Who takes time away from their wedding day to make sure his friend is okay? “Yes. I’m fine. I was shocked and hurt at first, but when he explained things and when he told me how Brad went back to the restaurant and repaid everything, I couldn’t stay upset. I mean the way he grew up and how his mom just abandoned him. . .” It still hurts my heart even thinking about him as a child. “They did what they had to in order to survive. I can’t be mad at that.”
“Okay, good.” He pushes himself off the wall and tosses an arm around my shoulder. “Let’s go get our drink on.”
“Not so fast, mister.” I push the soles of my stilettos into the concrete. “Don’t think you’re getting away without telling me how long you knew Vaughn was totally proposal-bombing your wedding!”
Kenny chuckles. “He told me a few weeks ago and asked if we’d care if he did it today. He had a few different ideas, but Brad and I thought this would be really cool. We wanted you to have that because we knew you’d think it was special. We thought it was the best idea ever, and I don’t care if you think it’s stupid, we liked it and thought it was genius.”
“You guys are amazing. Thank you. This day has been amazing.” And I can’t wait to make it perfect.
Chapter 26
Vaughn
“You pulled that off flawlessly.” Brad gives me a one-armed hug, and I pat him on the back as we stand at the bar, waiting for our drinks.
“Thanks again, man. I appreciate it, and I know it meant a lot to her.”
He nods and looks around then leans in closer to me. “I told Kennedy last night. Couldn’t go through with this wedding without laying it all out for him.”
“I get it. How’d it go?”
“He was shocked but ultimately fine with it. I felt so much better throwing it all out there.”
He stops talking when the bartender slides our beers toward us. I take a swig, but Brad contemplates something.
I set the bottle on the bar top and raise a brow. “What’s up?”
“I heard about your mom. I know it’s a shitty time to bring it up, but I just wanted to let you know I’m here for ya if you need anything.”
I’ve done a good job of pretending as if I didn’t care the past week. My mind was on other things trying to finalize the details of the proposal, and I refused to let thoughts of her ruin that. I took care of what I needed to and have left her safely behind. Petey assured me I’m free and clear of him and his debt. He’s now after my mom’s boyfriend, since they borrowed the money together, I guess. I didn’t pay much attention; I just needed to make sure his ass wasn’t going to try to hold me to her fucking standards.
My focus is now on Rayne. All my focus. I’m going to spend the rest of my life with her; I know I’m lucky to be where I am today, so holding onto the past isn’t an option anymore.
“I’m actually really good. Washed my hands knowing I did what I could.”
He huffs in agreement.
“You ever hear from your brother?”
Brad’s parents are in attendance, and though they appear a little nervous, they really seem to be enjoying themselves. Wyatt has been quiet, and that scares Brad.
“Nope. He’s been radio silent. I think he’s just given up being angry about me being gay and decided that he’d rather not have any type of relationship with me at all.” He nods his head toward the entrance. “See that guy over there. The big dude.”
I look over my shoulder and find who he’s talking about.
“That’s Erik. He’s the new head of security hired at Complexity. Paid him to come and keep an eye out for Wyatt.”
“Smart.”
“I didn’t want to have to be looking over my shoulder the entire time.”
“I don’t blame ya.” Laughter, beautiful laughter that’s like music floats over to me, and I watch as my fiancée walks over to me. If I had my way, we’d have gotten married right alongside Brad and Kenny today, but I didn’t think she’d appreciate me springing that on her.
“Hey.” She settles into the crook of my arm. “What are you two up to over here?”
“Nothing. Just shootin’ the shit.” Brad’s name is called, and he lifts his beer at me. “I’m being summoned.”
“Oh, I hope it’s to cut the cake,” Rayne says.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Brad winks at her before he steps away.
“Are you having a good time?” I ask her.
“Yes. Are you?”
“I’m with you, aren’t I?”
She taps the end of my nose with her finger. “You, Vaughn Morris, are a smooth talker. Where do you come up with these one-liners?”
“Come up with them?”
“Yeah. Like do you surf the web between clients looking for them, or do you keep a notebook wi—”
“Baby, anything I say to you comes straight from my heart. I don’t rehearse or research ways to tell you how I feel.”
“Good answer.”
Rayne got her wish, and we’re called over to watch them cut the cake. She takes her plate and begins shoveling it into her mouth while she’s still standing. We make our way back to the table, and when we sit, I set my plate aside. Beer and cake don’t really go well together.
“This is so good.” She talks through a mouthful, and I can’t help but laugh at her. “Aren’t you eating yours?”
“No. Why, do you want it?”
“Yes, please.”
I slide it over to her and watch dumbfounded as she devours that piece, too. She’s usually not this . . . aggressive of an eater.
“Damn, baby. It’s like you’re eating for two or something.” I laugh, but she doesn’t.
Her eyes widen, and she slowly finishes chewing.
“Rayne?”
She holds up a finger telling me to wait a second. Her face has paled a little, and her knee begins to bounce up and down. Her eyes dart around the room, and when they land back on mine, it hits me.
Holy shit.
“Are you pregnant?”
She bites her lower lip and nods.
“Oh, my God.” My damn heart is about to burst. “You’re pregnant?”
I say it a little too loud because a collective gasp sounds from around me, and before I have a chance to say anything, Rayne’s mother rushes over and places herself between us. “I’m going to be a grandma?”
She practically yanks Rayne out of the chair and starts jumping up and down with her. I stand, preparing myself to catch them when they topple over. Kennedy comes over next then Brad.
Her father stands next to me and clasps me on the shoulder. “Congratulations, son.”
“I . . . I had no clue.”
“Neither did we.” He chuckles, and we take a step back when the bouncing begins to shift in our direction.
I’m impatiently waiting for everyone to move their asses so I can get to my girl,
and when they don’t clear the way after a minute, I finally wedge myself between them. “Sorry guys. Gotta steal her.”
I put my arm around her waist and lead her away from the crowd into the hallway leading to the coatroom. She leans against the wall and shrugs. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to find out this way. I was on the pill . . . I think with the stress of everything going on, I’ve skipped a couple.”
“Don’t apologize, Rayne. This is . . . Are you happy about it? I know we haven’t really talked about having kids much.” The only time she mentioned it was when she said she wanted to have a family with me last week. Shit. “Did you know last weekend?”
“I missed my period by only a week, but I was feeling kind of off. I think it’s still early. I have an appointment in a couple of weeks. Anyway, I found out the morning that Kenny and I went shopping, and I didn’t even tell him. I wanted you to be the first to know.”
She hasn’t answered my question. “Are you happy about this?”
She tries to fight a smile but ultimately loses the battle. “Yes.” After taking a deep breath, she asks, “Are you?”
“Hell yes, I’m happy.” I cup her face in my hands and kiss her. “I’m so damn happy. But there’s only one problem.”
“What’s that?”
“You only have like, what, eight months to plan a wedding.”
The light in her eyes is absolutely beautiful, just like everything else about her. Inside and out, she’s perfection.
“No freaking way. I am not getting married with a huge belly. It’s not happening. So either we go to the courthouse and do this now”—she waggles her engagement finger at me—“or we wait until the baby is born.”
“Fine. We’ll go Monday.”
She moves her head so fast it slams against the wall. “Ouch.”
“Damn, Rayne. You okay?”
“I’m fine.” She rubs the sore spot. “Did you seriously say you’d get married in two days?”
“To you? Yes.”
“Again with the one-liners.”
“They’re not lines, baby.”
“Do you remember the first one you said to me?”
Vividly. I remember the first moment I laid eyes on her. “Tell me.”
“You asked if I was kicking you out, and when I said you looked like you were in a hurry, you said, and I quote, I was. Then I asked, Now you’re not? And, here’s the line, ready for it? Now I’m not.”
“Hmm.” I crowd her against the wall and put my forearms on either side of her head. “And to think, you didn’t even want to be friends with me at one point.”
She licks her lips and quirks a brow. “Only because I wanted to be more than friends.”
“Touché.” I rest my forehead against hers.
Her eyes sparkle. “You’re the best friend I never wanted.”
“And you’re the love I didn’t know I needed.”
Epilogue
Vaughn
“She’s fine, baby. I promise.” I open the door for Rayne, and she walks in before me. Before I’m even all the way inside, she’s lifting the blanket to check on our daughter, Adeline.
A hostess comes over and motions for us to follow her. She points at a booth in the far corner, brings over a high chair, and flips it upside down so I can rest the car seat on it.
“Make sure it’s not uneven.”
After I make sure the seat is secure, I sit down, then reach for my wife’s hands. “Baby, I love you. You know I do. But I promise you nobody will make sure our daughter is safe more than I will, okay? You’ve barely been out of the house since you’ve been home from the hospital, except for the doctor appointments and when I force you to go shopping. It’s been six months, Rayne. We brought her with because you refused to leave her with your parents.”
“They don’t know her cries, and if she’s hungry or tired. I realize it seems irrational, but she’s only this age once, ya know. I don’t want to miss anything.”
“I know. That’s why she’s here. I just want you to eat a good breakfast and enjoy being out of the house. It’s a half an hour, darlin’, and then we can go back home.” It’s not like she doesn’t trust her parents; she’s just not ready to leave Adeline alone yet. Which is also why she hasn’t gone back to work, and probably won’t for a long time. I’m completely fine with whatever makes her happiest.
Mothering comes completely naturally to Rayne, and I count my blessings a hundred times a day that somehow, I got lucky enough to have them in my life. Somehow, I was blessed enough to be the one to make sure they’re happy.
She rubs her thumb on top of my hand and nods. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I know you’ve been exhausted, and I just want you to sit back and enjoy your favorite pancakes, okay?”
“How did I get so lucky?”
“I’m the—”
“And don’t say you’re the lucky one, either. That’s so lame.”
The waitress comes over and takes our order before I get a chance to reply.
“Hey, isn’t that Polly?” I point out the window behind Rayne’s head.
She turns around and pushes herself up a bit so she can see the gravel pathway that’s on the side of the restaurant. “Yeah, that’s her.”
A few seconds later, she walks into the restaurant, closely followed by a very familiar face. “That’s the guy from Complexity, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure.”
They settle in a booth on the opposite side of the restaurant, and when he slides into the same seat as her, she rolls her eyes and scoots as far away as she can. He leans in and says something that has her shaking her head.
“Oh, my God, should I go over there?” Rayne asks.
“Here ya go.” The waitress delivers our food, and I pull my attention away from them. As soon as she walks away, Rayne gasps. “I’ve never seen her mad before. Look.”
I turn around again and watch as Polly pushes this guy, this really large man, out of the booth and then storms out. The guy has a smile on his face as he walks out, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I know Brad trusts him and has said he’s been beneficial to keeping the waitresses safe, I’d follow Polly out to make sure she’s okay.
“Damn. He must have really pissed her off.”
“I guess so.”
Adeline fusses, and any and all thoughts about the lover’s spat we just witnessed are long gone. Rayne tries to rock the seat a little, and it works because Adeline settles down.
Rayne and I scarf down our pancakes and are out of there in less than twenty minutes. On the way home, she reaches over and holds my hand. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“No, nothing. Never mind.”
“Nope. None of that shit. Ask me.”
“Well”—she clears her throat—“I was just kind of thinking it’d be neat if we got tattoos.”
That spikes my interest. “What do you want to get?”
“I don’t know. Something matching. Something that would tie you to me forever.”
“I’m already bound to you, baby.”
“Ugh. Oh, my God, stop.”
“That’s not what you were saying last night.”
She shakes her head. “Such a perv.”
“Only for you.”
“I swear I will smack you if you keep it up with this one-liner shit.”
I suppress a laugh and cough instead then drive to our house. The first thing we did after we found out she was pregnant was meet with a realtor and buy a house. It’s perfect for us. Lots of yard, no neighbors on one side, and four bedrooms.
The second thing we did was get married at the courthouse. We’re planning a larger wedding on our two-year anniversary. Rayne didn’t want to have to rush after the baby was born to plan a wedding, so she pushed it back. I couldn’t care less. As long as she’s mine, I don’t need anything more.
I pull into the driveway, and Rayne starts to get out, but I grab
her arm. She turns to me expectantly.
“We’ll get whatever tattoo you want. I’ll get ‘Rayne’s Property’ pointing at my dick if it’ll make you happy.”
“That’s an idea.” She taps her finger on her lip. “I like that a lot, actually.”
“But know this.” I hold her face between my hands and run my thumb across her lips. “Tattoos can be removed, but my love for you, for our family, is permanent and forever. It’s infinite, baby.”
“I’m not sure I can top that line.”
“Probably not.”
She nods very slowly and gets a really smug look on her face. “No, actually I think I can.”
“You think so, huh?”
“I do.” She mimics my move and holds my face. Then a smile pulls at her lips, and a twinkle shines in her eyes. “I’m pregnant.”
My mouth falls open, and she pushes it closed.
“Yep, I think I got you.”
If I could talk right now, I’d say, “You have every part of me, baby. Mind, body, and soul.” But even that line couldn’t top what she just told me. Nothing on this earth can top the way this woman makes me feel or the pride in my heart for the beautiful family we’ve created. Now she’s telling me that she’s blessing me with even more. Yeah, there’s not a one-liner or even a fucking novel that can top the fact that we’re going to have another baby.
She kisses me hard and fast, then pulls away. Our hands fall down, and she opens the door and steps outside then leans in the car. “Oh, yeah. They’re twins.”
Other Books by Anna Brooks
Pleasant Valley Novels
Fixing Fate
It’s Kind of Personal Series
Make Me Forget
Show Me How
Prove Me Right
Tell Me When
Remember Me Now
Give Me This
Not Your Hero
Easy Sacrifice
Honest Liar
Acknowledgments
I need to start off thanking my husband again. He’s been so amazing and supportive during the past few years and I’m so grateful to have him by my side during this journey!
