Jurnee
Standing in the doorway of the newly finished room, I stared at the finished result. Pink exploded all over with top to bottom princess stuff everywhere, unicorns thrown in the mix, and baby dolls too. There were books, frilly dresses and more. All the things I knew Embry loved. We may have gone overboard, but I didn’t care, I wanted to give it to her. I prayed she liked it because she was about to show up.
We’d had a busy week. The center was shut down while we cleaned things up. Although there was a mess made, nobody else was hurt, just scared. So everyone was off while we took care of that and I hoped when all the staff and kids were back they could put it behind them like I was trying my best to do. Besides that, we had to give our statements to the police, sign off on the last of the paperwork for the foster parenting, sort out last-minute wedding details, make an appointment with an obstetrician, complete the room for our Embry and also our visits with her so she was ready to transition today.
On top of all that, we had all our friends over to tell them the baby news and they even helped with the room. My besties were so damn excited for us, and Summer and Alley couldn’t stop going on and on about how they would be the best aunties ever to be. It had all been amazing, but I was exhausted, but it was worth every tired moment. When the doorbell rang, I flew down the stairs at top speed.
“What the hell, Dimples? Slow down before you hurt yourself and give me a heart attack!”
I didn’t want to fall either, but it had been less than a week since he found out I was pregnant and now he was acting like I was going to shatter like glass or needed to be bubble wrapped. I loved him for it, even if by the end, I may knock him over the head, and ask my best friends to help me hide his body. What are best friends for anyway, if you can’t count on them for those kinds of things?
“What was that evil little chuckle you just let out?” Braxton asked with an arched eyebrow.
Oops, didn’t know I did that, better be careful. No seriously, of course I was kidding because I couldn’t live without my guy, but he better calm his shit, or sleeping at Gyth’s house may be an option we’ll have to explore. I realized I laughed at myself again, I was just so happy.
Now Braxton was staring at me like I grew two heads.
“It wasn’t an evil laugh, hon, but do we have a good shovel out in the garage?” More laughter poured from my lips and I was practically doubled over with it.
“I don’t even want to know, now hurry up, let’s get the door,” he said as he headed that way.
As he pulled it open, Embry came flying in and threw herself against my legs, wrapping her little arms around them as far as they would reach. Her head was tilted back, so she could look up at me.
“I’m here!” she squealed in delight. “Do I get to stay here forever and ever?”
“Of course you do. You belong here with Braxton and me now, Angel.”
This last week as we spent time with her—the relationship between her and Braxton really blossomed. It was a sight, those two together. She let go of me and rushed over to him, jumping up so he would pick her up and twirl her around like he had done so many times in the last few days. Then, she placed both hands on each side of his face as she looked at him.
“Hi, are you happy to see me?”
“You bet I am, Doodlebug.” She giggled as she usually did because she thought it was so funny when he called her that. But she loved it.
As he held Embry we spoke with her social worker, who didn’t stick around. There may be things to work out as this was a big change for all of us, but we had a good relationship with the little one already, which made it a lot easier. Her social worker had been out to the house, but this was the first time Embry had been here.
“Ready to see the house and your new room?” I asked her.
Eyes as big as saucers, she asked, “My own room?”
“Yeah, baby, your own room,” I replied. Then, we went about showing her the house and headed up to her new room.
She stood just in the doorway when Braxton set her down and didn’t say a word. Maybe she didn’t like it? Then her small feet started to move and she was standing in the middle of the room, turning in a circle, before her eyes came back to us with tears trickling down her little cheeks. We both made our way to her and dropped to our knees in front of her.
“What’s wrong Angel?” I asked. More tears and tiny hiccups of breath came from her petite frame.
“I l-love it s-so much,” she managed to get out. These were tears of joy, not sadness and my heart leaped in triumph.
“I’m so glad, honey.” Braxton and I wrapped our arms around her in the center of that decked out princess room, and we hugged for a long time.
As a family.
The day was winding down. Not only had it been the first time Embry had been at the house, but we had visitors popping in all day long to greet her and everyone seemed to bring a little welcome to the family gift. She was so excited, but now she was exhausted. It was a lot to take in for a four-year-old.
It was fun to watch her with my parents, and Embry took to them right away. They were amazing people, so full of love and I couldn’t imagine anyone ever not liking them. They adored her and she gained grandparents in the blink of an eye. The little girl was thrilled.
Summer and Alley already knew her from working at the center, but today they deemed themselves her honorary aunts. Gyth and Kace both seemed to think she was cute as a button, although I noticed Kace held himself back a little. I’m not sure what that was about. Landon didn’t make it over and was MIA again, but he said he would be here in a few weeks for the wedding for sure.
Not only had we all spent the day with my angel but the girls, and I talked about the finishing touches of the wedding, and Embry was so delighted that she was getting to be the flower girl and to wear a pretty dress. One of the craziest things happening was that Kace was getting ordained and he was going to officiate the wedding. That should be interesting for sure. The girls would stand up for me, and Gyth and Landon, for Brax. Things had all come together nicely.
Holy crap I am getting married in just a matter of weeks. Let’s just hope I don’t have to pee halfway down the aisle.
So, all in all, it was a very productive day, but now it was bedtime. Bath time was done, teeth were brushed, and the story had been read. I couldn’t help myself and had bought a copy of Curious George, so that was the story for the night. Now, we were tucking Embry into bed for the first time. It was so damn hard to leave her all alone in here, but she loved her room and seemed to be fine. So I would be too.
“Okay, you ready to snuggle in and get some sleep, Angel?”
Her smile lit up the entire room as she dropped down, pulling her blankets up to her chin.
“Yup, I’m a big girl!” she yelled excitedly
“Yes, you are honey. We are just across the hall if you need us. Get some sleep and we will see you in the morning. Night, Angel.” I leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Then, Braxton, who had been standing next to me as I took charge of the moment, stepped closer to the bed and swiped a lock of hair off Embry’s face. “Night, Doodlebug. Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.”
Embry’s eyes almost popped out of her head, and she sat up so fast, pushing the covers back.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“Why are there bugs in my bed and why are they going to bite me?” she asked, seriously horrified.
I could tell Braxton felt so bad. So he explained. “It’s just an expression, Doodlebug. Something people say just to be silly. There are no bugs here and nothing will bite you.”
Her little face relaxed a little, but I’m not entirely sure she was fully convinced. She did, however, crawl back under the blankets. Ready for bed once again, we said our good nights a second time, and then Braxton and I headed out of the room. Leaving the door open a little so we could hear her if we needed to, I felt marginally better.
But only a little.<
br />
We did our little nighttime routine and climbed into bed. I cozied up to Brax and let out a big sigh. Then a tear slipped down my cheek and landed on Braxton’s chest. Taking my hand, I wiped it off. A groan slipped from my man’s mouth and I knew then and there he was aroused.
“Baby, first tell me those are happy tears. Then be careful how you touch me since it’s the first night with a little girl across the hall and our door is open, so I have to behave. But when you put your soft hands on my body it’s hard to do.”
That got a giggle out of me.
“Yup, all happy tears. I will try and keep my hands off you, but now that I have had time for the bruises to heal and am feeling better—I really want you.”
I knew it couldn’t be now, but I was ready to make love to my soon-to-be-husband. Since I had left Braxton upset that day, then Mr. Jenkins attacked me and I had to heal, too much time had passed without us being able to give into the sparks that flared to life whenever we were together. I hoped it was always like that.
“I want you too, Dimples. Maybe we will be early risers and will have a water-saving session, and shower together in the morning. What do you think?”
“Sounds perfect.” We laid there in silence for a while and before I knew it, I was fast asleep.
The shower he mentioned never happened though, because come morning when I woke up there was a little guest in our bed. I had looked over at Braxton and realized he was awake, his face soft with love. Not just for me, but also for the beauty who laid in the middle of us. He curled an arm over Embry and I did the same, as we threaded our fingers together. I smiled at him, and he mouthed I love you, making my heart soar.
Then the four of us, three laying there, and the one in my belly, fell asleep once again.
Chapter Forty-Three
Jurnee
Bright, beautiful morning light shined through the window, warming my face and awakening me. Squinting through still sleepy eyes, it suddenly dawned on me that I was in my old bed and realization hit me.
Holy Crackers, I am getting married today.
Stretching, my hand brushed against a head of soft, silky, blonde hair. Turning, I looked at the little girl that laid next to me, and my heart thumped with unadulterated love.
Last night, we had a slumber party with Summer and Alley, since they insisted, I didn’t get to see the groom until I walked down the aisle to take his name. It was exhilarating and a little frightening all at the same time. Our girls’ night was a blast though, and my little girl had the time of her life, playing games, watching movies, and eating way too much junk with the three of us. Embry took to us all in no time flat and had adjusted like a champ. She was already calling the girls Aunt Summer and Aunt Alley—it was so damn cute. And her aunties were eating it up.
My girl is going to be spoiled rotten, the baby too.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t realized that she had woken up. When I looked back down, her sparkling blue eyes soaked me in. Her little voice warmed my insides when she spoke, and I realized for the millionth time in the last couple of weeks just how damn lucky I was.
“Do I get to wear my new dress now?” she asked, excitement evident in her sweet little voice.
When we’d gone to pick out what she’d be wearing today, she was in awe of all the fancy dresses. If she could have worn it every day she would have. “In just a little bit you will.”
“Will I look like a princess?”
“Yes, Angel, you will look just like a beautiful princess,” I assured her. And she would too. Today was going to be an incredibly special day. I smiled at her, and the grin I got back was worth a million bucks.
Pulling my angel into my arms, I hugged her close, breathing in her sweet smell. Tears gathered in my eyes, knowing she belonged to Braxton and me, and I loved her more than all the stars in the sky. Reluctant to let her go but knowing it was time to get a move on, I released her. “Let’s go find the girls and get some breakfast first, okay? Then we will start getting ready.”
“Yay, breakfast!” she shouted, tossing back the duvet and springing out of bed like a little monkey.
Embry loved breakfast. She could eat pancakes like there was no tomorrow. Drenched in syrup was her favorite, so you had to keep the bottle away from her. I’d found that out one morning when her plate looked like a lake and the waffle was MIA as syrup had run over the sides of the ceramic dish onto the granite countertop. I had one sticky girl on my hands and a bath came directly after.
Memories are already in the making.
We found my besties in the kitchen and the four of us ate, laughed, and talked about how the day would go down. It was nine in the morning and we were getting married at two in the afternoon, so we all cleaned up our mess and headed off to shower. The girls were all getting dressed here at my old house, while the guys were getting ready at Braxton’s and my place.
I couldn’t wait to get into my wedding dress and walk toward the man I loved. It may be a small ceremony, but Braxton insisted we still do it right. I knew it would be better than I had ever dreamed when I was a little girl because it was with Brax, and so many others around me that I loved dearly.
My gown was gorgeous, the girls had their deep peach bridesmaid dresses, my flower girl would be adorable in her white dress, with peach ribbon, and my mouth watered just picturing my man in a tux. The other guys I was sure would make a sight as well. Braxton had also hired people to set up everything and take it down, and a catering company for all the food, so we could all concentrate on just enjoying the day.
Even though we picked everything out together, with some help from our friends, I couldn’t wait to see it all set up with the finishing touches applied. With time ticking, I needed to get my butt moving and get ready to marry my schoolgirl crush. It was crazy to think he is the one that fate meant for me, yet our new beginning was just hours away.
A short time before I said two of the most important words of my life.
Braxton
Sleeping without Jurnee and waking up in bed alone again sucked big time.
I let the girls talk me into letting her stay with them, Embry too, as they went on about how it’s not good luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. Wanting Jurnee to have the full experience, I played along, but damn, I just wanted her with me.
After today, I might just tie my girl to the bed.
Not a bad idea, I thought, laughing to myself. Right now I needed to focus on today. The guys would be here soon to help make sure the people we hired got everything where we wanted it, and then we all had to get ready. Hopefully time would go by fast because I wanted to marry my girl right now, more than I wanted my next breath. And I wanted her and Embry home where they both belonged.
Throwing on a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt, I headed downstairs to grab some grub. Just as I got to the kitchen, the doorbell rang. Changing directions, I went to answer it. Gyth was standing on the other side when I swung open the big wooden door.
“Hey, man, you're early,” I said to him.
Not that I minded, the company was good to have since I was about to go out of my damn mind waiting for two o’clock to get here.
“I figure you could use some breakfast,” he said, holding up a takeout bag and coffee that looked like it came from a place not too far from here. The coffee was good and the pastries they had were amazing.
“Awesome, dude, get in here.” I grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and pulled him inside.
Gyth chuckled. “Hungry or something?”
“You know I love that place, and I need a distraction to keep myself busy, so this will have to do.”
“You nervous, man?” Gyth asked me, as I headed to the kitchen once again and he followed.
“No, not at all. I’m just ready to make her officially mine. It’s crazy because when we came back from overseas and our contracts were up, I didn’t have any intention of dating. I just planned to concentrate on getting the business off the ground. But one nigh
t out, that was all it took.”
“I’m happy for you, you’re a lucky bastard,” he said, a look of longing casting shadows on his face.
“Just wait,” I told him. “Your day will come. In fact, I think there’s a blonde you might be sweet on already,” I remarked in a teasing tone, as I wiggled my eyebrows at him.
“Dude, I’m in no shape to be dating and that one, she is so far out of my league.” His tone was stern, but he also sounded crestfallen.
Gyth was full of shit. Whoever could make him as happy as I was, is who he deserved. “Why would you say that?”
“The girl is beyond beautiful, she comes from money, she has been to college, does a job that is truly awesome helping others, is funny, sweet—should I go on?” He ticked off the list, but not without hiding his emotions. It was easy to see he thought pretty damn highly of Summer.
“Fuck that noise. You served your country, that injury of yours, bro, is because of trying to help save your brothers. You’re an amazing friend, a good son, and may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but generally you’re a cool dude.”
“Thanks, but let’s table this little talk for another day. Say maybe years from now when I can get my shit straightened out. Not that I see that changing anytime soon, but right now is about you.”
Just then the bell at the front door chimed again. Could have been the other guys, since Kace didn’t ride with Gyth over and Landon still hadn’t shown up yet, or maybe it was the people here to set up. Maybe both. It was getting to be that time, and I was ready.
“Saved by the bell, but don’t think I’ve forgotten we need to come back to this.”
“Yeah yeah,” he said, slapping me on the back. “Let’s go get your lovebird ass ready to get married, what do you say?”
“Nothing else I’d rather do,” I replied.
And that was the fucking truth.
Chapter Forty-Four
Entwined Souls (Soul Sister Book 1) Page 24
