I crash into bed and curl under the covers and Zeke follows behind, pulling me into his front. He kisses my shoulder and I snuggle into him closer.
“My dad told me you asked him for permission to marry me. He said that even though he didn’t know you very well, he knew your family. Plus, the fact that you even asked for his permission, he was impressed. He also said that he could tell that I was happy. That I almost glowed. I swear he knows I’m pregnant. He just had this smile and look on his face. It took everything in me not to blurt it out. He looked truly happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that kind of happiness on his face. Thank you,” I say, looking back and kissing Zeke’s nose.
“I’m so thankful this Thanksgiving. Thankful that you said yes, that I was able to score this beautiful woman who is now carrying my child. I’m thankful that I’m home and got to experience this with you and my family,” Zeke says, cradling my stomach. “Sleep, my sweet girl. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Thank you for being mine. I’m truly blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life,” I say, snuggling and quickly falling to sleep.
Zeke
I lay there for a while and just listen to her sleep. My arm is falling asleep from being under her head, but I can’t move. I don’t want to move. I love feeling her in my arms. I think back over this day and smile.
Watching football with the guys in my family is nothing less than hilarious. None of the teams that were playing were any of our teams, but we all picked sides. Not always the same one either. This made for some crazy bets and taunting and gloating.
Uncle Bradley has always secretly been my favorite uncle. I mean, he’s funny and a really cool guy. He’s never hidden any of his feelings for Uncle Bruce or Aunt Carrie from us. So, needless to say, the bets that he and Uncle Bruce were making were causing even me to blush.
Before dinner, I had asked Gracie’s dad if we could talk. I wanted to ask his permission to marry her. At the end of the conversation, we were both smiling and even gave each other a hug. I had his permission, which I was grateful for.
I get up the next morning and make my famous omelet. I brew a pot of decaf coffee. The sacrifices I’m willing to make for my girl. I put everything on a tray and head up the stairs. I see the bathroom door closed and set the tray down on a table in the hallway.
“Gracie, everything okay?” I ask, knocking lightly on the door.
I get a soft, “Morning sickness” as a reply. I ask if she needs me and I get a response of no and that she will be out in a few minutes. I look down and the food and grimace. I don’t think she’s going to want to eat.
I’m still standing there staring at the food when the door opens. “Oh my God, you cooked me breakfast? Your omelet too? Babe, that’s so sweet.”
“Sorry, I’ll get it out of here, I’m sure you probably don’t want to eat right now,” I say going to pick up the tray.
“Absolutely not. I’m good now and actually starving,” she says, picking up the tray and walking into the bedroom.
I follow behind her laughing at how she has a death grip on the tray. She scoots into the bed not spilling a thing. “Please tell me this is decaf,” she says, raising the cup to her nose and taking in a deep smell.
“I would never torture you like that, sweet girl, of course it’s decaf. I know it won’t give you that kick, but at least you can indulge in the taste,” I say, crawling in bed beside her.
“Please God, let me keep this down. I’m starving,” she says, taking a little sip and letting out a moan. “Oh, how I’ve missed you. I know you have no juice, but the taste is oh so good. I’ll pretend you are loaded.”
I watch as she takes another sip and waits to see if she will keep it down. With a smile, she picks up a fork and takes a small bite of the omelet. I continue to watch as she slowly chews and swallows. She shrugs her shoulders and continues to eat.
Getting that she’s not going to be sick, I grab a fork and take a few bites myself. We make it through the omelet with success. The smile she gives me when I set the tray to the side is one that I will always remember.
There are moments in my life with her that are profound. The first time we met eyes. The first date and hearing her sweet voice. Looking into her window and seeing her put on a little show for me. The moment I entered her and felt her lose herself to me. When I found out that I was going to be a dad, to her saying yes to being my wife. Yet the simple little smile that I get from her today is stored away as a treasured moment. I vow to make sure she has a reason to give me that smile every day for the rest of our lives.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Christmas in New York
Zeke
I got a call from my sister Destiny saying that she didn’t think that she was going to make it for Christmas. She lives in Long Island with her husband and three kids. One biologically and the other two adopted brother and sister.
Destiny went through a traumatic event in her childhood. In the end, she ended up with my mom and dad and grew into an amazing woman. She leads an advocacy for women of domestic violence, and I’ve always looked up to her and how she strives to give back so that others have the opportunity that she had.
She tells me about her plan to have a pretty big event that sounds like it’s bigger than the Salvation Army Christmas Tree that I’ve participated in every year. I ask if there is anything I can do to help and she immediately starts rattling off things.
“Do you think you and Gracie can really make it? It’s right before Christmas, so you won’t miss out on doing your own thing. I would love to have you here,” she says with excitement.
“Destiny. You are amazing. I would be honored to be a part of this. Let me talk to Gracie and see what we can do,” I say.
“Perfect. Let me know. I know the kids will be excited to see you. I hope you can make it. Love you,” she says.
“Love you, too, sis, talk soon,” I say, ending the call.
I walk out to the stables and find Gracie and tell her about the conversation that I had with Destiny.
“Oh wow, that sounds amazing. I would love to go and meet her. I’ve always heard so many good things about her. To give something back, I would be honored. I’m sure William will be fine with it. I’ve reduced my hours anyways and it’s only one or two days, right?” she asks.
“Yeah, I’m thinking we leave on Friday and come back on Monday. Just so it’s not rushed. I’m really excited about this. I’ve never seen her in her element. I’ve missed out on her kids, too. But I know how much this means to her. To be a part of it, finally…I’m really pumped,” I say, giving her a hug and a kiss.
Gracie
William has to be the best boss ever, or he just understands the value of family. He doesn’t blink an eye at my request to have off. I’ve always admired the diversity and love that this family displays. They have no idea of how inspirational they are, I believe this. As an outsider, I’ve always been in awe at the amount of love and acceptance they have shown.
It’s the weekend before our trip, so I talked Zeke into going Christmas shopping for his sister’s family.
I put him in charge of buying for Jeremy, Destiny’s husband, and his nephew Dawson. I take the girls, of course. The oldest is fifteen and I’m a little nervous on what to buy a girl that age. The youngest is ten, which is also a hard age. They can play with dolls one minute and think they are ready for makeup the next.
I find a couple of holiday scented candles and a beautiful cashmere scarf for Destiny. I’m standing in the middle of the mall looking between a tchotchke trinket type jewelry store and a makeup store. I must look lost because a woman and her daughter walk up and stand beside me.
“What are the ages?” the woman asks.
“Sorry?” I say. “Oh, do I look that confused? Umm, one is fifteen and the other in ten, and I’ve never met them.”
“Hard ages,” she laughs as I nod my head looking at her for any insight she can provide.
I’m guessing it
’s her daughter who takes my hand and says, “I’m twelve. That’s about exactly in between the two. I don’t sit on Santa’s lap anymore, so maybe this will help me get the gift I really want.” Laughing, I let her lead me into the jewelry store.
“Okay, so these are really popular right now. You can make your own necklaces and bracelets. The cool thing about them is you can continue to buy add on packages. I suggest the starter pack and maybe one add on. This is for the ten-year-old, by the way,” she says, picking up a starter pack and taking a second to look over the add on packages.
I go and pay and the daughter grabs my hand and leads me over to the makeup store. Her mom is smiling the whole time and I’m just grateful that, somehow, I was blessed to meet this child.
She leads me over to a section that looks like it’s made just for teenagers. I’m in awe at the selections.
“Now, the older girls are into all these online makeup tutorials. Contouring and all that stuff. So, for the fifteen-year-old, I suggest getting her one of these kits. It even comes with a list of the online tutorials that promote this product to help her with the application. Even if she’s not allowed to wear makeup yet, which would just be totally unrealistic, she can at least try it at home,” she says, shrugging her shoulder and giving her mom a look.
I’m cracking up laughing at this amazing kid who I finally learn is Jessica. “Yeah, right. Nothing wrong with trying it out a home, right mom?” I say, looking at her mom who just shakes her head and smiles.
“Jessica, thank you so much for noticing a woman in shear desperation. I couldn’t have done it without you. I see a job as a personal shopper in your future,” I say, giving her and her mom a hug.
I’m holding my packages and asking them if I can treat them to ice cream when Zeke walks up and wraps his arms around me and kisses my temple.
“Wow, is that your boyfriend? He’s cute!” Jessica says and then blushes. “Sorry did I just blurt that out loud?”
I introduce them and tell Zeke how Jessica was such a help to me today. They pass on the offer of ice cream but we exchange numbers. I didn’t really get a chance to talk with the mom, but if her daughter is that awesome, she has to be as well.
Zeke
Another road trip. I actually love road trips with Gracie. There is never a dull moment. Even when she falls asleep, I’m giving the privilege of watching her. I just can’t believe how beautiful she is and she is all mine.
She captures videos of me singing. Every moment is documented for her little blog. It’s like the old-time home movies that we will pull together and show our kids and grandkids one day.
We make it to my sister’s house in record time. We grab the presents out of the truck and are greeted at the door by Jeremy.
“Did you have a good trip? No issues?” Jeremy asks, letting us in the door.
“No issues, the traffic wasn’t bad at all. I think we came through at a good time of the day,” I say, setting the presents at my feet and giving him a man hug. “Jeremy, this is my fiancé Gracie.”
Jeremy is a good foot taller than I am and I laugh as Gracie stands there cranking her head back to look at him. “You’re Jeremy Winters.”
Laughing, Jeremy says, “That would be my name, yes.”
“Zeke, it’s Jeremy Winters. Why didn’t you tell me?” she exclaims.
“I didn’t think you would know who he even was to be honest,” I say.
“I watch sports. I may not be a huge basketball fan, but I know who Jeremy Winters is for goodness sake,” she says still staring up at him. “Wow, okay Gracie stop looking like a star struck idiot. Um, I hate to be rude, but I really need to use the restroom.”
“Sure thing, right down the hall the first door on your right is a powder room,” Jeremy says as Gracie takes off practically running. “Your girl is funny. I have to say I’ve never had that reaction before.”
Smiling, I say, “She has a tendency to ramble when she’s nervous. I seriously didn’t think she would even know who you were, no offense.”
“None taken. Come in and get comfortable. Destiny is finalizing some things for the event and should be home soon. Kids will be home from school soon as well. It’s good to have you here. Destiny has been really excited to see you both,” Jeremy says, leading me into the living room.
Gracie joins us a few minutes later and seemed to have regained her normalcy around Jeremy. It’s not long before the kids come storming into the house. There’s backpacks flying and they are all trying to talk at once.
When they finally realize Gracie and I are there, they shout “Uncle Zeke” in unison. I introduce them to Gracie and tell them she will be their Aunt soon. They start calling her Auntie Grace almost immediately. This creates a smile on Gracie’s face that fills my heart.
Destiny comes home and immediately pulls me into a hug. I’ve missed her hugs so much. We stand and hug for what seems like five minutes and I almost get choked up.
Pizza is ordered and devoured and presents are exchanged and opened. I believe that Gracie has won the award of favorite aunt with her choice of gifts.
It seems the whole family is placing Gracie in high regard. I’m okay with that, since I hold her in high regard, too. She just has something about her that is easy to love.
The next morning, we all pile into Destiny’s SUV and head into the city. There’s a Boy’s and Girl’s Club that is in a fairly large building. Several clubs got together to join in this event. Admission is free to any club member and their families and there are several things going on for all the kids.
Jeremy and some of his old NBA buddies are playing basketball with some of the older teens. I somehow got signed up to be the entertainment. I had a feeling this was going to happen, so I placed a call to Lee who came through and showed up with the band. You should have seen the eyes on everyone when they all walked through the door.
One mini concert later and tons of junk food, someone dressed in a Santa suit comes out followed by a bunch of people dressed as elves carrying big red satchels. I laugh when I notice that Gracie is one of those elves. It feels so wrong that I’m totally turned on right now. I wonder if she can keep the outfit.
Gracie
I’m drifting around helping out where I can, but I don’t feel like I’m doing enough. Destiny pulls me aside and says she needs help with the next event, but it means I have to dress in an elf suit. At first, I think that I’m too big to fit in an elf costume, but surprisingly the material is stretchy and I think I look pretty damn good. We haven’t said anything about the pregnancy, but I’m worried about carrying heavy objects, so after getting changed, I pull Destiny aside.
“Oh my God, you look adorable,” she says smiling.
“Thanks. Umm, we didn’t want to say anything just yet, but I think I need you to know that I’m pregnant,” I say, looking down at my feet.
“Oh…wow…that’s wonderful! I’m going to be an aunt. I’m so excited for you guys. Okay, I’ll make sure you get the light packages. So, am I the only one that knows?” she says with a huge smile on her face.
“Well, Akia knows. She’s the one that forced me to take the damn test, even though I thought there was no way I could be pregnant. I was on the pill and never missed a day. She’s pregnant, too, and got it in her head that we could be pregnant together and stuff. Turned out she was right. But other than that, yes, you are the only one that knows,” I say.
“Yes! I love it when I have inside information. I don’t know if you know this, but our family can be somewhat competitive. Especially Uncle Bradley. I can’t wait to tell him I knew the whole time,” she says, pulling me in for a hug. “I’m happy for you. I can tell that you really love Zeke and that he loves you. Hell, the short time I’ve been around you, I think I love you, too.”
Laughing I say, “Yeah, I love you, too, and your family.”
We all head out behind Santa and I can feel his eyes on me. I look over and see Zeke adjust himself. He has that look on his face as he looks m
e up and down. It feels like he is undressing me with his eyes. I instantly feel myself grow wet. A simple look and I’m done.
I don’t know how she pulled it off, but every kid there got a present. She had them labeled gender and age specific. These weren’t dollar store items either. We are talking Kindles and Xbox consoles. I was amazed. The kids were almost in shock when they opened them.
I have to say this was one of the best days I’ve ever experienced. I can’t believe how good I feel just being a part of this. I tried to see if I could keep the costume, but they were rentals and needed to be returned. I’ll have to see if I can get myself a sexy one to role play with. I can only imagine how Zeke would react.
We get back to the house and say our goodnights. Zeke and I go to the guest bedroom, and I instantly crash into bed. I feel him crawl behind me and pull me close.
Finding Solace (The Finding Series Book 4) Page 15
