Finding Solace (The Finding Series Book 4)

by C. J. Allison

  “You looked really sexy in that elf costume,” Zeke says, kissing the back of my head.

  “I could tell. I’ll get one, promise,” I say, cuddling down.

  “Good. I love you, sweet girl,” he responds.

  “I love you, too. Forever,” I respond.

  “Forever sounds good to me,” he says as his breathing gets heavier.

  I fall asleep in the arms of the man I love. The one that I see always in my future.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Wedding Plans

  Zeke

  “We never talked about when to get married. Do you want to get married before or after the baby is born?” I ask as we drive back home.

  “Well, I’ve always pictured both a big and a small wedding. I don’t really care, Zeke. Just being your wife is what matters. I’d rather not be huge, but I’d really like to be married before the baby comes,” she says with a shrug.

  “So, let’s make plans. I want this to be as special as I can make it. I don’t want just a justice of the peace, wham bam kind of nuptials. I want as many of our family members as we can there to celebrate. Other than that, I don’t really care either,” I say, looking over and smiling.

  “I’m a month along and won’t start really showing for at least two or three more months. Can we pull something off that quick? With the holidays and everything?” she says.

  “Let’s call my mom. She pulled her and dad’s off fairly quickly. I bet she’ll jump right in and take care of things. Just make sure you keep tabs on her, she can be a bit of a whirlwind,” I say.

  I hit the phone button on the steering wheel and hear the phone ringing through the speakers. Mom answers and I tell her our plan. Within minutes she has Gracie’s favorite color and flower. She says that she will call their church to see what dates can be worked with and get back to us. She also suggests a local restaurant that has rooms you can rent for the reception and says she’ll give them a call as well to see if there are coordinating dates to work with.

  I hang up and pull Gracie’s hand to my lips. “That was easy. Looks like we are getting married soon.”

  “I can’t wait,” she says, bouncing in her seat.

  We are about an hour away from home when my mom calls us back. “January twenty-sixth. Both church and restaurant are being held upon confirmation and deposit. I called the florist that your dad gets my flowers from. Since we are their most frequent and loyal customers, they are giving us a discount. She can do fresh or silk gardenias and stargazer lilies. Silk will be cheaper and quicker to get in to work with. When are you going to be home?”

  “Take a breath, Mom. We will be home in about an hour.” I look at Gracie, who is smiling as tears run down her face. “January twenty-sixth?”

  “January twenty-sixth,” she says, nodding her head and wiping the tears away.

  “Got it. I’ll confirm and take care of the deposit. Gracie, I’ll be over tonight. We got this. Drive safe and see you both later,” she says as the phone goes dead.

  “Wow, you weren’t kidding. Your mom is amazing,” she says, pulling out her phone and marking the date on the calendar.

  There’s a buzz of excitement the rest of the ride home. Gracie called all her friends with the news. It makes me smile to hear her so happy.

  Gracie

  I feel like my head is spinning with all the thoughts rolling through it. I’m trying to mentally tick off the things I’m going to need to do before the wedding.

  After talking with Akia, I think about what she said about her wedding. You do all this planning and in a blink, it’s over. The only thing she really remembers is the food, friends, and family that were there. Oh, and her dress. So that’s all I’m going to worry about. I don’t care what the cake looks like. I don’t care about anything but becoming Mrs. Gracie Boyd. So, I’m going to make sure all my friends and family know the date and times and figure out my dress. Since Jamie was able to secure the restaurant, we’ll just need to go over the menu and that will be done. I’ve gone to receptions there before, so I know they already have the twinkling lights and nice decorations, so I’m not worried about any of those details.

  Speaking of dresses, I always thought that I would alter my mom’s wedding dress and wear it for mine. She was built exactly like me, so I’m hoping nothing much will need done.

  I always loved her dress. It was simple silk with a sweetheart cut but had lace across the chest and down the arms. The back has a deep v exposing almost the entire back area. It’s elegant and I’ve always pictured myself in it one day. I call my dad to give him a heads up to pull it down from the attic and let him know he has to cancel any plans that day so he can walk me down the aisle. I can hear him choke up a bit when he responds that nothing would stop him from missing it.

  I can feel the tears start to well up as I disconnect the call. I feel Zeke place his hand on my shoulder and squeeze. “You okay?” he asks.

  “Just sad thinking about my mom not being here. I could hear Dad’s voice crack a bit. I want to wear her dress, but I’m second guessing myself. I don’t want to make him sad. Emotions are going to be running high as it is for both of us,” I say, leaning my cheek against his hand.

  He runs his thumb under my eye attempting to wipe the tears that continue to flow. “Talk to him about it first before you change your mind. I mean, this is going to be one of the happiest days of my life. I’m sure that was one of his, too, when he married your mom. It may bring back happy and good memories. If it means that much to you, I’m sure he will understand. You may be surprised with his reaction, or you will at least know for sure and not think back and have any regrets that you didn’t ask.”

  “There you go with your wise and sweet words. Thank you. I’ll talk to him about it when I go try on the dress. Who knows, it may not even fit or be capable of being altered if it doesn’t.” I wipe my face and blow my nose and then lean across the truck, scratching his beard and giving him a kiss.

  As we pull into our driveway, Jamie pulls in right beside us. “Perfect timing, damn I’m good,” she says, getting out of her Volkswagen. For as long as I’ve known her, that’s the only type of car she has owned.

  She pulls out a big binder that has tabs that appear to already to be written on. Walking towards the house, she looks back at me and says, “Get a move on, young lady, we’ve got a wedding to plan.”

  Jamie had menus printed off from the restaurant and Zeke and I quickly marked the things we wanted. She then flips to the next tab with pictures of wedding cakes.

  “Oh my God. How did you pull this off so quickly?”

  “Sweetie, I’m an activities director remember, and even though you may not think so, we have actually had a few weddings at the living facility. Plus, I’ve been dabbling in cake decorating. These are actually ones that I have done. If you don’t like any of these, I’m sure I can make one you do like,” she says proudly.

  “Wow, umm, I really like this one, but can I have stargazer lilies down and around instead?” I ask.

  “Of course. Is there anything else you would want to change?” she says, marking a big circle around the picture.

  “No, it’s perfect and beautiful. You are really talented,” I say. “What are the other tabs for?”

  “Dress shops, which I understand we don’t need. Invitation ideas, which we may need to discuss since this is a quick turnaround. I’m thinking we do quick postcards that direct your guests to a web site that I’ll help get set up, and they can reply with whether they can make it or not. We can also email them instead with a link to the website or both. Do you have an idea of who you are going to invite? I’ll need an estimated head count to make sure we have enough room at the restaurant,” Jamie says.

  “I’ll be happy with just close friends and family. Off the top of my head, I’m thinking around thirty on my side,” I say and look at Zeke.

  “Let’s make it seventy-five for now then, just to be safe,” Zeke says.

  At this point, everything
is mostly planned. I can’t believe it. We still have work to do, but in one evening, Jamie has it all organized and ready. I’m in awe and totally exhausted.

  We fall into bed together and Zeke worships every inch of my body, sending me over the edge twice. I don’t even remember falling asleep, but I know I was smiling when I did.

  The next morning I’m awoken by the smell of omelet and coffee. Zeke has again brought me breakfast in bed. “You are going to spoil me by doing this all the time,” I say, sitting up and setting the tray on my lap.

  “My sweet girl. It is my job to spoil you. I want nothing more than to be the reason you smile every second of every day,” he says, crawling into bed and grabbing a fork full of eggs.

  “You don’t have to do anything special to make me smile. I smile every day knowing that I’m carrying your child and will soon be your wife,” I say, smiling. “Damn, that sounded really mushy. Maybe we should write a romance novel about us.”

  “It would be a hell of a story. I know I’d read it,” he says, laughing. “It was a bit mushy, but if it’s honest, that’s all that matters. I love you, sweet girl.”

  “I love you, too. I’m going to put in a few hours on the farm and then head over to Dad’s after. What do you have planned today?” I ask.

  “I’m going to go ask people to be in my wedding. I’m a little lost on who to have as my best man, though, on such short notice. I mean I have friends, but I can’t say that I have a best friend. Pretty sad when I think about it. I thought about just asking my dad. He’s everything to me. Yet, I thought about Lee and even Jeremy. I have no clue what to do,” Zeke says.

  I start running my hand over his bald head and say, “I know how much you look up to your dad. There’s nothing wrong if you choose him. Yet, I saw the connection that you and Lee have. There’s something special there, too. As for Jeremy, there’s a connection between you two as well. I say if they can, they should all be in the wedding party. Honestly, I’m sort of in the same situation. I want Akia to be my matron of honor, of course. Other than that, I have no clue who else to ask. Would it be strange to have your mom and Destiny as part of the wedding? If we do that, then it would make more sense to have Lee as your best man, that way the wives can be paired up together with their husbands. Or we can just forgo anyone else and just do matron of honor and best man.”

  “It’s a small wedding. I think we should do that. I’ll see if I can get Lee and we’ll keep it at that. You say I have wise words of wisdom, but I think you do, too. Communication. Sometimes that is all is needed to work things out. Thank you, babe,” he says, looking at his phone. I’m sure he’s trying to decide if it’s too early to call Lee.

  “Call him. I’ll bet he will answer even it’s early. If he does, you know you made the right choice,” I say, setting the tray aside and heading to the bathroom to get ready for work.

  I’m in the shower and hear the door open and close. The shower curtain moves and Zeke steps inside with me. I feel his hardness against my ass and instantly start grinding against him. He pushes lightly on my shoulders and I plant my hands flat against the wall bending over. No words are spoken as I feel him slide slowly inside of me. It never ceases to amaze me on how incredible he feels each time. With one hand on my shoulder and one hand on my hip, he starts to pick up speed. He’s pulling me back as he pushes forward. The only sound is of our bodies slapping together and the groans that continue to grow louder. He makes my whole body come to life. I feel him swell and I’m pushed over the edge the same time he releases inside of me.

  “Love you, sweet girl,” he says, holding me close and kissing my temple.

  “Love you, too, beast,” I say, laughing.

  “Lee answered and said he would be honored, so it’s done. I’m taking your advice and leaving it at that,” he say, giving me another kiss.

  “I had a feeling that was how it was going to go. It’s going to be perfect,” I sigh.

  “It already is,” he says.

  I put in a few hours on the farm helping William in the office. I ended up tell him about the pregnancy, and he immediately gave me more office responsibilities. Seems he’s just as protective as Zeke. He doesn’t even want me in the barn or stables any longer. Which sucks, I love those horses.

  I think word is going to travel quickly, so I’m going to tell my dad tonight and I’m getting Zeke to invite his parents over to dinner so we can tell them and Pam. I thought about having Dad come, too, so we could announce it all at once, but tonight is my dad’s bowling night.

  I know I will only have a few hours if I don’t get over there now. I call Zeke to tell him my plan and to see if his parents can make it on such short notice. He wanted to go with me, but I told him if the dress did work out, it was bad luck for him to see me in it. He pouted for a few minutes, but eventually gave in.

  I get to my dad’s and walk in to see him standing in the living room, staring at the box that my mom’s dress is in.

  “Dad, are you alright?” I say.

  “Marrying your mom was one of the happiest days of my life, Gracie Lynn. I’m a little nervous to see that dress again,” he says, looking over his shoulder at me with a sad smile.

  “Oh Dad, I was worried about that. I don’t have to wear it if it’s going to cause you any pain,” I say, wrapping my arms around his belly and hugging him from behind.

  “You will wear it if you can. You’ve always looked at our wedding pictures and said you would, even when your mom was alive. I know she will be looking down on you and be smiling. I wouldn’t want to piss your mom off by being the reason you don’t wear it. I can almost feel her slapping me in the back of the head,” he says with a soft chuckle and patting my arms.

  I hesitantly release him from the hug and walk around him. Sitting down on the couch, I run my hand over the sealed box.

  “Help me open it?” I ask.

  He pulls out a pocket knife and sits down beside me. Carefully he cuts the tape as I slowly open the lid. I can feel the tears start to flow down my face. “It’s still beautiful.”

  “Go try it on. Let’s see it,” Dad says as he stands.

  Pulling the dress carefully out of the box, I fold it over my arm and go into the den. I shut the door and hang it on the back and take a few minutes to just look it over. I can see my mom wearing it just like in the pictures and smiling at me.

  Taking a deep breath and blowing it out, I undress. I’m now scared that it’s not going to fit. I’m pacing back and forth biting my bottom lip.

  “Okay, Gracie, just do it,” I whisper to myself.

  Pulling the dress off the delicate hanger, I unzip and unbutton the back. I close my eyes as I step into it. Putting my arms through the lace sleeves, I pull each side up on my shoulders. I reach behind me and slowly raise the zipper to the small of my back. It closes without issue. I take another cleansing breath and look into the mirror that’s attached to the back of the door.

  At first, I see my mom looking back at me, then slowly see that it’s me. I didn’t realize how much I looked like her until now. It fits. In fact, it fits so well, I don’t think I’ll need alterations at all. I just hope there is room for the added baby weight I will undoubtedly gain over the next month.

  I slowly open the door to see my dad on the other side. “Oh wow. It’s a perfect fit. You look just as stunning as your mom did all those years ago. I’m so proud of you. You are going to wear it, right?”

  “I can’t imagine wearing any other dress. Especially now that I see myself in it,” I say, running my hands down the front and sides.

  “I can take it to the cleaners for you and keep it here so Zeke doesn’t see it, if you’d like,” Dad says.

  “Thank you, that would be perfect. Let me get changed. I know you have bowling tonight, but I want to talk to you about something beforehand,” I say stepping back and closing the door.

  One obstacle completed. I stand and stare at myself in the mirror for a few more minutes. Before I take off the dress
, I take a quick photo. I gently put the dress back on the hanger and put it on the hook on the back of the door.

  Dad is sitting on the couch holding a photo. I see that it’s him and Mom. He gives me that gentle soft smile and pats the couch next to him.

  I sit down and lean my head against his shoulder and look down at the photo. “I feel her smiling down on us right now. I know she sees us. I’m so happy the dress fits. I can’t wait to walk you down the aisle. I’m surprised how fast this all happened, but I can tell you that I knew the moment I met your mom that she was my forever. I miss her every day.”

  “I do, too, Dad. You know that when I put on the dress and looked in the mirror, I swear it was her looking back at me. Smiling,” I say, looking up at him.

  “You look a lot like her. I’m happy for that. My little girl is a beautiful reminder of the love we shared,” he says, tapping my nose with his finger.