Finding Solace (The Finding Series Book 4)

by C. J. Allison

  “Dad I need to tell you something…you are going to be a grandfather,” I say and rush to continue. “It’s not the reason why we are getting married, but sort of the reason why we don’t want to wait. I want to be married before the baby comes, and I don’t want to be big as a whale when we do. It’s a miracle really. I know you probably don’t want details, but I was on reliable protection.”

  “Wow. I’m going to be a Pap. I knew something was different with you. I just thought it was just you being extremely happy,” he says, pulling me in for hug.

  “Well I am extremely happy, too,” I say, laughing. “I wanted to tell you since I had to tell William to explain why I couldn’t do certain things on the farm. It’s only a matter of time until word gets out, and I wanted you to hear it from me.”

  It’s getting about time for him to head off to bowling, so we say our goodbyes. I take one more look at the picture I took in Mom’s dress and drive home.

  Zeke

  I see the smile on her face as she comes in the door and instantly know. “It fit,” I say, smiling.

  “It fit,” she says, dancing in place.

  “That’s fantastic. I can’t wait to see you in it,” I says.

  “Is Pam in our kitchen cooking? I smell something good,” Gracie says, giving me a hug and a kiss.

  “Yeah, I invited her over for dinner, and she kind of just took over. I know when not to interfere when it comes to her cooking,” I respond. “My mom and dad will be here soon. Everything okay with your dad?”

  “Really good. He said that I needed to wear the dress, Mom would have wanted it. We had a really good conversation and I believe he was overjoyed at the thoughts of being, as he called it, a Pap,” she says, scratching my beard.

  I love when she does that. I love to feel her touch, but it’s like a thing of ours when she scratches the beard. I don’t think I will ever shave it, just because of the feelings she stirs in me when she runs her fingers through it.

  My mom and dad show up and we all take our seats at the table. Pam may be old, but the girl still has it. Everything looks incredible. My dad takes charge as he normally does and says the prayer as we all hold hands. I get a flash of memory of me as a kid with Destiny sitting around our table doing this exact same thing. I never thought of it as special back then, but now, it means so much to me.

  We start eating and my leg is bouncing. “Mom, Dad… and of course Gram Pam…we have some news that we want to share.”

  I see my mom set her fork down and look to my dad for what I understand now as his direction.

  “It’s a miracle really. Totally not planned, but completely welcomed. We are pregnant…well Gracie is, but you know,” I say, looking around the table at the reactions.

  I see my mom cover her mouth with her hands and immediately stand up. “Oh my…Ezekiel. I’m going to be a Granny again? This is the best news ever!” She comes around that table and grabs both me and Gracie into an embrace.

  Gram Pam is just sitting there with a look on her face that I can’t interpret. I can’t even look at my dad at this point because I’m too curious about her.

  “Two babies,” Gram Pam says “Akia and Gracie, I mean. I never thought I would live long enough to see all these great grandchildren. I was just thinking about Bill and how much he would have loved being a part of this.”

  Gracie immediately stands and goes over to give her a hug. “He and my mom are staring down and smiling. They are here and see this, I just know it.”

  “Okay, enough sadness. Gracie, you are right. Let’s eat and celebrate life and the joy of bringing a new one into the world,” Gram Pam says, patting Gracie’s arm.

  I finally look at my dad and see his beaming smile. “I hope he turns out just like you. I’m proud of you, boy.”

  Laughing, I say “He, huh? What makes you sure it’s going to be a boy?”

  “You’ll never understand how I feel until you have a boy of your own,” he says, chuckling.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Forever My Girl

  Zeke

  The day quickly arrives and I’m a nervous wreck. I can’t seem to get my stupid tie right. My dad steps over to me and grabs my hands.

  “I got you. Let me. Take a deep breath. Damn, boy, you’re sweating,” Dad says, making a perfect Windsor knot.

  “Were you this nervous with Mom?” I ask.

  “I was nervous, but mostly excited. What are you so nervous about?” he asks.

  “I don’t know. I just want it to be perfect for her, I guess. She’s here, right?” I say, wiping the sweat off my smooth head.

  “Yes, Ezekiel, of course, she’s here. Your mom is with her and says Gracie is bouncing. Whatever that means,” Dad says, laughing.

  A big smile forms on my face as I picture her doing that bouncing thing she always does when she is excited. My phone dings, so I pull it out of my pants pocket and swipe to unlock it.

  Gracie: I’m so excited. I love you. See you soon.

  I respond quickly.

  Me: I love you so much. Can’t wait to see you walk down that aisle.

  Putting my phone back into my pocket, I feel a sense of calm come over me. It’s like she knew that I needed to hear from her. Sometimes she amazes me. I’m so lucky to have found her.

  We are summoned by the preacher, who says it’s time. My dad gives me a big hug and a slap on the back and heads out. I follow him with Lee behind me.

  Lee pats me on the back as we walk out into the church and take our places. It’s just him and I at the front of the church. I see my mom sitting in the front pew with my dad, who just takes his seat next to her. She’s already dabbing the tears from her eyes.

  I look around the church and am met with smiles of all my family and close friends. There’s a single white rose sitting on the opposite front pew of my parents. I know this is symbolic to represent Gracie’s mom.

  Music starts and the back doors open. Akia steps through and walks down the aisle. You can see her baby bump showing and she looks like she is glowing. Once she’s in place, the music changes to the wedding march. I take a deep breath and blow it out.

  I’m shifting from side to side in anticipation. I feel Lee place his hand on my shoulder to stop my movements. When I see Gracie and her dad step into view, my heart skips and starts pounding. I feel a lump form in my throat and I try to clear my throat. I look quickly to my feet and send up a prayer.

  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for bringing this beautiful woman into my life. I am forever grateful.

  I look back up and smile as I watch them walk down the aisle. She looks incredible. Her dress looks amazing on her. She has a small crown on her head with a small veil attached. Her hair is done like our first date, all in curls flowing down over her shoulders.

  They make it in front of me and I can see her eyes are glistening, but her smile is huge. Her dad gives her a kiss on the cheek and places her hand in mine. We turn towards the minister but never break eye contact. I’m no longer nervous. I know this is my forever standing beside me. We both mouth the words I love you at the same time.

  Gracie

  I have the feeling my mom is hugging me as I slip into the dress. It feels a little tighter around my stomach, but when I look in the mirror, it’s not very noticeable. I don’t really care anyways.

  Zeke’s mom, Jamie, helps me put the small crowned veil made of crystals on the top of my head and secure it with hair pins. She gives me a kiss on the cheek and steps around to my front.

  Squeezing my hands, she says, “You look simply gorgeous. I’m so proud to call you my daughter. Thank you for being the reason that Zeke finally came home. I had hoped he would one day, but I’m so happy that you are the reason why. I also can’t wait for this little one to come into the world,” she says, softly placing her hand on my stomach.

  I start bouncing around the room in excitement. Jamie and Akia start laughing at my movements. Jamie steps out to talk to Zeke’s dad, Sam, as I twirl around the room. />
  When she comes back in, she says that Sam told her that Zeke seemed nervous, but he had things under control.

  “I’m not nervous at all,” I say, grabbing my phone and sending Zeke a quick text telling him that I love him. Hopefully this will settle his nerves.

  I get a quick response and smile. My dad pokes his head in the door and says that it’s time. I grab my bouquet and lace my hand through my dad’s arm.

  I hear the music start from the other side of the door. Dad clears his throat and says, “Gracie Lynn. You look absolutely stunning in your mom’s dress. I’m so happy for you and Zeke. Remember to always respect each other and never go to bed angry. Tell him you love him every single day, even if you are mad at him. Don’t let one day go by without showing him how much you care about him. I love you very much. Let’s go get you married.”

  After Akia makes her way down the aisle, Dad and I step into the doorway. My eyes connect with Zeke immediately. He looks incredible in his tux. He’s shifting back and forth until I see Lee reach up and place his hand on his shoulder to stop him. I see him bow his head briefly and look back up meeting my eyes again.

  I never take my eyes off his as we make it down the aisle. I can feel tears of happiness start to form in my eyes. My smile is so large I know my cheeks are going to hurt after this is over.

  With a kiss on the cheek, my dad places my hand in Zeke’s. We turn towards the preacher but never break eye contact. I giggle when we both mouth the words I love you at the same time.

  We say our vows and exchange rings, continuing to keep eye contact. I can feel his love for me pouring off him. When the preacher says, “You may now kiss the bride,” Zeke takes my face in both hands and places a sweet kiss on my lips. At the announcement of presenting us as Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Boyd, I throw my arms in the air.

  We practically jog down the aisle. After greeting everyone, we step back in the church and take a few photos. We then exit as everyone throws bird seed as we race hand and hand to the limo.

  We are the only ones riding inside, so I make sure the privacy glass is raised as I raise my dress and straddle Zeke’s lap.

  “I’m not waiting until tonight to consummate this marriage. I need you,” I say, undoing Zeke’s belt and pulling him out of his pants. He’s already hard.

  He leans around me and presses the intercom button. “Drive around until I pound on the glass, would you?”

  Once he receives confirmation, he leans back and reaches under my dress. He softly kisses up my neck until he reaches my mouth and dives in. He slides my panties to the side and I guide him to my opening. I slide down on him as we continue to kiss. The movement of the limo causes us to shift around, but we never lose our rhythm.

  “You feel so good, Mrs. Boyd,” Zeke growls.

  “You feel so good, too, Mr. Boyd,” I moan.

  I feel him swell and slam down on him and squeeze out my orgasm, throwing my head back and almost losing my veil. He squeezes my hips as he grinds up emptying inside of me.

  We stay connected and press our foreheads together as we catch our breaths. “Don’t clean up. I want to know I’m on you and in you the whole night,” Zeke says.

  I laugh as I slip off of him and get myself situated. Zeke does the same and knocks on the privacy glass. We pull up a few minutes later to the restaurant and walk in hand in hand. As we are greeted by the guests with clapping, we take our seats at the head table. Akia is snickering beside me, so I look over at her and ask what is so funny.

  “Let me take off your veil, looks like it got a little crooked on your way over here,” she says, reaching up and pulling out the hair pins.

  “Oh God, how embarrassing,” I say.

  I look out to the guests just as Bradley holds up a wine glass and yells out, “You go, Z-man.”

  Zeke

  Leave it to Uncle Bradley to notice Gracie’s veil was crooked. I kiss her on the cheek to say I’m sorry, but she just shrugs it and smiles. I know she’s embarrassed by the glow on her cheeks, but my girl takes it in stride.

  We get through dinner and Lee stands to give his speech. After getting everyone’s attention, he lifts the mic and starts, “Good evening everyone. I can’t tell you how honored I was to be asked by Zeke to be his best man. I first met Zeke when he was only eighteen years old, driving across the country on his way to Texas. During his time in Nashville, he helped me and my band out when one of our guitarists got sick. He has an amazing voice, if none of you realized or have heard him. We kept in touch over the years, and I got to see this young adventure seeking boy grow into an amazing man. When the band started to take off and get popular, I even asked him to join us on tour once. At that time in his life, he had finished college and was establishing himself into a really good job, so he declined. However, whenever we played in Texas, he always came to our shows.

  “The first time I met Gracie, I knew instantly that these two were meant to be together forever. You could just see the love they had between them. It was almost tangible. Oh, and Gracie has a beautiful voice, too, by the way. I was thrilled to hear that they were getting married. When I hung up the phone, I turned to my wife and said, ‘Told ya so.’ I wish you two the best in what life has to offer you. I hope you are blessed with kids because you will make some beautiful children together. With that, please raise your glasses in a toast to the new Mr. and Mrs. Ezekiel Boyd.”

  Gracie and I stand and both give him a hug. “Thank you, that brought back a lot of memories,” I say.

  “It’s not customary for the Maid or Matron of Honor to say anything, but I’d like to, if that’s okay,” Akia says into the mic.

  I nod my head and she continues. “Zeke. Growing up we were inseparable. You were my best friend and protector…even when I didn’t want you to be,” she says, smiling and making me laugh.

  “Seriously people. It was a wonder I ever had a boyfriend in high school. But anyway, you’ve always been a special part of my life and my heart. It’s a bond stronger than blood and I’m so grateful to be a part of this special day.”

  “Gracie. You are my girl. We’ve grown closer over this past year. I couldn’t think of a better match than you for Zeke. The love oozes off the two of you. Thank you for bring him home.” Akia drops the mic causing a screech and engulfs us in a hug.

  I feel a lump in my throat when I hear her and Gracie both sniffing and laughing at the same time.

  “Hormones,” I say, swallowing hard. “You know. You are the reason this all happened. If you wouldn’t have broken my heart, things may have turned out differently, and I would still be that miserable punk from back then.”

  “Nah. If it’s meant to be it will be. You two are meant to be. You would have found each other eventually,” she says, kissing my cheek and stepping back.

  I pull Gracie further in my arms and look into her eyes. “You are right. We are definitely meant to be.”

  After gaining our composure, we go through the motions of cutting the cake that my mom made. I never realized how talented she was, the cake was incredible and tasted amazing. For our first dance, Lee sang us one of his songs he recently wrote called “Forever My Girl.” We were the first to get to hear it and it was perfect.

  We continue to dance and have a lot of fun, but I can tell that Gracie is starting to get tired. We say goodbye to our guests and I take us home. I carry her from the truck to the house and over the threshold. Using my foot, I close the door and proceed to carry her up the steps. I place her on the bed and help her out of her dress. Removing my clothes, I crawl into bed pulling her into my arm.

  “I know you are exhausted, sweet girl. Go to sleep. I love you, wife,” I say, cuddling in closer.

  “I love you, husband,” she says, pushing her head under my chin and kissing my chest.

  I lay awake loving the feeling of her in my arms. I can’t believe that she’s my wife. It sounds so unreal. Reflecting back on how I got to today seems like a dream. I never thought that my journey in life would bring m
e right back to the place I thought I never wanted to be. But now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

  We decided to wait to go on a honeymoon until after the baby is born. I want Gracie to be able to enjoy a frozen cocktail with the little umbrella. If we can time it right, we may just go along with the family to the resort. Although she’s not due until the end of July, it may not be this year we’d get to go, but I’d love to be able to be on the other side and enjoy everything as a guest. Gracie didn’t really get to experience the full effect of the resort either. I’ll have to run the idea by her. I fall asleep with the sweet smell of her hair and the pressure of her body half on me.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Baby Makes Three