Surrender

by Rachel Ryan

  I was able to get a lot of work done on the bus while we were travelling and Jennifer was very happy that the tour wasn’t impacting too much on my work. In a way it was actually an advantage as I was able to meet up with various musicians around the country for interviews and profiles. It was also very interesting having a baby along for the ride this time, but Jeremy insisted that Jo and Paige were with him every step of the way. It made me realize that it would be possible to live the rock star life while also having a family, which is something I have been thinking a lot about recently.

  ***

  Looking in the mirror I watch as Emma applies the finishing touches to my makeup, she has gone for a natural look but has applied a soft pink to my lips. Tori is running around making sure the venues are all set up. This wedding is super small but just what we wanted, Travis was set on having a big wedding for publicity purposes, but who were we going to invite? We didn’t have a lot of people to invite, but that was how we wanted it; our small group of friends and our even smaller group of family members. Brody wanted to take me home as he knew how much I was missing it and it seemed perfect for our wedding. My Abuelo and Abuela are coming, Brody paid for their flights and accommodation in Sydney. Jeremy, Jo and Paige are here but they are only having a short trip with Paige being so young. Tori, Hunter, Luke and Emma are all staying for three weeks. Jeremy's parents are coming and so are Travis, Lara, Jake and Ashley. All of our friends are staying in the same hotel and most of them are on the same flights. My grandma drove up from Canberra and is staying in the same hotel as my Abuelo and Abuela they are so excited to see each other again. The last time they saw each other was my parents wedding.

  Tori insisted on being my wedding planner, and I have to admit, there is no one in this world that could have done a better job. She knows me well and has managed to keep everything under control. We are having the ceremony in the botanical gardens that overlook the harbor and have booked a hall at Luna Park for the reception. The Harbor seems like the perfect place to say our vows as it was here that our relationship really got started.

  As I sit around with the girls, my nerves finally start to get the better of me. My hands are sweating as Tori smiles at me.

  "I can't wait to see the dress."

  "Jo has done an amazing job with the design, it's beautiful."

  "You look so good; Brody is going to have to pick his chin up off the ground." She laughs at her own joke as she glances down at her phone.

  "Ava, I just got off the phone from Hunter and Luke, they have just set up the chairs in the reception hall and put the covers on, they were the white covers with silver bows yeah."

  "Yeah that's them."

  "Champagne?"

  "No thanks Jo I couldn't stomach it. I would just be sick I'm so nervous."

  "You'll be fine, what's Emma doing with your hair?"

  "She is going to curl it, then bring it all around to the left and pin it there but she will create curls on the side when she pins."

  "That is going to look fantastic with your dress. Listen, I have to go and get Paige ready. I'll see you girls at the ceremony."

  "See you soon."

  ***

  Slipping into my custom designer dress I'm stunned. It is one of a kind and Jo has done an amazing job. It is an A line style with a deep plunging halter neckline. There is a flower corset with a light grey tulle and a black and white appliqué that is simply stunning. On my feet I’m wearing silver strappy heels that are covered by the bottom of my dress which sweeps into a small train at the back. My bouquet is white roses with turquoise and black ribbon threaded though. Standing in front of the mirror I look at myself and sadness washes over me. I’d give anything for my parents to be here and for my Dad to walk me down the aisle today. A lone tear runs down my cheek and I should be trying not to ruin my make up, but I can't help it; I wish they were here.

  A knock at the door startles me, and I quickly pull myself together and say come in. Wiping the tear from my eye I see my Abuelo walking in. Tori and Emma blow me a kiss as they leave the room.

  "Are you ready Ava? They are waiting for you."

  "Si, Abuelo."

  "What's wrong Ava?"

  He walks over and pulls me into a hug, and I can feel the tears welling in my eyes, thank goodness we went with water proof makeup.

  "They should be here. Dad should be walking me down the aisle. I just wish they were here."

  "Ava they are here, they always are. They would be so proud of you. Abuela and I wanted to give you something because we knew today would be hard."

  As he holds his hand out I see there is a small silver heart shaped locket with a small diamond in the middle surrounded by a swirl engraving.

  “It was Abuela's. It was given to her on our wedding day from her Mamá.” He opens it up and I gasp as I see a tiny picture of my mum and dad. Turning around I hold it out to him and he slips it around my neck and clasps it into place. I struggle to hold in my tears as I hug him and whisper “Thank you” in his ear. "Now they are with me today."

  "They always are Nieta."

  ***

  Walking down the aisle, everything is a blur except for Brody. He is standing there in his charcoal grey pants, white shirt and silver tie, with his mouth open and eyes wide. Abuelo has my arm looped around his and I am walking slowly, I can't believe this is it…the moment I marry the love of my life. The walk down the aisle seems to take forever and finally I am standing beside Brody, gazing into his warm grey eyes. Abuelo kisses me on the cheek and sits down in the chair closest to the aisle.

  I look back at Brody and see him smiling at me.

  "Hey."

  "Hey to you too, you are breathtakingly beautiful."

  Brody is interrupted by the celebrant.

  "We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Ava Flores and Brody Cooper."

  Tuning the celebrant out all I see is Brody, his grey eyes staring lovingly into mine. I have been waiting for this day, and it is finally here. As I stare into Brody’s eyes I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found him…how lucky we are to have found each other.

  "Ava would you like to say your vows now?"

  "Oh…yeah. Brody…I really don't think there are enough words to express how much I love you, but you are my soul mate. We have proven our love is timeless and it knows no bounds. Our love has survived so much already and I think it has only made our bond stronger. I promise to always be your light in the darkness and I promise to stand by you. I can't wait to finally call you my husband and wake up next to you every morning until we're old and grey. But before we are old and grey I can't wait to see you become the most amazing dad."

  Stopping my vows I hold my hand on my tummy and smile.

  "Your turn, Brody."

  "Ava you stood by me in my darkest of times, even when I saw you as a stranger, you were there for me. I may not remember all of our time together but we will make many new memories together and I will ways fight for you. I promise to love you and only you until my last breath."

  I interrupt Brody not being able to help myself.

  "Brody I can guarantee you will not only love me. One day you will love our children.”

  I can't keep it in any longer, I lean forward and whisper softly. "That day will be here sooner then you think Brody Cooper."

  Still holding my hand to my tummy I wait for Brody to understand what I have just said. His eyebrows rise slightly as he stares at me open mouthed again.

  "Ava do you take Brody to be your husband?"

  "I do."

  "Brody do you take Ava to be your wife?"

  "Oh shit, yeah I do."

  "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

  ***

  I watch Paige run around in circles as she dances with Jo and Jeremy. She is such a cutie with her blonde curls and they all look so happy. Jeremy is so obviously smitten with his two girls and I am so happy for him…for all of them.

  All of the formalities are over and it�
�s now time to have fun and let our hair down. Brody is standing beside me, his arm wrapped around my waist and gently caressing my stomach as we watch our friends and family carve up the dance floor. He still seems to be in shock and once again he leans down and whispers in my ear.

  “Baby, are you sure?”

  Nodding my head, I smile at the expression on his face.

  "So I'm going to be a dad."

  "Yes, and you are going to be an amazing dad."

  "Ava, I just want to kiss you a thousand times over. When are we going to tell everyone?"

  "I want to wait a few more weeks until I’m past twelve weeks, but if you keep rubbing my tummy they are going to work it out themselves."

  He chuckles and spins me around so that I am gazing up into his beautiful grey eyes. His eyes sweep over my face and once again I am overwhelmed by the love I see in them.

  “You mean the world to me Ava. I love you so much.”

  "I love you too, Brody."

  The End.

  To stay up to date with our future works, we encourage you to stalk us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Eve-Cassidy-Rachel-Ryan/791510937600465?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

  And follow us on Goodreads:

  Rachel Ryan: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6884911.Rachel_Ryan?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr

  Eve Cassidy: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13674538.Eve_Cassidy?from_search=true&search_version=service_impr