Ride with Me

by Ryan Michele

  I roll my eyes. “Love ya, Ma, but my feet are saying ‘stay here and rest.’ ” For some reason, my feet decided to blow up like elephants today. They don’t really hurt, but they are sore. I called the doctor’s office, and they told me to elevate them, which brings me to sitting here on the couch with them up.

  Apparently, at five months, your ankles swell, too. Overall, I’m not huge, but anyone could tell I’m pregnant, and with that comes all kinds of pains I didn’t know a person could have.

  Ma huffs. “You sure your feet are saying that?” Her brows rise.

  I pull off my socks. “Look.” Her eyes widen. “See? It’s not right, Ma. I need to stay off of them. Cruz is getting Cooper from school today. Once he gets home, I’ll be on my feet. I need to rest while I can.”

  “Fine. You want to wait for another time?” Ma tries.

  “I know I went with you and Casey, Ma, but I’m just not feeling it. I’ll order everything online.”

  She gasps, and I swear, if I wasn’t pregnant, she would have walloped me over the damn head. “You are not ordering my grandbabies’ cribs online! Up, now!” she orders, and I raise my brow. Yes, she’s my mother, but she doesn’t normally give me orders. “Clothes on, now.”

  “What’s going on?” Something is up. I can feel it in my bones, in my gut. She’s up to something.

  Ma rolls her eyes. “It’ll do you good to walk around for a while and get the blood flowing.”

  “Uh … the doctor told me to rest, Ma,” I counter.

  “Dammit, Princess, stop being so damned stubborn and get dressed.”

  Now I know something is up. I cross my arms over my chest that is now sensitive as hell; not to mention, my tits have grown, like, a lot. “Tell me,” I demand.

  “Can’t you just trust me?” she tries.

  “I do trust you, but this isn’t you. This is some form of you that you’re trying to give off. Tell me what’s going on.”

  Ma huffs, clearly pissed at me. “It’s your damn wedding! Now, will you just get dressed and put on Cruz’s rag.”

  My stomach falls. My wedding? Really?

  “But how? Where? What do I wear?” The words come out a bit rushed because I’m a little stunned at the turn of events. Yes, Cruz kept telling me he wanted that paper, but we just haven’t gotten the chance to do it.

  “All questions will be answered later. Jeans, shirt, and leather. Now go!” she orders, and I hightail my swollen feet out of the room.

  ***

  As Ma drives, I immediately figure out where we are going. We are heading to the place where Cruz asked me to marry him. I can’t help feeling so much love for my man that he thought of this. Well, I’m going to assume he did and let him reap the benefits of that thought.

  We pull off the highway onto an old country road and stop at a small clearing. Trees line the place, giving a sense of seclusion, but it’s all the bikes that catch my attention. Rows and rows of them are all lined up in the grass on either side, making a makeshift aisle. At the end of the aisle, I see my man. This is really happening.

  Casey and Blaze race to my car door, flinging it open just as Ma pulls to a stop.

  “Out,” Casey demands, grabbing my arm and pulling me to my feet.

  “I’m not an invalid,” I grumble, getting my feet to go with her pace.

  I hear the car door slam twice and then feel Ma next to me.

  “So, I guess I’m getting married?” I know it hasn’t been a big thing for me, and I know I told Cruz a thousand times that it’s just a piece of paper, but now that it’s really here, I’m excited, thrilled even.

  I get to marry the man I love. I can’t help my damn goofy smile. I’m living in the now, and the now is me waddling my swollen-footed ass down that aisle to my man.

  Casey pulls out makeup brushes.

  “Uh, don’t put that shit on me,” I tell her, taking a step back. No way am I letting her doll me up like some Barbie princess.

  She frowns then shrugs and puts her things away.

  “Where’s Deke and Coop?” I ask, looking around at the bikes and the entire Ravage family in front of me, all talking, shaking hands, and laughing. I love this, absolutely love it. It’s fucking perfect.

  “Over there.” Casey points behind me.

  I turn and a sob gets stuck in my throat. Coop is wearing jeans and a blue polo shirt, his hair combed adorably to the side. He is pulling a wagon, but it’s not any wagon. No, it’s a Harley Davidson with a black bottom, orange lettering, and wood planks all around it.

  Inside the wagon is my nephew Deke, Casey and my brother GT’s kid. He’s dressed the exact same, but his little blond fuzz of hair is bouncing all over the place. They are absolutely adorable.

  Coop’s face lights up when he sees me, and he screams, “Mommy!” He tries to run and pull the wagon, but thank goodness it slows him down since Deke isn’t in there all that well.

  “No running!” Casey calls, moving over quickly to them. She’s way overprotective of Deke, which is understandable with her miscarriage before him, but I’m hoping she gets over that some and lets the poor kid live a little. It’s all right. He can come to my house, and I will teach him to be a terror.

  “Did you do all this?” I look at Ma and Blaze as Cooper runs into my arms, hugging me tight.

  “Nope. I mean, yeah …” Blaze stumbles. “It was your man’s idea. We just made it happen.”

  Joy fills me, mostly because today, I make my man happier than he already is. I love that. I would do anything for that.

  “Mommy, Daddy says you gettin’ marreed,” Coop says. “I get to pulls Deke to Daddy.”

  I smile at my boy. He is everything that is wonderful.

  “You have a very important job, little man. Do you think you can handle it?”

  His face beams like I just gave him the best gift in the world. “I’ll do good dob.”

  “Come on, Cooper; let’s get ready,” Ma tells him, holding her hands out to him.

  My boy jumps over to her, and when his weight is gone, I realize how much he’s starting to weigh. My body doesn’t like it, either. I will have to watch how often I pick my boy up for a little while.

  A strong hand comes to my shoulder, and I look over to see Pops.

  “I might be letting him marry you, but I ain’t givin’ you away.”

  Emotions get lodged in my throat, but I choke them back. I’m not fucking crying.

  Wrapping my arms around my dad, I squeeze. “Love you,” I tell his shoulder.

  “Love you, too, baby girl. Let’s go get you hitched.”

  I pull back, happiness radiating from me. “Let’s go get my man.”

  Princess’ arm is laced into Pops’ as he walks her down the makeshift aisle of bikes. Brothers had to park, so what better way to do it than making an aisle? I mapped this shit out for a while, knowing exactly where I wanted to make Princess my wife.

  When I brought her here to propose, it was a spur of the moment thing, but not this. No, this was planned, has been for a few weeks. I enlisted Angel, Blaze, Tanner, and Ma to do most of the shit. I had the idea, but that was about as far as that went.

  They did a kickass job throwing it together, including the blowout party at the club tonight after here. I owe them.

  I try to see down the walkway to my girl, but the ol’ ladies are hanging around her. I know she isn’t pissed I set this up, but she’s probably surprised. I haven’t let on a single word. I sure as shit didn’t tell Cooper until this morning when I was getting him ready for the day. He can’t keep his mouth shut for shit, so I wasn’t chancing it.

  A bike engine roars, catching everyone’s attention. Dagger pulls on the throttle, letting the noise echo. That’s the sign this shit is starting.

  The Justice of the Peace comes up behind me as Cooper and Deke start their way down the aisle. Deke is screaming at the top of his lungs, pissed as hell to be in the wagon, while Cooper is smiling from ear to ear, not paying him a lick of attention.
/>   The wails from Deke cause laughter to spread across the crowd, and I can’t help myself; I laugh, too.

  “I dos good?” Cooper asks, coming up to me.

  I lift him in my arms. “Perfect, buddy.”

  I hold my boy as Casey makes a mad dash to the wagon, pulling Deke out. GT rolls his eyes and grabs the wagon, smiling while shaking his head as he follows behind them.

  Princess and Pops begin their walk down the aisle. I didn’t have any music playing or the guys revving their engines, even though both Ma and Casey wanted it. Instead, I went with all eyes on my woman. Fuck, she’s beautiful.

  She told me over and over again that the wedding isn’t a big deal, just a piece of paper, but from the wide smile on her face, I know I did well.

  Casey and Blaze wanted to put Princess in a fucking gown. I have to admit, the one they picked out was sexy as fuck—white with black netting or some shit on the bottom—but my girl wouldn’t want that. They knew it, too, yet kept saying “but it’s her wedding.” Yeah, it fucking is, and she should be comfortable, just like she is right now.

  Her jeans have rips in them, and I have no doubt they are being held together by the fucking band thing she had to buy since her clothes don’t fit her like before. The simple, light blue shirt covers the front of them, and it hugs her belly with my babies inside of her. I fucking love that shit. The best thing, she’s wearing my fucking leather. Hell yes.

  When she and Pops make their way to Coop and me, she whispers with her beautiful smile radiating across her sexy face, “I can’t believe you did this.”

  I grin. “Anything for you, babe. Anything.”

  Pops steps in. “I’m giving her to ya, but don’t think for a fucking second I won’t string you up by your balls if you fucking hurt her.”

  Laughter mingles throughout the crowd as I lift my chin to indicate I understand.

  Pops then leans over and says something in Princess’ ear that brings tears to my girl’s face. Those better be fucking happy tears. He kisses her cheek then moves back, leaving Princess standing there like she’s a fish out of water, not knowing what to do. I chuckle and grab her hand, pulling her to Coop and me.

  “You gonna marry us?” I ask.

  “Us married?” Cooper asks with confusion.

  Princess answers, “Yep, you, me, Daddy, and the two little ones in my belly. We are all married into one family.”

  Cooper’s face lights up. “Tool, Mommy. I go pay wit Deke now?”

  I give my boy a squeeze, and Princess kisses his forehead.

  “Yeah, bud. Go for it.”

  He wiggles out of my arms and runs off to the side where I see Casey trying to entertain Deke. His wails stop as soon as Cooper gets to him. I love that shit. Brothers already.

  Princess places her other hand in mine, and we stare at each other. Every time I look at my woman, the love comes through loud and clear.

  “Love you,” I tell her.

  “Love you, too. Let’s do this.”

  My gaze goes to the Justice of the Peace, and I lift my chin for him to start. He starts blabbing on, but my focus is solely on my girl.

  “Do you take this woman to be your wife?” he asks.

  “Fuck yeah.”

  Chuckles surround us.

  He turns to Princess. “Do you take this man to be your husband?”

  “I do,” Princess says with excitement.

  “Rings?”

  I look over at GT, who comes up and hands me the two bands. I had one made to match Princess’ engagement ring. It has black diamonds all around the thin band and will fit snugly against the bigger ring. Mine is a simple, dark gray, almost black band, nothing fancy.

  I take them from GT then give Princess mine.

  “You have something to say?” the Justice of Peace asks me.

  I do.

  “I fucking love you, babe. You’re with me until the end. I couldn’t ask for a better woman. Mine forever.” I slip the ring on her finger that shakes from Princess’ laughter. I kiss her hand then give it back to her.

  “And now you, Princess,” he tells her.

  “Well, I don’t have anything planned because this was sprung on me, so here goes nothing.” She gets all serious as she says, “I love you. You’re a pain in my ass, don’t pick up your clothes from the floor, and when you make a sandwich in the kitchen, it usually takes me an hour to clean up your mess. With that said, you are the best father I know. You make me laugh and give me all of you. There is no other in this world I want to spend the rest of my life with. You are it for me. You and my three babies.” Princess takes my band and places it on my finger.

  “Fuck, I love you.”

  “By the power vested in me by the great state of Georgia, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Fuck yes, I will. I wrap my arms around my woman and pull her close to me, crashing my lips down to hers. She fights me for control as it deepens, but I take it over. Cheers, whistles, and applause come from the crowd.

  She pulls away breathlessly, making me the happiest fucking asshole ever.

  “Party!” Dagger yells from the crowd.

  “Fuck yeah! Party time, babe.”

  She smiles, but I can see in her eyes that she’s tired. I’m going to have to keep an eye on her so she doesn’t pass the fuck out on me.

  “Thank you,” she tells me.

  “I’d do anything for you, babe. Fucking anything.” I kiss her again then lead her down the aisle.

  GT and Casey are getting Coop to the clubhouse while we enter Ma’s awaiting car. I wanted her on the back of my bike, but I wasn’t going to risk it. I will just take her out once the babies are born.

  “Congratulations,” Ma says.

  “Than—” Princess’s words are cut off by my lips.

  One positive about not being on my bike right now is I get to play with my woman.

  Ma takes us on a detour, so by the time we get to the clubhouse, it’s hopping. Bikes, cars, and trucks are everywhere. When we step out of the car, we are bombarded with congratulations, excitement radiating off everyone. I have to admit I’m getting high off all the enjoyment.

  Sure, my feet and body are tired but screw it. I’m with my family and friends, and I’m going to have fun on my wedding day. And I do.

  When it’s time to cut the cake, I feel my body trying to give out on me.

  “Babe, sit,” Cruz orders, and I gladly comply. My swollen feet are bigger than fucking elephants now, which I didn’t think was possible.

  Casey comes up. “Do you like the cake?” Her eyes glow with excitement, so I’m pretty sure she made it. It’s three tiers, but each tier is black and shaped like a tire. What on earth? The top of it has two bikes with a bride and a groom sitting on each. It’s different, and I love it.

  “Yeah, it’s perfect.”

  She claps her hands excitedly. “I made it! Well, Blaze and I did with a little of Tanner’s help. I had to look it up online, but I think it turned out pretty awesome!”

  “You did fantastic. Thank you so much,” I tell her as she leans down and wraps her arms around my neck.

  I love this woman. Shit, I love all my family.

  She pulls away. “Okay, gotta cut it.”

  I quirk my brow as she hands Cruz a knife. We do the cake thing, and Cruz doesn’t smash it in my face like Dagger tried to get him to do. He’s lucky he didn’t. I would have had to kick his fucking ass, and my energy level is about out.

  After another few hours, I’m really feeling it. The babies are moving like crazy, no doubt dancing to the music blaring through the speakers, but I’m done. I need to lie down.

  I look at Cruz, who is across the room, and his eyes lift to mine. He must see my torment because he storms through the crowd, picks me up, and carries me to his room where he lays me down on the bed and begins to remove my clothes.

  I want to fuck him—I do—but I think I need a nap first. Fuck, I hate that. I have never had to tell my man no
before.

  He finishes undressing me then pulls the covers over my body, not initiating sex at all. I fully admit that it stuns me.

  “Babe, get some sleep. I’ll be back in a couple of hours to fuck you.” He kisses my lips, and then he’s gone.

  My first thought is: He’s leaving me on my wedding night? Then my second thought is: He’s leaving me to rest on my wedding night. Fuck, I love my man.

  It only takes moments before the darkness takes over.

  I wake to the blankets being pulled from my body, the warmth I was cocooned in turning into cool air. I’m lying on my side, giving his side of the bed my back, but I smell my man. Nothing in the world smells better than my man.

  The bed depresses behind me, and then I feel his heat at my back, his hands coming around my expanded belly. The kids kick their father, and he chuckles. His hand pauses for a moment then moves to my back, slowly moving up and down my spine, sending goosebumps all over my body.

  “Cruz?” I ask when he continues up and down, making no other attempt to touch me.

  “I’m so fucking happy you’re my wife, my woman, the mother of my kids. I can’t fucking say it enough, Princess. You’re my fucking everything.”

  My heart melts as I try to turn, but his hand stops me.

  “I’m playin’,” is all he says as he continues his strokes.

  “I love you, too. Thank you for today. I’ll never forget it.”

  “Fuck no, you won’t.” He chuckles, moving down the bed, his hands spreading my legs while pushing my back to the bed.

  The bump of my belly doesn’t allow me to see what he’s doing, only feel each stroke of his hand as he moves them up and down my inner thigh, teasing and tormenting me.

  He slides his fingers through my wetness, and I arch as his fingers brush over my clit. I seriously didn’t realize how pregnancy made a horny woman so much hornier. I didn’t think that shit was possible. We are active, but lately, I have been almost climbing him at every small opportunity. It’s like my clit has a mind of its own. Not that Cruz minds, but fuck! I could screw him four times a day, and it wouldn’t be enough some days.