Deliciously British

by Scarlett Avery

  When I moved in with Ethan and Xander, they surprised me by redecorating one of the spare bedrooms in Ethan’s house as my own. It’s a spacious room with an expansive walk-in closet that’s as big as the bedroom I had in the New York apartment I was sharing with a roommate. I even have an adjacent spa-like bathroom that’s the perfect little getaway when I need to unwind at the end of the day. It goes without saying that when they’re home, all three of us sleep in either Ethan’s or Xander’s bed. We keep it fresh by rotating. When they’re traveling, I usually sleep alone in my bedroom. It’s just too excruciating to be in their beds without them there.

  It’s taken me some time to get used to living in such large homes, but I must say I do enjoy it a lot. It was very hard for me to say goodbye to Jackie because we get along so famously, but being able to wake up nestled between my boys is an unparalleled experience I wouldn’t miss out on for anything in the world.

  I get dressed in a flash, put on some jewelry and grab my evening handbag. I pull my out phone just before stepping outside of my bedroom to send them a quick text.

  See you in a minute.

  -----

  We can’t wait.

  I make my way down the stairs, carefully balancing myself in my brand-spanking-new high heels. Yeah, you guessed it, I also scored those during the summer sales. I let out a sigh of relief when I reach the last step without injuring myself. Yeah. I stroll across Ethan’s home until I’m near the glass room. I smooth down the fabric of my dress one last time and take a confident step forward.

  “Here I come,” I announce as I turn the corner and walk into the room.

  My boys jump to their feet from the couch they were sitting on. I smile as my gaze first locks onto Ethan’s and then shifts to his right to meet Xander’s. I knew tonight was special, but to my surprise and utter delight both of them look more scrumptious than I’ve ever seen them before. Ethan is sporting his trademark dark and dashing look. As he often does, he’s wearing a head-to-toe black suit with matching color tie and shirt. When I drop my eyes down to his feet, I can’t help but smile. Those are the shoes he bought right before we left for Cape Town when all three of us spent an entire Sunday playing tourist. Xander is wearing a double-breasted gray pinstripe suit with a pristine white shirt and a black tie held with a clip. The shape of the jacket hugs his well-defined torso, giving him an enviable streamlined look. The peak lapels are also a beautiful detail. A daring polka-dot pocket square pokes out, taking this outfit to a whole other level of chicness.

  I open my mouth to compliment them, but Xander beats me to the punch. “My God, Delilah.” My name leaves his lips in a whisper. “You look so beautiful.”

  I nervously brush a strand of hair behind my ear. “Thank you.” I blush like crazy. “You look pretty badass yourself.”

  Ethan takes a few steps to the corner of the room and returns with an enormous bouquet of white flowers. How in the world did I miss those? “These are for you, love,” he says, leaning down to place a gentle kiss against my cheek. “Xander is right, you’re breathtaking tonight. After all this time, I shouldn’t be surprised, but you’ve always managed to stun me.”

  “Thank you, Ethan.” I accept the flowers with shaking hands. My heart is beating so fast. I’m not exactly sure why I’m so overtaken by emotions. This isn’t the first time they’ve offered me unexpected gifts. “These are gorgeous,” I marvel, bringing the bouquet up to my nose. “What are they?”

  “They’re night-blooming cereus. We wanted something more original than roses,” Ethan explains.

  Unable to resist their hypnotic fragrance, I take one last whiff before lifting my eyes. “They’re perfect.”

  Xander takes a few steps closer to Ethan and I, closing the triangle. “Very much like our love for you.” His words leave me speechless. It’s his turn to lean down and kiss me. It starts soft, but quickly it turns hot and heavy. Soon, we’re both panting.

  “Mate, she’s going to drop the bloody crystal vase. Cool down. We have all night for that,” Ethan admonishes. When we part, I’m left breathing heavy, my cheeks flaming up. “Let me grab those for you,” Ethan says. He doesn’t even give me a chance to respond before he snatches the flowers away from me. He drops them in their original place. “Better. Here, they’re safe from Xander’s uncontrollable passion.” He chuckles.

  “I’m sorry. I got carried away,” Xander apologizes. “It’s just impossible for me to resist her.” His eyes lock into mine again. “Especially when she looks this heart-stopping. Honestly, the color of that dress against your golden skin brings out the gem-like quality of your eyes.”

  “Thank you.” They’re coming at me so quickly with their compliments. I seem incapable of saying much more than a few words.

  During that summer sale, I was only able to try on three dresses amidst a crowd of crazed women all hunting for designer bargains. I mean women were literally tearing dresses out of each other’s hands. I was lucky enough to find this one. I still remember when I spotted it bunched up on the floor. I’m happy it required little to no alterations. I absolutely adore it. Not only because it fits my full-figured body, but because it’s so glamorous. The shimmery lace fabric and the sleeves that hit me just above the elbow are gravy. Of course, when I bought it, I didn’t know I’d be returning from a vacation under the sun. Hence, the bronzy-gold enhances my tan. The bright red high-heeled shoes are a nice contrast. I complemented the outfit with the pair of pavé diamond white-gold studs my boys gave me for my birthday and the black pearl bracelet they offered me last year. I wear it every occasion I can.

  “At least we’re on the same page on that one,” Ethan agrees. He runs his finger along the round scoop neck of my dress before allowing his fingers to slide up until they’re touching my lips. Instinctively, I part my lips and suck his fingers. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed the shoes. Those are staying on when we fuck you tonight.”

  “Oh,” I say, pushing my head away from his hand. Honestly, I’m not doing too good in the grammar department tonight.

  “Oh, yeah,” Ethan confirms.

  “So it’s okay to talk dirty to her, but a little sexy action is frowned upon? Is that it?” Xander asks.

  “You got it,” Ethan sneers. He pauses and something flashes in his eyes. “For now it’s all about telling Delilah how much she means to us. We want to show her so she knows.” What is he talking about? Not only do they tell me they love me every single day, they also treat me like I’m the only person in the world.

  “You’re right, Ethan. It’s best for me to put my needs on ice for now and focus on our delicious Texan.” Xander smiles. There’s so much tenderness in his eyes. It’s unsettling.

  “I thought tonight was about celebrating a big milestone or professional achievement,” I say. “You two are just crushing it in your businesses and I figured that’s what this fancy dinner was all about.”

  “No.” Ethan reaches out and caresses my arm, trailing his fingers from my shoulders all the way down to my wrist. “It’s far more than that.”

  “We’re no longer going to the restaurant?” I ask.

  “Yes, we are. We still have plenty of time before the car gets here,” Xander jumps in.

  “Okay,” I say hesitantly. “You two are being awfully mysterious.”

  “This night has nothing to do with our careers. We want you to know how important this relationship is to us,” Ethan says.

  “You did that in Cape Town for two blissful weeks and you’ve been doing that every day since I moved in with you,” I say nervously. The vibe in the room has changed. I can’t put my finger on it. There’s an electric current I’ve never felt before when the three of us are this close. It’s not sexual. It’s way more than that. It engulfs me.

  “We want to tell you what kind of future we envision with you,” Xander says. My head whips to the right and my mouth drops open. “Yeah, there’s so much for us to talk about.” Xander takes a step closer to me. “I didn’t know I cou
ld love a woman as much as I love you, Delilah.” Suddenly, my body heats up. I fan myself in a desperate attempt to cool down.

  “I can’t imagine how empty our lives would have been in the last year had you not been right here with us sharing every high and every low.” Ethan’s comment is all-consuming. He places two fingers under my chin and lifts my head until his gaze sears mine. The depth of emotions I read in his eyes is mesmerizing. I’m completely bewitched and engrossed by the magnetic force running between us.

  “Having you here with us just isn’t sufficient any longer for me,” Xander reveals. I turn my head to face him. His voice is coated with a rich vibrato that’s unknown to me. “I’m tired of you just being our girlfriend.”

  He’s acting so strange. They both are. “You’re not making any sense, Xander.” My voice is so shaky. An alarm bell rings in my head. What’s going on here? Their actions and words are so sweet. They can’t possibly be breaking up with me.

  “I think he’s making perfect sense.” Ethan is all smiles.

  Honestly, did they have something for lunch that didn’t agree with them?

  “To you two maybe, but I’m left in the dark,” I protest.

  “In that case, allow us to be a little more explicit.” I’m waiting for Ethan to give me an explanation, but instead he diverts his gaze from mine to his best friend’s. For the millionth time they’re engaged in their bro telepathic conversation, which I have yet to decipher. After a very brief moment, Ethan nods and Xander lets go of my arm. They both take a step back and as if they’ve choreographed their moves to the millisecond, they both drop to one knee before me in flawless synchronization.

  “Mother of God.” My hands fly to my mouth. I think I’m going to melt. Scratch that. I’m going to pass out.

  I watch stunned as the two men I love more than anything in the world reach in the inside pocket of their jackets and each pull out a small case. Ethan’s is black and Xander’s is red and gold. They give each other another furtive look and, once again in unison, they open the ring case they’re holding to display two different, but equally dazzling rings. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the Saints in Heaven. I stop breathing. No, seriously. I have one hand against my chest and the other fanning away the tears that have already escaped.

  Xander takes the lead. “You held your ground and you vehemently refused our marriage proposal to keep you here in England when we weren’t sure how the dice would roll. Ethan and I respected your decision. When the coast was clear and all you paperwork was in order, we decided to find the perfect date to ask for your hand in marriage.” Is this for real?

  My brain is pushing me to speak, but my heart is beating at an infernal rate, pumping all the blood from my brain and leaving me speechless. I can only feel right now.

  “Exactly one year ago, the movers dropped you and your things at our door. There were so many boxes. It’s a good thing Xander and I have big houses.” Ethan chuckles. “It didn’t take long for you to become the heart and soul of both my house and Xander’s. I can’t think of a better day than today to ask you to be our wife.” Oh, my Lord.

  They don’t give me time to absorb any of this. They just keep coming at me.

  “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, sweetheart.” I’ve never seen Xander this vulnerable. I can’t believe this is happening to me.

  “I can’t imagine my life without you, love. The three of us joining our souls in a ceremony is the only logical next step. I want what we share for the rest of my natural life.” Ethan’s expression is so solemn.

  “I love you with all my heart.” I pull my gaze away from Ethan and stare into Xander’s beautiful brown eyes, veiled with so much affection.

  “I love you so completely.” It’s Ethan’s turn to command my attention.

  Once again, they exchange a telling look before glancing up at me again.

  Ethan takes the ring from the box and drops the box on the cement floor. I expect him to speak, but instead they say in unison, “Delilah Belle Babcock…” They pause. I wait, bouncing my eyes from one of my boyfriends to the other.

  “Will you share the rest of your life with us?” Xander asks.

  “Will you marry both of us?” It’s Ethan’s turn to ask the question. “Will you be our wife?” Ethan adds.

  “Yes,” I shout without a shred of hesitation. I’m jumping up and down like a little kid when it suddenly hits me. “Wait? How is this going to work? I can’t marry both of you legally.” My sudden jolt of pure elation fizzles.

  “You’re right.” Xander confirms my fears. “Legally, we’ll never be able to find a priest or even a registrar willing to recognize our particular relationship. We’ve talked about it in length and you’ll marry Ethan. He’s the one who found you.”

  “Really?” I ask hesitantly. I want to make sure this is right by all three of us.

  Ethan grabs my left hand into his. “Really.” He slides the diamond ring on my finger and I hitch a breath.

  “Dear God, it’s so beautiful.” I’m so moved.

  My eye-popping ring is a gorgeous round diamond solitaire with a series of small diamonds running on each side. When I move my hand around, the stone sparkles under the light. It’s truly magnificent.

  “You like it?” Ethan asks.

  “Are you kidding me?” My eyes grow wide.

  “If it’s not to your liking, we can exchange it and get you whatever you want,” Xander says. “We want to make sure it’s right since you’ll be wearing it for a very long time.” He winks.

  “You selected the perfect one. I absolutely love it,” I answer, bringing my hand up and pressing it against my heart.

  “It comes from both of us,” Ethan says. “On paper you and I will be married—”

  “I can’t believe this.” I interrupt Ethan as another wave of emotions hits me and I start bawling. He reaches up and wipes away my tears. I grab his hand in mine and kiss it.

  “Happy tears, I hope?” he asks.

  “Nope.” I shake my head. He frowns, worried. “Tears of pure bliss. Nirvana is right here with both of you,” I explain.

  “That’s good.” He smiles.

  “That’s fucking awesome,” I respond.

  We all laugh.

  “As I was saying, legally we’ll be husband and wife, but in our own world, things will shape up a little differently.”

  “Ethan is right. I’ll be your husband as much as he will,” Xander points out.

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I smile.

  “It means so much to hear you say that.” Xander places his fingers against my lips and I kiss them. “Once you and Ethan are officially married, we’ll come back here and the three of us will have a ceremony where we unite our souls.” Xander pulls at my right hand. “That’s why we also got you this ring.” He holds up the stunning jewel at eye level.

  “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” I manage.

  “It’s called the Trinity de Cartier,” Xander says, slipping a beautiful ring with three interlaced bands on my finger. “I think you can notice a pattern here. We like things in threes,” he jokes. I can’t help but laugh through my tears. “The sales associate tells us it’s an iconic ring. There are three symbolic colors—rose gold for love, yellow gold for fidelity and white gold for friendship. I think all three speak to what we share. We selected the one with the diamonds set in the white gold band because it’s a reflection of your uniqueness. She also told us that the Trinity is all about forever. And that’s exactly what we want with you—an eternity of happiness.”

  It’s official, I can’t hold it together. I start sobbing, my body shaking uncontrollably. I’m so elated this is the only way for me to open the floodgate and let the joyful feelings wash over me.

  My boys rise to their feet. First Xander pulls me against his chest. I stay nestled in his arms for a few long minutes. So many tears are running down my face and I already know my makeup is completely ruined. Honestly, I couldn’t care less. After a while,
Ethan nudges me towards him. I move from one of my boys to the other. He circles his arms around me and comforts me, dropping a few soft kisses on the top of my head. We stay like this for a long time, all while Xander strokes my back tenderly.

  Taking a step back, Ethan bends his knees until our gazes are locked. “I’ve already told your cousin Maggie and she’ll be here for the ceremony.”

  “She knows?” I ask, shocked.

  Ethan nods. “She’s known since you turned us down the first time around,” Xander says. “We’ve been planning this with her ever since then. She’s the one who helped us select the ring. The last time we were in America, Xander tackled on a few extra days to his schedule. After his business meetings in LA, he flew to New York and Maggie took us ring-shopping. We were at it for an entire weekend. Once she gave us a good idea of the type of ring that would make your heart sing, we found a local jeweler who carried it. Her contribution was paramount. There’s no way we could’ve picked the right one without her input.”

  “That little no-good cousin of mine. I spoke to her a few hours ago and she pretended like she wasn’t in the know. She had me fooled with all her inquisitive questions about tonight. Traitor,” I huff.

  “I think it’s more like she didn’t want to ruin the surprise,” Ethan corrects me. I return the huge smile stretching his face.

  “I’ll concede she did an amazing job with the ring, but I’m still mildly ticked off that she turned out to be such a good actress. She’s family after all. She could’ve at least given me a hint.” Well, I guess she did.

  Now it all makes sense. When Maggie was here earlier this year, I couldn’t understand why she was so gung-ho on us going shopping for rings. After all, William had offered her a big-ass diamond ring when he proposed. She gave me this cockamamie story about wanting to buy a new piece of jewelry to celebrate the fact that her boss had just awarded her with a new project that she would be spearheading. I bought her lie hook, line and sinker. I even went along with it when she suggested I try on a few rings myself for the fun of it. I remember thinking it was weird that she was asking the sales associate to pull out only engagement rings instead of cocktail rings. I didn’t even clue in when she insisted that I try them on. Her excuses? One, she didn’t want to jinx her own chance at happiness since in her view it’s bad luck to try other engagement rings after your beau offered you one when he proposed and you’re already a married woman. Two, she wanted to compare what British grooms-to-be offered their fiancées versus their Americans counterparts. You’re right, in retrospect, it was pretty far-fetched, but I was having so much fun with her and since I hadn’t seen her in so long, I shrugged it off. Little rascal.