One Unforgettable Favor
Page 26
When we first discussed what our wedding would look like, we talked about a huge wedding in the city. Realizing our home is here, we chose our beach. Adorned with round tables for our guests with white linens and chairs, our beach looks spectacular.
Kelsey acted as our event planner. She even created a memory table, including photos of Noelle’s parents. We had a dance floor constructed for today as well as a small stage for the DJ. Kelsey took everything Noelle wanted and made it happen, from the centerpieces right down to the cannoli cake with two intertwined swans on the top tier.
Auggie enlisted some of his classmates to create the menu for our big day. He has been cooking up a storm in our kitchen for the last few days. As we try to escape for a private moment, our progress is slowed by Nicholas and Kelly.
“Welcome to the family, Cash. Congratulations.” Nicholas shakes my hand. I hug Kelly gently. I don’t want to squish my future niece or nephew.
“Congratulations, Cash and Noelle,” Stacy says as we approach him, Jocelyn, and their new baby girl, Joy. The glow on their faces is a welcome sight. I’m glad they found a child to complete their family.
“Congratulations to you as well. She’s beautiful,” Noelle says, taking Joy’s hand in hers. I can’t wait to see her round with my child.
Lastly, my father is standing on the edge of the aisle.
“Congratulations to both of you.”
“Thank you,” we reply in unison. My mother is notably absent, as is his wedding band. I opt to leave that observation alone for now. I appreciate my father’s presence and his renewed interest in our lives.
My wife and I make our way to the dance floor for our first dance. Sliding my arms around her, I pull her lush curves against me. “I love you today and always, Mrs. Morgan.”
“I love you today and always, Mr. Morgan.”
The opening bars of our song, “From this Moment On,” a duet of Shania Twain and Bryan White, begins. Despite her difficult childhood, Noelle loves fiercely and completely. I’m grateful every day she chooses me to share her life. Our siblings and their significant others join us on the dance floor, surrounding us in a tight circle. Our lives are better with them.
After our dance, we dine on an exquisite menu. We endure toasts from Nicholas, who stood up for Noelle as her man of honor, and Billie who was my best woman. All our siblings stood with us as we took our vows. Laughter and tears, both from sentiment and levity, fill the evening. Along with our guests, we dance the night away.
Against Noelle’s wishes, Nicholas and I set up a brother-sister dance. The DJ dutifully called them to the dance floor to dance to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. I watch in awe of her, knowing her fierce heart matches mine. I will lay it all down for her as she will for me. After our final guests make their way off the beach, Noelle and I sit at the shore and enjoy the intoxicating peace of the ocean.
“Do you want your gift now?” Noelle whispers.
“I already have it.”
“I may have held one back.”
I turn to look at her and see her fingers forming a heart over her lower abdomen. I tear up, set my hand over hers, and kiss her deeply. I wanted a fairy tale; today I have it.
Extended Epilogue
Noelle
Three years later
“Josie, can you get your daddy for me?”
“Sure, Mommy.” As she runs off, I move to finish the salad for our barbeque later this afternoon.
“I’m here to help. What can I do?” Kelly asks, stepping into the kitchen with Nick in tow.
“Hi, Auntie,” he says, throwing his arms around me, or at least tries to.
“Hi, bud. Why don’t you find Jules and play outside?”
He nods and runs off.
Kelly and I finish the tossed salad and start on the potato salad before setting it to chill. Cash bounds into the kitchen with Ellie, our niece, gripping on his forearm. Setting her on the floor, he kisses my temple.
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. I need a kiss.” Even with Kelly standing there, Cash kisses me thoroughly.
“Gross. Seriously, there are other people present,” Nicholas bellows as he enters the kitchen.
“Leave them alone. It’s cute they still can’t keep their hands off each other,” Kelly admonishes, coming to our defense.
“She’s still my sister. Still not a fan of his hands all over her even after a few years, a few nieces, and one more on the way,” Nicholas replies.
I laugh. As Cash and Nicholas walk away, I have a contraction. I’ve been through it before, and I shake it off. It’s too early anyway. Greeting the rest of our guests, Kelly and I join the guys outside. Everyone who lives nearby is here and even a few who took a weekend to hang out, like Auggie, Caro, Sam, and Warren.
Cash is chatting with Connor at the grill. Our daughters, niece, and nephew are running circles around Peter and Nicholas. As I lower myself into the chair, I feel another contraction and my water breaks.
“Cash,” I call, but he doesn’t hear me. “Cash.” He’s laughing. I decide to pull out the most powerful weapon I have. “Cassius.” Instantly, everyone turns to look at me. Just like the last time, he’s frozen with fear.
“Noelle, is your bag ready?” Kelly asks.
“Yes, it’s in the bedroom. Left closet on the floor.”
As Kelly scurries away, Cash moves to my side.
“It’s early.” Cash whispers.
She’s ready a month early. Who am I to argue? “Cash, everything will be fine. We did this once already for twins. We can do this for one baby.” Even so, I still see fear in his eyes. Josie and Julianna were no treat to deliver, so I understand his concern.
After prepping Josie and Julianna, I change, and we leave for the hospital. Less than four hours later, our third daughter, Josephine, joins our growing family.
“I thought we would have all boys,” Cash quips.
“We may need to renegotiate if we keep having girls.”
Coming Soon
Two new stories are coming soon!
A York Beach Novel
My Once in a Lifetime (Norah and Jacob)
The Morgan Brothers
Until I Kissed You (Samson and Savannah)
My Books
York Beach Series:
A New Beginning with You (Genevieve and Joseph)
Taking A Chance on Me (Kelsey and William)
Just One More (Maggie and Grant)
Kiss You Like You’re Mine (Billie and Peter)
Only with Him (Kelly and Ellis)
The Morgan Brothers:
One Unforgettable Favor (Cassius and Noelle)
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