by Melody Anne
They walked hand in hand to find Timothy. She was sure her son would approve if that meant Declan would stay in their lives. And she felt like he truly was going to.
Chapter Thirty-Five
After their talk with Timothy, who was beyond thrilled, the day slipped away from Angela. There was still a nugget of fear that Declan was going to change his mind. She’d fought against this, so she was surprised by how much she wanted it. She needed to trust the man. He’d never given her a reason not to. But even if she did trust him, she needed a lot of faith in him to involve her son. She knew she could survive heartbreak, but she didn’t want her eight-year-old to deal with it.
She lay in Declan’s arms for hours that night unable to sleep. He seemed perfectly content as if there wasn’t a worry in the world for him. By the time she fell asleep she was completely exhausted.
Sadly, Declan was already out of bed when she woke. Her favorite part of the day was waking in his arms, feeling his sweet kisses on her neck and lips. She knew once in a while she’d awake alone, but she didn’t want to make a habit of it.
If they were going to have this wedding quickly, she needed to start her day. She had no idea how to plan a wedding. She wanted flowers and maybe a simple dress. She was sure Declan had already told his siblings, so she expected calls from her soon-to-be sisters-in-law. Maybe they’d help her. They’d had their weddings and probably had some connections.
She wasn’t expecting the wedding of her dreams, but she wanted at least a few picture-perfect moments she could relish for the rest of her life.
Were they going to have a backyard wedding or a church wedding? How many people would he want there? Her friends were his family so she didn’t have anyone else to invite. That made it a little simpler.
After a long shower and some deep thinking, Angela made her way downstairs, hearing voices before she entered the kitchen. She hadn’t had coffee yet and wasn’t fully awake.
“Well, good morning, sunshine,” Eden said with a bright smile as she entered the room. There were pastries and coffee all over the counter with the women looking at planners. The men were sitting at the table, laughing and talking.
“What’s happening?” she asked. She moved to the coffee pot and someone tsked at her. “One cup a day won’t hurt anything,” she muttered.
Then she turned and looked at them. “Did Declan tell you already?”
“Yes! I think he would’ve had it written in the sky if he’d thought about it. He’s so excited to be a daddy,” Roxie said as she jumped up and hugged her. “Congratulations. We’re beyond thrilled to have another baby in the family.”
“Did he say anything else?” she asked.
“Oh, you mean about the wedding? Of course he did. Why do you think we’re all here? We have to plan a beautiful one,” Eden said.
“That you will love,” Keera added with a sheepish smile. “And he told us we don’t get much time because he wants you to be his wife immediately. It’s so romantic.”
The doorbell rang and Declan jumped up. “Good morning, beautiful,” he said, giving her a quick kiss before he moved to the front of the house.
“I’m so confused,” she said. She finished making her coffee and sat. She grabbed a cinnamon roll as her stomach growled. “But at least I know why I can’t stop eating. It makes me feel a little better about getting fat.”
“I loved being pregnant. I ate so many pastries the baker couldn’t keep up,” Roxie said.
“Yep, I’m there right now,” Eden said. “We can keep him in business together. I love that we’ll have our pregnancies together. Our children will grow up being best friends.”
“I didn’t think about that,” Angela said, smiling for the first time that morning.
“First the wedding; we’ll focus on baby stuff after,” Keera said. “The wedding is only one week away, and there’s so much to do.”
“I was going to ask you guys if you could help me. I have no idea where to start.”
“There’s the blushing couple,” a voice boomed, rattling the windows. That voice could only belong to one man. Angela turned to see Lucian Forbes walking in with Joseph Anderson.
“Welcome to the family, Angela. We’re so grateful to have you and Timothy as a part of it,” Lucian said as he leaned in and gave her a hug. “I called my good friend Joseph because he’s a master at last minute planning, and we want this day to be special for you and my newest grandson.”
“You really don’t have to go out of your way,” she told him. “A simple wedding is more than enough.” She felt uncomfortable being the center of attention. This was all so overwhelming.
“Nonsense, my girl,” Joseph said. “Every wedding is special and should be celebrated. I have an army of people coming to the house today, so be prepared to be swept off your feet.”
The doorbell rang again. And it began.
When Joseph said he had an army of people coming, he hadn’t been bluffing. Bakers, dressmakers, florists, decorators, a preacher, and beauticians all showed up at the house.
She had cake sample after cake sample, swatches of fabrics, tiaras, jewelry, and food thrust at her. Her hair was waxed and tweezed, her nails done, and her skin sprayed. As they played with her hair, the conversation never stopped.
She hadn’t thought it possible. But between the Forbes family and the Anderson family, they’d managed to plan an over-the-top backyard wedding in ten hours. She wasn’t sure what she’d said yes or no to. She didn’t know which dress she’d be wearing. She was completely lost. And unbelievably, she was so happy she couldn’t quit smiling. It was a tiring day but one of the absolute best of her life.
She didn’t get to spend much time with Declan, but every time she found him across the room their eyes met, and she knew she’d made the right decision. She loved this man. The way he looked at her made her feel loved even if he didn’t say the words.
Not much time passed before he’d walk by, touching her on the shoulder or hand, leaning in to give her a quick kiss. Yes, she’d made the right decision. It didn’t look like there would be any mind changing. And she didn’t mind that one little bit.
She and Timothy were going to have this amazing family to lean on for the rest of their lives, and she felt like she’d won the lottery. This new baby would be born into a family filled with love.
She was getting a happily ever after, even if it wasn’t exactly the one she’d always dreamed about. Life wasn’t about those perfect moments, though, it was about the journey you took to reach the happy ending.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Angela had never realized how much could be accomplished in a week. It was insane to think about. But she shouldn’t have doubted the Forbes family. They’d even managed to give her a classy bachelorette party, making her truly feel like a bride.
But her week was over, and now it was time for the wedding. Gazing at herself in the mirror, she didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her. Her dress was stunning, more than she could’ve ever hoped for. It hugged her tight on the top, then flowed out in layers all the way to the floor.
And the shoes. Oh, the shoes were the best things she’d ever placed on her feet. White and sparkly with her painted toes showing. Cushioned heels. She didn’t think she’d ever take them off.
“You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Roxie told her.
“I agree,” Eden said.
“Stunning,” Keera added as she put the last pin in place on Angela’s veil.
“You’ve all been married recently so I find that hard to believe,” Angela said.
“And each of us was the most beautiful bride ever on our day. Aren’t you glad you’re last so you get the title of most stunning?” Keera asked with a laugh.
Angela couldn’t quit smiling. She was apprehensive and couldn’t believe this had happened so quickly, but she was also walking on clouds.
There were a couple hundred people outside the doors waiting for her to walk out, and she had to
breathe deeply, in and out, telling herself the ceremony was just a small part of her wedding day. When it was all over she’d no longer be Angela Lincoln. She’d be Angela Forbes, Mrs. Declan Forbes, married to the most amazing man in the world.
She peeked out the window and heard music playing. Her son was with Declan, and he’d been beyond excited for their families to unite. He loved Declan so much, but not just Declan. He loved his aunts and uncles. It was so easy for him to settle into this family.
“I’m nervous,” she said with a giggle. “I sure wish I could have a glass of champagne right about now.”
“It’s not champagne, but it’s a close second,” Eden said as she poured them both a glass of sparkling juice.
“We’ll just have to drink double for the two of you,” Keera said as she and Roxie had the real thing.
“To friendship and family. We came together because of circumstances and stayed together out of love. To the past, the present, and the future as it shapes us into the women we are meant to be. I love each of you, and I’m so glad to be here to celebrate your wedding day, Angela. Thank you for being a part of our lives,” Eden said as she held up her glass.
“Here, here,” Roxie, Keera, and Angela said. They clinked their glasses together and Angela had no more doubts or fears.
“Are you ready to do this?” Roxie asked.
“Yes, I’m ready,” Angela told her. “Let’s have a wedding.”
Keera called out the door and Angela heard the music change. She’d requested her wedding song and a tear came to her eye as they began playing it. She hadn’t wanted a traditional wedding march. She’d wanted something real.
So when Something Just Like This began to play, she smiled. She’d also requested a wider aisle because she didn’t have a father to walk her down. She had her new sisters and she wanted them at her side.
They stepped out the doors and began walking down the rose petal lined path. Her eyes connected with Declan’s and she knew beyond a doubt she was right where she belonged.
The look in Declan’s eyes as she moved toward him made her feel beautiful and wanted. He was stunning in his tuxedo. And she had the naughty thought of wanting nothing more than to rip their clothes away. But not yet. She needed a few pictures first.
She reached him and he smiled as he took her hands while the women stood next to their husbands on either side of them. She hadn’t wanted women on one side and men on the other. They were a team now, and she wanted to start her marriage the way she wanted to live their lives.
If asked later she’d probably admit she didn’t remember a lot from the ceremony itself. It was all a blur. He kissed her at the end when the preacher pronounced them man and wife, the most beautiful words she’d ever heard. And he took her breath away just as he did each and every single time.
They walked to their reception and she loved how Declan had insisted on all of the normal traditions: cake-cutting, toasts, and a first dance. He was far more romantic than he’d ever admit, but she wasn’t fooled. This wedding had come together so beautifully all because of him.
They had music and dancing and stars above. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day. As she melted against her husband, she still couldn’t believe it was true. She laid her hand on his chest and watched the huge diamond glitter in the dim lighting.
“You went a little overboard here, didn’t you?” she asked with a giggle.
“I just want men to know you’re taken,” he said.
She laughed. “I think men on Mars will know I’m taken since they can see it from there.”
“All the better,” he said.
She might be teasing him, but she absolutely loved her ring. He’d picked it out himself and it was spectacular.
“Have I thanked you today?” he asked as they swayed to the music.
“Thanked me?” she asked, purring like a kitten, so content to be right where she was.
“Yes, thanked you for taking a chance on me, giving me your trust, and becoming my wife. You’ve made my family complete.”
She leaned back to look into his eyes and melted. This moment was something she’d remember from her wedding day even when she was ninety years old.
“That all came easy, Declan. I didn’t know this much happiness was possible.”
They paused on the dance floor as they gazed at each other. Then he cupped her cheek as he looked deep in her eyes. “It’s not easy for me to use the word love,” he said. Her heart was thundering. “But I do love you, Angela. I’ll try to show you every single day how much.”
She was speechless as she looked into the eyes of this man who’d given so much to her. There was no stopping her tears from slipping down her cheeks. It took several moments for her to be able to speak again.
“I love you, Declan. And I agree those are hard words to say. They make us vulnerable.”
He smiled at her. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever said that to that wasn’t family. I will cherish you and never stop loving you. I didn’t want to say that for the first time in front of everyone or I would’ve added it to my vows. But the more I do say it, the easier it will become.”
“This was the right time. It couldn’t be more perfect,” she told him.
He leaned down to kiss her. It didn’t take long to grow heated. The song switched to a fast number, and when he pulled back she was swaying in his arms.
“Are you ready to leave?”
“Oh yes, I want the honeymoon to start,” she told him.
“We are definitely of one mind,” he said with a laugh. Then he surprised her as he scooped her up in his arms and walked from the dance floor, their friends and family cheering and throwing confetti at them.
Not everything had been traditional at their wedding, and that made it the most perfect night of her life, because it was unique to the two of them, just like everything else had been.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The actual honeymoon would come later. They’d both decided they wanted Mario convicted and their lives fully back to normal before they took off for a week or two. They also wanted to give Timothy time to adjust to this new family. He hadn’t said much about the two of them getting married, and that worried Angela. Timothy seemed happy about the wedding. He’d stood proudly at Declan’s side when she’d walked down the aisle.
She stepped out of the house and found Declan and Timothy playing catch in the yard. She loved the sound of her son’s laughter. And Declan treated him like a son. Would that last forever? Would he still be so attentive after his biological child was born? It broke her heart to think he might not be. But his family was so good to Timothy. She couldn’t imagine that changing.
“You boys seem to be having a lot of fun,” she said as she approached. “May I join you?”
Timothy gave her a look and she had to keep herself from laughing. “Mom, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but you really can’t throw a ball very good,” Timothy told her.
“What? I’m great at throwing the ball,” she said.
“No, you throw it underhanded,” he said.
“That’s because I don’t want to hit you,” she told him.
“Mom, getting hit is all part of the game. I can’t be the best if I don’t earn it,” he told her.
His words filled her with pride. “You’re growing up so dang fast,” she said. “It scares me.”
“Mom,” he groaned. “You always say that. It’s okay for me to grow up.”
“When did you start comforting me instead of me comforting you?” she asked. “I think I need a hug.”
He looked over at Declan for his approval and Declan nodded. Timothy ran up to her and gave her a big hug. She kissed his forehead. She wasn’t having to bend down quite as far these days. It wouldn’t be long until he was taller than she was, a terrifying thought.
“Mom, can I ask you a question?” he asked, suddenly serious.
She sat down on the deck. “Of course. What is it?”
He looked
at Declan who came and sat next to her, then shifted back and forth on his feet. She was growing concerned. Declan squeezed her leg as if telling her to let him come to it on his own. That was hard for her, but she sat there waiting.
“Well, it’s just that you and Declan had the wedding so that means he’s your husband, right?” he said.
“Yes, he’s my husband,” she told her son. Declan took her hand and squeezed.
“Just like your mom is now my wife,” he added.
Timothy chewed on his lip. She felt herself tense. She wasn’t sure at all where this was going. She wanted to drag it out of him, but she knew she was like that too. Sometimes she didn’t have the right words for what she wanted to say, and it took her a while to get them out.
“So we will live here in Declan’s house?” he asked. She didn’t know how to answer that. She was glad when Declan stepped in.
“Yes, Timothy. We’re all going to live in our house together. We might want a different one someday. I don’t know what the future will bring, but no matter what we’ll be in the same home together.”
“I like that,” Timothy said. Then he looked at his mom before looking back at Declan, a bit of anxiety in his eyes.
“You can ask me anything,” Declan said. Angela’s heart was breaking for her son because she could see how worried he was about something. She wanted to make it all better, but she needed to help him become a man too, and that meant letting him do things his way. She couldn’t always step in. That wouldn’t be helping him at all.
“So, are you my dad now?” he asked quietly looking down at his shoes. “Cause Grandpa told me he’s my grandpa.” The last words were barely above a whisper.
Angela held her breath as she waited to hear what Declan was going to say. Her son was being so vulnerable right now. But she trusted her husband. She never would’ve married him if she didn’t.
Declan leaned forward as he looked at Timothy. “Do you want me to be your dad?” he asked.