He took the gift I had in my hand and set it aside before he undid the blindfold. I’m sure he did that so when he made the big reveal I was free to jump into his arms unhindered. And that’s exactly what I did after I admired his handiwork. Thousands of twinkle lights hung in the air, strung across the veranda. Add in hundreds—and I mean hundreds—of pale pink roses strategically placed around the whole area. I felt like we were in a rose garden. Then there was the romantic table set for two on a flowing, white tablecloth with several candles lit to add to the ambience. To keep us warm, he had a fire blazing in his outdoor hearth. The table was placed in front of it. I felt like I was in a movie, but this was a hundred times better.
I turned to an expectant Andrew, who was obviously pleased with himself. I flew into his arms and he pulled me as close as I could get.
“I wondered what you meant by romancing the hell out of me. Now I get it.”
He laughed low in my ear. “This is only the beginning.”
I swallowed hard. This was just the beginning? Oh my.
Andrew helped me into my seat and poured me a glass of white wine, because all I needed was more intoxication. I was falling fast and hard. And I wasn’t even going to stand in my own way. I wanted the man who was grinning across the table from me.
Andrew lifted the lids off our plates to reveal the chicken risotto with spring vegetables he had whipped up. He was a prince among men.
“This looks fabulous. Thank you.”
He watched me take my first bite. It tasted sinful.
“It tastes even better.”
He was pleased with my reaction.
We ate in silence, but spoke with our eyes. I knew he wanted me, and more importantly I could see how happy it made him to make me happy. I had never been with someone that was more concerned about my happiness.
“I forgot to ask you how it went with our mothers.”
“Better than expected. And Drew thought it was great, except he wanted to come here with us.”
“I don’t think he would like how much my lips plan to land on yours.”
I took a sip of my wine and breathed out slowly. He was good. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
“I think we might need to put a rush on that application process of yours.”
“Patience,” I whispered. I wasn’t ready for a marriage proposal … yet.
“I’ll wait for as long as I have to.”
When he talked like that, I almost found myself confessing mad love for him.
After dinner, we exchanged gifts. Andrew, in his quest to love me in “my language” swallowed his ego and made me a homemade gift. I adored it. It was a deck of cards. Each of the fifty-two cards had a date written on it. I was going to have an amazing upcoming year filled with trips to my favorite shows, candle-lit dinners, horseback riding, etc.
“This is the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. Where did you come up with it?”
“Pinterest.” He said it like it was obvious.
I’m not sure I had ever smiled so much. I handed him my gift, though he already knew what it was. I only added the finishing touches and frame to it.
He eagerly unwrapped his picture. Once it was out of the paper, he lightly touched the glass frame, admiring it and maybe reminiscing. “You’re so amazing.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
He looked up from the picture of him and his son. “I do. I feel so unworthy of you at times.”
Tears welled up in my eyes. No one ever saw me the way he did, not even myself.
He carefully rested the picture on the table before getting up and taking the small trip around the table to me. He held out his hand and I placed mine in his. He helped me up before drawing me close. Besides Drew, I had never felt more like I belonged with someone.
“Are you ready for dancing lessons?”
“If it means I get to be in your arms for the rest of the night, then yes.”
“I don’t ever plan on letting you go.”
I was entirely on board with that plan.
Chapter Forty-Three
Andrew may have known how to romance a woman, but it was how he loved our son and me that won me over. As Cheyenne predicted, we had turned into “one of those couples.” Where Drew and I were, he was there, and vice versa. We cooked together, worked, and played together. I cheered my boys on during little league games, and Andrew helped me with the spring carnival. Or should I say he helped the PTA committee. If there was one thing he didn’t excel at, it was art.
The week before the spring carnival, I felt like I lived at the school in the evenings. I was trying to finish up the paper mural. It had been a hectic month between little league games and the adult league practices that had started up. And the end of the school year was always crazy, with field day and what felt like several class activities, and of course, award ceremonies. Even with Andrew helping out, it was chaotic. But I thought the school was ready to crown him king for all his help with field day. It seemed like it was his goal to turn every child at the school into a professional athlete, or at least make them think it was possible.
If only his charms could work on my dad. My mom was coming around, but my dad and I were hardly speaking even though we saw each other every day at work. He kept mostly to himself in his own office. It kind of put a damper on things. But at least he was still willing to come to Drew’s games. And he never spoke ill about Andrew in front of our son.
There I was, Thursday night at the school, coloring like a mad woman, doing my best to finish the mural so it could be hung the next day when setup occurred. The carnival itself was that Saturday. Drew and Andrew had practice, so they were doing their thing until they came to my rescue.
In they came, dirty, but with smiles on. Andrew was always just as filthy as Drew. He took coaching to a new level. I think he may have more fun than the kids. He loved to show them how to slide into bases, and at the end of each practice, he let them all run around while he tried to tag as many of them out as he could. Then he let them try and do the same to him. No one had tagged him out yet, but Drew was determined.
I loved watching the two walk side by side. It was a reminder of how much they were alike. They even swung their arms at the same pace. It was made better when both of their faces lit up when they saw me.
Drew ran to me. “Mom, guess what happened at practice?” A story usually accompanied each practice.
I set down my colored pencil and gave him my full attention. “What?”
“Dad hit the ball so hard it went over the fence and broke a car window.”
I looked up at a grinning Andrew. “That doesn’t sound good.”
Andrew joined me on the hardwood floor of the gym and shrugged it off. “It was Landon’s car.”
I did my best not to laugh. I didn’t want to be a bad example to Drew. “I bet he wasn’t happy about that.” He was still throwing a hissy fit that they were allowing Andrew to play in the adult league.
“He was totally yelling at dad.”
I cringed. “In front of the kids?”
Andrew nodded. “He’s threatening to sue me, too.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“I hope he does. I have a team of lawyers that love this sort of thing.”
I rolled my eyes. “Is everything a competition to you?”
He leaned in close and barely pecked my lips. Drew wasn’t a fan of our affection. “It makes it so much more fun.”
“You’re too much.”
He laughed at me.
“So how was the rest of practice? Are you ready for your game tomorrow night?”
“We’re going to beat the Pirates.” Drew hit his fist into his hand.
I had no doubt. They were undefeated so far.
“Can we help you?” Andrew offered.
“That would be great. Grab a colored pencil and try to stay in the lines.”
I looked between my little man and my big man as we all lay there, flat on our stomachs, colo
ring. I was hit with such emotion; I had to hold back the tears. I never thought I could love anyone with the same intensity I loved my son, but Andrew always surprised me. I wanted to tell him then and there how I felt, but instead, I kept the moment in my heart and let it sink in.
My heart swelled again the next evening as I watched the two loves of my life together on the ball field. There was something about seeing the man you love, love your child. I knew he did his best not to show favoritism on the field, but his eyes didn’t shine as bright as they did when Drew came across the plate, or when they high-fived. Andrew couldn’t hide his love for Drew, and that’s the way it should be.
Taylor and I sat in the stands together. My parents had to miss the game for a friend’s retirement party. Easton was on the field helping out. They still had Gage and were hoping to make it a permanent situation, but it was a long, drawn out process. Tessa sat in her mom’s lap looking as adorable as could be. She was babbling and eating her fist.
“Looks like she’s teething.”
“Yes, it’s making nursing painful.”
Yikes. I’d never had to deal with that. Maybe someday.
“Andrew is great with the kids. Gage raves about him.”
“So does Drew.”
“How about you?”
“I think he’s all right.”
She nudged me. “You aren’t fooling anyone.”
I supposed I wasn’t. “How are the graduation plans coming?”
Taylor sighed. “They’re coming. I can’t believe my baby is graduating.” She held on to Tessa a little bit tighter. “At least she’s going to CU.”
I was happy for my friend that Ashley chose the closer option. “Where are your girls, by the way?”
“Spencer.”
“Oh. Are Ashley and he back together?”
Taylor tensed up. “I don’t know. She took Emmy with her to meet him for ice cream.”
“Is he going to CU?”
“No. He got a scholarship to play football for a small college in Iowa.”
“That’s a good thing, right?”
“Easton and I like Spencer, but he’s been a little wishy-washy with Ash, and they are so young.”
“Ashley has a good head on her shoulders.”
“She does. I’m just still hormonal from pregnancy, nursing, and getting old.”
I touched her knee. “Like I’d said before, if this is old, please sign me up.”
“You’re a good friend, but I think the dopamine is getting to you.”
We both laughed. It was probably true, but Andrew was definitely getting to me.
Carnival day arrived. I was glad my part was over and we could enjoy it as a family. The PTA committee had done a fantastic job; the gym was unrecognizable. Games and booths outlined the walls, all with a different cultural twist. Drew ran to the American-themed football toss first. We followed after, holding hands. I loved the feel of my hand in his. We watched Drew make shot after shot.
Andrew beamed with pride. “Look at that kid’s arm,” he kept repeating.
“I think he gets it from me.”
Andrew arched his eyebrow. “Prove it.”
I kissed his lips once. “Watch and learn.” I met Drew at the game. “Toss me the ball. I’m going to show your dad a thing or two.”
Andrew got up close and personal near my side.
I threw the ball up in the air and caught it with ease before I threw it through the hoop, with a nice spiral, if I do say so myself.
“All right, Mom!” Drew shouted to my left.
Andrew grinned to my right.
Two more throws both made it through. I high-fived Drew before turning toward Andrew, who looked like he was hopelessly in love. He leaned in and kissed me, G-rated of course, but the words he whispered in my ear were for an adult-only audience. Who knew knowing how to throw a football would be such a big turn on?
“Where do you think Drew learned how to throw a ball?”
Smitten, Andrew didn’t get to answer. Drew was pulling on my hand. “I want to show you something. My essay made it on the Wall of Fame this week.”
Andrew and I followed Drew out of the gym. I loved being sandwiched between those two. It was a perfect fit.
Drew was excited and couldn’t seem to walk fast enough. It must have been some essay. We landed in front of his classroom. The outside wall was called the “Hall of Fame.” I spotted Drew’s paper right away. The guys gathered around me as I began to read.
My hero is my mom.
I was a goner from there. Tears flooded my eyes.
My mom adopted me all by herself when I was a baby. She taught me how to ride a bike and play football. She comes to all my games and cheers the loudest. When I’m sick she takes care of me and she makes me bacon.
I had to laugh at his bacon reference.
She plays video games with me even though I always win. And when I’m scared, she sings to me. She is the best mom ever.
I pulled Drew to me and hugged the air out of him. “I love you infinity.”
“I love you infinity plus one. Don’t kiss me in school, okay?”
I laughed.
“Can I go back to the carnival now?”
“Yes. Your mom and I will be right there,” Andrew answered.
Drew took off without another word.
Andrew took me into his arms and kissed away my tears.
“Did you help him write that paper?”
“No. That was all him, but I couldn’t agree more. You are our hero. We love you.” He ran the back of his hand down my cheek. “I love you.”
I reached up and wound my hands around his neck. “I love you, too.”
His lips set mine on fire. For a second, I found myself pushed against the wall and his body pressed against mine. His lips were warm and urgent. I never felt more wanted, but we both realized we were in our son’s school and we broke apart before it got out of hand.
His sexy grin said it all. “Keep kissing me like that and I’m going to get detention.”
I bit my lip and smiled. “I’m thinking of putting the stamp of approval on your application.”
Andrew was right back, his body pressed against mine. “You know what? Detention never hurt anyone.”
I ran my fingers up through his hair and pulled his head toward me. Our lips were on the cusp of connecting. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Epilogue
I surveyed myself in the full-length mirror in our bedroom. “I look like a beached whale.”
Andrew was fixing his bowtie behind me. “Don’t say things like that, the babies will hear you.”
“They don’t know what I’m saying.”
He turned me toward him, knelt down in his tux, and kissed my ever expanding midsection. “Your mommy didn’t mean that. She meant to say how ravishing she looks and how everyone at the ball will be jealous of her.”
I stroked his hair. “Because five months pregnant with twins is everyone’s dream.”
He looked up at me with mischief in his eyes. “You made my dreams come true, giving me two more sons.”
“You’re still proud of yourself aren’t you?”
“Do you know what the odds are of one sperm making it? Having two of my little guys take the prize is amazing.”
I rolled my eyes at my playful husband. “I love you, even if you are the mayor.”
He stood up and kissed my cheek. “Which means we can’t be late to the mayor’s ball. I’m going to check on Drew; my mom should be here any minute.” He looked back at me from our bedroom door. “Don’t keep me waiting, Mrs. Turner.”
I looked at myself again in the mirror. The blush colored full-length gown looked good against my tan skin and dark hair, but there was no hiding I was pregnant, and getting more so each day. I put in the diamond earrings Andrew had given me on our first Christmas over a year and a half ago. Then I looked down at the sparkler he gave me on the day we wed back in August, before school started. It was becoming tight as
I retained water. Dr. Singer said that was normal, considering I was carrying twins.
I braved heels and slipped them on. I’m sure I would regret the decision later, but it would probably be the last time I could wear the beautiful nude pumps until after the babies were born, hopefully sometime at the end of October or the beginning of November.
I walked out of our bedroom suite to find my guys watching the Bears game on the monstrous screen Andrew had installed in the family room. Drew and I moved out to the lake house after we married almost a year ago. I lived in a big man cave, and I was adding more men as we went. I couldn’t be more thrilled. I loved my sons and my husband.
Father and son looked cozy on the overstuffed couch while yelling at the screen.
I smiled at them both. “I’m ready.”
Andrew hugged Drew before jumping up and joining me. He kissed my bare shoulder. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I turned my attention toward Drew. “Grandma Eve is taking you out to dinner. You can record the game and watch it later. And if you go outside, make sure Jake doesn’t run into the lake and then jump all over Grandma again.”
Both Drew and Andrew laughed. Poor Evelyn got the soaking of her life when she had come over last week.
On cue, the best mother-in-law ever arrived, and with her came yet another set of adorable baby boy outfits. Both grandmas were in hyper buying mode. And I liked that a lot of that buying, they did together.
I kissed her cheek. “Hi, Mom.”
She touched my midsection, like everyone seemed to do nowadays. “I felt a kick.” She grinned.
“I think they wrestle in there.”
“That sounds about right.”
Andrew joined us and took my hand. “Thanks for watching Drew. We will be late, so feel free to use the guest bedroom.”
She held up her small suitcase. “I came prepared. Stay out as long as you want to.”
“You mean, as long as we can handle. These babies are kicking my butt.”
She laughed. “Well, you kids have fun.”
Andrew promptly whisked me away.
Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) Page 31