by S. Moose
It kills me that I wasn’t there for her first appointment. When Mandy showed me the video, I lost it like a little girl. Tears filled my eyes and I held onto her phone, listening to my baby’s heartbeat. It was the best noise in the world. Nothing can replace that feeling of joy and excitement.
The box in my pocket burns. I touch it briefly and close my eyes, thinking about proposing to her in a few weeks, in front of our family and friends. Damon and Mandy are meeting us in Colorado the day before Christmas Eve. We have plans to relax for a little bit and spend quality time with each other. Everything is going well and I refuse to allow anything to get in the way.
Heading to the kitchen, I look for something to make for dinner. Opening the refrigerator, I see a packet of chicken breasts. Something simple tonight seems good.
“Bay!” I yell out. “Does chicken, rice and vegetables sound okay to you?” She doesn’t respond. Knowing her, she’s most likely upset that I’m suggesting something this healthy.
“You’re going to have to answer me,” I laugh and climb the stairs two at a time. Opening the bedroom door, I look around and don’t see her. “Bay, where are you?” Going into the bathroom, I see her on the bathroom floor. “Hey what’s wrong?”
“My head’s killing me,” she answers and closes her eyes. “My headaches are getting worse. Not sure what’s going on. I’ll have to call Doctor Wells in the morning and make an appointment.”
“Why don’t you go to sleep and I’ll finish making dinner,” I tell her and help her up from the floor. Helping her back into bed I pull the blanket over. “Sleep well, baby.”
“Thanks Tyler,” she yawns and closes her eyes.
The doctor’s appointment goes well and Doctor Wells doesn’t seem overly concerned. Her vitals are still good, and she’s supposed to be home the rest of the week.
Coming home after a long day at work I find Bayleigh in the living room with her Kindle and cup of tea. I like that she’s not complaining about being home and taking her time with getting better.
Sitting down next to her, with bags from Olive Garden, I take out the containers of food.
“Chicken alfredo for you,” I smile and she takes it. “How are you feeling today?”
“Good,” she tells me and opens the food. “I slept most of today. I tried going for a walk, but I walked for about five minutes before coming back.”
“You’re supposed to be in bed, Bay.”
“I know,” she sighs. “Kinda boring being home. I mean I feel fine. One of the nurses called to check on me. It’s sweet.”
“I’m glad you’re feeling okay.” I place my hand on her stomach, and we sit like this for a few moments.
“Mandy’s coming over tonight to hang out. You should see what Damon’s up to.”
“You sure?” I need a night out and drink a few beers after the last few days at work. “I can stay home if you need me to.”
“Yes! Go!” We laugh and finish our dinner before I get ready and head out to Hooligans to meet Damon. Finding him at a table with Seth I pull out a chair and turn to see the football game on the big screen.
“Pats are looking good this year.” I reach over and pour myself a glass of beer. “Damn good.”
“Pats fan?” Seth laughs.
“Hell yeah,” I answer. “Brady’s so dreamy,” I laugh and drink my beer.
“Fucking hate the Pats. Disgraceful team. They cheat.”
I shake my head. “Whatever, man. Nothing’s been proven and set in stone. Everything’s accusations and assumptions. Haters gonna hate.”
The three of us laugh and watch the game. It feels good to be here. Most of my friends from high school are out of town, living up their lives, and not settling down. I like being around these guys.
“How’s Bayleigh feeling?” Damon asks.
“Pretty good. She’s getting bored at home, but should be back on Monday.”
“I texted her today and she wanted me to save her from home,” Seth laughs and I nod. At first I didn’t like the guy and thought he was trying to steal my girl. I know he has feelings for Bayleigh, but sees her as a friend. They’re best friends and I can live with that.
“If she needs to stay home longer then I’m okay with that,” Damon states. “We need her to be okay. Mandy’s worried sick.”
“Yeah,” I take another drink of my beer. “I am too. The doctor seems to be okay with what’s going on with her. I don’t know. She shouldn’t be feeling sick and this bad.”
Damon and Seth nod and we order another pitcher of beer. I’m staying away from Web MD because I know if I research what’s going on with her I’ll freak the fuck out and build her a bubble to live in.
“I wanted to ask you something, man,” Damon looks at me.
“Sure what’s up?”
“We’re friends and this isn’t professional, but I don’t give a shit,” Damon laughs. “Seth and I have been talking, and Andy agrees with this decision too.” I intently listen and wonder where he’s going with this. “The projects your company has helped with and what’s going on has been helpful. You’re a hard worker and we want you to come to our company.”
“What?” I almost eagerly say. “Damn I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes,” Seth says. “We normally don’t add any partners, but like Damon said you’ve proved yourself at the company you’re at now and we know how hard you work. You’re better than where you are at. Coming on as a partner will give you more challenges and advance you.”
Partner? Fuck I never thought I’d make it to that level.
“Yes of course,” I tell them and we cheers to a new beginning.
Getting home after a night out I make the decision to take our relationship to the next level. Taking the stairs two at a time I climb into bed with Bayleigh and kiss her to wake her up. Her eyes flutter open and a smile plays on her face.
“What are you thinking, Mr. Scott?”
“How much I love you.” I pause and think about what I’m going to say next. Reaching over inside the nightstand, I grab the box and think this is the perfect moment. “Have you ever wondered what it’ll be like to be Mrs. Tyler Scott?” She turns and looks at me, getting on her forearms and smiling. “I take that look as a yes.”
“I mean yeah, I think about it all the time. It’ll be great when that day happens. I remember when we were seniors and were voted most likely to get married. You were holding me like I was your bride for the picture.” I laugh remembering that day. I remember every day with her.
“Do you know what I think about when I think about forever?”
“What?”
“I think about you, me and Baby Scott. I think about how many more kids we can have and everything we’re going to teach our kids. I think about every morning I get to see your face and every night I get to give you a kiss. Everything you want I want, Bayleigh. You make me a better man.” I stop and look at her, seeing the tears in her eyes. “I love you so much and I never want to go a day without you. Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world.” Taking her left hand, I slide the two-karat diamond ring on her ring finger. Leaning down and placing my ear on her stomach, I smile. “Baby Scott is happy that I’m asking Mommy to marry me. So what do you say Bayleigh Renee Murphy, will you marry me?”
“Yes. Yes times forever. I will marry you.”
Lifting her in my arms, I hold her against my chest and place my hand on her stomach. “She’s happy too.”
“Of course. This is a great day and we’re doing so well. So can we celebrate by having more sex?”
I let out a laugh and kiss her lips. “Why don’t I pamper you? Lie down on your side and I’ll give you a massage.”
“Massage? Oh, baby. You, ah well . . .”
“Oh, I can give good massages. Lay down.” Grabbing the lotion from the top of the dresser, I make sure she’s comfortable and put some lotion in my hands. Rubbing it together, I rub her back and swirl my thumbs along her shoulders and back. “How does this
feel?”
“You know my other massage therapist Dustin really gets deep and releases those knots.”
Gritting my teeth, I focus and put all my energy to make sure this feels good. An idea hits me and I move down to her feet. This I can do. Taking her foot, I rub with my thumbs and feel her body relax.
“Oh wow. Dustin doesn’t do this.”
“Well, that’s because Dustin is a fucking idiot and should keep his hands off my soon-to-be wife.”
“Oh and what are you going to do? Beat him up?”
I shake my head. “No. You’re not allowed to have a male massage therapist. Nope not anymore.”
“Whatever you say,” she says, and puts her head down, letting out a sigh. “Yeah, keep doing this. It feels so good.”
Hearing her moaning and telling me it feels good wakes up my dick again. Looking down, I curse it to calm the fuck down. Having a second round of sex might not be good. She needs to be relaxed and not a sex kitten.
Moving my hands from her feet to her calves, I rub as hard as I can, to make sure I’m better than Dustin.
Once I’m done with her right foot and calf, I move to the left and do the same. After a few minutes, I hear her lightly snoring. Pulling up our covers, I kiss her again and sneak out of the bedroom to get the house cleaned up.
The next hour passes and the door opens. Looking up, I see Mandy walking in with flowers, balloons and teddy bears. She must have heard about Bayleigh feeling sick again.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner about her?” She hisses at me. “That’s my best friend and I should have been there for her.”
“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I know this isn’t the greatest time to tell you. Things have been crazy and I didn’t want to stress her out. She’s supposed to be stress free and relaxed at all times.”
Mandy cries, “I get it. Just feel bad. I want to be here for her and make sure she’s okay. I can’t lose her.”
“I know. Me too.” Bringing her in for a hug, I lead her upstairs and into the bedroom. “I’ll order some Thai food and leave you girls here.”
“Thanks, Tyler.”
I walk out and head back downstairs to order the girls and me dinner.
Bayleigh
IT’S A WEEK BEFORE Christmas and things are really nice and relaxing. Damon shut down the company for the holidays and Tyler’s off as well.
He’s put in his resignation and is now working for Damon and Seth. Soon, his name will be on the board after the New Year.
Ridge, Fowler, Ziegler, Scott and Associates.
Andy Ziegler is around, but he works from London in their European office. The three best friends agreed Tyler would be a great addition to the company and I agree too. I’ll still be Damon’s personal assistant and soon Tyler will have his own.
Things are wonderful and I can’t complain. The doctor visits are going well and I haven’t had any pain or complications. The headaches have stopped and I’m feeling like me again. Doctor Wells is confident I’ll be okay and so will our baby.
Waking up to an empty bed, I look around and see a note on the pillow. Grabbing it, I read the beautiful words from Tyler.
Good morning baby,
Do you know I can look at you forever and never complain? You and Baby Scott are everything to me and I know we’re going to be okay.
I’m so glad you’re happy and I will do everything in my power to ensure you’ll never be alone or sad. I’ll dry your tears and hold the weight of your problems on my shoulders. We’re a team now and whatever you feel, I feel too.
You’re probably wondering where I am and why you feel so rested. Well, I may have done something to make sure you slept. Don’t worry! I asked Doctor Wells and he gave me the OK, so don’t freak out.
Get up and look in the closet. There’s a surprise waiting for you.
I love you, Bayleigh Renee Murphy and can’t wait to call you my wife.
All my love,
Tyler
I have no idea what’s going on. Getting out of bed, I head over to the walk-in closet to find my mom, Moira, Mandy and a fourth woman standing in the middle with smiles on their faces.
“Ah, what?” I yell. “What is going on?”
“We don’t have time to talk, sweetie,” Mandy orders and pulls me into the chair in the middle of my bedroom. She claps and orders the other woman around.
I look at my mom and Moira and they look like they’re going to cry. After giving me hugs and kisses, they sit on the bed and Mandy moves the chair so I’m facing them.
“What’s going on?”
“Oh honey,” my mom gushes. “I am so proud of you. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Can someone fill me in?” I look at her and Moira.
“Oh honey,” Moira says. “We know you and Tyler love each other and everything is going to be okay. We’re here now until the baby is born, and then we’ll stay for a while.”
“Moira, how are you doing?”
“Better,” she smiles. “I miss Ryan, but with your parents with me and my sister and brother in law, life is a little easier.”
“Don’t move,” Mandy tells me and we all start laughing.
“So, does anyone want to tell me what’s going on?”
“Soon,” my mom says. “Soon you’ll know.”
I sit in the chair and decide it’s best to not argue with anyone. After being treated like a doll and having my hair and makeup done by the woman that Mandy has been giving orders to since they all got here, Mandy gets me up and we go back to my closet. When we walk in, I’m standing before a beautiful white wedding dress. It’s the dress of my dreams. The beaded bodice and tulle, with jewels all over stares at me.
“What is this?”
“Today is your wedding and here’s a letter for you.”
Mandy hands me a letter and I quickly open it.
To my soon-to-be wife,
At this point you’re ready and about to put on your dress. Are you surprised? I hope you are. I’ve been planning this for the past few weeks. I’m sorry I can’t give you the wedding of your dreams. I hope this will be enough.
I love you so much and I know we’re going to live a long and healthy life. You are my world, Bayleigh, and I can’t wait to see you.
Your soon-to-be husband,
Tyler
“Let’s get you married, Bayleigh.”
Taking one last look in the mirror, I smile at who’s looking back at me. The dress fits perfectly and the bottom half of my dress has just enough poof to make me feel like a princess. Mandy is in her violet colored dress. My mom and Moira are in their dresses and soon my dad meets us in the bedroom.
When he looks at me, I feel the tears coming down and Mandy screams at me to not ruin my makeup.
“Oh Bayleigh,” my dad says. “You look beautiful, honey.”
“Thanks, Daddy.” I smile and give him a hug. “Thank you for coming and giving me away.”
“No baby girl. I will never give you away.” I see tears well in his eyes and I lean over to give him a kiss.
“I’ll always be your little girl, so don’t worry okay?” He nods and we get in position as per Mandy.
“Are you ready?” I nod and take a deep breath because I’m about to walk to my future.
When we get to the top of the stairs, I watch Mandy walk down the stairs and into the living room. Our house is full of flowers and candles. It looks beautiful and I can’t ask for more.
The wedding march fills the air and I look at my dad one more time before we walk down the stairs and to my husband.
Making it down without problems, I look at everyone here. It’s a small wedding with our family and close friends.
Serena and Mandy are standing with Tyler, and Damon. I smile because I know the other groomsman is Ryan. Closing my eyes, I say a prayer and feel a light breeze.
“Ryan,” I whisper.
My dad and I walk towards my future. When our eyes meet, everything freezes except for us. Looking
at him, I see my future. I see everything I want and everything I need.
Tyler
SHE’S WALKING TO me and I can’t breathe. I feel Damon’s hand on my shoulder and the girls are looking at me with smiles. Today is the day I’ve been waiting for since I was little. I remember every moment with Bayleigh and the obstacles we overcame. I’ll never regret the past because everything we’ve done has led us to this point in our lives. I love her and everything we’ve been through.
The weeks of planning to make sure everything is perfect don’t matter. The smile on her face tells me everything I need to know. I’m happy to give her this day and I’d do it all over again.
When my soon-to-be father-in-law passes her hand to me, I willingly take it and bring her close to me.
“We’re getting married,” she says.
“We are, baby.” Our eyes well up and I’m so tempted to kiss her. She’s the most beautiful woman ever, especially now, standing before me. Her soul is free and her spirits are lifted high. This girl, my girl, has been through hell and back. She fought the darkness and won. Now she’s about to be mine forever and I’m never going to let her go.
The priest says his words and talks about love. I turn my head and see a missing spot next to me. Closing my eyes, I thank Ryan for being here for Bayleigh when she needed it the most. It’s because of him she realizes how amazing she is and the importance of her life. Not only is she alive and well, but she’s here with me.
Everything is a blur. I can’t pay attention to the words he’s saying because of my beautiful bride. She’s stealing the show and looks beyond perfect. She is perfection. As soon as the priest has us repeat our vows and we place our rings on, he announces us man and wife, I dip her low and hear her perfect laugh.
“You are mine forever,” I whisper, leaning down to kiss her.
“Forever,” she repeats back to me. “And forever after forever.”
Tyler