The Two-Night One-Night Wedding

by Ryan Ringbloom

  The. Kiss. Is.

  EPIC!

  3 Years Later

  “MATTHEW, SHE’S NOT going to hold out. This baby is coming right now. They paged OB but I doubt one of the doctors will make it down here in time. There’s no one else, you’re going to have to do it,” Nurse Joanne whispers to me calmly. An overturned truck and a motorcycle collision had the doctors of the ER pulled into the operating rooms. That leaves me on deck.

  I’ve never delivered a baby on my own, but I put on a brave face, confident and ready.

  “Oh, God, I can’t do this.” The blonde woman grabs her pillow and screams, writhing on the bed in front of us.

  “Yes, you can, Monica,” I say with conviction.

  “Why is this happening so fast?”

  “You don’t need to worry, everything is going to be okay.”

  A fetal monitor is positioned and the baby’s vitals look good. I’m thankful for the nurses who know what to do and are there to assist with the delivery. They have the necessary instruments ready and waiting.

  “Start pushing.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Monica!” A disheveled man is led into the room. “They said they brought you to the ER. What’s going on?”

  “Jackson, thank God.” Monica weeps, taking her husband’s hand and squeezing it tightly. “I’m so scared. They say I won’t make it to the delivery room.”

  “Everything is fine, the baby’s just in a rush to meet her parents is all. You don’t need to be scared. You’re in capable hands, and you’re doing great.” Nurse Joanne talks to Monica in a soothing voice, holding her other hand, encouraging her and me as well.

  The head crowns and I instruct Monica to push.

  “Almost there, keep pushing,” I say, holding the baby gently as she is pushed from her mother. I clamp the cord and Joanne makes the cut. A sweep of the mouth, and her little lungs bellow a hello to the world. I look the tiny baby over before handing her to her tearful mother.

  I return to a stool, finishing up the delivery. My heart pounds from the exhilaration coursing through me. I delivered a baby. I brought another human being into the world. The love that the new parents feel toward their new baby spreads over to me. The feeling is so tender and beautiful, I can almost touch it. I finish up with the nurses checking over my shoulder, nodding their approval.

  Dr. Powers enters and commends me on a job well done. The new mommy and daddy, along with baby Tonya, are wheeled up to Obstetrics, and a few hours later I’m home, climbing into bed with Holly.

  “Are you awake?” I move away her hair and kiss her shoulder.

  “Mmm, what’s up?” she asks sleepily.

  “I delivered a baby tonight. A girl.”

  “You did? That’s amazing.” She sits up and clicks on the light next to our bed. “How did it go?”

  “It was unreal. The delivery was fast, but everything went smoothly. No complications. I feel… euphoric.”

  “I’m so proud of you.” Holly places her hands on my cheeks and kisses me.

  “Holly, I think it’s time. I want to start trying.” I’ve been starting to feel that way for a while now. Tonight just confirmed it. I want our family to grow. We’re ready.

  “Oh, Matthew.” Holly presses her forehead against mine, our wide toothy smiles lined up. “You have no idea, you just made me so happy.” Her voice trembles in an unsteady waver.

  She turns off the light and cuddles into me under the comforter. In the dark her lips find mine. My fingers run through her hair. I don’t know how it’s possible, but I love her more and more each day. My fingertips lower to her thighs and slowly start to raise her nightgown.

  “Should we start trying right now?” Her skin puckers under my touch, her breath already getting that halted hitch to it.

  “We can try.” Her lips rub against my ear and she breathes, “But we don’t have to.”

  4 Months Later

  A large chocolate-frosted cake sits in the center of Grace and Marty’s large dining room table. Every Daniels family member is there, ready for us to make that first slice and reveal either a pink or blue cake.

  Only Matthew and I know.

  Ashley cranes her neck, waiting to see. Bets have been made and she is betting on pink. If it’s anything else, I’ve been warned that there may be a dab of jealousy to deal with. Nothing that this family haven’t seen before. I’ve learned in a family this size that there is always something going on. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

  “Cut it already,” Robin encourages. She’s team blue, and I think it’s partly so she can watch Ashley turn green with envy. The fun-loving dynamic between them, I’m part of it now. I love them both dearly—they’re my sisters.

  This family around us is a gift, one I am thrilled to be adding to. I married the man, I married the family. And I couldn’t be happier.

  Matthew grabs the knife and we stand before the cake. I rub my protruding belly and grasp the knife with him to make the first cut. Together we cut a triangular slice, and I pull it out, placing it on a plate.

  “It’s… it’s… yellow?” Ella frowns.

  “Vanilla?” Stacy questions. “What the heck baby is that?”

  Matthew and I look at each other and he winks. In a family where nothing is ever private, we decided to keep this our own little secret for just a little bit longer.

  The faces around us drop. They’re disappointed, but they’ll all find out soon enough.

  4 Months Later

  THIS TIME I’M the one who needs the encouragement as I grip Holly’s hand in my own and she bears down.

  “Matthew, she’s doing just fine.” The nurse pats my shoulder. It’s unbelievable how much scarier it is being on this end of a delivery. I’m about to become a dad. A dad. I’m a dad.

  “Here we go.” Dr. Seymour motions me to move forward. This is it. “Give me a big push, Holly. You’re doing amazing.”

  Holly bites her lip and pushes. She’s beautiful, glistening, and I slowly take my eyes away from her and watch as my little girl enters the world. Alyssa Rose, she’s here.

  “She’s beautiful,” I say through quivering lips, and step over to kiss Holly. “You’re almost there. I love you.” She nods, and I see the pain as she fights to push again.

  “Go ahead, Holly. Push,” Dr. Seymour instructs.

  I don’t know where to look; it’s as if I’m floating. Life is amazing. My eyes go to my remarkable wife, to my beautiful daughter, and fifty-three seconds later, they land on my son as he enters the world and takes his very first breath. William Matthew.

  Alyssa and William.

  Two babies in one night.

  Ashley and Patrick – Ashley finished her first grown-up book. It sold mostly to her family and friends, but she didn’t let that get her down. She continued to pull from real life and pressed on writing her stories, using her husband Patrick as inspiration. Eventually one of her stories seemed to catch on with readers; ironically, it was the story based loosely on her young brother-in-law and his wife’s awkward yet charmingly romantic story.

  Robin and Kent – Robin remained happy and healthy. She, Kent, and Michelle travel often. Every once in a while, at her visits with Dr. Powers, they still have a quick laugh when he asks how “Sparkles” is.

  Jayne and Juan – Jayne and Juan broke up and made up a total of eleven times before running off to Vegas and eloping. Eventually Juan quit his job as a male dancer, and believe it or not, actually became a personal trainer, although he still does private dances just for Jayne.

  Jeremy and Justin Jeremy and Justin married a little over two years later at the Chateau. It was beautiful and to them it was worth every penny to watch family and friends glom down overpriced seafood on their happy day. Stay tuned to the end of this book for more!

  Matthew and Holly – The wonderful weirdness that was a huge part of Matthew and Holly did lessen in time, but never fully went away. Wouldn’t it be boring if it did? The night of the twins’ first birthda
y, Holly took a home pregnancy test and was shocked to learn another little Daniels was on the way. Jonathan Martin Daniels was born seven months later.

  Matthew did go back to medical school. It took a lot longer than originally planned, but he got there. Dr. Daniels is now the Chief of Obstetrics at St. Peter’s Hospital.

  Next week, he and Holly are headed out to Burbank, California. Matthew has qualified to be a contestant on Jeopardy!

  I have a feeling he is going to do very well.

  Need to catch up? Go back and see how it started.

  The Two-Night One-Night Stand

  A girl. A guy. And a talking peen.

  Holly Martin isn't the type to have a one-night stand. But a crushing breakup, a sexy blind date, and a few shots of Fireball are about to change all that.

  Matthew Daniels is an introverted PA who claims he’s too busy to date. But that doesn’t stop his older brothers from encouraging him to let loose and get out there, because as they put it—the right girl won’t just walk up to you.

  But what if she does?

  Is it possible for a one-night stand that happens twice to actually become more? Could two nights of reckless debauchery actually lead to true love? Or is this just another case of a whisky-induced disaster?

  This romantic comedy is sure to have you laughing, cringing, rolling your eyes, shouting at the pages, and looking for a shot glass of your own.

  LINDSAY WATCHED AS the digital clock blinked from 11:59 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. It was officially April 5.

  She attempted one last time to shut her eyes. It was no use. Every time her eyes closed, instead of drifting into a much-needed sleep, the image of herself as the blissfully happy bride, unaware and naïve, about to have her world turned upside down, flashed in front of her. Weddings always made the memories return, but the wedding she was to attend today had left her able to focus on little else.

  Aware that there was no chance of falling asleep, she stretched her arms over head and begrudgingly hoisted herself up out of the plush hotel covers. The room was dark except for the soft glow coming from the bathroom. She’d left the bathroom light on for both a guiding light and sense of security. But tonight, no amount of light would be able to offer her the security that she sought.

  She sat on the edge of the tub, and the water pouring out of the spout heated up rapidly, burning her fingers. Lindsay adjusted the faucet, bringing the water to a more acceptable temperature, pressed down on the button that sent the water spurting out of the showerhead, and stepped in. The warm water saturated her thick dark hair, and she reached for the tiny bottle of shampoo, and squeezed a blob into her hand. She massaged her scalp until her head was covered in foamy scented bubbles. Her eyes shut as the soapy foam dripped down her face. Immediately, the images reappeared. A strapless white gown billowing out around her, the tiara pinned into place, nestled in the perfect curls it took all morning to achieve, and the sparkling engagement ring on her finger, anxiously awaiting the matching band that would soon be slipped on, completing the set and rendering her an official married woman. She was marrying the boy she’d loved since high school, her best friend... her soul mate.

  For a brief moment, the memory made Lindsay smile, even though she knew what came next.

  The door opened and a flourish of crimson satin entered the small vestibule in the back of the church. Lindsay looked away from her glossy smile in the mirror to the woman who appeared in the reflection.

  “You look beautiful,” Karen said. Her auburn hair was swept up, her fair skin complemented by the rich red of her gown. Even on a day like today it was hard not to feel overshadowed by her beauty. “You look happy.”

  “Of course I am,” Lindsay replied, her knees bobbing with excitement underneath the layers of satin and tulle. “I’m so happy I could burst.”

  “I just saw Justin.” Karen took a deep breath, her green eyes zeroing in on Lindsay. “I wish I could say he’s as happy as you are.”

  Not today. Please, not today. She and Justin had struggled with some issues after their engagement, but those issues had been worked out. Whatever he was going through, he’d said it was fine now.

  “I’m sure it’s nerves.” The butterflies fluttering delicately in Lindsay’s stomach quickly converted to a wake of vultures feeding on her insides. “Last-minute jitters.” Her voice skipped.

  “Lindsay, we both know that this marriage should not happen.”

  “No, I don’t know that. Justin and I love each other.”

  “He does love you. But you and I know that the way he feels for you is not enough to get married and start a life together. You can’t give him what he wants.”

  “How dare you!” Lindsay spat, slamming a closed fist into the soft folds of her gown. “I have given Justin everything he wants and more for the past nine years. You’re just jealous. Jealous that our love is strong and that our marriage will last.” Lindsay said, taking a low blow against Karen’s recent divorce.

  Karen straightened her shoulders and set her jaw against the attack. “I know my timing is bad. And believe me, I was going to mind my own business. I wanted to stay out of it, but when I saw the look on my son’s face this morning….” Her voice broke and she swallowed, lifting a tissue up to dab at an escaped tear. “He won’t listen to me. But he’ll listen to you.”

  “Are you suggesting that I call off the wedding?”

  “We both know that this wedding shouldn’t happen.”

  There was a knock on the door and Gina, the maid of honor, poked her head inside. “They’re ready for pictures.” Lindsay stood up on shaky legs. “Linds, oh my God, you look gorgeous. Like a princess.”

  “Thank you.” Lindsay’s voice shook; the vultures were still circling inside her belly, and she felt woozy, reaching out for the back of the chair to help steady herself.

  “Are you okay?” Gina ran over to her. She held on to Lindsay’s forearm, glancing in Karen’s direction. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “No.” Lindsay took a breath, standing up tall. “My future mother-in-law just came in to wish me luck.” She locked eyes with Karen. “But as I was just telling her, we have love, we don’t need luck,” Lindsay said, digging deep for a strong air of conviction to convince Karen that they were and would be fine.

  The same way she had been trying to convince herself.

  LINDSAY OPENED UP a bottle of water and poured it into the back of the small coffeepot the hotel had provided in her room. She removed the cup from the plastic, added her artificial sweetener and a powdered creamer, and stirred. It wasn’t ideal, but the coffee shop in the lobby didn’t open until six, and she couldn’t wait another two hours for a cup of coffee, no matter how crappy this one was.

  Unable to stay in the confines of her hotel room any longer, Lindsay zipped herself up in a hoodie, grabbed her coffee, and took off. Just where she was going, she wasn’t sure.

  She stepped into the elevator and pointed her finger at the lobby button, all set to push… and stopped. Instead, she pushed 2, and sipped her coffee nervously as the elevator descended. When the doors opened she followed the long hallway down to the glass bridge that led across to Chateau’s main ballroom. Checking to make sure no one was watching, she sped over the bridge and opened one of the large double doors, sneaking in to catch a glimpse of the grandness she was in for today.

  Gold chairs with black sashes stood in neat rows, separated down the middle with a white runner at the front of the aisle waiting to be unfurled at the start of the wedding. The flowers wouldn’t be arriving for hours, but Lindsay could envision where they would be placed and how the room would come together in a beautiful display. It would probably be similar to the way their venue had been set up. Maybe this would look even better. The comparisons had begun. Would the flowers be nicer? The food? The band? One thing was for certain, this marriage would most likely last longer.

  Day three of their dream honeymoon had ended with an emergency flight home. Justin couldn’t breathe, his hear
t was racing, and big red blotches had started to form on his pale skin. After an agonizing flight where EMTs were waiting at the gate, Justin was rushed to the hospital. The official diagnosis was panic. Panic over marrying me.

  Lindsay couldn’t look up when her mother-in-law walked into the hospital room. She couldn’t make eye contact with the woman who had warned her only a few days before that something like this was bound to happen.

  Their marriage had been annulled by the end of the month. It had been easier than they thought to have their marriage decreed invalid, especially since consummation hadn’t taken place. Truth be told, they hadn’t consummated their engagement either. Lindsay hung her head at all the red flags she had been so blind to. Sometimes when you want something so bad, you tend to overlook what’s right in front of you.

  The door creaked open, and Lindsay held her breath. The workers were probably coming in to finish the setup for the wedding, and would surely frown upon a guest sneaking in. She mentally prepared an apology and an excuse as the person drew near.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Lindsay heard a man’s voice, and turned. “I didn’t know anyone was in here. The door wasn’t locked.”

  “It’s okay.” Lindsay smiled up at the handsome man in front of her. “I don’t work here. I snuck in, too.”

  “Phew.” The man relaxed. He motioned toward the seat next to her and she nodded before he sat down. “Can’t sleep either?” he asked, glancing down at his watch.