After everything was set straight, I started to stay the night more and more until eventually my stuff was completely moved in. I was finally able to spend the evening with him and not have to rush off, I loved being able to wake up in his arms.
Caleb was beyond thrilled that he was going to be a daddy. He was constantly making sure that I was doing okay. One evening, I had fallen asleep watching a movie, but awoke to him talking to my belly. I didn’t move so he could continue talking without me interrupting. He had told our little peanut, he was so happy that he was going to be their daddy and to be nice to mommy while they were baking. He ended the conversation with a soft kiss. I couldn’t help the tears from leaking out of my eyes.
One night we decided to have a dinner party and invite our friends over. Caleb had invited his boss, Felix and his stunning wife Theresa. I enjoyed meeting them, they both were incredibly nice. I had obviously invited Courtney and Jason.
Courtney still was handling pregnancy perfectly. They found out that they were going to be welcoming a little girl. Jason was a little bummed at first that he wasn’t going to be able to have a sports buddy, but quickly turned around after seeing how excited Courtney was.
We tried to get Ava and Brantley to come over as well, but the two were on a mini vacation. The two of them probably never even left the bed. We all had a good laugh about it.
“So Ryleigh, are you and Caleb going to find out the sex of your baby?” Theresa asked as she took a sip of her wine. “We haven’t decided, actually. I would love to be surprised, but at the same time it is killing me to find out.” I laughed as I placed my hand on Caleb’s leg.We were enjoying our beautiful porch and watching the sunset.
“You have to find out!” Courtney demanded. “I better know if my little girl is going to be having princess sleepovers or installing bars on her bedroom window!” She laughed.
Everyone followed suit and laughed. I leaned in and gave Caleb a kiss.
“You know Court; bars wouldn’t hold back a Martin boy. We always found ways to get to the girl.” Caleb joked.
“Oh really? Is there something you haven’t told me?” I joked, poking him in his side.
“Well actually. I haven’t told you a lot of things.” He laughed.
“Oh yeah, such as?” I sat back in amusement. “Such as…” He paused and then squatted beside my chair. “I got you this while I was out shopping for the wine and I was going to give it to you later, but I think now is as good as time as ever.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny diamond band.
Everyone gasped in excitement.
“Caleb?” I asked surprised. “Ryleigh, I have loved you from the second we met. You’ve been my best friend through everything and you still gave me another chance after all those years apart. I can’t imagine not being able to call you my wife anymore. We’ve been through so much together and if we can survive that, I am sure that we can make it through anything else.” He paused to grab my hand. “Ryleigh, will you make me the happiest man on the Earth and become my wife?” He slipped the ring onto my finger.
I was smiling like a fool, all the while tears were streaming. I sat there in silence for a moment.
“Oh my god! Say yes already!” Courtney shrieked out followed by a laugh.
“Caleb, I love you more than anything. I’d be happy to call you my husband!” I quickly jumped into his arms and gave him several kisses.
Cheers filled in around us.
After several moments of showing off my band to the girls, Courtney quickly brought up the wedding. “What about having it here?” She said excitedly. “Something small. The view for the pictures would just be astonishing! You can do it during sunset!” She was getting a little too anxious about the planning. I had to laugh at her.
“That’s not a bad idea, Court.” Caleb chimed in. “What do you think, Ry?”
“I like the idea. When do you want to do this?” I asked curiously.
“As soon as possible. How does next weekend work?” He asked smiling. “Are you serious? That is not enough time to plan anything!” I said in shock.
“It is if you have a team of people planning it with you!” Courtney added.
“So we have 8 days to plan all of this and you think we can pull this off?” I asked skeptically.
“Yeah, I think we can.” Caleb said reassuringly. “Alright. Let’s do this.” I laughed. Needless to say, the week flew by. Courtney was a natural born wedding planner, she was all over the place and making sure that everyone was put in their proper place. She even had my dress planned, which was beautiful and I couldn’t have picked a better one myself.
Work was starting to pick up, more accounts were piling in. Mr. Rogers had referred several of his clients in my direction. When he found out I was getting married AND having a baby, he was thrilled and sent over the bassinet filled with baby items and a pair of plane tickets for our honeymoon! I tried to explain that it was too much, but he wouldn’t accept anything other than a thank you.
Sunday morning arrived in the blink of an eye.
“Ryleigh, honey, are you okay?” My mom knocked on the bathroom door.
“Yeah, just putting the finishing touches on.” I answered applying one more coat of mascara. I knew that it was going to run off as it was, but I wanted to attempt to have some makeup on. I laughed at myself. I opened the door to a bunch of gasps. My mom, Courtney and Ava were waiting for me on my bed. My gown was a beautiful cream color lace ensemble. It was tight in all the right places, but hid my baby bump just perfectly. I wore my hair in a beautifulbun with a bright yellow flower on the side, just for Courtney.
“You look…AMAZING!” Courtney said with a hitch to her voice.
My mom had already begun to cry. I had to shake my head at her, hopefully sending the message of not yet.
“Ryleigh! You look beautiful.” Ava said quietly trying to keep herself composed. “Sorry, I’m a sap for weddings.” She chuckled.
“Look, you ladies need to knock it off. I am hormonal and seeing you all cry is going to make me start crying too!” I said fanning my eyes.
“Okay, okay. We will stop, but no guarantees during the ceremony.” My mom stated.
“Deal. Just let me get up there first.” I laughed.
There was a knock at the door. Avery poked his head in.
“Is everyone…Oh Ryleigh, you look beautiful!” He said shocked.
“Thanks Avery. Is everything okay?” I asked.
“Oh yeah, I wanted to come up and get you. It’s time.” He smiled pointing to his watch.
“Great! I’m more than ready!” I smiled brightly. “Everyone else?” Everyone nodded with smiles as we headed downstairs. Courtney stopped me at the top of the staircase and gave me a big hug before heading down to the backyard.
Just as promised, Caleb and I were married at sunset. The magnificent colors behind the mountains, my family and close friends, made the evening extra special.
When we finally said our vows, I caught my mom wiping her tears and handing Courtney, who stood behind me, a tissue. I managed to make it the entire ceremony with a huge grin. I realized that nothing made me happier than hearing I was now Caleb Martin’s wife.
Acknowledgments
I am so thrilled that a small thought in the back of my mind finally made it to paper! I wouldn’t have done it without my cheerleaders; Ashleigh, Cara, Heather, Kari, Meridith and Sue. You ladies are amazing at rooting someone to get off of Facebook and get back to writing. I love you each very much!
I definitely could not do this without the support of my loving husband. Honey, I FINALLY did it!
I can’t forget my kids… I love you both and you drove me nuts when I was in a zone but you both are always my babies… SO don’t read this until you are older and if you do- let’s just keep it as a secret.
And if I don’t put my family in the acknowledgements, I will never hear the end of it… So, thanks to all my family. You know I love all of you!
Escamilla, Michelle, Torn
Torn Page 25