“Yeah, patience doesn’t really run in their family.”
“Neither does being ignored,” Molly fired back.
“I wasn’t ignoring you. I was working.”
“Hey, I run a full-time charity, take care of three, sometimes four kids full time, and manage Stella’s classroom. And I make time for you,” she sassed. The day Stella came home and told me Molly was her classroom’s ‘Room Mom,’ I about died. Molly was always good at overbooking herself.
“Okay fine.” I held my hand up in surrender. “Point taken.”
“Good.” She smiled in victory.
“So, now that you two are engaged, I want all the details. Date, wedding colors, groomsmen, location, flowers…” she rambled on.
“Whoa,” Trey muttered.
“Yeah, and she said I was bad.” I rolled my eyes.
“Hey, you started it. I was just returning the favor,” she teased.
“Uncle Michael, guess what?” Stella interrupted. Liam was standing next to her, flashing the same wide smile.
“What, baby girl?”
“Mommy has a baby in her belly.” She smiled. I turned to Molly who was practically choking as Stella revealed her secret.
“Do I get to be in your wedding, Uncle Michael?” she asked, completely oblivious to the huge bomb she just announced.
Drake had a deer in headlights look, Stella was smiling proud, Liam was jumping with excitement, and the twins were jumping from one sofa to the next…
I busted out laughing.
“Please tell me she’s joking.” I continued laughing as Molly froze on the sofa. “All I can say is…congrats and good luck!”
Trey noticed the awkward silence and finally stood up. “Can I offer anyone something to drink? Juice? Water?” He paused, waiting for someone to respond. “Vodka?”
“Whiskey,” Drake finally answered. “Anything with whiskey, please.”
Trey winked as he walked through the maze of people and into the kitchen.
“I take it this was a surprise?” I crossed my legs, giving her my full support.
“Yeah…you could say that,” she muttered.
“Have you guys heard of birth control? I mean, I hear it’s pretty cheap,” I said sarcastically.
She sucker punched me in the shoulder. “Yes, thank you. And I was, for your information.”
“So…what happened? One of his swimmers barged through the brick wall?” I laughed.
“I was on some antibiotics for strep throat I had a month ago. Apparently, it knocked out my birth control. And apparently, being sick turns him on,” she snorted, nodding her head in Drake’s direction.
“Drinks! I brought a mixture of everything—juice, iced tea, spritzer,” Trey announced, shimmying his body back to the sofa. “So what did I miss?”
“We’re having another baby!” I called out. “Well, they are. Isn’t that great?” I coaxed, hoping he’d show some enthusiasm as Molly and Drake looked shocked and worn out.
“That’s terrific.” He smiled.
“So back to wedding talk,” Molly interrupted. “Let’s get planning.”
* * *
-Seven months later-
“Did I make it in time? Is the baby here?” I asked, running down the hall.
“It’s a girl! She’s a girl!” I heard Drake announce.
A round of congratulations sounded off in the waiting area as friends and family gathered around.
“Michael!” Drake called out. “You just made it, man. She just asked about you.”
“Oh, thank god.” I wiped off my tux jacket and folded in over my arm as Drake walked me to her room.
“She’s doing great. They both are,” he reassured me.
I walked in to an exhausted looking Molly and one tiny baby girl. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her sweaty forehead. I looked down and was amazed at a brand new baby girl.
“Isn’t she perfect?”
“She’s beautiful.” I kissed Molly’s cheek as we stared at her. “She sure knows how to make a grand entrance.”
“She sure does.” She laughed. “Apparently, we didn’t plan your wedding around the possibility of her being early.”
“So what’s the little misses’ name?” I asked, rubbing a finger over her soft cheeks.
“Lilia Gwyneth.” She paused, taking another good look at her. “After Drake’s grandmother.”
“It’s beautiful. Matches her perfectly.”
“I know you’re already the godfather to all the kids, but I want to know if you and Trey want to be her godparents? If anything happens to us, we want you to have the kids.”
“Really? You want me to take your kids?”
“Well, not take them.” She laughed. “Just that if anything happens to Drake and me, I want to die knowing they are in good hands.”
“Of course. You know I will.”
* * *
-10 Hours Earlier-
Getting married in Chicago felt right, natural. I had lived here a long time, meeting new friends and having Molly and Drake as my family. Fortunately, Illinois legalized gay marriage, and we were going to do it loud and proud.
We planned it two months before Molly was due, hoping to have just enough time. But as per Molly’s usual, she went early.
Everything was set for the wedding. It was a gorgeous day out. Trey and I were getting married outside underneath white tents. Everything was going perfectly.
Until Molly started having contractions. First, I insisted she go in and get checked out, but she insisted they were just Braxton hicks and would eventually stop. She continued getting herself and the kids ready, as they were all walking down before me. The twins were little flower girl and ring bear duo, Drake was my best man, Liam was ‘little’ best man, Stella was the miniature bride, and of course, Molly, was my maid of honor.
I went to check out the venue, making sure everything was set up right and the flowers were delivered on time. Trey caught me and pushed me out, making me relax before the ceremony began.
“I’m fine. I’m not nervous. Are you nervous?” I rambled off quickly.
“No…I’m not nervous at all. But I will be if you aren’t relaxed and ready to go in a half hour.”
I obeyed and went back. I checked up on Molly who seemed to be feeling better. She and the kids were all ready, giving me just enough time to panic.
“Uncle Michael?” Miracle asked.
“Yes, baby girl?”
“Are you and Uncle Trey going to make babies, too?”
Well, that wasn’t a question I was prepared for.
“I hope so, sweetie. Some day, maybe.” Trey and I had talked about it once, but it wasn’t something we planned on doing until the future.
“How will the baby come out?” she asked sweetly.
“There’s a magic key that the doctor uses to get the babies out,” Stella chimed in. “That’s how you and River came out of mommy!” She smiled proudly.
“Shit,” I heard Molly mumble. She leaned in to my ear so only I would hear. “I’ve been meaning to have that talk with her again.”
“Well, it better be soon.” I smirked as I eyed her growing belly.
“Drake’s up this time,” she snapped. “I’m the one pushing, he should be the one explaining.”
I laughed. “Can I just say how happy I am to not be around pregnant Molly this time?”
She pouted, sticking her lower lip out at me. “Was I that bad last time?”
“Molly, you were like a tornado in a tsunami. I didn’t know whether to seek shelter or run away from the catastrophe.”
I heard the kids giggle behind her.
“Hey, when you push a baby out of your vagina, then we’ll talk, until then, zip it, mister,” she scowled.
“Oh, how I missed hormonal Molly,” I quipped.
Before she could retaliate, Drake walked in. “Alright, time to go. Driver is here to take us.”
“Ow!” Molly screamed just before walking out the door.
“Are you alright?” Drake asked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“Yes, I’m fine. The baby just kicked, that’s all.” I could tell she was lying, but I didn’t say anything. I knew she was hanging on for my sake.
Both of my parents walked me down the aisle, and as I met up with Trey, I kissed both my parents and grabbed Trey’s hand.
I promised I wouldn’t cry, but I did. I never imagined being here. Molly and Stella were my life for so long, that it was just easier to go from guy to guy. No commitments. No serious relationships. Until Trey came along. Then he made me want to change. He made me want to be better, and he reminded me that I deserved love, too.
The ceremony was beautiful. Everything was perfect. The flowers, the music, the vows—I was living a fairytale.
Trey and I walked down the aisle as husbands, smiling to our guests as we exited the tent. We stopped for a few pictures before getting into the limo. The wedding party was in the limo behind us, but as we started driving to the venue, I heard tires squeal and turn in a different direction.
Drake called me shortly after telling me Molly was in labor, but to go to the dinner without them. I hated the thought of her not being here and me not being there for her, but they both insisted.
As soon as the reception came to an end, I apologized to the remaining guests and left early. I hadn’t heard from Drake in a few hours and was starting to get worried—but you already know the rest of that story.
* * *
So, not everything worked out as planned, but in the end, it was a perfect day for Trey and I. I was married to the love of my life, and Molly brought a new life into the world. The day was perfect…just like every day after that.
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Bonus Scene
Honeymoon in Ireland
* * *
Molly
“Holy crap! I can’t believe we’re here! We’re really here!” I gushed as we arrived in the city. It was breathtaking. The air, the trees, the sky—it was like a whole new world over here.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Drake stood next to me, taking it all in with me. I’d never been to any place like it, and I was going to enjoy every second of it.
“So what’s first?” I asked.
“First—hot shower. Second—hot sex. Third—Cold shower. Fourth—eat.” I winked, as he grabbed my hand to lead me to our hotel.
“Wow, you answered that way too fast. Any chance that was on your mind?”
“On my mind? No, that’s my whole agenda, sweetheart.”
I rolled my eyes as we continued walking in. Drake booked us the Ten-Day Leisurely Ireland Tour. We’d be traveling the entire time, going to different cities and staying in new hotels every couple of nights. When Drake told me, I screamed like a little girl. Ireland had always been the one place I wanted to visit and being here now felt so surreal.
Our first stop was the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin. Each day we’d go sightsee on the luxury coach bus with a professional tour director—which made this even more awesome. I was hoping to learn as much as I could about Ireland while we were here.
Drake on the other hand…had different plans.
“Sweetheart…I’m finding it very hard to keep my hands off you.” He nuzzled his nose in my neck, rotating his lips from my jawline to my ear.
“Why do I have a feeling we’re going to be missing dinner tonight?” I giggled, moving my head to the side, exposing more of my neck.
“Who needs dinner when I have dessert right here?”
I choked out a laugh. “Your cheesy pick-up lines are the one reason I married you.”
He chuckled. “And the truth comes out.”
I spun around, locking my arms around him. “As much as I want to give in and rip our clothes off, we’re in freaking Ireland! I want us to enjoy it, okay?”
“You know this is our honeymoon, right? Couples are usually known for never leaving their room on their honeymoon.”
“Well, yes. But we’re in Ireland!” I gushed. I couldn’t stop smiling I was so damned excited.
“Fine.” He smiled, wrapping a piece of hair behind my ear. “Let’s go to dinner and explore the city. But then I get to rip your clothes off.” He winked.
“Deal.”
* * *
The following morning, the tour officially began. Since we were in Dublin, the tour started out with a tour of the city and would end with Dublin’s Abbey Tavern dinner and show.
We took a short tour to the Dalkey Castle where a live show began every half hour. Drake and I smiled and laughed as we watched the actors get into character and put on a great show for the people. It was super sweet.
We then headed to the Trinity College and Library. We learned that it was Ireland’s first university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.
Seeing and viewing all the history up close was fascinating. It was nice seeing Drake in a new element. He wasn’t this alpha, business male. He was enjoying learning and seeing new things as well.
By the time we arrived back to our hotel, my feet were killing me. We were scheduled for dinner soon, so there wasn’t much time to rest in between.
“That was an amazing tour, didn’t you think, babe?” I sat on the bed and slowly pulled my shoes off my now swelling feet.
“Yes, I thought it was great.” He smiled, taking his shoes off on the love chair across from me.
“My feet are killing me though. I think I’m going to soak them for a bit.” I started rolling my pants up so they wouldn’t get wet.
“Here,” Drake said, kneeling down and taking one foot in his hands. “Let me take care of that.” He grinned. I could tell he was up to something—he normally was.
I lay back on the mattress in surrender as Drake slowly and seductively rubbed my feet. He dug his knuckles in nice and deep, releasing all the tension.
“Oh my god…that feels incredible,” I moaned, closing my eyes as I enjoyed the sensations. “You have talent.”
He dug his knuckle in deeper, rubbing a touch spot out. “I have lots of talents.”
“Yes…I know.” I smiled, my eyes still closed. I heard him grab something out of a nearby bag. Shortly after, he lathered up his hands with lotion and pressed his thumbs deep in the arch of my foot. “Holy…mother of…foot massages.”
“Damn…had I known how to make you scream like that, I would have done this ages ago.”
“Oh, stop it. You act like I’m never verbal,” I retorted, embarrassed.
“In fact…” he dropped my foot and rose over me, “now it’s my mission to make you scream like that.”
“Stop.” I laughed, pushing against him. “We’re supposed to meet for dinner in less than an hour.”
“Make you scream before dinner? Challenge accepted.”
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Books by Brooke Cumberland
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Available on Amazon, B&N, and iBooks
The Riverside Trilogy
Kitchen Affairs, Book 1
Kitchen Scandals, Book 2
Kitchen Promises, Book 3
* * *
The Spark Series
SPARK, Book 1
BURN, Book 2
FLAME, Book 3
Coming Soon!
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About the Author
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Brooke is a Midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black furry dog. She studied Psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her passion. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.
Find Brooke
Facebook
www.brookecumberland.com
Twitter @blcumberland
Follow on Pinterest – bcumberland8
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Please consider leaving a review! I’d appreciate it very much! Thank you for reading!
Brooke
xoxo
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Brooke’s Signing Schedule
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Wicked Girls Book Weekend, March 7-9, 2014
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Authors in the City Signing, March 15, 2014
New York City, NY
North Shore Author Signing, April 12, 2014
Boston, MA
Cleveland Author Event, April 26, 2014
Cleveland, OH
Tennessee Valley Author Event, July 12, 2014
Knoxville, TN
Indie Mashup, July 26, 2014
Springdale, AR
Penned Con, September 12-13, 2014
St. Louis, MO
Rebels & Readers, November 8, 2014
Huntington, WV
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There are so many important people that helped me along the way in creating this book and the entire series. First, my amazing beta readers—Tabby C., Kelly M., Shirley W., Manda G., Stefanie N., Heather M., Laura F., Lisa P., Melanie S., Ashley S., Cindy G., Rachael B., and Debbie D. Thank you for always being ready to read when I need you short notice for feedback and for being fast readers ready to give me input…especially when you have to get up early for work or school tests! I appreciate it SOOOOOOO much! :) I’m not sure this book would’ve finished without you all.
To my street team for being the best book pimps ever. I can’t tell you how much it still feels surreal to know that people are talking about your book long after it’s been read. I feel like we are one big book lovin’ family and I love and appreciate your support so much!
To my husband, for always supporting me even when I neglect you for my laptop and weekend getaways to work. I love and need your support and I’m so grateful to have it.
To the fans and readers—thank you so much for being here! I can’t express how much your messages and comments mean to me. I NEVER imagined loyal and sweet fans. Hell, I feel weird saying fans. But I want you to know, I appreciate you for reading my stories, asking about them, interacting with me online, and begging for more! It makes me love my job even more!
Kitchen Promises (Riverside Trilogy, #3) (The Riverside Trilogy) Page 22