Regretfully

by Leighton Riley

  “She’s probably got some broken ribs. She’s been responding to me, though, and hasn’t passed out or been sick. Put one of us as the emergency contact, and I’ll be there as soon as I can. Thank you so much, Carter. I owe you a beer when this day is done and over with,” I called out as I got out of the car and let him get inside, having to adjust the seat to fit his much larger frame.

  “No problem. Anything for Tristen and his girl. I’ll keep you updated. My sister works in the ER and when I told her about what happened, she agreed that Aria should be brought in. Enjoy the wedding.” Carter waved as he pulled out of the parking lot and I was finally able to breathe.

  Tristen kissed me on the lips and shooed me away. “You have to get dressed! Payton was starting to freak out that you weren’t ready yet. I got little man; you go do what you need to.”

  “Okay, but I want more kisses later! Thank you, baby,” I hollered as I ran into the stunning white building with Roman columns lining the patio. Guests were gathered around in groups chatting, and there I was, in raggedy clothes with my makeup and hair done. Checking my phone, I had fifteen minutes before the ceremony would start.

  Bursting through the door, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a dazzling Payton in front of the mirror, looking at herself from the side as she took in her ever-changing body. Her hair was in loose waves with strands pulled back and the dress was truly breathtaking on her. It accentuated her bust and complemented her stomach beautifully.

  “You’re jaw-dropping, Payton.” Walking closer to her, I stand behind her in the mirror and take in all the details of her dress and the jewelry to match. “Seriously, you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. I’m sorry I’m late and thank you for not being upset.”

  Nodding in the mirror as she wiped a tear, she smiled brightly, and I was happy that they’d found each other. Payton and Ryder fit perfectly together, and they deserved to have their happily ever after.

  “Thank you, Cami. I knew if you weren’t here, it was for a good reason. Chloe set out all your stuff so you just have to slip everything on. Jeez, Cami. I’m really getting married. I never thought this would happen to me.” She moved to have a seat while I quickly undressed and slipped into the crimson red bridesmaid dress that she’d picked out for us to wear.

  “Ryder is the lucky one, sweetheart. You’ve got such a genuine personality and spice that he needs in his life. You balance each other out— you will be the best mother in a few short months and he’ll be right there beside you. Never take what you have for granted.”

  “Don’t make me cry! I’m already emotional from the hormones and the wedding; you’re not allowed to get me started, too! Let’s go get this thing started so I can have my husband alone.” The other bridesmaids and Chloe had been minding their own business on the other side of the room but took that as their cue to get up and get into position.

  “Gross!” The image was already seared into my brain.

  Payton winked as I watched them all move over to her to see what they needed to do. “I can get up by myself, girls. It just takes me a minute. Can someone go and check to see if the boys are ready?” Payton ordered as she teetered into a standing position.

  “I’ll go check on them. Be right back,” Chloe called out as she headed for the door. Thoughts of how Aria was doing and if Carter was able to handle the situation alright ran across my mind and I had the urge to check my phone but didn’t want to be rude. This was Payton’s time, and I wasn’t going to ruin it.

  I held onto Payton’s hand and gently rubbed her silky skin with my thumb. “This will be you soon. You and Tristen show everyone else what true love is. I’ve never seen a couple fit so perfectly together and for someone to be so devastated at the thought of not being with their other half. This has been a crazy two years for all of us, but it feels like we’re finally where we’re supposed to be. You should totally have another baby, though, so that our kids can play together. Just saying.” Payton finished off the conversation just as Chloe came inside and gave the thumbs up.

  “I’ll work on that, just for you. How about we get you married before working on more babies, though?”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Payton smiled and began the walk that would take her to a new beginning in her life with Ryder.

  Jagger and I had gone over what he was supposed to do a good thirty times. Little man was ready to go but was getting bored. I pulled out my phone as we waited for our cue to get into positions. We had set it up so that all the bridesmaids and groomsmen would walk first, followed by Jagger and Molly, the flower girl, then I would walk behind them with Cassia, one of Payton’s bridesmaids. I didn’t want to leave Jagger with a stranger and with Carter not being available, we had to regroup.

  I’d just seen Cami, but I had a craving to see her in her bridesmaid’s dress. Something about being there at the chapel made me want to make her mine immediately. We hadn’t set a date yet and had talked about something small with just friends and family. She was so easygoing that it didn’t matter if it was a long engagement or not. I needed her to be mine, officially. I was damn jealous of Ryder for beating me to it, but I’d be damned if I waited much longer.

  “Dada, now?” Jagger looked ahead as Molly walked toward us with her basket of flowers in hand.

  I looked back and saw Chloe peeking into the room filled with guests. I raised my hand for her to see me and nodded yes to her.

  “I think so, buddy. Remember, you walk next to Molly. It’s not a race.” Molly was four and seemed like she knew her role just fine. Jagger was still a toddler and I worried about him getting distracted and detouring somewhere as he made his way down the aisle.

  “Uh, huh.” Jagger played with the ring that I had just attached to his jacket pocket, staying close to Molly and following her whenever she moved. I was pretty sure he was already crushin’ on Miss Molly and hoped she’d keep him in line for me. I walked over quickly and told Ryder they were ready.

  “Ready to make it official?” I patted his shoulder and leaned in for a hug. “I’m proud of you, man.”

  “I’m ready for this to be over with so we can start our honeymoon already. Do we have to stay for the whole reception?” Ryder inquired as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. We had on matching tuxes but while he wore a white button up shirt, his groomsmen wore graphite button up shirts. Even Jagger had on a little tux with a gray shirt underneath. Payton’s tastes and color selections were spot on.

  “I’ll find a way to get you both out of there as soon as I can. Everyone’s getting into position and I gotta go make sure Jagger doesn’t run off with Payton’s ring. See you in a few, bro.” I hugged him one last time and walked to the back of the room where all the bridesmaids and groomsmen were waiting.

  I could hear him reciting his vows quietly as I walked away and knew how nervous he was. Looking ahead, I saw Jagger let Molly try on the ring while it was still attached to his attire— he was going to be a troublemaker when he grew up. I got them to their positions in the lineup just as the music started. Looking to my left, I could see a glowing Payton behind the rest of the girls with Cami right in front of her. Both of them looked phenomenal and I chuckled as I realized how I would have never suspected the four of us to be where we were in life. It was unimaginable.

  After Jagger made it down the aisle with Molly, it was mine and Cassia’s turn and I couldn’t help but smile a cheeky grin because I knew Cami and I would be married soon enough. Everything was falling into place.

  It was a blur, but now that I was sitting down having dinner, I felt bad that I struggled to remember what happened. I remembered walking down the aisle, taking in our guests before my eyes met Ryder’s. He looked dashing in his tuxedo, freshly shaved face, and perfectly mussed hair. Chloe, Cami, and Cassia were already in place along with Tristen, David, and Jeremy. Ryder was fidgeting with his jacket buttons, and I had given him a quick wink to settle him down.

  Ryder, my husband, the father of our baby. I didn’t kn
ow what I did to deserve him, but I promised to make every day with him better than the last. He was my other half, and I was head over heels, madly in love with him. Rubbing my belly, I was starving and the waiters had just begun bringing out the appetizers. If Ryder wasn’t careful, I’d steal a bite of his, too. Lately, I was hungry all the damn time, and I hadn’t eaten much before the wedding because of nerves.

  Everyone I loved was there. Everyone was busy chatting amongst themselves at their respectable tables and the finishing touches were jaw-dropping. Strains of crystals hung from the centerpieces on each table and the dim lighting was accented by the candles placed strategically around the room.

  Chloe, Cami, and I had become quite the trio, and I was thankful they were there to celebrate with me. Over the past year, I had learned to let people in more freely and was overwhelmed with how many of my newer friends wanted to attend the wedding. It was mind-boggling to know they had come for me, out of their love and support. Ryder always had his friends, and as long as Tristen was by his side, he was good.

  I hadn’t had a chance to speak with Tate but figured it was needed. At the baby shower, the party had taken over the day and I passed out before we had a chance to talk. Seeing him after so many months away brightened my day, but it was in the friendliest way. I knew he still had feelings for me, but that he was finally actively starting to move on. While we talked frequently, I wondered how he was holding up with the baby shower and wedding being shoved in his face. I was thankful that he didn’t make it awkward but missed hanging out with him.

  “Baby, you doin’ okay?” Ryder pulled me out of my thoughts by caressing my thigh under the table. “How’s sweet pea?”

  “Sweet pea is about to order herself another entrée just for herself. We’re starving. Do you feel like a married man yet?”

  “I got you and baby already taken care of. And babe, I’ve felt like a married man for months. Now we just have the paperwork to match.”

  Just then our plates were set in front of us, and it was quite noticeable that I had more food than Ryder did on his plate. Leaning over for a kiss, I mouthed ‘thank you’ and dug in. I couldn’t be in higher spirits at the moment. I had everything I needed right there with me and couldn’t wait to see where Ryder had decided to take me for our honeymoon. With my due date being semi-close, we didn’t want to go too far away, but he promised it would be a week filled with relaxation and happiness.

  After devouring our meals and listening to Tristen, Cami, and Chloe give their toasts, I finally had my chance to get up— first to use the restroom, but also to talk to Tate. I didn’t want to be rude and get up during their toasts, but I was about to burst. Ryder was mingling with the guests and making his way around the room while I escaped to the ladies’ room.

  As I walked out, I grinned when I saw Tate’s focus shift from the woman he was speaking with over to me. Watching him sweetly say his goodbyes, I wondered how someone hadn’t snatched him up yet. I knew he had the sex appeal, with the genuine personality, and he really did care about others. I hoped that one day he’d find the one who would change his life forever.

  “You looked beyond beautiful today, Payton.” He came in with a gentle hug. Standing back, he looked around. “Where’s the groom?”

  “He’s doing the legwork for me and making his way around to thank everyone for being here. I’m going to go have a seat. Want to join me?” I had a pair of flip flops under my table that I couldn’t wait to slip on, as my feet were throbbing from the heels I was wearing.

  “Of course. How’s the baby?” Watching him stare at my belly as if it was a foreign object was quite amusing. I had a feeling he hadn’t been around many babies or pregnant women very much.

  “She’s an active little thing. Likes to kick Momma in the bladder every chance she gets, but she’s calm and quiet at night lately. I think she’s finally realized that it’s okay to not be active every minute of the day.” Having a seat, I looked ahead and saw everyone dancing and having a great time. I noticed that Cami was tucked away in a quiet corner of the room on her phone while Tristen watched Molly and Jagger dance. She’d filled me in a little on what was going on with her friend, and I knew she was doing what she had to do be in both places at once.

  “I guess it’s true that pregnant women really do glow. You look incredible. I’m glad you found Ryder, Payton. It’s obvious how deeply in love the both of you are. I wanted to thank you for including me this week with you both. It means a lot to me,” Tate confessed as we both watched the crowd.

  “You’re one of my best friends, Tate. It may be unconventional, but I do want you to be a part of Emilynn’s life. It only took a little convincing to get Ryder on the same page as me, but we both agree that I’m better when you’re in my life. Now, when are you going to find a nice girl and settle the fuck down? I’ve seen you flirting with a few girls, but you always stop before it goes too far. What gives?” I questioned.

  “I haven’t found another girl who’s worth it yet. You’ll be the first to know when I do, though. And hey, I gotta play the field if I want to hit a home run, right?” He chuckled and I knew he’d be okay. The girls he went through to find that special somebody, on the other hand— I felt bad for them.

  “I’ll keep you updated on Emilynn, but I don’t want to hear about all your conquests. When you call or text me once you get back to Chicago, give me the SparkNotes’ version, deal?” I saw him as my brother now, and I couldn’t have those images in my head.

  “Deal. I’m going to let your kind husband have his spot back now. Thank you again, Payt. Congratulations to both of you.” And with that, Tate walked right into the arms of one of the female guests, and if I had to bet, he’d be texting me in a few months about how he’d fallen for some girl in town. At least, I hoped that’d be the case.

  “Having fun?” Giving me a slow, intimate kiss, Ryder pulled me closer to him and moved one hand to my inner thigh. The sigh that escaped my lips was a catalyst, causing him to groan and move my hand over his stiffened cock. How quickly we could get each other hot. I never wanted that to change.

  “Nope. Not at all. You should take me home so we can start, though,” I said in as serious of a voice that I could muster up.

  “You’re a terrible liar. Let’s tell Tristen we’re ready. He said he’d make an announcement so we can have our send-off and leave. He kinda already knew we’d be bailing early.” With a lopsided grin, he stood and helped me up. After grabbing my other shoes, I walked over and managed to get outside with only a few side conversations. I could tell Ryder was growing more impatient, and I was right there with him, but I couldn’t be rude. They were there for us.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, please congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Strom on their beautiful wedding and upcoming little girl, Miss Emilynn. There’s still more dancing and partying to be had, but they have a party for two to attend to. Congrats!” Tristen exclaimed and held his glass high. After everyone cheered and congratulated us, we got into the limo and were finally alone.

  It was a night to remember, and I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. I was truly blessed with the life I’d been given, even if I had to go through struggles earlier in my life to get to this point. I wouldn’t change a thing.

  Carter had been texting me updates on Aria’s status. She had two broken ribs but mostly everything else was superficial. He said he’d stay with her as long as we needed since Tristen kind of took charge of the party, which wasn’t like him. He was the quiet one, not the leader. Whatever the reason, watching him announce Payton and Ryder’s parting was hot. I liked when he took charge.

  I was finally able to settle down and enjoy the night knowing that Aria was going to be okay. Physically, at least. Carter mentioned that she confessed that she promised to work on bettering herself and taking a step back from relationships and men in general. Said she needed to love herself before she expected others to do the same. I was proud of her for that. She had such a caring heart, but when
men were involved, she tended to sway off course easily.

  Payton and Ryder were officially married, and I doubted that we’d hear from them for a few days. It was pleasant watching everyone enjoying themselves and even little Jagger having the time of his life. It was way past his bedtime, though, and I knew we needed to get him home.

  Tristen had given him one last song before we packed up and headed home. “Little man has some skills. His little booty shaking, who taught him that?” Tristen inquired as we sat back and watched the performance in front of us.

  “We may or may not dance to music while I clean the house and he plays. Oh, and when we try cooking together. I didn’t realize he was mimicking me in the beginning, but once he got the hang of it, I couldn’t tell him not to. He’s too damned cute for his own good,” I sighed as the song came to a close.

  “I’ll grab him. You gotta get him from behind when he’s least expecting it so he won’t throw a fit.” I grabbed my purse and looked up at Tristen with a cheesy grin on his face. “Stop making everything I say dirty! He’s our son!”

  “Then stop saying stuff that sounds dirty, baby. You make it too easy. I’ll go get the car.” Giving me a dirty look, he walked away, and I was left with Jagger and Molly. After twenty minutes of bribing, sweet talking, and threatening discipline, I finally had him in the car and we were on our way home.

  Within minutes, he was passed out in his car seat, and it was just Tristen and me. Turning to face him, I laid my head back and took in his chiseled features. His slight stubble, defined jawline, and slightly puckered lips made me want to climb over and tackle him.

  For the first time since the accident, I didn’t have any worries about what tomorrow would bring. Zander wasn’t a threat anymore, my brother had married the love of his life, I was engaged to the only man who ever meant anything to me, and we had the most precious son in the world. Anything else was icing on the cake.