by K. Pinson
It was finally time for the waxing and Faith and I went into two separate rooms. Before we parted, Faith made it a point to scare the ever living shit out of me.
“Good luck girl, you’re going to need it!” with that, closing the door and leaving me with the woman and her purple rubber gloves. I closed the door gently behind me and sat up on the table.
That was painful as hell and also extremely uncomfortable. The woman kept trying to talk to me and I just wanted her to shut up and rip all the hair off already. I didn’t want to be rude but I wasn’t exactly in a good position to have a conversation about my life with a complete stranger. I was so embarrassed. I didn’t even catch the woman’s name but I gave her a hefty tip and quickly put my clothes back on, not even looking at the finished work. I was still all tingly and felt gross and sore.
Faith and I cashed out and went back to her place for movies and some wine. Both passing out on her couch halfway through the movie was over. This wasn’t unusual for us. We were old ladies at heart.
The next day we grabbed a late breakfast at a delicious Coney Island and went shopping for new outfits for the night. We decided we were going to go out and dance and have a couple of drinks. I texted Daxton that I missed him and hoped he was having fun but didn’t get a response. I was a little upset about that but didn’t want to be that crazy, clingy girlfriend I kept reading about in all of the books I loved so much. I called Gram and checked on Abby. She was having a blast and a lot of help around the house according to Gram. I was happy they were having a good time. I tucked my phone down into my purse and enjoyed the rest of my shopping day with Faith.
We got back to her place and set to work getting beautiful for our girls night out. She decided she wanted to curl my hair so I sat down in front of her vanity and let her get busy. I had already been drinking on the wine that we had left over from last night and was feeling good. I doubted I would drink very much at all tonight.
“So what’s going on with you and Tripp? Seems like it’s getting pretty serious.” I curiously asked her.
“Well…we have mind blowing sex and he has his penis pierced which helps all the more. You have GOT to talk Dax into it..Seriously Ava. I shit you not. It makes everything more stimulated.” She was gushing but not exactly on the subject matter I was hoping for.
“As interesting as that is Faith…I more or less wanted to know if you guys are an official couple.” I laughed nervously. I hadn’t really had a girlfriend before Faith to dish boys with so I was chartering into new territory.
“We haven’t really talked about it to be honest. I don’t really know if Tripp is the commitment type of guy. Hell, I don’t really know if I’m the commitment type of girl. Sure, he’s sexy as hell and we spend a lot of time together. But as far as boyfriend and girlfriend status goes, I’m not so sure. He’s a bad boy. A natural flirt. He makes me want to cut bitches every time he looks in their direction so I do the same thing back to him and flirt with guys. He acts like he doesn’t even care. I think we are more or less just glorified fuck buddies. I’m ok with it though. Did I mention the mind blowing O’s he gives me?” She quickly changed the subject but I could tell deep in her eyes she was a little bit hurt by their relationship and wanted more. I decided to let it go for now as my lips were getting a little bit looser and I didn’t want to say something to kill the happy moods we were in. We jumped ship from the relationship topic and just talked about what a blast we were going to have tonight.
I put on the red dress that hugged every curve, practically painted onto my skin. I loved it but it was way sexier than anything I would have picked out for myself. It dipped low in the back, hanging right above my butt crack. If I moved the wrong way, it was definitely going to be all on display. I had to put on a skinny thong so that I didn’t have underwear lines and I had to forgo a bra. Luckily, the girls were still in their prime and hanging out closer to my chin than my feet. I was still blessed by gravity for a couple more years. I didn’t wear any jewelry except for two diamond drop earrings of Faith’s. I wear red black strappy stilettos and my hair a big mess of curls. Faith outdid herself. My hair looked awesome with the pink peek-a-boo showing brightly. I did a smoky eye and a pale pink lip gloss and blush. I looked pretty damn good. I checked myself out in the mirror over and over again. Dread never filled me once. I was becoming a whole new person and I absolutely loved this version.
Faith wore an awesome white mini dress and nude high heels. She left her hair straight and did her make up with more of a natural approach. She looked gorgeous. We left the house at 9 and headed to a club I had never heard of before. Faith apparently had connections and we weren‘t going to have to pay a cover or drinks so I left all my cash at home. We were venturing out of little old Ida and heading to Toledo, Ohio. I had never really been there but it wasn’t far from where we lived. I had only ever driven right on the border to get gas because for some reason it was always cheaper there.
We pulled up at a big building. I didn’t really see any lights on or any cars. I was actually mildly freaked out at this point. I checked my phone quickly and still no text from Dax. I was more than a little pissed off but tried to let it go.
“Uhm…are you sure this is the place Faith? It doesn’t look like anybody is here.” I was scared. This was like something straight out of a scary movie.
“I’m positive this is the place. Come on and get your pretty ass out of the car. We are going in.” She stepped out and slammed the door, it sounded like it was going to break off the hinges. I wasn’t sure if she was mad at me for asking her or what but I kept my mouth shut and followed on her heel. We walked through the large double doors. I was so confused. No door man, no lights, no music. I didn’t see a single soul and it was pitch black.
“Is this some kind of a joke Faith? Seriously. It’s not funny. Let’s go back to the car.” My voice was shaking and my adrenaline had kicked into over drive.
It was so dark I had to grab Faith’s hand as she led the way. I could hear the clicking of her heels and nothing else. I finally heard the soft strum of the acoustic guitar and the lights slowly drifting on.
About a foot in front of me, Daxton knelt on one knee, guitar in hand. He was strumming a song that I didn’t recognize but it was music to my ears. He was surrounded by red rose petals. There were many faces gathered around the room, some I didn’t recognize and some I knew but all I could do was focus on the beautiful man before me. He was wearing a white button up shirt with the top two buttons undone and the angel tattoo on his chest peeking out. He was looking up at me with soulful eyes and a thoughtful expression. My feet were moving before my brain was and I had drifted dangerously close to where he kneels, releasing Faith’s hand somewhere along the way. My palms were sweating and my heart was racing. Daxton stopped playing and laid the guitar at his side.
“Ava, baby, I love you with all of my heart. I will never love anyone the way that I love you and I know that nobody will ever be able to put up with me as long as you have.” He looks at me sincerely and the others in the room begin to laugh. It silences again and Daxton continues.
“Will you please make me the happiest fucker in the world and be my wife? Marry me babe. Please say yes.” He looks white as a ghost but confident in the same respect.
I stand shocked with no words for what probably felt like hours to him before shouting out a resonating “YES!” for all to hear. I lunged myself into Daxton’s arms and kissed every inch of his beautiful face. “I love you, I love you, I love you, I’m going to kill you for this but, and I love you.” He knew I hated surprises but I would never forget this one. Happy tears were streaming down my face.
I heard a little voice I recognize shouting her hoorays. I looked over to find Gram and Abby waiting on the sidelines. I pulled Daxton up and rushed over to envelope Abby in my arms.
“You were in on this you little stinker?” I asked her.
“I helped pwanned the wholeee thing Mommy!” She was so proud of herself. I was
ecstatic that Daxton had included her and I couldn’t have been surer of my decision to make this man my husband and Abby’s father.
We hugged our families and friends. We were at Tripp’s studio and he did most of the party planning with Dax and Faith and of course, Abby. Can’t forget her. We had food and a DJ. We had a blast. I received congratulations from all of Daxton’s friends and family. He had cousins that came along with his brother. All of the boys from the band were there, as well as all of my work friends and my boss, Molly. I was overwhelmed with the amount of people there. I was beginning to realize that I was loved. I was drowning in love and it felt damn good.
Gram and Abby left shortly after Daxton proposed. I kissed them both goodbye and let them know we would still be over tomorrow for Sunday dinner. Abby kissed Dax on the cheek and told him goodnight Daddy, it stopped me in my tracks. This was real. I needed to pinch myself to make sure, yep still real. I have my fairytale prince, an amazing daughter and friends and family that love me. I was beyond blessed and had never felt so happy or alive.
I guess with all of the excitement I forgot to mention the amazing ring that Daxton had managed to slip on my finger. It was a beautiful platinum gold band with tiny diamond baguettes surrounding the huge pink diamond heart that sat in the middle. It was beyond amazing and I was instantly in love. I kept staring at it throughout the night and Daxton would chuckle every time he caught me.
“I think you love that ring more than you do me.”
“That’s impossible.” I kissed his lips gently at first, getting hungrier for more and nipping at his bottom lip.
“Got damn this dress is perfect but I may have to kick Faith’s ass for picking it out for you. I can almost see your ass you know.” He growled under his breath.
“You’re the only one that’s going to see what’s underneath it so shush.” I placed my lips back on his mouth to shut him up and we received tons of hoots and hollers from the crowd. We needed to get to a bed and soon. I wanted Daxton to make love to me more than I needed air to breathe.
We danced for a while longer and finally left just after 1 in the morning, the party still in full effect. Daxton brought me back to his place and we made up for lost time the rest of the night until around 6 in the morning when we passed out, blissfully wrapped in each other’s arms.
Chapter 12: & then it all comes crashing down
We woke up after only a couple of hours of sleep but nothing could keep the smile off of my face. I was head over heels in love and now happily engaged. Daxton still lay sleeping and I didn’t have the heart to wake him up. He looked adorable, mouth slightly parted. His hair was an absolute mess but when wasn’t it. He had a five o’ clock shadow on his jaw and face. His shirt was off, his well-defined chest on display. He was beautiful, inside and out. I traced his tattoos lightly with my fingertips. First starting on the ones on his arms and working my way to the middle of his chest where an angel stood proudly on display. I traced her halo and down to her wings before he stirred.
“Good morning wife.” He said sleepily.
“I’m not your wife…yet.” I smiled sweetly at him, leaning down for a good morning kiss. It was good, too. Let me tell you.
“Soon though babe, Promise?” He rubbed his eyes and lifted his arms above his head to stretch. His muscles deliciously stretched, giving me a good look at his abs.
“I promise, love. I can’t wait to all be an official family.” I kissed his chest and placed my head against it. He wrapped his arms around and squeezed gently.
“When are we going to do it?” He questioned.
“Do what?” I said and waggled my eyebrows at him like he often did to me. He chuckled and bit his lip. I reached up to run my hands through his hair.
“Get married brat. Don’t try to distract me by turning me on.” He stated seriously, slight hint of a smile escaping the corners of his mouth.
“I would never do such a thing.” I stuck my tongue out at him. He practically lunged at me and sucked my tongue into his mouth. It didn’t sound like it but it was sexy, believe me. I was temporarily stunned.
“You can have six months’ time to plan. Then, we’re getting married. No longer! I can’t wait.” He choked out between kisses. We were having a pretty intense make out session but yet he kept trying to talk.
“Sure, sounds good. I only need one or two.” I said back. I was distracted and just wanted to keep kissing, not talking.
“I’ll remember this.” He told me and I had already forgotten what I said.
We spent most of the morning in bed and got quickly showered and dressed so that we wouldn’t be late to Sunday dinner. We headed out in the nick of time and made it there at the same time Gabe arrived. Gabe gave us more congratulations. I was really beginning to warm up to him. Daxton still seemed reserved but it didn’t stop Gabe from picking at him and being brotherly. I still had no clue why the boys weren’t very close but Gram’s words repeated over in my mind when I thought to bring it up so I didn’t. I would just let the two of them handle it. If Daxton wanted to release that information to me, he would.
Gram ordered in pizza for us all and made a quick garden salad. She said she hasn’t been feeling too well lately and this was just easier. I couldn’t blame the woman. She was 72 years old and got around better than I did. She never complained. She maintained her house and her lawn with minimal help from Daxton and Gabe. Her husband had passed away 10 years earlier due to cancer. She never talked about him but I could see in the photos that hung on her wall that they were happy. I hoped that Dax and I would remain that happy and in love, just like they were.
Abby talked consistently about what kind of dress she would like to wear in the wedding. I didn’t want to break her little heart but I wasn’t sure how well multi-colored rainbow dresses would go over with Faith and the other bridesmaids. I had no idea who else I was going to choose but that was the least of my worries. Even if I just had to have Faith I was okay with that. I didn’t need a big or a fancy wedding. I just wanted to wear a pretty dress but I don’t think that Dax would let me get away with it. Planning a wedding was way out of my forte’ . Luckily, Gram offered to assist and I would definitely take her opinions into consideration. I’m sure Faith would put in her two cents as well. I needed all the help that I could get. Gram had become much like a Mother to me. I was so happy to be welcomed with open arms into this family. Gabe had even taken to calling me little sis, much to Dax’s chagrin.
Our Sunday dinner went effortlessly. We all relaxed and talked wedding plans, the weather, and just random things. It was a perfect Sunday. I would never let Daxton miss out on a Sunday dinner as long as I was with him. I couldn’t imagine my life without them. I’m so happy that Abby is beginning to get the family that I had only ever dreamed about. After dinner, Abby and I helped Gram clean up while yet again, Gabe and Daxton disappeared. I had begun to notice that Daxton often smoked cigarettes when he was around his brother, usually only one or two but he never smoked at home or even when we were out. For some reason he got really stressed out when around Gabe.
After everything was cleaned up I noticed that Gabe and Daxton were sitting on the porch, deep in conversation. I peeked my head out and called Daxton’s name. Abby was getting tired and I wanted to get her home soon. It wasn’t super late, only 6 in the afternoon but I still needed to give her a bath and get her ready for bed. He glanced up at me and everything got really quiet.
“What’s up babe?” He asked.
“I don’t want to rush you or anything, but Abby is getting sleepy and I’ve still got tons to do tonight.“ I felt guilty for even asking him to go.
“You go on ahead without me. I’ll make Gabe drop me off when we’re done here.” The boys exchanged glances with each other and I caught a glimpse of surprise in Gabe’s face. He did not expect that Daxton would ask him for anything. Even something as simple as a ride home.
“Okay babe. You two boys play nice!” I lectured and turned around to head back to
wards the door. I was ready to head out.
Daxton called out my name so I turned my head over my shoulder to look.
“I love you, soon to be Mrs. James. “ He yelled, grinning ear to ear. I liked the sound of that, Mrs. Avalynn James.
“I love you, too.” I shouted back, smiling.
“I love you too Baby!” Gabe shouted and I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head. I gave him the finger behind my back and continued to walk. Daxton busted out laughing and Gabe joined in. I loved hearing that noise. I loved that they were starting to get along. I had always wished for siblings and I wanted nothing more than Daxton to have every ounce of his family involved in his life. Involved in our life.
I went inside and said my goodbyes to Gram. Abby didn’t want to leave, you could tell. Her little eyes were getting heavier, though, as the day went on. I lifted her into my arms and placed her gently into her booster seat in the back of my car. We rode home with the radio on, singing aloud to songs on the radio. Abby loved to sing and she had a great voice for a kid. I’m sure she would follow in Daxton’s footsteps and perform on the stage. I personally would die of stage fright but not Abby or Daxton, they lived for it. Abby had an impeccable knack for music already and I enjoyed watching her grew more every day.
We arrived home and I got her into the bathtub. She played in the bath for a while with her rubber ducky and mermaid Barbie. I got her all washed up and her sponge bob pajamas on. She loved him. That made one of us. He annoyed the hell out of me, personally. I did think Patrick was pretty funny though. I had to choose one of them to since I was forced to watch the show. Pretending to be a little bit into it helped me keep my sanity and try to refrain from gouging my eyes out with a plastic Spork.