After eating, we get the truck all unpacked and settle in. Once the boys are all down, we head out to sit outside for some adult conversations and beverages.
“I made us a pitcher of sangria,” Caroline tells me as I head to find a drink.
“Perfect!”
“God, it’s so peaceful out here,” I say as we walk outside and take our seats. The guys are already out here with their beers in hand. “I wish we could spend weeks at a time up here, but damn summer busy season being in our way,” I say to everyone, and no one in particular.
“That does sound amazing,” Caroline responds. “Maybe you and I could bring the boys up by ourselves for a week. Come up on a Thursday and stay until Monday. Or even longer if you take one week off.”
“I hadn’t thought of that! We could even bring our moms if we wanted to have a few extra adults around.”
“Let’s discuss more when we get back home. But I really like the idea. Jack and Oliver love it here and they have only been here for a few hours. Wait until tomorrow when they get to go out to the lake and go swimming. They are going to freak out.”
We all continue chatting and just enjoying the adult company and relaxing time. Since the boys are all going to be up early, we call it a night around midnight and head to bed.
The next few days at the cabin are amazing. We have a blast in the lake with the kids, grill, and just enjoy our weekend away. We make plans to come back up for Labor Day weekend for sure, and Caroline and I are going to see about coming up for a week with the boys and possibly our moms if they want to come.
Jake
8 Weeks Later
I can’t believe summer is basically over. It seems like just yesterday was the 4th of July and we were at the cabin. But next weekend is Labor Day weekend and we are all headed back up again. I have some plans up my sleeve but need Caroline’s help to pull them off.
Jake: Hey Caroline, I need your help with something. Think you can keep it a secret from Tessa?
Caroline: Sure! What do you need help with?
Jake: Well I’m going to propose to her when we’re at the cabin next weekend. I need help with a few things. I need to pick out her ring and then I need help setting up everything up at the cabin. I’ve talked to both my parents and hers and they are all coming up as well. I think her brothers and their wives might be coming up too.
Caroline: OMG JAKE!!!!! I’m so freaking excited!! And you have my word that I will not say anything to her about it.
Caroline: OK. First, her ring. Have you picked out anything?
Jake: I stopped at a jewelry store the other day but got so overwhelmed by all the styles and designs. I just want the perfect ring and couldn’t decide.
Caroline: I know a few of her preferences in jewelry. Want me to meet you at a jewelry store to help you pick something out?
Jake: That would be amazing. Can you possibly get away today? I have a few hours this afternoon I can sneak away.
Caroline: Let me see if I can get someone to keep Jack and Oliver for me and I’ll let you know.
Jake: Thanks Caroline.
I’ve been planning things out for the past couple of weeks. My first step was to get permission from Tessa’s dad, which I took care of one evening when we were over at her parents’ house. I pulled him aside when we were outside and asked him. He was over the moon happy and honored that I asked him. I know we are in our 30s and she has been married before, but I still felt like it was the right thing to do.
Next, I have been brainstorming on how and where to ask her. She absolutely loves it at the cabin and I thought what better place to ask her? We are always so relaxed when we spend time there, and I knew it was a place that we could have our family all together without her being suspicious about everyone being together at one time. I rented out the cabin next to my parents’ so that we have enough space for everyone for the weekend.
Caroline: My mom can watch my boys this afternoon, so I’m available whenever you need my help.
Jake: Thank you so much, can we meet at Howells Jewelry store in 30 minutes?
Caroline: Yep, see you then.
I take off a few minutes later to meet Caroline. Tessa is working today so I knew that I wouldn’t possibly tip her off by talking to Caroline.
I make it to the jewelry store a few minutes before Caroline and head over to the engagement and wedding sets. The saleswoman has a few options pulled out of the case for me to look at when Caroline comes in and finds me.
“Hey, thanks for meeting me down here. Do any of these fit the style that she would want?” I ask Caroline as she looks over the rings that the saleswoman has pulled out.
“Let me take a quick look at all the cases and I’ll let you know. I know she prefers white gold or platinum, square cut with the halo around the center.”
“Damn, how did you know all that?” I ask her.
“Silly man, don’t you know women fantasize over jewelry?” she says to me while laughing.
“Good thing I texted you then, I don’t think I would have picked the right one.”
“Jake, do you really think you can pick a wrong ring? She’s going to love anything you give her because it’s from you. You know Tessa isn’t superficial like that. Yes, she has preferences, but had you picked something on your own she would have loved it just as much.”
“I know. I just want it to be perfect.”
“You’re a good man, Jake. Now, let’s find you a ring for that perfect woman of yours.”
Caroline takes her time looking at all the options asking to see a few from the saleswoman. She has narrowed it down to 3 different rings that she thinks Tessa would like best.
“What do you think of these?” she asks me.
“They are all beautiful,” I tell her. “Can you tell me the difference in these rings?” I ask the saleswoman.
“Yes, this first one is part of our Love Story collection. It’s 2 carats total weight with a ¾ carat center stone. It is on sale for $5,000.00. The second ring is 1 carat total weight with a ½ carat center stone. It is priced at $2,500.00. The third ring is part of our Tacori collection. It has a total carat weight of 1.75 with the center stone being 1 carat. The diamonds along the sides are channel set. This ring comes in either 18K gold or platinum. This one is the gold option and is $4,000.00.”
I look at Caroline and just shake my head. I didn’t really understand anything the saleswoman told me when it comes to the details of each of these rings. But the more I look at them, the more I can see one of them on Tessa’s finger.
“I think I like the third one the best. What do you think Caroline?”
“I think that’s a perfect choice. She is going to love it, Jake!” She excitedly claps her hands together and pulls me in for a hug.
“Thank you so much for helping me pick one out. Let me get it paid for and then we can discuss my plans for up at the cabin.”
The saleswoman takes the ring to go have it boxed up and I head to the register to pay. I knew jewelry was expensive and I was hoping to get out of here spending under 6 thousand dollars and I was able to accomplish that just fine.
Now that I have the ring, I need to finish the rest of the plans. I’m hoping that Caroline has some ideas, as all I really know is that I want to pop the question while we are all hanging out at the cabin. My tentative plan is to do it after dinner on Friday night.
Caroline and I head down the street to a coffee shop to discuss our plans. She thinks that we can pull off the proposal on Friday night since we will all head up that afternoon. I don’t want anything super crazy, but I do want it to be special. I leave the coffee shop with a calm about me, knowing that everything is going to be perfect. Caroline is taking control of making sure we have some champagne to toast with after I ask her, and she insists she is going to decorate a little bit as well. She thinks it will look cool if we string up some white Christmas lights above the patio area. She said she can pass it off by just giving us some light for when we are out there after
dark. I am going to just trust her lead and let her take control.
I run home to hide the ring and then head back to work. I confirm with our parents that things are a go and that everyone can still make it for the weekend. They are all so excited and happy for us. Now I just need to keep everything a secret until next weekend.
The day has arrived, we are headed up to the cabin in just a little bit. Tessa, once again, got us all packed. I pulled out her ring this morning when I was leaving for work and stashed it in my truck. I couldn’t risk her finding it in my bag. I am calm but nervous inside about being able to say everything I want to say to her without becoming so overwhelmed with emotion that I can’t get it out or mess it up. I’ve been writing and rewriting what I want to say to her for the past few days and just can’t wait to get it over with.
We make it to the cabin, Caroline and Luke, my parents, and Tessa’s parents all beat us here. Her brothers and their wives should be here soon. Caroline and our mothers have already strung up the twinkly lights and they do look good and will be nice for at night when it’s dark out.
Once everyone has arrived, we start grilling for dinner. Everyone except Tessa is aware of what’s going on tonight. They are all in on it with me and will be taking care of filming and taking pictures of tonight. The plan is after dinner when we are all just hanging out, I will bring out a round of drinks and when I come out I will have the ring with me.
The time has arrived, I head inside and grab a couple of drinks and the ring. I quickly look over my speech and take a few deep breaths to help calm myself down before I head back outside. I hand the few drinks out to those that requested them.
“Tessa, can you help me with something please?”
“Sure, babe, what do you need?” she asks as she stands up and steps over to me.
I grab her hands in mine and lean down and kiss her.
“Tessa, the first time I saw you, you took my breath away. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I realized early on that you were a very special woman that I would do just about anything for, and quickly realized that you would make an impact in my life. You have been there for me through my continued healing process, and have handled my PTSD issues with grace and love. You have picked me up when I was down and shown me what it means to be loved and love someone else with everything I can. Your kindness and positive outlook on life are inspiring and challenge me to be a better man each day. I love you so much, Tessa.”
She has caught on to what’s happening by now and is crying. I drop down to one knee and pull out the ring holding it out to her. “Will you marry me?”
“YES!” she yells and pulls me up so she can jump in my arms. Holy shit, that was nerve-racking and amazing all at the same time.
“I love you so much,” I tell her between kisses.
Our whole family is cheering and offering up congratulations.
“Here, let me put this on you,” I say to her as I slip the ring on her finger.
“Jake, it’s beautiful! I love it!” she tells me as she lifts up again to kiss me.
My mom recorded everything and one of her sisters-in-law took pictures for me. Everything went off perfectly. We make our rounds, getting hugs from everyone, and of course all the women wanted to see her ring. While we were doing this, Caroline snuck in the cabin and brought out the champagne for us to toast with.
After the proposal and getting the kids to bed, we all gather out on the patio. Both Tessa and I are still floating in the clouds of excitement. I’m so glad that it’s all over with. But holy shit, I have a fiancée.
The rest of the weekend is perfect. Tessa pretty much stays in a blissful state all weekend. I overheard her and Caroline and our mothers talking wedding plans already. I told her on Friday night once we were alone in our room that I want her to plan anything she wants- just tell me when and where to show up and I will make it happen. I want her to have everything she can dream of. This woman has come into my life and turned it upside down and I wouldn’t change it for anything. I never thought I would find someone to love but she sure has made it easy. I’m excited to marry this woman and expand our family.
Tessa
7 Months Later
Today I am marrying my best friend. The man I see myself growing old with. These past seven months since he proposed have been amazing. We have continued to grow closer. Ty is still his amazing self. Some days I can’t believe how big he is getting. He is becoming such the little man. He loves Jake so much and Jake loves him as if he is his own. One of my wedding gifts to Jake is adoption paperwork for him to legally adopt Ty. He has been his father figure since we got together and I am ready to make it legal. I know it will mean the world to Jake and it is something I talked to Ty about to make sure he is ok with it. He knows that his daddy loved him and that Jake will never replace that, but he is stepping in to help since Matt can’t be here to do it himself.
A knock on the door brings me out of my daydream. “Come in,” I call out.
“Are you ready to walk down that aisle?” my dad asks me as he stands just looking at me and taking in the moment.
“Yes. I am so ready,” I tell my dad as he wraps me in his arms for a hug.
“Well, there is no time like the present. Let’s go get you married. I love you, baby girl,” my dad says to me as he kisses my cheek. “And in case I haven’t told you yet, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Dad, I feel beautiful.”
“Jake is a lucky man.” He squeezes my hand and leads me to the door.
We walk out of the room I used to get ready and take our position at the back of the church. The music starts and I get my first glimpse of Jake. His eyes are focused on me and I smile at him. I can tell his eyes are glossy and he is holding back tears. He looks so handsome in his uniform. Both Ty and my dad are walking me down the aisle and then Ty will stand up with us. It was important to me that he be included in this, as he is the most important person in my life.
We make it to the altar and through the ceremony. Both Jake and I can’t hold back the tears and emotions while we are saying our vows. I knew I would be a blubbering mess if I tried to write my own, so we just used the standard ones and we are still a crying mess.
The pastor announces us husband and wife and Jake pulls me into his arms for the kiss. I love this man so much. We make our way out of the sanctuary and greet all our guests before they head to the reception location. Before we leave, we still have a few pictures that we need to take. But before we do, Jake pulls me into the room I used to get ready.
“I couldn’t wait another minute to get you alone,” he grounds out as he pulls me tight against his body and kisses me. “You are so fucking beautiful in that dress and you are driving me fucking crazy. I will enjoy every second of getting you out of it later tonight,” he tells me as he peppers kisses along my neck.
“If you keep that up, I don’t think I’ll be able to wait until tonight,” I moan.
“Damn, woman, don’t tempt me to fuck you right here in this church,” he whispers as he continues to kiss along my neck.
“Then stop tormenting me with your mouth. And don’t give yourself blue balls. I need you ready when we do make it to the hotel tonight.” I laugh and playfully try and push him away.
“A little late for that, sweetheart. I’ve been hard since the second I saw you in the church doorway. It’s a good thing all eyes in the church were on you.” He smirks.
I just laugh at him before kissing him again.
“Let’s go get the pictures finished so we can get over to the reception and eat. I’m starving!”
“Ok, beautiful,” he says as he leads me out of the room.
We finish at the church and arrive at the reception. After the typical announced entrance and first dances are out of the way, we are finally able to sit and eat. The menu for the night is amazing. We spend the next few hours enjoying our time dancing the night away with our friends and family. We finally make it out around 11pm and head fo
r the hotel we are staying at for the night. Jake planned the honeymoon and all I know is we are going somewhere tropical. My parents are keeping Ty while we are gone for the week. I’m so looking forward to a week alone with my husband. Holy shit, I have a husband!
When we get into our room, we find a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries have been sent to us from the hotel. Jake pops the bottle and pours us each a glass.
“To my wife, the most beautiful amazing woman. I love you, Tessa, and look forward to every day I get to spend with you,” he tells me as we clink glasses and Jake pulls me closer to him so he can kiss me sweetly.
“I am so ready to get you out of this dress,” he says as he sets his glass down and then reaches for mine to do the same.
Since my hair is half up and half down, he sweeps it off one side of my neck and trails kisses down to my collarbone. He reaches back around and finds the zipper and slowly lowers it, trailing his fingers along my spine as he does this, causing goose bumps to break out all over my skin. Once he reaches the end of the zipper, he slowly starts to push the dress down my body, helping me step out of it. I only have on a lacy white strapless bra and matching thong.
“God, you are so fucking beautiful. I don’t think you will ever cease to take my breath away,” he tells me as he just takes in my almost naked body. “I am one lucky man,” he says as he steps closer, wrapping his arms around my body, sliding his hands from the sides of my breasts down to cup my ass.
We make our way over toward the bed, kissing along the way. He has picked me up, so I’m wrapped around him. I’m sure he can feel how aroused I am. I’m so ready to make love to my husband.
Jake lays me down on the bed softly. He breaks the kiss and trails kisses down my body. When he reaches my breasts, he removes the bra and then sucks one nipple and then the other into his mouth, grazing his teeth across them as he pays attention to them. He then makes his way down my torso, swirling his tongue around my navel. I’m a little shocked when he stops and gets up from the bed. I then realize he has grabbed the bottle of champagne and has now poured some onto my torso and is licking it off me. He sucks the liquid that has pooled in my navel and then continues kissing down until he is at the top edge of my thong. He slips his thumbs in the sides and lowers it down my legs until it’s off and he tosses it onto the floor.
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