Entwined Souls (Soul Sister Book 1)

by C. M. Youngren

  Braxton

  An angel was practically skipping down the aisle, as flower petals were thrown this way and that. Her radiant smile was so big it no doubt warmed everyone watching. My daughter had that effect on people. She sure had stolen my heart and had me wrapped around her little finger. Although the adoption wasn’t finalized quite yet, it would be soon. But she was still mine, probably from the moment I saw her. Just like when I’d seen her mama for the first time again.

  Which, speaking of...

  She took my breath away.

  The beauty walking toward me, a vision of white silk and lace, was my dream come true. A fantasy that just a few months ago I didn’t even know I wanted. Now she was everything I couldn’t live without.

  Her arm curled with her dad’s, she gracefully moved closer to me, her eyes twinkling with love and the first sign of tears that sparkled in the afternoon rays of sunlight.

  “When I Look Into Your Eyes” by Firehouse played lightly in the background. It may not be traditional, but we loved the song and it said so much about how we felt for one another. To us it was perfect, and it was our day.

  Everyone was seated in the white wooden chairs, with peach ribbon sashes and white roses hanging on them, which created a path straight to the gazebo we were about to be married in. All the guests were turned in their seats, eyes following my girl as she grew near to me.

  Something that felt as though it took forever.

  Finally, her dad, who looked really choked up, handed his little girl—because she would always be that to him—off to me and I took her small hand in mine, bringing her front and center. I couldn’t help myself, I leaned in, and kissed her lips lightly. I should have known when we let Kace officiate there’d be trouble.

  “Stand down, buddy, we are not at the smooching part yet.” Everyone chuckled at his words, while Jurnee rolled her eyes, and I glared at him, but he just laughed it off.

  Turning to face each other, hands entwined, my heart beat so hard that you could probably hear it from miles away. Every beat was because this woman standing before me filled every empty place within me. From that child that had been starved for affection but was only neglected instead. For the guy who served his country but didn’t have a lover to share his fears and victories with back home, knowing they would always be waiting for me when I returned. And finally, for the man who never dreamed of something as extraordinary as what he had been gifted within the last few weeks because nobody told him growing up that such a thing was possible or showed him what this type of love looked like between a man and a woman, husband and wife. I love my sister beyond words, but that was a different kind of love.

  “Then get moving, or I will keep taking matters in my own hands,” I said back to my friend as the others behind me got a kick at how this was starting off.

  So Kace did his thing while tossing in a wry comment here and there that he’d thought would be funny. He would pay later for the one about how he would be glad to step in if I didn’t treat Jurnee right. Like hell he will.

  Before I’d known it, it was time for us to say our vows. We’d told each other that instead of writing something down, we would say whatever was on our heart at that moment. Being the groom, I was up first.

  “Jurnee, I can't wait for you to be my wife. I never imagined that the tiny, shy girl that used to run around with my little sister would later become my soulmate, but you are in every way. You’re generous, caring, kind, not to mention beautiful inside and out. And don’t forget sweet. Better than any dessert out there and you always will be my favorite.” Giving her a sexy wink, her cheeks pinkened with a blush, and a small chuckle passed my lips before I continued.

  “I can’t imagine my life without you and Embry in it.” Getting emotional, I swallowed and took a deep breath. Then, I squatted down to talk to my other girl for a minute. “Embry, honey, you light up my life, and I am so lucky to have you. You are my Doodlebug and I love you.” Embry had thrown herself at me and was hugging me tightly. I could hear Jurnee crying, but I knew they were happy tears.

  Still holding onto Embry with one arm, I locked my other on the side of Jurnee’s hip and pulled her in close to me, still eye level with my woman’s stomach. With my face planted close to her belly, I spoke again. “Hey you in there. I just want you to know I love you too, and I’m going to be the best dad to you and your sister here.” I kissed my woman’s belly and then the sweetest thing happened. Embry leaned in and kissed Jurnee’s tummy too and whispered, “I’m your big sister, and will take care of you.” That’s when my tears started rolling and I knew there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the house.

  Standing, but holding my daughter’s hand, I faced Jurnee again. “I realize you have two seriously phenomenal best friends,” I said, nodding in Summer and my little sister’s direction, “but I want you to let me be your third, because you’re mine. Tell me your secrets, your pain, and joy, let me share everything with you. Baby, you are my world and with every fiber in my body, I will cherish you and strive to make you happy always. I will take care of you, our family, and will love you until the day I am not on this earth anymore. You’re it for me. You had me at, ‘I have to pee’ and I haven’t been the same since. I love you, Dimples, with everything I am and more.”

  She may kill me for the last bit, but it was all true. I looked into her eyes and beyond the tears saw laughter, tenderness, and sheer love. I was a blessed man.

  Jurnee

  The mouth-watering man before me was in trouble.

  I would get him back later, but right now I was trying so hard not to laugh and pretend I was mad at him for what he just said, but I couldn’t find it in me. He was the love of my life and right now he just needed to know that.

  “Braxton, I can’t believe you just said that, but I have a lifetime to pay you back for it. I also can’t wait to be your wife, and throughout our life together I will always be reminding you of just how much I cherish you too, and what a remarkable man you are. I do have two extraordinary best friends”—I smiled over at my besties, as I said it— “but there is room for another in my life. Because you are mine too.” Struggling with my emotions and tears, I had to pause before I could carry on.

  “You gave me three things I never thought I could have. This angel here, our daughter that I love with all my heart,” I said, pulling my little girl to me. “A baby, our baby that I didn’t think was possible,” I whispered as I touched my other hand to my belly. Tears poured down my face in streams, and I had to take a couple of deep breaths before I could carry on.

  “And last, but certainly not least. You. I have you. And you three are my universe, and I love you all so much. As a young girl, you were my first crush, but when you walked back into my life months ago, you became the man I always dreamed of. To trust someone as I do you and allow you to break down the walls I put in place to protect that abandoned little girl inside me was something you almost made look easy. The first day I saw you get out of your car when I was twelve years old, was the day our worlds entwined, and they will forever be that way. I love you, Brax, my heart belongs to you now and forever.”

  I muddled my way through my vows with tears and emotion clogging my eyes and throat. But looking at Braxton so choked up, with tears of his own mirroring mine, was something I would never forget.

  Everything about today had been perfect. The beautiful backyard, my angelic daughter in her dress, and my gorgeous besties in theirs. The groomsmen had looked dashing, my parents and friends were all around us, and I was looking forward to the reception right after.

  But we had to get through the rest of the ceremony before the festivities and dancing could begin.

  We exchanged our rings and finally the moment that we had been waiting for had arrived. Kace pronounced us husband and wife, and the kiss we’d both been waiting forever was just seconds away.

  “You may now kiss the bride. And get a move on or I may snatch her up myself.” My husband growled, just as he swept me into his a
rms and planted a kiss on my lips that had goosebumps breaking out all over my body and turned my knees weak. Because of the little kids he tried to keep it clean, but PG-13 wasn’t too bad. Embry had giggled like she thought it was the funniest thing in the world.

  After releasing me, Braxton swooped Embry up into his arms and grabbed my hand with his free one. Everyone laughed, whistled, and clapped with glee. Hand in hand, with our daughter in her father’s arms, we headed down the pretty walkway through the small group of wonderful people that were there that day as Kace said, “I give to you Mr. and Mrs. Hart, along with Doodlebug Hart.” Laughter rang out over the crowd and Embry practically fell out of her dad’s arms in a fit of giggles.

  I loved my new name, and I don’t think I’d ever in a lifetime get sick of hearing it. I may have written it a million times when I was a teenager in my notebooks and everywhere else, but now it was true. Mrs. Hart, pretty catchy if I did say so myself.

  As we got to the end of the walk, I paused and leaned into my husband. “You know what time it is now don’t you?” I asked.

  Shaking his head, he said, “No, tell me.”

  “It’s time to do a little dance, make a little love, and get down tonight. KC and the Sunshine Band know how to do it right,” I said and laughed.

  “I like the way you think, Mrs. Hart,” he whispered in my ear. I was so looking forward to the party, but since Embry was doing another sleepover with my besties, a short party was fine with me.

  Since we chose not to see each other before the wedding, the guests would mingle while we did a few pics and then we could get our groove on. And while everyone had done their best because it was our special day, the pictures, just like the walk down the aisle with Alley and Landon paired up, was a bit tense. I am not sure they even realized people noticed, but for their close friends, it was hard to miss.

  Embry was a ham for the camera and although you couldn’t tell I was pregnant since I wasn’t far along yet, we still placed our hands on my tummy together in some of the shots, so we could let our little one know they were there with us too one day. We got through all the smiles, different poses, and I would cherish the moments captured on film until the end of time.

  “I love you, Brax. Come dance with me?”

  “I love you too, and right now I would love to hold you in my arms, Dimples. But just wait, there is so much more to come. Tonight, and always.”

  “I’m counting on it,” I replied.

  What a day, and it isn’t over yet.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Jurnee

  Being in the warmth of Braxton’s arms was heaven.

  For our first dance as husband and wife, we swayed to the song, “All My Life” by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, which had been the one we’d danced to when we finally got to go out with all our friends. It really wasn’t that long ago but look where we were today.

  Resting my head on my husband's chest, he softly sang the words to me just as he’d done the first time and every lyric caressed my beating heart. So many memories were being made today, and I was so thankful for each of them.

  As the slow song ended, a faster one took its place. We stayed for a few songs, having a great time. My husband was a great dancer and it was sexy to watch the way he moved. All our friends and family seemed to be having a blast dancing, eating the incredible food, and talking with one another. Embry had been twirling around the floor with her dad, grandpa, and all our friends. She had so much fun and ate up the attention. When we finally moved off the dance floor, a very special friend had come to stand beside me.

  “Oh my gosh, Gemma, I’m so glad you're here!” After pictures, Alley had pushed us right into our first dance, so I hadn’t really got a chance to talk to anyone yet.

  “You look absolutely beautiful, and I’m so happy for you. Congratulations to the two of you!” Gemma exclaimed as she hugged me.

  I had told Braxton so much about her, but this was the first time he’d met her. “Babe, this is Gemma,” I said, gesturing from him to her. “Gemma this is my husband, Braxton.” She reached out her hand to shake his, but he tugged on it and pulled her into a hug.

  “I’ve heard so much about you, Gemma, I feel like we have known each other a long time,” Brax said before releasing her from his bear hug.

  Gemma let out a giggle, and I couldn’t help but think my man had that effect on us girls. He was a keeper, that was for sure.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you too,” she replied back.

  The three of us talked for a bit until more people made their way over to us and we chatted with many of our guests until eventually it was time to cut the cake. It was so beautiful I almost didn’t want to ruin it, but I remembered how it tasted when we sampled it at the bakery we’d chosen and that sealed the deal. The cake was going down.

  It just better not be going in my face.

  We cut the pieces and champagne was poured for all those who wanted it or could have it, which didn’t include me. I got good ol’ sparkling cider, along with my angel and some others. I had also noticed Summer had refrained again, just like before. Then, our friends and family made some toasts before we took our first bite. We were doing things our own way, not necessarily traditional, but it had been fabulous from the start. The toast brought new puddles of tears streaming down my face as my dad, our closest friends spoke to us with such love.

  Leaning into Braxton’s side, I murmured, “We are very lucky to have all of these people in our lives.”

  “That’s for sure,” he agreed.

  Swiping at my eyes to clear them, we grabbed our pieces of cake, but not before I gave Brax the stink eye to warn him, and he just smiled with mischief. I had a feeling he was going to be in trouble for the second time today. “Be nice,” I reminded him, but couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped knowing what was probably coming.

  Slowly each of us moved our pieces towards one another’s mouths. Just as the cake touched my lips, it was smashed in my face and against my parted lips. Banana flavor burst onto my tongue and I licked my lips while laughter escaped me. Then I gave back as good as I got. I turned to see Embry clapping and laughing with joy as though that had been the funniest thing in the world. That alone made my messy face worth it.

  “That’s two, Mr. Hart, and you are going to get punished.” Just then Kace chimed in and everyone exploded in laughter. “I’ll get the belt.”

  If looks could kill when Brax’s gaze had swung to Kace, the man would be dead where he was standing. Then his expression changed as he looked back at me, and his eyes twinkled with playfulness. And then, of course his reply was all man, and so Brax.

  “Are you going to spank me again, Mrs. Hart?”

  I’d been about to reply, when I’d heard a loud thump, a groan of pain, then Alley’s scream. Panicked, I rounded the table where she and Summer had been standing and my whole body instantly began to shake with uncontrollable fear. Summer was on the floor convulsing and then lost consciousness. A male voice boomed above everything else and started barking orders.

  “Get back, someone call 911 now!” Gyth demanded, and then he dropped to his knees—injury be damned—at Summer’s side, immediately taking charge. He was calm, collected, and seemed to know how to handle the situation.

  The next span of time seemed to go in slow motion. Concerned for my best friend, my gut was tight, and a sick feeling washed over me. Summer had experienced seizures before, but since she had been on medication there hadn’t been any in quite some time that I knew about. I’d seen the signs lately, the fatigue and change in her, but she had insisted she was fine.

  This was not fine.

  As the seizure came to an end, Summer’s confused gaze scanned the room. Eyes landing on mine, her face took on a horrified look. Tears gathered in her beautiful green eyes as she seemed to struggle to collect herself before she spoke. My heart broke more and more with each wobbly word.

  “I-I’m so s-sorry I m-messed up y-your special d-day,” Summe
r faintly managed to get out. The worry and shame that colored her voice was agonizing. She was still disoriented and having so much trouble speaking.

  Now, I had dropped to my knees on the other side of her. “Honey, you didn’t mess anything up, so get that out of your head. We just need to take care of you. That’s what matters right now.” I was barely holding it together, this was my best friend and something had been going on that led to this and we didn’t know about it. I sighed from the feel of Braxton’s comforting hands that came to rest on the back of my shoulders giving me the extra strength I so desperately needed.

  “Y-your dress,” she pleaded, as though trying to convey that she was worried I was on the ground, but not getting all the words to come out, as her teardrops fell down her face, and her expression remained a little perplexed.

  I started to say something, but just then the paramedics came rushing through the backyard and they took control. In the end they had decided to take her to the hospital to check her out further. I wanted to go, but Alley had said she would ride with her, and then she’d let me know what was happening. Summer managed to say I couldn’t leave my guests and it was my wedding day. I knew she wouldn’t forgive herself if I left my own reception, so I did my best at the time to finish the evening and then would see her as soon as I could.

  Just as they’d put Summer into the ambulance, Gyth met Alley at the back doors and said he was riding with her, not really giving any room for argument. Alley must have seen something in his eyes because my girl usually wouldn’t let anyone tell her how things were going to happen, and she would fight them tooth and nail. This time, she didn’t. They closed the door with Gyth inside with Summer and Alley was following along in her car.

  As they drove away, I turned in my husband's arms and broke down right there in the middle of the road. Why hadn’t I questioned more, recognized the signs, or insisted that she get checked out? I prayed that everything would be okay.