Oh, and our wedding is in a week. Yeah, we wasted no time, figuring we’ve already done enough of that. In just seven days, we fly out to Cabo, along with the boys, our parents, and Gina, and I will finally become Mrs. Hebert. I pinch myself daily. How is this even my life?
“You ready to go?” Coop asks, ducking his head into my office.
Him. That’s how.
I glace over to the clock. “Is it that time already?”
He smiles. “We meet the realtor in twenty minutes.” Coop snaps his fingers. “Chop chop.”
“Get outta here,” Gina yells from across the hall. “I’ll lock up.”
On the drive over, I get butterflies. “This one’s it, Coop. I can feel it.”
“You’ve said that about the last three houses we’ve looked at,” he says, giving me the side eye.
Yeah, so we’ve been really busy. But it’s the best kind of busy. “I know, but it has everything we want...the lake, the fenced in yard, five bedrooms. It’s a Victorian with a wraparound porch and fully remodeled.”
“And let’s not forget it’s almost a hundred grand over our initial budget.” Coop shakes his head, running his tongue over his teeth.
“Are you mad?” I bite down on my lip as we turn onto the winding road leading to the strip of houses along Magnolia Lake.
“Princess, I’m just so ready to have a house and a bed and a fucking room that belongs to the two of us,” he laughs. “Without the parents,” Coop adds, raising his brow. “If this is what you want, it’s yours, so please want it.”
The house comes into view and it literally steals my breath away. It’s a creamy yellow color with stained glass in a few of the windows. The porch is huge with the most adorable rocking chairs and a swing. I reach out my hand, squeezing Cooper’s arm. I literally have tears in my eyes. “I told you.”
I throw my door open before he’s even shifted the truck into park. “Isn’t it beautiful?” I ask as Cooper walks up beside me.
“You’re beautiful,” he says, kissing my temple. “I guess the house ain’t bad, either.”
“Come on.” I grab his hand and lead him around back to scope out the yard while we wait for the realtor to arrive. It’s enormous and backs up to the lake with a private pier. “For your boat,” I say, shaking his hand and looking at him expectantly.
“This is pretty bad ass,” he admits as our realtor, Jennie, walks up behind us.
“Wait ’til you see the inside.”
She takes us through each room one by one, and with every room, I fall more in love with the house. I wanted our home to have character. This one has it in spades with the turrets and bay windows. The attention to detail. I mean, the woodwork is just incredible.
“There’s a fireplace in our bedroom,” I squeal, jumping into Cooper’s arms. “Imagine the hot sex we could have in front of that,” I announce, forgetting the poor woman in the room with us.
“Sold!” Coop shouts as my face heats.
“I’m so sorry,” I mouth to Jennie.
She winks, shaking her head. “Don’t worry about it, hon.”
“Let’s do it,” Coop says. “This one is definitely it.”
Cooper
“Her’s comin’ now?” Kyle asks, tugging on my arm.
“Almost, buddy.” I clasp his little hand in mine to comfort him as my own pulse races wildly with anticipation. Within seconds, the wedding march starts up. “Now,” I say, looking down at him with a smile before turning back to watch for my princess. My heart is beating out of my chest.
“My feet is burning,” Kyle whines, hopping from foot to foot. It’s a little warm, but not overly so. Savage just can’t stand for anyone else to have the attention, not even his mother.
Gina shushes him, quickly scrambling over and lifting Kyle into her arms.
The sun begins to set, casting an orange glow behind Spencer as she makes her way down the petal-lined path. Her dress is a simple ivory lacy thing that hits at her ankles. She’s barefoot with bright red toes, carrying a small bouquet of white and yellow lilies. My heart is in my throat. I’m not even sure I’m breathing. Spencer truly is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever set eyes on.
Flanked on either side with their arms laced into hers are Lake and Landon, wearing white linen button downs paired with khakis, identical to mine and Kyle’s.
My eyes meet with each of theirs and the smiles on their faces fill my chest with pride. Today, I’m not only marrying Spencer but these children as well. The symbolism of them handing their mother over to me means more than they will ever know.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
The boys each lean in, kissing their mother on opposite cheeks. Her sparkling blue eyes shimmer as they fill with tears. “We do,” they answer in unison.
Lake reaches for my hand, the way we practiced at rehearsal last night, but I pull him in for a hug and tears begin to prick the backs of my eyes. “Thank you, son,” I whisper, my voice catching on the last word. I kiss the side of his head and he nods, too emotional to speak before moving to the side to take his position as groomsman.
It’s Landon’s turn, but he freezes, a little unsure after watching the display between his brother and me. I take the initiative to walk over to him, extending my arms, and to be honest, I’m sweating a little, because this one just might leave me hanging. But then the slightest grin finds his face and he opens his arms wide, hugging me back. “Thank you, son,” I repeat what I’ve just said to his brother. The meaning of that little word is so powerful. I want them to know that we are a family, the five of us.
Elaine lets out a loud wail from her seat behind us followed by an apology.
“Why my gramma cryin’, Pooper. Why Mommy, cryin’, too?”
“Shhh,” Gina says, trying to quiet him, but he’s too little to understand that sometimes tears can be happy.
“It’s okay, buddy,” I call over my shoulder, trying to settle him.
“You cryin’, too. Everybody cryin’,” he whines, touching a tear on his Auntie Gi’s cheek.
“If you be really quiet ’til Mommy and Cooper finish, I’ll buy you all the M&Ms,” I hear in whispered negotiations behind me.
The officiant chuckles, giving Gina the thumbs up.
When Landon has moved to stand beside Lake, I reach out for my bride. Her hand is warm and soft. She smells of flowers and mint, and her beautiful face is red and splotchy with tears. You’d think we were attending a funeral with all of the crying going on out here, and we’re only getting started.
“I love you so much,” she whispers, throwing her arms around my neck. I envelop her tiny frame in my arms, getting so caught up in the emotion of the moment that I forget where we are and our purpose for being here. I set her on her feet and lean in, kissing her slow and deep, tasting the salt from her tears.
“Ahem,” the minister sounds, vying for our attention.
Guiltily, we look up.
“We haven’t gotten to that part yet.”
“Sorry,” Spence whispers, rubbing a thumb over her kiss-swollen lips.
“It’s quite all right. I believe you’ve each written your own vows? Is that correct?”
“Yes, sir,” I answer, squeezing Spencer’s hand in mine.
“I’m supposed to tell you to join hands, but seeing as you’re already doing that, Cooper, you’re up first.”
I close my eyes, taking a long breath before opening them and looking deep into Spencer’s.
“This feels right, doesn’t it?” I ask, tears welling in my eyes.
Spencer nods, sniffling.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been comforted by these baby blues. I didn’t realize how much until they were no longer there. Whether it was standing in front of class to give a speech or lost at night in the woods, they’ve been my compass. You,” I say, tugging her hands. “You are my compass, Spencer. For fifteen years, I’ve been lost, more lost I think than I ever realized. But this...this right here
is my home. Like a fool, I threw what we had away, and I realize that not everyone finds their way back to each other. Second chances aren’t guaranteed, but you...you’ve let me come home.” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat as I gear up to recite my vows. “I, Cooper, graciously take you, Spencer, as my wife. It is my promise to you that I will never lose my way again. I could promise to love you, but that for me isn’t a choice. What I can promise is to love you better. I will always put you and our boys first, and let you think you’re right, even when I know you’re wrong.” I wink as Spence scoffs, rolling her eyes. “I will probably suck at the politically correct parenting, but I vow to be the perfect example of a loving husband and doting father. I promise to never take you for granted and to crack inappropriate jokes just to see you smile. I will do everything in my power, Spencer, to make sure that you never regret allowing me to share this crazy life with you.”
I look to the minister, nodding my head, an indication that I’ve finished as Spencer and I share a smile.
“Spencer,” he says, motioning to her with his hand. “You may now recite your vows.”
She shakes my hands side to side, blowing out a long breath as she rolls her neck. “Cooper James...” She sighs. “I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love you. There was a time when I didn’t want to, but there you were—so deeply engrained in my heart that I couldn’t wish or will or cry you away.” She shrugs, darting her tongue out to wet her lips. “I believe in soul mates. I believe that some people are fated to be together, and I believe wholeheartedly that you are that person for me...We all make mistakes,” Spence says, rubbing her thumbs over my knuckles. She then turns, looking to each of her children individually. “But there is a reason for everything. Who knows what would have happened if things had played out differently? We are who we are today because of the choices we’ve made, and it wasn’t easy, but, Cooper, I forgive you.”
I had no idea just how badly I needed to hear those words. Nodding, I mouth the words “Thank you” as the floodgates swing open.
“Sharing my children with others has never come easy, but it’s because I was trying to do it with the wrong people. Your love for my boys, your dedication and passion for their happiness and their well-being means more to me than you will ever know. I am honored, Cooper.” She releases one of my hands, clutching it to her chest. “And so very thankful that I have the privilege of sharing them with you.” She pauses for a moment, which we both use to collect ourselves after her heartfelt declaration.
“So, without further ado, Mr. Hebert, these are my promises to you...That was pretty good, right?” Spence whispers with a wink, to which I shake my head and try not to roll my eyes. “I, Spencer, finally take you, Cooper, as my husband. I promise to keep on loving you, through the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, and even during the times when you act like a chauvinistic pig.” I snort. “I will do my best to be less controlling, and I promise to never go to bed angry, even if it means arguing half the night...That only means we have the other half to spend making up.”
“Ew,” Landon says, screwing up his face.
I glance around at the parents who are oblivious and take note of the hidden smirks on the twins, Gina, and even the minister’s faces. “What am I going to do with you?” I whisper.
Her eyebrows waggle. “I can think of a few things,” she mumbles low enough for only the two of us to hear.
The minister clears his throat and a blush appears on my girl’s cheeks. Guess he heard, too.
“I promise that I will always try to be the wife that you deserve and that I’ll do everything in my power to make you as happy as you make me. I probably will never obey but will worship and adore you all the days of my life.” Spencer releases my hands for a moment to wipe the tears from her cheeks, doing that little eye roll up thing and patting beneath her eyes in an attempt not to smear the mascara that’s already beyond ruined. “This is it, Coop,” she says, grabbing my hands. “This is forever.”
After exchanging rings, the officiant gets a Cheshire cat grin on his face. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Now...you may kiss the bride.”
I briefly hear the giggles around us, but they are quickly drowned out when my lips connect with hers. The overwhelming sense of relief that I feel in this moment is beyond compare. She’s mine. It’s as if someone’s just removed two tons of bricks that have been weighing on my chest for years. I raise my hands to cradle her head, digging my fingers into raven curls and deepen our kiss.
“Mmm,” Spencer moans into my mouth, placing her palms on my chest and pulling away. “Cooper...” Her hand lifts to wipe her mouth and I begin to hear the applause and laughter from our family once again.
“May I present to you, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Hebert!”
“It’s about fuckin’ time!” Gina shouts, earning a glare from our poor minister, who I’m sure we’ve now scarred for life, and my wife. “What?” she says, shrugging with our two-year-old still clutched in her arms. “We’re not in church.”
“Sometimes I swear there is not enough alcohol on earth to deal with you, Gi,” Spence says with a resigned laugh before apologizing profusely to the minister.
“Speaking of alcohol, this is a party now, right?” Gina asks, setting Kyle back on his feet.
“Not yet,” I say, motioning for everyone to sit back down. “Spencer, the boys, and I have a surprise for all of you.”
“She’s pregnant,” my mother says to Elaine, bouncing to her feet. “I knew it!”
“For God’s sake, Mother.” I shake my head. “Spencer is not pregnant.” Although I have plans to rectify that immediately, I think to myself. “Spencer, Lake, and Landon...and, of course, the little dude himself have agreed to allow me to adopt Kyle.” My voice shakes and I widen my eyes, trying to hold fresh tears at bay.
“Oh my God,” Mrs. Elaine’s shocked voice calls from behind and she and my mother embrace in hysterics.
“We signed the papers at the court house the day before leaving to come here, but we wanted to hold off on telling all of you until today—the day the five of us officially become a family.” I feel Spencer’s hand rubbing my back and glance over to the twins’ dimpled smiles. Then I look down at Savage, who is digging in the sand near my feet without a care in the world, and I lift him into my arms. “I present to you, my son, Kyle Jude Hebert.” Extending my arms, I hold him out like the cub from The Lion King.
He squirms, wiggling like a worm on a hook. “Put me down, Pooper.”
I pull him into my chest for a squeeze before releasing him. God, I can’t wait for the day when he finally calls me Dad.
As everyone else joins in our celebration with tears and hugs, I look over to Gina and add, “Now it’s a party.”
Spencer - 2 years later...
“Everything looks great,” the ultrasound tech says as she’s finishing up with the anatomy scan. “I’m going to go call your husband and kids in and we’ll see whatcha got cookin’ in here, okay?” she asks, patting my enormous stomach.
God, please let there be a girl. I nod my head as my throat tightens. I didn’t think I’d be so nervous, but I’m shaking.
“Are they taking the babies out now, Dad?” Kyle asks as my guys flood into the tiny room.
“No, Savage, we’re just going to see pictures of them in your mommy’s tummy.”
Yes, you read that right. Twins...again. What are the fucking odds?
“All right, y’all just kinda stand against that back wall there while I get this thing going again,” the tech instructs. When she squirts the warmed petroleum jelly onto my belly, it makes a fart sound. Before he’s even opened his mouth. I cringe, waiting for Savage to react.
“Did you hear that fart, Dad?” Kyle asks, giggling. Cooper sucks in his lips, trying not to laugh. The big kid turns his head to the side so our son won’t see his smile as he shushes him.
“Get off of me.” There is t
he sound of shuffling behind my head. “Mom, tell Lake to get his arm off mine.”
My eyes close as I release a resigned sigh. Why must they make everything so freaking difficult? You’d think that by the age of fourteen this bullshit would have stopped, but sometimes I think it’s only gotten worse. This is supposed to be a beautiful moment for us all—like the shit you see on the Hallmark channel. But as usual, my gang is only fit for Comedy Central.
“Boys!” Coop says in that sexy, authoritative tone he’s developed over the years. I never thought it would turn me on so much to hear someone else correct my children, but let me tell you...when Cooper James does it, it’s hot.
The room falls silent as the tech begins to move the wand around my stomach. The boys, including my husband, all stare in awe as they try to decipher body parts.
“Okay, this is twin A. See the spine here,” she says touching the screen. “This is a hand here...and here we have a...a hamburger!” A girl. Oh, thank God. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
“When did you get a hamburger, Mommy? I’m hungry. I want one, too.” Kyle squints his eyes, glaring at me with a huff, and I bust out laughing.
The boys and Cooper stew in their quiet confusion as the tech explains. “Hamburger is our code word for girl, because the girl parts look like a burger. If it’s a boy, we call it a hot dog.”
“Oh no,” Kyle says with a worried look on his face. “You got our order wrong. We ordered hot dogs.”
Oh my God, I feel like I’m going to burst from laughing so hard. Even the boys are balled over in hysterics.
When she is once again able to find her voice, the ultrasound tech responds. “Oh, honey, we can’t change your order...You kinda just get what you get.” Her face scrunches.
“And you don’t throw a fit,” Kyle finishes in a very blah tone.
“That’s right, but, we have one more.” She perks up moving the wand over to twin B who is being a little more modest than A. After shaking my belly and poking around a bit, she finally gets the baby to spread its legs. “I’m so sorry, buddy,” she says, addressing Kyle. “It’s another burger.”
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