by Delisa Lynn
“You know, you could let someone else dote on that handsome fellow every now and then. Like his Aunt Nik,” she says as she sanitizes her hands and takes him from me.
“Trust me, you will be the same way when you have your baby. I just wish you didn’t live so far away. Why can’t you guys move here and work? Brody can get a job at the firm I’m at. The benefits and salary are amazing. Then you can buy the house down the street, and we can be neighbors.”
“As great as all the sounds, we can’t. Brody has already signed on with the guys. He really wants to do this, and our house is being built.”
“I know, I know. Let’s get ready. Megs should be here soon. Rosa is going to watch Greyson. This is the first time we’ve left him alone. My mom will be here after she gets off work.”
***
After we pick up cake and all the decorations, we come back to all the guys drinking on the deck, listening to music. I don’t see the kids or our mothers anywhere. Liam looks so happy sitting there with a beer in his hand, just laughing and talking with the guys. I’ve realized I need to count my blessings every day. I am very thankful that Liam didn’t leave me.
I walk to the family room and see my mom, Sofia, and Rosa with all four kids. Whatever video game the kids are playing sure does have all of their attention. Greyson is in my mom’s arms, asleep. He looks so peaceful and she looks so proud holding him.
They all look so cute. I kiss all my babies, including AJ, and go back to my friends. They have already started decorating and making the food platters. I love that Nikki and Megan get along so well. The only person missing is Addison. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss that girl.
“Where is that proud momma at?” I hear a familiar voice say. I turn and see the voice belongs to my baby brother.
“Eric, come here. I didn’t think you guys could make it. You’re always so damn busy. The girls forgot they had an Uncle Eric,” I say, laughing.
“That’s why I come bearing gifts. Hopefully they will forgive me. My residency will be over in a year. Then my schedule will be even crazier. I’ve heard the hard part hasn’t even started, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Being able to help save lives is what I do best. Got to make them proud of me, you know.”
He points up. I knew exactly who he is referring to.
“Well, the kids will definitely appreciate that. Aww, you got AJ something too? That was nice of you.” I hug him and whisper in his ear, “And you know that Ads and Dad are both proud of you.”
“Thanks, sis. I love you and I’m very proud of the woman you have become. Also, we will have to talk about the whole DNA test thing later. I saw Evan at the hospital. This isn’t the place. You can fill me in some other time over coffee.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. I notice Kaylin with Megs and Nikki.
“Hey, stranger,” I say as I hug Kaylin. She is super sweet and adores my baby brother. “With you and Eric both working at the hospital, I never get to see you either. I miss you, lady.”
“I miss you too. I stopped in and held Greyson before you were released, but you were sleeping.”
“I’m sorry. I’m glad you did. He is getting so big. He is downstairs with mom. You all can go down there if you like.” I grab them both a beer.
***
Liam
Shooting the shit and drinking with my boys with three beautiful kids and a sexy little lady only a couple feet away makes me a very happy man. The things we’ve been through have made us both stronger and knowing that she is standing by my side with this new business makes me love her even more. I’m finally chasing my dreams.
“This feels good, guys. Why haven’t we done this before now?” I say to Ashton and Kade.
“It does. I can sit and look at this beach all damn day. Fuck that condo. I’ll just move in here.” Kade throws his head back and laughs.
“The hell you will. You can visit, but you, my man, need your own damn place. My wife and I like to be very loud and have sex all over this house, and with you two here we can’t do that,” I say as I kick his chair.
“Dude, she just had a baby. You can’t do anything for months except take the lotion bottle to the bathroom with you,” Ashton says. He throws his beer cap at me.
“Fuck no, I don’t do that shit. If I can’t have my wife’s pussy, then I don’t get mine.”
“Yeah right. There isn’t a man out there that hasn’t wacked the putter here and there. Hell, sometimes I do that shit twice a day. I don’t have to hear no woman bitching and don’t have to worry about catching anything. Although that Megs has me wanting to bend her ass over and just fuck the shit out of her. She drives me crazy,” Kade says. He grabs another beer. “There is something about her, and I…Hell, I just want her. There, I said it.”
Ashton punches Kade’s arm. “I knew it. She has you wanting to settle down. I never thought I would see this day coming. Liam, you better go get a fucking calendar and mark this shit down. Our cousin wants to wife up that hottie he’s been drooling over.”
“Stop, leave him alone. She seems like a good girl, but you sure she wants you, man?” I say.
“Fuck you both. I’ll find out tonight. We’ve kissed and shit, but tonight she is mine. And it won’t be a one night thing either,” Kade sneers.
“What about the chick you were banging last weekend? Have you heard from her?” Ashton asks Kade.
“Nah, don’t plan on it either. That was a one-time thing. She was lucky I needed some or her ass wouldn’t have gotten anything from me.”
“All right, guys,” I say to them. “Let’s go see what they’re all up to in there.”
***
There’s a knock at the door. Lila goes to answer it and when she comes back, we’re all surprised by the unexpected guest. I can tell Lila is a little uncomfortable and unsure if she should have let Christabella in, but she did. Ashton gets as pale as a ghost. He looks like he’s going to faint.
“Well, isn’t this cute. All the Ellis’s together for a party to welcome the new spawn. Why wasn’t I invited? After all, I still carry the same last name and it looks like my son is here too. Come to Mommy, Ashie,” she says as she holds her arms out. He hides behind Ashton’s legs and holds on for dear life.
“Christa, what the hell are you doing here? You weren’t invited. Jesus, when is the last time you showered? You smell awful,” Ashton says.
“What’s wrong, Ashton? You think you’re better than me because of all of your money? What do you think your precious family would think about you if they knew you paid me off so you could keep our son? Hell, now that I think about it, are you sure he is yours? You do know that I was fucking anything with a dick when I got pregnant, right? Hell, I still am, and I love it. Don’t you miss my lips around your co—?”
“Get out of here, now! Ladies, will you please take the kids outside, away from this trash. I’ll take care of her,” Ashton says as he motions everyone to leave. I’m not going anywhere, so I stand next to him along with Kade.
“Oh, what’s a matter? You don’t want no one to know I still suck a mean cock? Can I just have some money? If not, my son and I will be on our way,” she says. She picks up a plate and starts eating cake.
“I’m not giving you a fucking dime. I have a restraining order against you and you can go to jail for being around me and AJ, so I suggest you leave and don’t come back.”
“Ashton, Ashton, haven’t you learned anything? I can do as I want. Remember, I have connections, so give me either the money or the brat. Which is it? You wouldn’t want me to cause a scene, now would you?”
“I’m not giving you either. You listen to me, you stupid crack whore; get the fuck out and don’t come back,” Ashton yells as he grabs her arm and starts walking her to the door.
This bitch is crazy. I look at Kade and he knows exactly what I’m thinking. He smiles and shakes his head.
“Ashton, let go of me, you dumbass. I need some money and I have no other way of getting it. They will
kill me if I don’t pay them. Please, you can’t let them hurt me. What will Ashie think if he knows you wouldn’t help me and I was killed? You would definitely win the father of the year award.”
“As of right now, I don’t giving a flying fuck what the hell happens to you. I have tried so hard to love you and make a family for my son, but I can’t. He is better off without a mother. Did you see how scared he was of you? He can’t stand to look at you. Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? Now go and don’t come back, or we will call the police.”
“Fuck all of you. I don’t need your goddamn money anyway. I never did, and you can tell that kid that his mother is dead because of his father. You may want to get a DNA test to see if he is yours.”
Ashton slams the door in her face and turns to face Kade and me. I can tell he is upset. He runs his hands through his hair and pulls his phone out of his pocket.
He looks at Kade and me and says, “I’m sorry about that. Also, I had the DNA test done when he was born. He is mine.”
“Ashton, how much money have you given her? Do you want us to call this in? All you have to do is say the word and they will arrest her. They know the shit she’s been doing, and although she has connections, so do we.” I hug him.
“I think it has come to that. I’ve given her way too much money. I’m not giving her anymore. Come on, let’s check on everyone else. We will worry about her later. I’m sorry about all of this.”
“No worries, bro. I know it isn’t your fault,” I say as we go to check on our children.
Just as we start towards the other room, we hear a loud crash. The three of us take off running out the front door. Christa ran her car into Ashton’s truck. He’s so pissed, I can see all the veins in his neck popping out. She’s high. I can tell she is.
“Oops, how could I have not seen that big truck?” she shouts from her car. “Ashton, you may want to get that piece of shit fixed.” She laughs and pulls out of the driveway.
“Fucking bitch! I’m so over all of her bullshit. This has to stop, or I’m going to be in jail for murder.”
“Calm down, man. I’m calling our connections now. Let’s see how fast our connections trump hers. Then she will see,” Kade says.
I push Ashton back in the house. “Come on, let’s go check on the kids. I know AJ is probably scared and worried.”
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Lila
Today is Nikki and Brody’s wedding day. Hell, I think I’m as nervous as she is. The hairdresser is meeting us at the vineyard. Greyson will be a month old tomorrow, and I have my body back. My dress fits perfectly. We had the bachelorette and bachelor parties last night. Nikki and Tatum couldn’t drink, but the rest of us could. They loved the strippers; well, that was until the men decided to crash our party and Brody and Ashton put on a show for us. I’ve never seen Brody as drunk as he was last night.
Brody has already called me three times today. He hasn’t seen or spoken to Nikki because she thinks it will be bad luck. Megs, Tatum, and I hid her as best as we could when the guys’ limo and ours pulled up at the same time. It’s still awkward communicating with her and Evan.
“Lila, where is my dress? I don’t think it’s going to fit. Look, my stomach grew overnight,” Nikki says as she falls onto a chair, crying.
“Love, your dress will fit. Stop crying. You’re making your face red. The hair and makeup lady will be here soon, so stop. I have something for you.”
“Okay, it’s my hormones and nerves. You didn’t have to get me a gift.”
“Don’t be silly. I wanted to. I hope you like it, and please don’t make me cry,” I say as I hand her the gift bag.
“I can’t believe you did this. I’m going to cry again.”
“Now you have something old—the cupcake charm that was Addison’s; you have something borrowed, which is the extra butterfly charm. That was mine from the bracelet Evan bought me; You have something blue, the baby booties charms, and I also added a pink one, too, just in case; And last, something new, the bracelet. You don’t have to wear it. You can attach it to your bouquet. I think it’ll look beautiful.”
“Thank you so much. Of course I want to wear it. Are you kidding? No way is it going on my flowers. Will you put it on me, please?”
“Of course. I can’t believe you’re getting married. Do you remember the first time you met Brody? It seems like so long ago. Did you know, then, you would marry him and his cowboy strip poker ass?” I laugh.
“The four of us had some good times, and I didn’t know that day, but later on I realized he was in fact the man who stole my heart. Is that how you felt about Liam?”
“Not at first, but the day I decided to make love to him for the first time was when I realized it. Then he told me he was going to the Army. I was so hurt, I didn’t tell him I loved him for weeks. God, I loved him so much. We’ve been through hell and back, and he still looks at me like he did when he asked me out. So yes, I knew I would marry him someday. I just didn’t plan everything in-between happening. But that is what makes us stronger, right?”
“You two are the strongest couple I know. Your love for each other is beautiful. Your story is like a fairytale. Well, kind of.” She smiles.
***
As I walk down the aisle, I see Brody standing under the gazebo with Evan and the other guys. I’m last to walk down the aisle. Tatum and Nikki’s sisters are already there. Brody looks so nervous. I smile at my handsome husband, who’s holding our son. I reach my spot and wait for Nikki and my girls to walk down the aisle. They practiced so much.
The song changes to “At Last” by Etta James. Then I see the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen. Nikki walks with Addison and Maddison on each side of her. They have their little arms wrapped in hers. I can’t help but cry. Everyone is smiling at them. Maddison and Addison look so proud.
Once they reach the rest of the wedding party, they let go of Nikki. Brody takes her hand as she hands me her bouquet. The girls wait patiently, looking and smiling at all the guests. They know what they’re supposed to do next.
The preacher says, “Who gives this woman to marry this man?”
The girls look at me and I nod. They look at the preacher and, in unison, say, “We do, sir. Uncle Brody, take care of Aunt Nikki and our baby.”
I can’t suppress my gasp or giggle. They sit with Liam. I knew they could do it. They love Nikki so much. They were so excited when they found out she was pregnant.
As Brody reads his vows to Nikki, I can’t help looking at Liam, my wonderful husband. He’s so damn sexy, and seeing him with all three of our kids makes my heart melt. It makes me think of our wedding day and how nervous we both were.
He sees me staring and winks at me. He mouths, “I love you.”
I smile and continue to listen to Brody give his life to Nikki, the only woman he’s ever loved.
When Nikki starts her vows, I can hear the tears in her voice. She is shaking so bad. I step a little closer to her and whisper, “You got this, sister.”
She stands a little taller and continues with her vows. Tatum is standing next to me. I notice Evan looking at her with compassion in his eyes. This isn’t as awkward as I thought it would be. Hell, I’m just glad he didn’t end up with Alyssa. Tatum filled me in on her and Evan’s past and what Thayer did to her. It broke my heart. She and Evan are perfect together.
***
After the photographer took a million pictures, reception time began. I prepared my speech a few days ago. I’m after Evan, and I honestly don’t know what he’s going to say. I’m not sure I can speak after him. I drink two glasses of wine to prepare myself.
“As most of you know, my name is Evan and I’m Brody’s best friend. He and I go back a long time. Hell, he is the brother I’ve always wanted. I remember the day he and Nikki met. We were in New York at a pizza place, and he noticed her right away. Of course he needed me to go with him to talk to her. I didn’t think he would be able to snag a pretty lady like her, bu
t he did. He was hooked from that moment.
“I’m glad that they found their way back to each other and I wish them many years of happiness. No one deserves it as much as they do. I believe that everyone is made for someone, and no one could make this man as happy as Nikki does. She also keeps him in line. I love both of y’all. And Nikki? Take care of my brother.”
Everyone starts clapping, and I hear some sniffles from Nikki.
Damn, how the hell am I supposed to top that? He didn’t even read a script. I’m so glad he didn’t mention us. I was worried about that, considering that he and I were always with the two of them when they were together. I take a sip of my drink and clear my throat. It’s my turn.
“Hey, everyone. I’m Lila, and Nikki and I have been best friends since we were five. She, Addison, and I were the three amigos until she moved to Ohio, but then I found her in New York. That’s where we met Brody. I can honestly say she was in love from the first time he spoke. She had a date with him and stayed out all night. They were at a coffee shop, and she came home the next morning happier than a bee in a honey jar.” I hear her snort and others laugh. “I, of course, was infuriated that she was out all night with a stranger, but she was on cloud nine.
“They were inseparable and you can see the love they shared. I can’t think of a better man for her to spend her forever with. He’s smart, handsome and a hell of a poker player. Nikki and Brody, here’s to you and many years of happiness. Brody, if she gets out of line, just take her credit cards and she’ll behave. I love you both and can’t wait to hold that sweet godchild of mine.”
She mouths “Love you, bitch” to me. I sit next to my handsome man. My mom took the kids so Liam and I can party with everyone else. He is sitting with Zander, Ashton, and Kade. Megan is dancing with some stranger, and by the looks Kade is giving them, he isn’t happy. I don’t know why they just don’t make it official. Instead, they walk around staring at each other like two teenagers afraid to talk.