by Ashley Lyn
“Why the hell did you do that, Marshal!”
“Wet T-shirt contest!” he says, grinning like a teenager.
“I love my parents, but this kind of stuff is par for the course, and seriously grosses me out!” Drea tells me.
I watch as they give each other googly eyes. Parker’s mom winks at Marshall before she and Parker go inside to change. Marshall comes back up and sits back on the porch, happy as a clam.
I seriously love spending time with Parker’s family, but at the same time, it makes me miss my mom and Dad. I wish they could be here to experience this too, to meet Parker. My heart clenches when I think about my wedding and how my mom won’t be there to help with the dress. Or how my Dad will miss walking me down the aisle. Not that I’m engaged exactly, but Parker has never been shy about telling me his plans. I take a deep breath and blow it out. It will all work out, I know it will. It just sucks is all.
“Hey, you okay?” Drea asks.
“Yeah. Just being here like this makes me miss my parents.”
She hugs me, then pulls back and says, “I always wanted a sister. I know it’s not official yet, but I seriously cannot wait. Mom and I will be there for you as much or as little as you want us.”
Parker comes back out and Drea gives me another hug and gets up to go check on her kids. Parker sits next to me and pulls me into his arms. I close my eyes and just breath him in. I feel at peace, comfortable and safe, and happy in his arms.
Last night was so much fun, hanging out with his family, and tonight, when I came down for dinner, instead of settling in at the table, he blindfolded me and grabbed a picnic basket from his mom and brought me outside to the backyard. I’ve been a wreck all day with the court hearing tomorrow. We met with Tucker Major, the lawyer Parker got lined up for me, and it all just stressed me out. Drea and Judy, Parker’s mom, tried to distract me with all the party planning for their anniversary party this coming weekend, but I couldn’t seem to get into it with the nerves swirling in my gut. When Parker told me he had a date planned for tonight, I was finally able to shake off the nerves. His dates are epic.
“Parker, seriously, where are we going? Can I take off the blindfold yet?”
“Not yet, my little Sprite. I have a surprise for you.” He laughs and drags me further into the backyard. When we round the corner, he takes the blindfold off and the coolest tree house ever comes into view.
“Holy crap on a cracker. Parker, this is so cool. I always wanted a tree house. I mean, come on. We lived amongst the trees, but dad said we didn’t have the tools for it and was worried I would fall and break something.”
“My dad made this for us when I was in elementary school, I think.”
We climb up the steps and he flips the light switch. The ceiling is lined with large white Christmas lights, and a huge mound of pillows and blankets are in the corner.
I spin in a circle, eyeing everything in the room. This is by far the coolest tree house ever.
“Promise me that when we have kids you’ll build them a tree house just like this one. I want something magical like this for our kids.”
“I promise, babe.”
We settle into the pillows and Parker takes out our dinner. I dive right into the lasagna. I don’t know how she makes something like this, but all the amazing melty cheese is freaking perfect.
“How many kids do you want?” I ask.
“As many as you want to give me. I’m sure you’ll be sexy as fuck all round with my babies in there. I might want to keep you that way often, so when you’re done, just let me know.”
Parker puts the dinner dishes away and packs everything back into the picnic basket, then we snuggle up in the peace and quiet of the tree house. One of the things I love about Parker is that he doesn’t need constant talk and noise. After living in the quiet of the woods, sometimes the constant chattering, music, TV, and everything else grates on my nerves. The comfortable silence is nice.
“Close your eyes and stand up for me. I have a little something for you.”
Doing as he asks, I stand up and close my eyes. This feels big, and my stomach is a mess. The lasagna might make a comeback.
“Okay, open them, baby.”
I was right because there’s Parker on bended knee, holding up a tiny blue velvet box.
“My mom always told me that when I met the woman I was going to spend the rest of my life with, it would hit me like a ton of bricks. That I would know instantly that I wanted her forever. That night, four years ago, I knew instantly that you were mine. Over the years, I’ve had to watch you struggle to navigate this world without your parents, to find yourself and figure out what you wanted out of life.
“Here we are now, and I want you to know that I see you, Amy Rain. Each and every beautiful inch of you. Your strength and determination to forge your own path. Your goofy side, your love for your friends and family.
“I love you, Amy Rain. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes, Parker. A thousand times, yes!”
He opens the ring box and my breath catches in my throat. The ring is breathtaking. The large center diamond is a square cut in a square halo of diamonds. There are four smaller diamonds, two on each side.
“It’s so beautiful, Parker.”
“This, the future Mrs. Amy West, was your great-grandmother’s ring. It was in the box with the rest of the jewelry. I knew instantly that I wanted it for your ring.”
He picks up my hand and slides it on. “Parker, this means so much. After reading all my mom's letters, I found out so much information about my great-grandmother. She was basically the only one who stood up for her and tried to protect her.”
“This was the only piece out of the whole lot that your mother saved, and it was completely intact. There wasn’t much that Paul had to do, other than fix the prongs and clean it up.”
I can’t help the squeal that lets loose.
“Holy crap, Parker. We’re getting freaking married!” I give him no warning before I tackle him to the floor and proceed to attack his mouth.
I can barely make it out, but I think I hear his parents and I smile aginst his mouth. We both get quiet and listen.
“Hush up, Marshall. I’m just going to peek and see if I can get a picture of him on one knee.”
“Well someone might be on their knees. No guarantees it’s gonna be him, though.”
The outraged gasp from his mother is hilarious.
“No pain no gain, Marshall. Either nut up or shut up.”
“God, woman. You make me hard when you get all sassy.”
I start smacking Parker when I hear her start up the stairs. I stand up and quickly shove the ring back in the box. Parker gets the hint and gets back up on one knee and smiles. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the camera peek over the edge.
I swear we stay like that for a good five minutes. I think I heard the camera click like a million pictures.
Parker slides the ring back on again and turns and looks at his mother and winks.
“God, Parker. Didn’t you prepare a speech or anything? You’ve just been kneeling there like a doof.”
“I already did, Ma. We heard you and Dad when we were commencing the consummation segment of the evening and decided to stop and give you a photo op.”
“You are the best son ever! Wait, you heard us? Like, everything?”
“Yup! Even heard you tell dad to nut up or shut up. Think I’m going to put that on your next birthday card.”
“All right, well…commence with the consummation. We’ll see you at breakfast. I have to get the West family calling tree activated and spread the news. Let’s go, Marshall.”
We hear them start making their way back down their stairs, and I have to give his dad credit. He tried to whisper, but it was more of a whisper yell.
“Fuck, woman. Your ass looks fucking fantastic in these pants.” We hear a smack and his mom giggles. “You better run back to the house and call whoever you need to and
quick, because the second I get in the house, it’s on like Donkey Kong.”
Parker and I burst into laughter.
“Jesus, Marshal, can’t you whisper? The whole neighborhood just heard you proposition your wife.”
“Don’t give a shit. Run, woman.”
Once it’s silent, Parker peeks outside, checking for the all clear sign. I pat myself on the back for wearing the sundress because I have just enough time to whip it over my head before he turns back.
He looks at me for about a breath, then stalks over to me with lust dark his eyes. I think we might just be missing breakfast when his mouth lands on mine, and I think I’m perfectly fine with that.
Son of a Sea Cook
Amy
The power suit that Steven helped me pick out for this court crap is phenomenal. Hell, the entire outfit is amazing. The white, wide leg pants are the perfect length. Just the tips of my red kitten heels are visible. He paired it all with a red sleeveless silk shirt and a thin red belt. I slide on the white suit coat and fluff my hair over the collar. Picking up the long pendant necklace to complete the ensemble, I turn and look in the mirror.
I almost can’t believe it’s even me. I look like a New York attorney or something. The outfit gives me a confidence boost, but not enough to settle my nerves. Hearing a whistle, I turn and look at Parker. He looks sexy in his gray pinstripe suit, white shirt, and jewel blue tie.
“I’m freaking out, Parker.”
Coming over, he wraps me up in his arms and I blow out a breath, willing myself to relax.
“It will be okay, babe, I promise. It’s an informal probate hearing, so it will just be the judge, the executor, Marcus, Tucker, and us.”
Leaning down, he kisses me softly before we make our way down the stairs. We get hugs from his parents, then Parker’s ushering me out to the car.
“Todd and his buddy Josh will be meeting us there. They’re not going to go in, just wait out front to make sure nothing happens. I doubt he would be stupid enough to try anything in front of the courthouse, but you never know. There’s a good chance that there won’t be a final verdict or any decisions made just yet.”
He grabs my hand and turns the radio on. Putting my head against the headrest, I close my eyes. I need to get my mind off things, so I start thinking about our wedding.
“I want to get married in the woods, I think. Something small, just close family and friends, and a reception at Bailey’s. And I want Bruce to walk me down the aisle.”
He smiles at me. “I like that idea. Maybe when we get back we can go scouting and find a good place. Needs to be somewhere easily accessible so people aren’t walking for miles.”
I can picture it now, an archway made out of branches with white flowers stuck in it. Maybe something bigger right in the center.
“You know your mom is going to make you have Todd stand up with you, right?”
“No, I do not. That fucker is going to be sitting his ass in the back.”
I laugh because his mom has already told me that Todd is standing. “I’m going to have Roger, Ali, and Drea stand with me, so you’re going to need at least three to stand with you. Who are you going to pick?”
“Luke, Paul, and Walt.”
“Knowing Paul, he would try and stand in his elephant boxers. I love Paul, I swear I do, but pick someone else.”
“Fuck. I’m going to have to use Todd. Mom will have my head. Probably Luke, Todd, and my dad. I didn’t stay in contact with any of my buddies from school.”
“I think I want a bunch of wildflowers. Not just one type, but a bunch of different flowers, all different colors.”
“Whatever you want, babe.”
Before I know it, we’re pulling up to the courthouse and the butterflies in my belly rush back. I immediately start sweating. Parker gets out of the car and comes around to my side and opens the door.
“Take some deep breaths for me, Sprite. We’ll go in and get this part done, and before you know it, we’ll be on our way home and we can start getting settled and plan our wedding.”
Pulling up my big girl panties, I get out of the car. Tucker walks up and shakes our hands.
“I looked into everything. The paperwork has been filed with the state, declaring Alexandria deceased, and listing Amy as her daughter. The will is very clear. Aside from Marcus, I see no issues.”
Todd and his buddy Josh walk up and escort us up the courthouse steps. As we make our way up the front, I see a blonde woman standing there in a pinstriped skirt and corset top. The look on her face has me almost missing a step.
“Bitch,” I hear whispered. When I look at her, the full extent of her rage hits me square in the gut. Parker and crew are hustling me in. We get to the room we’re supposed to be in and the doors are closed. There’s an older man waiting outside the door with the most disgusting man I have ever seen.
His greasy hair is thinning in the most unfortunate fashion. He looks like an old doll that someone pulled the hair plugs out of. It’s combed over, falling over the right side of his face.
His gold shirt is unbuttoned, showing off his graying chest hair. The sheer amount of gold chains around his neck look gaudy and downright ridiculous.
His black slacks are way too tight, and I kid you not, he has on leopard print loafers. He totally ignores me, doesn’t even glance my way, but I can see a muscle jumping furiously under his eye. His face is changing to an odd color of purplish-red. The older man standing next to him is looking at him weird, until he finally notices me and gasps as he takes a step back.
“My God, Alex. I mean, you can’t be. But you look just like her.”
“Did you know my mother? I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
Marcus, at this point, looks apocalyptic.
“My name is Trent Paulik, and I grew up with her. We went to school together. We received copies of the death certificate just a couple of days ago. God, I wish you would have gotten a hold of me sooner. We could have skipped all this mess.”
“She and my father made their lives in New Jersey. They, I mean we, lived off the grid. When she passed, my father laid her to rest in the woods, and it was only recently that I moved into town and my fiancé, Parker, told me that we needed to move her and get her death registered. I had no clue about any of this until I started going through the things she left me.”
“Is this your fiancé?”
Parker holds out his hand. “Parker West. I’m the sheriff of Spartan, where Amy and I live.”
They shake hands and conversation stalls with everyone uncertain about what will happen next.
Trent clears his throat. “I looked for her for years. Had a buddy on the force and he ran regular checks, but nothing ever came up.”
“Like I said, we lived off the grid. In the woods, in tents, and they never went into town for anything. When they did, she went by Sarah Rain. She and my father never officially married, too worried about her father finding her.”
“Your grandfather was a bastard. After all that shit went down and your momma ran, my parents cut off all contact with him.”
I’ve tried so hard to hold it all in, but a single tear glides down my cheek. Parker pulls me in for a hug when the big doors to the courtroom open. Here we go. Game on.
Parker
Fucking Marcus looks like he’s going to blow a gasket. We’re all sitting around a table, and everyone is sitting as far away from him as possible.
The executor, Trent, and Amy are talking. He’s sharing stories of her mother, but my eyes are glued on Marcus, making sure he keeps his ass sitting in his chair.
The judge walks in and everyone goes quiet. Before the judge can even get any words out to start, Marcus immediately cuts in.
“This is bullshit. This woman can’t just come in here and disrupt everything. She could be anyone off the street.”
“Mister Hampden, I would advise you to keep your mouth shut. There’s an order to things and you will be quiet, or I will have you escorted fr
om the building.”
Marcus sits back, crossing his arms over his chest with a huff.
“We are here to go over the last Will and Testament of Kenton Michael Hampden. The last time we were here, there was a question about an Alexandria Sarah Marie Hampden, since she is the last surviving relative named in the will. What is the progress of this?”
Trent speaks up. “A death certificate was filed for Alexandria in Halifax County last week. Her only surviving daughter is here with us today. As per the will, it states if Alexandria is deceased, then the estate transfers to her offspring. Amy is her daughter, and as executor of the will, I’m prepared to transfer the estate and all assets to her.”
Marcus explodes from his chair. “You have no way of knowing if she’s even her daughter. She just comes in here, saying she is, but you can’t really know.”
The judge stands up and places his hands on the table. “I have already warned you once. Sit down.” Marcus reluctantly sits and the judge turns to address Amy.
“Your mother was Alexandria?”
“Yes, sir.” She has a death grip on my hand and is trying really hard not to look at Marcus.
“When did your mother pass?”
“Six years ago. From what we suspect, it was pancreatic cancer.”
“Why did you wait so long to file a death certificate?”
“My parents originally left due to a difference of opinion on who she should marry. It was not a pretty situation. They feared for their lives, if the letters my mother wrote to me are anything to go by. They lived off the grid in the woods in New Jersey. No bank accounts, no jobs, nothing. We lived in tents. When my mother passed, my father buried her right there. It was only recently that I moved into a town and met my fiancé, Parker West. He explained to me that since the land was private, I needed to have her moved to a cemetery and have her death registered.”
“That must not have been an easy life, dear. And I’m sorry for your loss.”