by TJWEST
*****
MARTY
The ocean was crashing against the shore, families were playing in the sand, and surfers were surfing among the waves. Matt and I were taking this all in as I lay between his legs, his arms wrapped around my middle, and I caressing his hands. We were in a moment of silence. No words could explain how we were feeling. It was so surreal. I couldn't believe we were going to have a baby. This brought another new smile to my face. I had a feeling I was going to be smiling more often, and that felt good.
Breaking the silence Matt asked, “So, this must be why you haven't been feeling well, huh?”
“Yeah.” I replied. “I remember feeling the exact same way the last time, plus my period is late by a good two weeks.” He brought my hand up, kissing it lightly, and giving me goosebumps in the process. I will never get tired of that.
“I still can't believe it.” He muttered.
“I know. Monday I'll schedule an OBGYN appointment.”
“Yeah, good idea.” Matt agreed, kissing the top of my head. “I have something for ya, babe.”
While I sat up, Matt dug into his front jeans pocket. He brought out a small black velvet box.
Holy crap!
“I didn't go into the shop this morning.” Matt admitted.
I turned around, facing him. My eyes became blurry again. Damn tears! I've been crying way too often lately!
“I couldn't let you go on being my fiance' without making it official.” He opened the box. “I love you so much, Marty. I love you even more now knowing you're going to be the mother of my child.” He takes the ring out of the box, holds up my hand and slides the ring on. “You make my life complete and worth living.”
Yep, the tears slide down my cheeks. Must be the stupid hormones. No. It's because Matt is the love of my life. Simple as that.
We bring our lips together. It's soft and so warm.
The ring was so beautiful; a big, shiny diamond on top of a white gold band. Perfect for my finger. So simple. I loved it.
“Thank you. It's the most beautiful ring.” I said in response. “I love you so much.” We kissed again.
EPILOGUE
After years of unhappiness and feelings of never finding my smile again I'm finally in a place where I can be happy. I can smile. I can laugh. I can be in love again. I can truly believe in life again. Matt and I got married in my parents backyard, underneath 'our' tree. The one place that always felt peaceful and held a special place in our hearts.
Matt's mom and all his brothers, kids, and family were there, including my parents. I was overjoyed with so much love from his mom. She said she always wanted us to be together, but had to stand by her husbands side. I understood her decision even if it was hard to hear it at first. It was time to let bygones be bygones and I loved his mother.
Amy came back to San Diego and moved in with Mitch. She and I became BFF's. Something I thought I didn't want, but she became a very important person in my life. She accepted me as I was, and it’s something that can't ever be ignored. Shortly after Matt and I married, Amy and Mitch got engaged. Once they were married they became our daughter’s Godparents.
Our daughter, Piper Raine, was the best thing that had ever happened to us. She was the apple of Matt's eye. He wasn't going let her out of his sight, and demanded she'd never get married until forty. I couldn't believe we had this little being in our lives. What a precious gift she was to us. My pregnancy couldn't have gone any better. I gained a ton of weight, but loved every minute, every pound - I loved carrying my baby girl in my belly. Now, two years later Piper was a walking, talking, little person. She was super sweet, sensitive and very musical. She caught the music bug from Matt. He was already teaching her how to play with the guitar. She may only be banging her hands on the strings, but we could tell she was indeed going to love music and was going to love playing with it. Matt and I continued to live in the condo my parents owned, but we were in the process of having a house built. It wasn't going to be right on the beach, but our little Piper needed a back yard and possibly a dog in the future. Plus we needed to add an extra bedroom because I was expecting again. This time, a boy. I was six months along and loving every moment of it.
Piper was Chuck's 'sweet little girl.' He was like a grandfather for Piper and she adored him. He would babysit for us on a number of occasions while we went out. He was a gentle giant and I loved him.
A year after Piper was born I started up my photography business again. It took awhile for the business to take off, but after a few months I had become very busy. I loved every second, every shot I took. My 'new smile' was forever implanted. My world was complete. I had found my happiness and was living my dream.
THE END
###
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First off, I have say that I never expected to get this far. I was inspired by so many other authors self-publishing that I thought: Why not me? So, I made up a little story in my head in a matter of minutes and started typing it up. My good friend, Adrianna, cheered me on as I began this little writing journey. When I finished the story I really wanted to make a go at it and try to self-publish as well. Not knowing any editors, I chose friends instead. Allyson Adamo, thank you for being the FIRST one to help me get started on this loooong process of editing. Without your help I’m not sure I would have been able to move forward. After rewriting and editing on my own my friend, Kendra Johnson, decided to help re-edit the story. She really got the ball rolling with helping me rewrite several pieces and had me add parts to make the story sound more engaging and passionate. I truly, truly thank you for your guidance! You are amazing!
And to all my cheerleaders out there, thank you for letting me talk about my book and being excited with me! I have the BEST FRIENDS EVER! You’ve become so special to me and have made a huge impact in my life…This also includes my twitter friends, and Aspiring Author friend: Clarissa Bowen - You have been a huge supporter and can’t wait to read your work! I adore you!
My kids, Joey and Raquel: I love you two with all my heart. You are my inspiration and biggest reward.. I’m so grateful, thankful I’ve been able to stay home with you through out your lives. Now that you are in high school and middle school I’m able to try new things and go forward with my dreams. I’ve been blessed.
My hubs: Thank you for your support. I spend a lot of time in our room, writing, and you are okay with that and I thank you! I love you!
To the readers out there: I really hope you enjoy this little story I built in my head. It’s not easy putting yourself out there for others to see..It’s a vulnerable position...As a writer we all hope we get good reviews, but if we don’t maybe we can learn from them.
You can find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NovRainSeries/info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AspAuthorTJWest
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/twestsalcedo1/
Email: [email protected]
Hopefully I’ll get a website put up one of these days…
- STAY TUNED FOR MORE FROM
‘THE RAIN SERIES’.
THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF THIS SERIES IS CALLED:
“PURPLE RAIN.”
About the Author
I live with my husband and two children, in San Diego, California. I’m a stay-at-home mother who is very active in my kids schools. I volunteer with the PTA, PTSA, and PBO (Parent Booster Organization)
In my spare time I enjoy watching lots of TV shows, reading tons of books, writing, pinteresting, etc… I love working out with my friends, hanging out with my family, going to the movies, spending time with my sister, Shannon, enjoying cocktail evenings and book club meetings with my good friends. (You know who you are friends)
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