Finding Forever (Living Again #4)

by L. L. Collins

  “I hear you guys are moving,” Craig changed the subject.

  “We’re building a house on the ranch. It won’t be done for a few more months, but yes. And the wedding is going to be there.”

  “The wedding is going to be at the ranch?” Aubrey asked.

  “Yes. As soon as Lacey recovers from this, we’re going to put it together. It’s going to be very small. Family and close friends. There’s nothing more that we want at this point in our lives than to just be married.”

  “I want the chairs here,” Lacey announced. “And the tent over here, to the side of the ceremony area. That way, the guests can enjoy appetizers while waiting on us to be done with photos.”

  Brant watched her, satisfied with just seeing her in her element. The wedding was one week away, as was her birthday. One year after meeting Lacey, he was marrying her. What a crazy, whirlwind year it had been. They had both decided that rewriting the hell that had been that week for both of them a year ago was the best way to remember that date in a good way.

  Her hair was growing like crazy. It was still very short, but it no longer looked like it was just growing in. Her reconstruction had gone well and her new breast had made her feel much more comfortable with her body. The scars were still there, but she didn’t try to hide from herself anymore.

  “Brant,” Lacey called. “What do you think, the chairs facing this way, or that way?”

  He wanted to laugh, but was afraid what would happen if he did. He didn’t care about any of that. All he cared about was marrying her, and living the rest of his life waking up to that beautiful face. “Hmm… let’s see, Doc.”

  Lacey looked at herself in the mirror, in disbelief that this was finally happening. One year after her life started falling apart but coming together all at the same time… today she was marrying her best friend. Brant didn’t just change her perception on falling in love; he saved her life in more ways than one. So much had happened to both of them this year. But all of those somethings were culminating into her getting to be his wife.

  She touched her short hair, coming back in dark waves. It was just enough to style, and she was wearing a flower in it today for the wedding. They had put the wedding together quickly after her surgeries, just as they had planned. Finding her dress had been a surreal experience, and she had found it with the first one she put on. Aubrey, Sam, and Chloe had accompanied her, as well as Brant’s sisters and mom. While not having her own mother there had been emotional, the women that were there had made it amazing.

  Lacey smoothed her hands down the lace fitted dress, looking as always at her breasts in the mirror. Even though she had the reconstruction, she still looked to make sure you couldn’t tell. The doctors had done a wonderful job, and from the outside it was like nothing had ever happened at all. This dress was perfect for the country ranch wedding they were having, and it fit her like a glove with just a small train behind it. It had sheer lace above the sweetheart neckline, which made her feel more comfortable with her port scar and her chest. It was perfect.

  Her eyes shone in the mirror as the sunlight came through the shades of Brant’s parent’s guestroom. Their house was being constructed on the other side of the property, but would still be a few months until it was done. Brant had started training with his dad and his men right after her surgery, and so far, while it was grueling work, he found it more rewarding than he had ever dreamed. She couldn’t wait to relocate here once the house was done, and her house was currently on the market to sell.

  Lacey heard a gasp from behind her and knew that the girls had come in. They had given her a moment to gather herself before the festivities started. When she turned, she saw that it was only Aubrey.

  “Lacey,” she cried, tears shining in her eyes. “Look at you. Seeing it all put together is just wow.”

  “Thank you,” Lacey answered, hugging her sister. “No crying, okay? I have special makeup on.”

  Aubrey laughed. “We’re going to go with that. Those will be our key words today. ‘Special makeup’. Hey, I have something I want to talk to you about. It may not be the right place, but I wanted you to know today.”

  Lacey searched her sister’s eyes, wondering what it could possibly be. “Is this something bad? I can’t take it today.”

  “No,” Aubrey shook her head. She pulled her hand from behind her back. “Jacob asked me to marry him.” Lacey gasped as she stared at Aubrey’s gorgeous round solitaire.

  The sisters jumped up and down as much as they could in their dresses. “I’m so happy for you! That’s awesome! Yeah! Another wedding!”

  “I want you to be my matron of honor, of course,” Aubrey said. “But, that’s not all.”

  “Not all? What could be better than that?”

  “Well, Jacob and I are going to wait to get married for a little while.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because I want to be your surrogate. I want to give you and Brant a baby of your very own. I know how badly you want it, and I’m your sister. I want to do this for you.”

  “And I’m not going to be able to, even though I wanted to,” Sam said, opening the door at just the right moment.

  Lacey looked back and forth between her best friend and her sister, confused. “What? What am I missing here? Don’t confuse the bride on her wedding day.”

  “Sam told me what she wanted to do for you,” Aubrey explained. “She didn’t want me to be upset that she offered. But, she also told me she has a complication now. So I got to thinking, and talking to Jacob. I want to be the one to give you my niece or nephew.”

  Lacey looked at Sam. What was she going to do now? She had both of them wanting to surrogate for her? She was beyond blessed that they wanted to do that, but how could she ever choose between them?

  “You don’t have to choose,” Sam said, reading her mind. “Because I’m pregnant.” She put her hand over her flat stomach. “Little Kerri is going to be a big sister.”

  Lacey gasped. “Really? Oh my gosh, that’s amazing!” She embraced Sam. “I’m so happy for you guys. How far along?”

  “I just found out a week ago, so not very long.”

  “If you and Brant want, we can start the process right away,” Aubrey offered. “Then, you and Sam can have the next generation of best friends around the same time, if all works as planned.”

  Lacey looked at the two women that meant the world to her, trying hard not to ruin her ‘special makeup’. Both of them, standing there wearing identical denim short dresses they had found for the bridesmaids, showing her the future was brighter than she could ever have imagined. She had never felt so blessed in all her life.

  “It’s almost time,” Jane announced, looking out to the backyard. “Looks like guests are arriving.”

  “Do you see Brant?” Lacey asked, wringing her hands. She wasn’t nervous; she just wanted to see his face.

  Jane smiled. “Not yet. I think Evan was bringing him from his house. He’ll be here any second.”

  Lacey looked around at her girls, all assembled in the large country kitchen of the Tucker home. Her matron of honor was Sam, her maid of honor Aubrey. Her bridesmaids were Kayley, Rachel, Dena, Chloe and Brant’s sisters Brooke and Heather. Then there was her adorable eleven year old junior bridesmaid Alexis, and her little sister Cierra as the flower girl. Benji was a junior groomsman, too old for the ring bearer status at eight. Rachel and Devin’s twins Faith and Chance, now almost four, were going to walk down the aisle with Ben and Kayley’s little boy, Dalen, who was three. And she couldn’t forget Max, Sophie, and Maggie. They would accompany the kids down the aisle. It was sure to be a fun wedding party, and she loved all of the kids and dogs being part of it.

  Brant and Lacey decided to break tradition and see each other first, just the two of them. A ‘first look’ and time to just spend together before the wedding began. Since nothing about the way they had gotten here today had been traditional and ‘normal’, they felt like it was the right thing to do. She co
uldn’t wait to see him.

  There were only about fifty guests coming, which was fine by her. They wanted it small and intimate. Brant was taking her on a surprise honeymoon somewhere, and they were leaving tomorrow after spending a night in a hotel in downtown Nashville.

  “That’s him,” Jane announced as a black truck pulled into the driveway. “Go on into the guest room and I’ll send him in.”

  Lacey squealed, turning immediately so she didn’t see him get out of the truck. Dena followed her down the hall, stopping her by the door.

  “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, before this whole day got started. When I met you, I knew there was something so special about you and Brant. I’m so glad to be here today, sharing in this amazing event. I’m so glad that I can call you both my friends.” In the months since her treatment was over, Brant and Lacey had become close friends with Dena and her husband, Steve.

  “Don’t make me cry,” Lacey laughed, blinking her eyes. “’Special makeup’,” she murmured. The women hugged. “Dena, a year ago I didn’t believe that people were put in your path for a reason. Now, I know that not only Brant was put in my life for a reason, but you were, too. I’m so blessed to call you and Steve our friends. Thank you for being part of our day today.”

  “Get in there and wait for your groom, or we’re both going to be blubbering messes before it even starts.”

  Lacey stepped in the room, her stomach full of anticipation. She wanted to see him. A small knock sounded on the door, and she went to the door, leaning her head against the wood. “Brant?”

  “Doc,” he said through the other side. “It’s our day, love. I can’t believe it’s really going to happen.”

  “I can’t wait to see you,” she whispered through the crack.

  “I can only imagine that you look spectacular,” he answered.

  “Are you ready for me to open the door?”

  “I’ve been ready,” he laughed. Lacey stepped back from the door and opened it a crack so they could just see each other’s eyes. He winked at her, his eyes roving her hair and face. “Open it.”

  It felt like it took years to swing the door open the rest of the way. For a brief moment, she saw the girls gathered at the end of the hallway, watching them see each other. But all she could take in was the handsome man standing in front of her. They had decided against full suits or tuxes, since it was a country wedding. Brant was wearing khaki pants, a white dress shirt, and a sport jacket. He would wear his favorite cowboy hat she had gotten him when he decided to work with his dad, and boots.

  “Brant,” she breathed, reaching out her arms for him.

  “Lacey,” he responded, closing the space in between them. “You’re so… breathtaking. Look at this dress. It’s perfect; like it was made for you.”

  She grinned, his gaze setting her on fire. Now that all of the surgeries and treatments and nonsense was finally over, she couldn’t wait to show him how much she loved him. Over and over and over again.

  “I love you so much,” he pulled her to him, resting his head in the nook of her neck. “I can’t believe it’s really here. Happy Birthday, Lacey. It’s a new memory for a new life.”

  Lacey nodded, her throat so thick with tears she knew she couldn’t speak. Lifting his head, he kissed her softly, as to not wipe off her lipstick. “I love you, GQ,” she teased, biting his lip playfully. “I can’t wait to see you waiting for me at that altar.”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” he whispered against her mouth. He ran his hands down her body, then back up. “You’re all mine, Doc. All mine.”

  “All yours,” she whispered back. “From now until forever.”

  “Ready?” Lacey’s dad smiled, holding out his arm. It was time to go. She was marrying Brant Tucker.

  “Ready,” she repeated. The bridesmaids walked ahead of her, Sam holding the back of her dress so it didn’t drag.

  She stopped, turning back to her best friend. “Thank you, Sam. For everything. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Lacey. Now, let’s go get you married.”

  Just when they arrived on the lawn where the ceremony was being held, the music changed, indicating the start of the bridesmaids. Lacey watched, her face already hurting from smiling, as they made their way down to the front to wait for her.

  “I just follow them, right, Lacey?” Alexis whispered in front of her.

  “Yes,” Lacey said, hugging Kayley’s daughter. “Then your sister will follow you, and then the little kids.”

  Alexis beamed. “I practiced with them. I think they’ll be okay.” She turned back, her blonde hair shining in the sunlight. Lacey suppressed a chuckle. Alexis, always the little mommy.

  As the little kids went down the aisle together holding hands, Lacey felt momentarily sad as she wondered if that would ever be her. She wanted to be a mom so badly. But today was not the day for stressing over that. Just like everything else, it would come in its own time.

  “Hi, Mommy!” Dalen shouted, waving his chubby hand at Kayley. The guests laughed, and Kayley waved to him, putting her finger on her lips to remind him to be quiet. But instead, he turned to Ben. “Hi, Daddy! I be good boy!” Alexis put her flowers in front of her face to hide her giggle, and Cierra laughed out loud. Chance and Faith looked at Dalen, then turned to wave to their mommy and daddy as well. She loved it. Every single second of it.

  Before she knew it, it was her turn, and everyone stood, looking at her. Her dad squeezed her against him before they began walking. “I’m so proud of you, Lacey girl.”

  The walk to Brant seemed like it took forever. She was grateful for all of the people that were there and the decorations and backdrop that was Tucker Ranch, but all she could see was Brant. His eyes shone as she made her way to him. While she was glad that their friends and family were there, she would’ve been just as ecstatic to see only Brant standing at the end of this aisle for her.

  When he clasped his hand in hers and walked her the rest of the way to the pastor, emotion took her over and she couldn’t stop it. Small tears ran from her eyes as she fought to keep it at bay. Brant removed a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed her face softly, causing a sigh to come from her bridesmaids. Yes, he was all hers.

  She listened to the words the pastor was saying, she really did. But all she wanted to hear was the part where he pronounced them husband and wife. Brant rubbed his thumbs along the inside of her palms, calming her.

  It came time for the vows, and she repeated the words, her eyes never leaving Brant’s. They had chosen to do the traditional vows, neither wanting to bare their souls in front of everyone. They knew exactly how they felt, and would tell each other privately. When they exchanged rings, she couldn’t take her eyes off of the shiny silver of his ring. Damn that looked hot on him.

  “I now pronounce them husband and wife,” the pastor said, and the guests cheered. Brant dipped her backwards and kissed her, causing catcalls to ensue. Max barked, making the crowd laugh when he nudged his way in between the two. Lacey leaned down and kissed Max’s head, causing Brant’s mouth to drop open in feigned disbelief. He shook his finger at the dog, who whined in response, his nub wagging.

  When they finally turned to the guests, he held up their hands. “She’s mine!”

  “This takes me back,” Kayley said, looking around the tent. “I can’t believe Ben and I have been married for nine years.”

  “Time flies when you’re having fun,” Ben laughed, wiggling his eyebrows. His eyes scanned their four children, dancing on the dance floor with the rest of the kids, then back to Kayley.

  “Brat,” she laughed, smacking his arm.

  Lacey watched them. “They’re a great example of married love,” Brant whispered in her ear, and she nodded.

  “Time sure does fly,” Rachel commented, watching the twins. Devin pulled her to him and kissed her.

  “I think it’s about time to put another one in there,” he flirted, touching her stomach.

  “De
vin Putnam,” she acted offended. “We’re at our friend’s wedding.”

  “Exactly,” he laughed. “Makes me think of ours. And the wedding night especially.”

  The group laughed, Lacey’s heart full. There was nothing better than the banter of friends, all here to celebrate them.

  “Well, I beat you,” Ellis said, puffing out his chest. “Because I already did that.” He put his hand on Sam’s still flat stomach. She elbowed him playfully, rolling her eyes. Kerri slept on her chest, oblivious to the party around them.

  “Beat me,” Devin scoffed. “I had a two for one, man. You can’t beat that.”

  “Boys,” Brant scolded, shaking his finger at them. “Let’s face facts. I’m the luckiest man here.”

  The group simultaneously awww’d, the women using that as an opportunity to clink their forks against the glasses so they would kiss.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we need our bride and groom to come on to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker, come on down!”

  Brant stood, holding out his hand for his bride. He led her to the dance floor, wrapping his arms around her as the opening chords to the song began. Brant hadn’t let Lacey pick their first dance song; it was the one thing he had wanted to do, so she let him. She listened, not recognizing the song at first.

  “This is for you, Mrs. Tucker. Every word in this song is how I feel about you. I love you more than anything, Doc. You’re more than just my soul mate. My every breath is for you.”

  He kissed her softly as the beginning of “You” by Jason Cassidy started playing. She listened to the words, swaying her body in sync with her new husband. She refused to cry anymore, but damn if the lyrics weren’t perfect like they were written for them.

  “I love this song,” Lacey whispered, leaning back and running her fingers through the hair on the nape of his neck like he liked. “But I love you even more. The way you make me feel, Brant. It’s like nothing I ever thought I would have in my lifetime.”