by Nicole Hart
"I figured it was time. Oh shit, sorry. Uh, Jay this is Lainey, my fiance."
"Fiance? You're getting married?" I couldn't tell if he was happy or sad. He was smiling but there was a sadness in his eyes. Maybe it was the fact that Jase referred to him as Jay. But I wasn't sure.
"We are, in a couple of months"
"I'm happy for you son. And Lainey, it's nice to meet you"
"Nice to meet you too" I said quietly.
"Do you live here alone?" Jase asked as he looked around. He must have gotten the same vibe I did.
"Uh, no actually. I got remarried about a year ago. I didn't want to tell you over the phone. I was desperate to see you and I didn't want to push you further away when I finally thought there might be a chance. Please don't be mad." Jay said with worry in his voice.
"I'm not mad" Jase said casually. "I’m glad you found someone"
Jay let out a shaky exhale and cleared his throat. He was fighting back tears.
"Her name is Helen. She's in the kitchen. We just wanted to make sure it was ok before I introduced y'all."
"It's fine" Jay said quietly.
Jay got up and walked to the swinging kitchen door. We both stood.
"Honey" He said quietly as he peeked through the door.
A short woman with a cautious smile walked out. She had an apron around her waist and silver streaks in her hair.
"Jase, Lainey, this is Helen."
"I'm so glad y'all came" She said with a thick southern accent. She walked up to Jase first.
"You are so handsome" She said with her hand over her mouth. "It's so nice to finally meet you" She beamed. "Can I give you a hug?"
"Uh, sure" Jase said as Helen leaned in and hugged him tight. When she let Jase go she looked my way and threw her arms around me.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you" She whispered in my ear. It was so quiet, I almost didn't hear it.
"You sure got you a beauty here" Helen said to Jase. Her eyes were misty.
"I sure do" Jase said and gave me a smile. A smile that met his eyes.
"I was just in the kitchen working on lunch, I hope y'all are hungry" She said and started towards the kitchen.
I looked at Jase and he gave me a nod.
"Can I help?" I asked Helen.
"You sure can sweetie, come on" She said with a wave of her hand.
When I walked into the kitchen, I immediately felt a sense of comfort. It was a pale yellow with fresh sunflowers on the counter. And the smell of fresh bread made my stomach growl.
Helen walked up to me once again and gave me a big hug.
"Thank you so much for coming. These last few years have been so hard on Jay. He knows how bad he messed up and he's wanted to make it right for a long time now." She said as she pushed a single tear away that slid down her cheek.
"I'm glad Jase decided to call him back. It's been tough." I said quietly.
"Oh honey, I can't even imagine what that boy went through when his daddy was acting a fool. But I know that Jay regrets the things he did and he will always be sorry for it. I just pray to the Good Lord that Jason can let that man back in his life. It would mean the world to him."
"I can tell and I hope so too" I said.
Later that night we were back at our hotel just relaxing on the bed.
"So?" I asked "What are you thinking?" I squeezed Jase closer to me as he snuggled against my back.
"I'm glad we came" Jase said after a few moments.
"Yeah?" I said and rolled over to face him.
"Yeah. I mean I can't forget everything that happened but it's fucked with my head too long dwelling on it." Jase admitted.
"He calls you Jason" I said as I remembered how Jase froze up when I called him that.
"My momma called me Jason too. I never went by Jase until I moved out. I wanted to leave everything from my past behind. I didn't want any part of it."
"It's understandable" I said as I stroked his arm. "Are you ok with him being married again?"
"Yeah, I think so." He said and I think it surprised him to say it. "She seems like a nice lady. My mom isn't coming back so at least he's not alone."
"I like her. She's really sweet." I said "Do you think you're going to keep talking to him?"
"I think so" Jase said.
"Oh, baby, I'm so glad" I said and wrapped my arms around him.
"I couldn't have done this without you" Jase said as he ran his finger down my cheek.
"Because I don't know when to mind my own business?" I said with a small laugh, trying to make light of that situation.
"Because you knew what I needed and you want what's best for me"
"I was hoping it was what you needed" I said quietly.
"You know what I need now?" Jase said as he turned me on my back and crawled on top of me.
"What's that?" I asked as I bit my lip, not to keep from wearing a goofy grin but because I knew what it did to Jase.
"I need to slide into that sweet pussy of yours" Jase said as he put his hand between my thighs.
"What are you waiting for?" I said as I grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to my lips. His dirty mouth was a huge turn on.
"God, you're so beautiful" Jase said as he looked at me and ran his thumb across my bottom lip.
"I love you Jase" I said as I kissed his neck.
"I love you baby" Jase said as he unbuttoned my jeans. "Now let's get these things off so I can taste you."
I helped him get those jeans off as quick as possible. Whether it was romantic Jase, or dirty mouth Jase, they were both perfect. And they were both hot as hell.
Chapter 15
Our Wedding Day
I was crouched over the toilet heaving my coffee back up. Seriously? This was not the way I wanted to start my wedding day. I wanted today to be perfect. This was pissing me off. Get a grip Lainey, it's probably just nerves. But I didn't feel nervous. Maybe it was just uncontainable excitement. Because I was ready. I was ready to be Mrs. Jase Foster. Lainey Foster. I loved the sound of it. It was perfect. I always loved my name, Lainey Collins, it was the name my parents gave me. God I wish they could be here today. My eyed welled up with tears as I propped my forehead against the bathtub. Shit! I was a mess. I needed to get it together. Were all brides a wreck the morning of their wedding? Just then I heard a light tap on the bathroom door.
"Come in" I said hoarsely.
"Oh honey, are you alright?" It was Helen. I was so glad she was here. She had been a Godsend the last couple of months. She was always calling to check on me. She helped me through my one and only pre wedding meltdown. I didn't want to turn into bridezilla, but I wanted everything perfect. It seems I cared about the details more than I thought I would. She even went dress shopping with us. Sam loved her almost as much as I did. She was so genuine and I was thankful for her.
I'm ok, just nervous I guess." I said, unsure if it were even true.
"Oh sweetie, that's normal. When I married Jay I was more nervous than a cow with a bucktooth calf" She said and patted my back.
I couldn't help but laugh. But that laugh turned into a fit of the giggles and the tears started falling. I finally started to relax.
"Oh Helen. I needed that" I said when I finally calmed down. "I'm so glad you're here.
"I wouldn't miss this for nothing. And neither would Jay. He's so happy, he hardly slept a wink last night."
"I know I've said this a hundred times but I'm so glad those two are mending their relationship."
"Me too honey, me too. You should see the way Jay lights up when Jase calls now." Helen had forced herself into the habit of calling him Jase instead of Jason.
"I'm gonna get in the shower, maybe it will make me feel better" I said as I picked myself up off the floor.
"That's a good idea, I'll leave you be. Holler if you need anything" Helen said as she walked out of the bathroom.
The shower did the trick. I felt a million times better. After I put my robe on I walked into my bedroom. Ther
e were four small boxes with cards sitting on my bed. Each card had my name on the front. I sat down on the bed and opened the first card.
Lainey,
Your something old.
This hairpin was Jillian's. I've kept it all these years praying that Jason would find someone just like you. I also prayed every day that I would be able to know you and watch both of you build your lives together. I can't thank you enough for what you have done. I couldn't ask for a better daughter in law.
Love, Jay
I opened the small white box. There was a beautiful diamond shaped hairpin. It was covered in small crystals. I planned on wearing my hair down in loose curls with a bump. This was perfect. I held the pin close to my heart and tried to fight back the tears as I put it back in the box. I picked up the second card and opened it.
Baby,
Your something new.
These charms represent everything I've ever needed. I never knew I could love anyone the way I love you. I can't wait to call you my wife and grow old together. I will spend the rest of my life doing right by you. You are the love of my life, Lainey Foster. I love the sound of that.
Love, Jase
I opened the next white box. There were two charms inside. The first one was round and was engraved "Mrs." It was beautiful. The second one was a rocking chair. So we could grow old together. They were perfect. I didn't expect anything less from my perfect man. I moved on to the third box
Lainey,
Your something borrowed.
These earrings first belonged to my grandmother. She wore them when she married my papa. Then they were passed on to my momma on her wedding day. I also wore them when I married Jay. Since I never had any babies of my own, I never thought I would have a daughter to pass them on to. But then I was blessed with you. But they're borrowed because I hope you will pass them on to your daughter on her special day. I love you Lainey.
Love, Helen
I opened the box and found a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. They were simple and exactly what I needed, just like Helen. I picked up the last box.
My Lainey Booboo,
Your something blue.
This gift is for both of y'all. Because Jase doesn't need anything getting in his way ;)
But seriously, I'm so happy for you. You are more than just my best friend, you're my sister and I'm so grateful for you. I know Jase will treat you like a queen, because that mother fucker is whipped. And I wouldn't want it any other way because that's what you deserve.
I love you!
Love, Sam
I nervously opened the last small box. I could see light blue lace. So I picked it up. It was a beautiful pair of lace panties. And they were crotch less, of course. I didn't expect anything less from Sam. She was the best.
"You look beautiful, Lainey" Joe said as we pulled out of Sam's driveway and headed to our land where the wedding was being held.
"Thank you" I said as I looked down at my dress. It was knee length with a lace overlay and paired with turquoise Ariats. It was simple but I was comfortable. It was perfect for me. I studied my bouquet. It had cream and white roses with turquoise burlap around the bottom. I loved the way it turned out.
"Luke and Sara would be really proud of you"
"I hope so, I really do Joe" I said with tears welling up in my eyes.
"I just wish they could be here to see this" He said quietly.
At that exact moment a few raindrops fell on the windshield. It stopped just as soon as it started, but it gave me the answer I needed.
"They're here" I said and I couldn't help but smile.
"I bet you're right" He said.
"Thank you for doing this for me" I said.
"It's my pleasure Lainey. You've been like a sister to Sam for fifteen years, I might have been a little hurt if ya didn't ask me" He looked over and gave me a wink.
We pulled down the long driveway to our new home. I was so excited everything came together in perfect timing. We would get to spend our first night as husband and wife in our new home, before we left for our honeymoon in the morning. Although I still didn't know where we were going. Jase wanted it to be a surprise. When we pulled into the entry, it took my breath away. The sun was setting, the fire pit was blazing in the distance and there were candles illuminating everywhere. When we set everything up last night I knew it would be beautiful, but this was beyond that. It was absolutely stunning. The hay bales were surrounding the wooden arch, except for the space cleared for the aisle I would be walking down. And that's when I saw Jase standing in the center. He was so beautiful. He was wearing a white button up shirt, dark jeans and that baseball cap, perfectly Jase. As we pulled closer I could see that perfect smile as he talked to Jay and his emerald eyes sparkled. When he saw Joe's truck pull up he stopped talking and just smiled. Everyone scurried to their seats. I noticed Moon standing next to Jase and Sam on the other side. I saw our friends and coworkers sitting on the bales, it was intimate and perfect. Joe's truck came to a stop at the end of the aisle.
"You ready for this kid?" He asked.
"Absolutely" I said as I gave myself one last look in the mirror.
Joe opened the passenger side door and held out his hand. The music started but I barely heard it. The perfect version of the wedding march with violins. I searched everywhere for the right one and it didn't even matter now. All that mattered was Jase. He consumed me.
"Dearly beloved" The preacher started. I tried to pay attention to everything he said, but all I could focus on was Jase. Those eyes. That smile. The way he kept squeezing my hands.
And then Jase started his vows.
"I Jason take you Lainey to be my wife" My eyes immediately filled with tears. Jason. I couldn't help but steal a glance at Jay who was wiping his tears away as Helen put her head on his shoulder.
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part."
It was my turn. I had to push the lump in my throat away to get the words out.
"I Lainey take you Jason" I had to clear my throat. "to be my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part."
And all those words were true, he was my forever.
We exchanged our rings, everything was a blur, except for Jase. He was perfectly clear.
Jase clearing his throat interrupted my thoughts.
"Can I say something?" Jase asked the preacher.
"Go right ahead son" He replied.
"You know I love you." Jase said. I just shook my head yes.
"And I know you love me" He continued. "But you also saved me. I spent years of my life building a wall around me. I wouldn't let anyone in, I couldn't. But one look at those baby blues of yours and that wall came tumbling down. I couldn't stop it if I tried." His bottom lip started to tremble and he cleared his throat again.
"I never knew love existed this way. And I will spend every day of my life cherishing the love that you give me. You are my one and only and I look forward to growing old with you, in our rocking chairs on that back porch right over there." He said as he nodded his head to our home. Our home.
"I love you Baby."
"I love you Jase" I said as I put his hand to my mouth and kissed it.
And the preacher continued.
"You may now kiss your bride."
Jase grabbed me around my waist and lifted me off the ground as he planted his lips on mine.
"My wife" He whispered.
"My husband" I said through my tears.
"It is my great honor and privilege and introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Foster.
Our guest started to cheer as Jase spun me in a circle.
My life may not have always been a fairy tale but Jase was definitely my happily ever after.
Epilogue
Jase
; 6 months later
I fucking hated to leave them, I thought to myself as I was checking the fluids in my truck. It was getting harder every hitch. But I knew this was what I had to do to give them the best life possible.
"Baby, do you want a glass of tea?" Lainey said as she held onto the rail and tried to walk normally down the porch steps, holding a glass of tea in her other hand.
"I'll get it" I said from under the hood.
"Already made it" She said as she handed me the glass. "I didn't want to make two trips" She said with a giggle.
"You're so beautiful" I said as I leaned in to give her a kiss and put my hand on her swollen belly.
"Shut up. I'm a fat ass babe, come on" She said as she slapped my arm. "But thank you" As she kissed me again.
"You're still sexy as fuck" I said and she just laughed as she shook her head.
My motorman told me once that he thought his wife was the hottest when she was pregnant. At the time I thought he was out of his mind, but now I get it. I loved my wife more than anything, and watching her carry our little girl in her belly just made it even more intense.
"I hate leaving y'all" I said as I put my arms around her.
"We'll be fine baby. Your dad and Helen are closing on their house in two days, they will be 10 minutes away. And Sam is right down the road. Everything will be fine, relax."
I tried to take her advice but it was hard. She was due on my days off and I had someone to cover me in case it happened early but I was still a fucking wreck thinking I wouldn't be here. I couldn't wait to meet Emma Grace Foster. We decided to give her both of our momma's middle names. Lainey cried for an hour when I told her my idea.
"I'm trying" I said.
"And Sam's coming over later this evening. She's been acting funny for a few weeks and she said she needs to talk to me."
"What do you think it is?" I asked.
"I don't know, but I'm gonna find out. She's been too quiet lately."
"Well, that ain't so bad." I said with a laugh. "Our baby girl is gonna come out with a trash mouth from listening to her all these months."