“Man, you need to get laid. This sad panda shit is weird.”
“Sad panda? What the fuck, Owen? Who talks like that?”
“Minnie. Don’t ask. Anyway, stop looking. That’s what I’d say. None of us were looking for love, and it smacked us in the face. Some of us literally. It’ll happen. Hell, don’t they say weddings are a great place to meet women? This may be your lucky weekend.”
“Kill me now. I know everyone at this wedding. You’ve got to be kidding me. I’ll probably be seated at the kiddie table as it is. Ignore me. My mom told me there’s another “lovely young lady” coming to dinner Sunday. I thought when I bought this place and moved out she’d back off. I was wrong. So very wrong.”
I laugh with Landon and start helping him. I’m the only one who has seen this project. At first, it was a simple piece of abandoned barn wood. It’s not what the piece is that makes it beautiful, it’s an abstract, so to me the beauty is more in the way he’s crafting, sanding, and finishing the wood. It’s what they feature in fancy magazines you only see in doctor’s offices or on television. We’ve tried to get him to sell his work, but he refuses. So now we wait for a special occasion and hope he gifts us something.
Hours after I arrived and one large pizza later, we call it a night and I head home. The sky is scattered with stars and a bright moon. Each time I see the moon, I think of Minnie and how much she enjoys sitting in the dark by moonlight. She believes only good things happen under the moonlight, and it’s one of the reasons I bought a house with huge windows and a large back deck. My first stop after this wedding business is to buy a double chaise for the deck. I want to hold Minnie in my arms as she lies under the moonlight, happy.
I pull up to the house and smile. Her car is in the drive, the porch light is on, and the rest of the house is dark. It’s late, and I know she’s in bed so I’m quiet as I open and close the front door. Setting my keys and wallet on the counter in the kitchen, I see a note from Minnie telling me she couldn’t wait up but there’s water in the fridge. I open the fridge and see not only water but a six-pack of beer, two bottles of wine, fruit, cheese, and bread. I laugh. The necessities.
I’m still smiling after my shower as I climb into bed behind Minnie. Wrapping my arms around her, I snuggle my chin into the spot just above her shoulder. Minnie stirs a little before I hear her sigh, and I close my eyes.
Dakota is the only one I can trust to be honest with me at this point. Although, as my older sister, she’s known to be a little brutal when it comes to honesty. When I was ten and asked her if my boobs would ever grow, she looked at me straight in the eye and dead-panned a simple “No.” I cried for a week.
Then, the time I was excited to go to my first high school party, she flat out told me I looked like I was heading to a re-enactment of the civil war with my long skirt and blouse. I thought I looked retro. Shows what I knew about fashion at fifteen.
“Dakota, just say it. I’m fat.”
“Minnesota, you are not fat. You should stop saying that. I’d prefer my daughters didn’t start thinking looks and weight, which it should be noted, neither are an issue for you, are important in life.” She has a point.
“You’re right. I just don’t know what’s happening,” I whine. I wish I was “wining” with a glass of Chardonnay instead. But, alas, I am not. I have two bottles at home in the fridge. Last night I was tired of not having snacks and drinks in the house so I stopped by the store for necessities: cheese, wine, beer, and water. I also picked up some deli meat, but I ate that in the car on the way home. I’m a mess.
“Min, I hate to break it to you but . . . wait for it . . . you’re happy.”
“Being happy makes it so I can’t wear my favorite blouse because my boobs are popping the buttons? That’s ridiculous.”
Dakota laughs at me and slides a glass of sparkling water my way. I’ve noticed my sister is laughing more and that makes me unbelievably happy. Earlier this year, she was in a horrific car accident that claimed the life of her husband. Grief is a bitch and sent her spiraling in ways we never expected. I also didn’t expect her needs to completely turn my life around. All for the better but not without first testing everything I thought to be true. Like the strong and determined woman she is, Dakota took the initiative to face her issues and sought treatment. That’s what brought us to Lexington, her need to start fresh as Dakota Jennings and not the widow of Jeff Jennings.
“Stop laughing, it’s rude.” I attempt to pout, but it’s for naught as she smirks back at me. Damn her.
“Oh, sissy. I’m not laughing at you. Okay, maybe I am since you’re looking at me like you want to throw that water in my face. But, it’s happy weight. You’re in love and instead of going to the gym or working your life away, you’re spending it with your friends, family, and your new boyfriend. It’s a good thing, Min.”
Interesting. I was with Kent for years and never put on any weight. Come to think of it, in comparison I was never blissfully happy. Owen makes me happy. What’s more than happy? That’s me. In love and feeling loved.
“I guess. I’m going to need to put the bliss on hold and drop about ten pounds or buy new bras and shirts.”
Dakota laughs again before Arizona and Cali appear in the kitchen where we’re sitting. Already in their pajamas, I see the tell-tale sign of bedtime on both of their faces. Cali even stops her crawl mid-stride and yawns.
“Auntie, will you tuck me in?”
The girls and I have an even tighter bond after the months I lived here, taking care of them. I know it’s hard for Dakota to see me caring for her girls sometimes so I shoot her a quick glance, and she’s shaking a bottle for Cali.
“Go ahead, I’m going to give this one some meds before her bottle. I think she’s cutting another tooth.”
I nod and scoop Ari into my arms, causing her to giggle. Once we’re in her room, I place her on the ladder to her bed. My dad and brother put together a bunkbed that also acts as a castle. Nothing but the best for the princess of the family.
“You all cozy, chickadee?” I ask, standing on a foot stool which allows me to peer into her bed.
“Yep,” she says, popping her “p.” “Momma said you and Uncle O get to dress fancy this weekend. Will you come here to show us?”
“We can’t, baby. Remember our friends, Ben and Piper?” I ask, and she nods in response. “They’re getting married and we have to be there early to help them. But I’ll make sure to send your momma pictures. Will that be okay?”
Ari yawns and offers me a slight nod before turning to her side. I guess this conversation is over. I snicker and place a kiss to the top of her head and walk out of the room, turning the light off. I pad my way down the hall back to the kitchen where Dakota is sitting alone. I assume she put Cali in her bed. The girls are sharing a room for now but when Cali is teething, she’s a fussy sleeper. If Dakota wants any rest tonight she’ll need Cali to sleep in her bed where she is able to comfort her.
“Thanks for that,” she says as I sit down.
“Of course. Are you okay?” Gone is the laughing sister from twenty minutes ago. This is how it happens, though. Dakota will have sad days and happy days. Sometimes the sadness and the loss of her husband hits her out of the blue. I think this is one of those times.
“I’m okay. It is what it is. I wish I could figure out what triggers me. I suppose, it’s like my counselor says. Life.” Dakota sniggers and I smile. “Life is my trigger. How convenient is that?”
“I think it’s wonderful. That means you’re living, Dakota. It’s a good thing. How about this? I need to get . . . scratch that. I want to get more active. How about if you and I find a yoga studio or some sort of dance class. We used to love to dance. It’ll be good for both of us. Plus, what is it Elle Woods said? Endorphins make you happy or something like that?”
“Deal,” she says through a yawn.
“And on that note, I’m out of here. I have a furnitureless house to go home to.”
“Y
eah, you need to handle that. You know Ikea has delivery.”
“Trust me, I’ve contemplated one-clicking the heck out of that site. But, I want to do this with Owen.” I hesitate before continuing. “I never did thank you, ya know.”
We stand and I find my shoes near the front door. Sliding them on before picking up my purse, I wait for Dakota to respond. She opens the front door and smiles. “You’re welcome. He just needed a kick in the ass. I’m always happy to do that. Plus, he’s grown on me. I’m happy you’ve found someone to love you, Minnesota. You deserve it. Appreciate it every single day. Never ever take it or him for granted.” Her statement is as much a warning as it is her reminding herself. Dakota and Jeff had an amazing relationship. She was loved and loved him back. I’m happy to have found the same with Owen.
We hug goodnight and as I pull my car out of her driveway, I realize how lucky we are to have my sister in our lives. She’s a blessing, and I only hope she finds her new happiness.
The drive to our house is quick, and I only make it through two songs before I’m pulling into my spot next to Owen’s Jeep. I see the lights on in the living room and before I get to the front door I hear him yelling at the television. Sports Center. He’s very interactive with his programs.
“Come on, man. That was totally out of bounds!” I laugh as I set my purse down on the floor near the front door and kick off my shoes. I walk into the living room to find Owen sitting on a bean bag chair. That’s new.
“Hey,” I say as he turns his attention from the television to me. Damn that smile.
“Hey, baby. I got bean bag chairs.”
“I see,” I reply, walking toward him and eying the empty chair, or whatever you call it, next to him. I decide instead of taking up the space on the empty chair, to use his lap instead by straddling him. My movement causes my skirt to hike up exposing my long legs. At least the weight I’ve put on has stayed in my chest and not made its way to my legs.
“Oh, I like your chosen seat better than using that thing,” he flirts, placing his hands on my ass while waggling his eyebrows.
My hands glide up his biceps to his shoulders and eventually behind his neck. I run my fingers through the hair at the base of his neck as I lean forward and kiss him. Owen loves when I’m the aggressor in any activity, specifically those of the sexual nature. Our kiss is sweet and tender at first, but then Owen takes one hand from my ass and places it in my hair and tugs me to him, increasing the intensity of our kiss. This movement sends tingles down my spine and directly to my happy place. The one that I am mindlessly gyrating on Owen’s lap. A growl from him has me melting into him. The kiss seems to go on forever as we make-out like a pair of teenagers. Dry humping and gasping as I feel an orgasm building.
I don’t have time to think about suggesting we move to the bed because Owen is tugging my panties to the side and thrusting a finger inside me. My head flies back, breaking our kiss as he flicks my clit once then twice before my orgasm crashes into me. Damn that was fast, but it’s not nearly enough. I lift myself enough to tug his gym shorts down. Thank the heavens, he’s going commando tonight. While I’m tugging his shorts down, Owen holds my panties to the side. I make quick time of lowering myself back down onto him. He fills me to the brim; the man who makes me smile, laugh, and come like a goddamn volcano, nibbles at my neck, and I melt into him.
Owen pulls me forward and captures my mouth with his. Try as I might to control this moment, I fail. Owen sets the pace. Lifting his hips, pulling me to him, again and again. I feel an orgasm building. Dear Lord, I can’t get enough of him. I’m so close and can feel by his breathing and his telltale moan he is, too. Then, he shifts his hips as he tightens his grip on my hips, and I explode.
As seconds tick by, I’m able to catch my breath as he kisses my lips gently and pushes the hair that’s fallen in my face back. “You okay there, baby?”
I snicker in response and smile. “That was a new move.”
“Nah, I’ve just been waiting for us to have these fancy chairs.”
We both laugh until my sides hurt and I lift off him. “I think I need a shower.”
“Me too; let’s go. We both have a busy few days, we need to get some sleep.”
I agree and make my way into the bathroom first. Once he’s closed the house he joins me. More kissing, more tugging, more satisfaction. It’s the dirtiest shower I’ve ever taken, and I love every single minute of it.
This is what I’ve always wanted. To be wanted and adored. For a man to look at me like I’ve hung the moon and set his soul on fire. Owen does that. He is my lobster. My north star. My soul mate.
The ungodly number of orgasms doesn’t hurt either. He’s a giver.
Ben and Piper are my first friends to get married. I mean, there was Johnny Appleton from high school. Yes, we called him Appleseed. Nobody ever said we were always nice guys. Johnny married the girl he met on spring break during an impromptu trip to Vegas. That marriage lasted long enough for three kids, a mortgage, and a poor decision. By decision I mean, he cheated. Publicly. At The Road. Dumbass.
I didn’t go to Johnny’s wedding for obvious reasons. Well, mostly because I wasn’t invited, but that’s not the point. The point is, this wedding, Ben and Piper—or “Biper” as Ashton keeps referring to them—this is the first real wedding I’ve been to or been in. How we’ve all made it to thirty and never been to a wedding, I’ll never understand.
I thought weddings were like they are on television. Some overly organized woman with a clipboard and a headset telling us all where to go and what to do. Nope. That isn’t how this is going at all. Actually, Ben’s ex-girlfriend, Laurel, is taking the role of organizer and mostly because nobody is crazy enough to tell her no. I guess we should all be surprised to see Laurel here but we’re not. She was there when Ben declared his love to Piper so at this point, none of this is surprising. Laurel and Piper became friends shortly thereafter, and when Piper needed someone neutral to boss us all around, she immediately thought of Laurel.
Tonight, we’re rehearsing the ceremony. I’m not quite sure why we need to do this and none of the guys seem to have an answer. I mean, Piper told me our job was simple—get Ben to the altar, don’t get too drunk, and smile for pictures.
Done.
But now, Laurel is standing here talking about posture, pace, and where to put our hands when we’re standing. I want to put my hands on Minnie’s tits as I watch her walk down the fake aisle in the Sullivans’ backyard. I don’t think that’s where Laurel meant for me to put them, so I’m refraining. It sucks because they look amazing in the dress she’s wearing. Minnie, not Laurel. My eyes are only on Minnie as she walks toward me and veers to her left. I wink at her and enjoy the blush that lights up her face. Damn I’m a lucky guy.
“Stop eye fucking her, man,” Landon teases from my left. Dick.
“Don’t be jealous,” I tease before we’re hushed and side-eyed by the drill sergeant, aka Laurel.
The rest of the rehearsal goes by quickly. Ben cries, Piper giggles, Ashton fidgets, and my girl smiles at me like she can’t wait to speed through this night and get naked. Too bad we still have to get through the dinner, make a toast—yeah, me make a toast—and socialize with our parents.
Yep, Ben and Piper invited all our parents and siblings if there are any. Piper wanted this to be all family and friends, peace and love, or whatever. Since she considers our group to be her family, our actual families are an extension of that. My dad and his girlfriend, Barbara, are here. Minnie’s family declined the invitation but were kind enough to send a gift for us to bring in their place.
Tonight, Landon and I will give toasts along with Minnie. Tomorrow at the wedding, the best man, Jameson, and the maid of honor, Ashton, will do the honors. Minnie has been efficient and planned ahead by writing out her speech. I didn’t. I figured I’d wing it. I’ve known both Ben and Piper most of my life. Ben is like a brother to me, and Piper like a little sister. I figure a few stories about each of them
to make everyone laugh and causing them to flip me off is perfect.
But after a few beers, a shot, and listening to Minnie give her speech, I don’t think I can be a smart ass. I mean, I’ll be a smart ass because that’s who I am, but I’m not sure the flipping off is in me anymore. Dammit. I had a plan.
Standing and lifting my beer, I take a swig before clearing my throat. I scan the room and see the happiness that surrounds my friends. Their love is obvious not only in how they look at one another but how the group they’ve gathered looks at them. Each person is not only happy for them as a couple but for who they are individually. That’s something to be appreciated.
Minnie gives a sweet and kind speech. She talks about love, happiness, and finding your soul mate. My heart grows a thousand times listening to her. And, yes, so does my dick. I’m not immune, even at a wedding rehearsal dinner. But regardless of what a dog I am, my girl has a way with words. Her kindness, belief in love, and her sweet heart are evident in every word she speaks. When it’s my turn I pause. What the hell do I know about relationships? I’m going to kill Piper for making me do this.
“Well,” I begin, “that’s a tough act to follow. Thanks, babe.” The group laughs and Minnie winks at me. “I didn’t write any notes or give much thought to what I was going to say. I mean, I know everyone in this room, so this can’t come as much of a surprise.” The grumbles from the audience confirm my statement. “I did plan on telling an embarrassing story about each of these two. I figured, if they’re going to make me wear that suit tomorrow, the least I can do is make them a little uncomfortable.” A few people snicker, and my nerves lessen. “But then I sat here watching them. Watching all of you and I realized something, they’re doing a fine job of embarrassing themselves.” I’m greeted with a few chuckles but they tell me nobody knows where I’m going with this speech. Neither do I but I continue.
“What I mean is, these two cannot keep their eyes or hands off each other. It makes the rest of us feel a little uncomfortable, you guys. Save some of it for the honeymoon.” That gets me more laughs and a napkin to the face from Piper. I wink at her before saying more. “Pipe, I’ve known you for most of my life. You were a royal pain when we were kids. The way you chased after this guy,” I say, pointing my beer toward Ben, “was embarrassing. I mean, have you no dignity?”
Champagne & Forever Page 6