by Bellus, HJ
I clutch his face while bending down and kissing his forehead. “I love you, Mav. You rescued me at a time when there was no one else in my life. You’ll always be my saving grace.”
“I know, Momma.”
I stand back up and wipe the last of my tears and finally realize this is my happily ever after, and crying is no longer an option. I’ve spent years locked away in the tower of a castle. My prince saved me and now it’s time to become his queen.
No, I’m not wearing the white gown and crystals I always dreamt about on my wedding day. I’m clothed in so much more.
Granddad steps up to me before I reach Maverik, wrapping me up in a huge hug and kissing my forehead. He doesn’t say a word as his actions mean so much more to me.
Mav urges me on, pushing me from behind. Our guests don’t miss his little shove of encouragement as laughter spreads out.
“I hate you,” I say to Maverik when I reach him. “In the absolute best way, that is.”
“I couldn’t let another day go by, Ella, without giving you my last name.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
The judge doesn’t waste any time starting the ceremony. Maverik clutches both of my hands as we stare into each other’s eyes and repeat after Judge Connor. As Maverik stares back at me I’m no longer worried about someone pinching me, waking me from the perfect dream. He’s all in and here to give me the world. I can’t help the smile on my face and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. Scratch that…the most blessed girl.
“Do you two have vows you’d like to exchange?”
“I do,” Maverik says. I don’t miss the emotion coating his voice and give his hands an extra squeeze.
“No words right now can possibly convey what I’m feeling. Ella, you’ve been my only love. We’ve been through hell and back. Now is our time to live out the rest of our story.” Maverik pauses for a bit as his emotions have turned to tears. I’ve never seen the man cry in public. I know it’s not what he wants and can’t help the passion coming from him.
“Take your time, baby. It’s all we got.” I lean in and lightly kiss his cheek.
He clears his throat and begins again. “We were best friends in first grade and then turned into lovers later on in life. Ella, the only time I’ve been whole as a man or a cowboy is when you’re by my side. I’ll love you unconditionally for the rest of eternity. No other woman will ever measure up to you in any way. I’ll be the best husband and father because of the grace of your love.”
His words devastate me in the best way possible. No tears this time. My only joy is in the form of giddy happiness.
“Ella?” Judge Connor stares at me.
“Well.” I clutch Maverik’s hands even tighter. “I wasn’t expecting waking up to my wedding, but then again nothing has been expected in my life. A city girl with an attitude who fell hard for the hometown cowboy. Maverik, you’ve always been my rock even when you didn’t know it. You protected me on the playground and later on in life you were my savior and didn’t even know it.” I pause, reaching over and wiping away his tears and smile at him.
“You never gave up on me, even when I’d given up on myself. You’ve owned me forever and today I hand over my heart and soul completely to you as I live out the rest of my days as Mrs. Maverik Slatter.”
I have to hold myself back from jumping into his arms and kissing the ever loving hell out of him. My vows shock me as they pour from my mouth. Hell, no amount of time would’ve been enough to sit down and write those. It’s like it was all meant to be no matter how ugly and scarred the path was getting here.
“The rings.” Judge Connor looks between us.
Maverik reaches into the pocket on his shirt and pulls out a beautiful ring. The one I’ve always wanted. It’s the ring he proposed with so many years ago. I have no idea how the sneaky little shit got it, but he did. In this moment, it shines with radiance from my finger and is the perfect picture of us joining lives today.
“Ella?” I look up to the judge, who is patiently waiting on me.
“I-uh, I…”
“Ella.”
I turn around to Granddad, who has stood from his seat. He walks slowly over to us in his jeans, western shirt, and straw hat.
“Here.” He fumbles for a bit as his cane drops to the ground and then he slides off his white gold wedding band from his finger. I barely remember Maverik’s grandma, but his granddad has worn that ring forever. I hear Maverik grunt in disapproval, but before he has a chance to protest, Granddad begins to speak.
“This ring was meant for Maverik and it’s time it is given to him.” He places it in my palm and I know his words aren’t meant to be argued with.
Granddad stands behind me as I slide the ring on Maverik’s finger. My king has just had his crown placed upon him. In silence between him and his granddad, he was just given so much more than a ring. The legacy will live on.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Before I have a chance to steady myself for Maverik’s punishing kiss, he has me wrapped up and dipped slightly backwards as he places the sweetest kiss on my lips. I dart my tongue into his mouth, soaking up every ounce of this moment in time. It’s something I never want to forget.
Hoots and hollers fill the air as Maverik raises me back up.
“For the first time in history, I’d like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Maverik Slatter.”
Maverik snags Mav by the arm, tucking him into his other side.
“The Slatters,” he announces as we walk down the aisle.
So many familiar and smiling faces pass by as we walk to the end—all three of us—hand in hand. Maverik drops to his knees with the attention of all the wedding party still on us and pulls a buckle from his back pocket.
“Son, this is yours, and I expect you to hand it down to your boy one day. It’s the very first champion buckle I ever won.”
Mav’s face lights up as Maverik undoes the buckle he’s wearing and clasps the new one on. He doesn’t respond with a thank you, rather a hug. Another loud round of cheers erupt.
“My boys,” I say, wrapping both of them up in a hug. “And no more surprises for a while.”
Maverik laughs. “I had to, Ella.”
“I know,” I whisper.
He guides me over to a chair and forces me to sit down as several guests come up to congratulate us. There are several tables and chairs surrounding the dance floor. The DJ starts playing western music as everyone socializes.
“Ella.” I look up to Challis running over to me. “We’re sisters!”
I stand up to hug her and don’t miss the death glare Maverik sends me.
“I’ve always wanted a sister,” I whisper into her ear.
“My turn.” Merek grabs me, slaps me on the ass, and then hugs me before I get the chance to punch him. “I can’t believe you got married in yoga pants.”
“Fuck off,” I say, punching his chest.
Merek erupts into laughter as he wraps an arm around me, and I can’t help but think how funny and really ironic it is how I’m dressed. Looking around, everyone is either in work clothes or casual and it’s such a great vibe. Weston and Marvel come and congratulate and hug us before they head to the dance floor with some girls.
Weston is clearly very comfortable with a little cutie. The twinkle in both of their eyes is unmistakable. I only wish Marvel showed the slightest bit of it. Maverik finally shared his concern about his youngest brother last night and it hurt to know how troubled Marvel is.
“Want to dance, wife?”
Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire starts to play as Maverik drags me onto the dance floor. He leads me in a two step effortlessly around the dance floor.
“Granddad wants a dance with you after me.”
“Okay.”
“Are you happy, Ella?”
“No.” I pause to watch his face. “I’m more than happy. Thank you, Maverik.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get the white dress and all of it. I had
to marry you.”
“I got the king. Who needs a white dress?”
25
Maverik
“I say we find out.”
“I know, Maverik, you’ve been on me for a week about it.”
“C’mon, let’s see if we can tell today and if not, I’ll drop the subject.”
“No, Maverik.” Ella slaps my thigh and tries her best to give me her version of a death glare.
“I’ll buy you a waffle.” I try to tempt her.
“Oh, yeah, because I’d sell my soul for a freaking waffle.” Ella twists in the middle of the seat to face me while driving and starts rubbing small circles on my jaw line. “It will be the best surprise ever, Maverik, if we don’t find out.”
“Ella, we’re finding out.”
“No, we’re not.”
“I’ll pay the nurses off while you have to pee in the bottle thing.”
“You would.” She rolls her eyes and then trails a line of kisses down the side of my face. “Oh, I know. We can have the nurse put the gender or genders in an envelope and you can open it when I’m not around but have to keep it a secret until the babies are born.”
“Well, aren’t you just a freakin’ comedian today. You know that would last about ten seconds.”
“I know.” She shrugs. “I’ll leave it up to you, Maverik. If you have to find out, then by all means tell the nurse.”
“Is this a set-up or a green light?” I look down at her.
“Green light, baby.”
“Let’s get going then.” I park the truck and hop out, practically dragging Ella behind me. I love going to the doctor with her. This is only our second one, but with the promise of seeing an ultrasound, I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I tossed and turned, then finally took Ella at four in the morning.
Mav started school and fit in like a champ, finding some good buddies to hang out with. He and Arsine have kicked ass at two different rodeos and definitely gained the attention and respect of fellow cowboys and families.
“Sammy just texted me and said I have to tell her as soon as we find out.” Ella walks through the door I’m holding for her into the air conditioned office. “You two asses have been talking, haven’t you?”
“No, not at all.” I feign innocence.
“You dirt bags.”
After our wedding day, Ella and Sammy rekindled their friendship. I was nervous having Sammy at the arena that day, but it couldn’t have turned out better. I love seeing pieces of the old Ella shine through each day as she reconnects with her old self.
“Ella Slatter.”
We get called back before we even have a chance to sit down and flip through those mom magazines. I learned my lesson the first time I flipped one open at the first appointment and saw a woman in full labor, and I’m talking her face. When I gagged, Ella nearly pissed herself from laughter. She keeps telling me it’s no different than a cow calving, but I beg to differ.
“Hi, my name is Clover, and I’m new here.”
“Hi,” Ella greets the young nurse back.
I watch Ella get on the scales and cringe. She’s been stressed about all the weight she’s gaining and doesn’t believe me when I tell her she’s gorgeous and glowing. Then the nurse hands her a cup and some test strips. Ella knows the process all too well since her pregnancy is a high risk one.
“You can wait in room four, it’s the second on the left,” the nurse instructs me.
This shit is worse than waiting for Christmas morning when I was a kid. I bounce my leg up and down while I wait and fiddle with the damn knobs on the table.
“Knock it off.”
I look up to Ella, who’s already in a long gown.
“Your ass better be covered.” I jump up and whirl her around.
Ella bursts out into laughter. “It opens in the front, just exposing my belly.”
“Thank fuck.”
I kiss her lips while lifting her up on the table and settling her down.
“You have to stop that,” she warns me.
“Never.” I keep my hands cradled low around her back and dip my head and begin licking on her exposed neck. Ella lets out little pleased whimpers that only make my licks sweeter and longer.
“The doctor will be in shortly…oh.”
I turn to see a very embarrassed Clover standing in the doorway with her clipboard clutched to her chest.
“Sorry, we’re newlyweds and can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.” Ella spins me around, hooking her exposed heels around my waist, and then rests her chin on my shoulder.
“Okay.” Clover’s flushed cheeks are almost laughable. Clearly the girl is young and very inexperienced, but you’d think working in this doctor’s office that nothing would bother her. I mean, one flash of another woman’s crotch pushing out a baby in that magazine nearly destroyed every part of my manhood.
“Sorry, he’s very handsy.” Ella pats my chest. “What brings you to town, or do you live here?”
“No, I moved here after college to live with an uncle.” She brushes her red hair from her eyes. “I just needed a change of pace.”
“I get that,” Ella responds. “What made you want to become a nurse?”
Clover’s face still beams a bright red with her fidgeting fingers strumming the countertop. Clearly she’s uncomfortable and needs to work on her people skills.
“I just like caring for others.”
“Oh, that’s sweet. Are you liking it here?”
I save the poor girl before Ella gives her a stroke.
“Leave the poor kid alone, Pinks.” I grip her fingers clutching to my chest. “We going to bet on the outcome?”
“Your call, Mav, I still want to be surprised.” Her voice is full of flirtatious tones, just begging me to take her and me not giving a fuck who is present to watch us. The whole legend of an overly horny pregnant woman rings true for Ella, and I never let her down.
“Guess you’re ready for a lifetime of champion bareback riders.”
And it’s like old times when Ella can’t help but get the last word in.
“You mean princesses, glitter, and a world full of pink.”
I grunt my disapproval to harass her, but the truth is, having little wild blonde cowgirls running around would make my heart whole. Nothing could beat little Ellas. God bless my wallet.
“Hear we’re ready for an ultrasound.” Dr. Phillips enters the room. My stomach turns from nerves and then I instantly get pissed, tensing up.
“Stop,” Ella whispers in my ear.
Her goddamn doctor is way too fucking good-looking to be prodding around my wife’s parts, looking at her boobs, and feeling up her crotch. I even overheard Ella telling Challis how the man looks like a god.
“Just lie back and open the front of your gown. The gel is quite cold.”
I watch the doctor take a seat next to Ella as she lies down. He reaches for the gown, but I’m faster. Ella lets out a giggle and she knows damn well I’m about to piss all over her right now. I drape the gown down, exposing her belly, then tuck it securely under her breasts, keeping them nice and covered.
“I love you, Slatter.” Ella grips my hand pulling me up to her head and we both face the screen.
“Nice strong heartbeats.”
The black on the screen with specks of gray and white every once in a while confuses me. I try to follow the doctor as he explains everything, but the overpowering sound of the babies’ heartbeats overwhelms me.
“So, have we decided if you’re going to find out what you’re having?”
Ella responds first. “No, we want it to be a surprise.”
“We want to know,” I say and then we both laugh.
“Oh shit.” I point at the screen. “It’s a boy.”
Dr. Philips chuckles. “Sorry, Ella, couldn’t avoid that one. Clover, baby A is a boy.”
I watch the tears stream down Ella’s cheeks. “You okay, baby?”
I press my lips to her forehead as she nods he
r head up and down and hold tight to her as the doctor continues.
“You okay, Ella?” Dr. Philips asks and Clover hands her a tissue.
“More than okay. I am so, so happy right now.” She turns from the screen to look up at me. “Thank you for everything, Maverik, you complete all of me.”
Her lips find mine, giving me a tender kiss then we both go back to the large ultrasound screen.
“That baby isn’t a boy,” Ella whispers.
I look closer, and sure as shit baby B is a little girl.
26
Maverik
The barn doors are padlocked, which I’ve never seen before.
“Let’s tie them up over there.” I point to the long line of tying posts in front of Granddad’s house.
Mav is off his horse and has it tied up before I manage to get down. My body is definitely starting to feel its age as my back is stiff and my knees crack and pop. Mav never misses a chance to go check calves with me. He’s my new right hand man and one hell of a roper.
“I’ve got it, Dad.” He grabs the reins from my hands.
“Thanks.”
I limp up the sidewalk, still mystified about the lock on the barn.
“Who put a padlock on the barn door?”
“What?” Granddad asks.
“There’s a padlock on the barn door.
“Maybe Merek knows. He’s on his way home from town.”
“Where’s Marvel?” I ask, leaning on the railing of the porch, crossing my arms. Ella reaches out, rubbing her hand up and down my leg.
“Haven’t seen him since last night. Sure he and Weston will roll in anytime. Those two have been quite the party animals lately.” Granddad rocks in his chair as he talks, not seeming too worried.
“You hurting, baby?” Ella asks.
“Naw, just sore.”
“How did the ride go?” She tugs on the seam of my faded jeans.
“Hey, Dad, want me to take your saddle off and brush down Chili?”
I turn to look out at Mav. “Sure, son.”