“Two what?” her uncle Brock asks.
“Two helicopters.” She looks at him like duh.
“So, let me get this straight. Nick has two helicopters and he flew you down today instead of driving?” Abigail nods and he goes on. "Why?” he asks in disbelief.
“My brother is getting married.” She throws her hands up like the answer is obvious. “The drive would have taken too long and I wasn’t going to miss them getting married.”
Uncle Brock slowly turns to Nick in question.
“She threatened me. You know her. I didn’t have a choice.” He nods in understanding while looking back at Abigail and shaking his head.
Jesse's aunt Paige heads towards the kitchen where Violet reaches out handing her a mimosa. She downs half before looking at Grandma Lila and shaking her head.
“Wah gwan fi mi fambily.” A jolly voice calls from hallway. This one I don’t know.
I hear a few chuckles before Jesse calls out, “In here.”
"Knuckle Bradley,” Callie squeals, and runs over to him when he walks in the room. He picks her up lavishes her with kisses before swinging her up and settling her on his hip.
Another man appears and Callie twists around and goes to him. “Missed you, Knuckle Conner.” He gives her a kiss on her little cheek. “Missed you too, sweetheart.”
Bradley leans over and looks Callie up and down and smiles. “And might I say you are quite the fashion diva. You’re working that bow like a boss.” he praises Callie and she giggles while everyone softly chuckles.
Both men are so beautiful and standing close together while talking to Callie. I’m guessing they’re a couple. Before I can ask Jesse, another couple appears from the hallway. I haven’t met them either. “Hey everyone,” the man offers.
“Hey Uncle Duke, Aunt Savannah. I’d like y’all to meet my fiancée, Allie Holloway.” Jesse smiles. “And in less than four hours, Allie McGinty.”
“We started a trend,” Bradley chuckles while looking around the room. “We always start the best trends. Smokey eyes. Okay, no, that was Adam Lambert. But, bow ties, scarves, V-necks and straight legs.” Bradley smiles but quickly adds, “Teeth whitening. Ours!” he excitedly declares to Connor. Connor huffs out a silent laugh, shaking his head as he walks into the kitchen and makes himself a cup of coffee.
I glance back at Jesse’s uncle Duke and he’s looking at his phone and counting. “Nope, I’m right,” he mutters to no one. “Only gone seven days,” he says again to himself. He shakes his head and looks over at me.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Duke or Uncle Duke, whichever you prefer.” Our eyes meet and I lock on them. They’re a startling blue and so kind and warm. He smiles at me but then looks at Jesse’s dad and uncle Brock in question. They both shake their heads but then he catches his mom, Grandma Lila’s eyes and she gives him a sweet look and shrugs her shoulders but with a wide smile.
I reflect on her look, it’s almost like she understands. Could she sense something about us, the same as Jesse? They all know we’ve haven’t known each other for longer than two days. Maybe they’re all crazy and I’m so thankful if they are. Well except for Stone. I’m still not sure how this is going to go with him.
A lovely blonde woman walks up to me and pulls me into a quick hug. “I’m Jesse’s aunt Savannah. That’s my son, Bradley and his husband, Connor.” She points to them and they both wave. “We just got back from a cruise through the islands. They took us and Connor’s parents along with them on their honeymoon.” She pats my arms and strolls off to where Callie is. “Hey, blueberry muffin.” She leans down and picks Callie up. Callie giggles and gives her smack on the cheek.
“So what’s going on?” Bradley inquires.
“Not yet,” Jesse announces.
The room goes quiet when the front door opens and closes again.
“No, no, no, no, no…let’s go.” A woman’s voice whispers in panic.
“Nope. I told you Jesse said just us. Did you listen?” A man’s voice says.
Jaycee and Blue.
I giggle, and Jesse tries not to laugh as well.
“Max, stop pushing me,” Jaycee demands.
“Then turn around and walk,” Blue responds annoyed.
“Wait—” She sounds like she’s going to try and reason or beg but then she lets out a yelp.
“Max. Stop it,” she pleads and then there’s a smack. Then another.
“Ouch, Max, Don’t hit me,” she whimpers while laughing.
“Then don’t hit me,” he chuckles.
The entire room is quiet, listening and watching the entryway. When they finally come into view, everyone laughs. Blue has Jaycee thrown over his shoulder and she’s reaching around to her behind and rubbing the spot he must have swatted her. Jaycee looks around from upside down and begins struggling to get out of Blue’s hold. Blue holds her steady as he walks over to Jesse and me then drops her down on her feet in front of us. She slowly turns and looks up at Jesse. clearly worried. Before she can say anything, Jesse leans down and gives her a kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks, brat.”
“You’re welcome,” she sighs relieved and gives him a hug before embracing me.
“Okay, well now that we’re all here, we’ll explain," Jesse announces. “Okay. So here’s the thing.” He pauses in thought. “I can’t explain it but I know we belong together even in this short amount of time. We’re getting married, and I hope you trust us and give us your blessing. I have to go get Allie’s rings and then I don’t know, whatever else she needs, before we head to the courthouse. We would love for you to be there, but we also understand if you won’t.” He takes my hand and we wait.
“I understand you think you know…” Stone starts, but Violet stops him.
“Your Dad and I only knew each other a week before we ran off and got married,” she blurts out and giggles.
“That was different. We were different. It was a different time,” he defends while staring at us. He lets out a sighs and I can tell his resolve is slipping.
“Love is love in any time.” Jaycee chimes in. “You can try to stop it but if it’s meant to be it’ll find a way, Dad. Look at Max and I. We almost didn’t have this.”
“Honey,” Stones moans. “I know but that was…”
“I had strong feelings for Nick from the very beginning. I stayed away because I thought there was no way I could fall that fast for him and it be real. I almost lost him thinking like that.” Abigail admits and Nick comes over and sits next to her. “Same for me,” Nick murmurs.
“Sweetheart,” Stones sighs while looking at Abigail.
“Colton and I didn’t know each other very long before we married. There was also a war. We knew there may not be another chance.”
“Okay. You’ve all made you point. I trust you. I know your grandparents did a hell of good job raising you. I’ll be there.” Stone concedes.
“Thanks, Dad. And you did too,” Jesse rumbles with emotion.
“Mom, Dad?” I look at my parents in question.
“Honey, can we talk?” my mom asks.
“Of course,” I reply and walk over to her and Dad then gesture for them to follow me into the media room.
“Honey, I haven’t really been able to talk to you. I want to tell you I missed you so much. I have a thousand questions. I want you to tell me everything that has happened while you were away. But mostly I want you to know that we love you. But I have to ask, are you sure about this?” she cups my cheeks and looks into my eyes.
“Very sure,” I promise and smile.
“If you’re sure, honey.” Dad returns and pulls us both into a hug.
“Okay then,” mom sniffles and kisses my cheek.
We all walk back into the livingroom and Jesse’s worried eyes follow my every move. He’s probably worried they tried to talk me out of this.
“Okay. We better go. We have a lot to do.” I announce and Jesse releases the breath he was holding. He takes my hand and we walk towards
the entryway.
“Wait! I want to see your dress!” Abigail yells.
Oh, I don’t have anything. I guess I’ll run by the mall and grab something.
Abigail must read my thoughts on my face. “That’s exactly what I thought.” Abigail stands and walks over to Callie and picks her up and hitches her on her hip. “Come on, ladies.” She gives Nick a kiss and then grabs her purse.
All the women in the room grab their things and follow. My dad crosses to my mom, his eyes glassy for just a second before they dry and he pats her on the butt. She lifts up on her tippy toes and gives him a kiss then makes her way to me. Jenny cups Patrick’s cheek and gives him a kiss. He closes his eyes before he nods and she makes her way to me too. All the women surround me and we start for the door. I look over at Jesse and this time there’s no smirk. He’s looking at me with the words he won’t give me for another three and a half hours. I smile as I’m guided out of the house by Jaycee and Abigail.
“We’ll have her at the courthouse in time. Go do what y’all have to and meet us there.” she calls back. “Oh, wait. What’s your ring size?” Abigail asks me.
“Six.”
“Six, Jesse,” she hollers.
“Got it. Thanks, runt,” he hollers back.
“You’re with us.” Abigail leads me over to a car. Jaycee gets in the driver side and Abigail starts to get in the back leaving the passenger seat for me.
“I’ll ride in the back. I don’t mind,” I offer.
“You’re the bride.” She points to the door. “Plus, there’s a test. It’ll be easier to ask the questions where Jaycee and I can both see you.”
Test?
My heartbeat speeds up as I glance between the two of them.
“Head over to Marceline’s Boutique, on Riverside Drive off Main in Seguin,” she calls back to the others before getting in the backseat of Jaycee's car.
I slowly and reluctantly sit down and put on my seatbelt. I face forward looking out the front window not making eye contact with either of them.
“So, Allie.” Abigail begins while Jaycee puts the car in gear and starts driving. “Are you just marrying our brother for all his money?”
“What? He has money?” I ask surprised.
“No. He’s in the military.” Jaycee admits and I catch Abigail giving her a warning look in the rearview mirror. Abigail shrugs and mouths, ‘sorry’.
“What’s my brother’s middle name?” Abigail inquires and crosses her arms over her chest and waits.
Oh, my God, I have no idea.
“Um—” I start.
“That’s what I thought. Well, he probably didn’t tell you because he’s embarrassed.” Abigail confides.
“Why? What’s his middle name?” I ask, concerned.
“It’s Bagdagmagdodah,” Abigail whispers likes it’s a secret.
“What?” I whip around, my jaw hanging open in shock. I can’t stop myself. I start cracking up but quickly stop when I see Abigail is not only serious, but angry.
“What? Don’t like it, Allie? You think it’s funny? Well, it’s a family name. It’ll get passed down to your kids too. Best part is it's unisex so it won’t matter if it’s a girl or boy. Laugh now,” she taunts with one eyebrow arched.
I turn back around in my seat and stare out the front window once again. “Sorry. Just never heard that before,” I mutter my apology.
“That’s okay. Just wanted to give you a heads up before the ceremony and for any future offspring you plan on having with our brother.” I stay quiet in my thoughts wondering how in the world can I stop that from happening.
“You currently married?” she asks.
“What? No! Of course not. Why would I marry your brother if I was married already?” I respond, surprised by her question.
“I don’t know. Why would you?”
“What?”
“Children?” she asks.
“No.” I answer flatly.
“Wanted for any crimes?” she continues her interrogation.
I don’t respond. I just turn and look at her.
Abigail keeps her eyes on mine but murmurs to Jaycee where I can obviously hear, “Sissy, swing by the post office and let’s check the most wanted posters. Her silence, it’s telling, don’t you think?” She arches her eyebrow at me again before turning from me and looking out the window.
No one says anything for a while but I can feel Abigail’s eyes on me. Finally she speaks up again.
“Coke or Pepsi?” Abigail asks.
I am a Texan so I know this is a trick question.
“Big Red, Dr. Pepper, beer or sweet tea. Those are the only options.” I respond without looking at either one of them but I hear Abigail humph.
“Allie, do you love our brother?” Jaycee asks softly.
“Yes, I do.” I reply softly. “I know it’s crazy. His smile. It just got me. He’s wonderful.”
“That smirk.” Jaycee laughs.
Yes. That smirk.
“Alright, then. Let’s get this party started,” Abigail hoots.
Everyone meets a few minutes later at Marceline’s Boutique. As we approach the entrance, a pretty older woman smiles and waves from inside as she flips the closed sign to open.
“Welcome, ladies. I was so happy when Savannah called. Now who's our blushing bride?” she inquires.
“Marceline, meet Allie.” Savannah introduces us and I can’t help but blush.
“Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Allie.” Marceline takes my hand and pulls me through the store. “My selection of bridal gowns is very small. Mostly I only take on vintage style gowns. I’m not into mile long trains and such. Frankly, I just don’t have the space. Hopefully you’ll find something here you like.” She stops in front of a rack of gowns and smiles. “Let me know if you need any help.”
“Thank you, Marceline.” I stand frozen looking at the rack.
Abigail and Jaycee step forward and begin looking through the gowns.
“We got this. You all should grab yourselves something too. After this we need to swing by the mall. We have to go out and celebrate tonight and we’ll need an entirely different kind of dress for that. Not so wholesome and formal.” Abigail informs us and she and Jaycee giggle. I watch as the others spread out through the boutique and look around.
“Here.” Abigail's holding a beautiful, simple ivory lace gown that takes my breath away. I reach out and run my finger along the lace of the neckline. The neckline is sweetheart, but the lace continues up into a boat neckline. I have a feeling about this dress so I take it from her and walk to the dressing rooms.
My mom comes in with me and helps me put it on. As she’s zipping it up, our eyes meet in the mirror. “I never thought I’d be doing this.” she admits.
“Neither did I. I’m so sorry, Mom. Jesse, it’s because of him.” I confess.
She nods and then clasps the hook on the dress. As she takes it all in, a few tears slide down her cheeks. “You look beautiful, my daughter.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. "I’m going to go see about shoes. I’ll be right back.” She sniffles and leaves the dressing room.
I study my reflection still in disbelief this is happening. My eyes roam up and down. The gown, it fits perfect; like it was made for me. It’s snug against my curves and just above the knee it flows out giving me just a small train.
It’s perfect. It’s fate.
“Allie?” Callie yells. “Where are you?” She’s knocking on all the dressing rooms doors calling for me. “Allie?” I peak out of my dressing room and see her. “Look!” she squeals when she seems me. She spins around and her tiny fluffy skirt flares. She quickly stops and giggles when she almost loses her balance. She’s wearing the cutest tiny, brown cowboy boots. The dress is the same beautiful shade of ivory as mine with a gold bow on the back. It has a vintage feel too.
Her mom walks up behind her and has a hair wreath with tiny flowers. She stops and gasps when she sees me. “You look stunning, Allie.” she tells me wit
h glassy eyes. “I know something that will be perfect for your hair too.” She runs back out, yelling for Jaycee “Trust me?” she asks me over her shoulder. I smile and nod as she hurries away.
“You look beautiful, Callie.”
“Tank you, Allie. You look pwetty too. Are you going to be my aunt?” She blushes while swinging back and forth.
“Yes. In just a couple of more hours I guess I will be.” I smile. I love that and from her returning smile so does she.
Now that it’s just the two us I’m getting a good look at her. She’s the most beautiful little girl I’ve ever seen. Her eyes, they’re silver and sparkle. Her little nose and dimples along with her long blonde hair makes her stunning. We’re both standing staring at each other when I hear collective gasps and turn around. All the women are standing there looking at us.
Jesse’s aunt Paige approaches me holding another hair wreath similar to Callie’s, only bigger. My mom brings me a pair of silver ballet style slippers. I change my shoes and lean down as Jesse’s aunt sets the wreath on top of my hair. Stepping back, I gaze in the mirror and take it all in. My eyes travel from my slippers, up the vintage lace of the dress before I meet my own eyes in the mirror. “It’s perfect.” I whisper my approval.
“It is, Allie.” Mom agrees.
“Okay. We all picked our dresses so we need to move on to the next place. Macy’s! Let’s go get us some dresses that will knock our guys’ socks off tonight.” Abigail declares.
I smile at her and Jaycee through the mirror and they both smile back. A genuine smile.
My mom insists on buying my things and it warms my heart. We used to go shopping together all the time. No matter what, she’d always insist on paying. When we exit Marceline’s Boutique, everyone thanking her, we head to the mall. The others admit they probably won’t be joining us at any clubs.
We get to the mall and make our way to Macy’s. Abigail knows exactly where she’s going so we all follow. It doesn’t take long for Jaycee and Abigail to pick a dress for me. Kore, Jenny, Jaycee and Abigail all grab one for themselves and we head to the dressing rooms. We get changed about the same time and meet by the mirrors. I laugh when I see us. Our men are going to lose their minds.
His Forgotten Love (A McGinty's Of San Antonio Series Novel Book 4) Page 9