“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, kissing his cheek when he passes it to me. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Pumpkin.”
“I have your gift under the tree, but I’ll give it to you when Carter’s here.”
“Okay. Open it,” he says looking down at the small parcel in my hand. Ripping open the wrapper, I do as he asks.
“Oh, Daddy. It’s beautiful,” I tell him when I open the pouch. It’s a necklace with a heart shaped locket on it. There’s a diamond set into the heart.”
“That diamond is from your mother’s engagement ring. I wanted to make it into something special for you.” Tears rise to my eyes when he says that.
“I love it,” I breathe, wrapping my arms around him.
“Open the locket.” When I do, I find a picture of my mother inside. It was from their wedding day. I clutch it to my chest.
“Thank you. I’ll treasure it forever.”
“She’ll always be in your heart, Pumpkin, but this way you can wear a piece of her every day as well.” When I make eye contact with him I see tears glistening his eyes, so I wrap him in my arms and hold him tight. It’s special times like Christmas, Mother’s Day and my birthday, that I miss her most. I wish she were alive to meet Carter and her grandchild when it comes along.
We haven’t told our parents about the baby yet. Carter and I had copies of the ultrasound images framed. We’ve wrapped them up with their Christmas presents.
“I love you,” I whisper as he fastens the necklace around my neck.
“I love you too, baby girl.”
••••
When we pull up outside the restaurant I’m surprised to see Meg standing there. “What are you doing here?” I ask getting out of the car. “I thought you and Drew were heading back to Sydney for Christmas with your parents.”
“I lied,” she replies giving me a sheepish smile. What’s she up to? “I am spending Christmas with them, but up here.”
“Why?”
“Because if you think I’m going to miss your wedding day, you’ve got rocks in your head. Besides I’m the maid of honour, I have to be here. My mum didn’t want to miss your wedding either. You’re her adopted daughter after all.”
“What? My wedding day?” I ask dumbfounded.
“Yes. You, my friend, are getting married today.” That’s news to me. My eyes move to my dad searching for confirmation.
“She’s right,” is all he says.
“Come,” Meg says, linking arms with me and dragging me around the side of the building. “See.” When I follow the line of her finger, I see Carter and Jax standing side by side down near the shore. Some old dude in a suit is standing in front of them. Then I notice LJ sitting by Carter’s feet. I feel my lips curve up. My eyes then move to his mother, grandmother, Meg’s parents and Drew sitting on five of the six chairs that are positioned behind them. Excitement broils inside me.
My dad slinks his arm around my shoulder. “Congratulations, Pumpkin,” he says, kissing the top of my head. “That’s why I wanted to give you the necklace now. I wanted your mother to be part of your special day. I know if she was still alive, she would’ve been just as proud of you as I am.”
“Oh, Daddy.” I’m struggling to hold in the tears as I wrap my arms around his waist.
“We need to get you ready,” Meg chimes in breaking our moment. She walks over towards Drew’s car and retrieves a box off the back seat. Making her way back towards us, she pulls out a large white silk rose that’s attached to a clip. She pins it in my hair just above my ear. “Beautiful,” she whispers.
Next she pulls out a small leather pouch. When she tips it upside down, shaking the blue Sapphire bracelet into her palm, I smile. I recognise it straight away. It belonged to her grandmother. Meg wore it on her wedding day. My something borrowed, something blue.
“Thanks, Meg,” I say hugging her.
“I’m your maid of honour, it’s my job.” I smile. Even though I definitely would’ve had her as my maid of honour, I find it amusing that she’s given herself that title. “Here’s your bouquet.” It’s a beautiful arrangement of white rosebuds. She pulls out a matching pink arrangement for herself. It matches her pink dress.
“You hate pink,” I say.
“I know, but it’s your favourite colour. I knew if you had a choice it’s what you would’ve wanted.” I love her so much. I couldn’t ask for a better best friend.
My dad links his arm through mine. “You look beautiful. Are you ready to marry the man of your dreams?”
“I am.”
Far out. I’m getting married today.
••••
The ceremony was perfect. Carter and I both got a little teary eyed when we exchanged our vows. The whole day was a little overwhelming to be honest. In a good way though. The highlight for me was seeing Carter so happy. The smile didn’t leave his face once.
When the celebrant pronounced us husband and wife, Carter didn’t even wait for him to say, ‘You may now kiss the bride’. He took matters into his own hands, pulling me into his arms and locking his lips with mine. It was a scorching hot kiss too. Not the kind of kiss to give me in front of my dad, that’s for sure. When he eventually came up for air, he tenderly brushed the back of his hand down the side of my face.
“I love you so much, Mrs. Reynolds,” he whispered, sending my heart into a flutter. I’ll admit Mrs. Reynolds has a nice ring to it.
Our reception was held in the Surfhouse. Well, it was more like an extended three course luncheon with our loved ones, but it was perfect. I couldn’t have planned it better myself. Carter had even organised a wedding cake. I had to laugh when I saw it.
It was only a one-layered cake, since there were only ten of us in attendance. It had been baked into a large heart shape, covered in white icing. The base was wrapped in a thick red ribbon, but the sweetest part was the icing decorations sitting on top. A miniature replica of Carter’s red Monaro was sitting towards the back of the cake. In front of it stood small figurines; Carter with his arm draped around my shoulder, and LJ laying at our feet. Not your traditional wedding cake, but perfect for us. It’s hard to believe we are now a real family, and in just over seven months we’ll be parents.
Later that night back at the apartment, we exchanged Christmas gifts with our parents. Elizabeth burst into tears when she saw the ultrasound picture. My dad was over the moon as well. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
The next morning, Carter and I flew to the Gold Coast in Queensland for our honeymoon. He had booked us into the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa. It was a magical five days. We even had a relaxing one-hour hot stone massage at the Day Spa the day before we left to fly home. After the crazy few months we’d had prior to the wedding, it was just what we both needed to unwind. The only downfall was it had to end. I know we have our whole lives ahead of us though, and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with Carter.
I have the most amazing husband ever!
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Seven months later…
Carter
“Carter,” I hear Indiana screech from beside me, shaking me out of my sleep.
“What?” I whine, opening one eye. I’m fucking tired. She better not want sex again, she’s worn me the hell out. Normal Indiana was insatiable, but pregnant Indiana, fuck me. As much as I love having sex with my beautiful wife, my dick’s exhausted. It needs a few hours break at least.
The last few months she’s even been sneaking into my work for a quickie between clients. Even our lunch breaks are spent in bed fucking each other’s brains out, and then we have to scoff down our food before going back to work. Honestly, I fucking love it, but if I’m gonna keep this up, I need rest. Time to replenish my stamina.