Page 22 of Just One Promise (The Carter Brothers 3)
I think we’ll be having a repeat of that night, and soon. But, tonight it’s time for me to make love to my fiancé.
34
Audrey
The next day Heath and I are at the kitchen counter, eating a breakfast that I made. Something down to my roots with homemade biscuits and gravy, it’s a comfort food in the worst of times, but honestly more or less today it was a craving I had.
The doorbell ringing pauses us from eating, “That didn’t take long,” Heath grumbles.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I’m glad you made enough to feed an army, I guarantee the whole family is here, and today you’ll be planning the wedding with the girls and mom. Which means I’m going to have to share you, and I really don’t want to,” it’s almost endearing how grumpy Heath is when he doesn’t get his way.
I laugh then say, “They love us, and want to share our happiness. I promise it won’t take that long to plan our wedding. Do you have a date in mind?”
“The sooner, the better. I’m ready for you to have my last name,” Heath states.
“Well, I suppose I can make that happen. Oh, by the way, how do you feel about dogs?” I ask.
“Never had one, but if you want one, we’ll do our research on which ones would be a great family dog, and go from there,” he kisses my forehead and answers the door. I pull out more plates, utensils, cups, and napkins that way they are easily accessible.
“Why are you answering the door, where’s my new daughter?” I hear Momma Tina say. I round the corner, “I’m right here, I hope you guys are hungry.”
We all say our hellos and hug, then the girls gush about my ring. When all of us make our way into the kitchen the men have the kids eating and are chowing down on their food as well.
“Really glad I made a triple batch,” I mumble.
“Probably a smart idea, we’re going to need to start alternating houses with our family getting bigger,” Summer says.
“Yeah, I agree,” Quinn replies.
“Ready to start wedding planning? I know you guys want it on the beach, but we still have dress shopping, flowers to order, food to get in line, your father to get home, Heath’s outfit, and so much more.” Momma Tina gets out what looks like a planner, notebook, pens, and magazines.
“I guess we’re planning the wedding today,” I say with a chuckle. All of us girls follow her to the living room where we eat and plan every single thing. I do mean everything, the only thing left for us to do is wedding dress shop, and for me to call my dad to see if he’ll be able to come. As bad as it sounds, I’m not holding my breath.
Epilogue One
Heath
Two Months Later
Standing at the water’s edge, waiting for Audrey to walk down towards me, a sense of calmness comes over me, my brothers are standing next to me. Even in our thirties we’re still as thick as thieves as we were in our younger days.
Audrey wanted Summer and Quinn to be beside her, and if we’re not careful those three will concoct a scheme of all schemes.
Watching our family surround us, while we say our vows to each other, it’ll be one of those memories that goes in the record books.
After the girls take their place on Audrey’s side, we watch Sawyer and Parker come down the aisle being our ring bearers in khaki pants, white shirts, and suspenders. This has mom written all over it. When Alana comes down the aisle, my heart melts a little more. She’s the cutest thing ever in a coral color dress, she’s throwing petals every which way, not that it matters. We only have our family here. Hell, even Mom is walking Audrey down the aisle. We tried to wait for her dad to come stateside, but he met a woman. After many tears from Audrey, I put my foot down and set a date for us.
Then I got on the phone while Audrey was out wedding dress shopping and called her father. I got the same song and dance she did, “I’m busy living my dream, I love my daughter but it’s my time to live free and easy.” When he said that, I didn’t even respond, I hung the fuck up.
When I see Mom and Audrey walk outside from our home, coral colored tulips in Audrey’s hand, her dress molding her body like it was made for it in a soft white hue, hair falling down in soft waves, but her smile, that’s the gift of all gifts.
Mom is in a coral dress much like Summer, Quinn, and Alana, just in a different style.
“I wish you both happiness, love, and laughter,” Mom tells us as she gives me Audrey’s hand.
