The Unexpected First (The Unexpected Series Book 2)

Epilogue One

Two weeks later

Not at a McDonald”s

Standing in Hadley and Connor’s bedroom as a makeshift bridal suite, I touch the small lily necklace that belonged to Grey’s mom. He gave it to me this morning before I started getting ready, the gesture making me tear up. It was her favorite necklace. I wish both of our mothers were here with us today. I’m standing in front of a full-length mirror, admiring my floor-length, ocean-blue A-line gown. The deep v-neck with floral laced beading accentuates my growing chest nicely.

The constant need to pee may be annoying, but my tits are living their best life right now.

After several hours of painting on my face–contour, highlighter, a silver smokey eye that would make RuPaul proud– I’m finally ready to get the show on the road.

“You are the most beautiful bride.” Hadley fans her face as she starts tearing up again.

She’s been an emotional mess since I told her about both the engagement and the baby. She’s excited, but I know she wishes that Connor would ask her. He’s not getting any younger, and she so desperately wants a family of her own.

“Actually, I think Grace Kelly holds that title.” I giggle and bring her in for a hug, flinching slightly, still not used to my breasts being so sensitive.

“OK, you two. Break it up. I need some lovin’, too.” Pickle snorts as she squeezes in between us, wrapping us both in a hug. “Seriously though, you’re gorgeous, babe, and I’m not just saying that because I’ve seen you naked,” she deadpans.

I look between Pickle and Hadley, taking a moment to process what she just said and lose it. I bend at the waist, holding onto the foot of the bed, laughing so hard I can’t catch my breath. Hadley starts giggling beside me at the comment and my reaction while Pickle stands there with her hands on her hips.

“I didn’t think it was that funny.” She pouts.

I stand up after several moments, tears rolling down my cheeks, and stare at her.

“It’s not that it was funny. It was random as hell.” I step toward her, gently taking her hands in mine. “Why do you keep bringing up seeing me naked or sleeping with women?”

She looks like she’s about to tear up.

“Let’s go get you married. Ok?” She sniffs as she pulls her hands from mine, turning towards the door.

Hadley and I exchange a glance, both of us worried about our friend. Neither of us care that she’s into a woman, but the fact that she’s hiding something so upsetting she’s running away is a big concern. Hadley and I follow Pickle into the hall, where Jack is waiting for us.

His eyes well with tears when he sees me.

“Sis,” he breathes, wrapping his arms around me, holding me tight to him.

“We’ll be at the door when you’re ready.” Hadley whispers to me as she and Pickle disappear, leaving Jack and I alone.

“You look just like Mom,” he sighs as he releases me. “She would be so proud of the woman you’ve become. Hell, even the man that asshole has become.”

We both chuckle at the second part.

“I miss her so fucking much, Jack. She’s missed so much of our lives,” I respond softly as I press my hand to my stomach.

I’m not showing yet, but I can’t help but hold my baby, thinking about all the things they’ll miss out on since all their grandparents are gone.

“I know, sis, but we’re in this together, as long as you don’t have to live with me again. Knowing you’re sleeping with my best friend and hearing it are two very different things.” He laughs at me.

I smack his chest. “I hate you.”

“You love me.” He grins as he hands me a small black box.

I arch a brow as I open it, unsure what to expect. I gasp when I see my mom’s silver daisy bracelet, the charm hanging off the dainty chain. We remain quiet as he places it around my wrist. I choke back a sob feeling her presence when it’s clasped in place.

“Now, let”s get you hitched.” He wraps my hand around the crook of his arm and leads me to the back door where Hadley and Pickle are waiting. They nod when they see us and head out onto the patio where everyone is seated. Coming outside, I see Hadley, Connor, and Alannah, with her son, Sean, standing together. The patio is full of lily and daisy flower arrangements. Fresh floral garland is hung strategically along with fairy lights. As I walk further outside, the rest of my family comes into view. Pickle and Clay holding one another. Kayleigh, Liam, Joel, and his husband, Lance, along with their kids.

I barely register that Loki, C, Niall and Dixie are here when we finally round the corner and I see the end of the patio where the rest of my life awaits. My heart swells and

everything else ceases to exist as Jack and I close the distance. My eyes lock on his, those green-gold orbs taking in each inch of my body as I walk closer. I can feel the emotion rolling off of him in waves. When we finally reach him, Jack releases me to Grey, the biggest grin on his face as he takes my hand.

It takes me a moment to realize Benny is standing next to us. I do a double-take when I see he’s holding a black book in his hands. I arch a brow and he chuckles at me.

“I did this for you, so just go with it.” Benny still has a wide grin on his face.

After our vows, we took a few photos of me and my new husband with our families before I drag Hadley and Pickle into the back room to help me change into a pair of yoga pants and one of Grey’s t-shirts.

When I come back out, I find the group gathered around the kitchen table filling plates with burritos, chips and all of the fixin’s, including guac and queso. Grey walks up behind me, his arms enveloping me in a warm embrace.

“What is this?” I ask.

He insisted on taking care of the food but I wasn’t expecting…

“What? You said no to McDonald’s, not Chipotle.” His gravelly chuckle sends heat to my core.

I can’t help but chuckle.

“I love you, Tarzan.” I giggle as I lead him to the fire pit where everyone is seated. I sit next to Kat, wrapping my arm around her. Grey sits on my other side, taking in our surroundings.