Chapter twenty-seven #2
“I have to admit, I’m a little jealous right now,” Morgan says, sitting down with her daughter in her lap. Clay sits down beside her with their son, apologizing and kissing her cheek.
“Same here,” Cecilia agrees, nodding her head. “I think it’s safe to say Shane wins man of the year.”
“Hey! What about me?” Silas whines behind her.
“Yes, honey. You’re amazing too.” She rolls her eyes. “Always needing attention, I swear,” she mutters and we all laugh.
“So, Ronnie, have you set a date yet?” Morgan turns her attention to Veronica.
“Yeah, because we can’t start planning baby Brey’s wedding until you’re hitched,” Emma adds as she sets Maddox down into his baby rocker and takes a margarita from Josephine’s tray. She takes a huge swallow and moans. “God, how I’ve missed you, alcohol.”
“Wait, you’re allowed to drink while breastfeeding?” Aubrey questions as she watches Emma take another gulp.
She shakes her head. “No, but I stopped breastfeeding them. They’re now on formula.
It was way too much to breastfeed both on top of taking care of Gracie.
Even when I pulled my milk it was just too draining.
The formula saves me a lot of time and hands.
I just plug them up and pass them off to whoever is near me. ” She laughs.
“Must we have this conversation? Not all of us are interested in maternal responsibilities,” Julian mumbles annoyedly.
“Actually, can we please keep this conversation going? I’m suddenly very interested in lactation. Tell me more.” Jessie grins mischievously.
“Anyway!” Emma’s eyes widen as she ignores Jessie’s comment. “So, when will it be, babe? You can’t keep us waiting forever.”
“Ugh! Do we have to do this right now? Aren’t we here to celebrate their engagement?” Veronica points to us. “Not talk about my wedding.”
“We are.” Aubrey rubs her hands over her belly as I continue to hold it up for her. “But I do kind of agree with them. I wouldn’t feel right having my wedding before yours.” She smiles sympathetically at Veronica.
She covers her face with her hands and groans.
“Look, I don’t know, okay?” Letting her hands drop, she looks at everyone in defeat.
“If it were just me, I’d elope. Heck, I’d even get married right now in that backyard.
” She points out toward ours. “I don’t want a big church wedding.
I don’t want it to be a big deal, even if it is. ”
Ronnie turns to face Gabe, addressing him alone. “I want to marry you, Gabriel. So, so badly. But it doesn’t feel fair, and I hate feeling this way because I know how much it means to you.”
He wraps his arms around her shoulders, one hand holding the back of her head as she rests it on his shoulder. “I know, Vixen. I’m not mad, I understand this isn’t easy for you.”
Noah takes a step closer to them, his hand gliding down her arm until it reaches her hand, and their fingers intertwine. “We love you, Kitten, and we know you love us, too. We’re sorry if it feels like we’re pressuring you. Just take your time and we’ll do it when you’re ready.”
“Actually, why don’t we do it today?” Cecilia speaks up, grabbing our attention. “John married us, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind doing yours too, right?” She looks back at Silas who nods in agreement.
“And we could have it here, there’s more than enough room. We already have a huge meal being prepared for tonight, so there wouldn’t be many changes to be made.” Aubrey turns in my arms as I release her belly slowly. “Would that be okay?”
“Of course, Angel. I’ll just have to inform Antoine and Marianne of the changes, but that should be fine.” I cup her cheek tenderly.
“Wait, this is crazy. I said that as a joke. How are we supposed to plan a wedding right now, out of the blue?” Ronnie looks around astounded as everyone begins to throw ideas and tasks.
“Simple, Em and I can go to our warehouse and get supplies. I’m sure we can find some nice things to decorate with. We also have more than enough folding chairs, tables, and what not,” Cecilia says excitedly.
“Although we will need arms to carry all of that, because I am not breaking my back for this.” Emma starts pointing her finger around.
“We’ll take Sy, Wolf, Jessie… I won’t say Julian because I already know he won’t lift a finger,” she mumbles the last part.
“And… Big bear. You’re with us.” She finishes by pointing at Jason as he stands from his spot on the ground where he was now playing with Legos.
“Oh my God… We’re really doing this!” Ronnie begins to flap her hands at her face with wide eyes. “But I don’t have a dress! What am I supposed to wear?”
“Stores are still open, I’m sure we can find you something nice that they have on the rack,” Morgan reassures her.
“True, but most nice places need reservations,” Emma points out.
“Hey, Storm. Don’t you do business with a woman who owns a bridal store in the city?” I nod toward Julian, who looks extremely displeased to be added into the conversation.
“I may,” he simply says.
“Please, Julian. Could you work your magic and get her a spot today?” Aubrey gives him her big puppy eyes, working her own magic because it’s impossible to say no to those eyes of hers.
He narrows his eyes at her for a moment, but I can tell his defenses are weakening by the second. Finally, he sighs. “Fine. I will see what I can do.” He pulls out his phone and begins to tap away on it.
“Okay, what’s next on the list?” Cecilia asks. “The men, they need tuxes, or even suits would work.”
“Noah and I can go collect some. We all have suits in our closets; we’ll just need access to all your places,” Gabe says with a glint in his eyes and a smile on his lips.
“There you go. I just texted you all their security codes to their front doors and alarms,” Jessie says to Gabe as he finishes typing at rapid speed on his phone.
“That’s actually kind of scary how fast he got that…” Cecilia stares at him with wide eyes.
“And a little impressive, I’ll admit.” Emma shrugs.
“It is done. You have an appointment in exactly forty-five minutes. My assistant has already emailed you the address and name of the person who will be assisting you.” Julian puts his phone away and nods to Ronnie.
“Thank you, Julian,” she tells him with a soft smile.
“I asked Amanda if she could get some extra hands to help set up everything once we get back,” Emma says next as she looks down at her phone.
“And I’ve already contacted a few of our planners, I have three who agreed to come help with extra pay,” Cecilia adds, doing the same. “What about music, entertainment, all that thing? Do we have someone available for that?”
“Yup, Amanda said she had someone,” Em calls out.
Wow, these women work fast. I guess when you’re in the event-planning business, you need to be quick on your feet at all times.
“Okay, there’s just one last issue. How do we get everyone to show up last minute like this?” Veronica chews on her bottom lip, looking around for an answer.
Aubrey steps out of my hold and over to her friend, taking her hands in hers. “That’s the best part, Ronnie. We’re already all here, and all our parents are set to arrive later, as well as yours.”
“It’s like it was meant to happen today,” Morgan tells her with a tender smile.
“Small issue, we were supposed to pick up your parents at the airport. If we’re running around picking up suits, we won’t be able to,” Noah says with a frown.
“I could ask my parents to pick them up and inform them of the change of plans,” Aubrey offers. “They won’t mind.”
“Okay! Looks like we’re all set, then.” Emma claps her hands together. “Morgan, you should go with Ronnie, I’ll text you our dress sizes. Aubrey, you too, since you’ll be the hardest to dress.”
“Thanks,” Aubrey deadpans.
“Just saying it like it is, baby Brey. All right! Chop-chop everyone, let’s make this wedding happen.” Em kisses her children then heads for the door, followed by Greyson, Jason, and Jessie. Cecilia and Silas do the same to Dante and leave with the rest.
Veronica throws her arms around Gabriel with a wide grin. “We’re getting married today,” she says with stars in her eyes.