The bag on my shoulder is forgotten as it slides down my arm and hits the ground. I grab Ella and lift her up.
“Are you serious?”
Her laughter is loud and full of happiness.
“Yes, I’m serious.”
I spin her around as she squeals. When I stop, I put her back on her feet and place my lips to hers. Her mouth opened immediately, granting me access to her tongue. My fingers dug into her hips hungrily. I’ve gone two days without being with this woman. I’m not sure I can go another second. Pulling back from the kiss, I lift her into my arms like a bride.
Her laughter has me floating.
“Wait, your bag,” she says, turning to look at the bag I dropped on the ground. The contents have spilled onto the gravel.
When she turns back to me, her brow is furrowed. “Mitchell, why do you have a bag with handcuffs and duct tape?”
My grin damn near reaches my ears. “That was just my Plan B. Don’t worry about it,” I say teasingly as I carry her toward the cabin door.
I was going to get my happily ever after, either by force or by choice. Thankfully, it worked out this way.
For the next two days, I made love to my fiancée. We only came up for air to shower, piss and eat. On the third day, I took her to the jewelry store to put a ring on her finger to make it official. Finally, Ella was mine.
Epilogue
The Wedding
Ella
“Throw that thang, Ella,” Pamela shouts over the music.
“You better show out for your husband.” Kyra claps in front of me.
We were on the dance floor at my reception. One hand was in the air as the other clutched the hem of my white dress. My husband was behind me as I shook my ass on him.
Never in all my days did I think I’d be here, feeling lighter than a feather and happier than I’ve ever been, surrounded by my friends, family, and the man I love.
I kept my word to Mitchell. Four months after he asked me to marry him, we are officially husband and wife. The funny thing is that no one was shocked. There were no speeches about it being too soon. No one questioned whether or not we were ready. And this time, I was prepared to defend our decision. But I didn’t have to.
Cameron and Jacob came up beside us and started doing some funny-looking arm dance that had us all laughing. I think the two people who are happiest about this union are Jacob and Cameron. They get a kick out of telling people they are brothers now.
“Let’s see what you've got, AJ.” I cheered my oldest on. He’s dancing with baby Ari in his arms.
AJ and Mitch’s relationship has changed in the last few months, but in the best way ever. They’ve grown closer. When we got back from the cabin after the engagement, Mitch took AJ for a ride where he said they had an actual conversation about his intentions with me. AJ was able to voice his opinions and expectations, and Mitch listened and reassured him.
It made me happy that Mitch understood the importance of my son’s feelings. Like I said that day in my living room. We would always respect his emotions and opinions, but he didn’t get to dictate our lives.
“Wait a minute,” my mother says, sliding onto the dance floor. “Let me show ya'll how it’s done.” She grabs the hem of her dress and starts dancing.
We all burst out laughing when my father slid right up behind her.
“You better work it, Mama Faye,” Jada shouts.
I was truly happy. Looking around the room, I took in all the support we had here. This wasn’t a huge wedding. We didn’t need to rent out a large venue. The only people here were the ones we truly loved. All my girls were here. Jada, Meagan,Pamela, Kyra, and Destiny. I couldn’t have done this without them. They were my backbone. Just as important to my journey of self-discovery as Mitch. And each stood beside me as I took my vows.
Also among the guest list are Devon, Quincy, Shaun, and the full staff at Miller Construction and Remodeling are here. I was worried Devon and the guys would pick sides. I assumed they’d go with Andrew. But I was mistaken. In fact, Devon and Mitch have grown closer. It’s almost like Devon was just waiting for Andrew to get out of the way so he could be the best friend.
I don’t focus on the faces that aren’t here. Mitch had to threaten Val to get her to allow Jacob around me. She was making it really hard for a while, but Mitch wasn’t having it. He sat her down with me and explained either she cut the shit, or he’d take her ass to court. Val’s idea of punishment was that she dropped Jacob off two months ago and has yet to pick him back up. Clearly she doesn’t know her ex. Jacob and Mitch have never been happier.
The other missing face in the crowd belongs to Andrew. Unlike him, I didn’t demand that he come to my wedding. Not that I could have. I haven’t heard from or seen him since the day I put him out of my house. The boys have tried to call him a few times, but they haven’t heard from him either.
