Love Me: Oakville Series:Book 5 (32 page)

“Hey there, beautiful,” he says, patting the empty spot on the piano bench next to him. I walk over and take a seat next to him. Leaning down, he kisses my forehead softly. “Where have you been?” I take a deep breath.

“I was at the doctor,” I tell him. His body stiffens and his face pales.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay? Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks, his voice pained and panicked.

“Hey, what’s going on? I’m fine. Are you okay?” I ask, my brows furrowed in confusion. My eyes widen when I realize what his freak out is about. “No, no, no. I’m fine. I’m good. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” The color immediately returns to his face and he sighs in relief. “I was feeling nauseous and I missed my period.” Before I can finish, his jaw drops and a slow smile creeps across his face.

“Really?” he asks, excitement in his voice.

“Yes. We’re going to have a baby,” I tell him, tears flowing down my cheeks. He wraps me in his arms and holds me close.

“I am so happy. Thank you for making me happy again,” Marcus whispers in my ear. My body relaxes against him and we sit here for a long time, just holding each other and talking. He’s hesitant when he has to leave to meet the guys for practice, but I assure him I’ll be fine and to go. I ask if he minds if I talk to Chase about the baby, and he gives me the go ahead. He thinks Chase will be over the moon about being a big brother and I have nothing to worry about.

An hour after Marcus leaves, Angel drops Chase off. He comes running into the house, all excited to tell me about his day. I sit with him on the couch and listen patiently. He tells me about going fishing at the lake and how he caught the biggest fish of the day while showing me pictures on his phone.

“Chase I need to talk to you about something,” I say, needing to give him the news. His smile drops and he looks nervous.
Oh my God, I’ve freaked him out, too. Damn it. What is wrong with me today?
“I think it’s something pretty exciting,” I say quickly, and the apprehension in his expression is replaced with curiosity. “It looks like you are going to be a big brother.” It takes a moment, but when my words sink in, his face lights up. He jumps up from the couch and begins to jump around, fist pumping into the air. I love seeing him this excited and happy. Getting up, I join him. We both look like a couple of crazies as we dance around the living room, chanting, “Baby,” over and over. Neither of us notices Marcus comes home until he’s next to us, dancing and chanting right along with us.
This is my life, and what a great life it is.

T
he airplane lands in Aruba and my stomach does flips. I can’t believe I’ll be marrying Marcus in one week. The entire first class section of the plane is filled with our friends. Angel, Chelsie, Kyle, Amber, Paul, Holly, and all their kids are here. They are all in our wedding party. Kelly, Kayleigh, and Tanya came along to help take care of the kids. Rylan, who is Kayleigh’s boyfriend, is here, along with Beasley and his friend Liam. I think the whole town of Oakville is on this plane. Just a few months ago, I only knew these people in passing, but in the short time I’ve been with Marcus, they have all become my friends—my family. This is the best group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Marcus squeezes my hand. “Everything okay, baby?” I smile at him.

“I’m great. I’m excited to be here. This is the only time I’ve really been anywhere exotic. Actually, it’s the only time I’ve been anywhere at all.” I lived in New York most of my life until moving to Florida and I never really had the desire to travel. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The photos on the resort’s website were amazing—crystal blue water and white sandy beaches, the place looks like heaven on earth.

“You deserve this trip. And for the next two weeks, you are going to be waited on and pampered like you’ve never been before,” he says, lifting my hand to his lips. Gently, he kisses the top of my hand. “I can’t wait until you are my wife.” Butterflies invade my stomach at the thought of being Mrs. Marcus Winters.

“Come on, you two. Save it for the room. The rest of us want to get off this fucking plane and stretch,” Angel teases, inciting laughter from the rest of the group. Marcus and I make our way down the aisle and out of the plane as our friends follow behind. After getting our luggage, we pile into two vans that bring us to the resort. When we pull up out front, I’m in awe of how beautiful this place is. The photos we saw didn’t do it justice. A couple bellmen escort us up to our rooms. We have two three-bedroom suites reserved for us and our wedding party. The rest of the guests are sharing smaller two-bedroom suites. Angel, Chelsie, and the twins are sharing a suite with Marcus, Chase, and I.

When I walk through the door, I’m floored. The room is elegant with its marble floors and high ceilings. The back wall that faces the beach is all floor-to-ceiling windows with French doors that lead out to a sprawling balcony. I could definitely get used to staying in this place. I walk through the living room to the master bedroom. There is a giant king sized bed along the back wall. Like the living area, there is one wall full of floor-to-ceiling windows and a door leading out to a private balcony. I could spend the entire two weeks in this room alone and be happy.

I open my eyes and stretch in the comfortable bed. Excitement rushes through me as I realize today is the day—it’s my wedding day. I squeal into my pillow. “Are you awake in there?” Holly calls out from the other side of the closed door.

“I am,” I yell back. The door flies open and Holly, Amber, and Chelsie come running through it, leaping onto the bed with me.

“You’re getting married today,” Amber sings.

“We have fresh fruit and non-alcoholic mimosas ready in the kitchen,” Chelsie says with a wink.

“I really love mimosas,” I tell them.

“Well, let’s get going then. We have appointments set up for hair, mani-pedis, massages, and makeup,” Holly states.

Thankfully, the day flies by. I’ve been so anxious for the ceremony, I was afraid it would drag. Everything the girls planned was amazing, but now, it’s time to get dressed. My nerves kick into overdrive as I stand here and look at my dress hanging on the back of the door, admiring the white, strapless, ball gown style. There are pearls placed all over the bodice and the skirt is a botanical lace appliqué on tulle over patterned net. Stepping into it, Amber zips me up, and I twirl in front of the mirror. It’s romantic, like something Cinderella would’ve worn. I look in the mirror again, fingering the pearl necklace and matching bracelet that belonged to my mother.

“You look beautiful,” Chelsie says from behind me.

“Breathtaking,” Amber says, her voice full of emotion. My lip trembles as I try to hold back the tears. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. Besides, I don’t want to mess up my makeup.

“You look okay, I guess,” Holly jokes. She has us all laughing, and just like that, the tears are gone. A knock sounds at the door and we all turn as Chase peaks his head around. When he sees me, he smiles wide and walks over to me. He looks so handsome in his black tux.

“You look so pretty, Lexi,” he says, a little shy. “I wanted to ask you something.” I lead him over to the couch in the corner of the bedroom.

“You can ask me anything,” I assure him.

“I thought since you don’t have a dad to walk you down the aisle, that maybe you’d like me to do it,” he asks, twisting his hands in his lap. Poor little guy is so nervous—so much for no crying, though. That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. It takes me a moment to swallow past the lump in my throat enough to talk.

“I would love that, Chase. Thank you so much,” I tell him, and give him a hug. I look behind me and all the girls have tears streaming down their faces.

My palms are sweaty as we stand waiting to make our way down the aisle. Cody, our ring bearer, and Hope, the flower girl, have just started walking down the aisle, hand in hand. They are so stinking cute together. Instead of throwing flower petals, she is handing some to each person. Adorable. Amber, Holly, and Chelsie begin their walk. The three of them are gorgeous in their silk lavender sundresses and bare feet. Knowing we are next sends a wave of nausea through me. Chase grabs my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. I’m not the least bit nervous to marry Marcus, I’m anxious. I want it so bad and I’m so happy about it, I want to get out there and do it now.

The Wedding March starts and Chase wraps my arm in his. We begin down the aisle and my eyes lock with Marcus’. We both smile at each other and everyone and everything around us fades away.