The Other P-Word Page 31

  “We showed each other. I’m never going to be a rich man, but I will always take care of you.”

  “We take care of each other, Evan.”

  “That’s right, sunshine. We sure do.”

  “Did you do anything else?” My voice hinted heavily that there should be something else. C’mon, Evan, don’t make me wait any more.

  “Were you expecting something else?”

  My lips tightened in a grim line. “Evan, you know what I’m expecting.”

  “Oh yeah, I did get you something.”

  He reached into his pocket. I gasped a deep breath as he placed the object into my shaking palm. I stared at it, blinking to bring it into focus. Then I almost threw it at him.

  “You got me a fortune cookie?”

  “Yep, I know how much you like them. And even though I pray this is a good fortune, it’s not safe for consumption.”

  “Wasn’t exactly what I was expecting.” It was the biggest fortune cookie I’d ever seen, and it did feel too heavy for a small strip of paper. I started shaking it, but Evan stilled my hand with his.

  “Just crack it open.”

  In one swift move, he fell to his knees the same instant I split it open. He caught the ring right in his palm.

  “Oh my God, oh my God. Is that?” I asked, pointing to the glinting object in his hand. “Wait, how did you do that?”

  “Wasn’t easy. I had to drive all the way to Michigan to find a bakery that would make me a fortune cookie and put a ring in it. I thought it would be symbolic, because my fortune changed when I met you.” He looked up at me, a grin tugging his mouth.

  “What?”

  “I wanted that to be a grand gesture you’re always talking about, but it just sounds really cheesy.”

  I wiped the tear from my eye. “Yeah, but I’m a girl who loves cheesy, so it works.”

  He cleared his throat. “Let me get on with this.”

  I saw his nerves then, especially when the smooth honey of his voice cracked with emotion. Did he actually think I would say no?

  He took my shaking hand in his. “Billie Marie Price, I love you with all my heart. No one can take anyone else’s pain away, but you did something I didn’t know was possible. You walked with me through my pain—all of it. You supported me when I was too stubborn to realize how much I needed you. You gave me strength when I thought all was lost. You gave me sunshine during my darkest moments. Now, I’m asking you to walk beside me in every adventure. To be mine completely. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes, yes, yes,” I screamed.

  The ring was a perfect fit. I didn’t get a chance to admire it before he stood and spun me around.

  “She said yes, y’all,” Evan yelled.

  “What’s going on?”

  “It’s our engagement party.”

  The doors opened. I stared in awe as all our friends and family entered from every direction. The room filled up quickly with people hugging me and Evan. The room was full and so was my heart.

  “Is this really happening?”

  “God, I hope so but if not, it’s my version of heaven.”

  Epilogue

  I stared at myself in the full-length mirror. Who was this girl? The white chiffon dress with the beaded V-neck halter top was perfect—perfect for a beach wedding. My hair, shoulder-length now, hung in a sweeping style crafted by Dillon and was adorned with glittering pearls. The gold pendant hung around my neck. I touched it again, as I often did, to make sure I hadn’t stepped into a dream.

  “Billie, here’s your bouquet,” Marley said. “Be careful. For some reason, there are still thorns.”

  I sniffed the scent of fresh white baby roses that came directly from Grandpa Joe’s rose garden. “I requested it.”

  “Why?”

  “Long story.”

  I looked at Stevie, Marley, Tilla and my mom dressed in matching turquoise blue strapless dresses. Tilla rubbed her belly, even though she wasn’t far enough for the bump to show yet. I sucked back down a nervous swallow. Was this really happening? I pinched myself to make sure. Ouch, shouldn’t have done that.

  “You guys look amazing.”

  “Not as amazing as you,” Stevie said. “You look like a doll…not that scary Lady Lulu doll you have, but a normal, pretty doll.”

  I laughed. “Thanks for clarifying.”

  “Are we ready?” my father asked.

  “Wait.” I ran toward Dillon, who was headed out to take his place.

  “What are you doing, Billie? Evan might see you.”

  “He won’t. I just wanted to tell you something.”

  “What?”

  “You’re a really good friend and brother. And our family does end up at hospitals a lot, but luckily we also have weddings. I’m so proud to have you stand up for me on this day, just as you stand up for me every other day.”

  He swallowed and took a deep breath. “Thanks, Billie. That means a lot.”

  “And one more thing.”

  “What?”

  “Catch the fucking bouquet this time, and keep it.”

  He nodded. “I’ll try.” He embraced me. “But the thing is, it’s not always chivalry on my part when I give it away. I catch bouquets for sport. I give them away for my own self-preservation. You understand?”

  “I think so. Do what you think is best, but I’ll be rooting for you and…aiming for you too. You understand?”

  He nodded. “Now get back there before you screw up your hair.”

  I kissed him on the cheek before I took my place in the back of the line, tucking my arm into Dad’s.

  As maid of honor, Stevie stood in front of me. It was a pact us sisters had made when we were girls…all rotating so each of us would get a chance to be the maid of honor. Tilla, Marley and Mom stood in the front. I watched all of them take the path out of the hotel and onto the beach, my heart beating faster with each of their steps.

  “You look like you stepped out of a Degas painting,” Dad said, patting my shaking hand. I adjusted the small white rose of his boutonniere.

  “I feel more like Munch’s Scream today.”

  “Nervous?”

  “Excited.”

  “I wish I had some great piece of advice to give you.”

  “Oh, Dad, trust me, I’ve heard it all.”

  “Well it’s show time,” he replied, as we took the first steps toward the man who’d taught me that you can’t have passion without purpose.

  Orange Beach at sunset was a breathtaking site. A white runner led to the most intricately designed altar I’d ever seen. It was made from branches twined together by Evan’s hands. Hanging from it were twinkling lights that were shaped as leaves. I had no idea how Dillon had managed to make that happen, but he had, based on Evan’s instructions. Leaves full of light, that never turn, he’d said.

  I was glad I’d seen it all beforehand because I couldn’t take it in right now. I only had eyes for him. He looked so handsome in his linen suit. He dropped his jaw, staring at me, before his beautiful mouth curved into a smile.

  Whitewashed wooden chairs all sat empty as the guests stood for me. I did register Grandma Fern’s joyful crying. Grandpa Joe grinned at me, holding up his hands. I held up one of mine too. We both had marks of the thorn.

  There were so many people there—the ones whose bonds were claimed by blood and the ones we picked up along the way. Chris came with his partner and son. Mike stood beside Evan as his best man. Dillon, Adam, Rick and Damien next to him. I don’t think I’d ever seen an ensemble of such handsome men.

  When I reached him, I was crying. He lifted my chin and wiped away the tear. Then he kissed me.

  “Um…we’re not at that part yet, young man,” the pastor said.

  “Sorry, sir,” Evan replied, not taking his eyes off me.

  And when it came time for our vows, Evan clasped my hands even tighter. His voice was deep with emotion as he said the words to me that would bond us forever.

  “Billie Marie Price,
when you came into my life, I was at the darkest place I’d ever been—and I’ve been to some very dark places. But you were a light in that darkness. You were my light. I’d forgotten what it meant to sacrifice for something…for someone. But that’s what you did for me. Every strong, steady beat of my heart is a reminder of my love for you—the girl who danced her way into my life, the one who keeps a childhood toy because she’s sentimental, the one who loves with a fierceness that I didn’t know existed and I certainly didn’t think I deserved. The one who showed me how to laugh again, how to love, how to live. The one who made me real. I vow to you on this day that I will never take that for granted. That I will protect you, that I will worship all our moments, that I will always try to get the big laugh from you and never settle for the halfway smile. That I will never go gentle into that good night, but rage against it and fight for us every step of the way.”

  I swallowed back my sob and embraced him, until the pastor reminded us I had yet to say my vows.

  “Evan David Wright, what can I say that I haven’t already said? How can I say it when you look at me like I’m the only person in the world?” He mouthed the words you are to me. It’s a miracle I had the strength to finish.

  “On this day, I give you my hand and promise to always be at your side. But you’ve owned my heart far longer than that. I thought I knew what I wanted, but the truth was I had no idea. You came into my life and changed every perception. You taught me what real passion is and that there is no recipe for happiness. And even though my heart is full and happy, I realize that happily ever after does not mean happy every day. There may be darker times to come. And in those times, I vow to stand with you, to dance with you in that darkness, to lend you my hand. Whatever lies in our horizon, good or bad, we will face together. Life may challenge us, but I will always look to you first because I will find a friend, a companion, a protector, a mate and my other half looking back at me. I give all of myself to you, as I am now and as I will be. And I do so for the rest of my life.”

  The pastor’s voice was the last stanza of our ceremony.

  “Marriage is not just a commitment between lovers. It is also a pledge linking friends. As Evan and Billie enter into this union, may they always know that love can be shown with more than words—with a touch, a laugh, a hug and even a thought. With these rings, they pledge their everlasting love and bond to each other.

  We walked down the aisle, our arms intertwined as sprigs of dried lavender and the rich fragrant petals of white roses showered us.

  I had to say it was the most beautiful wedding I’d ever been to. And trust me, I’ve been to many beautiful weddings.

  When the sun slipped past the horizon, the lights became more of a necessity than a decoration. A band set up. Evan played a song he’d written for me. My heart felt like it might burst right out of my chest, and not just because the words came from him, but it was also the little boy who sat next to him with a guitar, plucking the four strings in rhythmic succession just like Evan had taught him. That part was a surprise to everyone else but me. I’d taught Evan to sign and in turn he’d given George guitar lessons. If that wasn’t the circle of love and growth, I don’t know what is.

  I think Mom cried more than I did. I’m pretty sure Damien’s choked response was his diligent effort to hide his own emotion at watching his son play music.

  Then my husband took me in his arms. We danced and laughed and kissed under the countless stars.

  “You look so beautiful, Mrs. Wright.”

  “So do you, Mr. Wright.”

  I laughed again.

  “What?”

  “As it turns out, you are Mr. Wright. Who knew?”

  “All I know is that we’re right for each other.”

  I glanced up at him, tracing his lips. “We’re not going to be able to dance this close in a few months.”

  “Why would you say that? I’ll always hold you as close as possible.”

  “That’s the thing…we’re going to have a bump between us soon.”

  His eyes widened, matching his mouth. “Are you serious? I’m going to be a…a dad?” He placed a shaky hand on my belly. “Are you sure?”

  “I took three tests. All positive. I just found out today, so I couldn’t tell you until now. I almost lost it and slipped you a note, but Stevie was watching me like a hawk.”

  “Price…I can’t believe it.”

  “You can’t call me Price anymore. I’m Mrs. Wright now and guess what? That name suits me, because I’m always right.”

  “I will and you are. You’re going to be the best momma.”

  “You’re going to such a great dad, Evan.”

  He picked me up and spun me around until I squealed. He promptly put me down. “Did I hurt you?”

  “I’m fine. Better than fine.”

  “Yes you are. Angel, I didn’t think I could be any happier today, but you proved me wrong once again. You just gave me the best present in the world. In fact, I can’t wait to tell the world.”

  I pressed my finger to his lips. “Not tonight. Let’s keep it our secret for a little while longer.”

  “I agree.”

  “Everyone’s going to think you got me pregnant on our honeymoon.”

  “I don’t doubt that. After all, I have plans to do things to you that are going to make you scream so loud that you’re liable to wake up heaven.”

  “You keep talking that way and we may not make it back to the bedroom.”

  “You’re speaking my language.” He cocked his eyebrow and grabbed my hand, jerking his head toward an empty area of the beach. “You want to narrate—or should I?”

  “Naughty boy, get back here. Your grandma’s here and I don’t want her to worry about my lost virtue.”

  “Why do you think I married you? And now that I’ve gone and knocked you up, it’s even more of a necessity.”

  “Keep dancing with me, cowboy.”

  “With pleasure, Mrs. Wright.”

  “Oh, Evan, one more thing.”

  “Yes, angel.”

  “If we have a boy, his middle name has to be Gadhadhar.”

  “Ah…what the fuck are you saying?”

  “I’ll explain later. Just a promise I made.”

  “A promise to what? Ruin our kid’s life? You should understand playground politics better than anyone, Billie.”

  “You’ll understand when I explain it. But right now, let’s dance.”

  He spun me around. In fact, we danced so long that Stevie had to practically pry us apart when it came time to throw the bouquet. Evan and I walked hand in hand toward the beach.

  “Billie, can we talk to you for second?” Mom said.

  “Sure.”

  Stevie grumbled something about sticking to a schedule and stalked off. Mom and I laughed because my sister was a hyper A-type personality.

  Damien appeared next to my mom’s side. “Is it time?” he asked her.

  “Past due, I think.”

  Evan and I both exchanged puzzled glances.

  “We wanted to give you your wedding present in private,” Mom explained, handing me a gold foiled envelope.

  I looked at both her and Damien suspiciously before I opened it. I walked back toward the light so I could read the legal looking paper inside.

  “I don’t understand. Isn’t this the deed to your house?”

  “Your house now, Billie. We signed it over to both of you.”

  I clutched the paper tightly, blinking in both shock and confusion, but most of all…gratitude.

  “We can’t accept this,” Evan said. “It’s too much.”

  “We insist,” Damien said. “You better take it, because my wife wants it to stay in the family. And it’s my job to make sure my wife gets what she wants.”

  “What a coincidence, I have the same job,” Evan said.

  Damien fist bumped Evan. “Wise man.”

  Mom tousled my hair. “We want you to have it. We’ve outgrown it. You’d never believe
this, but three boys take up much more space than three girls ever did. We need to move to a bigger place. And this house…well, it’s special to me.”

  “Me too, Mom.”

  “In fact, you can have the cat too if you want,” Damien said.

  My mom elbowed him. “No, they can’t.”

  Damien shrugged, a lopsided grin forming on his face. “Worth a try.”

  “As I was saying, I think it’s the perfect place for you two to start out and eventually raise a family.”

  That eventually was coming sooner than she thought. She was right about it being perfect, because living over a bar was fine for Evan and I, but it wasn’t exactly the best place to raise a baby. We’re going to have a baby!

  I looked at Evan to make sure he was on board. He smiled at me, pulling me closer to him. He didn’t have to ask me because he could see how much I wanted it. I wanted our children to grow up in that house with its rooms that echoed laughter, its walls full of color and most of all, the wooden floor where I could almost name every scuff and scratch.

  Evan shook Damien’s hand, his voice raspier than usual. “We accept. Thank you both very much for this generous gift and for accepting me like you have into this family. I know there’s many great memories in that house for you.”

  “And now there will be new ones,” Mom said.

  We all hugged. Well, Damien and Evan did that weird man hug where they barely touched, but I did a full embrace with both of them.

  “How long to give someone a house? Can we throw the bouquet now before the flowers wilt, please?” Stevie yelled from the beach.

  “You better go before your sister has an anxiety attack.”

  “Let’s all go. This is the tradition I love the best,” I said, taking her hand while continuing to hold Evan’s.

  Mom squeezed my hand. “Me too, sweetheart.”

  Evan and Damien looked at each other for a second. “You’re a nice guy, but I’m not going to hold your hand, man.”

  “Yeah, I’m good too,” Evan said.

  Some traditions could not be broken. So the band played Single Ladies by Beyoncé per my request. Not that there were many single ladies amongst us.