Merry Mitchell (Mitchell/Healy Family #3.5) (6 page)

Chapter 9

Shalan

The morning sickness had gone away, leaving me with only a queasy feeling when I had to look in Noah’s eyes knowing I had such a huge secret. Time had gotten away from me, and I’d been holding back the news that my tour had been postponed, indefinitely. I knew how the entertainment business worked. I’d be around one day, and gone the next. I’d had enough time to consider my options, and how I wanted to approach the people who represented me. However, at the end of the day my decision was final, with little to no regret. I was going to stay home and be a wife, and a mother. I’d write music, and hopefully be able to record it, albeit I wasn’t in any hurry.

My priorities had changed, and for some reason all I could see was the good that would come out of it.

Once I’d checked the house to make sure Noah was off doing whatever it was that he did before the sun came up, I hurried back to our bedroom to prepare his present.

What I was giving him didn’t cost me a cent, well not really. I’m sure at some point I would have made a pretty penny out on the road, but his was different. This gift was from the heart, and I intended to make it special.

After removing the sonogram picture from inside the center of a bridal magazine, I pulled out the fancy frame that I’d had made for Noah. Written on the bottom of it, in block letters displayed the name, BABY MITCHELL. I traced  them with my fingertips, all the while smiling with anticipation. This gift would be better than any fancy item that money could purchase. This was sentimental, and Noah was going to love it.

When I heard the front door opening and closing I began to panic, in fear that Noah had stopped by. I shoved everything under the mattress and turned to address him, only to see that it was his cousin, Isabella. “Bells, you scared the crap out of me.”

“You haven’t even showered. The photographer is goin’ to be here at noon, and you’re never goin’ to be ready.”

“I just got up. I’ve got plenty of time. It’s just pictures. Who cares if I’m a couple minutes late?”

“My aunt Van will care, because she set all this up. My mom’s already on her way over to do your hair. Hurry up now, go get a shower.”

I rushed into the bathroom, climbing in the shower, while Bells got my dress out and ready for me to put on.

She talked to me while I continued washing my hair. “You better hope you haven’t gained anything in the last month. What if it doesn’t fit?”

“It was a little big to begin with. I held off on alterations.”

Once I finished with my shower she helped me get into the dress. It fit perfectly,  I worried that I’d have to have it taken out. “Oh no! This won’t fit me for much longer. What am I going to do?”

“Just don’t worry about that today. We’re goin’ to make you beautiful. You can worry about the size of the dress later.”

When we heard her mother coming inside we stopped talking about anything that would lead on to my pregnancy. She’d kept my secret for all these weeks, but only because she knew her cousin was going to be thrilled. Plus, it gave me time to make it through the first couple of weeks where miscarriages are more likely to happen. Since this was my first pregnancy it was important to prepare for anything.

Thankfully I was feeling better. After the initial sonogram we learned that I was further along than they first anticipated. In two more weeks I’d be through my first trimester. It explained why I’d been eating everything in sight for the past couple of months.

Noah’s aunt Miranda did my makeup first, and then finally my hair. She put half up and half down in ringlet curls. A thin headband wrapped around my forehead, and in the back held the removable veil. Seeing it all on, and how it would be when I actually got married,  was bittersweet. It made me want to get married immediately, as if I could call Noah over from working with the animals to come say our vows. I didn’t even care if he smelled like manure.

Okay, that’s not true. I was however, very excited for the real day when we could be married.

After thanking his aunt a dozen times, Noah’s mother came in and froze. She put her hand over her mouth and began to tear up. I couldn’t believe it. She was crying, and then I was crying, and then they were all worried about my makeup.

The photographer came in shortly afterwards. She started taking photos of me looking in mirrors and doing other things. Then we headed outside where I got the surprise of my life.

Sitting in the driveway, all decked out in garland and bows was a horse drawn carriage. I could tell right away that it was brand new. On the back it said ‘Mr. & Mrs. Noah Mitchell’. I turned to look at Noah’s mother, who handed me an envelope.

“Noah wanted me to give you part of your Christmas present. He said not to open it until you’re taking your ride. Don’t worry. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes. I just want to grab my own camera from the house first. Enjoy your ride.”

Climbing down from the carriage was Noah’s father, Colt. He was decked out in a suit, and I’d never seen him look so sharp. “You look beautiful, Shalan. Do you mind if I give you a lift?”

“This is crazy. All this for pictures?”

He helped me up, and to get seated before climbing in beside me. “It is your present. He worked hard on this carriage. I can honestly say that we made it all ourselves.”

I was in awe. The pictures were a beautiful gift, especially after having to postpone the wedding, but Noah going out of his way to give me something special for Christmas was amazing. I had to concentrate to keep from crying and running the makeup down my face. Halfway there I looked down and remembered that I had a note to read.

I tore the envelope and pulled it out, unfolding the paper.

Shalan:

I wanted to give you something as beautiful as you are to me. I know we’ve had to wait for our perfect wedding, and it seems like everything keeps going wrong. I decided to take matters into my own hands, so that I could be able to give you the beautiful wedding that you deserve.

I made the carriage that you’re riding on, and when the ride is over, we’ll keep it around in the yard, or wherever you want to put it. I don’t’ care if you doll it up with your crazy glitter décor, just as long as when you look at it you think of our special day.

I love you, and if I could I’d give you the world.

I’ll be seeing you soon.

All my love,

Noah

P.S.

I was wondering if you’d join me and my family in the big red barn, because on this very Christmas Eve we’re going to tie the knot, in front of everyone we know and love. I’ll be waiting.

When his father saw me tucking the note back in the envelope he snickered. “We’re almost there, darlin’. You okay?”

“Am I dreaming?”

“Well, it does take a lot for me to put on a suit, but no, you’re not dreamin’. My son’s in that barn waitin’ on you. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d love to be able to walk you to him.”

I reached over and hugged Noah’s father. “Thank you for this, for everything.”

He patted me on the back. “Don’t you even worry about it. You’re already a part of this family.”

I don’t know what made me do it, or why I couldn’t wait to tell Noah. It just came right out of my mouth. “You’re going to be a grandfather.”

The man who I was about to call my father-in-law backed away. I watched his eyes gloss over as a smile as big as the horizon filled his face. “Does Noah know?”

I shook my head. “I was going to tell him tonight. I just…I just wanted you to know.”

He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “We’ll just keep this between us until you tell Noah. I’ve got to say, it’s the best Christmas gift I think I’ve ever received. I’m sure my wife’s goin’ to say the same thing, after she hugs you to death.”

We stood in front of the large red barn doors and that’s when it all hit me. “This is where you were married, isn’t it?”

He held out his arm for me take. “Yep, it sure is. Now I get to watch my son do it. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect location if I didn’t pick it out myself.”

I faced forward as we opened the doors together, getting our first glimpse of everyone inside waiting.

I couldn’t contain my emotions as we walked through the threshold. Seated all around the room was the entire family. They stood up to welcome us inside. Straight ahead, standing in a tuxedo, looking more handsome than I’d ever seen, was my beautiful future husband. I almost let go of his father’s arm and ran full-force toward him. This gift, this beautiful surprise was more than I could have ever dreamed. It wasn’t just perfect, it was magical.

From the lighting, to the music, from the tables to the linens, he’d gotten everything right. The flowers were the ones I’d picked out, and in the far corner was the cake that we’d driven a whole day in order to sample it in person.

His sisters, so beautiful in their matching dresses, stood next to their brother. He’d gotten every detail right.

As I continued walking it all hit me. I was about to marry the man of my dreams, the father of my unborn child. With shaking hands I reached out and found his. In his eyes were happy tears, as I continued to fight my own.

“Hey, darlin’. I’m glad you could make it. I was sweatin’ bullets for a while.”

“I can’t believe you did this for me.”

“I did this for us. I knew you wanted everyone to be here, and so with a little help I made it happen.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Everyone got quiet as soon as the music stopped playing. The pastor from our church came out of the audience and stood before us. In the next fifteen minutes we recited our vows to each other, promising love, faithfulness, and a lifetime of being together. I never took my eyes off of Noah, and neither did he with mine.

We exchanged rings that we’d bought a year before, but never been able to use.

Then we kissed, and it wasn’t like those kisses that you see in the movies. It was long, messy, and probably way too erotic for the poor pastor’s eyes, not that we paid any attention. This was the happiest moment of my life.

I’d had a number one hit single, and not felt this kind of euphoria.  There was only one thing missing that could make it even better.

After pronouncing us man and wife, and everyone watching our seductive kiss unfold I took the microphone with one hand, and held on tight to my husband with the other. “Thank you all for this. I’ll never be able to say how grateful I am to all of you. I love you, and I’m happy to be a Mitchell. Now, before we get this party started, I have something I want to give to Noah and all of you for Christmas. You see, I’ve had a secret for a while now,” I heard his mother gasp, because she must have already guessed it. “Noah,” I looked him right in those gorgeous green eyes. “You’re going to be a daddy.”

The pastor leaned forward. “It must have been from all that kissing.”

Noah laughed, but I felt embarrassed, only for a second, until the whole family came up to congratulate us.

It was surreal. Every intimate detail of our perfect wedding was absolutely remarkable. He’d even convinced my agent and managers to come out on Christmas Eve to celebrate. They’d all kept it a secret from me.

It took us a long time before we could be alone. The sun had set, and the night sky full of stars shined down over us. The music was loud inside of the barn, but all I could hear was my own beating heart. “I don’t know what to say to this.”

“Were you pregnant this whole time? Since Thanksgiving?”

I worried that he’d be mad, but nodded anyway. I didn’t want our marriage starting out with a lie before the reception ended. “Please don’t be mad. I needed to wait until I had everything in order.”

“In order?”

“Noah, I canceled the tour. I’m goin’ to still write and record, but I’m getting out of my contract. I love to sing, and perform, but not as much as I love being with you. This baby helped me see that. It’s time I learned how to be a wife, and how to cook, because clearly we can’t keep eating at your parents every night.”

He chuckled and leaned forward to kiss me. “I don’t think my mom would mind.”

“So you’re not mad?”

“Shalan, not only did you marry me, but you’ve just given me the best present a man could ask for. I ain’t mad.”

“Merry Christmas, Noah.”

“Merry Christmas, darlin.”

Chapter 10

Noah

Waking up on Christmas day next to my wife was a gift in itself. Placing my hand on her stomach and knowing that a part of me was growing inside of her was a blessing. I’d never in my life felt happier, and I knew we had so much to be thankful for.

It was a Mitchell family tradition to have pancakes at my Gram’s house. After cuddling half the morning away, we got up and dressed to see the family. For once I didn’t care about opening gifts or watching football with the guys. All I wanted to do was crawl back in bed with my wife and talk about everything that life had in store for us.

Breakfast was chaotic, although I think Shalan enjoyed that about our family. Her smile lit up the room, and everyone was so busy talking about the baby that I hardly got a word in edgewise.

I couldn’t stop looking at her, wondering if our child would have her features or mine. As long as he or she was healthy I’d be okay, and even if something was wrong, I knew we’d do whatever that child needed.

This was what my father wanted me to see about staying on the ranch. It was this kind of fulfillment that I couldn’t get anywhere else.

I looked around the room at my family.

My sister Christian was  in love. It was hard to imagine what she’d been through not so long ago. Addison, our youngest sibling had enrolled in art classes, and had also been clean for almost three months. She had a long road ahead of her, but we’d help her.

Bells and Rusty were already talking about having another child. My only regret was that they lived so far away.

Even my aunts and uncles, and all of my cousins seemed to be enthralled with contentment, with the exception of Jake. He stood in the corner alone, with a plate in his hand. I couldn’t understand why he was so bitter, but knew he clearly needed to get something off of his chest.

I pulled him outside where no one else could hear us. “Dude, what’s up with you?”

“You promise you won’t say anything to my brother? I mean it, Noah. This stays between us. No pranks or jokes. This is for real.”

I held out my hand. “It’s Christmas. You have my word, Jake. Did you do something wrong? Are you in trouble.”

He looked down at the ground, and I could tell this was serious. “It’s about my brother, well indirectly. You know that girl he brought; the chick, Reese, that he says is the one?”

I nodded. “Does she have a kid? Is she married or somethin?” It was obvious he had a problem with her, and clearly it would have to be something Jax didn’t know.

“I’m in love with her.” He looked right into my eyes after he’d said it. “I’m tryin’ real hard to keep my distance, but it’s not helping. How am I supposed to watch them together when I want it to be me?”

I didn’t know how to answer. “Jesus, Jake. I don’t know. He’s your brother. You can’t…It’s not like you don’t have to see him. You two do everything together. You’ve got to figure this out. It can’t come between you. No matter what.”

Jake nodded. “I think I just needed to tell someone. I’ll be alright. I’ll keep being a dick so she hates me. It’s the only way. I’d never intentionally hurt Jax. You know that.”

“Yeah, I know, cuz. It’ll be okay. You’ll get past it.” I didn’t know if that was the truth, but I had to at least make him feel better. My cousin was in love with his twin brother’s girl. He clearly wasn’t having a good Christmas.

Once I went back inside I found my bride talking to my Gram, and my other grandmother. They were all smiles as they discussed me as a small boy. Shalan was glowing. I winked to let her know I was watching. She blew me a kiss, making me wish we were back in that bed.

Later on, when we were heading back to our house, I pulled her close to me. “We haven’t talked about honeymoons. Is there any place you’d like to go?”

She pointed to the woods in the direction of our house. “I’d like to be locked up in a large cabin for the next few weeks. Do you think we could arrange that, Mr. Mitchell?”

“Oh yeah, I think we can, Mrs. Mitchell.”

The End

Merry Christmas from the Mitchell-Healy’s and have a very Happy New Year.

Look For The DOUBLE Release of Jake and Jax on February 8
th
.

2 BOOKS 1 DAY. (JAKE IS READ FIRST)