Page 24 of Embracing Us

I square my shoulders and take a breath. Life is for living. I promised myself twelve months ago this would be my motto. Now, here I am, more settled than I’ve ever been. Happier than I’ve ever been. “Okay,” I say, throwing caution to the wind. “Let’s do it.”

“Seriously? You don’t want to take time to think about this?” Max’s eyes have popped wide in shock. He gawks at me, and I shake my head.

“I don’t need to. As long as I’m with you, we can do anything.” I lean over and kiss him gently on the lips. Jackson shrieks at the intrusion, causing us both to laugh. “One year, maybe two. Let’s take a risk. Everything that has gone right in my life has happened when I didn’t follow the rule book. We should rip that fucker up.”

“You’re amazing,” he whispers, his breathing increasing as he speaks. I’m crouched down in front of him so we are nose to nose. His mouth takes mine, kissing me deeply. Our tongues dance together, tasting each other’s excitement at the insane situation unfolding.

“Max Gordon,” I stutter, pulling away to catch my breath. “You brought this crazy woman out of me. Before I met you, I was a boring middle-aged mother walking through life with her eyes closed. Then…”

“I speared you with my magic cock and you saw the light,” he suggests. I laugh out loud. He smiles, the smile that makes my heart lift as my knickers get wet.

“Something like that. Or maybe, you loved me like every woman wants to be loved. And in doing so, I found myself in the process. You are the most amazing man. I can’t believe you chose me.”

“It wasn’t a choice. You were my destiny.” My stomach somersaults with his words. Every one said with complete sincerity. Every statement meant as it sounds, with no grey areas. Max is honest. It is one of the reasons I love him more than I’ve ever loved anyone. His honesty gives me strength. When he tells me he loves me, I know he does.

“You’re such a swoony fucker,” I tease, and he waggles his eyebrows.

“My swoon got you on your back, didn’t it? Tacky but effective.”

“Let’s go tell your aunt she has a deal,” I say, ignoring the comment and changing the subject. “Come on before your head gets any bigger.”

Susan and Crystal are still sitting in the bar but have moved on to wine instead of coffee. I break into a run as I cross the threshold of the room. She stands, and when we meet, our arms wrap around one another. “Linda,” she says, hurriedly, her voice choked with emotion. When I pull back, tears are running down both our faces.

“Yes,” I tell her. “We would love to accept your amazing offer to live here while you follow your dreams. My only stipulation is that you are here to see us marry.” Her face breaks into a wide smile, then her eyes move to Max who is walking up behind me pushing Jackson in his pram.

“We leave in four weeks,” she tells me.

“I know, that’s why we will be married in Gibraltar before you go.”

“Gibraltar, not London?” I shake my head. “How wonderful. That’s fantastic news.”

“Yes, we can have it arranged in a matter of days. I’ve already spoken to a wedding planner.” Max turns to me, surprise clear on his face. I hadn’t told him, but since my unplanned proposal, my mind has been on all things wedding. I’ve been researching like a woman on a mission. “Not getting cold feet, are you?” I ask him.

“Never, Beautiful. I’d marry you today if I could,” he answers, smoothly.

“How does next week sound? They have availability. The five of us can jump in the car and head down. We need to stay at least one night.”

“I’ll treat you to two,” Aunt Susan interrupts. “And we will keep this little man on your wedding night. The last thing you need is any distraction when you’re getting down to it.” She moves to look in Jackson’s pram, her face lighting up when she sees him sound asleep.

“Auntie,” Max mutters as his cheeks flush. “Not a topic of conversation I want to have with you or anyone actually.”

“We’re all adults here,” she scolds. “Don’t be such a prude. It’s quite clear you have sex.” She waves a hand at the pram. “The evidence is here.”

“Noisy sex,” Crystal interjects. “That fucking headboard is a nuisance. And, hell Linda, you don’t half scream.” My jaw drops as embarrassment consumes me. Shit, I thought I was being quiet.

“We moved the bloody bed,” Max snaps. “Just get the wedding organised. I’ll be there to put a ring on your finger.” His gaze moves to the two errant women chuckling to themselves. “What a pair of bridesmaids you’ve picked, Beautiful. A pair of old crows.” Crystal and Susan feign anger, then stick their tongues out at him in unison. All of us burst into laughter, and Jackson starts to cry. “I’m going to take my son for a walk,” Max announces, turning the pram and leaving without a backwards glance.

“Right ladies,” I say, rubbing my hands together. “Let’s get another bottle of wine and plan this wedding.” They both cheer. Crystal rises then scuttles to the bar for another bottle. Susan and I sit side by side. She holds my right hand in both of hers.

“The next few years will give me some of the best memories,” she says, quietly, as she watches her friend lift the bottle and an extra glass from the counter. “But the sad reality is, they will be forgotten all too soon.” My heart strains in my chest. The truth in her statement is devastating. “You and Max are the best thing that could have happened to each other. He needed you as much as you did him. Don’t ever underestimate the joy you’ve brought to his life.”

“He saved me,” I tell her.

“No, Linda, you saved yourself by following your heart. Love is the reward you receive for being brave enough to do so. Not everyone who walks on this earth has the same courage you do.”

“I don’t feel brave,” I admit as Crystal sits back down and pours wine into each glass. “There have been so many times I’ve run when things became tough.”

“But here you are,” Susan says, opening her arms to emphasise her point. “A brave woman recognises when she makes a mistake, admits when she is wrong, and chases what she wants. You, my friend, have done all those things. You deserve every bit of happiness that comes your way.” I don’t answer her with words, only a grateful smile. We each pick up a glass and raise it in front of ourselves.

“To new beginnings and making memories,” Crystal says.

“Indeed,” Susan agrees. “And more babies.”

“Not a chance in hell,” I hiss, and they snort with laughter.

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