Page 57 of Flawless Aria

“Mel, what test? Are you sick?” My stomach is turning with all kinds of worst case scenarios.

“A pregnancy test. I’m pregnant.” She’s not laughing anymore. I understand her concern but being pregnant isn’t a bad thing.

“Sweetie. Look at me.” When she does, I continue. “Zander is going to be over the moon. Now there’s just going to be one more for him to love. He’s an amazing father and wonderful husband. The timing might be off but nothing that you guys can’t handle.” Why is she shaking her head?

“No, it’s not. The baby will be due when his tour is over and mine begins.” And more tears. I have a feeling the only person who’s going to comfort her is Zander. I’m sure they’re almost done with makeup, so I’ll leave the two alone.

When Hadley starts fussing, she gets ready to get up. “You stay put. I’ll take miss Hadley with me, and I’ll send Zander in when…”

“No, I can’t face him right now. Stay, don’t leave me.”

“Mel, what the fuck’s wrong?” That’s my cue to grab the baby and run. Slinging the baby bag over my shoulder, I pick up Hadley, grab her bottle out of the fridge, and try sneaking out.

Zander stops me. “Thanks, Aria. It looks like I owe you for more than just giving us the bedroom all those months ago. You’ve been a wonderful friend, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better than you to spend a lifetime with my best friend.” This time, all I can do is nod before rushing out the door.

33

Today’s the day…

JAXON

I’ve beena nervous wreck ever since I opened my eyes this morning. Not because I’m getting married, that’s a piece of cake. It’s because I haven’t seen my bride to be since last night. Can you believe that this crazy woman who insisted on an unconventional wedding decided that we shouldn’t see each other until we’re standing before the minister! Crazy right? I thought so, but Aria’s not like any other woman I’ve ever met. She makes me laugh, tolerates my quirky phrases, and loves dessert as much as me. It’s a match made in heaven.

How did she expect me to survive the day, let alone play to a sold-out crowd at Liberty Stadium tonight is beyond me. I’m desperate to have her in my arms, tell her I’m crazy in love with her, and how happy I’ve been since she agreed to be my wife. Now I just need to wait a few more hours before I can make her mine.

“Hey, big brother. Are you ready for your big day?” Mel slides in next to me, kissing me on the cheek.

“I was born ready, but I’m not thrilled that Aria’s determined not to see me before the wedding. How’s she doing?”

“She’s anxious but doing great. Kinda like you.” She nudges me, then leans her head on my shoulder. I put my arm around her and pull her close.

“Aria worked so hard on creating something quirky and crazy to fit our personalities, and I don’t want to let her down. I’m only anxious because I want everything to go perfectly. I’m a damn good drummer but dancing is not my forte.”

“Dude, I’ve seen you in rehearsal and you kick fucking ass. The two of you together is da bomb. It’s extremely entertaining in case you’d forgotten what that meant.”

“No, I remembered. Thanks.”

“Time to get this show on the road, unless you don’t want to get married tonight.” Oh, Zander thinks he’s a comedian tonight, I guess. “Drew sent me in here to get the groom ready for makeup since we’ve finished. Move your ass, Jax.”

“Duty calls. It’s fucking surreal knowing the next time I walk in here I’ll be a married man.” As soon as I walk out the door, I’m pummeled by a ton of rice flying in every direction. I shield my eyes as I walk past the crew who are clapping and slapping me on the back.

“Are you trying to blind the fucking groom on his wedding day? A heads up would have been nice, bestie. Kinda hard playing the drums when I can’t see a fucking thing.” Zander chuckles before he grabs me by the shoulder and guides me through the dressing room door. Too little too late.

“Ladies be gentle with him today. He has the wedding day jitters.” I flip Zander the one finger salute as he sits on the leather couch behind me. I’m pissed but only because throwing rice is a prank that I would have done to one of the guys. Just mad I didn’t think of it when Zander and Micah got married. Food for thought when Ace takes the plunge.

Not long after, my makeup is complete. Hey, you can’t mess with perfection. As soon as the girls leave the room, I change into my concert clothes and kick back. Sitting on the couch with Zander.

“Did you remember the ring?” I nod when he pulls it out, shows me, and tucks it back inside.

“Told you a long time ago that I got your back, Jax. Always.” Why is this asshole making me all emotional? I’ll ruin my makeup.

“Yeah, well, right back at ya. Can you believe how far we’ve come since that first day we met? It seems like just yesterday and it’s already been fifteen years. Crazy. Time goes by too damn fast, doesn’t it?”

“That’s the fucking truth. The thought of being a dad again by the time the tour comes to a close is surreal.” What?

“No fucking way. Mel’s pregnant? Get the fuck out. I’m going to be an uncle again?” When the crazy bastard laughs, I want to hug him but hey we’re guys.

“Yeah, she just told me yesterday. I can’t wrap my head around it yet and it certainly was unexpected, but I’m overjoyed. Guess I’ll be caring for two babies while Mel’s on tour. Want to help?”

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