Page 60 of Icing the Enemy

“Surprise, baby,” he says as he kisses the crown of my head.

“You did this?” I ask, amazed and confused. If he doesn’t want it to hurt worse, why?

“I had help.”

Of course, he did. This has Becca written all over it—classy.

Just then, a gaggle of people who look like Corbin and Becca surround us. Corbin has his dad’s build with his mom’s hair and eyes. And Becca is tiny like her mom with her dad’s blond hair. “Oakley, this is my mom and dad. This is my wife Oakley.”

I like how he uses the possessive term in public, but I loved it more when he used it in private on our wedding night.

“It’s a pleasure,” I squeak out, nerves wracking my body.

His mom says, “We’re a little surprised by how quickly this happened, but all that matters is Corbin’s happiness. If you dreamt of having a big wedding, I’m sure Corbin would love to make your dreams come true, after the season. We’re happy he pulled off the reception, so we all could be here to celebrate your wedding.”

“Thank you.” I look at Corbin. “So, this isn’t an animal shelter fundraiser?” I mean, I see the decorations, but I just want to be clear that Corbin arranged this for us. For a formal public display.

“No, baby. This is just for you—for us.”

Tugging on his arm, he leans down, and I whisper in his ear, “Laying it on a little thick today, considering you…”

I’m interrupted by a small, frail older woman. “Sugarbear, I knew you would find her.”

Corbin seems surprised as he lets go of me and wraps his arms around his grandmother, based on the photos in his house. “Mamaw. You made it.” Genuine happiness paints his face.

“Come here and give your Mamaw-in-law a hug.” Her arms raise excitedly as she wraps them around me, shaking a bit. Then she quietly says in my ear, “Corbin says you don’t have any grandparents. Well, you have one now, and I promise I’m more fun than most.” She coughs as we pull apart. “A little too much fun sometimes,” she jokes.

“Nice to meet you. I could use a little fun in my life.” I glance at Corbin. “I’m not used to sitting around and not working, just waiting for my husband to come home.”

Corbin jumps in. “The season starts next week, and we’ll be on the road together.” He kisses me on the cheek. God, he’s a good actor and I hate him for it. I want him to want more. “Oh, and this is Jasper, Pepper, the twins—Sophie, Renae, Vance, Isaiah, and of course, you know Becca, and these are the littles.”

“Do the littles have names?” I crouch down in front of them. “You must be Layla, Lorna, and Levi.” I touch their bellies when I name each one. “Is there any good food here?” I ask.

Levi is a carbon copy of Corbin, at least what I picture him to have looked like when he was little. He says, “They have sour straws.”

I take his hand. “Can you show me?” Then I ask his parents, “Is it okay if I take the littles?”

“Sure. Be good, kiddos.”

As we’re walking off, Corbin’s mom says, “I think your Mamaw is right; you found her.”

Corbin says, “I know it was quick, but it feels right.”

Inwardly, my eyes are on a continual roll.

Layla, Levi, and Lorna tag along with me as they fill the tiny appetizer plates. “Ooh, they brought out chicken fingers. Do you all want some? They’re my fave.”

The five- and six-year-old kids bounce up and down, unable to contain their excitement. I grab a few pieces and put one piece on each of their plates and a spoonful of dipping sauce. Turns out they all want something different. How does their mom do it? I know why she’s skinny and, in her fifties, they have lots of energy.

Suddenly, Jennie Rae, Rodney, and Sonny walk in, and the first thing Jennie Rae does is scream. “Mrs. Shearer, where areyou?” She parts the crowd and heads straight for me. “There she is, and who are these little cuties?” She squeezes me tight.

“These are Corbin’s little brothers and sisters.” I introduce them before Jasper and Pepper come over and take them to sit and eat.

Jennie Rae can barely contain herself. “Were you surprised? I’ve been keeping the secret all week. Corbin came by after practice on Monday and invited everyone. A few of the girls had other plans. But he wanted to make sure Rodney could come, and I guess he found Sonny and asked him too.” Jennie Rae shrugs, then I notice she has a present in one hand.

“You didn’t have to get us anything.”

“Girl, are you kidding? You’re my best friend.”

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