Page 51 of Count On Me

“You twat. I don’t need a cushion to help me sit down, thank you. But I am deliciously sore in all the right places.” I smirk as her mouth drops in shock and head over to the sofa, ready to regale her with tales of my magical night.

“Hi, Mum.” I breathe into the phone, unable to wipe the smile from my face.

“You sound happy, Girlie.” My mum’s always been astute when it comes to me.

“Jaxson.” One word and I’m beaming from ear to ear again.

“Do you mean you two have finally got your heads out of your backsides and realised what we’ve all known for bloody years?” I laugh at her and roll my eyes at the same time.

“Yes, Mum. We’re together. I’ve loved him forever, and he was definitely worth the wait.”

“And he loves you too? Because whether I’ve known him near enough his whole damn life or not, I will skin him from head to toe if he hurts my baby girl,” she warns, and I sigh happily knowing I have such an amazing mum.

“He’s kept a picture of me next to his bed for the past two years so he could wake up next to me every day.” I swear I hear her swoon through the phone as I lay back on my bed and stare up at the ceiling.

“Sweet Jesus, that's a line from a book if ever I’ve heard one. Has he told his folks?”

“He is today, so please don’t phone Joanie yet. Let Jaxson be the one to tell them.”

“I promise. Does this have something to do with his suspension? Was he fighting with Jordan because of you?”

I sigh and silently curse her ability to put everything together like that.

“Yeah. I kind of flirted with his friend after Jaxson pulled another ‘just a friend’ moment after we almost kissed. He hurt my feelings, so I wanted to pi-uh… pee him off,” I say as my mum cackles down the line.

“Nice catch. I’d hate to owe you a smack for cursing after this news. I taught you well. That boy needed something to realise he was in love with you. And I’m glad you weren’t waiting aroundfor him and took the bull by the horns, so to speak. Just think Edie-girl, when you guys get married I’ll officially be related to my bestie. Oh, we can coordinate our outfits. The mothers of the happy couple. I can’t wait to plan it all…”

“MUM. Enough. We’ve just got together. No pressure about weddings and marriage or anything please. It took him long enough to admit he loves me, let us breathe a little.” I sit upright in bed, a little embarrassed by how fast my heart’s beating at the idea of being Mrs. Brady. Knowing I’d be his forever and vice versa.

But I’m terrified if I voice these feelings, he’ll run. It’s too soon to completely silence that little voice whispering that one day he’ll realise I’m just the curvy, nerdy girl who likes to read, design things, and talk about romance books on her socials. Definitely not your typical WAG.

“Oh shush, Edie. You two haven’t taken this long to get together only to break up after a few months. You’re going the distance, you mark my words. I’m going to walk you down the aisle. Who knows, maybe one of Jaxson’s teammates might have a handsome, single dad for me to get to know.”

I shudder at the idea of my mum hooking up with someone at my wedding and then shake my head to get the words ‘my wedding’ out of my head, reminding myself we have only just got together. Instead of daydreaming about the future, I need to focus on the now. Not the what if.

“Okay, Mum. I’m going to stop you there. Angie’s calling me. She’s meant to be cooking dinner and I can hear her cursing already.”

She tuts her disapproval at the idea of Angie cursing and I giggle a little as we say our goodbyes.

Hanging up the phone, I flop back onto my bed. Ideas of white dresses, linen table cloths, and Jaxson standing in a tuxedo under an arch of wild flowers float through my head. Andfor just a little bit, I let them stay there. After all, they’ve been a part of my happily ever after for a long time now, and they finally seem within reach.

32

GROUP TEXTS BETWEEN THE BRADY BROTHERS AND PENNY

Jenson

It’s happening. I’m gonna get the hot bridesmaid. Woo hoo

Jameson

I’m finding this bridesmaid talk a little confusing.

Jaxson

Edie’s bridesmaid will probably be Angie…

Penny

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