Page 42 of Resolution
“Let the games begin,” Pops announces. “It’s twenty-five dollars to join. Winner will take three-seventy-five home at the end of the night.”
Once everyone gets settled with their chips in place and a drink in hand, I really start enjoying myself. I’m at a table with Drew Warren, another new teammate, Zane, Gunderson, and Brian, my buddy from high school. Between hands, we catch up with one another and shoot the shit. I end up doing pretty well, and when the tables consolidate, I move over. Eventually, I lose and continue to drink and visit with the other guys who are out of the game.
Carson comes over with shots for everyone. “Let’s toast,” he announces to the crowd.
There are various cheers heard from all around.
My brother Zane’s the first to stand and raise his glass. “Zo, I never thought I’d see the day when you’d rather chase kids than skirts. I’m beyond thrilled Samantha came and knocked you on your ass. You have no idea what you’ve been missing out on. Here’s to my big brother. May he find health and happiness and never have to use a blue pill.”
I nearly double over when he tacks that last bit on without any warning. Holy shit. Did he just say that?
“Here, here,” can be heard and we all take a drink.
Gunderson’s the next to stand. “I have to say, I’m sad you won’t be able to go on any more epic single adventures with me. You’ve been the best wingman through it all. I can’t wait to meet the woman who’s made you change your ways. Congratulations, Harps.”
After more cheers, Pops clears his throat. “Son, I never in a million years thought this day would come. But I’ve been here from the beginning. I was there the day you laid eyes on Samantha. You’ve grown into a man I’m proud of. My only advice for marriage is, never do something once, you don’t want to do for the rest of your life. Love with all your heart, and in the middle of the night, put the toilet seat down.”
The room bursts into laughter and I just shake my head. As I look at the room. I’m so thankful for those who’ve shown up to support me. I’ve been through thick and thin with most of these men, and having them here is everything.
18
Samantha
Shocked isan understatement to describe showing up for dinner at Lexi’s, only to find a house full of women I know and love. Each of these women have been a part of my life over the years. Lexi has our dinner catered and I’m pampered beyond belief.
I have no idea how she managed to get Mom and my sister-in-law, Megan, here as a surprise, either. But I’m beyond ecstatic. I squeal with delight when I see them in the living room. They weren’t due in until tomorrow, so they could be here for the rehearsal dinner.
After eating, the ten of us go to a day spa. Somehow Lexi’s worked her magic and got them to stay open just for us to be pampered. When we arrive, we fill every pedicure chair available. As we chat about the details of the wedding, Lexi wanders off for a bit before returning with a huge smile on her face. She’s up to something, but for the moment, she’s not filling me in.
“How did Enzo propose?” my college roommate Brooke asks. Everyone in the room quiets as they await my response.
I know this question’s inevitable, but I feel guilty for not being honest with everyone. There’s no way I’m announcing my pregnancy, so I launch into my visit with Enzo in Germany. I tell them how he greeted me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers at the airport. Audible sighs can be heard as I describe how he swept me up into his arms, like no one was watching. I tell them about touring castles, seeing the sights, and of course, how utterly perfect he is. I omit the part about being sick or my stint in the hospital. There’s a ton of laughter when I explain how I convinced Enzo to go to a bathhouse. Keeping things casual, I mention, “One day while we were out and about, he got down on one knee. And… Well… You know my answer.” Everyone sighs at how romantic I made it sound.
Lexi catches my eye and winks, letting me know my secret’s safe with her.
As soon as our toes are dry, most of us opt to get manicures, too. Just as I’m about to get a French manicure to match my toes, a woman comes out from another room and calls my name.
“That’s me.”
“Great,” she says with a more than cheery smile. “Come this way and we’ll get started.”
Get started with what?I look to Lexi and her grin almost splits her face in half.Christ. What has she done now?I take a deep breath to prepare myself for the possibility of answers. “Started with what?”
“I’ve got you booked for a Brazilian wax. Just follow me to our back room and we’ll get you all set up.” I glower in Lexi’s direction but with everyone in the room looking at me, I obediently follow the all too cheerful woman in front of me.
“Just think of this as my gift to both you and Enzo,” Lexi hollers out.
“Ohmigod,” falls from my lips in a whisper. “I’m going to kill her.”
The woman leading me away tells me her name, but I’m not paying attention. When we’re out of earshot from my bachelorette party, Little Miss Sunshine leads me to a room with a table set up in the middle like I’m going to my obstetrician. At least there aren’t fucking stirrups for my legs. That would just be too much. “If you’ll just remove your clothing from the waist down, I’ll get everything ready.”
“O… Kay,” I draw out slowly as I look around the room. I guess it makes no sense in her leaving. It’s not like she won’t be up in my business in a matter of minutes. I drop my underwear from beneath my skirt and decided to just let it gather at my waist.
“So, when’s the big day?” Miss Sunshine gleefully asks as I lie on the table, keeping the back side of my skirt around my waist, and the front covering me, for now.
“Saturday.” For a second, I can’t help the smile that forms. I’m dying to be Enzo’s wife. I can’t wait to tell everyone about our growing family as well as simply be with him. I adjust the pillow behind my head and get comfortable.
“Wow, that’s exciting. I got married last year. We honeymooned in Italy. It was amazing.” She rolls everything necessary on a cart and comes to stand behind me. “Have you ever had this done before?”
