Page 53 of Finding Solace
Finding a quiet moment to myself,I gaze out at the lake as the sun begins to set. As the vibrant colors of oranges and yellows begin to paint the surface of the water, I think about Grams. This is the time of day I feel her with me themost.
When Reid and I decided to marry right away, I knew as we promised the rest of our lives to one another I wanted it to be at the exact moment the sun kissed the earth's surface. After hearing of mine and Reid's plan to marry, Bella quickly offered up her and Logan's place on the lake. The whole club, our family, has pitched in to make today a day we will never forget. Bella has indeed been my rock since we have known each other, and I can honestly say there is no better friend thanher.
I look at myself in the full-length mirror and smooth down my dress. My something old is the same wedding dress my grandmother wore when she married my grandfather in 1952. It's a long sleeve, ivory lace gown. The only alterations I had done to it was opening the backside to expose my back making it more modern and a little sexy. Everything else about it was perfect. My hair is pinned up on one side with a mass of curls sweeping down over my right shoulder, keeping my makeup simple with a pop of red painted on mylips.
For something borrowed a stunning piece of antique jewelry I have attached to my bouquet that Bella found on her trip to the Bahamas Logan took her on months ago. My something blue comes from Alba; a pair of small sapphire earrings and finally my something new. As I was getting ready earlier, Ava came in with a little blue box. I opened it and nestled inside was a delicate silver chain attached to a small infinity symbol. The note tucked underneath it merely read,I love you,Kitten.
Turning to my left, I look at my maid of honor, Bella, as she hands me my bouquet. "You look beautiful, Mila," she beams, then she pulls me in for ahug.
"Ready, Momma?" Ava's cheerful voice asks, stealing myattention.
Looking down at my daughter, I smile. I take in how beautiful she looks in her dress. The top is sleeveless and ivory in color, while the bottom fades into a blush pink tulle which reaches the tips of her toes covered in pink ballet flats. Her bouncy blonde curls are swept up in a high ponytail, topped off with light pink roses. Ava was very much involved in the planning of our wedding, and she insisted on pink, so the flowers and her dress were all for her. She is also walking me down the aisletoday.
"Let's do it, baby girl," I smile giving her awink.
Once Bella makesher way down the aisle, everyone stands from their seats. As music fills the air, Ava places her tiny hand in mine, and we make our way towards ourfuture.
"Who gives this pretty lady away?" Quinn grins, directing his question towardsAva.
"Me," Ava announces with a giggle while swishing her tulle dress back and forth. Before Ava lets go of my hand to walk towards Bella, Reid clears histhroat.
"I have something I want to say to Ava first," Reid announces. Kneeling, he takes her small hands in his. My heart swells. Overwhelmed with emotions, my eyes well up with tears as I watch andlisten.
"Ava, my sweet girl. I'm so honored to have you in my life. I promise always to hold your hand. I promise always to show you how a man should treat a woman by the way I love your Momma. Above all else, I promise always to protect you and take care ofyou."
By the time he has finished with his vows, Ava leaps into his arms crying. The depth of connection the two of them have with each other is undeniable. He ushers her over towards Bella before standing and wiping the tears from my cheeks with histhumbs.
"You ready?" hesmiles.
Taking a breath, I recite my vows, "Reid, you showed us our hearts were missing someone-you," I smile at him, "In you, I have found a new beginning. You are everything I have always hoped for and more. You give me strength and courage every day. You've given me a family I've never had," I pause long enough to look out at the sea of faces standing with us today, then look back at Reid, "You've given me a home. You are our home. I love you." I blink, and another set of tears trail down myface.
Taking my face in his hands, Reid leans in as if to kiss me, "You chose me. It was you who made me feel worthy of being loved. It was you who had all the strength, and you gave it to me when I needed it the most. You breathed life back into me. Mila, you and Ava are my home. You’re mine, Kitten. I will forever love you." His lips crash down on mine. Cheerserupt.
"Fuck, Yeah!" Quinn boast before announcing, "I give you Mr. And Mrs. Reid Carter,motherfuckers!"
REID
When we make it to the clubhouse, the party is in full force. Family, food, laughter and my beautiful as fuck wife surround me, and I couldn’t be happier than I am rightnow.
The sight of Mila and Ava walking down the aisle towards me almost brought me to my damn knees. I have Mila to thank for bringing me solace. My soul finally feels at peace. Every time I look at Ava I see Noah. I still can't believe I have a living, breathing piece of him in my life. I vow to live each day fulfilling the promise I made to him. Ava is minenow.
A few weeks ago, Mila and I sat down with Ava and explained to her Noah is her father and my brother. Being the amazing little person she is, Ava took it all in stride. She had questions that we answered along with showing her pictures of him. Photos that are now proudly displayed around our home. It was the question Ava asked later the same day that had me ready to rip my own heart out and hand it to her as we were sitting down to eatdinner.
"Reid, can you be myDaddy?"
I cut my eyes over to Mila who had tears streaming down her face. Choking past my own emotions I turned back towards Ava, "Is that what you want,sweetheart?"
She had nodded her head vigorously making her curls bounce when she answered me, "I want you to be myDaddy."
Later that night when Mila and I tucked Ava into bed, she sleepily whispered, "Goodnight Momma, GoodnightDaddy."
I knew this little girl would own my heartforever.
Jake rapping his knuckles brings my attention back to the present. Lifting his chin, he gives me the signal I've been waiting on. Standing up, I stride across the room with my sights set on my bride who is talking to Bella and Alba. Wrapping my arms around her middle from behind, I bury my face in her neck breathing in herscent.
"Go get changed and come take a ride with me," I murmur and smile when I feel her body shudder. I swat her ass, "Go on. I'll be outside waiting foryou."
Fifteen minutes later Mila is on the back of my bike, and I am making the turn down the street where her grandmother's house is. I feel the moment she realizes the direction we are heading towards because her arms squeeze tighter around me. She hasn't been back to the house since moving out. The club has been keeping a secret from her, and it's time for her to find out what that secret is. Pulling into the driveway, I park my bike next to Jake's where he and Sofia are standing. I cut the engine while Mila climbs off the back. Taking her helmet off, I take in the shocked expression on herface.
