Page 90 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“I’m telling you, some of those planners would find two thousand people.”

“As long as I’m marrying you, we could do it in a Vegas chapel for all I care.”

“Hey, now there’s a novel idea. Throw a few back, stumble down the aisle. I could puke on your shoes after.”

“Sounds like the past few weeks for us,” I said with a grin.

“Speaking of, I need to get the twins in to see a doctor about that. I want to make sure they don’t have reflux.”

“Already set the appointment. It’s next Thursday at four thirty. In between the twin’s naps and it gives me a chance to get off work early so I can be there.”

“Perfect. Thank you for making that appointment, by the way. I keep forgetting to do it. One minute I’m like ‘oh! Gotta make it!’ and the next moment I’ve got a kid peeing down my leg.”

“Sounds like my college days,” I said.

“What kind of college days did you have?” she asked.

“Drunk ones. So many drunk ones.”

The two of us laughed and flirted and caressed one another underneath the table. We enjoyed the wonderful foods prepared specifically for us. We sat and talked for three solid hours before exhaustion began to set in. Natasha yawned, which caused me to yawn, and soon I was paying the check so we could get out of there.

We got home and found my mother sleeping in Clara’s bed with her. The twins were fast asleep and the boys were having a sleepover in Nathaniel’s room. We crept by everyone and shut the door behind us, then fell into bed in our clothes from dinner.

Natasha curled into my side and I wrapped my arms around her, watching as her eyes fluttered closed.

“I love you,” she said with a murmur.

“I love you too,” I said. “Now get some rest.”

“You too,” she said. “You need… rest…”

I watched her as she slipped off into a slumber, then took the first shift with the twins. She needed her rest and I wanted the time to bond with them. But more than that, I wanted the time to talk with my mother.

She wanted to know everything about the engagement, including whether or not Natasha said ‘yes’.

Twenty-nine

One year later

Natasha

“Natasha, you look beautiful,” Emma said staring at me.

“Not as beautiful as you. Aren’t I supposed to be the prettiest woman today?” I asked.

“Oh shut up. This dress is perfect for you. I just can’t believe Carter was the one that picked it out.”

“He didn’t pick it out. We simply had a conversation about outfits he liked on me, and I took all the things he likes the most and fused it into one dress. Thanks to the designer Joanna recommended. Girl has taste.”

“Well you look spectacular.”

“Thanks, Emma.”

I was standing in the mirror with my best friend as she placed her hands on my shoulders. The pale yellow dress had a satin sheen to it that cinched at her waist and fell off her shoulders. The trumpet bell fit her figure wonderfully, and the long gown would keep her warm during the cool ceremony. She had a red flower tucked behind her ear and her hair pulled into a low-lying bun at the nape of her neck.

And she had all of her jewelry matching.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I said. “I’m getting married, Emma.”

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