My aunt and uncle made the decision to take a plea deal so I didn’t have to testify against them.They still got life in prison with no chance of parole, but my uncle David was extremely convincing when it came time to discuss the plea deal and what the odds of them going to trial were.Apparently they didn’t like the thought of letting everyone know how truly despicable they are and the hell I lived in for so long.Plus, a trial would mean I spilled every single second they had and there are things my uncle didn’t want to get out to the public.It would do nothing but absolutely eviscerate him and he’d end up facing the death penalty.So, their only real option was the deal that would keep them locked up for the rest of their miserable lives.All I felt was a rush of relief that I wouldn’t have to lay myself open in front of a judge, jury, and anyone else in the courtroom.My torment is still private and something I choose to share with those I allow in my life.
Laura, Kreed’s mom, has officially moved to Glendale and loves her new home.The day she got here with Sam and Playboy, we were waiting for her on the porch so she could be the first one inside the furnished house.Kreed and I bought everything for her and picked out each item with her in mind.I can’t help but remember the day she got here with a smile on my face.
Kreed and I stand on the small porch of Laura’s new home.He picked it out and bought it after showing me a ton of pictures before we shopped for everything she would need to fill it.The house is a small three-bedroom on one level because she wants to turn one room into a guest room and the other one will be for her grandbabies.Her words, not mine.There’s a yard behind the house and it’s just a few minutes from the compound.She’ll have her freedom but still be close if something happens.
“They’re here,” Kreed says as I look up and find Sam’s SUV pulling in followed by a moving truck.
Excitement shows on Kreed’s face as he wraps an arm around my shoulders and I turn slightly to wrap my arms around his body.Playboy parks the SUV to the side as the moving truck backs in the driveway and stops right in front of the small garage that leads into the house.Kreed lets go of me and moves to the SUV so he can help his mom out.I remain on the porch as she stops and looks at her new home with tears in her eyes.
“Kreed, I already love it.The pictures you sent me didn’t do the place justice,” she says, letting him lead her to me as he hands over her keys.
“Annistyn and I are the only two with keys to the house.We won’t use them unless there’s an emergency,” Kreed informs her as she steps up in front of me and pulls me in for a tight hug.
“You can use them whenever you want to, Son.Both of you are welcome any time, day or night,” she responds, stepping up to unlock her front door as we all wait behind her.
Laura steps inside and takes in every inch of her home.We walk from one room to the next as the movers begin to bring everything inside and leave it in the rooms labeled on the boxes.We also stocked her kitchen with food and the drinks she loves to have on hand.That was the last thing we did this morning after walking through and making sure the house was cleaned from top to bottom.All of her appliances are brand-new and set up for her.The house is perfect and ready to move in.She’ll just need help unpacking and settling in.
When we get to the backyard, I continue following Laura as she takes in the flower gardens.The previous owner planted them and we decided to let her make the decision if she wants to change anything or not.Before we get too far, I turn to see where Kreed is and gasp in shock.He’s kneeling before me as I turn around to face him.Playboy and Sam are standing behind him with Laura behind me.
“Pixie, you’re my ol’ lady and the love of my life.Every day I wake up with you in my arms is the best and each one is better than the last one.I’ve gotten to spend the last two years watchin’ you grow into a strong, independent woman who cherishes every memory she makes and loves everyone she chooses to let in her life.You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I’ve ever met and have become the center of my universe without even tryin’.You understand me in ways not a lot of people do and care about what’s important to me.Together, I want to build a life centered on love and support.Annistyn, will you do me the honor of becomin’ my wife and spendin’ the rest of our lives creatin’ a million memories in front of the camera and behind the lens?”he asks me as I remain silent for a few minutes.
“Yes!”I finally manage to respond as Kreed smiles up at me and removes the ring from the box he’s holding.He slowly sides it on my finger while standing up and pulling me into his arms once the ring is in place.Kreed kisses me long and deep as his mom, Sam, and Playboy clap in the quickly fading background.
When we finally separate, Laura is the first one to pull us in for a hug.She’s crying and telling us how happy she is.I never needed a grand proposal because it wasn’t something I spent my days dreaming about and I hate being the center of attention.Here and now in Laura’s backyard in front of three other people is absolutely perfect.
The ring Kreed got me is simple.It has a platinum band with a diamond in the center.A tulip is on each side of the diamond because it was one of my mom’s favorite flowers.Wrapped around the band is a sunflower.The sunflower starts just under one of the tulips with the stem wrapping around the rest of the band until it reaches the other tulip.Our initials are carved into the inside of the ring on either side of a heart.The diamond isn’t large, but it’s big enough to be noticed.I fell in love with it the second he slid it on my finger and I was able to take in all the details.Kreed captured everything important to me with it.
We spent two days helping Laura unpack her home.Tank, Cali, Reckless, and the kids came over to help us so it didn’t take as long as it would have on her own.Those days we ate our meals at her home and she loved cooking for us.All of us laughed as we worked and listened as Dakota sang along with the music we had playing each day.I love that little girl to pieces.Finally, Laura was all moved in and exhausted as we left her the final day once the dishes were cleaned up from dinner.
“Pixie, what are your plans for the day?”Kreed asks, walking in the bathroom where I’m brushing my teeth after getting sick again.
“I’m going to the doctor with Cali.It’s time I get checked out,” I tell him, not lying about what I’m doing today.
“Good.I’m worried about you, Pixie.You’ll call me as soon as your appointment is over?”he asks, leaning in to kiss the top of my head.
“Yeah.We’re still having lunch at your mom’s before Tank, Sam, and Playboy head back home?”I return, rinsing my mouth and placing my toothbrush back in the cup.
“Yeah.She’s been cookin’ all mornin’,” he responds, grabbing his own toothbrush.“Roger is joinin’ us.”
“Sounds perfect.I love you,” I tell him, leaving him in the bathroom to finish getting ready for work.
“I love you, too,” he responds as I grab my sneakers and phone before heading downstairs.
Kreed already took Oreo outside as I make my way into the kitchen to give her food and water.On top of everything we’ve had going on, Kreed had our backyard fenced in for Oreo and a doggy door installed for her to go outside when we’re not home.If we can’t find her inside when we get back from wherever we’ve been, she’s outside playing or lounging in the sun.Oreo is such a good puppy and never makes a mess in the house when we’re not home with her.I’m so glad she chose me to be her family and Kreed loves her as much as I do.
***
Cali and I make ourway out of the doctor’s office and I can’t stop smiling at the ultrasound picture I have in my hands.There’s a few more in Cali’s bag so I can do something special for Kreed, his mom, Roger, and the rest of the group who will be at Laura’s house for lunch today.Those are the only people I want to know about the pregnancy because I am high risk.I don’t want the entire club to know in case anything happens.I’m going to do whatever it takes to ensure this baby is safe and I carry him or her to term.
Instead of heading for her SUV, Cali directed me to a baby store a few buildings down.I searched for the perfect gifts to give each person and I think I found them.Cali squealed when I chose Kreed’s gift and I had tears in my eyes because I hope he loves it.We bought bags to place everything in and tissue paper in a variety of colors.When we got to the SUV, Cali helped me put each bag together before we left them on the back seat and climbed in to go to lunch.
“Don’t forget to message Kreed,” she reminds me as she pulls out of the parking lot and heads toward Laura’s house.
Me: We’re on our way to your mom’s house now.I’m okay and will explain everything when you get there.
I set my phone on my thigh because if he’s not riding, Kreed will answer me as soon as he sees the message.It doesn’t take long before my phone is alerting me to his response.
Kreed: I’m already here, Pixie.You and Cali are the last ones to show.I’ll meet you outside.
