“Oh, baby, that sounds so amazing. That panic attack left me starving. Real fast though, me and Silas talked about girl names, and I never had a chance to ask y’all’s thoughts. What do you think about Willow Saige and Iris Claire?”
Callum holds mine and Silas’s hands. “I think those are beautiful names. They have strong sentimental meaning. Guys, your thoughts?” The rest of them are all a little quiet, which has me getting worried.
“I love the names, Angel. I do have one question, though. What will we do about their last names since we aren’t sure who the bio dad is, and none of us care to know?” Bodie asks, and the others all nod in agreement.
“Huh, I actually haven’t thought about it. How would y’all want to do it?” I nervously ask. I really like having the same last name as my kids. That's why after Corin died, I changed all of our names back to my maiden name.
Odin pulls me up, and all the guys stand with us. “Actually, Babygirl, we’ve been talking about it and, well…” They all get down on one knee. “Will you marry us? We figured you’d want to keep the last name you share with Emma and the kids, and none of us are attached to our last names. So will you marry us?”
He opens up a ring box that I didn’t see he had, and when he opens it, I have tears running down my face for a new reason. I have to compose myself and wipe my eyes to be able to see what turns out to be the most beautiful white gold, kite cut, engagement ring. It looks like a moonstone with onyx in the setting around the band. It’s perfect.
I stand there in complete shock, like I can't believe this is actually happening. Not only do these five amazing guys want to spend the rest of their lives with me, but they have taken on the role of dads to my kids without hesitation. It still makes me slightly nervous since Corin didn’t turn into a monster until after our marriage, but I know that’s just my trauma talking.
They are all shifting around nervously waiting for my answer. I take a deep breath and check in with myself to make sure in my heart and soul that this is what I want.
“Yes. Of course I’ll marry y’all! Not sure how we will make it work legally, but yes!” I squeal out.
I’m crying, they are crying and taking turns hugging and kissing me. I know some people won’t understand how I moved on or got over everything in my past and was able to feel so comfortable with my guys so easily. It took a year of extensive therapy four times a week for the kids and I, and knowing with every fiber of my being that these five men before me are so completely different in every possible way from Corin. I know the kids and I are finally going to have the family I’ve always dreamed about. No one deals with trauma the same way and if it wasn’t for them being such amazing men and being patient with me, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. They all give off the most calming energies. I know the damage Corin has done will never go away, that I’ll always have the scars he left outside and inside my body, but I have the support and love I need to get stronger every day.
“Would you like your ring now?” Silas chuckles.
“Yes, it’s so fucking perfect! Where did you find it?” I ask as he slides it down on my finger.
“We had it custom made with your two favorite crystals. Now how about we head to the dining room and let everyone know we have more to celebrate?” He grabs my hand, and we all head to find our guests and family.
* * *
ORIN
I can’t believe she said yes! We get to marry the most amazing woman and mother. There aren’t enough words to even begin to describe how excited I am to bring two more baby girls into this family. Hell I’m still in shock that we are having twins. Odin and I have always been so close. I’m thrilled they will get to experience that.
“Hey, everyone, sorry for my little freak out. Thank you all for staying, we have some more exciting news. First, we decided on names for the girls. Twin A is going to be Willow Saige, and Twin B will be Iris Claire, and…” she pauses for dramatic effect. “Look!” Isla holds up her hand and shows everyone her ring.
“We’re getting married!” We all shout at the same time. Everyone starts clapping and congratulating us.
The kids run over and launch themselves at their mother and me. Odin and Callum help ease the impact since she still does get a slight tweak in her stomach from the gunshot.
“Mommy, does that mean they will be our daddies forever?” Lochlan asks, looking up at his mom with hope in his beautiful brown eyes.
“Yes, baby, they will be y’all’s daddies forever. Are you okay with us getting married?” she asks, looking at the three of them.
Arden looks between his brother and sister and they all seem to have a silent conversation. After a couple of seconds, Arden looks back at his mom. “Yes, Momma, that’s okay with us. They are the best daddies ever. They make you happy and love us.”
That statement alone is enough to melt my heart completely. I never really thought I wanted kids, but now, I couldn’t picture my life without these three.
* * *
Isla
“So,Isla, does that mean I get to plan a wedding as well as the baby shower?” Maw-Maw asks, bouncing around like a kid in a candy store.
“Yes, you get to plan a wedding, and I think I want to do it before the twins are here. If that works for y’all?” I ask, glancing back at the guys.
They all give their agreements. “Well, how about December twenty-eighth? Yours and Paw-Paw’s anniversary. That gives you three weeks. It doesn’t have to be anything overboard like you're used to doing. If that works for everyone? We just need to figure out the details,” I suggest.
Maw-Maw wipes her eyes. “That would be amazing, and it's cute you think a short window will mean I can’t go overboard. Money talks, dear. I’ll get started on everything tomorrow. I just need to know what colors and the little details y’all will want included. All y’all need to figure out is dresses and tuxes.”
“That we can do. I need to finish Christmas shopping anyway, so if Chris and Nathan want to join me, we can knock out a dress. I can take Vivi, and all of you and the boys can go this week to figure out tuxes. I have an idea of what I want already, and if you look at my Pinterest, it has a “dream wedding” board so whatever from there you can make happen. I’m not picky.” I look over at Chris and Nathan.
