“I didn’t realize you were such a romantic, Luke.” My heart felt like it was soaring. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I think the question is how did we get so lucky?” He grabbed my hand and we ran up the stairs to his bedroom. I pulled my top off as soon as we got to his room and I reached over and pulled his shirt off.
“Have you thought about…” he continued and I put my fingers against his lips.
“Ssh.” I reached for his belt buckle and he took my finger into his mouth and sucked.
“Oh Luke.” I groaned as he ripped off my bra and I reached into his pants. “I see you’re happy to see me.”
“Oh Lexi.” He grinned. “When will you learn? I’m always happy to see you.”
Epilogue
3 Months Later
Bryce
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you guys in town.” I heard my words come out in a choked tone. “You know that you are rendering me practically helpless.”
“You’re not helpless, papa Brycey.” Shelby grabbed a hold of my leg, grinning at me. I picked her up and held her close to me. Her blonde hair was finally growing out and she had put on some weight. She was starting to look like the healthy, normal little girl she was now.
“Remember that, Shelby.” I kissed her cheek and put her back down. “Why don’t you go and play with Bongo?”
“Bongo wants a hug?” she asked me with open, excited eyes.
“Maybe just a small one. No suffocating him this time.”
“Yes papa.” She ran away and went to find Bongo.
“You’re so good with her, Bryce.” Lexi linked her arm through mine. “She’s so lucky to have a dad like you.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” I laughed self-consciously. “I am sure she would like her big brother and sister here too.”
“We’ll be back to visit soon and we’ll Skype every week.” Lexi looked at me with tears in her eyes.
“Oh Lexi, don’t cry. I’m just joking. I’m happy for you both.”
“Bryce, you know better than to tell Lexi to stop crying. She’s a crying machine.” Luke grinned at me as he continued packing a suitcase. “Anyways you and Shelby have to come visit us soon anyways so you can try on the suit and stuff.”
“Don’t remind me. I need to work out. You can’t have the best man looking like a chunky monkey.”
“You trying to upstage me on my wedding day, bro?”
“Not quite.” I laughed. “I don’t think I can do that, even if I try.”
“I only have eyes for you, Luke.” Lexi cut in and Luke groaned.
“Uh huh.”
“Luke.” Lexi hit him in the arm and I watched as he pulled her towards him for a long kiss. I grinned as they kissed and looked away. I was so happy that my history with Lexi hadn’t made this awkward. I was so lucky that I had a brother that was pretty levelheaded and cool. It felt weird to think that I had a brother. But I felt like he had been another blessing in my life. “Thank you, mom.” I whispered, content.
“So, Bryce, don’t forget to get a baby sitter for that weekend. We are going to have the bachelor party to end all bachelor parties.” Luke winked at me and I laughed.
“Your fiancée may not like that, bro.”
“I think I’ll trust you, Bryce.” She grinned. “I know you won’t let your brother get into too much trouble.”
“Well, you know. We have to make up for lost years.” I high fived Luke and Lexi rolled her eyes.
“My mom and dad said that you and Shelby are to come over for lunch every Sunday,” Luke laughs and changes the subject. “Let’s not get me into trouble before I’m even married.”
“I suppose they’ll expect me to go to church with them as well?” I groaned but I feel a warm glow inside. This was what a family was meant to feel like.
“You know they’ve already signed Shelby up for Sunday School.” Luke laughed and I groaned.
“I guess I better brush up on my bible verses.”
“God made the world in seventy days, papa.” Shelby jumped up and down and I groaned.
“I guess I need to start those classes soon.” I made a face and Lexi started laughing.
“Seven days, Shelby, seven days.” I tried not to laugh as I corrected her. I already knew the reverend was going to have a hey day with us.
“And then there was a big bang bang.” Shelby ran around, screaming and shouting “bang bang” and we all burst out laughing.
“You’re a good dad, Bryce.” Lexi whispered in my ear. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I just hope I can raise her right.” I whispered back, gratefully.
“The judge knew what he was doing when he signed off on the paperwork, Bryce. Remember that.” She smiled at me sweetly and I kissed her cheek.
“Thank you, Lexi.” We stared at each for a few moments, both of us letting our love shine through. I was thankful every day that I woke up and realized I had a friend like Lexi in my life. It was almost a joke to us both now that she had been so in love with me in high school. We were like brother and sister most of the time, bickering over every little detail. It was almost ironic how little we had in common. But I was thankful for her crush, because it had led to me having the life most men could only dream of.
I watched as Lexi and Luke touched each other as they packed. I see the furtive and passionate glances they exchanged and I delighted at seeing such a perfect couple together. It’s funny how life can work sometimes. I had thought I needed to stay with Lexi to feel complete and loved and to prove I was a man worthy of love, but it was our giving up that dream and facing reality that had proven to give us the greatest gift and love of all. I understood now what people meant by letting go. Sometimes, letting go of love gave you an even greater one.
Ding-dong. “That must be Anna, will you get it Bryce?” Lexi asked me, pulling away slightly from Luke’s embrace and I rolled my eyes as I walked towards the door. I felt excited as I walked to the door. I’d only seen Anna a few times in the last few months but each time had seemed magical and I was anxious to see her again.
“Hey gorgeous.” I opened the door and stared at Anna. She look as she always did to me now, beautiful, calm, sweet and witty. She gave me a wide smile and poked me in the arm as I hugged her.