Then Comes Marriage (Hanna’s Happily Ever After Book 1) Read online

  “What do you think of this, Jake?” I picked up an intricately decorated jewelry box. “Maybe something they could treasure?”

  “Sure.” He nodded. “Whatever you think. Let’s get back on the road.”

  “You didn’t even look at it.”

  “Hanna, we’ve got to get back on the road or we’re going to hit the city just in time for rush hour.” He frowned.

  “Okay, okay.” I set the box back down, then grabbed some snacks from the food section.

  As I piled my choices up on the counter, the owner of the shop looked at me with a chuckle.

  “Quite an appetite, huh? Eating for two? Or is it three?” He began to ring up the items.

  Horrified, I could only stare at him. I stumbled over a few words and handed him the cash. I grabbed the bag and hurried out after Jake. I was in tears by the time I got to the car.

  “Hanna, what’s wrong?” He took the bag out of my hand then held the car door open for me.

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” I sniffled as I sat down in the car.

  He closed the door, then walked around to the other side of the car.

  I tried to buckle my seatbelt, but it wouldn’t go across my stomach. I tugged as hard as I could, then burst into tears.

  “Hanna?” Jake slid into the driver’s seat. “What is going on?”

  “I’m huge! I can’t even fit in the car! The seatbelt won’t go across my stomach!”

  “Hanna.” He reached across me and opened my car door. “It was stuck in the door, that’s all.”

  “Oh.” I wiped at the tears on my face, then looked over at Jake. “I’m crazy, aren’t I? I mean, can pregnancy really make you this crazy or do you think I’m just naturally crazy now?”

  “Yeah, you’re crazy.” He started the car.

  Chapter 7

  I stared at him in shock, my eyes wide and fresh tears building.

  “You’re crazy if you think you’re anything but gorgeous.” He ran his hand along the length of my thigh, then patted my knee. “You’re crazy if you think you’re not the most amazing woman I’ve ever met, pregnant or not, full bladder or not.” He winked at me as he pulled out of the parking lot.

  “That was mean, Jake.” I pouted.

  “Mean?” He laughed as he glanced at me. “It’s mean that I adore everything about you?”

  “You’re lying, though. You can’t possibly love me like this. I’m a mess.”

  “I can, I do, and you’re a beautiful mess.” He dodged to the side as I swatted at him. “Hey, I’m driving here!” He laughed.

  “Ugh, I know I’m supposed to be so blissfully happy about being pregnant but it’s like an alien has taken over my emotions—and my bladder.” I winced as I felt a subtle twinge of needing to go again.

  “There’s no right or wrong about being pregnant, Hanna. Of course you’re going to be emotional. Your body is working overtime creating a new life and—well, that new life apparently is a future karate student.”

  “You’re right about that.” I rubbed my stomach and closed my eyes. “Maybe if I settle down, she will too.”

  “Maybe. Let’s put some music on.” He flipped on the radio just as an advertisement for soda began to play.

  The sound of the bubbles and the drink being poured made me gasp.

  “Oh, no.”

  “What? Are you okay?” He frowned.

  “Jake, I’m so sorry, we’re going to have to stop again.”

  “That’s it, we’re getting diapers.”

  “We are not!” I tried not to laugh, as that would make the situation worse.

  “For the baby I meant.” He flashed me a grin.

  “Sure, just get me to a gas station!”

  The remainder of the trip was filled with laughter, plenty of pit stops, and a reminder of how amazing my husband was—my husband, who was soon to be the father of my child. The thought still surprised me.

  I thought that since my sister Noella had been through two pregnancies, I would handle mine just fine. I didn’t realize how much Noella hadn’t told me about pregnancy—how much she must have been keeping to herself. She probably didn’t want to scare me.

  Despite my discomfort, I couldn’t wait to meet my little girl.

  “She should have a unique name—something a little different.”

  “I thought we weren’t talking about names?” He glanced at the GPS. “We’re almost to Diamond Bay.”

  “I’m not really talking about it, just thinking out loud. I mean, would you be okay with something a little different?”

  “Sure, I guess. I’ve always liked Kara.”

  “Kara?” I scrunched up my nose. “Seems pretty common.”

  “I don’t hear it too much. But honestly, it doesn’t sound right to me either.”

  “I want it to be something powerful, you know? Something that will tell her exactly what we’d hoped for her life to be—before she was even born.” I smiled at the thought. “To be honest, I’ve always been a little jealous of Noella’s name. It’s so pretty and different. I was Hanna, one of three, in my first grade class.”

  “Noella is a pretty name.” He smiled as he turned into the hotel that faced a long strip of beach. “But so is Hanna. It’s classic and beautiful. It would make a nice middle name.”

  “No way, I’m not naming my kid after me.” I laughed. “That would be weird, wouldn’t it?”

  “Maybe not.” He shrugged as he parked.

  “We could always name her Jackie. Or Jakie?”

  “Seriously?” He looked at me with a quirked eyebrow. “Never.”

  “No, not seriously.” I laughed as I climbed out of the car. “Wow, I’m so glad we’re here. Now I just have to find a bathroom.”

  “I’ll get the bags, you go ahead in.”

  “Thanks, Jakella!” I winked at him, then ran—or more accurately, waddled—quickly away before he could catch me. I was still laughing when I reached the restroom.

  When I stepped back out, I found Jake waiting for me along with Blu.

  “Blu!” I squealed and threw my arms around her. She squealed and squeezed me right back. “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “Me too!” She took a step back, then placed a hand on my stomach. “And you too, little girl. I can’t wait to meet you. How long do you have left?”

  “If you ask my doctor, she’ll say a good year. But, by due date, a few weeks. Between two and three.”

  “Oh wow, so close.” Blu grinned. “I’m so glad you came. I know it must have been quite uncomfortable for you.”

  “For her?” Jake shook his head. “I now know every bathroom from home to here and I’ve discovered that my wife has a strange addiction to beef jerky.”

  “It was a craving, Jake.” I rolled my eyes.

  “A craving for the entire drive?” He grinned as he wrapped his arms around my waist. “You wouldn’t even let me have a bite.”

  I blushed as I recalled devouring all the beef jerky. He was right, I had no desire to share.

  “I want to show you your room. I’m so glad we all decided to stay at the hotel, it will make everything easier.” Blu waved us down the hall toward an elevator. “Trust me, the rooms here are gorgeous.”

  “I’m sure they are.” I smiled as I took in the luxury of the hotel.

  I couldn’t wait to explore.

  Chapter 8

  Once everyone had arrived at the hotel, we all met in the restaurant for dinner. Although Alex and Samantha would arrive the next day, the table was filled with several of my favorite faces.

  Noella and Wes camped at one end of the table with Garrett and Dawn beside them. As I sat down beside Dawn, she grinned up at me.

  “Hi, gorgeous.”

  “Keep saying that, I might start believing it.” I smiled.

  “You should believe it. You’re absolutely glowing, Hanna.”

  “That’s the candles.” I gestured to the table, which had several candles down the middle.

  “S
ure, if you say so.” She waved to Jake.

  “Hi, everyone!” The cheerful voice drew my attention right away.

  “Callie!” I smiled as she approached, looking gorgeous as ever.

  As a plus-size model, Callie always impressed me with her confidence and the uniqueness of her wardrobe.

  Blu stood up to hug her as she reached the table. “Thanks for being here—and for helping me to find my dress.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. You’re going to look amazing.”

  “I’m sure you’re busy, though, with all your modeling jobs.” Blu settled back in her chair as Callie sat down next to me.

  “It’s been pretty crazy, that’s for sure, but I made sure my calendar was clear for this. I’m so excited to see love in action.” She laughed, then looked around the table. “And it looks like I’m going to get to see plenty of it in action around here.” She gave me a light wink. “You are looking wonderful, Hanna.”

  “Thanks.”

  I glanced down at my huge stomach and willed myself to see the beauty that everyone else claimed was there. All I saw was a bit of the lunch I’d scarfed down still on the front of my shirt. Luckily, the waitress came and I was able to pick it clean while no one was looking.

  Soon the scent of the food and the joviality of the conversation made me forget all about my concerns. I smiled as I noticed that Noella and Wes couldn’t seem to stop looking at one another.

  Yes, I certainly could see love in action.

  Garrett and Dawn had four-year-old Lily sandwiched between them and they were there for everything she needed. I watched Lily with a new sense of curiosity.

  Noella had left the boys with their sitter, whom she’d brought along with her to the wedding so that she could be involved in the plans. I thought it was a great idea and she would also be available to help with Lily and Samantha’s daughter, Abby, who was also four.

  I was so impressed by the amount of love flowing around our table that it brought tears to my eyes.

  “Are you okay?” Callie placed her hand over mine.

  “Yes, I just never realized I could be this happy.” I laughed. “Is that strange?”

  “Not at all.” She gazed at me with a wistful smile. “Bask in it, it’s wonderful.”

  “Oh, boy.” Blu stared at her phone, then looked up at the group gathered at the table. “We have a bit of a problem.”

  “Whatever it is, we’ll work it out.” Zoe gave her a thumbs-up.

  “I had asked the children I used to nanny for to serve in my wedding as ring bearer and flower girl, but their flight has been cancelled due to a big storm. They’re not going to make it.” She frowned.

  “I like flowers!” Lily waved her hand with a grin.

  “Lily.” Garrett laughed. “It’s a big job.”

  “I would be absolutely honored if she would want to do it.” She looked down the table at Noella. “And what about Tyler and Brady? Do you think they would want to participate?”

  “I’m sure they would love to, but—uh—I can’t always guarantee how they’ll act.” She blushed.

  “Don’t worry about that. I love those boys. However they act will be fine with me. Oh, and Abby! I wonder if Samantha would let her join in?”

  “I’m sure she would.” I smiled.

  “Too bad your little girl isn’t here yet to join in.” Blu grinned at me. “She would be the perfect addition!”

  “Oh, no way, she has to stay put.” I laughed.

  “I’ll send Samantha a text. But we’ll need to get dresses and suits in the right sizes.” She looked over at Zoe with wide eyes. “Do you think that’s possible with the wedding in two days?”

  “Absolutely.” Zoe looked across the table at Callie. “We can make it happen, right?”

  “Sure thing! I have a friend who has her own children’s clothing line and she specializes in formal attire. I’m sure she’s got something in all their sizes. We can meet up with her in the morning after Samantha gets here.”

  “You guys are amazing.” Blu clasped her hands together. “You’ve come to my rescue yet again.”

  After dinner we retired to a large sitting area near the lobby to spend a little more time chatting. The delicious dinner I’d eaten a few minutes before began to burn and twist my stomach. I excused myself to the restroom to take some indigestion medication.

  As I struggled through the sensation, I reminded myself that one day I would have a four-year-old who liked flowers too. It would all be worth it.

  I rubbed my stomach as feet twisted and shoved at my insides, making the indigestion so much worse. For a second, the pain took my breath away and my stomach seemed to harden in the same moment.

  “Wow! What was that?” I rubbed my stomach again and the sensation eased, but it left me dizzy. I gazed at myself in the mirror and took a deep breath. “No, I will not panic. I’m sure it’s normal, the doctor said I’m fine, and I’m going to have a great time.”

  After I splashed my face with water, I stepped outside to get some fresh air. I spotted Wes and Noella near a small fountain. His arm was around her, but she seemed upset.

  I started to turn away to give them some privacy, but another pain coursed through my stomach so suddenly that I gasped and grabbed the pillar closest to me.

  Chapter 9

  “Hanna?” Noella ran over to me with Wes right behind her.

  “I’m okay, really. I’m sorry.” I drew a deep breath and rubbed my stomach. “The doctor said I’m nowhere near ready to go, but honestly, that felt like a contraction. Not that I would know what that feels like.” I laughed, then winced as the indigestion kicked back up again.

  “It’s probably just a Braxton Hicks contraction. Your body will fool you with those for weeks while you’re waiting to go into actual labor.” Noella ran her hand along my lower back and gave it a light rub. “Usually they’re painless, but sometimes they hurt. Probably after that long drive your back is acting up too.”

  “Oh, thank you.” I sighed as her soft massage relieved some pressure that I hadn’t even known was there.

  “No problem, hon. I know the last few weeks are the toughest part.”

  “Do you want to sit down?” Wes gestured to a bench near the water fountain.

  “Yes, that would be good.” I made my way to the bench with Noella and Wes right behind me. “What’s going on with you, Noella? Is everything okay?”

  “Yes.” She frowned. “I’m just not sure about letting Brady be part of the wedding. I know if he’s left out, he’ll be disappointed, but I just don’t know if I can trust him to behave, and this is such an important day.”

  “Brady?” I raised an eyebrow. “He’ll be fine, Noella, he’s a good kid.”

  “I know he is—or he can be—but he’s been acting up so much lately and I would just be mortified if he did something to disrupt the wedding. This is such a special day for Blu.”

  “Noella.” I took her hand in mine. “He’s got a lot of changes going on right now.” I glanced at Wes, then back at her. “But I don’t think he would ever do something to upset Blu.”

  “I don’t think he would either.” Wes sat down on the other side of Noella. “I’ve been trying to tell her that she can trust him—that this will be a good time to show that trust.”

  “Well, Noella knows best when it comes to the kids.” I regarded him with some suspicion. They’d been dating for a few weeks, and I knew they were in love, but I wasn’t sure he was ready to step into the role of father figure to my nephews.

  “Of course she does.” He nodded. “I’m not trying to overstep here. I just feel like Brady has amazing potential, and given the chance, I’m sure he would do a great job in the wedding.”

  “Now I feel bad for thinking poorly of him.” Noella shook her head. “Motherhood, Hanna, it’s tough.”

  “It’s okay.” I gave her a warm hug. “But keep in mind that Blu loves Brady and even if he did do something crazy at the wedding, she would still love him—a
nd you.”

  “But it’s one of the most important days of her life. If I have to speak to the principal one more time at Brady’s school, I think I’m going to lose my mind.”

  “I wish you would let me talk to him about this.” Wes narrowed his eyes. “I know you want me to come into their lives slowly, but I really think I could get through to him. He’s not so different than I was growing up.”

  “Wes, no offense, but you don’t even have any kids.” I patted his knee. “Maybe you should let Noella handle this one.”

  “You’re right.” He met my eyes. “I don’t have any kids, and I don’t even have that much experience with kids, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love both of those boys. You might not be able to understand it, Hanna, but they are already my family, and if I can do anything to help them, I want to. I know what it’s like to grow up with people thinking that you’re a troublemaker, do you?”

  Startled by his passionate response, I looked over at Noella, then back at him. Apparently things were far more serious than I’d realized.

  “No, I guess I don’t. I’m glad that you love them, Wes. But you have to admit that you coming into their lives might be a little overwhelming to them—”

  “Yes, you’re right. It is a big change—for all of us.” He took Noella’s hand. “But what will putting it off do? I love you, Noella, and I want to be part of not just your life, but their lives as well. I will do that however and whenever you want me to, but I want you to know that I’m here and I’m ready.”

  “Thank you, Wes.” She smiled at him. “I love you too and I love that you are so eager to be part of their lives. If you want to have a talk with Brady, give it a shot. He certainly hasn’t been listening to me lately.”

  “Hanna?” He looked over at me, which surprised me.

  “Yes?”

  “Is it okay with you if I talk with Brady about this?” His eyes were warm and his tone gentle.

  “It’s not really my place to say yes or no.”

  “Sure it is. I know how important you are to them and how important they are to you. And I know how important you are to Noella. We haven’t had much of a chance to get to know one another yet, but I can assure you that I only have good intentions for your sister and your nephews.”