The Agreement

By Linda Burson

After the perfect honeymoon, Brad and Marcy return to reality to begin their new life together. Unfortunately, Brad and Marcy’s wedded bliss runs into complications. Brad seems distant and cold, and Marcy is confused by his unexpected behavior.

When Marcy goes into labor, Brad is by her side. Later, Marcy confronts Brad about their crumbling marriage and decides it may be better for them to separate. Brad begs Marcy to reconsider, pleading with her not to leave.
For now, Marcy agrees to stay put with their son. Brad and Marcy reconcile. Brad forms a surprising and unexpected friendship which changes the course of their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Class Act Books
• Release date: Jul 14, 2016

Book preview

The Agreement

The Marcy Series

Book 4

by

Linda Burson

Published by

CLASS ACT BOOKS

121 Berry Hill Lane

Port Townsend, Washington 98368

www.classactbooks.com

Copyright  2016 by Linda Burson

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-938703-93-5

Credits

Cover Artist: Mallory York

Editor: Trudy Myers

Copy Editor: Anita York

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

To Nathan Travis Burson, my four-legged son and the best company I could ask for as a writer.

Acknowledgements

To those readers who continue to support me, encourage me, write reviews for me, and continue to read my Marcy Series.

A continuing thank you to my Publisher, Class Act Books, and the fabulous work and talents of the editors and book cover artist.

Chapter 1

I can’t wait to finally get you alone, Brad says.

Me too, sweetie.

The wedding was wonderful, but the honeymoon will be even better.

As long as I’m with you, Brad, everything is wonderful.

Brad and I are in the limo on the way to our hotel. Our wedding was perfect—that is, after the nightmare beginning. Waiting at the church for a groom and not having him show is an extremely devastating way to start the day. Fortunately, he did show, on his knees, with multiple apologies and a willingness to explain in detail what happened. I know it wasn’t his fault. I’ll ask him for the details later. I trust him, and I know the reason is good. I didn’t need to hear it then, and I don’t want to hear it now. I just want to start our life together this very minute as husband and wife.

The honeymoon suite your parents booked is very nice, Marcy. You’re going to love it.

Was it weird, staying there last night by yourself?

A little, I guess, because the room’s large. There’s a separate living area and a huge bathroom with a spa tub and double sinks. I missed you like crazy.

I missed you, too. Thank you for texting me last night. That’s what finally got me to sleep.

I’m glad, baby. I knew you were probably thinking about too much. You were stressing yourself out, weren’t you?

Okay, husband, you know me well.

I do, and I love that you call me husband.

That’s what you are, now.

"You bet I am, and I love being reminded of it every minute. I can hardly believe it. I love knowing you’re now my wife, and I get to be with you every day and every night. He puts his arm around me and kisses me with so much love it warms me from head to toe. I can’t wait to get you back to the hotel and get you out of this dress."

What, you don’t like the wedding dress? I ask playfully.

I love the wedding dress, but I’ll love it more with you out of it, he whispers into my ear as he ravishes my neck with his lips and teeth.

The limo pulls up outside the hotel twenty minutes later. Brad helps me out of the car. We stroll into the hotel and everyone claps as we walk by. When we get to the room, Brad opens the door then swoops me up in his arms to carry me over the threshold. As he lifts me and carries me inside, we hear whooping, yelling, and more clapping from people in the hall. He closes the door with his foot and gently sets me down.

Well, Mrs. Preston, do you like what you see?

I certainly do.

You’re not looking at the room, Mrs. Preston.

No, I’m not. I’m looking at my husband, whom I love more than anything. Though I’m sure the room is lovely, I know it can’t compare to what, or should I say, to who I’m looking at right now. I’m having a difficult time taking my eyes off you, just like the first night I met you when you walked through my bakery doors and into my life.

I had a very hard time taking my eyes off you that night as well. I’m not much better at it now, either. You’re the most beautiful woman, and I’m the most fortunate man I know. I want to make love to you for hours.

That’s what I want, too.

Brad picks me up again. This time he carries me into the bedroom, setting me on a bed covered in yellow rose petals. A bottle of sparkling water in an ice bucket next to two champagne glasses is on the bedside table. A bowl of limes and lemons sit next to that along with a plate of cheese, bread, and grapes. When I look at him in surprise, he’s grinning. For you, my wife.

You’re so romantic and thoughtful, my husband.

With you, my bride, it’s easy. Besides, I know being pregnant, you get hungry.

He begins undoing the buttons and zipper on my wedding dress, which takes a few moments. I reach up and slowly untie his bowtie, and then slide his tux jacket from his beautiful broad shoulders. I open his buttons on his shirt kissing his chest after each button is undone. He stands me up on the bed, reaches up, pulling the dress off my shoulders and down my body. I hear him gasp as he glances at me from bottom to top.

Damn, Mrs. Preston, you are sexy as hell. He lays my dress across a chair then comes back to me to undo my hair, allowing it to fall along my shoulders and back.

I love this new lingerie you’re wearing, but I’ll have to admire it longer another time. Now, I want it off.

He unhooks my garter belt and leisurely rolls my stockings down my legs. Next he removes my white satin corset. Eventually, we’re both completely naked and enjoying the pure sensual pleasure of touching each other all over.

This is another first for us, baby…the first time making love as husband and wife. I want it to be even more memorable than the very first time three years ago when you led me to your bedroom. As I recall, that was quite memorable.

I think we may be able to manage that. You’ve already made it memorable. Do you know how much I love you, Brad?

I hope it’s as much as I love you.

The passion between us is incredibly intense. It’s astounding how becoming husband and wife has changed the intensity of our love-making. His twinkling bedroom eyes gaze into mine as he hovers over me. Just before he places his erection inside me, he winks at me. I feel like my heart just shot up through my chest into my throat. My body starts to quiver. Now, I feel like a true blushing bride. His stamina is endless, and he continues to bring me to ecstasy multiple times before he takes his turn. Instead of climbing off of me, he lays to the side so his weight isn’t directly on me. He gives me multiple kisses on my arm, shoulder, and neck until he reaches my lips, all while remaining inside me. His teeth grab my bottom lip, pulling it inside his mouth. His tongue circles all the way around and then dives deep inside my mouth hungrily, kissing me and sucking on my tongue. After a couple of minutes, he withdraws from me and lowers his body slowly, constantly kissing and nipping my sensitive skin with his hands and mouth. He grabs my ankles, separating my legs. Going from one to the other, he kisses each leg in turn, starting from the bottom of my feet, along my calves, up my thighs, and ends right in the middle between the two.

This will give me enough time to recharge my battery, he remarks as he smiles up at me, giving me more floating butterflies in my stomach than I can handle.

Recharge his battery he does, but not before bringing me to an enormous out-crying of his name over and over with an out-of-control scream. My limbs are shaking and my breathing is ragged.

And that’s how it’s done, he teases, grinning at me with his perfect straight, white teeth.

Brad, that was… incredible. Hell, you are… you are… uh… um…

Having trouble speaking, my bride?

Yes, a bit. Gee whiz, the things you do to me. There are no words.

That’s okay by me. As long as the things I do to you are good, he says, still grinning.

Yeah, I’d say they’re good—more than good.

I thought so, considering your screams.

Oh gosh, I was loud, wasn’t I? I hope this room has extra insulation or is sound-proof.

It’s the honeymoon suite. I wouldn’t worry about it. Besides, I plan on making you scream like that a few more times, beautiful. My shy smile, quivering body, and the turn of my head make it obvious I’m self-conscious. Hey, Mrs. Preston, are you embarrassed?

Brad. The whine in my voice saying his name makes it even more obvious that I am.

Hey. Marcy, hey… look at me. He’s now hovering over me again. He turns my face toward his. My eyes are lowered. Marcy, look at me, sweetie. I lift my eyes toward his. You don’t have to be embarrassed, baby. I’m glad I make you feel that good and I want to keep on making you feel that good.

I know, but for some reason, I’m feeling shy.

I can see that. He chuckles. It’s okay. I think it’s adorable. You were this shy that first night we were together, too. I thought it was sweet then, and it’s still sweet, even though I’m surprised since we’ve been together three years.

Yes, but we haven’t been married three years.

That makes a difference to you? I shrug. I didn’t think you could be any more endearing, but this definitely does it. He gently kisses me, pulls back, looks at me, kisses me again, and after the third soft kiss, he goes in full force.

After the third time of him recharging his battery, I’m tired. I can barely stay awake.

Am I losing my bride to sleep?

I’m afraid you are, my groom. You wiped me out.

Okay, baby, go to sleep. There’s always the morning, he smirks.

He kisses me goodnight. We snuggle in next to each other. It doesn’t take me even a minute to fall asleep in his arms.

~ * ~

I wake to Brad caressing my body. It feels like I just went to sleep. I slowly open my eyes. There’s my handsome husband staring down at me as he leans on his elbow. Good morning, beautiful. Are you going to sleep all day?

Well, if my new husband didn’t keep me up all night having sex, I wouldn’t be.

Is my bride complaining?

No, not at all. It was heaven, I say with a timid smile.

Good, then let’s go back to heaven for a bit. I ordered room service to be delivered at ten.

"Ten? What time is it now?

Almost nine.

Jeez, you’re kidding. I slept that long?

Baby, you needed it. I wore you out, and don’t forget, you’re pregnant.

Believe me; my body won’t let me forget. Have you been awake long?

No, not really. About a half hour. I ordered breakfast from the room service menu and watched my beautiful bride sleep for a few minutes before my body started betraying me and I had to wake you to put it at ease.

I don’t know how beautiful your bride is looking right now.

Trust me, Marcy. You’re more beautiful this morning than I’ve ever seen you.

Could it be you’re a little prejudice because I’m Mrs. Preston now, and not Ms. Jenson?

Hmmm, yep, that might have something to do with it.

I grin at him as he leans over and kisses me.

Wouldn’t it be better if I brushed my teeth first, Mr. Preston?

I didn’t brush mine yet. I think we’re good. Remember, I said last night we have the morning. Well, it’s morning.

His energy is back, though mine is a little weaker. It doesn’t take me long to recoup it. Brad obviously notices because he says, I see I’ve got my tiger back.

It’s not hard to find her with you.

The knock at 10:10 means room service is here. Brad goes to the door and returns within a minute pushing a cart filled with food.

Okay, my bride. I wasn’t sure what you’d be in the mood for, or how your stomach would be feeling, but I know how starches seem to make you feel better. So, we’ve got pancakes, hash brown potatoes, muffins, bacon, sausage, and eggs. There’s orange juice, grapefruit juice, and a pot of decaf coffee. Did I forget anything? Oh, and a bowl of fresh fruit.

My goodness, Brad. What’d you do, order the entire breakfast menu? This has got to cost a fortune!

It’s our wedding night or morning. It doesn’t matter what it costs. Marcy, you’re my wife. You can have whatever you want, got it?

Okay, got it. Thank you, sweetie. This looks wonderful. I’m starved. I didn’t eat much last night.

I know you didn’t. I was there, remember?

I start to pig out on the pancakes. They feel really good in my stomach. I still feel hungry, so I eat the hash browns and bacon. The muffins look good. I decide to try one of those. I tell Brad sausage really isn’t good for me and how fattening it is, but I chomp down on one of those as well.

I’m surprised I can eat the sausage. I’d think it’d make me sick, but it’s good today. Maybe not eating last night really made me hungry. Usually it works the opposite; when I don’t eat, I get fuller faster the next day, I explain as I’m shoving food into my face. Brad is sitting in the chair across from me, watching me and grinning. It’s a good thing you got extra juice; I’m really thirsty. He laughs at me. What? What’s so funny?

Nothing, baby. I’m glad you’re enjoying your breakfast.

Yes, thank you, but you shouldn’t order this much food, sweetie, I comment with a mouth full of food as I eat almost the entire contents on the table.

Okay, baby, he says as he chuckles.

I told everyone we’d be at my mom’s by noon, and it’s almost 11:00 now.

It’s fine, Marcy. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure everyone will understand. When you’re finished eating, we’ll take a shower, and we’ll be ready to check out.

But I wanted to take a bath in that huge spa tub. Now we don’t have time. Isn’t check out 11:00 or something like that?

Not today, honey. I took care of it. I got a late check out.

Aw, Brad, that’s great. Thank you, sweetie.

You’re welcome. Now, are you ready for that bath?

I nod as I down the last glass of juice.

We fill the tub, adding bubble bath under the running water. Brad climbs in first then takes my hand, helping me in and down. I lie against his chest and he wraps his arms around me. He takes a washcloth and gently massages it over my body lulling me into an extremely tranquil state.

Mmmm, Brad, this is nice. Our first bath together as husband and wife, and it’s perfect—as perfect as you.

I’m nowhere near perfect, but marrying you was certainly a step in the right direction.

After twenty minutes of relaxing like this, Brad whispers into my ear. I think you’re getting too comfortable and you may fall asleep on me. I believe it’s time to bring my tiger back out. Anyway, we need to make another first.

Oh? Ah, yes, the first time having sex in a bathtub as a newly married couple.

Definitely. We can’t take a bath together and miss that opportunity. Come here, Mrs. Preston. You need to face me and have a seat on my lap. Time to make more memories.

~ * ~

We arrive at my parent’s house approximately 1:45. Mostly everyone is there.

Here are the newlyweds, Brad’s mom shouts.

We thought you two decided to ditch us and stay in bed all day, Mark comments with a grin. Jill smacks him and everybody laughs.

Sean asks, How was your wedding night? Did you have fun? We hear chuckles.

Sean, we don’t ask questions like that, Jill corrects.

But Mom, you said the wedding night was special and that’s why they weren’t here this morning, and we couldn’t eat until they got here.

The whole room roars into laughter. Jill looks embarrassed.

Well, that’s what you told him, honey, Mark confirms.

Brad bends down to be on Sean’s level. You know what, buddy, thank you for asking. Can you come here with me for a minute? I want to tell you a secret.

Sean looks excited as the two of them walk to the other room. Jill looks at me, and I shrug. I have no idea what he’s going to say to Sean. The room gets silent. Mark starts the conversation again to take the focus off Brad and Sean. Jill and I look at each other and have the same idea. We quietly follow the two of them and hide behind the doorway to the living room.

Sean, I’m going to tell you something no one knows until they have their own wedding night, but it’s a secret. It’s just between you and me, okay, buddy?

Sean nods, his eyes wide with anticipation. Jill and I both have wide eyes filled with anticipation, wondering what he’s going to tell him.

See, wedding nights are special and fun, but they’re very secret. Only the bride and groom know what it’s like, and they never tell anyone else. It’s their special secret. So, when your mommy said the night was special, she was right, but she doesn’t know how special. Because I love Aunt Marcy so very much, and she loves me, we have a whole night just to ourselves where we can say or do whatever we want, and we never tell anyone. It’s the first night of our marriage, the first time we’re alone as husband and wife without anyone else around. So anything we say or do in that room stays right there forever and ever. One day a very, very long time from now, when you’re my age and you get married, you’ll have your own secret special wedding night.

Really? And no one will ever know the secret?

That’s right, only you and your bride, just like me and my bride, Aunt Marcy.

Wow, thanks for telling me, Uncle Brad.

You’re welcome, my man. Now, give me five. They slap hands, and Brad gives Sean a big hug.

Jill and I slip away quietly. Oh Marcy, he’s going to make a fantastic father. He’s amazing.

You know, I believe you’re right, Jill. I can’t believe the way he handled that. I’m impressed. I’m ready to take him back to our honeymoon suite for more secrets.

He’s right, though, Mar, Jill says chuckling. No one really knows what goes on, well, I mean specifically. We’re all different. I’ve never talked about my honeymoon night with anyone—not ever. I know we all chat and joke about sex, but nothing extremely specific. I may ask you how your night was and what would you say to me; it was great, right?

Yeah, I suppose you’re right. It was great. It was magical, and romantic, and more than I ever imagined.

Exactly, and that’s enough. Brad is accurate; that night is a secret between you and him.

I get a big smile on my face thinking about it. It was our special night. It was just between him and me, and I like it this way.

We return to the kitchen, and I see Will, Dave, Jason, and the ladies.

Hey, when did you get here? I shout. I walk over and hug them all.

Just now, Dave says. You two left and we stayed out partying half the night. We’re exhausted. Your parents sure know how to put on a wedding.

Will chimes in, I can’t believe you’re all bright and cheery.

Don’t let these two fool you, my dad says. They just got here, and the rest of us actually got up later than normal. You three can drink this old man under the table, I have to admit. I didn’t think anyone could do that.

Dad, no way. You let these three wimps beat you? I ask.

Yep, Marce, my daughter, I’m afraid so. I think it’s all those years of their tough military training that did me in.

I wanted to kill them all, Mom says. They were beyond drunk.

Rachel agrees. Marcy, you should’ve seen them. They were acting like they were at a college frat party.

Well, I have to admit, I started off keeping up with them, but they lost me pretty quick, Josie adds. But Brad, your parents were hanging on almost to the end.

Brad comments, No surprise there. My parents can keep up with the best of them.

Well, you’re our first son to get married. We had to celebrate, Laura informs.

Miranda states, I’m just glad there aren’t weddings every weekend, because I couldn’t handle these three like this.

Even if there were weddings every weekend, Mir, they wouldn’t be Marcy’s wedding, Will announces. Dave and Jason agree.

Awww, thank you guys. That’s so sweet of you. Way to blame me for your drunkenness, I joke. They all laugh. I’m teasing. I know what you’re saying, and it means a lot to me. Thank you. I hug them again. I hope you don’t mind, Brad; you have three new brothers, and three new sisters, in addition to Katie.

I love big families, Brad states.

Miranda comes over to me and whispers, You’ve got an awesome guy here, Marcy. I’m happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world.

I thank her and hug her tight.

Mom puts out a ton of food for lunch, and the drinks are flowing again. Will insists there’s nothing better for a hangover than another drink. Dad, Josie, and Brad’s parents agree. Mom says no one is leaving the house until she thinks they’re sober. I stand back, watching them. I’m remembering moments I’ve had with everyone in the room. Some are bittersweet, but memories are just that, and they make us who we are. I wouldn’t be who I am at this moment without these people and those memories. The picture in front of me is priceless, and it brings warmth to my entire being.

Josie comes over to me and tells me I’m glowing, and I look radiant. I’ve heard babies can do that, but I think it’s more than that. I know how much you miss Liam, but I’m pleased to see you content and in love with this wonderful man.

I do miss him very much, Josie. I always will. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. I was so in love with him… I stop. I don’t want to cry. But I am in love now, and I’m very content. I’m crazy in love with my husband. Gee, that’s funny to say—my husband, but he is, isn’t he?

Yes, Mar, he certainly is, and damn girl, he’s hot. Ummm, um. I could take a bite out of that ass and a few other places on that sexy body.

My mouth opens wide, and I almost choke.

What Mar? You know me. I tell it like it is.

Yes Josie, you do, and it’s one of the reasons I love you. As we laugh, we give each other a long hug.

Dave comes over and wants to know what we’re laughing about. I shake my head. Dave, I love this woman.

Is she being brutally honest again? My eyes widen and Dave says, I thought so, especially while she drinks.

Damn, Josie, he knows you too, too well. That’s scary.

Okay, what’d she say? Is she making inappropriate comments about your husband? Now, I must look in total shock, because Dave says he knew it.

I can’t believe how truly well you know her.

Yep, that’s what I get for living with her for three years. Besides, she’s not fooling me. I know how she behaves around good-looking men. Every time she meets a guy she thinks is hot, she has a comment to make. She said something about JJ, LM, and Elb when she met all three of them. I had to hear it, that is, until she got to know them a little better—like maybe a few hours. Then she told them herself.

No way, Josie, I state. She laughs and Dave shakes his head.

Do you want to tell her or should I? Dave vents.

Brad comes over and asks what we’re talking about. Dave informs him so he can make the decision about whether he wants to stay to hear it.

Well, I want to hear it; tell me, Josie, I demand. I know what you said about Brad.

Brad glances at me with an uneasy expression. Dave says, I gave you the out, bro. You chose to stay.

Josie continues. Okay, I’ll start over for Brad’s sake. Just to let you know, my comments may not be clean, but they’re sincere. I try to give each of you a different one, though that doesn’t necessarily mean only one of them applies to you. Most likely, they all apply.

I’m in tears now, I’m laughing so hard; Dave is embarrassed, Brad looks nervous, and Josie is serious. Okay, now for you, Brad. I just told Marcy you were damn hot, and I could take a bite out of that ass of yours and a few more places on that yum yum body.

Brad looks totally awkward as he nervously looks at Dave. Dave shrugs and says, I warned you.

For JJ, I said he could take those luscious lips and have a bite out of me anywhere he wants. Who’s next? Oh, yeah, LM. I said he could do me all night and all day long. She stops. I think she realizes she better not mention Liam since Brad is standing next to me. Dave understands and doesn’t mention Liam either. I hope Brad doesn’t notice because if he does, we’re going to have a problem, especially after the conversation yesterday about protecting him from Liam discussions.

Okay, Josie, are you finished embarrassing me and Brad? Dave asks.

Sorry, babe, I’m done.

Wait a minute, Brad says. Aren’t you forgetting a friend?

We know who he’s talking about; so much for not noticing the omission. My face feels hot and flush like I just ran five miles. Dave looks like someone is chasing after him, and Josie looks like the cat just clawed her face.

Isn’t Liam one of your best friends, Dave? Brad questions.

Josie replies. Yes, he was, but I was trying to be respectful, since he isn’t with us anymore; you know, since he died and all.

Nice save sort of, Josie. She should have stopped with ‘isn’t with us anymore.’

Brad looks at me, and I shrug, acting like I don’t get it, but oh well. I’m hoping he’s buying my act.

Don’t worry about me, Brad tells Josie. I’m not offended if you talk about him. Marcy has good taste. She married me, didn’t she? She wouldn’t have been with someone who wasn’t a good guy. Now that she’s my wife, I don’t have to be jealous anymore. Please, don’t ever feel uncomfortable talking about Liam. He was your friend.

Dave responds to this. Damn, Brad, you’re some man. I respect the hell out of you.

Shit, Brad, you’ve just become sexier, if that’s even possible, because you’re already super-hot and…

That’s enough, Josie. I’m right here, and I’m not that great of a guy because I’m getting a bit jealous, Dave communicates.

Oh baby, you know you’re my stud muffin. There isn’t anyone else for me but you, no matter how hot they are. All the guys know that, right, Brad?

I know it, and Dave does, too. If you really felt the way you say about any of us, you wouldn’t be saying it in front of anyone, let alone Dave. I think you’re trying to be… spicy for him.

Yeah, that’s it, spicy. I like that. Thank you, Brad. You sure know women.

He should; he’s had his fair share of them, haven’t you, sexy? I tease.

Oh, like Liam, Josie responds.

Brad raises his eyebrows and looks at me. Dave rolls his eyes, and Josie says, Oops.

At this point, Jason and Miranda come over and ask what we’re talking about. Brad tells them. Jason starts talking to all of us, but specifically to Josie. Well, at least mine wasn’t as bad as Elb’s—tie you up or handcuff you, spank you, and have his way with you til the sun don’t shine. Jason didn’t get that we were trying not to mention Josie’s fantasy about Liam, but since I’d never heard it before, it was interesting. What, you’re all looking at me funny. Was I not supposed to say that? Uh oh, sorry, Jason responds, looking at Brad and me.

Brad comments to all of us. "Come on, now. What did I say? Marcy, tell them it’s fine. Jason, you didn’t say anything wrong at all, okay, bud? Thank you for being the only one to not make me uncomfortable. You guys have to loosen up."

Brad walks away at this point.

Shit, I hope he’s not mad, Marcy, Dave worries.

I don’t know, Dave. I’ll talk to him. I guess he has a point. If we’re not going to treat him like we treat each other, then he’s not going to be comfortable around all of us together, and I don’t want that.

You know what, Marcy? Let me talk to him, please, Dave requests.

Sure, Dave, if you think that’s best. But maybe I should come with you.

We go to find Brad. He’s talking to his brothers. I walk up behind him, wrap my arms around his waist, and kiss his back. He turns his head, sees it’s me, and puts his arms around mine.

Matt says, I’m glad this brother of mine finally got smart and asked you to marry him. I was thinking I might have to step in and see if you’d like to switch brothers.

The best gifts in life are worth the wait, Brad says squeezing my arms, then picking them up and bringing me around to the side of him so he can kiss my head.

You always say the most wonderful things to me, I convey.

Well, if you two are going to get mushy, I’m leaving. Come on, Ryan. Brad’s making us look bad. Good thing Kelsey and Samantha are in the other room.

Dave comments to Brad, You know, Brad, you and your brothers aren’t that different from LM, JJ, Elb, and me. You have that good, bad, fun, and serious sides that we all have. I can see you understand the way it was and is between us. So I owe you an apology. I suppose it’s difficult for us now, with Liam not being here, considering how we feel about Marcy. We want to be a part of her life. Her life now includes you. It’s unfortunate you and Liam were in love with the same woman. If it weren’t for that, you and he would’ve probably been good friends; but then again, if it wasn’t for the two of you loving the same woman, none of us would’ve ever met.

If it wasn’t for Liam, Dave, I would’ve never met Marcy, Brad answers. She probably wouldn’t be here now, which means none of us would have her in our lives. I’m aware she’s here now because of his heroic actions all those years ago. To be honest, he may have been competition to me for her heart, but I can’t fault the guy for that. I understand him being in love with her. I may be slightly sensitive when it comes to him, but that’s only because I know she’s in love with him as well. I still blame myself for letting her go in the first place. If I hadn’t, their relationship wouldn’t have started. I don’t dislike Liam. He loved Marcy, I love Marcy, I like all of you guys, Marcy loves all of you and you’re all friends with Liam. I’m aware he was a great guy, which means I don’t mind hearing stories about him. What makes me annoyed and uncomfortable is when everyone else acts like they’re uncomfortable talking about him in front of me. He was a part of all your lives, and whether I like it or not, he was a part of Marcy’s life. I won’t deny it and pretend it didn’t happen. Besides, I can’t deny her relationship with him. The baby she’s carrying might be his. What kind of a person would I be if I try to deny his existence in her life, and this baby is his and not mine?

I said it before and I’ll say it again; you’re a hell of a man, Brad. And if Liam were here right now, I’d tell him so. I’d be happy to tell him you’re an honorable man and Marcy’s in good hands. Dave puts his hand out for Brad to shake. Brad, if you’ll accept, I’d be proud and honored to call you friend.

I do accept and thank you. That means a lot to me.

They start talking about sports, and that’s when I excuse myself. I see Will talking to my dad. Then I remember something that has been nagging me for days. I couldn’t remember what it was because I was preoccupied and busy with the wedding, but it just hit me. When Will visited me at my house earlier in the week and he introduced me to Rachel, she said something about me calling the house. Of course I never called the house, but I did call Liam’s phone when he was at the house. I’m thinking maybe that’s what she meant. Her voice did sound familiar to me, but we had never met before this week. I need to clear this up. I see Rachel talking to Miranda. I walk over to them.

Hey girls, can I interrupt? Miranda, do you mind if I take Rachel away from you for a few minutes?

No, not at all.

Hey, Marcy, how’s it going? Rachel asks.

Hi, Rachel. Good, very good. I hope you don’t mind, I want to ask you a question.

Sure, not at all. What’s up?

"Remember when you visited me at my