“We did, but you know I had to take care of some wedding stuff and Dee is always so busy that this was the only time we could get together. Then Greg came over and we just lost track of time.” I turn my head, making sure he really isn’t upset. Seeing the small smile on his full lips puts me at ease.
“I got it, babe. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss you when you aren’t around. Plus Nate missed you so much he wanted to skip his nap and wait up.”
“Oh? He came up with that all on his own, huh?” I laugh.
“Yup. He said he would rather pass his time building block towers.”
“Ax, baby, you are ridiculous sometimes,” I rush past my giggles.
“I know. So, you ready to be my wife yet, Princess?” His question warms my ears right before he nips my lobe lightly between his teeth. “You ready to finally be all mine?”
“I’m already yours and you know that.” The argument, even playful as it always is, seems to be a daily conversation.
“Not until your last name matches mine and Nate’s.” His voice is firm, and I know he’s losing his patience.
“I don’t need to have your last name to prove anything. Especially not that my heart is yours.”
“But you will,” he stresses with all playfulness gone from his tone.
I know this is a sore subject, but we both agreed that it would be best to wait until Nate was born. Then we started planning and things just started taking longer. With Nate just turning nine months old, I know he’s getting frustrated.
I ignore him and lift Nate up to my shoulder.
“Da-da.”
“See, I told you. He only wants me to be his live-in walking refrigerator!” I joke.
We both laugh and enjoy a few quiet moments sitting down on the dock. It’s times like this when I realize just how lucky we are. Axel’s right—we are truly blessed. Time spent with my soon-to-be husband and this perfect product of our love really brings that home.
I shift a now sleeping Nate in my arms and snuggle more slowly into Axel. His strong arms tighten slightly, shifting us to a more comfortable position.
“Princess, I need you to be mine.” His softly spoken words break the silence.
“I know, Axel. I know. That’s what took me so long today. Dee and I finished everything up. Booked, paid for, and confirmed. Can you wait just one more month?”
“Izzy, what’s one more month when we’ve waited for this many years?” I can tell he isn’t thrilled but still happy-ish knowing that it’s going to be soon.
“Ax? The day I become yours will be right up there with the birth of our son as the best day of my life. I can’t wait, baby.”
His arms go solid for a second before he speaks. “I know.” The smug tone in his voice erases all signs of his earlier impatience.
Cocky bastard.
God, I love him.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my husband for dealing with my scattered mind and messy house while I was ‘dreaming.’ Thank you for all those times you watched our girls while I created this book. I love you.
To my girls, dreams can come true. Dream big and don’t ever stop! This is for you.
To my mom, the best damn mommager EVER!
To all the family and friends that helped me along the way. I don’t think I would have been able to make Axel what it is without!
To Angela-here’s to wine, cold pizza, and basement zombies. I love you! Thank you for answering my every text, email and call during this process! **Cheers to Dee**
To my ‘Bookettes’ for inspiring me to write this book and keeping me calm along the way. (The daily dose of half-naked men emails helped too!) If it wouldn’t have been for one email that said “you should write a book” I don’t know if Axel would be here. So, I owe y’all!
ALL the girls who read every single page that I wrote during this process. This book is what it is because of every single bit of help from you ladies! (A special thank you to Katie, girl I fear your frying pan skills! And Kelly for the support, hunky picture and your mad google image searching skills! You two girls, I heart you!)
Brenda, thank you so much for taking my book and making this process possible! <3
Sam, you made the editing process as painless as possible! Thank you for all of the reading, editing, and best freaking commentary ever!
My ‘second eyes,’ Angela Cetrangola and Dana Dean. Without y’all I might have pulled my hair out during the editing days! My brain loves you!!
SPECIAL THANKS TO: My BBG Pher (xoxo), Melissa (you perv . . . you rock!), Megan Williams, Wendy O’Hera-Perry, Allison, Tokies, Alisha, Tessa, LB, Nicky, Penny, Molly, Maria, Jolene, Andrea, Cathy, Misty, Felicia, Brittany, Deborah, Jen, Paula, Angel, Felicia, Ashley, Ruthie, Tarrinasha, Jenny, Amanda, and Ashleigh. To each and every one of my Goodreads friends and loyal supporters. Y’all never doubted me & in turn made it possible to not doubt myself. I have, hands down, the best GR friends in the world! Lastly, my IG mommas, I effin’ love y’all!
If I forgot anyone, this is for you—THANK YOU!
CAGE PLAYLIST
Sam Grow-Lay You Down
One Republic-I Lived
Luke Bryan-Country Girl (Shake it for me) Buckcherry-Crazy Bitch