A Changed Life (49 page)

Just like that, Nicolette walked into our room to get ready for our families to arrive. She was so different from the girl that left me a few months ago. My girl has renewed strength, and it’s an amazing thing to see.

Our home looked great. The catering company arranged this huge display of breakfast, and lunch items all covered under large silver dome covers. We had a mimosa fountain surrounded by champagne glasses. Desserts and fresh fruit were on another table. Simon had ordered roses and mixed flower arrangements that lined the railings. It was beautiful and everything was perfect. It was so nice that if we married today, all was in place. I kept that thought to myself not wanting to give Simon any ideas, although the way he was looking at me, he probably was thinking the same thing. At the sound of the doorbell, he winked at me, and welcomed our family.

Simon opened the door, and was greeted by his brothers, Andrew, Jacob and Cameron. All four were high-fiving one another, as they made their way inside. They took one look at me, and gave me the Paulson wink, and I found myself being hauled over Jacob’s shoulders.

He twirled me around, and then passed me to Andrew, who then tossed me to Cameron.

“Put my girl down, before I have to beat all of your asses.” Simon jokingly threatened his brothers. At least I think he was joking. I couldn’t contain my laughter. These guys were great, and now my family too. Marina and Ted followed their sons, and shaking their heads at them. Marina had reprimanded her boys, and told them to give me some breathing room. I was a peanut compared to these giants.

I was wearing my ring, of course. Simon’s mom eyed my left hand for confirmation that we were engaged, and I did my best to hide my hand, but she caught me. Marina pulled me into a hug. “Oh my darling girl, welcome to our family.” I let out a sigh of relief and hugged Marina back. I truly did have their blessing.

While we were waiting on my family to arrive, Simon’s father Ted proposed a toast to us. We all took a glass, and listened to the Paulson patriarch.

“Nicolette, I want to officially welcome you to our family. You have made our son a very happy man. We want you to know that as a Paulson, we will love you, protect you, fight for you, and most of all cherish you. Congratulations to the both of you, and may you have a blessed life together.”

“To the happy couple!” Simon’s brothers called out, as we clinked our glasses, and Simon placed a chaste kiss on my lips. After Ted’s speech, my parents along with Uncle Jack and Sara arrived. I wasn’t sure if they had heard Ted‘s toast to us. Not wanting them to feel awkward, I leaped off of Simon’s lap and greeted them.

Simon joined me, and welcomed my family into our home. They looked more relaxed now, and laughed after Andrew shouted out that he was starving. “Can we eat already?” After everyone greeted one another, they took their seats, and we enjoyed our delicious meal.

Pleasant conversations were taking place between our parents, Uncle Jack, and Simon’s brothers. Everyone was getting along and our families were easily blending together. Gracie couldn’t make it today. She wasn’t feeling well, and didn’t want anyone catching her cold. I had given mom, and dad a tour of what would be my new home with Simon. Mom was so taken back with it all, and she just seemed overwhelmed.

My dad held my hand, and it was always a comfort for me. I showed him around the house, and seeing my things strewn all around the room, he knew I had made up my mind to move in with Simon. Before I came back to California, Simon had already moved out of his family’s home to the beach house. Simon had said he felt closer to me here, waiting for me to return, so he could share it with me. I told my parents that I already had spoken to Gracie about packing my things that I would need right away, and then I would send for the rest.

My father, and especially Uncle Jack, will always refer to me, as their little girl or princess. There were some days that I didn’t feel like a princess, some days I didn’t feel anything. After everything that happened to me, my life changed. I changed, and even at my young age, I feel that I have grown so much in the past year. I just don’t recognize the person I used to be. I love my family, and love Simon more than anything in the world.

I also love who I am now. I am fiercely independent, stronger, and I can face things head on instead of being nervous, and afraid like I used to be. I never wanted to disappoint anyone, and I still don’t. It was difficult learning how to put my needs first, and being not afraid to do so. My therapy taught me many things, and with Simon by my side, I know I can handle anything.

“Can I have your attention please? Simon smiled and called everyone to grab a glass of champagne, as he held my hand while he spoke to our families. I guess by now you know why you are all here, besides enjoying the food. He teased his brothers especially Cameron who was still working on his third plate of pastries. Last night, I presented my beautiful Nicolette with a ring asking her to become my wife, and I’m happy to say, she said yes. Very soon in the near future the people we love the most in this world, along with our best friends, will return to our home to join and celebrate with us, as we become husband and wife.” Our guests raised their glasses and hugged Simon and I one by one. This day was magical, and I owe it all to Simon.

I held Nicolette in my arms as we waved goodbye to our families. Trying to forget the intense conversation Nicolette and I had earlier this morning. The rest of our day was unbelievably great. I had gotten accustomed of having my brothers around and hoped they would visit again soon. I know they will be back for our wedding. We have to plan it just right, so it doesn’t interfere with their schedules. They may attend the same university, but they live three entirely different lives.

I loved this time of the day, and the sun was almost ready to go to sleep for the evening over the beautiful horizon. The variety of hues of orange and pinks cascaded out onto the water. If I were a photographer this would be an amazing picture to capture. This would be amazing for Nicolette to paint for our home. As I continued to gaze at the beautiful sunset, my girl wrapped her arms around my waist. I turned around and held her close to me. Not having her with me the past couple of months nearly destroyed me and I will never let her go again.

“Can I ask you something Simon? And don’t laugh at me.” She smiled.

“You can ask me anything, and I promise never to laugh at you, I will write it in our vows.” Nicolette kept looking out to the crashing waves, and now my curiosity was peeked. “What is it baby? Please talk to me.” She took in a deep sigh, and she was blushing the color of roses. In her shy voice that I could barely hear, she asked me, if I would take her swimming? I never tried so hard not to laugh, but she is simply adorable and easy to love.

Her innocence beguiles me. Not wanting to embarrass her, but it took me a minute to figure out what she was asking me. “I never took you for the skinny dipping kind of girl, why all the dancing around it? You seem so nervous honey.”

Pulling away from me and walking away in a huff she said, “Forget I even mentioned it.” Now I know I hurt her feelings, I rushed over and pulled her body back to me.

“Oh baby, I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. I didn’t mean to, forgive me?” I smiled and kissed her until she did. Nicolette blinked up at me, and said, “Of course I forgive you, I over reacted.”

“I would love to take you into the ocean, and feel the salt water on our naked bodies. I can think of some things to do while we’re in there.” I said, winking at my adorable girl.

Now I did it, my girl’s face was the deepest shade of crimson. I love it when I could make her blush. I knew what she was thinking, and it makes my heart sing. Nicolette has trusted me with everything she has. I vow never to take her for granted, and never forget how fragile her heart is.

Simon took my hand up to his lips, and began kissing the back of my palm. I was thinking that maybe I should get a tattoo on the inside of my wrist. I smiled at the thought of how he would react to seeing his name tattooed on my body.
Just a thought!

He loves the one on my side, I’ll think about it. Our stretch of beach was private, and we had no neighbors on either side. I let all my inhibitions melt away, and let Simon lead me to the water. Simon, never taking his eyes off of me, had an intense hunger in his eyes. Simon was turning me on, and making me feel so wanted.

He slowly peeled my dress away from my body, and letting it fall onto the sand. I was quivering with every touch he placed on my body. Simon lifted his arms over his head, and helped me as I lifted his shirt off of him. Next, my hands found his waist band, with one swift move, I tugged with a bit of force, as he fell into me. Simon was in heaven as I touched him. He looked so sexy, and clearly ready for me. I pulled his pants down along with his boxer briefs, and standing before me was a very naked Simon. I ran my tongue over my lips in appreciation for him.

Simon knew he had an amazing body, and let me take him in for a moment, before finally removing my last two pieces of clothing, my bra and panties. Ever so slowly, he unclasped my bra, and then he guided his fingers along the outline of my panties, and sliding them down ever so gently. My head was spinning, and I was beginning to lose control of my senses.

We walked together to the edge of the ocean; it was still a bit chilly, but it felt exhilarating at the same time. Simon lifted me into his arms, and carried me into the sea. I didn’t want to shriek because of the bite of the cold water that hit my skin with full force. I just clamped my mouth down until my body got used to it.

Simon crashed his lips onto mine, and made love to me while the ocean waves crashed around us. I had never felt this free in all of my life, and Simon connected with every spot on my body. My body belonged to Simon, and I was completely his. I submitted myself over to the man I love. This intense feeling was incredible. With the last jolt of electricity racing through my body, I called out his name, and he silenced me with his mouth.

Simon and I slept entwined with each other through the night. I felt so safe being held in his arms and I could feel the tension escape him, as we slowly drifted into sleep.

I knew Simon was worried, and nervous about me facing Michael, but I wasn’t. My fear was replaced with strength and courage. I vowed never to let Michael intimidate me again. Confronting him tomorrow would be my first test of the promise I had made to myself. Our alarm went off at seven, and Simon was sound asleep. I quickly turned off the buzzing sound, so it wouldn’t wake him. He needed to sleep. Recalling one of my conversations with his mom, Marina confided in me that he hardly slept or ate after I left. Her revelation pained me to my core, but that’s over now. Watching my beautiful Simon sleep brings me peace.

He sometimes smiles, making me wonder what he’s dreaming about, as if I didn’t know him so well by now. I don’t have to worry about my man wasting away, especially when his brothers are around. His brothers can eat and eat a lot and I laughed remembering them from brunch.

I didn’t wait for Simon to wake. I quickly showered, and roamed my closet for something conservative to wear to court. I found the perfect dress hanging in my closet. Bless my mom for her constant observance of my wardrobe. Not remembering this dress, because I never purchased it, mom must have slipped this in here yesterday. I remember seeing her with a bag when she arrived. She had chosen a Zac Posen navy blue fitted dress for me to wear, our favorite designer. I found matching ballerina flats to accompany the dress. I styled my hair into a sleek pony with a knotted twist at the nape of my neck. I only applied some mascara, and a touch of blush and lip gloss. I took one last look in the mirror, and turned around to face Simon staring at me.

“Good Morning baby.” He swooned at me. I fed him back his words, as he folded me into his warm embrace. He asked me if I was okay, I answered, “More than okay, I’m ready.” He said he just needed 15 minutes to shower and dress, and then he would be too.

Joining me for breakfast, we drank our coffee in silence. Simon looked more nervous than I was. I tried to ignore his incessant tapping, until he finally broke down the wall that was suddenly between us. He looked like he was in so much pain, and my heart was aching for him. He looked over at me and whispered, “Michael” and then I had understood his silence. “Baby, please tell me again, are you absolutely sure about today?” Wrapping my arms around Simon’s neck and pressing my body to his. I kissed him and whispered, “Yes.”