A Rock & Roll Romance (31 page)

Everyone turned to look at me. I
just focused on Jake at the end. He was in a black suit with a hot pink shirt and black tie. I laughed when I saw he was wearing his untied boots. He claimed they were good luck and wore them year round. I stepped one foot in front of the other until I reached him. My dad kissed my cheek and went to take a seat next to my mom. Kevin was officiating the ceremony since he took a class online and was probably the only person that would take our kind of wedding seriously. Jake took my hand and smiled brightly.

“We are gathered here today in front of family and friends to witness the marriage between Aubrey and Jake. I’ve known Jake for about eight years
, give or take, and he’s grown to be like a brother to me. Over the past few years, I’ve watched him walk around missing something. Love. That is until he met Aubrey. She was exactly what he needed, and whether she wanted to admit it at the time he was exactly what she needed too. Together they have started creating an amazing future together. A life that most people would envy. I am honored that you guys chose me to perform your ceremony. Your marriage resembles a pair of sheers. Joined they cannot be separated, often moving in opposite directions, yet punishing anyone who comes between them. This is especially true when it comes to these two. I would never want to be the one to try and keep them apart.” He laughed. “Instead of traditional vows they have chosen to write their own. Jake you start.”

“Aubrey, my Bellissimo, my love. I write songs for a living and I had a hard time putting into words
just exactly how much you mean to me. When we met you were like a tornado. You knocked me right on my ass and wouldn’t put up with any of my crap. I told myself on the plane ride to New York that I knew you were worth it. I was right. It was that same time that I wanted to win your heart. I had to work so hard to get you to acknowledge that I existed at all. I’m so glad you found a reason to believe in me because you showed me what it was like to live again. I was living a shell of a life before you came along. I got up and went through the motions not feeling anything. You make me feel again. You don’t take any of my shit, and if I get out of line you smack me back in my place. I truly love you more than I can ever express and I promise to spend my life showing you exactly that. You’re my smart-ass, eye-rolling partner in crime. You’re with me every moment I breathe. Until I die I will sing our names in unison. I love you baby.” He leaned in and pecked my lips lightly.

“
No kissing until the end.” Kevin playfully reprimanded. “Aubrey, it’s your turn.”

“Jake, when I met you I was a scared girl putting on a tough front. I spent years pushing people away because I didn’t want to get hurt. You were so patient and understanding about everything
even when I shut you out, which I did,
a lot.
But, you pursued me anyway and managed to make me feel both safe and loved. You helped me let my guard down and learn to live again. I’ve been able to experience things that I didn’t think were ever possible for me. Well you know why… but you have given me the strength. You’ve helped me heal. You make me want to be a better person. I knew it was no sacrifice to let you in. I love the fact that you’re passionate, even if you do go balls to the wall with everything. I need that in my life because I’m the exact opposite. We counterbalance each other. You’re everything I could ever want in a husband and so much more. I can’t wait to go on this journey and experience all this life has to offer with you by my side. I love you.” I managed to get it all out without having a breakdown.

“Can I have the rings please?” Kevin asked.

              Penelope handed Bella to Kayley and brought up the rings. I got Jake a black carbide ring since it seemed fitting for him. Kevin handed my ring to Jake. He took my hand and slid the ring onto my finger. It was a band of rose gold surrounded by diamonds.

“Aubrey, I give you
this ring with my promise to always be faithful to you. I promise to love you unconditionally in good times and in bad. I promise to be what you need when you need it. I promise all these things to you for as long as we both shall live.”

              Kevin handed me Jake’s ring.

“Jake, I give you this ring with a promise
to always love you and be there for you no matter what. I promise to be your faithful, loving and kick your ass when you need it. I solemnly vow this for as long as we both shall live.”

“Without further ado I now pronounce you Mr.
and Mrs. Jake Parker. You may now kiss your bride.”

             
Jake took his left hand that now had his wedding band and placed it on my cheek. He leaned in and kissed me. It started out all sweet and innocent until the tongues started dancing. Kevin cleared his throat and Jake swatted at him.

“There are children present.” Granny yelled.

              We reluctantly pulled away from one another. Everyone stood and clapped. The photographer we hired was busy snapping away. Everyone walked over to where the little reception had been set up. Everything was done in black and pink. Mama Bee and Rosie were busy taking the lids off the trays. I looked around at everyone that came. We were so lucky to have such great family and extended family. I think the word “friends” was too lacking for what they were to us. Ron wheeled over, and we both leaned down and gave him a hug. He said to save him a dance later.

We made our way through
and greeted everyone before getting some food. They totally outdid themselves. We had chicken Parmesan, four different kinds of pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers and lots of chocolate cake. I tried to sit down in my own chair, but Jake pulled me onto his lap. Blake started the music. Penelope and Kayley were twirling out on the dance floor that had been set up. They became fast friends, and it was adorable to watch. We went to the dance floor. Jake and I had our first official dance with Adele’s
Make You Feel My Love.
We danced nose to nose as Jake sang the song to me. It was so romantic. When we were done, I danced with my dad, Ron, and the boys. Jake danced with my mom, Granny Jean and Penelope. We walked over to the cake table and cut the first piece. Jake fed me the first bite. I bit down on his thumb as he was pulling out of my mouth. He looked at me with wide eyes. I knew exactly what reaction I was going to get. I placed his piece in his mouth and then smeared the frosting all over his face earning a hooting laugh from Derek.

“I’m going to get you for that later
, Mrs. Parker.”

“I’m banking on it
, Mr. Parker.”

“Is it time to go yet?”

“Go? Where are we going?” I asked perplexed.

“On our honeymoon
, silly. You didn’t think I’d forget that little detail, did you?”

             
I shook my head because I completely forgot that little detail.

“We’re off to Tahiti for two weeks. I hired a personal shopper to buy you an entire wardrob
e for the trip. Everything is already packed and ready to go.”

“You sneak.”
I swatted at his chest laughing.

“
Well… can we go?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Aren
’t there rules against bailing on your own wedding?” I laughed.

“No. We’ve been socializing for hours. Come on
, let’s start making the rounds.” He tugged on my hand.

             
We did exactly that. We said goodbye to each person. Everyone wished us luck and a great honeymoon. I went inside to change into more comfortable clothes since we were going to be travelling. Jake said the car was waiting out front to take us to the airport. We would be flying first class instead of private. He was hoping to avoid getting mauled and was glad I was going to be there to keep the bitches at bay. We yelled one last final farewell before heading to the car.

We arrived at the airport and made it through security and customs without as much as one heckler. We went to the first class
lounge since Jake insisted it was safer than sitting with the general population. They called our flight. We boarded the plane and started our adventure.

             
When we arrived in Tahiti, we were set up in a little villa right on the beach. We had our own private section of waterfront with no one else around. The sand was white, and the water was crystal clear. I changed into my bathing suit, and Jake did the same. I jumped on his back, and he took off in a run toward the water. He stepped into the refreshing warm water. I felt it splashing up on my feet. He dunked down, so we were submerged from the waist down. He pulled me around, so I was facing him. I leaned in and kissed him passionately. He held me tightly as he sat in the ocean. The water was lapping against my back. We were trying to be discreet in case we had any unwanted visitors or a paparazzi with a long lens. I undid the Velcro to his swim shorts as he slid my bottoms to the side. I moved until we were lined up. I gently lowered myself onto his hardness. We rocked back and forth with the waves until we found our release completely in sync.

             
We spent the rest of the honeymoon relaxing and eating. We did do a little sightseeing and some activities, but spent most of the time in our little villa wrapped up in sheets. It was refreshing to be able to go out and not worry about being spotted though. It was almost like being normal again. I was starting to feel a lot better too. The nausea was almost completely gone, and I was starting to get some of my energy back.

Tonight was going to be our last night on the island
. I was looking forward to going home. As nice as it was to be away there is nothing like your own bed. We decided we were going to go to LA first and spend some time there. Then we would be off to Ohio so that we could check on how the building process was coming along. My dad was there a lot keeping an eye on things.

We were all surprised
how quickly it was coming together. It should be though since we had three different full time construction crews there to ensure it was done on time. I was almost at the end of my first trimester already and time didn’t seem to be slowing down. I just hoped that it would be ready in time. I also had my Piper and the boys working on a mission for me to surprise Jake.

I was under the umbrella
stretched out in a lounge chair watching Jake make sand castles like a five year old. He looked over at me and grinned. I shook my head at him and laughed. He stood and walked to the ocean to clean the sand off his hands. He took off in a jog toward me.

“How’s my baby
momma? Do you need me to get you anything?”

“I’m good. You can go back to creating your village.” I teased.  

              He leaned in and kissed me and took off to play in the sand some more.

             
We packed up the rest of our stuff and headed back to LA.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The Crow & The Butterfly

5 ½ months later…

Jake

             
I rolled over and practically fell out of bed. Between Aubrey and Bella I was lucky if I was able to sleep in bed the at all. We’ve been staying at her parent’s house waiting for our house to be finished. Her queen size bed wasn’t cutting it anymore since her bump was so big. I ended up spending a lot of nights sleeping on the couch lately. I fucking loved her pregnant belly though. We stopped being able to fly back and forth to LA about a month ago because the doctor said it was too risky, especially carrying twins. We went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up, and they said that she could literally go into labor at any time. Her c-section was scheduled for next week already. We found out what we were having a couple months ago and finally managed to agree on baby names. My vote for Karma Jean got vetoed.

I was looking forward to get
ting settled into the new house. We were really going to have to work double time to get settled in, and I wasn’t going to let Aubrey do any work at all. All of the furniture is expected to be there at some point today. We were planning on going over there later to make sure it looks good before we move the rest of the boxes in. I got up and climbed out of bed. I grabbed my notebook and pen so I could try and write some more stuff for the new album since sleep was out of the question. I had been feeling so inspired lately that I filled up over three notebooks with lyrics. I headed to the kitchen to make some coffee. I took a seat at the table while it was percolating.

“Morning.”
Tim said walking into the room.

“Morning.”
I replied.

“You get kicked out of bed again?”

“No, but I would have fallen out if she moved another inch.” I laughed.

“You’re a better man
than I am. I would have moved into a hotel or something.” He joked.

“I’m used to not sleeping
, and I’m good to go with just a few hours. Probably a good thing, since I have a feeling that sleep will become a luxury come next week.”

             
He poured us each a cup of coffee and sat at the table. I decided to go shower and get ready so when Aubrey woke up we could get going. I went into the bathroom and started shaving when I felt Aubrey and her bump come up behind me.