Make Believe: A Novella (19 page)
“I love you, too, Aiden, so much.”
Today was by far the best day of my life. I had all of my family and closest friends to share it with me. Kyle and Tammy moved back to California, which secretly made me very happy. Erica, Miguel, and the twins flew from France for the weekend just for our wedding. Aiden, of course, chose Anthony as his best man, and Crystal took the spot as my maid of honor. Erica, Jinnie, Jess, Mimi, Tammy, and Erica’s twins, Layla and Bethany, were all my bridesmaids, and my little brother, Dylan, was my pageboy. It was the most beautiful service I had ever been to. I may be a little biased, of course, but who cares. My mom and Aiden’s mom spent the majority of the service in tears, which was quite entertaining.
I stared at my new husband with a smile on my face.
“Why are you smiling so much?” he asked suspiciously.
“Because I have a gift for you,” I said, walking toward my suitcase.
“Um, aren’t people supposed to buy us gifts?” he asked.
“Yes, but only I could give you this one,” I said handing him the wrapped box.
“OK, well I hope you know that I didn’t get you anything,” he said, nervously.
“Maybe you did,” I smiled. “Come on, open it.”
“OK.”
I watched in anticipation as he undid the ribbon, very slowly as if he would set off a bomb if he moved too fast. I chuckled at his nervous behavior. I watched the look on his face as he finally lifted the blue lid. He froze. He was speechless. His eyes bounced back and forth from the box to me and back again
“Is this...is it real?” he breathed.
“Yes,” I chuckled.
“This is a....” he still was at a loss for words.
“Pregnancy stick, yeah,” I laughed.
“It says...are you?”
I nodded my head as I smiled at him.
“Please tell me this isn’t a joke?”
“It’s no joke. It’s real. I’m pregn….”
I was cut off by his lips. They connected with mine with such passion and excitement. “I can’t believe it,” he said between kisses. “I can’t believe you’re really...oh my gosh!” he screamed in excitement as he lifted me in the air and twirled me around.
“You’re going to be a daddy!”
“I didn’t think I could be any happier. This is definitely real right? It’s not a dream?”
“It’s real, Aiden.”
“Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you so much, April,” he repeated as he kissed me over and over again. “And you,” he said, dropping to his knees and cupping my belly. “Can they hear me?” he asked innocently.
“I think so,” I smiled.
“If you can hear me, I want you to know that you’re going to be the most loved baby in the entire world. I don’t even know you, and I love you already,” he whispered to my stomach. I felt tears in my eyes start to form. He stood up and took my face in his hands.
“Thank you, baby,” he whispered.
“No, thank you,” I said, smiling.
“Wait, we can still, you know?” he asked with a coy smile on his face.
I hit him playfully on the arm. “You have such a one-track mind,” I chuckled.
“Only when it comes to you. So?”
“Yes, we can!” I giggled.
“Thank God for that! Two presents in one night. Now, I am a lucky man.”
“Shut up and kiss me,” I laughed as his lips touched mine.
“Mrs. Daniels, hold tight, this is about to be the best night of your entire life!”
And it was.
Like what you read and want to find out more?
Find Sharlay on...
Acknowledgments
First, I have to give all thanks to God. I believe that each and every one of us on this Earth have been given our own special gift, and the very fact I have been given open access to explore mine is such an incredible honor. Without You, I wouldn’t believe in me, or have the ability to connect with so many amazing people from all parts of the world. I thank You for every amazing story You send my way and every beautiful reader who enjoys it.
To my amazing family, you are truly one in a million. I love you beyond the words I can even express. Your support is absolutely priceless. Every dream I have, you guys support, and you have all sacrificed so much just so that I can live out my dream, and for that, I love you so much. Mom, Dad, Ren, Ty, and Nan. (P.S. Thanks for reading all of my books in the space of a week!! You’re a super fan.LOL) You mean the world to me!
To my wonderful church family, I can’t put into words how much your prayers and kind words have sustained me over the years. Your belief in me and your spiritual support have been second to none. I love you all.
To Nicole and Holly, my wonderful friends. Your feedback is invaluable, and our growing friendship so beautiful. Thank you for supporting every book I write. Even though you are behind the scenes, you are always on my mind.
To Daniel Garcia, your help has been so much appreciated. Thank you for leading me to Amy, I can’t thank you enough!
To my wonderful editor, Amy, for your dedication and commitment to getting out the best story possible. You’ve worked so hard, and I’m so excited to work with you more. Thank you for your hard work. You are an extremely talented woman!
Last, but not least, my amazing fans. Where would I be without you guys? This dream could not become a reality if you did not constantly continue to support me and my work. I love you guys and cannot wait to continue on this awesome journey with you!! xx
