Battlescars: A Rock & Roll Romance Read online

  “Go away.” She mumbled.

  “It’s time to get up, baby. Everyone else already ate and everything.”

  She bolted upright.

  “You ate without me?” She shrieked. “I’m starving. Did you make bacon?”

  “No, sausage.” She pouted. “Come on, I’ll go cook you some bacon.”

  I led her to the kitchen.

  “Nice of you to join us this morning, princess.” Tim chimed.

  “Talk to the hand ‘cause this princess is grouchy until she has breakfast.”

  The whole room erupted into laughter. I turned the skillet on and prepped to make her some French toast and bacon since it was her favorite. I worked at warped speed and managed to have it in front of her within five minutes. She took the fork from me and stabbed the first piece of bread and put it to her mouth. She quickly scarfed everything down and smiled. I brought her a glass of orange juice and her vitamins. She tossed them in her mouth and swallowed.

  The boys and I were off to go get fitted for some suits today. There was this awesome tailor not too far from here that said he could have them ready by Saturday. The girls were going to stay here and do girly things. I planned a surprise for them. I knew Aubrey would enjoy it and I thought the others would too, except maybe Granny Jean. We climbed into the truck and headed out.

  Aubrey

  “Alright let’s see this dress.” Piper chimed excitedly.

  I walked over to the closet and pulled out the garment bag. I unzipped it and did the big reveal. Piper jumped up and down excitedly. My mom said she loved it, but that she wished it were white. Granny Jean asked if I was changing my name to Morticia. I stripped down so I could finally try it on. I was just about in when the doorbell rang. I hobbled over to the door clutching the dress to my chest. I wondered if someone arrived earlier than expected. I wasn’t worried about opening the door since you needed to have the gate code in order to get in. The only people that had it were Ron and the guests.

  It was two women dressed in uniforms. They said that they were from Lotus Spa and that they were here to give us a day of pampering. I invited them in and told them we needed a couple minutes. We quickly tied the dress, and I looked in the mirror. It fit perfectly and looked wonderful. I took it off and hung it back on the hanger and stuck in back in the closet.

  We walked back into the room, and they had brought in a couple of massage tables along with a couple boxes. They asked where to set everything up, and my mom suggested outside by the patio. Piper and I had our massages first while my mom and Granny Jean got their nails and toes painted. It felt really nice. It was yet another thing I thought I would never be able to enjoy. I rolled over and got a chocolate facial next. I was buffed and polished by the time the boys arrived back. Jake was carrying a bag. He held it out to me and gave me a kiss.

  “Did you like your surprise?” He asked.

  “It was very thoughtful and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.” I hugged him. “I missed you. Did you get your errands done?”

  “Sure did, wait until you see me on our wedding day.” He grinned happily. “That bag you’re holding contains a piece of triple chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate ganache topping, and homemade chocolate whipped cream.” I clutched the bag and jumped on him wrapping my legs around his waist.

  “You are the best almost husband ever!” I kissed him biting his lip before I pulled away. I leaned in and whispered in his ear. “You are totally getting laid later.”

  I felt him get a semi and laughed. He refused to put me down and carried me into the kitchen. He grabbed a fork and sat down, so I was on his lap. I opened the bag and pulled out my cake. It looked like an orgasm on a plate, the Picasso of cakes. I almost didn’t even want to eat it. Who am I kidding? I had my fork stabbed in it in the blink of an eye. I put it to my mouth and moaned. It somehow managed to taste even better than it looked if that was even possible. The only thing that could have made it better was if it had chocolate covered bacon bits on top. I should totally call and see if they could make that for me. I bet Jake could convince them to do it.

  “Can we get one of these with chocolate covered bacon?” I asked with my mouth full.

  He chuckled into my hair and tried to pretend like he wasn’t. He pulled out his phone and looked up the number.

  “Hi I was just there and bought a piece of your triple chocolate cheesecake. I was wondering if it would be possible to have one made with chocolate covered bacon on top?” He waited. “Yes that’s me.” He laughed. “Thanks. I’ll be there tomorrow to pick it up.” He turned to look at me. “The chef said absolutely.”

  “I love you like a fat kid loves cake.” I kissed him.

  I fed him the last bite because sharing is caring.

  “I think you might be onto something with the bacon.” He teased.

  We went and joined everyone else. We spent the last night before the rest of our company was set to arrive relaxing around the fire.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Do I?

  The whole place had turned into chaos since everyone arrived. Blake and Derek were in love with Granny Jean and made it a point to sit next to her at every meal. Derek asked her if he could move in with her when they moved to Ohio.

  “Do I look like a motel?” She asked.

  “No, you look like a grandma.” He teased.

  “Don’t be a smart ass.” She playfully whacked him in the back of the head.

  “Aubrey, I’m totally stealing your Granny.”

  I shook my head and laughed. I was helping Mama Bee and Rosie peel corn on the cob. Jake came up and kissed my cheek. He leaned in to whisper.

  “Have you seen Piper?”

  I shook my head no. As a matter of fact, I haven’t seen her in a while.

  “Is she with Blake?” I asked.

  “That scoundrel.” He walked away mumbling something under his breath.

  A little while later both Piper and Blake came into the room. They were looking chummy. I wondered if they might start something up, especially since Blake would be Ohio bound soon. We’ve talked enough that she knew his reputation and that he wasn’t exactly the settling down type. The doorbell rang, and I got up to answer it knowing that we were only expecting one last group today.

  It was Penelope and her family. I leaned down and hugged her. I couldn’t wait for her to see the dress I had Lulu make for her. I greeted her parents, Lucy and Paul. Jake walked in and took them to do introductions. I used the opportunity to steal Penelope for a couple minutes. I led her down to my room and pulled the dress out. I took her hand and led her back to the living room because I wanted her mom to see her reaction too. She politely excused herself, and we went into the kitchen. I unzipped the bag and took it out. Her entire face lit and she squeaked loudly. It was a hot pink Cinderella style dress with rhinestones and glitter. It had extra layers of tulle to make it extra poofy. She ran her little fingers over the fabric and hugged me tightly.

  “What do you say Penelope?” Lucy asked.

  “Thank you Aubrey. It’s just like a real princess dress.”

  I handed the bag to Lucy so she could put it in their room. She thanked me too. Penelope ran in to the living room and jumped on Jake.

  “Jakey!”

  “Princess Penelope, I missed you. How’s my girl?”

  “I’m fabulous. Did you know that Queen Aubrey got me a dress? It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen in my whole entire life!”

  “Is it now? Queen Aubrey has good taste. That’s why she’s marrying me.” He looked at me and winked. The room laughed.

  Jake showed them to their room and helped carry their stuff. Mama Bee and Rosie called dinnertime. Tonight they made a pot roast, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and some of Mama’s famous biscuits. Whatever they did to the pot roast made it even better than my mom’s recipe. It was mouthwatering. I savored every last bite. After dinner, we were going to meet Kevin and Bryn for ice cream with the boys and Piper. Kevin wanted to tak
e her around the city. Since they didn’t eat meat, he found a vegan restaurant to try. Mama offered to cook them something else, but he said they were fine.

  I noticed some thick, sexual tension between Piper and Blake. It was only a matter of time before they realized they were a match in BDSM heaven. Piper was into some weird stuff, at least it was weird to me. I had a feeling it would be right up Blake’s alley. We all climbed into the truck and headed to down. We pulled into Cones and Such and ordered ice cream. Jake paid for everyone. They even had a kind that Kevin could have. Jake pulled me onto his lap.

  “Look at those two.” I laughed.

  “I give it until the end of the night.”

  At that moment, a drop of ice cream dripped onto Piper’s chest. Blake leaned over and licked it off. They initiated some sort of staring contest.

  “I’m going to bang you so hard we should probably exchange insurance information.” She rasped.

  “Gladly.” He winked.

  The two of them engaged in a full-blown public make out session. Jake kept throwing things at them to make them separate, but they weren’t breaking. He tossed Blake the keys, and he caught them midair.

  “Don’t get the seats dirty.” He cringed.

  “I have no idea how you dealt with them for over three months.” Bryn laughed.

  “Puh-lese, she kept us in line. She loved every minute of it. Didn’t you Aub’s.” Derek smirked.

  “It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.” I admitted. “Plus I get a husband out of the deal.” I kissed him lightly.

  “Are you guys all ready for tomorrow?” She asked.

  “As ready as we’re going to be.”

  “I’m really happy for you both.” Kevin said earnestly.

  “Thanks Kev.”

  We finished our dessert and made sure that the truck wasn’t rocking before opening the door. They were both smirking, and I just knew…

  When we got home, we said our good night’s and went to bed. We weren’t conforming to the traditional “not seeing the bride the night before.” We didn’t want to be apart, especially if we were going to be separated for most of the day tomorrow. I curled into Jake and closed my eyes. It was my last night as Aubrey Thompson.

  The next morning I opened my eyes and saw the blue sky out the window. I stood up and stretched. Jake wasn’t in bed, but there was a pink rose on his pillow with a red box next to it. I picked up the rose and smelled it. I lifted the lid to the box. Nestled inside was a necklace with a row of gray Tahiti pearls and a diamond clasp. They would look amazing with my dress. I was starting to get choked up by his thoughtfulness when he walked into the room with a tray of breakfast. He smiled and put the tray on the end table.

  “Do you like them?”

  “I love them. You have no idea how perfect they are. Thank you Jake.”

  “Today’s the big day. I’m not supposed to be in here right now per the womens’ orders, but I at least need one kiss to get me through the day.”

  He placed his hand on the side of my face and captured my lips. He pulled away way too soon. I pouted, but he shook his head no. I think he knew that we would both end up getting carried away, which was exactly what I wanted right now. I needed some relief. He sensed it and dropped his hand. He rubbed me gently until I found my release. I wanted to return the favor, but he kissed me and quickly stepped out of my reach.

  “I’ll see you at the alter, baby.” He winked.

  “Yeah, see you later.” I grumbled.

  Thankfully the wedding was in the early afternoon, and I wouldn’t have to wait too long. I had no patience as it was. Especially when it came to something I was looking forward to. I ate my breakfast and hopped in the shower. I dressed in one of Jake’s button downs. I walked toward the living room to find my mom. I saw Jake in the other room and heard him groan. My mom was sitting on the couch reading the paper. I leaned over the couch and gave her a hug. I made sure I bent over so that he could see my panties.

  “No fair.” He yelled before disappearing.

  Stick that in your pipe and smoke it. I laughed.

  “Are you all ready for today?” She asked.

  “Definitely. The hairdressers should be here soon. We should gather everyone up that wants their hair done and go to my room since we have a bigger bathroom.”

  We left to gather all the women. I had one last surprise for Penelope too. Since she said she loved my pink hair we had the salon make her a pink wig to wear. It was going to match her dress, and I knew she was going to love it. Once we had everyone assembled we set up in my room. My dad brought in a couple chairs. He said that he and Ron had everything under control outside.

  A little while later the hair and make-up crew arrived. They started with my mom and Granny Jean first. When they were done, they took Piper and Penelope. Her face when she saw the wig was priceless. When they had it in place, they did Lucy’s hair next. She tried to decline, but we all insisted. I was last. They got to work pulling the hair up and securing it in curls. When the final finishes were done I looked in the mirror and gasped. I looked spectacular. They did an awesome pink and black smokey eye, and pale pink lips. My hair looked awesome. It was very 1950’s pin up. I knew Jake was going to love it. They even managed to make the curls in the front look like a heart. The last thing to do was pin in my netted veil. They cleaned up and left. Everyone else left to go get dressed. My mom and Piper were coming back to help me get into my dress once they were finished. I picked up my string of pearls and fastened them into place. I was bouncing in place until they came back. My mom handed me my bouquet of pink roses wrapped in black satin ribbon.

  I went and pulled my dress out of the closet and laid it on the bed. My mom looked beautiful in a silver dress with cap sleeves and a pair of matching shoes. Piper had on a hot pink tutu dress and black pumps. Granny Jean was dressed in a knee length leopard print dress. She had a thing for leopard print for as long as I can remember and for being eighty she rocked it.

  “Since your pearls are your something new we each brought you something to finish the rest.”

  Piper handed me a blue garter as my something blue. Granny handed me something old. It was my grandpa’s pocket watch. My mom handed me her topaz ring for my something borrowed. It was a twenty-year anniversary present from my dad, and she never took it off. I slid it onto my right hand. We unzipped the garment bag and lifted the dress out. I unbuttoned the shirt and tossed it on the floor. I stood there in my all black lingerie and stepped into my dress. Piper laced up the corset making sure to leave it a little loose, so we didn’t hurt the babies.

  My mom helped me into my shoes. I picked out bejeweled flats instead of heels because I didn’t want to risk falling on my face or being embarrassed. I took one last look in the mirror. Just as we were finishing the final touches, my dad knocked on the door. He looked dapper in his black suit and crisp white shirt. He had on a hot pink tie. It made me smile. They each kissed me as they left the room.

  “You look beautiful, princess.” He looked my dress over. “I can’t believe my baby is getting married.” He started to get choked up.

  “Don’t start, or I’m going to totally lose it. I’m emotional enough because of the pregnancy hormones.” I fanned my face and tried to keep the tears at bay.

  He held his arm out, and I looped my arm with his. We walked out of the bedroom and down the hallway. We stopped right before we reached the patio. I sucked in a deep breath to quell my nerves and stepped outside. The backyard looked magical. There were three rows of white chairs with pink and black bows tied to the backs. I noticed that Brett and Ri made it last minute. Jake made plans to send them to Disney World as a gift for being awesome. This was the only week that Kayley was off. Penelope was sitting with Kayley holding Bella looking adorable in her dress and pink hair.

  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.