We also set up a white gazebo by the lake. That’s where they’re exchanging their vows. Megan came over while mum and Indiana were at the hairdressers, to help decorate it. She lined the outside edges with white tulle and a long garland of white silk roses to make it look more wedding-ish, I guess.
Every time I’m down by the lake near the dock, it brings back so many memories for me. It was the place that Indiana gave me her greatest gift—her virginity. In return I gave her my heart. It’s also the night things changed for me, forever. Thinking back now, me leaving was the best thing that could’ve happened to us.
If I had stayed, I’m not sure we would’ve lasted. My head was in a bad place, and I was consumed with anger. Moving away gave me the chance to grow. The chance to see just how much I needed her. By the time I came back, I was ready. I was a better man—more worthy.
My mum sold Fuckwit’s house six months ago and moved in with Ross. I wasn’t the least bit sad to see that place go. At least when Indi and I come home to stay now, I no longer have to feel uncomfortable. Ross even packed up the room that he used to share with Indiana’s mother. It’s been converted into a nursery for his grandchildren.
Well it’s Jaxson’s room for now, but he’ll be sharing it with his baby brother, Levi, when he’s born.
If I have my way they’ll have to extend the house with all the grandchildren I plan on giving them. Jaxson was only a few months old when I knocked Indiana up again. I can’t explain the feeling I get seeing her carrying my child, but I fucking love it.
“Dad-da,” Jaxson squeals from Ross’ arms when he sees me. When Ross places him down, I extend my hands to him as he walks unsteadily towards me. He’s still trying to find his feet. He only started walking a few weeks ago.
Ross grabs hold of my grandmother’s hand, leading her towards the chairs that are set up near the gazebo. “Thanks, Dad,” I say smiling at him. He asked me if I’d call him dad the day Indiana and I got married. I didn’t hesitate. It’s one of those poignant moments in your life that you never forget; like the day Indiana became my wife, the day my son was born, and the day my grandmother welcomed me with open arms. It’s right up there with them.
“Hey, champ,” I say as I scoop my little boy into my arms and bury my lips in his soft, chubby cheek. I love this little guy, so hard. My real dad doesn’t know what he missed out on when he walked away from my mum when she was pregnant. Nothing beats the feeling of being a parent. Nothing.
Jaxson looks so cute in the little suit my mum had made for him today. I’m smiling as I stare down into his big green eyes. They’re exactly like Indi’s. “No,” he squeals, tugging at his tie in frustration. I hear ya buddy. I fucking hate them too.
“You have to leave it on until Nanna and Pa get married,” I say calmly, removing his chubby little hand from the death grip he has on it.
“No,” he snaps, scrunching up his face and frowning at me. It makes me chuckle. Not only did he inherit his mother’s looks, he also inherited her temper and stubbornness. It’s close to his nap time, so that doesn’t help his mood either. I pull his dummy out of my pocket, remove the cover and stick it in his mouth. I always carry one with me. It’s a fucking godsend sometimes. Walking towards the chair, I pick up his teddy bear and hand it to him. He cuddles it into his chest. Hopefully that will distract him until the ceremony is over.
“They’re ready,” Meg calls out as she walks towards us before taking Jaxson out of my arms. She blows a raspberry on his neck to distract him when he tries to protest. I watch as she walks towards Drew, who’s holding their daughter Isabella. She was born four weeks after Jaxson. Indiana cried tears of joy when Megan named their little girl after Indi’s mum. It was very touching.
“You ready, Dad?” I ask as I grasp his shoulder.
“Never been readier,” he smiles as we both walk over and stand by the marriage celebrant. There’s only about thirty guests here today; mainly the guys from Ross’ work and a few neighbours. They wanted to keep it small and intimate.
When the music starts to play, my eyes move to Indiana as she waddles towards us. She still takes my breath away after all this time. Her hair is pulled into an up-do on top of her head, with a few loose curls falling down over her pretty face. She’s wearing a soft pink strapless dress, accentuating her spectacular rack. It then falls loosely to her knees accommodating her large stomach. Levi is due to come into this world sometime next week.
We’re both looking forward to his birth. Her smile widens when her eyes lock with mine. “I love you,” I mouth when she gets closer. It’s not until she’s standing opposite us that my gaze then moves to my mother. She’s wearing an ivory dress that’s covered with lace. She looks beautiful, and so happy. It warms my heart to see her like this. I turn to look at Ross, whose teary eyes are glued to my mother as she walks towards him.