Almost Everything

Chapter 39 - Next To Me

I was up by eight the next morning. I get up with a quick dash to the bathroom to empty my full bladder of booze. Washing my hands, I glance at the mirror and catch my reflection, my face is covered in a ridiculous grin. I'm still wearing my husband's boxers and button-down. Suddenly remembering my phone, I walk back into the bedroom, only to find it dead on his pillow.

Slowly, I open my suite door and walk down the hall to his room. I knock, but he refuses to open the door because he doesn't want to see me until I'm in my wedding dress. We are starting pictures before the ceremony to get the natural sunlight, but most of our pictures would be taken during the ceremony and reception.

"Fine. You're so damn stubborn. I love you, Mr. Williams."

I hear his laugh on the other side. "I love you more, Mrs. Williams."

I hurry back to my room to see the staff bringing in trays of food to one of the conference rooms below. I smell the bacon and my stomach voices its approval. I didn't realize how hungry I was until now. I walk down the stairs wearing Jackson's clothing, not caring who approves or not. Kyle and Sarah are already eating, but not talking to each other. I feel bad for my brother-in-law; he was just having fun with his little brother.

"Kyle, would you mind bringing Jax breakfast? I'll make him a plate, but he won't open the door for me. I already tried." I giggle.

"Of course, I will." He agrees and follows me to the food line.

When we are far enough away from his wife, I make my observation. "Well...at least you're not dead." I try to lighten the tension.

"I wish I was. I think I'm frostbitten from the icy glares." He smiles at me.

"She'll get over it. We always do." I hug him quickly.

When the plate is piled with food, he hurries up the stairs towards Jackson's room. I fill my plate and sit next to Sarah.

"Thank you for letting Kyle spend time with Jackson last night. They had a lot of fun." I tell her.

Sarah looks up from her plate and frowns. "We're pregnant. It really sucks to be sober this week. I'm not a big drinker, but you guys are having so much fun and I feel like I'm missing out. I'm sorry that I'm being such a bitch."

I clap my hands quietly and smile at her. "Congratulations. Your secret is safe with me. I don't think you're being a bitch...being the only sober person does suck with everyone is so drunk and annoying. Kyle was afraid that he was going to be in trouble last night."

"My hormones are so over the moon. I wasn't mad, just jealous. I'll stop my pity party now." She grins.

"No. Milk it. Kyle needs to step up his game." I giggle at her.

"I'm very happy that you are going to be my sister-in-law. That's really all this family talks about, me included. You guys are stupid cute together."

"Thanks, Sarah. I'm very happy to be gaining two sisters too!"

When I finish my breakfast, the bridesmaids and I go to the spa for our massages, hair, and makeup. The boys are getting their massages in Jackson's room.

Before we get too involved in our pampering, I want to give Elizabeth the small gift I bought her. I had a necklace custom-made for her. It is a platinum chain with five diamond drops in the center. At the clasp, I asked the jeweler to add a platinum circle charm that is engraved with Thank you for raising the man of my dream. I know she is going to cry.

Pulling her into an empty massage room, I give her the box. She carefully opens it and I watch her look at the diamonds and read the charm. "Avery. Darling, this is so beautiful." She pulls me into a tight hug.