Ghost of you

part of the family

Dani

Two days had passed since we got back to Vegas and I was already dreading leaving again, his mom wanted us to go visit them for Thanksgiving which I didn't want to do considering what happened last time I was around them, I didn't want it happening in front of the rest of his family but I went for his sake. Oliver wanted to come but I convinced him to visit our mom and that I would make it up to him when I got back, Zak had drove us to the airport so Oliver would stay with him and I heard him crying as I was walking away from him. It broke my heart hearing him cry since I was his only parent aside from him believing Dakota was his dad, I had remembered the promise I made to Alex before we said our goodbyes.

I felt Dakota grab my hand after we found our seats, I wasn't thrilled about seeing his dad again and I think he knew that.

Dakota: everything is going to be fine babe.

Dani: have you told them that we got married?

Dakota: no because I knew they would have talked me out of getting married at the courthouse and doing things their way.

Dani: it wasn't exactly a church wedding and I'm pretty sure my dad's new wife wouldn't let him walk me down any isle or give me away, He didn't even bother showing up when I married Oliver's dad.

Dakota: maybe we can go visit them after we leave my parent's house.

Dani: we can try but there's no guarantee that he will get to meet you, his wife doesn't even allow my half brother to talk to me on the phone.

Dakota: you can always try, I will be here for you.

After we got to his parents house, I seen his mom and his other sister in the kitchen cooking while Chelsea was talking with a few other members of their family.

Dakota: hey mom and Isabella.

His mom: hi sweetheart.

Isabella: what's new dork?

Dakota: nothing weirdo, don't burn the food...

Isabella: very funny...

I felt him grab my hand as he gently pulled me towards him, his mom and sister gave me a hug while I still held onto his hand, he introduced me to the rest of his family before he walked out to where his dad was, I hesitated at first but he reassured me that it was okay.

Dakota: hey dad...

His dad: I'm glad you're here, I can't get this damn grill to work and you seem to make it work for you.

I kept my distance from his dad as much as I could and I flinched a little when he extended his arms out and hugged me, I convinced myself that nothing was going to happen and I got a sense of relief when I heard him speak.

His dad: I am sorry for how I treated you before Dani, I just don't want my son making any mistakes in his life and I didn't realize how much you mean to him.

Dani: I would never do anything to hurt Dakota sir.

His dad: I'm happy he has you in his life and look at there you are expecting a child, I am so proud of you two and I know about you two being husband and wife but we agreed to keep quiet and let Dakota be the one who told everyone today.

Dakota: Chelsea told you, didn't she?

His dad: yes but your mother doesn't know yet because she will want you getting married at a church but that's up to you two not her.

Dani: I don't want her getting her hopes up, let's go tell her together baby...

His dad: you two are a very beautiful couple.

Dakota: thank you dad...

We walked inside and quietly sat down at the table while everyone stared at me, I guess it was because I was still wearing my gloves, I was trying to keep the wedding ring hid until Dakota decided to tell everyone.

I heard him speak up as everyone looked at him, I immediately looked down after he let go of my hand mostly because I didn't care for being the center of attention but he told the others that we were married and I seen the expression on his mother's face after she looked at me. I knew that she wasn't happy hearing that we were married, I excused myself from the table and walked to the bathroom.

I knew coming here wasn't a good idea but I did anyway cause Dakota asked me to come with him, I heard someone knocking on the door and heard his voice as he spoke softly...

Dakota: please come out of the bathroom baby.

Dani: I don't want to be here a second longer, I should have stayed in Vegas...

Dakota: I'm glad you're here, can you please open the door?

I unlocked the door and walked out of the bathroom, we took a walk down to the lake so we could talk until his mom calmed down.

Dani: your mom probably hates me...

Dakota: I promise that isn't the case, she wants all her children to get married at a church.

Dani: it shouldn't matter where you and I get married, she should be happy you found someone to settle down with.

Dakota: she has certain expectations and she expects us to honor God's will. Hasn't your mother ever wanted certain things for you and Zak?

Dani: no, she was raised on finding happiness and she wanted the same thing for us. I remember the day she first met Alex, which was around the same day I met him, he thought that she was going to drag him to church so he stopped sleeping over on the weekends.

Dakota: I know that I can't take the place of him but I want to make you happy just like he did.

Dani: Alex wasn't perfect and we had out share of arguments but he knew what he was doing when it come to protecting the people he loved the most and you're not perfect either but...

Dakota: but...?

Dani: you have the same loving heart as he did, you even have Oliver convinced that you're his real dad and he loves you.

Dakota: I know he isn't my son but I want him to have my last name.

Dani: that's a big commitment Dakota, are you sure that's what you want?

Dakota: I wouldn't have it any other way, I would never treat your son any different than the child growing inside of you. I will always love them both equally.

His mom: I have never heard more sweeter words, you really do love her don't you son..?

I looked over at her and seen her looking at me with tears running down her face...

Dakota: I wouldn't have married her if I didn't love her, she means the world to me and nobody is going to change that.

His mom: I have never been more proud of you than I am right now, I wanted a church wedding for all my kids but I can't plan a wedding for you three, you all are grown up and I often forget that because you will always be my babies no matter what age you three are.

Dakota: I love you mom but I want you to accept her also, she is part of the family now and she thinks you hate her.

I seen them look over at me before I finished watching the sun disappear behind the water. I felt her grab my arm which made me look at her.

His mom: I apologize for making you think I hate you because I don't and I hope I'm not late saying this but I am happy you are part of this family.

I felt her give me a hug and I hugged her back and seen the others walk over to me as they welcomed me to the family.