If You Make a Deal With a Shadow...

Chapter 60

"But I'm promisin' you better though, and your friends sayin', "Let him go". And we ain't gettin' any younger. I can give up now, but I can promise you forever though.

If there's a question of my heart, you've got it. It don't belong to anyone but you. If there's a question of my love, you've got it..."

- Matrimony by Wale feat. Usher

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Aubrey knew she had to call everyone to invite them to the wedding, even Payton's side of the family. She was so excited to marry him. Payton Hampton. The love of her life, her protector, her best friend. She even made sure to stop at the cemetery to tell her family and best friend the good news. She knew Austin would be so happy for her even though he couldn't be there physically. Probably would even pretend to be jealous. Aubrey laughed as she held her stomach. Her life was finally falling into place. It took some trial and error to get here, but she was in a good place mentally. She was marrying the man of her dreams, with the job of her dreams, with the family of her dreams, living in the house of her dreams. Everything was falling into place pretty nicely in fact.

FOUR MONTHS LATER...

The day of Kasey and Alysa's wedding Aubrey and Payton's engagement was announced publicly. Aubrey was embarrassed to say the least because Kasey was the one who announced it. She didn't want to be the topic of his wedding, but people walked around and talked to Kasey's new wife while simultaneously congratulating Aubrey and Payton on their engagement. There were a few men who talked to Payton about his injury and about the upcoming season. Aubrey eventually had to sit down because the babies were kicking mighty hard. She was eight and a half months pregnant which meant the twins could honestly come any day now. Payton told her they would be getting married right after her delivery.

"You okay, babe?" came a voice and she looked up at a concerned Payton. He put his hands on her stomach and squatted in front of her. Ever since he proposed he had been great to her. He waited on her hand and foot. Never left her side like he promised. He catered to her constantly and would apologize to her for every wrong he had done every chance he got. He was great and she was forever grateful.

"Yes," she let out a breath. "Your babies are just tiring me out. You can go mingle. I'll be fine. Just need a break," she gave him a reassuring smile.

"Okay, I'll go grab you a glass of water," he stood up and kissed her forehead before going over to the beverages table.

As soon as he walked away Aubrey felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen so she grit her teeth before clutching her stomach. She let out the breath she was holding after it subsided. There was the sound of glass clinking that caught everyone's attention. Alysa was on stage preparing for a toast.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming..." Kasey joined in by her side. "It means a lot. I married the man of my dreams. You guys made this day special for us," she looked at Kasey and he smiled.

"I love him with all my heart," she finished and Kasey grabbed her to kiss her.

"I love you more, baby," he whispered and she giggled. Everyone clapped.

Another sharp pain hit Aubrey and it was worse and longer than the previous one. What's going on? She didn't want to interrupt anyone because it was Kasey and Alysa's day. She looked around for Payton, wondering where he was. "What's taking him so long?" she gritted out. She looked down, noticing the seat and floor beneath her were wet. "Oh merda!" she whisper-yelled. Her eyes grew wide and she gripped the table cloth.