Phoenix ✔️

Chapter 40: Checked Box

"She's been coming to my house a lot," Ash tells me, over the phone, as I look at some pictures online for what an ideal wedding would look like. I'm trying to look at ideas to see what I can customize for Dom and Lara's wedding. Above all, I just want everything to be perfect for them since it's been so long since Dom proposed to her. May as well make everything the best that I possibly can.

But, at the same time, I'm worried for Ash. If Tina is consistently showing up at his house, unwanted, then who knows what she's planning to do to Ash and Emily. "Ash, I'm scared. What's she going to do if she doesn't see that you don't want her there?"

"I don't know, but she's not going to touch Emily or you. I'm going to make sure of it. Neither of you guys have to worry. But, either ways, enough about her. She's not important or relevant enough to be talked about. How about you? Excited for Dom and Lara's wedding?"

I smile, remembering the date. Two more weeks, and I get to have fun and party at Dom and Lara's wedding. I can't wait for the day, and I know that it's going to be a blast. "I'm excited. We're walking down the aisle together, right?"

I can feel Ash almost evilly smile over the phone, and say, "Yeah, Dom mentioned something about that. But, Nicole, think about it. Just imagine if many years later, we're walking down the aisle again? This time, we're doing it to say 'I do,' to each other?"

I smile, because I can't help but think Ash is just way too cute. I smile, and say, "Already thinking about our future, hm? I don't blame you, Ash. I really want Emily and Isa as my sisters in law again."

We both laugh over the phone, as I just imagine. Me, walking down elegantly in my gown, with Ash standing there, smiling in his tuxedo, as Elena, Dom, Lara, and Roy all smile at me. The 'I do's.' It all just seems so magical. It would be amazing if it actually were to happen.

********

"Nicole, you're improving! Granted, you're still going to have some flashbacks, of course. The fact that Ash loves you doesn't cure your PTSD, although if it did, that would be majestic. I'm proud, and glad that our talks helped," Dr. Musin says, as I sit in the big, comfy chair.

I give her a reassuring smile, and say, "Well, I do have some awesome people around me. It's really good to have them for support and to not go through it alone."

She gives me a smile, and says, "That's good. Is there anything that's fueling your excitement and happiness right now?"

"Yes, actually. My brother and his fiance are getting married, and they're expecting right now. I'm going to be an aunt for the first time, so that's really exciting. The wedding is in 2 weeks."

Dr. Musin gives me a gleaming smile. "Oh, that's wonderful! Congrats to your brother. Keep happy thoughts. Try not to flood too much with negativity. I think you will be fine."

I'm starting to think so too.

********

"My first baby is getting married, and my second baby is going to get there one day. I'm going to have a grandbaby in a few months. I'm way too old for this, aren't I?" my dad tells me, as he wheels over to check on Dom.

I snicker. "Dad, you're 58."

"Still too old."

Dom rolls his eyes, as Elena gets a lint roller in her hand. "Getting lint on your shirt is a no no, Dom. I swear, you're causing all of us way too much stress." I look through my little list of tasks to make sure that I haven't forgotten anything. Anything that I could've forgotten is something that could possibly ruin the entire ceremony. I check off everything mentally, and then go to tend to Dom, who is probably going through 3x as much stress as he should be.