Today is a day of multiple festivities.
All construction and renovations on our guesthouse are done. It didn't happen as quickly as hoped, but once zoning and permits were approved we got to work. The week of the wedding, while we were in Atlanta, Ashlyn approached her dad about building us our own pool. We went to his office and designed exactly what we wanted. Dozer dropped the bomb he was giving this to us for our wedding present. He worked with my dad to hire a local crew, and while we were in Antigua, they broke ground.
Andrew took the jump and relocated to Charleston in early March, renting my old house. Both Austin and Andrew were involved with the process of getting our backyard done. Austin came for a few weeks to oversee the work and manage the progress. I was grateful for their help. It freed me up to handle my workload at Kendrick Construction and cover renovations.
Today is our official housewarming party with every project done. Our renovated guesthouse complements the main house perfectly because of Ashlyn's design. And the outside turned into a huge outdoor oasis, unlike anything we ever imagined. It rivals her parents' backyard ten times over.
There's a commotion at the back patio, alerting me that the couple of the day has arrived. All the women swarm Stephanie, snatching her from Todd's hold. Even in the distance, it's hard to miss the diamond on her finger.
They are the largest celebration of the day.
When Todd told me he was planning to propose, I immediately guided him differently.
"Don't ask, make it happen," was my advice.
"You got any ideas?"
"Yeah, slide that shit on her finger, tell her you're getting married, and be prepared for her punch to the balls."
"And then?"
"Give Scottie a head's up so you can give her the wedding of her dreams."
He half-listened to me, calling the next day with a limp. I laughed my ass off when he told me she is literally a 'ball buster'.
"At least you got the ring on her finger. Nice rock," I comment when he steps to my side.
"You and Pierce set a high bar. Every ring I looked at, Scottie was in my ear, critiquing and comparing. Many times I regretted taking him with me."
I glance back at the group of women and zero in on Stephanie. The happy glow radiates around her. "I think you could have given her a pebble and she'd still be happy."
"Not sure about that."
"Man, I've only known her a few years, but I told you before, she's family. I'm fucking happy for you."
"Thanks."
"Going to give you a piece of advice."
He arches his eyebrows and crosses his arms. "This should be good. Last time severely limited my chance for children."
"Brace, man, because these women—Darby, Ashlyn, and Stephanie—they're three of a kind. It's not always easy, but you've just gotten on the best thrill ride of your life. Every day it gets better."
"Got it. We going to pour martinis and share stories, too?" he replies coyly, smirking.
"Smartass."
"You going to stand up there with me when we make this thing official?"
"No place else for me to be."
"Figure Ashlyn and Darby will be there with us."
"I'd assume. You going big?"
"Not my gig. I offered my two cents for a beach wedding and Scottie threw a hissy fit."
"What's wrong with a beach wedding?"
"Apparently, it's unpredictable."
I nod.
"I made one demand."
"What is that?"
"They have three months."
"Generous of you, but be ready for disappointment. I shot for six weeks and had to wait thirteen."
“Well, if I was going for the day we met, I'd have to wait until next May. That shit ain't happening."
"I hear ya."
He looks back at his fiancée, then slowly scans the property. It's easy to read his thoughts before he even says, "This is fucking unreal. What started as a renovation turned into a palace."
"Palace for a Princess."
"You Kendrick brothers make the rest of us look like amateurs."
"Take notes."
"Arrogant son of a bitch." He grins, punching my arm. "I'm getting a damn beer."
The gaggle of women breaks up, spreading out, and I see my opportunity. My eyes dart to find Cole waiting. I tip my chin in signal, and when Ashlyn's less than five feet away, he takes off running, gently knocking into her enough that she loses her balance.
I step in, catching her in my arms. When I know we're close, I stumble backward, bracing as we free fall into the pool. She shrieks so loud it vibrates in my ears, even underwater.
Her body flails against me, but I hold tight, standing and arranging her around me. The shock wears off and she narrows her eyes.
"Miller Matthew Kendrick!" she spews, wiping water from her face. "You scoundrel!"
"Scoundrel?"
"There are children around or I'd call you an asshole."
"I didn't get your hair wet." I lean in to steal a kiss before she really gets going.
There's a huge explosion of laughter from everyone around.
"Finally! Pool's open!" Cole does a cannonball close, splashing us, and this time her hair gets a dose.
Her head swivels between him and me, and she shoves hard on my shoulders. "You orchestrated that."
"You should have skinny-dipped with me last night. Then we could have properly opened the pool."
She huffs at the same time Evin comes to stand at the edge above us. "About time, I've been waiting forever. There's a lounger over there with my name on it." He points to the sun shelf.
"Were all of you
