Chapter 56

JAYDA

“I wanted to tell you after the reception, but here it goes. I’m pregnant!” Lilian cried.

That was totally unexpected for Jayda.

“Are you for real?” Jayda whispered, looking from Lilian’s face to her belly.

Lilian nodded with the most beautiful smile ever.

Jayda gently placed Ariella on the bed beside her, then embraced Lilian.

“This is the best news I’ve heard in a while. Thank you, God. Gosh, Lily, I’m so happy for you and Roman.” Jayda sniffed back happy tears.

“Thanks, babe! But please don’t cry! I don’t want you to ruin your makeup,” Lilian said, but it was too late because Jayda already had a tear rolling down her cheek.

Jayda chuckled and pulled away from the hug. “Don’t worry about my makeup. My makeup artist will retouch everything.”

Lilian took Ariella in her arms when she almost started whining.

“Ella, your godmother is going to give you a playmate. How cool is that?” Jayda cooed and tickled Ariella who giggled.

“Yes, my love. And hopefully, if it turns out to be a girl, you two will be best friends like your godmommy and me.”

Ariella gave a toothy grin.

“When did you find out? How far are you and how did Roman react when you told him?” Jayda asked excitedly.

Lilian blushed. “I’ve been feeling weird, but I didn’t have the mind to take the test because of my fear of it turning negative just like the results of the previous tests.

“But I eventually did last week, and it was positive. I couldn’t believe what I saw. That was the last test I had at home so I hurried to the pharmacy to get two more pregnancy kits. They were both positive. I cried all through that night.

“Roman called me and noticed I was crying. He asked me what happened, but words failed me. I didn’t know what to say to him, so instead I kept on crying. He got worried and said he was coming over.

“When he arrived, I showed him the tests, and we both burst into happy tears. We cried our eyes out on my bathroom floor.” Lilian waved her hand in front of her face to hold back more happy tears.

“He was able to make an appointment for us the next day with his friend who was an ob-gyn. We found out I was almost five weeks along, and the baby and I were doing fine.”

Jayda took Lilian’s hand in hers. “I’m so happy for you. Gosh, my heart is full with so much pride and happiness. I’m sure your mom felt the same way I’m feeling.”

Lilian nodded. “She and Dad shed the most tears. I wanted to tell you immediately, but we’ve been so busy with your wedding plans and all. I didn’t think it was the right time.”

“You and Roman have given Sebastian and I the best wedding gift we could ever ask for, and we owe you two a celebratory party, a gender reveal party, and a baby shower celebration. Congratulations, once again, my love.”

The best friends embraced and giggled about their futures together with baby Ariella between them. Just then, a knock came at the door to interrupt them.

Grace stuck her head in the door. “Jayda, my princess. It’s time!”

***

SEBASTIAN

“Daddy, why is your palm sweaty?” Aaron asked Sebastian as they walked down the aisle hand-in-hand. It was an outdoor wedding, and everywhere was already beautifully decorated.

“Daddy is nervous, buddy,” Sebastian replied.

“But why?” Aaron asked curiously.

“I will remind you of this conversation on your wedding day,” Sebastian said since there were no words to use to explain how he was feeling to his son.

“Wow, that will be when I grow big like you.”

“Exactly!” Sebastian replied.

“But Uncle Caleb told me you’re nervous because you’re getting married to Mama. You don’t need to be nervous, Daddy, Mama loves you so much,” little Aaron assured.

Sebastian Hayes Miller tried not to get too emotional seeing Jayda’s father walk her down the aisle.

He wondered how he got so lucky to have Jayda in his life. She looked like an angel. His personal angel, sent by God himself.

He blessed the day he walked into that bar that night and saw her. Her presence in his life made him a better person. He would forever be grateful.

When Jayda and her father got to the end of the aisle, David took Sebastian’s hand and placed Jayda’s own in it.

“I love you two, and I wish you both a happy married life,” David said sincerely. He had no doubt that his daughter was in good hands.

“Thanks, Dad,” they said at the same time.

David beamed at them before making his way to the seat reserved for him in front.

David kissed his wife, Grace, on the cheek and collected Ariella from her.

“You look breathtakingly beautiful.” Sebastian smiled.

“Thanks, you look yummy too,” she whispered.

The ceremony started in full swing. The officiating minister spoke a bit about the blessedness of marriage, blessed the duo, and soon enough it was time for Jayda and Sebastian to say their vows.

Aaron stole the show a little when he stepped forward to present the rings to Caleb, the best man. The little guy looked so much like Sebastian; Seb had made sure he and his son wore matching tuxedos.

Sebastian drew in a heavy breath, making the audience chuckle, and then he began to say his vows.

“I don’t know how I got lucky to have a wonderful woman like you by my side, but I bless God for making our paths cross.” He held Jayda’s hands in his while he spoke.

“We didn’t meet in the best manner possible, and neither did we get along at first, but I’m proud of how far we’ve come. We’ve grown from hating one another to loving each other with passion, and I wouldn’t want to spend the rest of my life with anyone else.”

Sebastian kept his eyes on hers. As far as he was concerned, there was nobody else there for him but his new bride.

“I promise to love you more and more as the day goes by. I promise to always put a smile on your beautiful face. I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to respect you. I promise to treat you like the queen you truly are, and most importantly, I promise to always take care of you and our children. I love you, Jayda,” Seb completed.

He took the ring from Caleb and slid it onto Jayda’s finger. He kissed her hand.

Then, it was Jayda’s turn to say her vows.

“I thought I had it all with a successful career, but I was wrong. You walked into my life and filled up the emptiness in my heart with so much joy and love.

“You’ve loved me in ways I never imagined I could ever be loved by someone. You changed me for the better, and I will forever be grateful to you for choosing me from all the other women on this Earth. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and our children. You’re a great dad, and I have no doubt you will be a great husband too.” She spoke each word slowly and sincerely.

“I promise to be faithful to you. I promise to love and cherish you. I promise to be a good wife, your best friend, and your other half. I love you, Sebastian,” Jayda finished.

She took the ring from Lilian, her maid of honor, and slipped it onto Sebastian’s finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” said the officiating minister.

Sebastian pulled his wife closer to him and kissed her. The more the audience cheered, the more Sebastian deepened the romantic kiss.

Aaron couldn’t stop smiling and clapping. Ariella was not left out either. She kept on bouncing in her grandfather’s arms and clapping her tiny hands together, uttering baby words.

Their family was finally complete.