Page 40 of Betrayed

Logan chuckled. “Are you ready?”

“Mentally, yes. Physically, no. Send Granny back in.”

“Will do. See you soon.” His hand slipped from hers, and it was all she could do not to burst from the room and embrace the man who would soon be her husband.

An hour later, the front room of Granny’s old Victorian-style home was filled with all their guests: AJ’s mom and brother and grandpa; Logan’s parents, siblings, and grandparents; Will and his entire family.

AJ descended the stairs on Daddy’s arm and searched for Logan at the end of the tiny aisle. He beamed with joy and love. In three short weeks, despite exams, they had pulled off the perfect little wedding. They had tried for a church, but none were available. When Granny and Grandpa offered their home, all the pieces had fallen into place. Very little was needed in the way of decorations because Granny had a beautiful knack for Christmas decorating. Everything was perfect. AJ’s nausea was even at bay as her dad gave her hand to Logan.

The ceremony was beautiful too. Not that AJ could focus on any of it as she kept her eyes fixed with Logan’s.

The pastor led them in their vows. They pledged themselves to one another. Promised to walk through life together, no matter what. In the sight of God and man, they voiced the commitments their hearts had already made to one another.

The pastor then said, “I pronounce you husband and wife. Logan, kiss your bride.”

Logan let go of one of her hands and slid it behind her neck and drew her close. Tenderness and passion entangled their lips. She slipped her hands around his shoulders. His other hand took the small of her back and drew her as close as possible, dipping her back slightly.

Finally. They were married. Man and wife. One. United in soul and body. God had brought them together. Even if they’d stumbled their way into this union, AJ knew God had made them for each other. They fit, maybe a little bit too much like gasoline and fire sometimes, but they encouraged each other and were always ready to be what the other needed.

Logan drew out of the kiss first and placed a peck on her forehead when he steadied her upright again.

“I present Mr. and Mrs. Logan Jackson.”

Mrs. AJ Jackson. She liked it. And she’d perfected that signature when she was ten, so she was ready.

Eight Months Later—August

Logan paced the living room in the apartment above AJ’s grandmother’s garage. She was letting them live there rent free for the summer between their junior and senior years of college. He stopped in front of the bathroom door again. AJ had been having contractions for the last five hours. Surely it would be time to go to the hospital soon.

“I’m fine, Logan.”

“Are they closer?”

The door opened. “Yes, and it’s probably time to go, but it’s not a rush. We’re not on TV. This girl isn’t coming quite yet. If I’m lucky, it’ll be today.”

Logan looked at his watch. It wasn’t even noon yet. He hoped she wouldn’t be in labor that long. Not only did he hate seeing her in pain, but he wanted to hold his little girl.

AJ set down her phone and turned to Logan. “Dance with me. The swaying helps.”

He raised his hands to her and ran them along the sides of her swollen abdomen to her back, drawing her as close as was possible.

He’d never seen a more beautiful sight than the woman he loved with their child growing inside.

He hummed as they swayed back and forth. With her against him, he felt the contraction begin and seize her entire body.

“Breathe. In. Out. Deep breaths. That’s it. You’ve got this.”

They continued to sway as AJ breathed through the contraction.

When it eased, she said, “It’s time to go.”

“Yeah? You sure?”

“Yeah, that one hurt different.”

“Okay, I’ll get our bags.”

In less than thirty minutes, they were settled in their hospital room. He turned on the music AJ wanted and made sure she had her water bottle and pillow.