No Regrets (Live Today #2) (11 page)

“No baby, not the hot tub.” I begin tracing the hem of her tank top that rests just above her hips. “Not this either.” I pull it over her head. She stands before me, biting her bottom lip with her flower bikini top and matching board shorts. I pull the draw string of her shorts open to loosen them and let them slide down her body. “No, those do nothing for me.”

“Gabe.” She pants, resting her hands on my shoulders. Her eyes are dark with lust. I reach around her neck and loosen the bikini strap that’s tied around it.

“We need to get rid of this too.” Tugging on the straps, causing her to lean onto my chest. I slide my hands up and loosen the last tie that’s holding the top on around her chest. Taking a step back, the top lands on the floor with her shorts. “Now this.” I can’t keep the grin off my face. “This is what turns me on, Angel.” She reaches up and wraps her hands around my neck, pulling me back into her. “Knowing this beautiful body is mine.”

“So, you’re not upset with me?” Her beautiful blue eyes meet mine.

“No baby, I’m not.” I lift her up into my arms and carefully climb up the steps and step into the water. “I promised not to lie to you, and I won’t. I admit, I’m not too pleased at the idea that he has seen you. But then again, he doesn’t get to have you like I do.”

She settles herself on me, resting her arms on my shoulders. “No, nobody gets to have me like you do. I’m all yours Gabriel. And don’t forget, you’re mine, or will be once you say ‘I Do’.”

“Baby, it doesn’t take a piece of paper to know that I’m yours. I’ve been yours since the day we met. How many times do I have to tell you that?”

“Oh, I know, but it would be really nice to know that I’m legally obligated to keep you by my side.” She leans in and kisses me swiftly.

“Jenna, are you reconsidering waiting things out?” I raise an eyebrow at her. She smiles at me and shrugs. “What are you saying?”

“I don’t know.” She answers. “All I know is that, now that I’ve finally opened my heart up to you, even though you know it’s been yours all along, I don’t see why we should wait so long for the inevitable.” My heart feels like it’s going to pound right out of my chest. “Watching you walk away from me today was the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with in a long time. Even worse than when I left you. It scared me trying to imagine a life without you. I… I don’t want that. Ever. Maybe sooner is better than later.”

“Angel. If you keep talking like this, I won’t be responsible for what happens next. I’m half tempted to book a round trip flight to Vegas right now to make you mine.” Her eyes begin to twinkle and her coy smile appears on her face. “Jenna?” I take her face in my hands as she tries to hide her giggle. “Are you serious?” She nods. “Holy Fuck.” I whisper bringing her lips to mine. “I guess I’ve got to make a phone call.”

“Babe,” she whispers against my lips. “I think that phone call can wait, don’t you?” She grinds her naked body against mine.

“Oh yeah.” I agree. She reaches down and begins to remove my shorts.

“We don’t need these.” She smiles as she drops them to the floor before sitting astride me again.

~~~

“I thought you were going to bed?” Robert makes his way into the kitchen. I decided to come get some of water for Jenna and myself. “I’m sorry son, did I scare you?”

I chuckle. “You did, but it’s okay. I um, was just getting Jenna a glass of water and I needed to make a phone call.” I admit.

“Yes, I heard. You’re leaving tonight?” He’s been listening. “We haven’t even had a chance to lay her mother to rest.” His voice is filled with sorrow.

“Oh. I’m sorry, we won’t be gone for more than a day. It’s a quick turnaround trip” I can’t help but keep the smile off my face. He notices my mood and he relaxes a bit. “We will be back hopefully by the afternoon, if not, by dinner time at the latest.”

“Might I ask where you’re going?”

“We’re going to Las Vegas dad.” Jenna mentions, making her way toward me. “Not that it’s any of your business.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “I was wondering what was taking you so long.”

“I’m sorry, Angel. I got caught up. And believe it or not, I was put on hold. Unfortunately, our flight doesn’t leave until six.”

“Wait.” Robert interrupts waving his finger between the two of us. “You two aren’t doing what I think you’re going to do, are you?” Jenna looks up to me before turning her head to him.                                        

“I don’t want to wait any longer for the rest of my life. The sooner we do this, the better.” Robert begins to chuckle as he takes a seat at the table. “Is something funny?” Jenna asks him, confused.

“You know your mother and I got married in Vegas?” He smiles down at his wedding band with his own memory. “Your grandparents refused to give me permission to take her hand. So she packed her bags, we drove to Vegas and got married.”

“I don’t understand why you’re telling me this now.” She takes a seat across him while I sit next to her. “Of course, I’m sure if you had stayed in our lives, you could have shared everything with us.”

He runs his fingers through his hair. “You know, I will never forgive myself for leaving you two.” Jenna huffs at that statement. “I know you don’t believe me, but soon, I hope you will. We still have a lot to discuss Jenna Lynn and while the finalities of your mother’s service are still under way, we have plenty of time. I’m just glad you’re here. I didn’t think you or your brother would have come.”

“I won’t lie dad, I didn’t want to come. I didn’t want any part of this, but means a lot to Brennan. I think he needs closure, so that’s why I’m here. I didn’t even want to see you.” She seethes. “But now that we’re here.”

“What? You want answers?” He asks. She remains silent and stares at him. Her hands are resting in front of her as she twists her ring. I’m not sure if this is a nervous habit or if she’s using it for support. I rest my hand on her shoulder and she relaxes a bit. Robert takes a deep breath and rests his hands on hers. She doesn’t move away, but her body stills. “Jenna. I will give you answers. But your mother, she…” He looks down at their hands. “Even with her gone, she runs the show. She always has.” His eyes raise to meet mine, then back to hers. “She has something for you and Brennan. I was planning on giving it to you today, but I think it could wait until Monday don’t you?” He begins to smile.

“Why Monday?” She asks.

“Well, because I believe you have a plane to catch.” His eyes shift again. “If I could be of some assistance?” He asks me. Jenna looks toward me in confusion. I’m just as confused.

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” I answer honestly.

“I have a jet ready to go at my disposal. It was a gift that came from Ally soon after I came back to her.” He squeezes her hands. “Jenna, if it’s okay with you, I would like to fly you out as a gift to you and Gabriel. You can leave at any time and we can be back by noon.”

“We?” We both say in unison.

“I would be piloting it. I’ve been flying since I moved out here. It was your mother’s way of guaranteeing that we would have some alone time together. It was also a way of visiting you two.”

“You flew to California and not once did you bother to let us know?” Her voice is strained.

“You actually saw us once. Don’t you remember?” Her breath hitches at her memory.

“That was you?” He smiles and nods. “God I thought I was seeing things that night.” I look between the two of them confused. She must be reading my mind when she pulls out of his hands and turns toward me. “Remember when you dragged me to see Tim McGraw?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Remember when I went to get us some beers and came back all bothered?”

“I was worried you weren’t having a good time. You told me it was nothing, but I still didn’t believe you because you kept looking around.” Her eyes shimmer. “You were looking around for them?” She nods.

“I could have sworn I had seen them that night. I thought it was the speed I was on. Don’t you remember? You told me that I needed to stop taking so much and we got into a fight after the concert was over.”

“Well, I was right. You were taking too much, Angel.” She pats my chest.

“That’s beside the point Gabriel.” She turns to Robert. “I saw you first.” He nods.

              “I was standing outside the same restroom you and your mother were both in together. I was so scared you would see her and flip. You walked right past me, but only noticed me once you were already in line for your beers. Once you turned to look my way, mom was back in my arms and we were on our way to our seats.”

              “How many times?” She asks. His brows scrunch and I swear to God, it’s like looking at an older version of Brennan. “How many times did you come to see us?”

“Princess, we came as many times as we could. The most I think was ten times in a year. I wish you could understand that I just got your mother back. I didn’t want to jeopardize anything with her family hovering. It was important to her to be a silent parent. I don’t want to go into details until I can get both you and Brennan together so we can all sit down and talk. Jenna, please. Let me do this for you princess.” Her glossed over eyes make their way to mine and she shrugs.

“What do you think?” She asks quietly.

“Are you sure you want to do this? What about Brennan?” I know he will definitely take a nut once he finds out I’ve taken his sister across the country to make her my bride. “You don’t want him to miss out, do you?”

“Do we have to tell him?” She asks. I cock my head at her. She sighs knowing what I’m going to say. “I know, I know. I have to tell him.”

“Angel, this isn’t really what I had planned for you.” I admit. “I thought you wanted the whole white wedding thing?”

“I do. And we can have that. But what I want the most is to be yours.”

“You are mine. That won’t ever change.”

“Gabriel.” Her voice is so soft, she’s breaking me down. “Please. You’ve been holding onto this ring for years. Let’s make it official. Please?” She begs. Dammit, she knows how to get me. I turn toward Robert.

“How soon can we leave?” He doesn’t hide his smile as Jenna squeals loudly and jumps on my lap.

“I love you Gabriel.” She purrs against my lips kissing me with more passion than I thought possible.

“What’s going on here?” Brennan asks squinting as he walks into the kitchen rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Did I miss something?”

“Pack your bags son. We’re going to Vegas.” Robert says grinning at us as he stands and pats Brennan’s shoulder.

Jenna

Gabe and I sit together in the very back of the Jet. Brennan and Ashley take the front. Brennan isn’t exactly on board with the idea of Gabe and me getting married. As a matter of fact, he’s dead set against it. It’s almost two in the morning and dad is up in the cockpit talking to someone on his headset. He stands and makes his way to us.

“We will be taking off in about five minutes. There’s beverages in the back there.” He points to the door behind us. “And there’s blankets and a few pillows in those drawers over there. Help yourself guys. We should be landing around six thirty if not earlier.” He pats my leg and looks over his shoulder to where Brennan is sitting. “Still not talking huh?”

“No.” Gabe says rubbing my shoulders. “I think the shock of everything is overwhelming.”

“He hates me.” I whisper.

“No princess, he doesn’t hate you.” Dad kneels at my feet. “If anything, he hates me. I’m sure you both still do.”

“Rob… uh, Dad.” I correct myself. “Thank you, but if you saw the look on his face when we told him why we were going to Vegas…” I can’t even continue. I’ve never seen that look on Brennan’s face before, and it’s killing me that he hasn’t said one word to me since.

“Sweetheart,” Dad’s eyes glance over to Gabe’s before returning to mine. “Is this what you want? I mean, I know you love Gabe, but what I’m asking is… is this where you see yourself in let’s say, twenty years.”

“I love him. He’s my best friend. The only regret I have is waiting so long to admit my feelings for him.”

“I understand. And I’m sure I am to blame for your heart being closed up for so many years. I only wish that one day I can make up for the wrongs I’ve done to you and your brother.” He pats my legs before standing and surprisingly, he kisses the top of my head. “For what it’s worth, I’m very proud of the woman you’ve become Jenna.” He says before turning and walking back to the cockpit.

“Did he just kiss me?” I sit shocked. Gabe Chuckles before pulling me into his side kissing my cheek.

“He did. Believe me, I’m just as shocked as you are. But what bothers me more is his questioning you about me.” I can tell he’s trying to control his anger, but I know him too well.

I gingerly shift onto his lap. “Even if he said he didn’t approve Gabe, I do what I want. Always have, always will.”

“Angel, believe me. I know.” His face lights up. “That’s one of the things I love about you. Even though you are so insufferable sometimes.”

“Insufferable?” I raise my brow.

“You heard me.” He takes my chin between his thumb and finger and kisses me softly. “But I love you any way I can get you.”

“I love you too.” I confess. “Do you know how many times I’ve dreamt about my future with you in it?”

“No, but I know how many times I have dreamt about mine.” His face is filled with so much love, my heart aches for putting him through so much agony. His eyes shift beyond me and I turn to look in that direction. Brennan is shooting daggers at Gabe. He sighs heavily. “I wouldn’t doubt it if he kicks me out of the band.”

“He’s not stupid Gabe. He knows if you go, I’ll be most likely go too.” I rest my head on his shoulder and yawn.

“Angel, you’re tired. Try to get some sleep. We can talk about this later.” He holds me in his comforting embrace.

“I need to put my seatbelt on.” Oh this feels too good to move.

“I’m sure you will be fine without it, besides, I’ve got you.” He kisses the top of my head as the jet begins to move. Knowing I have a fear of planes, he holds me tightly and hums a rhythm I’ve never heard.

“What’s tha…?” He presses his finger on my lips.

“Shhh. Just relax and listen.” He soothes and begins with his humming. I lose myself with the sound of him and slowly drift off.

~~~

“What the hell are you thinking?” Brennan’s voice startles me awake, but I keep quiet. I’m lying on Gabe’s lap facing the back of the couch. I’m covered in a blanket and Gabe is gently running his fingers through my hair. He feels me touch the outside of his thigh, looks down and registers that I am awake. However, I choose to appear to be asleep. “First, you let him fly you to Vegas, and why? Because you and Jenna plan to fucking get married?”

“Brennan. Relax and be quiet. Jenna’s sleeping and she hasn’t been sleeping very much lately.” Ashley mentions.

Gabe’s body stiffens, but I slowly reach my arm around the back of him and he immediately relaxes at my touch. “First of all, regardless of who fly’s us out there, Jenna and I were going to go anyways. Your dad just offered to take us earlier, so we could be back before the days over.” He rests his hand on my shoulder and begins making small circles with his fingers. “Secondly, you were the one that gave us your blessing.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t mean for you to do it now.” He snaps. I want to turn and yell at him so badly, but I know Gabe needs to do this on his own accord.

“Brennan, this is her choice. She wants this. Not that I don’t. I mean, don’t get me wrong, but the sooner she says ‘I do’, the better. Why can’t you see that she means the world to me?” He gently squeezes my shoulder knowing I’m listening.

“I can see that man. But this isn’t what I wanted for her.” I can hear him take a deep breath. “I’m just not ready to let her go.”

“You aren’t letting her go Brennan. Nothing will change. Well, except we will be sharing the same room and a name change. She’s still your sister, she always will be. Can’t you see that?” Gabe huffs. “Look. This is something she wants. We spoke about this last night before your dad offered the jet. I want her to be happy. And if this makes her happy, then this is what I will do for her.”

“She deserves something more.” Brennan’s voice is strained. I decide that now is the time to let him know I’m awake. I roll my head up to Gabe and try to give him a supportive smile before sitting up beside him.

“Brennan. Don’t I get to decide what I deserve?” My voice is soft. His face looks so tired.

“Jenna, this isn’t what I had planned for you.” Ashley rubs his arm in a supportive manner.

“I think I know what you’re saying.” I shift places with Ashley and sit beside him. Ashley takes my spot. “I want the white wedding Brennan. I’m not saying that it won’t happen. Gabe and I already spoke about this. We were thinking about having an official outdoor wedding, by the pond at his parent’s place. It’s where we finally gave ourselves to each other.” I flush when I see Brennan’s face go red.

“I still want to be the one to walk you down the aisle.” He whispers taking my hand in his. A tear falls from my eye. I didn’t even realize I was crying.

“You will be. Both times. This is why we brought you here.” I gently squeeze his hand. “I want this Brennan. I want to begin this new part of my life with Gabe, as his wife. You mean the world to me. That will never change. When we have our babies, I want them to have a big family. I want them to be loved. And I can’t do that without you. I don’t want them to miss out on the things we missed out on.”

“You know that will never happen.” He assures me. “We’ve worked too hard to let that happen. Having a family above all else is our number one priority.”

“We have worked too hard and I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world. We made this unique version of a family. Blood doesn’t necessarily mean family, you know that. I couldn’t imagine my life without Matty and Drew. But that’s not the point. I want my family to grow. And I want it to begin as soon as possible, with Gabriel.” I look over to Gabe who’s holding Ashley’s hand. His eyes are glossed over as he listens quietly.

“But why dad?” He asks.

“Why not?” I reply. “To be honest, Gabe was in the process of buying tickets for just the two of us to leave at six thirty this morning. We were hoping to get it done as soon as possible and come back before dinner.”

“What?” His eyes widen. “You were going to get married without me?” I keep my head down and nod. It’s not something I’m proud of. “Because you were scared of what I would say?”

“And the fact that Gabe was afraid he would lose a testicle.” Brennan chuckles. I try to hide my smile when I look over to Gabe.

“It’s not fucking funny man.” Gabe snaps and shifts in his seat, but the amusement in his face changes when we all begin to laugh uncontrollably. “Your dad was the one that said we should tell you about it.”

“Brennan. I know he’s not on top of our favorite person’s list, but he is trying. I know we still have a lot to talk about. I also know you want answers, so do I. But Gabe and I couldn’t pass up his offer. There’s more to worry about than this jet.”

“Like what?” He looks confused.

“Well,” I look at Ashley. “I need a Matron of Honor.” Her face glows.

“And I need a best man.” Gabe continues.

“Are you serious?” Brennan can’t hide his excitement. “I always figured you would want Matt to be your best man.”

“I love Matt. He’s my best friend. I’m sure he’s going to kick both our asses when we get back for not telling them about Vegas, but you’re my brother, Bren. You were the one that welcomed me into your house all those years ago. You took care of me and supported me when I had no one. I know I’ve given you hell and probably made you age ten years worrying about Jenna and I, but I love you man. I would be honored if you would be my best man.” Brennan stands, Gabe follows and before our eyes, they embrace in a brotherly hug.

“I love you too.” He reaches his hand out to me. I take it and stand between the two. “I just want you to be happy sis.” His eyes are glossy.

“Bren, I am happy.” I hug him. “I know what I want. I know it seems like it’s too soon.” I pull away and shift into Gabe’s arms. “But, I’ve lived with my best friend for nearly eight years. I know everything about him and he knows everything about me.” Gabe wipes a tear from my cheek with his thumb. His face is filled with so much love, my heart hurts. “Why should we hold off the inevitable any longer?” Gabe takes my face in his hands, kisses me tenderly and whispers how much he loves me. So I return the gesture.

“You promise you’ll take care of my little sister?” This comes out more of a demand than a question.

“I promise to make it my life’s goal to make sure she’s well taken care of. Even if my life depends on it.” Gabe has nothing but determination on his face as he speaks to Brennan. 

“Your life does depend on it.” Brennan threatens sarcastically before looking at me. “So, what do I need to do?”

I beam up at him “Just be you, Brennan. Support me like you always have. Be there for me like you have been since I was born. And never forget that you mean more to me than anyone else in the world.”

“Except him?” He shrugs to Gabe. I can’t help but giggle.

“Well, he means more to me in other ways.”

              “Ugh. Gross Jenna.” We all laugh at his outburst.

              “Will we have time to get you a dress?” Ashley asks as she wraps her arms around Brennan’s waist. I knew I could count on her and her designer abilities.

              “I think we can find the time. I also need to buy a ring.” I look up to Gabe.

              “I have an idea.” His eyes brighten.

              “Oh no Mr. Gonzales. You will be wearing a ring.” My voice is stern.

              “I would be more than happy to wear a ring that tells every woman in the world that I’m a happily married man. But that’s not what I was thinking.” My face scrunches up in confusion. He kisses the crease between my eyebrows and continues. “Let’s get ring tattoos where our bands will be.” Ahh, I think this is a great idea. I can’t keep the smile off my face. “That way if they ever come off, which they won’t, but if they does, the promise will still be there.”

              “I think that’s a great idea.” Wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.

              Dad comes over the overhead speakers and tells us that we need to take our seats. He’s beginning our decent and should be in Vegas in less than thirty minutes.

~~~

“That looks stunning!” Ashley gleams from behind me.

“Are you sure?” My nerves have gotten the best of me. “It’s not traditional, but since this is a spur of the moment wedding, I want to wait for traditional when we say ‘I do’ in front of our friends and family.”

“Jenna, everything you and my brother have done up to this point has been far from traditional.” She rests her hands on my shoulders as her eyes meet mine in the full length mirror. “You two are as unique as they come. And this outfit, is totally you.”

As I look back at the woman standing in front of me, I can’t help but smile. Instead of a traditional wedding dress, I decided to work on the complete opposite. I’ve got a burgundy wrap around top that hangs nicely off my shoulders and wraps just under my cleavage exposing my belly. Gearing away from a dress or skirt, I’ve decided on a cream colored free flowing pant, that when standing still as I am now, looks like a full length skirt. Below the pant, Ashley insisted on an open toed satin pair of Jimmy Choo wedding heels that match the pants perfectly.

“Do you think he will like it?” I can’t keep the nerves out of my voice.

“Oh sweetie, you can be wearing a burlap sack and Gabriel will think you’re beautiful. You know that.” A silent tear slips from my eye. “What’s the matter honey? Today is supposed to be the happiest day of your life.” My throat knots up and I stand in front of the full length mirror speechless. Once I compose myself again, I finally answer.