Layla's POV

"Layla, is what the officiant said true?"

"Yes, it is. That is her rightful last name. And before you ask, you are Braelyn's father and deserve it, Austin."

"Don't say it, Layla. Remember, that is in the past. I just want to say thank you. This is special, Layla."

"When you get back to New York, you just need to sign her birth certificate and they will give you a copy."

"Daddy, can you put me on your shoulders like Ryan?"

"Of course, baby girl."

"Everyone can start heading towards the reception."

"Hang on, Braelyn."

Yup, I will never forget this day - perfect and drama free.

Our reception area was beautiful - a large table with two head chairs, one for me and one for Ryan. Kam sat in the corner chair next to me. And, Cris sat on the corner chair next to Ryan. Braelyn sat with Día and Rocco. There were bright, vanilla scented candles over the area. And, even a dance floor was set up for us. There was a variety of dishes, as well as Diabetic for Kam and Cris. It was buffet style. My mom fixed Braelyn's plate.

"What would my beautiful wife like to eat?"

"Everything. Goodness, I am hungry." My handsome husband fixed me a plate, then fixed one for himself.

"Kam and Cris, how did you guys meet?"

"My friend, Tamia, wanted to cheer me up because of a bad break-up. She took me to Cris' club. He can tell you the next part."

"My security team and I pick who enters in the club. I saw Kamea and Tamia in line and knew I wanted her all to myself. So, I made sure they got in and had VIP seats right near me. We had a dance contest that night and Kamea danced to "Get Me Bodied" by Beyoncé. She won hands down. And I was very 'happy', if you know what I mean."

"Well, I don't want to brag, but dancing is a passion of mine. After that, I thought we would never see each other. At the time, I was a Dietitian. My boss wanted me to take a new patient. And guess who it was? Cris. From that day, on, he said he loved me, but I was hesitant. It took me two months to realize I loved him. He asked me to be his girlfriend, and then I asked if we could just go ahead and get married. I already knew that he was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And, we did."

"You still dance? It's been a while since I did. And, it's not bragging. If you got it, use it."

"Well, I have one that you, Noeli and I could do for Ryan, Marco and Cris after your first dance. That should get you back in the groove. After your first dance, cut your cake so the kids can be focused on eating it and not watching the dance. How did you and Ryan meet?"

"We met at a party. My friend, Alicia, was dating Ryan's friend, Dean. Alicia invited me over, but don't get me started on what happened there. Anyway, Dean introduced us to some of his friends, one of which was Ryan. We instantly looked at each other, but at the time I was scared of a relationship. I'll let Ryan tell the rest."

"I had broken up with a cheating ex 2 months before we met. I was ready to find the woman I wanted to settle down with. When I saw Layla walk in, I was instantly attracted to her. I saw confidence, beauty, and smarts. She gave off a look of 'I don't have time for games when it comes to dating.' So, I knew I wanted to talk to her. I followed her after she went to the kitchen to get something to eat. Then I saw her go out on the balcony. I saw that as my shot. She told me she wasn't interested in dating and that she had a daughter. In my mind, I was willing to wait for her forever, if that is what it took to date her. We started talking and then we danced together. The cheating ex of mine somehow got in the party. She saw us dancing and came over and threw her drink on Layla. Layla was pissed and blurted out that we would be going out on a date and told my ex to back off. She wanted to try and give us a chance. We have been together since that day."

"Ryan, Layla talked about you every time she would talk to me on the phone." My mom so conveniently mentioned. I was blushing and Ryan gave me a smirk.

"Ryan did the same thing. We had to meet the woman who had him giddy. So, we was glad Layla had the cookout that weekend. We really are happy for you both. Layla, you don't have to call me Valerie. Mom is fine. I just love your daughter to pieces. She is sweet." Now he was blushing and I was smirking.

"Thank you. She can be sassy at times. But overall, she is a good kid. And, I am glad that she has friends now. She is looking forward to summer, Cris and Kam."

"So princess, were you surprised with your wedding day?"

"Yes, I really was daddy. I was trying to be nosy and find out where Ryan was taking me. He didn't budge one bit. He had me blindfolded for most of the plane ride. I didn't know where we were until after he took off the blindfold. And, thank you all for coming and sharing this day with us. This really is a special day. I am glad to have spent it with my family."

"We did stream it to your friends in New York. They wanted to be here but couldn't make it."

"And, thank you Mr. & Mrs. Toscano for coming. I love you both for taking the time to come to my wedding. It means a lot to me."

"Honey, you are more than welcome. Cam, Cocoa and Dominic wanted to come, but the kids started acting up. They are on timeout. You can call me mom, Layla."

"And, call me 'daddy Val.' You're welcome Layla. If you ever need help with your business, just let me know. I always help my family."

"Thank you both so much."

"Layla when you have daddy Val in your corner, you are in good hands. He is really sweet. Día and Rocco love it when we go over their house. He spoils them. Wait until Braelyn comes for the summer. She is going to love it. She may have you consider moving here one day."

"Speaking of Braelyn, look at her and Rocco."

Cris and Marco chuckled. "He is just like his dad." Kam was about to say something, but I shook my head at her. "We are going to have to watch those two. And, I think one of Cam's boys likes Braelyn too."

"Braelyn is not dating until daddy says so."

"Well, don't you think mommy and daddy should think about that? Goodness, the child is only five. We don't have to make that decision no time soon." I told him with a little funk in my voice. He looked at me like I grew an extra head, but I wasn't playing. That is for both of us to decide.

"That's a daddy answer for you."

"I said the same thing about Dia."

"Well daddy, if you are going to say that for princess, then say the same thing for Rocco. Don't be one of the double standard dads."

Uh-oh, Kam must be having a mood swing because she did not look happy. "I agree. Ryan, you better not do that with our kids, neither. I'm not having it."

"Speaking of a special day, on this day back in April, Kam and Cris were married. So, we got you guys a cake. It is sugar free. Ryan and I chose this day as our wedding day so we could share it with you guys. Kam is my sister and Cris, you are my friend. Congratulations to you both and I can't wait until Bella and Kekoa are born. We will be coming down for winter school break and see you guys."

"Thanks, Layla. This is too sweet."

"I even got you a present. It is in your suite. Cris is going to love it when he sees it." I snickered when I said that. We got Kam some pickle flavored milkshakes for her.

"Time to dance. We will do our dance first. Then I want to dance with my dad. And, a surprise dance." Ryan and I got up and went to the dance floor. For our first dance, I chose:

https://youtu.be/w6lAcAhUW4k

"My Love, Sweet Love" by Patti LaBelle

This song truly describes how I feel about Ryan. He means everything to me. If anything ever happens to him, I don't know what I would do. I laid my head on his chest to hear his heartbeat. And, he held me close. "I love hearing your heartbeat. It is soothing." I then looked him in his eyes, "Please don't ever leave me."

"I don't ever plan to. You are stuck with me."

My dad chose:

https://youtu.be/C_CSjcm-z1w

"My Girl" by The Temptations.

After I danced with my dad, Ryan asked, "Braelyn, I would be honored if you danced with me." She started giggling and they danced together.

https://youtu.be/KjgWWjkNbhU

He chose: "Can You Feel The Love Tonight." Even though Braelyn is only 5 years old, she loves when we watch The Lion King. It is one of my all-time favorite movies ever.

After Ryan and Braelyn danced, it was cake cutting time. "Kam, you and Cris cut yours. And, Ryan and I will cut ours."

Cris stood behind Kam and held the knife with her. Ryan stood behind me and we held the knife. "On the count of three, cut your cakes." Everyone started counting down.

"One."

"Two."

"Three."

We both cut at the same time. Then, put the slice on a plate. We both grabbed forks and put a piece on it. But, Kam and I had other plans. Kam and I smashed Cris and Ryan in the face with the cake. They both had devilish grins on their faces. I kissed the cake and icing of Ryan's face. And, Kam did the same thing to Cris.

"Seriously, ladies? In front of the kids?"

"They will be fine."

"But, you won't." Cris still had the grin on his face when he said that. Cris and Ryan picked us up and started carrying us towards the water. Our kids were laughing at us. "Mommy is going in the water!" Braelyn screams as Ryan carries me to the ocean. My dad threw his hands in the air. On the count of three, Cris gently placed Kam in the water. And, Ryan dropped me in the water. My own daughter was laughing at me. I am going to guilt trip him into thinking I got a cold. Wait until we dance. He is going to get wet too.

https://youtu.be/hJWFlvvqZ9k

Kam chose "Giving Him Something He Could Feel" for us to dance to. We had Ryan, Cris and Marco sit in chairs, facing us. The looks on their faces was priceless. Cris was drooling, Ryan was licking his lips, and Marco was panting like a dog ready to pounce on a female in heat. The photographer took a video of the whole dance and their facial expressions. Towards the end of the dance, we grabbed their hands. Marco was the only one that was safe. But, Cris and Ryan was not. Kam wrapped her arms around Cris and got him wet. And, I did the same thing to Ryan.

He whispered, "Remember, Layla, it is our wedding night. Don't get yourself in more trouble than you already are."

"Sugar, I am counting on it. I have been waiting for 5 months for this day. 'Jr' better be ready."

Ryan's POV

After their dance, I was so ready to snatch Layla and leave the reception. But, I had self-control and didn't. Cris knew Kam would pick a dance for the ladies. So, he had us do the same. So, we had Layla, Kam and Noeli sit in the chairs at first as we sang 'Love That Girl' by Raphael Saadiq.

https://youtu.be/TjQYQ8Q8L8g

Like the song says, "I Love That Girl." As the song ended, we grabbed their hands to have them dance with us. Then, we each dipped our ladies, then pulled them up for a kiss. 'Ewww,' is what the kids said at the same time. That truly was fun. All that matters to me is seeing Layla, and Braelyn, smile.

Austin's POV

I am happy for Layla and Ryan. But, it hurts like heck to see them together. Every time I see Layla, I get butterflies. And, feel even dumber for getting engaged to Sabrina. I had the perfect woman all along with Layla and ruined it. We could already be married with kids, in addition to Braelyn. I tell her to forget about the past. But, I can't.

"Just look how happy the three of them are - Ryan, Layla and Braelyn. She probably already loves Ryan more than me. They are probably going to hate me for this, but I need to leave. Nobody will notice I am gone." So, I snuck away.

Layla's POV

"Mommy, have you seen daddy?"

"Last time I saw him was at the table. I don't have my phone with me, so let's go ask Ryan." He was talking to Cris, Marco and my dad. "Hey, have you guys seen Austin? He disappeared."

"I'll call him." Ryan took out his phone and called Austin. "It went straight to voicemail."

"Uh, did he forget Braelyn was staying with him? Now is not the time for jokes."

"I'll try him again." Ryan dialed Austin's number again. Nothing. I really cannot believe he would do this to Braelyn. To say I am furious is an understatement.

"He is not answering. Maybe he just took a walk and he is coming back."

"Mommy, did daddy leave me?"

"I hope he didn't, baby girl." I saw the sad look on Braelyn's face when she said that. How could I not cry? I know he did not just leave her like this.

"What are we going to do? If he doesn't come back, what am I going to do? We have to postpone our honeymoon because Braelyn has school on Monday."

"If we have to postpone it, we will. This is pretty low for Austin to pull this stunt. Come on princess, let's take you back to our suite." Braelyn started to cry as Ryan carried her back to the limo. "It's okay princess. Don't cry."

I am going to strangle him when I see him. Who just ups and leave their child like this? When we arrived back to our suite, I grabbed my phone to try and call him. No answer. I called my mom and dad to ask them if they saw him. They didn't see him. I told them what happened and they were not happy at all.

Braelyn cried herself to sleep in Ryan's arms. He carried her to one of the bedrooms in the suite. He gave her a kiss on her cheek and pulled the covers over her.

I went to our room, laid down and cried. I didn't care that my dress was still a little wet. I do not appreciate him hurting Braelyn.

"Layla, take off your dress. It is still wet. I don't want you to get sick." He handed me one of his shirts. I took off the dress and put the shirt on. Then laid back down on the bed. He changed into is night clothes, which was just some pajama pants, and we cuddled. I laid my head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat. "Dang, he has a rock-hard chest, but now is not the time for that. My baby girl is hurt and I need to console her."

"Goodnight, Layla."

"Goodnight, sugar."

******************************

Sunday

I got up to check on Braelyn. She was still asleep but tossing and turning. I went over to the bed, laid down with her, and then cuddled.

Ryan's POV

I woke up and immediately started looking on my phone for flights back home for today. I was not having any luck. So, I found a flight back for Monday morning. I then ordered room service breakfast for us. Afterwards, I went to check on Braelyn. Layla and Braelyn were cuddled together. Layla opened her eyes, so I whispered, "I ordered breakfast for us and I wasn't able to get a flight out until Monday."

"That's fine. Thank you, sugar."

After leaving the room, I went downstairs and turned on the television. I heard a knock on the door. It was Cris and Kam. So, I let them in.

"How are Layla and Braelyn?"

"Braelyn cried herself to sleep. Layla is upstairs laying down with her."

"What possessed him to leave her like that?"

"I have a feeling why and we need to chat about it. This can't keep happening. I think he still loves Layla. And, seeing her get married to me probably hurt. But, that is no reason to leave Braelyn like he did. We are going to postpone our honeymoon to get Braelyn back to New York for school."

"If Layla wants to, Kamea and I can take Braelyn back to New York and stay with her."

"I have never been to New York before. Maryland, California, and Florida are the only places I have been. Marco and Noeli are watching the kids for the next two weeks. We can take her to school and things."

"Thank you guys for offering. I just hope Layla will go for it." Speaking of, Layla and Braelyn came down the stairs.

"Hey Layla, Cris and I can watch Braelyn for you guys in New York and take her to school."

Layla's POV

"I can't ask you guys to do that. That would mess up your time."

"Layla, this is your wedding. It is fine. We don't mind. We can take her to school and do fun things with her to take her mind off what happened."

"Braelyn baby, how would you like to spend some time with Uncle Cris and Aunt Kam for two weeks? I promise you that I will not leave you. Ryan and I will come home for you."

She thought about it. Then, looked at me. "You promise?"

"I promise, baby girl. I will never, ever leave you."

"Okay, mommy."

"Cris and Kam, I love you both for doing this. How can I repay you guys?"

"Girl please. We are family and family looks out for each other. After breakfast, we will take her to our suite."

"And, thanks for the present. It came in handy last night because Kamea was craving a pickle milkshake."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You're welcome Cris. I knew you would like it. I just realized I don't have Braelyn's clothes he packed for her."

"Layla, Braelyn's clothes were still in her room. We have them with us. Don't worry yourself. Enjoy your honeymoon. Braelyn will be our daughter for the next two weeks."

"I really don't know what I would do without you both. Europe was a blessing in disguise. I got my best friend back and an additional best friend."

"There is plenty of breakfast if you would like to join us, Cris and Kam."

"Thanks, Ryan."

Over breakfast, Ryan gave Cris and Kam the keys to the house. I gave Kam the keys to my truck. We gave Sean the two weeks off. He is going to visit his family. I told Cris and Kam what Braelyn is allergic to. And if she has an Asthma attack, I gave them her medicine. We still have not heard anything from Austin - no phone call, no text, etc. I keep checking my phone, but nothing. He better have a very good explanation as to why he left. Kam and Cris were about to leave, so I pulled Braelyn over to me.

"Listen baby girl, you be good for your aunt Kam and uncle Cris, okay? We will bring a present back for you, okay?"

"Okay, mommy. I love you."

"I love you too, Braelyn." She ran over to Ryan and gave him a hug and kiss. "Love you."

"I love you too, princess." We hugged Kam and Cris. Then, the three of them left the room.

As soon as I closed the door, I was pressed against the door and mugged with kisses. "Jump."

"Well, Mrs. Meyers, we are now alone. Just the two of us. We didn't have a wedding night. So, how about a wedding afternoon?"

"Why just an afternoon? I am ready for 'Jr' to enter the temple. I am ready for Braelyn to have a brother or sister. So, what are we waiting for? March upstairs, mister. I'm already in position."

Ryan carried me upstairs to our room. Not once did we break our kiss. I flinched a little when Ryan put 'Jr' into my temple. He looked down at me before going any further, "Layla, are you okay?"

"It's been almost 6 years since the last time. Yes,I'm ready." So, I wrapped my arms around his neck and it was on. I loved the fact that we are finally having sex with each other. It felt really good to finally experience being with Ryan. I have been waiting for this since the first time we laid on the couch the first time we met. I always had dreams of what it would be like with Ryan. And, he hasn't disappointed. It was just as I imagined. He did a number on my body. He had me screaming his name. "Say my name, Layla!!"

I screamed it loud, "RYAN!!!!!"

I let out a few groans and moans. Then, he told me, "Arch your back, Layla. We are about to take this to another level." I did exactly as he said and screamed, "Oh my goodness, Ryan!!!!" He gyrated on me like a man on a mission. When he told me to arch my back, my neck started bothering me a little and he noticed. "Layla, is your neck bothering you?"

"A little but keep going." So, I wrapped my arms around his neck again and slammed 'Jr' back into the temple. But, this time, I flipped him on his back and I was looking down on him. I rode him like a stallion in the Kentucky Derby. I know I was going to be extremely sore in the morning, but I didn't care.

https://youtu.be/0DdCoNbbRvQ

Ryan's POV

"This is just as I pictured Layla. I love it and I love you." I flipped her back over and went to town on her body. "Yes! Yes! Go faster, Ryan!"

"Are you sure Layla?"

"Does this look like I am sure?" She wrapped her arms around my neck again and pushed me down on her so hard the bed almost broke. "Layla, if we go too fast, we are going to break the bed."

"We can buy them another one. Come on sugar. I want it fast!!"

Who am I to disappoint my wife? "Take a deep breath, Layla because you are going to need it." She took a breath and I gave it to her like she wanted it.

"Oh goodness, yes!!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!" Thank goodness nobody was under us or next door because they were in trouble. "I am going to be the only one to plant seeds inside of you, Layla." "Whose.....your.......daddy?" She screamed, "Ryan! Ryan! Ryan!"

"Layla, let me know when you need a break."

"What do I need a break for? I told you I want to be pregnant. Now, get my pregnant!!! Now, flip!!"

Now she was on top. She arched her back and rode me again like she was jocking for position in a horse race. Now that I see Layla totally naked, "My goodness woman, no wonder men are after you." Layla's chest is well endowed. Don't get me started on the lower half. I flipped Layla back over. "But I am the only one who will tear you up like you never have been torn before." I did push-ups on Layla's body and she loved it. "OH MY GOODNESS! Do that again!!"

Layla flipped me over again. "You like doing that don't you?" Then she leaned in and we started kissing again. While we were still connected, she laid her head on my chest. She was riding me without the arch. "Yes I do sugar. I like to be in control sometimes."

"My goodness woman, you are going to wear me out."

"Well, you can have a short break, but we are not done by any means. We still have 5 more rounds to go. I am making up for lost time. And, don't forget the push-ups."

The break was short lived. And, just like I said, we broke the bed. So, while Layla had her legs wrapped around my waist, we moved to one of the other rooms. She gyrated like crazy on me while we walked to the other room.

After the 6th round, Layla was getting tired, so we stopped. Then we just laid there in each other's warm embrace. I looked back down at Layla and noticed she fell asleep. So, I pulled the covers over us, kissed her forehead and went to sleep.

******************************

Monday morning

Layla's POV

I tried to get up, but that wasn't happening. "Gosh, I am sore." So, I just laid my head back down on Ryan's chest and listened to his heartbeat. I started drawing circles on his chest with my fingers. Uh-oh, I shouldn't have done that because I am in the mood for more. I placed myself on top of him. I leaned into him to wake him up on purpose. "Good morning sugar. I'm ready for another ride."

"Layla, don't you want to eat breakfast? "

"Sugar, you are my breakfast." I gave him the puppy dog eyes. Then, I planted kisses over his neck. "Please, sugar? After yesterday, I am addicted to you. You are my drug and momma needs her fix." Junior entered the temple again and it was on like last night. What a way to wake up - screaming from being pleasured by the man I love.

Later in the day.

We called down to the receptionist desk about breaking the bed and we would pay for a new one.

I was sore as heck. Thank goodness there is a jacuzzi tub in our first room. So, Ryan carried me in there. It was big enough for both of us, so he got in too.

"I'm married to a freak."

"Hey, what can I say? You brought it out in me. We need one of these in our house."

"Where you serious when you said you wanted to get pregnant?"

"Yes, I was. I wish it could have happened sooner, but the guys I dated were horrible and none of them cared about Braelyn like you have. Like I said, I don't just let anyone enter my temple. I always wanted at least two or three kids because I didn't want Braelyn to be an only child. However long it took to find the right guy was what I was willing to do."

"Well, we have the rest of these two weeks to make your wish come true. I'm ready too - for little Layla or Ryan to run around with Braelyn. I still want to know where in the world is Austin?"

"I kept checking my phone, but no call or text."

My stomach started rumbling. "We really need to eat food now. Come on, let's get halfway dressed and order room service. Can I wear one of your shirts again?"

"Of course." So, we got out of the tub and got halfway dressed in our room. While putting on Ryan's shirt, my phone rang.

"That number doesn't look familiar." I gave the phone to Ryan and he answered.

"Hello. Who is this?"

"Hello, yes I am looking for Layla Jordan please?"

"This is her husband, Mr. Meyers. May I ask who this is?"

"My name is Doctor Joseph calling from the hospital. Her number is listed as a contact number for Austin Mitchell. I'm afraid to say he was found beaten pretty bad in an alley Saturday evening."

"What hospital is he in?"

"Grandview Hospital. He is currently in a coma and in serious condition."

"My wife and I will be there shortly."

"Layla, get dressed. Austin was found beaten up badly and is now in the hospital!!!

******************************

Thank you all for reading chapter 17. 

The pictures and videos are courtesy of Pixabay, You-Tube, PNG Tree, and Can Stock Photos. 

1. opening picture  - © Can Stock Photo / wandee007

2. Layla and Ryan's cake - courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Wow Express

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘