The night before the wedding the three sisters gathered at Evelyn's for a low key girls night.
"Where's Ty," Teddy asked.
"Home with Brett," Nikki smiled, "I was late so I could have a bit more time with Ty. I hate missing bedtime though ."
"What is bed time these days," Evelyn asked.
"For summer we've been doing 7:30 or 8," Nikki said, "the school year we're going back to 7. It just gives us a bit of time as a couple at night. Brett would keep him up later which is fine in the summer but Ty gets too cranky in the afternoon if there's not enough sleep at night."
"How's it going with living together," Teddy asked.
"Good," Nikki smiled, "this time it feels right. It's natural. Ty calls for both of us now in the morning."
"Brett is his dad now," Meghan observed.
"He's dad now. It makes me nervous but that's okay. Ty and Brett are happy with dada," Nikki said, "but this is Meg's last night before she's old and married."
"Old," Meghan gasped, "who are you calling old?"
"Your 40," Nikki laughed.
"I'm not old, you're just a baby," Meghan teased back.
"But we're not as old as Teddy," Nikki giggled.
"Stop reminding me I'm in my mid 40s," Teddy said.
"Being the youngest isn't easy," Nikki said.
"It's getting better," Teddy said, "we had that winter right before Meg came home and the boys were born."
"I'm pretty sure mom and Owen almost murdered us," Nikki laughed.
"We weren't that bad," Teddy said, "you just asked a ton of questions."
"It's not like my friends were any help," Nikki said, "none of them have kids yet. Even when they do Ty will be almost two years older. I won't be the only one with a kid soon."
"Who," Teddy asked.
"Syd," Nikki said, "she told me yesterday I told her to call you."
"Sydney," Evelyn asked, "when?"
"February," Nikki replied, "she's a little panicked."
"Sydney is the one in a wheelchair," Meghan said.
"Yes she's a parapalegic," Nikki said, "she didn't think it would be possible but she's seeing her doctor every other week."
"She should have called me sooner," Teddy said, "she's been my patient for years."
"I told her," Nikki said, "and about how annoying Nate got about mine. Have your heart stop once on the operating table your brother in law never trusts you again."
"I was the one that asked him to check on it," Teddy admitted.
"He was annoying," Nikki said, "putting me on a treadmill which I hate normally."
"That was mean," Teddy agreed, "I told him that."
"You both missed when Nate got mad at me the night Daniel was born," Nikki said, " I told him I was going to check on the girls while he made tea and then I got distracted by a mess in Teddy and Owen's room and started cleaning. I had most of the upstairs clean before he threatened to call mom to make me stop."
"Our house was very clean when we came home," Teddy said.
"Team work," Nikki said.
"He isn't bad at house work," Meghan said.
"Ready to join the old married women," Teddy asked.
"Only took an 11 year engagement," Meghan said, "it's time."
"So wedding," Teddy asked, "more kids?"
"Maybe," Meghan agreed, "we want to try but I'm 40 and with the trauma who knows."
"Try," Evelyn suggested, "Teddy was 43 with Daniel and I was 45 with Nikki."
"We will after the wedding," Meghan said, "I've put him through hell the last eleven years. I've seen Batool the last few weeks on and off at work. She keeps coming trying to find me and talk to me. Every time I do I go home and have a panic attack or nightmares. Nate is always there to hold me and tell me I'm home and I'm safe. I can't keep seeing her every day. It reminds me of what I went through there. Who I had to pretend to be."
"I'm sorry sweetheart," Evelyn said hugging Meghan.
"Tonight," Meghan said, "wine and what are we ordering?"
"I have your favourites," Evelyn said, "BBQ chicken and potatoes, corn on the cob, fresh garden veggies and I made red velvet cupcakes."
"I brought wine," Teddy said.
"So did I," Nikki added.
"This Nikki drinking at all thing is so new in the last year," Evelyn said, "when did you change your mind darling?"
"September," Nikki replied, "I had a couple glasses at home with Meg and Teddy, no one was out of control, no one was drunk and doing stupid things. A glass is fine."
"You got drunk," Teddy said.
"First and only time," Nikki said.
"Is it still only with me," Teddy asked.
"Brett and I will have a glass sometimes after Ty goes to bed," Nikki admitted.
"You feel safe with him," Teddy said.
"We're home," Nikki said, "we take the baby monitor and sit out on my patio and talk or read."
"I noticed you finally put patio furniture out there," Teddy smiled," only took 7 years."
"Table and chairs for us and Brett's BBQ," Nikki said, "he moved that before he moved in."
"What's this about bbq pizza," Teddy asked.
"Brett makes the dough then we let the kids top their own and he cooks them on the bbq. It takes about 2 minutes per pizza," Nikki said, "a treat when we know we're babysitting."
"Our kids are calling him uncle Brett," Teddy smiled.
"So is Faroke," Meghan added.
"Slowly switching from Ett to dad," Nikki said.
The morning of the wedding Brett was feeling a little flustered Tyler would not cooperate without Nikki but she was with her sisters getting ready.
"Come on little dude," Brett coaxed, "your clean, you have your glasses, your bottle."
"Mama," Tyler sobbed.
"Mommy is at grandmas," Brett said.
"Mama," Tyler kept sobbing.
Brett called Nikki, "this isn't working he wants you."
Nikki, "what is he doing?"
"Same as last night. Screaming for you," Brett said, "he's clean and dressed. He won't take the bottle. Last night I was able to wrap him in one of your pajama dress things that soft blue one and that worked but he's not buying your hoody now."
"My nightie," Nikki laughed, "just bring him here. I'm the first up I think."
"I will," Brett said, "did you have fun last night?"
"I did but I missed you and Ty," Nikki answered.
"I missed you," Brett agreed, "I just need to get his shoes on and we'll come."
"See you soon," Nikki agreed.
Brett picked Tyler up out of the high chair, "okay Ty we're going to go see mommy."
"Dada," Tyler tried.
"Yes little man daddy," Brett smiled, "shoes then you can walk to the truck. Well go see mommy."
"Mama," Tyler said as Brett put sandals on the baby's feet. Nikki hated that the sandals didn't stay on his feet but they were just going to the truck then to Evelyn's door.
Brett smiled, buckling Ty into his car seat. If you had told him a year ago that he would be living with Nikki and Tyler and being called dad he would have laughed. A year ago he didn't think Nikki liked him that way, even though he was totally in love with her. But there was now a permanent car seat on his back seat and a small bag with emergency diapers under the backseat. Ty might not look like him but he was Brett's son. He would propose to Nikki. He would do it before Christmas and he had already bought the ring.
Brett pulled up to evelyns and was met by Nikki on the front porch. She was still in her pajamas with her hair in a messy bun.
"Good morning," Nikki said hugging both at once, "there's my boys."
"Good morning gorgeous," Brett replied, kissing her.
"Mama hug," Tyler asked.
"Good morning little man," Nikki said, taking Tyler, "let's go inside."
They walked inside and Nikki settled on the couch with Tyler, "were you giving dad a hard time?"
"Milk," Tyler asked.
"That's why he wouldn't settle," Brett questioned.
"I think so," Nikki said, "he's dressed, clean, has his glasses. Did you try breakfast?"
"We didn't get there through the tears," Brett said.
"Were still working on this," Nikki said, "does mom have a blanket anywhere?"
"He's calming down with you," Brett said.
"I thought he might just need to see me," Nikki admitted.
Tyler was pulling at Nikki's tank top.
"Ty leave my shirt," Nikki said.
"Brett, Ty," Evelyn said coming down the stairs.
"Ty missed her," Brett said, "he was inconsolable."
"He's not used to bottles now," Nikki said.
"I tried the sippy cup," Brett said.
"I'm just going to take him up," Nikki said.
"How did you make out last night," Evelyn asked Brett.
"Pretty good for our first guys night," Brett smiled, "we had dinner, watched the game, played in the sprinkler and the sand then needed a bath. He fought going to bed and the bottle but letting him cuddle in Nikki's hoody worked."
"It's only the second time he's been away from her at night," Evelyn said.
"But he called dada this morning," Brett said.
"Did you miss me baby boy," Nikki asked carrying Ty up.
"Still," Teddy asked, passing on the stairs.
"Yes," Nikki said, "Brett brought him."
"So go put something over my tank top," Teddy asked.
"And warn Meg you two are on the same end of the hall," Nikki replied.
"They'll go as soon as I feed Ty," Nikki said.
"Not that you minded seeing Brett," Teddy teased.
"Maybe," Nikki smirked.
"You missed him last night," Teddy said, "go feed your son before the bride wakes up."
"She's up," Meghan said, joining them on the landing.
"We've been temporarily invaded by men," Teddy said, "some one needed his mom."
"Trying for the full two years," Meghan asked.
"Eighteen months," Nikki said, "originally I said six months then a year. But I've had enough now. It's only first thing in the morning and at bedtime now. I thought he would have been okay with Brett."
"It's still new for him," Teddy said, "having a dad. I was always away from mine over night by the time they were 4 or 5 months old because of work, they learned to be with Owen or another family member."
"Perk of being a teacher," Nikki said, "I'm always home for him at bed time."
"I was the same with Faroke," Meghan said.
"Let me get him fed then we can do breakfast," Nikki said.
"Meg go shower," Teddy directed, "I'll cover up then go help Evelyn."
"Bacon," Meghan asked.
"Yes," Teddy laughed.
Nikki carried Ty down the hall and closed the door to her old room.
"Okay little man," Nikki said, "did you miss me or not want your cup?"
"Mama," Tyler said snuggling closer to Nikki.
"I think you just needed me," Nikki said, "Auntie Meghan gets married today to uncle Nathan. We're going to do this then you have to go with Brett so I can help Auntie Meghan get ready. We've waited a long time for this."
Nikki took a much happier Tyler down to Brett.
"Going to get dressed darling," Evelyn asked.
"After a shower," Nikki smiled.
"Come here buddy," Brett said, reaching for Tyler.
"Dada," Tyler smiled.
"Now you're happy," Brett smiled, taking him, "give mommy a kiss then we're going to let her and your aunties get ready."
"By baby boy," Nikki smiled, kissing his cheek, "thank you for bringing him to me."
"Always," Brett smiled, "have fun with your sisters. I'll see you later gorgeous with this little dude."
"Thank you," Nikki said standing on tiptoe to kiss Brett.
When Brett took Ty home Teddy teased, "who really missed you?"
"Both," Nikki said, "Ty doesn't like being away from me at night."
"Got to work on that," Evelyn said, 'at least get him up to one night. Let you and Brett have a night as a couple."
"Breakfast," Nikki asked.
"Let's get it ready before Meghan comes down," Evelyn said, "I've started the bacon and coffee. Nikki pancakes, Teddy fruit."
"I'm on it," Nikki said, grabbing the pancake mix.
They all had breakfast together and spent the morning getting their hair and makeup done.
"You look like a real bride," Evelyn said doing up the back of Meghan's dress.
"Mom no tears," Meghan said.
"I never thought I'd get this day," Evelyn said, "to see you home and getting married. To be happy and healthy."
"Mom it's here," Meghan said, "I'm finally marrying Nate. it's been almost 20 years in the making."
"Is this what you want," Evelyn asked.
"Mom I've waited 20 years for this," Meghan said, "I want this. Nathan is my soulmate. You only get one of those in your lifetime."
"You do," Evelyn said, "your father was mine."
"Dont tell my sister," Meghan laughed.
"Nikki knows," Evelyn replied.
"How," Meghan said.
"Her and I had some good talks about love and kids before Ty was born," Evelyn said, "but today is about you sweetheart."
"Nikki can you do this zipper," Teddy asked.
Nikki zipped Teddy's brides maid's dress and turned so Teddy could do her zipper.
"They're finally getting married," Nikki said.
"It's been a long time coming," Teddy said, "we'll do this for you next."
"No," Nikki said, "I'm not bride material."
"One day," Teddy promised, "I think Brett will, he looks at you the way Nate looks at Meg or Owen looks at me. Trust me it will happen."
"Today is Meghan's day," Nikki said.
They all met in the hallway for the limo to take them to the church.
"Meg you look stunning," Nikki said.
"I need my sister to do this," Meghan said, reaching for Nikki.
The two sisters held hands going down the stairs. Teddy snapped a picture with her phone, it was one of those candid moments they would want to see later.
They drove to the church and rushed around to finish getting ready, touching up hair and lipstick.
"It's time sweetheart," Evelyn said.
Owen's girls led the way as the flower girls with Faroke as the ring bearer. Teddy went next followed by Nikki as the maid of honour. Nathan had tears in his eyes as Meghan came down the aisle with Evelyn.
The pastor started the ceremony.
"The couple has written their own vows," the pastor said, "Meghan can you go first."
"Nathan," Meghan smiled, "it was hard to know what to write. We grew up together, found our passion in life and shared dreams. You've been my rock, my reason to hold on to hope. I love you. You waited ten years for a dream. You never gave up on me. No matter how dark things have gotten, how hard the day was you are always there to hold me up and make me smile. You've been there in the best moments of my life and embraced my family as your own. I love you. Today has been at least 20 years in the making. You are the strongest, gentlest, most positive person I know. You always have what's best for our family at heart. I can't wait to see where the next many decades take us. I love you and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together."
"Meg," Nathan smiled, "I love you. I've loved you for years. As you said we grew up together. I'm looking forward to the next many years with you. For years you have been my first thought in the morning and my last prayer at night. I prayed and waited for you to come home, I always knew you would come back to me. I love you. You have always been my source of strength and my motivation to move forward. You are my inspiration and my best friend. You are the strongest, most resilient person I know. I have loved you for years and will love you for the rest of my life."
They finished the ceremony and Nathan gave Meghan a passionate kiss. Together they walked down the aisle hand in hand for the first time as a married couple.
After dinner the toasts began.
Owen and Nikki teamed up as the best man and maid of honour.
"This might not have been the best idea you two have had trusting us,' Owen started.
"Don't worry I can keep him in line," Nikki laughed, "but Owen gets to go first apparently because he's older."
Those that knew the siblings chuckled at this.
"We usually do youngest first so you can be patient this time," Owen teased, "Meghan and Nathan. Congratulations! I'm really happy for you, this has been a long time coming. I think we've waited since Med school for this. The first time I heard that you liked Meg I wanted to punch you Riggs, she's my little sister. My best buddy and my little sister I was skeptical. But it works and the two of you are happy. Nate, you've been a brother to me for years, and always there for our family. Meghan the stories I could tell but I won't today. You are the best sister we could ask for. Congratulations to both of you!"
"Meg you've always been an amazing big sister and Nate a second big brother," Nikki said, "both of you have taught me a lot and believed in me when I didn't or couldn't believe in myself. I'm so happy to see you finally getting married and to be able to celebrate this with you today. You're both amazing and I'm really excited for both of you today. I love you both! Congratulations!"
The rest of the night was spent dancing and drinking.
At the end of the night Nathan and Meghan headed to their hotel room, they would leave for their honeymoon in the morning.
"We're married," Meghan said as they closed the door.
"We are," Nathan smiled, "so Mrs. Riggs what's next."
"I have an idea," Meghan said.
"What's that," Nathan asked huskily.
"Well I need your help with my dress," Meghan smirked.
"That can be arranged," Nathan said, he began to undo the buttons on her back and kissed her neck as he did.
"Nate," Meghan groaned.
He finished the last button and the strapless dress fell to the floor. Meghan stepped out of it and turned to wrap her arms around Nathan and kissed him passionately. He guided her back to the bed gently and hovered above her kissing her.
In the morning Meghan snuggled closer to Nathan.
"I don't want to get up," Meghan whispered.
"We did say we would have lunch with your ma," Nathan said.
"We promised to see Faroke before we left," Meghan agreed.
"It's only a week in California," Nathan said.
"Our honeymoon," Meghan smiled, "sun, ocean."
"Sand," Nathan said.
"No sex in the sand," Meghan said.
"We've done that before," Nathan said, "no need to repeat it."
They slowly got ready for the day after showering together before driving to Evelyn's. The spent the afternoon with their family and celebrated their wedding with the people that mattered most to them.