Times Like These

——-BRIAN POV——

As I followed Nikki and the waitress to our favorite table, I kept my eyes on my girlfriend. It was karaoke night and the place was packed, and little did she know I had a huge surprise for her. As we turned the corner into the main seating area I saw her entire body stiffen before she took off past the hostess, straight into the arms of her step mom. Once I reached the table, I could finally hear the questions Nick was firing at her parents. “What are you guys doing here? The engagement party isn’t until next weekend! When did you get in? How did you know to come here?” “One question at a time, honey.” Her dad laughed, wrapping his arms around her small frame. “I called Brian a few weeks ago, we wanted to surprise you girls. He told me you two were going shopping today so your dad and I thought it was a good time to come in. We wanted to spend some time with you before the rest of the family flew in for the party.” Lorie explained, pointing at me. “So wait, you knew and didn’t tell me?” Nikki asked, looking at me accusingly. “Babe. It’s called a surprise. That means you don’t get to know anything before it happens.” I explained with a laugh. “You guys know I hate surprises.” She grumbled. “Yeah, we do. But this was a good one. Now come on, Lorie and I are already a few drinks ahead of you.” Terry said as he sat back down in his chair.

A little while later we were joined by Matt and Dani, who was equally surprised to see her parents. We had finished our dinner and were all on our way to getting drunk. Terry and Lorie were taking turns singing, while the twins watched on adoringly. “You’re not gonna get up there and sing?” I asked in Nikki’s ear. “No fucking way.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I got my dad’s big brain, not his singing voice. I just want to sit and watch them. I’ve missed this.” I smiled and kissed the side of her head before turning my attention back to Lorie’s soft yet raspy voice singing along to The Rolling Stones. After a few more drinks and songs, we all decided to pay our tabs and head over to Matt and Dani’s house.

———-Nikki POV———

When we got to Matt and Dani’s, I still couldn’t believe dad and Lorie were here. They had definitely surprised me, and I was so happy to see them. It had been way too long. We resumed our drinking right away, gathered around the fire pit in the backyard. Matt, Brian, and dad were all discussing music, while Dani and I were telling Lorie about our shopping experience from today. “It was painful. They made me try on so many dresses.” Dani joked while I rolled my eyes. “It wasn’t that bad, you’re just picky as hell.” “I’m not picky, I just know exactly what I wanted. And I finally found it.” She grinned. “It should be back before you guys head home, mama. You can come to the final fitting if you want!” “I would love to, honey.” Our stepmom said with a smile. “You know girls, your dad and I are very proud of you. You both have overcome a lot, and to see you happy and successful is all we’ve ever wanted for you. You know, no matter where you are or what you do, your dad and I love you two so much. And we will always be here for you, no matter what. I am so proud to be the bonus mom of such strong, beautiful women.” Dani and I pulled her in for a hug at the same time. “We love you guys so much.” I said quietly. “Thank you for always being there for us. It means more than you know.” “Oh come on girls. Don’t get all emotional on us now.” Dad said with a laugh as we all pulled away. “We aren’t being emotional, we’re just talking.” Dani said with an eye roll. “We just missed our mama.” We spent the rest of our night drinking, singing, and laughing, until Lorie fell asleep sitting on the toilet. “You better take her to bed before we have to hold her eyes open with toothpicks.” Dani laughed from her spot beside her fiancée. Shortly after dad carried Lorie to bed, Brian and I said our goodbyes and walked the short distance home. Once we were both in bed, I rolled over and wrapped my arm tightly around Brian, laying my head on his chest. “Thank you so much for this night.” I whispered, “I needed it more than you know.” “I know, baby.” He said, rubbing my back. “Get some sleep, we’ve got a busy week ahead of us.” “I love you, Bri.” I said before leaning up to peck his lips. “I love you too, babe. Always.”

Notes

I’m so sorry it’s been so long since I’ve updated. The past four months have been the worst of my life. We celebrated my stepmom’s last Christmas, and she lost her battle to cancer on Jan. 22. My heart is shattered into a million pieces, and I will never be the same. Instead of writing her cancer into this story, I decided to dedicate this chapter to her. I hope you guys will stick with me as I hope to crank out more chapters in the future. I promise I will do my best to make sure another four months don’t pass by before I’m able to update again. Thanks for reading, guys.