Chapter 25 pt2
**Alexis**
“It's so nice to meet you,” Lynn says.
“You too.” I lean in and hug her and then Ken.
“Where's your best half?” Johnnie asks.
Ken says, "She's running some errands because she wants everything to be perfect for you.”
We walked into the house. It was open, light, and airy. Lynn asks, “Do you want a drink?”
“Sure, if you're having something.”
She smiles, “I think this is a cause for celebration.” She looks at her brother and me, “Because I see great things ahead.” We follow into the kitchen which was opened to the living room. “So what do you do and please don't say porn?”
I laughed, “No. I worked at a bar, but had to quit.”
“What happened to you?” Lynn asks.
“Sis, maybe stop with the 21 questions,” Johnnie urges. He's so protective of me and I like it.
“Johnnie, it is fine. There was an incident at work that caused this,” I raised up my cast, “Some people just can't take the word no at face value.”
Lynn suggested that she and I go talk outside. It was beautiful. “So how did you meet my brother?”
“Crazy story actually. I messaged him not thinking he would even see my message, but he did. My friends entered me in that Valentine's Day contest so I messaged him while the drawing was going on.” As I was telling her the story, Johnnie joined us.
Lynn says, “That's so cool. So is this the real deal?”
“It is. She is all I think about,” Johnnie says.
“Yeah, this is very real even though it is still crazy for me to think about, but I feel grateful that we met. I've met all his friends and they are fabulous too.”
“They are great. Assholes, but great,” Lynn replies.
“Well, hello everybody!” I hear a very bubbly woman as she steps out with who I assume is
Johnnie’s brother. I stand up and offer a handshake. She giggles, “Oh, I am a hugger. Please say you are together, right?”
“Yes.”
“Bro, seriously? Shut the fuck up!” his brother exclaims.
“Seriously bro. Meet my girlfriend, Alexis,” Johnnie says as he kisses my cheek.
“You did well, really well,” he said with a wink before he gave me a hug. “I am Dylan. Welcome to the family.”
“Nice to meet you. Thanks for having me.”
“We are all stoked. I have never seen my brother with a girl that made him smile like that,” Dylan says as I look over at Johnnie, and his whole face is flooded with a smile. His aunt was absolutely beautiful, and his whole family was. I've never felt so welcomed. This is what I've missed my whole life…a huge family full of love and acceptance. Here I won't feel that I was a mistake or just a forgotten child who no one wanted. I excuse myself for feeling overwhelmed. Tears were building. I made it to the kitchen before I felt a soft hand grip mine and pull me into his arms.
“What's wrong?” he asks.
“It's just that this is what a family looks like. I've never felt accepted or loved other than by my friends. This is just wonderful.”
Johnnie kisses my forehead, “I didn't even think of that. I'm sorry. I am so amazed by you and I wanted to show you off.”
“No, it is okay. It feels good.” Johnnie tugs on my waist and pulls me into his arms.
“You deserve this. You deserve to feel like a part of a family. They really like you. I knew they would too,” he says.
“Thank you for bringing me here. It feels like home.”
Johnnie smiles, “It feels so good to have you here like this.” He cups my face and dips down kissing me. I place my hands on his waist. We head back out. We sit together under an umbrella.
“I forgot to fully welcome you, Alexis. I was just so excited to see my boy so happy. You can call me Mom, Aunt, or Anna. So how's the gang?” she asks.
“They are great. Unfortunately, Trey was beaten up during a home invasion at our place by a crazy fan,” Johnnie said before he gave them the full rundown. “Also, I have some big news. Clint is putting together a stripper crew tour. We are starting it on a cruise. We ship out the morning after Valentine's Day.”
“Oh please say I can come,” Lynn says.
“I'm sure you can,” Johnnie replies.
“I'm there too,” Dylan said.
Johnnie laughs, “I will let him know.”
“Sounds like an amazing opportunity,” Anna says.
“I'm stepping away from filming so this is my next direction,” Johnnie says.
Ken pats him on the back, “Sounds good, man.”
Johnnie says, “Dean and Luke are joining too. You have to see them show off for my girl. It is hilarious.”
“Shut up! I am definitely coming. Alexis, please say that you are going too?” Lynn asks.
“Sounds fun. The guys have been so nice. Dean is a little crazy but he makes for a good time.”
We tell them about Trey being all doped up on drugs. They were rolling on the deck laughing. I showed them the video. They all laughed.
“He thought he got married to her?” Anna asks with a glint in her eyes as she looks between Johnnie and me.
“Yeah, it was pretty funny,” he says.
Anna goes inside to get dinner ready. I followed to help. “Can I help?”
Anna smiles, “You can keep me company because I have everything ready. I just picked up some oven-cooked rotisserie chicken, salad, and baguettes. So are you going to make me a grandma?”
I smirk at her bluntness. “We are pretty serious, although we haven't been together that long. I can see myself only wanting kids with him. Especially after the silly challenge I put him through.”
“Oh, what type of challenge?” I giggled as I told her what the guys went through because of Dean’s comment.
She laughs, “Good for you. That made me laugh and what you told me about your future with my son was good to hear too.”
Johnnie comes in and puts his arms around my waist, pulling my back into his chest, “Moms, you leave my girl be.” He kisses my cheek before he rests his head on my shoulder.
“Oh, honey, I'm just excited. I can dream, can't l? This is a huge step for our family. You, your sister, and your brother are all that I have. I know that my sister would be so happy and proud right now,” she said. “She also told me about what she had you guys and Dean do. I have seen videos of husbands writhing in pain.”
“It was intense,” Johnnie replied.
I kissed his cheek. “He barely whined. Luke screamed for his mommy and Dean puked. I am proud of my Johnnie.”
“Show her the video,” Johnnie said. I let her watch it all. She laughed. “I'm glad to see us in agonizing pain is making you laugh so hard.”
Anna smiles, “I am laughing the most because I think I saw Dean’s soul vacate his body. She told me about it, but seeing it is even more entertaining. Johnnie, you took one for the team, but it still doesn't come close to the burning hell ring of ripping fire.”
“Come on,” Johnnie says.
“That is what your mother called it and I believe her too,” Anna replied. “Though all of it is worth it in the end and I know that if she were here she would back me up on this.”
We sit down and eat. Everything was wonderful too and there was even a delicious lemon meringue pie for dessert. It is one of my favorite pies too. “Hey, baby, do you want to go for a walk on the beach?”
“Yeah, I'd love to,” he replied before he gave me a gentle kiss. We walk out hand in hand onto the deck. It was a beautiful night. The sun was setting. The extraordinary mix of purples and pinks spread across the sky like a stunning canvas. It was absolutely stunning.