Once Rejected, Twice Desired (Book 1 of Blue Moon Series)
Once Rejected, Twice Desired Chapter 57

Alaia POV

Lauren and I walked out to the gazebo, talking about my relationship with Alexi and how excited she was to have me as part of her family. "I always wanted a daughter, but we were just blessed with Alexi. And his behavior throughout high school was just so deplorable; I was afraid he'd never replace the one. Thank you so much for putting up with him and sticking with him through all of this. He'd be lost without you."

"What can I say? I love him. I couldn't see my life without him in it. I really didn't think we'd ever be mates, or even friends again after the rejection, but fate had different plans for us. Something just wouldn't let me give up on him."

When the gazebo was finally in sight, I saw both my mom and Jordyn sitting together, sipping ice-cold glasses of tea. "Well, don't you ladies look nice and cozy, mind if we join you?" I asked. My mom beamed at me, then patted the spot next to her, signaling me to sit.

I scooted in close to her side and leaned on her shoulder, enjoying her soft floral scent.

She reached over and rubbed my belly in soothing circles that made me want to pack her up and take her back home with me. "How are you, sweet girl? Are the babies giving you any trouble?"

"We're good, Mom, all of us. I'm happy to say that the little beans have been much nicer to me lately. The nausea isn't so frequent anymore, but my hormones are still a raging storm. So I guess you win some and you lose some." "Oh, please, girl. Raging hormones just means more s*x for you and your ridiculously hot men. You get no pity from me." Leave it to Jordyn to always shoot me straight and never mince her words.

I couldn't hide the embarrassment, though.

I was sitting with the mother of one of those "ridiculously hot men," and I didn't want to discuss what I did with her son in front of her.

"Don't worry, dear, I know my son is a looker. He got that from me," Lauren said with a wink.

"And it's not like we don't know where babies come from, so don't look so shocked. You have s*x, and we have s*x, you love it, we love it, blah blah blah," my mom added.

"Please, Mom. Stop."

"Fine. Us old ladies will just leave and allow you two to speak freely. But do not push yourself too hard, Alaia. Carrying twins is brutal on your body, and if you feel you need a rest, you take it. Do you understand me?" I felt like a kid again, being chastised about my homework or something.

"Yes, ma'am. I understand."

"Good." She leaned down to kiss my head before she stood up and walked back to the house with Lauren.

When I turned to look at Jordyn, she had this smug smile on her face.

"What?"

She just suggestively raised her eyebrows.

"Jordyn, what in the world is going on? What is it?"

"Spill, now."

"I have nothing to-"

"Lies! You're banging two of the hottest men ever created, after my Aaron, of course, and you have nothing to share? Please, you have everything to share."

"This is grossly unfair. I can't hear about your s*x life, but I have to give all the super juicy details of mine? What do I get out of it?"

"I won't kick your a*s for not telling me I have two nieces on the way instead of one."

I guess I could share something if it got me off her s**t list. "Fine. But I'm not telling you everything. So, the trip up has given Alexi and me a newfound appreciation and respect for fresh fruit."

***

Jordyn and I sat in the garden for about an hour or so laughing and catching up before she had an idea. "Hey, do you want to dress up and go out with me tonight? We can get all dolled up and have a nice dinner somewhere. What do you say? Two hot Lunas enjoying a nice Saturday night together."

I thought for a second before I replied. "That sounds amazing, Jordyn. Alexi wants to spend time with his family and Aaron anyway, so this is perfect. But what would I wear? I didn't bring anything dressy, and I'm too tired to be dragged through the mall for hours." She stood up and took my hand. "Come with me. I may or may not have planned this out when I heard you were coming."

We weaved through the garden and up to her and Aaron's floor before we entered her dressing room. Hanging on the wall in front of me was a floor-length, strapless chiffon dress with a sweetheart neckline. The high-waisted design made it perfect for my bump, as it wouldn't squeeze too tight. It was a gorgeous royal blue color with silver accents, and on the floor underneath the dress was a pair of silver ballet flats. Posted by Ebookex.com; visit us for more free novels.

She had thought of everything.

"Jordyn, this is breathtaking. Where did you replace this?"

"I'll never tell. But I just know with your curves; you'll rock the hell out of it."

"Thank you! I'm so excited. So, what's the plan?"

"Well, how about you head to your room and shower and wash your hair. I'll have some snacks brought up, and we can get dressed together, then head out to dinner and whatever else the night throws at us. What do you think?" "Sounds perfect. I'll see you in a bit." I walked down the hall to my old room and straight into my familiar old bathroom. It looked so small now that I had gotten used to the one I shared with Xander. But it would have to do.

I turned on the water, and twenty minutes later, I was washed, scrubbed, and shaved. I put on my bathrobe and tied my hair up before heading back to the dressing room. Luckily, Jordyn really had thought of everything, because she had underwear and a strapless bra waiting for me. She helped me into my dress before getting into her own. We then sat at the vanity together and nibbled of finger food while her stylists did our hair and makeup.

At around 5:00 PM, we were ready.

My natural curls had been tamed and straightened, so my hair spilled down my back in loose waves. My makeup was kept minimal, with just a little eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. I looked like myself, but a bit more polished.

Jordyn had her hair pulled up in an elegant Dutch crown braid with small curls at the back of her neck and ears. Her dress was similar to mine, but in a pale blush color with golden accents, and her makeup was muted in light peaches and pinks. She looked like a doll.

"Oh, Jordyn. You're beautiful. It's too bad Aaron won't get to see you tonight."

"We'll snap a few selfies for the guys later. Now, come on, the car is outside already."

We lifted our dresses and ran down the stairs giggling like school girls. When we got to the front, I saw that she had a black limo waiting for us. When the driver, who waited at the back door of the car, saw us, he lightly bowed and tipped his hat. "Lunas, you ladies look lovely this evening." He opened the door, and we both hurried in.

I felt like I was going to a grand ball or something, but it was just a date with my best friend. She always knew how to make everything so much better.

As we pulled out, Jordyn reached over to the minibar and brought out two champagne flutes, handing one to me.

"Sparking cider for you and the good stuff for me. Here's to an amazing night out, one we'll never forget."

We clinked our glasses and took a sip. I had no idea what Jordyn had planned, but I was so excited to replace out.

***

We drove for about twenty minutes when we finally arrived at the beach. I looked out, confused for a moment before Jordyn offered some clarity.

"I was in the mood for seafood, and I know you always have a taste for steamed crab legs. There is a new spot here that has the best seafood in the region. You'll love it, trust me."

Crab legs did sound amazing, so she wouldn't hear any complaints from me.

The driver came to a stop and walked around to open the door and help us out.

I could hear the waves crashing on the sand and smell the moist salty sea air. The sun was starting to set, casting a fantastic orangish glow to the skyline. Being here was making me more and more excited about the evening.

We started to walk down the pathway before she stopped in her tracks. "s**t, I left my clutch in the car, and we've got to pay for this somehow. You go on ahead, just to the end of the path. I'll catch up with you." She then turned around and rushed back to where the car had left us.

The promise of crab legs and an amazing sunset view pushed me down the path toward the sound of beautiful soft music. I looked down and saw the ground had become littered with rose petals. "Geez, Jordyn. You didn't have to go all out like this," I muttered to myself. I followed the path, pedals, and music for a bit longer until I finally reached the beach.

The sight before me stole my breath.

Both Alexi and Xander were standing side by side next to the dinner table. They both looked so handsome. Both were wearing jet black suits, with Alexi donning a gray tie and Xander a blue one. I wonder if the ties were part of the plan, as the colors made their eyes shine like jewels. Xander's wild black curls were perfectly tamed and combed back, and he had shaved just enough to leave that sexy shadow of scruff along his jawline that I loved. Alexi's dirty blonde hair was freshly cut and combed back as well, to reveal his smooth babyface. They looked like two Greek sculptures come to life, and they were here for me.

When I finished gawking, I took a few shaky steps forward before finally speaking. "H-Hi guys." I had so much more I wanted to say and ask, but I was utterly speechless.

Alexi stepped forward and took my hand. "True to your name, you look like an angel, baby. You're perfect."

"I agree, you are stunning, little one." Xander took my other hand, and they led me to a chair looking directly out into the ocean.

Once seated, they came around and sat beside me, Alexi, to my left and Xander to my right. "This is so incredible. I can't believe you two did this for me."

"The credit has to go to Alexi, little one. He planned all this out and told me about it last night. I left the house about an hour after the two of you to make it on time."

I turned to Alexi, stunned. "You did all of this? But why?"

"What do you mean, why? You deserve this and more. Plus, we never got to experience a first date, so I figured it should be an epic one. And, since you and Xander never got to have a first date either, it was only fair that he be here as well."

"Wait! What about Jordyn? She got all dressed up just to drop me off?"

"Nah, her and Aaron are a little farther down the beach having a date of their own."

"That sneaky little witch."

"So, do you like it?" Alexi asked.

"Will there still be crab legs? I was promised crab legs."

The guys laughed at that, but I was so serious.

"Yeah, there will still be crab legs."

"Then, I love it. I wouldn't change a thing. It's absolutely amazing. Thank you both."

A few minutes later, a waiter appeared carrying a massive tray of steamed king crab legs with roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, and melted butter. Not the type of food you'd usually want on a first date, but I was well beyond the "getting to know each other" first date facade.

The three of us sat and laughed and ate until we were close to exploding.

I listened to the waves dance across the shore and watched as the sun disappeared below the horizon, turning the orange sky to a deep and endless blue.

Once again, I was made speechless when all around us, thousands of tiny sparkling fairy lights lit up and illuminated the night. "It's so pretty," I whispered while looking up in awe.

Alexi stood up and held his hand out to me. "Would you dance with me, angel?"

My face broke into a huge smile, and I looked back over at Xander.

"Go, baby. Enjoy yourself."

I took Alexi's hand as he pulled me along with him to the dance floor I didn't even see being set up. He pulled me close to him and began to skillfully move to the music. Being wrapped in his warm arms in this place was everything I had ever wanted. The rhythmic sound of his heartbeat, combined with the waves behind us, lulled me into a sense of ecstasy I had never before known.

Alexi brought a hand up and began to slowly stroke my hair; the motion sent tingles shooting through my entire body. "I really hope you've had a good time, angel. I was so nervous planning all of this out."

"I don't know why; it's clear you know me very well. If I were to plan a first date for myself, I would have been very similar to this one. You did good, kid."

He chuckled and continued to sway and stroke my hair. "Well, I was nervous because of this..." He let go of me and stepped back before he went down on one knee. With a shaky hand, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small blue box and opened

it.

Inside was the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. It was a platinum and diamond-encrusted band with a huge diamond-covered crescent moon in the center. The fairy lights bounced off the brilliant stones, shooting colorful light in every direction.

With his spare hand, he grabbed mine and said, "Alaia Miller, you are the most incredible person I've ever known. I've watched you grow from a small, annoying little girl to a strong, sexy, and powerful woman. You've seen me at my best, and you've seen me at my worst, but still, you never gave up on me. You fought for me when I didn't want to fight for myself. Through all of our trials, we found our way back to one another, and I want to always replace my way back to you. You are my home, my true north. I love you with every fiber of my being. So, angel, would you please do me the honor of being my wife?"

My eyes were clouded with tears. I had never expected something like this, but here Alexi was down on one knee, asking me to be his forever.

I didn't care about what the outcome of the eclipse would be; I just knew that I wanted to be his wife. "Yes! Of course, I'll marry you!"

He leaped up and spun me around before gently placing me back on my feet and sliding the ring into my finger.

It fit perfectly, and I knew I'd never grow tired of looking at it. I grabbed Alexi's tie and pulled him down into a steamy hot kiss. I poured all of my love for him into those few seconds our lips were locked together.

When he pulled away, he gently held my face and smiled down at me. "There's just one more surprise for you, angel." He then spun me around to reveal Xander down on one knee.

Holy. f*****g. s**t. I must have been dreaming.

I felt Alexi take a few steps away as Xander reached into his pocket to pull out a similar blue box.

He then took my hand in his. "Little one, you control my mind, my heart, and my soul. I can't go one moment without thinking of you; my heart skips a beat whenever I see you smile, and my soul would surely die without you. I thank the goddess every day that she felt I was worthy enough even to know you, let alone call you mine. You've done nothing but brighten my world since you've come into it, and I want that light to continue to shine forever. So, Alaia, my Luna, my queen, and mother of my children, will you be my wife?"

He opened the box, and once again, I was floored. His band was also platinum and covered in diamonds, but at the very top was a single diamond wolf, howling.

My face was probably a mess as at this point; I was in the middle of a full-blown ugly cry. My legs and hands shook so badly that I could hardly stand still. I could barely breathe, but I managed to squeak out one single word. "Yes."

He slid the ring onto my finger, and the two fit together perfectly-a lone wolf howling up at a crescent moon.

It was the best moment of my entire life.

Xander stood and gently wiped my tears away with the pads of his thumbs before placing a gentle kiss on my lips. "I love you so much, baby. Thank you for taking and accepting me."

"I love you too, Xander. Always."

Our moment was sadly interrupted by Jordyn rushing down the beach, screaming her lungs out.

Both Alexi and Xander immediately went on the offensive, but I knew better.

This nonsense was her happy scream.

"Did I miss it? I told Aaron to get his a*s moving. Oh my goodness, babe, please tell me I didn't miss it!"

I held my hand out to her and laughed.

She screamed again, causing both Alexi and Xander to jump.

"I'm so happy for you! And that ring! It's magical. Good job, boys!"

I was wrapped in a bone-crushing hug that I quickly had to tap out of. "I need to breathe, J."

"Sorry, sorry. Damn it! Aaron did this on purpose. I knew he was stalling."

"Yes, I was Jordyn. They deserved to have this moment to themselves, and they'd still be having it if it weren't for you," Aaron said, walking up to the group.

"Whatever. They have already said what needed to be said," Jordyn replied.

"So tell me, what did they say?"

She bounced on her toes, bubbling from excitement, but I had to let her down.

"Sorry, Jordyn. Those words were for the three of us alone. But you'll be front row at the wedding, so you'll get to hear all of the lovey-dovey stuff then."

She pouted for a second, then smiled. "That's fair, I guess. Well, my job here is done. You enjoy your night with your fiancées, and I'll see you in the morning."

She and Aaron both gave the guys and me quick hugs and congratulations before they headed back up the beach.

I stood there and stared down at my finger. I couldn't believe Xander and Alexi had proposed. Together. I was honestly proud of myself that I didn't pass out from the shock. I looked up at my two gorgeous men and smiled. Nothing could have made this night any better. "Oh, we almost forgot. We got you strawberry cheesecake for dessert," Xander said.

Scratch that, now the night couldn't get any better.