by R. S James
******
One month later
I stand in the middle of what use to be my mom’s house, but it’s now just a house with empty walls. It’s been a long month, but finally, everything is done, and we can all move on. My only hope is that the next owners have as many wonderful memories as I do.
Opening my eyes, I see Maddox on his knee in front of me with Carly, Carson, Xavier and Caitlynn, standing behind him. Clearing his throat, he says, “I have lived the past forty-one years of my life without you, and I have to say I’ve only been going through the motions of living. The moment you walked into my life I knew without a shadow of a doubt that you were the one for me to spend the rest of my life with. My soul recognized its other half. I know we have both been through problems, but I promise to give this marriage my all. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want to wake up and go to sleep with you every night by my side. I want to raise Caitlynn with you, and I want to play with all of our grandchildren together. I guess what I’m saying is Claire Renee Mercier will you do me the honor of being my wife, my partner, my lover, and my best friend for all the days of our lives?”
“Yes, Maddox. A thousand times yes. I’ll marry you today, and every day for the rest of our lives.”
“How would you like to fly to Vegas and get married tonight? We can have our honeymoon for four days, and then head home?”
“Okay, I’m game. Let’s go get married.”
We fly into Vegas, and he has already rented rooms for everyone. Carly and Carson are taking turns with Caitlynn every other night. Xavier tried to get Carly to marry him today as well, but she refused, because she wants her own wedding.
It’s finally time for me to join Maddox in the chapel. Carson and Carly are standing up with us, and Xavier and Caitlynn are next to them. We say the normal vows, and when the minister asks for the rings, I freeze. Oh my, how could I forget the rings. Maddox turns, and Carson gives him a ring. Feeling Carly tap my shoulder I turn, and she hands me a wedding band. Looking into Maddox’s eyes, he winks at me, when I look down noticing they match. As the tears fall freely from my eyes, I realize I had to go through hell to get my very own piece of heaven, and that is what Maddox is. My own piece of heaven. The minister announces us, as Mr. & Mrs. Maddox Field, and I’m so excited.
We all go to change, and then go out to dinner, as a family to celebrate. Carson informs us that he found a petting zoo to take Caitlynn to, so we could be alone. I really do love my little family.
Hand in hand, we walk back to the hotel, as Maddox whispers, “Babe, I’m nervous. This feels like my first time.”
I kiss his lips. “It is your first time, as my husband, and nothing before tonight matters.” Still hand in hand, we walk to our room, and he lifts me into his arms so easily, carrying me into the room. “Yes, I’ll do that again, when we get home to our house.”
We kiss, as he slowly slides me down his hard body, until my feet hit the floor. I try to pull his shirt up, as he steps back and whips it over his head. Walking back to me, he twirls his finger, so I turn, and he starts unzipping my dress. Once he gets so far, I take over, looking at him over my shoulder, as I drop my dress to the floor. He has pure lust all over his face, as I stand here in nothing at all. His eyes to take their leisurely path up and down my body, and I feel so loved and cherished, and he hasn’t even touched me yet.
Finally, he walks to me and gently picks me up, as he lays me on the bed. Standing up, he slowly begins to unbutton his pants, sliding them down with his boxers, as I get my fill of looking at him in all his glory. I reach for him, and he comes to me willingly. We slowly kiss and explore each other’s bodies, as we find what makes us sigh, moan, and whimper. When he finally enters me, we both moan, as our eyes lock. “It feels like coming home.”
“Yes, babe. It does, and it will forever. This is my promise to you.” We make slow love all night long.
Waking up the next morning, the reality of what I’ve done comes crashing down on me. I just don’t want to get hurt again. “You about done freaking out?” He asks, standing in the doorway.
“Yeah, I think so. Sometimes I need to not think, but then again, maybe that is what got me here in the first place.”
“Let’s see if we need to call Morgan to end this, or if we are going to make it work out.”
I start to panic, “You want out already?”
“No, but I also don’t want to go into this with you having so many doubts, so let’s talk this out, okay?”
“Maddox, I truly love you, and that is not why I’m freaking out. Please believe that. I just want us to work, and I’m letting my past cloud my mind. I know we are meant to be together forever.” I barely get forever out, before his lips crash down on mine.
Pushing him back against the wall, I fall to my knees, taking his rock-hard cock into my mouth, and swirling my tongue around him, as I take him as deep as I can. He wraps his hands in my hair to guide me, while his hips are pumping in my mouth. He tightens his hands in my hair, letting me know he’s close, so I suck harder. His come hits my tongue, and I take every drop of him down my throat, and with his deep voice, he growls my name.
Once he catches his breath, he picks me up, carrying me to the bed. Laying me down, he attacks me, like a man starved. Right as I’m on the edge of the biggest climax of my life, he moves away, as I groan in frustration, and he chuckles. “I’ve got you, babe,” he says, as he slams his rock-hard cock inside of me. It only takes a couple of thrusts, until I’m screaming out my orgasm. He slows down, while I come down, and once I’m back, he starts thrusting harder and faster, and soon, I’m orgasming again, and this time with him. Cuddling with him, we doze off together.
Waking up to a pounding on the door, I jump up to answer it. Molly stands there smiling, “You bitch! You couldn’t even call and tell me. You had to get married without me?”
“I’m sorry. It was last minute. Plus, it was just Maddox, the kids, and me. Please, don’t be mad.”
“I’m not. Just know that you are stuck with me today. We are having a girls’ day.”
“In case you didn’t know, today is my first day as Maddox’s wife, and I’m not sure if I’m even leaving this room.”
“Yes, you are because we are having a surprise for you tonight. So, kiss your husband, and let’s go.” Turning around, Maddox stands there with that trademark smirk on his beautiful face. “Go ahead and have a good day, and I’ll see you later. No questions though, and I have already told them what is going to happen.” I look at him with questions in my eyes.
Shaking his head, he says, “Trust me please.” I agree, and then turn to go into the bathroom to get dressed. Coming out, I see Maddox is gone, as Molly says, “He has things to do like we do, so let’s roll.” Smiling, we leave together arm in arm.
The first stop is the spa. We both get manicures and pedicures, as well as the full spa treatment. Surprise number one is not just Molly and me, but also Janelle, Carly, and Caitlynn. We’re all laughing and talking, while the ladies do our nails and make-up, but then she covers my mirror. Sensing my distress, Molly says, “Calm down. She knows what’s going on and what to do.”
After a while, I think I’m ready, until Molly says, “Come on. Let’s get you in this dress.”
“Where did the dress come from?” I’m really starting to panic now.
“Claire didn’t Maddox tell you no questions. Now, we all know what’s going on, so let him do this for you, okay?”
“Okay, I guess, but I don’t really have a choice.”
Finally, she dresses me in a pale-yellow strapless dress that stops just before my knees. She steps back to look, as I see her wipe tears from her eyes. “Are you, okay? Is something wrong?”
“You just look beautiful, and you are so lucky that you have an amazing man.”
“Thank you. You kinda had me worried for a minute.”
When they let me in front of the mirror, I stop and sta
re at myself. I am beautiful. My hair is pulled up on the left side with a silver barrette, and I have a bump on the back of my head, while the rest is down in curls.
Turning I see that Molly, Carly, and Caitlynn all match me. We take a few pictures, before we make our way downstairs. All the guys are waiting for us, wearing khaki pants and pale blue shirts.
Maddox comes over and gives Caitlynn a necklace that says my princess, as he kisses her on the check. He hands me a bouquet of daisies, and my heart melts right there. Offering me his arm, he says, “Shall we?”
We walk into a banquet type room, and the song “Heartbeat” by Carrie Underwood is playing, and Maddox takes my hand, leading me to the dance floor. As we dance to the song, I realize how perfect it is for us.
I lean my head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat. I know this is like our wedding reception, and I realize this is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me. I am in awe of this man that loves me so completely. We didn’t have the normal or traditional relationship from the start, but at the end of the day, there is no one I’d rather have by my side than him. I hope I make him as happy as he makes me.
Once our song is over, the next song one plays, as everyone joins us on the dance floor. Looking around, I see some of our friends from the hospital, as well as Maddox’s parents here. He really went all out. Caitlynn comes up to dance with Maddox and me. Next, Carson steps up, and I let him take the lead.
“Mom, you look so beautiful. If I had any ounce of doubt that he wasn’t the man for you, I wouldn’t have given my blessing. I love you, and I’m so grateful that you opened your heart to love again. Just remember though, if Maddox messes up, I will be there to kick his ass,” he says, making sure Maddox hears him.
Maddox just smiles. “If I’m ever dumb enough to hurt your mom, you have my permission to kick my ass.”
Then Carson gets all serious. “Sorry you had to waste all those years on a loser.”
“Carson Phillip, I may have not had the best marriage, but it gave me you, Carly, and Caitlynn. So yes, it ended, and it wasn’t good, but I don’t regret it, because it gave me you three kids, and I love you more than anything else. If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it again just to have you guys.”
“I would never wish that on anyone or want anyone to ever live through something like that, but I do love you so much.”
“I love you, too, and someday, you will find a girl that will turn your whole world around.”
“I already found her, and I’m dancing with her right now.”
“Someday you will make someone very happy.”
As the night goes on, we dance with everyone, including each other. Around eleven thirty, Carson takes Caitlynn up to bed. I’ve been looking for Carly for a while now, and finally, I see her, standing alone at the windows. As I turn to tell Maddox I’m going to see her, he picks me up and kisses me slowly. “Leave her be. It’s our honeymoon.”
Quickly, we leave the reception, heading to our room. Once we get in the elevator, I ask, “Any more surprises?”
“No, and I don’t plan on leaving the room tonight or tomorrow. After that, it’s up for debate.”
“I can get behind that one hundred and fifty percent, as long as the kids don’t need us.”
“Oh, babe. I’ve got them covered. You are all mine for the next thirty-six hours.”
Kissing his lips, I tell him, “Actually, I’m yours for the next ninety-nine years.” We make love all night only stopping to rest for a little while, and then we are right back at each other.
Yeah, it couldn’t be more perfect.
Claire
The next morning, we order room service, after we spend several hours pleasing each other. We both lay in bed just talking and getting to know one another more. His phone rings a couple of times, and he looks at the screen and just sets it back down. I’m trying to remind myself that he is not Colton. However, it’s hard, as I have been burned before.
Quietly, I get up and go to the bathroom, lock the door, and take a long hot bath. He has knocked a couple times, but I have turned my music up a little louder. After a while, I finally get my head out of my ass and get out ready to apologize only to find him gone. He didn’t leave a note or anything.
I call and check in on the kids, and each of them has plans today, so I throw on my running clothes and go to the gym. First stop is the treadmill, and I work myself up to a run. After a while, I hear someone clearing their throat, and I turn to see Maddox standing there. I’m so happy to see him that I completely forget that I was angry. I launch myself at him, and he catches me so easily, as I kiss him hard on the mouth.
When he pulls back, I say, “You left and didn’t leave a note. The kids had plans, so I came here.” He just looks at me finally saying, “Are you sure that’s why you are here?”
“No, I’m here because I’m trying to outrun my past and my issues.”
“Babe, I know how hard it was for you, when I didn’t answer my phone, and I turned it face down. I wasn’t trying to hurt you. It was a surprise for you, when we get home. Speaking of which, who is moving in with who?”
“Umm, I thought you had basically moved in with me already.”
He laughs, “Yeah, you’re right. I was just checking.”
“You’re a funny guy. Let’s go shower, so we can go see everyone, before they leave.”
“Babe, they left already. It’s just us and the kids.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I say, “As long as I have you, I’ll be good to go. So, am I going to be any lady’s enemy, when we get home?”
“What are you talking about? Sometimes you confuse me with the things that come out of your mouth.”
“You don’t have any women you called, when you needed a release? Anyone, I need to worry about slashing my tires, or keying my car?”
“You act as if I’m a prize or something. I’m just a guy, and yes, there were women I called. However, the moment I laid eyes on you I was done. I haven’t called, texted, or had any contact with any of them since then.”
“Maddox, I was there for two months, before we even talked.”
“Yes, dear I know. I went a long time with only my hand for pleasure. Not because I couldn’t get anyone, but because you broke him.”
I can’t help it I bust out laughing.
“Laugh all you want. I couldn’t get it up because they weren’t you.”
“You just made me fall in love with you all over again.”
Claire
The following Monday we arrive back at work, and both of us are working different shifts. Maddox is on days, while I’m on nights. Going in to eat my lunch, I see that he has packed me a crunchy peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich, banana, and peanut butter crackers, and at the bottom of my lunch bag, is a note.
Babe you got this. I love you.
Maddox <3
Grabbing my phone, so I can send him a message, I see he will be arriving here in about two hours, so I decide I’ll wait. I’m making my way back to the restroom, when my pager goes off, and I run back to the ER. We are swamped for the rest of my shift, and I don’t even see Maddox, when he gets here. We are so busy that he leaves a note for me on the counter that Caitlynn is at daycare for the day.
Finally, it’s three thirty in the afternoon, and I’ve been here for nineteen hours. I’m so ready for bed. Maddox drives us home with Caitlynn, chatting happily in the back seat all the way. I ask her what she wants for dinner, and of course, she wants chicken nuggets or pizza.
She’s turned into a total daddy’s girl now that Maddox has legally adopted her. When we get home, Maddox offers to make dinner, so I can shower and sleep, but Caitlynn informs him that she and I are making him a surprise dinner. Laughing he kisses her softly and agrees. He heads up to take his shower, and we start spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread. Caitlynn is cooking in her kitchen, when the phone rings, and it’s Carson asking what’s for dinne
r. I tell him spaghetti, and he says he’s on his way.
Hanging up with him, I go back to cooking. When “Take your time” by Sam Hunt comes on, we start dancing around the kitchen. These are the moments I live for. I love that I got to do these silly little things with Carson and Carly, and now, I get to do them with Caitlynn as well. Carson walks in and starts dancing with us, well with Caitlynn, as Maddox grabs me, and we sway to the music. He asks me if I want to sit and rest. “No, because I know as soon as I sit, I’m not going to want to move, and I need a shower and get a couple hours of sleep.”
After eating and cleaning up, Caitlynn and I go up to take our nightly baths. It’s our time together. Getting out, we decide to both wear nightgowns tonight, and Maddox is sitting on our bed, when we come out. He tells me that Barb called, and I’m off tonight, as I worked today. It works out because I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.
“Do I need to take the day off and go with you? Why didn’t I know you had a doctor’s appointment?”
“No, you don’t have to go. I’ve been going to these by myself for several years now. It’s for my yearly exams, so you didn’t know, because it’s no big deal. I actually forgot about it, until my reminder popped up on my phone. Did I answer all of your questions?”
“Babe, why are you getting so defensive?”
“I’m sorry, Maddox. I’m used to doing everything on my own. It’s not a big deal.”
Leaning over, I kiss him softly, and then he grabs our giggling girl and takes her to her bedroom. I sit down in the rocking chair with her and read her a bedtime story. This is my favorite part of every day, as I sit here with her, and she wraps her finger in my one strand of hair. She tries almost as hard as I do to stay awake. However, the next thing I know Maddox is taking Caitlynn and putting her in her bed, and then picking me up and taking me to bed.