Married With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novel

by Bailie Hantam

  She heads into the bathroom and when she emerges, she looks magnificent. The shorts and top hug her curves in all the right places.

  “Happy?” She does a twirl for me to see the entire outfit. Her ass looks fantastic.

  I swallow. “More than you’ll know. Come, let’s get out of here before I get other ideas.”

  “Justin, we need to talk.”

  “I know.” I take her hand in mine. “We can talk on the way. I want to get going before it gets dark.”

  With that, we leave the Crawford’s and head for the most epic weekend ever.

  Chapter 15

  Angela

  We drive in silence for a while. Once Justin is on the highway, he spares a quick glance at me.

  “Look, I’m sorry I bailed on you yesterday.” He squeezes my hand then puts it back on the steering wheel. “I have issues, but none of it is an excuse for leaving you like that.”

  “Justin, that’s—”

  He holds a hand up and looks at me. “Let me finish.” I nod and he continues. “I was so consumed by you leaving me out, it never occurred to me that I never really let you in. The truth is, Angel, I have no idea what I like.”

  That doesn’t seem right. “What do you mean?”

  “I spent a lot of time making sure my family was well taken care of financially.” He rubs his stubbled jaw. “Everything I’ve done for the last decade has been about earning money. I’ve always known it wouldn’t be permanent. But here I am, a grown man who has no idea what to do for fun.”

  I look at him and raise a brow. “And you decided to start with bike riding?”

  “I enjoyed it when I was younger.” He smiles at me. A real boyish grin. “We couldn’t afford bikes of our own, but when we were together, I would rent one to ride with your brothers. I don’t know if I’m still any good. But I want to try. And who knows, you might enjoy it too.”

  I swallow. “I haven’t been on a bike in years.”

  He gives me a worried frown. “Do you not like it? I mean I can take the car on the gravel road.”

  “It’s not my favorite thing.” I give his thigh a reassuring squeeze. “But I can ride. And if it means I get to see you have fun, even better.”

  His grin is so wide I can practically feel his excitement. “I can’t wait for you to see what else I have planned.”

  “There’s more?”

  He nods. “I have it on good authority that your dad’s chocolate fudge brownies will keep me on your good side. It helps to be friends with the people who are experienced at having to apologize to you.”

  “Justin, don’t tease me.” I give him a pointed look. “If you have brownies, you need to hand them over.”

  “Later, Angel.” He gives me that panty melting wink. “I have a whole night planned for us.”

  All night? “Are we spending the night? Justin, I still need to work tomorrow.”

  “Yeah, I already arranged with Wyatt that you will not be in tomorrow.” He sounds a little worried. “I know it’s overstepping, and you can totally shout at me for that, but it will be totally worth it. Just remember, I have the brownies.”

  I can't help but laugh. “That’s fine but we need to talk.” It’s good to see him this excited about something that’s not work. “About yesterday.”

  “I’m really, sorry, Angel.”

  “Yeah, I know. But I don’t think you understand. I had a good twelve hours to consider that I might be pregnant.”

  “You must’ve been so worried. Did you sleep on Sunday night?”

  I shake my head. “Barely a wink. But that’s not it. Somewhere in the worry, I must’ve gotten used to the idea. I don’t know. In between all the worry, I probably accepted that I could be pregnant.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “When I saw that it was negative, my heart broke a little.”

  He doesn’t say anything for the longest time. He takes the next off ramp and pulls over to the side of the road. He undoes his seatbelt, then mine. “Come here.” He pulls me into his embrace and even though I have some more news for him, I feel safe. Everything will be okay. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. You want my confession?”

  I nod into his chest.

  “I was hoping it would be positive, too.” He rests his chin on the top of my head. “I cannot imagine having a baby with anyone else.”

  Seriously, he’s angling hard for a blowjob later. “About that.”

  I pull away from him, but he holds my chin between his fingers. “Sweetheart, what’s the matter.”

  “Nothing’s the matter. At least I hope not.” I cup his face with my hands. “So, I took your suggestion, to go to the doctor. I mean, I’m still throwing up every day.”

  “Good, what did he have to say.”

  “She told me to take another pregnancy test.” I rub my thumbs along his jaw. “She wanted to make sure. Apparently, there's a small chance that they’re not always accurate.”

  His body tenses and his eyes widen. “What did the second test say?”

  I swallow hard. In theory it’s good to say you’ll be fine with it, but this was real. “I’m pregnant.”

  That smile widens. “Are you for real? You’re really pregnant?”

  “Well, she’s made an appointment for me to do the blood test later this week.” I can feel tears rolling down my cheeks “That will confirm it one hundred percent. She said if I want, I can take another one and go for two out of three in the meantime, but false positives are very rare.”

  “We’re going to have a baby.” He whoops, the sound reverberating through the car. He turns to me, a serious look falling over him. “Are you sure riding a bike is safe?”

  “I’ll be perfectly safe.”

  Soon, we’re back on the road again. It’s a little after six when we arrive. Justin gets changed in the back seat of his car. It doesn’t look very comfortable. Then again, it doesn’t look like it will be comfortable riding with that bulge either.

  The sun is beginning to set but Justin rents helmets with a light in the front along with the bikes. He also rents a rack to secure a large Tupperware container. My mouth practically waters at knowing what’s in there. We secure our bags — the man thought of everything — on our backs and set off.

  It’s a short path. Even though it’s getting darker, it doesn’t take us long to get where we’re going. By the time we get to a clearing with a small cabin, it’s already dark.

  As we enter the cabin, I notice a large blanket draped over something on the floor. “What’s that?"

  It’s not the only thing I notice. The cabin has a rustic feel, but it’s not old. With newer furniture and fixtures. I’m assuming there’s a coffee table under the blanket, but I cannot be sure.

  “That’s a surprise for later. When we’re relaxing with brownies.” He slings an arm around my waist. “First. We shower.”

  “Are you saying I stink?”

  “You smell heavenly.” He grabs my hand and drags me through the cabin into the only bedroom. “But I want to clean you up so I can get you all dirty again.”

  The bedroom is much like the rest of the cabin. A large king-sized bed takes up most of the space along with two side tables, a dresser and a small wardrobe. He pulls me through another door and into the bathroom. It still has that rustic feel, but it’s mostly a facade. It has a walk-in shower stall with a single glass wall and wide rain-shower head. His and hers sinks on one wall and a toilet on another.

  Justin pulls me close and cups my face. “We need to talk to each other, Angel. I’m still learning about the things I enjoy outside of my work and you. And I know I can get consumed and insecure easily, I will work on it. But I love you. I love you so much that just the thought of being without you, hurts.”

  “I love you too.” I nod. “Justin, you’re the most important person in my life. I want you there for every step. I’ll always be independent. But you’re the person I want to call. Whether it’s to hold my hand at my OBGYN appointment
or because I need to vent about my boss. That’s going to be you.”

  He lowers his mouth to mine. There’s nothing tentative about the kiss. He knows what he wants and he’s taking it. My hands move under his shirt enjoying the planes of his muscles. He pulls away from me. “Strip.”

  I do as he says. He turns the water on and then does the same. “God, you’re gorgeous,” I say to him.

  The corners of his lips quirk up. “So are you. I just need to get a condom; I’ll be right back.”

  “You don’t need to do that.” I mean really, right now I’m questioning the efficacy. “I’m safe and I’m already pregnant.”

  “Are you sure, Angel? I’m safe too. I’ve never gone without a condom.”

  “Me too. And yes, I’m sure.”

  Justin

  I lead Angela under the hot water. She pulls her hair out of her ponytail and lets the water run through her hair. My hands skim up her silky skin along her ribs. Lowering my lips to her neck, I nip at that sensitive spot just above her shoulder. Her body bucks as I move lower, taking a taut nipple in my mouth. I tug it lightly and she gasps at the pinch. Her hands grab onto my shoulders as my hands travel south.

  I push one finger inside her. She struggles to hold her balance and I maneuver her so she can rest against the wall. Slowly I pump inside her, caressing her clit with my thumb. She’s already soaking and so ready for me. I push in a second finger and move them to hit that sweet spot inside her.

  “Justin.” Her body is writhing, her nails digging into my shoulders.

  “I’ve got you, Angel.” I put one hand on her hip to keep her steady. “You can let go.”

  My words must do something. Within moments, she’s clenching around my fingers. My name on her lips as she comes is such a fucking turn on. I continue moving my fingers inside her until her spasms subside. “You okay to stand?”

  “Barely.” Her voice is husky. I love it when she’s like this, disorientated by sex.

  I turn her around and brace her hands against the wall, moving her feet apart to give her more balance and arching her back a little.

  Slowly, I start entering her from behind. Shit. “Fuck, Angel. You feel so fucking good.” Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, could’ve prepared me for what it would be like to enter her bare. Sex with Angela is always mind-blowing, but this is more like a mind-fuck. My knees nearly buckle, and I need to lean one hand on the wall. Once I’m fully inside her I pause. I’m afraid if I move too soon, I’ll explode before I even start.

  “Babe, you need to move.”

  Well, what do you know. Her giving me a nickname is one hell of a turn on. Slowly, I pull out to just the tip and slam back. We both groan at the sensation. I repeat the motion, savoring the feeling of being inside her.

  I find my rhythm and pick up the pace. I want this to last forever. I’ll never tire of being with this woman. She’s everything for me.

  My pace speeds up and becomes erratic but I want her to come with me. I snake my free hand in front of her and move my thumb over her clit. I pump fast as she clenches around me. She takes one hand off the wall and grabs on to my thigh. The sting of her nails is all I need “Come Angel. Come with me.”

  She cries out my name. The world goes blank as ecstasy takes over my entire being. I can hear her, but barely over my own grunts. I stiffen just as I go over the edge with her.

  I don’t know how long before either of us move. I turn her around and pull her into an embrace. Fuck, I love this woman.

  As soon as we’re done showering, we both get dressed. Me into the jeans and T-shirt I packed and her into the flirty dress Andi bought for her.

  “Your cousin’s a riot.” She digs through the backpack even though all the contents are on the bed. “She didn’t buy me any underwear."

  “I’m not complaining,” I say as I wink at her. “It’s not like you’re going to need it.

  She rolls her eyes at me. “Fine. But now can I have brownies?”

  “Let’s go and feed you.” I take her hand and lead her back into the cabin’s main room. I pull out two plates and place a brownie on each one. We sit on the couch furthest away from the blanket construction I put up earlier in the day.

  She takes a bite of her brownie and makes the sexiest noises. She’s so good for my ego. “These are so good.”

  “Thanks,” I say.

  “What do you mean thanks?” She frowns at me. “My dad made them. You only bought them.”

  I smile at her. “I made them. With a hell of a lot of help from your dad. But I made them.”

  “You made these?” Her eyes are so wide, she looks like a comic character. “Why?”

  “Well, I figured it’s probably a good idea to learn how to make your favorite dessert if I intend on staying in your good books for the rest of my life.”

  “My dad let you into his kitchen to make these? He gave you the recipe?”

  I nod. “He’ll be teaching me something new every week. Or at least I’ll be learning from him one day a week. He said we can move on to something new once I’ve mastered this.”

  “Is this part of your, finding fun, gig?”

  I nod. “There’s something about following exact instructions and getting the perfect result that really speaks to me.”

  “Of course, there is.” She rolls her eyes then halts. “Wait, does that mean I get to see you in an apron?”

  “Don’t get any ideas. I don’t think I’m ready to go solo just yet. So, any thoughts you’re having will have to wait until I don’t need your dad around."

  “I’m a patient woman, I can wait.” She snuggles into me and we stay silent. I wonder if I should remove the blanket from the coffee table or tease her a little more. “Justin, what did you mean when you said you want to stay in my good books for the rest of your life?”

  I smile, slipping my left hand into my pocket. “I thought you’d never ask. I know we haven’t been together for very long, but I want you to know that you’re it for me. I can’t imagine being this happy with anyone else.”

  Reluctantly, I untangle myself from her and stand up. I make sure my ring is secured on my finger. It makes sense to wear the one she got me if I intend putting hers back on her finger. I lift a far corner of the blanket. It’s covering the little Lego construction I put together earlier. Gently, I pull it up, making sure not to topple any of the blocks beneath it.

  Angela lets out a gasp as she looks at my creation. “Oh my God, Justin. This is so pretty.”

  I built the pink princess castle according to the instructions. I even included a little woman with dark hair and a crown and Lego man with blonde hair. Technically, mine is dark blonde, but whatever.

  “I’m not done.” Before she can say anything else, I lift the last corner of the blanket.

  I can see the moment she registers what the block construction is. In pink and purple Lego blocks are the words ‘Will you be my queen.’

  Her hands are covering her mouth and there are tears running down her cheeks. I get down on one knee and pull out the ring I gave her in Vegas. “Angela York, will you stay married to me?”

  She’s nodding and smiling and crying. “God, yes! I want to stay married to you.”

  I get up off the floor and pull her up with me. “Angel, you’ve made me the happiest man alive. I get to spend the rest of my life with you and you’re having my baby.”

  “This is the best day ever.” She pulls my mouth to hers and kisses me. I swear I see stars. I cannot imagine anything better.

  Epilogue

  Six weeks later.

  Angela

  I don’t need a wedding. I’ve been married for nearly three months. And I definitely don’t need a bachelorette party where I cannot even drink. The morning sickness hasn’t subsided at all. My doctor said it’s likely to stop in a week or two.

  So, I can’t drink, and I’m already married, why the fuck do I need a bachelorette party? Oh yes, and I’m crabby as hell. According to Andi and my mom, I need t
o celebrate it with family and friends. When I told my mom Justin and I celebrated plenty that night, she blushed profusely and told me not to be crude. So, now I tell sex jokes just to rile her up. It’s fun to watch her get flustered, and with my mood swings, I’ll take my kicks where I can get them.

  Andi assured me I wouldn’t have to lift a finger. I handed it over to her, and she stuck to her word. She picked out the flowers, organized the menu and even arranged a hotel for Justin and I to stay at tonight. She also had a perfect selection of dresses for me to choose from. I’m not really showing but I have put on a little weight.

  “Here,” she says, handing me a flute of apple cider. “We need to toast to the end of your single years.”

  “I’m already married.” I don’t understand why she’s making such a big deal of this. “If this is because you really want to plan a family wedding there’s still plenty to come. You have a brother and another cousin. And I have five other siblings. Surely you’ll have enough to do when they all decide to settle down.”

  “Besides, she was hardly ever single.” Cassie sidles up next to us. “She’d broken up with Carl a week before she was married to Justin.”

  Justin had Cassie and Lilly flown in for the weekend. He also made sure his brother, Blake could be here, as well as my brother, Michael. I must admit, it’s nice to have everyone I love around me. Especially since we all want to celebrate the best impulsive decision I’ve ever made.

  “Ugh. Don’t remind me.” I take a sip of my cider, which tastes nothing like champagne, and point to Lilly. “How’s she doing? Enjoying being captain.”

  “Honestly, I think she’s doing it because there’s no one else. She told me to start grooming someone to take over next year.”

  “You think she wants to retire?”

  Cassie shakes her head. “I think Lilly will continue until her body can’t anymore. But I’m considering leaving.”

  The Dynamite coach is not old. Maybe thirty-four is at the upper end of performing but she could continue coaching until she’s in her fifties. Then again, she’s still young enough to consider a career change if she wanted one. “What would you do?”