by Jacy Braegan
A hearty laugh rolls out of me at his words. Memories of days gone by of us stuffing our faces with those pies when my mother brought them to the cabin fills my mind. “Two chocolate and two apple?”
I hope he’d remembered the order we’d always demanded my mother bring back. She’d always laughed at us about our tastes, but those were the best pies in the world. He gives me a nod of his head with a duh look on his face. “Well, yeah. You think I’m an amateur? Pfft.”
Getting to my feet, I raise my hands towards the ceiling to stretch, giving that gorgeous man a great view of my naughty bits right at his eye level. With a teasing push to my stomach and his own laughter, his head shakes sending those blond locks to dance about his face. “Go get dressed, Romeo. Your boy is hungry.”
I grab him and pull him up into my arms brushing a kiss across his lips. “How about we eat those pies first and then go get dinner? I’ve not eaten since lunch yesterday, and I could eat a horse right now.”
With another push, he turns me toward the stairs. Just as I start walking, a crack on my right ass cheek makes me jump and spin around. I rub my offended cheek that has to be pinking up from the heat of his swat. There’s a hint of a rosy tint to his own cheeks that brings out more of the sparkle in his eyes. “Hop to it, lover boy.”
Another burst of laughter flies from me at his words and I roll my eyes at him. “Yes, Master. As you wish, Master.”
A devilish glint rolls into those azure eyes at my words, making me back away while shaking my head at him. “Nope, get that thought out of your mind, Jayson Martin. It’s not happening.”
He raises one brow toward the ceiling like a dare. Oh hell, our night is apparently just beginning. Neither one of us could ever live down a dare and he knows it. With a huff, I turn to speed up the stairs to my bedroom where my feet skid to a stop as it hits me that my bags are still in the living room. Hearing his laughter as my clothing bag hits the ground behind me, I spin around to see him wink before walking back downstairs. If I don’t get dressed quick, he’s going to try bending me over and spanking me as if I’m a naughty boy.
Before I can delve deeply into that thought, I force myself to get moving again. After throwing on a tank top and a pair of shorts, I slip my feet into a pair of flip-flops, opting to go commando. I’m not trying to impress anyone. After all, I have the guy.
Taking the stairs two at a time, my feet thud against the floor as I go to find Jayson in the kitchen divvying up the pies onto two plates. Sliding in behind him, I wrap my arms around his waist, nuzzling into his neck. The pies are steaming showing me he’d heated them up. He’s so fucking perfect. I press my lips to the side of his neck, kissing along his pulse. “You have no idea how good that looks right now. As much as I want to stay here and just curl up with you, my stomach is going to protest soon.”
Right on cue, my stomach lets its frustration be known as it growls loudly in the quiet kitchen. My eyes close in embarrassment until his does the same. We both burst into laughter at the same time before hugging tight and reluctantly letting go. “Let’s eat, Blue Jay.”
After I take one stool at the bar, he sets the plates down before settling onto the stool beside me. We both eat a bite of the apple pie first and then one of the chocolate, as it was our tradition. Our moans mingle together as we savor those first bites of deliciousness. Giving him a wink when our eyes meet, he swallows down the bite in his mouth. He shakes his head at me before speaking, “So, we’ve had the big scene where we admitted our feelings and the make-up sex, which was awesome in case you couldn’t tell earlier. Now, we need to have the serious conversation that follows.”
I’d just taken my second bite of the chocolate pie when his words register. Confusion fills my mind. Serious conversation? I thought we were all good. I make myself chew what remains of the bite before turning to face him. “About what? I thought we were good.”
The slight waver in my voice is audible as he reaches out to take hold of my hand. Our fingers lace together as he meets my worried eyes. He tries to give me a reassuring smile, but at that moment, it isn’t too comforting. “We’re good, Aidan, I promise. However, this should’ve never happened to begin with. If we can’t trust each other, we won’t make it. I made a promise I was coming home to you and I didn’t break that promise. Yet, you ran away from me believing I had.”
I open my mouth to speak, but he covers it with his hand to silence my words. He must have known I was about to protest as he continues in his spiel. “No, don’t deny it. You ran, and you lost faith in me. Now, I know I haven’t had the best track record when we were kids, but I’m not that boy anymore. I didn’t run from you. I ran after you. You’ve got to let go of that fear and trust in us.”
Drawing in a deep breath, the realization he’s right settles within me. With a slight nod of my head, I brush a kiss on his fingertips before reaching up to pull his hand away. “You’re right. Terrified, I ran. You guys had years of being together as a couple, and as much as I hate to admit this, we don’t. Sure, we were best friends from the time we could crawl, but we didn’t grow up through those most difficult years together.”
Looking down at my lap, I know getting the rest of the words out will be difficult, but now’s the time to be truthful with him. There’s no more hiding. He squeezes my hand, and it draws my eyes back to him. “I know you said earlier that you didn’t love him, but you had to. You wouldn’t have almost married him if you didn’t. Maybe it wasn’t how we love each other; I don’t know since I never saw you guys together, but you did. I saw how devastated you were at the wedding, and when Russell said you guys had got back together… my fear of losing you reared its ugly head. I couldn’t stop it. I know I was wrong in not waiting to ask you or at least answering your phone calls, but you’ve faced those kinds of fears before. They aren’t easy to fight.”
His head tilts to the side as he listens to me speak and confusion enters his eyes. “You saw me at my wedding? I didn’t know you were…”
His words trail off as a light hits his eyes as a memory triggers something in his mind. He meets my eyes again. “You were with Clay. The guy who I locked eyes with on my wedding day… that was you.”
Nodding my head, he laughs out loud with a shake of his head. “I thought I was going crazy imagining a connection to some total stranger while waiting on my groom to come down the aisle. Now it all makes perfect sense.”
Relief settles in me as he doesn’t seem too upset I had witnessed the humiliation heaped on him that day. All’s well that ends well, though. He’s mine now and we’re both obviously so much happier for it. Tugging him closer, my lips find his once again. “I’ll put my fears aside. I know that you love me and that neither of us is going anywhere. I promise though, if I ever have doubts again, I’ll wait and talk to you about it. I can’t face losing you a third time.”
The most brilliant smile forms on his beloved face, and he scoots quickly off his stool to straddle my lap. I grab hold of his hips to hold him on our awkward perch. He won’t fall as I won’t let him. His hands grab hold of my cheeks and our eyes meet and hold. “You won’t lose me ever again. I love you, Aidan.”
My arms slip around his back to tug him into my chest. Our lips are just a breath away from the other allowing him to not only hear my words, but to feel them ghost over his lips. “I love you, too, Jayson, so fucking much.”
Our lips meet and meld together as we devour each other’s mouths. Together, for good. Finally.
Epilogue
It’s early morning and I take in Jayson with my eyes as he sleeps. Most mornings since we’ve been living together, I wake him up with a delightful round of kisses. This morning, however, I have alternate plans. Looking down at the crimson envelope in my hand, I lean it against the lamp on the nightstand next to his phone where he’ll see it upon waking.
I’ve made many plans with a lot of help to set up this hunt for my gorgeous man. I hope he enjoys his day. Blowing him a kiss, I quietly tiptoe from the roo
m so I won’t wake him. Reaching the bottom of the stairs at the cabin where we had retreated for the weekend, I pull my phone out to send a text.
Are we ready?
The smile on my face seems permanently etched in place at this point. I slip on my tennis shoes after sneaking out onto the porch. With my Jeep at the end of the driveway, I’m left to hike down the drive. I’m glad he hadn’t woken up last night when I’d moved it, but I didn’t want to risk waking him with the sound of my SUV cranking this morning. A smooth get-away without his knowledge is crucial to my plans today.
Tossing the bag in my hand onto the passenger seat, I hop into the vehicle to start it up. Taking one last look at the sleepy cabin in the morning light, a smile curves my lips. “See you soon, Blue Jay.”
Putting the car into gear, I make the short drive to the Falls. I’m a bundle of nerves that will just continue to grow while waiting for his arrival. As I pull into the parking lot at the falls, I send another text.
It’s time.
* * *
The tinkling of my phone alarm going off pulls me from my sleep. Rolling over, a frown forms on my face at my phone. Who turned on my alarm? Before we went to sleep, I know I double-checked that it was off. Silencing the alarm and rolling over, I reach to snuggle into my boyfriend. Encountering only cold sheets makes me sit up.
Blinking at the empty bed beside me, another frown rises to my lips. I’m used to waking up beside him with our lips pressed together; this waking up alone for the first time in months is disconcerting. I swing my body around and my feet hit the hardwood floor beside the bed as a flash of red catches my eye. Looking at the envelope on the bedside table, I take it in hand curiously.
Blue Jay,
Good morning, beautiful. The fall air is great outside, and I am waiting for you to find me. The board is set. Wake up and come join me. Follow your nose.
Yours always,
Aidan
Laughter bubbles from inside me as the smell of fresh-brewed coffee reaches my nose with its tantalizing aroma. The smell intermingles with the delicious smell of bacon that practically has me drooling. Pulling a pair of lounge pants on over my naked body, I head downstairs. The wide grin on my face falters as I walk into the empty kitchen. A plate of eggs with bacon and biscuits sits beside a steaming cup of coffee made just the way I like it. “Aidan? Where are you?”
The excitement to have breakfast with him burst so fast I almost don’t notice another envelope sitting next to the plate. Feeling deflated, I sink onto the stool. Orange catches my eye, and I snatch the envelope up to open it quickly. That familiar writing means everything in that moment.
Blue Jay,
Eat up! You’ll need your strength this morning. Perhaps a nice stroll outside will be a delight this morning.
With love,
Aidan
Finding another note with a little clue leading me to something has me thinking. What he’s doing is finally catching on. What they are leading toward, I’ve got no idea, but I’m eager to find out. Surprised the food is still warm, it makes me wonder how long-ago Aidan had left. After quickly consuming the food, I carry the coffee with me while heading back upstairs to dress warmly. It’s cooler up here in the mountains already.
I waste no time getting dressed before I’m locking the cabin door behind me and heading out. The sight of my car with balloons of all colors attached to the wipers immediately catches my attention. Nearing the car, a bright yellow envelope attached to the strings of the balloons makes me giggle. A feeling of giddiness rushes through me as I pull the envelope toward me. A soft laugh finds its way out of me as I find a single admission ticket to Turner Falls and no note. Well, that one is obvious to follow. Untangling the balloons to shove them in the backseat, I slide behind the driver’s seat to make my way to the falls.
I walk through the gates into the park looking around for that man of mine. Shock fills me as someone waiting with a green envelope catches my eye instead. It isn’t just anyone either. Luca, my best friend, got roped into this game of Aidan’s. This makes me far more curious than before as the scheme goes from just some fun to elaborate enough to involve other people.
Confusion enters my eyes as I skirt a few people that are there enjoying the day while approaching Luc. “What’s going on?”
My best friend just gives me a big grin as he waggles the envelope in front of my face. Like a kid on Christmas morning, my fingers rip open the envelope to find another handwritten note.
Blue Jay,
What’s taking you so long? Was the breakfast that good? Your prize awaits you at the end of the rainbow. Grab snacks before you head out. Might be a small trek.
Waiting,
Aidan
The note includes a map of the park. Looking up to question Luc, he’d pulled a vanishing act while my attention was on the note. I spin in place looking around for him, but my eyes land on the concession stand instead. Suppose I should grab snacks as I was so kindly instructed. Heading towards the concessions, I peer about myself for more clues. When I reach the front of the line at the stand, the lady gives me a warm smile. “You must be Jayson Martin. We’ve been expecting you.”
No doubt shock is once again clear on my face as the lady turns from me. Holy hell, how much had Aidan done for this surprise today? What in the hell is that man of mine up to? The woman speaks again, drawing my attention back to her. She holds out a bag covered in a spaceship and a star field. “This is for you. Enjoy your day at the Falls.”
Reaching out to take the bag from her, my lips curve into a smile. “Thank you.”
Moving out of the line, I peek inside the bag. Another laugh slips from me as two waters and four fried pies are visible besides a bright blue envelope I immediately open.
Blue Jay,
Don’t you start on these without me. Won’t you come join me? It’s rather dark where I am. A lady dressed all in white led me to where I am. Don’t forget to bring the light in your glove box.
Yours,
Aidan
Making my way back to the car, I open the map to look at it. Lady all in white could refer to the bridal campgrounds. We used to hide in caves near the waterfall when we were younger, so I look for those on the map. The fastest way to those caves is driving, so I unlock the doors to get in. The drive to the bridal campgrounds is quick. Before getting out of the car, I look around for more familiar faces. Snatching the flashlight out of my glove box, I get out of the car. Right before closing the doors, I realize that the waters and pies are still on the passenger seat, so I reach in to grab them.
I make my way to the short hiking trail that leads to the caves near the waterfall. There’re no worries about getting dirty or wet as I’m just ready to see his face. That thought keeps my step up while walking the path as safely as possible. Of course, I’m being safe. Don’t want a twisted ankle keeping me from him. Within moments, the caves appear before me making me switch on the flashlight. The beam sweeps around the cave as I call out, “Aidan? Where are you?”
Hearing only my own echoing voice forces a frown to my face. As I am about to leave the cave thinking I got the clue wrong, my eyes spy another envelope. The bright purple envelope encased in a Ziploc bag hangs from the top of the cave. Leaving the cave into the bright sunlight, I blink a few times before opening the envelope.
Blue Jay,
Gosh, baby. What is taking you so long? I’m dying over here waiting on my King to arrive.
Forever,
Aidan
Memories of us playing King of the Castle when we visited the falls has me laughing out loud. Some people exiting the cave behind me gives me a weird look, but I ignore them as I turn to go back through the cave. My man is waiting in the castle on the other side, and I can’t wait to get to him. The other opening of the cave is smaller, making me duck down to get through it.
I trek along the path until the steps for the rock castle come into view. I look up the stairs but can’t see much so I start to climb. Rounding
the top, a gasp I’m sure everyone hears echoes around me. If there is anyone other than Aidan there, I don’t see them. My eyes fall on the man kneeling in a circle of a rainbow of roses. His dark eyes watch me as I come to a shocked stop. What in all living hell is going on here?
Coming out of my stupor, I slowly approach the man who kneels watching me, waiting. “Aidan?”
My voice wavers, but there’s no help for it. I’m in utter shock at what’s before me and am almost scared to hope. His lips crack into a brilliant grin as he holds out a hand and opens it, palm up. Reaching where he remains kneeling, a glint of silver on his palm draws my eyes. I lift my hand up to cover the gasp that flies from my mouth. My eyes swing back up to meet his as he speaks, “Blue Jay, you mean the world to me, and I want the world to know you’re mine. Will you be mine… my husband… for the rest of our lives?”
Tears blur my eyes with one breaking free to drift down my cheek. God, that man is too sweet. I nod my head before launching myself at him. I wrap my arms around his neck as his wrap around my back as we tumble down onto that circle of roses. “Yes, Aidan. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
We’re surrounded by the whoops and hollers of our friends as they come out to join us from inside the castle, but for me, they might as well not have been there. All I need is my lips on my man’s, and that’s what I do. Our friends celebrate around us as I drown in Aidan’s taste, forever.
About Jacy
Ever the dreamer, Jacy’s earliest memories of getting in trouble at school was from looking out the window daydreaming instead of doing her work. Fast forward quite a few years (ok, a few decades) and she can still be found staring off into space with flights of whimsy and pictures in her head. (Just an FYI, she is probably not staring at you.)