Whispered Prayers of a Girl

by Alex Grayson

  Hearing a groan behind me, I turn back to face him with my own smirk.

  “Fuck me,” he mutters. “That shit backfired.”

  I laugh and slip my legs through the holes and pull them up my hips. I still feel self-conscious as I walk over to my bra by the end of the bed, especially since my breasts aren’t as firm as they used to be. His appreciative gaze says I have nothing to worry about.

  He climbs from the bed, and my eyes move to the hardness swaying between his legs. Earlier, when he first pulled off his jeans and briefs, my concentration was stuck on the scars running up and down his leg, so even though it was pretty much in my face, I didn’t get a good look at his erection. And afterwards, he was covered by the sheet. Now though, I can’t take my eyes off it. He’s huge, so huge that it’s a wonder it fit inside me without ripping me in two.

  My eyes go wide, and although his size is very intimidating, my body heats at the reminder of how good he felt sliding in and out of me.

  His chuckle has my eyes snapping up to his, and I feel a blush creep up my cheeks at being caught ogling him.

  “You keep looking at me like that and you’ll be calling Jeremy to let him know he’s got the kids for another couple of hours.”

  His laugh is deep when I drop my eyes from him and turn around. Spying my shirt a couple feet away, I grab it and my jeans beside it and put them on. I shiver when the cold and wet material touches my skin. My shirt has no buttons. I turn around to ask him for a shirt, and thankfully see he’s dressed in the same jeans and thermal shirt he had on before, even though they are obviously wet. Silently, he holds out a shirt for me. I slip it on and stealthily smell the soft material.

  I snag my jacket off the floor and we leave the bedroom. Gigi comes trotting out of the kitchen and meets us at the front door. I give her a few rubs before he opens the door and we step outside. The rain has stopped and there’re a few rays of sunlight filtering through the clouds.

  Before I can walk down the steps, he turns me around to face him, loosely putting his arms around my waist and resting his hands on my lower back.

  “How about you and the kids come over for dinner tomorrow night?” he suggests.

  I smile, because, well, I can’t not smile. I love that he wants us to come back. I love that he wants to spend time with the kids. And I love that he seems to be working past his issues. We’ve never actually talked about what’s going on between us, but we both know there is something there.

  “I’d love to, and I know the kids would too.”

  “Good.”

  He drops his head and sweeps his lips across mine before settling them more firmly against my mouth. I love the way he tastes and the way he kisses me. His arms tighten around me, bringing me closer to him, and I dig my fingers into his sides as we tangle our tongues together. My core begins to pulse with renewed need, and I wish we had more time. My body is pleasantly sore, but it doesn’t stop me from wanting him again. From his deep groan, he wouldn’t be opposed to the idea either.

  The crunch of tires on the driveway is what pulls us apart. We break away and turn our heads to see a white car driving up to the house.

  “Shit,” Alexander mutters when the car pulls to a stop. He drops his arms and takes a step back.

  “Who is it?” I ask, turning to him.

  His eyes leave the car long enough for him to look back at me and say, “My parents,” before looking back.

  Surprise has my mouth dropping open, then nerves start to take over.

  “Wait! What?” I squeak.

  Alexander turns back to me, sees my anxiety, and reaches for my hand. “Hey,” he says, bending his knees to look directly into my eyes. “There’s nothing to be worried about.”

  A car door slams behind us. I’ve got no choice but to nod. I’ve got no time to freak out or get used to the idea of meeting his parents. It’s not that I don’t want to; actually, I really do want to. It’s just that I would have liked more time to prepare.

  A tall man with weathered skin, dark brown hair, and kind eyes comes walking up, a petite woman with sandy-blond hair tucked into his side. As soon as the woman sees Alexander and me standing on the porch, she pushes away from the man and rushes forward, her hand flying to her mouth. Alexander releases my hand and walks down the steps, meeting her at the bottom. When he engulfs her in his arms, she’s so small compared to him that the only thing I can see is her arms wrapped around his waist.

  Murmured words come from her, but they’re so low, I can’t hear them. I look past them and see the man looking up at me curiously. I offer an unsure smile and one corner of his mouth lifts.

  A moment later, Alexander and his mother break apart, and I hear his softly spoken, “Hey, Mom.”

  She puts her hands on either side of his face and pulls his head down to kiss his cheek before stepping back to let the man step forward. They embrace tightly, clap each other on the back, then step back.

  “I’ve got someone I want you to meet,” Alexander says, then steps back so his mother can see me.

  I wring my hands nervously as they take the few steps to the porch where I’m still standing. Alexander comes to my side and wraps an arm around my waist.

  “Mom, Dad, this is Gwendolyn.” He squeezes me. “Gwendolyn, this is Helen, my mother, and David, my father.”

  “It’s nice to meet you both,” I say, holding out my hand to Helen.

  She looks just as startled as me, but recovers quickly. I expect to shake her hand, but she surprises me when she pulls me into her arms. I’m stiff for a split second before wrapping my arms around her. Helen’s head only comes to my nose. She’s such a tiny thing, but her arms are tight around me.

  When she steps back, David comes forward and hugs me as well.

  “It’s so good to meet you, darlin’,” he says after pulling back.

  “Gwendolyn,” Helen remarks. “That’s such a pretty name.”

  “Please, call me Gwen. Most everyone does.”

  She shakes her head and smiles. “I’ll stick with Gwendolyn, if that’s okay.”

  I nod and give her my own smile. “That’s fine.”

  Helen turns toward Alexander. “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone,” she scolds lightly, but there’s a light in her eyes.

  He gives her a half smile, looks down at me, then replies, “I wasn’t until recently.”

  She stands in front of us, her hands folded prayer style below her mouth. Her eyes glisten with tears as she looks at us. “Well, this is good news.”

  Although we’ve only just met and Alexander and I haven’t known each other long, I get the feeling Helen sees something Alexander and I haven’t even talked about; the seriousness of our relationship and where it’s going. I know where I want it to go, and I’m pretty sure he does too. Helen though, looks as if she’s already picturing our wedding day. I’d laugh if it wasn’t for the fact that deep down inside, I’ve pictured it too and want it to come true so much.

  “What are you guys doing here?” Alexander asks, slipping his arm back around me.

  David gives him a sympathetic look. “Once you gave the okay, I held her off as long as I could.”

  Helen slaps her husband’s stomach, but says to Alexander, “I couldn’t wait any longer. I missed you and it’s been too long.”

  Alexander clears his throat, looking bothered for some reason, but simply nods.

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Something feels strange, almost tense, and I wonder if something happened between Alexander and his family. It’s good that I can’t stay, because I think they need time alone together.

  “I hate to be so rude, but I’ve got to be going.” I turn to Alexander. “The kids are waiting on me.”

  Before he can respond, I hear his mother ask, “You have kids?”

  I turn back to her. “I do. Kelsey, my girl, is eight. And my boy, Daniel, is six.”

  Her eyes move to Alexander. Both elation and a hint of sadness flash across her face.
r />   “Can we meet them?” she asks with undisguised hope. The look on her face and knowing she’s lost a granddaughter have my throat clogging up.

  I grab her hand and give it a firm squeeze. With my eyes, I tell her I understand her pain. She smiles sadly at me.

  I’m fine with the kids meeting his parents, but I still leave the decision up to Alexander, as they are his parents, and I worry this may be something he’s not ready for yet.

  I needn’t have worried. He glances at me, and I give him a subtle nod.

  “They’re coming over for dinner tomorrow evening. You can meet them then.”

  The smile that comes across Helen’s face makes her appear ten years younger.

  We leave them on the porch and Alexander walks me to my truck. Once I’m at the driver-side door, he puts his arms around me. I feel weird with his parents on the porch with a clear view of us, but I wrap my arms around his waist anyway.

  “Sorry about that. I had no idea they were coming for a visit.”

  “It’s fine,” I assure him. “They seem like wonderful people.”

  He nods. “They are. Are you sure you don’t mind bringing the kids tomorrow to meet them? We can do it some other time.”

  I’m shaking my head before he finishes. “As long as you’re okay with it, so am I.”

  He dips his head and places a light kiss on my lips.

  “See you tomorrow,” he murmurs, then reaches behind me and opens my door.

  Not wanting to leave him, but knowing I have to, I step back and get behind the wheel. As soon as the door is closed and I start the truck, I roll down my window. He bends and gives me another kiss before stepping back.

  I drive away with a big smile on my face, feeling happier and more hopeful than I have in a long time.

  Chapter 20

  Gwendolyn

  Me: We’re leaving. Be there in twenty.

  I hit Send, then call for the kids, letting them know it’s time to go.

  To say they are excited to meet Alexander’s parents was a big understatement. Well, Daniel shows his excitement, but I can tell the idea is pleasing to Kelsey as well from the look in her eyes. I don’t have any family left and it’s not often they get to see Will’s parents because they travel a lot. Besides me, Emma, Will’s parents, and now the few people in town we’ve grown close with, they have no one else.

  And now Alexander and his parents. I smile at the thought.

  Daniel comes running out of his room, several of the figurines Alexander gave him clutched in his hand. He informed me earlier that he wanted to take some with him to show Alexander that he was taking good care of them like he promised.

  Kelsey comes out at a more sedate pace, and I’m pleased to see she’s using the homemade crossword puzzle books again. She has been since Alexander talked to her. That talk has done a world of good for my little girl. She’s still hasn’t spoken to me, but I do catch glimpses of her looking happier than she’s been since Will died. It’s been a month since I heard her talking to Alexander, but I’m hoping, given time, she’ll talk to me. Every night since I heard her asking God to help Alexander, she’s prayed the same thing. I don’t believe she’s forgotten about her father; it’s more she’s finally accepting he’s not coming home. I think she’s found peace with that.

  “Are you both ready?” I ask.

  Daniel shouts his yes, while Kelsey nods, a ghost of a smile playing on her face. It’s so hard for me to look at her when I see a happier emotion on her face, because I want to gather her in my arms and hug her so tightly.

  We decided not to bring Pepper on this trip since we recently had her spayed and she needs the rest, so Daniel says goodbye as I grab the casserole dish with cheesy baked shells and broccoli. Jitters form in my belly as I pull out of the driveway. Even though I’ve already met his parents, I’m both anxious and nervous. I know it’s stupid, because they seemed like really nice people, but what if they don’t like me? What if they don’t understand Kelsey’s mutism and think awful things about her? What if Daniel’s spirited disposition is too much for them?

  If that’s the case, obviously I wouldn’t want my kids or me to have anything do with them, but I know it’ll hurt Alexander if we couldn’t be around his parents. My kids come first and always will, no matter what, but I hate to think about anything negative between Alexander and me.

  I pull to a stop at the stop sign and flip on my blinker to turn down the long road that leads to Alexander’s house. Making sure there’s no one coming either way, I press the gas pedal and pull forward.

  It happens before I know it. There’s a loud blaring sound seconds before the hard hit comes from behind us. Something crunches, and the impact of the hit flings my head to the side, where it smashes against the window. Pain instantly bursts in my head, but I don’t have time to really feel it before I’m flung to the other side as the car rolls to its side. The only thing keeping me in place is the seat belt digging into my shoulder and stomach.

  I hear Daniel screaming from the back seat and Kelsey wailing my name as the car comes to a stop on its roof.

  My head pounds an erratic beat and my vision starts to cloud. I try blinking the fuzziness away, but each time I close my eyes, it’s harder for me to open them again.

  “Mama!” Kelsey yells again, and the only thing I can think as my visions fills with black spots is how long I’ve waited to hear Kelsey call me mama again. Before the darkness consumes me, I send up a silent prayer begging God to let my kids be okay.

  Alexander

  I glance down at my phone for what seems like the hundredth time, and the screen still shows no missed notifications. I get up from the couch and start pacing the floor. My dad, who’s been watching an old football game, mutes the TV.

  “What’s wrong with you?” he asks.

  My feet carry me back and forth over the brown carpet, and I barely spare him a glance when I answer him.

  “Gwen. She messaged me thirty minutes ago saying she was on her way.” I look down at my phone again, only for it to look the same as it did ten seconds ago. “She should have been here by now.”

  “Sit down, son. I’m sure she just had to stop somewhere or there was a bit of traffic.”

  I shoot him a look that says his suggestions are ridiculous. “Have you forgotten you used to live here? We don’t have traffic in Cat’s Valley.”

  “True, but she probably stopped by the store and grabbed something to go with dinner.”

  A loud banging coming from the kitchen has my body jerking. My mom yells out “Sorry!” before going back to cooking the dinner she insisted on making.

  Dread forms in my stomach for no apparent reason. It’s just a gut feeling that something isn’t right. Something’s not fucking right.

  One of the puppies, which my mother fell in love with and informed my father she was taking one home, starts barking. Thinking, no hoping, it’s Gwen and the kids pulling up the driveway, I walk briskly to the door and snatch it open. I check the yard, I check the driveway, and I check the road in front of my property and don’t see her car.

  One of the puppies rushes past me out the door, and I bend down and scoop it back up, taking it back inside with me.

  I bring my phone screen to life and curse under my breath when it reveals nothing.

  My mom walks out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel, and sees me standing by the door. I’m sure my face reveals my worry.

  “What’s wrong, dear?” she asks, walking over to me.

  “Gwen was supposed to be here ten minutes ago.”

  Understanding dawns on her face and she places a hand on my arm. The gesture is for comfort, but it does nothing for me.

  “I’m sure they’re fine.”

  I nod and try to force a smile, but I know it comes out flat. Something tells me they aren’t fine. My mind screams that something happened to them.

  “Come on,” she says, gesturing to the kitchen behind her. “You can help me with the salad.”
<
br />   “I don’t—”

  The ringing of my phone stops me, and I immediately bring it up to look at the screen.

  Gwen calling.

  Instant relief hits me.

  I swipe my finger across the screen and bring it to my ear.

  “Gwen, where—”

  “A-alexander,” Kelsey’s tearful voice interrupts me.

  Ice replaces the blood in my veins at the sound of her frightful tone. The hand on my phone clenches, and I have to force it to relax before it crushes the device.

  “Kelsey, what’s wrong, sweetie?” My voice comes out strained.

  “W-we got into a-a wreck and t-the c-car’s upside d-down,” she sputters out.

  My heart feels like it’s trying to beat out of my chest, so I pull in a deep breath and try to calm myself down before I lose it. Kelsey’s upset enough, so I need to keep my cool for her, even though every-fucking-thing inside me tries to pull me down a dark hole. Memories try to surface and it takes every bit of strength I have to push them back. I keep my head down and my eyes pinned on my feet, forcing myself to focus.

  “Where’s Daniel and your mom? Are you all okay?” I ask Kelsey hoarsely.

  “Y-es. Dan-daniel’s right here. M-me and him are o-okay.” At the mention of his name, I hear him cry in the background.

  Some of my worry lessens at knowing he’s alive, but she still hasn’t fully answered my question.

  “Kelsey, where’s your mom?”

  Instead of answering, she starts crying into the phone, and I swear my heart stops and drops to my fucking toes.

  I hear my mom talking to me and see my dad walking over, but I zone them both out.

  “Kelsey,” I say more forcefully, but try my best to keep my tone calm. “Your mom… where is she?”

  She sniffles a couple times, then finally says, “S-she’s s-still in the f-front seat. We keep calling h-her n-name, but s-she’s not w-waking up and s-she has b-blood on her h-head.”