by Lea Coll
“It was always there to be seen,” she said softly, her voice tight with emotion.
Her gaze dropped to the ring I held between us, the diamond shining from the light of the moon.
She covered her mouth with her free hand. “Gabe.”
The speech I’d practiced in the mirror so many times flew out of my head until there was nothing left but this overwhelming feeling of love. “I want to be with you forever. I want to move wherever you want to go. I want to have babies with you. I want to be the man by your side, lifting you up, supporting you when you need it. I want to be everything for you.”
She nodded, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. “I want that too, so much.”
“Will you marry me?” My voice cracked.
She dropped my hand, climbing into my lap, her knees resting on either side of my hips, her arms banded around my neck. Her lips by my ear, she said, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
I squeezed my eyes shut against the tears stinging my eyelids, pulling her tight to me. There was nothing between us except for the silk of her pajamas and the cotton of my briefs. I kissed her neck, her cheek, her mouth as she turned her face.
Her eyes shone with tears and happiness. “I love you, Gabe. Nothing would make me happier than being your wife.”
I moved her hand from around my neck, sliding the ring onto her finger. She looked down at her hand, resting on my thigh. As if she could read the doubts in my head, she said, “It’s perfect.” She kissed me. “You’re perfect.”
She cupped my jaw with the hand bearing my ring, her eyes full of love, I believed her. I felt her joy in my soul. I let it wrap around my heart and mind. Nothing could penetrate this moment.
“You’re so beautiful.” It was something I’d told her many times, but it would never be enough.
She smiled, tilting her head slightly. “You’re beautiful. Your soul, your strength, your mind.”
I wanted to argue with her, but she kissed me lightly, breathing the words across my lips. “Don’t. Stop doubting that I’m the one for you. That we’re perfect for each other. I’ll prove it to you every day of our lives.”
“Yes.” The word came out as a soft hiss, a giving in to her request.
How had I ever gotten this lucky? To be raised the way I was, to live the way I had.
I kissed her, pouring every bit of happiness, longing, and desire into it, leaning her back until she laid on the bed. I slid my hand under her silk camisole, feeling the warmth of her skin, letting it ground me in this moment. Nothing would ever feel better than being with her, knowing she loved me.
I wanted her naked underneath me and nothing between us. No doubts, no worries, just pure love. She sat up, pulling her top off while I tugged her tiny shorts and scrap of lace off.
I used my shoulders to spread her legs, settling between them. I’d never get enough of her. “I love you, so much.”
I didn’t wait for her response, I kissed her pussy like I had her mouth, open-mouthed, full of love and desire. I worshipped her like she deserved.
I was just this broken guy waiting for this amazing woman to walk into my bar, showing me there was more to my lonely existence. She’d helped me be the person I was supposed to be all along. I reached up, rolling her nipple. Her hips lifted, seeking my mouth. Her thighs trembled as I closed my lips around her clit, my finger entering her slick heat. She tipped her head back, letting out a moan as she spasmed around me. I let her ride the waves while I continued pumping inside her. When she laid back on the bed, I ripped off my briefs in a hurry to be inside her. I kneeled between her legs, lining up my cock with her glistening pussy.
Taylor’s hand wrapped around my wrist. “I want you, Gabe.”
I moved my weight to my forearms, her nipples brushing the hair on my chest as I kissed her. I slid my cock through her folds.
She whimpered with each pass over her clit. “You’re driving me crazy.”
“That’s the idea, babe.”
She lifted her hips to meet me. When I slowly slid my cock inside, she sighed as if she’d never felt anything better.
I made love to her, showing her how it would always be between us, full of love, respect, and passion. We whispered I love yous as we crested together. The euphoria of her saying yes and our lovemaking lasted through the night as I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight.
***
“Are you ready for this?” Taylor asked as the plane descended into Baltimore. Her hand rested lightly on her still-flat belly.
“I think so.” Shortly after getting engaged, we talked about starting a family sooner rather than later. I was a little worried about how good of a father I’d be, but Taylor reminded me that I’d done a good job of mentoring Zach. A baby was different, but I’d have Taylor at my side.
We were going home for an engagement party her parents were throwing for us, and to look for a possible location to open a bar. We’d always planned on moving to Annapolis. Taylor wanted to be with her family, especially now that she was pregnant. Her friends who opened a law firm had told her there was a position waiting for her whenever she was ready.
Touching down on the runway, I asked, “Are we going to tell them everything?”
She bit her lip. “I want to. Are you okay with that?”
“I’m fine with that.”
I stood, shouldering my duffel, then grabbing our carry-on bag.
“Let’s tell my family before the party.”
“Good idea.” I was a little worried about her family’s reaction, but I hoped overall they’d be happy for us.
A few hours later, we knocked on her parents’ door. Her father, Matthew, opened it. Taylor walked into his arms, her mother, Phyllis, walked toward us, a smile on her face.
I shook Matthew’s hand. “Good to see you.”
“We’re so happy you’re here. Caleb’s been so excited.” Phyllis hugged Taylor, then me.
We moved into the living room, greeting Caleb who was watching TV.
“We have some news,” Taylor said after sitting on the couch.
“Oh?” Phyllis asked.
“We’d like to get married in Annapolis.”
This was the easiest declaration. I knew her parents would be happy about our plan to move back and get married here.
Phyllis clasped her hands together. “Oh good. I can’t wait to start planning.”
“And we’d like to move back here,” Taylor added.
“To Annapolis?” her dad asked.
“Yes.” Taylor grabbed my hand, pulling it into her lap as if she needed the extra support. “We’ve always talked about moving back and now that we’re pregnant” —she exchanged a smile with me— “it’s the perfect time.”
“Pregnant?” her dad repeated, looking from Taylor to me.
Her mom seemed momentarily stunned by her pronouncement.
I cleared my throat. “That’s right. We’re, I mean, Taylor’s pregnant with our baby.”
Taylor squeezed my hand. “We’re very happy. I’ll talk to the girls about working at the law firm.”
Her mom placed a hand over her chest. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandmother.”
She stood, coming over to hug Taylor. “Come into the kitchen while I get the pie out of the oven. We have so much to talk about and plan. Where will you live…” Her voice trailed off as she pulled her into the kitchen, leaving me alone with Matthew and Caleb.
Matthew studied me.
“I know it’s a bit unconventional to get pregnant before the wedding.” We talked about how it might take time to get pregnant. We never thought it would happen so soon, but I didn’t want to tell her father that.
Her dad waved a hand at us. “I don’t care about that. I’m just happy you’re starting a family and moving home.”
It wasn’t my home, but her parents had always made me feel welcome.
Matthew rested his elbows on his knees. “What are you going to do here for work?”
“I’m going to o
pen a bar. My partner, Isaac, is traveling a lot more now, so we hired a manager we trust to run the bar in New Orleans. It was always Taylor’s plan to move back to Annapolis.”
“Good.” He seemed satisfied we had a plan. Taylor’s dad stood, holding his hand out to me. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thank you, sir.” My chest filled with pride. I used to worry what Taylor’s parents might think of me, but they’d never made me feel like I wasn’t worthy of her.
***
The engagement party took place in a private room on the second floor of the Annapolis Yacht Club. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the harbor. A few of the boats’ masts were decorated with lights that reflected on the water.
Taylor’s family members and friends were in attendance. I stayed by Taylor’s side as she slowly made the rounds, introducing me to her extended family I hadn’t met before.
Before dinner, I picked up the mic and my champagne glass, asking everyone else to do the same. “Thank you for coming out tonight to celebrate our engagement. Everyone in this room is Taylor’s friends and family, but you’ve quickly become mine as well.”
I held my hand out for Taylor to stand. I pulled her into my side. “We’d like to announce we’re getting married in Annapolis.”
Light applause broke out and a few cheers from Taylor’s friends, Dylan, Avery, and Hadley.
Taylor grinned, leaning closer to speak into the mic, “And we’re moving home.”
The cheers got louder.
I waited for the noise to die down. “We have more good news.” I paused, letting Taylor do the honors.
“We’re having a baby!” Taylor’s voice broke at the end from emotion. I had a second to kiss her on the lips before her friends, Dylan, Hadley, and Avery rushed toward us. They hugged her then congratulated me. Their boyfriends, Reid, Griffin, and Cade followed at a more sedate pace, shaking my hand.
We sat at a table with Dylan and Reid, Hadley and Cade, and Avery and Griffin.
Cade sat next to me. “Welcome to Annapolis. I can introduce you to my brother, Nolan. His girlfriend, Juliana, is a realtor if you’re looking for a house.”
“We’re not sure where we’d like to live yet but we’d like to look at possible bar locations while we’re here.”
Cade unfolded his napkin on his lap. “I’m sure Juliana can help you with that.”
“If it needs any work, can I count on you?” I sipped my water.
Cade’s brow furrowed. “I’m on a deadline to finish Reid’s sports complex. Nolan handles smaller projects for me now.”
“You’re building a sports complex?” Taylor leaned forward to ask Cade.
Cade gestured at Reid who was sitting across from us. “Yeah, Reid and a couple of his teammates, Jonah and Chase, are opening it.”
Reid was a tight end for the Baltimore team. If I remembered correctly, Jonah and Chase were his co-captains. “That’s great.”
“We saw a need in the community for an indoor center for football and soccer. We’d like to make sure it’s affordable for everyone, and that anyone who doesn’t have equipment has access to their own,” Reid said.
“That’s impressive. I bet your fans love that you’re building something in the area,” Taylor said.
Talk turned to Reid’s business partner and teammate, Jonah’s, knee injury at the end of the season. He’d dropped the ball in the last few seconds due to a hard tackle. He’d had surgery and physical therapy but there was concern he might not be able to return.
“He’s going to take a more active role in the running of the sports complex. I think he needs something to focus on other than his knee.”
“I’m just so excited to spend more time with Callie since she’ll be living closer.” Then to Taylor and me, Dylan said, “Callie was Reid’s personal assistant.”
“I hired her to run the sports complex,” Reid added.
“We’ll introduce you to her. She’s a sweetheart,” Dylan said to Taylor.
“She’s serious about football, but she’s fun,” Avery said.
I was happy Taylor would be surrounded by friends in Annapolis. She would need their support once the baby was here.
After dinner, Dylan and Reid, Hadley and Cade went to the dance floor. Avery and Taylor went to the bathroom leaving me with Griffin.
Griffin moved a couple chairs over to be closer to me. “I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you yet.”
“Thanks. Seems like everyone’s getting engaged, so we’re in good company.” I nodded toward the couples on the dance floor.
“That’s true. Not all of us are parents though. Welcome to fatherhood. No matter how or when it happens, it’s something to be celebrated.”
A warmth spread through my chest. A few years ago, I would have doubted my ability to be a good father, not having a good example myself, but Taylor helped me to see that mentoring Zach was similar.
Griffin sold his successful start-up company, moving back to Maryland to spend time with his brother, Julian, and his son, Declan, when his brother tragically died in a boating accident. He took in his nephew, meeting his fiancée when he asked her to administer his brother’s estate. They were a family now.
Taylor returned from the bathroom, resting a hand on my shoulder. “Want to dance?”
“Of course.” This night was to celebrate us—our engagement—our baby. I’d have plenty of time to get to know her friends better when we officially moved here.
Taylor led me out onto the dance floor, a happy smile on her face.
When she paused, turning to face me, I placed a hand on her lower back, pulling her closer. She curled one hand around my shoulder.
Lowering my head, I pressed my lips against her temple. “If I haven’t told you lately, you’re beautiful.”
She raised her face. “You tell me all the time but I never get tired of hearing it.”
When I screwed up when we were dating, pushing her away, I vowed never to let her forget how precious she was to me.
We turned a few times on the dance floor, getting the occasional congratulations on the engagement and the pregnancy.
When we were dancing on the edge of the crowd, I asked, “Are you happy everyone knows?”
A soft smile spread over her face. “I am. You haven’t changed your mind about moving, have you?”
“No. I’m excited to open my own bar.” Isaac was investing as my partner but allowing me to choose the location, the interior, and the menu. It would be the first time I had complete control. It was scary and exciting at the same time.
She tilted her head to the side. “Is that all?”
“We always said we’d move back. I know you don’t like to be away from Caleb. Your friends are here too. This feels right.”
She’d gone to school in Maryland with Dylan and Avery, but Hadley was the first person she’d met when she moved to New Orleans.
“This will be good for us.” Taylor’s gaze traveled around the dance floor, pausing on her parents who were enjoying a dance on a rare night out.
“I think so.”
Taylor stepped closer, resting her head on my shoulder. We were in a room of people who loved and cared for us. A feeling of rightness settled deep in my chest. She was the best choice I’d ever made. I’d follow her wherever she wanted to go. As long as we were together, that’s all that mattered.
I hoped you loved Taylor and Gabe’s story! Hadley and Cade’s story is next in Only with You. First I turned down a marriage proposal, then I moved to Annapolis to open a law firm. I thought my world couldn’t change any more…
One-Click Only with You.
Books by Lea Coll
All I Want Series
Choose Me
Be with Me
Burn for Me
Trust in Me
Stay with Me
Take a Chance on Me
Annapolis Harbor Series
Hooked on You (previously titled Easy Moves)
Only wit
h You
Lost without You
Perfect for You
Crazy for You
Falling for You
Mountain Haven Series
Infamous Love (Releasing July 2021)
Quick Snap Novellas
Lucky Catch
Trick Play
Download two free novellas, Swept Away and Worth the Risk, when you sign up for her newsletter.
To learn more about her books, please visit her website.
Only with You Excerpt
HADLEY
I set my empty champagne glass on a table, tired of being at the Belles and Beaus Charity Ball. I turned to Layton to tell him it was time to leave, finding him on one knee. My face heated as the conversation around us quieted. A few people backed up to give us space.
“Layton, what are you doing?” I hissed.
“Hadley, we’ve only been together for a short time, but I’ve always wanted you in my life. Will you marry me?” His face was tilted up to mine, he grabbed my hand tightly, as if holding me in place, anchoring me to the moment.
I tried to draw in a breath around the tightness in my chest.
Our few dates flashed through my mind—outings with friends, charity events, and business dinners. We were rarely alone. We hadn’t even had sex. We didn’t love each other. Staring down at his face, the one filled with expectation, I wasn’t sure I even liked him.
I tugged on the hand Layton held, hoping he’d stand so we could speak privately. I needed to get him away from the crowd of spectators, but he didn’t budge. How could I tell him no in front of everyone? These people who pretended to be our friends were more interested in what we could do for them, whether it was status or money.
Layton’s eyes narrowed as if he sensed my hesitation. I sucked in a breath. He’d planned this. He wanted to put me on the spot so I couldn’t say no.
“Layton, we’ve only been dating for three months.” I smiled tightly keeping my voice low so no one could overhear.
Layton stood, tightened his grip on my right hand, lowering his mouth to my ear. “Say yes, Hadley.”