by Jewel E. Ann
I relax, although my next question is not one I should want to know and no good can come from asking it but …
He releases his hold on my head and I look up at him with mixed emotions.
“No,” he says.
I furrow my brow. “I haven’t even asked you anything yet.”
“You want to know if I had sex with Emma after you and Ocean left my house.”
I look away and nod.
He tugs my chin, forcing me to look at him. “Let’s just say I’ve had some unusually bad headaches and long hours at work.” He winks.
Biting my lips together, I fight to hide my pleased smile. “I love you.”
“I know you do. I’ve always known it.”
“Then why the drama? Why make me say it?”
He tucks my hair behind my ears. “I needed you to know it … admit it to yourself. I didn’t want your love for me to be a hidden emotion or a guilty pleasure. I wanted you to say it, feel it, show it. Surrender to it, to me, to us.”
I kiss him. “I surrender.”
“Mmm … it’s about time,” he mumbles.
I smile against his lips.
“You planned this without knowing I was going to text you. What were you going to do if I didn’t say it first?”
“Let’s just say you’d still be in your heels and plastered up against the window.”
My mouth falls open. “You were going to pound a confession out of me?”
“Something like that.”
Squeezing my ass, he rocks his hips into me.
“Mmm … what was next on the list?” I wet my lips and wiggle my hips over his erection.
He flips me on my back, settling between my legs and sinking into me. “Making slow … passionate … love … for the rest of our lives.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
August 3rd, 2013
“I love you.” Kiss. “I love you.” Kiss. “I love you.” Kiss.
“Baby … what are you doing to me?” Lautner’s groggy but sexy voice vibrates.
He hasn’t opened his eyes yet, but his mouth is twisted into a grin as I kiss the back of his legs, along the firm muscles of his ass, and the bumpy terrain of his sculpted back.
“Sorry, I couldn’t sleep. Had to make sure you were still mine,” I whisper in his ear.
“Well, don’t stop. I’m yours, baby, all yours.”
I straddle his butt and massage his back. “So, I probably should have mentioned this last night, so you knew what you were getting into, but I’m sort of homeless right now with a child and a dog. Is that going to be a problem?”
He chuckles. “I got it covered. Found a new place for us to live after we get married.”
“Oh.” I bite my tongue, no need to press my luck. However, I need a place to live, like now. It’s only a matter of time before Avery gets in trouble for having a dog at her place.
“Breakfast then sex or sex then breakfast or sex for breakfast?” he asks.
I pinch his sides and he rolls over bucking me off his back then pinning me to the mattress. “What’s it going to be?” He interlaces our fingers above my head.
“Hmm … how about sex for breakfast therefore breakfast, then, well … more sex, and by that time we might actually need some food.”
He grins. “Sex in bed, the tub, or shower?”
“Yes, yes, and yes!” I smile.
“God, I love you, Syd.”
*
As promised the day before, I get a massage and even my hair done at the salon. Although, I feel much more guilty knowing that Lautner is the one paying for this elaborate overnight stay and spa services. I’m itching to get back to Ocean, but Lautner wants to keep me to himself for a few more hours after we check out of the hotel.
We drive down the coast and enjoy the view and each other’s company. He holds my hand, occasionally playing with the diamond ring on my finger.
“You do realize my dad is going to kill you when he finds out you proposed without asking him first.”
He laughs. “Now I know ‘Thou shalt not kill’ is one of the Ten Commandments. What religion did you say your dad is?”
I grin. “He’s going to freak. When I told him it was over with Dane, he suggested I try it on my own for a while and not rush into a new relationship.”
“He’ll just have to deal with it.”
“Someday, that’s what Ocean’s boyfriend is going to say about you.”
Lautner frowns. “Yeah, well we’ll discuss that when she’s thirty.”
“Marriage?”
“Dating,” he says with a serious tone.
We pull up to a familiar empty dirt parking lot. Our beach.
“My suit is at the bottom of my bag in back.”
He leans over and kisses my lips then slides his hand up under my sundress, massaging my thigh. “I’m pretty sure we’re not going to need our suits for what I have in mind.” His deep seductive voice has me squirming in my seat.
He hops out and comes around to open my door.
“Why, Dr. Sullivan, I didn’t know you were into public fornication.” I step out and he smacks me on the butt.
“Remember, a little kink is a good thing, baby.”
“Oh, I remember. The muscles in my legs are still burning. Next time you wear the stilettos.”
A roar of laughter escapes his chest as he grabs my hand and leads me to the path around the grassy knoll. Our private beach comes into sight and I stop. He squeezes my hand and looks at me with adoration and love. I look back at the beach.
His dad. My dad. Avery. Ocean. And … Swarley.
Our dad’s are dressed in nice shorts and button down shirts. Avery and Ocean are wearing sundresses and holding flower bouquets.
“Mommy!” Ocean runs to me, I pick her up and hug her tight. “Fowers.” She hands me a small bouquet.
Of course, I’m crying.
Lautner kisses Ocean and then me. “We’ll make it legal later, but marry me … today … right here.”
Ocean squirms so I set her down and she runs back to the beach.
I have no words.
Lautner pulls me into him and wipes my tears. “Marry me, Sydney,” he whispers.
I nod. “Yes!”
He kisses me and it’s all consuming.
“Ah hem!” I hear my dad walking toward us. “I haven’t given you permission to kiss the bride yet.”
Lautner releases me and shakes my dad’s hand. “Tom.”
Then my dad pulls me into his arms.
“How … when … you’re here,” I stutter.
“I got a call ten days ago. Some guy claiming to be Ocean’s dad wanted to know if I’d marry him and this girl he’s crazy about … on a beach.”
Lautner walks toward the beach but turns and gives me a smile and sexy wink. I shake my head, wiping my tears.
My dad kisses my forehead. “Happy, baby girl?”
I nod. “All my dreams have just come true.”
“Shall we?” He offers his arm and I take it.
Numerous hearts have been carved in the sand, and there is a trail of rose petals leading to where Avery, Ocean, James, Swarley, and Lautner are waiting.
My dad gives me away with a kiss on the cheek and Lautner takes my hands … and my whole heart.
My dad keeps it short and sweet, then Lautner says his vows to me.
“Sydney Ann Montgomery, I promise you a long life of flowers, chai tea lattes, and cherry-almond galettes. I promise to teach you how to surf and play real football …”
Everyone laughs.
“… I promise to listen to your every word, even though most of the time you’re talking to yourself.”
I squint my eyes and shake my head.
He clears his throat and lowers his gaze to our hands for a moment then looks back at me with teary blue irises. “I’ve wanted many things in my life until I met you. Then I wanted nothing … except you. My existence is for you…” he looks at Ocean “…every part of you. Never doubt my l
ove for you. If I’m breathing, I’m loving you. Only you … always you … forever you.”
I reach up and brush my thumb along his wet cheek, and he leans into my hand. The love I feel for him cannot be expressed in words, yet it’s my turn to form something that I know will fall so short of my true emotions.
“What if you wouldn’t have taken a wrong turn for the right reason? What if the moment would have slipped away? What if for the rest of our lives we would have to live with the excruciating agony born from the soul-snatching what if?” I shake my head and smile. “BEST pick up line ever.”
Lautner grins and in this moment it doesn’t matter that nobody else understands our vows. It’s just us and the rest of the world has always ceased to exist when we’re together.
“Blue irises … you were right. I see my reflection in your eyes. My Whole. Entire. World. Is in your eyes. My past, my present, my future … it’s all there. When I’m lost, I find myself in your eyes. I see my heart beating in your eyes. I see everything beautiful about life in your eyes. I see an ocean of infinity in your eyes.”
I look at Ocean. “I see our Ocean in your eyes. Lautner Asher Sullivan, if I’m given a million lives to live, it will never be enough time to show you how much I love you, but I do. I. Love. You.”
I look at my dad and he has tears in his eyes. Clearing his throat, he continues, “Lautner, do you take Sydney to be your wedded wife, to love and cherish so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” He grins and squeezes my hands.
“Sydney, do you take Lautner to be your wedded husband, to love and cherish so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” My giddy smile rivals his.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss my daughter.”
Lautner looks at my dad and laughs. “Thanks, I think I will.”
We kiss and our small gathering cheers as Ocean squeezes between us. Lautner lifts her up and we both hug her between us.
“Congratulations!” Avery pulls me from Lautner and into her arms.
“You! Are a real sneak.” I hug her and shake my head. “How long did you know?”
Releasing me, she grins. “Not that long, maybe a week. But I’ve been dying watching you sulk around, knowing your Prince Charming was getting ready to sweep you off your feet.”
I brush my finger over her eyebrows. “Did you really get them waxed?”
“Heck yeah, free treatments!”
I roll my eyes.
James touches my back. I turn and he grabs my left hand and smiles. “Perfect. Rebecca would be elated.”
I blink back a few tears. “Thank you.” We embrace until I’m once again being pulled away, literally. Lautner scoops me up in his arms and carries me toward the water.
“Lautner!” I squeal as he carries us into the crashing waves until we’re completely drenched. He kisses me, taking his time to explore every inch of my mouth. As he releases my lips, I wrap my arms around him and he leaves my face cradled in his loving hands. “So, Mrs. Sullivan, I hear you have a housing issue …”
EPILOGUE
September 3rd, 2013
My sexy, doctor, ex-wide receiver husband is charitable enough to take in his homeless bride, our angelic love child, and rambunctious Weimaraner. We have a huge backyard framed in large trees, a swing set, and a pool. I have to mention that my pool guy is off-the-charts hot … somedays even a little naughty.
My wedding present from him is a bonus room above the garage that has been converted into a photography studio. I feel a little guilty that I haven’t found the perfect gift for him yet, but I’m sure I’ll know it when I see it.
Lautner’s birthday is tomorrow so Avery picked up the kids, Ocean and Swarley, and is keeping them overnight. He should be home any minute and I have dinner on the table, candles lit, and Ed Sherran plays through the speakers. My red dress is tight, short, and paired with black heels that could lead to some kink. Originally I had my hair up but Lautner loves the long-haired goddess look so it’s down again.
My stomach is unsettled, it has been all day. We’ve been intimate in every way possible so I don’t know why my nerves are knotting my stomach so much.
He’s here!
I dim the lights and hop on the kitchen island with my bare legs crossed and my hair flowing over my ample cleavage. He opens the back door and freezes.
“Happy birthday, Dr. Sullivan,” I say in a low sexy tone.
Hungry blue irises peruse my body as he wets his lips. Tossing his keys on the counter, he grins in appreciation, sauntering toward me like a jungle cat.
“Mrs. Sullivan …” He uncrosses my legs and settles between them, hiking my dress up farther. His hands skim down my bare legs. “… Nice shoes. Hope they’re comfy because I think you’re going to be in them for awhile.” Full, greedy lips take mine. I tug his tie, holding him close, and moan as our tongues dance—a welcome greeting after a long day apart.
“Dinner—” I try to say over his lips.
“It can wait.” His hands slide back up my legs and under my dress.
“I don’t want it to get—”
Oh God!
I shove him away, hop down, and sprint to the bathroom, somehow managing to avoid turning an ankle on the way. Loving hands pull back my hair as I heave into the toilet.
Lautner sits on the floor straddling his legs around me, pulls me back into his chest, and hands me a wet wash cloth. “How’s my baby?”
“Ugh! I’m not feeling so good.”
He laughs. “I can see that, but I meant how’s my baby?” I feel his hand rubbing circles on my tummy.
“What are you talking about? I’m not pregnant.” I lean my head back against his shoulder.
He kisses my neck. “We’ve had sex every night since I proposed to you. I haven’t seen any ‘stay away’ signs on the door or tampons in the trash, and your breasts are … well, let’s just say I’m not complaining.”
Holy shit! He’s right.
“For heavens sake! Why are you always trying to get me pregnant?”
“Me?” He chuckles. “You’re the one who takes her pill ‘most of the time.’”
I stand and give him a scowl then brush my teeth. He leans against the door frame looking cocky as hell.
Spitting, I toss my toothbrush aside and turn. “For a doctor you’re terribly irresponsible when it comes to birth control.” I squint my eyes and poke my finger into his chest. “If you’ve known I can’t be trusted to take my pills, then why haven’t you worn a condom?”
Grabbing my hand, he kisses my accusatory finger. “Because you seem to be hell-bent on having my babies, and you know I can’t deny you.”
“You wanted me to get pregnant? Both times?” My voice escalates with each word.
He shrugs with an I’m-the-ultimate-stud smirk.
I brush past him. “You have a twisted mind, Dr. Sullivan.”
Grabbing my arm, he spins me around and into his chest.
The playfulness is gone, but his eyes sparkle with love and adoration. “I love you, Sydney.” He kneels in front of me and removes my shoes. My toes scream in delight. Wrapping his arms around me, he kisses my belly, blue irises peering up at me. “We’re having another baby.”
I grin and run my fingers through his hair. “We’re having another baby.”
He just got his wedding present.
*
April 3rd, 2014
PAGING DR. SULLIVAN
Almost four years ago, I met my wife. She didn’t know it, but I did. Sydney landed in Palo Alto for one reason … to be with me. When did I know she was the woman for me? Easy. The day she crawled onto the beach after trying to catch a few easy waves. Sharks? Hell, there were no sharks in a two mile radius. Even they swam away, embarrassed for her, after watching her capsize into the water so many times. On all fours, she crawled out of the water, stopping at my feet—her sexy goddess hair a matted tangled mess and an enormous sand turd sagging from her bikini bottoms. Two
thoughts went through my mind. One: “Man! This girl is one, sexy, awkward, stubborn disaster.” Two: “Yep, I’m probably going to marry her.”
Being with her is my survival; loving her is effortless. She is the shining center of my universe and her love is the moon that pulls the tide of my heart. The best part of my day is coming home to the squeal of “Daddy” from our brown-haired, blue-eyed baby girl followed by the tug of my tie as Sydney pulls my lips to hers and seductively whispers, “How was your day, Dr. Sullivan?”
Perfect. That’s my day … everyday.
“Oh God! It hurts!” Sydney yells clenching my hand.
“I know it does, baby, but you’re doing great.”
“The hell you do! How many babies have you pushed out of your vagina?”
Dr. Mackey, our OBGYN, perched on her stool between Sydney’s spread legs, glances at me, and I know she’s smirking behind her mask as is the nurse next to her.
“Well, none but—”
“Then. Just. Don’t. Talk.” She clenches her teeth as another contraction seizes her.
“That’s it, Sydney. One more hard push and the head will be out.”
Hmm … why does Dr. Mackey get to talk?
“Ouch!” Sydney yells one last time.
“You’re up, Dr. Sully,” Dr. Mackey declares as I pry my hand from Sydney’s to finish delivering our baby. Sydney’s not stopping in spite of Dr. Mackey’s instructions to stop pushing. It’s out. He’s out. I catch him with ease—the best catch I’ve ever made … and I’ve made a lot. I suction his mouth eliciting an immediate cry and hand him to his mom.
“Oh my gosh!” She looks at him and then at me with tears freely flowing from her irresistible hazel eyes.
I’m gone. Grown man or not, I can’t hide my emotions. The most beautiful woman in the world has given me another child, a son.
She reaches her free hand up to wipe my face. “You can speak now.” She grins.
“Amazing. You, my love, are amazing.” I kiss her and then our son.
“I love you, sweetie.”
“I know you do, baby. I love you too.”
Sydney tells me all the time how much she loves me. They’re just three simple words, but they’re food to my soul. I waited so long to hear them, and I’ll never tire of the way they sound coming from her or the way she holds my gaze until I smile in acknowledgment.