Keeping Him

by Kennedy Fox

  I chase her into the shower where she turns it on and lets the warmth run over us. Taking my time, I wash every curve, making sure my hands cover each inch of her smooth skin. After she’s clean, she takes the soap from me and returns the favor.

  “Don’t put too much shampoo,” she tells me, reminding me of the last time I washed her hair.

  “I’m a pro now,” I remind her, putting a dot in my palm, then begin to massage her scalp. She presses her body against my chest, wrapping her arms around my waist. Once her hair is washed, she leans back, and I rinse the soap out and add conditioner. “I could get used to this every morning.”

  “It could be our new routine.” I lift an eyebrow at her. “Sucking, fucking, then getting squeaky clean, all before the sun rises.”

  “Add in coffee and breakfast, and it’s a date.”

  “Done deal.” I hurry and wash and rinse my hair, then we step out of the shower. After we’re dressed, we quickly kiss each other goodbye.

  “I’ll be back in an hour,” Kiera tells me before we go our separate ways. Though we live together, her horses and business are still ten minutes down the road. I haven’t brought it up yet, but eventually, we’ll get married, and she’ll need to decide if she wants to keep the business at her parents or move everything to the ranch so I can help easier. With tens of thousands of acres, there is plenty of room for us to build whatever we want. A smile touches my lips when I recognize I’m already planning our future. Before Kiera, that thought would’ve never happened.

  I walk to the barn and hurry to distribute the feed into buckets. John walks up and helps me, knowing we need to be at Mama’s in just a few hours for Thanksgiving lunch.

  “How are things goin’?” he asks, knowing more than anyone about Kiera and my relationship. We’ve snuck around in town, and we haven’t really announced she moved in, though her parents know, and of course, John, and anyone else who notices her truck parked overnight.

  The day I showed up on the front steps of her parents’ house to help her move, her mother welcomed me with a hug, and so did her dad. They’re like my second family though Kiera spent more time over here than I did over there. When we were twelve, Kiera broke her arm and ever since then I promised them I’d take care of her until the day I died. I’m still keeping that promise true, and it’s not one I ever intend on breaking.

  “I understand now why you had that constant love-sick look on your face when you met Mila,” I tell John.

  “Shut the hell up. I did not.” John picks up as many buckets as he can, and I’m really thankful for his help so I’ll finish sooner.

  “You still do,” I tease him. “Like you’re pussy whipped or somethin’. Catch a glimpse in the mirror every once in a while.”

  “Why when I can just look at your dumb ass every day?” John quickly says with a chuckle.

  We pour grain in all the feeders until the horses are fed and meet back in the barn. “I bet you didn’t think it could ever be like this with Kiera,” he tells me as we put everything up.

  “Not in a million fuckin’ years,” I admit. He flashes a smug grin as if he always knew.

  John gives me a big hug, and it slightly takes me off guard. “Happy for you, brother. I’d say happy you found someone, but she’s been in front of you since you were shitting your pants.”

  I let out a big laugh. “What are you talking about? I’m still shittin’ my pants.”

  We walk out side by side, and I glance over at him. “Thanks, John.”

  “You deserve to be as happy as the rest of us.” He gives me a smile and a head nod before walking back toward the B&B. Every holiday, the kitchen staff does a big lunch, and John usually goes in and helps get it all set up before heading over to Mama’s. It’s become a Thanksgiving tradition. The only difference this year is I’ll be bringing a date, unlike the other times when I was the awkward Bishop who’d constantly get ragged on for being single. But then again, no one was ever good enough to meet the family. Luckily, no introductions are needed today.

  After I head back to the house, I wait around until Kiera returns, which doesn’t take her very long at all. She basically charges me with kisses as soon as she walks in, which I happily accept.

  “I saw my dad before I left, and he asked me when we were getting married.” Her cheeks redden. “I told him to stop, that I’ve had enough weddings for the year.”

  I pull her into my arms and smell her hair and skin before I place my lips on her forehead. “I’m ready whenever you are.”

  She slaps my arm and takes a step back. “Where’s Jackson Bishop, and what have you done with him?”

  I playfully unbutton and unzip my pants. “He’s in here.”

  “After all this time, I don’t know how you still manage to shock the shit out of me,” she admits, standing on her tiptoes and painting her lips with mine.

  “If you keep this up, we’ll never make it over to my parents’.”

  She shrugs. “You say it like it’s a bad thing. But I know your mama would come over here and drag you out with her bare hands, so we better get goin’.”

  I nod, agreeing, then slap her hard on the ass as I walk past to grab my keys, making her yelp.

  “Come on, before I swing you over my shoulder and carry you over there like a caveman for the world to see that ass is mine.”

  Laughing loudly, Kiera runs past me. I chase her out the door, and for a moment, we’re sixteen again, having the best time of our lives. We drive to the main house, and Kiera sits close to me with her fingers interlocked with mine.

  “I’m actually kinda nervous,” she admits as I park.

  “Why?” I’m thrilled to officially tell them, though I’m sure they know.

  “Because we’ve crossed the boundary line. We’re a thing now. You don’t think they’ll think it’s weird?”

  I burst out laughing. “Hell no. Not sure if you realized it or not, but everyone knew I had a thing for you, except for you.”

  Kiera scoffs. “Excuse me? You apparently didn’t know either because it took you five million years to finally make a move.”

  I glance down at my crotch, then back at her. “Trust me, I knew. There wasn’t a point when I didn’t if you know what I mean. I’ve had blue balls since before I knew what that even was because of you.”

  “Hmm. Well. I knew I had a thing for you first.” She smirks, before planting a quick kiss on my lips and getting out of the truck.

  “No, you didn’t,” I call after her as she runs up the steps. “When? When did you know?”

  She taps her finger on her lips as if she’s thinking about it. “When I was thirteen, I started to see you differently and really wasn’t sure, but I knew for certain when I was fifteen, and those feelings developed even more. Do you remember the time we were at our spot, playing truth or dare, and I asked you who your crush was?”

  I think back to that moment. We spent so much time out there, and I’ve drunk gallons of whiskey since then, but I remember.

  “I wanted you to say me. I wanted you to kiss me that night.” Kiera’s eyes are shining so brightly. “And you said Miss Whitman.” She deadpans, making me grin.

  I take a few steps forward, closing the space between us. Her breath hitches when I tuck loose strands of hair behind her ears. “That night was when I almost told you how I felt. And I wanted to kiss you, just like this.” I place my hands on both sides of her cheeks and lightly brush my lips against hers, then become greedier. Breathlessly, she parts her lips and allows our tongues to tangle together. Kiera melts into my touch, and I feel as if I have decades of lost time to make up for. The only regret I have in life is not telling Kiera how I felt sooner. As we’re lost in each other, the front door swings open, but I don’t care. I finish what I started.

  “Hey Kiera,” Mama greets. “Jackson, think you can get your tongue from down her throat so she can come inside from the cold?”

  Kiera’s eyes bolt open, and she pulls away just as Mama steps aside and ope
ns the door wider.

  “Hey, Mama B,” Kiera says, giving her a big hug as soon as she enters.

  Mama gives me a wink as I follow Kiera with my hand placed on the small of her back. As soon as we enter the kitchen, Emily instantly stands with a huge smile on her face. Kiera and she exchange hugs, and Em gives me a wink and a thumbs-up. The only person who knew I was bringing Kiera today was Mama because I knew it’d be rude not to say something, though she cooks for an army anyway. So everyone else is surprised to see her. Dad gives Kiera a big hug and says his hellos as he sits at the head of the table. Mama is busy playing hostess, giving hugs to every person who enters the room.

  Mila and John walk in with Maize and are soon followed by Alex and River along with Riley and Rowan, who’s sleeping peacefully in her car seat. Riley and Maize grab each other's hands and sit on the floor, having the most interesting kid conversation about the dinosaurs and trucks Riley pulls out of his pockets. They’re gonna get into so much trouble when they’re older. I’m already calling it.

  “Mama, you’re gonna need a bigger dining room soon,” I tell her as everyone enters the room.

  Mila and River gravitate toward Kiera, and before long, we’re all laughing and having a good time and making jokes. John and I help Mama set the table, and she opens the oven for me to grab the turkey. It’s so damn heavy I don’t know how she even got it in there by herself. I set it in front of Dad, and John hands him a knife to carve it. Mama places all the sides on the table, and my mouth waters just smelling it all. Candied yams, green beans, homemade mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese—and that’s just on one-half of the large table.

  Once Mama says grace and all our plates are piled a mile high, the room gets quiet as we eat. I place my hand on Kiera’s lap, and she places hers on top of mine. I love having her near and being able to touch her. We exchange side glances and smiles, and I notice everyone is looking at us. I’ve tried to ignore it, but I can’t any longer.

  “What?” I finally say with a smirk.

  “Just wondering when you’re gonna tell us.” Evan clears his throat. I look at Emily, thinking she would’ve told him something because I know she and Kiera talk, but I guess she kept our secret.

  “Tell you what?” I play dumb, taking a bite of mashed potatoes.

  “That you and Kiera are living together!” Alex exclaims.

  Mama turns and looks at me. “Seriously?”

  “John knew.” I shrug, and I’m honestly kinda shocked she didn’t. “Thought you all did. I mean, we live really, really close to each other.”

  “Don’t you bring me into your trouble,” John adds. “I’ve had enough of that the past thirty something years.”

  The room erupts into loud chatter, and Kiera explains the whole story to them, from the very beginning, about the note and everything, because it’s easier to start there. “So yeah, we’re not hiding anymore. It’s easier to just be out in the open about it.” She loops her arm around mine and leans into me. I dip down and kiss her.

  “Oh my heavens. This is the best news I’ve ever heard. Eventually more grandchildren. Eventually another wedding. I’m one happy mama right now.” Mama beams.

  I watch John whisper back and forth with Mila because regardless of what most people think, I’m overly observant. He shakes his head, and she nods, and I can tell they’re quietly arguing about something.

  “Whatcha talkin’ about over there?” I look at the two of them with my eyebrows raised, and I notice Mila’s barely touched a crumb on her plate.

  I narrow my eyes at her, then realization sets in.

  “Oh my God,” I say, and she knows I know.

  “See, even he knows!” Mila tells John loud enough to draw everyone’s attention to her. As everyone is staring, I grab Kiera’s hand and squeeze it.

  “So…” Mila takes a deep breath. “We’re pregnant!”

  Mama instantly stands up and goes to Mila, wrapping her arms around her. Tears stream down both of their faces. River, Emily, and even Kiera have the sweetest smiles on their faces.

  “You know what they say.” Evan leans over. “More babies, more problems.” Emily slaps the shit out of him, but we can’t stop laughing. They both look tired, and they still have some months to go before baby number two is born.

  As the chatter continues, I lean over and whisper in Kiera’s ear. “I love you.”

  She whispers it back, and it brings me so damn much joy, I barely know how to contain it. All is good in the world right now. For the first time in my life, I really know what true happiness is—it’s family and love—and as I look around the table, I’m grateful to have an abundance of both.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Kiera

  The morning fog rolls over the hills as I drive to my parents’ land. I’ve got my heater blasting because a cold front blew in last night. Frost covers everything, and I can’t say I’m excited for December. Though my training facility is only ten minutes away, each morning I have to climb out of bed and leave Jackson, it feels like I’m being forced to drive across the universe. Eventually, we’ll need to discuss our future, though I’m completely content with living in the present, for now. However, the quickies in the barn would be a lot easier if we worked closer together.

  Jackson and I have effortlessly sunk into our little morning routine. We wake up with morning sex, have a delicious breakfast, which is usually pork and eggs, then finish it off with a to-go mug of coffee followed by kisses. Each day I wake up next to him holding my body close to his, I’m so grateful he’s mine.

  I’ve never felt this way about another man, and I knew deep down in my heart, I never would. This piece of me was always reserved for Jackson—locked up tight—and only he ever had the key. But I have to admit, being with him like this is much better than my fantasy of it all. Every day, he surprises me with his smart mouth or jokes, and I can’t seem to get enough. I’ll never get enough of him, and I don’t ever want to.

  After pulling up to the main barn, I start feeding the horses on this side of the land. I see Alexis across the way and wave with my free hand. I lay out hay, then do a quick check of all the troughs to make sure there’s no ice in the water. I need to make sure my babies are getting well hydrated in the cold. I do my bi-monthly inventory check before I head to the feed store to pick up some more alfalfa and grain. I’ll pick up a few horse treats too.

  As I head back to my truck, I make a mental note of everything I need to do today. Frost crunches below my feet, and each time I exhale, my breath causes smoke. I tuck my hands in my jacket pockets and walk a tad faster. I don’t particularly care for the cold.

  I head down the old country road that leads to town until I arrive at the feed store. It’s actually pretty busy for being so early in the day. I park and walk inside with a pep in my step. As soon as I enter, Charlie, the owner, gives me a big hello and a smile. I grab the things I need, and he gets some of his helpers to load the back of my truck up with the alfalfa and grain as I pay.

  “How’ve you been, Kiera?” It’s a simple question, one I’m asked often, but I always feel as if people are trying to confirm rumors or not.

  “Gettin’ along pretty good,” I tell him, trying to keep it short.

  “That’s good. Glad to hear it.” He hands me my receipt, and I make my way back outside carrying a sack of horse treats. A woman passes me and looks me up and down. I’m actually used to it these days. It’s been two months since I walked out on my wedding, but some people act like it was just yesterday. I really can’t wait for something else to happen in this small town, so I don’t have to be the center of all the whispers in public.

  I pass the two teenagers who loaded my truck and thank them for their help. As I’m walking across the parking lot, kicking rocks, I hear steps walking behind me. Considering I’m pretty aware of my surroundings, I glance over my shoulder and see Trent.

  My heart drops.

  I haven’t seen him since the day of the wedding, and I’ve done a
pretty good job of avoiding him at all costs. I knew I’d eventually run into him, but I wasn’t expecting it today. I see the scowl on his face as he watches me, and I turn around and keep walking forward. Still hearing his footsteps behind me, I stop at my truck, turn around, and cross my arms over my chest.

  “What the fuck? Can’t even say hello?” he barks.

  I just glare at him. I’m past being friendly especially after he felt the need to lay his hands on me. Frustration is written all over his face, but the difference this time is I don’t have to care.

  “What do you want, Trent?” I’m unamused. I don’t feel completely threatened because people are around. If he lays his hands on me because he can’t control his temper, I’ll scream.

  He continues walking forward until he’s a few feet away from me. “Heard about you and Jackson, but somehow it’s not surprising. I knew you were fucking him the whole time because you’re nothing but a cheating whore.”

  I’ve been called so many names over the past few months from his fan club that it barely fazes me anymore. “Are you done?”

  He takes another step forward. I can smell his cologne, and it leaks off him like poison. The smell makes my stomach turn. As I look up into his eyes, standing tall, I can’t believe I ever felt a thing for him. The blinders are off, and I see him for what he is—a manipulating asshole.

  “Just know this. Your little boy toy needs to watch his goddamn back.” His words are nothing more than empty threats.

  My lips are in a firm line. “Fuck off, Trent. Leave me alone.”

  He pretends like he’s going to hit me, hoping I’d flinch of course, but I don’t move. I grew up playing with boys and am not intimidated by him—especially in a public place. Over his shoulder, I can see people looking at us, and I know I need to end this conversation soon. The last thing I want is for any sort of log to be added to the rumor inferno of Trent and me.

  I roll my eyes at him and get inside my truck. I crank it and back out of the feed store driveway. Before I pull away, I catch a glimpse of him in my rearview mirror, and he’s seething. I couldn’t be happier to get away from him.