He looked out over the crowd briefly before his eyes found mine again. He swallowed before he began in a low and steady voice. “Lennon, I first met you in the middle of a thunderstorm when I was fifteen. Now, I know there are some people that think it might be crazy that I fell for you the moment I first saw you, but I don’t really know how else to describe what you did to me that day. As the years passed, I learned to love you at a distance because I thought that was the closest I could ever get to having you. Thankfully, I severely underestimated my ability to woo you.” I laughed and sniffled slightly as a fresh tear rolled down my cheek.
“You were the first girl I ever wanted to be close to. The first girl I ever watched a sunrise for. The first girl that I ever truly loved. I promise you today that you will also be the last. I love you more than words could ever possibly say Lennon, and I will spend the rest of my life proving that you and I are meant to be.”
He reached behind him toward where Jameson sat in his chair. My brother clapped as West took the ring from his jacket pocket. It made my heart flip in my chest as West then gave him a hug. He turned back to me and took my left hand in his.
“Repeat after me,” the priest said. West said everything perfectly as he slid the silver band up my finger to rest against my engagement ring. Then he grinned at me again, and I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through my vows without becoming a blubbering mess. “Miss Cooper?”
“Uh, right, it’s my turn.” I gave West a look. “I really wished I could have gone first.” He smiled while a few people chuckled. “West, when I first moved to Leering, I thought my life was over. It was a place that I’d never heard of and I couldn’t wait to get away. Then I met you. You with the stormy eyes that matched my favorite sky. You with the smile that always makes my heart do somersaults in my chest. You weren’t something I was even looking for, but I wouldn’t change finding you for anything. You have become so much more than just a crush that I wasn’t supposed to have. You were my friend, you helped me when I needed it, and you have the ability to make even my worst days seem infinitely better just because you love me.” He mouthed that he loved me and I had to take a second to catch my breath before starting again. Unfortunately, my voice still wavered with emotion.
“I love you so much West. I have loved you since the day I first met you in those woods. I’ve loved you even more every day since then, and I know that love will only continue to grow from this day forward. I am yours forever.”
I turned and handed my flowers to Katie while she passed me the ring. The priest had me say all the same words as I slipped West’s ring onto his finger. Afterward, we both stood there eagerly anticipating the moment when we would finally be what we’d always been meant for.
“By the power vested in me in the state of Texas, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” West lifted my veil and as gently as he could, he dipped me back as he kissed me passionately.
We did it!
We finally got married!
I was Mrs. Lennon Blake!
Our smiles didn’t leave our faces for the entire night.
February 20, 2021
“You can’t be serious. Did you see that spiral he threw last week? He’s a natural,” West said to Parker who was shaking his head.
“You can’t be serious. Paxton has it in his blood. He’s the natural.” West threw his hands up in an exaggerated motion.
“Uh, Liam is the son of the current record holder for the most rushing yards in a single game. He’s got Future Heisman winner written all over him.”
“Boys,” I called out as I sat the salad down on the table in front of them. Both men’s eyes shot in my direction. “Why don’t we wait until they make it through Kindergarten before we start discussing college?”
West and Parker both agreed to let their debate go for the time being, but I knew better. I knew as soon as I disappeared back into the house, they would go right back to discussing the boy’s stats.
“I blame you for this,” I said as I pointed a finger at Katie. She gave me her best shocked expression, but I wasn’t buying it.
“What did I do?”
“You just had to post that video all over social media last weekend. You knew how West would react.” Katie just grinned basically letting me know how right I was. She still loved pushing his buttons even though they were now both in their thirties. It was ridiculous.
“It was a big deal. Paxton is barely five and he threw it perfectly.”
“I’m not arguing that it wasn’t adorable. I’m just saying I wish you could have kept it to yourself rather than posting it on my wall, West’s wall, your wall, and any other family member you could think of.” Katie grinned again, clearly pleased with her joking tendencies.
“I can’t help it that our kid is a natural.” I just gave her a look. When she smiled, I knew that I had become her new target. Rather than get into it, I just decided to let it go. I knew deep down that Liam was going to just as great at football as his father. I had my own video of the two of them tossing around a football and Liam tackling West like a pro, but I was just going to keep it to myself for a bit longer.
With this family, there was a time and place for these kinds of things, and it had to be done just right for the perfect effect.
“Mommy,” a tiny voice called out. I looked out and saw my handsome little man running across the yard toward me. I could see his little dimple from where I stood and with his short hair and stormy eyes; I knew he was going to be a spitting image of his dad as he got older. Which basically meant I was in trouble.
Liam was still coming for me, but before he could make it, West ran up behind him and scooped him up. Our little boy giggled which caused West to laugh. The sounds brought a warmth to my chest as I watched my little family.
West carried Liam over and leaned down to give me a sloppy kiss before setting him down to his feet. Liam’s little arms immediately went around my waist and he squeezed with all his might. I wrapped an arm around him and squeezed just as tight.
“Mommy, Pax wants to play football. Can I get it?” I shot West a look because I knew chances were two older boys were the ones interested in playing. He just gave me a confused grin that made me want to smother him with kisses. I looked down at Liam who was giving me a puppy dog look that could rival his Daddy’s.
“Okay sweetie, you can go get it.” West and him both gave a triumphant yell before West grabbed him and put him up on his shoulders. Then he gave me one last kiss.
“Tonight Mrs. Blake, you’re all mine” he whispered. Then he walked off with Liam dancing on his shoulders. He looked back at me, and I felt a warm blush rise to my cheeks. I didn’t need him to elaborate.
We had been discussing trying to grow our little family for the past few weeks, but things had been so hectic at the bookstore and with West and Parker joint coaching the boys little league team that we hadn’t really found the time to be alone. Apparently, that wouldn’t be the case for much longer.
I couldn’t wait.
July 18, 2025
“Okay, the baby is officially down for the night. Cindy is all tucked in and clean, and Liam is packed and ready for his weekend at Gran’s house,” West said proudly as he walked into our bedroom. I looked up from The Princess Bride as he strode over to his dresser. He kicked off his shoes, then pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it into the hamper like he was shooting a three pointer. I couldn’t help but smile at his adorableness. Even at thirty-six years old, he could still be such a kid at times.
He looked over at me and flashes that dimpled grin of his. Then he waggled his eyebrows suggestively. I shook my head before tagging the ear of the page I’d been reading and setting my book down on the nightstand. West continued coming toward me. He leaned down toward me and brushed his lips against mine.
“Happy Anniversary Mrs. Blake,” he whispered. I grinned before kissing him.
“Happy Anniversary Mr. Blake,” I said back. He pulled back and
walked back across the room to our little stereo. I watched him with one brow quirked up in question. He messed around with the buttons until a familiar melody began to echo around our room. I smiled as I recognized it.
West looked over at me and held his hand out for me to join him. I let out a laugh before pushing the covers off of me and standing. Then I crossed the room until I was at his side. He took my hand in his while his other hand gently rested against my lower back.
Then we began to slowly move along to the tune of our song, I’ll Be by Edwin McCain. Just before the chorus, West dipped me back. I laughed as I came back up and he grinned down at me.
“Still got it,” he said triumphantly and that just made me smile even wider. It seemed crazy to think that we had already been married for ten years. Sometimes, it seemed like just yesterday when I first walked down that aisle toward him. Almost like I had blinked and all this time had passed.
I wouldn’t have changed a thing though. I had a beautiful family. I had a husband that adored me and never failed to let me know just how loved I was every single day. I had three incredible children that astounded me daily with what they were accomplishing. Even little Lucas that was just over six months old. He was already lifting himself up, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he was making his way around the whole house.
Liam was spitting image of his father in more ways than one. He had that same dimple that got him into more trouble with me than it ever did his father. He was on his way to becoming a football legend that might even rival West, though I’d deny it if he ever asked me.
Then there was Cindy, my little angel. She just turned three the previous month and she was already proving to be more of a troublemaker than her brother’s combined. West seemed more concerned about the fact that she was a dead ringer for me. I’m constantly being told that she’s not allowed to date until she’s thirty, but I don’t see that lasting. She already has him wrapped so tightly around her little finger that he would bend over backwards to make her happy.
So, as my husband spins me around our room with the music low, I can’t help but think how wonderful everything has turned out. West leaned back and looked down at me. Then he got a playful little smirk that told me exactly what was on his mind.
I barely had time to react before he carried me over to the bed. He lay me down gently and planted sweet slow kisses all along my jaw before meeting my lips sensuously.
“I love you Lennon,” he whispered.
“I love you too.” He kept his movements slow. It was clear to me that he was treasuring me that night. We removed each other’s clothes and just lay there feeling our heartbeats beat together. Then he held my face in his hands as he slowly and deliberately slipped inside of me.
We held each other as close as we could while we moved together. We made love like it was the first time, both whispering sweet nothings into the air. We came together and he held me close while he promised to love me forever.
Then we fell asleep in each other’s arms and I knew that it would never be any better than it was in that moment.
August 10, 2078
The rain is hitting the shingles on my roof so hard; I’m really worried that it might cave in at any moment. I don’t exactly live in the most stable of homes and I can’t help but feel like today it’s really being put through the ringer.
I take second away from reading my very worn, very loved copy of The Princess Bride that I’ve had since I was seven years old to listen to the sounds. When I’m feeling particularly down about something, I grab it off my bookshelf, make myself a cup of nice hot tea, curl up in my favorite reading chair, and immerse myself in the fantasy world that Buttercup and Westley call home.
Today is definitely one of those days. They seem to be coming a lot more frequently now. I can’t say I’m surprised by that though. I was warned months ago this would happen. I knew there would come a time when my days would be filled with moments of despair and self reflection.
I listen to the pounding on my roof and calmness settles over me. I’ve always loved thunderstorms. There is a certain beauty to the unknown that they bring along with them.
I think I hear a knock on my front door, but I ignore it. I can’t think of anyone that would be knocking on my door these days. Just as I convince myself that it was nothing but the rain, the sound comes again.
It’s louder this time. More persistent.
I tag the ear of the page before sitting it down on my end table. Then I stand up and wrap my blanket tighter around me before slowly making my way toward the front door. I hope whoever is standing on the other side of my door is a patient person since slow seems to be the only speed I move these days.
It’s probably one of the neighbor children selling something for a school fundraiser. So, I make sure to grab my wallet out of my purse on the way toward the door. The knock comes again just as I step into the foyer.
“Just a moment,” I call out. My voice is frail and scratchy. I don’t know if it’s from lack of use or if it’s the disease finally spreading the rest of the way through my tired body.
I reach for the knob and pull it open slowly. “I’m sorry about keeping you out in the rain…” my sentence ends abruptly as I take notice of the man standing in my doorway. I blink rapidly as my eyes travel the length of him. He looks exactly the same, but different somehow.
“Hello,” he says in that low voice that I could never forget no matter what the doctors say. My heart tumbles around in my chest and I open my mouth to say something, but my words fail me. My eyes start to water and I don’t think about it before I rush into his arms.
He seems surprised, but he still opens his arms wide for me. He pulls me in and for the first time in ages, I feel alive again. My head rests against his chest and I let the first tears fall freely.
“You came back to me,” I manage to finally whisper as I let my eyes close as I relish in the feeling of having him hold me again.
“I’ll always come for you Len,” he says against my now gray hair. I squeeze him once more before I pull back. My eyes water and finally the first tear rolls slowly down my cheek. He reaches up and brushes it away with the back of his hand.
“How?” He doesn’t answer me. He just leans forward and lets his lips press gently against mine. I can taste the saltiness of my tears mixed with the familiar mint of his breath. It’s been so long since I’ve kissed him. He pulls away first and rests his forehead against mine.
“It’s time, Len,” he whispers. I don’t have to ask to know what he means. I’m eighty seven years old. I’ve been ready for this day to come for some time now. Ever since I first lost West two years ago.
I reach up and touch his face. It’s free of the wrinkles that bothered him in his old age, but that I never minded in the least. He’s the West that I first fell for all those years ago. His hair is the same short brown, his eyes the same stormy blue and that wonderful dimpled grin of his is on full display.
“I’m ready.” His smile widens as he takes my hand in his. Just before we step out into the rain that’s still falling all around us, I take one last look at the life I’m leaving behind.
I’ve always wondered what would come to me in this moment. Would I look back and see a life of regret at things that I was never able to accomplish like becoming a teacher? Or would I see a life that was lived? I smile because I know without a doubt it’s the second.
I spent so many years of my life loving West and being loved by him. He was my friend, my husband, and the father to our three wonderful children.
“They’re going to be okay, Len,” West says bringing me back to the present. I turn my head to look back at him and we smile warmly at one another. I give his hand a squeeze before we step out together into the rain.
I smile wide as the first droplets of water wash over me. West grins back at me then pulls me in close. He takes my face in his hands before he lowers his lips to mine and kisses me like it’s the first time.
Lenno
n Christine Blake, 87, passed away peacefully in her home August 10, 2078. She was found sitting in her favorite chair, reading her favorite novel, The Princess Bride. She is survived by her three children, Liam Jameson Blake and his wife, Sandra, Cynthia Lauren Blake, and Lucas Oliver Blake as well as her seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren and countless other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Weston Gabriel Blake.
She will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
The End .
Acknowledgements
I really hope you enjoyed reading ‘Soaked’. It was a fun story to tell, and I found myself really and truly loving the characters of Lennon and West. I think they are a couple that really embodies the term, ‘Meant to Be’. I only hope that you can fall in love with them too.
There are a lot of people that I want to thank for this story becoming what it is today. I had several people that helped me through the process this go around, and it seems only right that I give them each the credit that is due.
First off, I would like to thank my Mom. She is always the person that I go to first with everyone of my stories. She gets to know my characters just as well as I do, and she’s never afraid to tell me when she doesn’t like them. I’m endlessly thankful to her for all of her support and advice.
Next, I would really like to thank all of the Beta readers that helped me figure out just what kind of story Lennon and West should tell. Sarah Lynn Murphy, Stacey Spooner, J.D. Williams, Dawn Webb-Lucous, and GA Davis: All of you were amazing to me. This was the first time I’ve ever had Beta readers and you all made the process so easy and fun. I loved what each of you had to say, and I took all of the advice that you offered. Hopefully, I’ve created a story that not only all of you can enjoy, but thanks to your guidance, something others can enjoy as well. You guys are rockstars.
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