Her words were cut off by Andrew’s lips as he pressed her against the glass refrigerator that held all the colorful blooms inside it. “I’m going to fuck my fiancée now.” He grinned salaciously.
Chris groaned, running her hand over his erection that was poking at her thigh. “I think she’d like that very much.”
Andrew tilted his hips and Chris placed him at her entrance. “Tell me if I hurt you.”
Chris shifted and felt him slide into her inch by glorious inch, as her body got reacquainted with the rather impressive intrusion.
“Always,” she whispered, closing her eyes, relishing being full of the man she loved.
This position had her spread wide open for him, and Andrew enjoyed looking down to where they were joined. “Look at that, baby,” he rasped, his voice rough and laced with need.
Chris bent her knees and looked down, her breathing becoming frantic as her heart sped up. “Holy...” She couldn’t take her eyes off the view she had before her. Their movements were carefully choreographed as Andrew moved his hips, dipping and rubbing his pelvis against Chris’s clit with every movement.
Small gasps and moans turned into loud ones as they both got closer to where they wanted to be. Andrew pinned Chris to the glass wall behind her and moved one hand from her butt to palm her breast, his thumb roughly tweaking the hard peak.
Chris cursed, her head tilting back, hitting the glass. Andrew felt her inner walls tighten and flutter around him; the look on her face one of pure ecstasy, as she found her release once again.
“I love you,” he declared against the soft skin of her neck, kissing her shoulder. After a few more thrusts, he finally gave in to his need. He let himself fall apart, shuddering and gasping; her name leaving his lips in a breathy moan.
Chris’s legs felt like Jell-O and she had trouble standing for a moment. Leaning into Andrew, she kissed his scruffy jaw and looked at the ring on her finger. “That was a proposal I’ll never forget.”
“Then my job here is done, sweetheart.” Andrew smirked and kissed her softly. “I’m just glad the glass held up.” He looked at the refrigerated enclosure longingly.
“You and me both.” Chris giggled. “Remind me to clean the butt and fingerprint stains off it before we leave.”
Chapter 14
Being engaged hadn’t changed much of Andrew’s and Chris’s routines.
Chris still did her best to balance work and family, while Andrew made room in his house for the things she brought with her every night.
Since the proposal a few days prior, the couple made decisions regarding their living arrangements. Andrew expressed his need to have Chris move in with him. Chris agreed, albeit with a bit of nerves, that she needed to take this final leap into his world.
She shared her worries with Andrew, but he ensured her their relationship would be okay; that he wasn’t going to let her down. Chris knew this in her heart, of course, but Andrew’s soothing words had been what she needed in order to finally give her landlord a phone call.
Now, with a ring on her finger—one from the true love of her life—Chris was making her way toward her father’s house for lunch. She knew Andrew had been there and asked Henry’s permission to marry her, but she wanted to speak to Henry herself and let him know how different this relationship and engagement was from her previous one.
Little did she know, Henry had seen it for himself. Never before had he witnessed two people so perfect for each other.
“This is great chicken, Dad,” Chris complimented, trying to find the courage to have this conversation.
“It’s okay, you know.” Henry gave Chris pointed look. “I know he asked you, and that ring is pretty obvious, Chris.”
Chris swallowed her chicken and wiped her mouth. “I just...it’s so different with him. I didn’t feel this way with Frank.”
“You don’t have to justify your actions, sweetie. I see it. The way Andrew looks at you; the way you two are together. It's the same way I looked at your mother.” Henry took a deep breath. “I never did like that Frank character.”
Chris’s mouth fell open. She never heard Henry state such an opinion before. He always supported whatever decision she made without stepping in with his own worries, unless it was something harmful, which Chris avoided anyway. “Dad, why didn’t you say anything?”
Henry shrugged. “It wasn’t my place. You loved him. He was nice and seemed to treat you well. You looked happy enough.”
“But you didn’t like him?” Chris interjected.
“No, but he wasn’t mine to like.” Henry looked up to meet Chris’s eyes. “Honey, you seemed to like him enough to want to marry him. I had to let you make your own mistakes, so you could figure out for yourself what was good for you.”
Chewing her bottom lip, Chris let the words sink in. “Makes sense, I guess.”
“I didn’t know then what I do know now, either, Chris. Sometimes, love comes to us in unexpected ways.” Henry paused, taking a deep breath as he thought of the current developments between himself and Lynn. “Andrew just happened to show up a little later. I think the two of you were destined.” He added his last sentence with reddened cheeks and a quieter timber to his voice.
“Like Lynn did, huh?” Chris teased, picking up her fork. “I guess it makes sense, Dad. Thank you, for everything; for being there and understanding.”
“No problem. For the record, though, I love Andrew as if he was my own son.” Henry nodded. “And I’ll tell you what I told him: just make sure you two name your first born after me.”
Chris laughed. “I hadn’t heard about that, but will do, Dad.”
“It’s all I’m asking.” Henry winked as the two went back to their meal.
. . .
“So, I invited Dad and Lynn over for dinner on Saturday,” Chris told Andrew, as the two cuddled in bed later that evening.
Andrew traced Chris’s bare spine with the tip of his middle finger as he relaxed against his pillow, the warmth and tingle of his post-orgasmic bliss still coursing through his limbs. “Sounds good. You should be all moved in by then.” He pulled her body closer to his and covered both of them with the covers.
“I wish,” Chris groaned. “You realize that I own more than a few sweaters and a bag of make-up, right?”
“I know, baby. I’m just anxious to get you all settled in here,” Andrew admitted, meeting Chris’s eyes as he tucked her hair back behind her ears.
Chris reached up and kissed his lips. “Yeah, I know. It’ll happen.” She smiled. “Besides, we have another few weeks before my apartment needs to be emptied. You could change your mind before then,” she teased, hugging him nice and tight.
“Never.” Andrew nuzzled her neck and tickled her ribs. “It’s you and me forever, sweetheart.”
Chris giggled and squirmed, calling “uncle,” and biting Andrew’s nipple until he stopped tickling her, as they both laughed and settled back into bed. “Forever,” Chris whispered, looking at the beautiful ring on her left hand. “I like the sound of that.”
. . .
“The senior concert is in a few weeks,” Amy informed Chris and Mrs. Davis as the trio worked in the back of the store.
“Senior concert, as in we can finally hear you sing?” Mrs. Davis asked, quirking an eyebrow in Amy’s direction. To her knowledge, Amy sounded like a drowned cat whenever she sang.
Amy laughed out loud, snorting as she shook her head. “Oh, heck no,” she chirped. “I’m doing the costumes and helped with the set design.” She grinned proudly. “But my Nate’s gonna serenade us all.”
“Oh, this should be good,” Chris mused. “I didn’t know he sang.”
“Yes, and he’s amazing with a guitar,” Amy gushed, looking away, dreamy-eyed. “He gives me goose bumps...everywhere.”
“Honey, that sounds lovely,” Mrs. Davis said, then added, “You make sure to marry that boy. When you’re my age, it takes more than a guitar to get...goose bumps.”
“I bet i
t does.” Chris stifled a giggle.
“So, anyway, you ladies are invited along with your significant...others.” Amy gave Mrs. Davis a pointed look, only to be met with a smirking old lady. “Even Julia is supposed to come if Momma can convince her to get out of the house. You know how those two have been thick as thieves lately. I’m pretty sure it can be done.”
Chris’s ears perked right up at hearing her soon-to-be mother-in-law’s name being mentioned. “Maybe I can help with that convincing. Cathy shouldn’t be the only one trying to pry her from that house.”
“I can help, too,” Mrs. Davis chimed in. “I dropped by last week. She was doing so well. I’m really proud of her.”
“She has come a long way,” Chris agreed.
“The love of a good man and having Andrew’s support, no doubt helped,” Mrs. Davis commented, as she took one of the vases into the cooler.
“Richard is pretty dreamy,” Amy said; her eyes focused on the flowers in her hands.
“So is his stepson,” Mrs. Davis agreed with a teasing smile.
“That he is.” Chris grinned proudly, looking at the sparkly jewelry on her left hand. “That he is.”
Later that evening, after closing up the shop, Chris went to her apartment in order to pack up a few more things to bring over to Andrew’s before the big moving day. She made strides and had come to terms with the fact she was moving out.
She grinned as she looked around the apartment and noticed how bare it was starting to look. She had taken down some of the art and pictures from the walls in order to start packing them for the move, and realized she didn’t have much left to pack. She was beginning to get excited as she grabbed a tote full of breakables and left for Andrew’s for the night.
Thankfully, for both of them, the week resumed with little excitement. On Saturday, with help from Henry and Lynn’s son, Eric, Chris’s furniture and boxes found a temporary home in Andrew’s garage, until the couple could sort through things and put everything where it belonged.
“I thought I’d find everyone here,” Lynn said, holding up bags from the diner.
Chris turned around and saw Lynn walking up the sidewalk toward them. “Wow, that’s so thoughtful of you, Lynn,” Chris greeted her, smiling happily. She knew her father had arranged for her to meet them there for an impromptu dinner, and she was more than grateful for the food.
“Oh, honey, this is nothing.” Lynn put down the bags and pulled Chris in for a hug, whispering, “Thank you so much for talking to him, sweetie.”
Chris pulled back from their hug and smiled. “Seeing you two so happy together makes it worth it, Lynn.”
“Hey, Ma.” Eric came over and pulled his mother into a big bear hug. “How you doin’?”
Lynn hugged him back and winked at Chris. “I’m fine, sweetheart. How are my babies?” Lynn asked him, talking about his wife and daughter.
“Same as usual. Which reminds me, I gotta go.” He clapped his hand over Andrew’s shoulder. “Nice meeting you, man.” He then shook Henry’s hand. “Take care of my Ma, Henry,” he ordered; a big goofy smile on his face. When he turned to Chris, he pulled her into a hug. “Ah, finally a sister.”
And then, he was gone, the taillights of his pick-up retreating down the street.
“Wow,” Chris said, looking around. The tornado that was Eric had proven to be indispensable as they moved the larger pieces of furniture from her apartment. Now that he was gone, though, his presence was dearly missed.
“He’s a big goof,” Lynn explained, shaking her head. “Takes up space like nobody’s business, but he’s got the biggest heart and the best intentions.”
Henry wrapped an arm around Lynn’s shoulders. “He’s a wonderful boy. His mother did a great job raising him.”
Lynn melted into his embrace and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
Chris watched the interaction between the two and couldn’t stop smiling, so much so, that her cheeks ached.
“They are pretty cute,” she told Andrew. He walked out of the garage and joined them all in the driveway.
“Not as cute as us, baby.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her temple. “I’m so happy right now, you have no idea.”
Chris groaned, burying her face in his neck. “Keep those happy thoughts for later.”
He chuckled huskily. “Dirty girl.”
“Who’s hungry?” Lynn asked, bringing Chris and Andrew out of their naughty little bubble.
As the evening progressed, it became abundantly clear the affectionate exchange between Henry and Lynn was sincere on both parts. That kind of love couldn’t be faked.
“They really are adorable,” she whispered to Andrew, as he helped her bring the dirty dishes to the kitchen.
Andrew nodded and kissed her cheek. “It’s almost painful.”
Chris giggled. “It’s cute.”
“It makes me wanna throw up.” He fake-gagged and tickled Chris’s sides. “Are we that bad?”
Chris nodded; her eyes wide. “Probably worse.”
Andrew led the way toward the living room, four cups of steaming hot coffee on a tray in his hands. Chris followed with a plate of fresh mini apple pies in hers.
“Ooh, those look good,” Henry said, eyeing the pastry. “You know your old man can’t resist the sweet stuff.”
“He certainly can’t.” Lynn grinned, wagging her eyebrows, her blue eyes shining with mischief.
“See what I mean?” Andrew asked lowly, looking at Chris, a little disturbed.
Chris broke out in a fit of giggles and sipped her coffee. “So who’s up for a game of cards?”
Andrew nodded his head yes, thinking it better not be strip poker, as he took in the glazed-over look shared between Henry and Lynn.
. . .
During the next week, Chris managed to successfully convince a giddy Julia to join them for an evening at the high school to watch Amy’s play. Chris was certain Julia would put up a fight, but surprisingly enough, Julia confessed to being bored these days. With her new mobility, she found herself wanting to join the world of the living again. Richard had gone back to working regular hours, which left her to her own devices a lot more often. She liked the freedom, but felt as if she had nothing to do; nothing to contribute.
Chris’s heart soared as she explained to Andrew they were taking his mother and picking up Mrs. Davis before heading to the high school auditorium. This was the first time she had seen Julia outside her house and it made her especially giddy.
Andrew couldn’t help feeling proud of his girl for taking the bull by the horns and talking to Julia. He knew Chris wasn’t the wallflower people assumed her to be. She was a go-getter and a fighter, and whenever those qualities surfaced, it always made him melt and fall for her a little more. As if he wasn’t in deep enough already.
“I’m so glad you guys made it!” Amy squealed excitedly as she greeted them when they entered the auditorium. “I’m going to head back there now and do my thing. You guys, enjoy!”
Chris chuckled, watching the tiny director retreat to the side of the stage. “This should be interesting.”
Julia held on to Andrew’s arm as they made their way down the steep steps toward their seats. “Thank you so much for bringing me.”
“It’s my pleasure, Mom.” He winked at her and helped her into her seat.
Mrs. Davis took a seat on Julia’s other side. “I can’t wait to watch this. That girl is always so full of ideas.” Her eyes scanned the front of the stage, her mind going a mile a minute as she set her plan in motion.
“Yes, Cathy says she’s pretty good at the shop,” Julia replied, oblivious to the fact she had just opened the door to what would happen next.
“It’s too bad she’ll be gone come summer. Chris is going to need someone else to fill in part-time. You remember how hard it was for me to train someone new?” Mrs. Davis sighed. She spoke in hushed tones to Julia, trying not to unravel too much of her plan too fast, while Chris and Andrew disc
ussed tomorrow’s dinner plans, unaware of the devious goings-on next to them.
“Oh, I remember,” Julia replied, nodding her head. She recalled a few of the lost souls who had wandered into Mrs. Davis’s shop many years ago.
“Yes, it’s a shame she can’t find someone who already knows certain details about the job,” Mrs. Davis continued, then shook her head. “Kids these days aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Amy is a rare gem.”
Julia thought about it all for a few moments, then stated out loud, “If I could sit in a comfortable chair while working on the bouquets, I’d be happy to help.”
Mrs. Davis grinned deviously. “Oh, that could be arranged, dear.”
Andrew’s attention was pulled from Chris, and he asked, “What are you old broads talking about?”
Julia giggled. “I think Mrs. Davis just found someone to replace Amy.”
Chris leaned forward and looked at Mrs. Davis, who winked back at her. “Oh, she did, did she?”
“Chris, I’d be happy to fill in,” Julia announced. “It would take me out of the house and I’m good with flowers. I used to love working at the shop, way back in the day.”
Chris nodded. This was the plan all along, she told herself with a smile. This was why she came back here and was drawn to that shop. This was why she found these women and Andrew. “That would be perfect, Julia.” Chris’s heart did a pitter-patter thing, filling her chest with warmth she hadn’t felt for a long time. “More than perfect, actually.”
“Wonderful!” Julia clapped her hands excitedly. “I’ll come in Monday and we can set everything up. Oh, I can’t wait to tell Cathy about this.”
“I have a feeling she already knows.” Andrew chuckled and leaned in to kiss Chris’s temple. “Why do I think we were all set up?”
Chris shrugged. “I thought something was up when Mrs. Davis insisted on coming with us, even though she could have driven herself.”
The lights in the auditorium dimmed, signaling the start of the play. As the evening wore on, the stage was revealed and the characters moved from one scene to the next. Amy’s work was flawless, as each set and character was uncovered. Evidently, the students had spent a lot of time working on them and it became obvious that Amy’s creative talents went beyond what she did in the flower shop.
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