by Adams, S. C.
Abby took a deep breath and walked over to the couch.
“Do you remember my sister Melody? Well, she was keeping it. She purposefully hid it from me, hoping to keep us apart.”
I squinted at the beautiful girl.
“But why? It seems so random.”
Abby took another deep breath as tears sprang to her eyes.
“I know, right? She’s never even met you, but evidently, my sister’s had it out for me for a long time. She’s jealous of me for some crazy reason that doesn’t even make sense and wanted to hurt me. When I confronted her, let’s just say it didn’t end well. But what matters is that I was able to find the letter and read it. And Ryder, I’ve missed you so much.”
Hope bloomed in my chest.
“Do you think you can forgive me, Abby? I know it’s a lot to ask, but it would mean the world to me. You and the baby are my world now, and I want to make sure you know it.”
Tears bloomed in Abby’s eyes as she bit her lip.
“I’m not sure, Ryder. I think so, but I can’t say for certain right now because everything is so messed up. With you coming back out of nowhere, this letter, and then the fight with my sister, I literally don’t know what to think anymore. My emotions are on overload, and I feel like I can’t even trust myself to make a decision.”
I reached out and took her other hand, looking her deep in the eyes.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. No matter what happens, even if you never want to see me again, I want you to know that things are going to be fine for you and the child. I want you to know that I’m willing to turn my life upside down to be with you and Matthew. In fact, I resigned from the agency that handles my assignments because I need to see my son more.”
Abby looked up, completely shocked. “What? Ryder, that’s your job. What are you going to do then? Stay here in Farmington? Work at the hospital here?”
I shrugged.
“I guess so. I don’t know yet. I’ve talked to the hospital and they could definitely use some help, but nothing is for certain. It doesn’t matter though because what matters are you and Mattie. My son should know his father, and I’m going to provide for him the way a father should.”
Tears streaked down Abby’s cheeks.
“But what about all that stuff about seeing the world? Traveling and whatnot? Are you really well and done with that?”
I took a deep breath.
“Yes, I think so. During this past year, nothing really had meaning anymore. I did the things I always did: drove my car, took road trips, practiced medicine, and went out. But I didn’t care. It was like I was numb, and nothing made sense without you there with me. I want you to know, Abby - I’m thinking of starting a practice here in Farmington. I talked to my friend Colleen McNamara and she told me that the town is small and could really use another physician. She said that sometimes her patients wait a month just to get in to see her for a cold. So maybe I’ll open my own practice and put down roots.”
Abby looked absolutely shocked.
“Roots? Wait, what? You can open an office by yourself?” she asked. “I mean, of course it’s possible, but I thought you never wanted the responsibility.”
I nodded my head.
“I didn’t for a long time. But things change, sweetheart, and that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. Nothing is set in stone, except for the fact that I love you, and I love our son. I’m going to do whatever it takes to be a part of Mattie’s life, and even if you never want to see me again, then I’m sorry. But somehow, we’ll co-parent successfully. I know we can do it, Abby, because you’re an amazing woman who deserves the best.”
With that, her tears overflowed.
“I love you Ryder,” she said in a low voice. “You are everything to me as well, but I just need some time to get things figured out, okay? It feels like I’m being hit on all sides with so many new developments that it’s hard for me to even think straight. But I appreciate the sacrifices you’re willing to make, and the changes to your life. We will figure out a way.”
With that, hope blossomed in my chest and I gathered the curvy girl into my arms. She resisted at first, but then I pulled her close, resting my chin on those soft brown curls.
“We’ll find a way, sweetheart. The world was against you before, but now, you always have me on your side. You hear that, sweetheart? You’re not alone anymore. You have me now.”
With that, Abby’s shaking settled a bit, and she let out a big, trembling exhale. Meanwhile, I pulled her even closer, and my own eyes felt heavy with tears because we came so close to losing it all, but instead, now we’re on our way to becoming a family in full.
31
Abby
I can’t believe that Ryder loves me. It felt like one of those chick flicks I had been immersing myself in for the last year. Miraculously, an amazingly handsome man had fallen hard for me, and he changed who he was to be with me. Who could have predicted this? But I still had something to say to Ryder.
“Ryder, I want you to know that I never meant to keep Mattie away from you. I just literally couldn’t find you. I searched and asked everyone, calling around, and trying to figure out the best way to get a hold of you. If I could have afforded a private investigator, I would’ve gotten one of those. But there was just no way to find you.”
I reached out and took her hand while shaking my head.
“I know, sweetheart. It’s because I’m an expert at disappearing. I’ve done it multiple times before, and to my shame, it’s usually because I was trying not to be found. But now that’s all changed. I want to be found by you. I want to stay here, and be with you and our son because you put our son before anything else, and that’s how I know you’re a wonderful mother. You’re the one who’s amazing, sweetheart.”
I felt so happy that I thought I was going to cry.
“But I have to ask, Ryder,” I said in an agonized whisper. “Have you been with other women since you were away? Because you know I haven’t been with anyone. I’ve been pregnant, so it was kind of impossible.”
He took my hands, those blue eyes fierce.
“No, sweetheart. I haven’t touched another woman since you, because I’ve been thinking only of you. Like I said, life had no meaning without you in it. I couldn’t even bring myself to look at another woman, much less go out with one.”
My heart fluttered wildly, and then everything came crashing down. Every emotion that I’d been holding back suddenly burst forth like a waterfall, and I let out a sob while throwing my arms around his neck.
“I love you, Ryder,” was my heartfelt cry. “And I want us to be a family together. I want us to find love again, and to celebrate our son. I don’t want any more pain.”
He pulled me close, stroking my hair before speaking in a choked voice.
“That’s what I want too, Abs, and I know we can have that together. After all, you’ve already given me so much. You’ve given me my son. How could we ever top that?”
I drew back for a moment with tears in my eyes.
“With another baby?”
That made him shout with laughter, looking so handsome that my heart raced.
“I think I’d like that,” he rumbled, pulling me against his chest once more. “You, as the mommy, and me as the dad. Why don’t we give Mattie a few siblings? How many are you thinking? Four? Five?”
But I had a surprise for him up my sleeve.
“I was thinking nine or ten,” I whispered against his bronzed throat. “What do you think?”
Ryder pulled back for a moment, stunned. But then he pressed a heartfelt kiss to my lips, and the passion sizzled between us.
“I think I can make that happen,” he growled, his blue eyes lighting with fire. “As long as we get started sooner rather than later, I think that a dozen children is definitely in the cards.”
With that, our lips joined and our hearts melded into one. After all, the handsome doctor was never supposed to be mine. He was a traveling physician, out to
see the world with nary a care in the world. But little did he know, but a sassy, spunky girl from the little town of Farmington would capture his heart.
And who says that people can’t change? Ryder has already changed his lifestyle, his goals, his hopes, and his outlook, all for me. Even more, he’s embracing the role of father, even though it was one he never anticipated and wasn’t even sure he wanted. But Mattie means everything to us, and with more babies in the works, I know our lives will be blissful and filled to the brim with joy.
Epilogue
Ryder
It’s crazy what’s happened over the course of one year. After all, my life had been somewhat predictable before. I’d been traveling all over the United States, going from place to place, repeating the same things over and over again. It was okay. I’m happy that I was able to see patients and maybe even save some lives, but when I finally stopped and settled in Farmington, I was shocked at the contentment and joy that filled my heart.
After all, I have Abby and Mattie now, and they mean the world to me. So much so, that it was worth the hassle of finding a new career. Initially, my plans were to open my own practice, which would also serve as a clinic for the needier citizens of Farmington. But I was overwhelmed with administrative requirements: there were licenses, insurance, attorneys, boatloads of money, equipment, and a million regulations that threatened to swamp my plans. I was up for it, but then one day, Colleen McNamara asked me to join her practice.
It was almost a no brainer kind of deal. I joined McNamara Health Professionals the next week, purchasing part of the company, and opened up a second location with a health and fitness center inside, and an adjoining wellness clinic devoted to nutrition and maternal fetal medicine.
Not only that, but I even started educating myself about natural remedies like tinctures and homeopathic medicine. I’m still not sure what I think about these practices yet, but they help me bond with those patients looking for holistic remedies.
But what’s even more amazing is my family life. Within two months of settling here, Abby and I bought a five bedroom house on the outskirts of the town. It’s an older house, but Abby and I rolled up our sleeves and did some major renovations to the place to make it ours. She’s demonstrated absolute genius managing the contractors, and has made this place a home for me and Matthew.
Plus, I’ve encouraged her to enroll at our local community college part-time, while also taking care of Matthew. The call center job is long gone, but I know Abby still keeps in contact with some of her co-workers because they were like a second family to her.
Speaking of family, one day we were at dinner when the subject of her sister came up. Abby passed me the potatoes and sighed a little.
“I talked to my mom today, and Belinda’s doing well. But my sister is a different story. Apparently, Melody is now working as a full-fledged stripper at that strip club on the other end of town. Moving on up, I guess. Obviously, we’re not happy about that, but I don’t talk to her anymore so she’s welcome to it.”
I tried to keep calm.
“Is Belinda okay?”
Abby sighed again.
“I don’t know. I don’t think any mother ever wants a daughter to go into stripping, but what can she do? Melody is headstrong and won’t listen to anyone. Oh by the way, did I tell you? She got thrown into lock-up the other day for petty theft. She says it’s just a misunderstanding, but I don’t know. She’s been hanging with a bad crowd, and I think she might end up in jail for a good long while.”
I shook my head.
“Damn. I don’t want to help, but do you think we should?” I still had a lot of resentment towards this woman for coming between me and my love. Sure, Melody was Abby’s sister, but that didn’t mean that I felt particularly charitable toward her.
“No,” Abby shook her head. “I think Melody can’t learn until she hits rock bottom. And clearly, she’s not there yet.”
That was the end of the conversation. Unfortunately, Abby’s words were likely true; some people just can’t change until they have nowhere else to go but up, and it looked like her sister was part of that group.
I put my fork down and stared at Abby across the table. She had lit candles that night for dinner and the low lighting highlighted her glowing complexion and riotous curls. Mattie was already down for the night, and we were enjoying a romantic meal. She glanced up at me and then smiled.
“What?”
I stayed quiet for a moment and then stood from my chair. I walked around the table and put out my hand, pulling her to her feet.
“Sweetheart, have I told you lately just how absolutely gorgeous you are?”
She giggled and her cheeks glowed pink. “No, but you’re more than welcome to.”
I laughed aloud and pulled her close to me. This woman still got me going every time I saw her, and I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers, pulling her body into mine. No words had to be spoken between us because the passion was already there, simmering in the background just waiting for the right moment. Holding her tight, I skimmed my fingers down to her ass and gripped both cheeks. Her breath picked up as I squeezed.
“Yes Ryder,” she breathed against the bronzed column of my neck. With that, Abby wrapped her legs around my waist and her hands twined around my shoulders. She kissed me wildly, the passion suddenly ignited. I walked her forward, trying to navigate my way through the house while keeping my mouth pressed to hers.
Once we got to the bedroom, I laid the curvy girl gently on the mattress. She bit her bottom lip and literally growled at me as I pulled my shirt off and threw it to the side.
“Horny, aren’t you?” I rasped.
She giggled a bit, turning red, but then nodded. As soon as I got close, she pushed her nails into my chest and slid them down my skin. Instantly, I was on fire, and I couldn’t get her clothes off fast enough.
I threw her shirt and pants over my head and gripped her panties, yanking them off. Without hesitation, I fell to my knees and planted my mouth on her sopping pussy. Her fluids were so warm and thick, and I couldn’t get enough of her taste. She was the perfect dessert to our meal.
“Oh Ryder,” she sighed, tossing her head back. “Fuck, that feels so good.”
As I licked her from ass to clit, Abby screamed out, gripping her big, bouncing tits tightly in her hands. I could tell she was enjoying herself, and I was so pent up I was already ready to blow.
Moving my mouth up her frame, I wriggled out of my pants and boxers, letting my hard cock fall onto her stomach. Her hands were on it in an instant.
“Oooh, you’re so big,” she marveled, her eyes going wide. “I love it.”
It’s true. Her fingers could barely circle the shaft, but Abby was a champ. She stroked it up and down as my fingers played with her pussy, moving in and out, feeling how tight and ready she was.
Leaning down next to her, I sucked on her earlobe. She pursed her lips next to my ear and breathed deeply, sending chills down my back.
“I want you to fuck me, Ryder. Fuck me hard and fuck me good.”
I shivered from the words, my cock now insanely hard. Pushing her legs up and hooking them over my shoulders, I gripped her ass and lifted it into the air. Then, I pushed the tip of my dick into her, watching as it sank into her soft folds.
“Yes,” she moaned. “More. Give me more.”
I grinned, slowly easing the rest of my shaft deep down in her. She arched in excitement and I gripped tightly as I began to thrust. She felt so good that it was hard to control myself.
“Fuck baby,” I rasped. “My cock looks so good disappearing into your horny little cunt.”
It was true. Her lips gripped me tightly, dragging along my veiny shaft whenever I withdrew. Plus, my thickness was now shiny and coated with her fluids, evidence of our intermingled desire.
But I wanted more. Pulling out, I reached down and flipped her over on her stomach, watching her raise her perfect, round ass in the air and shake it at me. She looked ov
er her shoulder and bit her lip, with invitation in her eyes. With a groan, I held her ass cheeks apart and pushed back into her. My thumb smoothed down and dipped into her ass while her pussy gripped my cock.
“God,” I groaned breathlessly. “Fuuuuck.”
Her moans picked up in volume and I could tell she was reaching climax. At exactly the right moment, I pushed my thumb deeper into her anus, making her gasp in delight as my cock pounded that tight little cunt.
“Yes,” she screamed out. “Yes Ryder, don’t stop.”
I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to. I wiggled my thumb in her rectum, feeling her whole body tense. Then Abby took a deep breath and held it as she erupted in orgasm. Her body shook beneath me, that pussy spasming with hard contractions. I grunted and lost it myself, blasting her with jism as my balls pumped.
“Fuck!” I roared. “Shit, baby!”
Our orgasms went on and on and on. Abby had her face pressed into the pillow as her ass and pussy contracted. Moans and exhales of pure lust reverberated through the room before our bodies relaxed, giving into the pleasure. Finally, we finished and collapsed onto the bed.
Slowly, I pulled out, watching with avid eyes as my shiny cock exited her depths. I pressed a kiss to her clit and then swatted her ass. “Fuck, you’re going to be the death of me, sweetheart.”
She giggled a bit. “Really? Oh good.”
I swatted her ass again. “Cheeky wench. I’ll be ready for round two in a moment. However, as we wait for the next course, I have a something to keep us busy.”
Disappearing into the closet, I reemerged, holding a box behind my back. She sat up on the edge of the bed, pulling the sheet around her like a toga.
“Something for me, Ryder?”
The moment had come. I stepped forward and lowered down onto one knee, pulling the small velvet box around in front of me. I opened it, revealing a three carat diamond ring, sparkling in the dim lights. She gasped and covered her mouth.