Committed (Book 2) (30 Days)

by K Larsen

  Our hotel was a ten minute walk from Notre Dame. As we arrive I’m awestruck by the beauty the architecture of Paris. Surrounded by restaurants and bars in the heart of the Latin Quarter. It features an on-site restaurant, which serves traditional cuisine on its terrace and a buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s arched stone cellar. We have a private bathroom, air-conditioning and the room at Hotel du Mont Blanc is decorated in a simple yet elegant style .

  “This is stunning Colin.” I say barely containing my excitement.

  “Just wait till tomorrow. We have a day of sightseeing lined up that should be awesome.” His arm wraps around my shoulder as he kisses my temple.

  We’re both too tired to do anything but sleep so we crawl into bed together and snuggle until we both drift off.

  My first glimpse of the Paris Opera house took my breath away. It’s a beautiful sunny day with a blue sky and the gold ornaments on the corners of the building sparkle in the sunlight. “It’s all so breathtaking!” Colin squeezes my hand as we continue on our tour of the city. We spend the afternoon shopping, eating and seeing all that we can manage. By the time evening rolls around we finally hit the Eiffel Tower. We sit having a glass of wine on the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets.

  “I think I’m on beauty overload.” I gush enjoying the wine , view and Colin.

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself babe.” He grins.

  “How could I not?!” I say gesturing to the view before us. The corner of Colin’s eyes crinkle as he smiles and my breath catches. He is just as gorgeous as the view. My chest swells with affection for the amazing man across from me. Reaching out he takes my hand in his and slides his chair closer to mine.

  “Elle.” He sounds serious.

  “Yes?” I respond wondering what’s on his mind that has his face so determined looking.

  “No one understands my silence better than you. I will kill the spiders. I will share my Danish with you when you’ve finished all yours. I will kiss the paper cuts and the door-slammed fingers and the counter-bumped hip. I’ll try my hardest not to get annoyed when you whisper questions and comments during movies. I will be the big spoon. I will let you win at wrestling, sometimes... I will send you random texts and leave you silly gifts whenever I think you need one. I will check your tire pressure and remind you to take your car in for service. I will hold your hand. I will kiss you. I will always choose you. Will you marry me Elle?” He reaches into the pocket of his jeans and produces a stunning antique looking diamond engagement ring. Tears blur my vision as I try to focus on the way it sparkles in the sunset. This man before me has changed my life. He’s been my defender, my champion, my light, my everything.

  “Yes.” I breathe when I realize I haven't answered him. His handsome face morphs from anxious to elated as I lean into him and crush his lips with mine. “Yes Colin.” I breathe into his mouth.

  His arms crush me to his hard body and other patrons sitting near us clap, aww, and sigh. His hand trembles slightly as he slips the stunning arrangement of diamonds on my finger. There are no words for the tornado of feelings swirling inside my chest right now. Colin sits me on his lap and sighs as I rest my head on his shoulder. “I love you Elle. It’s insane the way you consume me, you own me and I can’t imagine my life without you.” Finishing his thought he kisses my temple softly.

  “You aren't the only one who feels that way.” I add. “I know our time together has been unconventional at best but you’re incredible. You’re my everything, I’ll never let you go and I love you. I can’t wait to tell everyone and be Mrs. Wilder!” The waiter brings us a congratulatory bottle of champagne from a neighboring table. The sweet gesture blows me away and after asking Colin if it’s alright, we invite the couple to join us. The four of us sit enjoying our drinks, the sunset and swap stories on how we met.

  Our evening at the hotel is spent ordering room service, making love and laying in each other’s arms talking about all the things we want the future to hold. Tears fall freely at the overwhelming satisfaction I feel throughout the night and each time Colin sweetly kisses them away. The world holds endless surprises but knowing Colin is mine makes the thought of them, good or bad, manageable.

  After waking and texting Jenna the good news Colin and spend the rest of our trip in blissful happiness experiencing gorgeous sites, foods and cultures together. The trip is absolutely the highlight of my life and it’s all because of the amazing man who wants to spend forever with me. Every time my ring sparkles and catches my eye my heart swells with love and contentment.

  When we finally arrive back on United States soil we have quite the welcoming committee waiting for us at the airport. Jenna, Ben, John and Sarah stand at the baggage claim grinning like fools as we walk towards them. Of course Jenna is the first to barrel towards me, enveloping me in a hug that cuts off all oxygen and squealing like a maniac. Prying myself out of her arms I laugh and think how lucky I am to have her in my life.

  “We have so much to plan!” She shrieks with excitement.

  THREE YEAR’S LATER

  I place the framed photo booth pictures back on the mantle with the others and smile. Everything’s dusted and orderly now. The mantle is crowded with pictures from the last three years but my favorites are from the wedding. Colin stole my breath away in his tuxedo as his hazel eyes devoured mine during my decent down the aisle to him. Colin’s dad had given me away and I was happy he was willing to do it. The wedding had been intimate, a small crowd of close friends and Colin’s family. I couldn’t have planned it better, Jenna did an amazing job. It was at sunset on the beach. Everything twinkled in the evening light. It was one of the most romantic nights of my life. Everything was dazzling.

  We’ve settled happily into our beach house. The shop is sustaining itself and starting to turn a good profit now and the gym has picked up business with the help of Jenna’s marketing efforts-not that she works out there. I dust off my favorite picture of Jenny and carefully set it back in its place. Mick Tyson was found in a ditch, dead, two weeks after our return from Europe. Not having any way to find the answers surrounding Jenny’s death had been hard for me to move past but I’d managed over time. Her gorgeous face beams at me from the frame and I can’t help but smile. She’d be so proud of my life.

  The movement catches my eye and I instantly spread my palm across my ever growing belly. “Colin! She’s kicking!” I call. Dimple bared, he comes trotting into the living room. Wrapping his arms around my midsection I guide his hands to wear our baby girl kicked and wait.

  “Was that her?!” He asks excitedly.

  “Mmmhmm.” I rest my head back on his shoulder and he kisses my temple.

  “That’s so cool. I can’t wait to meet her.” He grins.

  “Me either. Not too much longer now.”

  “Three months feels like forever mama.” He walks us backwards to the couch and sits me in his lap. I love it when he calls me mama.

  “She better stay true to her due date because I am not willing to miss Jenna and Ben’s wedding.” I tease as he rubs my belly.

  “Don’t listen to her, she’s willing to do whatever for you little girl.” He speaks into my popped bellybutton. I chuckle and our baby girl kicks again making my belly undulate. Colin stares in awe. He can’t get enough of all the changes I’m going through.

  “Papa! I cann reach!” Jenny pouts and storms into the living room.

  “Settle down baby, I’ll be right there. Do you want to feel your little sister kick?” He asks our beautiful two year old. Jenny has my green eyes and his brown hair and it’s a stunning combination.

  “I don car bout baby.” She complains. Laughing I scoop her up and set her on my limited lap.

  “You will.” I tell her.

  “What the hell guys?! Where is everyone? Let’s get this party started!” Ben hollers through the house as the door slams behind him. As he rounds the corner entering the living room he stops and shouts over his shoulder. “Awww Jenna they’re having
another family moment.”

  Colin laughs loud and hard making me bounce slightly and sending Jenny flying off my lap. She lands on her butt, looks up at us wide eyed and starts giggling. “ Do it again mama!” Colin starts laughing harder as Ben and I join in. Pulling herself up she trots over to Jenna. “Did ya see me fly Aunie?”

  “I sure did baby girl.” Jenna chuckles and scoops her up into a big hug.

  The door slams again signaling John and Sarah’s entrance. I scoot off Colin’s lap to stand but before I’m able Colin crashes his lips to mine in a feverish kiss. I can’t help but melt into it. He still makes my stomach flutter. He still makes me feel beautiful every day. He is an amazing husband, attentive, loving, tender, encouraging and more and the same kind of father. Breaking the kiss his eyes are cloudy and he looks lost in his own world. I snicker and turn to face our friends.

  “Who’s ready for Thursday night game night?” I clap my hands together. Four heads nod and head to the kitchen to secure drinks and to bring the appetizer’s out.

  Colin snags my hand as we head to Jenny’s room to put her to bed and brushes his thumb tenderly across my knuckles. “I’m still falling in love with you Mrs. Wilder.” He kisses my temple and scoops Jenny up into his arms making her squeal with delight. I give her a kiss and hug before retreating to the door way of her room.

  There is no greater sight than watching my husband reading to our daughter. He’s forever committed to me, to us, and I couldn’t possibly be any luckier. With an ear to ear grin I turn and head down stairs for a fabulous night with the most important people in my life. Oh who am I kidding, there’s a baking sheet in the oven with Colin-made Danishes waiting for me.

  The End.

  About the K. Larsen:

  I have a weird addiction to goat cheese and chocolate martinis, not together though.

  I adore my dog. He is the most awesome snuggledoo in the history of dogs. Seriously.

  I hate dirty dishes.

  I like sarcasm and funny people.

  I should probably be running right now... because of the goat cheese....and stuff.

  I am an avid reader, coffee drinker, and chocolate eater who loves writing.

  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6871141.K_Larsen/blog

  Find her on Goodreads:

  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6871141.K_Larsen

  On smashwords:

  https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KLarsen

  On Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/K.LarsenAuthor/info

  Read on for an excerpt from Tug of War.

  Excerpt from Tug of War

  Bars & Barf

  Eventually I’ll get to the bar, hopefully before last call but at this rate my chances are looking slim. I should have done what Marg did and ordered two drinks knowing how busy the club would be on a Friday night but I didn't. I’m sweaty from dancing with my girls in the throng of people crowding the dance floor. Without warning my hair is swept off my back and over my left shoulder. Hanging to my shoulder blades, it’s hot and heavy, the movement creates a breeze on my neck that feels good but who the hell just touched me so intimately? I stiffen as warm breath blows over my shoulder.

  “Could I interest you in a drink?” Comes a deep rough voice in my ear. I swing around shooting steel daggers and find myself eye level with a broad chest. Tilting my head back I look up to an extremely handsome, tan chiseled face.

  “Excuse me?” I snap. He smirks. My snarky inner bitch already hates him.

  “I’d like to buy you a drink.” His deep vibrato sends chills down my spine which surprises me.

  “Oh?” I quirk a well groomed eyebrow at him.

  “Yes, what would you like?” I want to smack the smug look off his face. I hate arrogance and entitlement and this dude oozes it.

  “I’d like to not be manhandled by a stranger.” I snark.

  “My apologies, but I’ve been watching you and I couldn't resist.” He steps closer to me.

  “Creepy.” I quip taking a step back. Mystery man reaches out grabbing me at the elbow.

  “Let me get you a drink.” He pleads a little more sternly.

  “Why?”

  “Why not?” He questions looking amused.

  “Persistent aren’t we?” My voice is laced with disdain.

  “Yes. I’ve been called that.” He grins. His eyes lighten slightly with his smile. He really is attractive.

  “Give me one good reason.” I offer sarcastically. The corners of his mouth drop and his brows furrow.

  “You intrigue me.” He says finally.

  “That’s hardly a good reason Mr...” I snort and wait. His lips twitch.

  “Mr. Napoli and I’d like to get to know you Ms...” He counters.

  “Lord. Ms. Lord. You don’t know me but I can assure you I’m stunningly average in all areas of life.” I inform him.

  “I beg to differ.” He argues. Man this guy is relentless and totally hot for himself. Anyone who thinks so much of themselves must be a catch, I snicker to myself sarcastically. Stepping in close to him I place my hand on his hard chest and smooth his tie with my hand. Who wears a suit to a club anyways? His grins at the contact and his eyes go dark as if I’m his prey. I fist the tie and tug gently until his tall firm frame bends to my five foot four level and bring my mouth to his ear. “You can differ all you like but only I know the truth.” I say seductively. Releasing his tie I turn on my boot heel and stalk back to my girls fuming about that stupidly hot, I’m so full of myself I could get any girl and I will jerk. I plop down in my chair.

  “Remind me why they don’t offer clubs that only let women in?” I ask sarcastically. Two dolled up ladies stare at me wide eyed. “Uh...what?” I ask noticing their faces.

  “Do you have any idea who you were talking too?! What did he want?!” Marg screeches.

  “He wanted to buy me a drink and who the hell is he?” I bark back.

  “Clara... do you live under a rock? That’s Dominic Napoli, real estate mogul, one of Boston’s ten most successful businessmen under forty. Didn’t you read the article I emailed you?” Amanda looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. I did read it, but I read it because she wrote it, I didn’t really absorb or pay attention to the photos or why those guys were worth reading about. She knows I could give a crap about rich men.

  “I guess I skipped his bio?” I shrug still not sure why it’s that awesome that I met him. Sure he’s successful but I don’t care about money and prestige. I’m not that into appearances and mingling with the right people. Been there, done that.

  “Ladies. Mr. Napoli sends his regards. Please enjoy the wine.” The bartender interrupts us placing a very expensive bottle of white wine on the table with three glasses.

  “Man what a jerk!” I cry in frustration.

  “Shut up Clara.” Amanda hisses horrified. Marg ignores me and dives into the wine.

  “I told him I didn't want a drink from him and what does he do? He does it anyways. This,” I gesture to the wine, “is sneaky and backhanded. Now it doesn't matter if I said no, he’s made it look all good natured. Pompous ass.” I ramble my irritation.

  “Shut up and drink.” Marg laughs.

  “Fine, but it’s consumption under protest.” I state and relax a little. What I really want to do is strut over to that cocky jerk and hand him his bottle of wine back while giving him a piece of my mind. What part of, no means no, is so hard to understand? Icona Pop’s I Love It starts. This is my jam. I flat out love this song and I immediately jump up, snag the bottle of wine, leaving both girls screeching and hit the dance floor. Shrugging at each other Amanda and Marg follow and the three of us jump around shouting the words to the song and shaking our hips.

  Taking a pull directly from the wine bottle I notice Mr. Napoli watching from the VIP section. He’s really quite handsome, it’s a shame really. If he’d been that handsome and an average Joe maybe he would have gotten lucky tonight but my pure hatred of wealth and all that
comes with it makes him off limits. I toss my head back and take another pull before passing the bottle to Marg as Wild Ones starts and I lose myself in the music. Three songs later Amanda tugs on my arm wanting my attention.

  “What’s up?” I shout above the music.

  “Marg and I want to hit up The Harp.”

  “‘K, let’s go.” I shout back and follow them to our table to collect our things. The wine bottle passes between the three of us again polishing it off. I have a serious buzz at this point which was my entire goal for tonight and tomorrow night. I’m only in town for the weekend and wanted a wild girl’s weekend with my two favorite ladies. I haven’t seen them in forever but work brought me back to Beantown finally so I’d emailed them both seeing if they were up for a couple nights on the town with me.

  “How’s Alliecat and Sawyer?” Marg asks.

  “Allie’s amazing per usual and Sawyer,” I sigh. “Sawyer is the only reason I was able to come. I don't know what I’d do without him.” Amanda and Marg shoot loving looks at me before we head into The Harp.

  “God! I missed this place.” I squeal. “Is The Zoo playing tonight?” Marg and Amanda both double over laughing at me. “What?”

  “Do you really think eight years later they’re still playing here?” Amanda chuckles.

  “Oh. Right. Guess it’s been a while.”

  “Yeah, awhile is an understatement Clara.” Marg quips at me.

  “I know, I know, but you guys know why I had to leave.” I throw my hands up in defense.