A giggle burst from her kissable lips. “I’m overwhelmed in the best possible way.”
“I love you, Gemma Newbury. Soon to be Mrs. Kruz. I like that so much; I had planned to propose at the park where we first kissed. Those plans got canceled. Guess, you beat me to it,” I joked.
“You should get to work. Don’t worry about me. I’ve got boxes to unpack. Come home when you’re done.”
“I am coming home with you now. We have a lot to celebrate.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Owen can handle it. He owes me.”
“I’ll bet he does.” She smirked and flipped her hair over her shoulder.
“One day, he’ll meet his match. Like I did.”
My cousin talked a big game, but he wasn’t immune to love. I saw the way his eyes had lingered on Chelsey. She had changed a lot since she left for college. Maybe the crush wasn’t one sided. Gemma swatted my ass, pulling my attention back on her.
“Let’s go home,” she said.
With our fingers entwined, we went home. I never expected to get her back, but I knew a good thing from day one. The heart knows. Gemma was mine; this time for keeps.
Chapter Twelve
Gemma
Life after I received the inheritance wasn’t all smooth sailing. Roadblocks and challenges seemed to creep up around every corner. Money didn’t bring happiness; it brought responsibility and obligations. All of which took time away from planning my wedding. The engagement lasted longer than I expected. After six weeks, we were finally going to tie the knot. The heat wave had passed. I glanced at the heavens, smiling at the clear cloudless sky. The weather was perfect for an outdoor wedding. Excitement coursed through my veins as I skipped towards the clinic with my hands over my belly.
A visit to the doctor’s office was not how I envisioned starting my wedding day, but we got an early wedding present. My period was late. I bought a home-pregnancy test and the plus sign confirmed what I already knew to be true. Blake’s baby was growing inside me. He was over the moon, but he didn’t trust the over-the-counter-tests. He refused to get his hopes up until the official verdict came from the doctor. He pulled strings and got them to open the clinic early.
As I stepped inside, my breath caught. Seeing Blake’s ex on our wedding day wasn’t a good sign. I wasn’t superstitious, but my stomach flipped. I debated turning around. If our small town had another clinic, I would have canceled this appointment and gone there. A drive to the city wasn’t out of the question. I slowly inched backwards until her voice halted my steps.
“The doctor will be out shortly,” Kirstin said, without looking up from her computer screen.
She sat behind the desk and flipped her dark, brown hair to one side. Her oval face, high cheekbones and big, brown eyes couldn’t be confused for anyone else. She was stunning. For a very long time, I'd hated this woman because she had Blake. In my head, she'd stolen my life. Not only was she able to kiss and hold his hand in public, she was able to spend the night in his bed and wake up in his arms. She was able to love him freely. Something I never had. Until now.
"Hi. Thanks, I’ll have a seat and wait for Dr. Neil." My voice cracked like a teenage boy.
“Sorry. The only appointment listed is for a different patient.”
Her eyes lifted from the screen and narrowed into slits. As she stared at me, her nostrils flared, and she exhaled audibly. Based on her reaction, the feelings of animosity were mutually shared. I swallowed past the lump in my throat and offered a smile. It wasn't her fault my relationship with Blake had failed all those years ago. That was ancient history.
“Blake must have booked it under his name.”
"You're the reason we opened early. I should have known.” She adjusted her glasses and straightened her posture.
"I didn't know you worked at the clinic. It's nice to see you," I said, toying with the diamond ring on my finger. Soon a second band would be placed next to it as I legally married my soulmate.
Her eyes followed the movement. "I just started last week. I’ve been meaning to come see you."
"Why would you want to see me?”
"Because we have things to discuss. For starters, the town is all a buzz about your engagement. Didn’t take Blake long to forgive you for wrecking his heart. Three years with him, and he flinched any time I mentioned the future.”
“I don’t know what to say.” I shrugged my shoulders, hoping this wouldn’t get vicious. If she wanted him back, it would be over my dead body.
“Nothing. You don’t need to say or explain anything. In my experience, the Newburys don’t care who they step on. For his sake, I hope your intentions are good, and that you won’t hurt him again.”
Blake had survived his dark days thanks to this woman. I couldn’t hate her, but she wasn’t making this easy.
“I would never—”
“People say you’re a rich, privileged, bitch,” she huffed. “You’re not good enough for him.”
I glanced at my sandals and shuffled my feet. “People are entitled to their opinions.”
This wasn’t the first person in Blake’s life who was less than thrilled to see us together. Plenty of people hated me either because of my money, my parents or because of the pain I inflicted on Blake when I left. His friends wanted to protect him. I understood. It would take time to convince them my love was real and not fleeting. It would take acts of kindness and generosity to prove I wasn’t just another yuppie prick.
“People can be judgmental assholes.”
“Some,” I agreed. “I don’t care what anyone thinks of me.”
She studied me, pushed her chair back and stood. “I’m inclined to believe you love him, and that you’re not a bad person. Was it his idea or yours to reopen the Quarry?”
The town needed the Quarry. I wasn’t reopening it to improve my image. It was the right thing to do and a sound business decision.
“My grandfather bought that Quarry and brought us to Lakeside. It’s a legacy I want to see flourish for generations.”
She rounded the desk and wrapped her arms around me. “Thank you. Both of my brothers moved back because of you.”
The unexpected hug surprised me. “You are welcome.”
The door opened behind me. Kirstin let me go and smiled. Blake’s masculine scent reached me as the heat from his hand pressed against the small of my back. I peeked over my shoulder at my man. His eyebrows were furrowed with confusion.
“Everything okay in here?”
"Hi, Blake," Kirstin said with an awkward wave.
I placed my hand over his flat stomach. “It’s a perfect day. Are you ready for this?”
He nodded as Dr. Neil entered the waiting area and greeted us. We followed him into the examination room. Once seated on the paper covered table, I explained the reason for our visit. After answering questions, peeing and having blood drawn, we got the news we were hoping for. I was pregnant.
Everything after that moment seemed to move at warp speed. We returned to our cottage by the lake and dressed for the ceremony. I watched from the window as Blake’s family and our friends filled the yard. They sat in the white chairs, facing the lake and an arbor covered with wildflowers. The front row on my side was empty. My parents had ignored our invitation. Their absence was expected but still stung.
Mr. Kruz had offered to walk me down the aisle, but I declined. Part of me was holding out for my family to put me first for once. I’m not sure why I bothered, but I believed everyone deserved a second chance.
As I attached the delicate and vintage, sheer veil into my hair, I smiled. The three-way mirrors hid nothing. I hardly recognized the happy woman in the gown. Layers of white lace, gathered tulle, and pearls covered my torso and trailed behind with a modest train. The scalloped neckline was feminine and old-fashioned. I looked like a bride. The flush on my cheeks and butterflies in my gut were nervous anticipation. I had no cold feet or any second thoughts. I was ready to start this new chapter with Blak
e.
In a matter of minutes, I’d walk down the aisle alone towards my future. Once he took my hand, I wouldn’t be alone ever again. I’d be a part of something much bigger. As I turned to leave, the bedroom door opened.
My parents barged into the room muttering foul words. Once they spotted me, silence descended like a heavy fog. I removed my glasses and cleaned them. My mother and father were still there after I put them back on.
“Thank you for coming.” My voice was thick with emotion.
“Your soon-to-be-husband left us no choice,” my father said. “Besides, it’s my honor and privilege to walk my stunning daughter down the aisle.”
“Your father and I will both accompany you,” my mother added. “It is tradition in our family.”
My fiancé had answered a dream I hadn’t even dared to dream. He brought my family together. I didn’t care if they never did anything else for me, this would be enough. They weren’t perfect, but they were mine and I was glad to have them at the ceremony. I grabbed my bouquet of wildflowers and linked arms with my parents.
“I’m ready.”
When the music started, we marched across the lawn covered with flower petals. Blake stood under the arbor looking more handsome than ever. He opted for a white, button-down shirt and dark jeans. My man wasn’t a suit and tux guy, and I was glad he chose to be himself and not follow convention. As his blue eyes met mine, my heart galloped trying to reach him faster. I chewed my bottom lip, counting down the seconds until I could kiss him.
The men shook hands before Blake took mine. “You’re beautiful.”
“So are you,” I replied.
Forget waiting. I tossed the bouquet into the crowd, fisted his shirt in my free hand and yanked his upper body closer. Lifting onto the tip of my ballerina flats, I claimed his lips. Our guests laughed as I licked into his mouth. Blake kissed me back with hunger and passion.
Everything between that kiss and the next was a blur. Our vows were simple, sweet and honest. We promised to love, honor and protect as well as cherish, listen to and respect each other for the rest of our lives.
When we were pronounced husband and wife, our lips stayed locked all the way down the aisle and into the house.
“The guests can amuse themselves for a while,” Blake uttered as he locked our bedroom door. “Keep the dress on. I want to make love to you while you’re shrouded in pure white like an innocent maiden about to be corrupted.
“You claimed me a long time ago.” I lifted the bottom of my dress over my hips, revealing my panty-less lower body before sitting on the edge of the bed. “I like that we were each other’s first loves.”
“Only loves,” he corrected, dropping his pants and briefs to the floor. His erection waved as he slowly undid the top button of his shirt.
“True.” I licked my lips, enjoying the show. The seduction in his eyes made me wet. I crooked my index finger, beckoning him to join me on the bed. “I love you Blake Kruz.”
“I love you Gemma Kruz.” He shed every layer before coming for me. His massive hands gripped my ankles. “Spread those legs and let me taste my wife’s sweet pussy.”
My knees rested against the covers as I leaned back on my elbows. I watched with bated breath as his lips trailed along my thighs towards the apex. The scruff on his chin made me squirm. I fisted the sheets when he French-kissed my sex. Using nothing but his mouth, he rendered me boneless. The climax came fast and hard, rocking me. I moaned for more. And he gave me a lot more.
I released the bedspread, cupped his face and kissed my husband. His big body covered mine as his cock plunged deep into me. Our bodies worked together. We made love for the first time as a married couple.
“I’m going to cum so hard,” he panted and continued thrusting. “Take me and give me everything you’ve got.”
“Yesss,” I hissed as the orgasm took over.
My walls clenched, drawing his release. He grunted and swallowed my screams with a kiss. His muscles flexed under my fingers as the power of our love spread like a tidal wave, drenching us both in happiness. I now understood the true meaning of marital bliss.
First came love. Then marriage. Next a baby. Through it all, we’d be together; heart, body and soul. Forever.
Epilogue
Blake
Nine months later
Our son was born eight days late. We joked that he made us wait one day for each year we were apart. He was tiny and perfect like his mother. After several lengthy conversations, we named him Henry in honor of her grandfather. It was my suggestion. Without him, I never would have met Gemma and none of my dreams would have come true.
Every day was a blessing. I sniffed the air and winced. Some blessings had stronger odors than others. Only a few days old, our boy ate a diet of one hundred percent breastmilk, but you’d think he ate a dumpster full of garbage. I entered his room and gasped.
“Wow.” I lifted him from the bassinet, kissed his forehead and carried him over to the change table. The blackout blinds hid the sunrise, but a superman lamp in the corner provided plenty of light. “It’s too early for this smell. You stink, Henry.”
I set him down and waved a hand under my nose. For something so small, he packed a punch. The diaper failed to contain the mess. I gagged as I cleaned his butt and washed his back and neck.
“Let’s get you changed before your ma wakes from her nap.”
His blue eyes laughed at me as I disposed of the toxic waste. He giggled as I tickled his belly. His skin was so soft, and his laugh was damn sweet.
“Shhh.” I glanced over my shoulder at my wife and smiled.
Gemma had passed out while attached to the breast pump. Shirtless, she was slumped in the rocking chair with two electronic pumps hanging from her nipples. The machine hummed and sucked, drawing her milk into containers. So far, Henry refused all nipples except the real thing. He was just like me. No substitute would do.
By the time I finished cleaning and changing him, he’d fallen asleep. I cradled him against my chest, loving every second of being a father. Sure, the dirty parts sucked, but moments like this were priceless. I kissed his forehead and placed him in his bassinet. I tuned off the pump and Gemma squealed. Not loud enough to wake the baby, but she still covered her mouth.
“He just fell asleep,” I whispered.
She nodded and yawned, removing the suction cup from one swollen breast. I helped with the other and kissed her lips. She was still healing from childbirth, but I couldn’t wait to get her back in our bed. I couldn’t wait to make more babies. Motherhood looked fucking sexy on Gemma.
“Do you think he’ll take a bottle later?”
I shook my head. “Get some rest, my love. If he is anything like me, he won’t settle for anyone but you.”
She stretched her arms above her head. Her big tits teased me as they bounced. My cock pressed against my fly. I put the container of breastmilk on the dresser and adjusted my crotch.
“Did you get hard watching me pump?”
“I get hard whenever you are near me,” I growled.
“Even now? I figured the stretch marks and cracked nipples would—”
I dropped to my knees in front of her, grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Even when we’re old and wrinkled. I’ll always want you. My love for you grows stronger, not weaker.”
“You are the best. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Thanks for helping.”
“Don’t thank me,” I grunted. “It’s my job to take care of you and Henry.”
“We appreciate you.” She leaned forward and kissed me. A chaste kiss, but full of love. “Don’t put that supply in the fridge. Maybe he’ll take the bottle if it’s still warm.”
“Worth a shot, but don’t get your hopes up.” I stood, grabbed a blanket from the back of her chair and covered her body.
Her eyes focused on the bulge in my pants. “Tempting. If I wasn’t so tired, I’d suck your big cock until your eyes rolled b
ack in your head.” She yawned again. “When I’m not so exhausted, can you do me a favor?”
My eyes widened. She didn’t have to ask for favors. If she needed something, I’d bend the Earth to make it happen.
“Anything. Just tell me.”
“Well, it might be a while before we can have sex, but that doesn’t mean I can’t…”
“Have an orgasm,” I finished for her. “Babe, do you want to ride my face? Cause I’ll gladly lick your pussy anytime you want it.”
“Hmmmm. Sounds like heaven. Especially with that new daddy stubble you’ve got going on. But, first I need sleep. Then later, your tongue is going to be very busy,” she said, closing her eyes.
“Fuckkkk…” My cock demanded attention. “Sleep well.”
Walking bowlegged, I left the nursery. I was interrupted on the way to our room by my cousin. Owen was pacing my halls like a caged animal. As usual, his timing was horrible, but I could tell by the way he tugged on the ends of his hair that he wouldn’t easily be dismissed. Something was bothering him.
He stepped in front of me. “Blake, I need your advice.”
“Come again?”
“That’s what she said,” he joked.
I pushed his shoulder, and he stumbled backwards. Something was definitely off with my cousin. His reflexes were delayed. I eyed him suspiciously, wondering if he was drunk. His eyes weren’t bloodshot, and I couldn’t smell beer or scotch.
“Follow me.” I marched past him and entered the living room. The early summer sun brightened the room. “Spill it.”
“First, we need coffee.”
He left. I sat on the couch and closed my eyes. Several minutes later, he woke me. Having a newborn was tiring. He set my cup of steaming coffee on the table.
“I need to go to Vegas,” he blurted.
I didn’t see the dilemma. Too tired to fish for answers, I sat forward and motioned for him to go on. He gripped the solid wood mantel and rested his head between his outstretched arms.
Rough Spark: Big Flirt Series Book Two Page 11