We walked through the lobby heading to the third floor where Dustin was waiting, and I knew he was just seconds from seeing me and baby-to-be. I felt as if I were going to have a breakdown. These halls were so shockingly bright with awesome paintings, so I tried to focus on that for a while to calm my nerves.
She slid the key in the door, and let it fly open as the boys said hi to her after she walked in. I grabbed the door right before it bounced back to close from the spring hinges. I stood there in the doorway with a blank look on my face almost on the verge of crying. Dustin took one look at me and ran to me pushing me back out the door. He wrapped his arms around my waist as he pushed me back out in the hallway, and let the door behind us close. I was shocked by his reaction and just went with the flow. He touched my belly as I backed into the wall, and looked at me puzzled and lost. He then looked me in the eyes not saying a word as he sunk his lips to mine pressing hard.
“I’ve-missed-you-so-much-Riley.” He enunciated every word slowly as they rolled off his tongue.
I swear if he could have, he would have taken me right then, right there—big ass belly and all.
“Dustin, I’m sorry.”
He pushed his fingers to my lips and said, “Shh, don’t say anything.”
He went down to his knees, and pressed his head to my belly, and looked as though he were listening in on a conversation going on in my stomach. It was like a pure bonding moment. The funny part was, he didn’t have to ask if it was his. It was as if he knew. He just knew it had to be his. He was on his knees for what felt like twenty minutes. He even kissed my belly and spoke to it. It brought me to tears. I looked at his teary eyes, and I felt horrible for waiting so long to see him. What was I thinking holding him back from the one thing he was passionate about? He was so in love with Molly, and I should have known he would be with this baby, too. Finally, he got to his feet and he leveled with me, looked me in my eyes as he broke the silence, “I love you, Riley. I’m here now. Please, don’t shut me out. I know what my Mom did. She made you leave. I’m sorry. Please, just please be with me. I love you so much it practically hurts. I forgive you for leaving.”
I looked at him as tears rolled down my cheeks, “I’m so sorry, Dustin. I didn’t want to hurt you, but your mother made it very clear she wanted me to leave. She threatened me saying if I told you, she’d make sure I never had this baby.” I started to breathe heavily as if I were having a panic attack just thinking of the situation all over again.
“Stop, shh, its ok, baby. I’m here now. I’m going to take care of you, and this baby.”
“Your son.” I revealed.
The look in his eyes shot up to me with the biggest brightest little boy smile that spread across his handsome face. This was my moment in time where our love became tattered. What was he going to do now? We lived in separate states. I didn’t know what happened with his custody, and I didn’t know how he would take care of two kids in different places. I knew at this point, I couldn’t leave Gram again.
“I’m so happy boy or girl, I’m just glad you’re back in my life. I was nothing without you. I was miserable. I can’t wait for Molly to meet you.”
Dustin
Words can’t even express how happy I was to see Riley. Abby did it, she found her. We came all the way to Delaware to find her, and it was the best outcome I could have ever imagined. Well, it wasn’t over yet. We still had a lot to figure out, but I was happy to know that she was happy to see me, too. She didn’t even have to say it, because she showed me her love. She didn’t want to leave me. It was my evil mother. My evil mother had done this to me. Drove us apart for the last time. I would not accept this anymore. She lost every chance she had of seeing her grandchild. The only way that would ever work is if she learned to love Riley as I had. It seemed pretty impossible. I didn’t even know where to begin on how handle that, but I didn’t want to think about that right now. My main concern was Sabrina, and how I would break the news to her.
Riley led me through the doors to Gram’s house. Gram didn’t look the least surprised as to who I was. In fact, Riley didn’t even introduce me. Gram just walked up to me and hugged me and acted as if she already knew all about me. Actually, I knew she knew all about me because Riley had told her everything.
Then, hours later, I got the pleasure of meeting Lena. They all seemed to like me, and I tried my best to explain to them I didn’t give up on Riley. I’m sure they understood my situation, though.
I extended my trip out here for the rest of the week to spend more time with Riley, and helped her out. Abby and Evan went back because they had to get back to work. Riley and I had a lot of stuff to figure out if we were going to make this work. I was in heaven knowing I was having a son, and I was going to do everything in my power to raise him with her. I just had to figure out how to get Molly out here or Riley back there.
Riley walked into the living room where I was relaxing watching some TV. I let her sleep in because I knew her back was killing her last night. She was having it rough, I could tell, and I just wished I could have been here sooner for her.
“So can you get used to living out here?” She smiled at me.
“I want to be with you, Riley. I’ll do whatever it takes. I just have to figure out how to get Molly out here.”
“We’ll figure out a way.”
“How are you feeling, my love? Can I get you anything?”
“Olives sound amazing right now.” She laughed and looked at me with an innocent smile.
“I’ll get you your olives, but I also planned the day for you. I spoke with Granny, and she’s going to take you shopping for some clothes. You need some more, and Galena, I guess, is going to tag along. Could you do that for me? Get out and enjoy your day? Here is some money.” I handed her a check for three hundred dollars. I wanted to make sure she could get what she needed. I knew she was depending on her mother’s money, and whatever else she had saved from waiting tables. If taking care of her and my baby also meant financially, I was going to give it my all. I really did need time to wrack my brain, and make sure that I came up with a game plan. I needed to call Sabrina and talk with her. It was only my first step. We had to agree to something mutual.
“You’re so sweet. Thank you, babe.” She leaned down and kissed me. I tapped her ass, and told her get dressed and get on her way. She did just that.
After I kissed her goodbye and walked her outside to Granny’s car, I walked back into the guesthouse and dialed Sabrina.
“Yeah” She answered not so happy. Already not a good sign.
“We need to talk.”
“What about, Dustin? Haven’t you got enough?”
“I’m back with Riley, Sabrina.” I didn’t waste any time. It just had to be said.
“You’re what?” She shouted. “What now? Are you going to ask me to be ok with this when you already know my answer?”
“I’m not asking you to be ok with it, I’m telling you. She’s pregnant with our son, Sabrina. Things changed course. We need an alternate plan.”
I could hear Sabrina crying on the other line, but trying to hide it. “How could you do this to me? I thought you– we’d be together, Dustin. I poured my heart out to you.”
“I told you a long time ago that I couldn’t do this with you, Sabrina. We can’t be together. I love Riley.”
“She left you!” she screamed.
I could tell this was not going over well. She’s angry. Sabrina is never good when she’s angry. I decided to just let that information I hit her with sink in and to call her back later.
“I’m going to let you go, Sabrina. I’m not going to deal with your anger right now so please call me back when you can talk to me on a level of seriousness, and have an adult conversation.”
I ended the call before she could scream anymore. I focused on my goal at hand, and that was surprising Riley with something. I got her out of the house, so now I had to get this done. I shook off the conversation and moved on. I knew everythin
g would work out in the end because it always did. I was texting pictures to Abby all morning getting her approval on this gift for Riley. It had to be perfect, and it had to be something that was Riley’s taste.
Seth came by, and he rode with me to the store. He helped me get everything in the car and bring it back. When I first met this guy, I was completely intimidated, but I now I knew what a great friend he was to Riley. I knew I had nothing to worry about with him. Riley texted me that she wasn’t feeling well so she’d be heading home in an hour after everyone finished up at the store they were at. I just about had a heart attack, as it didn’t leave me much time to finish the gift.
Seth and I did double time getting everything upstairs into the bedroom as he helped me set up the new baby set I had bought for her. I bought her the crib she wanted with a matching mahogany rocking chair and a matching changing table. The crib will transform into a toddler bed, and then later into a twin size bed. I couldn’t be happier with the choice and I know she’ll love it because it was on her list of must haves. We worked super-fast putting everything together, and it really didn’t take too long. The thing that took the longest was the crib. Everything was self-explanatory, but we men had it handled. We placed everything around the room just in enough time before I heard the door open. Seth went down to greet her.
“Hey, baby girl!” Seth welcomed her in.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were here!”
“Oh, I just came by to say hi, and Dustin told me you were out, but coming home soon, so I decided to stay. How are you feeling?” Seth asked, more so stalling for time than trying to converse.
“I’m better. I just need to lie down. Where’s Dustin?” She looked around the room, and I quickly had everything where it needed to be.
I walked out of the bedroom and stepped right up to her with open arms. She willingly walked into them and hugged me tight. I took her hand, spun her around, and put my hand gently over her eyes.
“Walk.” I demanded.
“Seriously?” She laughed.
“Seriously.” I laughed with her.
“Seth, help me!” she shouted.
“You’re on your own, baby girl!” He raised his hands up as his way of saying he was staying out of it.
I helped guide her to the baby’s room. Once we reached the doorway, I let my hand fall from her face. Her almond shaped eyes opened up, and her mouth dropped open. She walked in and let her hand gently touch the mahogany wood with her fingertips as she slid around the room blissfully.
“You did this? You bought and set it up? How did you know I wanted this set?” She breathed freely as if she were on cloud nine.
“I convinced Abby to tell me, and she sent me the pics and where to buy it. I had to do this for you. I wanted to. I wanted to do something since I’ve missed so much. I should have come for you, Riley. I should have made things right a long time ago. I love you so much. You’re my life, and soon I hope you’ll let me make you my wife.” I got down on one knee and took a ring box from my pocket and opened it up right in front of her. Her hands went to her face to cover her mouth that spread open. The waterworks started flowing more than I think she could control.
“Will you marry me, Riley Miller?” I looked up at her as our tear stricken eyes burned into each other.
“Yes!” She cried and ran into my arms pushing her belly into me and hugging me tight. She balled her eyes out, and I just held her. She didn’t even look at the ring yet which I found amusing. It meant she loved me and wasn’t even focused on the material aspect of it. Our love had no end. This whole thing proved to me how strong my love for Riley was. I couldn’t be happier.
Our love blossomed into something I didn’t ever want to let go. It hurt enough for the last five months. I didn’t want to ever risk losing her again.
** CHAPTER 21 **
Riley
He slid the ring on my finger, and I almost let another round of tears out. It was beyond beautiful. I didn’t want to be cliché, but I knew it was perfect. A one carat round shaped diamond set with a beautiful antique looking band. It was what was most popular these days, and I loved it. The way it sparkled and shined it made my heart melt. This was happening right now. It was absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t wait to show Gram and Galena they’d be so thrilled.
“I wish Abby were here.”
“Well, she helped me pick it out. She knows your taste pretty well.”
“She what?” I got super excited and took my phone out right away to give her a call. I had to tell her what a good job she did and how excited I was. No matter what happens, we would figure it out. I just hope by some rare chance we could be close to Abby and Evan. They were our life too, and they’d be great godparents for our kids. Wow, I said our kids. I can’t believe not only would I have a son, but I would have a stepdaughter, as well. I knew I would love her as if she were my own. I would be that kind of stepmom, and I would make damn sure I loved them every second of their life. I would make sure they wouldn’t end up anything like my family. Well, my parents a, that is. Oh, how my mother would be so proud of me. She’d be so excited to tell everyone about my engagement, and how she was expecting a grandson, let alone a granddaughter all at the same time. I was sure she was looking down on me now and smiling at everything in my life. I even think she would have loved Dustin. In fact, I know she would. I wish we had more time together to solve our differences. Unfortunately, sometimes the decisions we make prevent us from ever doing that before it’s too late. We can never turn back the clock, but I knew now she was in a better place.
Dustin and I went to down to tell Gram and let her in on the good news. Dustin was a charmer, and he definitely found Granny’s heart and melted it away with his good nature. Galena was so excited for me and couldn’t wait to see us get married. Abby was a whole other story as she balled on the phone with me and wished she could be here. She was happy for us that she didn’t even know how to express it. She just made sure to mention that small detail that she’d love to be my maid of honor. I couldn’t help but laugh at the girl because that was just Abby. I loved her to pieces.
Dustin and I we’re spending the day together. He wanted to pamper me and make me feel like a beautiful pregnant woman. I don’t know how successful he was going be on convincing me, but I told him it was worth a shot. I just felt like a whale. Of course, I couldn’t complain while getting my manicure and pedicure done. I also got my hair trimmed, and he helped me pick out a gorgeous dress for the baby shower Galena was planning for me. Of course, once Abby found out about said baby shower, she was on it like hot cakes to help. After a morning out adventuring around town and getting myself dolled up, we finally arrived back home.
I danced around the kitchen trying to come up with things to make for dinner. Dustin sat at the island watching me. “You think you’ll move out here soon? So I can stop pretending this is a vacation?” I glided over to him and ran my hand along his muscular chest, then up to his perfect chin as I grabbed it looking him in the eyes.
“Baby, I am on vacation. I promise you I will make it work. I think it’d be nice to live here and help Gram out for a while. Molly would love her, for sure.” He grinned at me taking my hand in his and pulling me to his chest as his seductive eyes gleamed at me. “I want you, just like this, right now.”
I bit my lip, and then a huge smile overtook my face. “You know I kind of have a big belly that can make it difficult right here right now in this kitchen.” I giggled.
“Oh, I’m sure I can make it happen.” He leaned down and kissed me, hard, pushing his tongue in my mouth swiftly. He was about to claim me, and I wasn’t about to argue. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten any. I kissed him back with real passion. I missed his lips and his touch. They just drove me wild. I guess that’s another reason why I had this beautiful baby growing inside me.
The sensation of the kiss traveled over me in quick waves. If only he knew what he did to me. The feeling of his hands gliding all over my body as he d
eepened the kiss and scooped me up in his arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck and dived into the kiss as I tightened my legs around his waist. He placed me on the counter in front of him and slid in between my legs opening them wide. He trailed kisses down my jaw line to my neck and sucked on it for a while which sent shivers down my spine. He cupped one breast at a time as his kiss flew back to my lips claiming them powerfully. Once he showed me how turned on he was by placing my hand over his erection in his pants he bit down on my lip gently and sucked on it for a minute.
“You. Are. All. Mine.” He enunciated every word slowly in his sexy tone.
It’s a powerful feeling knowing you were marrying a man that turns you on and can make you wet with just a look or touch.
I whispered to him, “Forever mine.”
He smiled at me and then brought his lips to mine again. I felt his hand between my thighs, and it sent a rush of warmth to my lower belly. He stroked me gently through my panties, teasing me with the promise of more to come. I moaned in his ear and nibbled on his ear lobe, biting it with my teeth. I spread my legs wider and gave him the hint and the access to what I needed. Slipping his finger through the side of my panties, he pressed his thumb to my clit and slid his finger inside of me. Feeling the thrusting of his digits in my body sent a rush of pleasure shooting through me. It had been so long, and at this stage of my pregnancy, my hormones were off the chart. I took my hands and slid his shirt off exposing the tattoos that I have missed. His finger began to thrust faster and deeper, and I could feel my breath quickening in anticipation. I began to unbuckle his belt to his pants when his cell phone rang breaking our kiss.
A Tattered Love Page 23