The Game-Kirsten Backhard

by Shawnte Borris

  I brought the last box downstairs and started putting her knickknacks around the house. I was just about to place the last picture frame on the fireplace mantel when the front door opened. I turned and saw her standing there looking vulnerable. I just smiled and let out a breath. She stepped into the house and shut the door behind her. “That picture should go on the table by the stairs.” She smiled.

  I tossed the picture on the couch and walked over to her. I stood in front of her, not knowing what to do next.

  She raised on her tiptoes and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. “I guess we’re living together.”

  I couldn’t help it. I gave her the biggest smile. “I guess so.”

  “You do realize that my mom is going to have our wedding planned and the nursery furniture all picked out by tomorrow morning, right?”

  “Is that okay with you?” I asked.

  Kirsten took my hand and led me over to the couch. “Drew, I’m okay with moving in with you…” She started playing with the bottom of her T-shirt.

  I placed my hands on top of hers to stop her fidgeting. “Why are you so scared?”

  “What happens when—”

  “When, what?” I asked.

  “When you decide that I’m not good enough?”

  I could have been pushed over with a feather when she asked me that. I didn’t even know how to respond. “What are you…what do you mean?”

  “Drew, I have had three serious boyfriends in my life. The first boyfriend I had was when I was in high school, and I caught him playing around with a fellow cheerleader behind the bleachers after a football game. I was with the second one during my senior year of college. I thought we would get married one day, but then we had a pregnancy scare, and he couldn’t take off fast enough. And the last one…I was completely and madly in love with him, but then he decided to get shit-faced and forgot all about me. He went home with another woman, and even though nothing happened…”

  I tried cutting her off by pulling her onto my lap, but she kept going.

  “It just about killed me. I don’t think I could ever live through that kind of pain again.”

  I wiped the tears from under her eyes. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’ll never be able to show or tell you how sorry I truly am.”

  Kirsten smiled. “This house is a damn good way to start an apology.”

  I looked deep into her I eyes and I knew that she was staying and never leaving me again. I was embraced with a sense of peace that finally came over me and I hugged her with everything I had. “I love you.”

  I woke up with a smile on my face. There’s nothing better than this moment right now. The sun was shining through our bedroom window, and I had my girl in my arms. I kissed the top of her head and ran my fingers down the side of her body.

  She started to wiggle. “Stop that. It tickles.”

  “Sweetheart, there is nothing better than naked tickle fights in the morning.” I teased.

  I positioned my body on top of hers and pinned her arms above her head. I started kissing down her neck and her body. I could feel her struggling, trying to get out of my grip.

  I whispered, “No touching.”

  She left out a humph. “That’s not fair.”

  I smiled while sucking her nipple in my mouth and letting my hands go.

  “Drew, stop. My phone is ringing.”

  I heard her, but I didn’t stop. I just continued my way down her torso, kissing every inch of her beautiful body.

  “Drew…my phone.”

  My hands made their way to her hips and slowly sliding my fingers along her curve lines towards her luscious folds slowly making their way inside.

  “Drew!”

  I raised my head up. “Seriously?”

  Kirsten gave me an apologetic look. “It’s my office.”

  “Do you realize how long I’ve waited for you to be in my bed like this again?”

  She ran her fingers through my hair.

  “You know my tongue is the strongest muscle in my body, right?” I gave her a wicked smile. “I plan to put it to great use this morning.”

  She pulled on my hair. I mumbled in between her delicious-smelling folds. “Baby, you know when you do that, it only makes me harder.”

  “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

  I started lifting myself off her. Pouting, I rolled to my side. “Evil. You are just plain evil.”

  Kirsten got out of bed. She put on my T-shirt, walked over to her dresser, and grabbed a new pair of panties. God, I like her panties, but I love them more when they’re on the floor.

  “Guess that means I’m taking a cold shower, alone?”

  “I’ll be as quick as I can,” she said before walking down the stairs with her cell phone in hand.

  I took a longer shower than necessary just in case Kirsten finished her phone call early. I headed downstairs to start making her pancakes. As I was walking past the office door, I heard something that made me stop instantly.

  “Marc, I understand where you are coming from, but I don’t think Chicago should be my home base. I’m not thrilled or set on that idea. To be perfectly honest, I was hoping that I’d be doing more work out of Toronto by now.”

  I knew that I shouldn’t be listening, but I couldn’t help it. I leaned on the wall near the door, so she wouldn’t be able to see me.

  “You know damn well that you chose me to be a senior partner at the firm because I am fantastic at my job. How dare you question my faithfulness to the company.”

  It took all that I had not to march into the office and grab her phone away from her to tell her boss to go fuck himself. Anyone with damn eyes could see how she drained every ounce of her energy into her work.

  “I’m sorry you feel that way, Marc. I guess you have some decisions to make. Fair warning though, I do have another offer on the table to work for a different firm. If I feel that you are ripping me off in the slightest, I will gladly accept their offer.”

  I stood like a statue in the hallway. Could she leave? Where would she go? Why didn’t she tell anyone about the extra pressure she is under? I didn’t even hear Kirsten hang up her phone.

  She walked out of the office and stood in front of me. She cupped my face. “How much of that did you hear?”

  “Enough,” I exhaled out.

  She placed her hands on my chest. “Marc was just being a dick by trying to remind me that he’s my boss. He can’t fire me. He needs the other board members to approve it. I’m not going anywhere. If anything, I was hoping to work out of the Toronto office more…that is, if you can handle me at home more.”

  Kirsten was barely able to finish her sentence before I picked her up and started carrying her into the kitchen.

  “Where are we going?” she requested.

  “Baby, I’m making you the biggest stack of chocolate chip pancakes that you have ever seen.”

  Kirsten started sucking on and licking my neck.

  “On second thought…” I turned around and raced up the stairs. “I’m gonna finish what I started in the bedroom.”

  My beautiful girl let out a set of giggles as I tossed her onto the bed.

  Brad walked out of the spare bedroom, dressed in his tux.

  “Look at you. Ready to make Liz your wife?” I asked.

  “This day can’t end fast enough. I just wanna rip off her wedding dress to see what she is wearing underneath.”

  I let out a laugh. “I hear you, buddy.”

  “You all set with your plan?” asked Brad.

  “I am. I have Kirsten’s ring in my inner pocket.” I tapped my coat.

  “Just don’t mix it up with Liz’s.”

  “I won’t. Thanks again for letting me do this at your wedding.”

  “Liz and I talked about it, and with the way you planned it, we think it’s perfect.”

  “Let’s just hope Kirsten does to.” I started sweating.

  The front door opened, and Derek, Adam, and Steve walked in.

  “S
teve, have you seen Liz yet?” asked Brad.

  “Yeah, man. She looks spectacular. She’s gonna take your breath away.”

  “She doesn’t have to wear anything to take my breath away.”

  “Dude…sister,” Steve reminded Brad.

  “Yeah, sorry.” Brad laughed.

  “Who’s the Southern chick? She’s hot,” Adam said.

  “That’s Caroline. She’ll eat you alive, Adam,” stated Derek.

  “If that means her mouth is devouring my body, I don’t care how much she eats me.”

  I walked over to Derek. “Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?”

  “Sure. What’s up?”

  I looked around at the boys. “Let’s go outside.”

  Walking outside with Derek had me more nervous than asking Kirsten to marry me.

  “Tonight, I’m asking Kirsten to marry me.”

  “At the wedding?”

  “During the second song at the reception. Brad and I planned the whole thing. I picked a song that suits us. I’m gonna whisper it into her ear as we are dancing.”

  Derek shuffled nervously on his feet. “You sure, buddy? I mean, you don’t think you’re rushing it a little? You just got my sister back.”

  “I just want her to finally become my wife,” I said.

  “I understand, but—”

  I put my hand on Derek’s shoulder to stop him from talking.

  “All right, Drew. If this is what you want, all I ask is that you don’t embarrass her.”

  “I won’t. I just wanted you to know what was going on. I’m gonna let your dad know too.”

  Derek shook my hand. “Congratulation, man.”

  “Thanks. Did you see what Kirsten is wearing?”

  “Sure did.”

  “Well, are you going to tell me?” I asked, excited.

  “Nope.” Derek laughed as he walked back into the house.

  “Okay, girls, line up against the trees. We’ll take a few pictures there before we head to the church,” Logan said.

  It took all that I had not to peek through the fence, like a Peeping Tom. I was going to try to get a look at Kirsten, but I decided not to. I wanted to see her for the first time when she walked down the aisle.

  I walked into the house and hollered before I locked the patio doors. “Time to go, boys. The girls are just finishing a few pictures, and then they are headed to the church.”

  “Is Liz outside?” asked Brad.

  “Yes, but you’re not looking,” I told him.

  “Come on, man. Just one quick look,” Brad pleaded.

  I pushed Brad out of the house. “Believe me, buddy, it will be worth the wait.”

  When we arrived at the church, Brad and I welcomed people as they entered. I looked over to my best friend, he had a permanent smile on his face. I couldn’t wait to have that same feeling of being complete.

  “What are you looking at, son?” my dad asked from behind me.

  “Brad. He looks… whole.”

  “It won’t be long, son. You’ll have your turn.”

  I looked at my dad and smiled. “You’re right. It won’t be.” I patted my pocket.

  “Son, are you thinking of marriage? As in, you’re going to ask Kirsten to marry you?”

  “I am,” I stated proudly.

  “You just got her back and moved in. You think it’s a good idea to ask her so soon?”

  “Dad, she should already be my wife.”

  “Oh, look at you, son. You look so handsome,” my mom gushed.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  My parents held each other’s hands as they walked into the church. They had a wonderful marriage. They worked hard at keeping it great. Even when times were tough, they never gave up on each other. They fought for what they believed in.

  “All right, gentlemen. You should head inside. The girls are just about to arrive,” requested the priest.

  We were waiting in this small room.

  Brad cried, “This is taking forever.”

  “Here, have some gum,” said Steve.

  “Why?” Brad asked.

  “You don’t want bad breath, do you?”

  “I guess not,” Brad mumbled before popping gum into his mouth.

  “Can I get a stick, too?” I asked.

  While we were waiting, the five of us groomsmen sat there and popped bubbles, trying to see who had the biggest one.

  I looked at my watch. “It’s almost time.”

  The door opened, and Mic walked in. “I just wanted to stop in and tell you boys all something. Always kiss your wife like you mean it. Never go to bed without telling her how beautiful she looked that day. Always tell her how much you love and appreciate her. Make her laugh often. When she talks to you, make eye contact with her. Marriage is hard, boys. It’s tough work, but it is also very rewarding. But if I ever find out that you hurt any one of your girls…” Mic looked right at Brad and me. “I will personally come and kick your ass. Now, let’s get married.”

  Standing in front of all these people was a little more nerve-racking than I’d thought it would be. I leaned in toward Brad. “I didn’t think you guys knew this many people.”

  “Neither did I. I wish I had suggested a tropical wedding. I could have her sprawled out and naked in the sand by now.”

  “Ahem…boys.” The priest looked at us.

  “Sorry, Father,” we both mumbled.

  “Dude, you need to spit out your gum,” whispered Steve.

  “Where should I put it?” Brad panicked.

  “Don’t look at me, man,” I said.

  “I’m not taking it.” Derek laughed. “Swallow it.”

  “Fuck, you guys are babies.” Adam held out his hand. “Give it to me.”

  Brad gave Adam his gum and he put it in his pocket. We heard little snickers from people in the front row.

  When the music started, the five of us stood tall. I patted Brad on the shoulder and said that he was one lucky son of a bitch.

  He smiled back at me. “Just remember that I want to return the favor and stand in as your best man.”

  I smiled as the girls started coming down the aisle. Caroline, Lanie and Katie were each wearing teal dresses accented in orange. The flowers they were holding were cream, and they each looked beautiful. As they came towards the front, I was starting to get impatient, waiting to see what Kirsten looked like. I started bouncing a bit.

  Brad leaned over. “Calm down.”

  I stopped. “Sorry.”

  Brad chuckled.

  The music changed when Kirsten came around the corner. The sight of her took my breath away. She was wearing a strapless orange gown that went to her knees. Her waist was trimmed in teal, and her flowers were also cream. Her shoes matched the other bridesmaids’, but they made Kirsten’s legs look like they were a mile long.

  “Breathe,” Derek said.

  I shook my head and swallowed. “She looks… amazing .”

  During the ceremony, I didn’t hear anything, and I didn’t care. All I saw was Kirsten. She looked at me often and smiled.

  When the church broke out in cheers, it took me out of my day dream. Derek gave me a slight shove to get me moving, and Kirsten let out a tiny giggle while holding out her hand, waiting for me.

  I grabbed her hand and slid it through my arm. “You are absolutely breathtaking.”

  She smiled and leaned in toward me. “Thank you.”

  I kissed the side of her head. “I love you.”

  Once we made it to the back entrance of the church, Kirsten let go of my arm and went straight toward Liz.

  “Mrs. Edison, you look radiant.”

  I smiled and walked over to Brad. “Congratulations, buddy. You officially have the dream that I envy.”

  “Your turn is soon enough,” he replied.

  When all the other attendants were at the back of the church, Logan gave us directions on where we should stand. “Liz, stand in front of Brad. Brad, put one arm around her waist and with the other ho
ld her hand. Kirsten, stand in front of Drew.”

  During pictures I laced my fingers with Kirsten’s that were hidden with her bouquet, and we held our other hands together.

  “Okay, smile,” Logan said.

  Once all the guests said their congratulations to Brad and Liz, we headed to a park just outside of town to take some outside pictures.

  “These pictures are taking for-fucking-ever. I just want to take off this monkey suit and have a beer,” moaned Adam.

  “Shut it, dickwad. You will not wreck Liz’s day by whining,” Caroline harshly noted.

  Everyone started laughing.

  “All right, everyone, that is a wrap,” Logan said while walking over to Steve.

  “Adam, go to the car and grab the champagne flutes and the cooler.” Caroline called.

  “Logan, thank you for taking our pictures,” said Liz.

  “And for the lingerie shots.” Brad smirked.

  “It was my absolute pleasure.” Logan beamed with one arm wrapped around Steve.

  Adam started handing out drinks while Caroline raised her glass, “Y’all, I’d like to propose a toast.”

  “I don’t do mushy speeches, and y’all both know I love you.” She handed her flute to Adam before she dug into her purse. “I’m still pissed that neither of you chose to have one last shindig, so for your wedding gift, I decided I’m flying us all to Mexico for seven days in November.”

  Everyone started hooting and hollering. While Caroline smiled and re-applied her lip gloss as if she said something that wasn’t a big deal.

  “Oh my god! Really, Caroline?” Liz screeched as tears flowed down her face.

  Adam started taking off his suit jacket, “You mean, I wore this monkey suit for nothing? They could have just gotten married in Mexico?” Adam asked, disgusted.

  Caroline thumped Adam on his back. “Shut up, you jackass.”

  “God, I love it when you talk dirty to me, Caroline,” sang Adam.