Uncovered by Truth

by Rachael Duncan

  “Yeah,” she says with a small laugh. “Much better.” She comes in and has a look around, stopping at the sofa against the far wall.

  The silence stretches out between us and I can’t take it anymore. It’s either now or never. I’m just going to lay out all my cards and hope she picks them up.

  I walk over to the couch until I’m standing in front of her. “God, Elizabeth, I don’t even know where to begin. I’m so sorry that I lied to you. I regret that every day, but you have to understand that when I was sent in to do that job, I never imagined that I would meet the woman of my dreams. A woman that would occupy every waking thought and appear in all my dreams. I fell for you hard, and there was no way to put my feelings for you on hold while all the shit was sorted out. I miss you so goddamn much it hurts. I need you, sweetheart.”

  A lone tear rolls down her face. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss you too. I’ve been completely miserable. It’s just so hard. Every time I think about you I want to call you Alex. Then all the feelings of hurt and betrayal resurface.”

  “I know, and I’m so god damn sorry.”

  “I was constantly lied to by Cal, and I refuse to be in that situation again. Then I didn’t even hear the truth from you. I heard it from someone else right after I had just killed my husband. It was a lot to take in.”

  “I get it, trust me, I do. But can you honestly say that I’m anything like that monster you were married to?” She shakes her head. “You’re my better half, the one that makes me a good man. I wouldn’t hide things from you unless it was necessary. And when I’m undercover, it’s necessary. Everything else is all yours. I’m all yours.” Cupping her face in my hands, my thumb wipes away her tear. I rest my forehead against hers. “Say you’ll forgive me. Give us another chance, Elizabeth. I promise you won’t regret it.”

  “I don’t know. I’m having a hard time getting over the fact that you used me.” She shuts her eyes.

  “Please, look at me,” I say softly. When she does, I continue. “Think about it. If I was using you, would I still be chasing you?” She doesn’t answer me, just looks me over some more. “Please believe what I’m saying to you. Let me back in.” I pull away from her slightly and hold my breath waiting for her answer.

  She nods and chokes out, “Okay.” I can’t hold back another second. My lips crash against hers in a demanding kiss. As soon as our mouths connect, I feel at home again. I savor the sweet taste of her lips having gone too long without it. Our tongues dance together, eliciting a moan from me. Soon, our hands are all over one another, each just as frantic as the other. There’s no time for foreplay, we’ll do that later. I need to be inside her right now.

  Stripping off all of our clothes, I take a step back to admire her body. She moans in protest when our lips disconnect, but I have to look at her. Her chest rises and falls with her quickening breath as I map out every inch of her with my eyes. I run a finger over her collarbone, down her right breast, causing her nipple to harden, then down her flat stomach toward her center. Her heat hits me the closer I get and I can’t wait to feel her wrapped around me again. “Damn, sweetheart, every inch of you is perfection.” She bites her lip and that’s my undoing. I back her up until she’s up against the wall.

  Without missing a beat, I lift her up and her long legs wrap securely around my waist. “Hang on tight. This is going to be hard and fast.” Her arms wrap tighter around my neck as I position the head of my erection at her entrance. Entering her slowly, her eyes close and her head tilts back. I take advantage and place kisses up and down her neck. Once I’m buried deep inside her, I move a couple times in and out slowly. “You good?” I ask against her neck. It’s been a while and I don’t want to hurt her, but I’m hanging by a thread here.

  “Yes, harder,” she pants out. I quicken the pace, slamming into her over and over. The only sounds are of our breathing, moaning, and skin slapping together. “Oh, God, Bryce. I’m going to come!” she yells out. Hearing her use my name for the first time almost has me coming on the spot. It’s the hottest damn thing I’ve ever heard.

  “Do it. Come for me.” I push into her harder, sending her over the edge. Her nails dig into my shoulders as she screams out with her release. I slow down to allow her to ride out the final waves of her orgasm before I’m falling over the cliff with her. I push inside of her as deep as I can go before letting go. My head rests on her shoulder as I attempt to steady my accelerated breathing.

  “I love you, Bryce.” She says it so quietly, so vulnerably. Almost like it’s a confession. Either way, hearing those four words makes me feel like the luckiest bastard in the world.

  Pulling back, I look into her eyes. “I love you too, Elizabeth. Forever.”

  6 MONTHS LATER . . .

  LIFE DOESN’T GET much better than this. After reuniting with Elizabeth that first night, things moved pretty quickly between us. We got a place together close to my work in Virginia Beach. She started teaching and loves it, which makes me happy seeing her do something she’s passionate about. I will say that if my ninth grade English teacher looked like her, I’d have never missed a day of class. I’m sure she’s every horny teenager’s fantasy.

  And now I’m here. Standing at the end of a long aisle waiting for my bride to join me where we’ll say our vows and be united as one forever. Six months might not seem like a long time, but when you know, you know. I’d waited my whole life for her, and I couldn’t wait to make her Mrs. Daniels.

  We’re getting married in a small church in her home town. It’s a very small ceremony with only our immediate family present. There are no bridesmaids or groomsmen, just the two of us. I remember picking up a bunch of wedding magazines on my way home from work one day for her, thinking she’d want to start using them to plan.

  “I don’t need any of this,” she says as she pushes them away.

  “What do you mean?” My heart starts to accelerate afraid she’s getting cold feet.

  “I don’t want a grand wedding. I want something small and intimate. My entire life has been built on elaborate lies. I want this to be minimal, stripped down to the truth. Just you and me up there promising ourselves to each other in this life and the next.”

  How could I deny her? Looking around, that’s exactly what she got. Candles line the aisle in big glass jars and the ends of the pews are draped in white fabric swags. It’s understated and perfect, just like Elizabeth.

  The music starts, signaling that it’s almost time. I look at the doors, anxious to see her. Finally, they open slowly, and everything stops. Standing there waiting for me is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. She’s always beautiful, but right now she takes my breath away. This moment will forever be burned in my mind.

  With one hand holding her dad’s arm, a small bouquet of white flowers in the other, she makes her way toward me. I swear it takes her forever and I have to resist the urge to run down the aisle, scoop her up, and sprint back to the altar. When she’s finally in front of me, her dad gives her away, placing her hand in mine. Because that’s what she is now, all mine. Her smile stretches from ear to ear. She’s glowing and absolutely stunning in her strapless, lace gown that hugs every curve. A crystal belt wraps around her waist emphasizing how tiny she is. Her hair is swept up with a long veil trailing behind her. She looks like an angel.

  “I love you,” I whisper to her.

  “I love you, too,” she whispers back before turning her attention to the minister who begins the ceremony.

  I’m so fixated on her, grinning like an idiot, that I almost miss my cue. The minister clears his throat, catching my attention. “You wanted to say a few words?”

  “Oh, yeah, sorry. I got distracted by my girl.” Quiet laughter comes from our small audience. Holding both of her hands in mine, I say, “Elizabeth, from the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were something special. Ever since that day, I’ve fallen more and more in love with you. You bring out the best in me and I vow to do the same in return. I w
ill spend the rest of my days honoring, cherishing, and loving you, and when my time comes to an end, I will be patient and wait for you to join me in Heaven. I know a lifetime with you won’t be enough. I need eternity because you not only have my heart, but my soul. I love you, sweetheart. Forever.” I give her a wink as the tears stream down her face.

  She giggles a little as she dabs a tissue under her eyes. “You’re making me mess up my makeup.” She sniffles a little and I reach my hand out to wipe a tear she missed.

  “Elizabeth, you may say your vows now,” the minister says.

  “Okay,” she clears her throat before continuing. “Bryce, you came into my life at an unexpected moment, but it was perfect timing. You saved me from myself. You taught me what it was to love me for who I truly am, and I want you to know how important that is to me. To be able to love you unconditionally, I had to do the same for myself first, and you showed me the way. It may not have been an easy road, but I’m thankful every day that you chose me to be your life partner to grow old with. I, too, vow to honor, cherish, and love you.”

  Her words go straight to my heart and will forever hold a spot in it. I can’t even describe how she made me feel at this exact moment. I just know that I’ve never loved a woman more in my life and I can’t believe I got her to marry me.

  After we exchange rings, the minister says, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Bryce, you may kiss the bride.”

  “My wife,” I correct. With bright green eyes staring back at me, I wrap my arm around her waist, dip her, and plant a kiss on her that’s probably a little indecent for this church. The crowd hoots and hollers, and all too soon I’m pulling away. With her still leaning back, holding onto my biceps for support, I look down at her. “It’s legal, Mrs. Daniels. You’re mine forever now.”

  “I was yours long before today, Bryce.” I kiss her one more time before we walk hand in hand down the aisle as husband and wife.

  The rest of the wedding goes by in a blur. The reception was held in a huge barn. It was the one request I had. After a little nudging, she finally caved. Elizabeth had this vision where everything was done in white with warm lighting, and that’s what she got. Candles are everywhere and white fabric drapes from the rafters. It turned out really nice. Once toasts are made and dinner is served, it’s time to cut the cake. I’m nice and gently place the piece of cake in her mouth, careful not to mess up her makeup. She, on the other hand, isn’t as thoughtful and smears it all over my face. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you back.” Leaning into her ear, I say, “And you’ll have frosting in places only I’ll be able to clean up.” Her eyes widen in shock, but quickly darken with desire. My sweetheart has a kinky side to her. Nice to know.

  Next to the cake is a box. We walk over to it and I say, “You ready?” She nods her head. We release the string and it pops open just before three doves fly out. No one knows the significance of this but us. They symbolize us and our baby. Elizabeth never told anyone about the abortion. I didn’t see a reason for her to. It’s something we dealt with together, but it never leaves our minds, and today is no exception. We wanted to incorporate her in the ceremony somehow and thought this was the best way. Elizabeth’s eyes mist over and she smiles sadly at me. I know she’s thinking about what it would be like to have her here with us today, just like I am.

  Finally, the bouquet and garter are thrown and I can’t wait another minute to take Elizabeth to our honeymoon suite and make love to her for the first time as my wife. We casually make our way outside, and when we think no one is looking, make a break for the limo, laughing the whole way.

  “I have a small gift for you when we get to the room,” she says once the limo takes off.

  “I’ll bet you do,” I respond with a wag of my eyebrow.

  She scoffs and nudges me with her elbow. “You’re such a pervert.”

  I lean in and nibble on the exposed skin at her collarbone. “You’re stuck with this pervert, so get used to it.” She moans when I hit the spot behind her ear. “You looked beautiful today,” I say into her ear.

  “You didn’t look too bad yourself.”

  We spend the rest of the drive making out like a couple of love struck teenagers.

  Up in the room she seems anxious, nervous even. She’s twisting her hands together and biting on her lip. “What is it, sweetheart?”

  “Like I said before, I have a little something for you.” She reaches into her bag and pulls out a rectangular box with a ribbon tied around it.

  “You didn’t have to get me anything. You’re all I wanted,” I say as I take the box from her hands.

  “Well, there’s a no return policy on this one, so you’re just gonna have to deal.”

  I untie the ribbon and open the box. What I see nestled in some tissue paper has me at a loss for words. “You’re—we’re—when—” I can’t string a sentence together to save my life as I pick up the positive pregnancy test.

  She nods with tears in her eyes. “I’m pregnant.” Her words come out in a whisper, no doubt thinking about the last time.

  “Holy shit! I did it!” I shout in excitement, causing her to laugh. I scoop her up, hugging her while I twirl us both around. I look back down at the box and notice there’s two tests. “Why are there two? Wanted to make double sure?” I joke.

  “Not exactly.” She lifts up the tissue paper and I see an ultrasound picture. To be honest, I can’t tell what the hell I’m looking at, but that doesn’t lessen my happiness. “You see that small circle right there?” she asks as she points to a blob on the picture.

  “Yeah,” I draw out.

  “And you see this circle over here?” She points to a different blob this time and realization hits me like a bullet.

  “Twins?” I ask in disbelief.

  “Twins,” she replies.

  I stumble slightly, suddenly feeling lightheaded. Fucking hell. Twins! What am I going to do with twins?

  “You okay?” There’s laughter in her voice.

  “Oh, you think this is funny, huh? I’m good, just a little shocked. When did you find out?”

  “Last week. It’s been killing me keeping it from you, but I wanted to tell you in a special way.”

  I place my lips on hers and show her what I can’t express verbally. “How far along are you?” I ask when I pull away.

  “I’m six weeks now.”

  “How are you feeling? Have you been sick? Are the babies okay?” I start rambling off question after question, causing her to laugh again. I’m glad she finds me amusing tonight.

  “I’m fine,” she says through her giggles. “No major sickness and the babies look great.”

  I’m relieved to hear they’re doing well. “Twins,” I repeat, still trying to wrap my mind around it. Her only response is to laugh at me again. “Enough laughing, come over her so I can make love to my wife.” And she does.

  I was wrong earlier when I said life doesn’t get much better than this, because it did.

  A whole lot better.

  But I have a feeling I’ll be saying that quite often in the new chapter of my life, and I can’t wait.

  ELIZABETH

  10 YEARS LATER

  “LOOKS GOOD, SWEETHEART,” Bryce says from behind me, arms wrapping around my waist.

  “Thanks. I hope they like it,” I reply, looking down at the cake I had a local bakery decorate.

  “I wasn’t talking about the cake.” He kisses the exposed skin on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. To this day, I still get butterflies in my stomach when he touches me. I often wonder if that feeling will go away with time, but after ten years it hasn’t, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

  I huff in fake annoyance and nudge him in the ribs. “You’re such a pervert.”

  “Yeah, but you love my perverted ways,” he says into my ear, grinding his hips into me.

  “Down boy. Go get the kids and everyone else, and tell them the cake is ready.”

  “Oh come on, we
have time for a quickie. Everyone is outside; we have the house to ourselves . . .”

  “And all our family and friends. Not to mention a bunch of screaming kids in the backyard. Now shoo.” I wave him off and start putting candles on the cake.

  “You’re no fun,” he mutters. Glancing up at him, I see the biggest pout on his face. It makes me laugh.

  “Play your cards right, Mr. Daniels, and you can have me when the party’s over.” I bite my lip suggestively, earning me a low growl.

  “That’s it. The party is over. I’m sending everyone home.” He moves quickly to the door like he’s about to tell everyone to leave.

  “You will not, now go round everyone up so we can have some cake.”

  Today is the twins’ birthday party. I still can’t believe they’re nine years old. Everyone always tells you to cherish every moment because it goes by so fast, but I didn’t really understand what they meant until I had kids of my own. A few months after the wedding, we went to find out the gender of the babies. We didn’t care what we had, as long as they were healthy. When they told us we were having one boy and one girl, I was over the moon. I started crying instantly, the feeling so overwhelming. It was really happening. I was going to be a mother to two kids that would be adored and cherished by both parents.

  All of our family and friends are here today to help us celebrate. It’s a great feeling to have people surround us that love and support us. I had gone so long without it and didn’t realize how much I needed it. Bryce’s family is absolutely amazing. True to his word, they were very nice and welcomed me with open arms. I’ll never forget how nervous I was to meet them. My history with in-laws isn’t exactly stellar, but they made me feel right at home and the anxiety quickly washed away. I had expected them to judge me with everything in the news involving Cal’s death, but they didn’t. I was surprised by how quickly I became close to his parents, Christina and Walter, and his sister, Angela. Every day I feel blessed to be a part of their family.