Second Chances: Pleasant Grove Series Book 2

by Lee, Tara

  * * *

  Oh, she was pissed at me for a while when she discovered the empty room. And she let me know it too. But once she calmed down and realized I did it in her best interests, she didn’t hate me as much. I hated doing it. But I wanted her to heal and having a nursery set up for a baby that wasn’t coming home made no sense. It was causing more grief than good. I was okay with her hating me for a while if it helped her in the long run. Maybe one day we could set it up again.

  I love the time we spend together, even if it’s just a small amount at this point.

  Months ago, Charli brought up our wedding that didn’t happen. She had told me she wanted to sell the dress she’d picked out. At first, I wasn’t so sure. It made my heart panic. Did that mean she didn’t want to get married anymore? But when she told me it holds too many bad memories for her, I agreed she should sell it. And I told her when the time was right, she could just get as different dress. She shrugged, and I felt like I was losing her.

  She hasn’t brought up our wedding or rescheduling it again. But I want to make Charli my wife. I need my ring on her finger. Maybe it’s the caveman in me, but I want to make her fully mine.

  Plus, I want her to have something to look forward too. Focus on as well.

  I’m going to talk to her about our future after we finish watching the movie tonight. Movie night has become a good way for the two of us to connect and unwind. She’s tucked underneath my arm as a comedy plays in the background. I’m not really paying attention. I’m more focused on how to bring up the wedding. Charli doesn’t seem to be paying attention either. She’s playing with my fingers.

  “So, I was thinking… um… maybe we should look into adoption,” she mumbles in a rush.

  I’m completely caught off guard. Is she serious?

  “OK. I mean, … uh… we’ve never talked about it before,” I stutter.

  “I know. I just want us to consider all possible options for starting a family,” her voice trembles as she explains herself.

  “Of course, baby. We can definitely look into the necessary steps.” I’m not going to deny her anything.

  “OK,” she says with a sigh of relief, like bringing it up is a load off her chest. “We just don’t know for sure if I can even carry another baby. And I’m scared. What if something went wrong again? So, that’s why I think we should think about it.”

  “That’s fine with me, baby. I want a family with you. How that happens matters less than that it is with you,” I reassure her.

  I press a kiss to the top of her head, and we finish watching the movie. I’ll talk to her about wedding stuff another time. One serious topic every so often is about the extent of where we push things right now.

  * * *

  The next day, I’m waiting at home for Charli. I’m going to talk to her about us setting a date. It’s time. She’s actually out with the girls at the moment, has been all day. She hasn’t gone out with them in months. It’s late afternoon by the time Charli walks in the door.

  She’s grinning from ear to ear, which I love seeing.

  “Did you have a great day with the girls?” I ask, kissing her cheek.

  “I did. It was fun. I’ve missed them,” she says, wrapping her hands around my neck. We stand there staring at each other for what feels like forever before she pushes up on her toes and takes my lips in hers. Our tongues are frantic. My fingers grip her hips, eager to have her close to me.

  She breaks free, catching her breath. Her gaze moves down to where my very hard cock is now pitching a tent in my pants.

  She pulls my hand down. Her fingers cup my cheeks as her lips brush mine again. That’s all it takes for me to lift her in my arms. She winds her legs around me as I make my way to the stairs. My cock is throbbing, aching to be inside her.

  Her hips move, making me groan.

  In record speed, we’re in our room. She yanks my shirt over my head, tossing it to the floor. I lift her top off and drop it on top of mine. Her bra is next. She moans as I draw a hard nipple between my lips. The feel of her in my mouth is like a million fireworks being set off at once. Her hands grip my hair as she grinds her hips against my erection. Rocking ever so softly, she makes us both groan in pleasure.

  “Fuck, baby,” I say as I cup her ass, bringing her even closer to my thick growth.

  When I set her on her feet, she wastes no time tugging her leggings and panties down. Once she steps out of them, she drags my zipper down, helping me out of my jeans. My cock springs free as she slides down my boxers. Her hand goes around me, making me hiss. The veins sticking out look angry. She eyes my shaft, licking her lips, making me twitch in her hand. Fuck, I need her right now I’m fucking desperate.

  She pushes me down on the mattress. Straddling me, her lips glide over me as she rubs herself over my cock. Fucking hell. I’ve died and gone to heaven. My cock is throbbing so much it hurts.

  She lifts her hips, placing her pussy over me. She guides me in with her hand, and once I’m fully inside her we both moan out loud at the sensations.

  My hands grab her hips as she starts to rock her hips, riding me.

  “Fuck baby,” I rasp.

  “Eli, oh God,” Charli moans.

  Her tits bounce as she moves on my cock.

  I help her by holding her hips and thrusting up with mine. The connection is intense. Before long, Charli lets go. Her orgasm tears through her. She grips my arms for support as she rides out her climax. I follow her with a strangled cry, filling her to the hilt with everything I’ve got. She collapses on top of me, my cock still inside her.

  We’re both breathing heavy, trying to collect air.

  “That was…” she pants.

  “Fucking incredible,” I finish.

  She smiles against my chest.

  My hands play with her hair, relishing in the closeness we share.

  She lifts her head, her chin resting on my chest.

  “Can we do that again?”

  I chuckle.

  “My girl still horny?” I say, taking her lips in mine for a scorching kiss.

  She nods and bites her bottom lip. That's all it takes for me to flip her over and make slow, tender love to her, taking us both to another high.

  * * *

  “So, how are you guys really?” Jensen asks me as he sips his beer.

  We’re at the Grove Bar having some beers. I smile. Charli and I are a lot better. There have been some tough days, really tough days. Charli and I went to the cemetery last week and sat in front of Harley’s grave. We both cried while I held her. It’s strange because while we were there, I felt something. I’m not sure what it was, and I was probably being paranoid. But it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. As if Harley was telling us to let go. I’m not bringing it up with Jensen though. He’ll think I’m nuts.

  “Yeah, we're getting there. Charli still has her bad days. She cries a lot, and I try to be strong for her. And some days, it gets to me too, you know?”

  He nods, taking in what I’m saying.

  “You guys would’ve been amazing parents.”

  “Thanks, bro. It’s still an option. It’ll just take some time to get back there. But sometimes I can see Charli’s mind ticking, like she’s overthinking things.”

  “She’ll be okay. It’ll take some getting used to. You never expect pregnancy loss to happen to you until it does. And when it does, I imagine it shakes up everything you feel and believe. All her life she’s always wanted a family. You guys will have that one day,” he says.

  “Yeah.”

  “So, have you guys talked about setting a date?”

  I smile. We have. After making love, we talked about it. Charli is as ready to be married as I am. Losing our son may have put it on hold, but we both want this. Tiffany, I mean Dr. Green our therapist, is right. We need to move forward and continue our lives.

  “So, how are you handling all the adopted stuff?” I ask Jensen. I haven’t had time to worry about it since Charli found out
the truth.

  He twists his lips up like he’s thinking.

  “To be honest, I’m not sure. I mean nothing will change. Charli is my sister. But some things kinda make sense now.”

  “What does?”

  “Somedays I felt like I didn’t belong or felt like a part of me was missing. Maybe that's what it was. Maybe it's me who’s adopted.”

  They still don’t know which one is.

  “Has Charli said any more about it?” he asks.

  I shrug. “Not really. At least she hasn’t mentioned it to me.”

  He nods. I know he’s dying to know the truth, but he’d never say that out loud.

  My phone beeps with a text. It’s Charli.

  I’m waiting for you.

  Along with a picture of her in barely-there lingerie.

  “Gotta go, bro,” I tell Jensen, downing the rest of my beer.

  He looks at me puzzled as I walk off.

  “Dude, what the hell?” he says, chuckling.

  “Something important just came up, bro. Talk later,” I call over my shoulder.

  He shakes his head as I exit the bar.

  No way am I passing this up—Charli in lingerie begging and waiting for me. I’d have to be insane to keep her waiting, especially for just a beer with her brother.

  The car ride home seems to take forever once I’m actually on the road. Finally, I'm pulling into our driveway eager to see what awaits me upstairs.

  I unlock the door.

  “Charli? Baby,” I call out

  “Come find me,” she shouts.

  I run, taking two stairs at a time. Out of breath, I throw open our bedroom door to Charli spread eagle, touching herself while. Jesus Christ.

  My dick is automatically hard.

  “Baby,” I say, breathlessly.

  She moans as she slips a finger inside.

  “Come touch me, Eli,” she pants.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I say, removing my clothes in double time.

  She giggles as I jump on the bed towards her. When I lie between her legs, I can see how wet she is. I slip my tongue out, licking from the bottom to the top of her slit.

  Her back arches off the bed as she lets out a breath.

  My finger slides back and forth, teasing her.

  “Eli, please,” she begs.

  I smile then suck her clit between my lips, causing her to scream out as she grips the sheets under her.

  Her body convulses as she tries to control herself. Her legs are shaking as I hold them apart, tasting her.

  She tastes amazing. Fucking perfection.

  I slip two fingers inside as my tongue continues to devour her, sucking up all her wetness.

  Her body moves rapidly as I coax the orgasm out of her.

  I start pumping my fingers faster, slipping in a third as I do.

  Charli moans my name as her hands grip my hair.

  I don’t let up. I need her to come on my tongue. I'm hungry for it. I'm like a starved man begging for his last meal.

  “Oh, god, Eli. I'm going to—”

  Charli cries out, screaming my name as her climax roars through her. Her hands grip my hair, tugging ever so lightly, sending my cock into a spasm. I lick her one final time, then sit up, pushing inside her with one hard trust.

  She grabs my arms for support as I slam in and out, taking what’s mine. I grunt as my orgasm nears. I throw my head back lost in the moment. My hands clutch her thighs. I know I’m leaving finger marks on her. But I can’t think about it right now. Her hips meet mine thrust for thrust as I explode, filling her. She lets go one more time, coming with me. Both of us are spent, our orgasms draining us.

  I kiss her until we're breathless. She lies on my chest, catching her breath.

  Before I know it, my eyes are heavy, and I’m drifting off to sleep.

  Tonight has been amazing. One of the best nights we’ve had in forever. We’re getting back to us. I’m definitely not going to complain about all the sex now that we’re reconnecting, a lot. Even though I’m sure I’m going to need a new cock soon, because if Charli keeps this up, she’s going to break mine.

  14

  Charli

  WEEKS LATER…

  I’M PLANNING OUR WEDDING for the second time—nothing too big. I just want our friends there to witness it. I’m ready to be Eli’s wife. We’ve put this off long enough. Planning the ceremony is giving me something else to think about besides all that we lost and all that remains uncertain. Eli and I is the only thing I’m certain of.

  We’ve been looking into adoption, but it isn’t going so well. It’s a long wait, and I don’t know if we’ll ever get approved. It hurts that the door to motherhood may be closed to me. Adoption seems like a long shot, and I’m not sure if I want to risk trying to carry another baby. What if the worst happened again?

  I just want to be a mom. I wanted to be able to care for and love a child as much as my parents loved me. I had the best childhood up until my parents were taken from me. I know Jensen is having a hard time dealing with the whole idea that one of us might be adopted. But I don’t care. Jensen is my brother, and nothing can take that away from me. No hospital test saying we’re not related. Not a damn thing.

  I should go visit my brother. Eli is at work. Last night he mentioned Jensen has been a little down lately.

  I pack everything up and grab my purse and keys, then head to my car for the drive to the hospital.

  When I walk in, I smile at Katie manning the front desk. Being Jensen’s sister, everyone here knows me. I make my way up to his floor. He might be busy, but maybe I can persuade him to take a break.

  Cameron, the doctor who took care of me when I was here and Jensen’s boss, is standing at the reception desk when I get off the elevator.

  “Hey Charlotte. How are you doing?” he asks, handing a file to the nurse.

  “I’m good. Just came by to see my brother. I thought maybe he could use a break.”

  He gives me a warm smile. Cam has practically taken Jensen under his wing ever since Jensen first started as an intern. He’s determined to see my brother succeed. The road has been long and hard, but Jensen is determined to become a doctor.

  “Follow me. I’ll take you to him.”

  We stroll down the hall in silence. When we make it to Cam’s office, he pushes it open. Jensen is behind his desk going through files.

  “Man, I’m fucked. I can’t find that file. Shit I’m screwed,” Jensen says to Cam, not noticing me.

  Cam clears his throat. “You have a visitor.” Jensen whips his head up and grins when he sees me.

  “Hey, Charli. You okay? “

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thought you would like to grab some lunch, have a chat.”

  “Shit, I’d love to, but I lost a patient’s file. If I don’t find it soon, I’m in hot water.”

  “Go, have lunch. It’ll turn up, Jens. Don’t panic,” Cam tells him, ushering him out of his seat.

  Jensen lets out a long sigh. “Okay, we can have some lunch. Cafeteria food okay with you?”

  I nod because I know he doesn’t have time to go somewhere and get lunch. He’s busy and will only get busier.

  We make our way to the cafeteria and grab some lunch. When we find a table, we sit down with our trays Jensen smirks at me as he opens his soda.

  “So, why the visit?”

  “Can’t I come to say hi to my big brother?” I tease him.

  He chuckles and shakes his head. “Yeah you can. But you hardly come to visit me at work.”

  “Fine,” I say, getting to the point of my visit. “Will you walk me down the aisle?”

  He grins, making me do so as well.

  “Of course. You know I’ll do that. Just tell me when and where, and I’m there.”

  “Once I know, I’ll let you know. But don’t tell Eli just yet.” His puzzled look makes me giggle.

  “I want to surprise him. We’ve talked about getting married but haven’t set a date yet.”

  �
�Oh right. Ok cool. My lips are sealed,” he promises, locking them with an imaginary key.

  “So, how are you doing?” I ask, biting into my sandwich.

  “Okay, I guess. I just want to know, you know? It's driving me crazy. I feel like there’s this missing puzzle piece, and I’ll never find it.”

  “Life is a big mystery sometimes, Jensen. The only way we can find the things we’re looking for is to search for them. “

  He grins at me. “How did you get so insightful all of a sudden?”

  I shrug. “It’s one of my many talents. Have you looked through mom and dad’s old things? Even nana’s?”

  He sighs. “Not yet. I want answers, but I’m scared I’ll find the wrong ones.”

  “Do you want help? We could look together?”

  “Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.”

  I smile at him. He looks so stressed out. I bet he hasn’t slept much since he found out. He’s a worrier. Always has been. And with everything that went on with me, he’s probably stressed more.

  * * *

  Later, I head over to Jensen’s apartment. He has the old boxes with our parents’ stuff in his closet. We’ve never gone through them. We weren’t ready before. But now is the time to see what’s in them.

  He pulls the boxes down, placing one on my lap.

  He swallows hard. His Adam's apple pokes out

  “Are you ready?” I ask, looking over at him

  He breathes out a deep breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  We both lift the lids the same time. My box contains a lot of family photos and cards. I even find some of the pictures we drew as kids. I smile at my attempt to draw what looks like a horse. I show Jensen, and he chuckles.

  “You weren’t the best artist.”

  I shake my head. He’s right. I was terrible, still am.

  “What’s in yours?”

  “Photos, postcards, and this.” He holds up a letter. It has his name on it.

  "Are you going to open it?” I ask, curious as to what it might say.

  He shakes his head. “I can’t. Not yet.” He shoves the letter back in the box and takes my box from me. Then he places them both back in the cupboard.