Regretfully

by Leighton Riley

  “Hey, girls! I heard you might need some help finding the perfect wedding dress? I’m Rebecca.” She held her hand out for Payton to shake.

  “Nice to meet you. I need the ‘holy shit is she having triplets?’ dress please,” Payton replied as she shook Rebecca’s hand.

  “How close are you to delivering and when is the wedding?” Rebecca inquired curiously. Her approach might have been a little off.

  “Ugh!! See, Cami! I told you I’m going to be a fucking blimp! I’ll have a watermelon belly by the time my wedding day comes around. Can I please tell your brother that we have to wait until after? I promise I’ll lose the weight quick.” She gave me the puppy dog eyes, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “We are so painting your belly like a watermelon before you have my niece or nephew. And I think what Rebecca meant to say was how soon is the wedding so they know what adjustments to make,” I responded, hoping to save my new friend’s ass from the temperamental Payton.

  “Yes, I didn’t mean for that to come out wrong. I’ve worked with many bride-to-be’s who were well into their pregnancy and found dresses that looked gorgeous on them. I picked out a few if you’d like to take a look,” Rebecca suggested nervously.

  I had met her at the park while Jagger was playing. She had a two-year-old little girl who kept following Jagger, and she had come over to apologize. I let her know he probably loved the attention, and they were instant playmates. We bonded over our experiences with motherhood and when she told me about her job, I thought it’d be nice to have her help with Payton.

  Following her to the back, I caught Payton looking into one of the full-length mirrors, examining her new curves. She wasn’t stick skinny, but her thin body and protruding mid-section made her look like she was further along than she really was.

  Being alongside Payton for the last few months, I had been missing the feeling of being pregnant. I also felt guilty that Tristen wasn’t able to experience all the triumphs and troubles that came along with it. I hoped one day in the near future, I’d be able to give him that gift.

  “The first one I pulled has a scoop neck, empire waist, and elegant lace throughout. It should complement your assets while camouflaging other areas. Would you like me to assist you with trying it on?” Rebecca politely suggested.

  “Cami’s already seen the goods a few times today; I’m sure she won’t mind a few more glimpses. Thank you, though.” Payton tossed her flip flops in the corner of the room and watched as Rebecca left the room. Peeling off her t-shirt, she threw it on the chair, followed by her yoga pants and bra. For being so self-conscious with how much weight she’d gained, she wasn’t at all uneasy with stripping in front of me.

  In a weird way, I liked it.

  She was at ease with me, and I felt like I’d truly built a solid friendship with her. Besides a few moms I had met while out with Jagger, I hadn’t had any quality girl time. I did briefly consider that Payton knew this, and it being part of her reasoning in bringing me along, but quickly dismissed the thought. Regardless of how we got to this point, I couldn’t help but feel joyous at how close we’d gotten.

  I held the dress open for her to step into and the moment it was in place, I knew it was the one. It highlighted her toned arms and voluptuous chest in a classic way. The dress flowed flawlessly over her mid-section without making it prominent.

  This was the dress for her. I knew it.

  Looking at our reflections, I smiled when I saw her tears. “This is what you’ve been looking for, isn’t it?”

  All she could do was nod. “It looks stunning on you, and you are going to make the most beautiful bride, Payton. Come here.” I brought her in for a hug and laughed at her loss for words.

  “I’ll be right back. I’m going to bring Rebecca in to get your measurements and then we’ll be ready to go. You sure you don’t want to try the others on?” I stood outside the door, making sure she was set in her decision.

  “It’s the one. I can feel it. I don’t think about how ginormous I’ll be when I’m in this dress, I only think about how Ryder is going to look at me when he sees me.”

  Leaving her to fawn over herself in the mirror, I nodded my head in appreciation when I caught Rebecca’s attention. “You are wonderful. First one and she’s done. Thank you so much for taking the time to work us in.”

  We walked back in unison, and I felt like I was finally in a spot in my life that I could handle having new friends without worrying about their intentions. Rebecca was as genuine as could be, and I hoped we would only grow closer as time went on. “I’d do anything for a friend. I’m glad we were able to find something she feels beautiful in. Shall we go see the future bride and see if she needs any adjustments?”

  As soon as we opened the curtain, I knew something was wrong. Payton was slouched in the chair, holding her phone and staring into space.

  “What’s the matter, honey?” I bent down to her level.

  “Chloe. She saw me with you and feels betrayed. I was worried this would open up wounds for her. I mean, she saw Grayson as being her husband one day and now she is alone. I thought I’d spare her the pain of watching me try on a bajillion dresses when it really should be her. I guess I thought wrong.” Payton looked up and defeat was written all over her face.

  I’d met Chloe once when we all went to lunch and Payton filled me in on how Grayson and Chloe used to date, but when Grayson went psycho crazy on Payton, they obviously ended things. It’d been a few months, but Chloe was still sensitive to the subject, and I could see why Payton thought it’d be better to include her in other things, just not wedding dress shopping.

  “I understand both sides. Maybe you can invite both of us over for a girls’ night one night. We can focus on all the positive things in our life, and you can kick Ryder out of the house for a few hours. He won’t mind hanging over at our place.” I offered up the suggestion, hoping she would see how easily the problem could be mended.

  “You’re right. I need to spend more time with her anyways. It’s been hard splitting my time with everyone lately. Thank you, Cami.” Payton sent Chloe a quick text and stood to have Rebecca take note of the few alterations the dress needed.

  Baby Momma was in need of some TLC, and I wasn’t going to disappoint.

  “Cami, you need to come home,” I told her as soon as she picked up the phone. She’d been spending the day with Payton, but after the text I just received, I needed her by my side.

  “We just pulled up to get a smoothie. Can you wait a half hour?”

  “Cami. Zander was found dead last night.” I wanted to tell her at home, but she needed to know.

  “Wh— what do you mean?” I could overhear her telling Payton that they had to get home.

  “I got a text from my buddy at the police station. He said someone knocked on his door last night and shot him in the head when he opened the door. No witnesses, so far, but apparently he’d talked to a lawyer recently about challenging us for shared custody with Jagger, arguing he had a substantial relationship with our son. I knew nothing about it, but he told me we need to be prepared for the police to ask questions.”

  “Excuse me?! He was trying to take my baby?! How dumb is he? He should be in jail for what he did to me!” She was in hysterics, not realizing the bigger picture.

  “Baby, calm down. Are you okay to drive? I can come get you both if you need. Deep breaths.” I worried about her, especially since I could hear Payton asking Cami all sorts of nonsense.

  “No, no, I can drive. I’m on my way.”

  Once she was safely in my arms, I re-explained the situation. Zander had a grudge against me, and he had told his buddies about my confrontation with him in the back alley. Of course, his story made it sound like he was innocent and I was feeding Cami lies to come back to me.

  “But we know it wasn’t you. Why would the police question you? I know you didn’t like him or his actions, but you’d never kill him,” she asked as she snuggled in my arms. Payton had taken J
agger over to her house so we could talk this out without distractions.

  Having her in my arms grounded me and made me realize how I would do anything to protect my family— but whoever killed Zander had a serious vendetta against him. Whoever killed him also wanted Zander to see who it was before taking his life. No mercy, no second chance. Pure murder. I held my love tighter, hoping that we’d get through this together and in one piece.

  “Sweet girl, we were his enemy in his eyes. He made it seem to his friends that we were the ones who took Jagger away, not the other way around. From what I’ve heard, he has lots of enemies and owed money to a bookie. There are lots of suspects to rule out, including us.”

  “I just can’t believe he’s dead. I mean, he was not a good person, but I’d never wish this upon anyone. Wait, us? Why me? I’m just a girl?” She looked up with fear laced in her vivid blue eyes.

  “They can’t rule you out based on gender. Stephen said we’d probably be questioned out of formality and then cleared. It shouldn’t get messy, baby.” Running my hands through her long locks, I prayed that I was right.

  For the next week, every time one of our phones rang or someone came to the door, Cami freaked out. She was so worried that something would happen to our new family. Luckily, Stephen said they had a promising lead, and they were following it for now.

  Lying in bed with my eyes closed, I was attempting to fall asleep when I felt eyes on me. Opening one eye, I laughed when I saw Cami scrunching up her face, waiting for me to notice. “What are you doing? It’s one in the morning.” I wrapped my leg around her hip, encasing her small frame.

  “I want another baby. I feel guilty wanting one when we aren’t even married and with the whole Zander situation. I just hate that even in death, he’s still affecting my life. Seeing Payton all preggo, though, it makes me miss it. Please tell me I’m not freaking you out?” She pulled her hands up to her mouth, anxiously waiting for my response.

  Pulling the covers off of me, I walked out of the room. Knowing Cami, she was in full-on freak-out mode.

  Returning once I had the ring in my hand, I strode over to her side of the bed and looked deep into her eyes. Even though she was anxious about what I thought of her admission, I could see the love and trust in her eyes.

  Bending down on one knee, I waited for her to sit up. “Tristen?” she called out in a scolding tone.

  “Yes, love?”

  “This wasn’t what I was hinting at. You know that right?” She lifted an eyebrow but couldn’t hide the smile forming on her face.

  “Mmhmm. I love you, sweet girl. Ever since I laid eyes on you, I was done for. I was planning this before you were pregnant with Jagger, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it had to be put on hold. I’ve wanted you to be my wife for years, Cami. This isn’t about your spur-of-the-moment baby request which, by the way, we’re going to start trying for tonight. You are my other half, and I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else. Cami, would you make me the happiest man alive by saying yes to becoming my wife?”

  I held out the ring and took hold of her hand. Tears streamed down her face. Falling down to the floor with me, she embraced me in her arms, nodding her head as the emotions caught up with her. “What do you say, sweet girl. Be my wife?” I pulled her hair away from her face so that I could see those stunning blue eyes that have captivated my soul.

  “Yes! Yes, a million times, yes! I just can’t believe it. I mean, I figured at some point down the road, maybe, not— I had no idea this was on your mind. Thank you so much, Tristen, not just for this,” she said, holding up her sparkling princess-cut diamond. “Thank you for saving me. I was in a downward spiral, not knowing where I belonged in the world. I was so alone and afraid. You brought me back to life. I always wanted Jagger to be surrounded by those who love him and now I finally have that. Thank you so much, baby. I love you.”

  She showered me with kisses, letting out tiny mewling sounds as she began to move above me. My arousal was evident, and I prayed that we could be quiet enough not to wake the little monster.

  “So, you mentioned a baby. Do you think Jagger would like a baby brother or sister?” I asked as I moved us over onto the bed.

  “A baby sister. He’s a protector. He’d be an awesome big brother,” she replied, once she was settled on top of the comforter.

  “Yes, ma’am.” I began kissing her neck while moving one hand up her tank top, twisting her nipple until she moaned in pleasure. Grinding my stiffening cock against her thigh, I loved how she spread wide open for me without thought. Moving down, I took one of her breasts into my mouth and began twirling my tongue around her hardened bud. Arching her back, she pulled my head closer to her body, begging me for more without having to utter a word.

  After spending an equal amount of attention on each breast, I kissed and teased each of her scars on the side of her stomach, letting her know how beautiful she was. One hand explored into her shorts, and I couldn’t help but smirk when I found how wet she was for me.

  Bringing my hand to my mouth, I sucked each finger clean while I kept my gaze on hers. I wanted her to know just how much I adored her. “This is mine. Forever and always.”

  She lifted up so that she was sitting on her knees in front of me. Pushing me back, she settled herself so she was sitting on my face. She had done this before her accident, but she’d been more traditional since coming back to me. I hoped this was yet another sign that my girl would be back to normal one day. Regardless, I would accept her no matter what and never take advantage of my second chance at a family with her.

  I lifted up so she could bring my briefs lower and placed both hands on her inner thighs, guiding her to the perfect position. She was glistening from desire, and I couldn’t wait to feel her on my lips. “Do I need to ask you what you want again or should I just assume?” I called out from underneath her, which landed me an elbow to the stomach and made me hunch over, effectively putting her pussy in my face and my cock close to her mouth.

  “Well, that worked out.”

  “Shut up. You’re ruining the moment, Tristen!” She laughed as she took my dick into her hand and began slowly stroking me. Spreading her legs wider, I used my thumb and ring finger to open her wide and flicked her clit with my tongue. As I began sucking and twirling my tongue around her swollen nub, she started riding my face, moving lower so I could go deeper.

  Her warm lips surrounded just the head of my cock and she created a suction with her mouth. I bucked up slightly, encouraging her to take me deeper. Cami understood and took in inch after inch until her mouth was full of me. I wanted inside her so bad, but this was amazing.

  I began spearing her entrance with my tongue, using my thumb to keep pressure on her clit. Switching it up by inserting two fingers, I alternated between the rough and smooth, bringing her to the brink of orgasm without letting her topple over the edge. “Tristen! I want to come! That’s not fair!”

  Leaning back, I couldn’t help but laugh. She sounded so desperately horny, like we hadn’t had sex that morning, or the night before in the bath tub. “You come when I tell you to. Not before.”

  Her mouth left my throbbing cock, and I knew she wasn’t in agreement. She had gotten her spunk back— that was for sure. Turning around so she was now straddling my hips, she let me have it. “I plan on having multiple orgasms within the next hour or so. If you try to deny those to me, there will be hell to pay. Now you, sir, don’t get to come until I say so since you kind of need to be fucking me if you want another baby. Sound good?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I loved her dominant side. She scooted so that her folds were gliding over my erection and began sliding up and down, without letting me enter. I needed to feel her walls clench around me.

  “Now that we have that figured out, how about you fuck me? I want it rough, baby.” She used her hands to massage her breasts, giving me a show as I slid inside her hot, wet pussy.

  “You want it rough, baby? Lift up a bit and I’ll give you e
xactly what you need.” Still on her knees, she brought her hips up, allowing me to piston into her with force and speed. Holding her hips while I pummeled into her, it felt fucking amazing. I could tell she was trying to stay quiet, but her moans were growing louder as time passed. “You’re going, I’m about to, fuck, baby, I’m coming. Don’t stop!” Cami whimpered as her orgasm hit.

  “Ride it out, baby,” I told her as I continued to thrust inside her clenching walls. I was holding off as long as I could. It was pure bliss, and I wanted her to come with me the next time.

  “I don’t know if I can handle another one. Holy hell,” Cami confessed as she came down slightly from her high.

  Moving my hand to her clit, I began rubbing her over sensitized area and her string of curse words told me she would be coming for me again in no time. I picked up the pace, giving my baby what she wanted.

  “Fuck me, Tristen,” she called out as my motions grew more out of control. I could feel my balls tightening and hoped she was right there with me.

  “Yeah, baby. Come with me.” I pushed her hips into mine as I pounded into her relentlessly, letting out a loud groan as I came deep inside her. She fell apart beautifully above me, collapsing on top of me with deep breaths.

  She fell asleep on top of me that night, and I was pretty sure I went to sleep with a smile on my face. I had a fiancée, my son in the other room, and the hope of being able to watch my child grow inside her, only to later watch all of their ‘firsts’. I couldn’t ask for anything else.

  It was officially girls’ night. Payton and Chloe had reconciled a week ago, but Jagger was sick with a tummy bug so I had to bow out. Tonight, though, the boys had taken Jagger to a San Diego Padres game and Payton had the fun idea to have a fondue night at the house. She and Chloe had picked up some fresh vegetables and meat for us to cook for dinner along with cheesecake, fruit, krispy treats, and brownies to dip in the chocolate for dessert.