by Perry, J L
“Are they the same flowers I bought for you when you were in hospital?”
“Yes,” I confess. “Every time I look at it, it reminds me of you and the baby.” He smiles when I say that.
“That’s funny, I got one too.”
“What? A daisy tattoo?”
“No,” he laughs. He pulls down the collar of his shirt. Tears fill my eyes as soon as I see what he’s done. Over his heart, he has two tattoos; a large pair of Angel wings and above that, an identical smaller pair. I know that one represents the baby we lost. It fills my aching heart with love, but makes it hurt at the same time, if that makes sense.
Leaning forward, I place a kiss on them both. “I love them,” I say.
“I love you,” he says. “It’s so good to see you, to hold you.”
••••
I’m not sure how long we stay on the beach wrapped in each other’s arms, but it’s a long time. Eventually, we make our way back to the house. Both my parents are beaming when we walk in holding hands.
“Oh thank God,” my mum says, coming to hug us both.
“Thank you for going to him, mum,” I whisper in her ear. She doesn’t respond, but tightens her embrace. I love how they have done this for us.
“Your mother and I were thinking,” my dad says. “Why don’t you kids go up the coast, to your grandparent’s cabin for a few days? It’ll give you both some privacy, and a chance to talk.”
“That’s a great idea, daddy,” I reply as I wrap my arms around him. “Thank you for what you’ve both done.” I still can’t believe Chase is here, and my parents were the ones to bring him here. I’ll be forever grateful. We needed that little push to find our way back to each other.
“Why don’t you go pack a few things, baby,” my mum says. “If you leave now you should be there before dark.
“Okay.” I grab hold of Chase’s hand, leading him upstairs towards my bedroom. “You don’t mind do you?” I ask.
“What? Going to the cabin?”
“Yes.”
“Not at all,” he says. “I can’t wait to get you alone. We have a lot of catching up to do. With your parents around, it could get awkward.” His comment makes me laugh. It also excites me. I’ve missed the intimacy with him. A few days alone is exactly what we need.
As happy as my parents seemed to see us together again, I’m not sure how my dad would feel if we locked ourselves in my bedroom for the next few days.
While I walk over to grab a small suitcase out of my wardrobe, Chase takes a seat on my bed. If things go the way I hope, I’m not going to need many clothes while we’re away. “It’s so good to be here with you,” he says, watching as I grab some clothes out of my drawer.
“I’m happy to have you here,” I reply, looking over at him smiling. It’s like a dream come true. I’m still a little shocked that he’s actually here, but ecstatic nevertheless. It’s amazing how uplifted I feel already. I’ve missed this feeling. Only Chase can do this to me.
Rising from my bed, he stalks his way towards me, pulling me into his arms. “It seems surreal to have you in my arms again,” he whispers into the crook of my neck. “But it’s so fucking good. I thought I’d lost you forever.”
“I thought that too.”
“I’ve missed you so much. I’ve missed everything about you. Everything we’ve shared.”
“Me too,” I reply honestly, tightening my embrace. Pulling back, he gazes into my eyes.
“I’ve missed your pretty face,” he says running the back of his hand gently over my cheek. “Your lips,” he adds as he leans forward placing his mouth on mine. Fisting my hands in the back of his shirt, I pull him closer as I open my mouth and deepen the kiss.
He groans into my mouth as his hands travel down my body, cupping my arse. I can already feel his growing erection pressing into my stomach. After all this time apart, you’d think I’d be nervous or apprehensive about being intimate with him again, but I’m not. I can’t wait. The quicker we get to the cabin the better. Here and now is not the time. Not with my parents downstairs.
“Let me have a quick shower,” I say pulling out of the kiss. “I’m all sweaty from my run. Then we can hit the road.”
“I like you all sweaty,” he replies, trailing kisses down my neck. “Do you need someone to wash you back?” The panty-melting smile he gives me sends desire coursing through my whole body. “I’ll promise to behave. I just need to touch you.”
Without replying, I grab his hand and lead him towards my en-suite. If he wants to touch me, I’m not going to stop him. I remember just how skilful he is with his hands.
After we undress each other, he leads me towards the shower. “Let me look at you?” he asks, standing back to appraise me. I feel goose bumps pebble on my skin as his scorching gaze runs the length of my body. “Fucking beautiful,” he breathes.
I smile at his comment. The look of hunger and appreciation in his eyes has me so turned on. I clench my thighs together, trying to lessen the ache between my legs. I already feel on edge. Is it possible to orgasm just from a look?
“I can’t wait to be inside you again,” he growls, backing me up against the wall of the shower recess. “My cock is aching for you.”
His mouth covers mine before I get a chance to reply. I’m aching for him too. “Are you still on birth control?” he asks. Just like that, the moment is lost. It’s like someone has thrown a bucket of ice-cold water over me. I feel my body tense as all the memories of what happened with the baby, and his reaction to my news, comes flooding to the surface.
“No. No I’m not,” I answer pulling away from him.
“Hey,” he says reaching out and pulling me back against him. Using his finger, he raises my face to meet his. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Come on, Angel. You just went all weird on me. Talk to me.”
“It’s just the whole baby thing. What you said brought it all back home. I hate that you don’t want to have—”
“Hey,” he says cutting me off. He pulls me into his chest when he notices tears rise to my eyes. “I don’t feel like that anymore. I once thought I didn’t want children, but you changed all that. I’ll admit I want to enjoy you…enjoy us, for a while. I’ve only just got you back. One day though, when we’re ready, I’d love to have a family with you.”
“You would?” I ask pulling back from him.
“Yes,” he says cupping my face in his hands. “One day, when the time is right, I want that. I want to experience everything with you. Only you. I love you with all my heart and soul, sweet-cheeks.” Just like that it’s back on again.
I crash my mouth into his as he steps towards me, pinning my back against the tiles. “We’ll stop off and get some condoms on the way. For now though, I want to taste you. I’ve missed your pussy. Is it okay if I do that?”
“Oh God, yes,” I moan.
Falling to his knees, he throws one of my legs over his shoulder as his mouth bears down on me. “Yesssss,” I whimper as my hands tangle in his hair, holding his face against my aching flesh. I’ve missed his mouth.
••••
A few hours later we arrived at the cabin. He’s only been in Sydney a short time, but he already has me feeling like the old Angel. I was starting to think she was gone forever. It makes me wonder if I would’ve improved sooner if I hadn’t have walked away from us the way I did.
In all honesty though, I think we needed that time apart to heal. Time to get past what happened so we could move on with our future. He’s my future, that I’m sure of. I’ll never let anything come between us again.
We stopped to buy condoms and some takeout on the way. “You’re going to need your energy,” he chuckled. After the orgasm he gave me in the shower had me seeing stars, I couldn’t wait to see what he had installed for me.
As soon as we pulled up at the cabin, he practically dragged me inside. “We can unpack the car later. Right now I need you more than anything else.” I laughe
d at his comment as he scooped me into his arms. “Which room is yours?”
“Third door on the left,” I said, pointing towards the hall.
Within seconds, we were both naked and he was hovering over me on the bed. “I’ve been dreaming about this every second, of every day since we’ve been apart. I don’t want to ever be separated from you again. You are my other half. Without you I’m lost.”
“I love you, Chase,” I say pulling his lips towards mine. We both moan when he gently slides into me. The connection brings tears to my eyes. God I’ve missed the way he loves me. I truly was lost without him. It’s only now I realise just how much.
CHAPTER FORTY
Angel
In the last few months I’ve come so far, we’ve come so far. We’ve been through so much together, but we’ve survived. It’s sealed our bond. I can honestly say, even with everything that’s happened, I’m the happiest I have ever been in my life.
I ended up going back to Melbourne to finish school. I lived with Chase and Pops until we graduated. I still can’t bring myself to go anywhere near my old house, even to visit the grave I made. As much as I wanted to, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.
After graduating, Chase and I moved back to Sydney. Pops has nurse Becca now. She even moved into the house a few days before we left. It made Chase’s decision about leaving and moving so far away from his dad, much easier.
We both love how happy Pops is. Becca has not only renewed his faith in women, she has even managed to get him to open his heart and love again. They’re amazing together.
It was hard leaving Pops. We’ve become so close since his heart attack. I love that man so much. Chase really struggled that day, too. They both had tears glistening in their eyes when that hugged goodbye.
“I love ya, boy,” Pops said as he patted Chase’s back. “I know you’ll make me proud. You already do.”
I cried tears of happiness as I watched on. “I’m gonna miss you, old man,” Chase replied, his voice cracking.
“You’re gonna be so fuckin’ busy being the best damn lawyer this country’s ever seen, you won’t have time to fuckin’ miss me.” Chase chuckled at his reply.
“I love you, dad. Thank you for always believing in me,” he said giving him one last squeeze.
“Okay,” Pops replied pulling away, straightening up his leather vest. “Enough of this mushy shit.” Clearing his throat, he wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. “Great, I gotta fuckin’ bug in my eye,” he added.
“Bullshit,” Chase said throwing his head back and laughing. “There’s no fucking bug in your eye.”
Pops turned toward Becca and I as we watched them, amused. “I blame you fuckin’ two,” he said pointing his finger at us. “You two and all that lovie-dovie, fairy shit ya sprinkle.” His arms waved around in the air as he spoke, exaggerating his point. “You’ve turned me into a fuckin’ pussy.” He told us all to fuck off when we started laughing at his rant.
Although we’re going to miss him and his antics, there’s only a one-hour flight separating us. I know we’ll still get to see each other often.
••••
Things are going great between my father and Chase again. Once daddy finally accepted that Chase is my soulmate, he changed, welcoming him as part of our family, and treating him as such.
Mum, dad, CJ and my grandparents, are all flying to Melbourne with us today for our graduation. Pops, Becca, Dana and some of the boys will be there as well.
At the airport, Chase pulled my dad aside and had a chat with him. I have no idea what it was about, but my dad was beaming when he shook his hand, so was Chase. Seeing my two favourite men get on like that is indescribable. It’s the best feeling ever.
I asked Chase on the plane what it was all about. He said, “Men talk, you wouldn’t be interested.” It earned him a playful elbow to the ribs. I’ll get it out of him tonight in bed. When I have him where I want him, he’ll give it up, guaranteed. Chase and my father are up to something, and I intend to find out what.
The graduation goes well. Chase got dux of our class. Graduating with honours, which was no surprise. Pops was so proud. We all were.
Daddy booked a nice restaurant for all thirty of us to attend after the graduation ceremony. “You look so handsome in a suit,” I whisper in Chase’s ear on the car ride to the restaurant. “Good enough to eat,” I add, trailing my fingers up his leg.
“Grrrrr,” he growls beside me. “Stop it,” he whispers, removing my hand off his leg. He’s smiling the whole time.
“Everything alright back there?” dad asks, looking at Chase in the revision mirror.
“Fine, sir,” Chase replies clearing his throat. Daddy can’t see me from where I’m sitting. Taking advantage of that, I lean forward sucking Chase’s earlobe into my mouth. He groans softly.
“I can’t wait to get you out of this suit when we get back to Pops’ house,” I whisper seductively. “I’m so turned on right now. I want to lick every inch of you.” My hand moves between his legs, cupping his manhood. It’s obvious he’s also turned on. He’s as hard as a rock.
“Are you trying to kill me, or get me killed?” he whispers. I giggle. This is fun. “You’ll keep,” he adds as he trails his fingers under the hem of my skirt, stopping just before my panty line. “You just wait.” Such a tease.
“I’ll stop if you tell me what you and daddy were talking about at the airport.” I know I said I’d wait until later, but it’s been eating at me all day. Since their little chat, I’ve noticed them exchanging funny looks from time to time. Not knowing what they’re up to is driving me crazy.
“No,” he states, like a stubborn arse.
Leaning forward again, I blow a long drawn out breath into his ear before saying, “I look forward to any punishment you want to dish out then, Mr. Daniels. Whips, ties…I’m up for anything.”
“God help me,” he mumbles as he removes my hand from his crotch again. Leaning his head back against the headrest, he exhales an exasperated breath.
••••
This is the first time all our family have come together for a meal. Despite the social differences, everybody seems to be getting on fine. We’re having a great time.
My parents and Pops have been getting on quite well, with daddy handling his case and all. Nobody really tells me much. I’m sure they think I’m too fragile. I’m not. Well, I don’t feel like I am.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my baby. That part’s still hard to deal with, but time heals all wounds they say. I’m not sure about that, but I’m at least dealing with it now. That’s a step forward.
After we eat, Chase stands, announcing he wants to say a few words. I smile up at him from my seat. Reaching out his hand to me, he pulls me up off my chair, wrapping his arm around my waist.
“Words cannot express how happy Angel and I are, that you could all be here today. It means a lot to us to have our families together.” I smile at him when he says that. “I hope we get to spend many more occasions like this, together.”
“Cheers to that,” Pops says raising his glass. Everybody else follows. “To Chase and Angel,” they call out.
“I have one more thing I’d like to say,” Chase says, turning to face me. The smile has now faded from his face. He looks nervous.
He reaches for my hand, giving it a little squeeze. “I was going to wait until tonight when we were alone, but since you’ve been torturing me all day,” he smirks, “and our families are all here, now seems like the perfect time.” When he mentions the torture, I wonder if he’s going to tell me what he discussed with my father at the airport.
“Perfect time for what?” I ask confused.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever truly understand why you love me, but in saying that, I’m so glad you do.” He smiles at me when I run my hand down the side of his face.
“You’re an easy person to love,” I admit.
“I never imagined my life could be this good, that
I could be this happy. That’s all thanks to you, sweet-cheeks.”
“You make me happy too, Chase.”
“I want you, and everything we share, for the rest of my life. You complete me. You make me a better person, a better man. I recently found out what it felt like to not have you by my side. I never want to feel that way again.”
His words bring tears to my eyes. What surprises me the most, is he’s always struggled with expressing his feelings. Now he’s pouring his heart out to me in front of our whole family.
“Angel Maree Cavanagh. I love you completely. With my heart and soul.” He places his hand over his heart when he says that. I smile at him.
Letting go of my hand, he reaches into his pocket pulling out a small white velvet box. My eyes widen. All the air leaves my body. Is that what I think it is?
When he gets down on one knee, my hands clutch my chest. I swear my heart just stopped beating. He opens the box, holding it out to me. I can’t see the damn ring because my eyes are clouded with tears.
“I know I don’t deserve you, but I want you…I need you. If there’s one thing I learnt when we were apart, it’s that I’m a shell of a man without you by my side. Angel, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
“Yes,” I cry, throwing my arms around him. Our table of guests all erupt in applause. After everything we’ve been through, I couldn’t ask for a better outcome. Looks like we’re finally going to get our happily ever after.
“I’m still going to punish you for giving me blue balls all day,” he whispers in my ear as he holds me tight. It makes me laugh. He can punish me all he likes. His punishment is the best kind.
••••
Chase
Even though things have been going great since getting back together, I was still worried that she may say no. Thank fuck that wasn’t the case. I’d planned to do it tonight at the beach, in private, but after the little vixen kept torturing me, I caved.