Lost in Flames (Lost Series Book 2)

by Nicholson, C. T.

  She opened up and saw the tears in his eyes, too. What babies they both were! It hit her then, what he just said. "If the car was destroyed, then that means Richard is—"

  "He's dead. You never have to worry about him hurting you again. Not that he'd have ever gotten another chance if he had lived." The veins in his neck strained against his skin.

  "Calm down." She attempted to lean up but it was pointless. "I can't come to you, so get over here and kiss me."

  The stiffness in his body relaxed and he moved in. She savored the kiss, ignoring the slight stinging from what she assumed was a busted lip. A little pain was worth the extraordinary pleasure she felt when his lips connected with hers.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  six months later

  Mike shuffled from one foot to the other, rubbing his sweaty hands over his slacks for the thousandth time. The eyes of a full church, the preacher, his brothers, father, and Ryan were not what had his nerves in disarray. He didn't care about how the flowers were set up, or what the cake looked like and if it was white, marble, or chocolate. It could've been tie-dye as long as the day went the way it was meant to. He was shaking inside and out for one reason only: the love of his life was about to come through the double doors and walk down the aisle to bind herself to him for the rest of their lives. To bind him to her. He didn't have cold feet, for he'd never been as happy as he felt right then.

  The time had come and he could let out the breath he'd been holding since they began the wedding process. Waiting six months had proved tough and the only reason for that was because she wanted to be almost completely healed from her wreck.

  For the rest of his life, his main goal would be to please her and make her feel like the only woman on Earth who deserved his love. He couldn't wait to make her realize how much she made him whole and he prayed she felt the same.

  When the melody began, he held his breath, grateful when Jacob grabbed both his arms from behind, because when that door opened, his knees weakened just as he'd feared. If not for his brother, he'd have been on the floor. The fantasies and dreams he'd had of their day never even compared to the real thing. Luckily, no one else noticed with all eyes on Tessa.

  She did.

  Despite the fact she was a sight to behold in the gorgeous white dress he was seeing for the first time, he didn't remove his gaze from hers. She blushed and he smiled. The rest of their lives began in that very moment. Fate had intervened the day she chose to show up in their town and he was damn happy for it. As soon as she stood in front of him, he kissed her, without really acknowledging Cooper, who'd walked her down the aisle and then walked back to his place beside Sophia and their new little one. She didn't resist and his heart swelled in his chest.

  A cleared throat reminded him of where they were. "You might want to wait until I say kiss the bride."

  The guests laughed and Tessa turned her head down, a grin spread across her lips. When the preacher was finished with the introduction, it was time for the vows. Mike tried hard to concentrate on all the words, but it proved too hard. Not when all he cared about was getting her home and showing her how much he loved her.

  "Mike and Tessa have chosen to say their own vows, so Mike, you can start." The preacher gave a curt nod at him to go ahead.

  "Tessa, I know people believe we're crazy for diving headfirst into a life together, but I don't care. Our relationship started out with near death experiences and I refuse to wait out the proper time. I know I love you with every fiber in my body and I'd do anything to be with you for the rest of our lives. You said yes when I asked you the big question and I'll admit I was surprised. And if you haven't changed your mind, I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world, to make you smile every chance I get, to make you laugh all day everyday if possible." He cleared his throat and kissed her cheek where a tear slipped down. "And these hopefully happy tears are the only ones I ever want to see from you again. I can guarantee life will still come with obstacles. I can also guarantee that we'll blow through those obstacles with the love we share. I love you, Tessa."

  ****

  Tessa forgot all about the people watching them, and the preacher beside them. The words flowing so easily from Mike's lips filled her with joy, as well as nervousness when it came to say her own vows. She'd practiced them over and over, but her mind went blank. When he finished, she wanted to yell I do and kiss him again. They were almost there; she just had to get her vows out.

  The church was beautiful and when she officially became Tessa Johnson, she'd take the time to admire the work Sophia and her step-mom put into it. All she could think about was Mike at that moment.

  Suddenly, she remembered everything she wanted to say.

  "Mike, if you think I'd run now, then you lost your mind." The people laughed and he raised a brow, a smirk on his face. "You saved my life, more than once. I never imagined I'd make it here, with a man I love more than I believed possible. You've already given me more than I could ever dream of. I will be more than happy to spend the rest of my life with you, through the great times and the hard times."

  She paused and itched to move closer to him. The need to feel his arms around her overwhelmed her. "Words will never be enough to tell you just how perfect we are together, but I'll show it every day and will love to overcome the obstacles with you. I love you and can't wait to say I do."

  As soon as the preacher said "Kiss the bride," she practically launched herself in his arms. His lips melted against hers and she hated when they had to separate. Just as well though, because she couldn't just drag him somewhere private and forget about the church full of people. From the way he stared at her, he was thinking the same thing.

  With the service over, she changed into her after ceremony dress, with Mike standing outside. Not because she wanted him to, but because he had to. And Sophia was there to help, so they had no choice. It was a good thing, for they were in a church. She didn't want to burn up because she couldn't keep her hands to herself and off her new husband.

  Louise, Mike's step-mom, and someone she could consider a mom, came over, with baby Emma in her arms. The curious look in the tiny baby's eyes melted her heart. She saw herself carrying a miracle like Emma or Wyatt one day. Nothing could beat something as amazing as making a baby.

  "It was beautiful, you two." Louise leaned sideways to kiss Mike's cheek.

  He had to lean down for her to reach and then he kissed Emma's little head. "It was. Thank you."

  Louise blushed and waved it off. "It was a pleasure to be able to do this. I loved helping with Sophia and had a blast. Poor thing is tired though. I'm staying at their house tonight so she can sleep. Emma is a fussy thing at night. Still hasn't gotten her nights and days right yet."

  "Well, she'll get there. I can't imagine that's easy to learn. She's beautiful." Tessa touched her head and Emma looked straight at her. "Thank you so much for everything, Louise."

  Water gleamed in her eyes. "You're welcome, sweetie. I'm just happy Mike found you. Now I just need to work on Jacob and Nick and you can all have me some more grandbabies."

  She laughed and hurried off before anyone protested. Not that Tessa would, but from the wide eyes on Jacob's face, who'd walked in on the tail end of the conversation, she'd say he would've protested. He kissed Tessa's cheek and hugged his brother, then everyone took their turns doing the same.

  Mike pulled a box from his pocket and opened it for her. "I remember when you saw the roses at my home the first time and when I saw this at the jewelry store, I had to get it."

  Inside the box was a silver necklace with a rose charm hanging from it. The diamonds shimmered under the lights and she smiled. "It's beautiful! I can't believe you remember that."

  "I'll always be listening to you. Anything that makes you smile, I see it." He kissed her, before another guest came forward.

  When most of the guests made it around to them, Cooper got up on stage. "This song is for the bride and groom and hopefully our wedding present."r />
  "You don't get off that easy!" Mike yelled.

  "Well, our real gift is in the mail and it might be a little late." He laughed along with everyone else. "This is a song I wrote recently and I really hope you all enjoy this. You two get up, because this is your first dance as husband and wife."

  She let Mike lead her to the dance floor and put one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. They began to flow in unison, the music helping their pace.

  You call me your hero

  We both know it's not true

  You are the one

  Who rescued me….

  The words seemed to go perfectly with what their relationship had been like—even if they'd spend the rest of their lives fighting over who rescued who.

  "I love you, Tessa Johnson."

  "I love you too, my hero."

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Ryan felt the searing stare and didn't have to search for Jacob, who was sitting with his date. A woman. It wasn't as if he didn't have a date, too, but at least his happened to be someone he was attracted to. Even so, he still knew Jacob's exact location during the whole wedding.

  "Will you dance with me?" Harrison broke his concentration with the question.

  Jacob stood from his seat across the room and practically strutted to the floor with his date. The closeness, and deliberate way he lowered his hands down her back was obviously for show—either to piss Ryan off or keep people from any suspicion they may have regarding his sexuality. From the sparing glances his way, it seemed all for his benefit. "I would love to dance."

  He stood and they walked to the floor, close to Jacob. Suddenly, he became self-conscious and regretted the choice. The only way to calm himself was to ignore Jacob completely. Trying to ignore a man you've loved for so long wasn't an easy feat.

  "Are you okay?" his date asked with a frown.

  "Of course, why?" Acting unaware had to be better than telling him the truth. The fact was, he and Jacob were playing with fire.

  Harrison shrugged. "You seem distracted is all. I didn't mean to sound insecure."

  It was unfair of him to let Jacob distract him from a great guy. All because Jacob had waited too long to somewhat make his feelings known and Ryan had moved on. Jacob still never came out to his family, so none of what he said or didn't say mattered. He hadn't changed and Ryan wasn't waiting. "I'm sorry. I'm all yours, I promise."

  A glimmer of hope showed in Harrison's eyes. "Good. I'm pretty sure I've fallen hard for you."

  Ryan was an idiot. He spent all his time pining after a lost cause when he had a handsome, sweet, and openly gay man into him. Time for him to let his feelings for Jacob fade and take a chance with Harrison. After seeing each other for at least six months, he needed to open his heart to Harrison.

  "I like you, too." He kissed him quickly and ignored the hairs standing on the back of his neck. What Jacob thought of him and his date wasn't his problem anymore. He would stay out of Jacob's life and live his own.

  Who didn't love hearing the words: I've fallen hard for you?

  ****

  There had never been a time when he felt hatred toward a complete stranger, and yet there was always a first. Though the man really wasn't a stranger since Ryan had brought him around too many times over recent months. The jealousy ate him up inside and he couldn't stand seeing Ryan with anyone else. Jacob always made an excuse to leave when they showed up together. It was easier that way. On both of them.

  It sucked to know he was the reason he'd lost Ryan. When he'd told him he'd tell everyone the truth about being gay, he hadn't been lying, but he just didn't care as much since finding out about Ryan's boyfriend. He still wanted to tell Sophia and would when she didn't have as much on her plate with a newborn at home. Telling her at that point seemed selfish.

  Or maybe a good excuse to hold it in a little longer.

  He looked over at Mike and his new bride, both smiling and so happy. Jacob felt joy for them, as well as a little jealousy. In the future, he might have what they had. It wasn't going to be a breeze, but love didn't seem easy for anyone. He'd seen that first hand with both Mike and Sophia's relationships.

  Things could get complicated and he'd just have to wait his turn.

  Maybe one day…

  the end

  Keep an eye out for the third and last in the Lost Series and see what happens with Nick, Jacob, and Ryan.

  In case you missed the first book in the Lost Series, here's a couple chapters into Sophia's and Cooper's story.

  Chapter One

  There he is.

  Sophia Johnson twisted her hands together in her lap as she watched Sebastian Cooper. Not that anyone called him Sebastian. With his head dropped and hands covering his face, she couldn't tell if he was crying or not. She couldn't stand the thought of him crying. Not someone as strong as he.

  It took every bit of her willpower to stay put. She gripped the red pew beneath her and glanced around. Not one empty spot in the church, except the space next to Cooper. Her brother Jacob walked over with his hands shoved in his dress pants and sat down beside him. Cooper looked up and said something before Jacob stood back up and left. Another person he pushed away. Now she knew the truth. Upon seeing his face, red from crying, the tears that blurred her vision spilled over.

  Grandpa Cooper's funeral was the second one she'd been to in four months, the other being his grandma's. He'd lost all his last family in town. The thought of him dealing with it alone caused her chest to tighten painfully. She gave in to tempting thoughts—the ones that urged her to comfort, to get close to him. But that would never work. He'd push her away too, yet she had to try…

  The Church seemed too quiet, except for the low whispers and the crackle of memorial papers that were handed out when they arrived. She stood on shaky knees and jerked her head toward Cooper when her brothers all stared at her. Jacob's face had gone pale and she hated how upset he looked. They all loved his grandparents the same, but Jacob and Cooper were closer than any of them and she saw the hurt as he glanced over to their friend. Nick and Mike gave her a small smile as she made her way toward the empty seat next to the one boy she'd loved since she was ten. Her father sat beside his wife Louise who was wiping tears from her face.

  When she settled beside Cooper, he kept still and didn't peek up at her. She hesitated before resting her hand on his leg. Holding her breath, she waited for him to push her away. It seemed like hours, but it couldn't have been more than a few seconds, and then he moved. His hand covered hers, grabbed it, and pulled both their hands back to his face.

  The preacher stepped in front of the podium and started to pray. She bowed her head and tried to listen, but cried when something wet tingled on the hand he held tight. He was crying. Her heart shattered. Pulling her hand back, she wrapped her arms around him the best she could at their angle. Why did he have to go through this again, so soon?

  He was her hero. So strong and supposed to be unafraid of anything, yet he still cried. It didn't change how she saw him. To her, he would always be that boy who saved her life and the one and only she loved.

  The silent sobs slowed as the preacher finished and everyone stood to leave. She moved back but not completely when the preacher stepped over to place his hand on his shoulder.

  She listened to the prayer even as Cooper stayed rigid. "Thank you."

  Preacher Marcus walked away and the space around them finally emptied, except for Cooper, her and the urn with his Grandpa's ashes. Both of his grandparents had wanted to be cremated.

  "I'll drive you home, okay?" It actually didn't matter if he said no. She wouldn't be letting him drive in his state of mind.

  After a few moments, he lifted his head, but didn't focus on her. "Thank you, Baby Bear."

  The rasp of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. Anytime he spoke to her, she had the same reaction. Not that anything would ever happen between them. By him calling her Baby Bear, it meant he still saw her as the same kid he'd first met—not
the adult she was becoming.

  He stood and walked over to the urn sitting on display with a picture of his grandpa beside it. Grabbing the urn, he took short steps toward the door.

  She followed him. It felt right to be beside him, even if he stood six foot two compared to her five three. The warmth of his hand enveloped hers, the touch leaving her short of breath. Butterflies formed in her stomach as he pulled her a little closer to him and they made it to his old beat-up red Dodge truck.

  Everyone was gone from the lot, except for her brother Jacob, who glanced at their held hands and then up at her. One dark brow lifted. If only he had more to worry about than the friendship she and Cooper had.

  "I'm going to drive him home. I'll be home right after, okay?"

  Jacob grabbed Cooper's free hand and pulled him in for a quick hug. "I'm so sorry, Coop."

  When Cooper just cleared his throat and handed over the keys to her, Jacob left, his hands again shoved in his pockets. Sophia knew it hurt for him to leave Cooper like that. It was their friendship that had brought them all together in the first place.

  Not that they hadn't had their share of fist fights over childish things. All of them had had at least one or two fights. When that happened, she just tried to let them work it out among themselves. She had been the voice of reason during most of their childhood.

  The reason why Cooper wanted her there more than Jacob, Nick, or Mike, was lost to her. He could just not want them to see him so broken. Men sure were weird about crying in front of others, no matter how much pain they went through, physical or emotional. She felt ashamed for being happy that he chose her over everyone else. How sad was that?

  They both got into the truck and she pulled out of the parking lot. Silence filled the air and she was tempted to turn the radio on. Then he did it for her.