Forever & A Day

by Donalyn Maurer

  “Jaycee, please, it’s okay.” Her face lights up. “I’m glad you know. I’ve been dying to tell you all,” she squeals.

  “Well, why didn’t you?” I ask, and she laughs a little.

  “Honestly, I just found out a couple of weeks ago. I had no idea. I had no morning sickness and even had little periods,” she explains, and worry replaces her earlier delight.

  “That happened to me too,” Allie interjects. “Only I had horrible morning sickness or a bug or something,” she discloses and rubs her bump.

  “Um, did your doctor tell you the, you know, spotting, it’s normal?” she asks, and sits up and faces Allie.

  “He did. I was worried too, but he said some woman have it. Did you have an ultrasound?” Allie quizzes.

  “We did,” she replies softly.

  “Oh my God, I cried when I had mine,” Delta says as she enters the conversation, then leans in and whispers with her hand on her heart. “So did Linc.” We all watch as she glances over at him with tenderness. We then sneak a peek, and he’s in the pool with Callie. Tossing her in the air and when she lands only a couple of feet away, he quickly goes to her and lifts her giggling body from the water to his. This gets a round of ahhhs. “It was the sweetest thing.” she gushes, and so do we.

  “Jesse made some type of unrecognizable noise. I’d never heard such a sound. I had no idea what to do. I thought he was going to faint,” Allie laughs, and so do all of us.

  “Oh, Patrick fell out of his chair. Then he just sat down there, in shock. The doctor even called in the nurse, but he was okay by the time she came to the room with smelling salts,” Jenny snorts, and we burst into laughter, causing all gazes to briefly come to us.

  “So, did your doctor say you and the baby were okay?” Allie probes after we gather ourselves.

  “He did. Said, mom and baby are fine,” she reveals, and places her hand on her tummy. “And the reason I didn’t mention just yet, was because I was still scared. Of course, we told our parents, but no one else. Sorry Allie.” She frowns.

  “Don’t be sorry. I understand, Jenny,” Allie promises, stands and walks over and sits down with her. “How far along are you?”

  “Two months behind you. Patrick has been dying to tell everyone. I guess we can now. Thank you, Jaycee. And, thank all of you. I’ll give Patrick the go ahead after the wedding.” She rubs her tummy again.

  “You should totally let him tell now. Everyone we know is here,” Allie suggests, and Jenny jumps up, but then stops and glances back at me in question.

  “You better tell him before Allie does it,” I warn with a smile, as Allie is slipping on her flip flops and calling out to Jesse.

  “If you’re sure you don’t mind,” she questions again.

  “This news only makes this time more special,” I assure her.

  We all watch her rush over and pull Patrick from the other guys. She’s smiling, and I can see her words are rushed from excitement. Patrick smiles, then leans down and kisses her hard. When they break their kiss, he puts his arm around a dazed Jenny and faces them towards everybody.

  “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” he calls out. Over the next few seconds, everyone goes quiet and gives him their attention. His smile only widens when he yells out, “I’m going to be a daddy.” Gasps can be heard throughout the area, that then break out in cheers and congratulations. After we all settle from Patrick and Jenny’s announcement, we go back to vigil. We lay back and observe our men, and sweet Callie help Dillon set up his stomp rocket.

  “I know what I’m getting Patrick for Christmas,” Jenny teases.

  “No doubt,” Bella adds.

  “Oh, let’s totally do that.” I glance between all of them, as I nod my head agreement.

  “Nick would love it. We totally have to have them get together after they open them,” Abigail adds.

  “How fun would that be?” Victoria giggles.

  “It would definitely turn into a competition real quick,” Macie jokes, but it’s the truth.

  “We’ll bring chairs and wine,” Star adds, and takes a sip of her margarita she ordered from the resort bar. We’re all set up with drinks, as we lounge around enjoying the evening. I stepped out of my beer comfort zone, and am enjoying a pina colada, while the others savor their margaritas. Clear plastic cups, filled with beer, wine, and all our drinks, are scattered around the pool’s tables.

  I’m laid back with my eyes closed, enjoying the night air when I hear, “T-minus ten,” Levi calls out.

  I open my eyes and turn my head towards the south end of the pool’s patio, also known as the launch pad. Johnny scoots Dillon closer to something laid on the ground, that’s connected by a tube to the rocket, with Callie watching with wide eyes and a dimpled smile. He points, and gives him some last-minute instructions, before he stands back. Then the countdown begins.

  “Ten-nine-eight,” we all call out in unison. “Seven-six-five-four-three-two.” Dillon bends his knees while grinning. “ONE!” we shout, and Dillon jumps as high as he can and lands on the launcher with both feet. The rocket shoots into the air, going up about twelve feet and everyone cheers.

  After more than two dozen more successful launches by Dillon, and a few by Callie, we call it a night. I’m so thankful for this evening, because time flew by. All I have to do now is make love to my man, then sleep. When I wake up, it’ll be the day I become the person I believe I was always meant to be. Max’s wife.

  41

  Back in the room, we get ready for bed and I go through my nightly routine, before I exit the bathroom and leave Max to finish up. I slide on a sheer black lacy teddy, which is one of many I received at my bridal shower, and nothing else. I crawl between the sheets, exhausted, and close my eyes, but my heart and soul are wide awake with anticipation. When I feel Max slide in next to me, I roll over to face him, and his eyes are on me. Tonight is our last night as two people. Tomorrow we will be bound in the eyes of God, and become one. I slide as close I can to him, until our bodies are flush, then slide my hand up his arm, until I cup his cheek. I touch my fingers along his lips, nose and eyes, ears and through his hair, wanting to memorize everything about him while his eyes drift close.

  “You okay, sugar?” I ask, then lean in and kiss his chest, while slipping my hand down his chest then abs, and keep going until I find him and watch for a reaction.

  “Yes,” he moans, and his eyes open and are on mine. I slip my hand into his boxers and when I touch him, my body comes alive like it’s been hit by lightning.

  “Max,” I moan, instantly in pain with need.

  “I’m right here, love,” he mumbles, as I stare up at him I lick my lips.

  “Please.”

  “Lie back,” he orders. I reluctantly release him, then break eye contact as I lie back like he instructs. He braces his hands on other side of my head, and stares down at me. His eyes are hungry and intense, and I absolutely notice the moment he detects I’m not in my normal silk nightie.

  “Fuck,” he groans, and as his eyes scorch my body, my breathing becomes erratic.

  He flings the bed covers completely from me, and I stop breathing all together. His eyes, then hands, and finally his mouth, pierce the barely-there material. One of his hands shifts the already short teddy up my legs, and then his hand travels to my apex, and he gently shoves my legs apart. When his fingers slide down, and he feels how wet I am, he abruptly sits up and yanks off his boxer briefs.

  “Take it off, now,” he growls out.

  When he comes back and looms over me with commanding eyes, I slip one strap of my off my shoulder, then the other. I slowly slide it over my breast, but don’t go any farther as I lay my hands back down to my sides. I take a deep breath, when his eyes flare with my challenge.

  “You’re playing with fire, Jayc,” he warns and licks his lips, but I still don’t move.

  When he takes in my defiance, he smiles, so I give him a wink. His mouth then attacks mine, while one of his arms slide unde
r my back. I’m then up and straddling his lap, and my legs lock around his waist as he stands from the bed, but then turns and my back is on the mattress as he dominates me. Max knows what I want, because he brings his face down only inches from mine, and with his hoarse voice, says, “Over.”

  He groans, and I mewl. I release my legs from his waist, and he backs up just enough for me to turn over.

  “Hands behind your back,” he orders, and I slide my hands along the sheets then lift them around to my back. When one his hands binds them together in his grasp, I call out his name as I stand on my tiptoes and offer myself.

  “Jaycee, you’re so beautiful,” he says, while pushing the scarce material up around my waist, then rubs his hand along my bottom.

  My breath hitches when it stills, and I wait for him to give me what I want. Smack, fills the quiet room, followed by my moan and his growl. Before I can catch my breath, I feel another smack, and then another. Each loving lash he gives me with his palm stings, but then he caresses the heated area gently and it feels so good.

  “You going to take it off now?” his deep voice rumbles between warm wet kisses along my back. When he does this, I struggle to free my hands, but his grip only tightens. “Answer me, love,” he orders softly.

  “No,” I moan, and push back into him. When we play it’s such a turn on because Max is able to dominate me like I crave, but also handle me like I’m the most precious thing in the world.

  “No?” he growls, then chuckles.

  “No,” I reply on a whimper.

  “Good,” he responds, and then the heat from his body is gone, but the grip on my hands remains. The fingers of his other hand trails down my back and between my legs, where he slides a finger inside of me easily, because I’m so wet.

  “Spread your legs open. If you want me, show me,” he charges.

  I spread my feet apart, then lift up as high as I can on my toes, and push back as much as he allows me. When I feel he’s right there, teasing me, my struggles against his hold escalates.

  “Still,” he growls, and smack. Do I listen? Of course not. Smack, smack.

  “You want me? Hands over your head, now,” he orders, and releases his grip on my wrists.

  Immediately, I slide them up the covers and grasp the sheets, in order to prepare for what’s coming next. Max has never ever hurt me, but at this point our love making becomes harsh, as our passion rages. When Max puts himself just inside me, then grips my hips, I hold my breath.

  “Going hard. Hold on,” he warns, and I do.

  “Max,” I cry out when he slides into me forcefully.

  “You okay?” he mumbles and stills.

  “Please, Max. Don’t stop. You feel so good,” I implore between ragged breaths.

  “You’re so warm. So wet,” he praises, then thrusts into me over and over.

  We talk no more as we focus on our ecstasy, but in one swift movement I’m on my back and Max is over me. He scoots us up the mattress, then his hands take mine as he places it around him, so I can guide him back into me, and I do just that. I lift my legs up and open for him, giving him full access. He sits back on his calves, then his thumb goes between us and circles me.

  “I’m going to come,” I gasp, when he increases the pressure.

  “I’m right there. Go!” he demands, and his other hand slides up my stomach and grasps my breast, while pinching my nipple with his fingers.

  “Max!” I all but scream, and come harder than I think I ever have before. I’m still coming, lost in a cloud of mush, when he drops down on top of me and thrusts into me so hard, the bed’s headboard begins to slam on the wall behind us. And, just like that, I’m on edge again. I lift my hips to meet his, and I’m certain the bed is going to break to pieces, when we both fall over the edge together, and I’m left breathless as we crash into bliss. I work to calm my breathing, as I float back down to earth, but my arms and legs, left limp, slide from him and melt into the mattress.

  After a few seconds, and when I’m almost asleep, Max slides from me but I still manage to mewl out a protest. He kisses the side of my head in a soothing gesture to calm my complaint, before he drops to his back beside me. Before I drift off in an orgasm slumber, thanks to Max, my mind goes back to the headboard banging against the wall and my eyes fly open.

  “Max,” I gasp, now wide awake and cursing myself for not just drifting off. “Whoever is on the other side of the wall heard us,” I squeak, and cover my hands with my face embarrassed. The bed begins to shake, so I turn and peek through my fingers at him, and see he’s silently laughing.

  “I’m pretty sure they did,” he concludes with a huge smirk, while glancing over his head at the wall.

  “Oh God,” I groan, and roll over and bury my face in the pillow. “Please don’t let anyone from my family or yours be in that room,” my muffled voice begs the pillow. “God, what are the odds it’s empty?” I ask no one, but Max answers anyway.

  “Sorry, but I’m pretty sure someone is in there. The upside, if it were your brothers, they would have busted down the door and kicked my ass when I was handing out that spanking, so it’s probably not one of them,” he teases, as I will my body to evaporate into thin air, or get sucked to vortex and never resurface.

  “Oh God,” I groan and pull the pillow over my head, but I can hear Max’s chuckles.

  “You started it.” His words travel though the pillow and land on my ear, and a flush of red covers me while he continues laughing softly.

  “Oh God,” I whimper, even more embarrassed, because he’s right.

  42

  I slowly flutter my eyes open, at the same time I snuggle into Max’s warm body. I fell asleep laying on his chest last night. His heartbeat lulled me to sleep, while his arms held me tight and our legs were a tangled mess. The summer sun is shining through the resort drapes, alerting me to the new day–my wedding day. At this realization my heart begins to race, and I’m about to lose it, so I lock my body to prevent it from doing a crazy jig which would startle Max. I attempt to relax and calm my breathing and racing heart, but it’s not really working.

  I carefully extract myself from Max’s embrace without waking him, then lift on my forearm so I can gaze down at his handsome face. A soft smile is playing on his full lips. Knowing he’s having sweet dreams brings a smile to mine. I’m about to tuck myself back into his arms, when I catch a glimpse of the clock behind him and note the time. I fly up and over him to make sure I’m reading it correctly, which causes him to let out an “oomph,” as he wraps his arms around me to prevent me from moving. I still, but my mouth is agape. It’s ten-thirty in the morning. We never sleep this late.

  “Max!” I whisper yell, and look down at him. I’m not sure why I’m talking softly, since were obviously both awake now. With his eyes still closed, he smiles, and his dimples grace me in their glory.

  “Sugar bear, today’s the day!” I squeak, while watching his face for a reaction. His smile grows, and he opens his eyes.

  “Good morning,” I whisper again, and nuzzle my face into his neck while he wraps his strong arms around me and holds me close.

  “Good morning,” he mumbles sleepily, and kisses the side of my head.

  Neither of us move or say another word as we lay in comfort knowing today, our day, is finally here. I almost doze back off, when there’s a soft wrapping on the door. Both of us lift our heads and turn towards the sound. We wait quietly to see if housekeeping is about to walk in on us, as we aren’t normally here when they come. Each day we’ve stayed here, when we return from being gone, the room is cleaned and put back in order. When no one calls out and the door doesn’t open we look at each other puzzled, but then another soft tapping sounds, only a tad bit harder.

  Max sighs and scoots me off of him, before throwing his legs off the side of the bed and standing. I roll over on my side and pull the covers up, then watch him as he walks over to the chair that has the clothes he wore yesterday hanging off the back. He pulls on his shorts and
buttons them, before strolling over to the door and looking through the peephole.

  “Love, its Levi and Darcy, you need to put something on,” he informs me.

  I slide out of bed and rush to my suitcase, and quickly dress in a pair of shorts and a tank top, while Max takes his time unlatching the locks on the door. He gives me one last glimpse to make sure I’m dressed before he opens it. Darcy and Levi, both, look between us smiling as they stand in front of one of the resort food carts.

  “Hi,” I say, and walk over to stand next to Max. On top of the cart are several plates with warming tops and a stainless-steel coffee carafe, a tall thin glass pitcher with orange juice, a bulb jar full of syrup, and a coffee creamer set, along with crystal salt and pepper shakers.

  “Morning and happy wedding day,” Darcy replies gleefully.

  Darcy is in a soft pink, strapless summer dress with cute tan wedges. Her long dark hair is parted to the side, and is falling in waves past her shoulders. Her face has just a touch of makeup and her lips are covered in a barely-there pink gloss. Levi is wearing faded jeans with a tight fitting, brown t-shirt, brown boots, and he’s traded in his black belt with pinch front for a white belt with pinch front. Lord, he’s hot. And she’s beautiful. They make a striking couple.

  “Good morning you two,” Levi says with a smirk. “Darcy and I just came up from breakfast, and noticed you two weren’t down. Folks were wondering if y’all were okay. We told them you were probably still asleep,” he says as he chuckles.

  “We knew you probably had a late night and all, so we thought we’d order you up breakfast. The waiter came up with us but, well, we told him, um, you may not be dressed so we’d check, and if not, we’d take it in our room and try to call you,” Darcy tries to explain, and she seems to be getting a little flushed.