by C. A. Harms
Gavin grabbed my arm and supported my weight. “Maybe we should just hold off on this until you feel better.”
I laughed and shook my head. “No. This is Mikey’s first Christmas with us. We can’t hold off Christmas. I’ll feel better. I just need a shower.”
“Well then, I’m getting in with ya. I’m not leaving you in there by yourself,” he stated.
I smirked and he rolled his eyes. “Not for that reason.”
Placing my hand on one hip, I threw my other one out to the side. “And why not?” I asked.
In five seconds flat he had my t-shirt off and my panties around my ankles. I stood before him naked, and all he did was look in my eyes. “Because you’re not feeling well. I just want to take care of you.”
“That would take care of me.” I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively and he laughed.
***
Gavin
I took my time washing her hair and body. Her eyes fell shut and she relaxed from my touch.
“I love when you touch me. It’s so relaxing,” she whispered.
“Maybe if you’re feeling better later, I can touch ya some more.” I kissed her shoulder and began rinsing her body, gliding my hands over her curves. Maria was thin, but she had the fullness in her hips that I loved. She was perfect, and so damn sexy. It was so hard to resist taking her right now.
“Promise?” she sighed.
“I promise,” I told her, massaging her breast gently.
“Now you’re just teasing me,” she whimpered.
“Nah, I don’t tease. It’s simply a demonstration of what’s to come,” I stated.
She laughed just as a loud knock pounded on the door.
“Come on you two—hell, she’s already knocked up. What are y’all doing, trying to build twins?” Colt chuckled and Maria rolled her eyes at her brother.
“He needs a girlfriend or something. I think he’s here more than he’s home. Ya know, last night I found Mikey on the X-box after midnight. He was battling it out with Colt through the Bluetooth.”
“Colt has an X-box?” I asked.
She smiled. “He does now.”
It was really heartwarming how everyone had accepted Mikey. He was part of the family, extended and all. Everyone loved him.
I think Colt had found himself a new best friend.
We hurried to finish up in the shower before joining everyone in the living room.
We walked in to find Colt on the floor with Mikey, holding him in a head lock. My dad knelt on the floor next to them, slapping his hand to a count of one, two, three.
Then grabbing for Mikey’s and hand holding it high, he declared another victory over Colt.
Everything about our Christmas felt perfect. I couldn’t help thinking that this time next year we would have another little addition to our family. I smiled at the thought, as I observed everyone around the room.
***
After everyone had left and Mikey was in bed, I held true to my promise. I crawled into bed and paused over Maria’s stomach to kiss her softly.
She smiled big at the gesture, and my own heart swelled with even more love.
“So earlier, I made a promise,” I said.
She grinned up at me. “You sure did. I believe you were gonna put those thrusting thighs of yours to work.” I chuckled at her comment.
Between her and Kori, the phrase ‘thrusting thighs’ had kinda stuck. They used it often, and all Reed and I could do was shake our heads. Their minds worked up some crazy things.
“Yeah, I can do that. You just relax and let me take care of you,” I said soothingly, as I kissed her body tenderly.
I worked my way from one curve to the next. Flipping my tongue over her nipples, I nipped at the peaks. She arched her body upward and I grinned against her breast.
“I love these,” I said, as I kneaded her breast.
Her legs fell open and I positioned myself between her thighs. I couldn’t wait to push myself inside of her. I wanted to take it slow, but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hold back.
She reached between us and took me in her hand, positioning me at her center. Lifting her hips, she rocked against me.
Pushing my hips forward, I slipped inside, and I swear my body trembled right along with hers.
We began moving together as we moaned in unison. It had been a little over a week since we had made love, and it was torture. I promised myself I wouldn’t touch her until she felt better.
We were both close, as our breathing became heavy and labored.
“I’m so close,” she breathed.
“Me too. Come with me,” I begged, as I fisted the sheets at the side of her head. Driving forward with steady strokes, I rotated my hips, rubbing her sweet spot with each entry.
She came, screaming out my name. I followed right behind with a loud groan.
***
I lay with my chest pressed against her back and my hand stretched out over her tummy. Beneath it lay the child we had created with love. The child who we would treasure and love in return.
“You think we could make it happen by February?” I asked.
She turned her head just enough so I could see her face. “I don’t want anything big or fancy. Do you?”
“No,” I told her. “Just our family and closest friends, that’s enough for me,” I said.
She was silent for a minute, and then through the darkness, I could see her mouth curve into a smile. “February sounds like a plan. I think we can make it happen.”
“Good,” I said, as I kissed her temple. “I love you, sweetheart.”
For the first time in so long, I felt whole. I had a sense of peace I had been missing. Maria and Mikey were my peace, and soon we would only bring more joy to our home. Together, we’ll get through anything.
Bonus Scene
Reed
The moonlight filtering in from the bedroom window shadowed her sweet little cheeks. I soothed her tiny cries by tracing my finger gently along her eyebrow. Swaying from side to side, my heart was so full of love, it felt as if it could burst.
“It’s okay, baby girl. Daddy’s got you. I’ll always do everything I can to soothe your cries,” I promised my sweet angel.
Grace made little sucking noises as her tiny lips puckered. I couldn’t help but smile.
I snuggled her close, making my way down the hall toward the woman who gave me the greatest gifts any man could ask for.
I gently sat down on the bed next to my wife. Her hair spread out over the pillow, her body curled in toward the spot I sleep.
Holding Grace with one hand against my chest, I gently nudge Kori. “Hey, baby.” Her eyes fluttered open, a smile pulling at the edge of her lips.
“Is she hungry?” she asked.
I nodded my head. “You get yourself comfortable, and I’ll lay her down.”
I watched while she unhooked her gown and propped herself against the headboard. Placing a pillow in front of her, I laid Grace onto it.
We both watched in awe as our daughter nursed. It was hard to believe she was already six months old.
Every single time I witnessed it, my heart filled with even more love for Kori. I didn’t think it was possible to love her more than I already had. I was wrong. I thanked God everyday she allowed me into her life and in turn into Rhett’s. That little boy is my son, regardless of DNA. He held my heart just as much as Grace. They’re my kids, and Kori gave me that.
My eyes burnt with the emotion I felt, watching Kori nurse our daughter.
Her tiny hand fisted around my finger. I looked up to find Kori staring back at me. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
I nodded my head, in agreement.
Kori continued to watch me closely, and I grinned back. “I know I’ve told you so many times, but,” I paused and swallowed passed the emotional knot that had formed in my throat. “Thank you, for everything.”
“What are you thanking me for, Reed?” she asked.
I slide closer to my
wife, my wife. Those words still pulled heavily on my chest.
I laced my fingers through hers, as they rest against Grace’s back. “For forgiving me, loving me.” I paused to look down at my daughter. “For Rhett and Grace. You’re all my world, baby, and every day I only fall more in love with each one of you.”
“We love you too, handsome.” I looked up to find her with a tear trailing down her cheek. “You don’t have to keep thanking me though. Everything in life, all the troubles and heartache, it brought me back to you. You saved me when I needed it most. Loving you was never a question, I never stopped loving you.”
I crawled over her legs and curled up against her side. Kissing her softly, breathing in her scent I love so much. “I love you, baby.”
***
Kori
“I want it to be perfect. Not that your work isn’t amazing, Colt.” He smiled back at me and I hung my head. Taking a deep breath, I looked back up to meet his questioning stare.
“I don’t have to tell you how important this is. I know you already know Maria deserves this. You know how hard it’s been for her, losing their baby. It nearly broke her.” Colt nodded in agreement. “I just want the crib to be amazing. I want her to have this.”
“Kori, I got it. It means just as much to me as it does you,” he replied.
I smiled back at him. “I know it does I just can’t wait to share it with her.”
I had asked Colt to make a crib for Maria. A handmade crib with matching changing table. It would be my gift to her.
She was finally getting her happy ending. Two months ago Gavin and Maria were married. It was a small ceremony, with only about fifteen guests. Gavin broke down during his vows and it was that moment I knew she had her Reed. Gavin adored her. It took a while for him to warm up to that, but once he did, there was no turning back.
I no longer worried about her heart because I knew Gavin held it dear. He treated her like glass, and it drove her crazy. But I know deep down she loved it. For once she was the center of someone’s world. I know how that feels, and it’s amazing.
With the love she gets from Gavin and Mikey, their upcoming additions will only give her more completion. Maria, surrounded by Tennison’s boys, I could only laugh. They were having a boy, and she loved it. I thought she’d be disappointed. She loves to shop, and having a little girl of her own would be like heaven. But she loves to be surrounded by the craziness of her boys.
I thanked Colt and got out of his way so he could get to work. I really had no doubt the crib would be gorgeous.
After a quick stop at the store, I rushed home to my family. My family. Excited flutters filled my stomach every time I spoke those words, or even thought of them. They’re my people, the ones who make me feel whole.
As I walked up the steps of our home, the familiar country station became clear. I quietly entered and placed my bag on the table, next to the door.
Taking a few steps forward, I watched as Reed held Rhett up in the air. Rhett was laughing, holding his arms out to his sides. Reed swayed from side to side, making Vroom sounds with his mouth.
“More,” Rhett giggled and smiled big. “More, Daddy.”
I held my hand to my aching chest. Daddy was a word Rhett was using more often. He still referred to Blake’s picture in his room as Daddy as well. He kissed it each night and told him he loved him too, before Reed and I tucked him in. It had become routine. It was perfect.
Grace squealed out from her bouncer on the floor and Reed chuckled. The sound of their happiness overwhelmed me, and the tears trailed down my cheeks.
Rhett yelled out momma, and Reed turned to find me standing in the doorway. He quickly placed Rhett on to the floor and rushed toward me. Placing his hands on my shoulders, he got down eye level with me.
“What’s going on? What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I whispered. Raising my hands up, I placed them onto each side of his face. Pressing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. Resting my forehead against his, I took in a calming breath.
“Everything is absolutely perfect. You are such an amazing man, and I just fell in love with you a little more, Reed Jackson.”
Sneak Peek…Coming in 2015
Prologue
Alexis
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Maddison spoke out from behind me. The sound of her sweet voice only made my heart ache more intensely.
“I know, baby, mommy will find you something real soon. I promise.” I slowed the car to a stop and reached for the bag in the passenger seat beside me. Digging around, I pulled out the package of crackers I took from our last stop.
Turning around, looking back at my little girl, I forced a smile. She looked so tired, and seeing that in her eyes made me feel like a worthless mother.
Tearing the package open, I handed her the two crackers. “Here, sweet pea, eat these for now. I know it’s not much, but I’ll get ya something real soon, okay?”
Maddison nodded her head and took the crackers from me. “You still have juice in your cup?” I asked, and she nodded her sleepy little head once again. “Good, we’ll be stopping real soon.”
Turning back to face forward, I took in a deep breath and began looking around. I had passed a sign that read ‘Welcome to Brooklet’ about a mile back—I found myself wondering if they even had a hotel, here in this small town. It was a big change from San Diego.
With only a little over two hundred dollars left to my name, I knew I had to make it last. The thought of not being able to take care of Maddison made me sick to my stomach.
I had no choice, I couldn’t go back. I had to leave, had to hide out. He had crossed a line that could never be fixed. A life like we were living, it had to stop.
I knew I was taking a chance by going back home to Fort Myers, but I needed my family more than ever. I knew it would be the first place he would look, but it was the only place I had to go.
Keeping Maddi safe came first. It was my job, and for the last six months, I had failed her and the memory of Troy.
So the choice to leave in the middle of the night, when Seth least expected me too, was an easy one to make—a choice I would never regret, no matter how much I had to sacrifice.
Maddi needing stability. When she had all she needed, then my needs would come.
“I need to potty, Mommy,” Maddison spoke again.
The decision had just been made. It looked like Brooklet would be our stop for now. At least for tonight.
I pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant. It was just after seven at night and the lot appeared deserted. Two cars parked up close to the entrance.
Holding Maddison’s hand securely in mine, we walked side by side toward the entrance.
The smell of grease engulfed me once the door opened, and it smelled amazing. It had been hours since I last ate anything.
“Is it just the two of you?” an older woman with a genuine smile asked. I nodded my head as she led us to a small booth in the back.
“Do you have a restroom my little girl can use?” I asked as I looked around the small dining area.
“Just down that hall. Can I get anything started for you?” she questioned.
“Yeah, um, a grilled cheese and chocolate milk if ya got it?” I told her as I led Maddi toward the bathrooms.
“What are you having, darlin’?” she hollered after me.
“Nothing thanks, I’m not hungry.” I forced a smile as I hurried toward the bathroom.
“Mommy, your tummy is growling.” Maddi looked up at me as I continued to guide her toward the back.
“No, baby, mommy ate this morning. I’m good,” I assured her.
I had decided that I would only allow myself one meal a day. Even though I would kill for a juicy burger and fries, I had to use my head. The money had to last until I found another source of income.
When we made our way back to our table, I thought for a moment we were at the wrong one.
There was a large salad at one side, and o
n the other sat a bowl of applesauce. A large soda with a cup of chocolate milk sat in the center.
I stood looking around in confusion just as the lady who greeted us sat a plate of fries on the table.
“Ma’am, I didn’t order all this. I can’t—” I began to tell her as panic set in. She held up her hand to stop me.
“Don’t you worry yourself over it, darlin’, it’s all been taken care of.” She grinned and nudged her head toward the door.
I looked up just as a tall, broad man pushed open the door. He tipped his head toward me and winked, a dimpled grin gracing his lips. I stood staring at him until he disappeared through the exit.
“That sweet man just bought the two of you dinner.” She placed her hand on my shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “There’s kind people out there, sweetheart. Colt Thompson is a good man.”
Her final words left an emptiness in my chest, a good man. I wasn’t sure those existed anymore.
Besides my father, I didn’t know any others. Troy, Maddison’s father, was a good man. A man who gave his life for his country and never got the chance to know he was gonna be a father.
Acknowledgements
My husband and children, you three are my world. Thank you for being the most amazing people in my life. I love you with all my heart and thank you for making it possible for me to accomplish my goals.
Limitless Publishing and everyone behind that name. You are all wonderful. Thank you for all your help and hard work. You all make this process painless and worth all the energy I put behind my books.
Mrs. Maria Trojanowski, what would I do without you? You give me a push when I need it most. If I hit a dull point, I know that in some way you will get me moving again. You are one of the good ones and I am so thankful that we became friends. Thank you for being there when I need you.