“I want him to come back to live with you.” The tears start pouring out of her eyes. “I don’t want him to see me die like this. It’s my last wish. I even have it written in my will that he goes with you once something happens to me. My husband can’t care for him once I’m gone, and he agrees. Once I pass, he’s going to live with his brother in California.”
I take a minute to let what she says sink in. “Mary, I…I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say. Have you talked to Jackson about this?”
“Well, sort of. I told him that I’m really sick and he would be going to live with you until I was better. Only, I didn’t tell him I’m not going to get any better. Just promise me you’ll bring him by to see us before…before.--” She can’t continue; the sobs rack her body, her face is in her hands.
I say nothing. I just embrace her with my good arm. We stand like this for awhile, letting her get it all out. When she finally stops crying, she looks at me. “I know you’ll take good care of him. He loves you just as much as you love him. He tells me all the time.” My heart feels so heavy for this woman. I understand what it’s like to look death in the face and fear for your life. To know that you’re going to die is one of, if not the, scariest thing you could think of.
“Yes, I’ll take care of him. I promise.” I will abide by her last wish, to take my son and care for him in her place. It’s so bittersweet. I don’t want him to have to say goodbye to Mary, but the time is coming when he’ll have to. But for now, I’m going to be the mother I know I should be.
“I can’t stay, Allie. I have to go to a doctor’s appointment. I’ll just step in there and say my goodbyes.” She turns around to find Jackson running out the door towards the both of us.
“Momma!” he squeals, then his face drops. “Why are you crying?” He slips his little hand into the both of ours. Mary smiles down at our son.
“It’s okay, sport. I’m just so glad your mommy is home. Now, enjoy your time with her. I need to go to the doctor. You be good, and promise to come see me a lot, okay?” She squats to his level, taking him into her arms. “I love you, sweetie.”
“I love you, too.” He lets her go, looks at me and says, “Come on, Mommy. Everyone wants to see you.” He pulls me his way. Before I leave, I mouth the words “thank you” to Mary. She nods, then gets into her car and drives away.
Donovan meets us at the door. “Hey, Jack, why don’t you go help your Grandma Julie in the kitchen? I need to talk to your mommy for a minute.”
“Okay!” He zooms past us, knowing that Mom is making all sorts of goodies for everyone. I look around the living room, my heart overflowing with so much joy and sorrow at the same time. Everyone looks so happy to be here, and it brings me such happiness to know these people all care that much to come.
“Let’s go back here, baby,” he says, leading me back to my room. The thoughts of the last time we were here get to me. It has been a while since we made love…
“What did Mrs. Anderson say to you?”
I explain to him that Jackson will be living with me now, and I swear I see his eyes light up. “Really? I get to see the little guy a lot more?”
I giggle. “Yes, you do. Only…Mary is dying, and she doesn’t want Jackson to know that. What do I do?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I would respect her wishes, but I would also want Jackson to understand the seriousness of the situation. You have to make that decision, baby. But whatever it is, I’ll stand behind you.” His fingertips brush my hair out of my face. “You’ll figure it out. I know you will.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.”
He brings his lips to mine, ever so softly kissing me. Even though this is supposed to be a sweet moment, I want nothing more than to rip his clothes off him right now and have my way with him. He senses the urgency, too. His kiss deepens, his tongue swirling around mine in a passionate dance of lust. I grab a handful of his hair, holding him firmly in place. I haven’t been kissed like this in so long. It’s without a doubt making my libido wake up.
“Oh, God, how I’ve missed you,” he moans into my mouth, causing me to moan back.
“I’ve missed you, too. Please make love to me.”
“What, right now? With everyone in the other room waiting for us?” He acts surprised that I would say this.
“Yep.”
“Holy hell, girl, you really did miss me. But I want us to be more, ahem, alone than this. But I promise you, it will be well worth the wait.” He kisses my lips one more time.
“Okay, let’s get this party started, because damn it, I want you, like now.” I growl, frustrated that I can’t be straddled on top of him right now. But he’s right. He straightens himself out down there, then opens the door to let me out first.
We talk, laugh, drink, and eat for hours. I enjoy everyone’s company, but the more I think about it, the more I want to take Donovan in the back room and have crazy, wild sex with him. Of course, the crazy and wild are probably out of the question, since Jackson is with us. But nonetheless, I want him. He looks my way, his bedroom eyes are driving me insane. So much that I start squirming in my seat. The thought of him, on top of me, making me call his name, is almost too much. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, the party breaks up. Rob, Megan and Livey head to their hotels. Jon, Jodi and the twins head home. Jackson is already asleep. We help Mom clean up, then all three of us head to bed.
When the door is shut and locked, the nightlight on, and the blinds drawn, we are finally alone. Donovan helps me undo my sling and undress, then slips one of his t-shirts over my head. We slip under the covers, the cool cotton sliding over our skin.
“It feels so good lying next to you again. Everything feels right with the world again.” He slips his arm around me, bringing me closer to his side. “We never have to worry about my past coming back to haunt us ever again.” I cuddle next to him, resting my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. A heart that beats for me. There’s no way I will ever want anyone else. I know that we’ve only known each other a short time, but my heart belongs to him.
He doesn’t say anything else. All he does is roll me onto my good shoulder and kisses me. This time it’s lust driven, like a man hungry for passion. All the while, he’s trying to be gentle, like he’s trying not to break me.
Screw gentle. I want this man now.
I sit up, bringing him with me, never breaking our lip lock. Feeling the familiar desire start to take me over, I swing a leg over his waist. The subtle moan he lets roll off his tongue just turns me on even more. My hands cup his face, feeling the day old stubble. Is there anything about this man that I don’t love? My own primal instincts kick into overdrive, making me grind against his pelvis.
“Allie, are you sure you’re okay to do this?” he asks, concern expressed on his handsome features.
“Baby, if I wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t. So don’t worry,.” I whisper seductively. The answer seems to satisfy him, now I want to satisfy him.
I grit my teeth as I slide off my shirt, leaving me naked except for my panties, which are already damp thanks to Donovan’s bulge rubbing against me. I push up on my knees, then use my good hand to slide my panties to the side. Slowly, I lower myself onto him. He grabs ahold of my hips, throwing his head back and biting his lip. I had almost forgotten how good he feels. Almost.
I touch his firm abdomen, following the muscles that form his six pack. Using that same hand to balance myself, I lift myself up, then back down again. He’s trying so hard not to make a sound, but I’m about that make that difficult for him.
I pick up my pace, sliding up and down on him. Using both hands, I roll my hardened nipples between my thumbs and forefingers. He bucks up, letting me know he’s enjoying the show. I lean my head back, getting so close to the edge. Then he sits up to meet me, face to face. Bringing my head back down, we look into each other’s eyes. The glow of the nightlight helps me see the love shining in those baby blues.
�
�I want to kiss you while you come,” he groans. He knows I’m close, so we both thrust towards the other. Within a minute, I’m crashing my lips on his, stifling the groan that wants to come from my throat. Then I’m soaring on my sexual high, never wanting to come down. As my orgasm rips through me, Donovan finds his release as well. We hold each other, breathing heavy and our hearts beating in time with each other’s.
“I love you, Allie.”
“I love you, Donovan.”
Always have. Always will.
Chapter 24
Allie - One year later
I stand on the deck, overlooking our new backyard. I rest my elbows on the railing, taking in the view. The lush green grass is freshly cut, just waiting for a certain little boy to run on it. I grin, knowing that he’s going to have a ball out here. I turn back towards the house, taking in the view of my dream home. Donovan didn’t want to just buy a house for us, he wanted to build everything I had in mind. From the front door to the back and even to the horse stables with our fifty acres of land, he made sure everything was perfect. He was on the contractors almost every day while I was at school. I finally finished my first year of the PA program at the University of Virginia, with only a couple of weeks to get this house in order before I start back. Jackson will start school at about the same time, so I plan on taking us both shopping this afternoon. He’s growing like a weed, so he’s way too tall for all the clothes from last year.
I decide I should get back to unpacking. Jackson is busy in his room, putting all his toys in the exact spot he wants them to be. Donovan is working at his clinic. Speaking of dreams, he also got to live his. This house is in the boondocks, which is exactly where we both wanted to be. He bought a plot in a small town nearby and opened his own practice, offering low income families affordable health care. The man makes my heart soar in every way imaginable. My heart still skips a beat or two when I think of him. I smile like an idiot as I start to rip open boxes.
Several hours later, after the kitchen is in order and we’re both cleaned up, Jackson and I head out the door to tackle our school shopping.
“Mom, do you think we could make one stop before we go out?” he asks with his big green, puppy dog eyes.
“Depends. Where is it?”
“It’s at this really cool place Donovan took me to the other day and I want to show you. It’s not far, just a short walk from here.” His smile is catching, so I give in.
“Okay, lead the way, bud.”
He’s grinning from ear to ear as he walks with me down the gravel drive that leads to our house. The closest neighbor is about a mile away, which is just the way we like it.
“So, Jackson, where are we going?”
“Can’t tell you yet. You’ll see.” He starts to veer to the right of the drive. A dirt path leads into the trees. Now I’m really confused, but I don’t say a word. I figure that the two of them have made a fort or something when I was at school one day. We walk a little farther, coming to a small clearing in the woods and I stop dead in my tracks.
“See, I told you that you would like it,” Jackson says as he takes my hand, prompting me to move forward.
Donovan is wearing a black tuxedo, standing in front of a small round table that holds pink and red roses. I look down at my attire, feeling a bit underdressed in my jean shorts and red t-shirt. He walks towards me, giving me that sexy smile he knows I can’t resist. I wonder if the butterflies in my stomach whenever I see him will go away; I hope not. He takes my left hand in his, his blue eyes staring into mine. He looks towards Jackson and my son gives him a thumbs up. Then he goes to the table, picking up both bouquets of the roses. Handing them to me, he smiles, then takes a step back.
“Allie, I have loved you since the day I met you. I knew it as soon as our eyes met that we were meant to be for an eternity. You have stood by my side in the darkest hours. Before meeting you, it was like I was wandering around, lost in the woods. But now, I’m found.” He nods towards Jackson. “He gave me the idea for that last part.” We both laugh lightly. Then I realize what’s about to happen, and my breath hitches in my throat.
The man before me gets down on one knee, holds out his free hand. That gives my boy the cue to hand him a tiny black velvet box. My heart wants to pound out of my chest, my knees feel weak, and my eyes start to water.
“Allison Marshall, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He pops open the box, revealing a sparkling solitary diamond on a gold band. His voice shakes a little as he becomes overwhelmed with emotion. “I want you to be here with me, for the rest of our lives. Jackson has given me his blessing. I promise to make you very happy. Just please, say yes.” I can see the tears starting to form in his baby blues.
“Donovan Callahan, you have already made me the happiest woman on the face of this planet, or at least, I thought you had.” He looks at me with a perplexed expression on his face.
“Does that mean…” he trails off, looking down at the ground.
“Let me finish. I thought I was the happiest woman alive, but you just made me even happier. Of course, I’ll marry you!” He leaps up, wrapping his arms around my waist, crashing his lips against mine. He spins me around as I squeal out with pure joy. When he finally puts me down, he slips the ring onto my left fourth finger.
“I love you, baby.” He takes my hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing the ring.
“I love you, too.” The tears are pouring down my face.
“I love you both!” Jackson chimes in. We scoop him up, hugging him tightly in the most wonderful group hug anyone has ever had.
“We love you, too, bud.” Donovan kisses the top of his head. “More than you will ever know.”
I can’t wait to become Mrs. Donovan Callahan.
Epilogue
Allie - Two years later
“Are you ready, sis?” my brother asks as I straighten my dress.
“Ready as I’ve ever be.” I’m terrified but ready. I make sure everything is perfect, right down to the placement of my veil. I try to calm myself, but I’m so nervous I feel like I need to throw up. Shakily, I hold myself upright on these damn Jimmy Choo peeptoes. My dress is simple, yet elegant, with tiny rhinestones surrounding the plunging V-neckline of my halter style gown. The train is only a couple of feet, mainly because I know I’ll fall flat on my face.
“Sweetie, you’re going to be just fine. And you look amazing.” Livey turns around to smile at me. She could steal the show in her beautiful baby blue maid of honor dress. The doors open as the music starts to play.
“Oh my God, this is it!” I whisper to Jon. “Please don’t let me fall.”
“I won’t, sister of mine.” He bends his arm and I loop my arm through it. My bridesmaids start walking down the aisle, starting with Megan and Daniel. It’s not long before Livey heads out. All there that’s left are the ring bearer and flower girl. Jackson is so adorable in his little tux.
“I love you, Mom. You look beautiful.” Leave it to my son to melt my heart.
“I love you, too, son.”
He has a huge grin on his face as he holds his pillow of rings. The flower girl holds her little basket of white rose petals as she heads down the same way.
Jon and I wait, and as soon as “Here Comes the Bride” begins to play, we take our first steps forward. The entire room is filled with loved ones and friends, all standing up to watch me walk towards my forever.
I see him, standing at the altar next to Gabe. He has the widest smile on his face as he watches us all the way down the aisle. After what seemed like years, we make it to the end. I hand off my bouquet to Livey, then it begins. “Who gives this bride away?”
“I do.” Jon’s voice cracks a little. Then he turns towards me, lifts my veil, and kisses my cheek. “I know Dad’s here, sis. He’s watching.”
“I know.” Jon puts Donovan’s and my hands together, then takes his seat next to my mother, who can’t stop crying.
The pastor goes through the motions of quo
ting bible verses about obeying each other and whatnot. Then we get to our part, our handwritten vows. He starts first after he takes a deep breath. He’s just as nervous as I am; it’s almost comforting to know we are both anxious.
“Allie, when I first met you, I had no idea that I would be standing here with you today. We have come so far and shared so much. I swear that I will honor you, protect you, and be your shoulder to cry on. I will comfort you, put your needs above my own, and never lose sight of our love. Each day, I will thank God for bringing you into my life. I will cherish you with every fiber of my being. I will support you in any way you need me to. You and Jackson are my family now, and I love you both dearly.”
Tears start swelling in my eyes as my emotions take control. Jackson has been living with us since the day I came home from the hospital. Mary passed away a couple of months after that. Donovan stepped up to the plate and became such a role model for my son. They get along great, and I couldn’t ask for more.
He slips the gold band on my ring finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Now it’s my turn. After taking a calming breath, I begin to pour my heart out to my almost husband, and the hundred people sitting beneath this tent at Callahan Vineyards.
“Donovan, when you asked me to dance the first night we met, I somehow knew you were the one. Being in your arms just felt right, and now there’s no place I’d rather be. I’m amazed every day by you. You’re kind, attentive, loving, the best man that I could ever hope for. I promise to honor you, to cherish you, and to attend to your every need. I promise to devote my every waking day to you. Nothing could make me any prouder than to be your wife. Jackson and I are very lucky you came into our lives. We both love you so much.”
Then I place the golden ring on his finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
The preacher’s voice booms out, “Now you may kiss your bride.”
He cups my face, pulls me close, and whispers, “I love you, Mrs. Callahan.”
“I love you, Dr. Callahan.”
Here With Me Page 16