Salvaged

by Chelsea Camaron

  Maggie

  My parents have come to visit for the week. We are all leaving for Vegas. Ryder and Dina have decided to get married there. Dina isn’t comfortable having a traditional wedding without her parents. So we are making a full on party of it for her so she can really enjoy her special day.

  Brayden and I are doing pretty good. He still won’t have sex with me, but he is making sure my needs are taking care of as much as he can without sex. I want him desperately but he says not until we are truly on solid ground as a couple. According to him, I haven’t forgiven him completely yet, nor has he learned to forgive himself. I am no longer angry over what happened now. I understand his past, his fears, and insecurities. I now know why he was using. Have I forgiven him? Yes, in my mind I have. Granted, he says we haven’t hit a hard spot yet to really find out just how much I have let go of. Maybe he is walking on egg shells, so to speak, just waiting to mess up and me flip out.

  Brayden took Dina and Ryder out for dinner and made amends with both of them. Dina is actually closer now with Brayden then they even were before. Harrison seems to even like Brayden now, whereas, before I think it was a relationship of tolerance, not a genuine friendship.

  Harrison and Sophia have been hanging out, both claiming just friendship. I know a lot about Sophia, I can’t picture my brother being into all her kinds of kink. He is a knight in shining armor where women are concerned. He is a total prick to guys, especially ones trying to date myself or Dina. Women he dates however are treated like queens.

  I don’t know what happened in South Carolina, but he has decided not to go back. Ryder has more than enough work to keep Brayden, Jake, and Harrison busy so he has taken a permanent job there. He found an apartment in Brayden’s building and is moving out once we return from Vegas. I wish he would just stay with me, but he claims a man needs his own territory like a dog. I guess he just didn’t want to pee in the corners here and stake claim. Brayden is around all the time, so I honestly think Harry feels like he is imposing on me now.

  My parents arrive, surprising Dina that they will be able to be at her wedding. She doesn’t know it but Cory will be meeting us out there. Brayden seems a little nervous around my dad which is not normal.

  Brayden

  While Maggie’s parents are here, I need to talk to her dad. The ring I recently purchased is never far from my mind. I want to get this right, make all her dreams come true.

  I finally get a moment alone with him at Ryder’s house. I pull out the ring as I begin our talk.

  “Mr. Lawson, you know how much and how long I have been in love with your daughter. I know I have made some mistakes. I have learned from them and through it all my love for Maggie has grown even stronger. She is my better half, truly and I want to make her my wife. Do I have your blessing in asking your daughter to marry me?”

  He doesn’t say anything for the longest time. This makes me very uncomfortable, so I begin to ramble.

  “Mr. Lawson, I know I am not worthy to even have Maggie as a friend, much less anything more after what I have done. I never deserved someone as precious and loving as Maggie in the first place. The thing is, sir, you told me when the time came I would know whether to follow my heart or my head. Well, I am following both. My heart loves that woman with every breath inside of me. My head knows she is good for me, keeps me focused on doing right. So sir, I am not only asking, I am begging you to give this your blessing.”

  I know I sound like a complete pussy begging this man for permission to propose, but damn it I know Maggie will ask me if I got her dad’s blessing. If they don’t support the engagement Maggie will walk away from me for good and I know it.

  Harold smiles at me, “Son, yes I know you love my daughter. We have all made mistakes you need to let go of that. You are a good man, deep inside you there are issues you have to face daily. You fight those battles just to be with my princess. You have always wanted to take care of her. I think you have worked really hard to straighten out your mess, Brayden. And Son, yes you have my blessing to marry my one and only daughter.”

  For a man that is a little over six feet tall and still works out daily, rides a Harley Davidson in a motorcycle club and has more tattoos than Ryder and me combined, he can be a giant teddy bear where his family is concerned. He still intimidates me. I know if I screw up bad enough, he will make sure I am handled appropriately. As that saying goes in small towns, they won’t find the body. Needless to say I know I don’t want to be on the receiving end of his anger.

  Maggie

  We are home from the wedding weekend in Vegas. Ryder and Dina are married and my very best friend is so happy. They have gone to the Dominican Republic for their honey moon for the next two weeks. That is the one place Dina has always wanted to go, not Paris, not Italy the Dominican so as a wedding gift my parents paid for their hotel and air fare. I planned out their vacation so they could have quality time together but also seem some of the area.

  We have a busy schedule here at work and Dina didn’t want to leave me to do it all alone. Kenna who has become close friends with Dina and me from the garage has agreed to help at the events. When Kenna came on board, Dina finally felt comfortable boarding the plane.

  Jake is in charge at the garage while the love birds are away. Ryder and Jake go way back and since they are neighbors they are watching the house for the happy couple. Jake and Kenna are a cute couple I don’t know how long they have been together just that they are in love.

  Brayden and I have both been so busy we haven’t seen much of each other. Harrison moved out and is enjoying his new apartment. Brayden and I have been staying at his apartment since our return. According to him, we need to be here, in case his new neighbor in the building needs to borrow a cup of sugar. That makes me laugh, I know he just wants to make sure Harrison is settles in because it means so much to me.

  I have events Friday night, all day Saturday and Saturday night so he wants to have a brunch date for Sunday. I like the routine we are in, things are comfortable again. I can’t even say I have the old Brayden back, honestly, I have a new and improved Brayden. I love this man with every fiber of my being. I am happy, really happy with everything.

  Brayden

  Sunday brunch date is here. I am full of nervous energy. Maybe Dina was right, maybe I want to wait and do this when she and Ryder are around for moral support. I know Maggie has waited for this proposal for a very long time so I thought simple might be best.

  We arrive at the restaurant and sit to eat. My palms are sweating and I don’t think I can make it through the meal without just asking her. We place our orders and I decide I should ask while we are waiting on our food.

  “Maggie, we have been through so much together. You have stood by me through so much and helped me to become a better man. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  I pull out the box, open it and place it in front of her. She begins to cry as I ask, “Margaret Rose Lawson, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  She doesn’t answer she just cries. Finally, I reach over and hold her hand.

  She looks me in the eye, “I want to say yes, but Brayden I want to know you are clean and going to stay clean. I am happy with the place we are in right now. Can we just work on us? You stay clean and ask me again in a year or so when we both know with complete confidence we are good together.”

  Her rejection stings, it burns down in to my core being. I remind myself this is all part of recovery and rebuilding. I broke her trust in the worst of ways so it’s going to take time. This is to make me stronger. So with that, I pay for our meal and we head out. I decide I need a little time alone so I drop Maggie off at her house and head to my apartment.

  Brayden

  Sitting here alone, I begin to dwell on the rebuff. There is a nagging voice in my head screaming at me to go get high, escape the pain. After 4 agonizing hours of fighting my inner self, I manage to not get high and realize maybe Maggie is right. I will just give her time, co
ntinue to work on myself and reevaluate in a year where we are. It still hurts but I have to accept how she feels right now. She has called multiple times and I know she is worried since I haven’t answered. I send her a quick text.

  I’m ok mags, needed time. U r right we still need work. I love u always. No I didn’t get high if that is ur concern. Ttyl

  There is a knock on my door. I open it to Harrison standing there.

  “Maggie sent me to check on you. She is worried. What happened?” He asks.

  “I am not high as you can see. I proposed she said not right now. There is nothing more to tell.” I respond opening the door wider for him to enter.

  “Man, I am sorry B. You know my sister loves you though, right? She wants to marry you. She is just confused with everything that has happened this past year. Give it some time.”

  “I will. I am not giving up on her, on us. It just wasn’t what I expected so I need some time alone to figure things out.” I say.

  “Nothing to figure out, go on like things were. She wants to be with you, just go on like that. You are committed to her and her to you. Marriage is just a ceremony and piece of paper cementing that. One day I know you two will be married, bro so relax and just work through it.” He states.

  I say nothing as we sit on the couch to play video games. I just need to get lost in some Madden football for a while.

  Maggie

  Harrison text me that Brayden really is okay just in need of some time. I didn’t want to hurt him. Now isn’t the time for us to get engaged. When Dina gets back from her honeymoon I am going to need her help with the surprise I want to get for my man.

  The next month goes by things are back to normal for me and Brayden. It’s as if he never proposed. We have been attending his meetings without fail and both of us are becoming more confident in his ability to stay clean.

  With help from Dina and Ryder I was able to find and purchase my surprise for Brayden. Unfortunately it has incurred some damage and is in need of repair. Brayden can handle fixing this one. I have it hidden. I am not sure when I will give it to him but it was something I had to have.

  15 months later

  Maggie

  I think my previous rejection has made Brayden insecure in our relationship and future. He says he is doing just what I asked and fixing himself. I have been sitting on a big surprise for him for a year now. Maybe if I give him the gift he will understand that I believe in him, I believe in us.

  Brayden’s birthday is next week so I begin to plan a barbeque for him at Ryder’s house. Jake and Ryder have a pig cooker, so we will have some pulled pork sandwiches smothered in a coastal North Carolina traditional vinegar sauce. My mouth waters just at the idea, add some coleslaw, macaroni and potato salad, hushpuppies and I am one happy girl. My parents are coming into town for the barbeque as well so it’s the perfect time for my unveil.

  The day of the barbeque arrives. We have my family and all of our closest friends around, well minus Valerie, she is not is the place to be of support to Brayden. Vanessa came with her mom and kids though and Brayden was alive again to see them. After we all fill up with some great food and a few beers, I ask Ryder to open his back garage off the house for me. I take Brayden by the hand.

  “Baby, you have come so far. I love you, always have and always will. I wanted to get you something to show you how much you mean to me. It’s not in the condition it once was in, but I am sure you can bring it back better than before.” I say.

  We come around the corner and Ryder removes the cover. Brayden stares silently for the longest time.

  “I know it looks a mess. It is your Charger though. Dave’s son wrecked the car driving it too fast on a trip in the mountains. The title is salvaged but the car can be repaired. It is yours baby, just like you it can come back and be even better. I love you Brayden.” I am crying as I say this.

  He wraps me in his arms and kisses me with more passion, fire, and love than ever before.

  “Thank you. No one has ever done anything for me like this before. I love you Maggie.” He says.

  Brayden

  Well, here we sit all our family and friends together. I am working up the courage to ask Maggie to marry me. I guess we are both full of surprises. I never thought I would have the chance to drive that car again. It was Valerie and Vanessa’s mom’s first car. She sold it to me when I got my first job. Until I got in such a mess I never imagined being without it. To have it back is like getting a good piece of my past back.

  With everyone standing around us, I immediately drop to my knee holding Maggie’s hand in mine.

  “Margaret Rose Lawson, I love you. You are so amazing and full of surprises. My plan for today was to do this later when we were alone but I can’t wait any longer. Will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to love and cherish you always even above and beyond any car or drug. I promise to be honest with you always, and to continue to grow to be the man that is worthy of your love. I promise to stay clean. I promise to grow old with you, shower you with love and affection. I promise to take care of you and give you as many babies as you want. I love you Maggie for now, for always.”

  She is crying and silent again. The suspense is killing me, surely she wouldn’t turn me down a second time. She is still not speaking, nodding, or moving. I stand up because it’s embarrassing to be down a knee and no answer.

  Finally, Harrison says, “Maggie, would you answer the man?”

  She still says nothing. I lean in and whisper, “Its okay Maggie, I understand. You don’t have to say it, I get it. I won’t ask again.”

  I feel defeat washing over me. I start to walk away when she reaches out to grab me.

  “You are right Brayden you won’t ask again. My answer is yes. Yes, I will marry you. Yes, I will stand beside you through all of life’s ups and downs. Yes, I will be honest with you and grow with you. I will love every minute of growing old together, loving you and showering you with affection. I promise to take care of you and give you lots of babies. I love you Brayden for now, for always.”

  Oh yes, I kissed my fiancé right there in front of everyone. I basically made love to her mouth. There is not a drug in the world that could give me a greater high than the one I feel right now. I am completely consumed in my high on life and love.

  8 months later

  Harrison

  Maggie’s wedding day is here. To see my precious baby sister all dressed in white coming down the sand to a very anxious Brayden is absolutely beautiful. Since they chose to have the wedding on the beach the bridal party is barefoot and I am thankful for it. I hate stuffy shoes after my time in the Corps. I stand as a groomsman in the wedding with the honor of escorting the lovely Sophia.

  She and I have become good friends since I moved to Charlotte. We are really great friends with some even better benefits. My time in South Carolina seems almost a vague memory now as I have come to call Charlotte home.

  The reception time arrives. We are outside of Dina’s beach house, having a dance floor made up beside her pool. The back drop of the beach, salt in the air, music playing, and love surrounding us all. The bridal party song is played, so I pull Sophia into my arms. She is shorter than Dina, maybe five foot one or two, so I tower almost a foot over her. Maggie and Brayden went with white and sage green as their wedding colors. They are made to go against the tan of her skin. I could wrap her up and take her off to one of Dina’s spare rooms right now so easily.

  Instead, I spend the evening dancing with my sister, my mother, Dina and Sophia. I have not a care in the world. The time for the sendoff comes, so we all make our way out front to the limo awaiting the newlyweds.

  No one, especially me is expecting or prepared for the woman standing in the driveway. It has been over two years since she shattered my world. I must be drunk or dreaming there is no way Tiffany is here right now.

  “Hello, Harrison.” She says.

  This is not a dream. What the hell am I in for now? Sophia bes
ide me, and Tiffany in front of me.

  More from Chelsea Camaron

  Love and Repair Series

  Book 1

  Restore My Heart

  Book 2

  Salvaged

  Bonus Book 2.5

  Full Throttle

  Book 3

  Beyond Repair

  Did you miss Dina and Ryder’s Story?

  Now Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

  Restore My Heart

  Book 1 in the Love and Repair Series

  Dina and Ryder’s Story

  Bad Boy, Ryder Davenport comes into Dina Fowlers life in the middle of her own personal hell. Still coming to terms with the death of her parents, she pushes everyone away. When she trusts the wrong man, putting her in a bad relationship she felt she couldn’t escape, Ryder comes along. Enjoying his play boy ways, fast cars, motorcycles and a new woman in his bed nightly, Ryder had no thoughts of settling down. That is, until he sees the damage a man can do when he meets a very broken Dina. He changes in hopes of one day being enough for her.

  But, can she ever feel safe with a man again? Ryder has restored hundreds of classic cars can he restore Dina’s heart?

  Just Released June 21st, 2013

  Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

  Full Throttle

  A Bonus Story in the Love and Repair Series

  Jake and Kenna’s story

  High school sweethearts manage to make it through college into the working world still together and going strong. From the start of their relationship Jake has made very clear his apprehension to marriage. Kenna understood going into this nine years ago that with Jake there would never be a ring or white dress.