by Kayla Carson
She turned in my arms then, and using the pad of my thumb, I wiped the tears from her cheeks. “That's better.”
“I don't know why I'm so emotional.”
“Don't do that. Don't apologize for how you feel.”
“A part of me feels guilty for being happy with you. I took someone's life, and I haven't really had time to process that. My focus was on you, and your recovery, but I'm worried that if I don't deal with what happened now, I'll never be able to get past it. Does that make sense?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I want to say goodbye. I didn't tell you before, but I have her ashes. I brought them back from Mexico, and I think I'm going to scatter them on the beach. Vanessa did a lot of bad things all in the name of protecting me. In a way, I feel responsible for some of those things. Especially Robert Drake.”
“Do you want to talk about it? I mean, you never really explained what happened with him.”
“There isn't much to tell. He said something to me while Vanessa was preparing dinner, and it just triggered something in my mind. I remembered hearing the phrase as a child, and that's when I knew. I knew he was the man who hurt me all those years ago. I could see it in his eyes, the instant he realized his mistake. Vanessa must have seen it too, because she didn't even hesitate. She just.. shot him in the chest. The rest of that evening was a blur. The doctor she hired came in, and I assume he shot me up with something. When I woke up the next morning, she acted as if nothing ever happened.”
“I wish it was me who pulled that trigger.”
“Don't say that Cole. I barely even remember shooting Vanessa, but the feeling in the pit of my stomach after I did, it's still there. It's eating away at me.”
“You saved my life.” I said cupping her cheeks in my hands. “Self defense. You're my hero Harper Blue.” I winked, making her blush.
“You're mine too Cole Stephens. I still can't believe you hid in a trunk for four hours just to find me. You're pretty incredible, you know that?”
“Actually, it was five.” I teased, pecking her lips. “And I'd do it all over again if it meant we'd wind up here, together.” I kissed her again. “There is one more thing we need to talk about.”
“What's that?”
“Our wedding. We kind of missed it.”
“You still want to get married?” She asked, sounding a bit surprised, yet hopeful.
“Do me a favor. Toss my shirt on, and run upstairs to our bedroom.”
“What? Why?”
“Just listen would you, stubborn woman?”
She laughed, leaving the warmth of my embrace. “Alright.” She smiled, slipping my tee shirt over her head.
“On second thought, maybe you should just get back into bed.”
“Cole!” She laughed, in mock frustration.
“Ugh, fine.” I sighed, giving her a wink. “I need you to get something out of my top dresser drawer for me. You'll know what it is when you see it.”
“That's not mysterious at all.” She said sarcastically, as she left the room.
I faintly heard her ascending the stairs, and when she came back down again, I actually felt a little nervous. When she rounded the corner, box in hand, she gave me a questioning look. “Did you open it?” I asked.
“No.”
“Liar.”
“Maybe I peeked a teeny bit.” She said, pinching her fingers together.
“Are you going to put it on?”
“Is there something you'd like to ask me?”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Only you would ask me to propose to you for a third time.”
“You know what they say. Third time's the charm.” She smiled big, and wide.
I cleared my throat, sitting up as best as I could, before crooking my finger, and beckoning her closer to me. She obliged, handing me the ring box when it was in reach. “Harper Blue, you are the most infuriating, passionate, stubborn, beautiful, perfect woman in the world. Will you please be my fiance for the third time?” I asked opening the box, revealing a two carat diamond lotus flower engagement ring. It was white gold, and the center stone was surrounded by petals. It was the perfect ring, for the perfect woman.
“Where did you find this? When did you find this?” She laughed, as I placed it on her ring finger. “It's absolutely beautiful. You know me so well Cole.” She smiled, wiping a tear from her eye.
“It was after an NA meeting one night. Wes forced me to stay with him and Zoe, because I was in a rough place. Anyway, Wes had to deal with something at Harper's House, so I took Zoe around to run some errands. I sat in the car while she went into some baby boutique, and the shop beside it caught my eye. I can't explain it, I just got out of the car, and went inside. The man behind the counter held his finger up, as soon as I entered. So, I waited, and when he returned from the back room, he had this ring. I know it sounds stupid, but it kind of gave me hope. I thought, why would I feel the need to come in here, and see this ring, if I wasn't meant to find you.”
“We really need to get you to physical therapy, because I don't know how much longer I can wait to actually have sex with my fiance!” She said, biting her lower lip. “When did you get so damn perfect?”
“Does that mean you're saying yes? Again?”
“Was there ever a doubt?”
Chapter 29 Three months Later
After three long months of the most grueling physical therapy I'd ever endured, I finally had a clean bill of health. Our wedding day was only days away, and I couldn't wait to share the news with Harper. She was so worried about setting my recovery back, that we still hadn't had sex. I tried, believe me, but she was adamant. Until I came home with a note from my doctor, things were going to remain exactly the same.
I wondered if I should stop and buy a frame, or at least a bow? Instead, I decided to head straight home. If I played my cards right, I'd be able to set something up before Harper made it home from work. She opened her flower shop up last month, and it really took off. I couldn't be more proud of her, and I would be there with her now, except this was a little more important.
It sounds cliche, but I'd never actually been with a virgin before. Not that Harper was technically a virgin, but I wasn't sure exactly what to do. We had done so many other things, that the thought of finally being with her actually made me nervous. What if it was too much for her? What if she really wasn't as ready as she thought she was? Maybe we should wait until after our wedding, then she won't be able to run away. I was psyching myself out, and I had no idea why.
OK, so that was a lie. I knew exactly why I was so nervous. I loved her, and I genuinely cared about making sure that she was alright in every way. I could never live with myself if I thought I'd caused her any kind of pain. I had to make sure that everything was perfect, and that she was one hundred percent comfortable.
When I arrived at home, I immediately got to work. One of the perks of owning your very own flower shop.. flowers. Harper would probably kill me when she realized that I'd just obliterated one of our rose orders, but the bed was now skillfully covered in red rose petals. I dug the candles out of the closet next, placing them strategically around the room. When I was sure that the ambiance was set, I went to take a quick shower.
Checking the time when I hopped out, I realized I had less than twenty minutes before Harper would be home. I quickly dressed in a pair of khaki shorts, and a light blue button down shirt. I suddenly felt like a teenager getting ready for his first date. I wasn't even this nervous on my high school prom night. If I actually knew how to cook, I would have prepared dinner first, but it was better for the both of us if I just steered clear. I shut the bedroom door, effectively hiding the surprise, and waited.
Harper arrived exactly on time, and I could feel my palms sweating, as she entered through the kitchen. “My feet are killing me!” She called out dropping her purse on the counter, and rounding the corner into the living room. “I know I shouldn't be complaining. Especially after you've been at physi
cal therapy all day.” She said, coming up behind me on the couch and wrapping her arms around my neck. Her chin was resting on the top of my head now. “How was it?”
Normally, I would have reached behind me, and flipped her over into my lap. Or at least come up with some smart ass remark. Today however, I was at a loss for words. I reached up, placing my hands over hers. “Cole?” She asked, sensing that something was off.
Releasing her hands, I stood to face her. The doctors note was folded in my back pocket, so I pulled it out, and handed the folder paper to her. “There's no pressure.” I said, as she opened it. “I mean, it doesn't mean that we, if you're not, we don't have to.” I stammered.
The smile that formed on her face was brilliant. She laughed, tossing the paper behind her. “You had me worried.” She said, taking a purposeful step towards me. “Are you nervous?” She whispered, her lips only an inch from mine.
“What?” I laughed, pretending to feel some kind of confidence. “Of course not. I just want to make sure that you're not.”
“You know what Mr. Stephens? I think you're full. Of. Shit.” She said, pecking my lips after each word.
“You want proof?” I asked, tossing her over my shoulder caveman style. “I've got proof.” She smacked me on my ass, as I carried her towards the bedroom, so it was only fair that I gave her a nice smack back. When we entered the room, I heard her gasp. Even from her unusual position, she could clearly see the rose petals spread around the room. I sat her on the bed gently then. “Don't move.” I said, rushing around the room to light the candles. “There. Now tell me, does this look like the work of a nervous man?”
“No.” She said quietly. “It looks like the work of a very thoughtful, patient, amazing man.” A tear slipped down her cheek, and she reached up to wipe it away. “You manage to make me feel wanted, and special every day.”
I knelt down in front of her, placing my hands on her thighs. “You are special Harper Blue. Which is exactly why we don't need to do anything you're not ready for.”
“Make love to me Cole.” She said, grabbing me by my shirt collar. “Please.”
I may have audibly gulped. I was always the aggressor, and she admitted she enjoyed it, but this was different. The way she gripped my collar, and pulled me towards her was enough to give me an instant hard on. I let her pull me up, and over her body, as she laid back on the bed. Still gripping my collar, she pulled my lips down to hers, smiling when they met. Our kiss started off soft, and slow. I was using my hands to keep my weight from crushing her, and hers were still on my collar.
She opened her legs wider, cradling me between them. My erection was straining against my shorts, and when she ground against me, I sucked in a breath, making her giggle. “I think it's time to lose the clothes Sweetheart.” I said, nipping at her bottom lip. “What do you say?”
Instead of giving me an answer, she let her hands fall from my shirt collar to the buttons. Locking her eyes with mine, she undid every button one, by one, until she was able to push the shirt off down my shoulders. I got up on my knees, removing it the rest of the way. I watched as she pulled her tank top over her head, giving it a little toss. I reached for my belt buckle, but she sat up, stopping me. She took over the task, pulling it through the loops in one quick pull. I laughed, her enthusiasm was adorable. I let her undo my shorts, and then I helped her to remove her own.
She removed her undergarments next, leaving her gloriously naked. I remembered a time where being so exposed would make her nervous. But not today. Today, she seemed self assured, and confidant. I removed my boxers, and she laid down once again. I licked my lips, resuming my position hovering over her. “Fuck.” I said, pressing my forehead to hers. “I don't have any condoms. I planned the whole damn night, and I didn't even buy fucking condoms.”
“Shh.” She said, placing her hands on either side of my face so that I was looking at her. “We don't need them.”
“Harper, neither one of us want to have kids.”
She rolled her eyes. “I'm on birth control.”
“But? When?”
“A couple months ago. I told you Cole, I'm ready. Now quit worrying about hurting me, and make love to me.” She said, rather impatiently.
I laughed. “Alright Sweetheart. I can do that.”
“Finally!” She said, tossing her head back over dramatically.
I could have teased her back. I could have come up with a million other sarcastic things to say, but then I'd just be prolonging what we both wanted. So, with a gleam in my eye, I pressed my lips to her neck. I moved down her body stopping at her collar bone, her chest, breasts, and stomach. Using my hands, I spread her legs apart, placing feather like kisses on her inner thighs. She moaned softly when I placed a kiss just above her clit, teasing her.
Her hands found my hair, and she pulled it when I flicked my tongue out to brush against her clit. I started slow, licking small circles around the swollen nub. I knew exactly how she liked it, and exactly how to make her cum. But this time, I wasn't going to make her cum. I was going to build her up, so that when I finally put my cock in her, she would fall apart all around me. I'd felt her walls shake before, but just the thought of how she would feel had me so hard that it physically hurt.
She began to grind against me, fucking my face. I knew she was getting close, so I pulled away, crawling back up her body instead. She let out a small whimper, and I smiled. “Don't worry Sweetheart. I'll make it better.” I said, brushing the tip of my cock over her sensitive clit. Her breath caught in her throat, as I moved slowly, hitting her sweet spot over, and over again. “Are you ready for me baby?”
“Yes. Please.” She said, leaning up to kiss me.
“What do you want?”
“You.” She breathed out, her patience beginning to wear thin.
“What do you want me to do Harper?” I asked, when I stopped moving against her.
“Make me cum.” She rushed out, arching her hips, needing to feel my cock on her clit again.
Using my hand, I slowly slid my dick into her slick pussy. She was so God damn tight, and so fucking warm. I could have came just from that one motion. It was different, making love. The women I'd had sex with before Harper were just that. I never loved any of them. This was a whole new feeling for me. In a way, Harper and I were experiencing this together for the first time. “Are you alright Sweetheart?”
“Yes.” She said on a moan, as I moved my cock slowly in, and out of her. “That feels so good.” She whispered, her cheeks turning red.
“Did I ever tell you how cute you look when you blush like that?” I asked, stopping when I was buried deep inside of her. “You're so damn perfect.”
I moved then, increasing my speed, but still taking it slow, giving her time to adjust to the different feelings. Her eyes were closed, but the faces she was making had me so turned on I had to close my own. This was about her, and as hot as she made me I couldn't come undone like a prepubescent boy before my girl got to experience her first real orgasm.
“Oh my god!” She cried out. “Yes, right there!”
“That's right baby, cum on my cock.” I said, thrusting into her.
I watched, as she clutched her breasts, her impending orgasm getting closer, and closer. I could feel her pussy getting tighter, and tighter around me until she finally found that precious release. She had never moaned so loudly before, and it was the sexiest damn thing I'd ever heard. I came inside of her then, and she cried out again, feeling my seed hit the back of her pussy. I slid in, and out of her slowly now, not wanting to leave her just yet.
“Are you alright?” I asked, taking the weight from my arms, and laying my head between her breasts.
“More than.” She sighed, reaching up to play with my hair. “I think we need some more practice though. You know, to prepare for the wedding night.”
“You know? I think you're right. There are so many positions.. we should probably try them all out. Just in case there's something we don't like. I'd
hate to waste prime honeymoon time on trial and error.”
She laughed, giving my hair a little tug. “Exactly.”
Chapter 30
“You couldn't have waited one more month!” Zoe said, as Harper helped her zip the back of her dress. “I'm literally about to pop!”
“I'm sorry Zoe, but you know Cole. And honestly, I've put things off long enough.”
“You know you don't have to marry him today right? I mean, if he's pressuring you, we can sneak out the back right now.”
Harper laughed, adjusting her veil one last time. “He isn't pressuring me to do anything. I really thought that I was going to be nervous, but I actually feel pretty calm.”
“That probably has something to do with the three glasses of wine you had on the way over.”
“Nothing wrong with a little liquid courage right?”
“According to Wes, he and, Jake did shots of Jack Daniel's before our wedding. I only wish I could join you. A few more weeks.” She smiled, rubbing her belly.
“Are you getting nervous?”
“Honestly? I'm terrified.” She laughed.
“And Wes?”
“He's a bundle of nerves. It's kind of cute actually. I already know our daughter will have him wrapped around her little finger. The way he speaks to them both is beyond adorable.”
“Something he, and Cole have in common then. Acting like hard asses, and being tamed by a woman.” Harper winked.
A soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation, and Zoe quickly made to answer it. Opening it just a crack, she found Cole's eyes staring back into hers. “You can't be here.” She whispered, attempting to shut the door in his face. “It's bad luck.”
“I don't believe in superstitions Zoe, now let me see my fiance.”
“Cole Stephens! I'm warning you-”
“It's OK Zoe, let him in.” Harper interrupted. “Would you mind giving us a few minutes?”
“Fine, but don't say that I didn't warn you! Also, your ceremony starts in less than thirty minutes, so make it snappy.” She said, slipping out past Cole in search of the rest of the bridal party.