by Rye Hart
My eyes fell closed while Caleb held me. I was too tired to fight the exhaustion any longer, and soon, sleep overwhelmed me. I dreamt of him that night. My dreams were hazy. I couldn’t make out anything specific except for Caleb’s face. I saw his face all night, and when I woke the next morning, his deep green eyes were the first thing I saw.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE - CALEB
Tara and I woke up the next morning still connected. Our bodies were tangled together, my arms wrapped around her and her leg thrown over my waist. While I held her, I couldn’t help but imagine doing this for the rest of my life. Now that Tara and I could be together without the pressure and threats from Darren, I felt like the entire world was opening up to us. We could do anything we wanted. We could go anywhere. As long as we had each other, nothing else mattered.
Nothing else, except her cancer.
That thought hit me like a punch to the stomach. Tara opened her eyes and blinked up at me, grinning sleepily. She kissed my lips and sighed, lingering just long enough to make my dick grow hard. I cursed myself for not being able to control my body. Whenever Tara was around, the damn thing had a mind of its own.
She looked down to see it hard and grinned.
“Someone’s happy to see me,” she said. Her hand slid down to stroke me slowly. I moaned and tried my best to fight the sensations she was creating.
I wanted to talk about her treatment. More than anything, I wanted to know she would be okay but I couldn’t. Everything was so uncertain. Our future seemed wide open and yet, completely closed off. If Tara’s chemotherapy didn’t work, then what? Would surgery be an option? And if not, would I lose her forever?
That thought was enough to push any sexual desires I had to the back of my mind. Tara continued to stroke my cock, but I groaned and slowly pulled away. She frowned, confused and slightly hurt.
“We have my PT session in an hour,” I reminded her gently. “We should probably shower before we go to the hospital.”
“I never thought I would say this,” she said. “But I wish we could skip it today.”
“Me too,” I said with a laugh.
“But you’re right,” she said. She sighed deeply and pushed herself out of bed. “We should definitely shower first.”
She grinned and reached for my hand. I couldn’t resist her for another second. I let her pull me into the bathroom and turn on the shower. When it was hot enough, we stepped inside, and Tara ran her soft fingers over my body. I kissed her long and hard, the water making our bodies slick and slippery.
When she kissed her way down my chest, not stopping until she was on her knees, my dick hard in her face, I knew I was a goner. This woman was everything to me. Without her, I didn’t know what I would do.
She took me into her mouth, swirling her tongue around me and making my head go blank. I couldn’t think about anything with her doing that. My body reacted instinctively, jutting itself forward and succumbing to the deep pleasure.
Tara brought me to orgasm, letting me come in her mouth and swallowing it down. She looked so fucking hot kneeling between my legs. I groaned and gripped her hair while she finished me off. I could barely stand up, and yet, I still wanted more.
“Good morning,” she said with a sly grin.
“You’re perfect,” I said. “Absolutely perfect.”
We finished showering and got ready for the day. As we drove to the hospital, I couldn’t stand for Tara to be away from my reach. I held her hand, lightly tracing her skin with my thumb. I didn’t want to let go. Ever.
When we reached the PT building, Tara led the way inside. She was grinning from ear to ear all morning. The night before had been amazing. We were so connected, so effortlessly us. I’d never felt more confident in our relationship, and I knew Tara felt the exact same way. She was happy. So happy I couldn’t stand to ruin it, but I knew I had to. We had to talk about her cancer.
“Listen,” I said as we got to the weight bench. “I know you don’t want to talk about this, but we need to.”
“Not today,” she said. She pressed a finger to my lips to silence me. “Right now, in this moment, I just want to be happy.”
“I know baby, but,” I said before she interrupted me.
“I know we have to talk about it,” she said. “My treatment and everything. It’s going to be scary. This entire process scares the hell out of me, and soon, it’ll be the only thing we talk about. So, for right now, let’s just be here. Together and happy. Please?”
I smiled and nodded, knowing I would never deny her a request like that.
We started my physical therapy session just like the others. Tara helped me stretch out and then got me on the bench. Now that I was mostly healed, my sessions were quick and easy. Tara still pushed me further each time, making me break my limits every time. That was just one reason why I loved her so damn much. She never let me stop or give up.
While my session progressed, I couldn’t stop thinking about what Tara said. She wanted today to be her day of happiness, just one day of blissful peace. I wanted to give her that. I wanted to make this day perfect in every way because she was right, it might be the last truly happy day she had for a while. Once her chemo started, everything would be harder.
I stared at her while she wiped down the weight bench. No one else was in the PT building. It was just us.
Tara looked amazing, just like always. Her blonde hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, falling halfway down her back. Every time she moved, it caught the light and mesmerized me. When she lifted her eyes to mine, they overwhelmed me. I could have stared into their blue depths for the rest of my life.
“What are you looking at?” Tara asked, smiling lightly.
“I’ve been thinking,” I said.
“Yeah?” she asked.
I cleared my throat and walked over to her. I kissed her slowly, wanting the moment to last forever. She sighed and pressed herself against me. When we pulled apart, I blinked at her, trying to remember how to speak.
“What were you thinking?” she asked.
“Everything that happened between us feels like fate, doesn’t it?” I asked. “I mean, we met years ago and fell in love. We weren’t supposed to be together, but we couldn’t fight it. Then, like idiots, we let each other go. I hated myself for ten years and then, suddenly, you’re back in my life. It felt like fate.”
“It did,” Tara said, smiling.
“And I think that’s too strong to ignore,” I said. “We found our way back to each other after a lot of shit went down. That has to mean something.”
“What are you saying?” Tara asked with a confused chuckle.
“I’m saying that I love you,” I said. “I love you, Tara.”
“I love you too.” She smiled and leaned forward, ready for another kiss.
“And I want to marry you,” I finished.
She froze. Her eyes met mine, and she looked at me in shock. She took a step back, stumbling slightly. Her head moved side to side as if she wasn’t quite sure what to do.
“Tara,” I said softly. “I’m serious. This isn’t a joke. I want you. I’ll always want you.”
“Is this because I’m dying?” she asked bluntly.
I laughed and shook my head. “No,” I said. “What the hell kind of question is that?”
“A valid one!” she said, her voice frantic. “You can’t be serious about this.”
I smiled and walked over to her. I grabbed her hands and then slowly lowered myself down to one knee. She stared at me with her mouth hanging open.
“I don’t have a ring,” I said. “But who cares? We’ve waited ten years for this, I’m not waiting another second. Tara, baby, will you marry me?”
“Are you sure this isn’t just because I’m sick?”
“Will you just say yes!” I said, laughing and swaying on my bad leg.
“Yes,” she said. “Yes, of course. You’re insane, but yes!”
I got to my feet and wrapped my arms around her waist. I
kissed her softly, picking her up off the ground and spinning her in a circle. She clung to my shoulders, kissing me back and laughing against my lips.
When I put her down, we both heard the door open behind us. We spun around to see my mom walking inside. She smiled and waved, hurrying over to us.
“Should we tell her?” Tara asked.
“You do it,” I said, nudging her forward.
“Hey kids,” Mom said. “How was the session?”
“We’re getting married!” Tara squealed, unable to contain her excitement for another second.
“What!” Mom looked from Tara to me and then back again. “Are you serious?”
“Yes,” I said. “I just asked her.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were planning to propose?” Mom demanded. “I could have helped you pick out the ring!”
“Well, you still can,” I said with a shrug. “I didn’t exactly plan it. It just sort of felt right.”
“Of course it did!” Mom said, grinning widely. “You two were always meant to be together.”
“You think so?” Tara asked, smiling at me. Her eyes were so full of emotion.
“I know so,” Mom said. “I’ve always known it. A love like that isn’t something that just fades away with time. I knew it then, and I know it now. Oh my gosh! I’m so happy for you both!”
“I just hope Darren feels the same way,” I said, shaking my head and laughing.
“Oh, who cares?” Mom said. Tara laughed as my mom pulled her in for a hug.
EPILOGUE - TARA
I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in the sight of my white dress and long veil. My hair was shorter than it had ever been. I lost it during the first couple rounds of chemo, and now, a year later, it had finally grown back in. It didn’t quite reach my shoulders, but with the veil in place, you could barely tell. I’d been nervous about this day for a long time. When I was so sick I couldn’t leave the hospital, I thought it would never happen.
I still couldn’t believe I was about to walk down the aisle and marry Caleb. My cancer was still refusing to give way, but things were starting to change for the better. My last scan showed less activity, and Dr. Young was hopeful that, after two more rounds, I would be in the clear.
It hadn’t been an easy road. The last year of my life was both the happiest and the hardest. I was sick more often than not, but Caleb never left my side. He even took a leave of absence from the station to be there for me. I knew it wasn’t easy for him. He loved his job, but he did it. I knew that more than anything, was what finally convinced my dad to give him a real chance.
“You about ready?” Cathy asked from the doorway.
I turned to face her with a smile on my face. Her eyes instantly filled with tears as she took in the sight of me in my dress.
“You’re gorgeous,” she said. She ran over to kiss my cheek. She adjusted my veil and then wiped her eyes frantically. “Let’s go before I dissolve into a puddle of tears.”
I laughed and followed her into the hallway. Stephanie was already waiting for me with my bouquet. She grinned at me and handed over my flowers. The ceremony was about to start, and we all had to get in place.
Cathy waved and disappeared through the double doors. I stood back with Stephanie, my heart racing in my chest. I was ready for this moment and I had been for months. The second Caleb proposed, I knew my answer would always be yes. He was the love my life. That would never change.
“Okay kiddo,” my dad said, walking up behind me. “It’s show time.”
The music began to play inside the church, and I felt my stomach clench. Stephanie stepped out in front of the doors and waited for her cue while my father and I lined up behind her.
“How are you feeling?” he asked softly. “Any weakness?”
“No.” I shook my head. “I feel amazing.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek. His eyes were full of tears as he turned to face me.
“Watching you go through chemo has been so hard,” he said. “I’ve never been so proud of you.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” I said, my voice weak.
“And the way Caleb took care of you.” He paused. “I can’t imagine a better man for you. He was everything you needed. I know now that I was wrong about him and about your relationship. He’s perfect for you.”
“I know,” I said. Dad smiled and kissed my cheek again. The music was slowly approaching our cue so we took a couple steps forward and waited.
I wrapped my hand around my dad’s arm and felt butterflies rise in my stomach. When it was time to walk, I felt like I was floating. My head felt light, and my feet barely touched the ground.
When I saw Caleb standing at the end of the aisle, I couldn’t wait another second. My dad had to hold me back so I wouldn’t run forward. The music was impossibly slow, and the entire walk down the aisle was torturous. I just wanted to get to Caleb’s arms.
“Take care of her, kid,” Dad said as he placed my hand in Caleb’s.
“Always,” Caleb said.
Dad smiled and walked down to sit beside Cathy. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and they both smiled up at us.
Turning to face Caleb, I felt happier than I’d ever been.
***
The reception was a blur of music and laughter. Caleb’s firemen buddies kept everyone entertained well into the night. Stephanie snuck off with Tyler sometime after we cut the cake, and Dad and Cathy were both so happy they couldn’t sit still. They never left the dance floor, whirling each other around like two teenagers in love.
I only had eyes for Caleb. We went through the traditional dances and toasts. We cut the cake and danced some more. By the time the night was over, I was exhausted and ready to be alone with my new husband.
“Will you be upset if I tear that dress off you?” Caleb asked, whispering in my ear while we waited for the limo to pull up.
“I’d be upset if you didn’t,” I said with a mischievous glint in my eyes.
Caleb grinned down at me just as the limo pulled up. All our guests lined up outside to blow bubbles on us as we ran toward the car. I laughed as Caleb threw open the door and practically shoved me inside.
We barely got the door closed before his lips were on mine. I melted into him, losing myself in the feel of his lips and the taste of his tongue. We could barely wait to tear into each other.
“Are you feeling okay?” Caleb asked, suddenly pulling away. “Are you tired?”
“I’m all right,” I said. “Better than fine. I’m so happy.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to exhaust yourself.”
“That’s what wedding nights are for,” I said with a grin.
“I’m serious, Tara.” His eyes were dark. I sighed and kissed him softly.
“I feel great,” I said. “I’m a little tired, but it’s not chemo related.”
“Okay,” he said. Relief flooded his features, and he claimed my lips again.
With my chemo schedule, we couldn’t take a honeymoon anytime soon. Caleb wanted to plan something far away and exotic, but Dr. Young said no. She wanted me to stay in town until my therapies were completely over. If something happened, I needed to have access to my doctors immediately.
We were both upset, but Caleb didn’t want to risk anything that might hurt me. Instead, he reserved the honeymoon suite at a hotel downtown. We would have the entire place to ourselves for four days. I was so excited that I was shaking by the time the limo pulled up outside the hotel.
Caleb couldn’t keep his hands off me. He kissed me in the elevator, sliding his hands under my dress and cupping my ass in his strong hands. I moaned and pressed the button for our floor repeatedly.
We barely made it inside the room before Caleb ripped the wedding dress off my body. He tore the zipper down the back, but I didn’t care. I needed to feel him inside of me. My bra and panties flew off in an instant, and soon, Caleb was stepping out of his tux and throwing me on the bed.
He devoured my body
with his, kissing and licking every inch of me. I writhed beneath him while he brought me to orgasm over and over again. Our bodies melted into each other before he even slid himself inside of me. And when he did, the entire world melted away.
He held onto me tightly while he rocked our bodies back and forth. His dick filled me up completely, pressing deeper and deeper with each thrust. I was panting and clawing at his back, hungry for more.
“I love you,” he said, his voice a deep growl.
“I love you so much,” I said between moans.
I couldn’t tell where Caleb ended and I began. He was inside of me, on top of me, and all over me.
He thrust his hips harder and faster, grunting with need and taking me as his own. I threw my head back and let waves of pleasure wash over my body. I shook and cried out, moaning Caleb’s name and clinging to him.
My pussy clenched around him, and he came fast. He grunted and growled, biting at my neck and kissing my lips. We held onto each other, still locked together. Our bodies shook, and we dripped with sweat, but we didn’t care. As we kissed, the entire world melted away.
I slept peacefully that night, wrapped in Caleb’s arms. Neither of us said a word until the next morning. We didn’t have to. Everything between us was perfect. Our entire lives felt like they’d finally fallen into place. That night, I didn’t feel sick. I felt whole.
We woke the next morning and stayed in bed. Caleb stroked my skin, and I kissed his chest. We didn’t want to move for fear of popping our little bubble. Instead, we stayed hidden in that room for four days, alternating between making love and dreaming about our future.
On our last day in the honeymoon suite, he held me close while we lied naked in bed. His body felt like part of my own. We’d spent so much time locked together that I didn’t think I would survive when we finally had to break apart.