The Time Between Us

by ChaShiree M

  Well, the girls are coming over with Kitty and bringing a new girl named Carrie Ann, I think. She has a one-year old son named DJ. I think she might be Els little sister if I heard Ava right. Then, I am taking the little ones to see their mama and papa for some more bonding time. What about you?”

  “I am going to be around the house today. I forgot to tell you, but Rosy is being discharged on Friday and we are throwing a welcome home BBQ on Saturday. There is some stuff to get done around their house for them. Especially when it is only three days away.”

  Hearing that Rosy is going to be home is a blessing, but I am going to miss being with those three little monsters every day. On the other hand, it will be great to finally be alone with Jace in what is going to be our home and start our lives together.

  By the time we make it back to the cabin, I barely have enough time to throw together lunch before the girls get here. As usual I am happy to see everyone. I have only met Kitty a handful of times and it is always a pleasure to see her and her not so small baby bump.

  However, I notice the new girl amongst us and she is so beautiful. She has exotic olive skin and dark features. Immediately I am trying to figure out, how in the world can she be Els sister looking like that? I have not met his parents, but seriously looking at him…. hmmmm….

  The other thing I notice is she has a significant number of tattoos. I don’t have a problem with tattoos and such, I just don’t think I am brave enough to do it myself.

  Her little boy is freaking adorable. He is a tiny little thing who is shy by the way he clings to his mama.

  “Well hello little man. My name is Penny. What’s yours?” He gives me a slight smirk, but immediately turns away.

  “Hi, my name is Carrie Ann, but my friends call me Carrie. I think you know my brother El?”

  “I do. He is Hamm’s best friend, right?”

  “Yep.” Says Ava.

  “Welcome to Rosy and Max’s place, Carrie and DJ. You can head on in. The other three are already having some tummy time.”

  Carrie walks away, and I finally turn my attention to my nephew and niece. “Ezra, Abby….Hi.” I say as I grab my niece. As usual when she sees me, she coos and blabs with copious amounts of drool coming out of her mouth. I don’t care. I love these little babies. Leaning over to kiss Isa and Regan, I follow everyone inside.

  As usual, the conversation starts off with the progress of Rosy and how everyone is happy to have her coming home. My curiosity gets the best of me and I ask the question I have been dying to know.

  “Carrie. Tell me about yourself. Who is your partner? I don’t know many people around here, but it is a small little community. Even if you live in Bleak.” She starts chewing her lip and I feel like I have somehow stepped in it.

  I am about to apologize when she says, “I am a single mom. I got blessed with DJ one night of amazing sex and then poof, pregnant.”

  “Are you telling me the asshole didn’t want to help you? Cause I cannot believe El let that slide.”

  “It was literally a one-night stand. I met this guy at a tattoo party at a frat house. He inked me, took my V-card and I left in the middle of the night. I never got his last name, nothing. But it never crossed my mind to not keep my baby.”

  “Wow.” I feel even more lucky now.

  Two hours, a few sandwiches later, and they are leaving. I get the three little bundles ready to go see Rosy and Max.

  But my mind is still on Carrie.

  She is definitely braver than me. But I swear I have seen the eyes, DJ has before.

  Hearing our baby’s heartbeat, solidified everything I knew I wanted the moment I saw Penny. Something in me shifted and my protective-ness surged up a few notches. With Rosy coming home in a few days, I made sure everything was restocked for them. Diapers, wipes, formula, and the laundry detergent I had to use because Selena is allergic to the one they used before. That was a fun day two.

  Now, I am marinating my famous steaks. It takes three full days, which is cutting it close with only four available. I blend soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper. The final touch is when I add in a bit of hot sauce and garlic. I seal them in glass pans and toss them in the fridge. This is the only prep work I can do this far out, anything else would spoil.

  Penny has made all the meals since she came back. I hate it. As soon as I can, I am taking her into St. Paul for a fancy dinner date. The mother of my child and the love of my life doesn’t need to slave away for me.

  I am heading into the living room with the ladies, when I hear the new girl. Carrie-Ann, I think.

  “I am a single mom. I got blessed with DJ, with one night of amazing sex and then, poof, pregnant.”

  “Are you telling me the asshole didn’t want to help you? Cause I cannot believe El let that slide.” Penny replies.

  “It was literally a one-night stand. I never got his last name, nothing. But it never crossed my mind to not keep my baby.” Carrie-Ann continues.

  “Wow.” When I walk in the room and Penny meets my eyes, while smiling that radiant smile that I love so much. I’ll never get tired of seeing it.

  I glance over to where DJ is playing with some blocks on the floor. As soon as I look over at his mama, I can quickly put two and two together. That boy is Dexter Heart’s. Plain as day. Those eyes are a dead giveaway. I smile. Dex has been a friend of mine for years. I am pretty sure Carrie-Ann is the girl who got away last year. He told me a little about their night as guys do, but I could tell he hated that he had no way to find her. I heard Carrie was working at the shop now and I hope it works out for them.

  After the ladies leave, we take the babies to the hospital for their daily bonding. While they are in with them, I take her to the antique store on Main Street. My house isn’t well furnished, and it is not very friendly. Since it’s raining, we have to run from the truck to the store. Once inside, we search around for about an hour. She picks out a leather sectional couch, two recliners, and a huge chair and a half. Chip Heart works here part time and offers to deliver the purchases to my cabin and set them up for me.

  “Thanks, man.” I say as I am shaking his hand. Elizabeth, the bitch that tried to ruin two of my brothers is always by his side these days. I cannot help feeling it will blow up in his face. I hope not. He’s a good kid.

  Two days after I met Penny, which seems like a lifetime ago, I went into Jorgensen’s Jewelers and bought a classic princess cut diamond. I hope it fits.

  We still have about forty-five minutes until visiting hours are over, so I take her to the park at the end of Main Street. The rain has slowed, and I take her hand to lead her down the sidewalk.

  “Where are we going baby?” She asks, laughing. We are already soaked, so a little more rain won’t hurt.

  “To the park. We should talk.”

  “Three words no one ever wants to hear.” She says, gripping my hand.

  “It’s not bad baby.”

  Once we are in the park, I lead her to the nearest bench and we sit.

  “I think we’ve done this all wrong, Penny. I should have claimed you long ago and not let you go, but I understand your reasons. I have never been happier than when I am with you.” I slide the ring on her finger and squeeze her fingers.

  “Marry me.” There are tears in her eyes as she looks into my eyes. My girl never once looked at the ring.

  “Yes. Of course. Yes.” She says as she grabs my face and pulls me into a kiss.

  “Fuck yes.”

  “Are you going to tell me what the countdown is now?”

  “You heard that huh?” I say as we head back to the truck. When I start it up and head towards the hospital, her little hand slides up my thigh. Fuck and I’m hard.

  “Baby? What are you doing?”

  “Exploring my fiancé.”

  I am too far gone to make a response, but when I pull into the parking garage I drive up to the 5th floor. There is never anyone parked up here. She craw
ls into my lap and in seconds her sundress in around her waist, and her panties are to the side. I am not sure when she got my pants open, but after a quick flick of her wrist my cock is sliding into her tight pussy. She rides my cock, while all I can do is grip her hips. She is moaning out.

  “You like the idea of being my wife?” I grit out.

  “Fuck yes, Jace.”

  “You want to be all mine?”

  “I already am all yours.”

  “That’s fucking right, Penny. All fucking mine.”

  I pull her tits out of the top of her dress. They are starting to get bigger and I cannot help sucking on them. Hard. Her moans tell me that she loves it.

  “I. am. Going to. Cum.” I bring my thumb to her clit and I thrust up into her on her downward strokes. She cries out as her pussy flutters around my cock.

  Those little flutters set me off. I fill her pussy with my release.

  I can’t help shouting her name as I do.

  She’s prim as can be as she hops off of my cock and out of the truck, adjusting her clothes as she does.

  Fuck. I love this woman. I follow behind her as we make it just in time to pick the babies up.

  I had some elaborate proposal planned out, but I realized that shit means nothing. Especially to Penny. At the end of the day, I want her to be my wife. Thank fuck she said yes.

  Today is going to be a busy yet fun, joyous day. It’s the day of the BBQ and we have so much to do. The hardest part I think was yesterday. Rosy came home yesterday afternoon and watching her and Max struggle trying to take it all in was difficult. There is not only having to work with Rosy’s limited strength, but they had to soak in as much of the babies’ schedule as they could. Their likes, dislikes, personalities, special things each of them needs and don’t need. The extra snuggles Dale needs or the fact that Selena is allergic to nuts and nut products as well as certain preservatives.

  Of course, Jace and I didn’t leave them. We stayed and are still here today to help, but as of tonight they are on their own. Max had to move their bedroom downstairs into the guest room, because Rosy cannot maneuver the stairs. I suggested they move the bassinets into their room for the time being, so she doesn’t have to move as far in the middle of the night. It was great seeing Rosy awake and moving around, but hard to see this vibrant, energetic woman so tired, and limited.

  After rolling over and getting my morning started with a kiss and a snuggle from my man, we both get up and get the ball rolling. Taking our shower together, which is my favorite time of the day and get dressed. Upon walking downstairs, I see Rosy sitting in the chair trying to feed Selena her special cereal and the baby is crying her protest. Immediately I see why she is not happy, but I am not sure if I should interfere or not. Until Rosy turns to face me and I see she has clearly been crying.

  “Hey now. What’s wrong Rosy?”

  “I feel like such a bad mom. I know she is hungry, but I am obviously doing something wrong or missing a step, because she is clearly in distress and not happy. I cannot begin to know where to start.”

  Her tears are breaking my heart. I look around for Jace or Max, but they are outside with the boys. Jace is showing Max how Dale likes to be held and wrapped in his baby hugger, strapped to a chest. I am on my own with this.

  “Rosy stop it. You have been through a lot in the past few months and no one, I mean no one, thinks less of you. Knowing you would have given anything to be here bonding and growing with your babies. So, let’s stop this and focus on getting to that point. OK?”

  She looks at me, smiles a little, wipes her face, and says, “Ok. I’m sorry. I have been very emotional since I woke up. The doctors say my body is finally recognizing the change in hormones from delivering, now that everything has woken up it’s to be expected. I say, this shit sucks. Because I have never been a crier and fuck if I want to start now.”

  I laugh because I totally get it. I hate crying and I will be so pissed if suddenly I start crying like a fucking baby.

  “Ok. Little miss Selena likes her cereal more like soup. She can totally handle it a little thicker, but I think before I came Jace spoiled the shit out of all of them. Now she has gotten a bit prissy and doesn’t like to have to do much of the work. If you add a little more of A2 milk to her cereal, you will see a complete change in compliance. Go on. Give it a shot.” I encourage.

  I watch as she does what I suggest, mixes it a bit more and voila, a happy little princess. Rosy beams at me and the baby, seemingly happy she has made some type of progress and learned something else. Which brings me to my next thought.

  “You know after the BBQ, Jace and I are leaving. But please do not hesitate to call or ask anything you need to know. This will be a process and we are all here for you.”

  “Thank you, Penny. So much for stepping in and helping Jace. You totally didn’t have to, but I know it was for the best. But I have to ask are you two…” She wiggles her eyebrows around. I laugh so loud little missy jumps but leave it to Rosy to jump to the fun stuff.

  I have been turning my engagement ring around when around others, so no one can notice it until tonight. I am not surprised she doesn’t know. Although I have to say, since Deb was here for one of our PDA moments, I am shocked she hasn’t said anything. Unless of course she still isn’t sure about me. Well hopefully tonight changes all that.

  The rest of the day goes pretty much the same. People are coming and going dropping stuff off in anticipation. Erik and Loki Jorgenson stop by to drop off the food from their restaurant we requested. Erika Jorgensen, Erik’s twin stops by to drop off a couple of bouquets and balloons from her flower shop.

  Apparently, there are seven of them and they all own some type of business in town. I find them all quite fascinating because they are built like Norse Gods. It is said that they are direct descendants of Vikings and this would make sense for several reasons. One, Minnesota is where the Vikings settled and forged their history and two, all the boys are like over six feet tall. Ham and the guys are not lacking in height, but man do the Jorgensen boys make them look like dwarfs. It will take quite a woman to tame them.

  By one, everything is prepped, kids are bathed, and the adults are ready to party. The first to arrive is Ava and Hamm and my two favorite little people; followed by Kennedy and Sterling and their two little Princesses. Quick on their heels is Deb and Ham Sr. and El and Kitty. I notice they didn’t bring Carrie, but I hope that doesn’t mean she is not going to show.

  I really felt a connection to her and would love for her to find her spot amongst us ladies. Kennedy’s mom Jacquie finally shows up with Greta and Mr. Sherwood, Kennedy and Rosy’s Grandpa.

  The next people to arrive are Miles and Dexter with their little brother Chip. The final attendees are ALL the Jorgensen’s. I quickly notice that only two of the brothers are married. Pastor Bill is married to Elaine who takes being the first lady of the local church very seriously. And Erik (Brick), Erika’s twin is married to Lanie who is the very pregnant personal assistant to El. The rest of them are single and from the looks they are giving Carrie Ann who came in through the back, they are ready to mingle.

  The party is in full swing and everyone is having a good time. Rosy is justly being slathered in attention and praise for being brave and recovering so well. All the babies are in heaven, because there is no lack of arms for them and I am simply exhausted. Thinking I can maybe sneak away for a nap, I start to head towards the stairs when I feel the arms of my soon to be husband wrap around me.

  “You ready baby?” He asks me while kissing my neck.

  “Mmmm…if you’re asking if I am ready to go upstairs and finish what you are trying to start, the answer is always yes.” I say to him as I turn in his arms and kiss him. I cannot take the kiss as far as I would like to because there is a house full of people but knowing what is waiting for me is just as good. I look him in the eye and tell him let’s do it. We walk into the back yard and Jace calls for everyone’s attention.

  “Ladi
es and gentlemen, I want to thank you for coming to welcome my sister Rosy home. I am so proud of her for overcoming all of this, for keeping her children, and husband in the forefront of her mind as she made this recovery. I would like to thank you all for the support you have not only given to Max and Rosy, but also to me while I was wading single unclehood these past few months. It means a lot to me and us.”

  “However, I would also like to invite you all to celebrate with me as I announce, Penny has agreed to be my wife and we are having a baby in a few months. Of course, you are all invited to the wedding, which if you know my brothers then I am sure you guessed, it is not too far out.” He says with a laugh which makes everyone in the room also erupt in laughter with agreement.

  Afterwards, I am bombarded by all the ladies asking to see my ring, wanting to know how far along I am, when is the due date, and anything else you can think of. It’s all so overwhelming, but in the best of ways.

  The BBQ pretty much goes off the same. Talk of the wedding, babies, worksites, and anything else. Although, I did see something I am not sure anyone else noticed. For a while it seemed Torran was making a move on Carrie and I thought although she didn’t seem super interested, she was reciprocating, until Dex walks over holding a very sleepy DJ and pushes Torran; while gesturing towards Carrie and DJ, and then pulling her toward the house. I mean to and intervene, until I see the smirk and wink she throws me. Now more than anything, I am pretty, damn intrigued.

  What the hell was that about?

  By the time we left Max and Rosy’s I could tell Penny was beyond tired. As I am driving down the road to our house, she falls asleep. It’s a less than five-minute ride, since we all live on the property only spaced out. Ham is my closest neighbor. We chose to build together on the same plot. He is not only my brother, but my best friend.

  I feel like I have neglected him since Rosy’s been in the hospital. But I am sure he understands, and I know it’s not going to go back like it was before Ava and Penny came into our lives, but I am cool with that. I never thought we’d marry sisters, but I am so glad we did. Because, I don’t know how we’d work it out if our girls hated each other with the amount of time we spend together.