“I called Gary and said I needed you in my life. I messed up one too many times and I refuse to keep doing it. He left town and I know he will never be back. So tell me, when is the date? You two are engaged right? Oh we are going to have so much fun planning this!” She clapped her hands together and an instant smile spread across her face. Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and it was actually kind of nice to see her that happy.
My face turned about twenty shades of red though and I tried not to look at Luke. We have never even discussed anything close to marriage. How embarrassing. I mean I had the mere thought on the way here that maybe he was going to possibly propose because of how secretive he was but that didn’t seem to be the case today. That was something I only discussed with Trevor and we all know how that ended up. He left town and I was left heartbroken until I met Luke. I was speechless. No words came out and I realized Mom was just staring at me waiting for an answer.
Luke stepped in and answered for me, which I was grateful for. Shocked, but still grateful. “No ma’am, we aren’t engaged yet. Maybe one day soon though.” One day? Yikes! I got butterflies instantly when he said that. Did he mean it or was he just saying that to fill the awkward silence. That was the girl inside of me who dreamed of being married to the perfect man and Luke was always perfect to me.
“Mom, Gary must have told you about Trevor. That’s who I was engaged to.”
“Oh, honey I’m sorry I should have listened a little better before I opened my mouth. He told me something else too but I just can’t put my finger on it.”
She stood there thinking with her finger on her lip. I knew exactly what she was fishing around to remember. How could I forget? I should still be pregnant right now. I should have a big round belly and I should be feeling my baby girl kick everyday. The baby was supposed to be due around the time of Halley’s wedding. I took a deep breath and then immediately let it out.
“I had a miscarriage Mom. Trevor and I were supposed to have a baby and I lost the baby when I was five months along. Is that what else Gary told you?”
Her face turned white and I realized maybe he hadn’t told her. We both seemed to have a knack for sticking our feet in our mouth. Luke’s jaw even dropped a little. This was something he and I really only discussed once when he told me about his fiancée and unborn baby and then we never opened that conversation again. It was the past and while I know he grieved them from time to time, just like I grieved my unborn baby, we tended to leave it in the past.
“Honey, oh my gosh I never knew. Why didn’t you call me and tell me you were pregnant?” She looked as though she were going to say something else and then stopped. She knew good and well why she never got a call.
“Mom, it’s ok. I know it was for the best. I’m ok now I swear. I have Luke. He came into my life at the best possible moment.” I squeezed his hand and smiled at him. His green eyes sparkling back at me made me melt a little more inside. “Can we move this inside, I’m starving.”
Luke nodded his head and we made our way inside and sat at a corner table. I was famished. When I first saw Mom I wasn’t sure if an appetite would be present but I was definitely hungry. The waitress came and took our drink order and then our food. I ordered a fried shrimp platter with extra hushpuppies, almost exactly what I used to order as a kid. It was absolutely delicious just like I remembered. Luke occasionally would reach over and try to take a shrimp and I’d pretend to stab him with the fork. It’s not my fault he ordered fried catfish.
We talked a little more about everything and nothing all at once. Mom told me about what she’s been up to and how she has been learning how to sew. Apparently she’s been making couch pillows and small blankets. She offered to make me one and I just simply smiled. Lord knows when I would actually receive it. She’s also been taking cooking classes and has about mastered meringue. After almost two hours we left and stood outside where we stood before we walked in. Mom hugged me one more time and I took in her cherry blossom scent once more, not knowing when I would see her again.
“Are you ok alone Mom?” I was worried about her. She always had someone around and now she was by herself. I’m sure she was just fine but I just couldn’t help but imagine her all alone in that house. Maybe that’s why she has taken on all these different crafts. I mean I don’t think I’d ever see Mom sewing in a million years. She just didn’t seem to have the knack for it back then.
“I’m perfectly fine Macy don’t you worry about me. I’ve got all my projects plus work to occupy my time. You kids be safe driving back and call me anytime you hear me? You’ve got you a good man here Mace, I’m so proud of you baby girl.”
“I love you too Mom. Thank you.”
We all hugged then went our separate ways. Mom went towards her car and Luke opened the Challenger’s door for me. I sat there taking in the last two hours and how happy they had made me. Luke sat in the driver’s seat and before he could start the car I grabbed his face and pulled him in for a long kiss. Our mouths crushed together with enough passion to light a fire, but that was every kiss we had. One word, amazing.
He tilted his head to the side and gave me the sexiest half smile. “What was that for baby?”
“Thank you for that Luke. I was so scared at first. You have no idea what that meant to me. I’m glad I trusted you.” I quickly added, “Sorry about what she said in there.”
He started the car and looked at me with a mischievous look in his beautiful green eyes. “Which part would that be?”
I slapped his arm and laughed like a kid. He knew exactly what I was talking about. “Don’t play sly with me Luke Nolan. I know you know what I mean.”
“Us being engaged? Well I don’t know maybe she’s up to something.” He kissed my cheek and then turned on the radio as we drove off and headed back home. As soon as the radio came on, I didn’t have a chance to even think of something to say to that.
‘Cruise’ by Florida Georgia Line came on and for the first time since I’ve known him, he actually was singing along to something. I thought hearing Trevor’s voice melted me, no. Just Luke singing made me want to pull this car over and take him in the backseat. I didn’t care that people were all around. I smiled at him and began singing along with him. Times like this, I knew right here with him was exactly where I belonged. This was my life. Shit, I love this man so much.
A few songs later we pulled back up at our apartment. I kissed him as soon as we parked. I was unsure of so many things as this day began but as it was ending everything was much clearer. I loved this man so much. Probably from the moment I met him in the bar that night. Our mouths met and sparks flew. We kissed all the way up to the door then once we got inside I pulled him straight into the bedroom.
Chapter 2
Nightmares were becoming a thing of my past. I no longer saw Trevor in my dreams and I surely didn’t keep reliving that night my stepdad first came into my room. I had found all my closure, especially after meeting with Mom yesterday. I was so glad she had reached out to Gary who in turn reached out to Luke. I looked over to find he was still sleeping and he looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake him. I glanced at his tattoos on his chest that peeked out from the covers. Since the first day I came home with him, I’d admired all his symbols he had inked on his body. So much that I had him give us matching tattoos after I learned that he was a tattoo artist. The Chinese symbol for strength is what we had, to symbolize how strong we were for everything we had been through. On his chest he had the date that his fiancée and their unborn baby were killed in the automobile accident along with their initials. He had a bunch of tribal symbols around that enough to mask it in, but you could tell if you were close enough. I hated that he had to experience something so hurtful in his life.
I inched out of bed careful not to wake him. I placed the covers over him a little more once I was standing. I brushed my hair behind my ears and crept into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I began digging in the pantry until I found a box of pancake ba
tter. As I reached for the box, a can of tomato sauce flew out and almost landed on my foot. That was a close call. I mixed the batter and got my skillet ready. I turned on the radio and began singing along to Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Catch My Breath’ as I flipped the first few pancakes. More batter ended up on the counter than in the pan. Hopefully I could have this cleaned up before Luke woke up. I was on the last pancake when I felt those strong arms wrap around my waist and him whisper in my ear.
“Good morning beautiful.”
An instant smile hit my lips and I felt the heat rise in my body as I turned to face him. There was a little bit of batter left over and I took the spoon and dabbed it on his nose. “Good morning handsome.” He scooped me up in his arms and kissed me rubbing his nose on my cheek. Needless to say the pancake that was cooking burnt. He reached over and took the skillet off the burner and turned the fan on to drown out the smell. Oh well. I turned off the radio and got a few plates out of the cabinet. “You hungry?”
His eyes said he was hungry for otherwise and I did my best to keep him from getting to me. I just busted my ass making these pancakes, we could eat them first then go from there because I definitely didn’t mind what he was wanting.
“I would love some pancakes.” He smiled and sat at the table. Freaking tease. I just smiled back, that’s all I could think to do before I tried to jump his bones.
I walked over and placed the pancakes in the middle of the table and sat down next to him. He took one and a half from the stack. He originally grabbed two but it split in half. I practically used half the bottle of syrup on mine alone. Call me a syrup junkie, that’s alright with me. They were absolutely delicious. He helped do the dishes when we were finished. We made more of a mess than anything else. He couldn’t just wash the dishes though; he felt he needed to wash my face and everything else he could get to. It also didn’t help that I attacked him once or twice with the sponge. There was soap and water all over the floor and well our clothes were soaked too.
My hands flew over my mouth when I realized just how big the mess was. The kitchen looked like someone took the mop bucket and flung it all over. Geez, we need babysitters. “Ohmigod look at this mess! Let me mop this up real quick.”
“No, I got it. I started it.” I went to walk and slipped on a puddle from all the water that didn’t exactly stay in the sink. Before I could hit the ground Luke caught me and he carried me to the bedroom. So much for mopping the floor. It’d be dry anyway by the time we were done.
We lay there side by side with my head rested on his chest. I could hear his heart beating and it was the most comforting sound I’ve ever heard. Thump thump. Thump thump. I let out a sigh and continued to listen to his heart beating. If this wasn’t heaven, I don’t know what is. Being with Luke just keeps me relaxed and I love it.
“Does Halley need you for anything today?” He asked as he kissed my forehead then began rubbing my back. He slowly rubbed small circles all over my back and every few seconds I let out a soft moan. I was more than enjoying this mini massage.
“Not that I know of. Thank God. I am tired of tying ribbons and making invitations. When I get married one day, everyone will get an event invitation from Facebook. No headaches for me. I need a break. I plan on doing nothing today or this evening.”
No sooner I spoke those words, my phone began ringing. Luke and I looked at each other and I groaned. Please don’t let it be Halley. I’m going insane with all this wedding crap. I’ll probably go on a rampage and rip up all her invitations in front of her face and make her redo all of them by herself. It wasn’t Halley though, it was Gary. I knew if I didn’t answer he would be persistent so I reached over Luke to grab the phone off the nightstand.
“Hello?”
“Hey Mace. I didn’t wake you did I?” Nope he didn’t. I was wide awake and hoping to relax with my boyfriend today but I had a feeling that wasn’t going to be happening.
“No I’ve been up Gary. What’s going on?” Luke pretended he was going to tickle me. I shot him a death stare and pointed my finger at him. I’d kill him if he tried to distract me. I know that wouldn’t be hard for him to do, all he had to do was look at me and I was a goner.
“I talked to your Mom; she told me you had dinner last night. Everything went good?”
“It really did. I’m glad I went.”
“She was too. She called me after and told me all about it. But that’s not why I called. I was wondering if you would want to work tonight. The girl that was scheduled to work had to take off for some sort of family emergency.”
“Oh yea, uh sure. I don’t see why not. I’ll be there.” If this was the same girl I was thinking about from a few months back, she was horrible at her job. She literally had watched Halley’s drink spill and I was the one who had to reach behind the bar to get the rag and clean it up. I should have thrown the wet rag in her face that night but I’m a little more mature than that. Sometimes.
“Thanks Macy. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. See you tonight.”
I hung up the phone and glanced over at Luke who was pouting like a three year old kid. I hated when he pouted. It was absolutely sexy but hard to resist.
“You working tonight?” He asked with a sad look in his eyes.
“Yeah.” I answered just as sad pulling my bottom lip in with my teeth, “Will you come with me and hang out please?”
“I’d be there whether you asked or not. We’re a package deal like macaroni and cheese.” I laughed and kissed his cheek, soaking all of him and his corny comment in. I tried to get out of bed but he grabbed me by my waist and threw me back on the bed
“Luke! I gotta pee!” He had begun tickling me and I feared if he didn’t stop I was literally going to pee in the bed. Then he’d be forced to take his comforter to the drycleaners. I would make him throw it away and buy a new one before someone else had to handle my pee. That was just plain nasty. His hands were around my sides and I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe. “I swear I’m going to pee in your bed!”
As soon as I said that he let me up and I laughed as I ran into the bathroom.
He was cleaning the kitchen when I walked out. All he had on was a pair of black basketball shorts. I loved when he walked around without his shirt on. Oh my, someone call the fire department, I think my pants are on fire! His chiseled muscles had me mesmerized. Someone give me some popcorn and I’ll just sit here and watch him in all his amazing glory. I grabbed the kitchen towel and snuck up behind him and popped him with it. He chased me around the kitchen and I jumped on his back trying to take him down. No, that didn’t work. He basically was giving me a piggy back ride around the kitchen.
“Let me down!” I squealed trying to wiggle my way down.
“Why should I?” He asked as he slowed down.
“Because you love me that’s why!”
He finally set me on the couch and looked deep into my eyes. “You’re right I do love you. More than anything. You will always be more than enough for me Macy Young.” Our mouths met and he ran his fingers through my hair. I ran my hands along his chest and then wrapped them around his neck pulling him closer. Just as he started to lower me onto the couch my phone rang again. We both groaned this time and looked over to see Halley’s name.
“I better answer this.” He pouted one more time and I kissed his lips. “Real quick ok? So she doesn’t show up.”
“Alright. But just because it’s Halley. If it were anyone else I’d still be pouting.”
I rolled my eyes and picked up the phone. “Hello? Please don’t say you need my help today.”
“Geez Mace, is it really that bad helping your best friend plan her wedding?”
“In my defense, my poor fingers are traumatized from tying ribbons.” I picked up my hand as if she could see it through the phone and I examined all my fingers. They were all intact and fine but what she didn’t know wouldn’t kill her. For all she knew they were mangled and I couldn’t hold them out straight.
Luke laughed at me and got up disappearing into the bathroom.
“Yeah ok see if I help you when you get married one day.”
I rolled my eyes and lay back down on the couch trying to get comfortable. “I won’t need help. I’m going to the courthouse. Less work.”
“Whatever. I didn’t call to hear you tell me I’m slave driving you.”
Oh lord here we go. Pouty Halley is here in all her glory. I bet anything her hand is on her hip. “You aren’t slave driving me. Oh hey, Gary called and I have to work tonight. Wanna come hang out?”
“Well, I, uh, I need to tell you something.” Her voice got a little hesitant over the phone but I didn’t think anything of it. The littlest things were made into the biggest deals for her. She once saw a moth in the bathroom at our old apartment and completely flipped the lid. I thought she saw something terrifying, like maybe a spider but no, it was a moth. I ran in there to save the day and it was a moth, what a waste of my energy.
“What are you finally pregnant and you can’t be in the bar?” I’m so glad this conversation was happening over the phone right now. If we were in person she would have slapped me by now for that remark. I couldn’t help it though, she basically asked for it.
“Shut your face Macy. No, if you must know I am not pregnant. I was calling to let you know that Trevor is in town staying at our house for the night and he asked about you.”
Luke was still in the bathroom and thank God because I’m sure my face just turned pale white. What did she mean Trevor is in town for the night? Shit. And I have to work tonight. Maybe he won’t go to The Lounge. Or maybe Halley, being the best friend she is can keep him away.
“I’m sorry I think I misunderstood you. What did you say?”
“He’s just in town for the night. At least I called to tell you. I can try to keep him away from The Lounge.”
Sarcastically I replied, “Could you please? That would be freaking awesome.”
More Than Enough Page 2