Unwritten (The Unspoken Series Book 1)

by M. C. Decker

  As we walked back to the car, I was a little disappointed that Rich hadn’t asked me to marry him on the pier that day, or even under the stars, but I knew that Rich only had even grander plans up his sleeve for his proposal.

  It was our last day in Michigan and I was starting to think that Rich wasn’t going to propose until we got back to D.C. I was a little disappointed I wouldn’t be able to show my bling off to my best friend, but I could also show her over FaceTime.

  While making a pot of coffee in Dad’s kitchen, Rich found me and told me he’d made us plans for the afternoon. I was a little miffed as I’d been home nearly a week and still hadn’t seen my two best girls. Cass had been busy with clients all week; July was the busiest time of year when it came to wedding planning.

  She had planned on coming to visit earlier in the week, but I’d been feeling a bit under the weather. I chalked it up to lack of sleep and constantly being on the go since our arrival. I missed my own bed and my own place – I needed sleep. I loved being back in Michigan and spending time with my dad, but truth be told, this didn’t feel like home anymore. When I was with Rich in D.C., I was at home.

  Of course, I video-chatted with my girls at least every other day, but I was sure I would be shocked to see how much my little princess had grown. Rich must have seen the disappointed look on my face because he quickly added, “Don’t worry sweets, my plans involve Cassidy and Kaitlyn, too.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. I know how much you miss them so I asked them to join us for the afternoon. But, that’s all you’re getting out of me. Now go throw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt – it might get chilly.”

  Even though it was July, the Michigan weather had been a bit unpredictable.

  “Have I mentioned that I love you, Mr. Davis?”

  “Mmmm, not in the last twenty minutes, Miss Anderson,” he growled in his husky voice.

  “Well, I do, Rich. I love you – to the moon and back.”

  “What I wouldn’t do to make sweet love to you to the moon and back, but, since your three-year-old goddaughter will probably be storming through that door any minute now, and we’re in your father’s kitchen, that’s probably not a good idea. But, you better be ready for me to pleasure every inch of your body later in the privacy of our bedroom,” he added, with his signature smirk that instantly soaked my panties.

  “Thanks, baby. Now I need to change my panties, too.”

  “Well, go baby. I don’t want us to be late,” he said, as he spanked my ass and lightly pushed me toward the bedroom.

  I quickly changed clothes and was making my way back to the kitchen when I heard squeals coming from the living room.

  “Long time no see, Davis,” Cassidy said as she entered from the hallway.

  “Hmmph, nice to see you too, Cassidy,” Rich said, exchanging pleasantries.

  “And, this must be the lovely Kaitlyn,” Rich said, as he kneeled to get closer to the pint-sized toddler who was hugging her mom’s leg for dear life.

  “Who are you?” Kaitlyn asked.

  “I’m Rich. I’m your Aunt Brooke’s boyfriend. You must be Princess Kaitlyn. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s so nice to finally meet you, Beautiful.”

  “Eew, boys have cooties! That’s what Mommy says.”

  A deep belly laugh escaped Rich as I approached the three of them.

  “She’s definitely your daughter, Carpenter,” he managed to sputter out between laughs.

  “Aunt Brookie!” Kaitlyn exclaimed, as she broke away from her mom and ran toward me, grabbing my leg this time.

  “Hey, Princess. Look how big you’ve gotten. You’re almost as big as I am.”

  “Am not, Aunt Brookie. You silly,” Kaitlyn giggled.

  “Are you ready for our afternoon out? Rich here has a surprise for us girls.”

  “We’re going out with … a boy?”

  I chuckled to myself; this poor little girl had so much to learn about boys. Her mother’s warped feelings toward the opposite sex would need to change drastically before Kaitlyn became an angry teenager.

  “Yes, Princess. We’re going with a boy. His name is Rich. Can you say ‘hi’ to Rich? I promise he doesn’t bite.”

  I heard Rich let out another laugh behind me, but chose to ignore his obvious innuendo.

  Kaitlyn looked toward Rich with questioning eyes. “O----K, I guess. As long as he doesn’t have cooties. Promise he doesn’t have cooties, Aunt Brookie?”

  “I promise.”

  “Hiiiiiiiiii, Rith,” she squeaked out in her shy little voice. I could tell when the look in her eyes turned to pure bravery as she let go of my leg and ran into Rich’s now open arms. I swear in that moment I felt my ovaries flop inside my belly.

  It took only a few more minutes before Kaitlyn had made Rich her new, best friend. I collected my purse which I’d forgotten in the bedroom and upon returning was delighted to see that Kaitlyn was already riding on Rich’s shoulders, as they all headed out the door. I stepped up my pace and quickly met up with them in the parking lot.

  Cassidy scooped Kaitlyn off of Rich’s shoulders and placed her in the car seat that Rich had already so thoughtfully placed in the back of our rental car. He opened my door and I slid into the passenger seat, then he placed a soft kiss on the top of my head before shutting the door.

  “Where are we going?” I asked Cassidy, before Rich had made his way around the car.

  “Ha! That’s not my secret to tell, Brookie.”

  “Ugh, since when are you on HIS side?’ I sighed in frustration.

  Just then Rich opened his door. “She’s not on anyone’s side. She just knows who’s boss,” he added with his sexy wink.

  “You two are evil! Just evil. Can’t I have a little hint?”

  “You’ll have fun … how about that?” he quipped back.

  “You’re incorrigible.”

  “You love me anyways,” he added teasingly.

  “Hmph, you got me there,” I said, as I stuck my tongue out in his direction.

  “Better be careful, or I might just bite that tongue of yours.”

  “You wouldn’t dare. Besides, I already told Kaitlyn that you didn’t bite.”

  We drove most of the way while playing car games with Kaitlyn. Rich immediately suggested Truth or Dare, but I was familiar with his version so I quickly suggested the License Plate Game. Thankfully, Kaitlyn went with “Aunt Brookie’s” suggestion.

  Her infectious laughter filled the car each time she spotted a license plate from a different state. She asked if “Uncle Rith,” as she almost immediately dubbed him, could play on her team. He agreed to both the game and his new moniker.

  After about an hour had passed, and the team of Kaitlyn and Uncle Rich were kicking our butts, we arrived at, what I believed was our destination. I’d been so distracted by the game that I wasn’t entirely sure where we were. I thought it was somewhere near Detroit, but, I honestly didn’t really know.

  Rich pulled into a deserted parking lot and I looked at him with a questioning stare.

  He chuckled at my confusion before pulling what appeared to be a blindfold, from his pocket.

  “What the heck are you doing to me?” I asked, a bit irritated.

  “Relax, sweets. I don’t want you to know where we’re going yet. Let me put this on you, please.”

  “Just let him do it so we can get this show on the road,” I heard from the backseat. “Yeah, Aunt Brookie,” Kaitlyn chimed in, joining her mother.

  “Great, now you have the peanut gallery on your side … again!”

  They all erupted in laughter before I finally agreed and bent in Rich’s direction so he could tie the silk around my head and over my eyes.

  “Is it comfortable, baby? Can you see?” Rich questioned.

  “Yes and no. Now let’s go!”

  I heard the car start and we were once again en route to our destination as I hoped we were. I felt the car come to a stop after another twenty minutes, or so.


  “Can I take this thing off yet?”

  “Not yet. I’ll come help you out of the car.” Rich answered.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I huffed.

  “Is that a big Ferris wheel with baseballs?” I heard Kaitlyn ask from the back seat.

  Suddenly, I registered our location with the assistance of my inquisitive goddaughter.

  “The jig’s up, Rich, and company. We’re at Comerica Park. You can remove the blindfold now, baby.” I sputtered, as I stuck out my tongue in what, I hoped, was his direction.

  “Be careful, sweets. I warned you earlier, I might just nip on that delectable tongue of yours.”

  Rich agreed and untied the scarf. He threw it in the backseat before we all exited the car and made our way to the entrance. I still hadn’t forgotten about Rich’s “secret” conversation with my father, nearly a week earlier.

  Every time he had taken me out this week, I’d prepared myself for his proposal. I was starting to think it wasn’t actually going to happen, at least, not any time soon. In fact, I knew it wasn’t going to happen here of all places. Rich knew about my baseball experience with Jay and I was a little confused as to why he would choose this as a date for the short time we were home.

  He always tried to convince me to watch a Tigers game with him when they were on local TV playing the Nationals, but I didn’t want him getting any wild, idiotic ideas so I always graciously declined. I didn’t want Rich to sense my disappointment though, because it appeared as if he’d put a lot of thought into our little “family” outing.

  Kaitlyn, however, was in love with the entire adventure. The only thing about this afternoon that was putting a smile on my face was Kaitlyn’s expression when Rich stopped to buy her a foam finger, hot dog, a pop, nachos, popcorn and cotton candy.

  “I really hope that isn’t all for her,” Cassidy asked Rich, hesitantly.

  “Nope, the nachos and popcorn are for us to share … and, maybe the cotton candy, but something tells me she won’t be so willing to share that one,” he chuckled, as we all looked toward Kaitlyn who already had her tiny fist in the plastic bag.

  Cassidy grabbed the tray of food as Rich once again hoisted Kaitlyn onto his shoulders. She actually did share a bit of her airy confection as her tiny fingers dipped down to Rich’s mouth.

  “He’s really great with her. I’ll admit, I didn’t think Davis had that ‘daddy factor,’ but he does, and it’s pretty damn sexy,” Cassidy said, as she gently punched my side.

  “Yes … he is definitely pretty damn sexy. I think my ovaries are about to explode just watching him interact with her. He was the same way with his niece and nephew earlier this week.”

  “You are such a dork. I can’t believe you just said that … I mean, really, who says that?” Cassidy remarked, shaking her head in disbelief.

  We made our way to our seats, which of course, were amazing – thanks to Rich.

  I actually found myself having a good time when I heard cheers erupting from the audience. It was between innings so it wasn’t until I looked over to the Jumbotron that I realized the applause was for the kissing cam. I watched as several couples locked lips when suddenly I saw Rich’s deep blue eyes and Hollywood smile staring at me from the big screen.

  The crowd erupted once again and I knew I would only appease them if I leaned into him for a juicy kiss. I decided, I would give them all a show, too.

  I puckered my lips and tilted my head, leaning into Rich, I didn’t have to go very far before feeling his wet, velvety lips crash into mine. He grabbed the back of my head and pulled me in closer, while using his tongue to part my seam. I nibbled on the tip of his tongue as it gained entrance into my mouth.

  “Get a room!” I heard someone shout from a few rows behind us.

  “Um, you guys! You do realize there is a small child sitting next to you watching, right?” This time it was the familiar voice of my best friend trying to break our lips apart.

  I chuckled against Rich’s mouth as he began pulling away leaving a trail of light kisses on my mouth, nose and forehead, before disengaging completely.

  I looked up and saw my feverish complexion engulf the screen as the entire crowd went wild.

  “We’re celebs, sweets!” Rich exclaimed.

  All I could do was break down in a fit of laughter as the kissing cam moved on to its next victim. Although in that moment, I didn’t feel like much of a victim.

  We finished all of the ballpark food that Rich bought at the concession stand before the game started and I felt my belly begin to rumble.

  “Hey, baby, I know you want another Bud Light, right?” I asked with the sexiest, pouty face I could muster.

  Rich laughed at me as he answered, “Yeah, I could use another one, but something tells me you want me to walk all the way to the concession stand instead of asking that beer vendor only five feet away from us?”

  “Pretty, please. I’ll make it up to you later, I promise,” I said in my most seductive tone.

  He quickly hopped to his feet, “Oh, you bet you will. What can I get you, sweets?”

  “Two hot dogs with light mustard and lots of pickles, please,” I replied.

  At that, he furrowed his brows, “I didn’t think you liked pickles. Remember you get the chili poppers and I get the pickles? What are you – pregnant?” Rich said, jokingly.

  “Um, no, definitely not pregnant – I’m always careful,” I reminded him. “Sorry, they just sound delicious, that’s all. Now go get me my dogs.”

  As Rich walked away, I had to take a moment to think about the question he had just posed. Pregnant? Could I be? No, I’ve been on the pill longer than I can remember. Definitely not pregnant – I just needed to file that thought away for another day.

  The seventh-inning stretch was upon us, and I looked over to see Rich staring at me intently.

  “What’s going on, baby? Looks like you’re thinking about something mighty hard over there,” I commented.

  He cleared his throat before speaking … “I want baseball games to leave a happy memory for you, Brooke. I wish I could erase the past from your memory, but we both know that’s not possible. Our past made us who we are today. … And, I happen to love us … together. We may not be able to rewrite our history, but our future is certainly still unwritten. I want us to be Tigers fans for life, together. But, always remember this – win or lose … I will always love you,” Rich confessed, with emotion laced in his voice.

  The next thing I knew, Rich dropped to one knee on the hard cement in front of our third baseline seats as everyone around us was singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” He removed a Tiffany-blue, ring box from the pocket of his ’84 World Series, throwback sweatshirt and looked straight into my eyes. I swear I could see straight into his heart at that very moment … His teal eyes which seemed to match the color of the box in his hands had never looked so clear – or so in love. He opened the box and inside I saw the most beautiful and elegant marquise-cut, diamond ring with a band of seed diamonds encircling the center stone.

  “Brooke Christine Anderson, please say that you’ll share my byline and write our future with me. Say you’ll be my wife. Will you marry me?”

  In that moment, my world stopped. Just like Rich had so beautifully said … “Our past made us who we are today. …” I flashbacked nearly twelve years to the moment that I ran smack dab into the most beautiful man. … To the moment he brushed against me while walking to the campus’ recreation center on that chilly October evening. … To the moment, in a mirror image, I ran smack dab into his firm chest once again. … And, lastly, to him showering me with roses and silly trinkets on Valentine’s Day.

  “Are you going to leave me hangin’ here, sweets? Or, are you going to make me the happiest man alive right now? I’d rather not have to ask you twice, but I will if I have to …” he added with a smirk.

  “Yes! Of course, I’ll write my future with you, Rich. We’ll write our future, together. Yes, I will
be your wife!”

  With that said, Rich popped back up from his kneeling position and slipped the ring on my left hand. “I hope you like it, Brooke. I had a little help from Cassidy. She let me know about the rings you always drooled over while you two window-shopped at Tiffany’s.”

  “Seriously, Rich? It’s amazing. I love that it’s not huge. It’s elegant and understated and I couldn’t have picked out a more perfect ring for myself. Oh wait, I guess I did pick it out, didn’t I?” I added, as I lightly elbowed him in the side.

  Putting his hands on the back of my head, Rich pulled me in for a passionate, yet chaste kiss. After all, we were in the midst of forty thousand other people, who with the exception of a handful of clapping fans around us, seemed to be oblivious to what I thought was the most beautiful proposal of all time. I could tell by the fervent look in Rich’s eyes though, that he intended on making it up to me later.

  Just then, we were both bombarded by my two favorite girls. “Eeeeeeeep, you said, ‘yes!’ Can I plan your wedding. Ahhhhhhh, we’re planning your wedding. I can’t wait. You know we’re starting tomorrow, right. You seriously need to extend your vacation at least for a few more days. We have to find your dress!” Cassidy gushed.

  “Whoa, chillax, baby dinosaur! He just proposed, we just got engaged. We haven’t even set a date. I don’t need to buy a dress tomorrow. But, yes, of course you can help plan my wedding. I wouldn’t dream of anyone else at my side during this process.”

  In that moment, I got a little sad thinking that my mom wouldn’t be with me to find my perfect wedding dress, or hold my hand as the nervous jitters took over on the morning of my wedding. She wouldn’t cry from the front pew as my dad gave her only baby away, or cheer us on as the pastor told Rich that he could kiss his bride. She wouldn’t dance with her son-in-law, or tenderly kiss me on the forehead as Rich and I escaped on our honeymoon.

  Rich must have sensed my mood change to brief sadness and he reached out for my hand, making sure to run his thumb over my newly placed diamond.

  “Hey, she’ll still be with us,” he whispered in my ear so only I could hear. “Dad, too, they’ll both be watching over us; cheering us on.”