Never Give Up

by Heidi Lis

  “After all this time, I’m so glad I get you as my mother. A bit funny seeing I have a vacancy for one of those nowadays.” I use humor to ease my pain when it comes to my current relationship with my mother. I will never be able to forgive what she did, and that really hurts.

  “Oh hush, don’t give it another thought. You have a mom and dad who love you dearly now. Dave would have knocked Micah on his ass if he didn’t marry you, but we never worried too much. Our son has been in love with you forever.”

  Both of us are crying and laughing when a loud knock on the door startles us. It’s my soon to be husband, all dressed up and looking hotter than hell. His eyes travel up and down my dress, taking in every detail. I’m not sure, but it looked liked his knees buckled a little.

  “Mom, leave me with my bride, please.” he asks breathlessly. “I want a few minutes with her before we get started.” Micah is talking to his mom, but his eyes stay glued to mine. Oh boy, he looks at me like he wants to devour every inch of me.

  Jokingly rolling her eyes, she gives her son a dismissive nod. “Okay son, hold on.” To add to her annoyance she swats her hand towards him playfully.

  Giving me one more look over, she seems satisfied as she gives me one last kiss on the cheek. Fully opening the door, my man walks in dressed in his black tux. And to my surprise, he’s not alone. Walking in beside him is our son dressed in a tux just like his daddy’s. The resemblance between them is remarkable. I’m not sure who could win a contest between these two. They both look stellar right now.

  Micah lifts his eyebrow. “He wanted to see his mommy real quick before he has to sit with Uncle Matt and grandpa.”

  Michael, who is looking so comfortable next to his daddy, is a truly a sight to behold. Fitting, seeing as though they are both Taylor boys. We changed Michael’s last name to Taylor as soon as he was legally ours. It was Micah’s first official act as his father. For Micah, his son needed to have his last name. And after today, it will also be my name. Looking at them now, it just feels right. Nothing could make this day any better.

  “Wow, my two boys look fantastic.” Both smiling from ear to ear, they look at me with the same sweet smile. In a short amount of time, Michael is mimicking his daddy’s every move and quirks. Lord, save me now.

  Not able to help myself, I lean over to pick him up to kiss his plump cheeks and when I do my nose is engulfed with a manly scent. He smells of Micah’s cologne, and I have to giggle knowing Micah took pride in getting his mini me ready for today. Standing behind me, Micah engulfs the two of us in his arms, and we stay like this, silently. This feeling right here, right now, this is what life is all about. A day I never could’ve imagined happening is about to finally be here. It’s a powerful thing and I’ll never take it for granted…ever.

  Kissing my handsome son one last time, Micah seems anxious to get our wedding started. A movement catches my eyes when I noticed Matt strolling in the room. When Matt notices his nephew, he wastes no time in taking our son into his arms. It’s pretty easy for us to notice how eager Micah is. Matt chuckles enjoying his brothers nervously behavior. It’s pretty cute.

  “Okay, Uncle Matt,” Micah says as he hands Michael over. “Take your buddy downstairs so I can have a moment with his mommy.”

  Matt eagerly holds his hands out to receive his nephew, but not before he notices me in my dress. He lets out a loud whistle. And my face turns completely red.

  “Hey buddy, let's go pick up some chicks for Uncle Matty.” Matt says playfully. From the moment Michael came home with us, Matt has been on cloud nine. To say he spoils his nephew is an understatement. I love it.

  The instant Matt playfully said the words, he knew it would bother his dear brother. Micah couldn’t help but groan in displeasure.

  “Do not use my son to pick up dates, please?” Micah says it in such a sweet voice, I had to do a double take. Even Matt looked at Micah, somewhat puzzled. It seems today, my future husband is all serious and maybe even a little nervous. Matt opens his mouth to say something but doesn’t. He just shakes his head instead and I raise my eyebrow at him. I can tell he wants to say make a joke at Micah’s expense, but he holds back. Today is his brother’s big day, after all.

  Biting his tongue, Matt replies hesitantly. “Yeah, whatever. Come on little man, let’s party and leave your daddy to it.”

  The way Matt interacts with a very receptive Michael, warms my heart. Michael seems eager to get down and run around. He doesn’t like to sit still for long in one place. If I only had the energy my son has. Speaking to Micah, I whisper, “Matt loves him, dearly.”

  Nodding his head, Micah responds. “Everyone loves our boy. What’s not to love?” We watch as Matt tries to keep up with our son, who is already out the door.

  Can’t argue with that.

  Turning his attention to me, Micah lets out a long, low whistle, again eyeing my body up and down. Now that his son has left the room, Micah’s naughty side comes out to play.

  “Can’t wait to get you out of this dress, pretty girl. Damn shame too, because you look so freaking beautiful in it.” His dazzling smile turns mischievous the instant his eyes blaze with desire.

  I’ve planned our wedding night well. I decided to spice things a bit, and spent a small fortune on undergarments. Since Michael has been home with us, we are more careful when it comes to our love making. Sex, is only happening in the bedroom now—a shame but with an active four year old, we have to be creative. I want tonight it to be all about desire.

  “Oh, just wait till you see the surprise I have on underneath?”

  Raising a brow, he traces his finger along my breast line. “Tease. Good thing Grandma and Grandpa are taking our son for the weekend. It may take me all that long to thoroughly enjoy my surprise.”

  I’m mentally melting with anticipation. First, we have a wedding to attend. Leaning into him, I let out a slow yearning moan. “Kiss me and get out, I’ll see you shortly.” Hell, I need to calm my raging libido now, before I go downstairs and pledge my vows before God and everyone else to Micah. I’m afraid everyone might be able to read my mind if I walk down the isle with flushed cheeks. It’s going to be hard enough standing so close to Micah with the way he looks, then keep my hands off of him. I can tell he sees me struggling, because his evil grin shows it.

  “Yes ma’am.” Kissing me one last time, he does the one thing I knew he most likely would. He tells me in my ear how happy he finally is. He began whispering all these keepsake moments he wants to remember about today and he kept on until my mascara was streaking down my cheeks. I had to look like a racoon.

  Once he left the room, it ended up taking me ten full minutes to clean it off and apply new makeup. Darn that boy!

  When I was just about fixed up, I hear a light tap against the door. Finding it odd since it was almost time for the ceremony to start, I walk over to the door and, I open it slowly.

  “Liza.”

  My eyes go wide is shock, I can’t believe she’s standing here, all dressed up. She must sense my disbelief.

  “That man of yours is very persuasive when he wants to be.” She says, looking at me sheepishly.

  “Micah.” I say, smiling. Like I even need to ask.

  “Who else? I’ve come to realize not having you in my life hurts much more than accepting you and Micah. Plus, it took you two getting back together for me to find my own great guy.”

  The surprises keep coming. It’s a bit odd, I don’t know what is happening in her life anymore. I’ve been busy, but I’ve spent many times wondering show she was. Many times I wanted to call her for a friendly chat. I push those feelings aside because she is here, with me now, dressed ready for a wedding. This feels right.

  “That’s awesome to hear, Liza. I’ve missed you so much.” Not holding back, I hug her, tight.

  She squeals. “Okay, that little boy of yours is such a little Micah. Good Lord. He’s a doll, and I’m going to spoil him rotten. How does aunt Liza sound?” She says, staring a
t the ceiling thinking just that as my mouth is gaping wide. All of sudden, it’s as if a heavy weight has been lifted off her shoulders.

  Aunt Liza, wow. Things have indeed changed since we last talked.

  We end up hugging each other hard we both get teary eyed, but I pull back dotting my eyes. I have no time to fix them again. She stayed and teased my hair, straightened my dress and handed me my bouquet. It was like old times again. I must remember to thank my man, once again, for always looking out for me. Is there anything that man wouldn’t do for me? I hope I never find out.

  Liza hesistates, and her eyes dart everywhere but me. “So, I wanted to let you know Nick is downstairs.” She definitely appears nervous.

  My body tenses. “Shit, are you serious?” My mind is playing out some shouting match between Nick and Micah. Not good. I’m not paying a bit of attention to what she is hinting at.

  “Yes, but it’s okay,” she uses her hands to cup my shoulder. “He’s with me.”

  My body halts. I’m frozen in shock at what she just hinted at. When my eyes hit hers, her face lights up in one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen on her face. She can’t contain it any longer.

  “You aren’t serious?” I didn’t mean it come out like that, but it slipped out anyway. I’m happy just a bit taken back.

  “Yep, and it’s awesome. We get along great. Elsa, this is the way it should have been. Micah even had a long talk with Nick, and they can be in the same room without wanting to kill one another, so it’s progress.”

  Progress, yes, I would say. Knowing Nick is busy with Liza is the only reason why I’m sure Micah is so cool with this. I did not see this one coming, that’s for damn sure, but it makes sense. They’ve been friends for years, if it’s meant to be…it’s meant to be.

  Our lives have taken so many twists and turns, my head can’t keep up. All I know right now is I’m needed downstairs I hear my music alerting me it’s that time. Hugging Liza one last time, we make our way down, to find Dave at the bottom of the stairs. I come to a stop and he gives me a wink.

  “I need to walk my daughter down the aisle.” He’s so confident in everything he does. Not a hesitation on his part, he offers up his arm for me to take.

  Soaking in the sight of him extending his arm, I’m visibly shaking, in awe of Micah’s father. This day just got a whole lot better. Wiping a single fallen tear, I have a hard time finding my voice. “I was so scared to ask you.” And I was. For weeks I wanted to ask him but for some reason, I just couldn’t do it. Micah brought up the subject several times, only to find me full of doubt. More scared then doubtful, though.

  He gives me a smile that I feel all the way through to my heart. “No need, I would have done it anyway. Now, we better hurry up. Your son is acting up, and my son is anxious to claim you as his wife.”

  I chuckle, knowing how true that is. “Well, that’s two Taylor boys I need to take care of for sure.”

  Dave pats my hand that is laced over his arm. “All the more power to you little lady.” We share one last sweet exchange before it’s showtime.

  Walking side by side we follow our makeshift isle that leads to the back yard. I can see it’s filled with friends of Micah’s parents, a few buddies from the Air Force and my friends from work. It’s just perfect. The closer we get to the front, Michael looks over Matt’s shoulders and locks eyes with mine. My heart beats faster.

  “Mommy.” He mumbles, reaching his arms out for me. Everyone openly sighs at the sweetness his words hold. They all know our story, and I don’t believe there will be a dry eye by the end of this ceremony. Since I only smile back to my sweet boy, he then decides to see if he can get to Micah.

  “Daddy.” He suddenly says, trying his best to get into Micah’s arms instead.

  “Hang on little buddy, need to marry your mommy first.” Micah says wiping a bead of sweat over his eyebrow. I’d say my man was nervous and anxious. The way Micah interacts with our son, is not only amazing, it’s spectacular.

  We all laugh and glance at an anxious little boy who now seems content when he eyes his Grandpa. We are at the end of the isle so grandpa is able to take his grandson. Taking his seat, Michael settles in his grandpa’s lap. He is more than content since he now has both his grandparents fussing over him.

  Both Micah and I exchange a smile before the minister clears his throat, alerting us it’s time.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.” Our minister announces and shivers run down my spine. I’m marrying the boy who walked into my life years ago and just like I knew he’d change it forever, he sure did.

  Not everyone’s journey in life is ever easy, many are hard. My journey to finding Micah only to lose him was one of the worst in my life. Giving Michael away? Well? No words can describe that. I once said I found my soulmate at sixteen and indeed I had. I may have lost love, hope, and all the dreams I once envisioned. But knowing it would lead to me being here today marrying my soulmate while having our son with us…I’d live with that pain all over again.

  I’ve made my peace knowing my parents can no longer hurt me, I’ve not spoken to them and I’m not sure I ever will again. They are the ones who lost out.

  We exchange our vows, pledge our faithfulness, and love and promise our future will always be with each other.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen may I introduce to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Micah Taylor!”

  In true Micah fashion, he kisses me hard and picks me up, walking me to stop where Michael sits. Plopping me to my feet, he picks our son up as we walk down the aisle to the cheering of our friends and family.

  The party is in full swing, the country club had done an amazing job setting up this magical day for us. All black and white with red accents. The night is settling on us, and it’s time for the first dance. A song starts to play, and I can’t help smiling over at my new husband. He’d picked our song, and his choice was, All of Me by John Legend. Pulling me in his arms, we slow dance, getting lost in each other’s eyes.

  “Elsa Taylor. It suits you baby.”

  “I think so too, husband.” I say lacing my fingers behind his neck.

  His smile goes mega wide. And he says,“Wife, oh man, that is what I have always dreamed I’d call you one day.”

  My chuckle is followed by one of his own. “I’m glad. It’s too late to change it now.” I say, jokingly.

  We laugh a few more times, and holding on to each other we glance over at the table where Micah’s parents are sitting, enjoying themselves. Matt is holding on to Michael. He tries to eat a bit of cake for himself, but his nephew is demanding that he gets it all. Taking this quiet moment, we both just watch them all interacting with one another. Not much more in life could get any better than it is right now. I happen to catch Liza and Nick talking with the girls from the dental office, laughing and totally carefree. Both Micah and I shake our heads at the idea of Nick and Liza as a couple, but hey, I’m happy for them.

  Smiling, Micah leans into my ear, giving it a sweet kiss and he whispers.

  “Elsa, thank you for never giving up.”

  My heart skips a beat when a final tear escapes my eye. This last, lingering tear was indeed for the part of my soul that never let me give up, no matter what. Holding onto my locket, I bring it to my lips to seal those words with a kiss.

  Our night comes to an end with the three of us dancing together. Who would of thought we all would find a way back to one another? I sure didn’t. I wonder how our lives would be if we had all been together from the beginning. Would we be just as happy as we are now? Who knows? One thing for certain is how incredibly blessed I feel having both Micah and Michael back where they belong…with me. Forever.

  The End!

  Acknowledgements

  I am very thankful and lucky to have surrounded myself with individuals who helped make my dream come true. First my amazing family, your support means the world to me. My loyal friends, you have done
more for me than you will ever know. To my beta readers, you helped me so much with making sure Micah and Elsa’s story came together perfectly. I’m so blessed to have your support. A special thank you to Emma, Joanna and Cassy. I could not have done this without your special talents with what you do. To my readers, thank you so much for reading Never Give Up. I really hope you enjoyed this story. It’s a very personal story to me. Writing this book, I’ve cried, laughed, and fell in love with Elsa and Micah. Please take the time to leave a review. Without you, I would not be able to do what I love to do. Thank you!

  About the Author

  Heidi grew up in the Midwest, but currently resides with her husband and four children in the Pacific Northwest. Heidi most enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Between raising her children and obsessing over her favorite reads, she has let the storyteller within herself come to life. With the love and support of her family, she is following her dream while teaching her children how important it is to follow theirs. She prides herself in believing that anything is possible, the first step is believing in yourself. Heidi’s passionate and loving style in which she lives her life comes through in her writing. Her heart has led her down the genre path of a contemporary and suspense romance writer, but she has plans to extend her vision into other genres as well.

  Follow the Author

  You can keep in touch with Heidi about her upcoming books and giveaways on Facebook and Goodreads.

  Other Books by Heidi Lis:

  Defying Fate