Chad is standing to the side, his arms wrapped around our son. Our son. My baby. Little Charlie. Chad is smiling so wide that tears find my lashes again. I wave frantically at him to come over as Dana scoots down near my feet. He comes over with a wink, sinking down to the edge of the bed we had just occupied together not too long ago, as I try to sit up with a wince.
"You want me to move the back of the bed up, Ray?" Kendall suggests, and I nod, thankful that she is thinking better than I am. She pushes the button, and as the bed shifts, the smile on my lips widens.
My son wiggles in his father’s arms and it tugs at my heart. "Mommy," Chad says, kissing my cheek as my left arm scoots under our son’s head and back, "meet Charlie." As Chad's arms wrap around my back and side, sandwiching our son between us, I let the tears flow freely. I can't believe this is real.
I feel complete. As I look down on my infant son’s face and his blue-grey eyes, I can't believe that this is the same baby that not too long ago, I complained about kicking my ribs. He squirms, turning his face into my chest, and I hold him tighter. Pulling him up, I kiss his cheek and he lets out a squeak, making all of us giggle.
"He's so perfect," I say, turning my tear-blurred gaze to Chad as he trails his fingers over my cheek lightly. He even smells perfect. The hint of baby powder and lavender lotion lingering in my nose as I give him Eskimo kisses, loving the feel of his little hand and fingers on my cheek.
"He's like his momma," Chad says, kissing my forehead and squeezing in tighter to our little circle.
Looking between the two men, I can't believe they are both mine. The little bundle of joy tugging at my hospital gown and the strong, loving man sitting beside me are both mine.
And I'm helplessly, relentlessly, shamelessly and completely theirs.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
December 24, 2012
Rhea
"Happy birthday, momma," I hear whispered over my shoulder and glance over, seeing Garth enter the dim kitchen. I make a humming ‘mm-hmm’ reply in my throat, not pausing the rocking motion of the glider I'm sitting in. It is only seven in the morning, but I've been up for the last forty-five minutes, holding and finally nursing Charlie. I can't help but giggle at Garth as he yawns and scratches through his scruffy beard and mussed hair, a smirk on his face when he turns toward me with his back against the counter.
"Feelin' okay this mornin'?” he asks, taking a long sip of his steaming coffee, and I nod, adjusting my sling laden arm to try and be more comfortable. I've been out of the hospital for about three and a half weeks, and Garth has pretty much moved in with us. He has been helping me around the house since he was laid off from his construction job for the winter. Chad had to report to his new job the day after I was released from Southampton Memorial, and his mother works during the day, so Garth helps with Charlie and basic things like showering, dressing, and cooking.
When it's not Garth, it's Kendall, but all of my friends have been more than helpful. Harlan has driven me to physical therapy more than a handful of times when Garth or Chad were busy. Rosa and Reno have been up every weekend, and they are even looking into buying a house down the street that recently went up for sale. It'll be great if they move here. Even my cousin Ellie has been here to visit, staying all day and most of the night just helping me and fawning over Charlie. She looks great and we talk almost every day, so I'm hoping we can build a relationship. It'll be nice to have some of my family around for a change.
Charlie squirms in my arms, bringing me from my day dreaming and I adjust him, wiping his mouth and pulling my nightgown shut. Having the use of only my left arm, I lay Charlie out on my legs before throwing the burp rag over my shoulder and hauling him up to rock him while tapping on his back. After the first couple of nights, all of this became routine and I'm pretty sure that I can do it in my sleep.
"You wanna start breakfast?” I say to Garth as Charlie burps away on my shoulder. "Brad and the others should be here soon. I'm gonna go wake Chad up in a minute." Garth nods and starts taking the things out of the fridge that I had specified were for this morning, but stops and whirls around when Charlie lets out the loudest, nastiest burp I've heard him issue yet. It sort of shocks both of us, and we just stare at each other across the room before bursting out in laughter.
Still giggling, I ease myself out of the glider slowly, favoring my still sore and weak right leg. I have a nasty scar high on my thigh from the damage Duke's bullet did. It's still bright pink and ragged looking, but the doctor says it will heal nicely, so I'm crossing my fingers it won't look too bad. They say that the bullet tore through the muscles and the way they had to repair them was to stretch the non-mangled muscle, attach it to the torn ones, and hopefully mend the whole picture. The physical therapy is tough, painful and time consuming, but I do feel stronger already. I won't be running any marathons anytime soon, but who says I want to?
Laying Charlie down on a blanket, tucked into a formed pillow so he doesn't roll around, I shuffle toward the stairs, gripping the banister tight as I slowly ascend. It's a lot easier going down with Charlie, I can tuck him into my sling and lean into the railing, but going up, well I haven't mastered that yet.
I'm out of breath by the time I get to the top and shuffle into our bedroom, my smile reaching my eyes when I see Chad: my fiancé. He is sprawled out on the bed, the sheets half off and half tangled between his legs, his feet sticking out and a pillow half covers his face. His new schedule has been taking a toll on him; between his new job with NCIS and little Charlie, and I think he’s sexy as hell right now. Snuggling down beside him on my stomach, I squeal when his arms wrap around me, rolling me on top of him.
"Mornin'," he says, his voice edged in a scratch from sleep. The smile that creeps onto his face makes my heart race and I can't help but run my fingers through his shortened beard and hair, pulling his lips to mine for a long kiss. "Mmm," he mumbles, hugging me to him, as always being careful of my right shoulder, "happy birthday, Baby."
"Thank you," I say, resting my head on his chest as he scoots me down beside him. I relax in the warmth of his skin on mine and I love the feel of his fingers running through my very short hair. They had shaved it all off to relieve the pressure on my brain, leaving me with a pink scar behind each of my ears and no hair. It's grown pretty well, turning into a thick layer of what is a little longer than peach fuzz, covering the scars at least. I wear hats or scarves tied over it when we go out because I can't help but be self-conscious.
"Garth is down there startin' breakfast. Everyone should be here in a little while so we can spend the day decorating and get to the six o'clock service after dinner." I can feel Chad nod his head while still running his fingers over my hair.
"Pastor Williams is gonna be happy to see you." He chuckles. "My momma has been talkin' non-stop ‘bout how he's been askin' ‘bout you and Charlie." We both laugh, because we know that Dana probably isn't exaggerating about the Pastor.
"Yeah, Garth told me the Pastor says he's been prayin' for Duke's immortal soul. That he hopes Duke gets the help he needs and finds the Lord." His arm tenses around me and looking up; I can see that his jaw is tight. He doesn't like to mention Duke, but ignoring it isn't going to make it go away.
What happened had happened, and there is no going back. Duke has been sitting in the county jail since the day it happened and his charges stand at two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and six counts of assault on an officer, because he had fought back against the Sheriffs and the Troopers. I don't like to bring him up any more than Chad likes to talk about him, but I am going to have to testify at his trial scheduled to start in January, so I'm going to have to get used to it.
"He's lucky French and the boys kept me in check that day at the hospital," he almost growls out, sitting up while still holding me, pulling my head into his lap. "I would have killed him. I'd still kill him; if not for hurting you, but for the things he said that day, and the way it's affected you." He runs
his fingers over my short hair with a sad smile on his face and I close my eyes, gripping his bent elbow, holding his hand to my face.
A tear slips down my cheek as I think of what Chad has told me that Duke had said when they were arguing at the hospital that day. "I was aiming for your son! I was aiming for him!" It disgusts me how much hate Duke spewed only hours after telling me that he would raise the baby as his own if I were to give him the chance to be with me. How could someone who had acted so nice, done so many nice things, hate someone so much that they'll kill an innocent child to get their revenge? I just don't even want to think about what would have happened if I hadn't fallen back that afternoon or if Duke's aim had been a little better.
I've been having nightmares almost every night about the shooting. Not just about when it happened, but what life would be like without Charlie. Most of them include me waking up in the hospital alone or coming home to an empty house, with an empty nursery. The worst ones deal with no Charlie and then no Chad, as he walks out in full camo, leaving me in a dark place where I feel as if no one can find me.
I always wake up crying, cradled in Chad's arms as he tells me that it's okay and having to get up to check on Charlie. My baby boy is always sound asleep, being the great baby he is, and only waking on his feeding schedule. Most nights I stand there, beside his crib, just watching him breathe. I'm amazed at how much love can spring from such a little person.
Wrapping my left arm around Chad's back as he leans down to me, I let a few more tears roll down. "Baby, don't cry anymore," he whispers, pressing his lips to my cheek, catching the tears before they roll down to my chin. "We're all okay and I'm not goin' anywhere that's for damn sure," he jokes and I giggle through the last tears, kissing him until we are both out of breath.
He lies down beside me on the bed, moving his lips from mine to my neck, grazing my chin with his teeth making me shudder. This man can take me from normal, functioning woman to trembling pool of lust driven slut in negative point two seconds, and I can’t help but moan into his lips; running my hand over his stubble filled cheek. His hand runs down my chest, not missing the opportunity to squeeze my already swollen again breasts, and over my stomach; hovering between my thighs as the material of my night gown slips down to my hips and I bend my knees.
“That’s my girl,” he seems to growl into my lips as his fingers trace ever so lightly over the insides of my thighs. I can’t help but shake when they run over my scar and he whispers his apology, but I just smile and take his lips with more gusto as the fresh wave of desire rolls over me. The familiar tingle between my legs is a throbbing jack hammer by the time he touches me, and I try to hold in my pleasure, but it comes out as a squeak against his lips as his thumb runs over my clit, making my legs shake.
Everything is still sore and we’ve only fooled around a little since I came home from the hospital, but I want Chad. My body is trembling with need of him, so when his fingers only circle around my entrance I whimper, shifting my hips, and silently telling him I want more.
“Are you sure, Baby Girl? I don’t want to hurt you,” he whispers as he kisses my neck, his thumb rubbing into my clit again and making me gasp for breath. All I can do is nod, because if I try to talk, it’s only going to be a moan and my nose brushes his as he brings his face to mine. His blue eyes are hooded and I can see the desire, the want, plain as day as the hard-on he has that’s bumping my leg.
I feel the evidence of my readiness and want of him drip down my skin as I shift over onto my left side, keeping my lips locked with his over my shoulder as he shoves his pajama pants down. His hand is still teasing me as his cock springs free, making me jump in anticipation as it brushes my core and Chad smiles into my lips. His fingers slip in slowly, and I’m not going to lie, it hurts, and my eyes squeeze shut as I try and hold in a wince.
“Nope,” he says, removing his fingers and I snap my eyes open, looking at him. My body is still shaking, wanting my man. “It hurts doesn’t it?” he asks, his brow furrowing as his eyes run over my face.
“Yes,” I don’t lie and he shakes his head, moving to slide out from behind me, but I grab his hand, trapping it to my hip. “Please, Love?” I beg. I’m not too good for begging. I can tell he’s going to protest, but I stop him just as his lips part to speak. Those damn, sexy as hell lips. “I need you to make love to me,” I whisper, tugging his hand to my stomach to try and pull him closer.
“Baby…girl,” he kind of sighs, kissing my temple as his hand runs down between my legs; just one swipe of his fingers over my clit causing me to shiver and arch back into him, on the edge of my climax already. I’m pretty sure my breathing stops when his teeth graze along my neck and I feel him nestle into my backside, his warmth and scent washing over me. “You tell me to stop if it’s too much,” he sort of growls in my ear as I reach around behind me and grasp his shaft, almost gasping at how hard he is.
Then the head of his shaft is right at my entrance, and I know this is going to be uncomfortable, but I try to show him that I’m okay with my hand on his hip as he kisses my neck. He pushes ever so slowly into me, and I feel like all my nerves are on fire; my breath catching in my throat as my fingers dig into his hip. Chad groans slightly into my ear as he pushes in further, his lips pulling my earlobe into his mouth as his tongue flicks it, taking my attention from the slight hurt.
His arm slides under my head, pulling my face up and he coaxes me to turn my head with kisses on my cheek. His lips tease mine slightly as he seats himself all the way inside of me, just holding me there as he kisses me; his tongue tracing my lips and I’m about to come undone. I moan into his mouth as his tongue swirls around mind and I grind my ass into his hips, moving him within me as he stays still.
His movements are slow and passionate as he kisses me, his hips rocking slightly as he slides out and in again and I sink into his chest, lost in all of the sensations. Before I know it, I’m gasping for breath as my climax roars through me, shaking my arms and legs and making me bite Chad’s lip. My body feels lighter and I’m tingling as aftershocks run through me. Chad pulls his face from mine and I see him run his tongue over his bottom lip.
“Damn, Baby Girl.” He smiles, rocking his hips into me again and groaning as he holds me tight to him, thrusting just a little bit harder. I grab his face, with my palms on his stubble filled cheeks, and pull his lips to mine; kissing him roughly. His arm covers me, being careful of my shoulder, and I ride through another wave of pleasure of my own as I feel him pulse within me. He kisses my lips, then my cheek, then my hair as he just holds my hips to his, keeping us connected as our breathing starts to slow.
“You’re okay?” he questions, kissing me again and I smile into his lips. I just nod, not taking my lips from his and he chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest as he holds me close. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispers, his eyes seeming to turn a shade darker as they roam over me, and then look beyond me as he kisses my forehead.
“I couldn’t live without you,” I tell him, and he snorts. I smack him in the chest, then snuggle my face into his neck. “I really couldn’t. But everything is goin’ to be okay.”
“Yeah, it is,” he sighs. “Now, let’s get up. Everyone is prolly waitin’ for us.” He smacks my butt lightly as pulls away and I miss his touch immediately. I grab his face when I sit up and kiss him again, resigning to get dressed as I hear pots and pans banging together downstairs.
It makes me feel like a child to have to have someone help me get dressed, but with Chad, it just gives us extra time to fool around some more. As he helps me tug on my heavy socks, we both hear the doorbell ring and happy voices travel up to us from the stairs.
"Guess we'll have to continue this second round later, sexy." He winks, kissing me until I'm dizzy as he helps me to my feet. He's helping me adjust my sling as footsteps creep up toward us.
"Hey," Dana says, poking her face around the door and smiling. As she comes around the door, I see she has her fav
orite little guy in her arms and he has a drool filled smile plastered on his chubby little face, breaking my heart in a good way. "This little guy wanted to see what was takin' his mommy and daddy so long." She laughs, throwing her arm around me and kissing my cheek. "Happy birthday, Hon. I said a prayer for your momma this mornin'," she says with a sorrow filled smile.
"I did, too," I say as she kisses Chad on the cheek. It's been a year since I found my mother dead on the living room floor of our double wide, but it still feels like yesterday. Even with everything that has happened since then, the pain and loneliness that is left from her death still lingers.
How would she feel about what has happened in my life since that day? Would she be happy for me? I know she would be. She'd be as happy as Dana is, and I can't help but wonder that if she was still alive, would Charlie's little smile bring her out of the funk that had hung over her since my brother's death? I can only hope it would have.
"She'd be so proud of you, Honey," Dana smiles, kissing my forehead as I give Charlie little kisses on his soft, perfect skin, letting his little fingers grip around my ring finger. The four of us just stand in a mild, relaxed silence; Chad's arm around my back as his fingers massage into my side.
"Let's get downstairs; I'm starvin'," he says, taking Charlie from his mother with a wide smile, holding him above his head and looking up at him. "Right little guy? Say ‘we're starvin'’!" He swings Charlie down, kissing him before winking and leading the way out of the room with me shaking my head at his back.
Dana lets me lean on her as we make our way down into the living room. We’re greeted by smiling faces and cheery hellos from my closest friends. They are all gathered around in the kitchen, helping Garth with the food. Kissing the cook on the cheek, I'm surprised when Kendall wraps her arms around my shoulders, giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek, holding a card in her hand.
Coming Home: Book 2 The Wakefield Romance Series Page 19