“Is it that obvious?” I stare down at my black pumps ashamed that I still have Mauricio on my mind. He’s tainted me and I hate it.
“Look at me baby,” I look up into Calvin’s soft eyes. “He can’t get to us anymore. He’s gone. You need to stop allowing him inside your head. That way he’s still winning. He didn’t brake us Olivia, he lost. He may have taken away my family, but he didn’t beat me and he didn’t take me away from you. He could never do that. He’s dead and he will never come between us again. Understand?”
I nod before Calvin leans down to kiss me. He kisses me to make me forget. He knows when his lips touch mine I go jump into Calvin’s world. I don’t mind in the slightest.
When the boats docks back at the marina. I get a call from Tyler.
“Olivia, I’m home. When do I start?”
I have asked Tyler to partner up with me for MF tailors and he enthusiastically agreed but he had to give his current job notice and let his lease run out at his apartment. He is now, by the sounds, back home and raring to go.
“I’m home tomorrow night Ty, so Monday morning?” Today is Saturday.
“You do know we need to give it a new name don’t you? What about OT tailors?”
I giggle at his rambling and suggestions. “OT as in Olivia Tyler?”
I can sense he’s gone into deep thought. “Your right it sounds shit, what about Olivia James? Your first name my second? My name has always been ready for flashing lights honey.”
I snort after laughing. “Tyler, people will think we’re married.”
“Fuck them. Its sound nice. Besides, you do not want Fahoney as your last name.”
That’s a relevant point. I have to change my name sometime soon. My mom has already had this discussion with me, she wants us to go back to her maiden name; Veronica Grace.
“Yes, no?” Tyler pushes on so I agree hoping he will drop it. I hate being on the phone when I’m in company of other people. Calvin doesn’t seem to mind, he’s talking to Todd while holding my other hand firmly.
“Yes, Tyler. Whatever.”
“You know it makes sense. You still at the ashes thing?”
I die a little inside of how insensitive he can be. I move away from Calvin letting my hand drop from his incase he can over hear the conversation.
Tyler found out about Mauricio the day after he died. He called Elise as it was on the news even though the police tried everything they could to stop it getting out to the media. Tyler had explained that after the conversation we had where I didn’t tell him what was happening he deleted my number in a Tyler hissy fit so he couldn’t call me. And when I sent him a text to tell him I was thinking about him, he deleted that without reading it. He called Elise instead. Elise refused to explain over the phone so Tyler drove down to Chicago to be with me and I told him everything. He couldn’t believe what had happened. He was so stunned he threw up. I was so grateful for him coming to me and my mom though. I always need Tyler and he has promised me he will never go into a Tyler hissy fit again. Until the next time. Madison also called over to see me. I have been staying at Calvin’s apartment so she called over to see how I was. Again, seeing her felt awkward but I’m glad she made the effort.
“Yes, Ty, I’m still in Miami.” My voice is low.
“How was it?”
“Sad, devastating actually, but at the same time, soothing. Calvin got to rest Ashton in peace, somewhere he wanted to be. That’s what matters.”
Tyler falls silent all of a sudden. That’s not like him. “Ty? Are you crying?”
I hear him blow his nose before answering me. “It’s just…such a waste of a beautiful man.”
I roll my eyes and Calvin comes beside me. “Ready?”
“Ty, I have to go. But chin up Okay. I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Bye honey.” He sniffs again before putting the phone down.
“My family suggested we all go to a restaurant for some cocktails and a bite to eat, but if you’re tired we can go back to the hotel?”
Hmm, the thought of our luxury spa hotel that Calvin booked us into when we arrived yesterday sounds heavenly. We both received the most blissful massage from the messieurs and then took advantage of their sauna room. The thought brings a cheeky smile.
Calvin spots this and grins devilishly. “You thinking dirty thoughts, Olivia?”
I pretend to act shocked by his accusation. “Me? What do you take me for?”
Calvin’s grin splits even wider. “I seem to remember that line is mine.”
He places a loose piece of hair behind my ear and is about to lean in to kiss me but Hazel stops our show, pulling us apart. “Come on now you two.” She almost scolds us.
“Public affections never hurt anyone gran.” Calvin’s smirking but I feel mortified. I forget we are surrounded by people when Calvin is near me.
Hazel frown’s at Calvin. “Public affections? Is that what they call it these days?”
She then looks over at me with an arched brow. “Sweet heart, please tell my grandson to keep his hands to himself.”
I feel myself turning bright red and make a mental note of not letting Calvin near me with those expert hands of his whist under the watch of Hazel.
Chapter Thirty Six*
May 2014:
Calvin has brought me up Hazel and Gerald’s farm this weekend as it’s a gorgeous spring day and he wanted to show me the meadows. This week has been hectic. Myself and Tyler have been rushed off our feet with so many clients wanting to see our work and have us on board. It’s a great opportunity for us and we feel utterly blessed by the response we have had since turning around Olivia James, tailors. Yes, Tyler got his way in the end.
I adore working with Tyler. He has the same dreams as I do and having the chance to share that with someone special is simplicity.
So Calvin has brought me up here with the demand that I relax.
Calvin, however has stopped playing at casino advents. He told me it didn’t feel right without Ashton. I was secretly relieved because I would hardly see him with how much he had to travel. Calvin has enough money to never have to work again, but Calvin’s mind would go crazy without having something to do so he has thrown himself into his property investments and he and Elise have joined forces in business. I was worried about whether he would get bored with having a ‘normal’ career in Calvin’s mind, but he says I take up most of his mind space so that would never happen. I hope not.
I have since moved in with Calvin. I stay at his all of the time anyway so it made sense. He never officially asked me to move in, he didn’t have to. It just gradually became our thing and now he loves that I live with him. We love waking up to each other every morning and falling to sleep together every night. Most nights, entwined blissfully.
I am in a wonderful place right now, for the first time in months I can say I am extremely happy with my life. More than happy, and Calvin is the one to thank. I thank him every day for just being him.
We walk through the farm land at Hazels and Calvin takes me through to the wild flower meadow. It’s beautiful. The flowers are just coming through under the spring sun. The colors of red whites and pinks hitting us from all angles. The sky is blue, the sun is warm and Calvin has already laid out a picnic blanket. This time he doesn’t have food. Just the familiar gold ace champagne bottle.
“Are we celebrating something?”
“Maybe.” Calvin is being unusually quiet but I don’t question him.
“This is perfect Calvin. Thank you.”
“I knew you’d like it. We used to ride the horses through here when we were younger.”
“It’s so peaceful.” The birds chirping are the only sound that can be heard, it’s perfectly serene.
“Simple things.” He smiles warmly shrugging towards me but continues to lose my eye contact. He’s scratching at his neck and putting his head down quite a lot.
Strange. He looks simply divine in a white loose fitted t shirt, gray jeans and bare
foot.
“Calvin? What is up with you?” He turns to gaze down at me and shakes his head claiming its nothing.
“Then come kiss me.” I demand. He smirks at my attitude and bends down to kiss me. He takes my mouth with his firmly but tender. Leaning on his one arm for support he climbs on top of me while sliding his other hand up my white dress. The dress I wore on our first date, and the dress I wore when he left me.
His soft finger tips slide up to the top of my thigh as he caresses me. I kiss him savoring the taste that his lips allow. Absorbing his everything. When we kiss my mind melts while my body surrenders to him. When his fingertips brush against my skin, I break out in goose bumps. I over heat and go into a world of angelic ecstasy.
Calvin is about to pull down my panties whilst kissing me, but I smirk when he realizes what I’ve done. “Olivia, you’re not wearing any underwear?” his face is a picture of delight but a little shocked by my promiscuous act.
“I thought it would save you the trouble.” I try to act flirtatious but I blush instead.
Calvin smirks, his eyes light up. “You are adorable.”
“Adorable?”
“And sexy, and hot, and come here…”
Calvin makes affectionate love to me, full of devotion and hot passion on top of the wild flowers in the meadow. He looks into my eyes with infatuation the whole time. His adoring gaze forces mine to stay open and watch him while we indulge in each other worlds. When I look into his eyes like this, I see him, all of him, and he sees me. All our vulnerability towards one another is lost, our love for each other is set free and our guards are completely burnt down.
Calvin is a blessing bestowed upon me and I love him beyond words could describe.
I lay down on the blanket and close my eyes basking in my heavenly surroundings while my breathing eases. Calvin continues to lay above me running the tip of his nose along mine smiling wide and happy.
“Always so beautiful.” He whispers then climbs off me pulling my dress back down. I wish he would lay above me all day but I’m content so I don’t contemplate it.
He sit’s up pulling up his jeans, wrapping his arms around his knees and looks across the meadow with his back to me. “Olivia. I need to ask you something.”
I place my hand on his back and query his uneasiness. “What is it?”
He sighs and turns to me, so I sit up to hear him out resting back on my palms.
“Would you...” he stops to run his hands through his hair and anxiously gets up onto his knees.
He holds his hands out with his palms up offering my hands into his. I sit up and place my hands into his eyeing him suspiciously.
“Would I what?” It actually makes me giggle watching his nervous behavior over heavens knows what.
He squeezes my hands and speaks in a rush. “Would you make me the happiest man or earth and… well, actually you already make me the happiest man on the planet but...”
“But what?” I butt in over his babbling. What on earth is he trying to say? Calm and collect Calvin he is not right now.
“What is it?” I urge again this time getting a little impatient.
“Marry me?”
I blink a little too fast while my heart skips a beat by his remarkable question.
Wait! What?
“Marry you? You’re asking me to marry you?” It’s a proposal?
“That’s if you want to. And I hope you do or I’ll look a complete idiot.” He speaks fast again while I try to get over what he’s just asked me. Calvin has asked me to marry him.
Oh my god. Marry him?
He’s waiting cautiously for my answer. So I give him one.
“Yes.” I squeal.
“Yes? You don’t want to think about it?” He’s surprised I said yes? Is he crazy?
I answer him quickly and firm. “No! There is nothing to think about.”
Jesus. He’s asked me to frigging marry him!
“Wait,” I get up to my knees so I’m the same level as Calvin. His smile drops slightly as he watches my actions. “You haven’t changed your mind?” he asks getting nervous again.
I shake my head grinning from ear to ear. “No, but… ask me again. Confidently. Being you.”
He laughs visibly relaxing. Sighing deeply on a smile and closes his eyes briefly. When he opens them, there’s that ice blue spark I always love to see, his cocky billion dollar grin and his charming posture is back.
Before wiping a tear away from my cheek with his thumb, he asks me again but this time, Calvin’s way. He takes my hands with his again firmly and looks deep into my welling up eyes.
“Olivia, baby, I am completely and unconditionally in love with you. You are the one person that keeps me alive each day and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. My life would be worthless without you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you but I want to do it with you as my wife. Marry me?”
I chock back tears savoring his unforgettable proposal for a moment then my excitement takes over. “Yes!” I squeal pouncing on him, knocking him back onto the flowers. He laughs delighted before I push my lips into his, smothering him with my love and admiration.
After I have devoured every inch of his face with my mouth, I sit back on my heels as he tells me he has something for me.
“I have a ring for you.”
My eyes shoot open in surprise. I thought he’d only just asked me spontaneously. He had been planning this if he already has a ring?
I gasp when he takes his moms ring from the necklace around his neck. He’s had it fixed since it was pulled from his neck by Mauricio. He slides the ring off the chain.
“Wait…You can’t...I can’t accept that Calvin.”
But he tells me different. “Yes you can. This ring means so much to me. I shopped around for rings but they meant nothing. They mean nothing. They are all the same. This ring,” he looks down at the ring affectionately, “is special to me. My mom told me to keep it with me forever, so, if it’s with you then I have to keep you forever.” He grins and shrugs adorably.
I close my hand over my mouth to stop my gasp. He takes my hand and effortlessly slips the small ring onto my finger.
“Then you have me forever.” My voice letting tears of joy loose.
“I have you forever.” He whispers.
Calvin pops the champagne open, after all, now we do have something to celebrate. This man is remarkable. Just when I think he can’t beat anything amazing that he has already done for me. He proves me wrong.
I am actually going to marry the man of my dreams. The man I was too scared to get involved with when I first met him on my birthday. I am extremely glad he continued to pursue me, even if it wasn’t with the best intentions at first. His last intentions mean everything. Oh, and this dress I have on, I can add to my list of emotional days it has been on with me. Calvin has asked me to marry him and I’m wearing his white favorite dress. Perfect.
Chapter Thirty Seven*
When we get back to the barn, Calvin gathers his grandparents into the sitting room. Gerald wakes up from his nap yawning and Hazel places her knitting into her lap and eyes me up gingerly.
“We have some news, and we wanted to share it with you guys first.” Calvin beams towards me kissing the side of my head making me blush.
“You’re not pregnant, Olivia?” I almost choke on thin air at Hazel’s suspicious question.
“No gran she’s not.” Calvin rolls his eyes then looks towards me worried. “You’re not right?”
“No I am not. Jesus.” I scold them both for being ridiculous.
“Oh,” Hazel sighs. “I could have knitted a lovely blanket you know.”
“No more baby talk.” I demand getting panicked and flustered.
“Then what is it?” she ask concerned.
“Gran, granddad, Olivia has said yes to becoming my wife.”
Hazel gasps as Gerald cheers. Her eyes fill up as she rushes over to us both dropping her knitting all over the floor.
>
“That’s wonderful, wonderful news.” She brings me into her arms joyfully, and kisses my forehead. “Olivia, sweet heart. You’ve made me so happy.”
I’ve made her happy? “You’ve made me happy because you’ve made my boy happy. And that means a lot to me. Come here you...” she brings Calvin joyfully in her arms.
When she pulls away from him again Gerald stands trying to come between us, Hazel isn’t letting him have any room. It’s comical. “Get away of the way Hazel, I want to congratulate them.” She swats him with her hand and eventually lets him pass. He brings Calvin into a man hug first and then takes my hand to kiss my knuckles. “Congratulations to both of you.” He smiles fondly at us both almost filling up.
“I must cook us something, something to celebrate.” Hazel proposes and scurries of into the kitchen.
I call Tyler to tell him the news after Hazel’s celebratory dinner. I want to tell my mom and Elise face to face, but I need to tell someone else right now before I shout it from the roof tops.
“Hey honey,” he answers on the first ring. I swear he has his phone glued to him.
My voice is rushed when I finally get it out. “Tyler, Calvin’s asked me to marry him!”
Tyler is eating something and almost chokes. “W…what? He’s proposed. Don’t shit me Olivia my heart can’t take it.”
I giggle then continue to rush on. “Tyler, Calvin has asked me to marry him and I said yes. I’m getting married.”
Tyler screams down the phone so I pull it away from my ear dancing around as I know he’s doing the same. I hear Nana Joyce in the background wanting to know what Tyler is screaming about. “Olivia, Nana, she’s getting married.” Joyce screams out of joy and I bet Tyler is hugging her all around the house. It’s a good few minutes before Tyler’s comes back to the phone.
I laugh when he’s back, hoping he’s calmed down; he hasn’t.
“So when did he ask you? What’s your ring like? How did he propose? Was it on one knee what? Tell me?”
I would if he gave me chance.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror before I answer Tyler and it feels like I’m glowing. I can’t stop smiling and I’m not even married yet.
Confessions and Olivia (Olivia #2) Page 38