by Jude Ouvrard
I loved spending hours with her; our legs entwined while her head rested on my chest. Playing with her hair, kissing her. This was my version of a good life, and I knew I had a lot to be thankful for. Destiny hadn’t been looking that good a year ago.
The following morning, we woke up early and sat on the patio in the back yard, drinking our coffee and planning our day. The sky was blue with a few little white clouds, nothing to be worried about. I didn't think it was going to rain. Avery wasn't working, and that pleased me more than anything. I wanted to keep Liam as far away from her as possible. I was still really angry with him.
''Maybe we could go for a walk, there’s a nice park not too far from here. Cape Fear, I think that’s what it's called. I could take some photos, too,'' Avery suggested. Taking photos and learning new tricks with her camera seemed to be her favorite hobby nowadays.
I’d heard about this park before. ''Yeah, sounds good. I know exactly where it is.''
''Alright! You want to shower, babes?'' She peeked across at me, trying to downplay what she was suggesting. I knew she was no innocent.
''No, no... I took a shower late last night. I think I'm good.'' I lied, trying to gauge her reaction.
''Oh... okay... well, I'm going to hurry then.'' She stood up, looking disappointed and turned to go inside the house.
I started laughing. ''Really, Avery? Is it that bad?'' I asked her.
She pouted. ''Yes... that bad...I miss you.''
We’d spent the last day cuddling, touching, kissing and yet, she claimed to be missing me. I couldn't really play hard to get with her, because this was exactly what I wanted too. Some may have called it lust, suggesting at this stage we were driven by hormones and ‘new relationship’ passion, but I had a feeling that with Avery, this stage would never fade. I believed we had something really special.
Later, after our ‘shower’, we got to the park and we were both impressed with what had been done around here. We walked through many different themed gardens, all different and their fragrances lingered in the air. We took many photos, as usual. Avery was excited and it seemed she had forgotten how crappy she felt the day before. The hosta and daylily gardens were the places where we spent the most time. Avery had no green thumb, but she loved nature and everything it involved. It was still early in the season, so not all the flowers were blooming. We walked through the Butterfly Stroll where the plants were specifically chosen as they attracted butterflies. We only saw a few of them, but Avery was able to take some photos, which made her happy. Putting the camera aside, we hiked for a long time, sometimes talking together and sometimes enjoying a companionable silence.
''Can you imagine walking around here with our child?'' She offered me a beautiful smile. ''How fun would that be, to come here with the stroller, a picnic and a couple of good friends?''
She surprised me with the mention of a baby, but I could imagine us doing what she’d suggested and soon. ''I can't wait, sweets. I think about it a lot too.''
She squeezed my arm and kissed my cheek. ''We haven’t really been very careful lately,’’ she admitted with a tiny smile ‘‘It could be sooner, rather than later.''
''I would be the happiest man on the planet.'' I wanted to have a family with her so badly, the fact that she might even be pregnant now was exciting. ''I love you, sweets.''
''I love you more.''
I laughed. ''Impossible...''
''To infinity and beyond,'' she added.
The park was enormous and the surrounding pine trees were all mature and very tall. We stopped again to take some more photos. We had been walking for quite some time and I was starting to feel it in my legs. I sat down on a bench, planning to let my legs rest for a couple of minutes.
''Babes, look this way. Don't smile. I want to take a photo of your profile.''
She lowered herself to my level and I forced myself not to smile and concentrated on a tree in front of me. I heard the camera click, at least ten times while she changed her angle slightly for each photo. I couldn't really look at her, but I just bet she had that look of concentration on her face, with that adorable little frown on her forehead. I turned my head in her direction in slow motion, failing to keep my smile away. Avery kept taking photos, and I think I might have blushed.
''Stop now, sweets, I don't know what to do with myself,'' I laughed.
''Just pretend you’re a model, you know like Sean O’Pry? Pause like he does, let loose. Have some fun with it!'' She tried hard to get me into the mood and I gave it my best shot. I got up, tousled my hair a little and looked at her, still unsmiling and tried my best to look like Richards. I leaned on a tree, my hands hidden in the front pockets of my jeans, and I pushed them low on my waist, giving her a view of my boxer briefs.
''That's so hot, babes!''
I gave her a wide grin and again, she kept on taking photos. It intimidated me in a strange way. Avery was in photographer mode and I really wasn’t used to this type of attention.
''Okay, it's my turn!'' I ran to Avery and tried to get hold of the camera. Of course, she didn't want to let it go. I tickled her, trying to make her surrender to me.
''Wait! Wait!'' she shrieked, trying to fend off my tickling attack. ''Jeremy Taylor! Stop that, right this minute!''
''Okay... okay!'' Our laughter echoed through the park, and both of us were struggling to catch our breath. Her smile was radiant, and I loved seeing her like this. Avery finally agreed to lend me her camera and I took it carefully and adjusted the lens. ''Stay like that, Ave, keep smiling,'' I ordered. I stepped away to take her photo, and like her, I ended up taking a multitude of them.
''Wait!'' she said, standing up. ''I want to take some selfies.'' She stood in front of me with the camera back in her small hands. I wrapped my arms around her waist and she turned the camera around so we became both the models and photographers.
''Excuse me?'' A voice came from behind us. ''Need any help?''
Maybe we were too loud, I thought, as I glanced around and saw a woman. We both were too startled by her sudden question to answer her. Help with what, anyway?
''I'm a photographer, I could take a few shot of you two.''
Avery reacted this time, delighted that the woman was a photographer, she shook hands with her.
''Oh, so you’re a Canon kind of girl. Good choice.'' The woman took the camera from Avery's hand and Avery looked at me, obviously worried about a stranger holding her favorite toy. ''Wow, you have a really good quality camera here.'' She was flicking through the photos we’d taken, studying them on the small viewing screen.
''Yeah, I bought it recently and I'm really interested in photography. It's kind of my hobby.''
''With a camera like that, we’re talking professional, not hobby.'' She paused changing some of the settings on the camera. ''I'm June White, by the way. I have a studio in town. Here, take my card. Give me a call on Monday.''
I would have never guessed that June was a photographer, going by her hiking gear, she looked like someone who would work here in the park, doing maintenance, maybe. Loose cargo pants were paired with a washed-out hoodie and she looked anything but professional.
''Thank you, I... I'll call you Monday.'' Ave stammered a little, I could tell she was nervous.
''Are you guys ready?''
Avery nodded and drew me into her arms. June started giving us instructions on how to place our arms, our legs and she also told us not to smile too much. She took a lot of photos and had us moving around like puppets.
''Well, I think I just took about fifty photos,'' June chuckled. ''I hope that's okay. I couldn’t help myself, you two make a lovely couple.'' She removed the strap from around her neck and handed the camera back to Avery.
''Thank you, June.'' Avery said. ''I'll call you on Monday morning.''
''I'll be looking forward to it, Avery.''
Without another word June turned around and continued her hike, leaving Avery speechless for a minute. I thought Ave looked funny, as if sh
e was wondering if this had just been a strange dream. ''Why do you think she wants me to call her on Monday?''
''I have no idea, sweets. Maybe she has some photography equipment she thinks you’d be interested in.''
''Maybe she wants to suggest some classes, or I guess she could be looking for a model,'' Avery added.
''It could be anything, Ave.''
She sat on the bench again and looked through the photos June had taken in the small screen. ''Jesus, babes, there isn’t a single photo that isn’t amazing.'' I sat next to her and we looked at the photos together. Some of them stood out, capturing the passion between us. June had caught the rays of the sun shining on Avery's hair and she looked stunning. ''We'll add some of these to our wall, maybe put some in our bedroom, too.''
''I don't know why she wants you to call her, Ave, but she a really great photographer. Maybe you could get her to show you some of her tricks. I mean, you’re good, but she is really good. No offence.''
''None taken.''
Realizing how far we'd walked from the car, we headed back on the walking trails. We were both tired and wanted to be home already. I knew Avery was anxious to call June on Monday and she’d be on tenterhooks until then.
With Avery having Friday off, we’d enjoyed a long weekend. Unfortunately, the weekend came to an end way too fast. We had a great time at the park on Friday and for the next two days, Avery had spent most of the time thinking about the pros and cons of working with Liam. The only pros she kept mentioning was the kids. She loved them and they brought a lot of fun into her life. After spending hours thinking, Avery took the decision to leave the daycare. She didn't like Liam's attitude toward her and my many warnings might have convinced her to quit. There was something wrong with the guy, and I didn't want to wait until something really bad happened.
Avery went to the daycare on Monday morning to talk to Liam, she gave him her notice and proposed to work for another two weeks so he had time to find someone else to replace her. I thought that was pretty damn generous, because I’d told her not to give him any notice at all. Of course, the asshole was angry, he tried to manipulate her but she told me there was nothing that would make her change her mind, not even the raise he offered. When she returned home, she called June and it turned out that June was looking for an assistant. Things were looking up for Avery and it was about damn time.
31.
June 22nd, 2008
Avery
Today was my birthday. While I relaxed in a tub filled with strawberry shortcake bubble bath, my awesome boyfriend was fixing breakfast. How good was that? I had no stress, I was feeling relaxed with an abundance of positive energy. I stayed in the bath until the water turned cold. My fingers were all pruned, another sign that I should get out and start my day.
The weather was already way too warm, so I dressed in a pair of short shorts and a spaghetti-strap tank top. Wearing such minimal clothing, I knew I could face the heat of the day.
''Sweets, would you like to go to the beach after breakfast?'' Remy asked, when I appeared downstairs.
I looked at the clock and it was still early enough, as we had a two hour drive to get there. ''Yeah, I would love to.'' The beach was my little piece of heaven in North Carolina. We could relax, surf, fish or take a long walk barefoot in the sand. I loved everything about it.
''Let’s eat, birthday girl!'' He pulled me to him, and kissed my cheek and then we sat down at the table. Remy loved to cook and he was really good at it. Before me, there was a bowl full of fresh strawberries and bananas, lying on a bed of whipped cream and a small amount of maple syrup had been added for a little sweetness. He had also prepared an omelet which smelled so good, I could almost taste it. Cheddar cheese, ham and French onions - simple, but so tasty.
I never thought I could eat everything, but I couldn’t resist it and now I was ready to go to the beach.
''I'll get my board and the chairs, maybe we could bring some snacks and some water bottles.'' Remy suggested, as he rinsed our plates in the sink.
''Yes, perfect. I'll get the snacks, towels and bathing suits.''
I was heading to the stairs to get our bathing suits when I heard him call my name. I turned around, startled by the sudden shout. ''What?''
''You really are beautiful, sweets.'' His grin reached his eyes and my heart squeezed a little. Remy was so charming and affectionate.
''You are too, soldier.'' I blew him a kiss and ran up the stairs.
I picked my black bikini and his pale blue board shorts. They fitted him perfectly and I loved watching him in them.
While I got the snacks ready, he packed everything in the car. I made some sandwiches, found some cookies and filled the water bottles.
Surfing was going to be fun, I hadn’t surfed in a while and I missed it. Carter and Remy would come here almost every weekend when they were home, it was our home away from home in the summer. While Remy drove, we held hands and I sang to every song which played on the radio. I was in such a good mood today. Turning thirty wasn't so bad after all, I felt great, Remy thought I was pretty, and I couldn't wait to hit the beach and feel the warm sand in between my toes.
As soon as we got there, we got into our bathing suits and Remy took care of renting a board for the day. Three minutes later and we were in the water paddling, I could feel the sun on my back and it felt so good. At the approach of a wave, we ducked under the water and continued to paddle to reach the best area to catch the wave. When I saw a nice wave coming our way, I didn't miss the opportunity and turned around and started paddling extra hard to catch it. When my board was sitting on the wave, I stood up and rode the wave effortlessly. I could hear Remy cheering in the background and it brought a smile to my face immediately. He was my number one fan. When the wave was coming to an end, I dove into the water and paddled back to Remy. He had an irresistible grin on his face when I got back to him.
''Come here, I want to show you something I found underwater.''
Underwater? Had he found a starfish, or a shell maybe? I straddled my board and looked at his hand.
''Wait, give me your hand,'' Remy said.
He was acting really strangely. Was it a crab? I hated crabs, they hurt like hell if they caught hold of you. I decided to trust him and gave him my hand and he kissed my palm, before placing a ring on my finger.
''Avery, I don't want you to freak out. You know I would never force you into anything. This isn’t an engagement ring,'' he said, holding my hand. ''This is a promise ring.''
He released my hand and I stared down at the ring. My other hand was covering my mouth in surprise. It was a simple, but so very pretty. A simple white gold band with a large square cut diamond which glittered in the sunshine. ''I promise you that I'll always be by your side. I promise you to always help you in any way I can. My life without you is empty and cold. You are my sun, Avery. I promise you that I'll do everything I can to make you happy.''
A tear slid down my cheek. ''I don't know what to say... other than, thank you and I love it.'' I kissed his shoulder first, because it was the first part of his body that I could reach, but he moved closer so we could kiss properly, and it was so strong and passionate. ''I promise to always be there for you too, babes. God! I love you so much!''
''I know you’re not ready to get married again, sweets, but I want it all with you. We've talked about this before, but I just want to tell you again, that I want a family with you. I want us to find our happy place together. I want you to be carrying my child, soon.''
''I want that too, babes, so much,'' I sobbed. We were in the middle of the ocean, I was a sobbing mess, and I didn't care in the least because he’d made me so happy. We spent a couple of minutes kissing the best way we could, given that we were both sitting on our boards surrounded by waves.
Remy finally broke off the kiss with a grin. ''I'll catch this one,'' he said, turning around and paddling away to catch an incoming wave.
He really was a show off when it came to surfing, but
I could see the pain on his face when he started to paddle. He wasn’t supposed to be doing such physical activity and I didn’t like him risking his shoulder. I waited for him to hit the wave and paddled my way onto the next incoming wave. He was far on my right, having just jumped from the wave he rode in and was about to sit on his board. The wave I’d been watching captured me in its power, I stood up and surfed in his direction. I rode the wave as best as I could, but the level of difficulty was a little higher than my first one. The wave was more aggressive and it made it more difficult to control the surfboard.
''What are you doing? Chasing me?'' Remy joked.
''I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to surf, Remy. Your shoulder - I saw your face, you were in pain.''
He glanced away, I knew he hated being hurt. ''Just for one day, Ave. I just want to spend a great day with you.''
''We can spend a great day walking on the beach, drinking sangria or simply relaxing on the beach. I don’t want you to get hurt and I know you're going to regret this in the morning.''
He rolled his eyes at me, behaving like a teenager. ''Alright.''
''Don’t be mad, babes, this is me loving you back and protecting you.'' I smiled at him, trying to diffuse his frustration.
He smiled back. ''Do you really like the ring?'' Remy sounded vulnerable, as if he was uncertain whether he’d done the right thing.
''I love it. Thank you so much.'' We walked out of the water, holding our boards with one hand and holding hands with the other. ''You look hot, surfer boy.''
''I’m an old surfer boy, Ave.''
I punched his shoulder hard. ''You’re a year younger than me, brat.''
He chuckled. ''You are the prettiest thirty year old I know.''
I rolled my eyes at him. ''I stopped counting at twenty-nine.''