Shadows: A Love Ever After Series

by Amber Lacie

  He doesn’t say anything. He just holds me, as I let go of all the pain that I have endured and held onto. I bury my face into him as I break. This isn’t the first time that I have broken in front of him and I doubt it will be the last. He is the only person that can rebuild me. He knows exactly where every piece fits.

  I lie there, draped in his arms, as I drift off to sleep. I am not worried about where my dreams will take me because I know that he has me.

  I wake to the sounds of birds singing a sweet sound outside the balcony. As I stretch, I take notice of how loose my muscles are now. My shoulders feel lighter and I am not as tense. I guess my body needed Theron as much as my heart did.

  The curtains blow in the breeze, looking out the French doors, I see him sitting at the small table. His long legs are crossed, his feet propped up on the railing. I clear my throat and he turns to look at me.

  “Good afternoon, beautiful. How was your nap?”

  “Perfect.” His smile is infectious. I feel myself grinning like an idiot, as I admire him from our bed. I don’t know what he sees in me. Beautiful is far from how I would describe myself, but when he says it, I feel beautiful. I own it as if it is my name, and I wear it just for him.

  “What shall we do today?”

  “Am I allowed out, yet? My sides are just a tiny bit sore. My headaches are gone, and I can see perfectly.”

  “What about your leg?”

  “People get broken legs all the time, Theron. I need out. I don’t care where out is. In fact, just out of this room would be a great relief.”

  “Evan went to pick you up a chair. I thought today would be a nice day for a cookout. Are you up for company?”

  “It’s the middle of the week, don’t people have plans?”

  Pushing his chair back, he stands and walks towards me. I drag my bottom lip through my teeth, as I take in the sight of him. He gives me a gorgeous smile and kisses the top of my head.

  “Their plans are to come and see you. I have already set it all up. It’s gorgeous outside, and you could use some fresh air.” I am lost in my own mind, as my eyes roam his body. He must have showered recently because he smells of soap and the cologne he always wears.

  “Eve?”

  “Hmm?” Is he still going on about the cookout?

  “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll have to take you again and as tempting as that may sound, I’m not sure you’re ready for me just yet. I don’t want to risk hurting you. When I do take you again, it will be hard and rough, and it will last all night. So keep that lip out of your teeth and stop fucking me with your eyes, or I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

  I swallow so hard it echoes in my ears. Fuck. He has such a way with words.

  My body shivers from the thoughts of what he could do to me. This man owns me. Theron walks away from me, and my heart drops, thinking that I have done something wrong, but I shake away the feeling. I know that he loves me.

  Walking into our closet, he comes back with a beautiful lilac colored dress in his arms. He lays it on the bed and steps back into the closet. The dress is lovely.

  It is a soft, silk dress with thin braided spaghetti straps that crisscross in the back. There are silver flowers that start at the bottom and climb about half way up the dress before they stop. A silver ribbon wraps around the entire waist, meeting in the center with a tiny bow. It is beautiful. I am sliding the material through my fingers, when Theron comes out holding one silver sandal in his hand.

  “This does belong to a pair, but since you can only wear one, I’ve left the other in the closet. I had these ordered just for you. Do you like them?”

  “The dress or the sandals?”

  “Both.”

  A smile spreads across my face, as I look at my man, standing nervously in front of me. There is no chance of me not liking it. I would love anything that he gave me.

  “They’re beautiful. What’s the occasion?”

  “Beautiful things for a beautiful girl.” Gently laying the sandal next to the dress, he stands beside me. His eyes darken, as he runs his hands through my hair. Holding my face in his hands, he brushes my bottom lip with his thumbs. My eyes never leave his, as he leans in, branding my lips with a kiss. He holds me still, as I open my mouth to him, letting him claim me. My hands fist in his hair. I hope that this fire between us never dwindles. He pulls back, leaving me breathless.

  “The occasion is that the love of my life was in a horrible accident, so I kept her locked away in an ivory tower for almost a week, and her family is going crazy because I’m not sharing her with the world. So today, I’m releasing my beautiful dove from her golden cage, so she can soar through the garden. Will that do?”

  I blush at his words. “Yes, that will do.”

  “Good. I have some other things that I need to tend to. Kelly will be up here in a few minutes. She will help you shower and get ready. I’ll see you soon.” He kisses the top of my head and just like that, he is gone.

  I wonder if I would have fallen so quickly for him if none of this craziness ensued. Would I still have loved him if Matt was here? I dismiss the thought immediately. Of course, I would love him. I was born to love him.

  Kelly knocks on the door, pulling me from my thoughts and helps me into the shower. I can’t wait to get out of this room.

  Eve

  I am sitting in front of the vanity, softly running my fingers through the curls that I just finished putting in my hair. Sliding a silver bobby pin with three white pearls on it into my hair, I pin back the left side, just behind my ear. I spray a little bit more hair spray and gently move my head back and forth, making sure that the curls pinned back are secure. With a touch of lip-gloss, I am ready. After adjusting the straps on my dress, I call for Kelly, and she helps me stand with my crutches and walk back into the bedroom.

  Theron is standing by our bed waiting for me. He looks so incredibly handsome in his dark gray suit. The purple tie not only matches my dress, but also makes his eyes pop. I am not sure what kind of cookout we are having, but I doubt that there will be hotdogs or burgers on the grill.

  Taking in the sight of him, I catch my breath. He reaches out for me and I gladly take hold of him, as he wraps his arms around my waist. Leaning into him and he carefully picks me up in his arms. He refuses to let me walk anywhere. Not that I am complaining, just stating a fact. I like being wrapped up in his arms. It is where I feel the safest.

  “Are you alright?”

  “Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting to see you like this.”

  “I wanted to surprise you. Are you ready?”

  “Yes.” I hoped that my answer sounded convincing.

  “Stop chewing on your cheek. You’ll like this, I promise.” I must be nervous. I didn’t even realize that I was doing it. He promises that I will like my surprise and I don’t doubt him.

  Laying my head against his chest, I take a deep breath, letting his scent wrap around me, as he carries me out of the bedroom. I truly love this man.

  As we reach the bottom of the stairs, the faint sound of music fills my ears. It is a beautiful melody. I think I have heard it before, but since there are no words, I can’t be sure.

  Kelly and Evan are waiting for us with a wheelchair. I hate using my crutches, so the chair comes as a relief. Theron gently sets me down in the chair and pushes me through the house and out into the garden. I can hear Kayla’s laugh before I even see her. I am pushed along the stone pathways and finally we come to a clearing.

  Kayla and Paul are sitting at a beautiful stone patio table. My brother and dad are standing by a small fountain, talking amongst themselves. I look for my mom, but I don’t see her. Then I hear a violin. I knew that I knew that song. My mom used to play it for us on her violin when we were little. It is soft and sweet.

  Kayla waves to me, as Theron pushes me past everyone to the front of a cedar gazebo. Ivy winds its way up the pillars and around the lattice roof. I feel as if I have been transported into The Secret Gar
den. My mom stands in the center of the gazebo, playing her violin next to a metal chair. Theron lifts me from my wheelchair and carefully sets me in the chair. Tears brim my eyes and he hasn’t even said a word. My heart hammers in my chest with love for him.

  He stands in front of me and nervously wipes his hands on his pants, before he kneels on one knee in front of me.

  “Beautiful, I have loved you since the first time that I saw you on the beach. You looked like an angel, and I knew right then that you would be the one to save me. I built a wall of stone around my heart. I built it strong, so nothing could ever break it down, but I wasn’t expecting you. No wall or force would ever be strong enough to keep me from loving you. You’re the reason that I breathe, the reason that my heart beats in my chest. I’d rather die than live without you. You have my heart and my love. It will never be enough because you deserve so much more, but I want to spend the rest of my life proving my love for you always. I want to wake up with you beside me every morning for the rest of my life.”

  Tears fall down my cheeks, as I smile at this beautiful man in front of me.

  “Evelyn Davidson, can I keep you?”

  Theron pulls a small box from his pocket. As he opens it, my eyes fall on the most beautiful ring that I have ever seen. Its silver band twists with diamonds, it almost looks as if it is braided. In the center of the band is a beautiful round diamond. He holds it up for me and the sun hits it. Little lights flicker and bounce around the gazebo. I am in awe of this magical moment. Swallowing, I try to calm my nerves.

  Finding my voice, I look deep into his colorful eyes. “You’re wrong, I don’t deserve more than your love. It’s you who deserves more than what I can offer.” A look of worry flashes across Theron’s face. I take a breath and finish my thoughts before he can worry any further. “But, I promise to prove my love to you every single moment for the rest of my life. Yes, you can keep me. I love you.”

  I have never seen a happier person in my life than Theron at this very moment. A huge grin is plastered to his face, and I don’t believe that it is ever going to fade. His eyes glisten with tears, as he slides the ring onto my left hand. He lifts me, cradling me against his chest, as he leans down and softly kisses my lips. The salt from our tears mingle with our tongues, bringing a new sense of our love for each other to our kiss.

  Applause and laughter brings me back down from the cloud that I am floating on. I was not expecting this when I woke up this morning. It was the best surprise that I have ever had.

  “Hey you two, get a room!” I look to see Kayla smiling back at me. She is laughing, while jumping up and down, her blonde curls bouncing all over the place. “I can’t believe we are both getting married! This is going to be so much fun planning our weddings together.” I roll my eyes and look up at Theron. Chuckling, he sets me back down in my wheelchair.

  “Are you ready for your lunch now, beautiful?”

  “God, yes. I’m starving.”

  He pushes me back towards the patio table where Paul is still sitting. My dad gives me a wink, as he turns the steaks on the grill. Everyone gathers at the table and my mom pours us all a glass of lemonade. My perm-a-grin isn’t fading and I don’t think it will for a long time.

  The afternoon flies by with my family telling more stories of my childhood, most of them at my expense. I laugh along at the jokes Paul tells and my eyes keep glancing back towards Theron. His smile is just as big as mine, if not bigger.

  The only one who seems put off by this situation is Robert. Hopefully, he gets over whatever it is that is bothering him soon, otherwise things are going to get awkward.

  As the afternoon turns to evening, our guests slowly leave. Eventually it is just me, Theron, and Robert sitting outside. I yawn and Theron jumps to his feet.

  “Are you falling asleep on us, beautiful? Would you like to go upstairs and take a nap?”

  “That sounds lovely. Could you go upstairs and fix my bed for me?”

  “I’ll just ask Kelly.”

  I would like some alone time with Robert before he leaves, so I bend the truth just a little. “You could, but you do it so much better. She never gets my pillows right.”

  “That won’t do at all. I guess that I should go fluff the queen’s pillows. It was nice seeing you again, Robert.”

  Robert nods his head at Theron. I wait a few minutes before I say anything, making sure that Theron can’t hear us.

  “Okay, spill it.”

  “What?”

  “Don’t ‘what’ me, Robert. I know you, and I know something is bothering you. So, spill.”

  “I just don’t see how any of this is you. You’ve always been so down to earth and calculated. Here you are pregnant and engaged to some guy that you’ve barely known for a couple of months. Don’t you think that it is too soon? I know that he was engaged before. What makes you think that you are any different?”

  “For starters, he loves me, and I don’t doubt him for a second. I feel alive when I’m with him. If I have learned anything in the past couple of months, it’s how quickly you can lose someone you love. I’m not going to risk losing him because of something as frivolous as the amount of time I’ve known him. Maybe you can’t understand it, but you don’t need to. You need to accept it and I need you to support me. I love him, Robert. There is nothing that will ever change that. We could be poor and homeless, living on the streets, and I would still stay by his side. He calms me. He keeps me from over thinking things and staying in my head. My lungs don’t burn from trying to breathe when he’s with me. I need him like flowers need water and sunlight. I need him like you need air to breathe. He is my life now. Learn to accept it, or you are going to end up putting a rift between us, and I don’t want that.” My voice quivers and a few tears escape from my eyes.

  “Shit, Eve. Don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you cry, kid. If you love the bastard, then fine. I will love him too, just stop with the crying.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, really. Come on, let’s get you inside. I hate all this mushy bullshit.”

  Once again, a huge grin appears on my face, but this time it is because my brother has gone soft on me.

  “Get rid of that stupid ass smile too. You’ll never hear me admit I like him again, got it? You leave this mushy conversation between us. I don’t want anyone else to know that I’m a softy.”

  “I love you.”

  “See? That’s what I mean. Now you are just going to expect me to admit my feelings all the time. It’s not happening, Eve. Do you hear me? It’s not happening.”

  I laugh, as Robert pushes me back into the house.

  “Something funny?” Theron steps down off the last stair in the foyer and lifts me into his arms once again.

  “Nothing you’d understand.”

  “I’m okay with whatever it is. I’m just glad that you’re laughing again.”

  “If it makes you feel any better, trust me when I tell you that she’s laughing at my expense. I should go, kid. I’ll see you later.”

  I wave at Robert and yell, “I love you!” as he walks out the door. I am rewarded with his middle finger, but I know what he means.

  “Do I want to know?”

  “Nope.”

  “Didn’t think so. Let’s get you into bed.”

  Theron lays me on our soft bed, positioning a pillow under my leg before sitting beside me. “I meant everything that I said.”

  “I know.” I lean back against the pillows and my hands naturally rest on my stomach. He places his hands on mine, and leans down to gently place a kiss above our hands.

  “Your mommy said I can keep her. I’m keeping you too. I’ll love you both until I breathe my last breath.”

  Theron looks up at me, his eyes are filled with love, but I see that hint of mischief.

  “What are you planning?”

  “Who says that I’m planning on doing anything?”

  “I do. I know that look in your eyes.”

  “Oh?” He move
s, placing his body between my legs, bending my right knee with his hand. My body clenches from the possibilities that await me. “Maybe I plan on making my beautiful girl scream. Do you want to scream, baby?”

  Fuck. Electricity snaps in the air, and goosebumps spread across my skin at just the sound of his words.

  “Yes.”

  “Hmm. I don’t think I believe you.” He gently pulls my panties down my legs, being extra careful with my left one. Picking up my right foot, he begins placing kisses, as he crawls back up my leg. A moan escapes me, as he slides his fingers into my pussy. He doesn’t need to check because I know I’m more than ready for him.

  I watch as he sucks his fingers into his mouth, licking off my wetness. Fuck, that is hot. My eyes are hooded, as he spreads me open with his fingers. His tongue licks me back to front, as if I am a lollipop. Sucking my clit into his mouth, I feel his teeth graze me.

  “Ahh.”

  “Now, that, I believe. I’m going to make you scream until you come all over my face.”

  “Fuck!” His words hit me, and my skin ignites. I am desperate for him.

  He thrusts two fingers into my pussy, my walls clench around his fingers. A scream leaves my throat, as he curls his fingers up, hitting my wall.

  “Oh my fucking God!” I come apart, as his fingers relentlessly stroke me to orgasmic bliss.

  I am floating on my high, when I slowly start to recognize him saying my name. “There she is.”

  “Hmmm?”

  He shakes his head with a laugh and that lock of hair falls to his forehead. He looks so incredibly sexy. I rake my bottom lip through my teeth, as I undress him with my eyes. He has on way too many clothes.

  “Theron, take off your clothes. I want to see you.” A devilish grin slides across his face.

  He stands, kicking his shoes off to the side, and then drops his pants to the floor. Sliding his jacket off his shoulders, he starts unbuttoning his shirt. My breath hitches when his shirt falls open. I take in every detail of his body. His hair falling around his eyes, his perfectly trimmed beard, his strong shoulders, his perfectly taught abs, and then I let my eyes linger over the design of his tattoo before I finally lock eyes with him again. He is so incredibly handsome, and he’s all mine.