"Yeah, he is. And he's also funny. His sense of humor is one of my favorite things about him."
"I can't wait to talk to him."
"Mom, I'm so excited for you to get to know him. He's just...uh, he's amazing."
My mom ran her fingers through my long hair, giving me a warm smile. "You have no idea how good it is to see you so happy. Your dad and I have been worried about you. You've gone through so much. But the look on your face tells me all I need to know."
"It does?"
"Yep. You're glowing. It's nice."
"I had no idea," I said, touching my fingertips to my blushing cheeks.
"Come on, let's grab a drink."
Tanner and my dad were standing, beer in hand, talking with my cousins who were selling squares for the baseball pool. As we approached, Tanner handed them a fifty dollar bill. My eyes went wide, not wanting him to feel obligated to spend so much. He'd already paid for both of our tickets. That was more than enough.
"There you are. Help me choose which ones to bet on."
Brushing off my hesitation, I decided to go with the flow. My mom and I helped Tanner choose ten different possible scores. And I hoped he'd be able to win some of his money back. After we chose all ten, I introduced him to Mom and I could tell she was smitten with him already.
Walking away from the table, she squeezed Tanner's forearm and softly said, "Thank you."
Losing my grandmother had been the hardest thing my mom had ever gone through. For her, this day was more than just a fundraiser. It was deeply personal.
At the tail end of the seventh inning, Tanner's name was announced. One of his squares was a winner.
"Congrats, man," my cousin, Trevor, said, handing him a large amount of cash. Tanner thanked him and placed it in his pocket. Just as I was looking away, though, I saw him place his winnings in the large donation box at the front of the bar. My breath caught in my throat, watching his generosity in action.
Several hours later, Tanner and I were sitting on the train headed back to the suburbs. I'd had a few too many beers so I was leaning on Tanner's shoulder for support. His hand caressed my leg gently, drawing shapes on my thigh with his fingers.
"Your family was such a blast," Tanner said. "Your aunts, uncles, cousins, everyone was really nice to me. They welcomed me with open arms. My family isn't quite so..."
"Loud?" I asked, giggling. Tanner gave me a fake scowl before continuing.
"Boisterous." He corrected me.
"That's just a smart word for loud." I shrugged.
"Yeah, okay, they're loud. But I love that. Don't get me wrong, my family is great, but they are definitely reserved."
"Well, that's okay. Every family is different."
"My mom won't be offering you a beer the second you meet her. I think your cousin Trevor brought me a beer about every ten minutes. If I'd accepted each one, you'd be dragging me home right now."
"Yeah, um, Trevor likes to drink. A lot. Especially at ball games."
"But, he's a hell of a guy. I'm really looking forward to seeing them all again."
Sighing with satisfaction, I mentally replayed scenes from the baseball game in my head: Tanner joking so easily with my Dad, charming my mother and my Aunt, drinking beer with my cousins. He fit so beautifully into my family, into my world.
And I couldn't stop thinking about the generous donation he made, not looking for any recognition. I had to thank him.
"I saw, you know. What you did with your winnings."
"Oh," he said, biting his top lip. "It's for a good cause."
"It's more than that. Thank you."
"My grandpa died of Parkinsons. I get it. It's really hard, especially on our parents."
"It meant the world to me. Your generosity, your selflessness."
"It's just money, Daph." He shrugged.
"Not to me. So, thank you."
"You're welcome," he said, kissing the top of my head and taking my hand in his.
With each passing day, my feelings for Tanner were getting stronger. The more I learned about who he was, the more wrapped up in him I became. It was scary and wonderful all at the same time. Remembering what my Mom had said to me earlier, I smiled knowing that Tanner made me glow. One I, myself, couldn't see, but it was there nonetheless. He was helping me live again.
#
Chapter 28
Engagement
Tanner and I were cuddled up on my sofa, eating Chinese food and watching a movie when the phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was Morgan calling from the Bahamas.
"Hello?"
"Daphne, you little shit!" Morgan said, laughing.
"Excuse me?"
"You knew Matt was going to propose. And you helped pick the ring?"
"Sure did. Did you say yes?"
"Of course I did!"
"Tell me all about it."
"It was so wonderful. He arranged to have a private dinner set up for us on the beach at sunset. We had our own little canopy draped over the table and there were candles everywhere."
"Wow, that's romantic."
"It was so incredible. He got down on one knee as soon as we reached the table. It was adorable. He couldn't even wait for us to eat."
"I'm so thrilled for you! I'm dying to know, do you like your ring?" The awkward pause that followed made my heart sink.
"No," Morgan said, sounding sad.
"Oh."
"I LOVE it!
"Ah!" I yelled into the phone, "I believed you for a second."
"Seriously, though, it's breathtaking. I'm so in love with it. Thanks for helping him."
"It was my pleasure."
"I need to get back to my fiancé," she said. "I'm still getting used to that word."
"I bet you are."
"Before I go...I have an important question for you."
"Yes?" I asked, hoping I already knew the question she was about to ask.
"Will you be my Maid of Honor?"
"Of course!" I shrieked, bouncing up and down on the couch, making Tanner drop his chopsticks.
"Awesome!"
"Seriously, I'm excited. We're going to have so much fun with the planning."
"Thanks, I can't wait. We'll be home in a few days. And then we can start."
"Sounds good. Enjoy the rest of your vacation." Hanging up with Morgan, I let out a contented sigh.
"So, he asked her, huh? He was really nervous. Convinced that Morgan would see the ring at the airport," Tanner said.
"Wait, what?" I asked, surprised that Matt had confided in Tanner.
"He was going to put the ring box in his shoe."
"Makes sense. Morgan watches her own luggage like a hawk. I'm sure she didn't even notice."
"Obviously it worked or he would've gone down on one knee right there in airport security." Tanner smiled.
"Really? Is that what he told you?"
"Yeah, we bumped into each other last week. Happy hour," he said. "We had a couple of drinks. He was nervous as hell, so I tried to talk him off the ledge."
"I think that's great."
"He's cool. I like him."
"So is there a bro-mance brewing?"
"You never know." Tanner said with a smile. "Speaking of weddings. My cousin's getting married next month."
"Oh really?"
"Want to be my date?"
"Of course."
Even though the idea of attending a wedding with Tanner sounded really nice, I hadn't shared my bouquet catching abilities with him yet. I figured I had until Morgan's reception to share that about myself. I'd enjoyed my freedom from the bouquet toss.
"It's up in Door County, Wisconsin. My parents and sister are going, too. I hope that doesn't scare you off." Tanner looked hesitant, but relaxed once I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Are you kidding?" I asked, climbing into his lap."I would love to meet your family."
"Good. I wasn't sure if it was too soon," he admitted.
"Well, you've already met my family. It's
the same thing, right?" I asked, confused.
"I don't know. Your parents live nearby. So,I knew I'd meet them pretty early on. Mine are out of state. I'm guessing you thought you had more time before, you know, being introduced."
"I would love to meet them. Besides, we've been dating for a few months now. I think it's time, don't you?" I said, nuzzling into his neck, planting small kisses along the neckline of his t-shirt. Overjoyed by Tanner's willingness to introduce me to his family, I was suddenly feeling quite amorous.
"I'm glad. They're excited to meet you...very excited, in fact."
"Really?"
Tanner nodded. "Every time I speak to my Mom, she asks if I've invited you yet. I've been keeping her at bay for a while now, but it's getting close. My folks are renting a large condo. There's plenty of room for all of us....that is, if you're comfortable staying there. We can always get a hotel room if you want."
"Hmm," I said, pretending to ponder the alternative, "let's stay with your folks." Sitting up, I looked Tanner in the eye and smiled seductively. "Now, will you please stop talking and take me to my bedroom?"
"Oh, of course, what was I thinking?" He laughed, scooping me up and carrying me down the hall. We collapsed onto my bed and he showered me with sensual kisses. His body language revealed his relief as I felt his muscles relax into me. I had passed a test. Flattered that he wanted me to be such an open part of his life, I basked in his seductive kisses, completely enamored.
Tanner's kisses grew more urgent and I was instantly swept up in his need for me. Running my fingers through his hair, my tongue swept eagerly through his mouth and he moaned softly. Slowly, I sucked on his bottom lip, pulling it between my teeth and biting down gently. Tanner let out another moan. Pulling down his pants at a feverish pace, I was overwhelmed by my desire to connect with him physically. Voracious, Tanner yanked my top off and explored each breast with the tip of his tongue. Swept up by every delicious flick of his tongue, I moved with him in sync. Every physical move he made, I was certain was driven by his emotions, by his devotion to me. Needy yet smooth, hungry yet sweet. This wasn't just sex, this was love. Real love.
Determined to show him that I felt the same, I twisted and turned until he was lying flat on his back. Grabbing a condom from my dresser drawer, I rolled it on to him and he sucked air in through his teeth. I eased myself onto him and placed my hands on the top of my headboard. His hands explored every inch of me as I moved up and down above him.
"I want to make you come," he said, controlling my movements by grasping my hips. With each stroke, the pressure built within me until I was breaking apart at the seams, collapsing onto his chest, my left hand still grasping the wrought iron of the headboard. Tanner continued to buck beneath me and moaned loudly through gritted teeth as his orgasm took over.
Basking in the afterglow, Tanner ran his fingers through my hair and caressed my back as I listened to the beat of his heart.
"I swear, your hands are going to ruin me forever." I said, regaining my composure.
"How do you mean?" he asked, shifting slightly.
"Your touch is...unique. I'm not really sure how to describe it. It's like you know exactly what to do and when you want to do it. When you want to excite me, you're able to do that within seconds. And when all is said and done and I'm coming down from that high, your touch is sweet. You send shivers down my spine."
"I just have trouble keeping my hands off you, that's all," he said, making little circles on my lower back with his fingers.
Just then, the phone rang. I started to sit up, but Tanner pulled me back down towards him. "No, stay here with me. Pretend it's not ringing."
"All right. Whoever it is can wait." I smiled, snuggling into Tanner's embrace, placing my head back on his chest. He pulled me closer as I heard my answering machine pick up the phone call. My heart skipped a beat when I heard a familiar voice travel through the air waves into my bedroom.
"Daphne, dear, it's Cece. I'm calling to say hello and to see what's new. I found a really great article on middle school lesson planning and was wondering if you had seen it. I know you mentioned you'll be looking for some new ideas this year. Anyway, just give me a call. I'll be home. Sending you my love."
"She sounded nice. Who was that?" Panic pulsed through my body. My heart raced and beads of sweat formed on my hairline. I wasn't ready to tell Tanner about Cece, especially after we'd just been so intimate. She seemed to have ridiculous timing. Just last month, when we'd had sex for the first time, Tanner was upset that I mentioned Mayson. I couldn't let that happen again.
"Daphne?" Tanner's voice startled me and I realized I hadn't yet told him who Cece was. He was waiting.
Thinking on my feet, I mustered, "She's my aunt."
I felt awful for lying to him, but I was lost on what else I could do. I refused to spoil the moment...again. And part of me thought he'd misunderstand my continued friendship with her. I didn't want to be pressured to end it. I knew I couldn't do that. Not yet.
"I don't remember an Aunt Cece at the ballgame," he muttered suspiciously. My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't planned on expanding my lie. It was killing me to lie to Tanner.
"She lives in South Carolina and wasn't able to make it." He was silent.
Plagued with guilt, I pressed my face into Tanner's chest, unable to look him in the eye. Within a few minutes, his breathing slowed as he drifted off to sleep. Unable to close my eyes for even a moment, I was utterly ashamed of myself. Just minutes after realizing the depth of my feelings for Tanner, I had once again deceived him by hiding my relationship with Cece.
The thought of losing Tanner made my stomach drop to my knees with panic. I was in love with him, a feeling I'd dreaded and yearned for all at the same time. Knowing my behavior was deplorable, but unable to tell the truth, I listened to the beat of Tanner's heart, listened to his shallow breaths and hoped to one day redeem myself.
#
Chapter 29
Cherries
"Wow, it's so beautiful up here. I've never seen the bay," I said, looking out the window of Tanner's SUV, admiring the beautiful atmosphere of Door County on our drive to his parent's rental in Egg Harbor. We passed several billboards advertising wineries, restaurants, and cheese shops. The water glistened in the sunlight and I hoped we would be staying on the shore.
"I love it up here," Tanner said in agreement, a contented smile upon his face. He clasped my hand in his, giving it a quick kiss before placing it on his thigh. Sighing softly to myself, I continued to admire the view from outside my window.
Soon, we arrived at the resort of condominiums. It was enormous and situated right on the bay. I was thrilled. Tanner carried our bags to his parent's unit and my chest tightened as we approached the door. I'd never been so nervous to meet a man's family before. I desperately wanted them to like me. It would kill me if they didn't. Tanner squeezed my hand and gave me a reassuring smile. It was like he could read my mind. I returned his expression with an apprehensive face, and he shook his head as if to stop me from my negative thoughts. I took a deep breath and nodded as he knocked on the door.
A tall man with gray hair opened the door and greeted us with kind brown eyes. Eyes that looked just like Tanner.
"You made it," he said, holding the door open wide. I followed Tanner into the unit and he placed our bags on the floor.
"You must be Daphne. I'm Paul, Tanner's father." I offered him my hand to shake but he pulled me in for a hug. I breathed a sigh of relief, truly feeling welcome. "We've heard so much about you. Glad you could make it."
"Thanks for having me, Mr. Finley. I'm thrilled to be here."
"Please, call me Paul." He raised a playful eyebrow at me. "Have you ever been to Egg Harbor before?"
"No, sir, this is my first time in Door County, in fact."
"Well, you're going to love it." He smiled exuberantly. "It's Lily's favorite place on earth. Oh, here she is now." Paul gestured towards the long hallway. Holding my breath, I hoped she'd
be as kind as her husband.
"Tanner, Daphne, you're here," said a petite woman with chocolate brown hair, pulled into a bun. Walking to us, she straightened her cotton tunic before hugging her son.
"Mom, I'd like for you to meet my girlfriend, Daphne." Tanner said after their embrace.
"Daphne, honey, thanks for coming," she said as she shook my hand. Her expression was genuine and I felt my muscles relaxing. They were calming my fears with their obvious good nature.
"Here, honey, come on in. You must be thirsty after such a long trip. Can I get you anything? Iced tea? Lemonade?" she asked as we walked into the kitchen.
"An iced tea would be great. Thanks so much, Mrs. Finley."
"Please, it's Lily. My mother-in-law is Mrs. Finley. In fact, you'll be meeting quite a few Mrs. Finleys this weekend at the wedding. There are a lot of men in this family."
"I'm looking forward to it," I said, raising my iced tea to my lips as I followed Lily onto the deck. Paul and Tanner were sitting on the rustic patio furniture looking at the incredible view. Large pine trees towered over our condo and the bay sparkled in the late afternoon sun. A slight breeze blew through the summer heat, making it a little more bearable.
Tanner patted the seat next to him. He smiled and placed his arm around me as I sat next to him. His mom noticed this touch of intimacy and seemed pleased.
"So, Tanner says you're a teacher. Middle school, is that right?" she asked.
"Yep. And he mentioned you volunteer at a school. I think that's wonderful."
"I really enjoy it. I'm part of the Reading Buddies program."
"Elementary kids, right?"
She nodded before continuing, "The best part is that I'm allowed to bring in my own books. I have so many of the kids' books. It's fun to bring them in...walk down memory lane a little."
"What's your favorite?" I asked, genuinely interested in Lily's involvement with school children.
"That would definitely be 'Miss Nelson is Missing.' Do you remember that, Tanner? You were so afraid of her when she was wearing that costume."
"How could I forget?" Tanner shuddered next to me. "Viola Swamp gave me nightmares." His admission made me smile. He was so open, so honest, and so damn adorable that I could hardly stand it.
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