Just Let Me Love You

by S. R. Grey

  December is only two months away, but we plan to keep things small and intimate. I don’t foresee planning on such short notice to pose a problem.

  “You sure you don’t want something big and fancy?” I ask Kay, just to be sure.

  “No way,” she assures me. “I like our plan just fine.”

  I feel the same way. I’m glad our nuptials will reflect our relationship—a relationship defined by a pure and simple love.

  Kay

  December rolls around and with it comes the wedding. I’m beyond happy. Well, happy except for one thing—I’m still not pregnant.

  “Be patient, Kay,” Missy says to me consolingly the morning of the ceremony.

  She is in the church with me, helping me into a beautiful ivory lace wedding gown. We have the anteroom all to ourselves. “It will happen,” she adds confidently.

  “Easy for you to say,” I reply, Motioning to her not-quite-so-flat belly, I lament, “You’re already three months along.”

  Yep, that’s right, Nick knocked up Missy…again. Only this time, it was planned. They were hoping for a baby to help ease the pain from the loss of their first one. And their prayers were answered.

  In the meantime, despite tons of sex, I am still waiting for a single missed period.

  “Don’t worry,” Missy assures me. “You’ll be seeing that little plus sign on the stick soon enough.”

  “I hope you’re right,” I reply with a sigh.

  Twenty minutes later, I am making my way down the center aisle of the church. The interior of the chapel is beautiful, aglow in soft candlelight. Among the modest gathering of guests in attendance are the ones who matter the most to me and Chase—Will, Abby, Greg, and my parents. Missy is my Maid of Honor. And Nick is Chase’s Best Man.

  The four of us, now bound by friendship, convene at the altar before a smiling Father Maridale.

  “We are gathered here today…” Father begins, and I can’t help but smile and smile and smile.

  God, I am happy.

  This isn’t the first marriage ceremony for Chase and me, but already this one feels much more real than the one in Vegas. Don’t get me wrong—that one will forever be special in its own right. But this one is amazing, surrounded as we are by our loved ones in our hometown. Who knew this would feel so incredibly special?

  Not to mention, Chase in a superbly fitted black tux is all kinds of hot.

  I squeeze his hand and venture a glance up at him from under my veil. He winks at me and sends me a soul-touching smile.

  All I can think is: I love this man.

  After the ceremony, a reception is held at the diner. Management was more than happy to oblige us when we first asked. They closed early and decorated the place just for us.

  I have a plain napkin saved from one of the first lunches with Chase, and I hurriedly snag a pretty maroon one. This one, inscribed in gold, reads:

  Chase and Kay

  December 7

  My husband catches me slipping my souvenir from our wedding day into my clutch, and he asks, “What are you up to, Kay?”

  He drapes his arm around my shoulders and when he leans in close, I breathe in all that is Chase Gartner—a little soap, a little trouble, and a lot of virile male.

  “Nothing,” I reply. “I’m up to nothing at all.”

  I am up to something, though—a surprise for my beloved. The napkin I slipped into my clutch—as well as the plain white one I saved from the summer—is an integral part to my plan. If all turns out the way I’m hoping, I know it will be amazing to see Chase’s face when I gift him with this surprise. But the timing will have to be right. In any case, I don’t want to blow it now.

  No need for me to worry. Chase is too busy whispering sweet nothings in my ear, which is rather distracting. With his warm breaths tickling enticingly at my skin, I whisper back, “Let’s get out of here soon.”

  Our families, who are all staying at the farmhouse, pitched in and bought us a suite at the only hotel in town. We intend to christen it with our love tonight.

  Plans are placed on hold, however, when Will saunters over.

  “Hey,” he begins, “what are you two crazy lovebirds up to?” Mock-punching Chase’s arm, he adds, “You’re not planning on cutting out early at your own reception, are you?”

  “Actually—” Chase begins.

  I quickly interject, “No, no, not at all. We’re staying.”

  Chase groans, and I remind him, “We’ll be alone soon enough.”

  “True,” he murmurs under his breath.

  Will, never one to miss a thing, laughs. “Good to see nothing has changed with you two,” he says.

  We head back over to our bridal table, which is just a large booth—the very same one Chase and I used to eat lunch at during our early diner days. Missy is on one side, seated next to her younger cousin, a girl about Will’s age named Emma. Emma is pretty and perky, and her eyes light up when she looks up and notices a very good-looking Will heading to her table.

  “Bro,” Chase says in a low voice to his brother. “I think you have an admirer.”

  “Yeah! Wedding hook-up.” Will pumps his fist. “Cool.”

  “Hey”—I smack his arm—“that’s Missy’s cousin. No funny stuff.”

  Will is a heartbreaker, just like Chase. Well, like Chase used to be. Oh, Chase is as gorgeous and hot as ever, don’t get me wrong, but he’s not breaking any hearts these days. He’s all mine.

  Will and Emma can’t stop sneaking peeks at one another. Oh, they think they’re coy, but it’s quite obvious. I’m happy, though, to see Will has moved on from Cassie. He’s been playing the field, becoming quite the ladies’ man, according to Chase. But he’s a good kid.

  “I’m just teasing around,” Will says sheepishly at the exact second we reach the booth.

  “Hi,” Emma says, smiling brightly as she looks up at Chase’s brother.

  “Hey,” Will replies all nonchalant.

  I shake my head. “He’s just too cool,” I whisper to Chase.

  He rolls his eyes.

  Meanwhile, Missy introduces Emma to Will.

  She then slips out of the booth, and says, “I’m going to go find Nick. Emma, why don’t you stay here and talk with Will for a while.”

  “Sure,” Emma replies.

  “Cool,” Will agrees, his nonchalance faltering.

  “Guess we’re the designated chaperones,” I murmur to Chase.

  He laughs as we all clamber into the booth with Emma. “Guess so.”

  We all talk for a while and conversation flows easily. After some discussion of the ceremony and how good the food is at the reception, Will tells Emma about his plans for college.

  “I want to go into graphic design,” he says, watching this girl he’s obviously smitten with for her reaction.

  “That sounds very interesting,” she replies. “Do you have any experience in that sort of stuff?”

  “Actually,” Will says proudly, “I do have experience, lots of experience, in fact.”

  I glance over at Chase as Will starts to detail his comic book projects to Emma. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Chase as contented as when he watches his younger brother—this new, got-my-shit-together Will.

  Will’s issues were close to destroying him just a few months ago, but with Chase’s determination and commitment to never again let his brother down, he has managed to save Will. And by saving Will, Chase has found an inner peace of his own, an inner peace that transcends the peace he’s found with his father, and the peace he’s working at with his mom.

  Chase places his hand over mine. “What’s this feel like to you?” he asks.

  Will and Emma are now engrossed in their own conversation, so I am able to focus solely on Chase.

  He seems so serious, so I ask, “What do you mean?”

  His blue eyes, twinkling in the glow of the festive lighting, meet mine. “I mean”—he waves his hand around—“just everything. What’s this feel like to you?”

>   I look around. My parents are laughing and talking with Abby and Greg, Missy and Nick are dancing, and all the other guests are enjoying themselves—eating, talking, having fun.

  “It feels like a fresh start for all of us,” I say to Chase.

  He nods, and replies, “Yeah, it sure does, babe. We’re starting a whole new chapter in our lives today.”

  I couldn’t have said it any better than that, so I just smile and nod.

  And that is the point where we fully turn the page on our old lives.

  Chase

  At our wedding in December, I told Kay we were embarking on a whole new chapter of our lives. And these past couple of months we’ve done exactly that.

  Life is still good—better than ever, in fact—when Valentine’s Day rolls around.

  The only hiccup is that Kay is still not pregnant.

  Everything else in our lives is stellar, though. My contracting business with Nick has taken off, and even with the bad weather—it’s been an exceptionally snowy winter thus far—I have more jobs than I know what to do with. I’m thinking I’ll probably have to hire someone to help out by the time spring rolls around.

  Me, supervising employees. Hell, Jack Gartner would be proud.

  Other things in my life are good, too. I hear from Will often. In fact, just yesterday he called to tell me he’s planning on coming out to Ohio this summer. He stayed on after our wedding and spent Christmas break with us. It was a great time.

  Anyway, I’m thinking since my brother will have his driver’s license by the summer, he can drive out here if he wants. He’ll have two options, too—drive the car from Mom (that fancy Challenger I discovered in the garage out in Vegas is for his birthday, just as I suspected), or he can drive Dad’s old Indian motorcycle across the country.

  It may be good for Will. Mom says it’s up to him, and I’m cool with whatever is decided. Will is a responsible kid nowadays.

  Crazy, I know. But it’s true. The little shit that used to cause me so much grief now gets good grades, takes extra art classes in high school for college credit, and doesn’t party at all anymore. He tells me his crazy days are behind him, and I believe him. Will left that shit in the past, along with the memories of his ex-girlfriend.

  I can’t be sure of how much contact Will still has with Cassie, but I know it’s limited. They must see each other at school from time to time, I assume. Still, last time Will said anything about Cassie it was to tell me she’d gone into rehab last month.

  Well, that’s a good thing. I hope she can get her shit together like my brother has done. She’s not a bad girl; she’s just not right for Will.

  Sitting in my truck at a stoplight in downtown Harmony Creek, I realize I’m utterly and completely lost in my thoughts when someone behind me beeps to alert me the light has turned green.

  “Okay, okay,” I mumble under my breath as I get my truck moving. “I’m going.”

  I drive another block then hang a right at the flower shop. Today is Valentine’s Day and I have to take care of my girl. She loves flowers, so I plan to pick up two dozen red roses.

  Ten minutes later, with my task complete, I head home to the farmhouse.

  It’s starting to get dark, even though it’s only a little after six. Damn short winter days. In any case, Kay should be home from school by now. I wouldn’t be surprised to find her in the kitchen, making me a special dinner.

  When she first asked me what I wanted for Valentine’s Day, I said, “Kay, you don’t have to get me anything. Your love is more than enough.”

  However, I knew she’d want to do something special for me. So, when she pressed I told her I’d be happy with my favorite dinner—beef stew. Nothing like meat and potatoes—made with love—on a cold winter’s day.

  Well, whatever happens today, I’ve already decided I’m taking Kay out for a nice, fancy candlelight dinner tomorrow night. It won’t be as busy since the day after Valentine’s Day never is. And, besides, we’ll both be more alert after a restful Friday night sleep with no work the next day.

  Speaking of sleep, Kay’s been so tired this past week. I hope she’s not coming down with anything.

  When I return home, sure enough, Kay has dinner waiting for me. And an hour later I am pushing my chair back from the dining room table, having finished a wonderful Valentine’s Day meal.

  “That was delicious,” I tell Kay with a smile.

  She smiles back at me from across the table. “I’m glad you liked it, Chase.”

  Kay’s still smiling—not to mention she’s been kind of quiet throughout dinner—so I know she must have something more planned, some sort of a surprise beyond the dinner.

  “What are you up to?” I ask. “I know something more is on the agenda.”

  “You got that right,” she says, chuckling as she stands. Beckoning for me to follow, she adds, “Come on, Chase; come and get your real Valentine’s Day surprise.”

  As she leads me to the hall and up the stairs, I assume Kay is taking me to the bedroom for some early-evening Valentine’s Day sex. And, with that thought in mind, when we reach the landing at the top of the stairs, I spin her to me, lean down, and kiss her with all I’ve got.

  “Mmm,” she mutters against my lips when I slow things down. “What was that for?”

  “Well, not that I need a reason,” I reply, leaning back, “but you are looking rather hot right now. I couldn’t resist.”

  Kay laughs. “Chase.” She shakes her head, but her eyes are filled with love.

  Kay is wearing a little red dress, and I skim my hands over her full breasts, stopping briefly to ply her sensitive nipples through the soft, velvety material.

  “Mmm…” She leans into me, breathless already even though my hands are resting at her hips now.

  “Come,” I tell her, nudging her toward the bedroom.

  But she stops me. “I want to be with you, Chase. I do, but not yet.” I raise a brow, and she says, “I have something I want to show you first.”

  I stop groping my wife—for now. “Now you have me curious as hell,” I confess.

  With her hand on my chest, she pats me once and says, “Good. But you don’t have to wait any longer to see this surprise. Come on, let’s go to our room.”

  She turns and we walk toward our bedroom, while I am still wondering what this woman is up to.

  At the door, she stops again and insists I close my eyes.

  “Okay, okay,” I say as I comply.

  With my eyes closed, I allow Kay to lead me across the threshold.

  She stops when we’re partway in the bedroom and whispers, “Okay, you can open your eyes now.”

  I do exactly that and, as I look around, I mouth, “Wow, amazing.”

  I am amazed, too. Our room is lit by soft candlelight and it’s absolutely beautiful. But there’s more…

  At least a dozen red balloons are floating around the room. Some are stuck to the ceiling, their shiny ribbons dangling to the floor, shimmering in the glow of all the candles. And others are just drifting by.

  Assuming the festive-looking room in and of itself is my surprise, I say to Kay, “This is really cool. I like it.” I step around the dangling ribbons, touching a few balloons as I go. “It definitely looks like Valentine’s Day with all the red.”

  Kay says softly, “I chose red balloons for another reason, Chase.”

  I give her a small smile. “Because of the one from the fair?”

  She nods. “Yes.”

  I told Kay a long time ago about the red balloon my parents once bought for me at a fair when I was a kid. I thought that balloon was special, that it symbolized hope. But after they gave it to me, I let it go.

  In a way, I lost my hope that day.

  Kay tried once before to give me my hope back, at the church carnival last summer. But boy, did I fuck it up by not telling her beforehand what had happened between me and Missy. That night, when Kay heard me and Missy arguing at the bake sale booth, she learned the truth.

/>   And that day, she let her hope go.

  But now, we have all our lost hope back. These balloons symbolize not only my hope, but Kay’s, as well.

  “We’ll never again let go of our hope,” I say fervently, turning to her.

  “Never,” she agrees. She touches my arm and adds, “That’s not all, though. There’s more, Chase.”

  “More?” I eye her questioningly. “What? There’s more to my surprise?”

  “Yes.”

  Kay pulls down one of the red balloons and hands it to me. I can see there’s something in it, and I ask, “Napkins?” as I raise a brow.

  She hands me a straight pin. “Pop it and see. It’s part of the rest of your surprise.”

  I thought the balloons drifting around the room were cool, but if each one holds something, some memento from our past. Well, hell, that’s even better.

  I pop the first balloon and pull out two napkins. The first is a maroon napkin from our wedding reception at the diner. “Nice,” I say as I turn it in my hands. “Now I know why you were placing it in your clutch.”

  “Yep, now you know.”

  The second napkin turns out to be a plain one from the diner, and I stare down at it, confused.

  “It’s from one of our first lunches,” Kay explains, touching my arm. “I saved it and packed it away a long time ago. I wanted to have a reminder of our very first days together.”

  “I love it,” I tell Kay, rubbing at the worn edges of the plain napkin, and then the smooth newness of the maroon one. “I’m glad you saved both.”

  “This way,” she says quietly, “we can always look back. These are our memories, Chase.”

  “So”—I look up and gesture to all the remaining balloons—“each and every one is filled with a memory?”

  “Memories, yes,” she replies, looking a little sly. “And…well, more.”

  “Hmm,” I reply. “This is very creative, babe.”

  She shrugs. “Well, since I can’t do art like you, I had to think of another way to express my creative side. I wanted to make your surprise artistic in some way, especially since you’re so artistic and I knew you’d appreciate the gesture.”