I’ve acquired a wife and kids in less than two years. Unbelievable, yet here I am, watching Alayna lovingly care for our child.
I’ve never respected someone in my life the way I respect her. She’s truly a gift. A blessing I will never take for granted.
“I love you, precious.”
She pulls her eyes away from our son. “I feel so complete. Maybe things are finally going to calm a bit. We can dream, anyway. Actually, I think all my dreams have come true. I love you, Damon Lear.”
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Alayna
“I think I have everything I need. Oh, my purse,” I say before I’m grabbing it from one of the chairs at the dining room table. “How do I look?” Standing up straighter, I pose for Damon in my white wrap dress covered in blue diamond designs and blue heels.
“Good enough to eat, and I haven’t had a chance to eat you out in a while.”
I blush. How has that not changed after all this time? Oh, yes, because of his unabashed honesty.
“Later. Right now I have to do a television appearance with Phillip and go to the signing, which means I will be home late evening.”
Damon exhales heavily. “I thought weekends were for relaxing, and that man still gets under my skin.”
Strolling over to him, I raise up to kiss his cheek.
“I’m sorry. You know I wouldn’t have worked with him again, but our first book was too big of a success.”
“I understand. Now, give me a better kiss than that.” Damon’s tongue is soon forcing its way in, messing up my lipstick, but in seconds, I’m lost in our kiss and not giving a damn about my makeup.
I finally pull away breathless. “I know what you’re doing, and no, I won’t forget that kiss today. I’ll be back.”
The door to the patio slides open, and in marches Cameron, holding Reed in his arms.
“I’ve entertained him a whole hour. Dad, can I please play video games now? Oh, and I think he dropped a load in his diaper.”
He hands Reed off to Damon, who holds him out and in the air. “Did you take a shit?” he asks Reed. His cute little finger is in his mouth, and he’s showing his teeth as he grins at Damon.
“Da–ddy.”
“Yep, he wants you to change him. I have to go. Love all of you,” I say before I’m quickly heading to the front door. Diaper duty is not on my to-do list.
Damon
“You shit your pants. It’s gross, and I can’t believe I change diapers. I run a multimillion dollar corporation, kid. What do you contribute to this family?”
Reed giggles and kicks his legs. Yeah, it’s time for you to be potty trained. “Shit,” he says.
“Oh, buddy, don’t say that. Daddy shouldn’t use that word in front of you.”
He giggles again. “Shit.”
“OK, don’t say it around anyone else because frankly, I find it kind of funny.” I grin at him, and he gives me a wide grin back as he yanks his slobbery finger from his mouth.
“Daddy go out play.”
“You want to go back outside? Do you want daddy to push you on the swing like Cameron does?”
He nods his head and tries to get up.
“Hold still, and let me get this diaper on you. Or …” My phone rings in my pocket as I contemplate putting underwear on Reed.
Alayna and I agreed to wait a couple of months before we push the issue of potty training, but the kid’s shit is like an adult land mine. I think it’s time.
Pulling the phone from my pocket, I see it’s Debra.
“Sis, what’s up?”
“Mom’s hysterectomy went smoothly.”
“OK, that’s great news.”
“Yes, but I need your help.”
“What kind of help?”
“Jeff had to go out of town unexpectedly today, and Mom needs me more than I thought. Dad’s getting too frail to handle it. Can I bring over the kids?”
“Uh, Alayna is publicizing her new book and will be gone until this evening. I have Reed and Cameron.”
“OK, fine. I’ll ask a friend, but that means you have to sit with Mom tomorrow. I can’t get a sitter both days.”
I groan. “OK, fine. I love your kids, and you know that. I’m just feeling pulled every which way, but they can come over today.”
“Great. I will drop them in an hour before I head back to the hospital.”
“Reed, Mia and Rylan are coming over today,” I say after ending the call.
“Rylee,” he says excitedly.
“Rylan, but close enough. Let’s straighten up the house before they get here.”
Shaking his head, Reed pouts. “Swing.”
“Shit, I did say we’d do that.”
“Shit,” Reed says, giggling.
“That’s a bad word. We don’t say that word.”
“Daddy say.”
“OK, Daddy won’t say it anymore.” At least, not in front of you.
***
I open the front door, and Mia bounces in. How old is she? Eight now I think. Rylan is right behind her, and I can’t believe he’s almost a teenager. I think he grew another inch, too.
Hey, shouldn’t he be old enough to babysit his sister? I think this is Debra’s ploy to get me to spend more time with them.
“Hi, I’ll be back in about four or five hours. They’ll need supper.”
“OK.” I hadn’t even thought about supper. What am I feeding everyone? Putting that task in the back of my mind, I send Rylan to Cameron’s room to play video games and head outside with Mia and Reed. Cameron will likely be complaining later, but he’ll get over it.
“Uncle Reed, why is little Reed named after you?”
“Uh, a lot of people name their kids after their parents.”
“I think it means he will grow up to be a great uncle like you are.”
Mia is swinging next to the toddler swing I’m trying to fit Reed’s chubby legs into.
“That’s nice of you to say, Mia. I think you’re pretty great, too.”
“I think it’s time I get a baby girl cousin. Her name can be Princess Alayna. I will put frilly dresses on her, and Aunt Alayna can make her hair pretty like she makes mine.”
“You think it’s time, do you?”
“Yep.”
“OK, I’ll take that into consideration.”
Alayna
It’s seven-thirty in the evening when I arrive home. The house is quiet when I step into the foyer. I move onto the great room and find Mia asleep on her back on the floor in front of the television.
Cartoons are loudly playing from it. Damon texted me earlier to let me know the kids would be here when I arrived home. I believe he wanted to be rescued as early as possible.
My eyes flash to the sofa. Damon’s head is leaning back against the cushion, and Reed is curled up in his lap sleeping. My, they must’ve had an active day, and the kids must’ve worn Damon out.
Slipping off my heels, I tap him on the shoulder. He slowly raises his head and looks back at me.
“Hi. I’m guessing the kids were active today.”
He takes a glimpse at his watch. “Yes. They crashed out around six.”
“Hmm … late for a nap. Mia will likely fight bedtime tonight.”
“Hey, I can’t help that she’s a tornado. Once she’s exhausted herself, she’s done,” he says. Reed stirs and sits up. He rubs his eyes with his sweet little hands.
“Mommy,” he says excitedly. His green eyes light up as he reaches for me to take him. I pick him up and run a hand over his messy red curls.
“Did you have fun with daddy and Mia today?”
“Yes.”
“Where is Rylan and Cameron?”
Reed points toward the bedrooms. “Let me guess. They’re playing video games.” Reed grins and wraps his arms around my neck, hugging me hard.
“Mia,” he shouts next.
She wakes and sits up. “Hi, Aunt Alayna.”
“Hi, Mia. Did Reed wear you out
today?”
Theatrically, she yawns and rolls her eyes, pushing her chocolate brown hair off her face like always.
“Yes, he wore me out, but I told Uncle Reed I want a baby girl cousin. He said he will take that into con … consideration.” She nods and smiles, proud of herself for remembering such a big word.
“Oh, you did, huh?” Damon stands and stretches, flashing me an impish grin.
“I might’ve, but of course the council must deliberate on that one.”
“I thought the council already did.”
“Fine, you can explain that one to Mia.”
My eyes grow round. “Mia, what all did you do today?” Time to get off that topic. Explaining to Mia that I went off my birth control to have another baby is not an option.
Rylan and Cameron finally show their faces, and before long, we’re all piled on the sofa and chairs, eating popcorn and watching a movie.
It’s my favorite place to be, and I realize at this moment that I want a whole houseful of kids. Just like this. I hope Damon feels the same.
Damon
Debra picks up the kids at nine-thirty. Reed has long been asleep, and Cameron leaves to spend his Saturday night at a friend’s. He’s driving, and that’s hard to swallow.
Alayna has gone to our bedroom before me, so once I shut off all the lights in the house, I head that way. She’s stretched across the bed in a silky nighty. It’s green; the color I love the most on her.
“I have a surprise for you,” she says.
“I don’t normally like surprises, remember? But, I can honestly say that I’m digging this one.”
“Oh, I think you’re going to like the next one, too.”
She climbs off the bed and reaches under the mattress. As she pulls out a restraint, she smiles bashfully. It never ceases to amaze me when she grows timid after all we’ve done together.
“I ordered the under the bed restraints. I know it’s hard for us to get out to the Hamptons, so I thought we needed some playtime here. These can be hidden well from the kids.”
I’m trying to listen to her, but I’m distracted by her beauty and supple breasts that are busting out of her nighty as she leans over to mess with the restraints.
Grabbing her waist, I raise her up until I can pull her back against my erection. “You are so damn sexy.”
She twists in my arms until she’s facing me. Her hands slide from my chest up into the back of my hair. She’s pulling on it as she massages my scalp. It’s my cue to bite her neck and secure her hands. She knows exactly what she’s doing to me, and I know exactly what she wants.
“It’s time to tie you up and have my way with you.” Long lashes flutter, and if her emerald eyes weren’t so vivid, they’d be lost in the sea of green from her erotic outfit. She tilts them up at me.
“Yes, Sir.” Climbing into the bed, she lies flat on her back. I restrain her wrists but opt against tying up her legs. I want a quick release for her once I’m ready to allow her to touch my hair, which I secretly revel in.
Ducking down, I sweep my lips across hers. My hand slips under her nighty and into her matching thong. I slide a couple of fingers right into her. “Wet as always, Mrs. Lear. Before we begin, it’s truth time.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Did Phillip Channing hit on you today?”
Alayna represses an eye roll. “No, he didn’t, Sir.”
“Good.”
“Since it’s time for truth, can I give you a question to ask me, Sir?”
“OK.” Where is she going with this?
“Ask me if I’m pregnant.”
I’m frozen on my knees between hers. I lean back on my legs. “Alayna, are you pregnant?”
She gives me a coy smile. “Yes.”
“Holy fuck.” In a breath, I’m releasing her restraints. I lower my body on top of hers, and her hands go right to my hair like I knew they would. I kiss her forehead, her cheek and her lips.
“You just made me so damn happy.”
“Really? You seemed stressed today, having all the kids.”
“I was, but it all worked out. I had a great time with Mia and Reed. He loves having her here, but she’s older. He needs a sibling and one closer to his age.”
“I’m relieved you’re still OK with it.”
“I’m thrilled, but tonight you’re mine.” I push her legs open with the help of my own and slide into her. I move in and out in a fluid motion as she gazes at me and plays with my hair. I suddenly have a longing to move deeper inside her. “Raise your hands above your head.”
With her arms outstretched, I wrap my hand around her wrists and thrust harder and deeper into her. She stares into my eyes, her gaze never faltering, and I’m entranced by her beauty.
Alayna June Lear’s soul shines brighter than the sun. She’s the gift that will keep on giving to this world even once she’s not on this earth. I believe that because our children will ensure it.
It’s the reason I will have as many as her heart desires.
I never thought I could write a romance novel. That was until I lived the masterpiece of all love stories.
End Notes
Thank you for reading Vow of Devotion and the rest of the One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me series. I hope you will check out my other novels.
Additional books are available in the teen/YA, contemporary and erotica romance genres. To keep up on the latest release information, teasers and covers, follow me on the web at http://www.scarletwolfe.com, Facebook, and Twitter. Here is a link to all of my novels at Amazon. My books are also available at Barnes and Noble, iTunes and Kobo.
If you enjoy my writing, I’d greatly appreciate it if you would leave me ratings or reviews. Thank you!
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, thank you to my loving husband, Patrick. You’re my rock, and I love you dearly.
My family and friends, I love you, and thank you for your support.
Readers, I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy lives to read my writing. Your support and kind words continue to lift me up and inspire me to bring you more stories. Many of you have given me your friendships, too, and I’m so grateful for that.
Teri Fantauzzi and Samantha Wiley, you both are amazing. Thank you for your friendships and editing services.
Thank you to the members of Scarlet’s Red-Hot Readers for believing in me and for spreading the word about my writing. Your friendships mean the world to me.
Kim Black created the amazing cover. She’s a sweetheart and can be found at TOJ Publishing. Thank you for all you do for me, Kim.
Thank you to the bloggers and authors who also support me on this journey. I am forever grateful.
Last but not least, thank you, Tammy Becraft, Teri Fantauzzi, Antoinette Hord, Renee McKinney, Elmarie Pieterse and Samantha Wiley for beta reading. You gals rock!
Vow of Devotion: 2nd Novel Addition (One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy) Page 16