by Lori Ryan
Christ. She was the most erotic, sensuous, enticing woman he’d ever seen. She wasn’t made up like she was on stage with her hair teased and curled, her makeup glued to her face, and her costumes carefully staged in every detail. This was the Sophie Day no one saw, the persona she reserved just for him.
He swallowed hard and breathed deeply, trying to think of random things to keep himself from shooting a load like an inexperienced teen. Finally bringing his body under control, he donned the condom and crawled onto the bed.
Sophie spread her legs, snaking her hands around his neck. “Grant,” she said softly.
He nestled between her, holding his position just above her small body. “What is it?” He held his breath, fearing she might want to stop.
She smiled and slid a hand across his cheek, her thumb rubbing gently on his lips. “I love you.”
I love you. The three words he’d ached to hear for over a year.
He turned his face into her hand and kissed her palm. “I love you more.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist and lifted her hips.
Positioning himself between her legs, he slid inside, pressing slowly to savor the experience. “God, you feel good, Soph. I missed you so much.”
A small moan escaped her mouth. “I missed you.”
He slipped his hands under her hips, tilting her to drive in deeper.
She dug her fingers into his shoulders. “Yes, oh, Grant, please,” she panted, “right there.”
He grew harder as he moved inside her, every muscle in his body coiled tight. He staved off his impending release, wanting to bring Sophie with him.
“More,” she said, sliding one hand into his hair. Her nails scraped against his scalp as she brought his head down for a hard, punishing kiss. Her hips worked in tandem with his and he felt her body stiffen as she arched into him.
Blood thundered in his ears, every nerve burning him from the inside out. He pulled back from their kiss. “Sophie,” he panted.
“Yes,” she gasped, “yes, yes.”
She drew him in deeper, her body tightening around him as she tumbled over the edge, singing his name like a prayer.
His skin heated and sparks of pleasure raced down his spine as he pushed in one final time, shattering inside her. “Oh, Sophie,” he said with a groan, his voice raspy and broken. “God you’re so…”
She brushed back a piece of hair from his face, smiling up at him adoringly. “I’m so what?”
He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Amazing.” He tilted his head and kissed her again. “Beautiful.” Pulling back, he stared into her pale blue eyes. “Brave. You’re so brave.”
She opened her mouth to speak but he quickly pulled away, afraid to say more and ruin the moment. Discarding the condom, he grabbed the bedspread he’d tossed on the floor earlier and slid in beside her, covering them with the blankets.
She snuggled into his body, wrapping her arms around his waist. “It takes more than love to heal a broken heart,” she said, repeating the lyrics to her song.
“I know, Soph.” He kissed the top of her head. “I know.”
She pulled away, tilting her head and looking up at him. “Maybe we can show each other how?”
He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead and smiled. “Most definitely.”
The night grew darker, the sound of the crackling fire downstairs the only noise in the small cabin.
“Grant,” she said softly.
“Yes?”
“It’s still snowing.”
He turned and watched the flakes falling outside their window.
“Just so you know,” she said, “I never stopped loving you.” She pressed a kiss to his chest, just above his heart.
He tugged her tighter. “And I hope you never will.” Because, God knew he never would. He would love Sophie till the day he died. A relationship did take more than love to survive. He was more committed than ever. This time they would show each other how.
They laid together in silence, their breath coming in synchronized rhythm as they watched the snow fall. As Grant drifted off to sleep, he thanked God for second chances, and prayed that the magic of this night with Sophie would last forever.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“And this one is The Lion King,” Becca said. “I got it when I was three. My mommy bought it for me.”
Sophie sat on the floor of Valerie’s house with Becca as she pointed to each of her Walt Disney movies spread out in front of them.
Sophie had finally convinced Grant to attend one of his family’s dinners. She thought meeting all the new members and getting reacquainted with everyone would be good for her, especially if they truly were going to work on their marriage.
“She’s in heaven,” Becca said.
Sophie stared at the young girl, swallowing back the tears threatening. “Yes, I heard she passed away. I’m very sorry.”
“But now I gots a Daddy.”
“Have a Daddy,” Grant corrected from behind them.
Becca turned to Grant and stuck out her tongue.
Sophie glanced over her shoulder and saw Grant had his tongue stuck out too, thumbs stuffed in his ears, waggling his fingers.
“Grant,” she admonished, but she couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m trying to save you from the inventory of Becca’s DVD collection,” he said, nodding toward at least thirty movies now strewn in front of her. Each had a distinctive, and lengthy story, she was discovering.
“And this one my Lina gave me. I call her ‘my Lina’ because she’s not really my mom, but she’s special, like I used to call Daddy ‘my Jakey.’”
Sophie stared at the girl, thoroughly confused.
“It will never make sense.” Grant leaned forward, whispering, “don’t even try to understand her brilliant five-year old mind.”
“Lina is my dad’s girlfriend,” Becca went on. “It’s short for Angelina like Becca is short for Rebecca. They kiss a lot but Aunt Sally says that’s okay because that’s what boys and girls do when they love each other. I love Jared Langley, he’s in my Kindergarten class and he’s sooo cute,” she drew out the word, making Sophie smile. “But when I kissed him, I got in trouble so I don’t understand. I’m a girl and he’s a boy.” She stared up at Sophie, whose mouth was agape. “Do you and Grant kiss?”
Sophie had no idea a human being could say so much in one breath.
“That was your first mistake, Half Pint.”
Sophie turned at the new voice and saw Grant’s brother, Max, sit next to him.
“What was a mistake, Uncle Max?” the young girl asked.
“Taking advice from Aunt Sally.”
“Oh, poo,” Sally said, waltzing into the room. She squatted down and stared at Becca. “That school of yours just doesn’t know true love when they see it.”
“They’re trying to prevent teen pregnancy, Aunt Sally,” Grant said.
“It’s an elementary school,” Jake said, picking up Becca and depositing her in his lap as he sat on a side table. He turned to Becca. “But a good rule is that we don’t kiss anyone outside our family until we’re older.”
Sally waved a hand in the air. “I stand by my sage advice to you kids,” Sally said.
“Oh,” Grant sat up straighter, “like the time you told me that every time Jake cried in public, I should cover his mouth or the aliens would come and take him away?”
Everyone laughed.
“That was a good one,” Max said, lifting his hand and high-fiving Sally.
Sally pointed to Jake. “It worked didn’t it? You boys never screamed in public.” She stood and sat next to Grant. “And you, my sweet nephew,” she grabbed his chin, shaking his head “turned into a stellar actor thanks to your Aunt Sally’s training.
He pushed her hand away but smiled.
“You’re welcome, by the way.” She smiled. “Try to squeeze my name into your next acceptance speech, hmm?” She patted his cheek, a little too hard, then reached past him for a carrot on the vegetable t
ray in front of her.
“Look,” Jake said, scraping a hand through his hair, “can we just agree that you won’t tutor my daughter when it comes to affairs of the heart?” Jake said.
“Or the…” Max raised his brows and pointed to his lap.
“Maxwell James Sumner,” Valerie scolded.
“Oh, shit,” he murmured.
“One dollar!” everyone shouted in unison, pointing to the swear jar.
Sophie snorted.
“That’s my swear jar,” Becca said to her.
“I’ve heard of it.” Sophie smiled.
“You’ll never make a single dime off her, Half Pint,” Grant said, chuckling. “Aunt Sophie never says a bad word.”
Aunt Sophie. The title warmed her heart.
Becca stared up at Sophie like she was an alien. “Really?”
She shrugged. “I just can’t seem to do it no matter how hard I try.”
“Grandma Val says you shouldn’t say bad words, so you shouldn’t try.”
“For some of us, it comes naturally,” Max said.
“You didn’t hear swear words from your father and me,” Valerie said.
The boys burst into laughter, Sally joining in.
“What?” Valerie asked.
“Nothing, Ma,” Jake said. “Wouldn’t want to burst your bubble about Dad never cursing.”
She looked around the group, her brows furrowed. “Did he?”
“Like a sailor,” Sally muttered.
“When?” Valerie appeared genuinely dumbfounded.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” Grant’s cousin, Lily, said, standing on the other side of the kitchen counter. “Would someone set the table?”
As if on cue, Jake and Max stood and darted from the room as if they’d been saved from an execution.
“I want to help!” Becca shouted, hopping to her feet.
Grant grabbed her and swung her in the air.
Her giggles filled the room.
“Let’s go, Half Pint. Your dad is horrible at setting the table. Hopefully you’re better.” He held the girl close as they walked out of the room, the two chattering like best friends.
Sophie smiled to herself. He really was good with kids.
“I can’t believe John cursed,” Valerie said, a puzzled look on her face.
“The man worshiped the ground you walked on,” Sally said. “There was no way he was going to desecrate your ears.”
“But still.” Valerie sat back in her seat, lost in thoughts.
“Now that the boys are gone,” Sally leaned forward and stared at Sophie. “Tell me about you and Grant.”
“What?” she choked, picturing the stash of Sally’s condoms they’d broken open.
“How’s operation Win Sophie Back going?”
“Sally,” Valerie swatted at her sister-in-law’s leg.
“What? It’s no secret.” Sally stared from Valerie to Sophie. “You know the boy wants you back, right?”
Sophie nodded.
“So, how’s the effort going?” She waggled her brows.
“Sally,” a deep voice Sophie didn’t recognize called behind them.
Sophie turned and stared up at a tall man. He was beyond handsome, with dark hair nearly black and graying at the temples and arresting blue eyes. He had broad shoulders that filled out a tailor-made button-down shirt tucked into dark dress pants. He exuded an air of competence, authority, and power.
The man stared down at Sally, his mouth tipped up in a lopsided grin, his eyes holding a type of affection that only a lifetime of love could explain.
This must be Warner Noble, the owner of the cabin she and Grant had been staying in.
Sophie stood, dusting off her jeans.
“I apologize for Sally’s bluntness,” he said, stepping toward Sophie.
“Don’t apologize for me, old man,” Sally said, swatting at his rear-end.
“Someone’s got to,” he answered, never taking his eyes from Sophie. “Hello, I’m Warner Noble.” He nodded toward Sally. “I’m with her, despite the urgings of those close to her. And me.” He shrugged. “True love and all that, you know.”
“Phhst,” Sally scoffed. “True love.”
Warner turned and stared at Sally. Sophie was surprised to see a look of sheer bliss cross Sally’s face, as if she’d been transfixed by the man with one smoldering look.
Yep, true love. She wondered if that was what she looked like when Grant stared at her.
Turning his attention back to Sophie, he extended his hand.
She took his large one in hers, shaking it. “I’m Sophie Day. Thank you so much for letting us use your cabin. It’s been a wonderful distraction.”
“I bet,” Sally chuckled under her breath.
Warner glanced at her over his shoulder with a raised brow.
“What?” She held up both hands. “It’s been a wonderful distraction for us in the past, too, if you remember.”
Warner chuckled, a deep rich voice that immediately put Sophie at ease. He stepped closer, leaning in. “Keeping this one under control is a full-time job.”
“Oh, please,” Sally said, wrapping her arms around the handsome man. “Like you could ever control me.”
Warner released Sophie’s hand and leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Sally’s lips. “Very true, my love.”
“Oh, gag!” Max called from behind them as he re-entered the room.
“What’s a gag?” a petite and very pregnant woman asked, stepping up beside him. She must be Devlin, Max’s wife, Sophie realized. Sophie hoped someone in the group knew how to deliver a baby because she looked like she was about ready to burst.
“My aunt,” Max said, draping his hand around the woman’s shoulder, “sucking face with him.” Max’s lip curled as he nodded to Warner.
The pregnant woman stepped forward, extending her hand. “Hi, I’m Devlin Darby…oh, I mean, Devlin Sumner. It’s still so weird to be married.”
“That’s not what you said last night,” Max chuckled, swatting her butt.
“Who’s gagging now,” Aunt Sally said.
Sophie took the woman’s hand. “Hello, I’m Sophie Day…well, Sophie Sumner, I guess.”
The room fell silent.
Grant reappeared, his eyes darting around the room. “What?” he asked.
The front door opened, saving Sophie from the awkward moment.
“Never fear,” Grant’s brother Emmett said as he entered the house, hands in the air, “the great one is here.”
Sophie laughed. Even though Grant and Jake were twins, they were fraternal and really looked nothing alike. It was Emmett, with his wavy, dark brown hair, deep-set hazel green eyes, and squared jaw, who looked most like Grant, despite their age difference.
Emmett scanned the room until his eyes caught hers. “Sophie! My favorite sister-in-law.”
“Hey,” Maggie moaned, coming out from the kitchen.
“Oops,” Emmett mumbled. “When did you get here?”
Maggie pressed a hand on her hip and stared at him like only a mother could. “I left the lodge the same time you did.”
“And what about me?” Devlin said, eyebrows raised.
“Uh…” Emmett looked back to a beautiful woman standing behind him as if she might save him. She was tall and thin, model-esque, with cropped black hair showcasing a strikingly beautiful face. She had to be Elle Noble, Warner’s daughter and Emmett’s fiancée.
“Don’t look at me,” she said to Emmett. “You got yourself into this mess.”
Warner stepped up next to Sophie and winked. “The Nobles have been rescuing the Sumners for generations.”
She laughed, thankful to find she was welcomed by the family with no judgement or animosity, given the fact she was the one who’d walked away from Grant and threatened to divorce him.
“Come on, everyone, let’s sit and eat,” Valerie said, ushering everyone into the large dining room. “I think this is the largest crowd I’ve had in a long time.” She sidled
up next to Sophie, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “I’m very grateful you’re here, Sophie. I’ve missed you. We all have.”
Sophie swallowed down the emotion in her throat, unable to respond.
Grant stepped up beside her and placed a reassuring hand on her lower back. “Come,” he said, guiding her around the table, “sit here.” He pulled out her chair and she sat.
“Where are Aaron and Kayleigh?” he asked, sitting next to her.
“Oh, there was an emergency at Rutherford Ranch that Kayleigh had to go to earlier,” Valerie said. “Aaron went with her.” She turned to Sophie. “Kayleigh is a veterinarian. She’s dating Aaron now.”
“Yeah, ‘dating,’” Max repeated. “More like mating.”
“Right,” Ben snorted from the end of the table. Where had he come from?
“Boys,” Valerie admonished.
“Don’t blame me, Ma,” Max said, “I’m not the one who got caught getting busy in the back of the barn like some people in this room.”
Elle’s face blushed red and she ducked her head.
Emmett and Max slapped a high-five.
“Emmett,” Elle snarled, “my father’s here.”
“What’s getting busy mean?” Becca asked.
Max choked.
Sally laughed. “Yeah, Max, what’s getting busy mean?”
Becca stared at Valerie. “Is Emmett in trouble, Grammy Val?”
Valerie’s eyes narrowed. “All your uncles are in trouble,” she practically growled.
“Hey,” Grant said, raising his hands, “I didn’t do anything.”
Jake pointed a fork at his brother. “Guilt by association, bro.”
Ben laughed. “Totally.”
“Hey, Emmett,” Sophie said, trying to break the tension, “I really liked your last book.”
“My Birchfield Brown series?” he asked.
“Yeah, I love it. I’m only on book four, though. I need to buy the rest.”
“You don’t have to buy them, Soph. I’ll send them to you.”
“Thanks,” she said. “Grant says you’re working on a romance now.”
Emmett and Elle looked at one another and smiled.
“What?” Sophie asked, dishing food onto her plate as it was passed around the table.
“It’s part historical, part romance, part biographical based on the journals one of my ancestors left behind,” Emmett explained.