by L C Taylor
She threw her hands up, “Ok. Geeze.”
They pulled into the driveway and Delilah hopped out. Hank greeted them at the door, “Guess you came to get your shit?”
“How did you know?” Delilah cocked an eye at him, tilting her head in question.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see he is madly in love with you. It was only a matter of time. I’m just surprised it took him this long.”
“Well, the cast did kind of hamper my ability.”
“Right – well, shall I help you?” Hank moved to the side, letting Parker and Delilah into the house. Parker had already decided to let Hank have his place, hoping Hank would put down roots here.
Parker quickly packed his things. Delilah grabbed the letter from inside the drawer, “What’s this?” She held up the envelope.
“Oh. That’s my letter from Momma Belle.”
Delilah looked at the white linen, seeing her scrawl across the front, “Here,” she handed it to him.
Parker grinned. He grabbed something from his dresser, tucking it into his pocket, before turning towards her. “I think it’s time you read it.” He handed it back to her. Delilah sat on the bed, pulling the letter from the under the flap.
My dearest Parker,
If you are reading this, it means my time on this earth has come to an end. I’m an old lady, so that means little to me – I got to live my life and it was a grand one at that. First, let me say that our friendship was very dear to me. You are the son I never knew I needed, for that – thank you. I know you struggle with demons from your past, but it’s time you let those go. Your parents wouldn’t want you to die a lonely man. I wouldn’t want that. Now, the purpose of my letter. There were things I hadn’t told you – things I kept secret from you and most importantly from Delilah. I am assuming since you’re reading this, Delilah found my box. That’s good. I wrote them, always planning to give them to her one day. Once I learned, well… that part is not important right now. I just knew this was how she should find them. There will be things that will be hard for her to read. I know she is stubborn and will try to push you away, but Parker – don’t let her. And if that tool of a boyfriend (I refuse to acknowledge as her fiancé) is still around, find a way to make her see he’s useless. She’s too good for him. You’ll see what I mean when you spend time with her. I know you feel connected to her from all the stories I shared, use that to build a relationship with her – you’re the last connection she will have to me. Now, the last and most important thing I need from you Parker. Delilah is going to fight you every turn. She is stubborn and strong, yet she won’t see what’s right in front of her. I know you fell in love with her before ever laying eyes on her. That’s why I know you are the one she needs and deserves. Now, when the time comes, I need you to be ready. When she sees John isn’t the man for her, it will be your time.
Be ready to give her everything she deserves. Be her knight in shining armor. Give her the sun, the moon, and the stars. But most of all, give her your heart. Can you do that, Parker?
I know deep in my soul you are what she needs, and she is what you need. Don’t let her be a fool. Be strong, and when she is ready, you’ll know.
I love you like you were my own flesh and blood. So I am trusting you with the most precious thing I have left behind in this world, Delilah.
Don’t mess it up, boy. Take what you deserve. Give your heart and love.
Love her.
I Love you, Parker,
Momma Belle.
Delilah was nearly sobbing when she finished, “Parker,” She looked up to see him kneeling in front of her. A black box was clasped between his fingers. A single solitaire sat perched between the black velvet inside. Delilah sucked in a breath.
“Delilah,” Parker shifted onto his knee, “You light up my life in ways I didn’t know I needed. I knew before I met you, you were the other half of my missing soul. I fell in love with the stories of you long before we met. Then, when I finally did, it was like the sun, the moon, and the stars all aligned. I know what we have is meant for forever. I can’t imagine another moment, another breath, or even a single heartbeat without you here. Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife? Marry me, Delilah. Say you’ll be mine.”
Delilah pressed her hand to her lips as the tears rolled one by one down her cheeks. She looked at Parker, then the ring, “Parker.” She breathed his name, reaching out to touch him.
“Delilah, will you marry me?” Parker asked again, slipping the ring from the box.
Delilah nodded, “Yes… Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slipped the diamond onto her finger, “Thank God. You had me worried for a minute.” He tugged her from the bed into his lap and kissed her. Delilah twined her finger through his hair, desperate for his touch.
“I love you.” He said through their frazzled kiss.
“I love you.” Delilah smiled against his mouth, “take me home.”
Parker didn’t have to be asked twice. He scooped her up and carried her to the waiting truck. Hank had moved most of his bags into the bed for him. Parker held her hand, running his hand over the ring she now wore on her left finger.
“I can’t wait to start forever with you.” Parker smiled.
“Parker, forever isn’t going to be long enough to love you, but I promise to spend every moment showing you just how much I do.”
She kissed his hand, leaning her head against his shoulder as they drove home. Delilah closed her eyes, sending a silent thank you to Momma Belle. Life didn’t go quite as she had planned… but in the end, the mistakes were worth it. Besides, they gave her Parker.
The End
Epilogue
Delilah and Parker didn’t waste any time. They were married a week later at the courthouse. Neither of them had any family, so Hank stood as their witness as they said their vows. Parker quit the sheriff’s office, telling Delilah he couldn’t bear to leave her at night. It didn’t matter, Momma Belle had left more money than she knew what to do with, so Parker and she decided to get the farm up and running together. Delilah told Parker she might write a book eventually, but for now – it would have to wait. Parker didn’t understand why she didn’t just write it now, but Delilah had a secret she hadn’t told him. A secret that was about to change everything.
“Del,” Parker called out from the barn. He had been talking with Meghan, the veterinarian, about the new horse Parker had purchased for Delilah.
“Yeah?” She called out, walking to meet him across the yard.
“Meghan says the horse looks good. Hank offered to help break him in, I offered him a job. That alright?”
“Of course, he’s family.”
Delilah smiled at Meghan who walked out behind Parker, “Meghan, you think we could bring you on as the farms vet?”
“Of course!” She replied happily.
“Great, I’ll get some paperwork drawn up and have Hank call you when its ready. Where is that old coot anyhow?”
“OH,” Meghan blushed, “He said something about needing to run into town for some supplies.”
“Right.” Parker grinned, “Alright. Thanks for coming by, we’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks, see you soon.” Meghan hopped into her car. Parker and Delilah watched as she backed out.
“That was weird.” Parker announced.
“I think she likes him.”
“Who?”
“Hank.”
“Well, shit. I didn’t see that coming. I hope she’s tough as nails. That bastard is going to be hard to break.”
“No way. Hank is a teddy bear.” Delilah giggled.
“To you… but he got burned by a woman and I think his heart turned to stone.”
“I bet she melts it.” Delilah grinned.
“We will see. Now, what has you so dang chipper?”
“Just excited about expanding the farm. I can’t wait to get the pig pen done, and then the area for the goats fenced in.”
“It’s just a
bout finished. I imagine that’s what Hank ran to town for. He needed to get a gate latch for the pens.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t want any little ones wondering into the pen by mistake.”
“True. Someone could get hurt unintentionally.” Parker smiled at her, “Wait… what did you say?”
“What do you mean?” Delilah’s Cheshire grin was infectious.
“You said little ones? Whose little ones?”
“Well… ours of course.”
“I am pretty sure we have time before we have to worry about that, you worry wart.”
“I mean… I suppose.”
Parker turned to face her, “? Does this mean? Are you?” He scooped her up into the air, “Are we having a baby?”
“Yes!” Parker spun her around, kissing her everywhere. He let her slide down his body, dropping to his knees he pressed a kiss to her still flat belly.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Doctor confirmed it today. In 7 months, we are going to be parents.”
Parker couldn’t contain his joy. He squeezed her body flush to his and pressed his head into her tummy. Delilah ran her hands through his hair, “Does this mean you’re happy? I know we haven’t talked about kids, but I am pretty sure this little bugger was conceived after you got home from the hospital.”
“Delilah, you just made me the happiest man alive. I love you.”
“And I love you.” Delilah hugged him close. Her life was full. Parker had made every possible dream come true.
“I wish Momma Belle was here to see this – this little guy or girl isn’t going to have any grandparents.”
“Well, we could find your dad if you wanted.” Parker peeked up at her through his hooded eyes.
“Maybe. I’d like to see if he is still alive or not.”
“Well, we have the rest of our lives to worry about that. Right now, I’m taking my wife inside and I’m going to make love to her. Unless she objects?”
“No objection here, husband. Lead the way.”
Delilah followed her husband into the house, her hand never leaving his. She didn’t know what the future held for them, but she knew whatever it looked like, he would be there with her.
Life could be fickle.
You might lose someone you love, only to find their death lead you to the one person you were meant to be with. Even in tragedy, love can bloom.
Delilah smiled up into the sky before she stepped into the house. Momma Belle might be dead, but she was not gone. She would always be the sun that warmed her soul.
Thank you!
Thank you for reading Words from the Heart. I hope you enjoyed Delilah and Parkers story. Two broken souls that found redemption in one another. Please be sure to leave a review on Amazon for me once you are done, by clicking here.
And don’t worry, be watching for ‘To Love Again’, Hank and Meghan’s story. It will be turbulent, but oh so worth it!
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About the Author
Nerdy, Dirty, Inked, and Curvy, LC is Native to the Atlanta area and works as a Special Education Middle School Teacher. She is the proud mother/stepmother of 4 children - 2 boys and 2 girls. And, as if that wasn't enough chaos in the house, the family adopted 2 dogs. LC has been married for nearly two decades. Her husband is a huge supporter of her work and pushes her to excel at being a writer.
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