***
Jac stepped outside of the cubicle, pulling the curtain back in place, answering her phone. Molly was getting her cast removed today and hopefully be fitted with a shorter one. It had been a long four months since the accident and finally, the end to her recovery was in sight. Her strength had improved ten-fold the last few weeks, her ability to manoeuvre around the house on crutches had diminished her use of the wheelchair, only using it if she had overdone it and her joints ached. Today would be the day Jac gave Molly the surprise she had been working on the last month. Tiffany was at the house now installing it with Gabe, Jac hoped they had it all completed by the time they arrived home.
“Tiff, what’s up?” Jac asked as she walked a little ways down from Molly, not wanting her to overhear.
“Just wanted to let you know it’s all done. If you park out front and bring her in through to the conservatory, she won’t be able to see it until you step out into the garden.”
“That’s great. Thank you guys so much for this. She’ll love it.”
“No problem. Just make her happy.”
Jac hung up the phone and re-entered the cubicle. Molly was propped up on the bed, her questioning gaze searching Jac’s face. “That was Tiff. She wanted to wish you luck.” Jac stepped to the bed, taking Molly’s hand as they waited for the doctor to come back from reviewing the X-rays Molly had had when she first arrived.
“That’s sweet.” Molly stared at the cast on her leg. “What if the doctor doesn’t think I’m healed enough? I don’t think I could cope if I have to leave this thing on any longer.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m just as anxious to get the thing removed.” Jac waggled her eyebrows making Molly laugh. It had been a frustrating few weeks, sharing a bed every night, their touches venturing more and more into the sexual, but never going further. Living in a constant state of arousal was wearing thin on Jac’s nerves. And although she good take care of her own needs she knew it wouldn’t be good enough. She needed Molly’s touch, Molly’s mouth to bring her to the satisfaction she desired. Only Molly would do. They could have worked around the leg cast but it would have made things difficult and Jac wanted unfettered access to Molly. It was torture to have to wait, but the pay-off would be well worth it. She had waited five long years to be with Molly again. A few more weeks wouldn’t kill her. I hope.
“It has been rather frustrating, hasn’t it?” Molly grinned sexily, causing Jac’s pulse to hammer in her ears. She was being teased but it felt good. “Soon, my darling.”
Jac was saved from responding when the cubicle was whipped back and a sandy-haired, older gentleman walked in wearing a lab coat. He made a cursory glance at Molly’s chart before placing it under his arm and smiling kindly at her.
“I won’t keep you in suspense, Ms. Fisher. The X-rays look good. The bones in your thigh are as good as new, so lowering the cast won’t be a problem. Your ankle and foot are fine also. The shin bone still has a little ways to go. I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting you in an immobilizer just yet. I’d recommend getting a lower leg cast for a couple more weeks and we’ll review then.”
“Thanks, Doctor,” Molly said, squeezing Jac’s hand.
“I’ll be back in a little while to get this removed and fit the new cast.”
Molly thanked him again and turned her gaze to Jac, her eyes darkening as she smiled at her. It was the sexiest look Jac had seen in a long time, knowing that Molly was thinking the same thing she was. Tonight they would make love for the first time in years. A thrill of anticipation thrummed through Jac’s body at the thought of touching Molly again. She was eager to get home, to show Molly her surprise. If things went well, she might be touching Molly sooner than she thought.
After the cast was fitted, and a quick stop at the shop to buy a bottle of wine to celebrate, Jac pulled the car up in front of the house as per Tiffany’s suggestion. Molly looked at her with her brows drawn down. They usually parked at the side of the house next to the garage, but the position of the surprise would be easily seen. This was the only way to keep it hidden until Jac was ready to reveal it. She didn’t respond to Molly’s questioning gaze, she opened her door and then helped Molly from the car, handing her her crutches.
“Jac?”
Jac shook her head. “Just wait.” Molly frowned but refrained from commenting. Jac helped guide her up the walkway and to the front door. Once they reached the kitchen she stopped them and turned to face Molly. “I have a surprise for you.” Molly lifted her brows and smiled seductively. “Not that. Not yet anyway. Molly, I know how much Bloomin’ Butterfly meant to you.” Molly glanced away, her upset over losing her business was still ever-present, Jac thought it might never leave her. “I have a little something outside to help ease your pain over it. It’s nothing like you had before but it’s something I know you’ll enjoy.”
“What have you done?”
“Come with me.” Jac placed her hand on Molly’s back and led the way through the kitchen and conservatory. As they stepped out onto the decking Molly gasped.
“Oh, Jac.” Molly took off at a fast clip, considering she was on crutches and going over grass, to the twenty-five by fifty-foot greenhouse that stood at the end of their garden. Jac followed behind grinning at the apparent joy Molly had for her new butterfly garden. It was a fraction of the size she had at the farm but was large enough for Molly to start her own private collection like she had when she was a teenager living with her parents. “It’s beautiful.” Jac held the door open for Molly to enter, the temperature humid inside. Tiffany had done a great job planting the plants and Gabe had hooked up all the plumbing and equipment without trouble. Jac was amazed they had managed to do all this in the four hours they were gone. She owed them both a huge thank-you.
“I know how much you miss the farm. I thought maybe this might bring you some peace.”
“It’s wonderful.” Molly gazed around the greenhouse then settled on Jac. She dropped her crutches and hopped the few steps to her, wrapping her arms around her neck and kissed her hard. She held on as Molly inserted her tongue and nipped at her lips. “Thank you.”
“There’s more.” Jac swallowed hard as she reached into her pocket, fingering the velvet box she always carried with her. She had promised Molly she would ask her again when they were both ready. She was sure that time was now. She couldn’t wait any longer to call Molly her wife. She hoped she felt the same. Holding one of Molly’s hands, she knelt in front of her. Molly must have guessed what she was doing as tears filled her eyes, her other hand going to her mouth. Jac pulled the box from her pocket. She placed Molly’s hand on her shoulder to help keep her standing then lifted the lid.
“Molly, my sweet, sweet Molly. Since the moment I met you sitting in the library of our university, there hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought about you. You made me the happiest woman ever when you said you would marry me.” She took a breath, glancing away for a moment to gather herself, her own tears threatening to fall. Molly’s hand trembled as it gripped her shoulder. “We lost a lot of time, time that never erased the overwhelming love I have for you. When you allowed me back into your life I thought my heart would burst. I never want to be without you again.” She took another deep breath as she removed Molly’s wedding ring from the box. She took her left hand, placing the ring on the end of her fourth finger. “Would you do me the greatest honour of allowing me to be your wife, again? Will you marry me?”
“Oh, Jac. How could I not? Of course, I’ll marry you.” Molly’s tears rolled freely down her cheek as Jac slipped the ring back onto its rightful place. She stood and wrapped Molly in a tight hug, kissing her. Pulling back, Molly said, “Jac, you know by now I never stopped loving you, no time or distance could ever take you from my heart. I’m just sorry it took so long for us to reconnect.” She cupped Jac’s cheek, her fingers warm against her skin. “I love you so much.” She took the box from Jac and removed the ring nestled inside. Jac steadied her with a hand on her waist,
the effort of standing without the crutches making itself known. Molly took her left hand and slid the ring up into place. “Us, together, forever.”
“Forever.”
Molly leaned forward, kissing her gently. “Take me to bed, my love.”
“My pleasure.” Jac picked up the crutches and slowly they made their way into the house. Molly eyed the stairs dubiously. Although she had made great progress in her mobility, she seldom went upstairs. She had managed a few times to climb them, usually sitting on her butt and going up one at a time, but generally, they both slept downstairs in the dining room. Jac saved her from pondering how to get up by scooping Molly up in her arms.
“I’m too heavy.” Molly’s arms came around her shoulders. “You’ll drop me.”
“Never.” Jac kissed her cheek and preceded to walk up the stairs. They entered the bedroom, Jac laying Molly on the bed. Now they were here Jac was nervous. Yeah, their kisses and touches were becoming more intimate but now the time had come to lower all her barriers and give herself to Molly once more.
Molly moved up the bed, resting against the headboard. “Take off your clothes,” she said as her gaze glided over Jac.
Seeing the heat in Molly’s eyes filled her with confidence. She grinned at her and slowly ran her hands up her own body, Molly’s gaze tracking every movement. Jac popped open the top button of her shirt, then the rest, revealing her chest. She shrugged the shirt from her shoulders, Molly’s iris dilating when she noticed Jac wore no bra. Next came her jeans and underwear. She stood still as Molly’s greedy gaze roamed over her skin. Heat suffused Jac’s body from the lust she saw coming from Molly.
“Jesus, Jac. You’re as beautiful as I remember.”
Molly’s hand reached out for her and Jac climbed on the bed, crawling her way to Molly. She settled over her, a knee either side of Molly’s hips. Jac dipped her head, trailing kisses over Molly’s face and neck. Molly’s arms came around her waist, tugging her down. The rough feel of the fabric from Molly’s sweatshirt felt good against her breasts.
“I love you, Molly.”
“Help me get undressed. Hurry.”
Jac smiled at her urgency. She deliberately took her time removing her clothing, kissing the different parts of skin that were uncovered as she did so. She unclasped her bra and tossed it behind her, leaning in to take a nipple into her hot mouth. Molly groaned, holding Jac’s head to her chest. Her hands tugged her head up, kissing her with searing heat. Jac’s pulse echoed in her ears, a driving rhythm that closed out all other sounds. There was only Molly.
“Touch me, Jac. It’s been so long.”
“How long?” Jac asked as her hand trailed down Molly’s chest, across her stomach, and to the triangle of hair between her legs.
“No one. Not since you.”
Jac gazed into her eyes, seeing the loneliness Molly had felt all these years. She recognised the look because she wore it too. Molly wasn’t the only one to have remained celibate. Jac had never even tried to date after breaking up with Molly. There would be no point. No one could ever make Jac feel the way Molly did. “For me too,” she replied as she slid her hand lower, her fingers touching the evidence of Molly’s need. Molly’s head slammed into the pillow as Jac’s fingers found her, calling Jac’s name.
For long blissful minutes, Jac pleasured Molly, putting all of the love she had for her behind each thrust. All too soon she felt her walls spasm, her climax trapping Jac inside. Jac kissed her hard as she rode out the orgasm.
“I love you, Jac.”
Molly’s voice sounded strained. When Jac pulled back and looked at her, she was alarmed to see her crying. She withdrew her hand and wrapped her up in her arms. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”
“I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’m never leaving you again.” They remained that way for a few minutes, Jac holding Molly, until Molly’s hand began its own journey over Jac’s skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake. “Molly.” Jac groaned.
“I’m not as flexible as I once was, not with the cast. We’ll have to improvise.”
Molly guided Jac up so she was kneeling over her head. Jac braced her hands onto the headboard then lower herself to Molly’s waiting mouth. The first swipe of her tongue threatened to send Jac over the edge. She tried to rise up to give herself a moment to control herself, but Molly gripped her hips tighter, forcing her back down. She strained to hang onto her orgasm, but she couldn’t. It had been five long years since Molly had touched her this way, and just the knowledge of that sent her insides tightening, let alone the pleasure of Molly’s lips and tongue that were tormenting her in the most sensual way. The climax hit her so hard she cried out, calling Molly’s name.
Molly released her, allowing Jac to lie down next to her. She kissed Molly, tasting herself on her lips. “That was awesome.”
Molly grinned. “Yeah, awesome. Let’s do it again.”
Jac laughed and rolled on top of Molly, banging her knee on her cast as she did so. Molly might not be able to be as adventurous as she usually was in bed due to the offending item, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t be creative. It was going to be a fun and long afternoon reconnecting this final piece of their love for each other.
Chapter Twenty-three
“Are you sure your leg is okay?” Jac asked Molly as they neared the top of a hill overlooking the city below. Molly’s cast was removed a month ago, and although Molly had made great strides in her physiotherapy and her legs had healed fine, sometimes they would ache, especially in the cold weather. Jac didn’t want her to overdo it. She may have been hovering a bit too much, but she didn’t want her to hurt herself again.
Molly threaded her arm through Jac’s. “It’s fine. A little stiff, but nothing a warm bath won’t fix.” She grinned. “I might even be tempted to let you join me in there.”
Jac laughed then kissed her cheek. “That would be great.” The last few weeks had been amazing, reconnecting with Molly in every way. Molly would spend each morning in her new butterfly garden and then they would spend the rest of the day together. It had been fun, but it was time to talk about their future. Not their future together, that was already sorted. They would be having a small ceremony with Jac’s mother, and Tiffany and Craig next month. No, Jac wanted to talk about her career. She had been off work now for six months, and although she still had savings, she was itching to get back into law. It was the only thing that completed her soul. Molly was one half, her job the other.
They crested the hill and Jac pulled them to a stop. She spread out the blanket she was carrying and helped lower Molly on to it. Jac settled behind her, pulling Molly’s back against her chest. She wound her arms around her waist and placed her chin on her shoulder.
“This is nice, Jac. Thank you for suggesting it.”
“No problem.” She kissed her temple. “There’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.” Molly stiffened in her arms. She held her tighter and kissed her again. “It’s nothing to worry about. I just wanted to talk to you about my career.”
“You’re not thinking of going back to Billings & Lloyd, are you?”
“No. Never.” Just thinking of her old employer brought bile to her throat. Ralph had kept his word and had allowed Jac to leave the company without further recourse. She had travelled back to London to collect her things from storage and arrange to have her Triumph delivered to the house. She would never work for a company like Billings & Lloyd again. She wanted to use her skills for something more meaningful.
She stared off over the fields and toward the tall buildings in the distance. “I was thinking of opening my own practice. After what happened with Dillon and all the other businesses and homes I helped take, I want to do something that gives back to the community. I still want to do contract law, but in a way that helps people. Say, if a business needs legal advice before signing anything they can come to me and I’ll help check their contracts.”
“That’s wonderful, Jac.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to do it for corporate businesses. I want to help the small owners who maybe can’t afford to pay an expensive lawyer. My fees would be based on what people could reasonably afford, not a standard rate.”
Molly twisted in her arms so she could look at Jac. “It’s nice you want to give back to people, but you do know you have nothing to atone for?”
Jac glanced away and thought about all the lives she had ruined, all in the name of money. She may have been doing her job but that didn’t take the guilt away. Molly might no longer blame her for Dillon’s death, but that didn’t mean Jac didn’t bear some responsibility. Because of her firm’s actions, a man had gone down the self-destruct route. How many others had gone the same way? How many people became homeless or lost their life savings? Molly might think she had nothing to atone for, but Jac felt as if she did. It wouldn’t matter how many people she helped now, she would always feel guilty and ashamed for the people she had hurt. She glanced back at Molly.
“That’s sweet of you to say, and it’s not really about that. I want to make you proud. I want you to love all of me.”
Molly’s eyes teared and she cupped Jac’s cheeks with her glove-covered hands. “My sweet Jac. I’m already proud of you. I love you.” She leaned in and kissed her. “I know what a wonderful person you are, and if this is what you want to do, then I support you one hundred percent.”
“Thank you.” Jac smiled and settled Molly back against her chest. “You know, I might have an opening for an assistant if you’re interested.”
“Yeah? What would that entail?”
“Well, lots of paperwork for sure, but also some really great benefits.”
“Like what?”
Butterfly Kisses Page 15