Save Me

by Alexander, AJ

  ADAM

  I’ve been trying to find the right time to finish telling Isabel everything about my past, but the time never seemed right. Now that my mother is here, everything is as perfect as it will ever be.

  After finishing lunch, we both give Sophie a kiss and head out. “Do you plan on telling me where we are going?” Isabel really does hate surprises.

  “We aren’t going far.” I don’t want to give her too much information, she will know soon enough. I wanted to take her some place special, but honestly, all of our fondest memories together are in our home. I decided on the next best thing, the park. The three of us have the best time there playing, having picnics, and flying kites when the weather allows. Hopefully we can replace the bad memories I’m about to share with some more good ones.

  “We’re going to the park? Why couldn’t we bring Sophie here?” Isabel turns toward me as the truck comes to a stop.

  “The park is as good a place as any.” I shut off the truck and open the door. I jog around to the passenger side and open Isabel’s door “Come on, I’ve been wanting to have a go on these swings.” She gives me a skeptical look, but takes my hand and follows me toward the swings.

  We both take seats and slowly sway back and forth, looking out into the distance. The sun is setting, causing the sky to turn a beautiful shade of peach “My parents never brought me to the park, that’s why I always want to bring Sophie here every chance I get,” I begin. “My mother would try to do nice things for me. Buy me special cereal, take me to the park, and she even tried to take me to see Santa in the mall on Christmas. However, my father never thought I needed any of those things. He just beat her harder every time she tried, but she kept trying.”

  Isabel gets up off her swing, and kneels before me. I can’t look her in the eyes. “I’m so ashamed of all the pain I’ve put my mother through all these years. I was too small to protect her, and then when I was old enough, I was too afraid.”

  “What your father did, to both of you, wasn’t your fault.” Isabel places her hand gently on my cheek, turning my face toward hers. “She doesn’t blame you, for any of it. She loves you more than anything in this world.”

  I get down off the swing and kneel down before her. “Do you?” Isabel opens her mouth to respond, but I place a finger on her lips. “Before you answer let me finish. I have wanted nothing more than to protect people from harm for my entire life. I thought it was my penance for letting horrible things happen to my own mother. I worked myself to death and cut myself off from the world because of it. Until the day you walked into my office.

  I can’t deny the desire I felt to help you, but it was more than that. Isabel, you and Sophie have become my world. You’ve saved me, given me a reason to want more than just a job and an empty house.”

  I reach into my pocket and pull out the simple white gold and diamond band. Isabel gasps in surprise. “My mother gave me this ring and told me to give it to the woman I planned to spend the rest of my life with, I’m giving it to you. I don’t need anything else in my life other than you and Sophie. My only request is that you promise never to leave me. I would be lost without you, you are my light in the darkness.”

  I cup her cheek and place a chaste kiss on her lips, and wait patiently for her response. I extend my arm, my open palm, with the ring inside waiting for her to take it. She reaches out her small hand and takes the ring. “What if I’m never ready to get married or bear you more children? No matter how much you and Sophie love each other, she will never biologically be yours.”

  “Once you put that ring on, both of you belong to me. Marriage is the union of two people’s hearts, not a piece of paper. Of course I would like to have more children, but that is entirely up to you. Please put that ring on and make me the happiest man in the universe.”

  I know I’m begging at this point, but I don’t care. I’ve finally found my purpose in life, to love and protect Isabel and Sophie, and I’ll be damned if I let them get away from me over something as silly as marriage. Isabel slowly slips the ring on her finger.

  Epilogue

  ADAM

  People say when you have kids, time flies and you’re looking back wondering what happened. Today, Sophie starts kindergarten. It wasn’t that long ago I moved a woman I barely knew with her little girl into my house, promising them sanctuary. Sophie isn’t of my blood, but she’s my daughter. I’ve watched her grow, taught her anatomy and how to use a microscope. She’s so smart and curious about the world around her. She goes exploring in the yard, finding different types of plants and bugs, and takes her Barbie’s on wild adventures.

  With her matching Trolls backpack and lunchbox, all packed, her shiny black dress shoes and a twirly dress, she’s all ready to go. Her curly hair is in pigtails swinging around her shoulders, making her seem older yet younger at the same time. I’m not ready for this.

  She’s so excited, her little body is practically vibrating.

  “Alright, Soph. You ready?”

  “Yes!”

  Isabel comes out of the kitchen, wiping a tear from her eye and pasting a smile on her beautiful face. Reaching for her, I pull her into me for a hug and kiss her hair.

  “She’s going to be fine.”

  She pulls back to place a soft kiss on my lips and smiles up at me. Her eyes are bright with unshed tears, but it doesn’t detract from how beautiful she is.

  “Alright, time to go. Get in the truck.” Ushering everyone out of the house, Sophie takes off, running full speed to the truck. Jogging after her, I catch her and she squeals as I lift her over my head to zoom around the truck.

  “Get ready for a rough landing!” Isabel opens the truck door, so I can set Sophie into her seat and tickle her. Sophie shrieks and squirms to get away. Leaning in, I drop a kiss on her forehead and hand her the seatbelt so she can get buckled in.

  Making our way to the school, Isabel asks Sophie questions about what she expects from her first day.

  The closer to the school we get, the more nervous I become. What if there’s a bully? What if she falls on the playground and gets hurt? What if she doesn’t make any friends? What if there’s a mean little boy who puts glue in her hair?

  My thoughts are quickly dragging me down the rabbit hole, increasing my anxiety over leaving my baby girl at the school. My jaw aches from clenching it when I feel Isabel’s hand on my thigh. “Relax. She’s going to be fine.”

  Forcing myself to take a deep breath, I clear the crazy thoughts swirling in my head and smile at Isabel.

  ISABEL

  Seeing Adam getting worked up over Sophie’s first day of school somehow calms me. Logically, I know I don’t need to worry, he’s doing enough worrying for the both of us. She’s a smart, sweet, funny girl, and I know she’ll be just fine.

  Climbing out of the truck, the three of us hold hands as we make our way to Sophie’s classroom. Since we had a meet and greet with her teacher last week, we know where to go and what to expect when we get there. Mrs. McKinley is a beautiful young woman with a soft smile and a kind nature. I have faith that she’ll take care of my baby.

  The classroom is a mess of people, parent’s, new students, and younger siblings milling about everywhere. Mother’s have tears in their eyes, and siblings are crying, not wanting to leave — it’s a busy place.

  “Okay, Soph, let’s hang up your jacket and backpack.” Taking in the chaos around her, Adam helps her remove her things and helps her get them hung up on her hook. With her hand in mine, we walk the room and find her desk, where a shy little girl sits next to her but doesn’t say anything. Kneeling to be the same height, I introduce Sophie to her.

  “Hi, this is Sophie. What’s your name?” I smile at her.

  “Maria,” she answers in a soft voice.

  Sophie looks at her for a moment then nods her head. “You’re going to be my friend, ‘kay?”

  Maria smiles and nods, then both girls turn to the playdough on the desk and start playing.

  “Okay
Sophie, me and Daddy are going to go, okay?”

  “Okay Mommy!” She gives both of us a quick hug and hurries back to playing with her friend. Adam obviously wants to stay and fuss, but I intertwine our fingers and pull him out of the classroom.

  “Wait, I didn’t give her a kiss. I have to give her a kiss.” Adam pulls his hand from mine and turns back to the door. Moving quickly, I grab his arm and stop him.

  “Adam, she’s fine. She’s playing with a new friend, let her be.” It’s hard not to laugh at him, I didn’t expect this reaction from him. In all honesty, I expected to be the crazy one. I wrap my arms around his waist and lay my cheek against his chest, listening to his pounding heart.

  He lets out a deep sigh and hugs me back, his chin resting on my head.

  Lifting onto my tiptoes, I whisper in his ear. “Why don’t you take me home and see if I can distract you for a while?”

  Adam’s eyes meet mine, full of heat and promise. “Deal.”

  Lifting me over his shoulder in a fireman hold, I squeal as he jogs to the truck and lays a playful slap on my butt. “I’ve got you all to myself for the next six hours…”

  Heat courses through me and pools in my belly, I’ve created a monster.

  * * *

  Back at the house, we exit the truck and Adam grabs my hand to pull me into the house. As soon as the door is closed, my back is against it and he is ravishing my mouth. Lust hums through my veins and arousal pools low in my belly. Adams hands cup my butt and lifts, my legs wrapping around his hips and I grind against the bulge in his pants.

  My head drops back against the door when my grinding hits just the right spot, a moan ripping from my throat. Adam’s mouth takes advantage of my exposed neck, kissing and nipping at my skin.

  “I want to have another baby,” the words pass my lips on a moan.

  “Marry me and you can have all the babies you want.” Adam doesn’t miss a beat, doesn’t hesitate, just keeps tasting my flesh.

  “Yes,” I whisper, on the verge of an orgasm. Adam freezes and pulls back, looking confused. “Please don’t stop,” I whimper, afraid of losing the edge.

  “Did you just say you’ll marry me?” Looking up at him, his eyes are drilling into me. He wants an answer right now.

  Cupping his cheeks in my hands, I smile at him. “Yes, I will marry you and I don’t care if its big or small, tomorrow or next year. I want to be Mrs. Adam Patterson and the mother of your children.”

  His forehead lowers to lay against mine. “You already are the mother of my child. Sophie is my daughter.”

  A happy tear drops down my cheek that he brushes away with his thumb. “If you want more babies, I will happily give them to you, but I am happy with the family we have.”

  “I want more babies. I want a house full of babies.” Adam lifts me from the door and head toward our bedroom. “I had my IUD removed.”

  He stops and looks at me with a smirk. “You’re going to be the death of me, but I’ll die a happy man.”

  I laugh when he drops me on the bed and pulls my leggings and underwear down my legs. He pulls his shirt off and drops it on the floor, before getting his own pants off. I sit up and pull my shirt and bra off, in a hurry to feel his skin against mine.

  Kneeling on the bed, he comes over me, lining himself up and pushing in. My back arches off the mattress and my hands fist in the sheets. A grunt comes from Adam as he sets a fast pace; moving my legs around until he gets the perfect angle to hit all the might spots and have stars dancing behind my eyes.

  “Yes, please…” I whine, the intimacy and completeness I feel when we’re together like this is beyond anything I ever dreamed of. I didn’t know I craved it until I experienced it firsthand. We’ve made this one of our priorities in our relationship, to keep us strong and connected.

  My body tightens, every muscle tight as a bow string, ready to snap. “Yes, baby, give it to me.” Adam’s voice and his thumb rubbing the tight bundle of nerves pushes me over the edge. Every time it’s like I burst into a million pieces only to be put back together by him.

  My body goes slack, and he drops down on top of me breathing hard; his head between my breasts. Wrapping my arms around him, I play with the damp strands of his hair. “I love you.”

  “I love you too. When I can walk again, I have something for you.” He kisses the side of my breast and I laugh.

  We lay this way for a while, just soaking up the love that we share for each other. Adam lifts his head and scoots up to kiss my lips. “I’ll be right back, don’t move.”

  Climbing off the bed, I watch his sexy butt go into the closet, hear a drawer open and close, then he’s coming back to me holding a small velvet bag. Sitting up, I move the edge of the bed and wait. Adam drops to one knee and opens the bag before looking up at me and takes my left hand.

  “Isabel, you make my life complete. You and Sophie are my entire world, and nothing will ever change that. You showed me there is life outside of the hospital and that with the love of a good woman, anything is possible. You and Sophie saved me from a lonely life.

  “This ring was my grandmothers. She had one of those relationships with my grandfather that are written about in books. She was always smiling, they held hands, he opened doors and pulled out chairs for her. This ring went through the Great Depression, raising kids, and job changes. The good times and bad.

  “Before she passed, she told me that I was to save it for the woman that stole my heart. She told me I would know who she was when just hearing her name gave me butterflies and seeing her made everyone in the room disappear. You are that woman. Will you marry me?”

  Tears are streaming down my cheeks; my heart is pounding in my throat. I’m unable to speak but I nod yes. He slips the ring on my finger and stands with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen and kisses me. My knight in scrubs that saved us is finally mine forever.

  ADAM

  Isabel has been in labor all night. I’m exhausted, as is she, but she’s a trooper. We’re still at home, she wants to do delivery here instead of at a hospital. I would rather have all the instruments that monitor the baby but since she didn’t have any complications with Sophie, and this pregnancy has been easy, I’m okay with it.

  Right now, Isabel is in our big whirlpool tub. The contractions are getting longer and closer together, her moans getting lower, all signs that we’re getting close to having a baby.

  Picking up her glass of water, I offer her the straw when her contraction ends. “Take a drink baby, you need to stay hydrated.”

  Her arms are on the edge closet to me, kneeling in the tub. I rub her back, kiss her forehead and offer words of encouragement.

  “Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh…” she moans when another contraction hits her. Her forehead is sweaty from working so hard. It hurts to see her in so much pain but I know she can handle it, she’s an amazing woman. “I need to push.” She’s starting to thrash around as the pain gets to an all time high.

  “Okay, on the next contraction, take a deep breath and hold it, bare down for ten seconds.” I’ve done this so many times with patients but it’s so different when it’s my wife and my baby.

  “AAAAAHHHHH.” She yells, rocking back and forth.

  “Hold it. One two three four five six seven eight nine ten. Good Job, release, take another deep breath and go again. One two three four five six seven eight nine ten and relax.”

  She takes a few deep breaths and the next contraction hits her. “One two three four five six seven eight nine ten. Good, again. One two three four five six seven eight nine ten and relax. Good job Isabel, you’re doing amazing.”

  “It hurts!” she yells, tears filling her eyes.

  “I know it does, but you’re almost there.” Reaching down to check, I can feel the head. “You’re so close baby,” I take her hand and have her feel. “That’s the baby’s head, just a few more pushes and you’re done.”

  She looks at me in awe. Another contraction starts and she takes a deep breath.

&n
bsp; “One two three four five six seven eight nine ten, the head is out. One more push!” My arms are in the water, catching the baby as she pushes. The next push and the baby is out, I lift it out of the water. “It’s a boy. You had a boy, Isabel.”

  He’s on her chest, skin-to-skin, tears dripping down her cheeks to land on her shoulders. “I’m so proud of you, baby. You did it and he’s perfect.” She turns to look and me and kiss her. I never thought I could love her more than I did, but in this moment, I love her like never before.

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