All That Matters

by E. L. Todd

  All That Matters

  Book Forty-Six of the Forever and Ever Series

  E. L. Todd

  This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher or author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

  All That Matters

  E. L. Todd

  Copyright E. L. Todd 2015

  Smashwords Edition

  CHAPTER ONE

  Ryan

  Scarlet sat across from me in the booth at Mega Shake. Anytime we got lunch together, it was always Mega Shake or pizza. She never wanted sandwiches, Mediterranean, or anything else whatsoever.

  I needed to stop letting her choose.

  “So…” She finished half her burger then let it sit on the tray. Her ice tea was empty, and her fries were demolished. It was the first thing she devoured the moment we sat down. “Both of your kids are married. That’s got to be an incredible feeling.”

  I ate with my elbows on the table, being a slob like usual. “It is.”

  “For a second I thought Silke wasn’t going to come.” Her long brown hair was in loose curls like she curled it the night before but didn’t feel like doing anything to it today. I only noticed things like this because I lived with her, as a child and an adult. “I’m glad she did.”

  “I wasn’t sure if she would either, honestly.”

  “Arsen is a great guy.” Scarlet usually said that about everyone. Even when they weren’t that great she said they were. Her faith in people was sometimes misleading. “I know he had his hard times but I think he’s finally in a good place. It took me a long time to accept the fact that Sean didn’t care where I came from. I’ve been there.”

  “I think he is too. Even when he was struggling I understood it. It’s probably why I was so easy on him.” If he were anyone else, I’d beat the shit out of him and leave him behind a dumpster. But I knew he didn’t hurt Silke on purpose. It was just a side effect of his insecurities. I ran out on Janice before we got married. I wasn’t any better than he was.

  “Now you have Abby and another one on the way.” Her eyes always twinkled when she was happy. Right now, they were practically Christmas lights. Even though I was older, she was always looking after me. I used to take care of her, but now she acted as a mother hen to me.

  “It’s weird being a grandpa,” I said. “I love it and so does Janice but…I don’t feel old enough to be a grandpa…you know?”

  She nodded. “I do know.”

  “I’m not even fifty yet.” It seemed just like yesterday I was twenty-eight. “I still get carded every time I go out. Now I’m a grandfather. It’s weird.”

  “Very.”

  “Where did the time go?” I asked. “Like it was yesterday, I remember seeing Skye for the first time in the hospital. Just like it just happened a week ago, I remember getting married. I blinked my eyes, and when I reopened them I had two kids that are now adults, and now they have kids.”

  “It’s unbelievable,” she said. “But also amazing. I’m really enjoying this time of my life.”

  “It’s definitely a happy time. But sometimes I can’t believe it.”

  She nodded in agreement. “When Skye was two, she took a sip of Sean’s beer when we weren’t looking. When we turned back around, she had foam all over her lips. Then she had this adorable smile on her face like she knew she did something wrong. It’s hard to believe that same little girl now has a little one of her own.”

  “I know.” Slade and Silke were both adults, but they still looked like kids in my eyes. I felt the need to look after them even though it was clear they didn’t need me for anything.

  Scarlet patted my hand across the table. “These are happy times. Don’t think about all the years that have passed. Think about all the ones up ahead. We still got fifty years left to go.”

  A sarcastic laugh escaped my lips. “You would live that long.”

  “I’m strong as a horse.”

  “I hope I don’t live that long. That’s too damn old for me. I better get hit by a car or something.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Have you talked to Silke?”

  “No. I don’t want to bother her.” She was on her honeymoon and I wasn’t going to rain on her parade. Abby was staying with us for the time being, and it was nice having her in the house. She was the perfect grandchild. I had to admit, she was a much easier kid to manage than both of my own.

  “We’ll see them when they get back. We’ll have a party for them or something.”

  “That’d be nice. When’s Roland getting married?”

  “Not sure,” she said. “I don’t think either one of them have planned for anything.”

  “What about Clementine and Ward?” Weren’t they supposed to have something last weekend?

  Scarlet shrugged. “I guess they canceled it because of Silke and Arsen’s wedding.”

  Even though it wasn’t funny I laughed. “They’ve pushed back that wedding three times. It’s just not meant to be.”

  “I can tell Ward is getting irritated. At least that’s what Sean says.”

  “They should just go to city hall when he gets off work and get it over with.”

  Scarlet gave me that knowing look, like she was scolding me without actually saying anything. “You know they want everyone to be there. That’s the only way to do it.”

  “Well, that clearly hasn’t worked for them—the last three times.”

  “I’m sure it’ll happen this time.”

  I leaned over my food and ate a handful of fries. “How’s Sean?”

  “Good…”

  She must know about Keith. “Sean told you about that fiasco?”

  “He’s pretty upset about it.”

  “I would hate to be a celebrity,” I said. “I would be so bad at it.”

  “He hates it too. He’s worried the kids will think less of him now.”

  Sean was such a drama queen. Sometimes he reminded me of a woman. “Skye and Roland aren’t stupid. They know how things work. Whatever Sean says, they’ll believe him.”

  “You know how he is. He always jumps to the worst possible conclusion.”

  “I wonder where he gets it from…” The look I gave her was full of accusation.

  “Shut up.” She grabbed one of my fries and threw it at me. It bounced off my face and landed in the seat beside me.

  I grabbed it and brought it to my mouth.

  “Don’t you dare eat that,” she threatened. “That is so gross. Who knows who sat there last.”

  I shoved it into my mouth. “Whatever.”

  She cringed. “Poor Janice.”

  “She knows I’m gross. And she likes it.” I gave her a ridiculous wink.

  Scarlet rolled her eyes again, just the way she used to when we were little. “Anything new with Slade?”

  “Yeah, actually.” I decided to tell her because I told her everything. “Slade was approached by a producer for Capital Records. He was too scared to tell Trinity so he kept it to himself. But I had a long talk with him.”

  Scarlet’s jaw was practically on the surface of the table. “Are you serious?”

  “Dead serious.”

  “Why wouldn’t he want to tell Trinity?”

  That was a long story. “He’s stupid. Just leave it at that.”

  “Well, is he going to?”

  “It sounded like it. I haven’t had a chance to question him about it.”

  “You’re telling me, Slade could possibly get a record deal?”

  “That
’s what I heard.”

  “Ryan…that’s incredible.” Scarlet knew how talented Slade was. She’d been a good aunt to him, spending time with him when he was younger. She always got him thoughtful gifts for Christmas and his birthday. And even when I got frustrated with him, she always defended Slade and said he was a wonderful son, even if he was rough around the edges. She loved him as much as I did. “I knew he would make it. That kid is so good at everything he does.”

  “Well, nothing is set in stone so let’s not jump the gun.”

  “Could you imagine Slade being a rock star?” she asked. “He would be perfect at it.”

  “I know. But I’m not sure if that will happen because of Trinity and the baby. Slade is very devoted.”

  Scarlet understood that kind of commitment. Sean was the same way. “He’s a good husband. But I think he can have both if she’s supportive.”

  “Me too. And I’m sure she will be.”

  “Definitely,” Scarlet said. “Trinity is just as driven and ambitious as Slade is. She would want the best for him.”

  “I’ll probably have to have someone else run the shop. But I’m not sure who.”

  “What about Radio?”

  “I don’t know…I kind of hate him.”

  “You do not,” she said with a laugh. “He just gives you a hard time and you don’t like it.”

  “Exactly. I hate him.”

  “Why don’t you just peek your head in once in a while.”

  “No, I need someone to hold down the fort.”

  “Technically, the place is Slade’s, right? Let him figure it out.”

  “Yeah, I guess I could.”

  Scarlet eyed the menu, her gaze focused on the desserts.

  I knew what was coming.

  She grinned like a kid in a candy store. “Is it time for a mega shake, yet?”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Clementine

  Ward was mad.

  Like, really mad.

  Madder than I’ve ever seen him. That kind of mad.

  And I knew that because he didn’t say a word to me. He was absolutely silent, but in his silence he said so much. His hostility was palpable. It moved through the air with every step he took. His jaw was constantly clenched, and his eyes burned hotter than a grease fire.

  I knew when he was in the house even if I didn’t hear the door. His aggressive edge made his announcement. Ward placed his jacket on the coat rack like he did every day, and then he set his satchel on the table. He didn’t look at me or say anything.

  I looked down at Ward Jr. and shrugged.

  He stared back at me like he knew what I was saying.

  Ward came into the living room and gave me a kiss on the forehead that was void of any emotion. The only person spared from his rage was our son. He scooped him into his arms and pressed his forehead against his. Ward Jr. giggled. Ward returned him to the blanket then walked upstairs to take a shower. He didn’t ask about dinner or how my day was. Like a mute, he said nothing at all.

  ***

  “He needs to chill out.” Skye sat beside me on the living room floor.

  I went to her place that afternoon so our babies could play together. It was too cold to take them to the park or elsewhere, so we let them stare at each other in the warmth of the house. “I understand why he’s frustrated. But yeah, he’s ridiculous.”

  “He won’t even talk to you?”

  “No. But in his defense, I haven’t tried.”

  “That bad?” she asked.

  “I know he’s not mad at me, personally. But he’s so angry that I don’t even know what to say.”

  “What about Ward Jr.?” Skye grabbed Cedric’s foot and squeezed it.

  “He’s sweet to him, of course. But he’s the only person who escapes Ward’s wrath.

  “Lucky him,” Skye said sarcastically.

  “I thought if I gave him space it would go away.”

  “But that hasn’t worked…”

  “I wish he would just calm down,” I said. “I’m really happy for Silke and Arsen. That wedding was a long time coming, even if it was a spur of the moment type of thing. They were both so happy. How could I be upset about that?”

  “I know. Most people would be upset Arsen made that hasty decision the night before Clementine and Ward’s wedding, but none of us are like that.”

  “I know.”

  “Just give him more time. He’ll come around.”

  I’d been doing that for over a week. I watched Ward Jr. raise his hand toward Cedric’s face. He felt his nose and then his cheek, like he was exploring his cousin.

  “They are cute, huh?” Skye whispered.

  “So cute.”

  Skye sighed like she was lounging on a cloud.

  My wedding dress was hanging in the closet, and all the supplies for the wedding were still at the Preston Manor. The wedding never came to pass, but everything was on hold. It got me thinking. “What if I plan something?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What if I plan a surprise wedding for Ward?”

  “What?” she asked. “Why does it need to be a surprise?”

  “Because if I talk to him about it he’ll be annoying. He’s in such a bad mood he won’t talk to me about anything.”

  “You would plan everything and then just tell Ward to show up?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I have his sister’s number. I could call his family in London.”

  Skye stared at Cedric while she thought quietly. “And I could call him and say I have some kind of PIXEL emergency and ask him to meet me at the house. Is that where you would do it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I think we got ourselves a plan. When do you think his family can get here?”

  “I don’t know,” I said. “I’ll have to see. They were told not to come at the last minute, so hopefully they can come out on such short notice.”

  “Since it’s for Ward, I’m sure they can.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Silke

  The frost pressed against the windows, making a haze that blocked the view of the trees and mountains. Flames crackled and popped in the earth. Red sparks leapt into the air before they disintegrated from sight. The sheets kept our bodies warm. Mine fell down to my shoulder, and the air kissed my skin. I was neither tired nor energetic. I was in a tranquil state, balancing peace and happiness.

  Arsen lay on his side facing me. His eyes were glued to mine. When he blinked, his eyes would stay closed for a few seconds. But he always opened them again just to stare at me. Hours had passed this way, neither one of us saying anything.

  I was naked under the blankets and so was he. A tray of food was on the ground from the last time we got room service. We devoured everything before we returned to bed, neither one of us having any intention of leaving the bed or the room.

  My phone was on the nightstand but no one had called me or texted me, which I preferred. No one had contacted him either. We were alone and away from the rest of the world, just the two of us.

  As husband and wife.

  Arsen’s hand snaked across the bed then moved to my hip. He massaged the smooth skin, feeling the curve at my waist. His eyes had a sleepy look.

  We stayed in a cottage at a resort in Vermont. It wasn’t how I pictured my honeymoon, but it was fairly close and romantic as hell. I didn’t want to go out and go hiking or swimming anyway. Just laying in bed with Arsen was exactly what I wanted. We hadn’t left the room since we arrived, and room service was brought to us at our beck and call.

  The doubt that once plagued my heart had evaporated. Marriage didn’t fix all the problems of a relationship. But the fact he wanted to start over, have a clean slate, as husband and wife really hit me in the heart. It’s what I’d wanted since I fell in love with him. Maybe it was a hasty decision and there was no reason to believe he wouldn’t lose his way again, but it was a risk I was willing to make. And if this were all a mistake one day, I wouldn’t regret it.

  Ars
en pulled me closer to him as he maneuvered on top of me. Every day we spent our time this way. We would make love slowly, the sound of the roaring flames masking our moans, and then we would lay in each other’s arms and stare at one another.

  My knees locked in the crooks of his elbows and he slowly entered me, stretching me for the zillionth time. His head slid all the way through until it reached the beginning of my cervix. I couldn’t take all of him, but I could take most of him. Automatically, my hands cupped his face as a quiet sigh escaped my lips.

  Anytime I made a single noise, Arsen’s eyes shined a lighter shade. Aroused by the sound, his eyes dilated. I didn’t make a lot of sounds during sex, trying to remain quiet because I was used to Abby being in the next room. When I did, Arsen particularly liked it.

  He leaned over me and locked his eyes with mine. He took his time, moving inside me at a slow pace. Our lovemaking was slow and sensual, not aggressive like it sometimes was when we particularly wanted each other. The constant lovemaking was making me sore, but he was gentle enough that it didn’t bother me.

  When I felt the distant orgasm form in my core my nails dug into his shoulders. My nails were trim but they were prominent enough to make an impact. My toes immediately curled as it began.

  Then I fell into a deep heaven, my head rolling and my eyes closing. My body flushed with heat, the kind that was so hot you didn’t mind it. My quiet sighs turned into screams, and the pleasure rocked through me so hard that it left me winded.

  When I opened my eyes again Arsen was staring at me. His eyes were pitch black, aggressively aroused by my performance. “I have the sexiest wife in the world.”

  I liked it when he called me that. It wasn’t just the title that made me feel warm. It’s what it implied. I was his for the rest of my life, and he was mine. My hands moved down to his ass and I pulled him further into me, wanting to feel every drop of him when he released.

  Arsen released a quiet moan from the back of his throat. His thighs tightened with every thrust, and I loved the way the muscle felt in my hands. His breathing increased and the sweat formed on his forehead. Just before he released, he tensed.