FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  “She hasn’t been on a boat yet and I’m a little scared how she’s going to react when we get ready to spread Denny’s ashes.”

  “She’s a lot stronger now than she was when you first met her. I’ve seen an incredible change in her. Give her some credit, she’ll be just fine. And if not, you’ll know how to help her.”

  I looked across the plane at my parents fussing over Brayden. “Look at them,” I said. “They are so happy to have Brayden around.”

  “I know.” Julia laughed. “Mom said she’s babysitting full time when I go back to work. I can’t wait to see Mason and Landon again.”

  “I know they’re excited. I talked to Mason about Jacob and he said if things work out with them moving to Cali then he’ll be more than happy to visit with him.”

  Amelia walked over and sat down with us. “You should see Jake and Jacob playing that game. They’re crazy good at it.” She laughed.

  I put my arm around her and kissed her head. “I love you, baby,” I said as worry consumed me the closer we got to California.

  * * *

  Mason and Landon had a car waiting for us at the airport. As soon as we stepped off the plane, Mason yelled, “Oh my God, give me that baby.”

  Julia handed Brayden over to him and the rest of us didn’t exist. “What about me, Uncle Mason. I was your baby, remember?” I said.

  “Pfft, Collin. You’re a man now. I’ll shower you and the princess when I’m done with this little prince.”

  Meanwhile, Landon hugged us all and I introduced him to Amelia, Diana and Jacob. We all got into the limo and drove to the house. The housekeeper, Louise, a short woman with short black hair, took care of the house when no one was staying there. I’d known her since I was little. We usually traveled to California three to four times a year to check on the art gallery and to visit friends. It was mostly when Julia and I were on break from school. The last time I was here was right before Hailey and I broke up.

  “My babies,” Louise said as we walked up the driveway.

  “Hi, Louise.” I smiled as I hugged her. “Who’s this? This isn’t Hailey?”

  “No, Louise. Hailey and I haven’t been together in almost a year. This is Amelia and she’s the love of my life.”

  Louise held her arms out to Amelia. “If you make him happy then welcome to the family.”

  “Thank you.” Amelia smiled.

  We went inside the house and I started to take our bags up to our room.

  “Ahem,” Julia said.

  “What?” I asked as I stopped on the stairs.

  “Are you two sharing a room?” She smiled. Because I do believe that when Jake and I went to Aspen with the family for Thanksgiving, Daddy wouldn’t allow us to share a room because we weren’t married.”

  “Really, Julia? Because I remember that you were only eighteen years old. Wait a minute. I seem to remember Jake sneaking into your room every night after Mom and Dad went to bed. So you did share a room.” I winked.

  “JULIA ROSE!” my dad said rather loudly.

  “I’m going to kill you, Collin,” she yelled as she chased me up the stairs.

  I heard my mom laugh. “That’s not funny, Ellery.”

  Julia tried to tackle me on the bed and then I heard Brayden crying. “Your baby is crying. Shouldn’t you go and see what’s wrong?” I smiled.

  “I’ll get you back, little brother. When you least expect it.” She smiled as she walked out of the room.

  I sat down on the bed trying to catch my breath and Amelia laid down on her back next to me.

  “You and Julia have such an awesome relationship. It reminds me of the relationship I had with my sister. God, do I miss her.”

  “I know you do, baby,” I said as I leaned over and kissed her. “Come on, let’s go downstairs and see what’s going on,” I said as I grabbed her hand and helped her up from the bed.

  She went into the kitchen with the other women and I stepped outside in the back. I looked straight ahead at the water and watched a boat go by. We were set to spread Denny’s ashes in a few days, and I had an idea that would possibly help Amelia feel more comfortable on the boat. I’d put my plan in motion tomorrow. Tonight, I just wanted to spend every minute I could with my girl and my family.

  * * *

  “Where are we going?” Amelia asked with a smile.

  “You’ll see,” I said as I drove down the road.

  I feared the reaction I was going to get when we arrived at our destination. I didn’t know what she’d do.

  “Why are we here at the marina?”

  “I want to show you something,” I replied.

  “The only thing here are boats.”

  I looked at her, and when she looked at me, I saw the fear in her eyes. Not only did I see fear, I swore I saw a touch of hate. I parked the car and when I opened the door to get out, Amelia said, “I’m not getting out of this car.”

  “Amelia, please, baby.”

  “NO! She spat as she folded her arms.

  “Fine. Then you can sit in the car. But I’m going.”

  I got out and shut the door behind me. I began walking towards the dock of the marina and I hoped she’d change her mind. She didn’t. I sat down on one of the docks that was close to the parking lot. Maybe this was a mistake, or maybe not. Even if it was her decision to never get on a boat again, decisions were made to be changed. I sat there for two hours and thought about Amelia and how maybe I was the one being unfair. What it came down to was that I needed to respect her choice. It was her choice not to get on a boat. I couldn’t force her to do something she was so against. Even though taking her in the water worked the first time, this was different. I took in a deep breath and began to get up when I heard a voice behind me.

  “What did you want to show me?”

  I stood up and stared at her before I took hold of her hand.

  “It’s over this way,” I spoke.

  I led her to the sailboat that I rented for the day and she stood on dock and stared at it.

  “You told me how much you once loved boats and how you felt at peace on the open water. I want to give that back to you, Amelia. I don’t want you to fear anything anymore.”

  She didn’t say a word, but her hand tightened around mine. We stepped up onto the boat and she immediately went and sat down gripping the sides as tight as she could. I stood there and watched as her legs began to shake.

  What the fuck did I do? What was I thinking?

  “I’m so sorry, baby,” I said as I kneeled down in front of her and place my hands on her knees. “I didn’t mean for this to be so hard on you. Let’s go. I’m taking you back to the house.” I held out my hand.

  She shook her head. “I made the decision to come out here and I’ll stay. I spent the last two hours thinking and I’m not turning back now. I can’t. I have to do this. You’re right, I can’t live my life in fear anymore. You’ve taught me to enjoy life again, and you’ve given me hope and security and love. The least I could do is try.”

  “Oh, babe,” I said as I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. “You’re an amazing woman but I don’t want you to make yourself sick over this.”

  “Do you know how to sail?” she asked.

  “Me? Of course I know how to sail. I’m the master at sailing”

  “Then undock this boat and let’s go. You need to do it now before I change my mind.”

  “Okay!” I said as I kissed her lips and got ready to set sail.

  I was having a hard time getting the boat to the appropriate speed.

  “Collin, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong, baby. Just relax.”

  “The wind is coming from the other side. You have to change the direction of the boat,” she said.

  “I’m trying, babe. Just hold on.”

  “Oh my God,” she huffed as she got up from her seat. “I thought you said you knew how to sail?”

  “I do.”

  “Move,” she said as I stepped o
ut of the way and she took over.

  Mission accomplished. I silently smiled.

  I stood behind and wrapped my arms around her as she sailed the boat out into the open ocean. The light wind swept across our face and the ocean air was as refreshing as ever.

  “It’s beautiful out here,” she said.

  “It sure is, baby. Are you okay?”

  “Not really, but I can do this.”

  “Just remember how it used to feel before the accident.”

  “I’m trying to. But it’s hard, you know?”

  “I know, and you’re doing great. Tiny steps, baby. Tiny steps.

  She turned her head and looked at me with a small smile. I leaned down and kissed her soft lips and we continued to sail for the next couple of hours. I never once let go of her. Whether I was holding onto her waist or just holding her hand, I wanted her to feel safe.

  We docked the boat and as soon as we stepped off, Amelia grabbed me and wrapped her arms around me as tightly as she could.

  “What’s wrong, baby?”

  “Thank you. That’s all,” she said.

  I closed my eyes as I kissed the top of her head. “I didn’t do anything. You were the one who made the choice.”

  “A choice I never would have made if you didn’t give me that little push.”

  I broke our embrace and kissed her lips. “I love you and I just want you to be a peace with your life.”

  “I am because of you.” She smiled.

  Chapter 32

  “Is everyone ready?” my dad asked.

  “We are.” Julia smiled as she held Brayden.

  Today was the day we were going to spread Denny’s ashes across the pacific. I held tightly onto Amelia’s hand as we stepped onto the yacht.

  “Are you okay?” I asked her.

  “She’s fine.” My dad smiled as he put his arm around her.

  “I’m fine.” She smiled at us.

  It was the perfect day. The sky was bright blue, and the sun was shining brightly. Up on deck was a spread of cheese, crackers, an assortment of fruit and bottles of wine and champagne.

  “Okay, everyone listen up,” my dad announced. “I want to thank everyone for being here today. This is exactly what Denny wanted, and even though, I wasn’t very pleased at first, I’m happy to do this. It has brought us all together and Denny was a huge part of this family. So I want everyone to eat, drink, and enjoy the ride. As soon as we get out far enough, we’ll spread his ashes over the waters as he wished.”

  My mom walked over and sat down next me as I watched Amelia stand next to Jacob and the two of them leaned against the rails and looked at the ocean water.

  “How did you do it?”

  “Do what?” I asked.

  “Get Amelia to overcome her fear of boats?”

  “I took her to the marina and prayed that she’d sail with me. It took a couple of hours for her to come around, but she finally did, and I helped her through it.”

  “She’s a wonderful girl, and I’m so happy you found her.” She smiled.

  “She found me, remember?”

  “Just like I found your father. I guess your bad behaviors had its rewards. You sure are your father’s son and I couldn’t be prouder of you. He told me about the Cystic Fibrosis charity you want the company to start running. I think it’s a wonderful idea and what you’ve already done for Diana and Jacob is really heartwarming. You’re an amazing man, Collin, and you’re my sweet boy.” She smiled as she brought her hand up to my cheek with tears in her eyes.

  “Mom, stop.”

  “I can’t help it. You and Julia have made me and your father so proud.”

  I put my arm around her and kissed her cheek. “That’s because we have the best mom and dad in the world.”

  My dad announced that it was time to scatter the ashes and for everyone to gather round. He first made sure we all had drinks in our hands. Amelia walked over to me and put her arm around my waist. We all stood and watched as my dad took the lid off the urn and let Denny’s ashes go.

  “Goodbye my friend. May you be at peace and have an eternity filled with happiness.”

  “To Denny,” I said as I held up my glass.

  “To Denny,” everyone followed.

  Once the ashes were scattered and my dad dried his tears, he walked up to me and Julia and wrapped his arms around both of us. “I love you two very much.”

  “We love you too, Dad,” Julia and I both said at the same time.

  He patted us on the back and smiled. “Now, I’m going to go rescue my grandson from Mason.”

  * * *

  I stroked her hair as she lay in my arms, sound asleep. I watched her chest slowly move up and down with each breath. The fact that I still hadn’t told her about the beach house was haunting me. I couldn’t wait until the summer to tell her. I had to tell her as soon as we got back to New York. She opened her eyes and then closed them again as the corners of her mouth curved up. Her hand that had laid on my chest, moved down my torso and down the front of my underwear. She lightly took a hold of my erection and opened one eye while she smiled at me.

  “You’re so hard.” She smiled.

  “I always am when I’m with you.”

  “Well let’s put that hard-on to good use, shall we?” she asked as she climbed out from under my arms and got on top of me.

  “You’re my kind of girl.” I smiled as I took her breast in my mouth.

  “And you’re my kind of guy,” she said as she slowly placed my cock inside her.

  I thrust my hips as my teeth tugged on her erect nipple. She sat up, taking my entire length inside her as she let out a soft moan. Her hips moved back and forth as she rode me slowly. I threw my head back at the intense pleasure she was giving me. She was dripping wet and I could feel it running down my balls.

  “Baby, you feel so good.”

  “So do you,” she whispered as she continued move.

  I reached up and grasped her breasts with my hands, paying special attention to her hard nipples that my fingers liked to play with. Her hips started to move faster as I could feel her swelling around me.

  “Do it, baby. Come all over me.”

  “Collin. Collin. Oh my God,” she whispered as her body tightened and she released herself forcing me to spill inside her.

  “Ah,” I moaned, and I thrust my hips up and stayed buried deep inside her.

  She collapsed on top of me and buried her face into my neck.

  “Good morning.”

  “And what a good morning it is.” I smiled as I kissed her head.

  Suddenly there was a knock at the door.

  “Breakfast is ready you two,” my dad said.

  “Okay, Dad, we’ll be down in a minute.”

  Amelia rolled off me and started laughing.

  “What if he would have walked in and saw me laying on top of you?”

  “Then we would’ve given him a show.” I winked.

  “Collin that’s not funny.”

  “Yeah it is. Did I ever tell you about the time he walked in on Julia having sex for the first time?”

  “Oh my God! Are you serious?”

  “Dead serious. Ask her about it some time. I thought he was going to murder her. Come on, we better get dressed and get downstairs before someone comes up here and breaks the door down.”

  Louise made us an amazing breakfast as always. I took my plate and joined my mom, dad and Amelia outside on the patio. I looked down towards the beach and saw Jacob in the water with Mason.

  “Son, I want you to join me today when I talk to Diana. We’re also going to take her to the art gallery. There’s a house down the beach for sale. It’s smaller. They don’t need this big of a house for the two of them. I have the house on hold, and if Diana decides she wants to move here, then I’ll rent it out to her.

  “Okay, Dad. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

  “I spoke with her last night down on the beach and she told me how beautiful it was here and th
at she really liked it. So, we’ll see. I called Joel at the art gallery and told him our plan. He said he’s excited to meet Diana and he’ll help in any way he can. Your mother and I had dinner last night with Ian and Rory and they said they’d also keep an eye on her and Jacob if she decided to move here.”

  “Great. It sounds like you have everything covered.”

  My mom and dad both got up from their seats. “As soon as you’re finished eating, we’ll talk with her. Amelia can spend the day with your mom and Julia. They’re going shopping.

  “Oh, I love to shop.” She smiled.

  “They have the cutest little shops. I can’t wait to show you them and you don’t have to worry about bringing any money because our shopping trip is on Connor today. Isn’t it, sweetheart?” She smiled as she ran her hand down his cheek.

  “Yes, I guess it is. Feel free to buy whatever you like,” my dad said.

  They walked into the house and I leaned over and smiled at Amelia. “Make sure you buy a lot and if you see anything you think I’d like, buy it.”

  “Collin, stop that.” She giggled.

  “No, I’m serious, and trust me, my mom will make you buy something.”

  We finished our breakfast and took our plates inside. I gave Louise a kiss on the cheek and thanked her for the great breakfast. Amelia went upstairs to change into a sundress to go shopping, and I decided to go down to the beach to see Jacob and Mason. When I walked down, I saw a young girl talking to Jacob. I walked over to Mason who was standing a few feet away from them.

  “Hey, Mason, who’s that?”

  “I’m not sure. We were getting out of the water and she just came walking up.”

  “That’s cute. She’s a cute kid.”

  A few moments later, the girl left, and Jacob walked over to where Mason and I were standing.

  “Hey, bro. Who was that?” I asked.

  “Her name is Lexi and she lives in a house way down on the beach.”

  “Was she hitting on you?” I smiled.

  “Knock it off, Collin.” He smiled back.