by L. B. Reyes
As his expression turned tortured, I realized it did.
“Evie?” he whispered, kissing the back of my hand again. “Baby, I kind of need an answer. If you don’t want to, then—”
I blinked a couple of times, trying to see him past the tears. My fingers stopped him as I placed them over his soft lips, preventing him from saying something incredibly stupid.
“What makes you think I don’t?” I asked softly and with a smile.
He swallowed. “Is that a—”
I nodded. “It’s a yes.”
Nathan grinned. “What?”
“It’s a yes, Nathan. I will be your wife,” I replied, loudly this time.
I could hear the cheering in the background, but nothing else mattered as Nathan stood up and lifted me in his arms, kissing me with uncontainable happiness. I laughed, closing my eyes as he told me how much he loved me quietly, how much he cherished me, and how lucky he was to have me with him.
Once he set me down, Nathan took my hand in his and slid the ring on my finger, and though it was slightly big, I knew it was meant to be there. It was perfect. It had been Nana’s, and now, I would always carry a part of her with me.
“Thank Carter for that,” Nathan said, knowing exactly what I was thinking about. “I couldn’t figure out the perfect ring but…he knew.”
I pecked Nate’s lips quickly before turning to Carter and hugging him. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I’m so happy you’re here with us.”
“I’m happy to be here. It’s been a pleasure seeing you grow up, Evelyn. Besides, your grandmother would have wanted this.”
Deb then hugged me, already welcoming me into the family as if we had just gotten married. It was obvious that to her I was already part of the family.
And I was.
This was the family I’d always wanted.
***
We barely made it past the door of our little home before Nathan crashed his lips onto mine, blindly locking behind us before he cornered me against the wall, his tongue parting my lips with no argument from me.
There was no denying him.
The hunger he had for me took over as he nipped at my lips, his hands roaming my body like they hadn’t for several days. I threw my head back as he placed open-mouthed kisses down my jaw and neck, devouring me like I was the only meal that could satiate him.
“Mmm, yes,” I moaned when his hand lowered to the shorts I wore.
Unexpectedly, Nathan lifted me up, his lips never leaving my skin as he carried me over towards our bedroom. He bypassed our bed, stumbling as he sat me down in the shower.
Good.
Kill two birds with one stone.
He wasted no time. Possessively, his lustful eyes followed my movements as I rid myself of my clothing, taking me in at my most vulnerable. Usually I would still get shy in front of him, except it had been too long.
I raised the t-shirt he wore, and he pulled it above his head in seconds, gripping my hips and turning me around, my hands landing against the cold tile as a sharp hiss left my lips.
The soft brush of his fingers as he lowered my panties made shivers erupt throughout my body, my legs parting instinctively as I felt him teasing me, giving me a taste of what I wanted but never giving it to me.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, kissing the nape of my neck, his tongue playing with my earlobe.
I barely registered the warm water falling on us already, his hand making me lose focus as it dipped between my legs. His finger slowly entered me while I bit down on my lip to keep me from crying out.
My body felt on fire.
He’d ignited it and was now refusing to put it out.
“Nathan, please just—”
I didn’t get a chance to say anything else. His fingers left me, and he thrust deep into me, my hands sliding down the tile wall as I gripped to anything to keep me from losing stability. He groaned behind me as he felt me clenching him, tightening around him after such a long time without him inside.
“I’m afraid I can’t be gentle now,” he rasped, slamming back into me, unable to help himself.
I moaned, letting him do with me as he pleased. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t gentle; I didn’t want gentle, not in that moment. I needed him in a fierce way, more than I could ever understand. I pushed back against him as he grasped my hips, meeting his desperate thrusts.
I can definitely do this for the rest of my life.
***
We laid in bed, wrapped in nothing but each other and the sheets. Nathan had his head over my belly as I held my hand up, admiring the ring on my finger. I grinned like an idiot, sure that Nathan couldn’t see me until he spoke up.
“Don’t your cheeks hurt? It looks like you’ve frozen,” he mumbled. He was tired; I could tell by the tone of his voice. I ran my fingers through his brown locks, messy from all the intense, post-engagement sex we were having. The shower had been of little use, considering we were now slightly sweaty. He didn’t seem to care, though, as he relaxed and placed a chaste kiss on my belly.
“I can’t help it, Maxwell. You make me a very happy woman,” I replied.
He raised his gaze, gray eyes meeting my own with a smile. “I’m a lucky man, Evie. I must have done something right in another life to deserve a woman like you.”
I hummed, my heart fluttering with the way he smiled up at me. How had we been so crazy to allow ourselves to be nearly torn apart over something so stupid?
We’d both been stubborn, to the point of questioning a relationship that flourished so easily. We’d always been meant to be.
“You’ve done many things right in this life, too,” I whispered. “You were there for me when there was no one else. You’ve talked sense to me. Been there for your parents…loved Nana and Carter.” I swallowed, realizing the truth behind my words.
My family had neglected Nana, the foundation of the family, and sadly she’d left this Earth knowing that. At least she knew that Nathan and I loved her. I’d give anything to share this moment with her, but having Carter there was redeeming. I could take care of him.
“Anne and Carter will always be important to us, Evie. They’re our family, always will be. Yes, Anne isn’t here anymore physically, but she’s watching over you. She’s here.” I was an open book to him; he always knew what to say.
I was going to be his wife.
“It’s a beautiful ring.” It was a single square-cut stone with many smaller ones surrounding it. The engraving inside it made it more significant.
Simply gorgeous.
Nathan laughed softly, his head shaking as he recalled his adventure while searching for a ring. “I kept trying to find one, was never happy enough with the rings I saw. Jessica told me she knew someone who could design a ring, so I thought I could try it out, but something didn’t feel right.” He smiled, leaning his cheek on my belly once again. My fingers automatically searched out the muscles in his neck, massaging them to help drive out whatever tension he felt. “I told Carter, and he immediately offered up the ring, said your nana would have loved for you to have it. I knew he was right, but I didn’t want to take it. It’s important to him. He insisted, though.”
“It’s beautiful.”
The baby moved.
“Someone else is awake.” I could hear the smile in his voice as he spoke to the baby now. Sweetly, he caressed my little bump, telling the baby all about our day. All the while, I listened to him speak, memorizing this, for I knew these were the moments I’d want to remember forever.
“I hope you have your mommy’s eyes,” he said.
I tsked at him, getting his attention. “Are you kidding me?” I asked. “Baby needs to have your gray eyes. Do you know how rare they are?”
Nathan grinned, a teasing glint in those gray orbs that always drove me crazy.
He knew it too.
“What?” I raised an eyebrow, trying to appear threatening. Instead of helping, however, Nathan’s lips stayed tilted up into a smirk.
>
He placed one more kiss on my belly and then kissed his way up my body, making me giggle. I laid back, my head on the pillow, as he caged me in with his hands on either side of my head. Leaning his forehead against mine, Nathan sighed, his stare boring right through my soul.
“I’m very sorry for hurting you.” For a moment, he seemed torn, unsure of what to say. “I wish I could promise it won’t happen again but—”
“But you can’t,” I stopped him. I knew he was right. We were only human; we would both make mistakes in the course of our lives as we continued to grow and mature.
That was a point in a relationship, right?
Grow up together.
Grow closer together.
Grow stronger.
“Let’s not allow anyone else to get between us, please.” He nodded, smiling the sweetest smile. “I’ll always only want you, Nate. You’re the one for me.”
His gaze dropped to my lips, soon shifting back up to my eyes. It was as if words were no longer enough for him in that moment, and he opted to capture my lips in a kiss. I sighed, giving into him without hesitation.
It was an I’m sorry for the things that happened just a few days ago. It was him telling me how lucky he felt to have me by his side. An I love you…
I gave him just as much.
His eyes stayed fixed on mine the whole time as he pushed into me, both of us moaning softly. This was home, him inside me, both of us connected in the most intimate way possible. I couldn’t imagine myself feeling this way with any other man, and the way he looked at me, I knew he couldn’t see another woman this way either.
Earlier it was desperate, but now, this was my gentle and loving Nathan, making sweet love to me, to my heart.
We were one.
We’d always be one.
Chapter 30
Evelyn
Nathan stared at me, his expression unreadable. Should I have told him this after just recently fixing things between us? Maybe not. But I couldn’t help it. I didn’t want to lie to him, and I didn’t want to hide things from him, either. Being honest was the only choice I had.
I straddled him on the sofa, and when his hand landed on my hips, his thumbs gently drawing circles under the tank top I wore, I relaxed. He wasn’t angry.
“And you really want to do this?” He brushed a lose strand of hair from my face, his hand cupping my cheek afterwards.
“I know you don’t like him, but I do want to tell him. He’ll be happy for us, really. Plus, it’s an opportunity to get rid of the bad blood between you two.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Nate muttered.
He sighed, wanting to say something but refraining himself. I’d taken a risk, but I really wanted to tell Derek about the engagement, both because I considered him a friend despite knowing him for such a short time, and because that way, Nathan would see that I truly didn’t have feelings for him.
And I didn’t.
“I guess you can tell him, Evie.”
I squealed, wrapping my arms around him and kissing his neck. “Thank you, thank you. You’ll see, he’ll be happy for us.”
Nathan studied me for a moment, pecking my lips briefly before pulling back and saying something I never thought he would say. “Invite him over.”
I touched his forehead, frowning. “Are you sick? Are you not feeling well? Because I am sure you did not just say that.”
“Stop.” He chuckled, capturing my wrist in his hand. “Invite him over. I want to thank him for taking you to the gallery that day when…you know…”
“The day you were a dick?” I grinned, teasing him.
Nate narrowed his eyes in warning. “Yes, the day I was a dick.”
I bit my lip, amused. This was exactly why I loved him so much. Maybe I was a bit prouder, but Nathan—when he messed up, he had no trouble admitting it. He’d apologize, and the apology would be sincere; there was nothing hypocritical about him.
“Besides…I have a confession to make.”
Oh no.
When a man says they have a confession to make, it’s never good.
I took a deep breath. “What is it?”
“Remember that bar fight?” He grimaced.
Did he seem afraid?
I nodded slowly, not understanding what the bar fight had to do with any of this. He was angry, so he drank and got in a bar fight. Big deal; that’s the typical male thing to do, nothing surprising there.
“Well, the fight wasn’t really a bar fight. It was more of a ‘I’m pissed, and Derek is here’ fight.”
“It was with Derek?” I shrieked, jumping off his lap. He scratched the back of his head.
“Kind of.”
“Yes or no, Nathan?”
“Yes.”
I groaned. “Are you kidding me? Why?”
“I was pissed.” He shrugged. “So I guess it can be a thank you/apology dinner.”
I rolled my eyes. “Is he okay?”
Nathan seemed offended. “I’m your fiancé, and you’re asking about him?”
I raised my eyebrows. “I know you know how to fight. I don’t know about Derek. So is he okay?”
“I mean…I guess he has a broken nose.”
Was he smiling?
I shot him a hateful look, crossing my arms over my chest, far too pissed to waste any more time arguing with him. He seemed to be having the time of his life.
“I don’t see anything amusing about this,” I hissed.
He stood, placing his hands on my hips, the smirk never leaving his lips. All the while my anger was soon forcing tears to my eyes, tears that I was desperately trying to blink away. I averted my gaze, but he didn’t let me, his grip soon on my chin.
“Are you crying?” he asked.
“No.” I shook my head, biting my lip as a tear ran down my cheek. Nathan smiled, running his thumb tenderly over my cheek.
“Hormones?” he asked me softly, all amusement gone. As much as he liked teasing me, Nathan despised seeing me cry.
I shrugged, leaning into his hand. “I don’t want you to fight. I hate the thought of you getting hurt.”
“But I didn’t get hurt.” His gray eyes pierced through me. “Is this about him? That the fight was with him?”
Again, I shrugged.
“Text him,” he murmured. “I do want to apologize to him. I was an ass to you, to him, and he didn’t deserve it. But I also want to have an honest conversation with Derek, see what he has to say.”
“Really?” I asked in slight disbelief. “You’d do that for me?”
“I’d do anything for you.” The words rolled off his tongue with no hesitation. It was true, he’d always done so much for me, never giving anything a second thought. He loved me completely and without reservations.
I pressed my lips to his firmly, hoping he felt every bit of the love I had for him. He smiled against my mouth but didn’t break the kiss as he carried me back to the bedroom.
***
Me: Hey Derek :) It’s Evie…Guess who wants us all to meet up? Nathan!!! :D
Let me know what time works for you, I have some other news I want to share.
See you soon!
I set my phone on my lap, eagerly waiting for Derek’s reply. For some reason, letting him know about my engagement with Nathan made me feel very excited. I knew in my heart Derek would be happy for me; I had never denied my relationship with Nathan, and his behavior the last time I saw him made it more than clear he wanted a sincere friendship with me.
I always did admire someone who could own up to their mistakes. The fact he’d told me he had bad intentions won my trust over. My instinct told me Derek was a good man, a bit misunderstood, but good nonetheless.
“Has he replied?” Nathan asked, taking my hand in his as he drove.
“No, he hasn’t. He will, though.”
I saw the doubt plastered all over Nate’s face. Whatever argument they’d had, it was obvious that he didn’t believe that Derek would meet with us.
> When we arrived at the gallery, Nathan practically rushed inside, calling Jessica and Thomas over. I laughed, already knowing what he was going to do.
Once in the office, Nathan wrapped his arm around my waist and held my hand up so they could see. Thomas’ eyes widened, and a wide smile spread across his face. Jessica, on the other hand, seemed surprised and…disappointed.
“She said yes,” Nathan said proudly. “Evelyn has accepted to be my wife.”
My former professor grinned, congratulating both Nathan and me with a warm hug. He was sincere, genuinely happy for us. Jessica was smiling…but it didn’t meet her eyes.
She had heartbroken written all over her face.
“I had no clue you were going to propose already,” Lanthorn said.
“Neither did I,” Nathan said, smiling down at me. “But it was time. It’s been time for a while, I think.”
“It’s a surprise for everyone. Congratulations to both of you,” Jessica chimed in. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I’ve got to get back to work, but really…congratulations.”
She then embraced Nathan quickly, too quickly to be considered a hug. It was as if the contact stung.
She had feelings for him.
More than she was willing to admit.
***
I waited in the office for Nathan to come back with our food. I was starving…well, not quite. But I was truly hungry. I closed my eyes, rolling around in the chair, which I found much too entertaining.
“You are like a child.” I stopped, turning my attention to the woman that stood at the door. Jessica smiled, shaking her head.
“A bit,” I replied. “Did you need something?”
“Just getting paperwork for a purchase.”
I nodded, hesitating before asking the following question. “Have you talked to Derek?”
Jessica’s brows pulled together. “Not since that day that we saw him at the bar. Why?”
