Connor slowly leaned down while she meet him by standing on the tips of her toes. For the very first time they kissed each other on the lips. His kiss seared through every cell in her body, like molten lava in an unstoppable volcanic eruption. Need and want streaked through her like never before. Her toes started curling and her body went through rapture. Sarah reached around his head and entwined her fingers in his sandy blonde hair to deepen the experience. He returned the gesture by enfolding her in his massive arms around her lower back and drew her closer. They pressed into each other, almost melding together. Her first true kiss felt more amazing than she dared dream, nearly shattering the core of her whole existence. Her love and his were now in harmony.
Every part of her ached to be with him from her head all the way down to her toes and especially some parts that wanted him to take her right then and there.
With everything going on in their personal world Sarah heard an annoyed voice say “We are still in the room, young lady.” Jack spoiled the mood.
Untangling her hands from around his head, she turned around, remaining in Connor’s embrace. His arms were now crossed under her breast and his hands held her ribs gently while her back pressed to his abdomen. He looked down as she stared up at him in relieved happiness.
Sarah chanced a glance towards her mother several seconds later to see a joyful look in her golden eyes. She was sparkling with pride as her hand pressed over her heart, but she said nothing.
“Connor, will you be the mate of our precious daughter?” Jack started getting impatient as he repeated his question again.
Connor looked evenly at him. “I’m not going to answer you.”
Before Jack could react or say anything, Connor spun Sarah around to look at him, face to face. Getting down on both of his knees, Connor looked her in the eye with another one of his soul shattering gazes. “Sarah. Will you have me as your mate, lover and husband for all eternity? Even with the large deformity on my chest?”
Struck speechless at hearing those words, she couldn’t say a word, but she instead showed him the reply. Sarah tackled him to the floor and he landed on his back. She laid atop him and kissed him passionately and fiercely. She didn’t care where she was because only one thing mattered, after all these centuries she found her mate.
When she let him speak again he moved a few hairs out of her face and tucked them behind her ears. “Is that a yes?” He then held up her chin to look at him still laying flat on the floor.
“Yes! Forever, Connor. My answer is Yes!” She could finally speak again. “I have never been happier in my whole life.”
As Conner and Sarah sat up, she looked around the room to notice her parents. Jillian leaned her shoulder on Jack’s ribs and he had his arm wrapped around his mate’s back. They were both looking at them wearing a smile of congratulations. They accepted him now as family.
Connor stood Sarah up as her mother could no longer contain her excitement “Sarah, my dear, you have finally found your mate. I’m so very proud.” Jillian walked away from Jack and embraced her youngest in a rocking hug.
After an hour of talking about nothing in particular, Connor’s shirt found its way back on again. Jillian eventually asked “When are you going to do the final ceremony? Tonight? A week? When?” She was wearing another perverted grin again and Sarah flushed.
Connor rescued her again by saying “Jillian, there are a few things I need to take care of before we go that far.”
“What kind of things.” She was still grinning.
“It is a secret!” He glanced at Sarah with a wry smile.
“What secret?” Sarah asked suspiciously. “You’re going to keep a secret from me now? Are you going to make a habit out of this?”
“No, no. How about this then, it will be a surprise.” Smiling her smile made her resolve falter. It always had and now, always will.
“I just cannot say no to that smile of yours. Can I help with anything you’re planning?” Sarah asked truthfully while wringing her hands nervously. Connor grabbed her ankle and immediately let go, in response to her words.
Then his brow furrowed just before his head whipped in a new direction. “Jillian, get out of my head! I didn’t give you permission.”
Jillian laughed, saying “You’re right, sorry about that.”
Connor took a long look at Sarah and kept smiling. He was thinking about something and it seemed important. “Sarah, I will be back for you, but this will take me a month or so.”
“You’re leaving me?” Her insecurity set in instantly.
“Yes, but I am also going to take time off from school. Don’t worry, it will be worth it. You’ll love what I have planned for you. So if anyone asks where I am just tell them that I’m out touring different colleges. Ok?”
“Ok.” Sarah said, smiling the best she could.
He leaned in and kissed her lips again. She wanted so much more than that, but he pulled away to say “I love you, Princess. I’ll be back just as soon as I can.” Connor turned to her parents, who still sat together on the loveseat. “Please keep an eye on her while I’m away.”
“Will do, Connor.” Jillian actually saluted him.
“You have my word.” Jack never breaks his word when he spoke in that tone.
Connor stood and left the Branderson house without another word. “Don’t worry, Sarah.” She looked at her father who spoke “Whatever he is up to, I know now that he is a good young man. He has my blessing.”
***
After waving farewell to Sarah and her parents, Connor stepped outside their house and looked across the street. In the driveway were two familiar vehicles. His mother’s car parked in the garage which meant that she and Kara returned, and Mark’s jeep sat parked on the grass.
Crossing the street, his mind ran wild. “I finally know what Sarah and her family are, Balancers. Not only are they immortal, but they can also control nature. Should I inform Mom and Kara that I showed Sarah my secret? How about actually being engaged? Kara would get a kick out of that or maybe she’d be too stunned to react. I can spend eternity with a woman who accepts me wholly. How can I tell Kara let alone Mom that I’m leaving for a month, without any notice? Well I’d better just get it over with.”
Opening the front door of his house, Connor spotted Kara and Mark sitting very close together on the leather sofa, watching a movie. Then he had a revelation that since he asked Mark to watch Kara that night, he became quite close to Connor’s sister. He smiled inwardly.
Kara wore a bright pink blouse that fit quite snug and also decided to wear long white shorts. Mark and his spiky jet black hair and silvery eyes wore an aquamarine t-shirt and blue jeans.
They were both watching TV when they spotted Connor at the front door. Kara shot up off the couch and closed the distance in an instant. “Brother, where have you been?” Mark was still seated on the sofa and watching the scene of siblings intently.
“I just met Sarah’s sister, Jillian and her father, Jack.” Connor began laughing on the inside. “Sister…ha she is going to be my future demented mother-in-law.”
“You what?!” Kara shrieked. “Brother, that man is mean!”
Staying calm was his only option with her. “Kara, he is Sarah’s father and after we talked, he seemed quite decent to be around. When he isn’t drinking that is. Now that his family is together he isn’t frightened for his daughter’s safety.”
She studied his face carefully. “Ok Brother. I’ll keep an open mind, but only because you said so.” She stepped away and sat down next to Mark again.
“Connor, I could use your assistance!” Jenny called from the kitchen.
“Coming!” Walking into the kitchen he noticed many of grocery bags on the kitchen counter. Since he’s the tallest in the family, he took the hint.
Putting the last of the cereal boxes into the top cabinet, Jenny asked “I heard you talking about being over at Sarah’s place.” She gave him a wry grin and said “Did you enjoy going over there?”
Connor replied “Yes I did and I enjoyed meeting her family as well.” He kept his tone of voice even so she wouldn’t be able to discern his excitement.
Out of the blue Jenny asked “Connor, what is going on?”
“What do you mean?” he leaned up against the kitchen counter.
“You look a little…different. Like a heavy weight has been lifted off of your shoulders.” She stepped closer and gave him a once over. “Also you look like you have something that you want to ask.”
“Like any good mom, you can see right through your children.” He shook his head slowly to calm himself. “Something has come up that I would like to do. I’ll need to take time off of school and I need to ask Granddaddy if he will allow me to work with him for awhile.”
Crossing her arms around her chest, she asked “How much time off, exactly?”
Looking at her in the eye he said “About a month or so.”
She nodded while still looking at him with a businesslike expression. “What do I say to the school to explain such an extended period of absence?”
“The school doesn’t care for or about me in the least, but if they do happen to ask, tell them I’m out of town looking at different colleges.” He had to make sure everyone stuck to the same story.
A moment of silence ended as she said “OK.”
Slack jawed, Connor asked “Ok? Really? Why? What trickery is this?” Jenny would never consent to something like this without a legitimate reason or hidden agenda. It’s not in a mother’s nature to do something like this.
“Because Connor, you have never once asked for anything for yourself. Ever since Sarah’s came into your life, I’ve noticed a tremendous change in you. For the better I might add.” She tilted her head quizzically. “Are you doing this for her?”
Unashamed and smiling, he corrected her question. “For us.”
“Well ok then, do what you have to do. Just be safe with whatever you’re planning.” Jenny stepped closer and gave him a proud hug.
After Connor called his grandfather to come and pick him up, to which he replied “I’ll be there in thirty minutes.” he walked into the living room and stood in front of Kara to say “I’m leaving for a little while. Look after Mom while I’m away.” She said “No problem, Brother. Come back soon.”
Connor looked meaningfully at Mark on the sofa and tilted his head for him to follow. He took the hint.
Upon entering his room, and after Mark stepped inside, Connor shut the door. He asked “What do you need, Buddy?”
Looking into his silver eyes Connor asked “Mark, you’re my only friend and the only person I trust. Can I ask you for two things?”
He blinked once and the said “Name them.”
“At school, can you keep one eye on Kara and the other on Sarah?”
“Done… And your other request?”
“Keep Mathew away from my fiancé.” he said bluntly.
“Your fiancé?” He almost yelled. Connor crossed a finger over his own lips for him to tone his voice down. He complied by smiling and whispering “Are you and Ms. Sarah engaged now?”
“Yes, and that is the reason why I’m leaving for a little while.” Mark sat down almost in shock, but also a little happy for his friend.
“Ok done. Just what are you up to?”
“I will tell you, but no one else can know about this until I get back. This is a very big secret.” Telling Mark his plans made his smile become wider and alter into a grin. Changing the subject on him and catching him off guard Connor said “Go Ahead.”
“Huh?” His silver eyes turned confused.
“You once told me that you were fine with Sarah and me. Now I am telling you that I am ok with you and my little sister.”
He spoke softly. “Thanks, but I don’t know. She is so…young.” When Connor looked into Mark’s silvery eyes just then he thought he saw his pupils literally flicker with a faint white light. It must have been his imagination.
Moments later Connor heard his grandfather pulling into the driveway and he honked the truck’s horn twice. He grabbed Mark’s shoulder in appreciation saying “Later, Bud.” Walking to his closet Connor grabbed his duffle bag and filled it with clothes. He ran into the open garage and grabbed Tool. He then had another idea that would work in his favor. Connor walked over to Kara’s wagon, untied the rope from the wagon and threw the chest strap and rope over his shoulder.
Eventually Connor walked towards the idling red pickup truck and opened up the passenger door. David sat patiently, waiting in the purring vehicle that wanted to get a move on. He sat his bag and chest strap in the bed of the truck and slid Tool into the belt loop on his right hip. Connor stepped up and sat down in the seat. “Ready, Son?” David asked casually.
“You bet. I have a lot to take care of.” And David put the truck in reverse and effortlessly pulled out of the driveway. As they were leaving down the street Connor saw Sarah on her front porch waving goodbye, and he blew her a kiss without alerting his grandfather to the deed. She blushed brightly in the distance as he lost sight of her as a wall off trees flew by.
Connor loved making her go red in embarrassment, but only when they were alone. He wasn’t sadistic enough to intentionally do it in front of others.
House and Home
After departing from his house and Sarah, David and Connor were driving down the road to his grandparent’s house in the old red pick-up. David wore his usual attire of a plaid shirt and blue jeans with his worn out work boots that were still dependable after years of hard work. His clean and slicked back gray hair told Connor that he didn’t work in his forge today. David started up a conversation, once things were settled in and they were clearly away from prying eyes and ears. “Well my boy, this is a different change of pace. I want to surprise your grandma, so I didn’t tell her where I was going.” He had a playful smile written on his face as he drove with little care. “How long are you planning on staying with us? You were quite vague on the phone.”
“Hopefully you can put up with me for about a month.”
“Really? We get to spend time together for a full month? It has been well over a year since you’ve stayed nearly that long with us.” His eyes were twinkling with glee as did his voice. His grandparents loved spending time with him.
“Yes a full month. There is something special I would like to do during this time. It will cost a little bit, but I will find a way to work it all off for you.” Connor stared straight ahead while speaking. He then rolled down the window and rested his right arm on the windowsill, letting the whipping motion of the wind caress his face as the truck went down the road. Connor has always loved the rapid breeze that comes from an open window, it feels almost like one is flying.
“We can discuss the finances later, Son. Your grandma is making dinner as we speak, so we can sort matters out then. What I really want to know is what started all of this? What has gotten you into this particular situation that is making you do this?” He still continued smiling playfully.
“No use trying to deceive this old man.” Connor stated “Sarah did.”
“Oh really?” His smile turned into a grin “What did your little girlfriend do exactly?”
Unable to hold it in any longer from him Connor said “I showed her my chest!” He now looked at his grandfather meaningfully.
David’s smile instantly evaporated and replaced itself with a mask of anguish. The truck started decelerating as he pulled to a stop on the shoulder of the dirt road. No one, besides them, occupied the desolate road surrounded by the forest as he steeled himself for what he needed to get off his chest. David turned in his seat to look at his grandson. Connor too turned in his seat too return the look with a calm and content expression.
“Connor, I hate to ask, but how did she handle your mark? And what was her reaction?” David sincerely wanted to know.
Smiling softly at him Connor admitted “I will not give you all the juicy details, but she handled it very well.”
“Granddaddy, Sarah is the woman I have always been searching for and she has also been searching for me as well.” Connor smiled in reassurance.
Breaking into one of his deep belly laughs David said “I’m so very happy for you, my boy. I couldn’t be more grateful to that little lady now.” His body relaxed and his pale blue eyes were saying that he meant every word.
“I would have thought you’d say something like ‘Connor, don’t you think you’re moving a little too fast in this relationship?’ or ‘How do you know she’s really the one for you?’ … Granddaddy, how did you know when you were ready?” Connor leaned his shoulder in the comfortable seat.
“You’re old enough now that you don’t need me to lecture you in romance and dating. Plus it is weird talking about it in the first place. And Connor you just know when you find the right one. Age and status doesn’t matter when you find the one you’re destined for. It’s like close up lightning. It blinds and deafens you, only it never goes away. Apparently you do know that your girlfriend Sarah is the right one for you. I can see it in the way you two looked at each other with those big puppy dog eyes. I’ve met her just the once, but you two have a connection, that much was clear to me. But instead of being close, you were hit head on by that bolt.”
David then turned back in his seat and pulled the truck back onto the road. The two of them sat in silence as they traveled to the next fateful destination.
Twenty minutes later and still in mid-afternoon they pulled into his grandparent’s dirt driveway.
Connor’s grandparent’s property is situated on a sixty acre, family owned farm. There are two barns on the property. One is two stories tall and is strictly used for the cattle and is painted a typical barn red. They own fifty head of cattle that they either sell at the market or used for personal sustenance. The other barn is a smaller, single story structure and is mostly covered in black soot, especially around the mouth and chimneys. It’s where David utilizes his personal forge.
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