by Rhea Rhea
I turn around to get my clothes. If I don’t get some barriers between us, we’ll be right back in bed within seconds. I don’t want her to think sex is all we have. I want to show her how much I love her with more than just my body.
After I’m dressed, I notice she’s left the room while my back was turned. I leave the room to search for my boots, and I find both her and the boots in the bathroom, along with the pile of wet clothes from yesterday. Better wash those. I carry them to the washer and throw them in.
In the bathroom, I slide my boots on, and stand beside Brenna at the sink to brush my teeth. This feels so domestic, and it’s something I want to experience with her on a permanent basis. Both of us smile when our eyes meet in the mirror.
When I’m done, I step behind her, putting my arms around her waist and pulling her against me placing a kiss on the side of her neck. I know what I have to do. I need to have her here with me every day. There’s no other option. I have to get Brenna to move in with me after she graduates. Now I just have to figure out how to ask her.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Brenna
I check my messages while Tucker drives us to the store. We’ve been so caught up in each other that I haven’t even thought about it. I bet Lexi is worried. It’s not like me to leave town without telling her and I still haven’t called her or sent her a text to let her know where I am. I unlock my phone and read my text first. It’s Lexi.
Lexi: Where r u? VM seriously B? PICK UP UR PHONE!!
I decide to listen to Lexi’s voicemail before replying to her text.
Where the hell are you? It’s not like you to leave without telling me. You better be with Tucker and you better call me as soon as you get this.
Brenna what the hell? Answer your damn phone. Don’t make me twat punch you!
Laughing, I delete her messages and open my inbox so I can text her back.
Brenna: Sorry with Tucker.
Lexi: U could have told me before u left.
Brenna: I know I was in a hurry.
Lexi: y? he’s ok right?
Brenna: yeah everything’s great.
Lexi: u remembered huh?
Brenna: YES!
Lexi: I WANT DEETS!!!
Laughing at her and her shouty caps, I glance up to see where we are. I have a couple more minutes before we arrive at the store. I’m also not going to text her details. She can wait till I get home for those.
Brenna: Later
Lexi: Now butch!
Lexi: *BITCH damn you Siri!!!
Brenna: LOL u have to wait. We r at the store g2g.
Lexi: UGH!! Fine.
“Lexi?” Tucker asks, pulling into a parking spot and turning off his truck.
“Yeah, she was worried. I didn’t tell her I was leaving early and she wants all the details.”
Tucker grins and kisses me before we get out of the truck. He laces his fingers through mine as we walk across the parking lot and into the store. Unfortunately, you can’t hold hands while pushing a shopping cart. Because Tucker has a difficult time keeping his hands to himself, it takes forever to get everything we need. Not that I’m complaining, but we seriously may get thrown out of this store.
Finally we finish shopping and head back home. Thinking of Tucker’s house as “home” makes my heart race and my stomach feeling as though butterflies are taking flight. I want to be with him, but what if he doesn’t want to take that step yet?
It’s okay if he doesn’t. I mean, our relationship has just begun. It’s not like I expect him to move me in with him, or for him to propose anytime soon.
What am I going to do when I graduate, though? I can stay with Mom or Pa until I find my own place. Or I can also stay in my apartment in Louisville until my lease is up in a few weeks. I guess there’s no reason to stress over my living arrangements just yet.
I’m so lost in my thoughts; I don’t even realize we’re home until Tucker gets out of the truck. After putting the groceries away, we begin getting everything prepared for supper with his parents. Tucker and I work so well together. We seem to always be in sync, like we’ve been doing this for years. I take this as a sign that we were made for each other.
Yeah, I’m definitely holding on with both hands and never letting go. There is no way there is someone more perfect for me than Tucker Wade.
* * *
Tucker
Brenna and I barely finished setting all the food on the table when I hear my parents coming down the drive. We decide to eat on the deck since it’s such a beautiful, clear day.
Brenna is leaning on the rail looking out over the yard much like she was doing yesterday when I came home. Walking up behind her, I put my arms on the rail beside hers, knitting my fingers into hers and stare off in the same direction where she is gazing.
“It’s beautiful here,” she says softly, as though speaking too loud will break the spell that’s come over us.
“Yes it is.” I turn my gaze to her.
She lifts her head in my direction. Her eyes are so bright. I can see the love and happiness shining through them. “I really like it here.”
“That’s good because…” I pause for a moment when I hear the sound of car doors shutting, but Brenna is still looking at me, waiting for me to finish. So I continue, saying. “I want you to live here with me.”
Brenna doesn’t say a word. Instead she answers me with a kiss. A kiss so sweet and soft I will remember it, always. I’m gonna take that as a “yes.”
A voice suddenly blares out, “Boy, you better get off my woman.”
Brenna laughs when she hears my dad.
I roll my eyes. “You got a woman, old man, I call her Mom.” I shoot back, as I release Brenna and step away.
My dad simply laughs at me before he has my woman wrapped in his arms.
Yes, my woman. He has his own and he better remember that.
I feel my mom’s hand on my forearm, so I glance down at her and notice her eyes are a little wet. I put my arm around her shoulder, hugging her to me before leaning down to hear her whispered words. “She looks happy. You both do. It’s been a long time coming.”
That, it has.
As soon as Dad releases Brenna, Mom is there to take his place. I can tell Mom is saying something to Brenna by the look on Brenna’s face.
When Brenna’s eyes meet mine, a beautiful smile spreads across her face. That smile tells me all I need to know right now.
Dad tells me. “It’s ‘bout time. That’s all I have to say.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, Dad.” I give his back a slap and lead him to the table.
After Mom and Brenna finish their greeting, they come over and take their seats. Dad and I follow suit. We are all fixing our plates when Brenna pushes her chair back to stand.
I grab her hand before she walks away, peering up at her, asking her silently where she’s going.
“Did you not notice we forgot something?” she says, while gesturing toward the table.
I see that yes we forgot drinks. “I can get them. You eat.”
“I got it. You eat. I’ll be right back.”
Reaching out, as if to keep us together forever, I don’t let go of her hand until her fingers slide across mine as she walks into the house. When I look across the table, I see my parents are both smiling at us. Yeah, I’m smiling too, both inside and out.
Brenna returns a few minutes later carrying drinks and places them on the table before she takes her seat. I listen as she tells my parents about the last four years, Lexi, and then she gets to the present. I know they are happy she’s here, and we’re finally together. I can see it all over their faces. You would think their long lost daughter had finally come home. Well, I guess she did.
Everything was going great. Everyone is smiling and laughing… until Dad says his next words, making Brenna’s smile disappear instantly.
“No more breaking my boy’s heart. The day he came home, tears running down his face that summer, I’d never s
een a boy so heartbroken. Well, till the day he came home to tell us you were dating someone else. He probably thinks we didn’t hear him raging and crying late at night, but we did and that about broke us all.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Brenna
I’m speechless. I don’t know how to respond to John. I know he didn’t mean to hurt me but, oh God, am I in pain. I knew Tucker was hurt, but hearing his dad tell me that I broke his heart tears me apart.
I look at Tucker and mouth “I’m sorry.” He reaches up and wipes my tears as they fall. I can see emotion building inside him as well. I feel like I owe them all an explanation. Taking his hand in both of mine, I place them in my lap before I begin talking.
“I didn’t know what my mom had done. I went to the farm after not hearing from Tucker for a couple weeks to find y’all had moved. No one would tell me anything. I was heartbroken, too. All these years I thought he left because of me. That he didn’t want me anymore. I didn’t know until last weekend what had really happened.”
Tucker squeezes my hand and I search his face for signs that we are okay. I have this fear building inside of me that he’s going to realize I’ve already caused him enough pain, and he’ll be gone from my life again.
Anna says, “Brenna, honey, we don’t blame you for anything. John just speaks without thinking sometimes.” Anna shoots John a look. “We know you were hurting just as bad as Tucker was.”
I face Tucker, needing to say this to him, “I would have never broken my promises to you had I known what really happened then. I’m so sorry that I broke them.”
Tucker’s lips are on mine as soon as those words come out. He whispers, “I know, baby, it’s okay.” as he pulls away.
John smiles. “Woowee! I’m gonna have my daughter and some grandbabies before this time next year!” he hoots before slapping the table, smiling ear to ear.
The blood drains from face as my eyes meet Tucker’s. At first he smiles at his dad’s comment, but it slowly disappears from his face. I see the concern in his eyes but I can’t speak. I have a lump the size of a boulder in my throat.
Babies. Tucker’s babies. I place my hand against my flat stomach as this new thought runs through my mind. Until now, I haven’t given much thought to the consequences of our actions… or that we didn’t use any protection…
Tucker sees my hand on my stomach and he smiles again. I know that no matter what, everything will be okay. He doesn’t seem the least bit upset by the possibility that I could already be pregnant. I’m relieved, and can feel the happiness bubble up inside me again.
The next few hours are filled with laughter as Anna and John recount so many of our antics from when Tucker and I were young. It’s late when they decide to head home. We say, “Good night.” and after walking with them to their car, Tucker and I clean up the table before heading inside.
“Do you really want me to move in here with you?” I ask as we settle on the couch.
“I’m positive that’s what I want. I thought we could move you up here after your graduation.” He answers without hesitation.
“In that case, I’d love to live here with you.” I smile knowing this is what I want. We are moving in the right direction.
We cuddle on the couch and watch TV for a little while before heading to bed. In between kisses and touches, we strip each other of our clothes, before falling into bed. The night may have taken a bad turn for a little while, but it sure is ending with a beautiful view.
* * *
Tucker
I lay awake listening to Brenna sleep thinking about everything that happened earlier tonight. I’m pushing out the thoughts of tears and sadness for a few minutes. Dad surprised me when he mentioned how heartbroken I was. I couldn’t respond. When she said she would have never broken our promises if she’d known what happened, I know she meant every word. That went a long way in healing the both of us.
Every minute we missed out on, we’ll make up for with new memories. The only thing that overshadows us is the upcoming talk with her mom. But it’s unavoidable. Brenna’s mom is the only family she has besides her Pa. I want us to move on from this so we can have a good relationship with her, like Brenna has with my parents.
Two more weeks until Brenna can be here every day. We talked about her moving in before she fell asleep. She’s going to go back to Louisville tomorrow and spend some time with Lexi this week while she waits for her grades to be posted. She said there were girly things she and Lexi needed to do. I’m going down there next weekend to help her pack. I’ll try my hardest to make it a whole week without her.
My mind seems to be stuck on the image of her hand on her stomach, the same place my hand is now resting. I should probably feel bad that I didn’t think about protection. We were so caught up in the moment that first night; the thought never crossed my mind.
But now, well, now it’s a little too late to worry about it. What’s done is done. I for one will be shouting from the rooftops if she’s pregnant. I hope she’ll be happy about it. I noticed the relief on her face when she saw I wasn’t going to freak out. The possibility of having a piece of the both of us growing inside of her is why I can’t fail. My anticipation grows each second, wondering if she’s already pregnant. How long till we know for sure?
I pull Brenna as close to me as possible. The feel of her skin pressed against mine isn’t helping me fall asleep. My mind replays us making love before she fell asleep.
We stripped each other down, taking our time touching and kissing in between each article of clothing that was removed. Hands and mouths explored each other, leaving no place untouched. When Brenna’s mouth got too close to my straining cock, I pulled her up my body and flipped us over so I was on top.
With our fingers laced together, I sank into her warmth. We moved together slowly making love, not wanting to rush the moment. When we both reached the end we were gasping for breath and shaking.
It was another perfect moment. Another memory to file away and pull out to reflect upon for the rest of our lives. I rub my hand back and forth across her stomach. Sending up a prayer to whoever is listening, if Brenna is pregnant that they watch over her and our unborn child.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Brenna
Leaving Tucker on Sunday afternoon is harder than I thought it would be. I ended up not getting home till around nine that night. After checking in to tell him I safely made it back to my apartment, I crashed. I spend Monday unpacking my bag and hanging out with Lexi for a little while. Then, of course, I spend about an hour talking to Tucker before bed.
Tuesday, I found myself washing clothes and browsing the internet for possible teaching openings for me somewhere between Barren and Hart County. On Wednesday, Lexi talked me into going to the salon with her to get a manicure, pedicure and some waxing. Yeah, that wasn’t a lot of fun. I walked funny the rest of the night. Why do I let her talk me into doing such things?
When Thursday rolls around, Lexi decides she is taking me shopping. She says we need something new to wear for graduation. We spend the better part of the day roaming from one store to the next. As we pass the various small kiosks at the mall. I spot one that sells pocket watches. Lexi and I spend a few minutes scanning before I see the one I want. The tree on the lid matches my pendant almost perfectly. After paying for the watch, we walk over to a different kiosk to have it engraved.
While waiting for the engraving to finish, my stomach growls, telling me that I need to eat something. The food court isn’t far from the kiosk, so we grab something to snack on while they finish Tucker’s watch. After we sit down I get a creepy feeling, like someone was staring at me. I look around but don’t see anyone, so I shake it off and proceed to eat.
A few minutes later, I feel it again. What the hell?
“Lexi, do you see anyone staring at me?”
Lexi looks all around the room and then back at me. She picks up her food, pretending to take a bite before answering. “There are a couple guys over
there by the arcade staring at you.”
Well, that’s good to know. At least I’m not just paranoid or going crazy. Neither of us looks back in their direction until we finish and leave the table. That’s when I glance toward the arcade. And you could have knocked me over with a feather.
What are the odds that after four years, Wesley Mitchell ends up in the same mall as me? It can’t be him. There’s no way. I have to look again to make sure, but I don’t want him to see me. I try to give a quick unnoticed glance, and when I do his eyes are fixed on me. Yep, it’s him.
Grabbing onto Lexi’s hand, I pull her along to the restroom. As soon as we’re inside, I drop all of my stuff on the counter and bend forward at the waist, taking slow deep breaths. This Wesley sighting is completely unexpected. And I have a bad feeling; now that’s he’s seen me, I won’t be leaving this mall without speaking to him.
“Brenna, what is it?” Lexi asks, concern evident in her voice.
“Wesley.”
Lexi’s jaw drops, and her voice is loud. “What?”
“Shh, Lexi. It was Wesley.”
Lexi knows some of my history with Wesley, but I haven’t told her everything new I learned from Tucker recently. Not to mention the surprise conversation with Stacy at Tucker’s house. My mind is still processing the news that Wesley lied, manipulated, and said such evil things behind my back, all in the hopes of destroying my future with Tucker. A part of me wants to confront him, but I’m certainly too angry and hurt to speak to him today.
