Ache

by S. M. Soto

  After the game, I search for Liam in the mess of sweaty players and when I see him, I run to him. I take off at a full sprint and launch myself into his arms where he catches me effortlessly.

  All the pain we’d endured during those six years apart fly out the window as I clutch onto him. Nothing in the past mattered. Not now. Not here. It didn’t matter that we had to go days without seeing each other. It didn’t matter that I missed him so much, I couldn’t breathe half the time.

  Seeing him out here today made me think about our past and whether or not I’d change it if I could. Would I change what happened to avoid years of pain, for both of us? Being right here in his strong arms, the smell of fried food, sweat and grass, has me coming the startling realization—no. I wouldn’t change a damn thing, because being here, right now, with him, on a field like this is what dreams are made of. If I had to burn at the stake, just so Liam could follow his dreams, I would. I’d do it without a second thought. Because I love him. I love him more than the stars and the universe combined.

  “I don’t care about the distance. I don’t care that we have to spend time apart. Seeing you out here Liam…it’s incredible,” I breathe into his mouth, stealing kiss after kiss, not caring that there are millions of people likely watching the show.

  I lock my ankles around his waist and pull back a little, staring into his hypnotic blue eyes that still have the capacity to reach into me and caress my soul.

  “You’re incredible, Liam. And this is your dream. I want you to live it. We’ll find a way to make this work. To spend more time together before home games and your days off. We’re going make this work because I love you, Liam Falcon.”

  A wide grin spreads across his face and his eyes sparkle with so much love, it has wetness pooling in mine.

  “You, Bea Marie Norwood, are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met in my entire life,” Liam breathes in awe as he stares at me. “And once your semester is over. You’re coming on the road with me. How does that sound?”

  A bright grin splits my face in half. “I’d love nothing more.”

  “Let’s get the hell out of here,” he says, his hands squeezing my backside playfully.

  “And where are we going?” I raise a single brow in jest.

  “Well, first things first, I haven’t been inside my girl in over five days.”

  Heat rises to my cheeks and my thighs cinch a little tighter around his waist in anticipation. “Oh, yeah?” I say, my voice coming out huskier than usual. “And what else?”

  “Second…” he says, his mouth trailing kisses up my neck toward my ear. “I’m taking my girl on the tour of the city. Just you and me.”

  I smile. “Always.”

  “And forever, baby.”

  The professor makes his closing statement to class before releasing us for today. Gathering my messenger bag, I strut out of the lecture hall, smiling when the warm sun hits my face. Heat tickles the apples of my cheeks, and I inhale the scent of the pine trees surrounding the campus. My phone vibrates in my pocket jolting me out of my fascination with Mother Nature. I smile down at the name flashing on the screen of my phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey baby, how did class go?” Liam’s voice travels down the line, and a goofy smile spreads across my face.

  “Hi, babe. Class was good. I just got out, so I’m heading to my car now. How was practice?” I ask as I trek through campus walking toward the parking lot to my car.

  I haven’t seen Liam in two weeks since he’s been back in San Francisco training for the new baseball season. The season starts in less than three weeks, so he’s been driving down to Lakeport as often as possible before his schedule gets too hectic. He’s supposed to be here next Friday for a visit, and I couldn’t be happier to see him. It’s been thirteen long days, so when he finally gets here, it’ll feel like Christmas morning.

  “Too fucking long. I miss you,” he groans, and I smile.

  “I miss you, too.” I’m sure my smile can be heard through the phone. Liam’s chuckle is husky, hitting me straight in my core.

  “You look beautiful,” he says, and I laugh.

  “You can’t even see me,” I laugh. “How would you know?”

  “Because you’re always beautiful.”

  Warmth rises to my cheeks and I smile. “Stop it. Flattery will get you nowhere Mr. Falcon.”

  His replying chuckle is deep and husky. “I’ll let you go, sweet B. Let me know when you get home.”

  “Okay, I love you. Bye.”

  “Love you, too. Bye.”

  I shove my phone back into my messenger bag while walking down the rows of the parking garage toward my car. My footsteps falter the closer I get to my car, and my heart damn-near pounds out of my chest.

  Holy shit.

  There, with a Giants ballcap pulled low on his head stands the man that has my heart in a vise. Liam lifts his head up, and his graphite-blue eyes meet mine. A slow and crooked smile forms on his face as he takes in my shocked expression. I open my mouth to say something, anything, but I can’t find the words.

  He’s here. He’s actually here.

  Why didn’t he tell me?

  “Well, hello to you too,” he teases.

  “I-I…W-what? Why didn’t you tell me you were here?”

  He shrugs, closing the distance between us, reaching out for me. I fall willingly into his arms and breathe in the scent that is perfectly Liam. Spice, mint and laundry detergent.

  His thick arms wrap around my waist and I squeeze him, never wanting to let go.

  God, I’ve missed him.

  He leans back and looks down at me with those captivating eyes I love more than anything. He has a few days worth of stubble on his face which only serves to make him look all the more edible. Leaning down, he places his lips over mine in an excruciatingly slow pace that takes my breath away. Our movements quicken, and I gasp into his mouth relishing in the feel of his soft lips against mine. We finally pull away, a heaving, breathless mess.

  “C’mon, I want to show you something.” His voice is raspy and husky—sexy as hell. All I can do is nod my head dumbly.

  In the car, I ask Liam about a million times where we’re headed and each time he gives me a sly smile, keeping his lips sealed. I huff in defeat, playfully pouting in my seat. A small smile lifts the corners of my lips when we pull up to the grass field.

  Our spot.

  Getting out of the car, Liam takes my hand and leads me toward the spot that’s been ours for almost eleven years. As we walk through the tall blades of prickly grass, a smile spreads across my face when I notice what he’s done. There’s a blanket spread out on the ground, a crate with food in it, and a large black telescope that takes my breath away. It’s a Celestron NexStar 5SE. One of the best out there.

  An audible gasp leaves me as I yank on Liam’s arm excitedly. “Is this real? Holy crap please tell me this is real, baby,” I plead hopefully with so much excitement running through my system. My hands tremble violently and I’m honestly not sure how I’m still standing.

  Liam chuckles and shoots me a crooked grin. “It’s real, sweet Bea.”

  I turn back to the set up and stare in complete awe. My eyes glaze over, and I give myself a mental pep-talk, trying to reel my emotions in.

  I can’t believe he did all this.

  I turn to him with tears welling in my eyes, my emotions having won the battle.

  “What’s all this for?” I whisper. That’s all I can manage to get out right now. He turns toward me, and with his free hand he tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

  “I promised you I’d bring you the universe, Bea. Each day I’m alive I plan to give that to you.”

  My chest caves and tears slip past the corners of my eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever loved him anymore than I do right now in this moment. Liam Falcon is the man of my dreams. He’s too good to me—more than a girl like me will ever deserve.

  “Plus, I know this will help a lot with
your class next semester. I might’ve also checked your browser history on your laptop.”

  Next semester I plan on attending San Francisco State. Liam was the one who talked me into applying since he’d be staying out there for a while during training. It was a no brainer for me.

  I laugh at the crooked grin on his face and wipe away the tears on my face with the sleeve of my sweater. Grasping his handsome face in my hands, I stare into his intensely blue depths.

  “You, Liam Falcon, are something else entirely. You are the most thoughtful, wonderful man on this earth and I still can’t believe that after everything, you still chose me. I love you so much,” I choke out. His face visibly softens, like my words melt him. Little does he know, each time he opens that skillful mouth, he liquifies my insides.

  “Thank you,” I whisper turning serious. Pulling my hands from his face he cups them and squeezes.

  “You don’t have to thank me.”

  “No,” I say with a shake of my head, so he can get it. “Thank. You.” I reiterate. “Thank you for saving me, for always being there, and for always loving me. I don’t know where I’d be, or what I’d do without you, Liam. I love you so much.”

  The muscles along his jaw clench, his eyes glistening, and his hands tighten around mine a fraction.

  “There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you, Bea. You’re my everything, my heart, my soul, my life, and my walking dream. I knew the first time I laid eyes on you that I’d always love the sweet girl with the hazel eyes, and nothing’s changed since then.”

  His words send more tears cascading down my face. He gently wipes them away with the pads of his thumbs.

  “I met you eleven years ago, and I made a promise that I’d love you forever, and I intend to keep that promise. My life’s mission is to make you happy, whether that’s by making you smile every day, marrying you, making you the mother of my children—whatever it may be, I want it all with you. Nothing matters if I don’t have you by my side.”

  My lips tremble uncontrollably, and my lungs tighten. Gripping the back of his neck I pull his lips down to mine, and I kiss him fervently, with everything I have. It’s too much, yet not enough all at the same time.

  “The day you left Lakeport, I thought my life was over. Then everything else happened, and I didn’t see a reason to live anymore. But you Liam, you brought me back to life. You gave me everything back when I thought I had nothing left. I had no idea that after everything, I’d end up right here with you. I wouldn’t change it. Any of it,” I whisper truthfully. His brows furrow and he opens his mouth, ready to say something. I gently place my finger over his lips, silencing him from whatever it is he’s going to say.

  “Please don’t ruin everything you’ve just said by opening your mouth now,” I tease. He chuckles beneath my finger and nips the pad with his teeth. I yelp in surprise.

  “Everything you said was beautiful. I especially liked the bits about the marriage and babies.”

  A mega-watt grins spreads across his face sending my heart into a fluttering mess.

  “Oh really?” he purrs. “Which part did you like best?”

  “Definitely the babies.”

  His laugh is husky, and his hands grip my backside sensually, tripling my heartbeat.

  “Is that right? Maybe we should get started?” He bends down nipping my earlobe and neck in the process, and I giggle like a schoolgirl.

  “Show me what those Falcon genes can do,” I challenge, and he takes my mouth heatedly, showing me exactly what a Falcon can do.

  I run my fingers over the intricate material delicately, afraid if I apply too much pressure the masterpiece will be ruined.

  “My God, Myrah, it’s beautiful. I can’t believe you made this!” I exclaim in awe as she shows off the blush, champagne colored dress she made. The bodice is vintage lace that wraps around the neck in a halter, and the rest is a smooth chiffon material with a slit up the leg.

  “I want you to wear it. I made it for you.” She picks the dress by the hanger and hands it to me. My mouth drops open and my eyes widen. A disbelieving laugh bubbles up my throat.

  “Myrah, I can’t wear this dress. It’s too gorgeous! It should be put on display or something, or you should sell it. Where would I even where this at?” I ramble, finding every reason not to wear the gorgeous dress, even though I want to.

  “Humor me, Bea. Please.” Her green eyes pierce mine, prompting me to stop short. The seriousness in her tone makes me realize how much this means to her.

  “Okay, I’ll wear it,” I relent. “Should I try it on right now?”

  She rolls her eyes playfully. “Well, obvi.”

  In the dressing room, I strip out of my clothes and slide into the dress. This is not what I was expecting at all when Myrah asked if I could meet her at the shop before heading to lunch with her and Melody before I go back to San Francisco, my new, permanent home with Liam.

  My breath catches when I get a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The dress is a work of art. The bodice hugs my body to perfection, almost like it was made for me and the train is almost whimsical looking with the woven lace at the edges.

  “Try these on, too. I need the full experience.” Myrah crows, tossing a pair of silver heels over the dressing room door, nearly stabbing me in the head.

  With a huff, I slip the heels on taking a few seconds to adjust to the height increase. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and smile, wishing Liam could see this dress on me. He’d be amazed at how skilled his cousin is.

  Stepping out of the dressing room, I nervously face Myrah, afraid of her reaction. She gasps, slapping a hand over her mouth, and tears spill from her eyes.

  “You look amazing, Bea.”

  I push past the stinging in my own eyes, “Thank you, but this is all you, Myrah. This dress is seriously incredible. And stop crying. You’re going to make me cry and I don’t even know why.”

  Myrah laughs and swipes under her eyes. “Okay, okay, no tears. I just couldn’t help myself for a second.”

  “Should I start calling you Dolce or Gabbana? Which one do you like best,” I tease. She shrugs with a little smirk and walks toward me. Cupping my face in her hands she gives me a watery smile, back to the waterworks.

  “One day, you are going to make a beautiful bride, Bea.”

  “And now you’re really going to make me cry,” I say on the verge of hysteria.

  “No crying, we have to go!” she says suddenly, tugging me after her. Grabbing the train of my dress I hurry to follow her as best as I can in these heels.

  “Myrah, what the hell!” I yell, as she pulls me out of the store toward her car. “What about the dress?”

  “I can always make another one, now c’mon!” She hollers with laughter in her tone.

  I struggle into the car, doing my best not to dirty the crisp white dress. I’m not even given a chance to put on my seatbelt before Myrah takes off like a bat out of hell.

  “Here, put this on.” She hands an eye mask to me, and I take it tentatively. I shoot her a wary look and she nods her head, indicating for me to put it on, so I do. Darkness envelopes everything around me. The only thing I can hear is the engine running and the sound of the tires rolling over the pavement. I feel each and every bump, every turn like its exaggerated.

  “Should I be worried?”

  She laughs, “No. It’s a surprise.”

  “Is Liam painting our bedroom ceiling again or something?”

  “No, it’s so much better.” she says with excitement in her voice, making me groan.

  “You know I hate surprises, Myrah.”

  “Oh, shut it, we’re here.”

  The engine is still running when I hear the click of her seatbelt, and her door open. I wait in silence as she finally makes it around to my door, pulling it open. Myrah helps me to my feet and I hug onto her for dear life with the eye mask still blocking my vision.

  My heels click against the hard surface of the ground before they come
into contact with something sharp and itchy. My heels sink into the ground with each step making it harder to walk.

  “Jesus, Myrah. Are we walking through grass?”

  “Shit,” she grumbles. “Good call, let’s take the heels off then.”

  Once my bare feet hit the ground, I know immediately we’re in grass. The blades tickle my feet and ankles with each step. The smell of mint and spice, with a hint of laundry detergent has my back straightening.

  I’d know that smell anywhere.

  “Liam?”

  “Right here, baby.”

  Myrah lets go of me, just as a warm, calloused hand, envelopes mine. The eye mask is dragged off, and it takes a minute for my eyes to adjust to the outdoor lighting. When they do, tears spring to my eyes as I stare around me in awe.

  “Liam…”

  In the grass field, our field, is a canopy covered in whimsical twinkling lights. There’s a blanket placed under with a box of food. The sun is setting over the field of grass casting warm peach hues across the sky.

  I turn to Liam with wide eyes, not understanding why he did this, then my heart stops. Dressed in a tuxedo with a boutonniere pinned to his pocket, my eyes drift to the beautiful white corsage in his hand. With shaking hands, I cover my mouth to hold back the sob that desperately wants to escape.

  “You remembered,” I whisper, a tear leaking out of the corner of my eye. He smiles that crooked smile, wiping his thumb across my cheek. He slips the orchid on my wrist and pulls me into his arms.

  “Welcome to our prom, baby,” he whispers in my ear just as the beginning notes of Perfect by Ed Sheeran start to play.

  Resting my head against his chest. I sway with him as he moves us to the beat of our hearts, and the beat of our song. Liam dips his head down near my ear, softly singing the lyrics about two young kids in love.