Romance Me: A Collection Of Standalone & First In Series Books

by Florella Grant

Gavin looked at Alex and knew that his friend broke inside. He could have said no, but Gavin was too kind. If he stood in her shoes, he’d want to leave too. Gavin agreed. "I can do one better and drive you to the airport." Kimberly smiled at him then went to grab her belongings. Gavin turned to Alex. “Let her go. You got a second chance. Maybe you’ll get a third? They say: if you love someone, set them free.”

  When Kimberly returned with her bags, Alex stood back and let her pass. He didn’t say anything; just held onto Ariel who cried. He watched as Gavin took her suitcase and put it in the back of his car. Gavin glanced in his direction one last time, nodded his head, and then got in the car. Alex cried with Ariel as they watched Kimberly drive away.

  Chapter 24

  KIMBERLY FELT LIKE a stranger in the city that she lived in her entire life. Two months had passed since she returned from Indiana. She hoped that after being home her heart would heal and life would return to the way it was before. That didn't happen. Kimberly fell into a deep depression. No matter what she did, she couldn't stop thinking of the family she walked away from. Alex and Ariel, like it or not, were her family, and she left.

  Day after day she walked the streets. No one ever noticed her; it was like she didn't exist. She passed the coffee shop that she used to patronize every day. Kimberly hoped that someone inside would recognize her and ask her if she'd been away. If she thought her presence mattered to anyone, maybe she'd feel better. That didn't happen. She was just another customer. It wouldn't taste as good as the coffee Alex made anyway, so she made no attempt to go inside.

  In the office, she tried to focus on work. Working for herself had its advantages. Not showing up to a job employed by another would have her fired in no time. Kimberly knew that if she had a job where she had to report to work, she wouldn't go.

  Work wasn't getting done. Clients were finding other consultants. She lived on her savings account. If the depression didn't let up soon, she'd be poor as well as heart broken.

  Her cell phone rang. Melissa's name and picture lit up the screen. Kimberly answered and said, "I don't want to talk to anyone." After hanging up, she turned her phone off.

  She sat in front of the computer and searched for Alex on Facebook. When that search came up with nothing, she searched Ryan. It appeared that he didn't join the Facebook bandwagon. One night, she was fortunate and located Gavin. Kimberly pondered the idea of sending him a friend request. Would he deny her because of the way she left Alex? Would it be too weird to be his friend? Every night, she googled Alex’s name. There had to be something about him, somewhere, online. There wasn’t. Alex was a private man. Kimberly realized that she obsessed about him and didn't understand why.

  At night, she'd lie down but could never sleep. She hung black curtains on her windows to block the light. The air conditioner blasted on high, and she kept the television on, all in the hope of keeping the noise out. Night after night, her attempts failed. She had gotten used to the country nights and wondered if she'd ever be able to sleep in the city again. Kimberly downloaded cricket tones to her cell phone, took melatonin, and covered her eyes with a mask. Nothing helped her sleep.

  She clung to a picture that she framed after her return. Ariel had given it to her when things were still good. The little girl drew the three of them standing outside of the barn. It reminded Kimberly of the good times but made her cry as well. She kept it by her bed and held onto it every night. She missed Ariel more than she ever imagined she would. Night after night, Kimberly cried herself to sleep.

  IT WAS A NIGHT LIKE any other. Kimberly was on the couch, staring at the ceiling, when she heard a knock on the door. It sounded urgent, but she took her time answering it. She had no desire to see whoever was at the door and planned on making them go away. She hadn't talked to her friends much since she came back. They were right all along, and she couldn't bear to be around them.

  Janie stood with boxes of pizza in her hand. Melissa and Jennifer stood next to her. “Open up,” Janie instructed. “I know you haven’t eaten anything.” She didn't wait to be invited in; just barged her way through.

  The friends made themselves at home. Kimberly wasn’t interested in having guests, or pizza, although it did smell good. They helped themselves to plates, glasses, and napkins. Before Kimberly could object, Jennifer placed a plate with two slices, and a glass of soda, in front of her.

  “Eat,” Jennifer demanded.

  Kimberly thought she’d humor them by taking a bite but suddenly her stomach growled. She didn't know when she ate last since she lost her appetite. She polished off her plate in minutes and leaned forward to get more. “Satisfied?” She asked them all.

  They ate and looked at each other. One of them had to say something, but none of them wanted to go first. Kimberly knew there was a speech coming. They were going to lecture her on staying in Indiana. Then they were going to tell her that she needed to snap out of her mood. That's how they were. She already knew why they were there. One of them, probably Melissa, would tell her that her apartment was a mess and needed to be cleaned. It didn't matter what they were about to say to her. Kimberly didn't plan on paying attention. They didn't understand; couldn't understand.

  “You should go back,” Janie finally said. Kimberly almost choked on her food. “Honey, you’re miserable, and we all see it.”

  Kimberly looked around and watched their facial expressions. She could tell that they were all in unison. Didn’t they know why she was miserable? She fell in love with a man who lied to her the entire time she was with him. He hung onto the lie so he wouldn’t have to sign the divorce papers. No matter how much she loved him, to her, that was unforgivable.

  She didn’t answer them and ignored their constant stare. Kimberly ate like she'd never eaten before. “No,” she stated. “You don’t get it.”

  “Yes, we do,” Melissa claimed.

  “So he lied to you,” Jennifer continued. She understood Alex’s side as well. “Do you know how incredibly romantic it is for a man to love you for so many years even if he can’t tell you? He didn’t want you to know who he was because he didn’t want to sign those papers.”

  “He wanted a second chance,” Janie added.

  “Second chance at what?” Kimberly couldn’t believe that her best friends were defending him. Did he contact them? Did he put them up to this? She was dying to know.

  Janie reached over and took Kimberly’s hand. "I never thought, in a million years, that I'd ever tell you to move across the country. But can't you see? He wanted a second chance to woo you. A second chance to sweep you off your feet,” she stated. “Kim, the man spent hours with you and wanted to marry you. He didn’t forget you and, when he saw you again after all those years, he still believed you were the one for him. He wanted a second chance to prove he is the man for you.”

  Kimberly looked dumbfounded. Alex said the same things just not as romantically as her friends were suggesting. “You guys watch too much Lifetime.” She didn't know what else to say to them. They were the ones who told her that staying with him was irrational. Now, they say to go back?

  Melissa smirked, "Damn, wish I had a man treat me like that."

  "What can I say? Your mind is made up," said Janie. She started picking up the dishes and cleaning up the mess they created. Jennifer helped.

  While they were away from the table, Kimberly asked. “What makes you say all these things? Did you talk to him?” They shook their heads in unison. “See then,” Kimberly sneered. “You have no idea. I’m not going back. I miss him, but he lied, big time, and it’s settled." Kimberly paused then finished her statement, "I’m not going back.”

  “Fine,” Melissa stated. She stood with her arms crossed over her chest and looked like she didn’t care one way or the other. “Let Misty raise Ariel.”

  Kimberly knew that wouldn't happen, but it was enough to open her eyes.

  Chapter 25

  ALEX FELT LIKE A HOLLOWED shell since Kimberly left. He wanted to sleep all day long but
remained strong for Ariel’s sake. She didn’t understand why Kimberly was gone. He did, though, and he beat himself up for it every chance he got. He shouldn’t have lied but knew if he didn’t, she would have left with his signature the day she arrived; never to be heard from again. The thought of telling her then, that he’d like to keep in touch, would have sounded crazy. She was from a different world. The only way he could charm his way back into her life was to lie the way he did. It made sense to him, but he understood why she was angry.

  He spent his days working hard like he had before she arrived. Alex would do anything he could to help keep his mind off her, but it was no use. Memories of her were everywhere. Even though Gavin assured him that Misty was behind bars, Alex still didn't feel comfortable leaving Ariel in front of the television. Instead, he took her with him as often as he possibly could. Ariel loved it. They collected eggs together and milked the cow together. Alex smiled at her eagerness to learn at such a young age. This was his family’s farm and, someday, it would be hers. He might as well teach her. When he was needed to go out to the fields, Alex hired a babysitter.

  Ariel missed Kimberly too. Night after night, Alex would find her playing in her room practicing the sign language that Kimberly taught her. One night, after cleaning, he found another drawing. She colored stick figures of the two of them holding hands. They had frowns on their faces. In the background of the picture, another stick figure waved goodbye. Kimberly. The sight made him cry. He held the paper up to his heart and took a deep breath. Kimberly didn't just leave him.

  "AM I CRAZY?" KIMBERLY asked herself as she packed her bags. This trip was just as spur of the moment as the last one. Would it be worth it? Did he want her there? Would he turn her away and make her feel worse than what she already did? Kimberly's nerves were making her sick.

  Later, as she walked through the airport gate, she saw Gavin and ran to him. He stretched his arms out and hugged her tight. Kimberly cried at the sight of him. She could only imagine what she’d do when she saw Alex again. When her friends insisted that she go back, Kimberly remembered having Gavin’s number in her cell. He didn't hesitate when she asked him to pick her up. “He’s miserable without you, you know,” Gavin informed her as they embraced.

  “So am I,” she replied.

  ALEX HAD JUST SET THE table when he heard a car outside. He walked into the living room and peered out the window; it was Gavin. He hadn’t been expecting company but admitted to himself that he could use it. As he opened the door, he saw his best friend get out of the car. It reminded him of the day he brought Ariel home. A smile crossed his face at the thought. Gavin was a good friend.

  Before he had the chance to say hello, Alex turned his eyes to the passenger side of the car. Once again, the sun blocked his view, but he saw the same shapely legs that he remembered too well. Kimberly. He froze in the threshold. A tear fell down his face as she ran up to him and into his arms. Alex held onto her tight and vowed that he'd never let her go again. They both bawled their eyes out as Gavin drove away. Alex couldn’t believe the miracle he just witnessed.

  "Funny thing about divorce papers,” she managed to say between sobbing. “They’re only good if they’re filed.” Kimberly reached into her back pocket and pulled out the folded papers. She reached up and kissed him letting him know that she still loved him.

  Alex pulled her inside the house but kept his arms around her. It felt like a dream, but the scent of her perfume was too real to be a fantasy. “What do you suggest we do with them?”

  “Burn them, shred them... I don’t care what we do with them. I just want to be your wife.”

  Alex took the papers and threw them into the fireplace. He leaned over and covered her mouth with his kiss. She responded just like she had all the other times he kissed her. “I love you,” he told her.

  “I love you too,” Kimberly replied. “And I’m so sorry for leaving.”

  Alex beamed. She came back and wanted to be his wife. “Gavin told me that you needed to go and that you’d be back,” he told her. They held onto each other and smiled through their tears.

  KIMBERLY WAS ABOUT to say something about Gavin, but the sound of little footprints distracted her. Ariel came rushing up to her, and Kimberly swooped her up in her arms. Alex had his arms around both of his girls as Kimberly kissed the little one.

  “Mama,” Ariel slowly spoke. This time it was Kimberly who was speechless. Her mouth gaped as fresh tears flowed down her nose. Kimberly held the little girl as tight as she could and kissed her head. She looked to Alex who was thanking God for the girls in his life.

  "Two miracles in one day," Alex said. “Come on in,” he pulled Kimberly by the hand. “I was just finishing dinner when you arrived. We eat early when we’re home alone. Come and eat with us.”

  Epilogue

  ON KIMBERLY'S 31ST birthday, Alex and Kimberly renewed their wedding vows in front of their friends and family. Kimberly never thought about getting married, let alone to have a big wedding, but her love for Alex changed her completely. She'd opted for less but, in some ways, ended up having a fairytale wedding after all.

  Alex, Gavin, and a handful of their friends worked long hours to clean out the barn. The cow had a temporary home in one of the older buildings on the farm. After successfully cleaning the inside, Kimberly and her new set of friends decorated it. The men helped set up tables and hung lights. Alex made sure there was a large dance floor installed and promised to dance the night away with his bride. The barn sparkled with romance.

  Gavin took that familiar trip to the airport and picked up Kimberly's parents and brother, her best friends and their significant others. They wouldn't have missed the wedding for anything. By the time they arrived back at the farm, the old gang already loved Gavin.

  Kimberly greeted her guests and gave them the biggest hug she could. "So," Janie asked. "Where is this dream man of yours?"

  "Oh, come on," Kimberly pulled Janie's hand and told the others to follow. "I can't wait for you all to meet him."

  Kimberly introduced them to Alex and Ariel. When Alex turned his back, Melissa whispered, "If I would have known how gorgeous he was, I would have never encouraged you to get a divorce." Alex turned back around, he heard her, but everyone burst out in laughter.

  Kevin stepped in front of Melissa's gawking eyes, and shook Alex's hand. "Nice to meet you, Brother."

  Kimberly and Alex laughed. "Same here," Alex answered. "I can honestly say I have a brother now." Kimberly lightly punched his upper arm.

  THE BIG DAY ARRIVED. Kimberly woke early to make sausage and biscuits for everyone. She wanted to show them that she was adapting to life on the farm and to show off her new-found skill. They loved it. As the day continued, her new friends were dropping off tray after tray of delicious food for the reception. Alex offered to have the event catered, but Kimberly turned him down. When the friends started offering their homemade stuff, she knew it would be perfect.

  Finally, the moment arrived. They chose the area where Alex taught Kimberly to drive a tractor to hold the ceremony. The day was beautiful. Alex and Kimberly were amazed how everything turned out considering how quickly they brought it all together.

  Alex stood and waited for his bride to walk down the aisle. He couldn't keep his eyes off her. Her auburn hair flowed in the breeze as she slowly stepped closer to him. Cinderella would be jealous if she knew that Kimberly was wearing her dress, he chuckled to himself. She was his princess and he knew he'd never let her go again.

  They said, "I do," and Alex laughed. Loud enough for everyone to hear, he asked Kimberly, "Are you sure you remember this time?"

  She smiled and faced the guests as she answered. "I haven't had anything to drink yet." The witnesses laughed as Alex pulled her close. He didn't wait for the reverend to tell him to. He couldn't wait to kiss the bride.

  THEY DANCED THE NIGHT away: Alex and Kimberly, old friends, and new. The reception went off without a hitch. They had plenty of food and drinks. During the
cake cutting ceremony, Alex smeared the vanilla dessert all over Kimberly's face. Kimberly wiped her mouth on his shirt, and the crowd roared with laughter.

  After Alex returned from changing his shirt, Kimberly threw the bouquet. It seemed to flow directly to Melissa who proudly held it up for all to see. "Who's the lucky gentleman?" Melissa shouted.

  Alex took the garter off Kimberly then turned to the line of eligible men. "My wife has instructed me that anyone who catches this belt must show Melissa the outmost respect." He glanced at his bride, winked, and then threw the garter at his target: Kevin.

  Melissa blushed when she noticed who caught it. Kimberly and Alex stood to the side as her brother slowly took Melissa's shoe off and slowly slid his hands under her skirt. Melissa hid her face in her hands as everyone cheered them on.

  KIMBERLY HAD TEARS of happiness in her eyes all day long. Everyone had fun at the reception. They were going to celebrate until the sun came up, but Ariel wouldn't make it that late. When it was time for her to go to bed, Alex informed everyone that Ariel had a surprise for Kimberly. She led her to the middle of the dance floor. Kimberly knelt beside her.

  Ariel beamed and looked over at her father. She'd been practicing and knew what to say but the excitement was getting the better of her. He nodded his head to let her know that it was okay. Every eye in the barn focused on Ariel and what she had to say. She moved her hands around quickly as Kimberly's eyes grew large.

  Kimberly looked at Alex after Ariel signed but couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Again?" She asked the little girl. She cried as she watched Ariel's fingers and hands move for the second time. The crowd looked on, but they weren't used to sign language. Kimberly spoke, "She said," then paused so that everyone would know these were Ariel's exact words. "Will you adopt me and be my mommy?"