Restoring Us

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Well, if you aren’t—”

  “Aiden, dude, I’m standing right here,” Ethan interrupts him. Aiden waves a hand dismissively and looks at me.

  Reassuring him, I say, “I am positive this is what I want. I love him. He’s it for me.”

  “Okay, good. I just want you to be happy.”

  “I am.” He hugs me tightly.

  “Congrats, sis!” Looking at Ethan, he shakes his hand and congratulates him, too. I know Aiden is just being overprotective. Ethan is like a brother to him, and he knows there’s no one better for me.

  Walking into Sophie and John’s house, we are met with our parents in the great room on the left of the entrance. They’re all enjoying a cocktail and chatting.

  “You’re here!” Sophie exclaims way too excitedly.

  “Hi, mom.” Ethan gives her a kiss and hug.

  “How was Paris?” She quickly begins to ask questions about our trip as we say our hellos to the rest of our families. Careful not to draw attention to my ring, I keep my hand tucked next to me, the diamond hidden behind my finger.

  “It was great. We actually have something to tell you.” Ethan begins to speak to everyone, grasping the attention of our parents. “We’re engaged.” Just like ripping off a band-aid, he releases our news.

  “That’s wonderful news!” Sophie and my mom both jump up to hug us.

  Sophie smacks Ethan across the shoulder after her hug. “You didn’t tell me you were planning this! I could’ve helped!”

  I laugh at her enthusiasm. “I wanted to do this on my own, mom.” Ethan shakes his head amused.

  “Congratulations, son.” John shakes Ethan’s hand and hugs me tightly. “I’m so happy to have you back in our lives.”

  Emotional, I reach my dad. Hugging him tightly, he whispers in my ear, “You’re my baby girl. I wouldn’t trust just anyone with you, but Ethan, he’s a good man. He’ll take care of you, and he loves you with all he has.”

  “Thanks, daddy.” I hold back tears threatening to stream down my face.

  “This calls for a toast.” Sophie, the ever-perfect host, motions for John to open a bottle of champagne for us all.

  We all hold a glass and toast to Ethan and myself, to love, and to finding peace and happiness. I’m overwhelmed with the joy and love that surrounds us. Our parents truly are special. All of them open and accepting, genuinely happy for us. I’m sure their friendship influences that a lot, but they could’ve lost touch after Ethan and I separated. Instead, they chose to remain friends, and I admire that. I think it speaks volumes about them, and I hope to one day be as happy as they still are.

  We celebrate throughout the night, eating a delicious dinner, and toasting multiple times. We’ve shared the story of how Ethan proposed as per our moms’ request, and they’ve gone wedding planning crazy, talking about dress shopping and locations for the wedding. They might as well join Katie in the bridezilla department. I’m just enjoying the feeling of being engaged.

  By 10:30, sleep is winning the battle, and the time difference is catching up. I’m ready to go to sleep. Signaling to Ethan, he catches my secret message and excuses us, using our jetlag as a reason to go home. It really is the reason. I feel like I can’t stay awake much longer.

  Saying our goodbyes, we make our way to the car and head to Ethan’s apartment. I’m ready to begin this new stage in our lives. I’ll have the rest of the weekend to move my things, and slowly get organized in his apartment, but we’ll make the time for that. Right now, I just want to feel his soul consume mine and find the peace that washes over me as we embark in our infinity.

  Chapter 31

  Ava

  Hmm. I sigh happily. The warm sun shines down on us as we weave our way through the farmer’s market. I’ve finally settled into Ethan’s apartment. Surprisingly, our move has been easy. I’ve heard so many stories of people struggling to fit everything into one apartment and compromising space. Not for us. It’s like we’ve always lived together. I guess when you’ve always dreamed of it, it’s not a sacrifice.

  “What about these?” Ethan holds out a beautiful bouquet of pink roses.

  “They’re gorgeous.” I smile up at him. We’ve picked up a few veggies and fruits to take back home and we are walking through the rest of the tables to check out what the vendors are selling. Ethan pays for the flowers, and we continue to walk amongst the crowd.

  It’s a beautiful Saturday morning. This is the second week we ’ve come out to the market, and we hope to continue making it a part of our weekly outings during the months it’s open. Now that the weather has warmed up a bit, it feels nice to be walking out in the open air hand in hand. I stop at a table selling handmade candles scented with essential oils. The different scents mix in with the morning breeze.

  I bring a few up to smell closely. The lavender smells so relaxing. “Do you like this one?” I hold it up to Ethan for him to smell.

  He chuckles, and says, “Yeah, smells great.” I’m sure candle shopping isn’t his favorite. I buy the lavender candle to add to our home. “You want to go have brunch at Miss Annie’s?” He kisses me gently.

  “Yes. I could so go for her pancakes.” We head back to the car and make our way to Miss Annie’s. It’s been a while since Ethan and I have gone there together.

  “It’s so nice to see you two together again,” Miss Annie’s voice calls our attention as we walk into the diner. “Take a seat. I’ll be right there to take your order.”

  I smile at the familiarity of this place. “Hi Miss Annie,” Ethan greets her as he leads us to an empty booth. Miss Annie makes her way towards us , ready to take ou r t orders. We don’t need menus. We already know what we’re having.

  “It really is nice to see the two of you together again.” Her eyes spot the ring on my finger. “Oh! Congratulations! You’re engaged!” Her smile lights up her face. I’ve known Miss Annie my entire life. I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl. She’s almost like a second grandma.

  “Thanks! We’re really happy.” My smile matches hers.

  “You guys want the usual?”

  “Yes,” Ethan says , smiling back at her.

  “An order of pancakes and eggs benedict coming right up. I’ll bring you coffee in a sec.” She turns to get our order ready. She makes the most delicious pancakes I’ve ever had. Every time I come for breakfast , I order the same.

  Ethan holds my hand across the table, running his fingers over the ring. “I have had this ring for years.” He’s pensive.

  “It’s perfect.” I lace my fingers in his and force him to look up at me.

  “No. What’s perfect is you wearing it.” He kisses my ring finger. “Forever and always.”

  “Yup. You’re stuck with me. I’ve moved around enough in the past few weeks, you can’t get me to move again,” I tease.

  “Trust me, you aren’t going anywhere.” A waiter brings us our coffees, and we drink the hot caffeine - induced beverage as we wait for our food. I can do this every day. I love our times together when we’re just us. We don’t have any commitments getting in the way of doing our own thing. When we spend time like this , enjoying each other , is when I am most content.

  We talk about the upcoming week and what we each have coming up at work as we eat our food. I’m excited about everything I have to do at the gallery, but my favorite part of the day is coming home to Ethan.

  “When are we going to start planning our wedding?” Ethan gives me his boyish smile. He’s just as excited about this wedding as I am.

  “You mean your mom and my mom don’t have it all planned out already?” We laugh. They have not stopped talking about the wedding plans since we told them the news. They’ve chosen their own color schemes, possible venues, and dresses. Of course, it will ultimately be our decision, but their excitement is contagious.

  We get home after brunch and unload the things we bought at the farmer’s market. While Ethan puts away the groceries, I cut the stems of the roses and place
them in a vase on the coffee table. I put the candle next to them and light it already . The lavender scent fills the space around us.

  I look around my new home, our home. We’ve put out some of the picture frames I had in my old apartment of our time together, plus we added a collage in the living room of photos from our trip to Paris. Ethan wraps his arms behind me and kisses my neck. “I love having you here.” I smile upon hearing his words, and wrap my arms around his.

  “Me, too.” I turn in his arms to face him, my arms snaking their way around his neck. “Wouldn’t want it any other way.” My lips find his, my tongue invading his mouth, tasting every inch of him. He groans against my lips and I smile. He squeezes my ass before picking me up. I instinctively wrap my legs around him and let him guide us wherever he wants to go. Purposely, I grind my hips into him , causing him to growl. The feel of his cock stiffening and pushing against my core spikes my desire.

  He drops me on the couch and smiles. “Are you trying to seduce me?”

  “Of course I am. Is it working?” I bite my lip and smile.

  “What do you think?” He leans over me and pushes his hips into my mine, his hardness rubbing against my core.

  “Mmmm…” I moan. His lips kiss mine hungrily. My hands move to his hips, forcing him down on me again. Even through our clothes, I can feel him against me. I move my hand around and into his jeans, finding what I want. I wrap my hand around his cock, moving it up and down in the restraints of his pants.

  “Ava,” he groans against my mouth. I don’t stop my movements, wanting nothing more than to feel him inside me. “I’m going to fuck you.”

  “What’s stopping you?” I cock an eyebrow when he moves back to look at me. He rips off my jeans and underwear, leaving me bare. Without another word, his jeans drop to the floor and he steps out of them, pulling his shirt over his head. It’s like my own striptease, but it’s over way too fast. He reaches for my shirt, taking it off my body and unhooking my bra. In the a matter of seconds , we’re both naked. His erection is an obvious show of just how horny he is.

  He bends down to kiss me again, all teasing erased, and his hand cups my sex. His fingers rub along my clit, causing jolts of electricity to run through my body. I hadn’t realized just how wet I was. He runs a finger the length of my pussy, before thrusting it inside me.

  “Oh my God…” I moan. He hooks it inside, rubbing that perfect spot that drives me crazy, and his thumb imitates the movements over my clit. Bucking my hips to meet his, I thoroughly enjoy his finger fucking. My nipples pebble as my orgasm builds, and my hands reach up to feel them. I pinch each one like Ethan always does, and then palm them, feeling my own skin underneath my hands.

  Noticing my movements, Ethan stops our kiss abruptly to stare. “Fuck, that’s such a turn on. Don’t stop.” Obeying him, I continue to tease my breasts as his fingers move in and out of me at a faster pace. Pinching each one, I feel the sensations run through my body and down to my core. I love to see how turned on he is by this. His green eyes are dark as they take in the sight in front of him -- — him pleasing my core as I tease my breasts. Catching sight of his erection, I want him inside me now.

  “Ethan, I want to feel you. Please.” I let out a moan as I plead. His hand picks up speed and his thumb presses down harder on my clit bringing me to the brink of my orgasm. I yell out incoherently, my hands a wild mess over my breasts, pinching and twisting harder as I orgasm.

  Without warning, he positions his body over mine and thrusts into my sensitive core.

  “Ahh,” I yell out. His cock hits every inch of me, teasing and pleasuring me. My hips meet his without hesitation.

  “I fucking love you.” He kisses me again, passion laced with his words. We move together, each of us satisfying the other. No matter how many times we make love, it never gets old.

  “I love you, too.” I bite his lower lip before consuming him again. Words are an after thought at this moment. It is just our bodies moving, expressing the love we feel as we connect at such an intimate level. My body bows and my walls squeeze around him , as another my orgasm begins to rise. Ethan moves his lips to my nipples, taking turns licking and sucking each one. His teeth graze the skin around them, and I begin to freefall.

  My orgasm consumes me , as all the sensations coursing through me are too much for me to hold on to. I let go, moaning loudly, losing myself to him and his body. After a few more thrusts, he finds his own release, growling loudly.

  Ethan lies on top of me while we slow our breathing, the room mixed with the smell of lavender and sex. I run my hand through his hair, bringing his lips to mine. “I really love you.”

  Easing out of me, he moves us so we’re both lying on the couch side by side, and pulls me into him. “I really love you, too.” We stay nestled on the couch. “Let’s go to dinner tonight.”

  “Hmm...” I sleepily reply. Laughing, he kisses my temple and holds me tightly.

  ∞

  Last night we went to eat dinner at a restaurant Connell had recommended to Ethan. Passionné served delicious French food. We indulged in some of our favorite meals. I love our date nights together, but I’m looking forward to having breakfast with Ethan out on the balcony and spending the day lounging in the apartment.

  Ethan woke up early to work a bit on his latest project, so I decided I would cook. Using some of the vegetables we bought yesterday at the farmer’s market, I’m making an omelet. I’ve already cracked the eggs and chopped the veggies. Mixing everything together in a bowl, I pour it into a hot pan and let it cook slowly.

  I take a sip of my coffee and face the living room. I catch a glimpse of Ethan out o i n the balcony and observe him. His face is serious and focused on the papers in front of him. I love to watch him work. Ever since I moved in, he’s been coming home earlier than his usual hours and working from home. I’ve told him time and again he doesn’t need to rush home, but he always says he ’d rather come home earlier to me than stay stuck in the office. You won’t hear me complaining.

  He looks my way and catches me watching him. His smile melts my heart. He winks at me, and I return the smile. The way I feel is inexplicable. The amount of happiness that consumes me is incredible. You know how children feel on Christmas morning when they’re opening that one gift they’ve been dying for? Imagine that feeling on repeat. That’s my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

  “Breakfast is almost ready,” I call out to him.

  “Sounds good,” he responds, and I notice him look back down at the papers.

  I check the omelet and flip it over to cook the other side. I place two slices of bread in the toaster oven, and wait patiently for them with a new cup of coffee. Yup, this is better than Christmas morning.

  Once everything is done, I plate our meal, and make my way out to the balcony. I place the plates on the table and feel Ethan’s arm s wrap around me and pull me down to his lap. He kisses me and says, “Thank you, love.”

  “You’re welcome.” I kiss him again. “You’re still doing the dishes, though.”

  He chuckles and nods his head. “That’s fine. I’m almost done with work. What do you want to do today?”

  “Nothing. I just want to stay here and have a lazy Sunday.”

  “That’s perfect.” He scoops up a piece of omelet on his fork and feeds it to me. He follows the same action and eats a piece himself. “It’s delicious.” We continue to eat like this, enjoying our breakfast and the morning breeze.

  After we finish eating, Ethan loads the dishes into the dishwasher as I flip through the channels looking for something to watch on the TV. I come across reruns of Friends and sit back to watch my favorite TV show. I laugh to myself at the jokes and comments in the show, and Ethan looks over at me amused. No matter how many times I watch this show, I still laugh like it’s the first time.

  Once he finishes with the dishes, he sits beside me on the sofa and pulls me into him, both of us laughing at the show. I melt into his side and breathe in his
scent as I place my head on his shoulder. He is my home. No matter where we live, as long as I’m with him, I’ll be home. These are the moments I look forward to the most.

  Ethan kisses the top of my head. “I could spend every day like this with you.”

  “I was just thinking the same thing. We do have forever.”

  “Yes, we do, and I intend on making our forever perfect.”

  “Ethan, it already is.” I lift my head and turn to look at him. I grab his face in my hands, and say, “Being with you is perfect. It doesn’t matter what we do or where we are. I just want to be with you. Forever.” I kiss him passionately, breathing all the love I feel for him into his body. Breaking the kiss, I place my hand on his heart. “This…this heart is one of the purest and most loving hearts I know. This heart completely owns me, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. You know how much I love you.”

  He leans his forehead against mine with closed eyes. There are no other words needed at this moment. What happened between us is a part of our journey but it doesn’t define us. We’ve moved forward together , stronger than we were.

  Chapter 32

  Ethan

  We’re on our way to the United Center to watch the Bulls take on the Cavaliers in the semifinals. It’s game 7, and the hype surrounds the city as it comes down to this game. Ava came home earlier this week with tickets for the game, and I almost attacked her when she showed me. Talk about a fucking amazing surprise.

  We’ve been living together for about four weeks now, and I still can’t believe my lucky stars. I wake up to this angel every morning, and get to have my wicked ways with her at night. Most importantly, we’ve begun our life together, enjoying the small moments of being in each other’s company.

  Last night, I surprised her with dinner when she got home from work. Ava’s been working so hard with the new exhibit and the new clients she got in Paris that I wanted to do something special for her. Her being in my life is special enough for me, now it’s my turn to spoil her.