I had turned off the lights, leaving small burning candles all throughout the apartment. I placed rose petals on the floor, leading her into the kitchen, small notes along the way recalling different memories of our time together, new and old. When she finally reached the kitchen, I was waiting for her with a single pink rose. It reminded me of the time I asked her out to prom. I had cooked for her, hoping to relax after a long day from work and just spend time together.
“Are you thinking about last night?” She interrupts my memory as I’m pulling into the parking lot outside the arena.
“Yes.” Damn, she has a way of reading my mind. Her hand grabs hold of mine.
“It was amazing. Thank you.” She kisses the top of my hand, and her fingers begin to doodle on my arm. She never says what she’s doodling, but I know she’s writing out her name with my last name. She’s been doing this for weeks now. It took me the first few tries to figure it out, but when I did, I was so fucking happy, I almost took her down to the court house and made her marry me right then and there so she could officially have my last name.
I park the car, and we begin walking to the arena to watch the Bulls hopefully kick some Cavalier ass. Our seats are close to the court and right behind the players. I can almost smell their sweat. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a basketball game, let alone the playoffs, but I feel like I’m home in this place. I think back to the days I played ball, star of the high school team with my love by my side. I still have her by my side, difference is back then she refused to make us official.
The game is a close one and the stress and anxiety has built up in the arena. The Bulls score, and then the Cavs shoot a three. It’s been back and forth throughout all four quarters. Ava laughs at my reactions, sitting beside me watching the game patiently. At the end, the Bulls pull through, beating the Cavs by 10 and heading to the finals. Fuck yeah! I wonder what it will take to come to a game in the finals.
We get back to the apartment, and I’m still pumped from the win. I grab a beer from the fridge, and join Ava out on the balcony. “This view is beautiful.” She sighs happily.
“You’re beautiful, love. Thank you for tonight.” I kiss her soft lips, and she probes mine open with her tongue and pushes her body into mine. I love when she takes initiative and expresses what she wants.
My body quickly responds to her, my cock hard and ready, and I growl as she passionately kisses me in the fresh evening air. I place my beer on the balcony ledge, allowing her lips to work with mine. I cradle her head in my hands, pulling her face to me, and hungrily explore her mouth.
My skin trembles under her touch, her hands sneaking their way up my t-shirt, feeling my muscles. This woman’s affect on me is mind blowing—lust, love, passion, and heat combined. I undo the button on her jeans, desperate to feel her around my fingers. She kicks them off, carnal desire pulsing throughout her body.
My expert fingers move in and out of her wetness, her lips desperately explore mine, tongues ferociously taste each other, and her moans vibrate from her chest into my mouth. She grasps my pants, the sound of my zipper resonating around us, and her cool hand moves up and down my cock in the constraints of my pants.
I’m about to explode, and I want the tightness of her pussy around my cock when I do. Grabbing her by the thighs, I carry her and walk over to one of the chairs I have out on the balcony. Sitting down, she straddles me, and I lower my jeans to completely free myself of my pants.
As she settles back down after I take off my pants, she positions herself over me and takes my cock into her wet core, moving up and down my length. Her head thrown back in ecstasy, she’s a perfect sight.
My hands at her hips help her move, my groans matching hers, as I begin the rollercoaster ride of making love to her. This is fast, desire driven, and lustful. Her damp body connects with mine in the most intimate way we can, and love surrounds us. She’s moving faster, my cock hitting that perfect spot that quickly sends her over the edge, and her walls contract around my cock, sending heat up my spine.
Our heavy breathing echoes around the balcony, and my heart races catching up with the movements of my body. My balls tighten, ready to release my orgasm, as she screams out my name, her body contracting and exploding all around me. And with one last thrust, I free fall, coming wildly inside her.
After several minutes of calming breaths, I ease out of her and sit her on my lap, kissing her temple. “I didn’t think it was possible, but I love you even more, every day.”
“I do, too.” We silently enjoy each other’s company, letting time become an inexistent thing in our world.
“I want to get married in Chateau Toujours. I loved it when we visited. It would be beautiful to have an outdoor wedding there. What do you think?” Her fingers caress the small part of my tattoo that peaks out from under my t-shirt.
“As long as I’m marrying you, we can get married behind a dumpster.”
She chuckles and shakes her head. “No dumpsters, please.”
“Ava, I want to marry you. I don’t care where or when. I just want to spend my life with you.”
“Good, so we’ll get married there! I was thinking May 12th of next year. It gives us time to plan it since it will be a destination wedding.”
“That sounds perfect. I already have you here with me. In my mind, we’re already married.”
“Well, Mr. Owens, how about we go to bed then?” She stands, collecting our clothes and walks into our apartment.
“Anywhere with you, future Mrs. Owens.”
∞
“To friends, our future, and love,” Dan toasts as all of us clink our glasses together.
“Cheers,” we all say collectively. We came out tonight to celebrate our engagements, Ava, Jess, Dan, Katie, Aiden and myself. Although it’s been four weeks, now is when we’ve been able to agree on a day to all get together.
“How was the game last night?” Dan looks at me excited.
“Crazy! I was nervous as hell throughout the entire thing.” Ava laughs next to me, and I focus my eyes on her.
“He was biting his nails all four quarters, Dan,” she mocks me.
“It was an intense game,” I defend myself.
“I know.” She giggles, her lips on mine, and I smile against them. The form fitting, strapless dress she’s wearing has me on a high, and I can’t wait to get home and take it off.
Breaking our kiss, we find everyone just kind of staring at us. I guess it will take them a little while getting used to us being together and so open in public.
“Have you guys decided on a wedding date yet?” Jess looks between us, smiling.
“We’re thinking May 12th of next year. We’re having a destination wedding, so you’re all warned. Plan now to take those days off. We just need to make sure the date is available where we want to have the wedding,” Ava responds animatedly.
“Oh, I love destination weddings! Where will it take place?” Jess’s eyes light up with curiosity.
“I want to get married in a small town outside of Paris. There’s a beautiful Chateau we visited when we went. It’s always been my dream to get married in a garden, and I fell in love with this place.”
The two brides-to-be excitedly exchange their ideas for their weddings. Dan and Jess plan on getting married before us, so there will be no problem planning our wedding. God, I sound like such a chick with this wedding talk. I just love seeing Ava so happy, and I want her to have the best.
“Hey, man, she looks happy.” Aiden pats my back, and I look at him.
“Yeah, she is. We both are.”
“I’m glad. She deserves it.” He crosses his arms over his chest, a protective stance I know all too well, when suddenly his eyes avert me. Following his gaze, I laugh.
“Good luck with that one, man.” I pat him on the back just as he did a few seconds ago, as Stacy makes her way towards our group. She says hi to everyone casually, smiling tightly at Aiden. I chuckle under my breath and feel a jab at my ribs. Aiden i
s glaring at me, and that adds to my amusement.
“Ava, let’s dance.” I pull her away from the crowd and begin moving my body against hers to the beat of the music, a combination of hip-hop and techno. Holding her hips firmly to mine, we move in perfect accord, our bodies in tune to each other’s rhythm.
She wraps her arms around my neck, happily sighing, and I notice the others trickling in on the dance floor as well. Her body sensually moves against mine, brushing along all the right places. “If you keep moving like that, I’ll have to take you to the bathroom for a quickie,” I hiss into her ear.
She throws her head back laughing. “I can’t help it if your body tempts me. You’re the one dancing on me.”
“What can I say? I want you all to myself.” I wink.
“You already do.” She smiles, her beautiful face lighting up, and I feel at home.
The rest of the night passes by quickly, dancing, drinking, and spending time with friends. I’m a lucky man to go home with my best friend and love of my life. I have to wonder how the hell I got so lucky. How did the light turn back on in my life? I had already sentenced myself to a lifetime of darkness and displeasure, but somehow my angel reappeared—injured wings and sore halo, but she came back into my life.
It hasn’t been easy. Fuck, it was hell for many years, and seeing her again when she returned was tortured pleasure—a reminder of my fuck-up, but awakened hope. And our souls are finally restored, finding our way back to each other and connecting at our core, reuniting with our other half.
I think when I was born, the universe sent Ava right after me, knowing I would be forever tied to her family, so that I would have the chance to live with my soulmate. It tested us; it tested me and my love and devotion. It tore us apart; all of this so we could learn what life was like together and apart. The universe conspired with us and against us, but at the end, the connection of two souls who have known each other for an infinity amount of time has no other ending than in the arms of the other.
Chapter 33
Ava
One year later
There’s talking all around me, people excitedly sharing stories, making plans for the future, and talking about tonight. I’m sitting on a chair at the vanity in the bathroom of the suite, the makeup artist is carefully applying my makeup as I absentmindedly get lost in my thoughts.
This past year has been amazing. Ethan and I continue to strengthen our relationship, our love never faltering. Despite living together and being engaged, we haven’t lost our spark. Romance is still a big part of our lives, but then again, Ethan has always been a romantic. Sometimes I still pinch myself to make sure it is all real.
After all I’ve lived through, it still amazes me how far I’ve gotten in life. There was a time I really thought I’d be a distant memory in the minds of those near me by this point. There was a time I thought the cancer would have taken me, beating me black and blue, and swallowing me deep within the folds of death. But I fought, and I somehow found strength to continue living, not ready to give up my dreams.
The heartbreak was worse. Having to live a life no longer how I imagined it would be after surviving the disease, and no longer with the person I always thought would be by my side was devastating. I still can’t believe I’m marrying the one person I thought would never be back in my life, the one person I wasn’t sure I’d be able to forgive. Somehow, my heart found the way, bounding me to his.
People teach us lessons we need to learn in life—they push us, they hurt us, and they love us. Without these lessons, we’d be stagnant beings with little experience and emotions. Ethan stormed into my life and knocked me off my feet, but in the process, he gave me so much of myself. It took a long time for me to accept what happened between us and understand his motives. I’ll let you in on a secret; I’d do it all over again if it meant I’d be marrying my best friend today.
Katie yells something from outside the bathroom, but I can’t make it out. Ignoring her, I giggle to myself at the memory of last weekend. We all flew out to Europe a week before. Ethan’s parents and my parents came to France to make sure all the preparations were coming along perfectly. Katie, Jess, Dan, Aiden, Ethan, Stacy, and myself flew into Ibiza, Spain for a combined bachelor/bachelorette weekend before heading to France.
It was only obvious that we’d celebrate in one of Europe’s biggest party cities. The island is beautiful, and the clubs and nightlife are exotic. They made us sleep in separate rooms, girls and boys apart, but Ethan and I found ways to be together throughout the night. I think they all knew we’d sneak out to be together, but no one got in our way.
I smile at the memory of all of us spending time at the beach, dancing at night, and being the friends we grew up to be. Katie and Dan were always fighting for the spotlight, competing to be the funniest, the smartest, the biggest jackass. Some things never change, and I wouldn’t want them to.
“Ava, your mom is asking if you have the head band with you.” Jess peeks her head into the bathroom, and I see her from the vanity mirror.
“Yes, as soon as my makeup is done, I’ll have Katie put it on.” My something old is my grandmother’s vintage bridal headband. It is beautifully decorated with crystals and lace. Katie has already done my hair, curls cascading around my face and back. The headband will wrap around my head, adorning my hair.
My something new was given to me last night at the rehearsal dinner. Sophie and John surprised me with a gorgeous diamond infinity rose gold bracelet to wear with the necklace Ethan gave me for my birthday last year. They engraved my new initials on the back, bringing tears to my eyes when I saw it. They’ve always been like second parents to me, and today they will officially become my family.
Finishing up my makeup with nude lipstick, the makeup artist takes a step back appreciating her work. “Perfect.” She smiles and moves to the side, giving me access to the mirror. I almost don’t recognize the face looking back at me. Shimmery gold and bronze smoky shadows highlight my hazel eyes, cheeks perfectly pink, and my lashes extending and curling above my eyes. I look stunning!
“Thank you.” I smile back at her, and stand to make my way out into the suite.
“Oh my!” My mom covers her mouth, tears threatening to spill. “You look beautiful, darling.”
“Thank you, mom.” I hug her tightly, and she hands me my something borrowed. The drop diamond earrings she wore on her wedding day. I feel so blessed to wear something so symbolic and special to her.
“You really do, sweetie. You’re always beautiful, but today you look like a gorgeous bride.” Sophie joins our hug, holding us both in her warm arms.
“Okay, enough with this or I’ll ruin my makeup before I make my way outside. Katie, will you help me with the headband?”
“Absolutely!” I sit on the edge of the bed and hand her the headband. She carefully places it, pinning the bottom part under my hair, and showing off the beautiful crystals on the top of my head. She pins back the few strands of hair in the front, slightly twisting them away from my face.
Katie looks at me once she’s done, a few soft tears running down her cheeks. “You look perfect. I am so happy for you. Ethan is very lucky.” She wraps her arms around my shoulders. “I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend than you. It’s an honor to stand by your side today and watch you marry the man of your dreams.”
“I love you, Katie. You’re the best friend a girl can have—the wild spirit to my tamed heart. Thank you.”
“Okay ladies, it’s show time.” Jess brings us back to reality, getting us ready for the big moment. It’s obvious she’s done this before, and her teacher side comes out, directing each step of the way. Her and Katie both look fabulous in the pale pink, strapless chiffon bridesmaid’s dress.
Stripping off my silk robe, Katie whistles as she catches sight of my something blue, a strapless light blue bustier and matching lace underwear. I blush at having them see what I picked out for Ethan.
Katie and my mom help me put on m
y dress. The delicate, ivory lace accentuates my body, the bodice hugging me down to my waist before opening into a slight A-line. I slip on my satin silk Jimmy Choo peep toe pumps with a Swarovski crystal detail on the toes.
Catching sight of myself in the full-length mirror, I quietly gasp at my reflection. I’m a bride. A sway of emotions hit me and reality sinks in. In a few short minutes, I’ll be walking down the aisle, ready to meet the love of my life. We’ve been living together for a little over a year already, but this new part of our journey is one full of meaning. Today, we will finally be united on all levels.
“A toast to Ava and Ethan,” Sophie serves us all a glass of champagne and passes them out. “I’ve never seen a love so deep and honest as the love you two have, and although he’s not here toasting with us, I know he believes this to be true. I wish you both the best, and I hope you have strength to continue loving each other as you have all these years.” She kisses me softly on the cheek and clinks her glass to mine. “Cheers.”
“Cheers,” we all respond in unison, the golden bubbles refreshing and soothing me.
“Now we’re finally going to be family!” Sophie excitedly hugs my mom. “We’ve been best friends for so long, it’s about time we can call ourselves family.”
“I’ve considered you a sister for so many years already, Sophie. These two don’t need to get married for us to be family.” My mom returns Sophie’s hug, and I smile at their exchange.
“That’s going to be us when we’re old, isn’t it?” Katie places an arm around my shoulder and looks on at my mom and Sophie, admiring their friendship.
“I think that’s already us now.” I jab her playfully. She laughs, nodding in agreement, and gets ready to head out of the room.
“I’m going to check up on Ethan, and get ready to walk down the aisle with him. I can’t wait to see you out there. I’m so happy for the two of you. I know I’ve been a meddling mother, but I couldn’t let you two ruin something so great.” Sophie embraces me in her arms, whispering the last part, and walks out of the suite in route to Ethan.
Restoring Us Page 33
