by M Dauphin
That is, though, until I see the pile of envelopes that my mother pulls out of her bag. What the hell? She hands them to me and I notice the handwriting on the top immediately.
Evie.
My heartbeat quickens as she attempts to explain everything. Tatum notices my nerves growing and wraps his arm around me. Funny, I don’t want to be touched by people, but his is the only touch that can calm me.
“Molly,” my mom starts “I never meant to keep any of this from you. It all snowballed so fast, and I didn’t know what to do. Evelynn came to me when her father died, telling me everything she knew. She knew that Brian was in on the deal, she knew that her father was trying to help you, save you and the baby. She even knew where the money was from overhearing a conversation in her living room between Brian and her dad. When they killed her father, she didn’t know where else she could go so she came to me. No one would ever suspect it.”
“Wait, she was just eighteen at the time mom. There are a lot of fucking letters here for her only contacting you once when she was eighteen.” She gasps at my language but I’m not apologizing. This is bullshit.
“Baby-“
“Don’t call me that. Don’t you dare call me that. Why are there so many letters here?” I can feel my heartbeat rising, anger swelling up inside me. I thought this chapter of my life was closed, I thought the lies had all come out and I could move on. She sighs, wringing her hands together.
“ANSWER ME!” I yell, making Tatum’s grasp on me tighten. I can tell he’s holding in whatever he wants to say to me as he presses his lips on the top of my head.
“She stored the money at our house in the attic. No one would suspect us. She was there when you were in the hospital. When you left, she followed you. She felt so guilty because she believed, until the day she died, that she could have stopped them from killing your child. The letters start when she found you, all alone and incredibly depressed. Honey, you didn’t contact us for five years. Evelynn was our only way to know how you were doing. Sure we were angry with you when you married Brian, but we still loved you. We still do love you. I hope one day you can forgive us. I hope these letters bring some closure to this awful situation.” She starts crying and my dad, who up until now has been glaring either at Tatum or the floor, wraps his arms around her and lets her cry it out.
I’m speechless. Evie followed me because she felt guilty? Thinking back to when I told her of what happened to me, she cried as hard as I did. Now I know it was because it was so personal to her, so close to home. One day I will read these letters. One day, not today.
“Molly, if I can speak up. I know this is a hard time, and you’re having a lot thrown at you, but I think Tatum needs to see this…” he pulls an envelope out of his pocket and hands it to Tatum. Tatum doesn’t open it. He stares at it, then back at his father. “When the situation with the Delany family arose,” he continues, “I freaked out. I am known to be a very stern man, not showing much emotion in even the most dangerous of situations, but my children have always come first. I failed two of my three kids” he shakes his head and his wife grabs his hand for support. “I wasn’t about to fail my only living child. I took it as a personal attack when you were kidnapped, Molly. I know how much my son adores you, and it ruined him when you were taken. As you all know, the Delany family isn’t too fond of the Savage family. As soon as you were taken I put everything I had into finding you. Tatum, you traveled to seven different cities, all following dead ends. I traveled to over twenty other cities, doing the same thing. I fired so many incompetent men in the last two months it isn’t funny.” He pauses and looks right at me. One of the most deadly men in the country is staring at me, and all I want to do is run over and hug the sadness out of him. “I’m so sorry. Both of you, neither of you deserved this. Hell, if Rob wanted revenge, it should have been on me. I was driving the car the hit her!” he shakes his head before going on “I got to the house too late. Rob was already back inside, icing his wounds. The only way to get inside was the upstairs window.”
I don’t want to relive this. I know what window he was talking about, I opened it right before I left. I closed my eyes, wishing for this to be over. I’d rather not have to relive anything from that house, and I now know what he handed his son just moments ago.
Shit.
“Tatum, I found that letter for you inside that room. Molly, if I ever was unsure of how you felt for my son, this note ended all uncertainty. This is why I did… what I did,” he says, glancing over at my parents.
Tatum opens the note with shaking hands. The room falls silent as he reads, everyone waiting for his response to the most depressing thing I’ve ever had to do.
When I wrote that note, I was convinced that he had moved on and wasn’t searching for me anymore. It was my way of moving on. Had I not been rescued that day, I don’t think I would have lasted much longer. My life was becoming more and more meaningless as the days went by. Hearing the words rip out of Rob... that Tatum moved on... killed any hope I had.
“You wrote this?” he asks, his pain filled eyes looking at me. So many questions, but I don’t want to answer any of them.
“The day you rescued me was the day I wrote that note. I had just received the beating of a lifetime just because he hadn’t yet given me one. I was defeated, and when Rob walked in and told me you had moved on my world shattered to pieces. Every bit of hope I had that you were coming was ruined. Before he made me leave I wrote the note. I guess I thought that if anyone found it, it would be you, and by the time that happened I’d already be... gone... for good.” My voice is a whisper by the time I finish. I don’t like voicing that I had thoughts of ending my life, but it happened in my darkest times.
“This was a goodbye note?”
“Yes. I didn’t want to accept the fact that you moved on, I couldn’t live knowing that you loved someone else. I wanted you to know I would love you until the day I die.”
Great, the tears are starting again. Screw this, I’m done with all of this emotional shit for today.
“Everyone, this has been a very eye opening day. I’d really appreciate it if Tatum and I could have some alone time. I think we have a lot to talk about,” I say, hoping that I’m not offending anyone, but not really caring if I do.
Tatum doesn’t let go of my hand the entire time we say our goodbyes to our parents. Actually, he hasn’t broke physical contact with me since they arrived. He knows how calming his touch is to me. Once the door is locked behind our guests, he turns and cups my face, tilting my head up to meet his eyes. His beautiful eyes, full of color and emotion.
“That was the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever read, Molly. I’m not giving up on you. I’d never give up on you,” he says. His lips slam into mine and he kisses me hard. So much of what I’ve wanted these last few days comes rushing back and I cling on to him, my legs wrapping around him as he lifts me and carries me upstairs and straight to the shower.
Giggling, he fumbles a few times before turning on the shower and backing us into it, clothes and all.
“I love you, Molly Ward,” he whispers on my lips.
“I guess I love you a little bit too, Mr. Savage,” I smile when he pinches my ass.
This man is everything to me.
Tatum
I called Eddie yesterday. He’s meeting me in Kansas. We’re finishing this once and for all.
“So what’re we doin here, boss man?” he says, hands in his pockets.
“Just reminding him who we are, Roe. That’s all,” I say, grabbing the metal bat from my suitcase. “Just a little reminder.”
Walking into the warehouse, Eddie whistles when the lights above Rob turn on. Holy shit he looks terrible! I smile to myself, knowing that’s my doing.
“Hey fucker,” I say, kicking his chair that he’s tied to over. He grunts when his shoulder hits the concrete. Reaching down I take the gag out of his mouth. He spits at me initially, then gasps for air.
“You look like shit, Rob. Yo
u should really do something about that,” I snicker, then slam the bat into his pretty little face. Blood pours from the split in his cheek, but it only kind of calms me.
I need more.
“Fuck dude,” I hear Eddie laugh from behind me.
“Pick him up,” I growl to the warehouse crew. They scramble to get the chair upright, then back away into the darkness.
“You ever,” I say, then bring the bat down onto Robs kneecap, hearing it shatter under the metal bar. “Ever,” I grunt when I swing even harder at the same kneecap. “Think about talking,” I swing at his shin and he howls out in pain, blood flying from his mouth. “Looking, or THINKING about my girl again, I’ll make sure you never see outside the four cold walls of that room you’ve been in. Ever again,” I growl, slamming the bat against his hands. He screams out and I start to calm down.
Eddie comes up from behind me and takes the bat before I smash in Rob’s dick with it.
“You mind?” he asks, grinning. I grin and back away.
“Have at it,” I say.
Eddie smiles at Rob, then brings the bat down on his shoulder you can literally see it flatten. Holy shit that’s fantastic!
“Let’s take care of that other one now,” he growls, shattering the man’s other shoulder.
Rob’s broken, bruised, and bloody, and my mood just keeps getting better and better.
“Throw him back in the room. Wait until his wounds heal themselves, then,” I crouch down and take his face in my hands, squeezing his broken jaw. He winces, and when I slap his cheek a few times he finally looks at me. There’s barely any life left in those dark as night eyes.
Good.
“Then, when they finally decide to let you go, I will have you followed for the entire rest of your pitiful fucking life. If the thought of ever touching another woman the way you touched my girl ever crosses your mind, I’ll have your ass hauled back here, and we’ll do this all over again,” I growl, then take the bat from Eddie and with all of my strength swing right between his legs.
Dropping the bat on my way out the door, I smile to myself as Eddie claps slowly and Rob screams.
“That’ll do,” I mutter. “Time to get back to my girl.”
“You have fun with that. I never thought I’d see the day that my wingman is scooped up. Dude, this kind of sucks,” he whines and laughs.
“One day, Eddie. You’ll find yours,” I grin and start the car.
“Right. No thanks. You know I don’t do that,” he grimaces.
“Sure. You just wait.”
I didn’t think I did either, but now that I found her, I can’t imagine a life without her.
****
It’s been about three weeks since she has been home, and each day that goes by that we aren’t engaged I get more and more antsy. I know I had to wait for an opening, but hell if I didn’t want to skip the romance and go straight to a chapel to marry her right away. Each day gets better and better with Molly. She still has her times when a flashback reminds her of what she went through, but she’s being so strong about all of it.
I’m taking her to a winery in Missouri this weekend. I had to wait three weeks for a reservation, but once they found out who I am they have been incredibly accommodating. I have four different manager’s word that the cabin will be filled with Calla Lilly’s when we arrive, and I have had the ring in my pocket for months.
I’m ready, I just pray that she is.
She doesn’t know where we are going. All I told her was to make sure she was off work early and I’d take care of everything else.
When we arrive at the winery I check us in and we head towards the cabin. I’m a ball of nerves, which is nuts considering everything we’ve been through. Of course she’s going to say yes… right? I let her in the cabin first, following her in all the while fighting the urge to pull the ring out and get the proposal out of the way. Then maybe my nerves would settle.
Instead, I watch her take in the hundreds of flowers that have been elegantly placed around the room in vases. It’s beautiful, she’s beautiful, and if she says yes I will be the luckiest man alive.
“You did this?” she gasps when she realizes just how many flowers there were. “These flowers are expensive, though!”
I can’t help but laugh at her. “Baby, don’t forget I’m fucking loaded,” I’m able to get out through the laughter.
Molly
I wasn’t sure what to expect this weekend, but so far after the flowers last night and the delivered breakfast this morning I may never want to go home. It’s so beautiful here, hills everywhere, our room overlooking the vineyard. I honestly could stay here, snuggled up with this man, forever.
He said tonight we are dining in, but he has no food to prepare so I’m guessing it’s going to be delivered again. I’m perfectly fine with that, sometimes I don’t feel like sharing him. I smile to myself, thanking the Lord every day that I was freed from that house in Maine and that I’m strong enough to work through my problems. That’s not saying I’m totally better, but I’m getting there day by day.
When dinner arrives there’s a white flat box under the tray. Tatum sets it aside not acknowledging it, and we sit to eat. I’m curious, but I know he has something up his sleeve. The entire time we’re eating he keeps glancing at the box. I notice it, but don’t call him out on it. I also wasn’t going to call him out on his weird behavior. After dinner he takes me out to the patio, along with the box. When he opens it I see white pop-up style lanterns. Weird, but okay.
“I know this looks strange, but I saw these the other day and thought they were pretty cool. They are sky lanterns. You can write anything you want on them, light this bottom part here, and it will float away, into the night sky.” He smiles at me as he continues. “I know you have been through a lot so I thought maybe sending up some prayers, or something, would make you feel good.”
I’m speechless. This man is the most thoughtful, extraordinary, beautiful man, both inside and out. When I first saw him walk into the café less than a year ago I couldn’t help but judge him by his Hollywood looks. I’ve always shied away from the beautiful ones, because I’ve always thought they were too conceited to be fun to be around. Tatum has totally killed my perception of people with money. He’s everything a typical rich and privileged kid isn’t, and I love him for it.
We get out a few of the lanterns from the box and start to write things on them. After making one for our babies, one for friends lost, and one for love found we release them into the dark night sky. They’re beautiful, dancing together as they floated away. I feel a tear slip down my cheek and wipe it away quickly before he notices.
I watch our lanterns float through the sky, then notice others rising up from the balcony under us. Huh, someone else is doing these too, that’s pretty cool. As I watch them rise, though, I read what was on them and smile to myself. Four lanterns in a row rose at the same time above our balcony. Each has one word in bold letters written on them: “Will-You-Marry-Me?”
Well if that isn’t the most romantic proposal ever I’m not sure what is.
I turn to tell Tatum to look up as the lanterns float away, but as I do, I notice he isn’t standing behind me anymore. He’s down on his knee with a singly Calla Lily in his hand. My stomach drops as the realization sets in and my hands start to shake.
Those were meant for me, those lanterns were mine to read.
“Molly Ward, I don’t have enough words to tell you how you make me feel. You make me want to rise every morning to tackle the day together. You make me look forward to bed every night with you by my side. You make every waking hour of my life one hundred times better just by breathing. I was a shell of a man when I thought I had lost you forever, my life isn’t worth anything without you in it. You make me a better man in every sense of the word. Molly, you complete me. You took my shattered heart and healed it. I would love to do nothing more than spend every minute of my life trying to prove to you how much I love you.” He pauses as he stan
ds and walks closer to me. Nestled inside the bloom of the flower is the most beautiful, ornate, unique diamond ring I’d ever seen. Holy shit.
“Molly, will you marry me?”
Tears are running down my face by the time his beautiful speech is over. I never thought I’d find someone that would make me feel again, and to find that person in Tatum is unbelievable. I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with the man in front of me.
“So, uh… now would be a great time for an answer…” he grins and I lose my composure completely.
“Oh Tatum,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face. “I’m… Of course I’ll marry you!” I smile and nod my head.
Tatum takes a breath and smiles, taking the ring from its snug place inside my favorite flower he slips it perfectly onto my finger. His hands come to rest to my face and he pulls me in for a kiss as my body melts into his.
I get to spend the rest of my life with the man that I love. How much more lucky can I get?
The End…..
Other works by M. Dauphin
Fight Series (Eddie’s story)
Fight 1: http://amzn.to/1Gf0zIi
Fight 2: http://amzn.to/1DY1cYc
Fight 3: http://amzn.to/1FjYIFV
Just Go: http://amzn.to/1PxQUXD
Co-Authored with H.Q. Frost
For3ver- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TC1JYA0
Also in:
Once: A Collection of Sinfully Sexy and Twisted Tales (Anthology): http://amzn.to/1SD57Bz
Suits and Shades Anthology: http://amzn.to/1MAwD26
About M. Dauphin
M. Dauphin is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, best-daughter-in-law-EVER, and when all else slows down… a writer. She’s a stay at home mom, having an ‘early retirement’ from teaching at the ripe young age of 27, she now spends her days chasing the tiny ninjas around her house and picking up after them (or else her feet are subjected to sharp as shit Lego pains… and nobody’s got time for that).
