Aftershock

by Laurie Roma

  “Old habits.”

  Mary smiled up at her boss’ young wife. Besides being Tag’s wife, Caitlyn was an invaluable employee of Steele Technologies. Caitlyn had proved herself in the marketing department, working her way up. She had gained Mary’s love and trust when she saw how happy Caitlyn made Tag.

  Happy and more complete.

  It was evident to everyone who saw Caitlyn and Tag together how deeply in love they were. Mary knew very little about Caitlyn’s childhood, but what she did know made her glad that Tag was there for her now.

  Mary had worked for Tag for years and it pleased her that he had found his match. She reached down and pulled out flowers and a card, handing them to Caitlyn. Mary’s felt her own eyes tear up as she watched Caitlyn’s eyes fill. It touched her heart that this bright young woman could be so shocked with pleasure at such a simple gift.

  Caitlyn leaned down to brush a kiss against Mary’s aged cheek, whispering her thanks.

  “I thought you could use some flowers for your birthday. This thunder and lightning is driving me crazy.”

  “I don’t care about the weather, it’s a beautiful day,” Caitlyn said with a bright smile. “Is he in?”

  For you, always, Mary thought with a smile. “Yes, he is. Go right on in.”

  “Thanks!”

  Caitlyn opened the door and walked into the office and closed the door behind her. Sitting at his desk, king of his kingdom, was Tag. He was on the phone and looked up when he heard the door close. His face, taut with irritation quickly changed to pleasure when he saw her. His warm smile that she knew was only for her spread across his face as he forgot about whoever he was on the phone with.

  He hung up with an absent, “I’ll have to get back to you.”

  She hung up her coat and umbrella then placed her flowers on the table, but kept hold of the bag in her hand. He crossed the room quickly and pulled her against him for a deep, soul-searing kiss.

  “Mmm, hello wife.”

  “Hello, husband.”

  Tag smiled at her as he pushed the hair back from her face. “I came up earlier to see if you wanted to have lunch, but they told me you were gone already. Did Jesse drag you out for a birthday lunch?”

  Shortly after Caitlyn had started working for Steele Technologies, she had brought her friend Jesse over with her. Delighted with his new job, he was flourishing. It had been weird at first being Jesse’s boss, but he had been fine with it. They worked so well together it was more of a collaboration anyways, although she wouldn’t be doing it for much longer.

  “No. I didn’t go out with Jesse today.” Caitlyn tried to keep her cool. She wanted this moment to be perfect. “Tag, I have something I want to tell you.”

  Tag lost his smile as it turned into a look of concern. “Is everything okay? Are you okay?”

  “Of course, I’m fine. Hey, loosen the grip, buddy.” Tag’s hands had turned to vices on her arms. She stroked his chest, trying to soothe him. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. Come here, I have a birthday present I want to share with you. Well, two actually.” Caitlyn took his hand in hers and led him over to the sofa.

  “Sweetheart, it’s your birthday not mine.” He huffed out an impatient breath. “Well, tell me quick. You’re starting to freak me out, baby. You know I don’t like it when I don’t know what’s going on with you.”

  Sitting down, she took a deep breath as she set the bag she was carrying on her lap. She opened it and pulled out the large, colorful book, handing it to him. Tag’s eyes brightened with pride and pleasure.

  “It came!”

  A few months ago, with Tag’s encouragement, Caitlyn had decided to submit her first completed children’s book for publication. To her amazement, the publishing house had accepted it and said they couldn’t wait to work with her on an ongoing series. She watched as Tag’s hand ran over the colorful cover, stroking lovingly over her name, his last name.

  “It’s so beautiful, baby.”

  “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Caitlyn pressed a finger over his lips to stop him from arguing. “It’s true. This was part one of your surprise. The smaller one.”

  “This is one hellava surprise, sweetheart. I don’t know if you can top this.”

  She breathed in deep, taking both of his hands in hers. “Tag, it was a year ago that I met you here. A year ago that we first made a promise to each other.”

  They both looked down at the aquamarine ring on her right hand that she had never taken off. “When we got married, we made another promise to each other.”

  His fingers played over the large diamond on her left hand.

  “But it was here, in this building, that I fell in love with you. Everyday I wake up and I can’t believe that this is real. That the life we made together is really mine. You were my dream man and I fall more and more in love with you everyday. I wanted it to be here in this building when I tell you that you’ve made all my dreams come true. Do you remember what you promised me when we were stuck in the elevator? Tag, you gave me my birthday wish.”

  Tag’s face, filled with all the love he felt for her changed to confusion for a moment before his breath sucked in sharply. His intense eyes pierced through her, willing her to say the words he needed to hear.

  “Tag, I’m pregnant.” The absolute happiness she felt had her tears streaming down her cheeks as she smiled.

  “You’re pregnant?” Tag whispered. “We’re going to have a baby?” He shouted with joy as his arms wrapped around her, holding her tight.

  She laughed with delight as Tag slid to the floor and placed his head over her stomach. “Hey there little one, it’s daddy. Can you hear me? Daddy loves you so much. Mommy and daddy love you.” Tag looked at Caitlyn, tears in his own eyes now. “This is the best present I have ever gotten. I love you, baby. So much, I can’t even tell you what you mean to me. You were my dream girl, too, baby. But dreams have nothing on the reality of you.”

  Caitlyn leaned down and brushed her lips against his. “I love you too, Tag. You gave me my wish. You gave me the family I always wanted. Thank you.”

  And with all the love they shared together, they knew that their dreams really had come true.

  THE END

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Laurie Roma lives in Chicago and is the author of the IAD and Arcadian series. She has always loved immersing herself in a good book and now enjoys the pleasure of creating her own. She can usually be found tapping away on her keyboard, creating worlds for her characters while she listens to music. Of course her playlist depends on her mood…but then again, so does her writing.

  An avid reader of the romance genre, nothing bothers her more than annoying characters. Seriously, who wants a happy ending for someone that pisses you off? She loves tough alpha-male heroes and strong heroines that have brains as well as beauty. Her novels are filled with both passionate romance and down and dirty lust-driven interludes, as she believes both are essential to a good love story. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at laurieromabooks@gmail.com.

  For all titles by Laurie Roma, please visit

  http://laurieroma.blogspot.com/