We stayed up talking most of the night. Although I’d suggested earlier that we spend the day on nothing but us, we ended up talking about almost everything. It was really nice. We’d shared with each other what we’d been through during the last four months and it broke my heart to hear about the pain Brynn had endured over our break-up. She’d suffered as much, if not more, than I had. The ball was in her court, she could’ve easily come back to me, but she knew it wouldn’t work between us until I came to terms with Gretchen, Gia, and my feelings for her, which were in pause mode. The daily calls from me and constant reminders pulled at her heart strings and tested her emotions. She said it was painful but necessary and I knew she was much stronger than I.
I told her how I’d found out that Professor Crane was her dad and the night I spent at my parents’ house. She said Juanita told her everything I’d said to him and it was then that she realized I was finally ready for her. She said it took Juanita a while to find her since she was staying at Maria’s, but she disregarded the threat from Professor Crane about having no contact with Brynn because she knew it was a ‘matter of life and death’ that Brynn know how I felt about her. She said Juanita had written it all down and even raised her voice as she told Brynn, “I’m hopelessly, totally, completely in love with Brynn!” Brynn said she couldn’t believe what Juanita was telling her. She said she didn’t know what surprised her more, what I’d said and done, or that her mother had had an affair and lied about who her father was.
“It was a bittersweet visit,” Brynn said. “I was elated about you but I was crushed about my mother. Then Juanita dropped the big bomb on me.” Brynn began to cry.
“What? Come here, baby.” I held her hand.
“My real father was our gardener, Patrick. I don’t remember a lot about him, but some of the things I do remember are sitting on his lap as he read to me, playing ball, and swimming with him. Juanita said he absolutely adored me and when Professor Crane found out the truth and fired him, he went off the deep end with drugs and alcohol.” Brynn cried on my shoulder as I held her.
“Jesus,” I whispered. I couldn’t have anticipated any of this coming out when I stirred the pot by riling up Professor Crane.
“Juanita said he died a year later from an overdose.” Brynn sat up and looked at me with watery eyes. “You know what, though?” She had a hint of a smile.
“What?”
“My real dad, the one who really matters, loved me and wanted me, more than anything. Juanita said she’d secretly take me to meet him in the park. He’d sit in the sandbox and play with me for as long as she’d stay. She said he told her he was going to get clean and fight for custody. He knew he’d never get it because of money and power, but Juanita said it gave him a reason to want to get clean.” Brynn smiled and wiped her eyes. “She gave me a picture of him and I that she took from my mom’s photo album. He’s holding me and we’re both smiling.”
I hugged her tight as I kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you remember him and I’m glad they’re fond memories. You’re doing really well with all of this, Brynn. I’m proud of you.”
“I’m doing a lot better with it right now than I was yesterday and the day before.” She looked up at me. “It’s because of you, and us. It’s the past and I found the good in it. Now it’s time to move on.”
“That’s my girl.”
Chapter 19
The next week was crazy. Between getting Brynn’s things moved, her job, rehearsals, and shows, and my school and interning, we didn’t know if we were coming or going. It was all worth it though—at the end of each day we fell asleep together.
Just as we’d gotten a pretty good routine down and each other’s schedules memorized, Brynn surprised me. It was about two weeks after she’d moved in with me and I was picking her up from work, just like always. She looked different as she walked toward the car. She was pissed and speed-walking. Uh-oh.
“Well,” she said when she hopped in and slammed the door. “I quit!” I was stunned.
“What? You quit your job?” I tried to hide the joy I felt but my tone was almost musical.
“Yes. I quit my job. I’m sorry, I should’ve talked to you about it first, but I’m so sick of those assholes. I’ve just had enough!” She was so cute when she was pissed.
“You’re sorry? You should’ve talked to me about it first?” I laughed so hard it made her hint at a smile.
“I’m glad you’re so amused,” she said. “When you have to support me because I’m broke we’ll see how funny you think it is.” She crossed her arms and tried to stay angry but her last statement made me laugh even more.
“Baby,” I said when I’d composed myself, “I’m sorry you’re upset, but I can’t lie, I’m thrilled! I get to spend more time with you and you won’t be naked in front of other men. It’s a win/win for me. As far as money goes, you’re making money on Grease and I’m loaded, so what’s the problem?”
She turned her sexy little body in the bucket seat to face me. “When I moved in with you, I didn’t expect for you to pay my way. Like I told you, I want to pay my share. What about when Grease is done and I start school? I’m gonna have to get another job. I don’t want to be dependent on you or anyone else.” God, she was irritating!
“Brynn, it isn’t costing me any more having you live with me. I want you there. I need you there. You’ve made enough money to pay for your college education. You’ve supported yourself while you’ve saved that money and there are very few people who could’ve done that. I have no doubt that you’ll never be dependent on me or anyone else, that’s just not you. Dependency is one thing, being a team is another. We’re a team, right?” She nodded. “You’re my girl, right?” She smiled. “Okay, then! Wave good-bye to Sashay and the assholes who pushed you over the edge of reason and to your breaking point, and let’s celebrate!” I was borderline silly with happiness, but it worked.
“What did you have in mind?” She tried to hide her amusement as she sat back and put her seatbelt on.
“Well, it’s 2:00 a.m., we both have tomorrow off, you’re already half-naked and I’m horny as hell…” I turned to her with big eyes. “Wanna go to IHOP?” It made her laugh.
“Sure, but then I wanna go home and get completely naked.” She giggled.
“I hope you can eat fast.” I sped out of the parking lot with a huge smile on my face.
***
The next couple of months were blissful. Brynn and I meshed together perfectly under the same roof. Although independent, she loved being in a relationship. When I’d get home from school, she’d meet me with a genuine smile and a kiss that told me she missed me and was glad I was home. It made me feel so good and I looked forward to walking through the door. I’d never thought about that part of the day before as being something special, but that was the kind of woman Brynn was. She really made an effort to make me feel wanted and appreciated. I loved loving her.
“You’re spoiling me,” I told her one day when she greeted me at the door with homemade cookies and nothing on but an apron.
“Not any more than you spoil me,” she said. “Lasagna’s in the oven, timer’s set, we’ve got an hour. How about we get really dirty and then take a shower?” See what I mean? Who gets to come home to that? Me!
Life with Brynn felt easy and natural even though it was full of fun and excitement. She could make doing the laundry or loading the dishwasher an adventure, and she did. Sometimes, when I was supposed to be studying, I’d secretly watch her. She might be painting her toenails or reading a book, but I’d get mesmerized by the sight of her doing it. I’d never realized how a person could make another person feel so alive and happy just by being there, but she did.
April was a busy month. Gia and Ethan came to see one of Brynn’s shows and we had a good time with them as they stayed with us. Brynn’s final performance was the night before Easter, and as I watched her from backstage, I couldn’t have been prouder. Her confidence and ability to make the audience
love her awed me. We spent Easter Sunday with my family and although they’d met Brynn briefly, it was the first time we’d all spent an entire day together. They adored her and she fit in nicely after she relaxed and let her guard down.
“Just because they have money, it doesn’t mean they’re snobs,” I told her in the car on the way over. “They’re very much like me and you seem to enjoy being around me.”
“Well, I put up with you because you’re giving me a free place to stay,” she teased. “Oh, and because of your body.”
By the time we left that evening I could tell she’d thrown out her stereotypical opinion of them. They’d accepted her unconditionally and you’d never have known about the past and the fact that my parents had basically severed ties with hers. I thought it might be uncomfortable at first, but it really wasn’t and I was grateful for that.
May started out hectic for me as I crammed for finals. Brynn took care of her last minute college preparations and planned our trip for the end of the month. We were going to Gia and Ethan’s wedding and then continuing on our own little vacation.
As I walked to my car after I’d finished my last final, I was shocked to see Brynn leaning up against it. She was holding a single red rose and a mock diploma she’d made. She jumped into my arms and gave me a huge hug and kiss.
“Congratulations, baby!” she said.
“Thank you. What a nice surprise!”
“I wanted to be here as soon as you closed that chapter.” She pointed to the school. “And be with you as you opened the next.” She put her arms up in the air. I laughed as I swung her around.
“That’s very sweet of you. The first page of this chapter is very beautiful too, I must say. If I would’ve known what sexy women therapists surrounded themselves with, I would’ve chosen that over being a superhero when I was five.”
She laughed. “Which superhero were you going to be?”
“Batman, of course.”
“Mmm…I think maybe a little mask and cape shopping are in order for this evening. I’m not the only one who can dress up, ya know.”
Brynn made sure I had a memorable last day of school. She’d baked and cooked and had a beautiful table set with candles and champagne for dinner. As we sat down to eat, she handed me a little box with a perfectly tied red ribbon on it.
“Brynn…” I started.
“Just open it,” she said. “Today is a big deal. I’m really proud of you and I wanted to give you something to remind you of that and of this day.” She gave me a kiss and I felt her love and support. I untied the ribbon and opened the box. It was a beautiful gold watch with an inscription on the back.
“My passion, my emotion, my love, my future,” it read. My heart overflowed as I looked at her smiling face.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. Thank you.” I kissed her.
We enjoyed our romantic dinner and each other. Brynn was giddy as she talked about my upcoming graduation and our vacation right after. She said we were going to have the best summer ever and I didn’t doubt that for a second. We promised to make every day count and take full advantage of the free time we’d have before school started for her in the fall and my new career as a therapist began. I had considered opening my own practice but then decided on joining an existing one as the offer they’d made me was too good to pass up. They had a doctor retiring at the end of August, so it was perfect timing as it allowed me the summer with Brynn.
Her giddiness was contagious and I felt it as I thought of the next three months with her. I realized then, as I watched her try to finish her dinner because she knew it would make me happy, that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. We made a perfect team. She made every day special and I’d be lost without her.
***
The day before graduation, I dropped Brynn off at the spa so I could shop for a ring. I was thankful for the idea from my sister because I couldn’t think of a reason to get away without lying. She deserved a day of pampering anyhow, and I knew she’d never had one, nor would she ever have spent the money on herself to get one.
As soon as I saw the ring I knew it was the one. It was huge and over-the-top. Every man within a mile of her would see it sparkle and shine and know she was taken. It was absolutely perfect. Now all I had to do was decide when and where I would pop the question.
Graduation was great. My immediate family and Brynn came to the ceremony and then my parents threw a big bash at their place for the rest of my family and friends. Ethan and Gia felt bad they had to miss it, but they were getting married in two days and I certainly didn’t expect them to be there. I told them we’d celebrate when Brynn and I got there the next day.
Brynn helped my mom and sister with the party, and as I watched the three of them together, it warmed me. They were bonding and it only reaffirmed to me that she was meant to become a permanent member of my family. When I’d told my parents of my plans to propose, they had tears in their eyes. They said they’d waited for years to see me as happy as Brynn made me and they emphatically gave me their blessing.
***
I insisted on renting a car from the airport and driving to The Lock. I knew how busy Gia and Ethan were with the wedding and I didn’t want to add to the stress. I’d been teaching Brynn to drive, so once we got out of the city, I pulled over and she drove the rest of the way up. She was a natural and I couldn’t wait until she passed her test so I could buy her a new car. We were thrilled to be staying in ‘our’ cabin again, and as soon as we entered it, we ripped each other’s clothes off and made love under the canopy.
“This is one of my favorite places in the entire world,” Brynn whispered as we lay in each other’s arms afterward.
“Mine too,” I said. “Maybe they’d sell us this bed.” Brynn giggled as she squeezed me tight. There was no time like the present. I went to the bathroom and got the ring. I had a nervous stomach and panicked for the first time as I considered the fact that she might say no. I dismissed that thought immediately and walked back to the bed. I knelt in front of it.
“Brynn,” I said. She sat up and when she looked down at me, she gasped. “You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of, all that I’ll ever want, and more than I could ever deserve. My favorite part of each and every day is when you tell me you love me. I want more than anything in this world to be your husband. I’ll never take you for granted and I’ll never give you a reason to doubt my love for you. Will you marry me?”
She blinked and tears dripped from her long lashes. “Yes,” she whispered. “Without a doubt or a fear, yes.”
It was the best answer I could’ve hoped for. My heart swelled as I kissed her and made love to her again. We decided not to tell Ethan and Gia until after their honeymoon, since it was their time.
Their wedding was beautiful, and as soon as Brynn and I could sneak away from the reception, we did. We made the most of our last night in our little cabin, and the next day we took off for our vacation. Brynn told me she felt strange with a huge rock on her finger, but every time I caught her admiring it, she was smiling.
We got married in Las Vegas on The Fourth of July. We talked about planning a big wedding, but neither of us wanted to wait as long as that would take. My parents, siblings, Gia, Ethan, and Maria were there. It was the best day of my life. Brynn was the most gorgeous bride in the world, and as she said her vows to me with tears rolling down her cheeks, I had to focus on breathing.
We were right. That summer was the best we’d ever had. It was the summer that made me her husband and her, my wife. I’d seen every romantic comedy made in the last five years and not a one held a candle to my real-life one. Brynn made my heart beat, my lungs fill, and my pulse race. She was the last chapter, the answer, the one. My girl, forever.
Acknowledgements
As always, thanks to the amazing women at Limitless Publishing. Jennifer, Jessica, Dixie and Olivia, thank you. Toni Rakestraw, my editor, thanks for all you’ve taught me and continue to teach me wi
th each book. It’s a pleasure to work with you!
Steve, Hunter, and Madison, thanks for being my home and my heart. I love you guys. Mom and Dad, thanks for the kind of childhood that made me believe I could be whatever I wanted to be when I grew up. (Someday I may actually grow up and if I do, I’ll know the sky is the limit!) You both have shown me what ‘family’ is and ours is as close and supportive of any I’ve ever seen. Thank you and I love you.
THANK YOU to my readers! We’ve laughed and cried together, we’ve loved and hated the characters, what they’ve done and who they’ve done it to, and then we end up here, at the end of the story together and I appreciate that! I love taking these journeys with you and I thrive on the feedback you give me. You’re the reason I get to share something I love and that’s the best gift in the world to me. My most heartfelt thank you goes out to you!
About the Author
Desiree Wilder was born in South Dakota and grew up in a small town where she thrived in school and developed a love for reading and writing. Her younger days were filled hanging out with her older brother and younger sister riding bikes, playing board games and watching General Hospital. As a teen she became less interested in learning academics and became more interested in learning how to get into mischief without getting caught.
As an adult, Desiree loves cooking, shopping, reading, concert-going, camping and spending time with her crazy yet supportive family. She’d rather take the dirt road and crank up some eighty’s rock or some good ‘ol Hank Jr. than the paved fast track.
Just recently she started writing and something inside her came alive. It fulfilled her and unexpectedly took over what had become a robotic daily routine. She is a hopeless romantic and believes in love at first sight. Nowadays you can catch her doing ‘research’ for her next book at a concert or getting inspired for her next leading man in the romantic comedy section!
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