by Emma Vikes
I brushed my thumbs gently under her eyes to wipe her tears away. “Can you tell me why?”
She swallowed, untangling herself from me. “It scared me. The fact that I was falling in love with you all over again, it scared me so much. I was letting you back in my life when I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let you break me all over again.”
Her words tugged at my heart and made it clear to me just how scarred she was from what I did all those years ago. “If I could go back in time and undo that mistake, I would do so in a heartbeat.”
“Ansel…”
I let out a soft exhale as I touched the side of her face. “I’m sorry for being so hard on you and for blaming you for the eight years I lost with Sage when it was also my fault too. I cheated on you and callously broke your heart, Maia. I’m so sorry. I’m so, so, so sorry for breaking your heart the way I did.” Letting out a shaky breath, I tried to gather myself together. “I’m as much to blame in this situation too, Maia. We wouldn’t have lost eight years. You wouldn’t have hesitated to tell me if I never hurt you but I did. For that and for what it’s worth, I truly am sorry.”
Maia let out a soft sigh.
I pulled her in for another hug, desperate to have her in my arms again. I remembered what Nana had told me earlier, how I needed to figure things out with Maia. We needed to talk about how it would be for us now that I knew the truth. I could be a part of Sage’s life but that did not necessarily translate that we could be a family.
But right now, I feel like I knew what Maia wanted to happen.
“I love you.”
Those three words coming from her lips caught me off-guard and I had to pull away from her to have a good look at her. It was one thing for her to confess she had been falling in love with me again. It was entirely another thing for her to say she loved me with such certainty. “What did you just say?”
Maia’s lips twitched into a smirk. “I love you, Ansel Moore. I can’t stop myself from drowning in your waters, no matter how I try to swim to the surface to keep myself safe. So I guess I’m letting myself drown in my feelings for you, because there’s no point in trying to restrain myself from doing so.”
“Then let’s drown together,” I whispered and captured her lips with mine. There was no ounce of urgency in the kiss as I pulled Maia closer to me and we didn’t even battle for dominance. What the kiss gave us though, was a sense of security and reassurance of what we felt for each other. We were both drowning in our love and neither of us wanted to resurface from it.
But then the kiss deepened when Maia let out a gasp after I bit her bottom lip and shoved my tongue into her mouth, exploring. Her nails dug at my shirt and I could feel her trying to remove it. For a moment, I pulled away from her to remove my shirt and she marveled at the sight of my body, drinking me in. I grinned, pulling her towards me and lifting her up as she wrapped her legs around my waist.
I tossed her on the couch, grinning wickedly as I unbuckled my belt.
Maia stared up at me with desire filled eyes.
Our lips locked on each other again when I crawled on top of her. I bunched up the dress she wore and cupped her pussy. Her moan sent a shiver of delight down my spine when I heard it and I let out an animalistic groan as my desire for her intensified.
At some point, Maia managed to flip us on the couch so she was straddling me. I was only in my boxers and I watched with wide eyes as Maia carelessly shimmied out of her dress, her hips moving as she did so. I growled, gripping her bare waist but she shook her head. “I think it’s time for the other form of apology I had in mind.”
Just as I was about to ask her, Maia lowered herself a little and then pulled my boxers down, making my cock spring up. She looked up at me with hooded eyes and without warning, licked my entire length slowly.
“Shit.”
Maia took in my entire length her eyes locking with mine as she bobbed her head up and down, her nails caressing my balls, making everything even more intense.
I could feel my stomach coiling in anticipation of my climax as I tried sitting up but the pleasure was too much.
Maia ran her teeth on my entire length for a moment, agonizingly slow.
“God damn, Maia!” I came just in time for her to pull away. Cum was all over her face as she crawled back to me, straddling me again. I panted heavily as I lazily reached a hand to wipe cum from her mouth before kissing her deeply.
At some point, I hastily searched my pants for a condom and right when Maia had put it on me, she straddled me again and without hesitation, guided my dick inside of her. We both moaned at the pleasure as Maia began to move. She moved her hips in every direction until I gripped her waist, lifted her up a little and then slammed her back down until we found our rhythm.
I could hear her ass slap against my skin as Maia bounced on top of me. It didn’t take long until she reached her climax and she nearly collapsed on me but I held her up, switching our position. I stood up, spreading her legs even more and pounded into her on the couch as she moaned my name over and over.
“Oh god, Ansel. Oh, oh, oh, holy shit.”
With a free hand, I rubbed her clit vigorously, wanting her to climax again for the third time. “Yes, yes, that’s it, baby. Come with me, Maia.”
I shivered as the wave of delight went through me and I felt myself come as Maia came simultaneously with me. We were both panting as I eased myself out of her, collapsing on the couch next to her and pulling her close. I kissed the top of her head, closing my eyes as I tried to catch my breath.
Maia snuggled closer.
“I love you,” I whispered, opening my eyes and looking into her dark ones.
Maia didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to because I knew it for certain now. She leaned in a little and gave me a soft peck instead. We stayed like that on the couch for a little while until we were all over each other once again.
For the rest of the night, we were two sweaty bodies tangled with each other, drunk on the certainty that we were in love.
Epilogue
Ansel
The ocean breeze from the window was welcoming as I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply to enjoy the ocean scent while the wind tousled my hair. This was a very much needed vacation for the three of us and the best way to kickstart Sage’s summer vacation. Maia and I had also been buried with work the entire time while Sage had been busy with school and I felt like we hadn’t had much time to spend as a family.
The moment I found out when school ended for Sage, I immediately had Joey book us in Cabo for two weeks. I wanted the three of us to soak in the sun before Maia and I become buried in work again. Also, to make sure Sage spent some time with the two of us.
We’d been in Cabo for nearly a week already and we had about ten more days left. We spent most of the time lounging around and relaxing. So far, the three of us even managed to find some alone time for ourselves, especially after Sage managed to make a friend with a kid her age. We’d literally been having the best time of our lives.
Maia rolled to my side and propped herself up with a hand. We were naked under the covers while Sage was outside, playing with her new friend Rocky.
Rocky lived in the resort and was a daughter of one of the staff. I think that was why the two of them clicked since they had the same background.
“It’s Friday,” Maia said, giving me a pointed look.
I couldn’t concentrate though, on what she meant because her leg kept brushing against my skin. “What about it?” I muttered, my eyes fluttering closed as a wave of pleasure rolled through me when she purposely brushed her hand against my shin.
Maia chuckled while watching my reactions. “You always take Sage out on a date on Fridays.”
My eyes opened. Two years had passed and Sage was already nine. She was close to turning into a teen and sometimes, I wondered how long she would save her Friday nights for me. It was why no matter how many times Joey would beg me to go in a business meeting on Friday nights, I always cancelled. I
didn’t care how important the meeting he had in mind would be either.
Whoever that person could be was nowhere as important as my daughter.
“Oh shit, I almost forgot!” I sat up and sighed, running a hand through my hair and pouting.
Maia let out another giggle and kissed me on the cheek. “It’s okay. We’re in vacation mode. I don’t think Sage remembers either but I made a reservation for the two of you at the restaurant for dinner.”
I looked over at her. “What about you?”
“I made a reservation for myself at the spa. I don’t want to crash your date. The reservation’s at five.” Then Maia sat up and got out of the bed.
I watched as she sauntered naked through our room. We were staying at a beautiful bungalow at the edge of the ocean. It had two rooms and two bathrooms being isolated from the other bungalows which gave us privacy. It also had its own gazebo connected to the back patio where a Jacuzzi sat and stairs that led to the water. It was honestly my favorite part about the house.
It was also the best place for me to propose.
I’d had the ring with me for nearly a month now and I’d been trying to think of the best way to propose to Maia. I initially had a grand proposal planned but it was as public as it was grand and I knew Maia wouldn’t appreciate that so much. I had to keep in mind what she wanted and how she wanted it to happen.
So even when Joey had already booked everything for the proposal, I had him cancel it. I didn’t even mind if there were some things that were already paid. I had meant to propose before our trip so we could enjoy the engagement privately but I canceled everything and brought the ring with me. I’d been trying to think of the best way to propose to Maia since we got here.
I think tonight would be the best time to do so.
While Maia showered, I took out the clothes I would wear tonight and slipped the two boxes into the pockets. One was meant for Sage. I wanted to make a promise to her and ask for her permission to marry Maia. Even when Sage was our daughter, I felt like I needed to let her know I was making things official for us.
When Maia was done showering, she offered to look for Sage while I got ready for my date with her. By the time I was ready, Sage was too, and Maia had already left to go to the spa. While I waited for Sage, I informed the staff to get the gazebo ready because I was going to propose. I wanted to keep things simple, keeping in mind that it would be what Maia preferred.
That, and I needed them to get the fireworks launched after she said yes.
I held Sage’s hand as we waited to be led to the table reserved for us. Sage was animatedly telling me about her day with Rocky and I was thrilled she’d found a friend here. For someone her age, it would be better if she had company aside from ours. As much as we tried to accompany her in every adventure she wanted, I knew Sage craved to have the company of someone her age too.
It’s probably why she’d been bugging us to give her a sibling. It was either a sibling or a pet and it was still an ongoing discussion.
“Are you enjoying it here, Sage?” I asked as our order was being served to us.
“Absolutely, Dad! I wish we could come here every summer. I’ll surely miss Rocky, when we leave.” She was pouting a little. “Can we come here every vacation so I can see her?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I nodded. “If that’s what you want then I’ll make it happen. As long as we have mom’s permission, you know I’m down for anything you want.”
Sage laughed and agreed to it. Between Maia and I, she was the strict parent and I was the fun one. I watched as Sage ate her dinner and knew I had to bring up the proposal. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
Mid-slurp of her pasta, Sage met my eyes and a sparkle in her light brown eyes caught my attention. “Is it about the ring that you’ve been hiding?”
My eyes widened. “You…you’ve seen it? Did mom see it?”
Fortunately, Sage shook her head. “I saw it when I was looking for a charger to borrow the other night. You didn’t hide it very well, Dad, but I never told Mom about it. It’s really pretty too, but I think you got the wrong ring size.”
When she told me this, I perked up and stared at her. I tried to hide my smile but failed to do so as I took out the ring she was talking about from my pocket and presented it to her. “I didn’t get the wrong ring size, Sage. This one’s for you.” I slid the ring on her finger.
Sage stared at it for a moment and then looked up at me in confusion.
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I held her hand tight, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I wasn’t by your side for a very long time, Sage. Now that I’m in your life, I never want you to think that I’ll ever walk out and leave you. I promise you that you’ll have me by your side for the rest of your life, even when you grow older. I’ll be so clingy that you’ll be sick of me but I won’t care nonetheless. I’ll take you out for dates like we’re doing right now and I’ll do it as long as you want me to. I love you, sweetheart, and I really want you to know and remember that.”
Sage was biting her bottom lip and crying. “Why are you doing this, Dad?”
I moved from my seat, hugging her tightly. “Because even when I’m your real dad, Mom and I aren’t married yet. This is my proposal to you. Do you want to be a family, for real and legally?”
Sage squealed and hugged me tightly, nodding her head over and over.
I kissed the top of her head and went back to my seat. “There’s also something else I need you to do for me.”
She looked up from her ring and met my eyes. “What is it?”
“I’m going to ask Mom to marry me later at the gazebo. The staff at the spa will hold her off for a while so we’ll get there before her but when we get there, I need you to man the camera to take a video of us. Can you do that for me?”
Sage’s eyes widened with excitement shining in them as she vigorously nodded her head.
I grinned and reached out to pat her on the head.
The two of us quickly finished our dinner. When we were done, we made our way back to the bungalow house then I called the staff at the front desk to tell them Sage and I were back.
I told Sage to hide in her room. I quickly scribbled a note and taped it on the front door telling Maia to meet me at the gazebo. I would wait there and Sage would then move out when she saw Maia with me so she could get our video. Besides, her room was the best area to shoot the whole thing from a distance.
When I got to the gazebo, a small table sat there with a cheese platter and wine. It wasn’t much but could be used as a perfect excuse for Maia. I could simply tell her I wanted some wine after the dinner I had with Sage and she would agree because a drink was perfect after a massage. I calmly waited, glancing at the pictures that decorated the gazebo and smiling to myself.
If you’d told me a few years ago that I would find myself going down to one knee and asking a woman to marry me, I would’ve laughed in your face. At that time, marriage and starting a family wasn’t a priority. All I knew at that time was that I wouldn’t take anyone seriously unless it happened to be Maia.
I watched as the back door of the house opened and Maia peeked out.
She cautiously walked over the bridge.
I stood still in anticipation. The box suddenly felt heavy in my pocket as I tried to stay calm when Maia got close.
“What’s going on? You’re already here?” she asked.
I nodded and pulled the chair out for her to sit on.
Maia looked at the pictures dangling around the gazebo and smiled, touching one that was of the three of us.
I grabbed the bouquet of flowers behind me and handed them to her.
She stared at them in surprise.
“I thought it would also be nice for the two of us to have a date. It’s been a while since we had one.”
Maia lifted the bouquet near her nose to smell it and looked at me through hooded dark eyes. “We’ve been having a lot of alone time together since Sage
became friends with Rocky.”
I couldn’t hide my grin when she pointed this out as I poured her a glass of wine. “That’s a different kind of alone time. You used to nag me when I couldn’t take you out on a date ten years ago.”
Maia bit her lip and shrugged. “We were young at that time but now, we’re both grown adults working nearly every day while raising a nine-year old.”
“I know,” I said, agreeing. “But it doesn’t hurt to keep things romantic once in a while.”
Maia nodded, bringing the glass to her lips to take a sip. Her eyes closed as she tasted the wine. “This is good. Did you bring this with you from the hotel?”
Her moan sent a shiver through me as I shook my head. “I couldn’t fit it in our luggage but I managed to find one in the resort. They sold one that was identical to one of our favorites and I got it for us to drink tonight.”
Maia eyed the bottle sitting in the middle of the table and cocked her head to the side. “Do you plan on getting me drunk tonight?”
I chuckled and took a sip but shook my head. “I need you sober to answer the question I’m about to ask you.”
Maia stared at me. “What do you mean?”
I honestly didn’t know how to do this. I had initially thought of doing something grand like proposing to her in public after a mob dance or pulling some stunt that would lead her to the question. In the end, I hadn’t gone through with those ideas because I knew how much Maia valued her privacy. But at the same time, I didn’t want to ask her the way her ex-husband did.
Standing up, I pulled out a picture of her and Sage then placed it in front of her.
Maia stared at it for a while. “It’s a good picture of Sage and I but why are you showing it to me?”
“Because I want you to look at the two best things I have in my life right now.”
Maia met my eyes and her lips formed into a small smile, my words touching her.
