Staying For You

by Van Wyk, Jennifer

  Then I frame her face and kiss her.

  “Just in case you weren’t sure by my muttering earlier. That’s a yes. A big, ginormous hell yes, I’ll marry you.”

  I lift her up, carry her to our bed and realize that we didn’t need a fire on the beach for the perfect proposal. Her not wearing pants made it pretty damn perfect, too.

  * * *

  “Yo! Owen, bud! What’s up with the fire on the beach? You guys okay?” Sawyer’s voice yells through the door. We’re lying in bed together, drifting off to sleep after having sex. Twice. That’s right, back to back after proposal sex and we’re now exhausted.

  Cami starts giggling as she sits up, using the sheet to cover up. Her hair is a mess, like usual after we’ve just finished having sex, and my diamond is shining on her finger.

  “Hang tight, Sawyer! I’ll be right there.”

  “Okay?” He sounds confused and a little worried.

  We both dress in whatever we can find easily and Cami does her best to tame her hair.

  When we come out of the bedroom together, Sawyer’s roaring laughter fills the living room. “You didn’t have to come out.”

  “Well, we have news.”

  Cami lifts her hand to present her ring and he immediately engulfs her in his huge arms, lifting her off the floor and spinning her around a few times. She squeals and he drops her down and then moves over to me, doing the same.

  “Congratulations, you two.”

  “Thanks, Sawyer,” Cami says quietly. She’s grown attached to him. He was somewhat her protector after she discovered everything that went down with Scott.

  “We gotta show Helen. Your family know?”

  “My family knew it was coming. I called her mom, talked with her about it to get her permission but they don’t know it happened. You’re the first.”

  He smiles broadly but it’s Cami’s voice that cuts through. “You called Mom?”

  “Of course.”

  She starts crying. Again.

  “Shit. I’m such a crybaby.”

  “Aww. It’s okay. Crybaby Cunningham has a nice ring to it.”

  “I’m gonna be a Cunningham.”

  “Damn right you are.”

  Acknowledgments

  A few weeks ago from the time I’m writing this, I sent a message to a very dear friend and asked for prayer for this story. I knew I needed support as it was turning in a direction I never saw coming. And God answered big time. Because He’s incredible and is on my side through every single minute. I’m so glad He loves me.

  My incredible family. I tried so hard to have this one finished so we could enjoy the rest of our summer together. It took me a little longer than I’d promised but you, as always, supported me and had patience while I locked myself in the bedroom. Trav, you are such a blessing to me. I cannot believe we just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need and stepping up. Kiddos. My gosh you’re a handful and hilarious and supportive. We hit the kid jackpot and I’m super proud that you’re ours.

  My extended family. I love every one of you more than you could know. Thank you for being on my side. Mom, every time you say, “I just read…” I hold my breath. Ha!

  Jen. I could get super cheesy and tell you what you mean to me but you already know. I didn’t expect our friendship but I had you when I shouted “Son of a bitch!” in the middle of a crowd and sucked you in. I’m awesome like that. I heart you big time, friend.

  Jill. Friend. I really, really love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for so much.

  Erin N, Andrea J, Rachel VD, Kate F, Amie K & Maria L. If I wasn’t lazy I would tell a tale to each one of you about how I’m so blessed to have you but let’s face it, it’s summertime and I am lazy. I love you guys. Thank you for not letting me give up but listening along the way. Thank you for showing me what I have to offer. Thank you, most of all, for being you and my friend. Kate, thank you for being my girl and creating beauty.

  Mastas. I’ve learned something over the past year. We don’t have to talk all day long or even every day to love and support each other. We’re pretty great.

  The Walk. My place of calm in this crazy world. It’s been a pleasure to be with each of you.

  Allyson, Allison, Jill, Julie, Kara, and Kaitie. Thank you for polishing and cleaning and reading and loving and wow. (don’t hate me for the ands) I love y’all. Julie, you took me on as a new client and I was blown away. Thank you for everything.

  Juliana. Your covers for me and this entire series just bring such a smile to my face.

  Mary D. I was so nervous when I sent you an email and you were gracious and kind. Thanks for giving me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone.

  Bloggers. I’ve had more support from you than I ever expected. And I’ll always be in awe and so very grateful.

  Jennifer’s Java Girls and my early readers. You listen to my ramblings and love me despite how crazy I sometimes am. Thanks so much for your support and being a great group.

  Specific shout out this time to the PCSD. Our children are challenged and encouraged and have more confidence thanks to the support they receive within your walls. Thank you for honoring your commitment for an amazing education.

  About the Author

  From the Ground Up was Jennifer's first published novel and now that she was bitten by the writing bug, has no intention of ever stopping. Jennifer makes her home in small town Iowa with her high school sweetheart, three beautiful, hilarious and amazing kids, one crazy Jack Russell terrier. This is where her love for all things reading, baking, and cooking happen. Jennifer's family enjoys camping, boating, and spending time outside as much as possible. You'll be her best friend if you can make her laugh and follow up with asking her what to read next. When she's not writing, you can find her cheering the loudest at her kids' sporting events (read as: embarrassing them), sipping coffee or iced tea out of a mason jar with her Kindle in her lap or binging on Netflix.

  You can find her other works on Amazon in the Kindle Unlimited Program here: https://amzn.to/2XIAm9U

  Also by Jennifer Van Wyk

  Do you love Small Town Romance?

  Want to know more about Ethan and Olivia and Rex and Chloe?

  Go back to the beginning with Gone for You here:

  https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/gone-for-you/

  And then catch up with Rex and Chloe here:

  https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/falling-for-you/

  Other small town romances from Jennifer Van Wyk:

  From the Ground Up: https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/from-the-ground-up/

  A Better Place: https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/a-better-place/

  Feels Like Home: https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/feels-like-home/

  Waiting for Her: https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/waiting-for-her/

  All I Need: https://jennifervanwykauthor.com/all-i-need/

  All I Need

  Chapter 1

  Ellie

  “You have got to be shitting me!” I shout wondering how this could be happening. Again.

  “Oh fuck,” Gary grunts, eyes wide when he finally notices me standing in the same room. He shoves himself back into his tuxedo pants and scrambles off my maid of honor, Crystal.

  Her bridesmaid dress, the one we picked out together, is bunched up around her waist. She squeals and quickly covers up her lower half as Gary stands up.

  I look down at my own wedding attire, the gown I fought against buying because I was too nervous that it was all too good to be true, suddenly feels like a weighted blanket dragging my body down.

  Slowly, I drop to my knees, the fabric of my dress billowing around me as the realization of what I just walked into hits me. My stomach threatens to dispel the light lunch I ate earlier in the day and my nose stings, the telltale sign I’m about to start crying. Which pisses me off almost as much as the fact that I just walked in on my fiancé, the man I was moments away from marrying, screwing my maid of honor.
Crystal and I have known each other for almost ten years. We shared a home, clothes – hell, even a car for a while when we couldn’t afford to own one on our own. Apparently, she thought the sharing part of our relationship extended to men as well.

  Clearly, I’m not a good judge of character since this is the second time this has happened to me.

  Though, the first time I assumed it was because I was young and naïve. I can’t say the same for now.

  Tears threaten to spill over when I spot Crystal’s shoes in different corners of the room like they couldn’t wait to tear each other’s clothes off. The garment bag that held my dress is still hanging from the back of the door that Crystal hung it from when she carried it in here just a few short hours ago.

  The wrapping paper from the small gift box I unwrapped when we first arrived. Gary had it waiting for me when we got here. A gold necklace, a heart pendant with a small diamond in the center. I felt so ungrateful as I opened it and wondered why that was the gift he chose for me. The necklace looked as if he found it in a pawn shop and if they’d had a decades’ section, it would have been smack dab in the 80’s.

  It didn’t match my other jewelry for today so I had placed it back in the box without another thought. I scoff, realizing it should have been a major clue as to how little he gave a shit about me. Gary and Crystal have been silent while I’ve been going through my little break down. Stealing my nerves, I grab hold of the chair I collapsed next to and stand up on shaky legs and run my hands over the skirt of my dress and walk over to the door, opening it up and poking my head out to look down the hallway. Spotting one of my bridesmaids, I holler, “Allison! I need you to get me out of this.”

  A look of shock crosses her face until I open the door to the room wider. She looks beyond me, sees my fiancé and maid-of-honor looking like they just got done with a fuck-fest.

  “Ellie…”

  “Now, Allison,” I shout at her, feeling seconds away from having a full-blown panic attack as I rip my veil off my head and throw it to the floor.

  She rushes to my back and with quick fingers, undoes the buttons that held up my dress. With each release of the small pearl from the threaded loop I feel a sense of relief I wasn’t expecting.

  When the buttons are finally undone, I allow the dress to unceremoniously drop to the floor. As the dress pools at my feet, the only sound I hear other than my own breathing is Gary’s sharp intake of breath. When I slipped on the white lace bra and panties set this morning, I knew he’d love it. It isn’t lost on me how sexy I look like this. At thirty-four, I work hard to maintain the natural curves my body holds. I’m not full of myself but I am aware of my body, of the curves I’ve been blessed with and the work I put into staying relatively fit.

  My ashy blonde hair is styled in beach wave curls, flowing over my shoulders, kissing the top of my full breasts while the sides are pulled back with rhinestone-studded clips. The lavender scrub I applied earlier has left my skin soft but it’s the coconut oil I applied this morning that has left my skin glowing. The makeup applied by the glamour squad is a little heavier than normal but still tasteful, the goal to highlight my bright blue eyes. Bending down, I pick up my dress and walk over to Crystal and drop it at her feet. “Now I know why you wanted me to pick this dress so bad. You must have wanted it for yourself, just like you wanted Gary for yourself.”

  Still in only my bra, panties, and sparkly peep toe heels, I face the fuckers who knew damn good and well what they were doing and how it would affect me.

  “Crystal, what did you do?” Allison asks in a whisper.

  “I didn’t…”

  I don’t let her finish whatever bullshit she’s about to start spewing and whip around to face Gary. “I hope your dick gets gangrene,” I point to Gary and he covers his crotch area as if I actually have those kinds of powers. I wish. Then I turn my finger to Crystal. “And you. May you buy a bra that you don’t wash before wearing and it makes your tits look like a lotus flower pod,” I tell her, referring to a post that went viral several years ago. It freaked her the fuck out because of her trypophobia.

  Her gasp makes me smile. It’s possible I’m being a bitch but I think the situation calls for it.

  Allison giggles behind me. I look at her and she quickly covers her mouth, her eyes wide. She moves her hand and raises it in front of her. “Sorry, sorry. Not the right time, I know. It’s just… the lotus flower pod! That was the freakiest thing I’d ever seen. So gross.” Her giggles turn to full on laughter. I press my lips together because I thought it was pretty funny, too, but figure if I start laughing now then I’ll lose all my credibility. Allison takes a deep breath and blows it out. “Okay. I’m good. But know that was a good one.”

  Gary reaches for my hand but I yank it back, holding it close to my body so he can’t get near me. “Ellie… fuck. I’m so sorry.”

  “Because you got caught?” I ask, hands to my hips. “Just tell me one thing. How long?”

  His face pales and Crystal whimpers.

  “I don’t want to know, do I?”

  Gary glances at Crystal and she bites her lip, shaking her head slowly, gaze pinned to the floor. She sniffs and he looks back at me. “I deserve to know,” I tell them. “You knew my fears. Knew what happened with Michael, which makes you two even bigger assholes in this situation.”

  “New Year’s Eve,” he whispers and I close my eyes against the hurt.

  Six months ago.

  One week after he proposed.

  “Fuck you both,” I snap. Relief we decided on an outdoor ceremony at Gary’s father’s country club instead of in a church floods through me. I’m also grateful the guests are sitting under the tent set up far away from the separate clubhouse the bridal party used to get ready and nobody else is witnessing this scene.

  As much as I love my shoes, they’re just another reminder of the situation I’m currently in so I kick them off, reach down and chuck them at Gary. One after the other, they bounce off his chest and fall to his feet.

  “I’m… sorry,” Crystal hiccups through tears.

  “I bet so. Sucks being seen as the bitch you really are rather than the friend you’ve been pretending to be this entire time.”

  She flinches at my harsh words.

  I walk over to the bag that holds my regular clothes which I had packed up before the photographer called for me to take my pictures. Pictures I just finished smiling for and had walked back to the room to reapply lipstick as the photographer said it was time for the groom’s pictures so I could take a break. Somehow I doubt the image before me is what the photographer was hoping for. I quickly slide on my jean shorts and do up three buttons of my white shirt then slip on my champagne wedge flip flops that I had planned to wear during the reception.

  “He’s all yours,” I tell Crystal who’s still quietly crying.

  “Ellie, wait,” Gary pleads. The sad part is I don’t know if he’s pleading because he’s sincerely sorry or that he’s upset he was caught. Unfortunately, more likely the reason is because he knows his parents will cut him off since he was only allowed full use of his trust fund if he was married before his thirty-fifth birthday, which is just around the corner.

  “What for? So you can tell me I got the wrong idea? Or again that you’re sorry? Oh, maybe you’re going to tell me that it wasn’t planned and that it just happened, that you’ll never do it again. Save it, asshole.”

  “We really…”

  “What, Crystal? You really didn’t mean for it to happen? And when it did, what then? You just thought it was no big deal? That you’d keep it going and watch me marry the man you’ve been screwing for the past six months and that would work forever? I don’t know if that makes you pathetic or just a slut. But you know what? I’m done with both of you. I can’t believe I let myself trust either of you.” Suddenly a thought occurs to me and I have to swallow down bile. But damn if I’m not so freaking grateful that we haven’t had sex in over two months.

  “This is why yo
u wanted me to get tested. You said it was because of something with the inheritance. That we both had to have a full medical checkup before you could accept it.”

  He has the decency to look guilty. But Crystal, she looks pissed.

  “What the fuck, Gary? You made her get tested? Because… why? You don’t trust me?”

  “No it’s not that at all. It’s not you. It’s…” he stops whatever he was about to say but the words are hanging in the air already. I don’t know if Crystal’s smart enough to figure it out on her own or not, but I don’t really care.

  Without him admitting it, I know, without a doubt, it’s because he’s the one who hasn’t been faithful to her. But what would she expect? If he can’t be faithful to the woman he was about to pledge his life to, why would he be faithful to the one who thought it was okay for him to be a cheat?

  I place my bag on my shoulder, check to make sure my wallet and phone are still inside then I walk over to Gary and hold out my palm. “Keys?” I raise an eyebrow for him to challenge me, which, of course, he doesn’t. Because he’s a cheat who has no balls. He digs into his pocket before placing them in my palm. I turn to walk away then think better of it.

  Placing my left hand on his chest, my large engagement ring that his daddy no doubt helped pay for sparkles brilliantly. I look at it briefly then back to him. His eyes soften and I know he thinks I’m about to cave.

  Then I ball a fist, cock my arm back and sock him right in the gut.

  “Have a nice life, Gary.”

  Want more? Click here to download All I Need:

  All I Need (Also available in KU)

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