Defying Gravity (Healing Hearts Book 2)

by Laura Farr

  At around 7pm, we all headed over to the barn by the guest accommodations. Neither Libby nor Mason had seen how it had been decorated, and I was excited to show them; I’d stopped by yesterday, when the company my parents had hired were there, and they had made it look amazing. Pushing the doors open, I let them go in first, and I heard Libby gasp.

  “Oh my God!” she exclaimed. “This looks incredible.” I followed her in and looked around. Hundreds of white lights had been strung from the beams in the roof of the barn, stretching the whole length and width of the room. Hanging in the center were dozens of jam jars filled with tea lights that lit up the space, flickering softly. Round tables with crisp white tablecloths were dotted around the dance floor, which was in the center of the room, and roses adorned every surface, the fragrance hitting you as you walked in. There was a band in one corner and a bar in the other.

  As guests began to arrive, I remembered that Josh’s parents had been invited, and although Josh had gone home the week before to clear the air, I was still apprehensive about seeing them. Trying to forget about it and not wanting it to ruin the night, I grabbed Libby’s arm and pulled her onto the dance floor.

  “Are you happy?” I asked her as we danced.

  “The happiest. It’s been the best day Sav, thank you for being part of it,” she gushed.

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” I told her truthfully. “I’m so happy for you and Mason.”

  “You next,” she said, taking my hands and spinning me in a circle.

  “Maybe,” I told her, laughing.

  The next hour or so was filled with dancing and the occasional rest when my feet started to ache. I was standing at the bar with Josh when I saw his parents arrive. “Your parents are here,” I told him, snuggling against his side.

  He looped his arm around me and kissed me on the head. “It’s going to be fine Sav, my mom promised to behave.” I hoped so—the last thing I wanted was to cause a scene at Lib’s wedding. I hadn’t told my parents about what Grace had said to me in the hope that she came around and grew to accept me. I saw Robert wave and I lifted my hand in a small wave back, watching as they made their way across the dance floor. Josh shook his dad’s outstretched hand before he leaned in to kiss me on the cheek.

  “You look very pretty Savannah,” Robert said with a smile.

  “Thank you,” I told him before turning toward Grace, who was just pulling back from hugging Josh. “Hello Mrs. Miller,” I said, not feeling brave enough to call her by her first name.

  “Hello Savannah. Robert is right, your dress is very pretty.”

  “Thank you,” I said again, amazed by her half compliment.

  “Would you like a drink?” Josh asked from beside me, his arm snaking around my waist. I watched as Grace’s eyes dropped to Josh’s arm before looking back up at me. She gave me a smile when she saw I was watching, but like before, it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

  “Yes, please darling,” she purred. “A glass of wine I think, and make it a large one.” Her eyes met mine as Robert asked for a bottle of beer, and Josh turned away to order the drinks. I became increasingly uncomfortable as I felt her eyes on me, even though she was making no effort to make conversation.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I just need to use the bathroom,” I told her, rushing off before she had a chance to respond. I walked straight past the bathroom and headed outside, needing to get some air. A few people were milling around outside, but I didn’t feel like making conversation so I slipped around the side of the barn where I knew there were some hay bales to sit on. Sitting down, I sighed. I thought it would be safe to say that Grace was on her best behavior; no doubt Josh and his dad had spoken to her and made her promise to be civil. Even so, I had a feeling it was the calm before the storm. I really had no idea why she disliked me so much. Yes, I was loud and opinionated a lot of the time, but I was a nice person—at least I hoped I was—and I loved her son. Isn’t that what all parents want for their children? To see them happy?

  I sat outside for five minutes, but it was getting late and I was thinking about calling it a night. It had been an amazing day, but a long one, and if I was being honest, I didn’t want to spend too much longer making small talk with someone who clearly didn’t want to be around me. Standing up, I made my way back inside the barn, quickly spotting Josh as I walked inside.

  “Hey, you disappeared—everything okay?”

  I nodded, taking my drink from his hand. “I’m fine, but I’m wiped out. I think I’m going to call it a night after this,” I told him. “You stay though, I can make my own way back.”

  “No, if you’re leaving, I’m coming too,” he insisted.

  “You really don’t have to Josh, I don’t want to ruin your night.”

  “Are you kidding? The best part of my night is going to be peeling that dress off you—which I’ve wanted to do since the minute I saw you—along with falling asleep with you in my arms.”

  I smiled as I put my drink down on the nearest table. Looping my arms around his neck, I reached up to kiss him. “Take me home Josh,” I sighed against his lips, and he nodded before kissing me. When he pulled out of the kiss, I turned to see his mom scowling at me. I flashed her a fuck you grin, and after saying a speedy goodbye to everyone, we left. There was no way I was going to let that woman ruin what had been, up until her arrival, an incredible day. I also vowed that I wasn’t going to let her fuck up my relationship either. She obviously saw me as a threat, someone who was taking her son away from her, but what she failed to see was that if she continued behaving like she had been, she was going to lose him anyway.

  It was Christmas morning and I woke up excited to spend my first Christmas with Josh. He had been very secretive the past few days, making the nursery off limits, even going as far as putting a lock on the door. He knew me well enough to know that given the opportunity, I wouldn’t be able to resist peeking inside. I’d asked him what felt like a million times to tell me what he was doing, but he refused to answer and told me I would just have to wait. I’d never been very good at waiting, and growing frustrated, I had resorted to pouting at him, attempting to storm off downstairs. I had hoped that would make him tell me, but instead I’d just heard him laughing as I waddled down the stairs.

  My bump was getting bigger and bigger, and I did wonder sometimes if I was going to burst. I was having trouble sleeping, I couldn’t have a bath when Josh wasn’t at home because I couldn’t get out of the tub without help, and most of my maternity clothes were getting unbearably tight. I was living in yoga pants and Josh’s t-shirts, and I still had two months to go. I felt enormous and was more than ready for this pregnancy to be over. Josh seemed to adore my body though and couldn’t keep his hands off me, which was reassuring when I felt so shitty about myself.

  Unable to get comfortable, I tossed my maternity pillow off the bed and attempted to cuddle up to Josh. He hated the pillow because it meant I wasn’t wrapped around him while I slept, but using it was the only way I could get a half-decent night’s sleep. He was lying on his back, and I positioned myself so I was as close to him as I could get with my huge bump. I lay my head on his naked chest and his arms instinctively came around me. He gently turned me so I was facing away from him, his chest to my back. He pulled my naked body back against his naked body, his erection pressing against me. I wriggled against him and he groaned in my ear.

  “Merry Christmas Josh,” I murmured, turning my head so I could see his face. His eyes were still closed and I watched as his mouth turned up in a smile.

  “Merry Christmas baby,” he replied, opening his eyes and looking down at me. His hand rested on my stomach and his fingers began drawing lazy patterns on my skin.

  “So, do I get to find out what my surprise is now?” I asked him excitedly.

  “In a minute. Let me just hold you for a bit without that goddam pillow in between us,” he said, nuzzling my neck and tightening his grip on me. “I hate that thing,” he said, and I laughe
d as I relaxed into his arms. His fingers continued to stroke my stomach and I felt my body come alive, his touch causing goose bumps to bloom on my skin. His hand began to move upward and his fingers pinched my nipple. Moaning, I pushed backward against his erection and felt him hard against my ass. As he played with my nipple, an ache began to form between my legs, and reaching his hand underneath my bump and between my legs, his fingers began circling my clit. I gasped, dropping my head back against the pillow. He lifted his head, his mouth finding mine in a searing kiss. Pulling away, he brushed kisses along my jawline and down my neck. I could feel his erection pulsing against me and I needed to feel him inside me.

  “Josh,” I groaned. “I need more.”

  “I’ve got you,” he said, lifting my leg and pushing inside me.

  “Oh God!” I moaned as he began rocking against me, his hand coming between my legs again, his fingers finding my clit.

  “Does that feel good sweetheart?” he asked in my ear, his breathing ragged. All I could do was nod my head as he continued to thrust into me, his fingers rubbing against me. His other hand had managed to find my breast, and as I took over holding my leg in the air, he began to pull on my nipple. He bent his head and breathed, “I’m close, come for me Savannah.” He flicked my clit with his fingers and I cried out as my orgasm hit me. He rocked against me once more before he too exploded, his cock swelling inside me as he came.

  Dropping my leg, I waited for my heart to stop racing and my breathing to even out. Josh’s arm was still wrapped around me and I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. “Wow…best Christmas present ever,” I told him as I turned my head to look at his grinning face.

  “Well I’m glad you liked it, and now that I’ve woken you up appropriately on our first Christmas morning together, I can show you your real present. Wait here,” he said excitedly as he gently pulled out of me and climbed out of bed. I watched as he pulled his shorts on and walked out of the bedroom, returning a minute later with a washcloth. Opening my legs, he gently wiped me before tossing the washcloth and pulling me up off the bed. I quickly pulled on some panties and a t-shirt before looking at Josh expectantly.

  Taking my hand, Josh led me out of the bedroom and stood me in front of the nursery door. “If you don’t like it or you had something else in mind then we can change it,” he said nervously as he turned the handle on the nursery door and pushed it open. I gasped when I looked inside and saw the most beautiful oak crib and chest of drawers.

  My hand flew to my mouth and I turned to face Josh. “Did you make these?” I asked him from behind my hand, tears welling in my eyes.

  He nodded. “Do you like them?” he asked, still sounding unsure.

  “Josh, I love them. They’re beautiful.” I flung my arms around him as the tears slipped down my cheeks. “Thank you,” I said into his chest. After a few seconds, I pulled out of his embrace and crossed the room, running my fingers over the smooth wood of the crib. “I can’t believe you made these—it must have taken you hours. When did you find the time?” I asked, knowing he had spent nearly every spare minute with me when he wasn’t at work.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “I started them as soon as I found out you were pregnant,” he said sheepishly.

  “Before we got together?” I asked in surprise.

  “I hoped we would end up together, and even if we hadn’t, I still wanted you to have them. I made them at work when things were quiet, and the night I went out with Brody and Mason…well, I didn’t go, they just covered for me.”

  I shook my head, still overwhelmed at what he had done. “Well I love them, and I love you. I can’t wait for our baby to arrive.”

  “I can’t wait either. I love you so much Savannah,” he said, his face lighting up with a smile.

  “God, your gift is going to look like shit next to this!” I exclaimed, gesturing back at the furniture.

  “I don’t want anything—I’ve already got the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”

  “You really are a hopeless romantic aren’t you,” I teased, reaching up and kissing his lips.

  “You know I’m talking about my Porsche, right?” he said with a straight face.

  I rolled my eyes and swatted him on the arm as he laughed. “Whatever, you know I’m better than a Porsche,” I told him with a smirk.

  He cocked his head and screwed up his nose. “Hmmm, I guess…my Porsche doesn’t snore though!”

  “Hey, I don’t snore!” I cried, my hands flying to my hips.

  “Baby, you most definitely snore,” he said with a laugh.

  I narrowed my eyes at him, my hands still on my hips. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you never to piss off a pregnant woman?” I asked him quietly, trying not to laugh as I wound him up. I wasn’t pissed off—I knew I snored. I’d even woken myself up a few times over the past few weeks.

  He held his hands up to me. “Hey, I love your snoring!” he exclaimed. “It actually helps me get to sleep!”

  “Great answer,” I told him with a wink. “Come on, let’s get ready and head to the ranch house. Mom and Aunt Emma are making breakfast and your present is there, but you have to wait until Brody and Mason are there too.”

  “Sounds interesting,” he replied, and I smiled. I’d bought him tickets to see the Dallas Cowboys play. Libby had also bought Mason a ticket, and my mom had bought Brody and my dad each one. Although it didn’t hold a candle to the amazing gift he had given me, I knew he would love it because the Cowboys were his favorite team.

  After a quick shower, I threw some comfy clothes on and we walked hand in hand to the ranch house. I was feeling a little apprehensive because my parents had invited Josh’s parents over for lunch. They thought that now that Josh and I were together, it would be good if we all celebrated Christmas as one big family. I hadn’t told her about the issues we were having, so there was no reason for them to think I wouldn’t want Josh’s parents there.

  I hadn’t seen them since the wedding, and that was just fine with me. Josh had been back to their house a couple of times, but he never pushed me to go. I thought he was burying his head in the sand, making himself believe everything was fine. I, on the other hand, thought it was only a matter of time before things came to a head. I hoped I was wrong, and maybe once the baby was born they would want to be involved, but at the moment, I couldn’t see it happening.

  The rest of Christmas day at the ranch house was perfect. Libby and Mason were back from a few nights away in Austin following their wedding, and Aunt Emma, Uncle Phil, and Jack were experiencing their first Christmas in Texas. Surprisingly, Grace was civil; I was guessing she didn’t want to cause a scene in front of the whole family. I was sure she would save that for when we were alone, although maybe I was being unfair and she had suddenly decided to accept me. Josh seemed happy they were there and we were all getting along.

  Josh loved his gift, as did the others. I’d taken a picture of the furniture he had made before we left the cottage, and showing everyone the pictures, I saw the look of surprise on his mom’s face.

  “That must have taken you a long time Josh,” Grace commented as my phone was handed around the room.

  “It did, but Sav and the baby are worth it,” he replied, pulling me closer to him on the loveseat, his hand resting on my bump.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said quietly, looking down at Josh’s hand.

  “I can’t wait to go see it,” my mom gushed as she handed me back my phone. “You two are just perfect together, don’t you think Grace?” she asked, turning to look at Josh’s mom. I felt Josh tense beside me and I put my hand over his.

  “Yes, perfect,” Grace replied with a small smile.

  “I always hoped they would end up together,” my mom continued. “I always knew they liked each other.”

  “Mom!” I exclaimed as my cheeks flushed with heat. “We are in the room you know.” Josh chuckled next to me and kissed me on the head.

  “Oh shush! I’m allowed to be excited,” she said, b
rushing off my comment. “Maybe we’ll be planning your wedding next,” she hinted, raising her eyebrows at me. Libby cheered from where she was sitting on the sofa with Mason, and I shook my head at both of them.

  “Libby! Don’t encourage her, and Mom, how much eggnog have you had?” I exclaimed with a smile, heat flooding my cheeks again.

  “Not enough! More drinks anyone?” she asked, flying into the kitchen.

  I smiled, not quite believing how happy I was. Six months before, I thought my world was ending, thought I would always be alone, now there I was snuggled up next to the man I loved with all my family around me. Even Josh’s mom seemed to be doing better than she had been; maybe Josh was right and she just needed time for the news to sink in.

  At that time next year, my life would undoubtedly be changed beyond recognition. While I was apprehensive about becoming a mommy, I knew with Josh by my side, I couldn’t fail. I was finally in a place where I was able to believe that everything was going to be okay.

  It was late January and Josh had officially moved all of his stuff into the cottage. Although we’d never spent a night apart since we got together, it was nice to know things were official and he would be there when I fell asleep and there when I woke up.

  The situation with Josh’s parents was still awkward, even more so now that we were living together. Wanting to clear the air, we had invited them over for a meal, asking them to see the furniture Josh had made for the nursery. I was apprehensive about them coming to the cottage and wasn’t sure they would accept the invitation, but to my surprise, they did.

  Conversation was difficult, and at one point we were discussing the weather and Josh’s night out with Mason and Brody the following evening in an attempt to avoid awkward silences. It was clear Grace didn’t want to be there and had probably been forced to come by Robert. Every time Josh touched me, I saw her roll her eyes or scowl, always managing to change her expression when Josh looked over.