Bare Hearts

by Youngblood, Devon

  “Thank you, officer, I appreciate everything.” I shake his hand as we turn to leave.

  Outside, it’s dark and muggy already; we have been here for hours as Lily told her story to the officer. Grabbing her hand as we walk to the car, I open the door for her. I guide her in and shut the door.

  “You okay?” I ask, sliding behind the wheel.

  “I think so. Can we stop by my shop to grab some flowers for my mom’s grave before we head home?”

  “Of course. Are you leaning toward going into the program?” I ask hesitantly.

  She just nods her head yes and gives me a weak smile. She remains quiet the rest of the drive. I know she’s sad about the turn of events and her life is about to completely change. I pull into the shop and watch as she unlocks the door and goes inside. Tilting my head against the headrest, I close my eyes, waiting for her to return.

  I hear motion outside the car and see Lily locking the shop back up.

  “Alright, let’s go. I left a note for Lucy to look after things,” she says holding a bouquet in her lap.

  Arriving at the cemetery after dark is an eerie feeling. I let Lily say goodbye to her mom while I go pay my parents’ grave a visit as well. I kiss my hand touching each of their stones and I hope they are with each other.

  “I’m not sure if this goodbye or not, but mostly likely it is. I met a girl and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. But it comes at a price that I’m willing to sacrifice, because she is worth it. I hope you are proud of me and the man I’ve become.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  LILY

  Inside, all I want to do is scream. I can’t believe my life is being turned upside down all because of my father. Parker heads over to his parents’ grave while I say goodbye to my mom. Its dark and the cemetery is creepy at this time. I make my way over to her grave. Placing the flowers along the stone, I kneel down to talk to my mom. I trace her name with my fingers.

  “It’s killing me that I have to say goodbye to my best friend. I love you and miss you so much each day. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about you, wishing you were here with me. I think you would like Parker. He is handsome, protective of me, and has been my rock through everything. As much as I denied my feelings for him, he never gave up. I think he’s the one. I’m only saying goodbye so we can have a fresh start, kind of a do over if you will. We met under the most unusual circumstances, and I want him in my life forever and ever.” I kiss my fingers and touch the stone as I turn to walk away.

  Hearing a noise, I turn around to face Parker. “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough.” He grins. “Come over here. I want to at least introduce you to my parents. So they can meet the girl of my dreams,” he says.

  We walk hand and hand over to their graves’. “Mom, Dad, this is Lily. Lily, my parents,” he gestures.

  I look at their stones. “Nice to meet you both. You have an amazing son here. I promise he’s in good hands.”

  I interlace my arm in his as we walk back to the car.

  “Is all of this okay with you?” I ask as we get in the car.

  He shifts in his seat to face me. “Lily, I will follow you to the end of the earth if it meant we could be together. I’m in this for the long haul.” He presses his lips to mine and his tongue invades my mouth, exploring.

  Breaking from the kiss, Parker heads to my house. I want to spend my last night there. Inside, everything is still intact.

  “I’ll lock everything back up while you go call your aunt,” he assures me.

  In the kitchen, I hesitate picking up the phone, hoping that my aunt agrees to going into the program. It’s the best thing for all of us. Taking a deep breath, I dial her number and sit on the stool in the kitchen.

  “Hey Aunt Becca, I was calling because Tony is at it again. You know flipping my world upside down and back again. He was finally arrested again. I don’t want to get into too many details over the phone, but I need you. The police want me and Parker to enter the witness protection program, but I insisted you come with us.”

  “You won’t be a burden, I swear. You’re the only family I have left and I need you with us. So I know you’re safe. Please,” I continue.

  Hanging up the phone, relief washes over me and a weight lifts off me.

  “She agreed; she’s on her way here as we speak,” I tell Parker in the living room.

  “I’m glad. And I know how happy you are about it.”

  While he lounges on the couch, I move to straddle him. I inch my face close to his while he places his hands on my butt. I bring his face close and kiss him. My tongue invades his mouth as he pulls me closer into his body.

  “I love you,” I say, pulling back.

  “I love you, too. What do you say about us getting married tomorrow before our life completely changes? We can go to the justice of the peace, and your aunt can be a witness.”

  His words leave me speechless. He flashes his toothy grin at me as I contemplate what to say.

  “Are you for real?” I ask

  “Yes, you know I’m serious.”

  “No, I mean are you real? Because this feels like a dream; if it is, don’t wake me up. I never thought I would get to experience love like this, especially with my parent’s marriage and having a boyfriend cheat on me with my best friend. I sort of accepted the fact that it may never happen for me. And then you come along and everything changes, literally. So, the answer is hell yes. Yes, I will marry you.”

  We sit there entwined with each other, making out, and excited to be getting married.

  “You are it for me, Lily.

  “And you are it for me, Parker.”

  He flips me so I’m lying beneath him on the couch, positioning himself in between my legs. His gaze lingers as his hand starts roaming my body, starting at my calf as he works his way up. His lips crash into mine as I pull on the hem of his shirt, yanking it off. I put my hands on his chest, feeling the hardness of his pecs snaking my arms around his neck and running one hand through his hair, bringing his lips back to mine. I suck on his bottom lip, lightly nibbling on it.

  “Damn that turns me on,” he says as he does the same to me.

  Bringing his hand behind me, he causes me to arch my back so he unclips my bra. My arms are now being held above my head with one of his hands, while his other hand is kneading my breasts and rolling his thumb over my nipple. He bends down, sucking on each one and making my nipples hard. His tongue is warm as he grazes my jaw line, sending shivers down my spine. I tilt my head back so he gives my neck some attention; my weak spot.

  Once he releases my arms, I hurriedly undo his pants, pushing them off with his boxers. His erection is hard against my middle. Moving his tongue down my body, he stops to pull my thong off. His tongue makes its way back to my sensitive bud causing my legs to spread wider.

  He reaches up, rubbing one hand over my breast and I run my hand through his hair. A moan escapes my throat and he slides up my body again, as he enters my wetness. We continue kissing as he thrusts in and out of me. The ecstasy is so overwhelming, causing me to cum in no time. After a few more thrusts, Parker cums inside me, causing us to convulse together.

  Grabbing a tissue off the table, he cleans me up so I can get up and get to the shower. He decides to join me, and we take turns washing each other. I slowly rub the soapy sponge over his chest and the soap runs down his sexy V cut. He takes the sponge from me turning me so my back is to him, he runs the sponge over my back. Then he spins me back to face him and he runs it over my breasts and neck. My body starts to feel tingly all over as he rubs in between my legs with the sponge.

  He steps out of the shower first to dry off and I rinse my body. Holding the towel for me, I step out and he wraps it around me.

  I slip on a pair of red lace panties while he pulls on a pair of boxers.

  “We should get some sleep. Your aunt will be here early in the morning. Ten hours comes quick, and we have a
long day ahead. Oh, and we’re getting married tomorrow.” He smiles, pulling me into him as we lay in bed.

  “Yes, we’re getting married, and it’s the one thing I am looking forward to the most,” I say, smiling into his chest and wrapping my arms around him.

  *****

  I wake bright and early as the sun peeks in the curtains by the bed, excited to be getting married to Parker and having my aunt witness it. She is going to freak when she finds out. Sliding out of bed quietly, I try not to wake Parker as he sleeps peacefully and slip on the plush robe he got me.

  Heading downstairs, I think about the day ahead; it will be happy and bittersweet at the same time. My former life will be no longer. I’m looking forward to my future with Parker and my aunt still in my life.

  I turn the coffee on and I hear the front door open and close. In the living room, my aunt outstretches her arms to me, embracing me tightly. I take her hand to lead her into the kitchen.

  “I’m so happy you’re here.”

  “Oh Lily, you look so much better than when I last saw you, which is a good thing,” she tells me sweetly.

  Grabbing two mugs, I fill both with coffee and sit next to her at the island.

  “So, are you going to tell me what is going on or do I have to guess?” She asks impatiently.

  I fill her in on all the drama Tony caused for Parker and me, and I was thankful she wasn’t there to witness any of it.

  “I’m just glad you two are okay, and happy that he’s back where he belongs.”

  I smile. “I also have some good news to share. Parker and I are getting married today at the courthouse. We’d love you to be there with us, as a witness.”

  “Oh my god, Lily, I am so happy to hear that. And you know I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” she squeals.

  “You want to help me get ready?”

  “You really have to ask?” She happily expresses her joy.

  On our way upstairs, we bump straight into Parker. Aunt Becca quickly brings him into a hug. “I am so happy for you two!” He gives me a smile over her shoulder.

  “She’s going to help me get ready for today,” I tell him, planting a kiss on his lips.

  “Will you be okay if I go out for a bit? I need to run a few errands and grab a few things from my place.”

  “Of course; we’ll be here getting ready.” I watch as he rushes into the bathroom to shower. I quickly grab the green dress out of the room and we head into my mom’s old room to get ready.

  “You are going to look so beautiful. I only wish your mom could be here,” Aunt Becca says, placing a hand on my shoulder.

  “Me too. I miss her so damn much.”

  “We’ll have you fixed up in no time,” my aunt says, changing the subject.

  I sit on the stool in front of my mom’s makeup mirror. Aunt Becca starts on my hair first and I ruffle through my mom’s jewelry. I decide to wear a plain gold necklace of my mom’s; I also slide on a few of her gold bracelet bangles and small hoop earrings to finish the touch. My aunt continues twisting and teasing my hair.

  “There, all done. How do you like it?” Aunt Becca asks, putting on the finishing touches.

  She hands me a mirror so I can see the back in the mirror in front of me. The back is pinned into an intricate braid from the top of one side cascading down the other side. The look is very me, simple and not too fancy.

  “Wow, I love it so much. Thanks!” I turn around and hug her.

  “You’re welcome, now let’s do something with this gorgeous face,” she says.

  I watch as my aunt uses her magic as she proceeds to spread a powder foundation on my face, spreading it all around with a sponge. She lightly sweeps my cheeks with a light pink blush, and she insists on fierce red lipstick.

  “See? Gorgeous!” She says, pointing at my reflection in the mirror.

  “Wow, I can’t believe it’s really me. Thank you so much for helping me get ready,” I squeeze her tightly in a hug.

  “Anything for my Lily,” she says, holding my face in her hands gently. “You’re all grown up.” She releases me and swipes at the tear that had escaped her eye. “Now go put that dress on.”

  I take the dress and unzip the cover, and slide it on carefully so I don’t mess my face up. The dress hits right above the knee with a full skirt and fitted bodice with a plunging neckline. Molly ended up giving me the heels I borrowed from her. I slip them on, and the look is complete with the gold jewelry I put on.

  I enter the room, and my aunt is speechless as she brings her hands to her mouth. “You look absolutely stunning. Parker is going to die when he sees you,” she says happily.

  Is this finally my fairytale? It feels like a dream, I think to myself as I admire the dress in the mirror.

  “Your aunt’s right; you look stunning. You are taking my breath away,” he says, leaning in the doorway.

  “Parker, how long have you been standing there?” I ask as he suddenly appeared.

  “Long enough,’ he said with a smile “Are you ready for today?”

  “Yes. And you look very handsome yourself,” I tell him, pulling his tie and bringing him close into me to kiss him. He has on a pair of black slacks and a light green dress shirt to match my emerald green dress.

  He wraps his hands around my waist, bringing me even closer to him.

  “Now, if you two love birds will excuse me,” my aunt says, making her way out of the room.

  Parker and I both laugh at her and unlock ourselves from each other.

  “So, where have you been all day?” I ask with my arms still wrapped around his neck.

  I watch as he pulls a box out of his pocket. “I went to my house, looking for this. I was wondering if you’d like to wear it?” He opens the box, and inside is the most beautiful princess cut diamond ring with smaller diamonds on each side.

  “Oh wow, it’s so beautiful. I would be honored to wear it,” I say with joy as he slides the ring on my ring finger. “It’s a perfect fit.” I hold my hand out to admire it as it adorns my finger. “Thank you so much. I love it,” I continue to say.

  “I know my mom would have loved you as much as I do, and I know she would be so happy for us,” he says.

  Grabbing my bag, packed with as many memories as I can take, as well as what Parker packed when he went home, we rush downstairs to show my ring to my aunt and take a few minutes to gush over it.

  “Let’s get a move on it you two,” my aunt says, rushing us out the door.

  “You guys go on ahead; I’ll be out in a minute,” I tell them.

  Once they leave, I take my time going through each room. This house is special; it was just me and Mom. Upon exiting each room, I linger, giving it one last look. I only hope the next owners enjoy it and make as many memories as we did.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  PARKER

  I can’t believe Lily and I will be married in a few short hours. My dream is actually coming true. The girl of my dreams is about to marry me. I set up the appointment with the justice of the peace; all we need to do is fill out the marriage license

  However, this is not how I pictured us getting married. I know just being married is enough for her. I wish I could give her a big fancy wedding, but that is not in our cards. Nothing about our relationship is normal.

  “Are you ready to marry your niece off?” I ask Aunt Becca.

  “Yes, I know she’s in good hands. Plus, if you hurt her, I’ll cut your nuts!”

  “Aunt Becca, I can’t believe you just said that!” Lily says with a shocked tone.

  “Well, get used to it. I know he would never hurt you, anyway,” she says nonchalantly. I can’t help but smile.

  We quietly walk outside, giving Lily a moment alone in the house she grew up in most of her life. I can only imagine how she is feeling, leaving all those memories behind. I put her bag in the trunk as we wait for her. We will be starting our new life soon, perhaps starting our own family even.

  Lily finally joins us in the car. �
�All set?”

  “Yep. Let’s blow this joint,” she says, trying to act happy. I know deep down that it hurts her to leave her home.

  I put a hand on her knee and I drive us to the courthouse. She slides her hand on mine and flashes me a wink.

  “You ready for this new adventure?” She asks turning in her seat to look at her aunt.

  “I’m really excited, and I don’t know why.”

  For the rest of the ride everyone is quiet until we pull up to the courthouse. I grab Lily’s hand while her aunt trails behind us. We approach the clerk to get our marriage license. The lady behind the counter asks us a few questions and then approves it. Now we just have to wait our turn. The butterflies are fluttering around in my stomach as we take a seat on the bench.

  “This bench is hard on the ass.”

  Lily laughs at my comment. “You just couldn’t resist, could you?” She shakes her head, laughing. “I’m so glad we are doing this. You make me so happy. It’s the first day of our future.”

  I tilt her head down to kiss her nose, when I hear our name is called. We immediately stand to enter the room. We are instructed to face each other so we can say our vows. Aunt Becca stands off to the side, watching us with a huge smile planted across her face.

  “What are your intentions for each other?” The judge asks.

  “I will love you ‘til the end of time. I want to have a family with you and grow old with you. No matter what, know that I love you forever and always. I will be there to protect and provide for you. I could have not asked for a better person to spend my life with,” I say to her as we hold hands.

  “Wow, how can I top that? You came into my life at the most un-expected time. I wasn’t looking for love, and BAM there you were. I thank God for you every day. You came right in and completely swept me off my feet. I willingly gave you my heart and you managed to keep it in one piece. I will be the best wife I can be and will treasure all our moments together. And ditto on everything you said,” she tells me with a twinkle in her eye.