Sublime Forgiveness (Sublime Series Book 3)

by Charlene Zapata

  The next four days would have been torture if I hadn’t been so busy with work. My mom is in my kitchen, preparing a lavish meal for Maggie’s return. I’ve been pacing the floor, anxious to see her lovely face again. When she knocks lightly, I don’t hesitate to answer swiftly. Unfortunately, I don’t get her for long. After she sees that everyone is here to greet her, I lose her attention. I have to stop being so greedy about her time. There are lots of people who love her and deserve time with her.

  I fall into the background, giving everyone what they want, including Maggie. She’s always been easy to talk to. That might have been one of the first things I fell in love with. Her willingness to sit and listen to someone else's story without passing judgment or interrupting every few seconds. She quietly takes it all in. Absorbed in every detail the other person is saying.

  After a dinner that feels like it lasted an eternity, we escape back to my bedroom after saying our goodbyes. Once I close the door, sure to lock it behind me since Tommy and Amanda are still in the house, Maggie lets out one word before attacking me.

  “Finally.”

  Before I know what’s happening, her legs are wrapped tightly around my waist. My mouth is everywhere, sucking and kissing her soft, sweet skin. It feels like we haven’t seen each other in months, not days. I can’t seem to get enough of her. I move us over to the bed, causing us to crash down awkwardly in my haste. But neither of us give a damn. I just want her. Right now. My clothes end up on the floor in a pile next to most of Maggie’s. Before she can get to her bra and panties, my body is pressed firmly on top of hers again.

  “I can get the rest.” I whisper in a husky voice.

  I begin my assault on her senses by slowly grazing my fingers over her body. Once I remove her bra, my mouth follows where the fabric was just a second ago. My hand deliberately makes its way to her panties. I slip them off quickly, moving my lips down her stomach as I do. Her body is writhing beneath me. Wanting, begging for more. I take my time, kissing her everywhere and anywhere I please. She gives me total control over her body, responding to each touch. Her soft moans call out to my primal instincts as a man.

  I reach over to the nightstand where I stocked up on a healthy dose of condoms, fully prepared to spend as much time in bed with Maggie as possible. I get it in place just in time. Her anticipation almost sends me over the edge. Once I’m inside her, connected in the most intimate way, our kisses become rushed, feverishly trying to get more of each other. The heat between us is undeniable. It’s something I hope never fades. We come to a glorious end together. Panting, moaning, inhaling and exhaling like our lives depend on the next breath we take.

  I help her get back into her panties and t-shirt for bed. I throw my boxers on before climbing in next to her. She rests on my chest, secure in my arms. We talk for a while before she falls asleep. It gives me time to watch her. To really look at her.

  I’ve learned so many things since I’ve met Maggie Wilson. I rediscovered my faith, I realized being friends first is important, and I fell in love. Most of all, I’ve learned forgiveness. When she told me that she forgave me after the accident, the ache in my heart that I’ve had since the day she left, was suddenly gone. It made me realize that if she could forgive me after everything I put her through, if she could still love me even though I hurt her so deeply, that maybe it was time to forgive myself.

  I’ve never gotten over the way I treated my father before he died. All the stupid, teenage bullshit I put him through. The regret sits heavy on my heart every time I think about it. I think it’s time to let go. It’s time to forgive the past. Because everything happens for a reason.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  After spring break, Maggie and I headed back to Michigan to finish up the semester. It took a miracle and lots of studying time for us both to pass all our classes. Asher was a big part of Maggie’s success, tutoring her when she needed it. Now, I’m so ready for a break. At least from school.

  Asher is headed back home to Florida for the summer. Heather promises to visit in between her internship and Maggie and I are driving back to Ohio to work all summer at my landscaping business. I know, it sounds glamorous. But if I want to stay in school, I have to work my ass off to save up enough money to live off of next year. Maggie said I could live with her for free because she already covers the rent. I refused. I agreed to pay at least a third. It’s already saving me a tremendous amount by living with her instead of at the dorms. I don’t ever want her to think that I’m taking advantage of her.

  Tommy has done an incredible job with the business. He hired a couple of guys to help out over the winter, letting them use my plow on their truck, and they’ve agreed to stay on for the summer. Maggie has agreed to run the logistics side of things, stating she would much rather deal with landscaping stuff than serve coffee another summer.

  It’s been a week since we’ve been home, back in Milford. Maggie and I are sitting in the living room, after demolishing some of my mom’s famous enchiladas. I hand her a small white envelope with her name printed on the front.

  “What’s this?”

  “Just open it.”

  “Just tell me what’s inside and then I’ll open it.”

  “Stop being so stubborn and open the damn thing already, woman.”

  “Alright, alright. No need to be so pushy.” She tears open the envelope, pulls out the piece of paper that was shoved inside, and turns to me with a frown. “What is this?”

  “It’s your first paycheck.”

  “Vince, I already told you I don’t want you to pay me. This money is for you. For the business and your schooling. I don’t need it.”

  “Well, too bad. Because you’re keeping it. You earned it. It isn’t a hand out and the pay isn’t great. You’ll continue to get one every week so don’t make it difficult on me. Just accept it for all your hard work. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “I’ll tell you what you’d be doing, you would have Amanda over here night and day, answering phones and organizing invoices.”

  “All the more reason you deserve this money. I love the girl, but not 24/7.” Maggie laughs when I make a face of mock horror.

  “So what should we do now?”

  “How about the creek?” I suggest fully aware she never turns down an opportunity to visit our personal sanctuary.

  “I would love that. Why don’t I pack up some dessert for us to take?”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  It’s the middle of June and the sun doesn’t set until much later in the evening. By the time we arrive, it’s just after 8 o’clock. Perfect timing. Maggie has her doubts that we’ll be able to find our way back to the truck if we stay too long, but I reassure her that I could find my way blindfolded if I had to. She takes my word for it.

  Just after we pass through the tree line, Maggie’s eyes light up like its Christmas morning. I came out here earlier in the day and set up lanterns all around the water. Some are hanging from the tree branches; others are sitting on the massive rocks that surround the water. I asked Joey to come around seven to light them all. The sun is just setting to the west, giving a soft glow to the evening sky. It’s just as I imagined it would be. I take her hand in mine, looking deep into her beautiful brown eyes. The sun is shining just enough that the green flecks in her eyes are sparkling against the dancing water beside us.

  “Maggie, I think I’ve loved you since the first day I met you. I never knew what building a friendship with a girl could be like because I never gave it a chance. You opened my eyes to a completely different world. You’ve taught me to be a better son, a kinder brother, a more compassionate friend, a selfless lover and most of all, a worthy man. We’ve been through so much together and apart. I never want to know what it is to be without you.”

  I take a deep breath and pull the velvet box out of my pocket. I get down on one knee before asking the question that will undoubtedly change the rest of my life. The rest of our lives.

  “
Magnolia Pearl Wilson, will you marry me?”

  I present the ring and wait for a response. Tears are falling down her cheeks and she’s shaking her head yes up and down.

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to actually hear the word from your dazzling lips.”

  “Yes! A million times yes! I love you! I love the ring. It’s beautiful! Will you put it on me now? Please?”

  “Yes ma’am. Anything you want. Forever.”

  I smile up at her, never feeling happier in all my life. She pulls me to my feet, grasping at any part of me she can get her hands on before kissing me fiercely.

  “I love you Vincent Moreno. Now more than ever. You’ve made me the happiest girl alive.”

  “I love you, too.”

  We kiss again, holding each other in a tender embrace.

  “I think we should get married exactly one year from today’s date, in this very spot.”

  “That didn’t take long. Have you been thinking about when and where we might get married before I even proposed?”

  “No. Yes. What does it matter? All I know is that I want it to be here. It’s enchanting on a cool summer night. The perfect setting for a wedding. Don’t you agree?”

  “Maggie, this place is magical. But it’s our magic. I don’t want everyone else here. Can’t we pick someplace else?”

  “What are you afraid of? Heather and Amanda will take one look at the wilderness and run the other direction. Joey already knows it exists, thus voiding any concern over Keri finding it, Tommy could care less and your mom would love it. This is the place we’ve shared so much together. Besides, it’s one of the few places you feel connected to your father. It has to be here.”

  I know arguing with her is pointless. If she hadn’t just argued her case legitimately, I might have more reason to disagree. But she’s right. This place is special to us. We see the beauty here because we created it.

  “Okay, Maggie. Whatever you want.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  We get out the strawberries and whip cream Maggie packed, along with some sparkling water I had Joey leave. I pull a thick blanket from behind one of the big, black rocks that sits nestled next to the water.

  “Look at you, Slick. Thinking of everything.”

  “Always. I wanted to make sure it was a moment we will never forget.”

  “I will always remember this day, because it’s the day you took the last part of my heart and made it whole. I never have to doubt that I have someone on this earth who loves me unconditionally, who accepts me for exactly who I am, all of me. The good, the bad and everything in between.”

  Her words have a profound effect on my own heart. Making it beat just a little faster. I don’t know if she’ll ever know the intense impact she’s had on my life. The healing she brought to the ache deep inside over losing my father. I feel whole when I’m with her. Like I’m capable of accomplishing anything. Her love has given me the ability to be the man I’ve always dreamed of being.

  Epilogue

  Five years later…

  Maggie

  It’s the middle of the night and I can’t sleep. My back hurts, my legs are swollen and my belly is sticking out so far now, I can’t get comfortable no matter how hard I try. Vincent stayed awake with me for a few hours, but he needs his sleep. He has a big day tomorrow. He’s presenting a huge proposal for the City of Columbus to revamp all the local parks. It would be a massive contract, one that could change everything for us.

  I started working for a marketing company right after college, doing side work for Vince whenever I have the extra time. Now that we’re expecting our first baby, I really want to stay home with him or her. We decided not to find out the sex and the anticipation is killing me. I’ve tried to cheat several times, begging the ultrasound tech to tell me but Vince has everyone on lock down. He said there are few surprises in life and we should enjoy this one. Blah, blah, blah. Men.

  We decided to move to Columbus after completing our degrees in Michigan because Joey got accepted into Ohio State University. We sold Martina’s house recently, which was heartbreaking because she shared it with Javier, but she wanted to move here for the baby. I think she’s more excited than both of us put together.

  My Grandfather remains in his tiny town, determined to die in the house he’s lived in for more than forty years. I can’t say I blame him. Bigger cities aren’t really his cup of tea. He’s still just a couple of hours away, which gives me a sense of security. Tommy and Amanda got married last year and are expecting a little boy in the fall. They decided to stay in Milford and continue running the successful landscaping business they helped build. Vincent sold the company to Tommy after graduation, saying he earned it.

  Joey and Keri are still together, attending the same college just like Vincent and I did. They recently got engaged. Martina is on cloud nine having both her boys in the same city, a grandbaby on the way and a wedding to plan.

  The most surprising event in our tight knit family, Heather and Asher’s elopement. After struggling to stay together for the past few years due to his constant travel and Heather’s insane work schedule, they finally did it. They went off to some beach in Mexico and got married. I was pretty pissed at first that I wasn’t invited, but quickly got over it when Heather told me it was then or never. She said she didn’t even know if it was going to happen until the minister asked her directly if she would take this man as her husband. I will never understand their crazy relationship.

  Since I can’t sleep anyway, and after calculating the math, wait…what time is it in Western Australia? I have no freaking clue. Heather and Asher are there for a surfing tournament. She’s watching and he’s competing. He’s actually ranked in the top twenty across the entire world. It makes me proud that he finally followed his dreams. I pick up the phone, dialing the international number.

  “Hey! Is it baby time yet?”

  “Not yet. This kid better get out soon because this is the most uncomfortable I’ve ever been in my entire life. I can’t sleep, the indigestion is killing me and my feet look like they got swallowed up by the marshmallow man.” Heather thinks all of that is hysterical.

  “I miss you. I’m glad you called. It’s been insane here. Asher is competing tomorrow for first place! He made it past all the preliminary heats, beating out a few guys ranked higher than him. His pro career is really taking off.”

  “That’s great. Tell him I said congrats! How are you doing being on the sidelines?”

  “It’s fine. I miss work but I promised him I’d be here for this major competition. I used most of my vacation to come with him but it’s all about compromise. This could be a pivotal turning point for him and we promised each other we would be there for the big stuff.”

  “I think whatever works for you two is exactly what you should do.”

  “So when is this kid going to be born?”

  “I have no clue. I’ve tried everything from long walks, spicy food and even sex. Nothing is working. The doctor won’t induce me unless I’m well past my due date. Since it’s only two days after at this point, it seems like it could be awhile.”

  “Maybe she’ll hang on until I get back to the states.” Heather is convinced I’m having a girl even though I’ve told her repeatedly that we don’t know.

  “It’s late. I’m going to try and lay back down. Call me if he wins tomorrow!”

  “I will. Talk to you soon. Don’t have that baby without me.”

  “Sure, because I have all the control over this situation. Love you. Bye.”

  “Love you too, bye.”

  I decide to get a glass of water before heading back to bed. The thought of watching my husband sleep peacefully is just annoying. All of a sudden, I feel a small pain in my stomach. It only lasts a few seconds, then goes away. I take a seat at the kitchen table, waiting to see if it returns. About ten minutes later I feel it again. After two hours of counting and writing each contraction down, I’m pretty sure I’m
in labor. I didn’t want to wake Vince in case it was a false alarm. I’ve heard of that happening.

  I walk up the stairs slowly, holding onto the railing tightly. When I finally make it to our room, Vince is sound asleep. I walk over to his side of the bed but before I can say anything another contraction starts. I bend over, bracing myself on his night stand, inhaling and exhaling slowly. When it’s over, I gently shake my husband.

  “Vincent. Wake-up.”

  “Maggie? Is everything okay?”

  “I think I’m in labor. We should probably go to the hospital.”

  I’ve never seen a person move so fast in all my life. He jumps out of the bed, throws some clothes on, grabs my bag I packed weeks ago and heads for the door. All while I stand perfectly still, watching him.

  “What am I thinking? How are you doing? Do you need help? Let me get you down the stairs. Are you in a lot of pain? What can I do?”

  “First, calm down, Slick. I know this is our first rodeo, but this isn’t going to go well for either of us if you’re a nervous wreck. Remember, I’m the one having the baby. Not the other way around.”

  “Okay. Let me take a minute to breathe.” Just as he says the words, another contraction hits me. He rushes over, frantically trying to decide what to do to help. We took the classes but you wouldn’t know it by his reaction. He seems clueless.

  “Just let me lean on you.” I say in between breaths.

  “Right. Sorry. Whatever you need.”

  After about fifteen minutes, we manage to get down to the garage and into the car. Vince is a little calmer now, repeating reassuring comments to himself under his breath. Whatever works. He drives us to the hospital in record time while somehow managing to obey all traffic laws. After getting checked in, and being examined by the doctor, I’m officially in labor.