Love and Repair Series Box Set

by Chelsea Camaron

  I laugh thinking about that. Yes, looking at it I realize, the puzzle pieces are low in the V of my hip, slightly to the left. The two pieces connected together with a ‘K’ inside one and ‘J’ inside the other. ‘She holds me beyond forever’ is written in small script around them.

  Now, I begin to wonder what Kenna will think. I’ve never gotten ink without her being present. Sophia has done all my work except the angel on my chest and praying hands on my right shoulder blade. My tribal piece of that enwraps my left shoulder and upper arm, the eagle on my right arm, the Chevy Bel-air hood piece from the late fifties on my back are all by Sophia’s design. Harrison is now sporting some work by Sophia as well. Thinking about it, she’s inked all of us except Kenna who remains a blank canvas.

  She finishes up still smiling. Once I’m gooped up, bandaged, and ready to go, Sophia asks, “You going to get her now?”

  “That’s the plan. Thanks Sophia. And not that it’s any of my business, but Harrison is a good guy underneath it all. Give him a chance.”

  “Go on Jake,” is all she says.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Anxious Energy

  Kenna

  I’ve text and called Jake a handful of times today. No response. I need him to know I love him. It’s well after dinner now, being impatient and currently very insecure, thanks to how I left things, I call Dina.

  “Hey, have you seen Jake around?”

  “No. Ryder said Jake needed a couple of days off. Starting yesterday, he asked us to keep an eye on the house for him because he was going to be out of town. I figured he was there with you by now.”

  “He’s not. Well, thanks for watching the house. I’ll be home Sunday.”

  “You okay, Kenna?” She asks with genuine concern.

  “I don’t know. I’m worried about Jake. I have finally become okay with Jake and me never getting married, and now I can’t find him to tell him. What if I’m too late? What if I’ve pushed too hard?”

  “Oh, Kenna, real love has a way of working itself out. What you and Jake have, it’s real. Look at Ryder and me; look at Brayden and Maggie, after everything we’ve all managed to make things work. You and Jake will too.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  We continue to catch up for a few minutes before finally hanging up. Worry and doubt are consuming me. I hope Jake is okay where ever he is. I also hope he’s missing me as much as I’m missing him.

  Jake

  Times like these, I recognize just how fortunate I am. We all feel alone sometimes, even when we shouldn’t. I may not have the closest of blood family, but I have a close family. My friends are my family; Kenna’s family has loved me like one of their own from the beginning. When I deploy, they all send me care packages as well. So, of course, I need to include all of them in what I’m doing. Pulling this off requires that Kenna not know I’m in town. My choices are stay in a hotel or at Grandma and Pops house. Kenna’s dad, Corbin, insisted I stay here and not at a hotel even though I got in super late.

  Corbin and I meet for breakfast at a local restaurant. He cuts right to the chase.

  “Glad you’re here, Jake. You want to talk about it. I assume you’re here to fix things.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, soldier, you never go into a mission without a plan, so what’s your plan?”

  “With your permission, I would like to marry your daughter. I have a ring; my plan is to propose, then give Kenna the wedding of her dreams.”

  “Why now?” Corbin asks sternly.

  “It’s something I should’ve done a long time ago. There is not another person I would rather spend the rest of my life with. I promise you, sir, I will love her and take care of her.”

  “Jake, son, I don’t doubt that. Why propose now? Is this what you want or are you proposing because you think it’s what Kenna wants?”

  “I’ve never wanted to get married until now, sir. This is about what Kenna wants yes, but it’s more about what I need. I need to make all of her dreams come true because she is my every dream come true. There is nothing that would mean more to me than to have her share my last name, to come home not to my girlfriend, but to my wife. To have a union with her that is a solid partnership and forever commitment. It’s what I want more now than anything ever before. I was driven by insecurities that by marrying her she would leave, when in reality by marrying her I would be solidifying what we already share: lifelong commitment.”

  “Well, Jake, you are already our son, so I can’t say welcome to the family. I will say that I am proud of you, the man you have become. You have my blessing to marrying my daughter, there isn’t anyone I would trust more to give her away to.”

  With that he helps me plan the proposal. The place where I’ve gladly given my heart to Kenna many times before.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Believe It Angel

  Kenna

  No word from Jake. My parents assure me I shouldn’t worry, men need space as much as women do sometimes. We are having dinner at my grandparents tonight. I’m thankful for the distraction.

  We arrive promptly at six pm. For some reason we have to go in the front door, this is not typical. Usually, we enter the side door through the garage. I don’t remember the last time my grandparents used the front door. They don’t even have a working doorbell. My Pop says front doors are for salespeople, charity cases, and those boys on bicycles in suits trying to hand out pamphlets on religion. Family knows to just walk right in the house through the back doors. Jake has always laughed at me and my family because we don’t lock any doors but the front. Living in a town where most everyone knows everyone, it gives you a sense of security.

  We sit down to dinner. My grandma has made my favorite beef stew, with homemade mashed potatoes, green beans from their garden, and corn bread. Drinking our sweet tea in a mason jar, of course. My grandparents don’t own real cups everything you drink is in a canning jar. I savor the moment and the memories of doing this so many times before. Dinner is every bit the comfort food I need, followed by my grandma’s pound cake for dessert. Everyone is rather quiet but I’m so consumed in thoughts of Jake, that I’m thankful for the silence.

  After cleaning up the kitchen from dinner, everyone is sitting around the living room relaxing. Not in the mood for small talk, I decide I’ll head out to the dock behind their house. Extending the invitation to my parents and grandparents to join me and I’m silently glad when they decline. I’m thankful to be alone.

  Slipping on my favorite flip flops I head out. I know the path well and continue on my way. Approaching the dock, I hear someone clear their throat. Looking up, my heart swells. Jake is here, flowers in hand, wearing khakis and a black polo, looking sharp. Oh my, Jake is here.

  Jake

  She takes my breath away. Watching her as she walks to the dock, with the gentle breeze blowing through her hair, causing her blue sundress to dance around her curves. The tears are immediately coming down her face when she sees me, leaving me wondering if she is crying for happy reasons or sad. Man up, time to do this.

  Before I can speak, she has her arms around my waist while burying her face in my chest. I wrap my arms around her, kissing the top of her head.

  “I love you, Jake. I’m sorry.”

  She begins to say more. I cut her off, “shhh Angel. It’s okay. I love you, beyond forever baby, and I’ve missed you.”

  I give her a moment because she seems utterly shocked that I am here. She leans up and kisses me ever so gently. I want to deepen the kiss, but I know I need to focus on what I came here to do. Completely at ease with my decision with our future, I know I am ready for the next chapter with Kenna. With all this on my mind, I take her hand leading her to the end of the dock.

  “Kenna, I have a lot I want to say. I had this all planned in my head, but when you’re here, in front of me, my brain shuts down.”

  She puts her hand up to stop me. “Jake, it’s okay. I understand now. This has all been ridicul
ously selfish of me. Baby, I love you, I just want to be with you. No need for the wedding and all that baggage. Me and you, beyond forever.” The tears are coming but she’s smiling.

  Without thinking any further, I drop to one knee in front of her. “It’s taken me way too long to realize what’s been in front of my face from the very beginning. Kenna, we can do this, we will make it. I love you, Kenna Jean. I want to share a last name. I want to be your provider, protector, lover, best friend, biggest cheerleader, and I want it on paper. I want to see you in a white dress walking towards me, committing with me, joining together as one for the rest of our lives.” I pull out the tiny velvet box that’s been burning a hole in my pocket, opening it for her to see. “Kenna, I bought this ring over a year ago now, while I was deployed. The thought of calling you my wife prompted me to order it. I should’ve stuck with that very instinct and done this before now, but I got all twisted in my head. I love you. You were made to be my angel, to save me, to love me, and to be my wife. Kenna, I’m here asking you to be my wife, to share love and life with me, beyond forever. Will you marry me?”

  She says nothing. Absolutely nothing. I slowly rise to my feet, willing her to react in some way.

  “You bought this ring before everything?” she finally asks.

  I nod yes, unable to speak. I’m choking on my heartbreak that I don’t have an answer yet.

  “Do you really want this?”

  I nod again, words not forming.

  “Did you ask my dad?”

  I nod, knowing I really need to let her in on the fact that her family is glued to the back door watching and waiting. Still no words form from my mouth. I drop my head in defeat. Just as I’m about to close the ring box, Kenna takes my hand. I look into her beautiful face as she whispers.

  “Yes. A million times yes.”

  My nerves are shot, I’m shaking so bad I almost drop the ring and box into the water. With trembling hands, I place my ring on her finger. Breathing a sigh of relief and happiness, I am at home right here with her. I lean down and kiss her with every emotion inside me. By the time we stop kissing, I look up to find her parents and grandparents standing together at the docks edge.

  “They knew?” Kenna asks.

  “I told you I asked your dad. He helped me organize everything.” I smile at her. “Angel, thank you for making this the happiest day of my life. I love you.”

  Heading back inside the house, I feel completely ready to marry this woman tomorrow. Kenna’s parents are ready to leave for the night, and to be honest, I’ve been ready to have alone time with my fiancé. Kenna looks to me inquisitively.

  “Jake, how did you get here? Where are you staying?”

  I laugh a little. “My truck is in your grandparent’s garage. I’ve been staying here, with Pop and Grandma but tonight we are going to a hotel. If you’re ready, we can leave anytime.”

  She smiles the biggest smile. “Y’all have been sneaky today.” She says to everyone as she takes me by the hand to lead us out.

  We get in the truck, heading out for a passion filled night. Oh yes, I plan to love every millimeter of my fiancés body. And I have a new tattoo to show her.

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Wedding Bells

  (6 Months Later)

  Jake

  The day is here and I am completely ready to be married. We chose the dock at Kenna’s grandparents for the wedding since we’ve shared so many memories here. There is a tent, white chairs, an archway; the entire backyard has been transformed. We have a casual feel going; I’m in khakis with a white button up, the guys all standing up with me in their khakis and blue button ups that match the girl’s sundresses. Ryder is my best man, he and Dina having eloped not long ago. Brayden, clean and sober, as a groomsmen, along with Harrison who seems to be the only one uncomfortable at the moment.

  I watch as each of our friends get settled, the girls making their way down to the dock. There is a pause as they change the music for the bridal march. I look up as Kenna steps out into the yard on her dad’s arm. She takes my breath away. She’s in a simple white dress. It’s strapless with an empire waste that flows out gently to the ground with a billowy back. Her hair is down but curled, she is exquisite.

  As her dad is asked who gives this woman to this man, he hands her to me saying he’s proud to hand her to a man worthy of her love. I can’t stop the tear that escapes from falling down my face. This is the woman I was created to love, I was made for her as she was made for me.

  After our simple ceremony, the traditional reception followed. Watching our friends dancing, laughing, drinking, I feel complete. My wife, man that feels good, my wife has been teasing me all night about having a surprise for me. I don’t care about the surprise I can’t wait to peel her out of that dress and claim her. The night goes on, we cut the cake, toss the bouquet, have a little fun with her garter, and finally get around to our goodbyes.

  We arrive at our hotel for the evening before we depart on our honeymoon tomorrow. They have been quite accommodating to lighting candle for me right before we arrive.

  “How are you feeling, Mrs. Thompson?” I ask.

  “Loved, Mr. Thompson,” and then she kisses me.

  I can’t hold back any longer. I scoop her up and carry her to the bed, kissing as we go. Slowly I unzip her dress. She’s left with a pair of white lace panties and one garter, which I peel off with my teeth. I kiss her neck, as she is pulling at my shirt to get it off me. Then to distract her, I take her breast in my mouth sucking then nipping gently on her nipple. Her hips rise up seeking friction. I continue a trail of kisses south. As I reach the edge of her panties, I look up to see Kenna watching me and biting her bottom lip. I slide her panties down. As I kiss my way back up her legs, something low on her left hip catches my eye.

  “Surprise Jake. Do you like it?” She asks nervously.

  She has the same puzzle pieces tattooed on her hip, as I do. The words are the same except ‘he’ instead of ‘she’.

  ‘He holds me, always, beyond forever’

  That is us, our love is one that will go beyond forever.

  ~The End~

  Beyond Repair

  Copyright © Chelsea Camaron 2013

  First E-book publication August 2013

  Published by Whiskey Girls Publishing

  Cover Design by: Jessie Lane

  Editing by: Asli Fratarcangeli

  Formatting by: IndieVention

  All Rights Reserved: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction in whole or in part, without express written permission by Chelsea Camaron.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  This work of fiction is intended for mature audiences only. All sexually active characters portrayed in this ebook are eighteen years of age or older. Please do not buy if strong sexual situations, violence, domestic abuse, and explicit language offends you.

  Dedication

  M.T.S

  11-4-1981 ~ 5-3-2001

  A life so full but all too short

  Missing you everyday

  Always our angel

  Rest In Paradise

  Prologue

  Harrison

  Never have I seen Tiffany as uncomfortable as she has been at my parent’s house this weekend. Honestly, I have never seen my family as uncomfortable around someone, as they are with Tiffany.

  There is so much going on with Maggie right now, it could just be bad timing. Maggie ended her four year relationship with Brayden mere hours before we arrived so they could all be dealing with that. This odd tension may have nothing to do with Tiffany at all.

  The thing is, I am finally at a place in my life where I’d like to settle down and have a serious relation
ship. I want to have this with Tiffany, but she has to gain my family’s approval. I have always been close with my baby sister; Maggie’s opinion means the most, where my relationships are concerned. When I think of my future, a potential wife, even Cory’s opinion matters to me and holds some weight. Whomever I spend my future with, must, without a doubt, get along with my family.

  Tiffany and I have been hooking up, on and off, now for six years. She’s been with me through the ups and downs of deployments during my time in the Marines. She was supportive, in her own way, of my transition to civilian life after my injury and subsequent discharge. She’s the reason I took the job here in Beaufort, South Carolina in the first place. I thought if we lived closer we could really make a go at a committed relationship. So far, it’s not working as I planned.

  Maggie hasn’t said much to Tiffany, but she has a lot on her mind at the moment, I remind myself. My mom has made a serious effort to engage Tiffany in conversation. Trying to find a common ground, I mention how often Tiffany and I take the bike out for rides. Surely they could connect over Harley Davidsons and scenery. This lasts long enough for Tiffany to insult the entire brotherhood of a motorcycle club, deeming it ridiculous. Thus, offending both of my parents and the family we have always had in the club.

  The ride from Emerald Isle, North Carolina back to Beaufort is a long one. Tiffany has never liked my car. She prefers to go out on my motorcycle or her BMW, opposed to using my 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. The closer we get to her condo the more tense she becomes.

  Arriving at her place, I unload our bags thinking I will be staying over as usual. Tiffany puts my bag back in the car. I give her a stunned and confused look.

  “My dad is upstairs.” She states.

  “Okay, well I’ve been wanting to meet him for years. No time like the present.” I reply not, seeing the problem.