by M. C. Decker
I took a deep breath, calming my nerves, as I slid my finger across the screen, opening the message.
Bentley: Greg told me that you’d been released from the hospital. I’m not sure how much Katie told you, but I tried visiting you while you were there. She thought it’d be best if I stayed away for a while. It pains me to say it, but I think she was right. Anyways, I think I’m rambling now. I just wanted you to know that I’ve been thinking about you constantly.
Ireland: I did hear that you stopped by to see me. Thank you for caring. I wish things didn’t have to be this way between us. If only we could travel back in time, and change some of the decisions that we made.
Bentley: As much as I don’t show it sometimes, I’ll always care about you, Shamrock. But, I know you need your rest so I’ll stop bothering you.
Ireland: It’s OK. I’m actually wide awake and there are only so many episodes of The Bachelor I can watch before I start going crazy. As much as the thought of staying in bed all day sounds fantastic, it’s really not all it’s cracked up to be.
Bentley: LOL I can see that. Too bad I’m not there. I’m sure we could find a way to make use of our time.
I reread Bentley’s message a few times to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Was he actually flirting with me? Before I had too much time to think about it, another message appeared.
Bentley: I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that, I’ll let you get back to those bachelor hunks. Do you have any appointments coming up that I might be able to go to?
Ireland: Actually, I’ve been meaning to message you. I was able to schedule the birthing class. It’s next Saturday, and I was hoping maybe you could come with me.
Bentley: I wouldn’t miss it. I can swing by and pick you up. That way you won’t have to worry about hospital parking.
Ireland: That’d be perfect. It starts at 10 a.m. and I can be ready around 9:30. That should give us plenty of time.
Bentley: I’ll see you then. It was good talking to you, Ireland. I really do miss this.
Ireland: Me too.
Bentley: Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. And, I mean anything.
I smiled, knowing full well what he meant, but thought I could play it to my advantage anyways.
Ireland: So, if I asked you to bring me a pickle and peanut butter sandwich, you would?
Bentley: I don’t think I even want to know. But, I did say anything. Where would I find one of those?
Ireland: I’m just kidding. Ish. I’ll see you next Saturday.
Bentley: See you then.
About fifteen couples had taken their places on the floor, pregnant women resting against their partners’ backs, waiting in anticipation for the birthing class to begin. Most of the couples were married, some engaged, others—like us—chose not to share their stories.
Our instructor talked about her many experiences as a labor and delivery nurse and about various complications that may arise during childbirth, as well as pain management techniques. We were given the opportunity to chat with the other couples and share our pregnancy stories—primarily those involving late night cravings.
“Cake! All I constantly crave is cake,” one of the expectant mothers confessed. “I woke up at three in the morning once and made my husband drive to the nearest 24/7 grocery store to buy me an entire sheet cake. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I ate the whole thing.”
Bentley leaned over and whispered into my ear, “Have you had any other weird cravings—besides the pickle and peanut butter sandwiches of course?”
“Garlic bread sticks with cream cheese,” I laughed. “Speaking of which, I think I need those in my life like right now.”
“That sounds disgusting,” he chuckled. “Although I suppose not as disgusting as your sandwiches.”
“Oh my god. Don’t knock it until you try it,” I said, giving him the evil eye. “But, I’ll forgive you since you surprised me with a sandwich for breakfast this morning.”
“I’ll just take your word for it. Where do you usually go to get those? Because maybe we could have dinner sometime this week?”
“Are—are you asking me out on a date?”
“I already knocked you up, Ireland. A date doesn’t seem quite appropriate. But, yes, I guess I’m asking you to have dinner with me.”
“I’d love to,” I said with a half-smile. I didn’t want to read too much into his behavior, but I felt like this was a step in the right direction. Maybe he was only doing this for our daughter’s sake, but I had to hope it was more than that.
With only twenty minutes left in the session, the instructor took us through various prenatal and breathing exercises. She showed us various pelvic exercises that were used to alleviate back pain during pregnancy. It was the closest and most intimate the two of us had been in months.
After the class, Bentley took me back to my place. We each sat in the Rover for several minutes joking and catching up. For once it wasn’t awkward, but easy and carefree.
“I should probably get going inside. The baby’s crib was delivered a few days ago, and Katie and Greg are coming over later to help me assemble it. I still need to tidy up a bit,” I explained.
“Would Katie mind if you canceled?” he asked.
“I don’t understand. Why would I cancel? It needs to get done, or our baby will be sleeping on the floor and I don’t think that’s a very safe place for her.”
“I just meant that I’d like to come in and help you instead.”
“Oh,” I said, with surprise in my voice. “Sure, if you want to. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind at all.”
“OK, let’s do this then,” he said, getting out of the SUV.
After being so in tune to each other’s bodies during the birthing session, I was beyond hot and bothered by the time we’d made it inside. I wasn’t sure if it was because I hadn’t been physically intimate with anyone in months, or if Bentley really had been sending me all the right signals during the class, and afterwards in the car.
I went to change while Bentley went into the nursery to start assembling the baby’s crib. I guess I’d been reading him wrong the entire time. He only wanted to come back to my place so he could help build furniture, not have wild, pregnancy sex.
Although hot summer air had been replaced with a cool autumn breeze, I was still sweltering from being nearly eight months pregnant. I took off my sweater, jeans, and knee-high boots and changed into a pair of athletic shorts and a light camisole before making my way into the baby’s nursery.
“I see you found the toolbox OK,” I said. “Can I get you anything to drink? I may still have a few beers in the fridge from the last time Greg and Katie were here.”
“No, I’m OK for now. Thanks though,” he said, as he began unpacking the crib.
“Anything I can do to help?”
“Nah, I got it.”
Well this is going great. Talk about awkward conversation. “All right, I guess I’ll just go and read for a while then. Holler if you need anything,” I said, walking out and heading down the hall.
But before I knew it, Bentley was standing behind me, his arms wrapped around my very round belly.
“Wait, please don’t leave,” he said, lightly massaging my stomach. Just then, I felt our daughter begin to stir.
“Was that? Did she just move?” he asked.
I giggled, “Yes, that’s her. She’s going to be a dancer for sure. Always movin’ and shakin’.”
“That’s incredible. Was that her again?”
“Yeah, touch right here. That’s where you can feel her the best,” I said, placing my hand on top of his.”
“I can’t believe I’ve missed so much,” he mumbled, turning me around to face him.
“I can’t do this anymore, Ireland. I can’t be without you—either of you,” he said, seizing my lips with a kiss.
I pulled away, needing to distance myself from him. In my head, I wasn’t sure if this was the right thing. My body said yes, but this was
about more than satisfying a need. I had so much more to think about. It wasn’t just about me anymore, it was my baby, too.
I couldn’t stand the thought of losing Bentley for a third time. What if something else happened—what if next time I lost him for good? Maybe it was best just to say our goodbyes now before it was too late. He would still be a part of his daughter’s life, but I would just go back to the life I lived before Bentley had stormed back into it.
“Ireland, stop it. I know what you’re doing. I can see it in your eyes. I’m not letting you pull away from me. Not now.”
“It’s just—I can’t lose you again, Bentley. I’ve already lost you twice. I can’t even bear the thought of losing you for a third time. I think it would literally kill me,” I said.
“I’m not going anywhere—not again.”
Before I had time to comprehend what was happening between us, Bentley was grazing the underside of my breasts through the thin cotton. I hadn’t felt his hands on me for months and I yearned for his touch.
I let go of my fears once and for all and gave into my desires. “Please, Bentley. Touch me,” I said, leaning further into him.
Groaning, he moved his fingers to my already pebbled nipples, “I’ve missed you, Shamrock. I’ve missed this. God, have I missed this,” he said, as he flicked each hardened bud.
I dropped my head back allowing him access to nip and suck on my neck. He began at my clavicle and drew a line of kisses up my neck to the base of my ear.
He blew lightly before whispering, “Are you sure you’re comfortable? We can stop if this will hurt you, or the baby?”
“Yes, this is perfectly OK—more than OK, actually.”
He reached for my hand and led me to the bedroom. Once inside, he sat me on the edge of the bed before groping for the hem of my camisole, and then pulling it over my shoulders. I lifted my hips so he could slide my shorts and panties down my thighs. He kissed his way back up my body, starting at my thighs and stopping at my center before moving upward toward my navel and breasts.
“You’re beautiful, Ireland. You’ve always been gorgeous in my eyes. But, seeing you nude while carrying my baby—there isn’t even a word in the English language to describe the way I’m feeling right now.”
He stopped, his eyes almost begging for permission to kiss me. My lips parted and he slipped his tongue inside. Feeling a fire erupt in my core, I begged to be touched.
Kissing me several more times, he stood up to get undressed. I looked up at him with hooded eyes as he began removing his clothing—piece by piece.
As if sensing my urgent need, Bentley lay back down and slowly slid into my already wet and wanting pussy. I gasped at his sudden entrance. I’d forgotten just how well he could satisfy me so completely, making me feel whole.
“I love you, Ireland. I will never let this much time pass again without feeling your walls tighten around my cock. You complete me.”
My heart fluttered at his words. “I love you, too, Bentley. Only you. Always you,” I moaned.
Bentley began rocking back and forth, skillfully using his fingers to fondle me everywhere. It was almost as if he thought I would vanish into thin air. After the last few months we’d had, along with our history, I could understand and craved his touch as much as he craved mine.
Both of us being on the edge of ecstatic release, Bentley brought two fingers to my clit and began rubbing in a circular motion. I groaned as he began thrusting himself into me, picking up the pace.
“Bentley,” I screamed, as my body began writhing beneath him in utter pleasure.
Just as I felt myself coming down from my own high, he pumped into me once more before erupting inside me. His body went limp as his hard cock continued to twitch inside my walls. After several more minutes, he removed himself from me. Our breathing began to slow and Bentley kissed the corner of my lips.
We lay there for a few minutes, letting our hearts slow to a normal pace. Bentley was the first to speak, “Have you thought about baby names?”
I smiled at his question. “Actually, I’ve marked off a few in a book of names.”
“What are they?”
“McKenna.”
“It’s OK. What else?”
“Glenda.”
“Really? Wizard of Oz again?”
“No. That was Glinda,” I laughed.
“Close enough. Any others?”
“Yeah, but if you hate it then I’m going to cry.”
“Tell me,” he encouraged.
“Lexi.”
“That’s it!” he exclaimed. “Lexi Lynn Roberts?”
“How did you know I wanted her middle name to be Lynn?” I questioned.
“Because it was your mother’s name and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said, pulling me into a warm embrace.
Before I had a chance to respond to the choice of names, Bentley got up and began rummaging through his clothes before slipping on a pair of jeans. Sadness washed over me as I realized our little reunion was only temporary.
“Are you leaving?” I asked, wrapping myself in the sheet.
“No, I’m not going anywhere,” he said, kneeling beside the bed.
“What are you doing then?” I asked, a bit confused.
“Ireland Erin O’Brien, I’ve known I’ve loved you for the past two decades. I’ve let time, distance, and a freak, head injury keep us apart long enough,” he said with a smile. “Will you be my wife?”
“It’s the ring,” I said, stunned. “How did you even know we were going to get back together?”
“I’ve been carrying the ring since the day I went to your house and realized you were pregnant,” he admitted. “I was upset, but I still knew that we needed to be together—to be a family. I’ve just been waiting for the right time. And, this seemed like the right time. Please say you’ll marry me. I want nothing more than to wake up every day, knowing that you and our beautiful daughter are with me.”
“Yes, I’ll marry you!” I screamed, as he seared my mouth with a kiss.
Bentley
I was pacing the length of the grooms’ suite when Katie entered the room. I wasn’t sure why I was so nervous as I wasn’t even this nervous at the birth of my children. I was always known for being the calm and collected one—cool as the proverbial cucumber.
“How is she?” I asked.
“She’s doing all right. I think she just wants to get this show on the road. It’s like she’s been waiting for this day her entire life,” Katie said with grin.
“Sure seems that way,” I said, returning her smile.
“Mom is taking good care of her in there, though. Making sure she keeps the stress at bay.”
“She does tend to have that calming effect on people.”
“Might I add—she looks breathtakingly gorgeous. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to keep your emotions in check,” she said, patting my shoulder.
“You’re definitely right about that. I have a little secret,” I said, going in to whisper in Katie’s ear. “I’ve already broken down twice this morning. Don’t tell anyone though. I have to keep up this tough exterior of mine, you know.”
Rolling her eyes, she said, “Your secret is safe with me, James Bentley. But, newsflash, we all already know the truth about you.”
“Am I that obvious?” I laughed.
“Yep! And, on that note, I should probably go check on my husband and son.”
As Katie left the room, Tanner approached me from behind.
“Are you ready for this, Dad?” he questioned.
“I’m not sure you’re ever actually ready for this day, Son,” I said, taking a deep breath.
“One day, you’ll understand. Your kids grow up in the blink of an eye. Heck, I still remember when you were just a boy playing video games, and now look at you,” I laughed.
“I think I already do understand, Dad,” he said, as a little curly-haired princess ran up and grabbed his leg.
“Well look who decided to join us. Ar
en’t you just beautiful, Isabella,” I said, bending over to kiss my granddaughter on the top of her head.
“She takes after her mother,” Tanner said, as his wife, Mandi, came up, putting her arm around his shoulders.
“Yes, she does. Thank goodness she doesn’t take after us Roberts,” I said with a laugh.
“Dad, Mom told me to come get you. I guess they’re ready for you in the other room,” my teenage son, Grant, interrupted, pointing toward the bridal suite.
“Little brother! Don’t you clean up well,” Tanner said, pulling Grant into his side.
“You’re just jealous that you don’t look this good,” Grant retorted.
“Pfft. I look WAY better dude. I mean, have you seen my wife? On second thought, don’t be looking at my wife,” Tanner quipped.
“You two are ridiculous. I’m not sure you’ll ever grow up,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Besides, we all know that I look the best of all.”
“And, you wonder where they get it from?” Mandi interjected.
We were all in hysterics when the door to the suite opened as my beautiful wife entered. It’d been over twenty years since she’d come back into my life, but she still managed to take my breath away. She looked gorgeous in her champagne-colored gown, her golden locks pulled back in an elegant updo. The only sign of her fifty-five years was a few strands of silver hair woven in amongst the blond. She worried about them so, but I’d convinced her that no one else could see them. I only knew they were there because I knew her body better than my own.
“Looks like the party has already started,” she said, entering the room. “I hate to break up the fun, but Lexi’s waiting for her father.”
Pulling Ireland into my chest, I gave her an innocent kiss. “If she looks half as beautiful as my wife then I’m a goner,” I said, kissing her once more.
“You’re a goner then, Dad,” she said with a faint smile. “I guarantee she’ll take your breath away.”
“Well, she’s been doing that since the day she came into this world,” I reminded her.
