Finally, You (The Finally Book Duo 2)

by Burke, Roseanne

  I stared blankly at the clothes in my hands.

  "Shannon, I need you," Carrie cried.

  I snapped back to the moment. "Of course." I quickly changed into the oversized scrubs, and placed little booties over my heels and a cap over my hair. I should've changed out of my dress after the party, I thought.

  Within minutes, we were heading back to the operating room. It was freezing and everything felt so bright white and sterile. I sat in a chair at the head of the table as they quickly placed a spinal and laid her down, flat on her back. Her arms were stretched out on two arm boards, forming her into a "T." A blue drape was pinned up in front of us. I was trying to ignore all the loud sounds and medical terms being thrown around. I placed my hand in hers.

  "I love you, Carrie," I said, tears brimming in my eyes.

  "I love you too."

  I smiled down at her, my heart beating in my chest. I couldn't even imagine how she felt at that moment. She was about to have a baby, and the man she loved wasn't here.

  "Do you feel that, Carrie?" Dr. Morgan asked.

  "No," she responded softly.

  "Ok, let's get started."

  I squeezed her hand as the procedure began. I was doing my best to focus on my breathing. In and out. In and out. I glanced down at Carrie's worried face. I tried to think of anything to say to comfort her, but I didn't have much of an opportunity. Before I knew it, I heard the doctor say, "Ok, Carrie, you're going to feel some pressure now."

  Her face grimaced as she gripped my hand tighter. Then came the most beautiful sound I had ever heard: the sound of my niece crying.

  I gasped, listening to the strong cry from behind the curtain. My tears now spilled over as I bent down and kissed Carrie's forehead.

  "Your little girl looks nice and healthy," said the doctor.

  Carrie let out a huge breath, allowing her tears to fall too.

  "You did it!" I whispered. She smiled weakly up at me.

  We turned to the side as a nurse walked with Grace over to a warmer. "You can come see her if you want," she said to me.

  I looked down at Carrie. Did she really want me to be the first one to touch her? "Please, go see her," she said, giving me a reassuring smile.

  I slowly stood up and stepped over to the warmer. I looked down to find the most beautiful, pink, crying baby I had ever seen. Her eyes were wide as she stretched her limbs in the air. I just stood in awe.

  The nurse pulled back, wrapping her stethoscope around her neck. "She looks great, perfectly healthy. You can touch her if you want."

  I widened my eyes. She looked so small and fragile; I was terrified I was going to hurt her. The nurse chuckled at me. "It's ok. You won't hurt her."

  I reached down my index finger, and felt her little hand clamp around it. My heart swelled, as the most enormous smile crossed my face. I felt nothing but love at that moment.

  The nurse quickly bundled her up and handed her to me. Support her head, support her head, I told myself. I sat back down next to Carrie, bringing her as close as possible to her.

  "She's beautiful," I whispered, still fighting back tears.

  Carrie grinned. "She is. Isn't she?"

  I stared down at the definition of beauty and innocence, my heart swelling with pride for my sister.

  Once Carrie and Grace were settled in the recovery room, I stepped out to make the necessary phone calls. Todd answered quickly.

  "Hey baby, how's it going?" he asked.

  I felt a lump forming in my throat, thinking about everything that had just happened. "She had the baby."

  "What? She had her?" he exclaimed.

  I heard my mom in the background. "What? Already? Well we need to get going."

  I chuckled softly. "Yes, I'm sorry, it was a bit of an emergency. I didn't have a chance to call before. But both mom and baby are doing great," I said, running my finger idly against the wooden trim on the wall.

  "I'm glad to hear that. How are you doing?" he asked.

  I sighed. "I am really good. It was an amazing experience."

  I could hear him smile through the phone. "Good, I'm glad. Well, I suppose we will all be heading that way shortly. I'll see you soon?"

  I grinned. I couldn't wait to see him. "See you soon. Love you."

  "Love you too, babe."

  I hung up and walked back in to Carrie. She looked complete with little Grace in her arms.

  "Mom, Dad, and Todd are on their way," I said.

  She smiled up at me. "Shannon, I can't thank you enough for what you did for me. I know I haven't been the nicest to you lately, and I'm not even really sure why I've been acting that way. I just love you so much, and I want the best for you. But seeing how strong you were today for me, I know I have nothing to worry about. You are an amazing, beautiful woman. And I am so happy for you. With your job, your boyfriend, you are doing great. I love you."

  She rocked Grace gently as she let out a cry. I stood, letting her words soak in. Tears again pooled in my eyes. "Thanks, Carrie. I love you too." I felt a weight I didn't even know I was carrying, suddenly release.

  We had just settled back into her regular room when my parents arrived. I decided to step out to find Todd, and give them time to visit their new grandbaby. I found him seated in the waiting room, snacking on some peanut M&Ms. His eyes lit up when he saw me.

  "Babe!" he called, rising from his seat and stepping over to me. "Don't you look good," he chuckled, toying with the cap on my head. I had completely forgotten I was still wearing the scrubs.

  I smiled. "I'm so glad you're here," I said, wrapping him tightly in my arms and burying my face in his chest. What another crazy detour today had taken.

  We sat down as I filled him in on the events of the evening. He had his arm wrapped tightly around me, just letting me spill my guts out.

  "It was an experience I'll never forget," I sighed.

  We sat quietly together for a few moments until my parents walked in.

  "Oh honey, isn't she beautiful?" cried my mom.

  I smiled. "Yes, she is."

  "Well you two can go see her now. Carrie said it was fine," she said to Todd. "Don't worry, she's all covered up."

  We walked hand in hand back to her room. As we entered, I could hear Grace crying from behind the curtain.

  "Hey, we're here," I said quietly. Todd squeezed my hand as she came into view.

  Carrie grinned at me. "Well, she's already got a strong personality. She must get that from her Aunt Shannon."

  I laughed. "Not a bad thing to have." I ran my finger over her soft hair.

  "Do you want to hold her?" she asked.

  I stood, frozen again. She was crying; wouldn't it be best to be with her mom?

  Todd suddenly stepped forward. "I'll hold her."

  Carrie smiled, extending her arms to him. I watched in sheer amazement as he took her, bouncing her gently and soothing her. I hadn't anticipated this; he looked like such a natural. I glanced at Carrie; she winked at me, her grin spreading. I smiled, joining Todd and Grace on the couch. She had stopped crying and was looking wide-eyed all over the room. Her tiny hand reached out from the blankets. I instinctively gave her my finger to hold.

  "She did that to me earlier," I said.

  Todd grinned at me. "She loves you already."

  We stayed for a short while after, visiting until Greg arrived. I beamed as he rushed in, kissing Carrie deeply and holding his little girl for the first time.

  "Hey, so we're gonna head back tonight. How about we plan on coming back next weekend, once you're home, and we'll bring you dinner?" I asked.

  "That sounds great," Carrie smiled. "Thank you again. I love you."

  I bent down and kissed her cheek. "Love you too." I stepped over to Grace in Greg's arms, kissing her softly on the head. "And I love you, little one."

  Todd and I headed out of the hospital and through a crowded parking garage to his car.

  "Do you want me to drive?" I asked.

  He smirked at me. "No
, I'm fine. I wasn't the one who helped birth a baby today."

  I settled back into my seat as he started driving. I smiled as I gazed out the window, replaying the events of the day in my head until I fell asleep.

  Chapter 23

  I woke up the next morning to an empty bed beside me. I was a little let down, to be honest. That was until I saw a little yellow post-it note on Todd's pillow. I squinted at it, trying to decipher the words. It read: Went to get breakfast, be back soon. Love, T.

  I smiled, wondering what he would bring back. I hoped there at least would be some coffee. I felt well rested but still pumped full of adrenaline after the day I had yesterday. I laid back down, deciding just to rest until he came back. Breakfast in bed, what a nice surprise.

  I was rerunning yesterday's events again through my mind when I heard the front door open. I instantly perked up. I listened as he dropped his keys on the coffee table. His footsteps were getting closer and closer until he turned the corner into the bedroom. In his hands, was a carrier with two cups of coffee, and a brown paper bag. I propped my head in my hand, covering myself with the sheet. He flashed me a grin as he climbed in bed.

  "Good morning, beautiful," he said, pressing his lips to mine.

  "Good morning to you," I smiled. "What did you get me?"

  He handed me my coffee, and pulled a muffin out of the bag. "Banana nut, for you."

  "Mmm, that sounds delicious," I said, taking it from him, sitting up.

  I took a large sip of my coffee before peeling the wrapper away from the muffin. He shifted himself to get comfortable, then dug into his.

  "Hey, I think there's some butter in the bag. Would you mind getting it for me?" he asked.

  "Sure," I said, reaching my hand in. But I didn't find any foil packets of butter. In my hand, I felt a small velvety box. I felt my heart stop as I brought it up from the bag into view.

  "What is this?" My stomach rolled as my words hung in the air. I suddenly had no interest in breakfast.

  Todd smiled at me, taking a bite of his muffin. "Open it and see."

  I slowly and deliberately set my muffin down, cradling the box in my hands. They started to shake slightly as I lifted up the top half. My breath caught in my chest as my eyes fell on a beautiful white gold ring, with three round sparkling diamonds across it. All I could do was stare at it. My brain was not functioning to form any words.

  Todd rested his food on the table next to him, and took the box from me.

  He cleared his throat, then began. "Shannon. I love you so incredibly much. From day one, you've made me happy when I didn't even know I was sad. You've changed me in a way that needed to be changed. I am a better man because of you. You are the most beautiful, witty, amazing woman I have ever met. I've known I wanted to do this for a while now, but seeing you with that baby yesterday made me set everything in motion. I want that with you. I want to marry you, have children with you, grow old with you. You are the absolute love of my life. Will you please marry me?"

  I wanted to pinch myself to make sure I was really awake and not still dreaming. I ran my eyes over the gorgeous man in front of me, looking so hopeful, asking me the biggest question of his life. His light blue eyes were so serious and sweet. There was absolutely only one answer to his question.

  "Yes."

  He blinked at me. "Yes?" A smile was quickly spreading across his lips.

  "Yes!" I said, this time louder as I wrapped my arms around him, pushing him back on the bed.

  He let out an excited laugh as he pulled me to him, kissing me passionately. I felt weightless in his arms; my blood was coursing through my veins. I was kissing the man who would be my husband. The husband I deserved. The husband who would love me unconditionally for the rest of my life. The husband who would give me adorable, blonde, dimpled babies.

  "Thank you," he said softly, brushing my hair behind my ear.

  "For what?" I asked.

  "For making me happier than I have ever been in my life," he smiled. "Now let's make this official."

  I giggled as he removed the ring from the box and slipped it on my finger. It fit me perfectly. It was as if this ring was supposed to be there all along. I gazed down at my outstretched hand, then at Todd. He had a heartwarming smile on his face, dimple on full display. My heart was threatening to jump out of my chest; I felt overwhelmed with emotion.

  I bent down, pressing my hands on his chest for balance as I kissed him. His hands ran up and down my bare back, goosebumps springing up over my flesh. I shifted slightly so that I was straddling him. His hands traveled lower, brushing the curve of my ass, then sliding down my bare thighs. His touch was like magic on my skin.

  I decided he was wearing too much clothing. I pulled his shirt up to his chest; he smiled at me as he took over, removing it over his head. I quickly got to work on his jeans, unbuttoning them and pulling them down his legs. I climbed back on top of him as he shifted his legs, pushing his pants off completely. I traced my fingers over his chest muscles, just enjoying the feeling of his warm skin under my fingertips. I wanted to savor just touching him, but the bulge I felt growing under me told me that wasn't an option.

  "I want to make love to my fiancée now," he said, his voice deep and husky.

  I smiled down at him, biting my lip. "Well, that's what your fiancée would like, too."

  His hands moved up my back, bringing me down to meet his mouth. Our kiss was soft and sweet at first; it was honestly hard to kiss with my lips smiling so much. But I couldn't help it. I was so incredibly happy. But as he pressed his pelvis up toward me, our kiss started to change into one of lust and passion. I needed him now.

  My hands reached down, sliding his underwear further down his legs. He finished removing them as I grabbed his erection in my hand, stroking it slowly and deliberately, focusing my attention on the warm, soft head. I suddenly had the urge to put it in my mouth. I crawled back slowly, keeping my eyes locked with his as I positioned myself with my head at his waist. My tongue licked over my lips as I pulled him into my mouth. I loved the taste of him, the feel of his hardness reaching the back of my throat. He groaned loudly as I swirled my tongue around him, moving my head up and down. I wanted to take him as deep as possible. My sex was soaking wet in anticipation of what he would do to me next.

  His fingers started toying with the strands of my hair gently. I was silently wishing he would get a bit rougher. I started to moan softly around him, showing him how much I loved doing this to him. My fiancé. My future husband. I suddenly tasted a small hint of his saltiness. I knew that meant he was close. He gave my hair a slight tug as he started groaning louder. I wrapped my hand around the base, taking him faster and deeper until he yelled out, and I felt the hot spurting liquid running down my throat.

  I waited until I knew he was completely spent before pulling back and crawling back up to him. I nestled into the crook of his arm, enjoying knowing that I had made him feel so good. He grinned at me as he was regaining control of his breathing. He kissed the tip of my nose.

  "I should propose to you more often if that's what happens."

  I giggled, swatting his chest playfully.

  "But seriously, that was incredible," his said, kissing my mouth. I reached up, running my fingers through his hair as he climbed on top of me. "It would only be fair for you to feel the same."

  God, yes. I tilted my head back, adjusting the pillow below me as he started planting kisses down my breasts, to my stomach. He took his time, moving his lips from my hip bones back to the center, and then down, further, until he was at my sex. Instead of pressing his tongue to me, he continued kissing me softly. I felt myself aching for him to lick my sensitive spot, but he persisted to tease me with his soft lips. I bucked my hips up to him, urging him. I was staring up at the ceiling, but I could tell he was smiling. He was enjoying this too much.

  I decided to take matters into my own hands. I slid them down my body until I reached him, grasping his hair tightly, and pressing his mouth to me.
He moaned as he finally released his tongue, pressing my clit. Yes, that's what I needed. I let out a moan of ecstasy/relief as he ran his expert tongue over me. He certainly knew how to build me up, make me want more, until he indulged me. I fucking loved it.

  I released his hair as my hands came to my sides, twisting the sheets below me. I felt his hands move up, gripping my waist. They were so sturdy, holding me in place as he licked my sex. I felt my chest heaving up and down as my cries became louder and louder. My body was escalating and I knew I was about to succumb to the pleasure. My muscles suddenly tightened under his touch. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over me as I climaxed, crying out his name.

  I brought my hands to my chest, trying to slow my breathing as he slowly kissed my thighs up to my stomach. In his eyes, all I could see was love and adoration. I wrapped my arms around his neck, nuzzling my nose with his, unable to contain my grin. I loved this man. I truly, absolutely, unconditionally loved him. I couldn't wait for our future to begin.

  ********

  "Cheers!" we all cried as we held up our glasses.

  I tapped my apple martini to Todd's beer, winking at him.

  "You had to go and copy me," joked Ben.

  "What can I say?" Todd said, shrugging his shoulders. "I couldn't wait a second longer."

  I felt the blush invading my cheeks as he looked earnestly at me.

  Lacey sat her glass down, clapping her hands excitedly. "I can't believe it! This is all so exciting! We're all getting married!"

  I grinned. "I know! We need to go check out some bridal fairs together. Have you guys set a date yet?"

  Lacey and Ben smiled at each other. She turned back to me. "Yes, actually. September eighteenth. In Hawaii."

  I gasped. "First of all, Hawaii? That sounds amazing! Second, how do you expect to plan it in like six months? Are you crazy?"

  She smiled sheepishly. "Well, we've hired a planner to worry about all that for me."

  Oh yeah, I forgot she was marrying Mr. Money Bags.

  "Well lucky you! That's awesome. I guess we'd better book our flights," I said, turning to Todd.