by Haven Rose
Then, without even giving me a chance to answer, though we both know what it’ll be, he kisses my left ring finger before sliding on my engagement ring. He looks at me, the love he has for me pouring out of him, and I just laugh, tears sliding down my cheeks as I cup his face in my hands, and say, “Of course I’ll marry you, Ryan. I want nothing more than to officially be yours forever. I say yes, though you didn’t really ask, nor allow me the time to answer.”
He kisses me, threading his fingers through my hair as he devours me, our mouths fused together with the promise of the forever to come. I may be sick, but surprisingly I’ve never felt better.
**Ryan**
She’s mine. My ring is on her finger, her fate is sealed. I won’t let her go, I can’t. Now, to plan the wedding as soon as possible. I want her to have the day of her dreams, as quickly as we can make it happen. I just watch her as she looks at the ring, and I know the second she notices some of the significance to it.
“It has rubies on it,” she says happily.
“It was my gram’s. My pop proposed to her the day after he returned from his first deployment. Their marriage was what dreams are made of. They had almost sixty years together, all of them happy, before pop passed, with my gram following shortly after. Even in death, it was like they couldn’t be apart. I knew you’d love the history, the romance, and simplistic beauty of it.” I say all in one relieved breath, thankful I was right in giving it to her.
“I love it, and their story is so sweet. I just know we’ll have a relationship like they did, one full of love. But, how did you get this? Your parents live almost three hours away, right?”
“They do, yes, two and a half to be exact. I called them during my shift the night after you moved in and told them about you. I also asked my mom to send me Gram’s ring. It arrived Friday, and I’ve been waiting for the right moment to officially propose, but I couldn’t any longer. I had to ask, to hear you agree to be my wife.”
I can see the happiness in her, but also the sadness. I worry maybe she’s second guessing everything, we are moving fast after all, but then it hits me. My heart hurts for her because I know why the two emotions are blurring together, so I sit beside her and pull her onto my lap, holding her as she works through it. After a few moments, it comes out.
“I’m sorry, Ryan. I’m happy, I truly am. It’s just…” her voice trails off, so I finish for her, knowing she may not be able to say it out loud.
“You just realized you’re getting married, and your mom won’t be there for it.” I say gently.
She just nods her head, the movement obvious against my chest. “I’m sorry, Ruby. I’d give anything to have her here with you. I know it won’t be the same, but we’ll make her a part of our day, somehow, and, if you need help with anything, please know my mom would jump at the chance to do it with you. She’s looking forward to having a daughter after being surrounded by two men for almost thirty years.”
She laughs, as I’d hoped she would, but I continue, wanting to show that I understand, and though her mom isn’t here, mine would love nothing more than to be involved in the planning. “Baby, and please don’t take this the wrong way as it’s meant with the purest of intentions, but, my mom is now yours too. She will never try and replace your own, nor take away the love you have, and always will, for her, but my parents already adore you, and from the second I told them about you, you were already the daughter of their heart. My mom, when I told her I’d met her future daughter-in-law, instantly corrected me and said you’re her daughter-in-love.”
I hear her sniffle, then say, “That is so sweet. I can’t wait to meet them. From what you’ve shared with me, they sound wonderful, and I look forward to getting to know them. I may never be able to call her mom even if she becomes like one to me, using it may just be too hard. Please let her know it’s nothing personal, well, it is, but not against her.”
I reassure her she’ll understand, and they both already know her situation, and will love her regardless of what she calls them. Her fears addressed, and her pain soothed as much as possible, we begin planning our day. I already know I’ll ask Deacon to be my best man, and he’ll hate every second of the attention he’ll receive being a main part of the ceremony, but he’ll do it for me. He just may be all grumbly about it as he does, and I know, if I look during it all, he’ll be twisting his right hand back and forth, the only tell noticeable when he’s uncomfortable. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to pulling him out of his comfort zone a little. I know it’ll be good for him.
My thoughts return to the present, and Ruby and I continue discussing our upcoming wedding day and what we’d like to have, as well as potential dates. Thankfully, we both want it low-key and as quickly as possible. I tell her of my plan to ask Deacon, and, even though she has numerous female friends, none are close relationships. Then she giggles, and it’s such a lovely sound, and says she’s going to ask Bobby.
“Baby, I have no problem with that, but I’m not sure he’ll work as a maid of honor.”
She just looks at me, her expression one of patience, like she’s dealing with a child, then says “Of course not, silly. He’ll be my man of honor.”
I nod, it somehow making sense, and reply with “Fair enough.”
We spent the rest of the day relaxing, and thankfully, by the time we were ready to go to bed, Ruby was feeling a little better, and, having recently become engaged, decided to celebrate. Besides, as she said, sex could be the cure she needs, and who am I to deny her. I’m a lucky man.
I decide, since I know she’s still feeling less than her usual self, that I’m doing all the work this time, she just needs to enjoy herself. I’ve already taken the dogs out on last time and made sure everything is secure, so I carry her upstairs and lay her on our bed. I then slowly remove her clothing, one item at a time, kissing her skin as it’s revealed. I remove her shirt last, spending equal time on her breasts and nipples, loving the ruby redness I’ve left behind, and place a kiss on her mouth before moving off her and onto my back. She’s breathing heavy, and I know it’s because I stopped, leaving her on the edge of orgasm, but I have a plan, one I know she’ll like.
“Ruby,” I say while running the fingers of my left hand over her flesh, barely touching her clit as I caress around her needy pussy.
Unable to think while so close to finding completion, she lets out a barely audible, “Huh?”
I laugh, then tell her to climb on. She starts to straddle me, and I just shake my head. Ruby looks at me in confusion, reminding me she was only doing what I told her to. I inform her that’s not where I want her. When I point to her, then my face, I see her breathing get heavier, her breasts moving with the strength of it. That lets me know how badly she wants to do this, and I can’t wait to get my mouth on her, especially in this position.
“Ruby, straddle my face so your pussy is at my mouth. But make sure you’re comfortable because you’re going to be there a while. I’m going to lick you until you can’t take it anymore, then I’ll do it again, eating you out until I’m full, your body providing all the nourishment I need. Then, when you’re weak from what I’ve done to you, I’m going to roll you over, your back to my front, and slide in, your juices easing my entry, my right hand squeezing your breasts, my left gripping your hair as I pound into you. I’m going to pour my seed into you, and though it may not take now, one of these days I will leave my baby in you.”
Unbelievably, as she’s already begun climbing on me, I watch as her body twitches and I feel her climax as it rushes out of her and onto me. It is the fucking sexiest thing ever.
“Ruby, did you come because of what I’m going to do to you, or at the thought of me breeding you?”
My jewel looks at me, her still soaked pussy grinding on my stomach, her hands gripping her breasts, and saucily replies, “Both.”
I pull her up, settling her over my mouth and diving in, loving this woman more than my own life, and yet right now, I want to fuck he
r until she can’t move, until her body aches with just the thought of it, and that’s exactly what happens. Then I want to start all over again…so I do.
Chapter Fifteen
Five days later…
I need to call my brother, letting him know the scenario we created is failing. All the precautions I’d taken to cover our asses are tumbling like a house of popsicle sticks. All someone had to do was remove the foundation, and for us that was the falsified report, and the cover we’d put in place over a decade ago was demolished, falling in on itself.
Luckily, though it wasn’t as vigilant, I still had someone keeping an eye on Silas Jackson and they were able to catch a picture of his recent visitor, and it’s one I know well…Bobby.
The time has come to put the final steps into place, and, as I wait for my call to be answered, I start thinking of ways we can end this once and for all.
“Hey, man, it’s me.”
“What’s going on down there?”
“We’ve got a problem.”
“What the fuck? We covered our tracks in all ways. Who figured it out? And how?”
“Monroe’s kid started digging, like I told you earlier, and now she’s shacked up with the new deputy, and he joined in her search.”
“That must be some fantastic pussy if she got him involved.”
“We’ll find out soon. I think she’ll be our most exciting playmate yet.”
“Agreed. I’ve got some ideas I’ve been saving up, and she’s going to help me live them out.”
“Silas talked. They know everything, or at least have the real accident report and not the one I’ve been giving everyone.”
“Fuck! All right, we can fix this. I’ve already laid the groundwork in getting close to Ruby. She thinks I’m a potential client, a Mr. Smith, and is designing some sample logos for me. I’ll head to Colebrook earlier than planned. I’ll just tell her I’ll be there to spend time with my family and ask if we can meet to go over what she’s done so far. I’ll say I’m old-fashioned and prefer to see her ideas in person.”
“That’ll work. I’m not going to mess with her any more then, hopefully that’ll get her guard dogs to go away and leave her alone.”
“Why don’t you just set up some loser, make it seem like he broke into her room? Maybe they’ll be so focused on that they won’t worry about the past, which will give us time to take care of her.”
“That could work. They’ll think all the danger was from him and back off her protection, and we can make our move. Now, who will be the unlucky bastard? I have a few repeat offenders. I can pick one of them. They’re all losers anyway and have probably done other stuff we don’t know of, so they’ll deserve whatever they get.”
“How will you do it?”
I laugh and say, “You’d be surprised how easy it is to frame someone. Plus, with my inside knowledge from being one of them, I know what they’ll look for. I just need to choose a guy that has some connection to her, even a slim one, and leave pictures of her around his house or in his car.”
“You’re a diabolical bastard, you know that?”
I thank him, feeling as if he complimented me. He just laughs, and we start to talk over his plans for his upcoming visit, and those for Ruby. I picture what we’re going to do to her, and have her do to us, and before I know it, I’m stroking myself, not even remembering taking my dick out. I don’t even give a shit that my brother is on the other line. Hell, he’s just as sick as I am so he’s probably doing the same thing. I tune him out as I come, the vision of her on her knees, pleasuring me, blood dripping from the various cuts we’ve already inflicted on her. Is she willing in my fantasy? Fuck no. That’s what makes it even more delicious.
Maybe we’ll even make her boyfriend watch, knowing he’s unable to save her, as we take turns with her. He’s a dick anyway. Not that he’s done anything directly to me, but he’s a pain in the ass, always working, showing the rest of us up. It’s just rude to come into a new town, acting like you own the place. He’s probably gunning for the sheriff’s job. The sheriff may even thank me for getting rid of the prick. I could get a promotion out of it. That just makes this a win-win for me. The Monroe case is never brought up again, Ruby is gone, my brother and I enjoying our time with her, her dad will be in mourning, and I move forward professionally. Who knew killing the broad all those years ago would benefit me now?
We end our call, knowing we’ll see each other soon, and calmly finish out our days.
Chapter Sixteen
Ruby
A week later…
Ryan and I have been engaged for almost a week and I still can’t contain my giddiness. My cold is almost completely gone, and thank goodness Ryan didn’t catch it, and nothing else has happened. Has Ryan let his guard down completely? No, of course not, but he isn’t as strict as he was in the beginning. I can now drive myself to and from work, as long as I call before and after leaving and arriving at each destination. The one thing he won’t budge on is when I must attend class at the campus. I had another one yesterday, and since Bobby did as well, we drove together, me using the extra time I had while waiting for his second class to end to finalize my sketches for Mr. Smith. They aren’t due for another week or so, but I wanted to get a head start and finish them earlier than expected if possible.
On the way to campus I told him Ryan had proposed. Bobby, being the smartass I know and love, asked if I turned him down gently. I told him to laugh now, but he’ll be standing up there with me as my man of honor. It took Bobby a second to realize what I said, and when he did he just stared at me. I have to say, I was thankful we happened to be at a red light at the time. Bobby asked if I was serious. I told him of course I was, and that he’s my best friend, the brother of my heart, and there’s no one else I’d rather have instead. Then, the emotion getting to both of us, I made a joke and said, “Besides, this way I won’t have to pick out any formal dresses. You’ll be easier to shop for, just get you a nice suit and we’re done, so truthfully, I’m doing it to make things easier on myself. You just happen to be a guy, so…”
Bobby laughed, though I noticed a slight sniffle before he responded with “I love you too, Rubik’s. I’d be delighted to be your man of honor and I do already own a suit, so I may be set.”
I asked if it was the one he’d worn for our high school graduation. His quick change the subject gave me the answer I expected. But, we did talk about Deacon’s upcoming visit. Bobby knows I’m nervous, wanting Ryan’s best friend to like me, otherwise things could be awkward.
Ryan hasn’t told Deacon about us getting engaged, wanting to do it in person as well as asking him to stand beside him. I can see the love Ryan has for Deacon and I know he’s hoping this visit will convince him to move here. He’s staying for at least a week, so we’ll have time to work on him. Maybe I’ll just put Princess on his lap. She could melt Scrooge’s heart, so I know Deacon wouldn’t stand a chance against her.
Now it’s Saturday and Ryan’s off until Monday, if he doesn’t get called in before that. He woke me up early, had me for breakfast, then during our shower, where we got dirty again before cleaning ourselves up, told me to wear something comfortable and gather what I might need for a day away. He said we’d probably be back the same day, though we may decide to stay overnight. I asked about our loveys and he said they’re all going. It seems weird, and I didn’t believe him when he first said it, but Princess loves car rides. Whenever we grab Boots and Lucy’s leashes, she gets just as excited and stands at the door, waiting for one of us to open it. Princess then goes straight to the car, like she knows exactly what’s happening, and jumps into the back seat as soon as she’s able to. It’s funny, and adorable, and it shows she truly is a Princess as she sits there, with Boots and Lucy, waiting for her minions, Ryan and I, to chauffeur her around.
I have no idea where we’re going, but Ryan is excited, so I know it’ll be fun. He throws our bags on the floor of the extended cab, each of us packing nightly essentials and a
spare change of clothes just in case, and a bigger bag, this one all the paraphernalia The Three Musketeers require.
As we drive along, I notice we’re leaving Colebrook, and look over at him, wondering what he’s got planned. But I don’t ask, realizing he wants to surprise me. I admit, it’s hard not to interrogate him though, especially after an hour, and the miles, go by.
I glance at him, seeing that boyish grin on his face, and I know I’ll let this play out. Instead, we talk about other things, sharing stories from our childhoods, as well as a few from Ryan regarding some of his more interesting cases when he first became a police officer.
We stop, two hours into our journey, and let the dogs out to do their business, then take turns handling our own while the other stays with the truck and rambunctious three. I went last as Ryan also sent me into the attached convenience store for drinks and snacks, as well as more water for Boots, Lucy, and Princess. When I returned, our spoiled pets were finishing their food and ready for the water I provided.
Ryan has us get inside while he cleans up after the dogs, and empties out the litter box, having made a smaller version than usual so Princess could use it if needed. We’re back on the road soon after, Ryan’s excitement growing as we pull into a residential area. I start to piece together everything and realize, while simultaneously freaking out, that I’m about to meet my future in-laws.
I glare at Ryan, and just shake my head upon seeing his innocent expression.
