The girl finally opens the register and throws the money into a plastic shopping bag. "Hurry the fuck up. The cops will be here any minute." Brad hasn't moved a muscle except to push me further behind him as inconspicuous as possible. Before I know what he plans to do, Brad strikes the man holding the gun with his fist to the jaw making him fall like a sack of potatoes. The man falls to the floor and is out cold while the other man stands frozen with fear. Brad moves quickly and grabs the gun that fell to the floor and points it at the man.
"Don't fucking move."
He asks the cashier to call the police but the sirens alert us they are already almost here. "Lainey, are you ok?" His voice never wavers in strength but I know he was afraid for me.
"I'm ok. I'm fine." I don't want him to take his eyes off the man he is aiming the gun at so I step close to him and lay my hand on his back in support. My touch seems to relax him only just slightly as I draw strength from him. This could have gone down completely different and I could have lost him as I had Sean. Somehow, we escaped this unscathed and I am grateful.
The police screech into the parking lot and slam on their brakes before throwing their doors open and pulling their guns, aiming at the store. Over the speaker on the patrol car, they ask us to step out one by one with our hands up high in the air. Brad motions for the accomplice to head out first then the cashier, the stock boy comes out quietly from somewhere behind us as he follows the cashier before Brad has me go ahead of him.
"Let them know I have one of the robbers restrained in here." I nod my head, lean up and kiss his cheek before following orders and walking out with my hands up before informing the police as they check me that Brad is inside with the man who pulled the gun.
After taking all of our statements, arresting the robbers, and making it back to the cabin, I am overcome with exhaustion. The fear of possibly losing Brad before my eyes and having to relive it all over again to the police has me wanting to forget the whole day and sleep. I am ready to begin with a new day that will hopefully only lead to happiness.
Brad seems to have the same idea as we strip completely naked and slide under the cool blue sheets. I curl up next to Brad wanting to be as close as possible to him. I need to hear the beat of his heart as it thumps under my ear letting me know he is ok. Having his arms wrapped tightly around me keeping me close lets me know he has the similar feeling of wanting to make sure I am here and that I am fine.
Even though we are completely nude, there is nothing sexual about our embrace. The need we have to be close is completely full of comfort and reassurance. We fall asleep wrapped up in each other, our hearts beating as one while our breaths match the others. We are one part of a whole and if I didn't know it before, I realize it now. He is my other half and if I lose him, I will never be complete again. It is a sobering thought.
I am the master of
my fate and the captain
of my destiny
-Nelson Mandela
Chapter 11
The next morning we decide to try to forget the whole ordeal of the previous day by staying busy. Rising early with the sun just as it peaks over the mountains and lights up the sky is the most stunning sight I think I have ever witnessed. The streaks of light shining across the sky causing an orange glow while the birds start to sing their morning music has me feeling so serene. This right here, the beginning of a new day, a chance to start over has my anticipation growing to make the most of what I have. I could have lost Brad yesterday if that man decided to turn his gun on him. The fear I felt was nearly soul crushing. I don't know what I would have done if everything turned out differently.
Starting today, I plan to experience life with Brad. It's time I let go of my fear that he will be taken from me and make as many memories as I can because you never know how long you will have someone in your life.
Brad wakes up not long after the morning sun has finally risen. His hair is sticking up all over and he looks soft somehow if that is even possible.
"There's coffee already made and eggs and toast if you're hungry." I let him know. I was up early, probably due to my mind being on overdrive about all the possibilities that could have happened yesterday. I had a fitful sleep worrying about Brad but as the new day started, I plan to forget about my worries.
"Hmm. Sounds good. What would you like to do today?" He doesn't mention all my tossing and turning from last night and I am grateful. I don't want to talk about my fears and worries when I just want to move on and forget about the worlds problems.
"Let's go hiking or something. Be one with nature. It's a beautiful day and I think the fresh mountain air will be good for us." He nods his head still looking somewhat disheveled and sleepy. He is a hard man but right now, he just looks adorable. Not like his usual badass self. I love this side of him and I hardly ever get to see it.
"Sounds good to me. Let me get dressed and we can pack our backpacks and head out. There is a place I would really love to take you to see." I smile excited to see where he plans to take us.
We finish our coffee in comfortable silence while we glance at each other shy like. I don't know why we are being so inconspicuous about our wanting to stare at each other but it makes me feel like we are in high school. Maybe it is because this is our first weekend trip together. It just feels different, weird and yet still amazing.
By the time we both are dressed and packed, I feel energized and ready to go. I'm excited to see all the wonderful colors, plants, and animals on the way to our destination. I may not know where Brad plans to take us but it doesn't take away from my excitement for the day ahead. This is exactly what we needed to forget about our problems.
The fresh pine scented air is invigorating. It's not the same aroma as those pine scented candles and sprays. This is much more appealing and fresh with an airy presence to it. It's a mix of wild, pine and other mountain scents that don't accompany all those factory made smells. I want to bottle these scents up so I will never forget this moment.
The animals scamper up the large trees watching us from their perches while the birds sing music that only they can understand. The crunch of the leaves and pine beneath our feet reminds me of my childhood when I would try to be as quiet as possible when playing hide and go seek in my back yard with my neighbor friend just before my parents were killed.
There are so many vibrant colors the further we trek into the wilderness. The birds that range from a bright canary yellow to the purest pale blues mixed with other variations has me itching to take a picture but I am never quite fast enough so instead I try to take in the details to remember for later.
After what seems like forever of walking up hill, we finally reach our destination. It is the most striking waterfall I have ever witnessed. I've only ever seen waterfalls on pictures but this one is nothing like the ones I've seen in books and postcards. It's almost like the camera doesn't quite catch the beauty of the water as it cascades down the cliff into breathtakingly clear pool below. I don't think any picture could quite compare to the real thing.
"Oh, my god. This is so breathtaking. Oh, thank you for bringing me here." I throw my hands around Brad's neck and smash my lips to his in a consuming kiss. It was only meant to be a quick smooch but with the heat between us, a peck is never enough. Soon our hands are roaming each other trying to rid the confining clothes on our bodies while our kiss turns into dueling tongues, biting and sucking of lips, and teeth clattering.
Pulling Brads shirt over his head I throw it somewhere behind us while he does the same with mine as while we both try to kick our boots off and failing miserably. I hurry and undo my laces while he does the same before we kick them somewhere off to the side. My fingers fumble to undo his belt buckle and slide his pants down his hips. Brad efficiently undoes my pants button and zipper not missing a beat and slides them down my legs only breaking our fevered kiss for just a moment before returning where we left off.
Completely naked now Brad lifts me up easily as I wrap my legs around is waist
and hold on tight around his neck while his hands hold onto my ass with a strength I never noticed. I guess all those big muscles were meant for a moment like this as he slowly slides me down on his already impossibly hard cock. We take a moment just relishing in the feel of being completely connected before I start to roll my hips to gain friction. I take my time circling my hips lifting and sliding back down using my thighs to help me before Brad decides to take control.
"God Lainey. This is so perfect. Right here out in the open just me and you, is perfect." I moan the harder Brad pumps into me. Our breaths are rapid with excitement and the effort it takes for us to fuck like this. Before I know it, that familiar heat creeps along my spine and my core pulses with the need to explode. Just a few more thrusts and I cry out with my release, followed moments later by Brad's deep growl of pleasure as he shoots his warm seed into my womb.
Without releasing me, Brad carefully takes us over to the small lake that the waterfall flows into and sinks us into the cool, clear water.
"Remember this moment Lainey." I look deep into Brad's eyes wondering if there is a reason other than the obvious that he wants me to remember right here, right now, with me in his arms.
"The waterfall, the wildlife our passion and love for each other. This is the moment we finally let go of the past and embraced our future. I would love to say this is the moment you said yes to me about becoming my wife but I know you're not ready for that. Instead, I want this moment to be remembered as the moment we made a promise to each other." I gasp at his admission. His wife? I didn't realize he felt so deeply that he is already ready to make me his by giving me his last name.
"What's our promise?" I whisper. I wait in anticipation knowing that no matter what it is he is asking me to promise, I will promise it wholeheartedly.
"That you are mine and I am yours irrevocably and that one day soon, you will carry my last name. I also will promise that if you go first I will follow soon after because I cannot live a life that doesn't have you in it." I vow to him that I am his as I silently promise that if he too, goes first I will follow soon after because I realize that I cannot live a life without him in it either. He is what makes me whole and I refuse to go through life as only a half.
Fate will find a way
-Mom
Chapter 12
"Let's move in together." Brad and I sit comfortably on my couch watching some cooking show. His comment doesn't surprise me because I knew soon he would suggest it after our weekend away in the mountains. He has wanted to move fast when it comes to our relationship and as much as I would love to jump in feet first it still is a frightening concept for me. I spent a year with Sean before we took our relationship to the next level. We didn't move in together officially until just before we graduated from college. By the time we moved in, I had already expected him to propose to me so it wasn't a shock. We had been dating for 6 years by then so it was expected.
I try to find a response that won't hurt Brad's feelings because even though I know it will eventually happen it still feels scary to me. This is a big step. Is this right for us? Are we moving too fast? We've only been dating for a few weeks. Don't most couples date for a few months before making this big of a step?
"Quit thinking so hard about it. Does it feel right being with me?" I take a moment to contemplate his question even though I already know the answer.
"Yeah."
"Do you like having me here in your home everyday? What about being in my arms every night when you go to bed and seeing me every morning when you wake up?" I love being in his arms at night. I miss the few nights he's not there. It's lonely when I don't have him in my bed where I can touch him whenever I feel like. Waking up to him, seeing his beautiful face and disheveled appearance is also just as comforting.
"Yes."
"Do you miss me when I'm not in your bed at night or when you wake up in the morning?" I smile because he knows I do. I tell him first thing in the morning on the days he is not here that I wished he were.
"You know I do."
"Then why are you so hesitant? You want me here. You miss me when I'm not and I sure as fuck miss not having you with me every night when I go to sleep and every morning when I wake up. I want to end every day with you in my arms and start every morning with you when the sun rises as we begin a new day. You're just worried that this is too fast."
"Shouldn't we want to treat this like most relationships though? Take our time and get to know each other and have fights and make up sex. Or have me slowly start leaving my stuff at your place like my toothbrush and make up bag or extra clothes. We haven't done that yet."
"Baby, we are not in a normal relationship. I already know you are mine completely. I already know that you will be wearing a wedding band I pick out for you and owning my last name. Eventually you will be swollen with my baby. We're going to grow old together and make a million memories with each other. There is not a doubt in my mind that we will have forever together. Now I just want to get started on those memories with you."
I want to cry with happiness at his words. It is the most beautiful declaration that I have ever heard. My heart swells with love for this man and I can see it all now. The day he proposes to me will be nothing short of amazing. Our wedding day we will smile, laugh, cry tears of joy, and love each other more than we ever thought possible. When we find out we are having a baby, he will swing me around in circles while shouting with joy and dote on me not letting me lift a finger. We will cry when our kids graduate and move out. Our grandchildren will be the light of our lives as we spoil them only as grandparents can do. When we are old and gray, we will rock slowly back and forth holding each other's hands as we reminisce about all our happy memories. There is not a doubt in my mind that this will all happen. So why am I stalling on the inevitable?
"Yes." I say quietly. Brad smiles at me with excitement and love shining in his eyes.
"Yes?"
"Yes. Let's move in together." The more I think about it, the more sure I am that this is exactly right.
"I thought I was going to have to fuck you into a yes answer." Brad smirks and I laugh. I wouldn't doubt he would do something like that to get me to say yes and I would love every minute of it.
"I have no doubt you would have and I am sure it would have worked."
"Get up." He jumps off the couch quickly and I feel a little confused. I thought we were going to rip each other's clothes off and pounce on each other.
"Um. Ok. Why is it that we are getting up instead ravishing each other?"
"Because I am moving in." He spreads his arms wide with a toothy grin splitting his face like an excited little child getting ice cream.
"Right now?"
"Yes right now. You said yes. I need to hurry and get my stuff in here before you change your mind." He's serious. Does he really think I would change my mind?
"I said yes. I'm not changing my answer." I huff and cross my arms.
"Probably not. Either way I am ready to move in right now. I don't need all of my stuff. I'll just bring the basics."
"Do we really need to do this right now? I want your sexy body." I pout as I glide my hands down his chest and abs but he doesn't seem to notice. His excitement is prominent in this moment. It is adorable and I can't help but start to feel his excitement as it rubs off on me.
"Ugh alright. Let's go. But you better make it fast because I want your hot sexy body." He grabs my face in crushes his warm, soft lips to mine pouring his excitement through his kiss. By the time he pulls away, I am smiling like a goon.
"Come on." He grabs my hand and pulls me with him out the door and to his truck.
"You know this is crazy right?"
"I don't care. I'm crazy about you." He says without a hint of insincerity. I flush with desire that his words always seem to evoke in me. I didn't realize it was possible to fall more in love than I already am but he always has a way of showing me that I have more love than I ever thought I possessed.
Opening
the passenger door to the truck he swoops in for another panty-melting kiss before lifting me in my seat and running around to jump in on the driver's side.
"You ready baby?"
"Ready when you are."
"Here's to another memory for us to talk about when we are old and gray."
I have noticed even people
who claim everything is predestined
and that we can do nothing to
change it,
look before they cross the road
-Stephen Hawking
Chapter 13
"Lainey, how the fuck am I supposed to put any of my stuff in here? You've taken up the whole damn closet." We stand side by side in my large walk in closet trying to find a spot for Brad's clothes. It seems that maybe I underestimated the amount of room I had in my closet for his stuff.
I shrug. "I don't know. I guess I could clean out some of my clothes. Maybe take out things I won't ever wear."
"You wear all of this?" He asks incredulity. I look at the amount of clothes in my closet calculating how often I wear any of it and why I would keep certain things. A woman can never have too many clothes. We need options. What if I have a formal dinner or party to go to? I will need a dress that will work for the occasion. Maybe it's a theme party with a specific color preference like the all white affair. Not that I have ever been to an all white affair. If it's cold then I will need a long sleeved dress with a coat to match. I have plenty of coats in different colors to match the dresses for any occasion.
"No but I have it in case I need it." He pulls out a grey sequins mini dress that has a low back while giving me a skeptical look.
"You've worn this?" Ah, yes. That was for a party that Sean dragged me to a few years back. He wanted me to be the sexiest dressed woman at the party. What he didn't realize was that this dress managed to garner every man's eye and even the occasional hand.
Fate (Fate Unexpected, #1) Page 5
