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.
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, 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. 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 it.
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 am silently glad they decline. I’m thankful to be alone.
Slipping on my favorite Rainbow 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 is 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, its okay. I understand now. This has all been ridiculously 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.” 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, 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. “Ya’ll have been sneaky today.”
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.
Wedding Bells
; 6 Months Later
Jake
The day is here and I am completely ready to be married. We decided the dock at Kenna’s grandparents was the place for us to get married. 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 song. 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. Its 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 accomadating 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.
The End.
Did you miss Ryder and Dina’s story? Restore My Heart, is now available.
Restore My Heart
Book 1 in the Love and Repair series
Bad Boy, Ryder Davenport comes into Dina Fowlers life in the middle of her own personal hell. Still coming to terms with the death of her parents, she pushes everyone away. When she trusts the wrong man, putting her in a bad relationship she felt she couldn’t escape, Ryder comes along. Enjoying his play boy ways, fast cars, motorcycles and a new woman in his bed nightly, Ryder had no thoughts of settling down. That is, until he sees the damage a man can do when he meets a very broken Dina. He changes in hopes of one day being enough for her.
But, can she ever feel safe with a man again? Ryder has restored hundreds of classic cars can he restore Dina’s heart?
Want more from Brayden and Maggie? Salvaged is now available.
Salvaged
Book 2 in the Love and Repair Series
Brayden and Maggie have been dating for four years. Maggie is ready and expecting an engagement ring. Brayden has a past full of weaknesses and mistakes he can’t seem to shake. As he slowly loses everything, he also loses Maggie.
As his world unravels, can he find the strength to shake his inner demons? Does he have it in him to face the ghosts of his past? Can Maggie overcome his deceptions? Will they find a way to love and trust again? Can their love and relationship be salvaged?
Are you curious about Harrison’s past and what will come in his future? Beyond Repair will release August 31st, 2013.
Beyond Repair
Book 3 in the Love and Repair Series
Harrison and Tiffany have a long history of hooking up. Harrison decides he wants more. Tiffany, a spoiled Southern Belle is embarrassed by a working class Harrison. After over two years apart Tiffany is missing his touch. She heads to Charlotte to claim her man.
Harrison is finally settled in Charlotte. He has a job he loves, his sister close by, great friends, and an awesome agreement going with Sophia.
Can Sophia ever want more from Harrison than just sex? Has Harrison fallen in love or just lust with Sophia?
After all this time and hurt feelings, is he really meant to be with Tiffany? Can Harrison manage to let his guard down and find his way back to Tiffany? Will Tiffany be satisfied with a regular working class mechanic? Or is their relationship in the past and beyond repair?
About the Author
Chelsea Camaron has a love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children. She was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina and her heart is always Carolina day dreaming. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing with a few projects currently in the works. She is a big kid refusing to grow up, she spends most days playing with her kids, embracing her inner five year old.
I love hearing from my fans, feel free to email me at [email protected].
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