by Dahlia Rose
“Those were the days…” Fabian said.
Darren laughed. “You’re kidding me, right? I mean, I like T and all but she is not the type that I know you like. Jackie man, she was smoking hot, tall and legs that went on forever. T is the girl you hang with, you know? I didn’t expect you’d end up with her. But she’s cool, you know, a good mom for Cae. I expected you to have another model on your arm after Jackie.”
Taryn didn’t need to hear any more, and she turned away and went to their room. Darren’s words burned her. She knew he didn’t mean them as insults but she took them that way. She wasn’t a model or a bombshell body. She was tiny and Fabian towered over her. Did he just want to get married because of Cae, because she was just mom material? Taryn hated that his friend’s words could make her doubt so quickly, but as it stood she knew him for way longer that Jackie. It took him only a few months to marry and claim he loved Jackie. How did he not see her in the same light? Was what they had his safety net because she was the girl he could hang with and be comfortable? All the questions burned through her head as she went and took a shower. By the time she came out he was lounging in bed without his shirt, since he slept in only pajama bottoms.
“I finally got rid of Darren,” he said with a smile.
“Really, I thought you might want to head out with him and look for some tall thing with legs up to her neck.” Taryn couldn’t help the anger that infused her voice.
“You heard what he said, huh?” Fabian said quietly.
Taryn laughed. “Oh yeah I heard. I’m the girl who is good to hang out and keep the kids but not your type, is that it Fabian? Are you just marrying me for a mom for Cae? Because it’s not necessary. I was her mom from the time Jackie left, a ring won’t make a difference. That way you can head off with Darren and look for your type…”
“Whoa, whoa, where’s this coming from?” He threw the blanket off and came to stand in front of her and took her by the shoulders. “You think I’m not attracted to you?”
She shrugged. “From what Darren said I’m not your type of woman. You like the ones who look like Jackie. I mean, ten years and it takes till now for you to make a move, and with Jackie it was a snap of the finger.”
‘Taryn, when I met her I was hound dogging with that fool and I had stars in my eyes,” Fabian said quietly. “I learned really quickly that all that glitters is not gold. Cae was born and I never once missed that life. I was a dad and I know what I had with my mom and dad. There was no way my child would have less. If you had listened for the rest of the conversation you would have heard something else. I told Darren you were the hottest, most passionate woman I’ve ever met. I was lucky as hell that you weren’t snatched up and I still had my chance. We weren’t mean to be with each other back then, our paths were meant to be right where we are now and with Cae. Don’t you ever doubt my love or desire for you Taryn Neville, soon to be Mrs. Marrone.” He lifted her into his arms. “In fact I’m going to show you right now exactly how much I want you.”
“What about waiting for our wedding night?” she asked breathlessly.
“I, Fabian Marrone promise to love and cherish you Taryn Neville for the rest of my life,” He said softly as he laid her on the bed. “Do you agree to do the same for me?”
She reached out her hand for him. “I do, one hundred percent.”
“Then by the power of my love for you, I pronounce us man and wife and Friday is a formality,” he said firmly. “Now I’m going to kiss the bride.”
His lips met her in a tantalizing kiss that made her tingle from the roots of her hair down to the bottom of her feet.
Taryn didn’t need to analyze her feelings anymore. They were true, and she and Fabian were solid. Tonight for the first time she would have the man she’d dreamt about for years. She wanted to feel, immerse herself in him. His lips met hers and she kissed him softly, then with growing passion. Fabian groaned, and his hand went to the back of her neck, pulling her closer into his chest. As she kissed him, Taryn stroked her hands over his broad shoulders and muscled arms. His hands slid up her thighs to her waist, and then farther to cup her breasts over the material of her sleep shirt. Taryn moaned and she arched, pressing herself more firmly into strong fingers, moaning softly against his lips.
Fabian moved. “Let me undress you.”
She lay still while his hands skimmed down her body, taking her pajama bottoms down her legs.
He chuckled. “I never knew white cotton panties were such a turn on until I saw you in them. I made a note to buy you a drawer full.”
She laughed huskily and sat up so he could take off her top. She was gloriously naked, and she felt the heat of his gaze travel across her skin. She held out her hand to him and the bed dipped as he climbed in with her. He said her name almost reverently before he kissed her. That turned to pure heat as their tongues mated, her hands urgently pushed his pajamas down his hard lean hips and his hand aided her in the struggle to free him. When he was finally nude, as his naked skin met hers, they both moaned.
His lips travelled down her body until he came to her breasts. Fabian took her nipple into his mouth and she trembled. He made a hungry sound in the back of his throat and he filled his mouth with the smooth globe. His hands massaged the other breast and then his lips played, taking over where his hands left off.
“More please,” she whimpered.
“Look at me while I touch you,” he ordered softly. “I like to watch your eyes turn to liquid chocolate when you come.”
His hand slid down between the valley of her breasts to the flat plane of her stomach and her cupped her mound. His first touch caused her to bite her lips and she was already dripping wet. Her eyes met his as he slowly rubbed her clit, then added a little more pressure. Her lips parted as little moaning pants escaped when she felt him circling the sensitive flesh of her entrance. He slipped his fingers inside and she bucked against his hand. She knew it pleased him to watch her as she felt pleasure. Fabian sank his fingers deeper and faster inside her until her hips was meeting his rhythm and grinding against his hand.
“Come for me. Ah, Taryn, yes take more,” he whispered harshly.
“Oh god,” she moaned.
She felt it building inside her, reaching for that star that would blind her as she grabbed it and soared free. His plunged two fingers inside her and his thumb still pressed against that secret button. She clutched at his hand, trying to make him stop and still wanting it to go on.
“Come darling, let go,” he said with desire lacing his voice.
She shuddered against him and then she came apart, her body shaking as she fell over that sexual cliff. His hands still moved against her clit so her body still had little tremors.
“Be with me now.” She pulled against his shoulders urgently.
He covered her with his body and she wrapped her legs around his hard thighs. A groan escaped him as he sank into her. Her muscles contracted around him as he moved and he fisted his hands in her hair, kissed her deep and long. He fucked her with slow deep strokes, bringing the pleasure to her in waves.
“Harder, Fabian, harder,” she moaned and lifted her hips against him. “Please give it all to me.”
“Damn, you’re so tight, I don’t want to hurt you,” he muttered, and then groaned. “God you feel so good.”
“You won’t hurt me, let go.”
She gave in to the pleasure that was swirling around her. Taryn felt as if she was melting from the inside out. She moaned low in her throat that sounded like a sleek jungle cat’s purr when she felt his pace increase. He thrust into her hard and she spread her legs wider taking him even deeper. As the intensity grew, her fingers were tangled in his hair and she pulled his head down for a kiss. He lifted her hips against him pounding into her almost savagely.
Her head was arched into the pillow as ecstasy coursed through her. “I’m going to come, be there with me Fabian.”
Once again she exploded. She felt her self soar like the universe being buil
t from one tiny spark. It was him, it was all because of him. He followed her over that edge and she felt him spill his seed inside her. He collapsed against her and there they lay, entwined until their breathing calmed. She looked up at Fabian, his eyes were closed and there was a small smile on his face.
“I hope that puts all your doubts to rest,” he said as he stroked her shoulder.
“Ask me that when I learn to speak again,” she murmured and he laughed.
Fabian rolled to his side, taking her with him, and looked into her eyes. “I do love you Taryn. Mind, body and soul, I’m yours.”
“I love you too, Fabian. And I never thought I’d ever get to say those words.” She smiled up at him. “Friday we get to start our lives together.”
“Not start, sweetheart, we already began a long time ago,” he replied and kissed her gently.
He was right and she pulled him close, knowing that he was the love that her heart always longed for.
* * * *
The county courthouse gleamed in the Florida sun as they stepped inside. His lawyer was able to get an expedited hearing for Jackie’s rights as a mother to be terminated. They hadn’t spoken to Jackie since the night when they got Cae back from the dingy hotel room. There didn’t seem to be a point actually. Fabian knew without a doubt that this was best for his daughter. Looking at Jackie as they brought her into the room dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit, he felt only pity. The woman he thought he loved was nothing more than a myth. She looked nothing like the model that he met. Her face was sallow, and the sickly pallor made her dark skin appear pale. Jackie glanced over at him and gave him a dirty look. He turned his attention away from her and focused on Taryn holding Cae in her arms. They were the only people that mattered.
“All rise, the honorable Judge William’s presiding,” the bailiff called loudly.
The judge walked in with his black robes and looked at the opposing sides of the room. “Be seated.” After they sat he scanned the paperwork. “This is the matter of Marrone versus Marrone. Master Chief Marrone is asking for the parental rights of the minor child’s mother to be dissolved at this time. After reviewing this matter and reading the accounts of the abduction of the minor child, I am ruling in the favor—”
Jackie stood up and screamed, “You can’t do that. You can’t take my baby!”
The judge banged the gavel and ordered, “Mr. Cobb, you’re her court-appointed attorney. Silence your client.”
Mr. Cobb shushed Jackie before standing. “I’m sorry, your honor, but as you can understand my client is upset at this travesty. Her child should not be taken because of her addiction problems. In fact, she should be offered help.”
“In fact, your honor, Jackie Marrone has been offered and given help on more than one occasion, in some of the best rehabilitation centers in the country. Paid for in private and by military medical benefits through Master Chief Marrone.” Fabian tapped his fingers impatiently while his lawyer spoke. It was going in his favor, and all he wanted to do was to give his child the best care possible. In the midst of Jackie’s outburst, Taryn had slipped quietly from the room with the baby in her arms.
His lawyer continued to speak. “In every case, Jackie Marrone either refused treatment, left the facility, or, in one instance, actually had her boyfriend bring her drugs on the premises. They were both caught, and she was thrown out and arrested. She showed no worry about the child when they took her from the safety of her guardian, and when they could no longer deal with the baby, the plan was to leave the child and make their escape. In none of these situations did she think about her daughter.”
“My client has made preparations to enter a rehab facility of her own volition,” Mr. Cobb began.
Fabian’s lawyer cut him off. “That is wonderful, and we hope she gets the care and begins the recovery process, but Cae Marrone should not be held in limbo. My client should not be looking over his shoulder wondering if his child will be taken again. Her rehabilitation has been tried more than once and failed. What makes this time any different?”
The judge held his hand up. “Quiet both of you. While I agree that her rehabilitation is key to her becoming healthy and drug free, it’s not about her wants or needs. This is about what is best for the child mentioned in the papers. My ruling stands, and Jackie Marrone’s rights as mother to Cae Marrone are terminated. She is not allowed to be within one hundred feet of any residence or school where the child will be. If she violates this ruling in any way after her jail term is completed, she will be arrested and her parole rescinded.” The judge turned his attention to Jackie. “I hope you get the help you need, but you are no longer viewed by law as her mother.” He banged the gavel. “This is my ruling.”
Yes! Fabian gave a mental cheer and shook his lawyer’s hand. It was finally over.
“Fabian, Fabian please.” Jackie called his name as the prison guard led her out behind him.
Taryn stood up when they came through the door, and he gave her a nod. He could tell by her face that this wasn’t what she wanted either. But for Cae, it needed to be done. He took his baby from Taryn and kissed her gently. He vowed he’d never be afraid when she was born, and he meant to keep that promise. The best of what the world offered would be hers.
“No, no!” With a show of strength, Jackie elbowed the guard in the ribs and ran over to Fabian and tried to snatch Cae from his arms.
He held the baby tight to him with one hand and shoved the hysterical woman away from him. She came back more deadly than ever, scratching and screaming until the prison guard and a bailiff restrained her.
“You can’t take my child. She’s mine, damn you. She’s mine,” Jackie screamed. “This was a plot between you and T to take her. Taryn always wanted my baby! Get your own, bitch!”
“Take her,” Fabian told Taryn.
Cae had begun crying at the loud screaming. She took the two year old and stepped away. Fabian turned to Jackie who still struggled angrily, and he finally let free all he had been holding in for such along time.
“I’ve sat and watched you destroy yourself for too long, Jackie. Her first tooth, I picked you up from a crack house and dropped you off at rehab. Her first birthday she had cake, and then I bailed you out of jail. Her first steps, colic, all the things where a child needs its mother, you weren’t there. And you accuse Taryn of trying to stop you from being a mother? She has asked me to give you more chances than you deserve. All the times I wanted to lock you away, she believed in you. You’re sick. I understand that. I was there. I tried to help you each and every time, all the while tying to raise Cae. But at some point I had to stop trying to take care of you and focus on her. What we had wasn’t love. It started as infatuation and then guilt on my part because you brought my most precious gift into this world.”
He took a breath, and everyone around him remained silent, even the guard that held her, giving him time to have his say.
“You’re to blame, Jackie. All of this is on you. Losing Cae is on you because even if we didn’t work out, she needed a mother, and you were never there. You’ve spent so much time blaming everyone else for your problems. How about taking the first steps toward recovery and accepting what you have done. No one made you take the drugs you loved pushing into yourself more than your child. I wish you better, Jackie. I doubt it, but, God, I want it for you. It’s not my responsibility anymore.” He pointed to the baby. “It’s all about her now, and if you loved her just an ounce, you’d know this. For once in your damn life think about someone other than yourself. Taryn has been her mother and stability for as long as Cae can remember. She’s always been there, not you.”
With those words he turned and went down the hall to his family. Yes, Cae and Taryn were his family in the last few years, and he was blind not to have seen it long before the past few weeks. He took his baby and kissed her until she giggled and then pulled Taryn close and kissed her temple.
“Let’s go home, my two special ladies. We’ve got a wedding to attend,�
�� Fabian said with a smile.
As they stepped out into the Florida sunshine, he felt the last vestige of guilt fall away. For too long he thought Jackie was his responsibility. It was time to look for happiness with the woman he loved.
* * * *
Their wedding day dawned bright and clear with a cool breeze coming off the ocean. By one in the afternoon they were saying their vows in front of the two witnesses and baby Cae. Taryn wore a simple cotton dress with spaghetti straps in white, her hair loose down to her shoulders. Fabian opted to wear his military dress whites for the ceremony even though he didn’t need to. He took her breath away, standing by the sea trim and proper with his medals adorning his chest. She watched him on the beach before she went outside, holding Cae in her arms. The little girl was in a pink dress with white sandals and white ribbons in her hair.
Taryn pointed out the where Fabian stood. “Who’s that out here looking so handsome, sugar bear?”
“Daddy, Daddy,” Cae said and giggled.
Taryn laughed and kissed the baby’s temple while the small arms wrapped around her neck. “That’s your daddy and he is a hero, don’t ever forget that Cae-Cae. For so many reasons he will always be our hero.”
She walked out to be with the man of her dreams. Taryn handed Cae off to Christine and stood beside him, proud to become his wife. The wind picked up a few tendrils as she faced Fabian and he tucked it back behind her ear affectionately. The minister spoke and they repeated their vows. When he said you may kiss the bride, Fabian took her lips in a sweet kiss while Cae squealed and clapped her hands. He took Cae from Christine, and the first picture of them as a family was taken.
After a simple lunch with their two guests, the car was packed up with their suitcases for the drive to Orlando. They changed in the amazing suite that Fabian had booked and went out to enjoy the park. Cae was ecstatic as she saw the different characters, a few she was afraid of but she still was brave enough to touch them.
