Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2)

by Chris Campillo

  Wrapping his arm around her, he leaned in. “You okay?”

  With a soft smile and knowing eyes, she said, “I’m fantastic.” She gave him a light kiss, then faced the stage. The feel of her soft lips and minty breath stayed with him. He wanted more. But there’d be time later. So much time. The thought put a ridiculous grin on his face.

  The seniors entered to “Pomp and Circumstance,” and Trey watched with pride as Wes broke away from the group and walked up on stage. That’s my boy. He snuck a glance at Sue. She was radiant. He could see the tears on her lashes and her lower lip trembling. He couldn’t help but kiss her temple. She turned to him and let out a little sob, only to shake her head and roll her eyes. His woman hated showing weakness, but he loved catching every moment her feelings were shared.

  The ceremony was long and boring, like most graduations. All that really mattered was Wes’s speech. Eight hundred years later, he finally walked to the podium. At the beginning of his speech, he offered thanks to special teachers and staff as well as recalling various events that were obviously inside jokes for the student body. He then went on to the inspirational message for the seniors. Hearing his son say such powerful words was even more impressive in the packed auditorium. Wes would do great things in this world.

  After he wrapped up his planned speech, Wes went on. “Finally, I would like to give thanks to my family. Uncle Luke, thank you for being in my life all these years. Some of my best memories include our times together.”

  “Mimi.” He hesitated. Trey could tell he was trying to hold it together. You can do it, Wes. His thoughts must have reached his son, because the kid continued strong. “Mimi, you’ve made so many things possible for me. Life would’ve been much different if you hadn’t been in my corner.”

  Mimi brought a tissue to her eye. Sue grabbed her other hand. The two shared a look that spoke volumes.

  “Trey.” Wes studied the podium but finally looked at him with confidence in his smile. “Dad.”

  Trey choked on the lump in his throat. He blew out a breath, trying to keep it together. He finally gave up and wiped the tears from his eyes. Rubbing his shoulder, Sue helped him regroup. He gazed into his son’s eyes, sharing all his love, then nodded.

  “We got a late start, but I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for teaching me that we do have choices. And thank you for making those choices possible.”

  Wes turned to Sue. “Mom.” He actually blushed. “I know I haven’t always made you happy with some of my choices.” She laughed, but her eyes were full of love. “I think I spent most of my sophomore year grounded.” He gave his mom a sheepish grin, and the crowd laughed. “But I want you to know I have listened. I’ve watched how you live your life. You’ve set an example of what it means to live up to your full potential. I hope to follow in your footsteps.”

  With tears rolling down her cheeks, Sue blew her boy a kiss. Then, surprising everyone, she threw herself into Trey’s arms and sobbed.

  Wes shook his head and wrapped up his speech with a challenge that set the seniors off with cheers and catcalls, then headed down to his seat with the rest of the seniors. It took that long for Sue to recover. But she wasn’t the only one. He was thankful he had her to hold on to. Dad. What a day.

  Twenty minutes into the roll call, Wes received his diploma. Their entire row stood and cheered as he walked the stage. Trey leaned into Sue. “Is it hard to see this? See him all grown up?”

  “Yes.” She sighed. “I know this is how it’s supposed to be. I just never thought it would happen so quickly. You’ll see. Next time, I’ll appreciate each moment.”

  He watched a kid with long, purple hair cross the stage before her words clicked. “Next time?”

  She cocked a brow, then gave him a huge smile. “Next time.”

  His heart stopped. “Are you saying—”

  “I’m saying your sperm know no boundaries when it comes to birth control. You’ve got some mighty warriors there, Harrison.”

  “Yes!” He jumped up and pounded his fists in the air. “Yes!”

  All activity on the stage froze. The petite girl receiving her diploma stared at him, probably wondering if the strange man was some long-lost uncle.

  “Sit down!” Sue hissed, tugging on his shirt. He did, but then grabbed her in his arms and planted a kiss on her. Just when he’d thought he’d been given the mother lode of good fortune, he won the lottery.

  “Quit that!” Mimi said, pulling them apart.

  He cupped Sue’s face. “Are you okay? How do you feel?” Then, he remembered all the bathroom visits. “Are you sick?”

  She grimaced. “You could say that.”

  He hugged her again. “I’m sorry, baby. But that’s a good sign.”

  “Whatever,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I was the same with Wes.”

  They both turned to Wes a few aisles over. He had a curious look in his eyes and mouthed, “What?”

  Trey gave him a thumbs-up, then focused back on Sue. “I love you, you beautiful woman.” He took her lips again. “So beautiful.”

  “So you’re okay with this?” She studied him, and he could see she was a little nervous.

  “Hell yes. I’ve dreamed about this since we made love in Tahoe. Before then. For years. Damn right, I’m happy. We’re going to have a baby!”

  Relief flooded her face, followed by joy. Then, the tears came. He wiped them away with a tender caress. “You’ve made me so happy.” His voice cracked, but he didn’t care. “So happy.” He pulled her into his arms, and they clung to one another. God had given them another chance. They’d get to share the whole experience this time.

  She eventually leaned back and wiped off the rest of her tears. “You’re going to do all the diapers.”

  He kissed her lips. “Gladly.”

  “And when I’m done nursing, you get the midnight feedings.”

  “Done.” He kissed the back of her hand and held it tightly. Placing his other hand ever so gently over her stomach, he said, “I’ll do it all. But you’ve got to know, I’m going to spoil her rotten.”

  She lifted his chin. “Her? Why do you think it’s a girl?”

  “Oh, come on, babe.” He laughed and shook his head. “There’s no way God would let that fiery spirit end with you.”

  Coming Soon

  Luke Taylor has spent his life looking out for others, but now he could use some help. He might get what he needs, but he never planned on her.

  Look for Then She Moved In (Love From Austin Book 3) coming late 2017.

  Check out Chris’s website for details.

  www.chriscampillo.com

  Did you miss Kate and Jack’s story? Look for Then He Showed Up (Love From Austin Book 1) on Amazon.

  Acknowledgements

  Dear Readers, thank you for buying this book. The best part of being an author is sharing your story with others. Thank you for “listening.” I hope you loved Trey and Sue’s journey. If you did, please recommend it to a friend or write a review. Reviews on Amazon and Goodreads reach a large audience and are greatly appreciated.

  In the world of publishing, there are so many things to learn. It can be quite overwhelming (i.e. scary as hell). The support and wisdom of other authors is invaluable. Thank you, members of the Romance Writers of America Austin Chapter, Digital Darlings, and the Golden Heart Star Catchers. I’m so proud to know such talented and encouraging people.

  Diana Belchase and Vivien Jackson, thank you for the love.

  Chrissy Wolfe, thank you for your expertise and your flexibility. I so appreciate your calm outlook on the process. Lyndsey Lewellen, thank you for creating a gorgeous cover.

  Laurie Kellogg, time and time again, you’ve gone above and beyond to help me. I can only hope one day I can do the same for another.

  Monica Gillespey and Jimi Fanning, thanks for creating a night I’ll always cherish. You two, along with the fine people of the ’29, know how to make a gal feel special. I love this community.

 
Claire Cross and the women of the Read Between the Wines Book Club, thanks for an Oscar-worthy evening.

  Ruth Cook, every day you create an environment that is both stimulating and peaceful for hundreds of people. Thank you for letting me be one of them.

  Kristi Copeland, my sister friend, thanks for all your help, including cooking dinner, even when I was the one that invited you.

  “Sue,” this one is for you. It isn’t your personal story, but I tried to capture your amazing spirit. Love you.

  Kristin Fischer, thanks for all the encouragement and laughter. You’re an inspiration. Love you.

  Karen, Franco, Zach, Ashley, Luke, and Blake, I’m so proud to call you family. Thanks for all the love, loyalty, and laughter.

  Elaine Cherches, it gives me great strength knowing you’re always there, wanting the best for me. Love you, Mom.

  Madeline and Charlie, I love you so much. Use everything God gave you, be good to others, kick fear in the teeth, and you will knock it out of the park.

  Fred, my dear anonymous man. You are my rock. You keep me sane, you make me laugh, you show me love. I love you.

  About the Author

  Award-winning writer Chris Campillo sees a romance story in every situation, just ask her family and friends. When she’s not writing happily ever afters, she’s still creating—be it a movie that goes straight to DVD or a distress-framed chalkboard. (Recipients of the latter discourage that pursuit.)

  She lives in Texas with the world’s most patient husband (his title is earned daily), two hilarious and talented kids, and a tiny cat that somehow hogs the bed. Occasionally, she gets a wild hair and performs stand-up under her stage name, Pepper McCormick.

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  Chris loves to hear from readers, so please contact her at www.chriscampillo.com or visit her at facebook.com/Author-Chris-Campillo.