What he was about to request of her, he had no right to do. And he knew it. “Do you think you could ever forgive me?”
Nick patiently waited for her to answer. If she told him to go to the nearest bridge and jump he only had himself to blame.
“I forgive you. But do you really mean what you just said about NJ?” She wanted to believe that what he said was the truth. He put a finger to her lips. “Ssssh. Sweetheart our son is staying right here with you.
Summer’s tiny frame collapsed against Nick’s. For the first time in months, she finally felt free. Free from the miserable dark cloud that constantly threatened to storm over her. Free to not have to worry about Nick thinking the worst of her. Most important, free to know in her heart that her precious baby would always be with her, in her care where she could love and nurture him forever.
“Thank you.” Summer whispered as she kissed his lips.
Standing, he gently placed Summer on her feet. “Come with me.”
Hand in hand they walked to the nursery. Summer stepped in front of the crib. Her hands were itching to pick NJ up. She didn’t want to disturb his sleep.
Nick eased up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. On cue, she leaned back into his strong, solid body. Silently they watched the sleeping infant. Summer whispered, “He’s so beautiful.”
Nick kissed the side of her face. “He’s his mother’s child.”
“What are you talking about? He looks just like you.”
“Are you calling me beautiful?”
“Yes.”
Slowly, he turned her to face him. Silently they stared into each other’s eyes communicating without words just like that night of their first date. In the sweet stillness of the room, they both understood that they would always be an integral part of one another.
Nick was the first to break the silence.
“Um, I think I better get going, it’s late.”
Summer didn’t want him to leave tonight or any other night.
“Stay the night with us.”
Summer had spoken so softly Nick thought he was hearing things.
“What did you say?”
“I said I want you to stay the night with me and your son.”
He pulled Summer close. Loving how she felt in his arms. “Are you sure?
“Positive.”
♥♥♥
Sleep eluded Nick as his mind filled with thoughts of his life and what had become of it. With all of his accomplishments, they did not compare remotely to the newfound joy he felt from the petite woman snuggled against him and the sleeping infant down the hall.
Holding Summer so close, he was even more determined never to let her go. She had not lied; she had given him everything, and then some. In return, he had uncaringly taken everything she offered and more. He had blamed her and labeled her deceitful. When in all actuality he was to blame. After all, it was his primal lustful desire that changed the course of their lives a year ago. Now they both were living according to the consequences of their actions. During that time in their lives neither one of them had a desire to be a parent. But none of that mattered now. Every time he looked at or touched his seed an indescribable feeling washed over him. Within a span of a few seconds, NJ’s life would flash before Nick. He would envision his taking his first step, his first day of school, pitching at his first little league game, starting high school, and going off to college. These images always caused a thick lump to form in his throat nearly cutting off his oxygen.
Nick gently squeezed Summer. He thanked God she had the strength and willpower not to cave into the pressures of terminating her pregnancy, killing their child. In the past, he believed the lie ‘it’s not a baby, only a mass of cells during those first few weeks after conception. The truth revealed its self the instant NJ emerged from his mother’s body full of life. He had always existed and was born with a purpose regardless of the circumstances of his birth. For whatever reason, he and Summer were the vehicles responsible for their son’s existence. And he thanked God for such an awesome blessing.
Overwhelming shame and guilt tied a knot around Nick’s neck, suffocating him as he replayed Summer’s tearful admission of what she had gone through. Abandonment, humiliation, chastisement and rejection by people she had loved and cared about. And he was the main culprit who gave her the greatest degree of heartache and pain.
Without even thinking, he quietly questioned himself. “How could I hurt love? Hurt Summer?”
Nick accepted what he’d tried so hard to resist. Love. He was in love with Summer and knew he needed her like the oxygen he needed to breathe. She was his oxygen. This time when he squeezed her it was with all of the love he had for her and then some. All of the love he denied her. Love he should have freely given to her from day one when he realized she was special and different from the others.
Summer squirmed and shifted in her sleep as a shapely leg slid between Nick’s muscular thighs. The feel of her soft flesh so intimately close made him close his eyes tight as his body responded to her sensuous touch.
“Summer?” He whispered in hesitation not sure if she was asleep or not.
“Hmmm.”
“Uh, do you think you could move your leg?”
He was close to losing it. To flipping her over on her back and doing…well you know. It had been so long since he had touched or held another woman. It was almost impossible for him to restrain himself.
Soon as she came into contact with Nick’s hard flesh she became aware of his desire for her. He wasn’t alone. She wanted him too. But she was also conscious of the fact that he was holding back. He wouldn’t take things any further than she allowed.
Keeping her hot scorching flesh in place, she made a bold request. “Nick make love to me.”
There was nothing in the world Nick wanted more. He wanted to love Summer, but wasn’t sure where her heart and her head was. True, she had admitted to loving him. However, he wasn’t certain if Summer was still in love with him. There was a difference. Finally after all this time he knew where his heart belonged and who it belonged to. What he wasn’t certain of was if Summer’s heart still belonged to him? Summer sensed his hesitation. He doesn’t want me. “What’s wrong Nick?” She asked, fear trembling her words.
“Get up for a minute please.”
Reaching over, he turned on the lamp on the nightstand before sitting up and resting against the headboard. Nick rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. Was this woman trying to kill him or what? Why did she have to look at him with those eyes? Eyes that were begging him to love her until she couldn’t see straight. “Nothing’s wrong, baby. I want nothing more than to make love to you. But are you sure this is what you really want? We don’t have to do this. I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
Straddling his lap, Summer held his face between her hands and gave him a quick kiss on his full lips. Regrets? What regrets? Although he hadn’t spoken the words she knew in her heart that he loved her. With Nick’s love Summer knew she would never have any regrets where he was concerned.
“I won’t have any regrets. I just want you to love me.”
Threading his fingers through her hair, palming the back of her head he pulled her to meet his lips. The kiss was long, deep and the drugging.
Looking into her soft brown eyes, he exposed all his vulnerabilities as he opened his heart and his soul to her. “Baby, I’m going to love you for the rest of my life.”
A single tear slid down her cheek at his tender confession. “Oh, Nick.”
Not bothering to turn the lamp off, Nick slid down on his back pulling Summer to his chest lightly kissing the salty trail on her cheek. He didn’t bother to hush or quiet the other tears that followed. His admission of loving her was the beginning of her healing. Of his healing.
Summer felt her heart completely opening up to him places she thought were closed off forever. Summer exhaled the breath she’d been holding for months as she gazed into Nick’s dark eyes that h
eld a longing for her that was so deep, so sweet, and so tender. It was a longing not of lust, but one of genuine love. A soft smile danced at her lips as she blinked the tears away. Yes. He loved her. He had pledged to love her for the rest of his life.
“Nick, I really do want you… I need you.
“Are you sure?”
Summer nodded.
“It’s been a long time, Beautiful. There hasn’t been anyone since you.”
Summer was stunned. She had thought for sure he’d found another lover. Just the thought of him doing all those intimate things he had done with her to another woman used to send her into a frenzy fit of crying spells.
“For real?”
“Yes, Beautiful. I never could get you out of my system. And now I know why.”
Chapter 28
For the longest time Nick and Summer lay facing one another staring into each other’s eyes. The love shining through their souls was undeniable. Neither of them wanted to rush the inevitable. They had all night. They had forever.
Slowly Nick began to caress every curve, every inch. The entire time he explored her body Summer writhed under his glorious touch as he again familiarized himself with her body. When he worshipped her most delicate feminine zone she nearly shattered into a million pieces when her release over took her.
Positioning himself over her, Nick wavered. Is this what she really wants?
He got his answer when her hands impatiently tugged on his shoulders. “Nick please.”
With her consent he slowly entered her and began moving in and out. Falling into sync, Summer wrapped her legs around his waist taking him in deeper as they moved as one being. Working themselves into an erotic haze, simultaneously they crashed into wave after wave, drowning in an abyss as their bodies trembled in ecstasy.
As the last aftershock left Nick’s body he squeezed Summer in a tight embrace, vowing never to let her go. Though many had come before her, he knew in his heart that she would be his last.
“Summer Jackson, I love you. I’ve always loved you. I was just too damn stubborn to admit it.”
“I love you too, Nick.” I never stopped loving you.
Chapter 29
The next morning sounds of a gurgling and cooing baby over the intercom aroused a very exhausted Nick and Summer. They had just drifted off to sleep not much more than an hour ago. Their lovemaking lasted until early dawn. It was as if they couldn’t get enough of each other as they made up for lost time. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to walk. Nick had definitely given her a workout, proving to her she was his last. Summer smiled to herself, biting down on her bottom lip as she remembered all the naughty things he did to her and the positions they tried. Her body was sore from all the twisting, turning, bending, and stretching.
“Someone’s awake.” Nick whispered in Summer’s ear as he held her in a spooning position.
“I’ll go get him.” Summer said as she went to remove Nick’s hand from her hip. Nick held her firmly; he wasn’t ready to let her go.
“Stay, don’t go. He’s not crying yet.”
It felt so good lying so close to the man she loved. Summer snuggled back into his embrace. “Okay, just a little longer, then I need to get the baby.”
“He’ll be okay for a few more minutes.”
“Nick?”
“Yeah, baby?” A smile tugged at his lips. He remembered how she talked incessantly the next morning after a vigorous night of sensual activity. As if she was getting rid of residual energy.
“This is the first time you’ve spent the night here with me.” Summer wanted to ask him “why?” because in the past he would always leave her just before dawn. She would joke with Ava and Starr that she was dating Blackula. More than once she had pleaded with him, “Don’t go.” No amount of pleading had made him stay.
“I know. You’ve always stayed at my place.” Getting frisky, wanting to do away with the small talk, Nick slid his hand down her hip and between her thighs. He loved how she felt so soft and silky.
“Rolling over facing him, his hand dislodged from its intended target as Summer continued to chatter. “I always liked staying at your place. It’s so big and roomy. I bet you can fit at least four of my little two bedroom townhouse in it.”
Nick chuckled as he smoothed his hand over her round firm behind. That last move told him she’d had enough. He couldn’t blame her. She had allowed him access to any and everything he wanted. And still he wanted more.
Smiling Nick kissed her forehead. “You and the baby can stay with me sometimes.”
That sounded real good to Summer. She wanted nothing more than for her and their son to be as close to Nick as possible. Waking up next to him was what she had dreamed of for months.
“That would be nice, but where will the baby sleep?” Summer frowned as she finished her sentence.
“What’s that?”
Nick grinned mischievously. “What?”
Lifting the covers over their heads she pointed to his groin area. “That?”
“Come here and let me show you.”
With one smooth move, Nick had flipped Summer onto her back and mounted her.
Summer giggled. “Boy, you better stop it. Are you crazy?” I’m sore enough as it is.
NJ’s gurgling and cooing turned into a frantic, almost panicking cry, halting Nick’s seductive persuasion. The poor little guy was probably wondering what was taking his mommy so long. As soon as he would start his early morning gurgling and cooing, she would be right there picking him up and showering him with kisses.
Nick leaned down and kissed Summer on the lips before rolling off her.
“I’ll go get my boy. Just let me freshen up real quick.” He said picking up his boxers he’d discarded on the floor the night before as he jetted to the adjoining bathroom.
Rising up on her right elbow, Summer laughed at him. “Yeah, you do that. And while you’re in there brush your teeth, too. There’s an extra toothbrush in the top vanity drawer.”
Nick shook his head grinning as he looked in the drawer retrieving the toothbrush. When he brought his head up to look at his reflection he almost didn’t recognize himself because of the glimmer in his eyes. He was happy, content. Something he had not been in a very long time.
The moment NJ saw his daddy’s face his cries became soft whimpers. Picking up the baby, Nick kissed him as he carried him to the changing table to change his pamper. Finishing up, he lifted the baby back in his arms. “Come on little buddy, let’s go see your beautiful momma.”
Summer was coming out of the bathroom from freshening up as she tied the belt on her satin robe as Nick was entering her room. Taking the baby from his arms she cooed, “Come on let mommy feed you.”
Settling down in a wingback chair Summer prepared herself to nurse. NJ kicked and squirmed as she exposed a breast. Once he had latched on his kicking and squirming quieted as he hungrily grunted and fed at the same time.
Perched on the foot of the bed, Nick gazed at Summer and NJ. His heart swelled with love as he watched his woman nourish their child. This is where he needed to be…always. Nick slightly tilted his head to the side as he envisioned NJ as a toddler sitting at his mother’s feet as she nursed another baby. This time things would be different. He would be there for Summer from the very beginning. Yes, Nick wanted it all. He wanted Summer as his best friend, lover, confidant, wife and mother of his babies.
Moving from his spot on the bed, he knelt on one knee beside Summer as she continued to nurse the baby. Nick’s heart melted when Summer lifted her gaze from NJ’s to rest on him with a smile.
“Did I tell you I love you?” He whispered in a husky tone.
“Every time you made love to me last night and early this morning.” She answered softly.
“Well, I’m telling you again. Summer, I love you and I want you.”
Summer lifted a brow. “You want me?” Okay you sex maniac you’re getting carried away.
Nick tenderly traced a finger down he
r jaw and over her kissed swollen bottom lip “Yes, I want you…forever.”
She squeaked, “Forever?” He possibly couldn’t be saying what she was thinking and feeling in her heart.
“Yes, forever.” He slowly brought himself closer until their lips barely touched. “I want you to be my wife and give me more babies. Will you do that for me, Beautiful?”
Summer blinked as she looked into Nick’s dark eyes. Oh my God, oh my God, he’s serious! She was completely stunned. Staring at him wide-eyed she couldn’t get her thoughts together. This couldn’t be. He couldn’t be asking her such a thing.
“Beautiful, please answer me. You’re making me nervous.”
“Yes, Nick. I’ll be your wife and give you all the babies you want.”
Kissing her he said, “Did I tell you I love you?”
“Uh-huh, at least a hundred times.”
Epilogue
Summer stared out the kitchen window mesmerized by the heavy falling snow. Country snow was so much prettier than city snow. The glistening flakes sparkled as they fell to the ground, growing deeper and deeper. By morning, there would be at least three feet of the white, fluffy stuff. The last time she had seen that much snow was four years ago when she was pregnant and held up for three days with Nick.
Things had come full circle for Summer and Nick since then. They had worked through their issues by going to premarital counseling with their pastor. Now they were happily married. Sure, they had their moments like any other married couple. He got on her nerves, and she got on his. Nevertheless, they loved each other with a passion that was mad crazy. Everyone teased them saying, “It’s about time the two of you got your act together!”
A Special Summer (Love Conquers All) Page 22
