by L. Wilder
She shook her head. Without knowing what was really going on, she’d never be able to stop worrying that inevitably they would come after her. “And what is Bobby’s plan?”
“It’s something he’s been working on for months. Just had to wait for the right scenario to play out, and the other night, it finally did. Soon, police will match his fingerprints to a John Doe in Mexico. Once that happens, the case will be closed, and you’ll have nothing else to worry about.”
“There’s just so much,” she told him with tears pooling in her eyes once again. “Why did you do all this?”
Bishop turned and ran his hand along the wooden rail of the dock and asked, “Did you know your dad helped me build this?”
Surprise crossed her face as she shook her head and waited for him to continue.
“Well, he did. He was a fine man… a good friend to me. He was always helping me out whenever I had one of my projects. I wouldn’t even have to ask. As soon as he saw me working, he’d come running. And most of the time, you would be trailing right there behind him. He was so damn proud of you. Always bragging on something you’d done. Used to say you had the heart of a lion, and you felt the same way about him. You two were inseparable.” He took a drag off of his cigarette and continued. “When he died, it was difficult for all of us, but you took it the hardest. It took some time, but eventually, you learned to live with your loss. You were there for your mother and brother, taking his place the best way you knew how. I tried my hardest to take up the slack when I could, but I knew it wasn’t the same.”
“You’ve always been there for us, Bishop. But this… covering up what I did? I can’t ask you to do that.”
“It’s already done. You may not be my blood, Sunny, but you are my family just the same. I look after my own, and I intend to keep doing that until the day I take my last breath.”
His words settled in her heart, giving her a sense of peace that she desperately needed. As always, he was there. She’d always known he was a good man, just like her father, but the realization of everything he’d done and why made her love him even more. “I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”
“You already have. You survived. That’s all I needed in return,” Bishop smiled.
Sunny turned and leaned against the rails as she looked out at the pond. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to move on from all of this. How do I just forget that I killed someone?”
“Back when Myles was trying out for basketball, I remember you trying to help him work on his rebound. He took a pretty nasty fall and banged up his knee. He was all scratched up and bleeding, and he was about to have a complete meltdown. But you walked over and knelt down beside him and whispered something in his ear. A few seconds later, he pulled himself off the ground and shook off the dirt from his shorts. He was slow moving, but he took the ball from your hand and took his shot. It wasn’t long before he’d forgotten that he’d ever taken the fall.”
“There’s no telling what I said to him,” Sunny laughed.
“I asked him later what you’d said.” Bishop walked over next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “You told him, it’s not the fall that defines you, but the shots you make once you get up. So, Sunny… I’d say it’s time for you to pick yourself up and take your shot.”
The sun was just starting to set over the lake as Sunny sat on the dock watching the boats putter in and out of the bay. It was a place her father had taken her when she was little. They watched as the different boats passed by and took turns telling stories about the people that were tucked away inside, each tale more elaborate than the last. As a large yacht pulled into the dock, she tried to imagine what her father might say about the family onboard. Maybe he’d tell her that they’d been traveling for months and had just come home for Christmas, or that they planned to spend time with their family and friends before they headed off to Paris for the spring. She missed her father, and now more than ever, she needed him to be there. She longed to feel his strong arms wrapped around her, protecting her from all the chaos that was whirling around her. Most of all, she needed to hear the comforting sound of his voice telling her that everything would be okay, that like all the people in his stories, she too would find her happy ending.
Just as darkness fell around her, little white Christmas lights flickered on, illuminating the entire dock. It was beautiful, but the night air grew colder, making her body tremble beneath her coat. She knew it was long past time for her to go. After all, it was Christmas Eve. Everyone would be heading over to Bishop’s, and she knew they would be expecting her to be there. She didn’t want to let them down. They’d all been so patient with her, especially Gavin. Over the past few weeks, he’d been there to listen when she cried, to hold her when she felt lost, and to reassure her when she was overcome with doubts. He was her strength and he never failed to be there when she needed him. Now was no different. She was staring out at the lake, watching the lights dance along the water. When she heard her phone buzz with a text message, she looked down at the screen and saw that it was Gavin. Just seeing his name made her lips curl into a smile.
Gavin:
Hey. You up for some company?
Sunny:
Sorry. I’m not at home.
Gavin:
I know you’re not. That wasn’t my question.
Sunny:
I’m always up for your company.
Gavin:
Good. I was hoping you’d say that.
Seconds later, he strolled up the walkway and sat down on the bench beside her. When he saw her red nose and cheeks, he took off his coat and wrapped it around her. “How long have you been out here?”
“A while.”
“Everything okay?”
“It is now.” She smiled as she nestled into the crook of his arm. “I’m glad you came.”
“It’s been a long day and I was ready to see my girl.” He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “You about ready to head over to Bishop’s?”
“I guess so.”
“Good. I hope you aren’t planning to stay too long. I’ve got plans for you later.”
“Plans? What kind of plans?”
“The kind of plan where you are in my bed screaming out my name when the man in red comes flying overhead.”
She laughed as she stood up. “Sounds like a good plan to me.”
“Then let’s get moving. You ride with me. I’ll get one of the guys to bring your car over to the apartment later.”
“Okay.”
She followed him over to his Jeep and just before she got inside, he handed her a white box and said, “I’ve got something for you.”
“What is this?”
“Open it and see.”
She’d heard stories about the white box from the girls when they shared their stories about becoming ol’ ladies, and she couldn’t help but wonder if her time had finally come to receive her cut. She carefully opened the box and peeked inside. A smile spread across her face when she saw the familiar Devil Chaser’s patch. She quickly pulled the leather jacket out of the box and put it on. “Is this for real?”
“As real as it gets.” He put his hands on her hips and pulled her over to him. “After you graduate, I’ll put a ring on your finger and we’ll make it official in every way.”
“I love you, Gavin.”
“And I love you.” He pressed his lips against hers, kissing her with all the love and passion he had to give. He knew in that moment, he had everything he’d ever wanted.
Their kiss led to more than he’d expected, and they were late getting to Bishop’s. By the time they’d arrived, everyone was already sitting down at the table. Sunny tried to slip in unnoticed, but as soon as Courtney caught sight of her new jacket, she shouted, “Well, lookie here! We’ve got ourselves another Old Lady!”
All eyes were quickly drawn over to Sunny, making her face bright red as they all started to hoot and holler. Sheppard smiled as he said, “It’s about damn time.”
Tessa stood up and walked over to her, giving her a hug. “Congratulations, sweetie. You got yourself a good one.”
“Thanks, Tess. I think he’s pretty wonderful.”
“He sure loves you. There’s no doubt about that.”
Once all the girls had taken their turn congratulating Sunny, Gavin reached for her hand and led her over to the table. After they’d gotten settled, Bishop raised his glass and said, “To new beginnings!”
Everyone followed suit and lifted their glasses as they repeated, “To new beginnings.”
Sunny looked over to her mother and placed her hand on her arm. “Merry Christmas, Momma.”
Glenda leaned towards her, hugging her tightly as she said, “Merry Christmas, sweetheart. It’s good to see you looking so happy.”
“I am happy, Momma. Very happy.”
She looked up at her daughter, seeing the bright smile on her face, and the anxiousness she’d been carrying around with her for weeks finally started to fade. Seeing her now, she knew in her heart that her daughter was going to be okay, that the hell they’d been through was finally over. She gave her another quick squeeze before she said, “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart. Now, finish your dinner. I brought something special for dessert tonight.”
Gavin leaned forward and looked over to Glenda as he asked, “Dessert?”
“It’s a surprise.” Glenda smiled.
“Oh, man. You’re killing me, Ms. Glenda.”
“Trust me, it will be worth the wait.” She chuckled and then turned her attention back to her dinner. She nudged Sunny’s side with her elbow as she whispered, “He’s a keeper.”
“That he is.”
It was just after midnight when Sunny and Gavin got back to her apartment. Katelyn had gone to stay the night with her folks, so they had the place to themselves. After changing into one of her t-shirts, Sunny turned on the Christmas tree and put in a silly Christmas movie. She pulled her fleece blanket over her bare legs as she got settled on the sofa. Before joining her, Gavin reached behind the tree and pulled out a small red box. With a hopeful look in his eye, he took it over and placed it in Sunny’s hand. “Open it.”
She studied the small rectangular box, turning it back and forth in her hand. He’d already given her everything she wanted, and she couldn’t imagine what was inside. She carefully eased the box open and found plane tickets tucked inside. She quickly pulled them out and shouted, “We’re going to Barbados?”
“Thought I’d take you during your spring break. Spend some time acting like a couple of crazy college kids.”
She reached over and gave him an excited hug, then looked back down at the tickets. “I can’t believe we’re going to Jamaica to spend a week at the beach!”
“Well, we are, and that’s just the start.”
She stared at them for several more seconds before she hopped off the sofa and rushed over to the Christmas tree, reaching for her gift for Gavin. She grabbed the large, heavy box and lugged it back over to him. “Your turn.”
His eyebrows furrowed as he looked down at the package. He hadn’t seen it under the tree and wondered when she’d gotten it. He pulled the paper back and opened the box, finding a new set of lower fairings for his bike. He’d been looking at the exact set online for weeks, but kept talking himself out of buying them. “This is too much.”
“No, it’s not.” She sat down next to him and continued, “I knew you’d been wanting them, and it will help keep you a little warmer when it’s cold.”
“You didn’t have to do that, but thank you.” He placed the box on the table, then leaned towards her, forcing her back against the sofa cushions. His mouth dropped as he began to nip and suck along the curve of her neck.
“I take it you like them?” she giggled.
“Love ‘em, but I’m ready for my next Christmas present.” He settled himself on the floor between her legs, then reached for the waistband of her pink lace panties and eased them down her legs. “Been thinking about having you like this since I saw you sitting out there by the dock.”
He pulled his shirt over his head, then lowered his mouth down between her legs. She gasped and arched her back when his tongue skimmed across her clit. He teased back and forth in a gentle rhythm against her sensitive flesh, loving the way her body instantly reacted to his touch. Her fingers delved into his hair, gripping him tightly as her hips squirmed below him. Her breath became ragged and short when he thrusted his finger deep inside her, twirling against her G-spot with a slow and steady pace. While he continued to tease her clit with his tongue, he added a second finger, driving deeper and sliding farther inside her. She tensed around him as her body rocked against his hand. Seeing the goosebumps prickling across her skin and knowing he was getting to her, he smiled against her flesh, loving the effect he was having on her. He continued to nip and suck the inside of her thigh as her hips lifted up from the sofa, begging for him to give her more. He drove his fingers deeper inside her, caressing her delicate flesh. Her body shuddered as she released his hair, dropping her hands to the cushions of the sofa and digging into the fabric as she started to tremble uncontrollably.
“Oh god, Gavin,” she panted.
He continued to tease that spot that was driving her to the edge as his tongue teased her clit. She murmured his name over and over as she clenched around his fingers. She was still in the throes of her release as he dropped his jeans to the floor. After slipping on a condom, he settled between her legs and pulled her over to the edge of the sofa. He looked down at her, thinking how fucking beautiful she looked, and his entire body ached with need. He hovered over her, brushing his cock across her entrance. She didn’t move; she laid there, legs spread, just begging to be taken, and he couldn’t imagine wanting anything more. With a wicked grin, she shifted her hips, forcing him inside her. Unable to resist, he thrust deeply.
“You never stop amazing me,” he whispered in her ear as he slid her t-shirt up over her stomach, revealing her perfect round breasts. He took her nipple in his mouth and felt her breath quicken as his teeth raked across her flesh.
“Yes,” she moaned, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as she pulled him deeper inside her. He slowly withdrew, then gradually eased back inside her. His pace was steady and unforgiving. His eyes roamed over her, taking in every inch of her gorgeous body. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to steady her breath, each gasp of air sounding more desperate than the last. Shifting her hips upward, she ground her hips against him, urging him to give her more. His pace never faltered as he continued to thrust inside her, over and over, constantly increasing the rhythm of his movements.
“Fuck!” he shouted out as his throbbing cock demanded its release too soon. He wanted to take his time with her–savor every moment–but she felt too fucking good to stop. He plunged inside of her again and again, feeling her spasm with her release. His hips collided into hers, his thrusts coming faster and harder with every breath he took.
He gazed down at her, in awe of her strength and how she’d overcome so much. He was amazed that she was his. He loved her, body and soul, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her. She was his heart, his home, his everything.
She jolted as her orgasm riveted through her body. Hearing the light whimpers of his name echoing through the room sent him over the edge, and he couldn’t hold back any longer, giving in to his own release.
A sexy, satisfied grin crossed her face as Sunny looked up at him and said, “I’d say the man in red got an earful tonight.”
“I reckon he did,” Gavin chuckled. He eased himself off the sofa and pulled her into his arms, cradling her as he carried her into the bedroom. After tossing the covers back, he lowered her onto the bed and slid in beside her. She nestled up close to him, resting her head on his shoulder, and they lay there in the dark, listening to the sound of the rain thumping against the roof. He pressed his lips a
gainst her temple and said, “Merry Christmas, Lucky.”
“Merry Christmas, Gavin.”
Two years later.
“Gavin. Can you come here for a second?” Sunny called as she waited in the bathroom for him to answer.
“Be right there.” After what seemed to be an eternity, Gavin appeared before her wearing a short sleeve t-shirt and a pair of clean jeans.
With her eyebrow raised high, she looked at him with his freshly-washed clothes and sighed with frustration. Using her best dramatic display, she motioned her hand over to the mountain of dirty clothes that were sprawled across the floor. “What is this?”
He leaned to the side, looking behind her as he answered, “What?”
“That!”
“What?”
“The dirty clothes on the floor.”
“Well, how about that. Looks like you already know what they are,” he chuckled.
Not long after Sunny graduated, Gavin bought them a house out by the lake. He’d wanted to do it sooner, but he’d made a promise to Sunny’s mother and himself that he wouldn’t become a distraction to Sunny. As much as he wanted to be with her night and day, he was patient and waited for her to get her degree before they moved in together. Thankfully, with the hours she’d already accumulated and the classes she took in summer school, she’d managed to graduate sooner than they’d expected. Soon after, they moved in together. They’d only been living in the new house for a few months, and Sunny was learning the hard way that living with a man wasn’t always easy. But, there was one thing about Sunny: she was determined.
“Okay… let’s try this.” With a scolding look, she pointed to the corner. “What is that thing sitting beside the pile of dirty clothes on the floor?”
He rested his hip against the sink and crossed his arms. “That’d be the laundry basket.”
She threw her hands up in the air and sassed, “Praise God! He does know what it is!”
