Let Me Love

by Michelle Lynn

  “Oh Kailey, I’ve heard so many nice things about you,” he says, wrapping his arms around me and kissing me on the cheek. “I’m Pete, Trey’s dad,” he introduces himself, although I already figured it out. “Hey, everyone, this is Kailey,” he points down to me, and the room quiets, “Trey’s girlfriend.” They all begin to talk at once with happiness filling their voices.

  “We’ve been waiting a long time for Trey to get serious with someone,” Elena whispers in my ear.

  “Oh,” I remain quiet, unable to process everything that just happened within the last fifteen minutes. Before I can do anything else, a hand appears on my wrist and yanks me out of the family circle staring down at me with clear speculation about what makes me so special. When I’m pulled into his arms, my body calms.

  “Sorry, they’re a bit—much,” he whispers, clasping my hands with his. “Go about your day. Eat, drink, and mind your own fucking business,” Trey shouts and an older lady smacks him across the back of his head. “Sorry, Aunt Rita,” he says, and she shakes her head.

  “There’s damn children running around here,” she says and smiles at him. “It’s nice to meet you, Kailey.” After a quick nod toward me, she walks into the throngs of people, disappearing quickly.

  “Let’s go,” he says, leading me toward the staircase. Once we get into his room, after being delayed by at least five people wanting introductions, he captures my lips with his, and our tongues immediately meet. “I missed you last night,” he murmurs against my lips as he walks me backwards toward the bed.

  When the back of my legs hit the soft mattress, he pushes me gently, so I fall backward. “You’ll wrinkle my dress,” I joke.

  “We could solve that problem easily,” he slyly says, starting to unbutton my dress. I let him get two down before stopping him.

  “You’re whole family is downstairs,” I remind him, starting to sit up on my elbows and button up my dress.

  “All the better, they’ll never hear us.” He playfully smacks my fingers off the buttons while his lips explore my collarbone. “You could be screaming my name, and they’ll never even know.” He snakes his hand up the hem of my dress and rests it on the side of my panties.

  “No way, I just met them.” I start scooting up on the bed, but he only follows me, like a tiger, intent to get his prey. “I’m really starting to think you should be called Tiger Trey,” I tease.

  “Why?” He continues his slow steady path toward me, and soon I run out of bed.

  “You come toward me slowly and deliberately, like a tiger stalks its prey.” I smile up at him, but he quickly dives for my neck and gives a small nibble.

  “Come on, baby, show me your cat side. Rip this shirt off me and have your way with me,” he says seriously, but I shake my head and chuckles begin to escape him. “God, I love you. I’ll give you a pass, but you’re sleeping here tonight, and I want a big ‘ole congratulations romp.”

  “You got it, but I bet you’ll be too drunk to finish the job.” He sits back on his legs and stares down at my body.

  “Never, baby—never,” he tells me, and I bite my lower lip.

  “We shall see. I’m still waiting for the time you take me in some sleazy unexpected place,” I remind him of his promise, and he shakes his head. “I have to go to the bathroom.” I get up and make my way to the door.

  “You’re better than that. When will you understand that?” He says softly and seriously, but somehow I worry he doesn’t have that burning desire for me like those other girls. I want that animal in him to need me so bad that he can’t wait until we find a bed. “Make sure Dex’s door is locked,” he calls out. Every time I’m over here, he double checks that I lock the door before doing anything.

  I make sure everything is locked before going to the bathroom. The noise filters in from downstairs, and I imagine tonight will be crazy. After I wash my hands and check my dress and make-up, I unlock Dex’s door. Hearing soft moans, I guess a house full of guests don’t stop some people. Trey’s back is to me when I emerge. His body looks magnificent in his nice button down shirt tucked into black slacks that hug his ass perfectly.

  “You ready?” I announce my presence.

  His head turns my way to look over his shoulder, and then turns and drops something in the drawer before I hear it shut. “You look beautiful,” he says, and I wonder what exactly he was just doing.

  “Everything okay?” I take his head in my hands and peer into his eyes. My dad told me a long time ago, the truth is in the eyes.

  “Of course,” he says, but I see the hint of sadness that clings to them. I don’t know what’s weighing on his mind, but one thing is certain, he’ll tell me when he’s ready.

  The commencement music begins, and I spot Grant and then Brady emerge through the doors in their cap and gowns. Brady’s sister and father, Jessa’s parents, and Sadie’s mom begin snapping pictures of them. Jessa comes out a few minutes later, waving her hand at her family. Sam eagerly stands up, nudging in front of Dex to take a picture, and when Jessa gives her a thumbs up, the light catches her ring. Grant’s peering over to her, and their eyes find each other before she takes her seat. They truly love each other, and I wonder why I was ever jealous of her and Trey.

  Then my heart stops as Trey’s smile outshines everyone else when he walks through the doors. He’s sexy as hell, and I wish I could take him right here, claiming him as mine. “Oh, he looks so happy,” Elena says behind me.

  “Yes, he does, and hot,” Sadie’s Grandma Ida, chimes in next to me. She’s been chewing my ear off this whole time about how hot all the guys that live in the house are, and how she wishes Brady would invite her to move in. I have to say, as disturbing as some of the things that come out of her mouth are, she had me rolling with laughter, which made the awkwardness of being left alone with Trey’s family a little easier to deal with. “I told Brady, he should really consider getting a tattoo.” She pokes me in the leg to make sure I’m listening. I hear her, but all my attention is on the guy walking through the metal folding chairs while his eyes remain on mine. My heart melts when he winks at me before taking a seat between two females, whom I notice are appreciating him as well. Lucky for me, though, he’s paying them no attention. Shooting a nod to Brady and Grant, he smiles widely Jessa’s way.

  Sadie is the last to walk, and her mom starts frantically waving at her. Sadie raises the hand at her hip to let her mom know she sees her. “Sadie, always the shy one,” Ida tells me. “Sometimes I wish she took more after me,” Ida continues talking. “At least she found herself someone like Brady. I mean his body is, well, I don’t have to tell you. But he loves her the way a man should.” She turns directly toward me. “Does that tattoo god you’re dating love you good?”

  A giggle sneaks out of me before realizing she’s serious. I can practically feel all the heads of Trey’s family leaning closer, waiting for my answer. “Um, yeah, he loves me good,” I tell her, and she pats my leg.

  “That’s good, sweetheart. Everyone deserves to be loved right.”

  Before I can blink, Elena is next to me. How the hell did she manage that? I swear there was a man next to me the last time I checked. Keeping my eyes focused forward, I quickly look from the corner of my eye, and she’s staring at the side of my face. “So?” she whispers, and I slowly turn to face her. She must notice my confused expression because she begins talking again, “So, do you love him?” The hopefulness in her eyes would have me saying yes even if it wasn’t true. Luckily, for both of us, it is.

  “Yes,” I answer, and she shrieks before her arms fly around my shoulders. When I wrap mine around her, I see Trey peering up from the gym floor, cocking his eyebrow up to us.

  “Elena, quiet down,” Pete softly tells to her.

  “Yeah, mom, seriously,” Trey’s younger brother, Derek, joins his dad in his moms reprimanding.

  “Oh shhh, you two,” she says shooing her hands at them. “This girl loves my baby.” Her face beams so bright.

  “
I thought I was your baby,” Derek jokingly whines and then chuckles with his dad.

  “Oh, you’re all my babies,” she adds. “And he loves you,” she whispers directly into my ear before leaning back and winking at me. “A mother knows these things.”

  “I know. He’s a great guy,” I say, feeling uncomfortable and awkward about what I should be doing or saying back.

  “Will you come home with him for Julyfourth? We have a huge bar-b-que with all the family.” She continues talking softly as some guest speaker about Microphysics rambles in the background. I vaguely wonder how many more family members they could possibly have.

  “I’ll definitely try,” I tell her honestly, although it will be a fat chance due to Jen’s health. The last place I want to be is too far and be unable to get home.

  “Oh, you have to. I’ll talk to Trey later about all the plans.” After that, she quiets down.

  She seems like such an amazing Mom, and thoughts of my own mom fleetingly flit through my mind. It’s been so long, my memory has started to fade of her. In so many ways, Jen is my second mom. How ironic that I’ll most likely be that way to Jen’s children, unless Caden remarries. Just the thought of some other woman caring for my nieces and nephews has my stomach churning. Not that I don’t want him to be happy, it’s just... I hate it when my mind wanders.

  Thankfully, the applause snaps me out of my thoughts. Well, that and Grandma Ida poking me in the side. Brady and Grant accept their diplomas, and return to their seats. After Jessa crosses the stage and she’s on her way to her seat, Grant gets up and pulls her into a big bear hug, swinging her around. He whispers something into her ear and redness fills her cheeks when he lets her go.

  “He probably said something sexual,” her sister Sam says from in front of me, elbowing Dex.

  “Samantha,” her mom scolds, but Sam and Dex just laugh, like teenagers.

  Trey’s name is announced, and he crosses the stage, shaking everyone’s hands. The Dean of Architecture pulls him in and whispers something in his ear. Trey appears shockingly taken back, but a wide smile forms on his lips immediately. I wonder what he just told him. Maybe he got that job in Cincinnati. I know the Dean was putting a good word in for him. Oh God, a tear comes into my eyes thinking about him leaving me. I’ve tried to prepare myself for a Trey Michaels free life, but we’ve gotten so close this past month. He walks down the stairs and rounds the corner to his row. Staring up at me, he gives me a thumbs up along with a huge smile. I think I’m going to be sick.

  After that Sadie walks across the stage, and Grandma Ida begins bragging about her a little more I really become disinterested in the whole ceremony. My thoughts go from my sister’s death to Trey leaving and everything in between. I’ll soon be left alone, especially if Caden remarries. Sure, I’ll be their aunt, probably one of those crazy aunts with all the animals. They won’t want to come over to Crazy Aunt Kailey’s house filled with plants and animals that I have named and have conversations with daily.

  “Let’s go, girl.” Grandma Ida pokes me in the side with her long fingernail for the umpteenth time. When I look up, the ceremony is over and everyone has already started filing out of the auditorium. “She’s nice, but kind of ding-batty,” I hear her whisper to Sadie’s Mom.

  A little annoyed at this point, I follow the others inch by inch to the end of the row. Not sure why Ida was so insistent to move, it’s not like we’re going anywhere. After about twenty minutes, I inhale a big breath, relieved we’re out of the claustrophobic surroundings. I don’t have much time to recoup before I’m swept up into someone’s arms. “I’m a college graduate, baby!” Trey swings me around in utter excitement.

  “Congratulations.” I kiss his cheek, and he places me on the ground. My feet don’t hit the linoleum floor before his family rushes over. I begin to back up slowly, but he grabs my hand between the throng of people and brings me back to him. As his family gives him hugs and kisses, he keeps my hand in his, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.

  “Pictures,” Trey’s dad calls out, and you would think a drill sergeant just screamed at them the way the group scrambles into formation. It’s as though everyone knows exactly where they are assigned to stand. Trey is swallowed whole by his family, so I slowly back up. After a few shots, I ask Pete if he would like for me to take the picture, so they can have one with the whole family. He kindly hands over his camera, but Grant comes over and takes it from my hands.

  “Thanks, man,” Trey head nods to him. “Come on, Kailey,” he calls me over, and everyone parts to give me space next to him. He tugs me against him so hard, his hand snakes across and grabs my ass, and I paste a perfectly wide smile on, trying not give away where Trey’s hand has currently taken residence. “It’s mine later,” he whispers, and I jokingly roll my eyes, even though I secretly love it when he talks like that.

  “We’ll see about that,” I tease. “Hey, what did Dean Girardo tell you on stage?” I can’t hold out any longer. If he’s leaving me, I need to know.

  A distraught look quickly comes over his face. “We’ll talk about it later,” he says before shuffling all of us down to the cars.

  Chapter 12

  Trey

  I can’t believe I’m a college graduate. It’s the most liberating feeling I’ve ever had. Well, when Kailey told me she loved will always be the top, but this is definitely my second. No more classes, no more exams, or papers. Hallelujah and after what Dean Girardo told me when I got my diploma, I can finally rest easy. Kailey will be just as excited as me, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m sure she’ll feel the same way.

  Once we get back to the house, the few family members that couldn’t actually go to the ceremony quickly come outside to congratulate me. I never thought this many members of my huge family would make the trip down here. I love my family. Luckily, they love Kailey too, not that I didn’t think they would. I mean, how could anyone not love her?

  We all enter the house and my mouth waters, smelling the food that’s been cooking all day. I told my parents we should cater, but they just don’t do things that way. Thankfully, Brady had no problem with them taking over the house. But I’m pretty sure he didn’t expect it would be this intense either.

  A few hours later, most of our friends have shown up, and some of the family has left with the exception of our immediate ones. Tonight is a big night for Brady, anyone who knows him can clearly notice he’s about two seconds from throwing up at any moment. Sadie leans over him, constantly asking him if he’s feeling okay, placing the back of her hand on his forehead and her palm on his neck. He just shakes his head and tries his best to convince her that he’s fine. After she finally goes upstairs, per Jessa’s request for a sweatshirt, all the guys start to file outside.

  Kailey seems pretty occupied with her sister and Caden, so I just point to the backyard, and she nods. The stage was already set up earlier, so all we have to worry about is some minor details. We turn on the streams of white twinkling lights from tree to tree illuminate the dark area along with small mason jars hanging from the trees. We all scramble around, trying to light each candle. The most amusing part is Sadie did most of the prep work for her own moment. Grandma Ida hollers for everyone to come outside. I take my spot behind my drums as Grant and Dex swing their instruments around them. Maura, Brady’s sister along with her family and his Dad, know what’s going on when they find Brady on stage with the microphone in his hand.

  When Kailey walks out the back door, I wink her way, and she smiles at me. You can see the sweat dripping from Brady and every once in a while he closes his eyes. Why he’s so scared, I have no idea. Their love is clear as day to everyone. No way his proposal won’t go well.

  Then Jessa comes out and gives two thumbs to Brady and us. He takes a deep breath, and I raise my sticks to count us off. When Sadie appears in the doorway, confused about where everyone went, we start playing “Never Stop” by SafetySuit. Tears automatically fill her eyes, and Jessa gives her a little nudg
e to walk forward. She follows the rainbow colored daisy path, looking into Brady’s eyes the whole time. When their hands meet, you can see a calmness come over Brady’s body. He places her in the sole chair in front of the stage and gets down on his knee, singing every word only to her.

  We fade our instruments as the song ends, and Brady places the mic on the ground and digs in his pocket. “Sadie, you are my one and only. You’ve taught me how to love, showed me how wonderful life can be when you trust someone with your whole heart. From the moment I saw you on that hill, I knew, you owned me. So, what do you say? Do you want me?” He smirks up at her, and she laughs through the tears streaming down her face.

  Sadie wipes her tears with her back of her hand. “Yes, always, as long as we don’t let go,” she finally says.

  “I’ll never let go, baby. Marry me, make a family with me, and grow old with your hand in mine?” he asks, and if I thought the tears were going before, it’s like a damn flood now.

  She nods, and Brady places the ring on her finger. He picks her up and whispers something in her ear, and she looks like a damn bobble head she’s nodding so much.

  I step out from behind the drums and grab the microphone. “Ladies and gentleman, the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Brady Carsen,” I exclaim, and the whole backyard claps. All the girls have tears in their eyes while the guys move over to the coolers for more beer and drinks. When I spot Brady and Sadie sneaking off into the house, I know we just lost our singer. “So, everyone, looks like we need a new singer for at least an hour or so,” I joke, and everyone laughs. “Let’s have open mic night,” I announce.

  Before I can put the microphone back on the stand, Kailey’s sister Jen comes running up and snatches it out of my hand. This lady amazes me. Yesterday she was lying on the couch for most of the day while Kailey and I watched the kids. But I shouldn’t be surprised, ever since I’ve met Kailey, Jen’s health has been a rollercoaster of good and bad days. She huddles all of us together and tucks the mic behind her back, so no one hears her. “Okay, guys, let’s do ‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ by—,”