Before he let his past consume him, he was a good man. I was never as connected to him as I am with Dalton, but I did love him. While I feel relieved, because I know that we are all finally safe from his violence, I’m sad that he passed. I truly am. How crazy is that? I’m sitting in the waiting room while Dalton is in surgery because of something Austin did, and I myself am still a patient here because of something Austin did, but I still feel heartbroken that he died.
I’ve always had a compassionate heart, always quick to forgive, I never forget though, just pushed it away in my mind. I forgive Austin for all the terrible things he has done. I cannot hold a grudge or live in fear any longer. I need to move forward and start my life. I have a chance to be truly happy for the first time in a long time, and I plan to take it.
When Harlee is older and asks about Austin, I will tell her stories of the man he was before the monster inside consumed him, that part I will leave out. I will only speak highly of him, because I want her to be proud of who he was, not who he became. She will never know of his wrong doings. She’s young enough to forget and I will do my best to help her erase any negative thoughts she has about him.
This is a chance for a clean slate, for all of us.
I looked at my friends; all of their eyes were on me, waiting for my reaction. I didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to convey my feelings, so I nodded and stayed silent. Moments later, my parents came back with coffee and we all discussed random topics to lighten the heaviness that had filled the room.
Hours passed as we told stories, all of us working hard to entertain each other. When the doctor walked into the waiting room and made his way toward us, we all stood in unison, desperate to hear how Dalton was doing.
“The surgery went very well. We were able to repair a lot of the damage in his shoulder. He will require a great deal of physical therapy, but from the looks of his chart, he is no stranger to PT. His forehead required thirty stitches, as the laceration was exceptionally long and deep, but all in all, he is doing extremely well. He’s still in recovery and you will all be able to visit as soon as he is moved to a room, but he’s asking for you, Ember.”
I stepped forward and smiled.
“You can come back with me and as soon as we move him into a room, everyone else is welcome to come back as well.”
“Okay.”
I turned and nodded at everyone before following behind Dr. Carter. He led me to where Dalton was and nodded toward the door. I extended my hand toward him and he placed his in mine, “Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure. He is a very lucky man.”
I smiled at him, but didn’t respond. He has no idea just how lucky Dalton is. I pushed those thoughts aside. I do not want to think about what could have happened.
Nervous energy coursed through my body as I grabbed the curtain and pulled it back just enough for me to cross into the area he was in. His eyes were closed and he looked so peaceful, so carefree.
I walked slowly toward the bed and rubbed my fingertips over the top of his hand. His eyes slowly opened and his lips turned up into a huge smile the moment he caught sight of me.
“You’re so beautiful.”
I laughed lightly as I reached up and put my hand against the side of his face, “I think the anesthesia has made you a bit loopy.”
He stared at me, both of us lost in silent conversation for a few moments. We didn’t need words. We had each other and that was enough. After a few minutes had passed, he broke the sweet silence.
“How are you feeling, babe?”
I looked at Dalton as if he was completely crazed, “Well, considering I’m not the one who was just shot and spent the last few hours in surgery, I would say I’m doing pretty well. I’m okay, love. I’m more than okay actually. How about you? Are you in pain?”
Dalton turned his head and placed a soft kiss on my hand, “I couldn’t be better.”
I told Dalton about the accident, and he asked if I was alright, but we didn’t say much about it after that. I had a lot of things to figure out, from his funeral to, well everything, but right now my focus was Dalton.
“It’s true what your dad said, Em. Our love will conquer anything. We have been through countless shit storms, but we come back stronger than ever. Just when I think that I cannot possibly love you any more, I do. I love you as much as I need air. You and Harlee are everything to me.”
I bent down and kissed him, savoring the feel of his soft lips pressed gently against mine, “I love you, Dalton. If we can make it through everything we have had to deal with, then I have no doubt that we can make it through anything else that life throws at us. You are my sky now, Dalton. I no longer need to count the stars or debate about which animal the clouds are formed into, because you complete me.”
From here on out, I will face every challenge head on. I know that our love is strong, that it will conquer anything and everything. He is my person, the love of my life, and I am excited to see where our life together takes us.
The day after Dalton’s surgery, I was officially released from the hospital. We had Austin’s funeral a few days later and my parents took Harlee back to Alabama with them for a few weeks so that both Dalton and I could finish healing.
They kept him a lot longer than we expected, today makes seven days, but they promised he could come home tomorrow.
We have spent the past three weeks at the hospital, so the house has been neglected. I left Dalton a couple of hours ago so I could come home and clean. The pile of dirty clothes alone makes me cringe, but there’s still so much to do.
I connected my phone to my wireless speaker, turned on my playlist, and started cleaning. It took a few hours of hard labor, but the house was sparkling by the time I was done.
I went upstairs to shower and as I was getting dressed, the doorbell rang. I quickly grabbed one of Dalton’s shirts from the drawer and put it on. As I made my way down the stairs, the doorbell rang again. Damn, someone is impatient. When I opened the door, my face lit up as I took in the sight before me. Dalton.
“What are you doing home? Do they know you left?”
He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. After locking it, he closed the gap between us and gently gripped the back of my neck with his free hand, “You look incredibly sexy in my t-shirt.”
I pressed my lips to his, smiling against them as I wrapped my arms around his waist.
“And yes, they know I left. I was discharged early.”
Before I could say anything, Dalton grabbed my hand and led me up the stairs. When we got to our room, he put his hand behind my neck again as his lips crashed against mine. His kiss was hungry and full of need. I kissed him back with everything I had, desperately needing to feel every part of his body on mine.
When I bit his bottom lip, he growled, the sound was feral and so fucking sexy. He pushed me against the wall and slammed his body against mine, his hardness pressed tightly against me, only fueling my need to rip his clothes off.
His hand gripped my ass as he lifted me into his good arm. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me to the bed and lowered me on top of it. How he was able to lift me so effortlessly with only one arm is beyond me. His injured shoulder is safely secured in a sling, but he is clearly unaffected by the lack of mobility.
“Sit up.” I did as he asked. He slipped behind me, my back to his front. He gripped the bottom of my shirt, and slowly pulled it over my head, leaving me in nothing but a pair of panties. Dalton scooted back and leaned against the headboard, wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulled me to him.
I pressed my back against his hard chest as he kissed and nipped my neck, sending tingles to all the right places. His hand slid down my shoulder and cupped my breast as he whispered in my ear, “Mmm, baby. You are so beautiful.”
His hand slid down my stomach and into my panties. He started rubbing my clit in slow circles as I dug my nails into his thighs. “Oh, fuck that feels amazing.”
“You
are so damn wet, Ember. So fucking wet.”
His hand moved a little lower as he slid his finger inside me. I arched my back, pushing myself into his finger. “I need you inside me. Please.”
He ignored my plea and slipped another finger inside as his thumb worked my clit in fast circles. His fingers moved in and out, his thumb never losing contact as he brought me closer and closer to pure ecstasy. “I’m so close, Dalton. So close.”
He bit my shoulder, then nibbled my ear, “Come for my, baby. I want to feel your sweet little pussy tighten around my fingers as you come. Let go.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice. My orgasm shot through me, causing my legs to tremble as I arched back and turned my face up so that I could moan wildly into Dalton’s neck. As I came down from my earth shattering orgasm, I turned around and captured his mouth with my own. I kissed him roughly, letting him know just how badly I wanted him.
My hands slid into the waistband of his pants and I tugged them down his thighs. When his cock sprang from his pants, I tried not to gasp at how thick and long it was. Dalton noticed the surprised look on my face and laughed. I continued to tug his pants down his legs and over his calves, until they were off him completely. He was so hard and all I wanted to do was climb onto his lap and ride him until neither of us could think straight, but we’ve waited so long for this moment, so I plan to make it last as long as possible.
I lowered my head toward his cock, licking him from base to tip. I placed my mouth around his hardness, taking him as deep into my mouth as I could.
He wrapped his fingers in my hair, as he gently thrust up, shoving himself deeper into my mouth.
I sucked him hard as my hand slid up and down, working simultaneously with my mouth to bring him over the edge.
“Mmm, babe. Your mouth feels so good.”
With every moan that left his mouth, I worked faster, needing to see him come undone. His grip on my hair tightened as he pulled my face to his. He licked my lips as he rolled over, pinning me under his weight. He reached under me and grabbed the top of my panties. I lifted my ass off the bed as he effortlessly removed them from my body.
I sat up and helped him remove his shirt, being careful not to jerk his shoulder as I undid the sling to make it easier. After I tightened the sling back up, his lips met mine and he leaned into me until my back was flat against the bed. He knelt over me, thrusting two fingers inside my wetness as his lips stayed pressed against mine.
When he pulled his fingers out, he broke the kiss and sucked his fingers into his mouth, moaning as he tasted me on him. The sight fueled my need to have him inside me. He leaned back and gripped his cock with his hand.
“I want you inside me so badly.”
The grin he gave me was sexy, but also mischievous. He circled my clit with the head of his cock, driving me completely wild. “I want to be gentle and make love to you, Ember, but I also want to fuck you senseless.”
I placed my hand behind Dalton’s neck and pulled him to me. Sinking my teeth into his bottom lip, I said, “We have plenty of time to be sweet, but right now, you need to fuck me.”
His eyes went wild, appearing almost primal as he hooked his arm behind my knee and raised my leg, “I love you, baby.” Before I could even reply, he slammed his cock inside me, filling me with every inch of him.
I clawed at his back as he thrust in and out, his movements rough and fast. “Oh yes, mmm, oh God.” My voice was thick with lust as he pounded into me.
He leaned back, not slowing down one bit as he circled my clit with his thumb. “Fuck, baby. You are dripping wet.”
He pulled out, my body aching from the loss of contact. When he stood up, he sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and pumped his cock with his hand, “Flip over and get on your knees.” He wasn’t asking and I was more turned on than ever.
When I got onto my knees, he pulled me to the edge of the bed and slapped my ass, the pain sent shivers up my spine.
He slapped my ass again and thrust himself inside me. He dug his nails into my hip as he slammed his cock deeper and deeper inside me. He released his hold on my hip and slid his hand around to my wetness, rubbing my clit as he filled me with every inch of his hardness.
“Oh, Dalton. Yes. Yes.”
He leaned forward, pressing his chest against my back, “Come on my cock, Em. I need to feel you explode while I’m inside you. You feel so damn good.”
He pounded into me faster and harder as he continued to circle my clit with his finger. When he bit my shoulder, I lost it.
“Oh, mmm. Yes.” I came hard and continued to come undone as he continued to shove himself into me at a fast past. “I need to feel you come inside me, Dalton. Fill me, please.”
He removed his hand from my clit and gripped my neck, pulling me against him as he shoved himself into me. “Fuuuuck.” He let go, filling me with every drop of him.
When he pulled out, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me off the bed, turning me toward him. He kissed me passionately as he gently threaded his fingers through my hair.
I smiled against his lips as I placed both hands on his ass, pulling him tightly against me.
We crawled into bed and laid facing each other. I ran my fingertips up and down his chest as he kissed my forehead.
“I love you, Ember.”
“I love you, too.”
It didn’t take long for Dalton to drift to sleep. I snuggled against his chest, enjoying the feel of his warm skin pressed against mine. I breathed him in, his scent, his taste, the feel of his body. We were finally complete. We may have a long road ahead with his recovery, but we will glide over any speed bump that pops up because we have each other.
Dalton saved me. I would have never had the strength to leave Austin if it wasn’t for him. He showed me what life is supposed to be like, what true love is supposed to feel like. He opened my eyes to a future that I never thought was possible. He loved me through my worst, and he loves me at my best. He is my savior, my best friend, and the love of my life.
The future is uncertain, as are most things in life, but the one thing I know with absolute certainty, is that we were meant to be together. It’s us against the world now. I’m finally happy. Finally free from the chains holding me back. He has marked me, claimed me as his own and our love will conquer anything.
One Year Later
“Oh LB, you look stunning.”
“Thank you, Daddy. This is it. Are you ready to give your little girl away again?”
My dad walked closer and kissed my cheek, “I’m ready to give you away to the perfect man. Your mom and I are so happy for you, sweetie.”
Today is the day. I am finally marrying the man I was meant to be with, the man who has stood by my side through hell and high water, the man I love more than my next breath.
As my bridesmaids make their way down the aisle, I loop my arm with my dad’s and we follow suit. My favorite part of weddings is seeing the groom’s reaction to the bride walking down the aisle. Locking eyes with Dalton, I see him wipe tears from his eyes while he wears the biggest smile I have ever seen.
My dad leans in, whispering, “Do you know what it does to a father’s heart to see how much the man he is giving his little girl away to, loves her. Look at him, LB. He looks like he is falling in love with you all over again.”
I leaned closer to him, never breaking eye contact with Dalton. I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but the closer I get to him, the more emotional I become. This day is perfect. I am surrounded by family and friends as Dalton and I become husband and wife in our backyard, the same place Harper and Trent were married.
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Blake said as he smiled at me and then looked at my dad.
“Her mother and I do, but first, I have something to say.” My dad kissed my cheek and turned to Dalton, “Son, you and Ember have been through a lifetime of struggles in a short amount of time. You have been there for her, fought for her, and breathed life back into
my little girl. I saw you as family from the moment we met, but today you officially become my son. I see how you have changed Ember. You have given her the strength she thought she lost and hope when she thought that her future was doomed. You’re a blessing. I could not have asked for a better man to love my daughter.”
I looked on with so much love as my Dad and Dalton hugged, both wiping tears from their eyes. My dad grabbed my hand and placed it in Dalton’s. After kissing my cheek one last time, he went to sit with my mom.
We stepped closer to Blake as Dalton mouthed, “You look beautiful.”
I smiled as Blake began the ceremony, “Dearly beloved, we are…”
“Wait. I have something I need to do first.” Dalton interrupted Blake, and we all looked at him with confused expressions.
Bending down, he held his arms out, “Moose.” Harlee ran to Dalton and wrapped her arms around him. When she pulled back, he took her little hands in his, “I’m not only making a promise to your mommy today, Moose, and I am also making a promise to you. I promise to love you no matter what, to be there for you whenever you need me, and to be the best dad I could possibly be.”
I glance at everyone around us, tears streaming down their faces as he makes a promise to my sweet, little girl. It wasn’t long after the accident when she stopped calling him Peaches and started calling him daddy. They have been inseparable.
“You and your mommy are my entire world, Moose. I love you more than you will ever realize. You make me smile and laugh every single day. You are sweet, compassionate, and you make me so proud. I love you.”
Harlee lunged at Dalton, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. She squeezed him tightly and then pulled her arms forward and cupped his face with her little hands. After giving him a kiss, she said, “I love you, daddy.”
My heart was soaring. He kissed the top of her head and set her down. As Harlee made her way back to Harper, Dalton took my hands in his as Blake picked up where he left off.
Ember Skies Page 24
