Hawthornes Calm Manuscript

by DeOlmos, M. A.

  The bathroom door flew open and my beautiful, slightly pissed wife walked out. Her long silky hair was all over the place. She wore the grey and purple maxi dress I picked out for her with the silver flat sandals.

  I figured she would prefer it over her jeans and leggings as she’s been wearing them more often now, but I gave her the option to choose what she wanted to wear anyways. Women are all about having choices even though they know damn well exactly what they want without needing to pick.

  She walked over to me, dropping the ball of clothes she had clutched to her chest on the seat next to me. “I need to go shopping!” She finally said, putting her hands on her hips as she looked out the six-story window behind me. “I haven’t even gained any weight yet really and nothing freaking fits me anymore!”

  I looked Liv up and down as she huffed and puffed. She really hasn’t changed much except for the fullness of her lips and rosier cheeks on her tan skin. The other things like her hips and breasts were something I hoped I was only noticing…well the boobs were a given, but anything below that was only for me to notice until her belly blew up like a balloon.

  I wouldn’t tell her that, of course. I did want to live to see my children born. I mean, she was already three months pregnant and it seemed like her baby bump was growing by the hour. It felt like she was also eating by the hour too.

  I reached out to her, pulling her onto my lap and sitting her sideways with her legs closed to prevent my hands from wondering up her dress.

  “Well, I was sort of planning on taking you shopping where we’re going. I’d like to come with you, but if you want to make it a girls day with Blue that’s cool too.”

  She leaned her body onto my chest and I leaned back, resting my head on top of the sofa and closing me eyes.

  “Would you be mad if I wanted to spend time with Blue? I want to make sure she’s okay with everything she’s going through. I can’t be too selfish, right?”

  “Baby, there is nothing selfish about you and no, I won’t get mad. I, on the other hand, can openly admit I’m selfish with you because it’s true but I’m not mad if that’s what you want to do. I’m pretty sure too that it’s only a cover to get that Brazilian wax you’ve been dying for. I made a point to ask my Aunt if you can still get them and she said yes…for now. So, I guess you’ll finally get your wish.”

  She giggled in my arms as she rubbed circles on my forearms. She flipped my arm over tracing circles on the inside of my arm as well.

  As she did, I instantly got an image for two new tattoos that I didn’t know where I wanted to put them until now. Once prince and princess were born, I was going to have their footprints tattooed on each wrist.

  “You sure you’re feeling okay Ocean? This is not like you. I’m not saying it’s anything bad, but you are certainly taking me surprise today. I was kind of hoping you were still up for venturing into the world of salon professional waxing. I thought about it and I’d rather have you do it now-I mean, until I’m able to do it myself again. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with anyone else.”

  Fucking music to my heart and soul those words were.

  Reverse psychology is so under-rated!

  The door to the room opened slowly as Blue peeked her head in. I waved her in and she ran over to give Liv a hug that had both women sitting on my lap giggling and shit like I was Santa Claus.

  Law walked in with a smile on his face until he saw his wife sitting on my right leg practically while Liv sat on my left holding onto my arms around her as they carried on, oblivious to the rabid Rottweiler named Lawrence starring me down.

  I didn’t have a problem with it, but Law looked like he was about ready to have an aneurism…again…and everybody thinks I’m always over reacting. I was always the saner of either of us.

  It just so happens that I live with a self-destructing guilt of having killed my sister, while occasionally binging out on coke.

  Law had me beat by a hundred yards in the over-reacting department lately.

  Other than Liv and Blue talking, the room was deadly silent as I looked up at Law with a raised eyebrow. He looked like he was struggling with the motion of grabbing Blue off of me. Before he popped a blood vessel, I figured I’d help him out. I could have very well been an ass about it…given the way him and Liv are always talking, hugging, and acting like spoiled toddlers when they’re together and have nothing to do.

  I considered it but with what I knew the man was going through, I threw the asshole a bone. “All right, you ladies ready?” I asked hinting for them to get off my lap, well mainly Blue.

  They both turned to look at me and when I met Blue’s eyes, I nodded my chin towards Law.

  She turned to look at him and let out a loud sigh. “Really?!”

  She jumped up to stand in front of Law with her hands on her hips. "Better?!”

  The smile Law wore when he walked through the door crept back onto his chilled face. “Better.”

  I pushed Liv up, following behind her as I pulled her in to me and pulling her back into my chest.

  “So, is everything okay with you and my niece and nephew?” Law asked in almost a whisper.

  Liv pushed my hands away, making her way to Law. Wrapping her arms around him, hugging him tight.

  I rolled my eyes at him as he let all his teeth show with the wild grin he had on his face.

  ASSHOLE!

  “Yep. from what Ocean tells me, the doctors and Layla said I’m good. Minor restrictions on a certain activity, but I’m good otherwise.”

  Law rubbed her back as he held onto her. With a wink, he dipped his hand dangerously low on her back and I wanted to punch him for it.

  Liv pulled away, moving to the sofa to pack away the clothes she tossed next to me in the open suitcase. I grabbed the clothes from her to pack them away myself. She instantly became annoyed with me, but tried to play it off.

  “So, are you guys telling us where we are going for our honeymoon? What about the studio? We can’t just leave. There’s so much to do, Law. What about the guys? What will they be doing while we’re gone?”

  I loved the innocent way she rambled when she was nervous; it was fucking cute.

  “When have I ever left any detail not taken care of Sunshine? Relax. We all need this vacation. Ocean’s dad is filling in for us and Santi is in charge. Everything will be fine. I know you haven’t seen my uncle in a studio or gym before, but the man has got skills. Enough skills that he can still put both me and typhoon lagoon over there on our asses with no problem. If it makes any difference, it was your man who planned this trip Sunshine. We’ve got it covered. So let’s go before we miss the plane.”

  I shook my head behind Liv as he started to say the word plane but it was too late. “Plane? Why do we need a plane? We can’t just stay local. I mean, is it really necessary to travel like that? Can we drive? How far is this honeymoon hide out anyway? Is it even safe for me to fly given what happened? Flying isn’t the same as having rough sex, but I…”

  “Sorry Sunshine. It’s the only way to get to paradise. We wouldn’t be going if it wasn’t safe for you and my little niece and nephew. You should know that.”

  I mouthed for Law to shut the hell up. He shrugged his shoulders at me apologetically briefly. I grabbed the two suitcases by the pull handles and grabbed Liv’s shaking hand in my other. Her hands were cold and clammy and I’m pretty sure she was freaking out already about the plane ride for Florida.

  As we made our way out of the hospital double doors, I stopped and pulled on her hand for her to look at me. “Baby. You know I wouldn’t ask you to go if it wasn’t safe and I know you’re not a fan of flying, but I promise it won’t be a long flight. Three hours tops baby, do you trust me?”

  Her eyes watered a bit as she tried to control her emotions. “Yes.” She replied in a whisper.

  “Good. I need you to. Let’s go baby.” I took her hand and headed for my Range that Law pulled up for us.

  Stormie, if you’re listening. Please s
tay with me on this trip. The decisions I’m about to make are heavy and I need them to be the right decisions. Love O.

  I packed away the suitcases, climbing into the back seat with Liv. As soon as I closed the door getting ready to grab her seat belt for her, she pushed me back.

  Ding! Ding! Ding! Here goes round one!

  I watched her as she shoved both of her hands under the back of her knees where her hands gripped the edge of the leather seat. Her body sat tight, stiff, and tense. I’m pretty sure I was hearing her heartbeat beating wildly from where I sat. I followed her eyes as they moved frantically, trying not to focus on any one thing for more than two seconds at a time.

  Shit!

  “Okay Liv. Baby, come here.” I scooted back, pressing my back to the door as she turned her head to look at my face.

  I nodded for her to come to me, opening my arms to receive her. No sooner than I did, her body came crashing into my chest. I kicked up my leg against the back seat, helping her get comfortable as she settled between my legs.

  She pulled my arms out and around her, folding them over her and trapping her in place against my chest. I immediately thought of the first time she panicked in the back seat of my car when we first met and how this was the only way I knew of at that time to keep her calm.

  She laid her head back onto my shoulder while I ran my fingers through her hair. Slowly, she relaxed into me but not as much as I’d like her to.

  “Liv baby…”

  “No!” She hissed back to me, turning her head to slightly face the seat.

  “Baby.”

  “No!”

  “Livie.” I whispered harshly in her ear as she dug her nails into my forearms.

  “Fuck you, Ocean.” She hissed again.

  I saw Law look at us in the rearview mirror with a smirk on his face. I admit I was cheesing too; only because I loved my stubborn girl to death. That and I couldn’t let her verbal jab slide so easily.

  “You have baby. Multiple times. You’re pregnant because of all the fuck me's you like to give me.” I held my breath to hold back my laugh.

  After a few seconds of silence, she head butted my chin while digging her legs into the seat and pushing her back harder into me with all her might. I let her get out her frustration. It’s the only way to deal with a woman like Livie.

  When she eased up to relax again, I pulled my hand from around her waist but she held on tight and pulled it back around her. I took a deep breath because despite the circumstances, her feisty behavior always made me horny as hell. I know she could feel the swollen head of my cock pushing up into her ass.

  She didn’t have to talk to me if she didn’t want to right now, but she WAS going to listen to what I had to say.

  Since I couldn’t use my hands to brush her hair away from her ear, I told her to do it for me. “Livie, move your hair to your other shoulder. Now.” I growled the words into the side of her head and she responded by arching her ass into me.

  She let go of one of my arms and swept her hair thoroughly to her right shoulder, quickly replacing her hand on my arm trapping her in place.

  “Livie, you don’t have to talk to me right now but I want you to listen.” I pulled her closer into my chest and she willingly relaxed, melting into me.

  In response to her relaxing into me, I felt my lungs deflate and my back muscles release their tension.

  “I saw them baby. I saw our prince and my princess while the docs were making sure you were okay. I wish you could have seen them Livie. They’re so fucking tiny baby, it was amazing. I heard their strong heart beats and saw how their hearts fluttered on the screen.” I kissed her ear, outlining it with kisses. “They were prefect baby.”

  She twisted in my arms, turning her upper body to face me. Her eyes were a dark honey color shining with moisture. They were smiling at me. “Really? They were okay? I’m still worried, Ocean. Are you sure I can fly? Are you sure I didn’t do something else that I shouldn’t have. I have to know Ocean. Don’t lie to me. Not that I feel you are, but…”

  I could have used my words to reassure her, but those fucking lips were calling for me to devour them-so I did. Her eyes followed mine as I eyed her pink and swollen lips. They made her look like she was pouting even when she wasn’t and it drove me mad.

  Liv being pregnant was driving my sex drive up the fucking walls every time I looked at her. She was sexy to me before even in her worse times. Now she was downright enticing. Everything about her was softer, fuller, warmer, sexier, and inviting.

  Her lips parted while her breathing sped up slowly. She was bracing herself for me and I couldn’t wait any longer. I stroked my tongue along her bottom lip, taking my time.

  She wiggled her way out of my arms, turning around completely. She snaked her arms around my neck, fighting to get closer to me. I lifted her carefully by her ass sitting her on my lap. She grabbed the tight fabric of her dress, pulling it up until her thighs were free. She closed the gap between my bulge and her heated pussy.

  I turned our bodies so my back was now resting on the back seat leaning my head back onto the headrest. Before I could resume kissing Liv, she crushed her lips to mine seeking her comfort and calm. I let her taste me and take everything she needed from me, relaxing under her.

  With each suck she took from my tongue and lips, I could feel her body grow pacified. When the intensity of her kisses weaned, I jumped in grabbing the back of her head pushing her lips onto mine. She moaned into my mouth as I watched her eyes roll back.

  I kissed her hard and rough, stripping away the layers of insecurities she was still holding onto. Her thighs squeezed my hips and her hands pulled at my hair as she rubbed her hard nipples on my chest. With her hair fisted in my hand, I pulled her face back and abruptly cut off her high to look at her face. Her eyes were sleepy and needy as they pierced through me. I eased up the grip on her hair as she studied my face too.

  “Keep me safe, Ocean. Keep all four of us safe.”

  “Always baby.”

  She closed her eyes, gathering her bunched up dress in her hands as she turned around in my lap. I opened my legs wider so she could fit in-between and shifting over to the door so I could lean my back against it again, kicking up my left leg onto he seat as we were before. She settled quickly into me, resting her head under my chin bringing my arms back around her body and holding my arms tight.

  I looked toward the front seat and Law was smiling as he quietly drove with Blue’s head resting on his lap as his free hand played in her hair.

  “Law?” Liv’s voice was small and fragile sounding; nothing at all like her.

  Without missing a beat, he responded to her. “Yes Sunshine.”

  “If it’s not too late, can you stop by the Portuguese restaurant near downtown? I’m starving!”

  “On it, Sunshine.” Law took a quick U-turn heading towards the restaurant.

  ҉҉҉҉

  After Liv ate her take out and half of mine, her mood finally started to shift back to her normal self. I’m sure it was the comfort foods calming her and I was thankful for it because she was going to seriously have another break down if she didn’t relax; that or end up right back in the hospital.

  The car ride to the airport was quiet for Liv and me as she rested in my arms. Law and Blue argued and laughed the entire way to the airport after they ate. It was good to see my cousin finally letting that hardness that was forming around his heart melt away. It was not in his nature to brood or become like me; so I was thankful that whatever news they received today was good enough to take away some of that guilt and pain he’s been suffering from.

  As I continued to play in Liv’s hair, I pulled out my phone to make a couple calls. I called Santi first to make sure he knew exactly what to do as well as my dad to warn him about Trell’s lazy ass.

  It was good to talk to dad. I was worried that when I’d call, he would sound stressed and angry looking after Sabrina and the baby but he was good.

  I checked my bank a
ccounts to make sure everything was covered and of course, things were more than covered. I still hadn’t told Liv that I combined our bank accounts, all except for one. I’d never touch the money her parents left her, so that stayed in her name…her new name.

  The only money that we used really was the income from the studio. The rest of our money was in a joint account that I didn’t touch either…yet. Maybe when the twins were born, that would change and even then that would be Liv’s decision to make.

  I figure she wouldn’t mind what I did with our accounts, but I still was going to wait until she asked me about it first instead of bringing it up. With Liv’s hormones all over the place, I had to pick my battles with her carefully.

  When we finally pulled into the parking garage at the airport, I felt Liv tense up again. I could feel her heart hammering against her chest through her back as she pressed herself harder into me.

  I brushed her hair aside, resting my lips onto her ear. “Three hours tops baby. We won’t go to the gate until the plane is boarding. Trust me Liv. You’re fine and so are our babies. All you have to do is relax and take it easy the next couple of days. This is for you. I’m not going anywhere.”

  She nodded to show me she was listening.

  The door behind me opened and Blue was standing there, looking at me with an encouraging look. “How about I take Sunshine while you and Law check us in? We’ll meet you at the bistro bar inside the airport in about thirty minutes.”

  I smiled at Blue as I turned Liv’s body to face me in my arms. Her face was calm, but the thumping heart against her chest was raging. “You okay with that Livie?”

  She narrowed her eyes at me before rolling them at me. “It’s Liv! Yes. It’s fine!” She pushed me back on the chest, motioning for me to get out of the car.

  Before I let her shove me out of the car completely, I reached for her kissing her forehead, cheeks, and nose and she let me because underneath her temper she needed me.