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by Lisa Shelby

  “You are, Alex. Not because you are the most beautiful person that I have ever laid eyes on and because what you did to me just now was fucking amazing. Baby you’re phenomenal because of what you to do to me in here,” he says pointing to his chest. “And how you make me feel every second of the day. You make me a better man, Alex. Being with you makes me feel like more of a man than I have ever felt. And let’s face it, I’m pretty damned manly.”

  I just chuckle and shake my head. Leave it to him to make me laugh while reaching deep inside my heart and filling it with love.

  “Alex. I mean it…I like the person I am when I’m with you. I know this is all happening fast, and it’s new and scary, but I’m ready, baby. I want this. Us. You’re it for me, Sweet Thing. If I had my way you would never sleep another night anywhere but in my bed.”

  “Mick, I’ve slept here every night that you weren’t at work for weeks. At some point, you are gonna have to come to my place and you can live out of a bag.”

  “No can do, sorry.”

  “What? You can’t be serious. Why should I have to live out of a bag, Mick? Sorry if my place isn’t as nice of yours. I didn’t take you for a snob, Mickey Jacobs!” I feel myself getting worked up and our blissful moment is coming to an abrupt halt.

  “Alex, that’s not it at all. Come on. You know me better than that.”

  “Then what is it?”

  He doesn’t speak and I can feel his heartbeat quicken underneath me.

  “I can’t sleep in that bed. I know what he did to you in your place, in that bed. I can’t do it, Alex. Nobody but you has been in my bed. The girls moved in right after I did and I haven’t had anybody else in that bed upstairs. It’s only had you in it, baby. Please don’t ask me to sleep in the bed where he forced himself on you. Alex, you’re all mine and to think of somebody else touching you and doing those things to you is more than I can handle.”

  This man…this man really cares about me. He surprises me more and more with each passing day. “I get it. I’m sorry I hadn’t thought about that. I guess I’m just on autopilot at home. I try to push it all away and forget he was ever there.” Trying to lighten the mood I say, “I must admit it’s nice to hear that I’m the only woman that’s been in your bed, so I totally get it.” I’m so used to turning my emotions off that I didn’t even think about what it would feel like for Mick. Knowing I am the only woman that’s been his bed is all I needed to hear. His place it is! “Now, let’s finish putting these shelves together so we can go back to my place and I can get my clothes for work tomorrow.”

  We get dressed, build shelves and then head to my place for a while. I hate that I’m leaving Blazer so much lately so we stay for a bit and watch some of my shows off the DVR and I make us dinner. He cleans up and I head to my bedroom to gather my things for the morning.

  “Baby, you sure you aren’t gonna make it to California next weekend? How can you let Emmers get married without you?”

  He catches me off guard and makes me jump when he speaks. I bring my hand up to my chest and say, “Mick, you know I have an event. I’ve been working on this for a year now and there isn’t anybody that I can just hand it over to. It’s a two-day, offsite event. This is a rare opportunity for me and one I’ve worked really hard on. I want to be there more than you know. I hate that it’s all a surprise and I can’t explain to Em why I’m not there. Mick, we’re hosting a former president. This isn’t just a company party or a wedding I can hand off. This is big.”

  “I know. I do. Emily will understand what a big deal this is for you. But I still don’t want to go without you.” In just a few strides he’s standing in front of me and holding me in his arms. “I know it makes me sound like a sap, but I don’t want to be away from you. I don’t want you home without me and I don’t want to travel without you. It feels like we have so much lost time to make up for. I know it’s fast but you’ve already got me whipped and I couldn’t be happier.”

  “I do not have you whipped, Mickey Jacobs. I’m just irresistible, and you can’t get enough of me.”

  Suddenly, he looks serious and he lowers his voice. “I’ll never get enough of you. You know that, right?”

  “It sure is nice to be on the same page. I really like this chapter, Mick.” This is the only reply that I can think of and it seems to be enough as he places a soft kiss on my lips.

  I see his eyes move to my bed and I can feel his body tense. I know he’s thinking about Kevin and I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable. “You can wait in the living room. I’m almost done in here.” He kisses me on the forehead. Watching him leave the room I can feel myself getting angry. I hate that Kevin is still somehow affecting my life. Mick’s life. Our life.

  I finish gathering my things and as I’m walking down the hall with Kevin on my mind I stop short. It’s just now that I remember that I did see Mick before that morning just a few short weeks ago. He was there, just like he always is.

  I find him on the couch with Blazer in his lap and the remote in his hand.

  “Mick.”

  “What’s up, babe?”

  “I can’t believe I forgot to say thank you.”

  “Thank you for what?”

  “I saw you at the courthouse. Even though I wasn’t speaking to you I saw you there and it meant the world to me. You didn’t need to be there for Kevin’s sentencing, but you were. I was so scared Mick. I never wanted to see him again and the thought that I would have to testify had really been taking its toll. When he decided to plead guilty after all the other women came forward, I was so relieved. I still couldn’t eat for days leading up to his sentencing. I knew I would have to be in the same room with him, and the thought made me ill. But when my mom and I were walking to the courtroom, and I saw you waiting in the hallway, I knew it would be okay. You didn’t have a reason to be there but you were. Just like all the times before you were there to save me. You may not have known it but that’s what you did. You saved me from my fears and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Seeing you there also reminded me what you had risked for me and I knew I had to be strong. I had to do what I could to put Kevin away and that when it was my turn to speak I had to be steadfast. You putting your job on the line needed to be worth it.”

  “Alex…”

  “No, don’t say anything. I just wanted you to know that I did know you were there and it helped. I’m sorry I was so stubborn that I didn’t call or text you that day to say thank you. It’s the least I could have done.” I pick Blazer up from his lap and set myself down in his spot and straddle him. I rub my hands through his short blond hair and his hands have made their way to my butt. “Thank you.”

  Mick, may not have known it but he really did get me through that day even if we weren’t talking. Well, Mick and the other three women that came forward and told their stories as well. It turns out I wasn’t the only person that Kevin had used his power to abuse. He had done similar things with women in three other states. He had taken things to a new level with me though, if what was in his trunk was any indication. After the other women came forward Kevin pleaded guilty to avoid trial. That meant that I only had to be in the courtroom for the sentencing. I was so relieved not to have to tell my story up on the stand. Having the support of the other women’s testimonies, as well as knowing Mick and the rest of my support system was there, made me strong. I found a strength I never knew I had and I am so grateful to have Kevin and all that he represents behind me. I’m also glad that I was brave enough to stand up in the courtroom that day before he was sentenced and tell Kevin that he may think that he broke me but he didn’t. I let him know that he didn’t win and that I hoped he would rot in prison for a very long time so that other women didn’t have to experience what myself and the other three women had to.

  “Of course, Sweet Thing. I couldn’t have been more proud of you. You were so strong. You did good, baby.” He places a sweet kiss on my lips and then says, “You ready?”

  “Yep, I’m ready, Mick.”


  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-ONE

  Forever Like That

  Mick

  I’m standing at the top of Patriot Hill with my arm around my mom watching all of my sister’s dreams come true. When I heard Jonathan yell that Emily had said yes to marry him, I wasn’t surprised at all. The three of them were meant to be together, and I couldn’t be happier for them.

  What did surprise me was the wave of emotions that hit me square in the chest. Seeing the three of them with their arms around each other with their heads together, and tears streaming down Emily and Jonathan’s faces, hit me hard. Hearing Ireland ask Jonathan if he would be her daddy shattered my heart into a million pieces, but seeing how proud he looked to tell her yes put it right back together. I want that. I want a love that strong.

  I do have a love that strong. We may not have said it but we both know it. I have never felt more certain about anything in my life. I just wish she were here. I wish she could see this. I want her to know that I want this too. I want us to be a family. I know it’s fast, but we both know we’ve been in love with each our whole lives. That makes it different, right? There’s no law that says we have to date for a specific length of time to move on to the next step. I’ve never let what people think dictate how I live my personal life. Why should I start now?

  I tried to FaceTime her when we heard Emily and Jonathan had made it to the top of the hill but she didn’t pick up. I tried to call but I just went right to voicemail. Her phone must be off. I’m sure there’s specific protocol when hosting a former president for a charitable event that you’ve been planning for a year. I still think seeing the look on my sister’s face when she found out she wasn’t only engaged, but she was getting married tonight, would be better than hanging out with a president.

  It’s been a crazy 24 hours. Getting everybody that Emily knows and loves, including her daughter, out of town yesterday without her noticing was no easy thing.

  I must admit that Jonathan Kelly is the shit. Not only did he get Emily’s family and friends from home here, but he also got her old friends from California here as well as Ireland’s old babysitter, Charlotte. It’s also pretty cool to have met the Fanuas. It’s clear that they care about him just as much as he cares about them. They are the only family that he has left and it’s really cool that they made it here. Jonathan’s best friend, Liam was a blast to hang out with last night. He’s a riot and reminds me a lot of myself right up until about seven months ago.

  We’re all taking turns hugging the newly engaged family when it’s finally my turn to hug Emily.

  “Congratulations, sis! I couldn’t be happier for you. You guys are gonna be quite the little family.” I step back from our hug and pick Ireland up with one arm and put my other around her mommy. “You are gonna be the prettiest little flower girl ever. Promise to save a dance for me tonight?”

  “Pwomise, Uncle Mick.”

  “You too, Emmers. I’m gonna be rollin’ solo at your big shindig tonight so be sure to save me a dance.”

  “You aren’t gonna try to pick up any California girls while you’re here?”

  “Very funny, Em. You know that those days are over. I’ve got my girl, no need to look anywhere else. Speaking of my girl, Alex is really sorry that she couldn’t make it here today, but you know she’s had this date with the President planned for some time now. She really wishes she could have been here though and she made me promise to video the whole thing.”

  “It’s okay, Mick. I wish she was here but I totally get it! A former president is a pretty hot date. I don’t blame her at all. I think it’s safe to say that her date has been in the works a lot longer than my wedding.” Her eyes practically bulge out of her head while she jumps up and down and screams, “Ah! I’m getting married! Can you believe it? I’m so glad you’re here!” She throws her arms around my neck and much quieter she says, “Thank you for coming all this way, Mickey.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed this day for the world, Emmers,” I say placing a kiss on her cheek.

  Jonathan calls us all to attention when he lets out an ear-piercing whistle.

  “I just want to thank y’all for coming all this way. I know getting up to the top of this hill wasn’t easy and we all still have to get off it. There’s a lot to do before the ceremony so I’m gonna ask that y’all start back down to the cars so we can get this party started!” Our group all let out whoops and hollers. “Emily and I came up the long way, but she has a spa day ahead of her so I’m gonna have her go down with all of you, but I’m gonna ask that Devon and Liam go back with me. Robert, Mick if you’ll make sure that all of these lovely ladies get down the hill safely I would sure appreciate it. I’ll see you at the cottage as soon as you have the ladies settled. Thanks again for everything everybody!”

  We all start to gather and I see a still-stunned Emily whispering to Jonathan as he kisses her goodbye and then races down the steep side of the hill. She doesn’t move. She just stands there staring after him.

  “Come on, girly, you only have so many hours to turn into Bridezilla. We better get a move on.” I grab her by the shoulders and turn her toward the trail that leads to the four wheelers that we all took to get here.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Your fiancé left me a list as long as my arm with all the instructions of where to take you and errands for me to run. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about a thing today. I know where we’re going.”

  “Dude, I gotta give it to you. You’ve got good taste, my man,” I say while checking myself out in the mirror. “I mean, I know I make everything look good, but you chose well, my friend.” I do a little spin in my taupe suit pants and vest, white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled and tan flip flops. It’s a beach wedding and there are no tuxedos required, which is just fine with me. I shoot the groom the always cocky and always annoying double gun fingers. Jonathan just rolls his eyes. I know how annoying I can be. But I can’t help it. I can tell Jonathan’s starting to get nervous and the mood needs to stay light until we get him down on that beach to marry my baby sister. Besides it’s what’s expected when you’re in the presence of Mickey Jacobs.

  “Yeah man, I almost feel bad. Your groomsmen are looking good. I sure hope we don’t steal your thunder, brother,” Liam says backing me up.

  “See Devon, I told you getting these two together would be bad news,” Jonathan says over his shoulder while putting the finishing touches on his suit. He’s wearing the same thing we are, only he has a jacket as well.

  “That’s what I’m here for. Balance. I promise not to steal your thunder, Irish,” Devon replies while lining up shot glasses and opening up a bottle of tequila.

  “But D, you’re the prettiest one here,” I exclaim while batting my eyes and placing a peck on his cheek. He just shoos me away and wipes my kiss off of his baby smooth face.

  He really is a good looking dude. I can’t even imagine the ass he would have gotten in life if he hadn’t been in a relationship since he was in high school. I would say it’s a waste, but my view of life and love has changed since Alex became mine. I get not wanting anybody else when you have the one. It doesn’t hurt that Gabby is fine as hell too. The two of them look like they’ve walked right off the pages of a fashion magazine. We always joke that he’s a taller Taye Diggs and she’s the spitting image of Kelly Rowland but the truth is…Devon and Gabby are prettier.

  “Watcha got there, D?”

  “Well, Mick…I thought we’d have a little shot of tequila to kick things off. Gentlemen, here you go,” Devon says as he hands each of us our shot glass full of tequila. I’m not a big shot drinker, but one shot won’t hurt and it’s for a good cause.

  We all lift our glasses and Devon raises his voice and exclaims! “To Jonathan and Emily and to getting your girl back!”

  “TO JONATHAN AND EMILY!” We all yell and then slam down our shots.

  Just as we slam our glasses down on the counter there’s a knock
on the suite door.

  “I got it.” I say opening the door to a smiling Robert. Seeing him wearing the same thing we are and beaming with pride is a reminder that my own father isn’t here for his daughter. I know it’s what Emily wants but it still sucks. “Come on in, Mr. F. Our boys are ready!”

  He enters the suite, looks us all over and says, “You boys clean up nice.”

  “You’re not looking too bad either. Thanks again for being here.”

  “Jonathan, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m honored to watch you get married to that beautiful girl. Now what’s wrong with you? You look like you’re gonna be sick.” Robert asks him with concern.

  Jonathan starts pacing the room. He walks into the master bedroom then back out to the living room area where we all just follow him back and forth. In and out of the bedroom. He’s suddenly a mess.

  “Son, what is it?”

  He stops his pacing and then looks at each of us and then brings his attention to me. “Is it too much? Should I have done all of this without her? What if she felt pressured to say that she wanted to get married tonight because everybody was here? What if she hates her dress? What if she hates it all? What the hell was I thinking?” He’s practically hyperventilating and I can see his level of panic elevating with each word that comes out of his mouth.

  I give him a little shove to his shoulder. “Dude, she’s gonna love it all. She loves your Irish ass and has dreamed of marrying you for years. Cami and Alex know her better than anybody, and they helped you with all the girlie shit. Alex may not be here but she helped you plan the whole thing and she’s damn good at her job. You don’t have anything to worry about. My little sister loves you and she would have married you up on that dirty hill today. She doesn’t care what she’s wearing tonight as long as you’re waiting for her down there on that beach.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Thanks, Mick. I hope you know that this isn’t a case of cold feet. I would have married your sister a long time ago if I had thought she was ready. I promise you I will do everything in my power to make Emily and Ireland happy.”