by Anthology
After we left the doctor’s office, Javier and Maya insisted we all go out to lunch to celebrate. The joy that surrounded them was visible by the smile on their faces and the light in their eyes. Afterward, as we headed back to Isabel’s, I decided to approach the subject of moving in together again. “Now that the pregnancy has been confirmed and we know that you are carrying twins,” I say giving her a smile, which she returns. “Have you thought anymore about moving in together?”
She leans her head back against the headrest and turns her head to look at me. “Honestly, I’ve been thinking about it since you first asked me.”
“And?”
“These last few weeks, I don’t know what I would have done without you. The nights that you go home, I miss you more than I ever thought possible. While the days that I get to wake up in your arms are some of the best days, I ever remember having.” She smiles, and I have to agree that my day is a little brighter when I wake up next to her. “But,” she continues, “I’m not sure it’s fair to you,” she stops and takes a breath to gather her courage to continue, “to have you experience a pregnancy where the babies aren’t yours and I’ll be handing them over to their actual parents when they are born.”
God I love this woman.
Isabel finishes her speech just as we pull in her driveway. Placing the vehicle in park and turning the key to the off position, I remain silent as I unbuckle my seat belt and turn to face her. “So, just so we’re clear, it’s okay for you to carry not one but two babies, to not only develop a physical but emotional attachment to them, but you are worried about me doing the same thing?”
“Yes, but…” She begins but I interrupt, holding up a finger stopping her.
“So you are willing to give up the comfort you feel when we are together, the security of knowing that someone is there to protect and support you through one of the most emotional times in your life, just to spare me from becoming attached to the babies you are carrying. Does that about sum it up?”
“I think so,” she replies softly.
“Okay,” I nod as I open my door and round the front of the car to open Isabel’s door. Offering her my hand, I help her out of the car and to her feet. Once I close the door, I back her up against it and tip her chin up so she is looking in my eyes. “Isabel, do you remember what I said to you before they wheeled you back to have the procedure?”
“Yes,” she says with a smile, “you said you loved me.”
“And?” I press her for the second part of my previous declaration.
“That you would always support me,” she says softly.
I smile and nod as my hand cups her cheek, “Do you believe that?”
She searches my eyes, seemingly a little confused by my question. “Yes, of course.”
“Did I add any conditions, to either my declaration of love or support?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“Because while I appreciate you taking my feelings into consideration, it’s you that I’m concerned with. I know that you are going to take the best possible care of yourself to protect these babies.” Laying my hand on her stomach I continue, “I also know that once these little ones are born, they are going to be taken care of and loved by two amazing parents, not to mention aunts, uncles and grandparents.” She smiles warmly, while considering my words.
“Isabel, when I said that I would always support you that is exactly what I meant. If you are having a bad day and need a shoulder to cry on, I have two. You need something from a shelf too high for you to reach; I will gladly get it for you. If you wake up at two o’clock in the morning with a craving that has to be satisfied right then, I want to be the one to go get whatever your heart desires.” I take her face in my hands, my thumbs wiping away the tears that are streaming down her face. “Isabel, every minute I’m away from you, you are constantly on my mind. If you are holding back, on us moving in together to keep me from becoming too involved or too attached, it’s too late. I’m already all in.”
Isabel wraps her arms around my neck and pulls my head down so my forehead rests against hers. “Logan Matthews, you are so incredibly sweet and I love you.” A bright smile lights up her face as she says, “I would love to move in with you.”
“Really?”
Isabel nods her head, “Yes, unless you’ve already changed your mind?”
Lifting her off the ground, I spin her around, “No way babe, I’m all in, remember?”
“Good, because I am too,” she says as I scoop her into my arms.
Capturing her mouth with mine, I kiss her, only breaking away when we are both breathless, and carry her into the house, one that I will soon be sharing with her.
We spent Thanksgiving with Isabel’s family at Javier and Maya’s. Her brother Marco, his wife Carolina, their kids, and her parents joined us, finally giving me a chance to meet them. At Maya’s request, I also invited my parents and my brother Evan and his family to have dinner with us. My parents were thrilled to get to spend some time with Isabel and her family. As expected, my family fell in love with Isabel. Before dinner was over, my mother had extended an open invitation to Isabel’s family to stay in the house I was vacating any time they were in town.
Since my brother was in town for the holiday weekend, I recruited him to help move some things of mine into Isabel’s house, while the girls went Black Friday shopping.
As we loaded the last box into my Rover, Evan asked, “So why are you moving in with Isabel, instead of having her move in with you?”
“We talked about it, and it really came down to space. Isabel’s place is bigger, and has a large fenced in yard. Not that this place is that much smaller, but technically Mom and Dad own this house and it should be available for them to either stay here when they are in town or rent it out if they decide to instead.” I shrug as I finish with grin, “Plus, I really think her place would be a great house to raise kids in.”
Evan crosses his arms over his chest and leans against the Rover, “You two are that serious already?”
My grin widens just thinking about her, “Yeah, we are. I can’t imagine my life without her.” Closing the hatch, I walk around to the driver’s side and climb behind the wheel. Starting the engine, I admit, “I spoke to her dad on Thursday, and asked his permission to marry Isabel.”
“What did he say?” Evan asks, sounding a little nervous for me.
“He said, that anyone who would support his daughter in the decision she made to become a surrogate and give her brother the family he always dreamed of, must love her more than words could even describe, and he would be honored to give me Isabel’s hand in marriage and welcome me into their family.”
“Wow! All I got from Rachel’s dad was, sure, I guess.” His comment causes me to chuckle. Rachel’s dad is a man of few words, so hearing him say three words would be the equivalent of hearing him recite the Magna Carta. Then he asked the question I’ve been waiting for, “So when are you going to propose?”
“Probably within the next couple of weeks, once we’ve settled into living together. I don’t want to wait until Christmas. I want to have the ring on her finger when we see everyone again.”
Evan claps me on the shoulder, “Well congratulations little brother, I’m really happy for you. Isabel seems like a real sweetheart, and I hope you two will be as happy as Rachel and I are.”
“Thanks, Evan that really means a lot to me.”
While we unload the boxes, I receive a text from Isabel saying they are on their way home. Sending back a quick reply, I promise to meet her there as soon as we are finished up here.
As we pull the last boxes from the Rover, Maya unexpectantly pulls into the driveway. Immediately setting the box back down I walk over to the door that has already started to open to see what’s going on. As Isabel emerges from the vehicle, I pull her into my arms, “Everything okay?”
She warps her arms around me, her head landing on my chest, “Yeah, I’m just a little tired so I thought I’d come home and
rest for a while.”
“Hi ladies,” I call through the open door getting a chorus of hellos sent back to me. Kissing the top of her head I suggest, “Why don’t you go on inside? I’ll get your bags and be right in.”
Nodding against my chest, she agrees, “Okay.” Turning back to the car she says, “Bye girls, it was a lot of fun, we’ll have to do it again next year.”
As she begins to walk into the house, I move to the back to get her purchases. Maya comes to assist me since I have no idea which bags are hers. “Is she really okay Maya?” I ask nervously.
“Yeah, I think so, just tired. We ate about an hour ago, so she should be good for a little while. Just keep an eye on her. I’m not sure how much she would tell me if she wasn’t okay.”
I nod in agreement, because Maya’s right, Isabel wouldn’t want Maya to worry about her or the babies unnecessarily. “I will keep an eye on her you don’t have to worry about that.”
“Thanks Logan.”
I walk around to her open door and close it for her once she is inside. Evan is in the passenger seat that Isabel vacated, “I’m going to catch a ride back with the girls so you can stay here.”
“Sounds good, thanks for your help today.”
“No problem, happy to help.”
“I’m sure we’ll see you all later. Drive safe.”
“I will,” Maya returns then warns, “and don’t peek in any of those bags.”
I chuckle and give her a mock salute, “Yes, ma’am.” Waving as they pull out of the drive, I grab the last box from my Rover, close the hatch, and hit the lock button before going inside. Setting Isabel’s bags and the box in the spare room, I head to the bedroom in search of my girl. Finding her already curled up under the covers, I kick off my shoes and crawl in behind her, curling my body around hers. Sighing in contentment, Isabel fits her body even more perfectly with mine. Taking my hand that is around her waist, she entwines our fingers and brings them close to her face. I kiss her head and ask, “Did you have a good time today?”
“Mhmm,” she replies sleepily. “Ran into Molly…there was a plane crash…guy that works with Travis…but they found them…everyone okay.”
She speaks so softly, I only catch bits and pieces of what she says and make a mental note to ask her about it later. Pulling her more firmly against me, I quietly reply, “That’s good. You sleep now baby.”
Chapter 10
December
It’s been almost a month since Isabel and I officially moved in together. With the holidays approaching, we are trying to work out the best way to spend time with both of our families. Currently our plan is celebrate our first Christmas together with Isabel’s family in El Paso. After Christmas, we’ll drive to Albuquerque and spend a few days with my family, before driving home to ring in the New Year at home, just the two of us.
While we were with Isabel’s family for Thanksgiving, I was able to get a moment alone with her father, as well as his blessing in asking Isabel to marry me. Tonight, we have reservations at a restaurant a few blocks away from where we first met. After dinner, we’ll take a short walk that will end just outside of Emily Jack Designs, where I’ll drop to one knee and ask her to be my wife.
Checking my pocket for the ring one last time, I head back to the bedroom to see if Isabel is ready. Stopping in the doorway, I lean against the frame and watch her as she puts her earrings on. She is so beautiful. Just the sight of her, truly takes my breath away. My eyes make a slow ascent over her body starting with those same four-inch black heels that caught my attention all those months ago. Toned, tan legs that tangle perfectly with mine in bed. Soft curves that my hands itch to explore whenever she is near. Long, dark hair that feels like silk in my hands. Eyes the color of melted chocolate, that light up when she smiles, framed by thick dark lashes. And that mouth of hers, is as perfect as the rest of her and she knows exactly how to use it to bring me to my knees.
Her eyes catch mine in the mirror and she smiles, before turning to ask, “Committing me to memory, Mr. Matthews?”
I push off the doorframe and stalk towards her, stopping only when my hands land on her hips and pull her flush against me. “Just getting a refresher, Miss Velez.”
Her hands move up my chest and circle my neck, her fingers toying with the hair at the nape of my neck. “If you don’t stop looking at me like that, we’re going to be late. And I know you’ll find this surprising, but I’m hungry.”
Smiling I caress her cheek, “Then we better get going, before I strip you down and carry you to bed.” Placing a quick kiss on her lips, I take her hand and lead her out to the car.
Dinner is delicious, but neither of us expected any less. Once we officially started dating this is where we had our first date as a couple. After taking care of the check, I take Isabel’s hand and lead her outside. Instead of turning to walk towards the car, we turn in the opposite direction. Looking a bit confused Isabel asks, “Where are we going?”
I shrug as I tuck her hand in the crook of my arm, “I thought we would take a walk before heading home, if that’s okay?”
“Yes, of course. Although, if this is going to be a long walk, I probably should have went to the restroom before we left.”
I chuckle at her comment, “I promise it will be a short walk, and then we’ll head back to the car.”
“Okay,” she says as she smiles and leans her head against my arm as we continue along the sidewalk.
Seeing our destination just ahead, I slow my pace until we are standing exactly where my Rover was parked that June evening when I first laid eyes on her. She straightens, letting go of my arm in the process, and turns to look at the building to our left. “I didn’t realize that Molly’s building was so close to the restaurant.”
When she turns back to me, I take her hand in mine, “You know this spot right here, where I’m standing, is a very special spot.”
She grins at me and tilts her head to the side, eyeing me suspiciously yet obviously willing to play along. “Oh yeah? Why’s that?”
“Because this spot right here, is where I was when I first laid eyes on you.”
Her smile grows wider and she steps closer to me, “Then I’d say that’s a damn lucky spot.”
Unable to resist I lean forward and lightly brush her lips with mine, before taking a step back so I can continue with my plan. “Isabel, that night when I saw you step out of your car, I felt like I had been struck by lightning. Like there was a force drawing me to you. That night, you probably thought I was a crazy clinger, that wouldn’t leave you alone, but the truth is I couldn’t. The attraction I felt for you was so strong, I couldn’t have walked away if I tried. The more time I spent with you, the more I got to know you, I knew I had to have you in my life.
“Then you threw me this huge curve ball,” I lightly chuckle and with tears filling her eyes, she laughs as well. “When you told me that you wanted to be the surrogate for Javier and Maya, I was afraid you were going to end our relationship. I’ll admit, I was nervous as to how all this was going to work. Then our guardian angels, in the form of Molly and Travis, walked in to my store.” She giggles, having some idea as to the advice they would have given me. “They listened to my concerns and then they asked me one question. Do you love Isabel? I answered yes, without hesitation. Then they told me, what I already knew, that in the end that was all that mattered.”
Dropping to my knee, I take her hand, “Isabel, I never believed in love at first sight, until that night six months ago. You are so beautiful, and you have the most beautiful heart of anyone I’ve ever known. I thank God every day that I saw you that night. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you in it, and honestly I don’t want to find out.” Reaching into my pocket I pull out the ring and present it to her, “Isabel Velez, would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
Tears steadily stream down her face as she nods trying to find her voice, “Yes!”
Sliding the ring onto her finger, I jump to
my feet wrapping my arms around her while lifting her off the ground. Setting her back on her feet, I take her face in my hands and capture her mouth with mine. Her arms wrap around my neck, as my tongue slides between her parted lips tangling with hers and tasting every luscious inch of her mouth. Slowly ending the kiss, I nip at her full bottom lip. Smiling against her now swollen lips I say, “I think we better head home, before I get arrested for making love to you on the street.”
Her face lights up as she teases, “Then you better drive fast Matthews, because as of today, I’m at thirteen weeks, and I got the all clear from Doctor Williams.” Her voice drops to a sexy level as she runs one brightly painted nail down my chest. Looking up at me through her lashes, she says, “And as you can imagine, I’m horny as hell and intend to hold you to your promise.”
The next week, I drop by the café to check on Isabel and get some lunch. Not seeing her behind the counter when I arrive I greet the girl behind the counter. “Hi Jody, is Isabel around?”
She looks up and smiles, “Oh, hi Logan. No she didn’t come in today.”
Concern laces my voice as I pull my phone from my pocket and ask, “She didn’t? Did she say anything when she called?”
“Not really, just that she didn’t feel well and wouldn’t be in. I didn’t think to question her since she owns the place.”
“Of course,” I reply while scrolling through my messages and call log I find nothing from Isabel. Turning to head out the door, I call, “Thanks Jody, I better run home and check on her.”
Jogging out to my Rover, I jump in and drive as fast as I can home to check on Isabel. Pulling into the driveway, I quickly shut off the engine, and burst through the front door calling her name, checking the rooms as I go. “Isabel? Isabel, sweetheart?” Making my way into the bedroom, I see the bathroom light is on. With my heart in my throat, I step inside to find Isabel laying on the floor. “No, no, no.” Taking her in my arms, I gently give her a shake while begging her to wake up. “Isabel, Isabel. Come on sweetheart, wake up for me.”
