Cole answered the door and backed away quickly. Out of respect for me I knew he wouldn’t go after Noah. We were trying to get them to accept him, not hate him more. “Is my sister here?”
When I heard his voice I hopped off the couch and went running toward them. Cole let him in and we all three stood there for a second. He had Jordan in his arms. “Someone missed their aunty. I thought I’d bring him by and find out if you need anything.”
I hugged my brother, while Jordan began pulling my hair. I was surprised when Cole held out his arms. “Do you mind if I hold him?”
Noah’s jaw clenched. He looked from me and then back to Cole, finally handed the boy over. “My sisters tell me you’re harmless. If Chris likes you, then I’ve got no beef with you either.”
Cole shook my brother’s hand. “Thanks, man. I’m really not the enemy.”
“It’s tough, I reckon, having to live with that name.”
“Yeah.”
“Is everything okay at home?” I asked.
“Yeah. Well, Shalan’s pregnant. We found out last night.”
I put my hands over my mouth. “Oh my goodness. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.”
“This one was planned, so we’re pretty stoked about it. Plus Jordan will be able to be close like us kids are.”
“Are you hungry? We’ve got munchies. I can make you a sandwich.”
“No, I’m good. I think I needed to check on you for myself. Bella’s coming to visit in a couple days. She said she’d like to stop by. I told her you’d like that.”
My cousin Bella lived in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her mother was the original person who’d been involved with Tucker Chase. I didn’t know the whole story, but basically my Aunt Miranda and Uncle Ty got together and the rest was history. Tucker wanted revenge and did everything he could to get it, until he finally went to jail.
“You don’t know do you?”
He looked from me to Cole.
“Know what?” I inquired.
“About Bella. I guess you were too young when it happened. You wouldn’t have remembered her wanting to come live with us when she found out the truth.”
I was lost. “Noah, what are you talking about?”
“Bella and Cole are related. Their cousins.”
“What?” I felt like I was going to throw up. “I don’t understand. She’s a Mitchell. Uncle Ty is her father.”
Noah smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know how they did it. I don’t even want to know, but her birth father was Tucker Chase. He’s not on the certificate. She showed it to me herself. She didn’t find out until she was around ten or eleven. Our parents were going to take the secret to the grave.”
“You’re telling me one of your cousins is related to me?” Cole seemed confused. “We’re not related though,” he asked as he pointed to me.
“Not at all. You just share the same cousins. Bella’s mom is our aunt by blood. Her biological father is your uncle by blood. She connects us.”
“This doesn’t make any sense. Dad said a Chase would never set foot on the ranch. He said they weren’t welcome, yet he knew about Bella all this time. Is that what you’re telling me?”
Noah nodded. “Like I said. It’s a secret. No one knows about this.” Noah knew because he and Bella weren’t only cousins but the best of friends. For a short time she’d lived on the ranch, and that’s where she met her husband. “If you ask Bella who her father is it’s Uncle Ty. You both need to understand that. She doesn’t feel like she’s missing out on anything. He raised her and loved her as his own. He put himself on her birth certificate for that reason. I’m not trying to stir up problems, but I thought you might like to know. When she gets here I’ll let her explain it. She’s not coming to Kentucky to visit with me though, Addy. She’s coming to meet Cole. She thinks she can help you two, and I believe with her on your side you’ve got a good chance at changing our old man’s mind. He’s stubborn, but he loves Bella. He always has.”
I hugged my brother again, this time because I couldn’t contain my excitement. There was hope for Cole and I. My dad couldn’t discriminate once this was brought to his attention. He couldn’t love her without accepting Cole. It wasn’t fair.
My brother stayed for a while getting to know Cole. They talked about cars and tattoos and really hit it off. When he left I walked him and Jordan outside. “Thanks for this, Noah.”
“You’re my little sister. I told you a long time ago it was my job to protect you. To be honest, I didn’t know Dad had forced you to leave. I thought you did it on your own.”
“He gave me a choice. Cole or Him.”
“Wow. Well Bella is the one you need to thank. It’s been so long I didn’t even consider it would help. It’s not like she advertises it. She said Uncle Ty is sensitive about it, so it’s always been something they kept to themselves.”
“Dad owes Cole an apology, Noah. He doesn’t even know him. Growing up he taught us to be fair, yet he’s been nothing but terrible since the day they met, granted he found us half-naked in Gram’s house, but that’s beside the point.”
“Keep my name out of it. I’m the person who has to work with him every day.”
I kissed them both again. “I love you, Noah. Thanks for taking care of me.”
“Just remember, I’m cool with Cole unless he hurts you. Then he’ll see what this boy is capable of.”
I laughed as my brother started backing out of the driveway. “Bye brother.”
“See ya sister.”
When I walked back inside I never would have thought I’d see Cole the way he was. His hands were up to his face and he looked like he was crying. “Are you okay?”
“All my life I wished for a better upbringing. I wanted to know what it was like to be raised by a family who loved me unconditionally. Now I find out I have a cousin who was protected from what I went through. It’s a little too much to take. I might actually have a blood relative who cares about me. I’ve never had that, Addison. Not ever.”
I felt so sorry for him. This poor man had gone through his whole life without the love from family. He didn’t know what it was like to connect to a parent, sibling, or in his case, cousin. Isabella wasn’t just our way back into my dad’s good graces, she was the connection Cole had always yearned to have. It was bittersweet.
Chapter 23
Cole
It took a while for me to come to grips with what I’d learned from Addison’s brother. We sat on the couch in shock, both of us not knowing what exactly it would mean for our future. At first I didn’t understand how it fit together, how we were both related to her cousin, but not each other. She explained it for me a second time to put my mind at ease.
“Do you really think this will help?” I was at the point where I didn’t care either way. If her parents wouldn’t accept me with their daughter it was their loss. I loved Addison, and we were happy together. It hadn’t been easy for her though. She cried a lot, and when I’d ask what was wrong she’d say it was nothing; that she missed them. Since I’d never had those kind of feelings I couldn’t sympathize with her. Instead I offered my support and hoped it would be enough to keep her with me.
If this chick was definitely my cousin, Addison’s parents had no reason to hold a grudge against me. We’d both been born to a family we didn’t want any part of. If they could see that then I’d have an opportunity to prove them wrong once and for all.
“I do. It might take my dad a little bit to admit he was wrong. He doesn’t do it very often. He tends to always be right, even when everyone around him knows he isn’t. You might have to be patient.”
“What do you think I’ve been doing.”
She cuddled up to me, which always seemed to make things better. “I know you have. This could change everything though. I feel like calling him tonight and getting it off my chest, but I know if we wait for Bella it will be hard for him to deny. She’s the key.”
“And she’s also my fam
ily. I still can’t believe it. I used to hear my mom going on about her brother having a kid, but when I never saw one I figured it was just stories. Maybe your parents want me to stay away because they think I know the truth and I’ll tell my family about it. As far as I know the only one left is my mother, and I’ve got no reason at all to speak to her. She’s nothing to me, not after what she did. Because of her I’ll never know what it’s like to be a normal kid with a loving mom and dad.”
“Yes you will.”
“How?”
“You’ll be a father. You’ll have a chance to see it firsthand. You’ll be able to give them all the love you felt deprived of. Because of your childhood you can be the best father any child would ever want. Don’t you see that? You think they left you with nothing, but Cole, you’ve got so much love to give. That’s one of the reasons I love you. You’re selfless. You’re kind, and you care when you don’t have to.”
“Are you saying this because you might be pregnant?” I had to ask. We couldn’t handle that at the moment.
“No. At least I don’t think so. I’m saying it because it’s true. You will be a great father. No matter what happens with you and I, one day you’ll see it for yourself. That void you have will be filled with so much joy. I promise it will.”
I leaned over and kissed her softly. “You never cease to amaze me, precious.”
“It takes a lot of practice,” she teased.
“I think I might just fall more in love with you every day. I think it’s time for bed. I can’t think straight with you wearing so many clothes.”
She shoved me playfully. “You really are a nudist.”
I watched Addison get up and go into the bedroom. For a few seconds I sat there laughing at her assumption. As long as I could make her smile I was happy.
Convincing her dad to accept our relationship was another story. When we’d first moved in together he’d paid me a visit at the tattoo shop. I’m still not sure how he found out where I worked, not that I cared. I walked outside to hear him out, knowing he was going to give me a load of crap for taking his little girl away.
He simply asked me if I loved her. I told him I did, and that being with her changed my life. I told him we were happy, and she was doing well.
Instead of screaming or threatening me, he nodded and asked that I not tell her he came around asking. It was strange, and I still couldn’t understand why he’d done it.
Ever since she left the ranch he hadn’t tried to reach out to her. It broke her heart, and mine too. It was obvious she meant the world to him, but his pride wouldn’t let him change his mind about me, no matter how long we stayed together.
Meeting Bella would change that. I couldn’t remember feeling this excited about anything in my life. Even if things didn’t work out with her father, I’d still have a blood cousin to share my life with. I’d be able to meet her daughter and husband and call them family.
I found Addison curled up under the covers. She was wearing a tank and a pair of cotton shorts, much like she put on every night before I took them off. I’d never enjoyed sleeping naked up until I got with her. Now I couldn’t stand anything being between us.
I lifted the covers and laughed. “Precious, when are you going to learn I like you ready for me.”
“I’m tired, though.”
“I’ll do all the work if I have to.”
“Fine.” She adjusted. “Just take it.”
I laughed to myself and undressed, taking my time to climb over top of her. “This feels a lot like necrophilia.”
“How would you know what it feels like?” Her words were strained, like it was hard for her to stay conscious. “Do you dabble in that sort of thing often?”
I pulled off her shorts without answering at first. She’d shaved during her shower, giving me a fresh canvas to work from. Since she wasn’t in the mood I decided to play around. I hopped off the bed and got a few sharpies in different colors. When I returned she was still in the same position. I spread her legs and slipped in between them, keeping my head down close enough to be able to work easily. I opened the black and began tracing an outline around her sensitive area. I didn’t apply much pressure since I knew she was trying to rest. The flowers I was drawing were intricate. I took my time making sure every petal would look lifelike. I took extra care when I even expanded the work to her inner thighs, creating thorns that went down the inside of her legs. Then I started on the color, using my red, purple, and fuchsia to give each flower it’s own special look. I used the green and brown for the stems, and finished it off with extra shading.
She shocked me by finally speaking. I hadn’t even known she’d still been awake. “Don’t stop.”
“I’m finished. It’s sexy. You need to take a look.”
“You are a weirdo.” She sat up and looked down at her pussy. “Oh my god, Cole, it’s beautiful.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I know. You should let me take a picture.”
“You’re crazy.”
“I won’t show it to anyone. I swear. It’ll just be for me.”
“Just for you.”
I rushed to fetch my phone, only to come back to her being shirtless. She was spread eagle on the bed, posing. My mouth dropped.
“Are you going to stand there all night staring or take your picture?”
“I’m going to need a mental visual to keep this, just in case my phone gets lost or ruined.”
“I’m going to change my mind if you don’t stop it.”
It was enough for me to get my photography skills on. I snapped quite of few shots, making sure her supple tits were in some of them. Just to be safe I cut out her face. I’d never want the pictures to get into the wrong hands.
After I tossed my phone on the carpet, I climbed back on the bed with my girlfriend. I started at one of the stems on her legs and kissed my way up to her blooming pussy. With both hands I spread her open until all I could see was pink. I let my lips brush against it, noticing how turned on she’d become from me drawing on her. “You’re so wet, precious. I could eat you like I haven’t had a meal in weeks.” I licked over her clit, getting a rise out of her immediately. “Get comfortable. I’m going to be a while.”
I ate that pussy like it was my final meal on this earth, and when I was done, she shook like she was having a seizure. I steadied her legs and came up to kiss her stomach, each nipple, and finally her awaiting lips. Her legs wrapped around my body, positioning me perfectly to enter her. She reached into the nightstand without breaking from our embrace, and located a condom. She ripped it open with her teeth and dressed my throbbing cock with it. The moment her smooth hands unrolled the rubber down my shaft I was ready to rock. I rubbed it against her opening, applying pressure until I felt myself sliding in. I moaned loudly, feeling her tight walls accepting me. Our groove was slow at first, but turned rapid quickly. I’d spent too much time messing around with my drawing.
Addison’s nails dug into my back. I pumped my dick inside her again and again until we both collapsed entangled. We were both too tired to move, and I didn’t care if I slept all night in the position we were in. This was like being in heaven, and I was grateful for every second of it.
Chapter 24
Addison
I could tell he was getting anxious. We’d known the truth for almost a week. Bella was due to arrive at our house any minute, and I was sure if Cole kept pacing he was going to wear a hole in the carpet. “Would you please sit down? You’re making me crazy.”
“I’m freaking out. What if she doesn’t like me? What if she thinks I’m like them?”
“Bella never knew them. She wouldn’t think that. You’re being ridiculous. Come sit down. I’ll rub your back.”
Cole started to walk toward me, but we heard a car pulling into the driveway. He rushed to the front door, opening it before I could stand up. “What do I say?” He asked.
“You say hello, goof.”
Bella smiled when she saw me. Rusty was with her. He was ge
tting their daughter Sarah out of the back. I walked outside and hugged my cousin. “It’s great to see you.”
She gave me a once over. “You look fantastic.”
I smiled. “I’m happy. I suppose it makes a difference.”
“Yeah. It certainly does.”
Standing behind us was Cole, waiting for his moment to meet the one person he’d been waiting all his life for.
Bella turned to face him. She smiled. He smiled back. “Bella, I’d like you to meet your cousin, Cole. Cole this is Bella.”
Cole held out his hand to shake, but she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly for a second. I watched my strong boyfriend break down. He leaned his head on her shoulder and lost it.
I could feel my own heartstrings pulling. Imagining him waiting his entire life. Nearly twenty some odd years he’d spent wishing he had a real family. Our relationship had changed his life, and now the empty puzzle piece was finally discovered. Cole was whole, probably for the first time.
Rusty came up and hugged me while we watched the two cousins. They didn’t let go of each other for a very long time. Little Sarah was confused. She was just starting to really communicate. “Daddy, why is my mama crying?”
“They’re happy tears, sweetie. Mama is just very happy.”
Bella turned to reassure her daughter she was fine. She smiled and took her into her arms. “Cole, this is your second cousin Sarah.”
Cole wiped his face and tried to smile, though it was seemingly difficult at this point. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
Sarah hid her face. She was playing shy. I found it to be so cute.
“Should we go inside and talk? I can’t wait to go to my father with this. You don’t know how angry we are about this. He’s cut me off. For nearly a month he hasn’t spoken to me. He’s acting like a child.”
Bella turned to Rusty and then back to us. “We got in last night. After getting Rusty and Sarah settled at Noah’s, I went over to your parent’s house.”
“You did?”
She nodded. “I think when he saw me walk through the door it hit him. He didn’t even ask why I was there. Your mom seemed relieved to be honest. I know she stands by him, but it was obvious she didn’t agree with his decision.”
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