I Never Let You Go

by Stefanie Jenkins

  Three out of four—even though Dani tried to claim she counted as three herself—voted for pizza, which is why we’re all devouring the greasy Italian food of the gods when a rather angry-looking identical version of Lauren walks in. When our eyes meet, I know it’s about to go down.

  Here we go. Showtime.

  “You.” She points to me, and I freeze midbite. “Outside.”

  I take one last bite of pizza; after all, it could very well be my last. Kate walks through the kitchen, I assume heading out to the back patio.

  I set my plate down on the coffee table and spin around to face Lauren. I lace my fingers through her hair and crash my lips on hers, hard. If I’m about to have a showdown with her other half, I’m going to at least go out with the taste of her on my lips. I lick the seam of her lips, and she opens willingly. A combination of the wine and tomato sauce hits my tongue as it swipes against her. A muffled moan slips out just before I break the kiss.

  Her lids are still heavy when I fully pull back and release her.

  Kyler hums Chopin’s “Funeral March,” and Dani waves as if sending me off to war.

  “Bunch of assholes,” I mutter with a smile and place one last quick kiss on Lauren’s lip before I follow Kate out to the patio.

  I find her leaning up against the cement wall that lines the back patio with one leg perched up. She has a beer in hand; she must have grabbed one out of the fridge on her way out here while I took my time.

  I mimic her stance across from her. We stare at each other for what seems like forever.

  She takes a long drag of her beer. “You gonna leave again?”

  “Nope.”

  “You gonna hurt my sister?”

  “Nope.”

  “You really love her?”

  “With all that I am.” Wow, I sound like one of those book boyfriends Lauren is always reading about. Kate must notice it too because the corner of her mouth tips upward, and the movement of her shoulders tells me she’s chuckling.

  She takes one more sip of her beer before hanging it by her side. She takes a few steps closer to me and wraps her arms around my shoulders, slapping my back. I gently wrap my arms around her. Even though she and her sister are built exactly the same, I feel nothing having Kate in my arms. She leans up on her toes. “You hurt her, I’ll kick your ass. Welcome home, buddy.” With one more slap, she leaves me alone and stunned.

  “Hey, Finn?” I turn to find Kate standing in the doorway, her hand propped on the doorframe. “For the record, I was always team Finn. I knew she would eventually figure it out too.”

  Kate disappears back into the house, and I turn back, looking up at the stars. Moments later, warm arms wrap around my shoulders from behind.

  I spin, coming face-to-face with the love of my life, and guide her arms around my neck. My fingers are just beginning to trail down her arms when she pulls out of my grasp. Her eyes are playful as she pats me down.

  “What are you doing?” I chuckle as her hands wander all over my body.

  She joins in on my laughter. “Well, when I saw Kate come back inside without you, I got worried. So, I’m just checking to make sure she didn’t kill you and you’re just out here bleeding out.”

  I tilt my head back in laughter before cupping her cheeks.

  “Give me a little credit, babe. I think I know how to handle the Lawson women.” I press my lips to hers, halting whatever smart-ass comment may have come out of her mouth next. When her lips part, my tongue pushes into her mouth.

  We pull back panting. With one last brief kiss on Lauren’s lips, I press my forehead to hers. “Are you happy?”

  She pulls back and her brows furrow. “Of course I’m happy; I have you. Now, why don’t we get in there before someone thinks I’m mourning over your dead body.” I kiss her forehead and reach for her hand, linking her fingers with mine.

  As we make our way back into the living room, we hear shouting, followed by laughter. Lauren moves forward, but I trail behind for a moment. “I’m gonna just grab another drink.” She nods and heads in the room to join her siblings.

  I grab another beer from the fridge and am in awe at the scene in front of me.

  “Hey, what are you doing?” Kate shouts from the couch next to her brother and his wife. “Get your ass in here already.”

  I join Lauren on the love seat and press a kiss to her temple as she cuddles into my side, laughing at whatever her siblings just said.

  “Oh, shit, you should have seen his face—it was priceless,” Kate gloats.

  Ahh, laughing at my expense, I see. I can’t help but chuckle; they all had me going. I’m not sure how I got so lucky to have this be my life, but it feels damn good.

  The feel of warm lips on my skin rouses me from sleep.

  “Mmm,” I moan as Finn kisses up my neck until I feel his warm breath on my ear. This is so much better than an alarm clock waking me up. I think I can mark this as my favorite way to wake up.

  “Rise and shine, beautiful.”

  I roll over, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and meet his sparkling brown eyes. He leans down, gently brushing his lips against mine. I reach for his boxers and whine when I feel that the fabric of the denim jeans. Why is he already dressed? I pull back from his soft lips, knowing that he was far less clothed than when we fell asleep last night.

  “Why are you dressed? The sun isn’t even up.” The room is still dark instead of the sun shining through the curtains. “How long have you been up?”

  His mouth twists in a smile. “A little while.” He plays with the hair around my face.

  “Come back to bed. We can stay in bed and order takeout and binge X-Files.”

  His smile widens at that plan, but then he shakes his head. “Nope, we have plans. Come on, baby, you gotta get up.” He pulls on my arms, and I slowly rise.

  I mentally go over my calendar and don’t recall anything planned for the day. “We do?”

  The smile on Finn’s face widens. “Yes, Lo, we do.” He disappears into the closet and pulls out two suitcases.

  I yawn and stretch, now sitting on the edge of the bed. “Are we going somewhere?”

  He walks over and cages me in on the bed with his arms on the outside of my thighs. “Stop with the twenty questions, Lo. We’re going on a road trip today, that’s all you need to know. I packed up our stuff already, and coffee is waiting for you downstairs in the kitchen. Now get dressed, brush your teeth, and pack your toiletries.”

  “Are we going overnight?”

  He raises both eyebrows and gives me a look that says what did I just say about asking questions. I hold my hands up in innocence as I rise, making my way toward the dresser. “What! You can at least tell me that so I know what I need to pack.”

  “Okay, fine, yes, we are going overnight. Now hurry up, babe, we’re leaving in twenty minutes.”

  With a smack on my butt, he is out the door.

  Surprisingly, we are on the road in twenty minutes. I know it’s so hard for Lauren not to ask any more questions about where we are going. Keeping this trip a secret from her has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.

  I’ve been setting the plan in motion for a few weeks now. I had to enlist not only the help of our families, but I had to get out of my comfort zone and ask for the help of complete strangers. I have to say I’m impressed that Lauren’s family and friends all know what is happening but no one has let it slip up.

  The girls were all out at a sex toy party Cami had thrown, so us guys were all hanging out at Zach’s house. Lauren’s friends had accepted me into their group as if I had been there all along. I think when Jax moves here, he will fit in well with the guys as well.

  Right now, it might not be ideal for bringing this up, but getting alone time with Ky these days had been difficult.

  I leaned over so my knees rested on my elbows. “Ky, you got a minute?”

  He looked up from his beer. “What’s going on.”

  Here goes nothing. There was no b
eating around the bush, so I just came out with it. “I want to marry your sister.”

  He laughed. “No shit, I’ve known that for years.”

  I shook my head. “I mean, I want to ask her to marry me.”

  The side conversations between Zach and Ryan came to a halt, and they stared at me.

  “Don’t you think it’s a little soon?” Zach chimes in.

  “Nope,” I proudly stated. “She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved. This has been sixteen years in the making.”

  Ky gripped the back of his neck while he stared at me. “I’m not sure what you need from me, then.”

  I pushed my shoulders back and ran my sweaty palms over my jeans. “Well, I’m here asking your permission. You know, with your dad not in the picture, you’re the man of the family. It’s only fitting that I ask.”

  Ky’s face was laced with shock. “Well, shit.” He stood and closed the distance between us. “I guess there’s only one thing left to say, then.” He extended his hand to me. “Welcome to the family, Finn.”

  I didn’t think that he would have said no, but hearing him give his permission and welcoming me to the family had me floored. It took me a moment to connect the dots and stand to slap him on the back in an embrace.

  “How are you planning to do it?” Ryan asked, breaking Ky and me from our hug.

  I filled them in on my plan. Kyler’s eyes went wide as I explained the measures I had gone to to put this into play and how I would need his assistance.

  “Holy shit, Finn. My sister is going to lose her shit. You know that, right?”

  I smirked and nodded. “As long as Lauren says yes, that’s all that matters.”

  The drive to Jersey didn’t take long at all. As we passed more signs, confusion filled Lauren’s expression.

  “You brought me to a bookstore?” Lauren furrows her brows as we approach the storefront. “I mean, don’t we have these back home?”

  I chuckle. “Just wait. Patience.” I press a kiss to the top of her head as I usher her in the store. As soon as we are inside the store, Lauren freezes, noticing the sign up front. “Welcome, Belle Willis.”

  “Oh my God!” She begins to hyperventilate.

  With my hands on her shoulders, I press my front to her back. “Come on, baby, let’s not keep her waiting.” She lunges into my arms so fast that I almost don’t catch her. She places gentle kisses all over my face as she thanks me. With one last kiss on my lips, she hops down and claps her hands with excitement.

  We walk—or, well, Lauren sashays over to the line. The line moves quickly, and the closer we get to the table, the more anxious I get—for her and me. Lauren stops in her place with a jolt and turns to me in panic. “Ahh! I didn’t bring any of her books to sign.”

  “Don’t worry. Belle has copies of her latest book up there that we can buy.”

  This is quite a setup here. I thought book signings were simple affairs, but this is pretty extravagant in my mind. Of course, I’ve never actually been to one of these. There is a central table that I can only assume is Belle sitting at with stacks of books surrounding her and even a yellow lab at her feet chewing on a stuffed yeti toy. Behind her are giant cutouts of men, some of whom I recognize to be famous hockey players. One woman messes with a cutout while the other scolds her, laughing.

  Seeing not only the look of shock on her face but the amount of joy was worth the hoops I went through to make this happen. I just hope that when she realizes this isn’t the only surprise I have planned for today, she still feels the same way.

  Holy shit! I am about to meet my favorite author. I am in the same room as Belle Willis. Finn arranged the whole thing. I don’t know whether to cry or shout from the rooftops how much I love this man.

  A strawberry blonde female from behind the table waves us over. I have seen her photos on Belle’s Instagram before. Okay, that sounds a little stalkerish. My heart is racing.

  “Hi, what’s your name?” Belle smiles, blonde hair framing her face, and the makeup around her icy blue eyes really make them pop. This woman is not only a creative genius, but holy crap she is gorgeous. I’ve never felt so self-conscious in my life. If I had known that I was going to be here, then I would’ve picked something better to wear that this sundress or did my hair and makeup. I look like a slob compared to her.

  What’s my name? Oh my God, why can’t I remember my name?

  “Babe, she asked what your name is.” I continue to stare at her while I try to form words. My brain and my mouth seem to have some sort of dysfunction happening.

  Finn steps up to my side and wraps his arm around my waist. “This is my girlfriend, Lauren. She’s your biggest fan. Like seriously, the biggest.” How is he so calm around her? He’s acting as though he’s known her for years. Come on, Lauren, get yourself together.

  Belle’s smile widens. “It’s so nice to meet you, Lauren.”

  “Hi.” I finally find words and shake the shock off. “Oh my God, I’m sorry, I’m just so excited to meet you. I had no idea this was happening today. This trip was all a surprise from my boyfriend, Finn. I don’t even have any of my books for you to sign.” My cheeks flush in embarrassment that here I am, meeting Belle Willis without any of the books on my shelf.

  “Oh that’s okay, we have some here. Jordan, can you pass me one?”

  A woman with a striking resemblance to Belle that I recognize to be Jordan Donovan, who is in charge of Belle’s PR, passes her a book from the pile with a huge smile on her face. Wow, people in Jersey are so cheerful.

  She quickly signs it, closing the cover and sliding it over to me.

  I run a finger over the six-pack abs on the cover. Belle Willis always crushes it with her cover models.

  “They’re lickable, aren’t they?” My gaze snaps up to meet a smirking Jordan, only just realizing that it’s her husband whose abs I was just admiring. “Hey, no judgment.” She shrugs off what I can only assume is a guilty expression on my face. “I totally licked them this morning.”

  “And that is why we are best friends.” Belle reaches out a fist for her to bump before she turns back to me. I’m clutching the book to my chest as if it were my lifeline.

  “It was great to meet you, Lauren. I sure hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” She smiles and sends me a wink.

  I give a small wave and spin around, still in shock that I just met my favorite author. I open the book to the first page and read the inscription: Lauren, SAY YES! XO, Belle Willis.

  Say yes? Say yes to what?

  I bring the book down in front of me to reveal Finn down on one knee.

  “Oh my God,” I gasp, my hand flying over my mouth and my eyes instantly filling with unshed tears. I have envisioned this moment over and over again. Is this really happening? My heart begins to beat faster than the Flash.

  “Lo, the first time I did this, it was out of the blue, unplanned, and well, didn’t go as expected. I let my pride get in the way of going after what I truly wanted in life: you. I let ten years get between us. I know we haven’t been back together all that long, but I knew from the moment I walked up to you on the football field that night that you were it for me. I bought this ring shortly after I arrived in Seattle, and I never let it go, just like my heart never let you go. You are the one for me, my happily ever after. Our love story restarted at a wedding, and I hope the next chapter of our life continues with one. I love you so much. Lauren Elizabeth Lawson, will you marry me?”

  “Damn, I should totally be taking notes right now,” I hear from behind me, followed by female giggling.

  It took me ten years and staring into the beautiful brown eyes of the man I love to finally say the one word my heart has been screaming since our first kiss. “Yes.”

  In one swift movement, Finn slides the ring on my finger and sweeps me into his arms, kissing me passionately on the lips. When the crowd erupts in cheers and applause, I remember that we are in the middle of a bookstore.

  “Say it again,” he whispers, fina
lly breaking apart with his forehead resting on mine.

  “Yes. A thousand times, yes, Finn.” He spins me around and slams his mouth against mine one more time.

  “Well, I’m glad you listened to me,” Belle says from beside us. Oh my God, how could I forget that she was still here? Holy shit, Belle Willis was in on my engagement. “Now show me that ring. I feel a new story coming on.”

  “It’s about time you wrote something other than about our friends,” Jordan jokes, also examining the ring. This is a scene straight out of a book.

  Belle laughs and holds her hands out in front of her as if she were under a spotlight. “Second-chance romance, two lovers reunited after ten years. Man reaches out to her favorite author to make a proposal memorable.”

  “I can’t believe you did that. You reached out to her?” I look up adoringly at Finn, leaning into his chest.

  He wraps his arms around my shoulder. “You were worth it. I’m sorry I didn’t do all of this the first time. Even worth the potential ass-kicking I would have undertaken from her husband sliding into her direct messages like that. Have you seen that guy? He’s a beast.”

  I’ve totally seen photos, and they are picture-perfect.

  “He realized you were harmless and not some crazy stalker. Just a man wanting to do whatever he could to make his woman happy. He understood that. And I couldn’t refuse a real-life happily ever after.” She smiles with love in her eyes. “Well, congrats again. I should be getting back to the readers.” She tilts her head to the line of people waiting for her.

  I hold up my hands in apology to the crowd.

  “Thank you so much. Is it okay to hug you?”

  “Of course.” She wraps her arms around me, and Finn even takes a few photos. I might just die right now. She waves, and she and Jordan head back to the table.

  Finn leans down. “Babe, why don’t you close your mouth before I start getting other ideas.” I whip my head back at him, my cheeks flushed. I close my mouth and smile at him before glancing back down at my left hand. “Now come on, the day’s not over yet.”