The It's Kind Of Personal (Complete 6 Book Series)ies

by Anna Brooks

  “Congratulations!” they shout in unison.

  One by one, everyone comes over and hugs us. Meara, Travis’ parents, my aunt and uncle, some of the guys from Travis’s work, Brandon, and Mary.

  I hug her last, and her presence warms me. Aside from my cousins, I don't have any friends. Although an unconventional beginning, I felt close to her from the start.

  “I’m so happy you’re here.”

  “Me, too. It’s been a while since I’ve gone out.” She looks around the room and to the door, but when her eyes lock with Brandon’s, he gives a subtle shake of his head. She nods and takes a deep breath. “I’m really happy for you guys.”

  The clink of a knife on glass draws our attention to the other side of the room where Travis’ dad is standing with a cane and a goofy grin on his face.

  Meara walks around, handing out champagne as Steve gives a toast. “When Brandon called me with the news that Travis proposed to Charlotte, I wasn’t shocked. I knew from the first time I met her she held a special place in my son’s heart.”

  He lifts his glass at me and smiles. “Travis has never been much of a talker, but if you mention her name, he doesn’t shut up.”

  We all laugh, and I elbow Travis in the ribs as he looks down and rubs the top of his head, clearly embarrassed.

  “I admire the man he’s grown to be, and have no doubt in my mind that these two are going to have many years of happiness.”

  He raises his glass. “To Travis and Charlotte.”

  The room repeats him, and Travis leans down to kiss me before we clink glasses and swallow the bubbly liquid.

  We stand around munching on appetizers and sipping champagne. I can’t stop smiling, seeing all the people who are here for us.

  When the food is gone, the younger ones go out to the bar for some dancing. I’ve drunk enough to be perfectly tipsy and have a blast dancing with Meara and Mary. Travis comes out when a slower song comes on; otherwise, he hangs at the bar with the guys.

  Every time I look over at him, he’s already looking at me.

  “You two are disgusting!” Meara shouts over the music while jumping along to the beat.

  “Shut up! We’re in love.”

  “So what? Liam and I are in love, and we can at least stand on the other side of the room without eye fucking each other the whole time.”

  I wordlessly flip her off and turn back around to look at my fiancé again. I step on Mary’s toes as I stumble back. Britney’s got her arms around Travis’ neck, and I can see her rubbing on him as he tries to pry her hands off.

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Meara says, anger laced in her voice.

  “Hell, no.” I didn’t have the courage earlier to be confrontational, but you can bet your ass I’m doing it now.

  The fury must be evident on my face, because people part for me like the Red Sea. My girls are flanking me on either side as I tap her on her shoulder. I make a point not to look at Travis, because I think I’d chicken out.

  She turns around and eyes my skinny jeans, tank top, and flats with disgust.

  “What?” Her ever-present red nail twirls her fake blond hair while she chomps on her gum.

  “Do you mind removing your hand from my fiancé?”

  She laughs and turns to look at him before talking to me again. “Wow. You’re engaged.”

  I nod. Finally able to look at Travis, he’s looking at me with relief, and my heart squeezes. The unspoken words ‘thank you for trusting me’ are loud and clear.

  “You’re a lucky girl,” she says, smiling. “I wonder if he fucks you as hard as he did me? I don’t think I’ve ever been fucked so good in my life.”

  Meara and Mary gasp beside me, but I watch as Travis’ face falls, and shame filters through his eyes.

  She continues spewing her venom at me while I drag my eyes from his to her overly made-up face. I don’t register what she’s saying because all I see and hear right now is red. My fist flies on its own accord, and I connect with the side of her face. Blood drips down her cheek, and she immediately starts crying.

  “Ahh!” she screams. “Call the police, she hit me!” She holds her cheek and looks around, desperate for someone to help her.

  “Why would you want us to do that?” Meara asks. “You pushed her, she was only defending herself.” Murmurs of agreement sound from all directions.

  “I did not! You’re lying. You’re all liars.” Her bloodshot eyes search for a friendly face, but when nobody steps up, she runs out the front door, crying.

  “Nice hook,” Pierce says, raising his fist for me to bump. I absently raise mine to his and watch out of the corner of my eye as everyone slowly walks away. I’m glad all of the parents are still in the other room and didn't have to see that.

  I’m not sure what I’m feeling right now. Embarrassed, proud, hurt, and mad.

  “Char—” Travis starts.

  Holding up my hand, I cut him off, “Don’t. I just… I need a minute.”

  Turning the opposite direction as Britney, I walk to the back door, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Flinging the door open, I rest against the brick in the alley.

  “I’m sorry,” Travis says from the doorway. The steel door slams shut, and I hunch down, resting my hands on my knees.

  “I’ve never hit anyone in my life.”

  “Well, you did a great job for your first time,” he jokes. His shoes come into view, and my eyes roam up his body until they meet his.

  “I’m sorry,” he says. “It was after—”

  “No. Don’t. I don't want to hear it. We both have pasts.”

  Relief flashes in his eyes, and he leans on the wall next to me. He reaches out for my hand, and when he feels my fingers, he intertwines them with mine. Both our heads turn and when we look at each other, laughter erupts from my throat.

  “What?”

  “I can't believe I hit her.”

  “I would have done the same thing if a guy said that to me.” He shrugs.

  “Yeah?”

  “It was hot.”

  I laugh again. “You would say that.” I nudge his shoulder with mine.

  “It’s true.” He raises our hands and kisses my knuckles. “Do you need ice?”

  I pull my hand out of his and open and close my fist. It’s a little sore, but I think I’ll live. “Nah, I’m fine.” I push off the wall. “We should probably get back.”

  He nods and follows behind me. As I’m reaching for the knob, he grabs my shoulders and pulls me into his hard chest. “When I’m with you, inside you, the world disappears. Life makes sense and my mistakes are forgiven.” He turns me so I’m looking at him. “Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

  “Yeah.” He’s saying Britney is a bitch, and she meant nothing to him. I get that, but it’s still tough to know she’s had a part of him that I so desperately want all to myself.

  He’s looking beyond my eyes, and chills run up my spine at the intensity. “Good. Because nobody compares to you, sweetheart. Nobody.”

  Chapter 26

  Travis

  I SWALLOW THE KNOT in my throat as I stand in the secluded room, staring at the space they occupy. Finally growing some balls, I turn and sit down across from them. The soft music filters through the speakers and the sun shines through stained glass, coloring the gray-carpeted floor.

  I look around, and when I’m confident I’m alone, I begin talking. “Hey, baby. I’m sorry I haven’t visited you.” I stand again, too uneasy to sit still.

  “I don’t really know what eight-year-old little girls like to play with, but I brought you this teddy bear.” I awkwardly set the plush toy below the stone with Tammy’s name on it. “I hope you like it.”

  I shake my head and blink away the tears. This is the first time I’ve been here. Guilt spears through me for not coming to see my baby sooner, but I wasn’t ready before.

  “I think about you and miss you every day. I hope you know I never forgot you.”

  Fu
ck. I wipe my eyes again and pace, before looking directly at Tammy’s name.

  “I was so mad at you,” I tell her remains. There is no mention of the baby written on the stone inside the mausoleum. It’s like she was never pregnant, and that pisses me off. “But I can’t be anymore. I’m getting married. I thought I’d moved on, but I realized I never told you that I forgive you.”

  A bitter laugh escapes me. “This is more for me than for you, but I do. I forgive you. I wish there had been another way. I fucking wish you would have talked to me.”

  I sit back down and rest my head on the back of the chair. “I wish I could have met my baby.”

  After a few minutes of silence, I stand and kiss my fingers before setting them on the cold marble. I stuff my hands in my pockets and walk to my car. Once inside, I rest my head on the steering wheel, taking big breaths to calm myself before I drive back home.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  I look up and see Char, beautiful but worried. Her mouth is tight and her eyebrows squish together. I’ve been sitting in my car in front of my apartment for a few minutes.

  I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m alright.”

  She squats down and places her hands on my arm. “It’s okay, Travis. You don't have to be strong all the time.”

  “It sucks not knowing. I hate that I never got to meet my kid.”

  Her small hand lightly rubs up and down my arm, relaxing me and releasing tension.

  “I’m sorry.”

  I put my hand on top of hers. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart.”

  “I know, but I hate that there’s nothing I can do.”

  I turn in my seat and rest my forehead on hers. “Just being with you makes it better.”

  * * *

  Charlotte

  “I’m freaking out. I don't want to do it.” I squeeze Travis’ hand, and he laughs at me.

  “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’ll be fine.”

  Ignoring his reassurances, I clamp my eyes closed and grip the rope in my other hand. My fingers are becoming numb, but I don’t care.

  “Ready?” the guy on the boat shouts.

  “No!”

  “Yeah, man. Let’s do it!” Travis yells after my protest.

  “Holy crap!” I squeal when my feet are no longer on the back of the boat.

  “Open your eyes.”

  “No.” I shake my head and maintain a firm grip on the rope.

  “We’re as high up as we’re gonna go. You’re not gonna fall.”

  I squint one eye open, and when I see the water hundreds of feet below me, I scream and shut it again.

  “You’re the one who said you wanted to go parasailing again,” he teases.

  “I know, but I forgot how high up you go. I wasn’t this scared last time.”

  “Char, look. It’s beautiful.”

  Very slowly, I open my eyes and take everything in. He’s right; it is pretty.

  “Wow.”

  Everything else below looks so small, and I don’t even feel like I’m moving. It’s like I’m sitting on a chair in the middle of the sky. Releasing his hand, I point at the flock of birds in front of us. The sun on my face warms me, and I kick my feet side to side, leaning back a bit. When I feel his lips on my cheek, I smile and look over.

  “It’s pretty neat, huh,” he asks.

  “Yeah, I didn't go up this high the first time.”

  “Who went with you?”

  “My mom.” I smile at the memory, one of the happier times I had before my dad died.

  She was the one who was freaking out, so I tried to stay calm for her. I didn't have time to be scared.

  “Let’s get married.”

  I shake my head at his humor. “We are.”

  “I know. But I want to do it soon. Like this weekend?” His smile is infectious.

  “We got engaged a week ago.”

  “So.”

  “So? I don’t have a dress.”

  “Okay, go buy a dress. It can’t take that long.”

  “You’re crazy!” Next week is way too soon. I want to marry him and spend the rest of my life knowing he’s mine, but it seems too fast.

  “Fine. Next month, then?”

  “Okay.” The word comes out before I have time to think.

  He pulls his head back, shocked at my answer. “Really?”

  “Yeah. Really. That’ll give me enough time to get a dress. And since it’ll be September, the weather should be nice enough to have a wedding outside.” I clap my hands in excitement. “Yeah! Let’s do it!”

  * * *

  “Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod,” I chant and lean on the car for support. Nausea coils in my gut, and I take deep breaths.

  “What are you freaking out about?” Meara asks.

  “I’m getting married in five minutes!” I yell, throwing my hands in the air.

  “I’m aware of that. Even though, I must say, this is rather fast. Are you sure you want to do this?” She puts her hands on her hips and tilts her head, trying not to smile. She looks beautiful in her strapless tan dress holding a bouquet of blue hydrangeas.

  “I’ve already moved in with him. I’ve loved him forever.” I flatten out my lacy white dress with sweaty palms. “Yes. I’m sure.”

  “Then let’s go get your prince.”

  I watch her walk away toward the beach. Pacing by myself, I look at the sky, wishing my parents and Caroline were here. Since my dad is the only man I would ever want to give me away, I’m walking alone. A breeze picks up and my dress flows in the air. I bend at the waist to push it down, and when I stand straight, three feathers twirl in front of me.

  I swallow a cry and reach for them. My hands shaky, I grasp them tight and hold them to my chest. Tears moisten my eyes, but not because I’m sad. Because I know they’re with me.

  I tuck the feathers in my bouquet, take a deep breath, and walk down the path of blue rose petals leading to my favorite place.

  I nearly trip when I see my future husband standing on the rock. He looks amazing with khaki pants, a white button-down shirt, and a baby blue tie. His hair has grown out a little, so it’s spiked on top, and he’s smiling at me, showing his dimple.

  I quicken my pace and take his hand when he reaches down to help me on the rock.

  “Hi, sweetheart. You’re so beautiful.” He leans down to kiss me, and catcalls ring out from the crowd. I blush and pull away, handing my bouquet to Meara.

  Brandon nods at me as I stand in front of the officiant, holding hands with Travis. We smile at each other, then laugh when asked if it’s okay to start, or if we’d like a few more minutes. We repeat vows and exchange rings. I lose the battle and cry when he kisses my hand and slides the band on.

  “I now pronounce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Travis Parker!” Cheers erupt. Travis presses his lips to mine, and I squeal when he lifts me up.

  The kiss starts out innocent enough but quickly escalates. His tongue licks the seam of my lips, and I nip at it before sucking it into my mouth. He lets out a possessive growl while sliding a hand down to cup my butt. I moan and grab the back of his head, holding it in place.

  Our bubble is burst when Brandon says, “Dude, chill. Everyone’s watching you dry hump your wife.”

  I pull back and bury my head in his shoulder, silently laughing and embarrassed that I forgot we had an audience.

  “I should care, but I really don’t,” Travis says, and kisses me one more time.

  Travis

  I watch my wife dance with her cousin and Mary. Never in my life have I felt more pride. Not even when I graduated from the academy. The fact she chose me to spend the rest of her life with, makes me the happiest motherfucker in the world. I want, no, I need to get her alone. I push off the bar, but a hand squeezing my shoulder halts me. I turn and see Declan, Char’s oldest cousin.

  “Congrats, man.” He sticks out his hand, and I shake it.

  “Thanks. Glad you could make it.”

  “Me, too. Listen,” he steps back and crosses
his arms, “Charlotte’s like a sister to me. I don't want to see her hurt.” There’s the protectiveness Char and Meara warned me about.

  “You don't have to worry about that.” I cross my arms, too, not backing down. “She’s my responsibility, now. You can trust she’s in good hands.”

  He takes me in, then nods. “Alright.”

  We shake hands again, and then he walks away. I should be pissed he questioned me, but seeing her swaying her hips washes away any anger that had begun to build.

  I walk to Char on the dance floor and wrap my arms around her waist, inhaling her vanilla scent.

  She turns and wraps her arms around me. “Hi.” She smiles and sways a little.

  “Hi. You ready to go?” I rub my hard dick against her, and she nods eagerly.

  She says goodbye to Meara and Mary, then we walk off the dance floor. It takes another hour to thank everyone for coming and when we finally get outside alone, I slip my hands under her dress and lift her by her perfectly round ass, setting her on the hood of my car.

  “You’re not wearing underwear?”

  “Nope.”

  She grabs my head and pulls it down to kiss me. Needy and desperate.

  “Baby, we gotta go to the hotel. I can’t wait any longer.”

  She rubs herself against me, and I feel her heat through my pants. “Now.”

  I lift her and set her feet on the ground, making sure she’s steady before opening the door. Just as she’s about to sit, she turns to face me. God, she’s perfect.

  “I love you, Travis.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart.”

  “Husband.” She smiles.

  “You’re so much more than a word, Charlotte. You’re everything. And I promise to spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

  Epilogue

  One year later

  Travis

  “NOOOO,” CHAR WHINES. “I’M so tired.” She slides her arm from over her eyes and glares at me with a smile on her lips. “And now I’m all worn out, there’s no way I can move.”

  We just finished with a round of morning sex, and I hate to admit I’m exhausted, too. Sleepless nights at home followed by sleepless nights at work are wearing me out. But I’m leaving for work this morning for three days, so there’s no way I’d miss this opportunity.