Finding Gavin (Southern Boys #2) (16 page)

Chapter Thirty-Three

My hands were shaking uncontrollably. I was a grown man, and I was flipping out from fear…or the anxiety of the unknown.

I was on my way to meet Maria and Mikey. They were already at Gemma and Bud’s house. The Thanksgiving feast awaited, and I was driving twenty miles an hour, attempting to slow my racing heart.

The small box sitting just a foot away was more like a glowing inferno, burning a hole in my seat.

I had thought it over and then thought it over again. I had analyzed it at least a hundred times. I weighed out the pros and the cons. And after all that, I still thought tonight was the right time.

Tonight was the night Maria and everyone else would know how much I truly meant it, when I said she was the last woman I’d ever love.

After yet another pep talk, I finally got the courage to go for it. If I didn’t do it then, I would only regret it later. I had spent the last week trying to get it out. There were so many nights with Mikey and me sitting next to her in the living room that I wanted to ask her so badly. But then the feeling would pass. I would then convince myself that there was always tomorrow.

This time I wasn’t letting it pass. I would walk in that house and find my girl.

The moment I entered, the noise flooded my mind. Gemma did Thanksgiving big. Hell, half the damn town had to be there. But somewhere in the madhouse were the two people I had to find.

“Gavin,” Ben hollered. His hand resting on my shoulder, he asked, “You looking for your girl?”

“Yeah, actually, I am. Have you seen her or Mikey?” I asked.

“Mikey was playing a board game with some of the other kids, in the family room.” He scanned the room. “Your girl was in here a few minutes ago, uh…” He zoomed in on something and smiled. “Right there,” he pointed.

Maria was sitting on the floor near the fireplace. She was surrounded by little kids.

Maria was laughing, as a little girl stood in front of her with her hands on her hips. She started shaking her little hips and kicking her feet, showing Maria some sort of dance move.

Maria was clearly enjoying herself and the attention of all the kids. It was obvious that they adored her.

She looked up as I approached slowly, our eyes never wandering from one another’s.

Standing before her, I held out my hand and helped her up from the floor. She looked at me with curiosity.

I slowly knelt before her, my heart once again beating so hard and fast. Everything and everyone around us became silent. I heard a gasp, and someone, who I was pretty sure was Kori, said, “Oh my god!”

Maria looked down at me, and her hand was shaking almost as bad as mine.

“Do you know that you can still make my heart race with just your smile? I think about you all the time, every second. I’ve had life without you, but I didn’t care much for that life.” I looked to the left when Kori led Mikey into the room.

I smiled at him before looking back up to meet Maria’s teary eyes. “It took me awhile to realize that you’re the one I was meant to find. You’re the reason I ended up here. Maybe not the reason I moved, but the reason I stayed.” I pulled the ring box from my pocket and squeezed it tightly in my fisted hand.

“You and Mikey are my world. You’re my family, and I want to marry you. I want us to surround ourselves with little people who adore their momma as much as I do. I wanna give Mikey a house full of siblings. I wanna stand by your side as we watch them grow.”

I pulled the ring from the box and twisted it between my fingers. “I found my future when I least expected it. I want forever with you. Will you marry me?”

Tears ran over her cheeks as she stared into my eyes. She still hadn’t looked at the ring I held. All at once, she shrank to the floor in front of me and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I’ll marry you. I’d marry you right this second if I could.” Her sweet flowery scent filled my nose. I held her close and everyone remained silent.

Raising my head, I looking around at the questioning stares. “She said yes,” I announced.

Immediately the room filled with laughter and a round of congratulations.

I motioned for Mikey to come closer, and he walked toward us. We placed him inside our little circle, and he groaned when we squeezed him tight.

“I need to tell you boys something.” Maria laid her head on my shoulder and took in a deep breath. “I wasn’t gonna say anything until we got home. But um, well I, uh.” She paused.

“What’s wrong?” Mikey asked nervously.

“No, nothing’s wrong, Mikey. I just found out this afternoon that I’m pregnant.”

The minute the words escaped her lips, my knees weakened, but not from fear or disappointment. It was overwhelming excitement and joy.

We were gonna have a baby.

Epilogue

Maria

“I feel like a complete ass. I can’t even hold down water,” I groaned in a whiney yet cute voice. Or at least I thought it was cute. “Morning sickness, really; who gave it that name, anyway? It should be called all-day every-day sickness.”

Gavin rubbed my back as he sat next to me on the bathroom floor. With his back resting against the side of the tub, he held a lost look on his face.

“I wish I could help, baby. Do you want something to rinse out your mouth?” he asked, and I nodded my head.

He had really been amazing over the last couple of weeks. He had insisted I stay off my feet and rest. I know it had a lot to do with losing our baby back in June. He was fearful, as much as I was, that it would happen again. I tried so hard to hide my fear. I hated that we both felt as if we were walking on eggshells.

Even Mikey was treating me like glass. It was cute, really. He insisted on getting everything I needed. Sometimes I would catch him watching me out of the corner of my eye. If I made any noise—a sigh or a groan—he and Gavin were at my side.

I learned to keep my everyday aches quiet. Those two boys were way too observant.

It was cute at first, but now they just drove me crazy. Getting through the first trimester would be a great relief for all of us.

Gavin invited everyone to our place for Christmas. By everyone, I mean my momma, Colt, and Gavin’s dad.

“I need to get up and clean myself up. Everyone’ll be here an hour from now.” I tried to get up from the floor, and my stomach began turning once more.

Gavin grabbed my arm and supported my weight. “Maybe we should just hold off on this until you feel better.”

I laughed and shook my head. “No. This is Mikey’s first Christmas with us. We can’t hold off Christmas. I’ll feel better. I just need a shower.”

“Well then, I’m getting in with ya. I’m not leaving you in there by yourself,” he stated.

I smirked and he rolled his eyes. “Not for that reason.”

Placing my hand on one hip, I threw my other one out to the side. “And why not?” I asked.

In five seconds flat he had my t-shirt off and my panties around my ankles. I stood before him naked, and all he did was look in my eyes. “Because you’re not feeling well. I just want to take care of you.”

“That would take care of me.” I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively and he laughed.

***

Gavin

I took my time washing her hair and body. Her eyes fell shut and she relaxed from my touch.

“I love when you touch me. It’s so relaxing,” she whispered.

“Maybe if you’re feeling better later, I can touch ya some more.” I kissed her shoulder and began rinsing her body, gliding my hands over her curves. Maria was thin, but she had the fullness in her hips that I loved. She was perfect, and so damn sexy. It was so hard to resist taking her right now.

“Promise?” she sighed.

“I promise,” I told her, massaging her breast gently.

“Now you’re just teasing me,” she whimpered.

“Nah, I don’t tease. It’s simply a demonstration of what’s to come,” I stated.

She laughed just as a loud knock pounded on the door.

“Come on you two—hell, she’s already knocked up. What are y’all doing, trying to build twins?” Colt chuckled and Maria rolled her eyes at her brother.

“He needs a girlfriend or something. I think he’s here more than he’s home. Ya know, last night I found Mikey on the X-box after midnight. He was battling it out with Colt through the Bluetooth.”

“Colt has an X-box?” I asked.

She smiled. “He does now.”

It was really heartwarming how everyone had accepted Mikey. He was part of the family, extended and all. Everyone loved him.

I think Colt had found himself a new best friend.

We hurried to finish up in the shower before joining everyone in the living room.

We walked in to find Colt on the floor with Mikey, holding him in a head lock. My dad knelt on the floor next to them, slapping his hand to a count of one, two, three.

Then grabbing for Mikey’s and hand holding it high, he declared another victory over Colt.

Everything about our Christmas felt perfect. I couldn’t help thinking that this time next year we would have another little addition to our family. I smiled at the thought, as I observed everyone around the room.

***

After everyone had left and Mikey was in bed, I held true to my promise. I crawled into bed and paused over Maria’s stomach to kiss her softly.

She smiled big at the gesture, and my own heart swelled with even more love.

“So earlier, I made a promise,” I said.

She grinned up at me. “You sure did. I believe you were gonna put those thrusting thighs of yours to work.” I chuckled at her comment.

Between her and Kori, the phrase ‘thrusting thighs’ had kinda stuck. They used it often, and all Reed and I could do was shake our heads. Their minds worked up some crazy things.

“Yeah, I can do that. You just relax and let me take care of you,” I said soothingly, as I kissed her body tenderly.

I worked my way from one curve to the next. Flipping my tongue over her nipples, I nipped at the peaks. She arched her body upward and I grinned against her breast.

“I love these,” I said, as I kneaded her breast.

Her legs fell open and I positioned myself between her thighs. I couldn’t wait to push myself inside of her. I wanted to take it slow, but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hold back.

She reached between us and took me in her hand, positioning me at her center. Lifting her hips, she rocked against me.

Pushing my hips forward, I slipped inside, and I swear my body trembled right along with hers.

We began moving together as we moaned in unison. It had been a little over a week since we had made love, and it was torture. I promised myself I wouldn’t touch her until she felt better.

We were both close, as our breathing became heavy and labored.

“I’m so close,” she breathed.

“Me too. Come with me,” I begged, as I fisted the sheets at the side of her head. Driving forward with steady strokes, I rotated my hips, rubbing her sweet spot with each entry.

She came, screaming out my name. I followed right behind with a loud groan.

***

I lay with my chest pressed against her back and my hand stretched out over her tummy. Beneath it lay the child we had created with love. The child who we would treasure and love in return.

“You think we could make it happen by February?” I asked.

She turned her head just enough so I could see her face. “I don’t want anything big or fancy. Do you?”

“No,” I told her. “Just our family and closest friends, that’s enough for me,” I said.

She was silent for a minute, and then through the darkness, I could see her mouth curve into a smile. “February sounds like a plan. I think we can make it happen.”

“Good,” I said, as I kissed her temple. “I love you, sweetheart.”

For the first time in so long, I felt whole. I had a sense of peace I had been missing. Maria and Mikey were my peace, and soon we would only bring more joy to our home. Together, we’ll get through anything.

Bonus Scene

Reed

The moonlight filtering in from the bedroom window shadowed her sweet little cheeks. I soothed her tiny cries by tracing my finger gently along her eyebrow. Swaying from side to side, my heart was so full of love, it felt as if it could burst.

“It’s okay, baby girl. Daddy’s got you. I’ll always do everything I can to soothe your cries,” I promised my sweet angel.

Grace made little sucking noises as her tiny lips puckered. I couldn’t help but smile.

I snuggled her close, making my way down the hall toward the woman who gave me the greatest gifts any man could ask for.

I gently sat down on the bed next to my wife. Her hair spread out over the pillow, her body curled in toward the spot I sleep.

Holding Grace with one hand against my chest, I gently nudge Kori. “Hey, baby.” Her eyes fluttered open, a smile pulling at the edge of her lips.

“Is she hungry?” she asked.

I nodded my head. “You get yourself comfortable, and I’ll lay her down.”

I watched while she unhooked her gown and propped herself against the headboard. Placing a pillow in front of her, I laid Grace onto it.

We both watched in awe as our daughter nursed. It was hard to believe she was already six months old.

Every single time I witnessed it, my heart filled with even more love for Kori. I didn’t think it was possible to love her more than I already had. I was wrong. I thanked God everyday she allowed me into her life and in turn into Rhett’s. That little boy is my son, regardless of DNA. He held my heart just as much as Grace. They’re my kids, and Kori gave me that.

My eyes burnt with the emotion I felt, watching Kori nurse our daughter.

Her tiny hand fisted around my finger. I looked up to find Kori staring back at me. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

I nodded my head, in agreement.

Kori continued to watch me closely, and I grinned back. “I know I’ve told you so many times, but,” I paused and swallowed passed the emotional knot that had formed in my throat. “Thank you, for everything.”

“What are you thanking me for, Reed?” she asked.

I slide closer to my wife,
my wife.
Those words still pulled heavily on my chest.

I laced my fingers through hers, as they rest against Grace’s back. “For forgiving me, loving me.” I paused to look down at my daughter. “For Rhett and Grace. You’re all my world, baby, and every day I only fall more in love with each one of you.”

“We love you too, handsome.” I looked up to find her with a tear trailing down her cheek. “You don’t have to keep thanking me though. Everything in life, all the troubles and heartache, it brought me back to you. You saved me when I needed it most. Loving you was never a question, I never stopped loving you.”

I crawled over her legs and curled up against her side. Kissing her softly, breathing in her scent I love so much. “I love you, baby.”

***

Kori

“I want it to be perfect. Not that your work isn’t amazing, Colt.” He smiled back at me and I hung my head. Taking a deep breath, I looked back up to meet his questioning stare.

“I don’t have to tell you how important this is. I know you already know Maria deserves this. You know how hard it’s been for her, losing their baby. It nearly broke her.” Colt nodded in agreement. “I just want the crib to be amazing. I want her to have this.”

“Kori, I got it. It means just as much to me as it does you,” he replied.

I smiled back at him. “I know it does I just can’t wait to share it with her.”

I had asked Colt to make a crib for Maria. A handmade crib with matching changing table. It would be my gift to her.

She was finally getting her happy ending. Two months ago Gavin and Maria were married. It was a small ceremony, with only about fifteen guests. Gavin broke down during his vows and it was that moment I knew she had her Reed. Gavin adored her. It took a while for him to warm up to that, but once he did, there was no turning back.

I no longer worried about her heart because I knew Gavin held it dear. He treated her like glass, and it drove her crazy. But I know deep down she loved it. For once she was the center of someone’s world. I know how that feels, and it’s amazing.

With the love she gets from Gavin and Mikey, their upcoming additions will only give her more completion. Maria, surrounded by Tennison’s boys, I could only laugh. They were having a boy, and she loved it. I thought she’d be disappointed. She loves to shop, and having a little girl of her own would be like heaven. But she loves to be surrounded by the craziness of her
boys
.

I thanked Colt and got out of his way so he could get to work. I really had no doubt the crib would be gorgeous.

After a quick stop at the store, I rushed home to my family.
My family
. Excited flutters filled my stomach every time I spoke those words, or even thought of them. They’re my people, the ones who make me feel whole.

As I walked up the steps of our home, the familiar country station became clear. I quietly entered and placed my bag on the table, next to the door.

Taking a few steps forward, I watched as Reed held Rhett up in the air. Rhett was laughing, holding his arms out to his sides. Reed swayed from side to side, making
Vroom
sounds with his mouth.

“More,” Rhett giggled and smiled big. “More, Daddy.”

I held my hand to my aching chest.
Daddy
was a word Rhett was using more often. He still referred to Blake’s picture in his room as Daddy as well. He kissed it each night and told him he loved him too, before Reed and I tucked him in. It had become routine. It was perfect.

Grace squealed out from her bouncer on the floor and Reed chuckled. The sound of their happiness overwhelmed me, and the tears trailed down my cheeks.

Rhett yelled out momma, and Reed turned to find me standing in the doorway. He quickly placed Rhett on to the floor and rushed toward me. Placing his hands on my shoulders, he got down eye level with me.

“What’s going on? What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing,” I whispered. Raising my hands up, I placed them onto each side of his face. Pressing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. Resting my forehead against his, I took in a calming breath.

“Everything is absolutely perfect. You are such an amazing man, and I just fell in love with you a little more, Reed Jackson.”