Lies Beneath the Surface (Buried Secrets #2) (21 page)

“
Luke, listen.” I pause, my breath is shaky and my palms are beginning to sweat. I keep telling myself that he will be so elated when he hears this news. “I had a doctor’s appointment this mornin’ and we wanted to come by to let you know that the paternity test were conclusive.” I wring my hands together tighter in my lap trying to find the words, but before I can spit it out, Colton comes to my rescue.

“I’m the daddy. We just wanted to tell you first
to ease your mind.”

Luke s
tands up to shake Colton’s hand, but pulls him into guy hug instead. “Congratulations, man. I’m so happy your family is comin’ together as it should.” When he releases Colton, he takes my hand and pulls me into a bear hug. Whispering against my ear he says, “Through the storm, beauts. Always.” And I know that no matter what time of day or night, no matter how fierce the waters may be, Luke would cross any ocean to save me.

“We’re having a small get together tonight to tell the family
and it just wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t there.” I tell him nervously, but when he smiles back at me my tension resolves and I know that Luke is just fine with everything.

“Sounds great, y’all know I’ll be there.”
Luke says as we make our way to the front door. I give him one last hug before stepping out into the breezy, spring air. Although I could feel Luke’s relief, I still have a bit of resentment for myself that all of this was even an issue. Luckily, the two most important people in my life are still standing tall with me.

“Feel better now that you
broke him gently?” Colton kids and I nudge him in the side because he knows how badly I feel that this was even an issue to be begin with. “Darlin’, Luke’s a good friend. Don’t worry ‘bout him. He’s a tough son of a bitch and he’ll get over you soon enough. He’ll always have a place in his heart for you. But his heart is so tattered, he can’t love someone as perfect as you. Not like I can.”

“I know, baby.” That’s t
he only response I can give him because he’s so right.

“Carly Jo, why’s everybody comin’ over to your house for?”
Heidi Jo asks following on my heels into the dining room. I sent Colton out to pick up dinner while Heidi Jo and I finish setting everything up for our little celebration. “Just tell me already. I can keep a secret.” She whines, dragging her feet behind her, swinging her arms low in her classic dramatic fashion.

“Sweets, it’s a big secret, but I can tell ya this…yo
u’ll get to see Brailee tonight and meet her twin brother, Braden. That’s exciting, right?”

She stops dead in her tracks
popping her hip to the side, firmly resting one hand on her hip. “She has a twin brother? Like there are TWO Brailee’s but one is a boy? Oh brother? What am I gonna do now? That girl is wild enough to shoot at and now ya tell me there’s two of ‘em, and one’s a dirty smelly boy? Oh geesh!” She proclaims before stomping off to the living room. Well, that’s it folks! I have a seven year old diva going on fifteen on my hands. What the hell am I gonna do with that child? Goodness gracious, how did anything Colton Weston created become that dramatic?

“Y
oohoo, anybody home,” Emma calls through the front door. Oh! That’s how…sweet Miss Emma has basically been raising Heidi Jo since she’s been born because Colton is a single, working dad.

“In here Emma, come on in.” I hu
rry out of the kitchen to greet her.

“Sweetheart, it was so nice of
you to invite us over for supper tonight.” She says embracing me warmly. “Where’s my boy?” She asks looking around the living room.

“He went to pick up dinner, he should be back shortly. Is Bill coming?”

“Oh sweetie, he’ll be by as soon as he leaves the truck yard. Anything I can help with?”

“Thank
s Emma, but everything is ready. We’re just waiting on a few people to arrive, and Colton of course.”

She takes a seat with Heidi Jo on the couch
, asking her how her day went at school. Naturally, Heidi Jo has her head stuck in the game she’s playing on her iPod and pays her mamaw no attention, only offering a few ‘yeps’ and ‘nopes’. The doorbell rings and I bounce up to answer it. Savannah and the twins step inside and I immediately tackle Braden to the floor smothering him in kisses.

“Auntie Carly I don’t want your kisses
, so leave me alone.” He burst out with laughter.
I know you don’t want kisses, Bub, but that’s why you’re getting ‘em.
Savannah sits with Emma talking casually while we wait for everyone else to arrive. Ten minutes later, Colton and Luke arrive simultaneously, which I find to be odd and alarming. They walk in together talking like best friends would, which is even stranger.

“Everyone is here but your dad, baby. Should we wait?”

He glances down at his watch, then chuckles, “Hell with it. It’s only six PM, darlin’. Damn bastard won’t leave the truck yard til at least eight. Everyone else is here, so let’s eat and have a good evenin’.”

“Okay, but I’m so excited, do you mind if I present the cake first?” I pout, sticking my lip out for emphasis.

“Darlin’, it’s our day. You can do it anyway you want.” He captures my lips with his, nearly sweeping me off of my feet with a gentle kiss.

“I’ll bring everyone into the dining room, if you’ll get the cake.”
I toss back over my shoulder before going in search of the rest of the family.

After
everyone is seated at the table and their plates are prepared with the finest fried chicken dinner in Williamstown, I cue for Colton to bring in the cake.

“I know that everyone is wondering why I invited you all here for dinner, just outta the blue.” I say looking from each of their faces as Colton places the
cake in the center of the table. “We’re having a baby!” We yell in unison. Emma’s hands clutch over her mouth and her eyes well with tears immediately. She jumps up, nearly throwing the table up in the air with her swift movement, and rushes around the table to hug Colton and me. I’m too happy to cry, even the happy tears. Savannah makes her way over to us next, elated for our little family.

“Wait!” Heidi Jo shouts, standing from the dining room chair, flailing her arms
over her head. She has everyone’s attention immediately and a smile tips up my lips over yet another dramatic stunt from this little diva. “Did you say baby? Like B-A-B-Y baby?” Colton lifts her up in his arms and swings her around playfully.

“That’s right princess, you’re gonna be a big sister!” She squeals in happiness
, her bubbling laughter radiating about the room.

Savannah and Emma ooh and ahh over the two tiered birth announce
ment cake. Elegantly frosted in a deep ocean blue icing on the bottom, and a bright, hot pink icing for the top layer. Little Monkey Weston is scrolled out in fondant across the front, with cute jungle designs around the sides of the cake. On top, sits the ultrasound picture from earlier today.

A moment I’ll never forget is the look on Colton’s face when
Kaylee told him he was the daddy. But the look that stole my heart is when he saw with his own eyes our little monkey. Hearing the baby’s heartbeat made this all so real for the both of us. The love and pride that shown through his eyes captivated my love for him, with a fierce intensity that we can never be stripped of.

As I watch the smile dance across her beautiful face, bubbling laughter of happiness slippin’ from her lips, I praise God that he gave me half a brain not to give up on this woman. Every prayer I’ve whispered over this last month has been answered and I have never smiled so damn hard in all my life.

The sleepless drunken nights, the anger and hurt that boiled in my veins just weeks ago is a faded memory to me now. I had lost all hope for me and my darlin’
, but Luke Ashton refused to let me give up on Carly Jo. A battle of wills; and although he left me in defeat, I’m the victor with my girl in my arms. I know that what Luke and Carly Jo shared was intimate but brief, and he understands his place in her life. I’ll be forever grateful to the bastard for smackin’ me upside my big, dumbass head, and teachin’ me how to be a better man. 

“You’ve been quiet all evenin’
, man. Need to talk?” Luke asks, as he leans against the wall beside me.

Shakin’
my head, “Nah man, everything’s great. Better than great, actually. I ain’t ever seen her smile so damn much in all my life.” I say watchin’ Carly Jo across the room with her sister, Savannah. They’re sittin’ on the couch talkin’ while the kids run through the house wildly. Momma insisted on cleanin’ up after dinner, so Carly Jo could rest and spend some time with her family.

“I’m real happy for y’all, Weston; and I mean that whole-heartedly.”

“I know you do, Luke. If it weren’t for you bein’ the bigger man, I don’t know that I’d ever forgave her. Thanks for everything.” I shake his hand, but as usual he pulls me into a hug.

“Man, you were just angry and hurt. I understand that. But y
’all are right where you belong and that’s what counts. But you remember, I’ll kick your ass if you hurt my beauts. You might own her heart and every breath she breathes, but she still owns a little piece of my heart; and she always will.”

“If I ever hurt her again, screw kickin’ my ass, just blow my damn head off.”

He laughs, clampin’ his hand on my shoulder as he leans in close and whispers, “Deal.” Luke makes his way over to the girls, wigglin’ between Carly Jo and Savannah as he spreads his arms across the back of the couch. Savannah scoots away from him and begins fidgetin’ with her hands nervously while the three of them talk briefly.

I
go into the kitchen to see if Momma needs any help. She’s wipin’ the counter tops down as the dishwasher runs through the rinse cycle. When she catches a glimpse of me from the corner of her eye she folds the rag neatly, placing it on the center of the sink. “That’s a smile I hope to never see vanish from your face, son.” Her smile reaches her eyes as she pulls me into a hug. “I’m so proud of you for learnin’ to forgive and lettin’ go of the past, Colton.”

“Momma, I love her more than the world. It hurt so damn bad, felt like my heart had been pierced with a double edged sword; but it’s the same pain I inflicted on her at one time. It was only right to let it go, and move on.
” I shrug snappin’ the lid on a bottle of water and pullin’ back a drink. “We’ve both had enough upsets and heartache in our lives. I just wanna love her til’ her last breath, and give her the life and love she deserves.”

She sweeps the floors as we talk, payin’ careful attention to every nook and crevice in the ceramic tile floors. Holdin’ the broom under her chin, she smiles up at me and says, “Heartache sometimes offers the best lessons learned, son.” I smirk back at her because truer words have never been spoken.

“Kitchen’s all cleaned. I’m gonna get on home now, so I can feed your dad when he comes draggin’ in. Would you like for me to take Heidi Jo home, or is she stayin’ with you tonight?”

I rub my hand roughly across my chin, the five o’clock shadow scratchin’ my calloused fingers. “She can stay with you tonight, but things will be changin’ soon. But I’ll talk with ya later ‘bout it once I figure everything out.”

“Okay, son. Let me go round up the little scutter and I’ll get outta ya hair.” She traipses off into the living room to find Heidi Jo. After passin’ around hugs they say their goodbyes. The celebration dwindles down quickly, as Savannah and her kids leave soon after and Luke follows right on their heels.

“Did you have a good evenin’, darlin’?” I ask, pullin’ her close to me, grippin’ her hips.

“I did, but I’m exhausted and can’t wait to take a hot shower and crawl into bed. Do you wanna stay here tonight, or stay at your house?” She asks, nestlin’ her head into my chest. I grip her ass in the palm of my hand, squeezin’ it firmly whisperin’ against her hair.

“Let’s go home, darlin’.”

She glances up at me and a wicked grin meets her hazel eyes. She knows the look of hunger that dances in my eyes. She quickly grabs her things as I turn off the lights before we head home. The ride home is quiet, yet comfortable. The anticipation between us slowly buildin’. It’s been over four months since I’ve touched her, since we’ve made love. But Hell’s fire and brimstone won’t stop a damn thing tonight.

When we pull into the driveway
I shut the engine off, then quickly make my way around the passenger side of the Tahoe before she can get out. Openin’ the door, I lock her fingers in mine and pull her behind me up the sidewalk. The door’s already unlocked and the moment our feet cross the threshold I crash into her like a wreckin’ ball.  I lift her up into my arms, her legs wrappin’ around me instinctively as I harshly back her up against the wall. Pictures fall from the walls and bust against the floor. With one swift tear, I shred her shirt down the center and my mouth finds the swell of her breast instantly. Strippin’ the bra straps down her slender shoulders, I pull her breast one by one from the cups, shovin’ the bra out of my path. I’m a starved, desperate man and it’s been too many nights without this woman in my arms, without my dick sunk balls deep in her.

Trailin’
rough, wet kisses up her chest to her neck and jaw, she grasps my face in her hands and pulls me into a deep, fierce kiss. She’s as starved for my touch as I am for hers. Grippin’ her ass firmly in my hands, I stumble through the darkness devourin’ her lips, tongue and mouth like my life depends on the breath she will breathe into me. I trip over a damn toy crashin’ into the coffee table as the new lamp shatters to the floor and she giggles against my lips.

I kick the bedroom door open and crawl up on the bed with her still wrapped firmly around my waist. Layin’ her back, I unsnap her jeans and strip them down her legs. My mouth runs dry and my cock tightens against my jeans at the sight of her in tiny, pink lacey thongs. Hot damn. My dick is gonna suffocate if I don’t let it loose soon. I rip the lace away, lickin’ my dry lips at such a beautifully
, sexy sight. Sittin’ up, she slides her hands up my chest and slips my shirt over my head before unbuttonin’ my pants. I kick my feet out of my jeans and she proceeds to pullin’ my boxer briefs down my thighs, releasin’ my hardened dick. A devious smile spreads across her face, but before she can react I push her back and line my body against hers.

“You can play later, darlin’. It’s been too damn long since I’ve felt you come around my cock.  I’m gonna
ravage every inch of your body and ease that ache in your sweet pussy.” I smirk.

Crashin’ my lips against hers, a heated fervor and intense desire consumes me and it takes every ounce of control I have to not take her fast and hard. I mark every delicate inch of her body with nips and bites. My teeth nip at her thick, soft thigh before trailin’ my tongue softly up her slit, moisture coatin’ my lips with her arousal. “Please,” she mutters, fistin’ my hair in her hands, her body tremblin’ beneath me. She can beg all night long; I ain’t givin’ in until she’s fully sated and left breathless by my touch.

I smack her pussy, then lock my lips ‘round her clit, suckin’ roughly. She flinches, surprised by my roughness, but when I softly circle my tongue around her clit and slip two fingers into her wet pussy she relaxes and wraps her legs around my neck, pullin’ me closer to her sex. She shudders beneath me in excitement, small moans slippin’ past her lips as I swirl my tongue around her clit. I flick my tongue softly, gently massagin’ her sex when her back arches up off the bed and she clamps down hard on my fingers. Screw this shit. My cock throbs and my balls tighten with each moan that falls from her lips.

Sittin’ up on the edge of the bed, I pull her into my lap, turnin’ her back to my chest.
I tangle her hair in my hands, nippin’ at her ear, and suckin’ her delicate flesh softly. “You ready, darlin’?” I whisper against her neck.

“Mmmm,” is her only response
as she grips my thighs, wigglin’ her ass into my throbbin’ dick. Raisin’ her ass up, I lean back and slide my cock across her slit one time, earnin’ myself a low whimper from her tantalizing mouth. With her hair still tangled in my hand I tug her head back to watch her expression as I thrust every solid inch of my cock into her soft, slick pussy. Her eyes roll back and she moans passionately, her nails piercin’ into my thighs, breakin’ the skin.  I wrap my arms around her tightly, graspin’ her breasts and twistin’ her nipple between my finger and thumb as I pound into her from behind. I slide my right hand down between her delicate thighs, findin’ her wet clit and flick it with my finger before trailin’ circles around it softly. Ecstasy and excitement rush through my veins and she meets me thrust for thrust, milkin’ my cock. Hot damn! I bite down on her shoulder as my balls draw tight and her pussy clamps down on my dick. I hold her tight against my chest and her head lulls back, her eyes flutter shut as my cock throbs, spillin’ every ounce of my release into her. The spiral downfall claims us together. Her back glistens with sweat as she drags in ragged breaths, drunk on her orgasm.

When I catch my breath, I release her from my grip. She stands on wobbly legs, her eyes hooded and glazed over with lu
st. I pull her against my chest and kiss her feverishly before pullin’ her into the bathroom. I turn the shower on and test the water before steppin’ in with her still tucked against my chest. She drags her nails lazily across my back as her breathin’ calms.

“Damn it felt so good to be inside of you again.” I kiss her forehead before restin’ my chin on her head. I hold her close, lettin’ the war
m water cascade around us. She’s quiet but seems content. I caress my hands up and down her body allowin’ my mind to memorize every curve that I’ve missed for far too long. When my hands glide across her abdomen, my face lights up at her small rounded belly. The pride and excitement that I felt today seein’ our little monkey for the first time swells my heart.

Heidi Jo came into my life when I needed to understand the meaning of true
, unconditional love. Everything happens for a reason and I believe with every fiber of my being that our little monkey will be a blessin’ to our family that will completely bind Carly Jo and me together. I can’t imagine not havin’ my family by my side and although I nearly let it all go I’m thankful that I had enough sense to forgive her.

I wash quickly, gettin’ out of the shower before Carly Jo. It takes her a good while to wash her hair, so I
dry off and get dressed before I place her pajamas on the sink in the bathroom for her.  I straighten up the bed and light the candles around the room. As I hear the shower shut off, I wait impatiently as she gets dressed.

Wh
en the bathroom light shuts off and the door creaks open I press play on my iPod and “
Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing
” by Aerosmith filters softly from the speakers. I kneel beside the bed just as she enters the bedroom. She looks around to the flickerin’ candles to the bouquet of soft pink tulips on the nightstand. When her eyes finally lock on mine, her hand flies up to grasp her mouth and her eyes instantly fill with tears.

“Baby?” She whispers, barely shufflin’ her feet towards me.

“Darlin’, I can’t go on another day without you bein’ completely mine. There is no doubt in my mind that God made you from a part of me. That’s why when you’re not within my reach I feel so incomplete and empty. I need you like I need air to breathe, Carly Jo.” I inhale a slow breath, and my heart skips through my chest. “Will you marry me, darlin?”