Authors: Riley Rhea
Chapter Twenty Three
Spencer
G
etting my ass
out of bed this morning was hard. Lexi was snuggled up to my side sound asleep, looking adorable. I didn’t want to leave her. The only reason I’m walking into work right now is because Tucker needs my help in the garage.
I find Tucker under the hood of a Mustang, checking the fluids. “Hey man, what’s on the agenda for the day?”
“This one is getting an oil change and tire rotation. We have a Dodge coming in later for new tires, and a Camaro that we will probably be replacing the clutch. That’s all that’s scheduled,” Tucker answers.
“Sounds like a boring day.” Laughing, I begin getting out the supplies we will need to change the oil in the Mustang while Tucker finishes checking all the fluids.
“How is domesticated life treating ya?” Tucker asks as he steps away from the car and begins raising it on the lift it to drain the oil.
“It’s nice having her there.”
“She going home soon, now that she’s getting around better?” Tucker questions.
“Not for awhile. We went to her apartment last night and got some of her stuff,” I answer.
“Oh really? So you’re finally taking the next step, huh?”
Glancing over at Tucker, I smile. “I don’t know about that, man, but I’m considering asking her to move in with me. I mean what’s the point of her paying rent on an apartment she isn’t going to be staying at.”
“Well, that’s one way to look at it.” Tucker smirks.
We continue to work in silence for a few moments. I decide it’s time to explain why I was so distant with Lexi in the beginning. My past with Vance and Tessa. Even though Lexi has broken through all my carefully placed barriers, Tucker deserves to know. “Hey Tucker. I think it’s time to tell you what happened and what led me here two years ago.”
“I’m all ears, man. Shoot.”
I give Tucker the whole story from what I saw that night to what Vance has told me that happened. It feels like another weight is lifted off my shoulders when I finish. It feels really good to get it all out there.
“You know, Spencer, that’s fucked up what she did, but you can’t hold her stupidity against every woman. As far as your brother goes, it sounds like he was just as much a victim in her stupidity as you were. Y’all both lost something that night and it wasn’t her. Y’all lost each other and I’m glad you got the chance to set it right.”
“Yeah, me too. I almost want to find Tessa and thank her. If it wasn’t for her deceit then I never would have came here and met you.”
“That’s true. You’d never have met Lexi either.” Tucker smirks.
“Very true. You think Lexi would move in with me?”
“Only one way to find out.”
Now the only problem I have is getting up the nerve to ask her. What if I’m wrong and she’s doesn’t feel for me what I feel for her? I know that it’s not going to be as easy as just asking. I’m going to have to open myself up some and let her know that I’m in this for the long haul.
* * *
Lexi
I sent Drew a text message the day after I came home from the hospital and still haven’t heard anything from him. This isn’t really unusual though considering he’s in the Marines and probably on duty. I didn’t give him any information at all in my text, just told him about my accident and that I had something I needed to talk to him about. I decide to send him another message just in case for some reason he didn’t get the last one.
Me: Hey Bro! Need to chat ASAP.
Laying my phone on the end table beside the couch. I begin clicking through the channels trying to find something on television to watch. I’ve just started an episode of Catfish when my phone beeps indicating a text.
Drew: What’s up?
Me: Bout time!!!! I texted you a wk ago! WTH?
Drew: Been crazy busy, sorry.
Me: Hmm… Need to talk. Call me???
Drew: Yeah, I’ve got a few to talk. Call u in min.
My phone rings in literally like one minute. Swiping the screen to accept the call, I place the phone to my ear. “Good thing I wasn’t dying or anything.”
I hear Drew laugh, bringing a smile to my face. “I knew you were alright, you’re too stubborn not to be.”
“Yeah well, you better be glad I’ve got a hard head. I could’ve suffered brain damage.” I pretend to pout.
“Whatever, hard head, I think your brain is safe,” Drew says. “So what is it that we need to chat about? I don’t have much time.”
“I can’t tell you, exactly what it is, but you need to come home as soon as you get your next leave.” I want to tell him so bad, but I can’t break my promise to Missy.
“Is everything okay?” Drew’s voice is laced with concern.
“Yup, there are just some very important people that I want you to meet.” There. I didn’t lie and I didn’t give anything away.
“Hmm, am I’m going to like him or be looking for a spot to hide his body?”
“What makes you think it’s a him, Drew?”
“Well, I do talk to those people we call mom and dad and they told me you’re staying with your boyfriend.”
“Yup, that I am, but just till I’m all better and can go home.” Even I can hear the tinge of sadness in my voice.
“Lex?” Drew says softly.
“Yeah?”
“You love this guy, don’t ya?”
“Yeah, Drew, I reckon I do.”
“Well, then I can’t wait to meet him. I should be home in a month or so. You behave yourself till I get there.” Drew laughs at his last comment.
“Not likely! Hurry home, Drew. I can’t wait to see you and for you to meet everyone.”
“Alright, I gotta go now, Lex. Love ya, sis.”
“Love ya right back.”
The line goes dead as soon as the last word leaves my mouth. I really have missed my brother. It’s been over a year since the last time I saw him. Now, I just have to figure out how to get him and Missy together once he returns home and hope that he doesn’t hate me for keeping her secret.
Me: Hey girl, I just talked to Drew. He should be home in a month or two. I will give you more deets as soon as I know.
Missy: TY Lexi this means a lot to me.
Me: No thanks needed, just doing what’s right. TTYS.
Missy: look forward to it.
Laying my phone back on the end table, I grab the remote to turn the TV back up. Relaxing back on the couch, I get caught up in who is trying to fool who and how quick Nev and Max figure out the real identity of the person. I could watch MTV all day long and never get bored.
I feel like I accomplished something today, besides being a couch potato that is. Talking to Drew and knowing that he will be coming home soon and not telling him the real reason, was one accomplishment for me. I’m not always the best at keeping secrets from him. I know I’m doing the right thing here. I hate that my parents and Drew will both be shocked at the news they will soon learn, but the overall joy they will feel after that shock wears off will be well worth it.
Chapter Twenty Four
Spencer
I
’ve thought about
what Tucker said to me all week long. He’s asked me a few times over the past five days if I’ve asked Lexi to move in with me yet. My answer was always, not yet. I wanted to wait until I was home with her all day. Now that it’s the weekend again, I just have to get my nerve up and ask her. Coming home every night this week to her has been amazing. My house feels more like home than it ever has before, so I know that I’m making the right decision.
We are laying in bed snuggled up together, the perfect thing to be doing on a rainy Saturday afternoon. It’s now or never. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, you can ask me anything,” Lexi responds without hesitation.
“What are you planning to do once your lease is up on your apartment?”
“Hmm, well I don’t really know. I guess I could go back home to my parents or look for another apartment, why?”
“Why not move in here with me?”
I hear Lexi gasp and think I may have pushed too far, too quick, until I glance down at her face and see a huge smile spread across her face. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack.” It doesn’t get much more serious than that. I need her to know that I’m for real. “Lexi, I’ve been lost in a world of betrayal and lies for years and guarded myself from feeling anything. That is until you came along. And well, now I want to move forward. With you. I don’t want to waste time with any more what if’s. I want to jump in with both feet and start living my life with you and this is the best way to do it.”
Lexi is quiet for all of thirty seconds before she lets out a squeal of excitement and jumps from my side, launching herself on top of me. As she stares into my eyes, I see moisture begin to build in hers. “Spencer, I would love to jump in with both feet with you,” she whispers.
Rolling us over so she is lying beneath me, I brush her hair back from her face, never breaking eye contact. I lean down and touch my lips to hers. My heart is racing and all of my emotions are running rampant. “Lexi?”
“Hmm?”
“I’ve got something else I need to tell you. I should have told you weeks ago,” I murmur against her lips.
Lexi presses her head into the pillow, pulling her lips away from mine. “What is it?” I can hear a trace of fear in her voice.
“It’s nothing bad. Well, at least I hope you don’t think so.” Hell, now I’m nervous.
“Tell me,” Lexi whispers.
Taking her face in my hands, I lean down and brush my lips against hers again. I pull back just enough to see her face clearly before speaking. “I thought I knew what love was once before. I was wrong. I didn’t have a clue. Now though, I know what love is. Love is you, Lexi, and I want you to know that I love you.”
Tears leak from Lexi’s eyes, trailing down her temple and into her hair. I reach forward and brush them away with my thumb. She places her small hand against my cheek, drawing my attention away from her tears and back to her.
“I love you too, Spencer. For the first time in my life, I know what it means to fall in love with someone. I think I’ve loved you from the beginning and that love has only grown over the past weeks. I was determined to stick it out with you and not rush you. I knew what we had is special and I’m so very happy that we are here at this point right now… in this moment.”
That’s all I needed to hear. Sealing my mouth to Lexi’s, I kiss her with every bit of love that I feel. I take my time exploring every inch of her mouth as I remove what little clothing we are both wearing. Once we are both naked, I slide into her slowly until I’m in as deep as I can go. This isn’t the fast and hard fucking we normally do. This is about love not lust. Every movement is slow and deep. I want to feel every inch of Lexi inside and out.
* * *
Lexi
I love the way this man feels inside of me, his slow, deep strokes are driving me crazy. This is a first for us and I’m definitely not about to complain. I love it when we fuck fast and hard, but slow and deep? Oh hell, there are no words. An explosive orgasm brews inside of me, but I hold onto it as long as I can. I want Spencer to be right there with me.
Our lungs are heaving with each breath sucking in air as he picks up speed and thrusts harder. Grabbing ahold of his perfect ass, I dig my nails in to let him know I’m close to orgasm. Spencer pushes into me so hard and deep that’s it’s a wonder he isn’t touching my soul. Finally, I explode around him, feeling him swell inside of me as I pull him right along with me.
I wrap my arms and legs around Spencer, refusing to let him move away from me. I’m not ready to break this connection just yet. “You know you’re stuck with me now, right?” I whisper against his neck.
“I know I’m stuck in you.” Spencer’s body shakes with laughter.
“You’re such a smart ass sometimes.” I begin to laugh with him.
“Awe, Lexi baby, you know you love me and you’re stuck with me too.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling so big. My heart and soul are happy with love. Today has been the best rainy day ever. We lay in bed the rest of the day talking, laughing, and making love. We’re going to begin moving my things in tomorrow as long as the rain stops. I can’t wait move in here completely with Spencer and make this house our home.
Chapter Twenty Five
Spencer
4 weeks later…
T
he past month
flew by. Between working, helping Tucker build his and Brenna’s house in my spare time, I also moved Lexi from her apartment to my house. Turning my bachelor pad into a home. I have no complaints, though. Lexi has been at my side to help with everything. Having her at my side and at home to welcome me with open arms every day, is the best feeling in the world. I never knew I could be so happy.
Vance and I have begun building our relationship again. Vance and Tucker get along great. Lexi and Brenna have become close friends with Missy as well. Everything is working out perfectly.
Now, here it is, the first Saturday of August, and it’s a very special day. We are on our way to Lexi’s parent’s house in Upton to celebrate Lexi’s birthday. She’s complained all day about being old now, as if twenty three is old. Everyone is supposed to be there, and Tucker is responsible for bringing Lexi’s gift for me.
We pull into her parent’s driveway and hop out of my truck. By the cars in the driveway, Brenna’s mom and grandfather are already here. Tucker, Brenna, and his parents were about to leave when we did, so they should be here shortly. Vance, Missy, and my parents are following Tucker since they’ve never been to Upton before.
As soon as we step into the back yard, I see Sam by the grill. Lexi tells me she’s going inside the house to let her mom know she’s here, and I know this is my chance to talk to her dad alone.
“Hey Sam, you need any help?” I ask.
“Naw, I’m just standing here pretending to cook so Alice doesn’t put me to work in the kitchen.” Sam grins.
“Smart man.” I laugh. “Can I ask you something?”
Sam turns to look at me and I think he knows what I’m about to ask. “Sure. Let’s grab a beer and have a seat. I’ve got a feeling I’m gonna need both.” Sam grabs us both a beer and hands mine to me as we take a seat on a bench under a shade tree. “Alright, son, I’m ready.”
Taking a deep breath, I go for it, “Sir, I know Lexi and I have only been together for three months, but I plan to ask her to marry me, with your permission of course.”
Sam sips his beer and stares off into the back yard for a moment before turning in my direction. “Spencer, do you love my daughter? Do you promise to protect her physically and emotionally and be true to her and only her?”
I don’t even have to think about my answer, “Yes, sir I do.”
“Then you have my blessing.” Sam extends his hand to me.
“Thank you. I promise to take good care of her.” I promise as we shake hands.
“Oh, I have no doubt about that, son, because if you don’t then you’ll have me and Drew to answer to,” Sam says sternly.
“You have nothing to worry about, Sam.”
Lewis joins us a few minutes later, and I sit and listen to them joke and tell stories until the others arrive. When I see Tucker’s truck pull into the driveway followed by my parents’, I’m on my feet and headed his way. He better not’ve forgotten Lexi’s present.
* * *
Lexi
Not only is today my birthday, it’s also mine and Spencer’s three month anniversary. I know that may not seem like much to some people, but when you find that person that you are meant to spend your life with, every single moment is special.
My parents always have a cookout for my birthday and this year I get to share it with my new extended family. I haven’t heard from Drew since the day we talked almost five weeks ago. I have no idea if he will show up today or not.
I’ve been in the kitchen helping my mom and Caroline ever since Spencer and I got here. It’s not too long before Ellen, Brenna, Missy, and another woman I haven’t met join us in the kitchen.
“Y’all this is Willow,” Brenna says as she takes a seat at the kitchen table.
“Hi, Willow, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Lexi, this is my mom Alice, and that’s Brenna’s mom, Caroline.” I introduce us all.
“It’s nice to meet you all. I hope you don’t mind that Vance brought me.” Willow says.
“Absolutely not, the more the merrier,” my mom responds.
“Thank you. Can I help with anything?” Willow asks.
“We are about ready to carry everything out if y’all all want to grab a dish,” Mom says as she grabs a bowl and heads to the back door.
When we get everything outside and set up, I notice all the men around the table gabbing away like a bunch of women in a beauty shop. Guaranteed they are gossiping. “Come on, old men, it’s time to eat!” I holler at them.
I walk over to the table that holds my presents. I begin shaking them and inspecting them like a kid on Christmas, attempting to guess what’s inside the pretty packages.
“Who you calling old?” Spencer whispers in my ear as he wraps his arms around my waist.
“Never you.” I laugh as I lean into him.
“Come on birthday girl, let’s go eat so you can open your presents.”
“Do I have to? Can’t I just open one now?” Spencer shakes his head before he takes my hand and drags me away from my presents.
Everyone fills their plates and we begin eating. As per usual there is no shortage of gossip. I mean storytelling, as the men call it. Laughter is often and time flies. Before I know it, they are singing Happy Birthday and I’m blowing out my candles.
“It’s time to open your presents, Lexi,” my mom says with laughter in her voice. She knows this is the part I’ve been waiting for.
Gift after gift, I tear into paper and boxes. By the time I’m done, I look at the bounty before me. There are gift certificates to Victoria’s Secret, art supplies, cash, clothes, and a purse. I begin thanking everyone for my gifts when another box is placed in front of me.
Looking up I see Spencer smiling down at me. “Looks like you missed something.”
I pick up the small box and tear off the paper. When all the paper is gone, I open the box only to find a smaller box inside. Pulling it out, I rip that paper away too. When I open the lid to this box, my heart begins to pound. Turning the box upside down, a small velvet box lands in my hand. I slowly lift the lid to the velvet box, my heart beating wildly. Then when I see what’s inside, I swear my heart stopped.
Oh my God!
“Lexi,” Spencer says softly while removing the box from my hand. Looking up at him, I wait for him to continue. “At one time, I thought time mattered, and I waited many years for someone that wasn’t worth all the time that I wasted. You have shown me that time doesn’t mean anything. These past three months with you have been the best months of my life. I look forward to every moment that we have together, and I want many more of those moments. You once told me that everyone needs someone to love. Now I’m asking you, Lexi, will you be
my
someone to love for the rest of our days?”
Tears stream down my face as I launch myself into Spencer’s arms, squeezing him as tight as I can. “Yes, Spencer. Yes! I will always be
your
someone to love.”
Spencer places me on my feet long enough for him to slide the ring onto my finger. Then I’m in his arms again and sealing our new step forward with a kiss.
“Well, looks like this just turned into an engagement party too,” I hear my dad say as he pats Spencer on the back.
Spencer releases me, and we receive hugs and congratulations from everyone. Today has been the perfect day. The only thing that would have made it better is if Drew had been able to make it. After everyone finishes looking at my ring, Spencer and I sit together on a bench and watch everyone around us. This is our family and it grows more and more every day.
The past few months have changed my life so much. I graduated college, met this amazing man, watched my best friend get married, tried to break my neck on stairs, met my nephews I never knew existed, moved in with the man of my dreams, and now he’s my fiancé. It’s been an amazing ride, and Spencer’s ‘right time’ doesn’t mean a thing when you meet the right person. When it comes to that special person you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with, time is meaningless.