Something Worth Fighting For (19 page)

“I like that better than cowboy.”

“Seems more fitting now.”

“Yes it does.” Atlas stopped me in the hallway, tipping my head back as he kissed me.

“Get a room!” Ares yelled from the living room.

“Gladly.” Atlas said against my mouth.

“Ma, Atlas is trying to get Ellie pregnant in the hall!” Ares hollered with laughter.

“Well I always wanted grandkids.” She shot back at him.

“Alright now let me convince her to marry me first. Until then we’ll just practice making those babies.” Atlas winked at me. My face was burning with embarrassment. “Aw come on now, we’re embarrassing poor Ginger.” Atlas pulled me into the kitchen where Andy was loading the dishwasher. “I’m going to feed Ellie then head to Michah’s grandfathers place to see if they need help. You guys coming out?”

“You know we’ll be there. Did you ask Felix?” Andy watched us out of her peripheral.

“Yeah he said he’d come, we’ll see.”

“What time should we be there?”

“Six or so, no set time really.”

“Alright then. Ellie that sweater is just lovely.”

“Thank you.” I smiled at her over my cell phone.

“I told her it was definitely her color.” Atlas kissed my head. “Lets go eat.”

After lunch we drove out into the country. It was all hills, trees, dirt, and I loved it. Micah’s grandfathers farm was mostly abandoned. He had passed away years ago and they started using it for parties.

“We built the stage years ago when Jacks thought he was going to be a rockstar.” Atlas laughed as he helped me out of the truck. “We strung the lights our junior year, partied hard that summer.” He smiled faintly at the memories.

“Quinn, that you bro?” Jacks ran out from the barn. Despite the rest of the buildings on the property this one looked to be in pretty good shape.

“Yeah man, Ellie and I came to see if you needed help.” Atlas hugged Jacks briefly. “Place looks the same.”

“Not much changes. We’re stacking up for a bon fire. Katie, Stella, come meet Quinn’s Ellie.” Jacks called into the barn, two bubbly blond’s emerged, giggling to one another. “Ellie my wife Katie and Micah’s sister, Stella.”

“Nice to meet you.” I shook hands with both girls, curious to Stella’s disappointed face.

“You ladies take care of my girl. We’re going to go lift heavy things and feel all manly.” Atlas said. The others headed back inside as pulled me to the side of the barn.

“Can I help you Mr. Ryker?”

“You can.”

“How is that?”

“Kiss me?”

“You didn’t have to ask.” I put my hands on either side of his face and on my tiptoes pressed my lips to his. He surprised me by dipping me backward as I squealed.

“I love you, baby.” His eyes stared down into mine.

“I know you do. I love you. Now go get all macho so I can swoon over you.” Atlas threw his head back laughing.

“You’re so subtle.” He teased, handing me off to Katie. “Love you, Mrs. Ryker.”

“Yeah, yeah, love you too, Sergeant.” I flushed as Katie bumped my shoulder.

“Mrs. Ryker?”

“Not yet.” I smiled as we walked to the other end of the barn where the girls had been prepping food.

“When?”

“I graduate college in May and then when he gets home from deployment, so after that. We need to be able to make it through him being gone and not be planning a wedding in the process.”

“That makes sense.”

“How long have you and Jacks been married?” I asked cutting the stack of vegetables in front of me.

“Two years,” she had a soft smile, “We got married right out there.” She nodded to the light covered field. “Atlas was the best man. We plan on asking him to be the baby’s godfather.” Katie’s cheeks tinged pink as she rubbed her barely there bump.

“Never know, he may change his mind by then.” Stella said from down the makeshift wooden table.

“Stella!” Katie scolded her.” Don’t mind Miss. Jealousy she’s been holding out for Atlas for years.”

“Well if he does I wish you the best of luck.” I smiled sweetly at her but secretly wanted to stab her with the knife I was holding.

“Good girl,” Katie giggled, “So how did you and Atlas meet?”

I went on to tell her about where and how, things we had done, and plans we had made. Every now and then peeking over my shoulder catching him staring at me. I blew him a kiss which he pretended to catch, falling back dramatically into the hay. Jacks and Micah helped him up, laughing.

“That man looks at you like you’re the only light he’s ever seen.” Katie had turned to watch our interaction. 

“You think so?”

“I’ve known Atlas Quinn since second grade. He ain’t never looked at a woman the way he looks at you. We were sure he’d marry Charlotte but when that went south to you know where in a handbasket we had no clue. He’s always been kind of a mystery. What he just did?” she shook her head, “that never would have happened for anyone else.” Katie sighed contently. “He loves you more than the day is long.”

“It’s funny to hear about Atlas before. He’s always been like this with me.”

“We need to start referring to his life as before Ellie and after Ellie from now on.” Katie teased.

“There is no before, Katie. I had no real life before her.” Atlas encircled his arms around my waist. Dropping the knife, I reached around behind me, holding onto his sweaty sides.

“Atlas you have it bad, sweetie.” Katie teased with glassy eyes. “Excuse me,” she walked off, sniffling, muttering under her breath about stupid hormones.

“Mmm, shirtless,” I turned around in his arms, “Eye candy,” I ran my hands down his chest and abs, licking my lips.

“Didn’t get enough last night?” Atlas teased.

“Of you? Is that even possible?”

“Good answer.”

“That’s my line.”

“Then it’s mine to tell you how fantastic your ass looks in those tight little jeans.” Atlas grinned, kissing my neck.

“Don’t start something we can’t finish, lover boy.”

“We’ll go out to the truck and finish it.”

“Like Hell we will. Although this counter might do.”

“I could pin you to the wall if that’s the case.”

“Promises, promises.” I laughed at Atlas’ wide smile.

“Ryker get back to work ya’ sandbagger.” Micah yelled at him.

“Gotta go, I’m in trouble.” I grabbed his arm as he pulled away.

“Wait.”

“What?”

“This,” I pulled him down to me, my lips crashing into his, his tongue invading my open mouth. Reaching down he picked me up, hooking my legs over his hips, as my nails dug into his shoulders.

“Whoa now!” Micah laughed.

“I didn’t know Atlas had it in him.” Jacks snorted. I shot him the finger behind Atlas’ back causing both guys to fall out laughing.

Atlas pushed me into the table, the wood jostling under the added weight. His pelvis pressed into mine as his hands gripped my thighs. “Wow, okay you two. Break it up or I’m getting the hose.” Katie fanned herself, giggling.

“Is it cold ‘cause after that I may need it too.” Micah said from across the barn.

“We’re putting on a show.” I mumbled against Atlas.

“I couldn’t give two fucks less.” He growled.

“Cowboy as much as I want you right now I might take you up on that truck offer.”

“I have a serious pants tent going right now.”

“I noticed. I might go camping if that’s what I get to use.”

“Good Lord, Ginger.” Atlas sat me back on the ground.

“Just admit it and get it over with.”

“Fine, alright, yes, I have a boner.” Atlas raised his hands in defeat as us girls laughed.

“Yeah, bro, me too.” Micah spoke up.

“Hell, I have a semi myself.” Jacks jumped in for backup.

“What a sausage party.” I smirked as Atlas’ jaw hit the floor. There was a stunned silence before the guys doubled over in laughter, gripping their sides, and wiping their eyes.

“God, she’s awesome.” Jacks punched Atlas’ arm as he walked by.

“I know, man, I know.”

There was at least seventy five people give or take at the barn by seven. I had spotted Ares who assured me the guitar was in the back of Andy’s SUV and he would get it to Jacks for me. People were introducing themselves and pulling Atlas in all different directions. I slipped away through the crowd to get some water and be able to just breathe.

“Atlas looks good, huh Charlie?” A girl with short black hair nudged a blond with board straight hair.

“Yeah, definitely.” She said dismissively.

“Excuse me.” I smiled politely reaching around them for a bottle.

“Oh I’m sorry.” Charlie stepped aside.

“No problem.”

“I’m Charlie, this is Delta, are you from here? You don’t look a bit familiar.” Her accent was thick like molasses.

“No, I’m Ellie and actually I live in North Carolina, I’m just visiting.”

“Enjoying yourself?”

“Yeah, it’s beautiful.” I nodded taking a long drink from my bottle. Atlas came in, our eyes locking through the crowd like magnetic forces. He waved and as I raised my hand Charlie flipped her hair waving her chubby fingers at him.

Atlas smirked as I stifled my laughter. “Ellie Ryker would you please come to the stage area?” Micah’s voice boomed through the speakers.

“That’s me. Nice to meet you, Charlie, Delta.” I acknowledged both of them as Atlas walked over.

“Mrs. Ryker what are you up to?” Atlas kissed my forehead.

“A surprise.”

“Oh lord,” he chuckled, “Hello Charlotte, Delta.” Atlas nodded to the two girls.

“Charlotte?” I asked finally putting two and two together. “Oh... Oh! You’re the ex.” Atlas hid his laugh by coughing beside me.

“Only if he wants me to be.” Charlotte whose nickname was apparently Charlie, cooed.

“I’m sorry, you must be mistaken, you just met my wife, Ellie.”

“Wife?”

“Ellie Ryker, she’s my wife.” Atlas explained as I tried not to roll my eyes.

“It was a pleasure but I really have to go.” I leaned up kissing Atlas’ cheek.

“Wait, I’m coming baby.”

“You were last night.” I winked over my shoulder sashaying my hips. It was a total marking my territory statement and Atlas did nothing more but laugh.

“It... No, it wasn’t good to see you. Say hi to Dylan for me.” Atlas sneered then ran to catch up.

“You’re awesome, thank you.” He slipped his arm around my waist.

“The look on her face was worth it.”

“Wait right here,” Atlas left me by the side of the stage and came back a few minutes later. “Tonight you are Mrs. Ryker.” He took my hand, slipping a large princess cut ring on my finger. “It’s my Ma’s but she said you can borrow it.”

“Wow,” I held up my hand examining the ring.

“It looks good on you.” Atlas smiled.

“That it does. Go find yourself one.” I kissed him quickly sending him back out into the crowd.

Jacks was holding Ares’ guitar, smiling at me. “You’re so good to my boy.”

“He’s even better to me.” I answered honestly.

“Go get ‘em.” He nodded to the stage. I took a deep breath and walked out onto the wooden platform.

“Hey everyone,” I said nervously, clearing my throat. “Most of you don’t know me but you’re all here for my man tonight.” A few laughs came from the quieted crowd. Atlas stopped and turned on his heel walking back through the throngs of people. “My name is Ellie and I’m going to sing a few songs. I would say for you guys but lets be real, it’s for Atlas.” I smiled down at him. “Alright, so I’m pretty damn nervous, forgive me.” I took a deep breath, “Lets do this.” I threw the guitar around my shoulder. “This is “
Nine in the Afternoon
” and one of my favorites so let’s hope I don’t screw it up.”

My fingers started moving to the upbeat tempo. I smiled at Atlas who was wide eyed with Ares and Micah at his sides. I sang the song to him, it didn’t matter that there were other people it was all for him.

I stepped back as people started clapping. “Thanks,” I rubbed my hands together. “Another one?” I asked to the response of more applause. “Okay, okay. This kind of hits hard for us. More so since Atlas is deploying again soon. I recorded this song for his iPod to take with him and it took me at least four tries to do it without crying.” I laughed as Atlas gave me a crooked grin. “This is “
Come Home
.”

My heart was racing as Jacks jumped up hitting the old upright piano. My voice was breathy, shaking as I started to sing. Butterflies were in my stomach doing a trained acrobat routine. I closed my eyes, gripping the microphone in both hands, and poured myself into the song.