Closing Time (32 page)

“You miss it?” Sean asked.

“Sometimes.” A few drops of water leaked down the window.

“I’m sorry I made you move,” he whispered.

“No, I like the east coast too. Besides, there’s nothing for me here anymore.”

“There’s Mega-Shake,” he said with a smile.

“Can we stop by before we leave?” I asked excitedly.

“Of course. I’m sure everyone else will be just as enthused.”

I looked out at my daughter. “Skye, you’ll love it.”

“She can’t eat anything.”

“She can have a milkshake,” I said with a smile.

“And get her hooked on sugar?” Sean shook his head. “Sounds like a bad idea.”

“Well, I’m her mom and I say she can have a taste.”

He shrugged. “I’ll never win an argument with you, but I guess that’s okay.”

When we arrived at the hotel, the bellman carried our things into our room. When I noticed the extra door in the wall, I investigated it.

“Where does this go?” I asked.

“To the adjoining room,” Sean said as he put Skye into her small crib.

“Who are we sharing a room with?”

Ryan came in through the door. “Isn’t this nice? Now I can come over and steal your food whenever I want.”

I sighed. “Like we don’t see you enough as it is.”

“Whatever,” Ryan snapped. “I just want to have access to my niece.” He walked to the crib and looked down. “So damn cute. I’m going to teach her to play baseball
and hockey.”

“My daughter isn’t playing hockey,” Sean snapped. “Far too dangerous. And if you’ll excuse us, I’d like some time with my wife.”

“Whatever you say.” He walked out then shut the door.

“What time are we going to the hospital tomorrow?” I asked.

“In the morning,” Sean answered. He pulled off his jacket then rested it over the chair. “But I don’t want to think about that right now. He faced me, his eyes glued to my breasts.

Somehow, he wanted to have sex even more now that I wasn’t pregnant. “We have a baby now. We can’t just take off and screw whenever we want.”

He grabbed the baby monitor and turned it on. “Actually, we can.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the bedroom. “I’ve had a hard-on since you breast-fed Skye on the plane. Thinking about those big tits has been driving me crazy all day.”

“Well, that’s romantic.”

He pulled my shirt over my head then removed my jeans. My body wasn’t what it used to be. I had a layer of flab over my stomach and loose skin. Everything started to tighten but I still had some work to do. I started running with Sean in the morning, but losing weight was a slow process. But when Sean looked at me like I was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen, my insecurities faded to the back of my mind.

When he unclasped my bra, he moaned quietly while he stared at my breasts. He was obsessed with my rack for reasons I couldn’t understand. They were so bi
g they were starting to hurt my back. I knew they would get smaller after I stopped breast-feeding, but for now, I’d have to deal with it. But Sean seemed to love them even more.

He kissed my neck while he massaged both of my tits in his hands. I unzipped his jeans an
d yanked them down, along with his briefs. He pulled his own shirt off then returned all his attention to my breasts. His eyes shined in greed while he rubbed his thumb over the nipple. He sucked in a deep breath then guided me to the bed, laying me on my back. He liked being on top because he could watch my breasts shake while we made love.

The thing I loved most about being married was Sean’s commitment to me. I knew he was particularly attracted to a woman’s breasts, but I never saw his eyes wander when we were out. If a busty lady walked by, he didn’t even glance. His eyes were always glued to my face, and if not that, my chest. It was nice being his fantasy, nice being enough for him. On the days I felt most hideous, he made me feel beautiful.

He pressed my knees into the bed and leaned over me, penetrating me deeply. The baby monitor lay beside us on the bed, but Skye was silent. Sean inserted himself entirely then paused before he pulled out again. Then he picked up speed and thrust inside me, making my breasts jiggle with every movement of his hips. His eyes shined in lust, and he moaned and grunted. Even when we weren’t making love, the connection between us was still beautiful. I loved the carnal times as well as the gentle ones. Right now, I knew Sean was just horny, but I was flattered that I was the one who made him that way.

He pressed his thumb to my clitoris then rubbed in a circular motion, keeping it in tune to his thrusts. When it came to making love, he was the master. Even though he’d practiced with so many other women, I got to reap all the benefits. He always satisfied me and gave me what I wanted. I couldn’t count the number of times when my former lovers had horrific performances. And I could tell they didn’t give a damn if it was good for me. But Sean was different. He wanted to keep me coming back for more.

I knew Sean was struggling to hold on, so as soon as I felt that welcomed burn between my legs, I grabbed his ass and pulled him into me harder. “I’m coming…”

He moaned then released himself inside me, finding that burst of crescendo at the exact same moment. His eyes moved to mine and he moaned while he finished, making sure every ounce of his essence was deep inside me. He leaned down then gave me a gentle but passionate kiss. He rubbed his nose against mine and gave me a look heavy with love.

I wanted to tell him how much I loved him, that his mom would be okay and we would get through this difficult time, but before I could say anything, our moment was rudely interrupted.

Skye started crying, clearly hungry for more milk.

Sean sighed. “Back to reality.”

We arrived at the hospital early the next morning. Everyone was in the lobby when we arrived. Mike wore the satchel with Trinity inside, but Sean didn’t make a joke. Everyone was solemn and quiet.

Diane stood close to Andrew, the stress and fear etched onto her face.

“Darling, you’re going to be okay,” Andrew whispered.

She nodded but didn’t speak.

We gathered around the sitting area and kept to ourselves. Diane’s knee kept shaking in anxiety. Andrew put his hand on it but that couldn’t stop her tremors. Her hands were squeezed together tightly.

“We appreciate all of you coming out,” Andrew said quietly.

“Of course,” Ryan said. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

“We’re very blessed to have so many children,” Diane whispered. She stared at Trinity for a moment. “Can I hold my grandbabies?”

“Of course.” Mike came over her and handed Trinity to her.

Diane held her firmly then smiled down at her. The emotion was
still in her eyes, but she felt a little better having a beautiful child in her arms. She rocked Trinity slightly then grabbed one of her hands, rubbing her fingers across each digit. “You did such a wonderful job making her.”

“Please,” Mike said. “She’s all Cassandra. I just got to have a great time making her.”

Diane chuckled lightly. “Can I have Skye as well?”

Sean sat beside her and handed Skye to her. He stayed in place and kept his hand out just in case Diane wasn’t as strong as she thought. When they were both tucked in her arms, she stared back and forth at them.

“I see Andrew in both of you.” She smiled then rocked them gently.

“That’s why they are so cute,” Andrew teased. “They have my undeniably good looks.”

“You’re a little full of yourself, aren’t you?” Sean asked.

“But I have every right to be,” Andrew said.

“Whatever happened to not treating everyone like they are your inferiors?” Mike questioned.

“I’m not treating anyone as inferior,” Andrew said calmly. “I’m just making it clear that the reason why two beautiful women married you was because of my obvious charm and dashing good looks.”

“And the length of our huge cocks,” Mike said.

Cassandra hit his shoulder hard. “Mike!”

Andrew laughed. “So inappropriate but so funny.”

Even I was a little red in the cheeks.

“Is that true, baby?” Sean asked me.

I elbowed his stomach. “Knock it off.”

Diane laughed a long with Andrew, her joy shining through. “Thank you so much for giving me this.”

Andrew didn’t understand her meaning. “What, dear?”

“For such a beautiful family.” She looked back down at her children and swayed them back and forth. “I love all of you very much.”

“We love you too,” Cortland said.

“We do,” Janice said.

Andrew rubbed her back and looked at her fondly. “And you know how much I adore you.”

“You remind me every day,” Diane said.

The nurse approached our group. “Mrs. Preston, it’s time.”

She took a deep breath then kissed each child on the brow. “If I don’t see you again, please know that I love you very much.”

“Diane, you’re coming back,” Andrew said firmly. “You know I’m a man who never takes risks.”

“I know,” she whispered.

Sean took Skye away and Mike grabbed Trinity.

We stood up and walked with Diane as far as we were allowed. Even Andrew wasn’t allowed to go in.

Diane gave Andrew a weak smile then hugged him. “I love you so much, Andrew.”

“I love you too, darling. And that love will continue when this is over.” He pulled away and gave her a kiss. For the first time, Sean and Mike didn’t make a face. Then she hugged everyone and squeezed them tightly before she let go.

I was the last person she came to. “Scarlet, I want you to know how much I regret the way I treated you in the past.”

“Mom, it’s forgotten. I forgave you a long time ago.”

“I just want to make sure you understand that before I go.”

I hugged her tightly. “Of course. But I don’t even think of it anymore. I love you very much and Sean does too.”

She kissed my cheek before she pulled away. “Thank you for marrying my son. He’s a much better person with you, and he’s made me proud. It was a blessing that Penelope never lasted. You were a dream come true.”

It was the first time I heard her genuine approval of me over Penelope, and I didn’t realize how much I wanted to hear it until she said those words. “Thank you…”

“I know my son is in good hands.” She touched my shoulder and turned away.

Andrew hugged her again. “Stop talking like you aren’t coming back.”

She kissed his forehead then sighed. “You never know, Andrew. I just want to say my goodbyes if this is the time to say them.”

“It’ll never be goodbye,” Andrew said, his eyes teary. “Because my soul will find yours in the next life. And the next.”

She kissed him again before she gave him a long look. Once she started to walk down the hall with the nurse, she didn’t look back. Together, we watched her take every step as she headed to the large doors. Once she passed through and couldn’t see her, we stepped away and headed to the chairs. Only Andrew remained, standing vigil like she might come back.

The intensity of the surgery made it long. It was scheduled for eight hours, so we had to anxiously wait for eight hours. Andrew appeared calm and crossed his ankle with his knee. He stared straight ahead and kept a face of indifference. If he was worried, he didn’t show it. But we all knew he was suffering.

“Mom will be okay,” Mike said to cheer him up.

“I know she will,” Andrew said quietly.

Sean sat beside his dad then patted his shoulder, reminding him that he was there. Mike sat on the other side of him, being supportive. I took care of Skye and fed her and changed her. When she cried, I knew she wanted Sean, but now wasn’t the time. Cassandra took care of Trinity, but since Trinity never cried, I knew Cassandra was already a pro with her baby. Hopefully, I’d get there eventually.

Hours later, Sean looked at his watch. “Baby, go to the hotel and get some sleep.”

It was five in the evening. “I’m okay.”

“Even
when she’s out of surgery, we won’t be able to see her for a while,” Sean explained.

“I’m not leaving,” I said firmly.

“And don’t bother to tell me to leave either,” Cassandra said to Mike.

Cortland held Monnique close, and
Janice was snuggled into Ryan. Flynn and Hazel were playing a game on his phone, staying entertained. Food and coffee were brought, but Andrew never ate anything. He didn’t even sip water.

“No t
hank you,” was all he ever said.

I knew how scared Diane was, but I knew she would be okay. Andrew would never let her go through with something if he wasn’t sure about it. Luckily, I had my daughter there to comfort me. She was the best thing I could ever need.

The hours were passed in an unusual slowness. I couldn’t remember anything ever taking this long. Every time I looked at the clock, it was almost in the same position as it was before. I just wanted to know my mother-in-law was okay so we could be happy. I wanted Andrew to feel better, to release the rigidness taking over his body.