Growing Love (Brookfield) (12 page)

“It’s okay. Really. I’m glad you know now.”

Matt felt like a real shithead. He’d been denying Diane access to Tom, but if she’d just told him he wasn’t after her, maybe things would’ve been different. “Diane misses you. I planned to ask you to be her friend again prior to knowing this new knowledge. I just needed to know where you stood as competition, because I’m gonna fight for her.”

Tom smiled. “I’m happy to see you two back where you belong. A family at last.” He took a sip of the drink in front of him. “I pushed Diane for months to contact you, but she didn’t listen.”

“It’s not her fault. I let her walk away and I denied being the father. I hurt her. I know that. And I plan to make it up to her every day for the rest of her life.”

“When you’re ready for me to come around again, I’d like to be a part of your lives.”

“I don’t see a reason for you to stay away. In fact, if you’re up for it, we can go now.”

He laughed.
“I’m not prepared for an overnight trip.”

“Oh
, come on. You can borrow some of my clothes. I know Diane’s been dying for you to see the baby.”

Tom sighed. “All right. It’s only because I want to see Patrick.”

Matt grinned. He was going to make Diane one happy lady.

Chapter Fifteen

It was getting late and Diane was beginning to worry. There had been thunderstorms all day. She’d expected Matt to come home early. She’d even tried his cell phone and it had gone straight to voicemail.

She patted Patrick on the back as she paced the apartment.
He fussed a little, probably sensing her stress. The storm outside wasn’t helping.

Boom!

She jumped. This was going to be a nasty one. Maybe it was time to call Cody and see if he could locate Matt. Perhaps they were all taking shelter, trying to ride out the storms before coming home. Oh God, what if Matt was injured? Would anyone call and alert her?

That was it
; she was calling her brother. She grabbed her cell phone and clicked her favorites list. Just as she was about to press Cody’s name, she heard a jingling sound at the door. She raced over, cradling Patrick, and pulled it open.

“Matt.” With a free hand, she tugged him to her, wrapping her arm around
his soaking body. “I was so worried.”

“I’m
fine. My phone died.” He rubbed her back in a calming way. “I’m sorry you worried.”

“Don’t you have a car charger?”

He pulled away, shaking his head. It was then she noticed Tom. Excitement flooded through her, but she tried to contain it since Matt was watching her.

“Tom?
”

“Hey, gorgeous. And oh my goodness, who is this little angel? He look
s just like you. May I hold him?” He held his arms out for Patrick.

Diane was confused. Why were they together? “
Uh, yeah. Here you go, Uncle Tom.”

“Wow, you’ve been eating.” Tom cradled the baby in his arms. “He’s perfect.”

She smiled. “I have to agree.”

Tom brushed past her. “Now that I’m here, I plan to spoil this little guy rotten. Where’s the nursery
? Please let me see what you’ve done.”

“
Straight back and to your right.” She pointed. Once Tom was out of sight, she turned back to Matt. “Care to explain?”

He clasped her hands in his. “I’ve been a fool. I denied you a friend and I had no right to.”

“Yes, you did. I was wrong to keep that secret from you.”

He chuckled slightly before whispering, “Kinda like him being gay now too.”

Her cheeks burned. She hadn’t thought about sharing that with him. “Sorry.”

“It’s all forgotten.” He planted a light kiss on her lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Matt. So much. And thank you for bringing me Tom.”

He chuckled.
“It’s an odd gift, I guess. But I suppose Tom is meant to be in our lives. “

He was, without a doubt.

“Go visit. I dragged the man here without a change of clothes. I’m gonna go scrounge some up for him. Want me to order a pizza?”

“Perfect.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek, then turned and jogged for the nursery. She couldn’t wait to sit and play catch-up.

She’d missed her friend so much. As she entered the nursery, she saw Tom rocking in the chair with Patrick.

“He fell asleep, can you believe that? I must be the most boring person to him.”

“He’s a newborn. That’s about all he does. Be happy he didn’t mess his diaper.” She sat on her bed.

“You look wonderful.”

She didn’t feel that way. “Yeah, I still have a few pounds to go.”

Tom waved a hand at her. “You look better than you did before. A little meat on your b
ones is good. You still have that glow to you.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re happy?”

She nodded. “God, yes. I should’ve listened to you a long time ago.”

“Well…you know I’m always right.”

Diane rolled her eyes.
“So, any news on your dating life?”

Tom sighed. “Not really. I’v
e been so busy with work, I haven’t had much time.”

“Make time.”

“I’m hoping Mr. Right just falls in my lap or something.”

She shook her head. Like that would ever happen.
However, Tom wouldn’t be Tom if he didn’t live in fantasy land. But it sure felt nice to have him back.

*
* *

That evening,
Patrick went right to sleep without any problems. Apparently his time with his uncle had really worn him out. Tom was staying over at Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast for the night. In the morning, they’d all meet up for breakfast before he headed home for the time being.

Diane crept out of her bedroom and down the short hallway. She pushed Matt’s door open. He
lay on the bed with a book. Damn, he was sexy as hell with his glasses on.

He set the book down and glanced up. “I figured you were out already after
the busy day.”

She chewed her bottom lip
, shook her head, and then held up a foil wrapper. “No, I’ve got other ideas.”

“It’s not been six weeks.”

She climbed on the bed. She was fine. The baby was so small when he came, there had been no tearing. “Couples do it all the time before the six-week mark. And I’m tired of waiting.”

“You’re sure
?”

She pressed a hand against his chest as she straddled him. “Oh yeah.”

She set the condom down on the bed then leaned forward to kiss him. She supposed they should take this slow. Enjoy one another, but who was she kidding? She had a whole box of condoms in her bathroom. They could get wild and crazy now and later take their sweet-ass time exploring.

Breaking the kiss, s
he yanked at his shirt, tugging it over his head before sending it flying across the bedroom.

“Patience.” He winked.

“I have no patience. I’m ready.”

They pulled at one another
’s clothes until finally they were both naked. Matt let his fingers lightly skim across her skin, sending cool shivers through her. “You’re beautiful.”

Her cheeks heated and out of instinct
, she covered the roll on her belly. He pushed her arms aside.

“Stop. Let me see you.”

“Matt, do you have to? I’m not feeling so hot about my body.”

“Why?
You’re smoking. And if you can’t feel my erection under your ass, you’ve got issues.”

She grinned. He certainly was hard. “It’s just, I don’t look the way I did before.”

He wrapped a hand around her neck and pulled her to him. “You were too thin before. Now you’re perfect. And I can’t wait to kiss each and every part of you. But first, I want to make love to the woman I adore.”

She sighed as her heart fluttered. Reaching back, she grabbed the condom and removed it from the packag
e. She rolled it over his shaft then positioned her opening right at his tip.

“Wait,” he said as he sat up slightly.

Matt brought his lips to hers and kissed her as he helped glide himself into her opening.

His tongue thrust into her mouth as his manhood filled her completely. They stayed still a moment, just kissing
, relishing in the feeling of finally being connected as one. Suddenly the need to fuck the man went away and the need to just be with him was there. She didn’t want this to end.

She moved her hips at a
leisurely pace, enjoying the length of him. She’d glide all the way up until just the tip was inside then slowly take him all in again.

Matt wrap
ped his arms around her tightly and pushed her so she was on her back. “You’re driving me insane with your teasing,” he growled against her lips.

“It feels so good.”

“This is gonna feel good too.”

He picked up
the pace and he was right. She tilted her hips up slightly so he’d hit that sweet spot. And oh…there it was…oh…oh… She couldn’t hold back any longer. She laced her fingers through his hair and bit into his neck. Her release was so close she was teeter-totting on the edge.

Matt must have sensed she needed a little extra push over the edge—he could always read her so well. He slipped a hand between them and circled her clit. That was all she needed. Her back arched and she gasped as her orgasm tore through her body. Wave after wave. Good God, she’d forgotten what this man could do to her.

Matt leaned close to her, placing his face in her collarbone as he began to thrust faster and harder. His breathing was heavy and he moaned into her ear. Now it was her turn to let him release. Reaching down as far as she could, she found the sensitive area behind his balls, right before his butt, and lightly rubbed.

“Oh God!”

He rode out his release slowly before he finally stopped and let his body rest on top of her. She caressed his back, enjoying the feel of him on her. It had been wonderful to finally connect with him again. There was no one else for her and she’d been a fool to give him up. But he was hers again and she wasn’t going anywhere.

Matt roll
ed off of her and out of instinct, she turned and placed her head on his chest. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He took several deep breaths.

“I’m worn out. I must be getting old.” She giggled. “In my mind we’d be doing this again and again tonight.”

“I think the l
ittle guy zaps our energy.”

She propped herself up on her elbow. “Do you want more one day?”

“Kids?”

She nodded.

“I do. I’d love a little girl. A mini-you.” He brushed her hair behind her shoulders.

“I’d like three. And if I had my way, we’d have a girl next, then a little boy. All close together so our daughter
has always got her brothers to look out for her the way mine did for me.”

He was quiet for a moment and just gazed at her. “So you want more with me?”

“Yes, silly.” She kissed his chin lightly. “You’re it for me.”

“I feel so underprepared.”

“Why? We aren’t having anymore for a year or so.”

He sat up slightly and took her hand in his. “This just feels like the right time.”

“To have another baby? Are you insane?” Did he hit his head on the headboard a moment ago?

“No, not a baby. Us. You and me.”

Okay, where was he going with this? Her heart raced when it finally clicked. He was going to…

“Diane, I don’t ever want to lose you again. I want to grow old with you and be with you every day until I take my last breath. I don’t have
a ring yet, but I will get one soon, I promise. Will you marry me?”

Oh my! He really did. He’d asked her to marry him. She tried to speak
; her mouth was wide open, but no words came out. Finally, she nodded as tears began to stream down her face.

“Really? You will?”

“Yes. Yes, I will.”

“I’d love to make love again, but I’m beat.” He lightly kissed her lips. “How about staying the night with me, or at least until the little guy
’s first feeding?”

“Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate our engagement.”

They pulled the covers back, crawled under, and cuddled. Diane grinned. She was content and happy. Life was perfect—for now.

Epilogue

Matt sat with Patrick in his arms—or as best he could. His son was a wiggle-worm now at six months old. And sitting here quietly was the last thing the kid wanted to do.

“This should be starting anytime.” Tom bounced in his seat
as he glanced around.

Tom had planned the whole thing, but Alyssa and Diane insisted he sit and watch it.
“Chill, dude. They’ve got it under control.”

“I should be back there helping.”

“You want to help, take Patrick.” He passed the baby off just as the music started.

Matt glanced at Connor who looked scared out of his mind
where he stood in front of the minister. He couldn’t stand still. Instead, he swayed back and forth slowly. Matt’s palms moistened as he tried to imagine what Connor was feeling.

Turning in his chair, he watched as Diane came down the aisle in a dark purple gown. Her hair was curled in an up-do and she looked magnificent. Her gaze caught his and she smiled at him. He couldn’t wait until he was in Connor’s position and marrying the woman he loved. Just a few more months and Diane would be a Collins.

Patrick made gurgling noises when he saw his mom. “Ugh, he’s chewing his fingers and drooling on me. It’s a good thing I love him. This suit is an Armani,” Tom said.

Tom should be glad the spit
-up days are over.

Finally, Alyssa appeared. She was a sight as well. Connor was a lucky man, but not as lucky as
Matt.

* * *

“You may now kiss the bride.”

As Connor and her sister kissed, everyone cheered. When the
lip-locking ended, Diane quickly straightened out the train on the wedding gown. Alyssa mouthed a thank you and then took the walk down the aisle with her new husband. Diane’s face hurt from the smile she couldn’t seem to get rid of. Today had been perfect for her sister and she was so glad she got to share in it with her after all Alyssa had done for her through the years.

After the couple was out of the church and headed for the reception
, Matt appeared at her side with Patrick. She took her son into her arms and pressed a kiss on Matt’s cheek.

“How romantic!
They had the perfect wedding,” she gushed.

“
It was,” he agreed.

“I think the show went wonderful.” Tom approached them.

Diane gave him a quick sideways hug, being careful not to smash Patrick between them. “All thanks to you and your wonderful planning.”

Tom rolled his eyes. “Now we’
ve got to get through yours.”

“It can’t come soon enough.” Diane stared into Matt’s dark eyes.

“I’m out of here. See you at the reception.” Tom patted Matt on the shoulder.

Matt clasped her hand. “I love you.”

“Good.” She winked. “I’m thankful you being here for this didn’t freak you out.”

“Quite the opposite.” He brushed his lips to her cheek. “It almost makes me want to whisk you away to the courthouse and make this official.”

“Oh, no, I don’t think so. We’re having a wedding. Bigger than this one.”

Matt laughed. “I tried. Guess we should head on to the reception.”

She rubbed Patrick on the back. “He’s so cute in his baby tux. Maybe he’ll walk early so he can stand up there with you.”

“Imagine that. Us trying to say our vows while he toddles around.”

“It would be a memorable wedding at least.”

Patrick cooed loudly and they laughed.

With her hand still in Matt’s, they left the church. Their wedding day couldn’t come fast enough. Life was perfect.

The End

(
Continue reading for Chapter One of
Not Just Friends
)

About Lacey Wolfe

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.
Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.

www.laceywolfe.com

Email Lacey Wolfe:
[email protected]

Want More of the Brookfield Series

Bed, Breakfast, and You

Finding Home (Bare Necessities

The Brookfield Series – Volume 1 (Includes Fi
nding Home and Bare Necessities)

Not Just Friends