Mended Affections (The Affections Series Book 2) (18 page)

My hand travels down, grabbing her leg behind her knee. I move her leg up, pinning it to her chest, opening her up more for me. Pressure begins to build, but I'm not ready to come just yet, Rea can take that pleasure first.

"Alma, fuck, I needed you." I pick up my pace, giving her what she needs.

Her breathy moans escalate. "Yes, just like that. God, don't stop."

Her eyes begin to close again, as her body climbs that metaphoric hill to the best pleasure possible. "Look at me, Rea. I know you're close. Don't take those eyes off of mine."

Lifting myself up, I let go of her hand, bringing mine down to place small pressured circles against her most sensitive area with my thumb. My hips never slow, moments later her back is arching, her face strained, and she pulses around me. She lets out a moan, one she's trying to hold in but has no control of. Her eyes never leave mine, just as I commanded, and it's the most beautiful thing to watch.

I'm a few strokes away from my own release. The sated look on her face spurs me forward. The pressure that was building, tightens, and explodes. I fight to keep my own eyes open, as pleasure takes over me. I don't want to miss a minute of this, of her laid out beneath me.

I collapse on top of her; our bodies slick with sweat. Not only can I feel my heart pounding, but I swear I can feel hers too. I'm lost in my own state of satisfaction when I hear the familiar sound of Rea sniffling. I feel frozen for a moment. Does she think this was a mistake? I'm not sure it's possible, but my heart rate picks up as fear creeps up my chest. I'm still buried inside of her, when I lift my head to find her tears. "You okay? Did I do something wrong?"

A sob breaks from her chest. "Oh God, no. You did everything right. I just...I'm so embarrassed."

Leaning on my elbows above her, I use my thumbs to wipe her tears away. "Don't be."

"I'm just glad you're here. I haven't felt like this in a long time. I can't even explain it." Her eyes roam my face, searching for an explanation to what she feels.

"It's called feeling happy, Rea, and it's okay." I press a kiss to her forehead.

She nods, accepting my words. "I just didn't expect to feel, I don't know, complete."

I grab her hand in mine, placing it over my heart, then I rest my hand over hers. "It's because of these. They've been tied together for a long time. We just had to listen to them."

"I really thought you were going to leave," she whispers.

I smile down at her. "I wouldn't have been gone long. I would have realized it was a mistake. Thank God, the powerful Rea stopped me with this." I nudge my hips against her, and I feel myself growing hard again.

Rea's head tips back as she laughs, causing her to tighten around me. I begin slowly moving, unable to control my need to have her again.

Her face turns serious. "Striker?"

"Yeah, Rea?"

"I love you. I always have."

I cover her mouth with mine; devouring every soft moan I work out of her. I suck on her tongue before pulling away. "I never had a choice, you stole my heart the moment you looked up at me from the ground in the woods. I'm just glad to have yours back. Life wasn't the same without you in it."

"I hate that we've all suffered heartache throughout the years, but I can't bring myself to regret anything that happened." I stop my movements.

"You don't regret anything?" she asks, confused.

"Nothing. If we didn't go through all of that in the past, we wouldn't have Max and Colt, two very special pieces of Dalton to carry along with us," I say.

Her bottom lip trembles, tears forming in her eyes. "I wouldn't trade them for the world."

"Neither would I." I kiss her again, gently this time. I pour all the passion I feel into this kiss.

Rea pulls away, tears streaming from the outer corner of her eyes. "Don't ever leave me again."

Pressing my forehead to hers. "I finally got the most precious piece of my heart back. I won't mess this up a second time."

We make love one more time, then fall asleep in each other’s arms, content in our decision to love one another, and be the family that I always dreamed of. Good things come to those who wait.

Reagan

"I'm so proud of you, Rea," Striker says, pushing a few stray hairs back from my face.

I'm breathing heavy and uncontrollable tears roll down my cheeks. "I never thought I would go through something like this again."

He looks into my eyes, his crinkled at the corners, touched by the beautiful smile stretched across his face. "You should be proud, look at what you did. It's amazing."

"No, we did this, the two of us," I say.

Striker's lips touch mine and I taste the salt from my tears. These tears I welcome: tears of joy and happiness. Tears that represent how wonderful my life has been over the last year. It took me some time, and we had a lot of ups and downs, but I'm finally feeling like life has worked out for my family. My boys have a father they love, who also does his best to include the memory of Dalton in their everyday life.

I never thought I could be this happy again, but as I sit here and look into the eyes of the man who stole my heart, I feel complete. My heart feels whole again. It may have scars, but they are stitched tightly together and bond what was once broken. I want to hold on to this moment and never let go. However, I am not naive to the fact that things can change in an instant, so I don't take anything for granted.

So many things can change our lives, like a chance run in with a boy in the woods, or a misunderstanding, or a devastating cancer diagnosis. Just a moment of time and your entire world can shift, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad.

The day I decided to read Dalton's letter was one of those moments. The words scribbled on that paper tilted my world on its axis, bringing it back to a stable atmosphere. I wanted so much for my life, and his words helped me see that all the power for a happy life was in my hands. I held onto that letter for a year. Striker and I were in a good place, but I was not in a good place with myself. I swear, I can still hear the sound of the envelope tearing, as I opened it to read my late husband’s words written inside.

To my sweet Rea,

    I'm not sure when you'll be reading this, but I hope that you have decided to live the life you once dreamed of. I need to start with a few apologizes. First, I never wanted to leave you, and I'm sorry I can't be there to see the amazing future you have ahead. A future full of joy and laughter, raising the family we created. If I had my choice, I would have been by your side until we were a hundred and ten years old, but I realized something before God took me from this earth. I was never the one for you. As hard as it is for me to admit, I know it’s true.

    I was selfish. I put myself between two people that I loved with all my heart to fulfill my own desires, never once thinking of the consequences. I took things away from you and Striker that are irreplaceable. I'm so deeply sorry for that, and I hope you can forgive me. Once I found out I was sick, our lives together replayed in my mind. I realized my actions only brought more pain, when I had the ability to help you two work it out. I know your love for one another is one that most people will only ever dream about. I know that it may have been a little too late, but I brought Striker back into your life because he deserved a chance at a life with you, which he was always meant to have. He deserved to raise his son. I know without a doubt, he will not only be the best dad to Dylan, but also to Max and Colt. If there is one thing I am sure of, he will never turn his back on the boys.

    I hope that you have forgiven him, and me for that matter; by the time you read this. We've all made mistakes along the way, but happiness is something that is achievable. Don't let my death hold you back. We had our time together, and even though I know marrying you was a selfish decision, I wouldn't change the life I got to live with you. I'm thankful for every day we spent as husband and wife.

    Look ahead, Rea, you're still so young, and have a lifetime ahead of you. The future is bright and full of the life you were always meant to have. No one holds the key to your happiness but you, so unlock what was always yours. Let what we had go, it’s okay. I want you to move on, find the happiness you always dreamed of. You deserve that and so much more. You have always been a great mom to our boys, but I know once you let go, the life you will provide for them will be one you always dreamed of as a child. I promise you will feel the freedom from leaving me in the past. I am just a memory now, but that's all I should be. Don't let my memory keep you or the boys from living. They won't be able to completely move on unless you do.

    Show them how to live, Rea! Let them have the childhood we once did but with two loving parents standing by to guide them. Show them how to be free and have fun. Be goofy, make a mess, and laugh every day. My heart will still love you, even when it stops beating.

With all my love, for all of eternity,

Dalton

"What are you thinking about?" Striker asks.

I smile up at him. "I never thought I would be able to have all that I ever wanted, but today I do."

He leans down and kisses me tenderly on the lips. "It does feel like life was incomplete until today, doesn't it?"

"Well, go get the boys. They've been patiently waiting," I say, as the last of the nurses leaves the room.

"Be right back."

I'm surrounded by silence for five minutes, before I hear three very excited boys coming up the hall.

"Hey, Mom!" Colt says, walking through the door ahead of his brothers. "Wow, can I climb up and sit next to you?"

"Of course, sweetie, just be careful." I pat the bed, showing him where to sit.

Dylan and Max walk up next to the bed, looking down at the newest member of our family. Both of their faces are lit up with smiles. Striker walks up behind them and places a hand on each of their shoulders. "Well, boys, we'd like to introduce you to your little sister, Mia."

Elizabeth Wills was born in Maryland. She married her high school sweetheart and they are now raising two spunky boys. When she's not writing, she's working her part time job in radiology, chasing her two busy children and tending to her home. Elizabeth has a passion for reading and enjoys a good love triangle. Sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, and upcoming events.

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The Affections Series will continue with Reagan’s friend Riley. If you enjoyed this book, please take a moment to review. Thank you for reading.