Always (16 page)

“You’re killing me, Sunshine. Please say something.”

“You shouldn’t look so worried, Liam.” With a tear-filled gaze, she finally smiled. “Aren’t proposals supposed to be a joyous event?”

“They are,” he groaned. “That is, if the answer is the one I’m hoping for. Please end my suffering and tell me yes. This is killing me.”

“Yes.” She laughed as she threw herself into his arms. “Yes, yes, a million times yes. What took you so long?”

He laughed as he kissed her tears away. “Some people learn the hard way, my love, but I promise to cherish you always. From this day forward, always, you have made me a very happy man.”

“Well that makes two of us. So LJ helped you plan all of this, huh?”

“He did, and we plan to make it our daily duty to make you feel special. When we almost lost you, God, Teeg, I went crazy.” His voice cracked with emotion. “I don’t want to ever go through that again. I want to love you, protect you, and cherish you every day of my life. It was a mistake to let you go all those years ago, and it’s one I won’t be repeating.”

“Good, because I love you too much to go anywhere without you. I can’t wait to make us official. And, yay, I’ve got an already-made family. I’ve always wanted to be a mom, and LJ is such a great kid. This night is our new beginning, Liam. Our second-chance love.”

“Well, I certainly can’t argue with that, and hey, we could always make more.”

She went down on her knees in front of him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “We could,” she whispered. “And I think we should start right now.” Teegan leaned forward to close the distance between them, making him moan as she nipped at his lips and showed him how he made her feel: loved, wanted, sexy, and finally his.

Chapter Twenty

“Do you know how delectable you are right now?” Liam whispered before discretely nipping on her earlobe. Her breath hitched at the feel of his warm breath against her.

“Why don’t you show me later.” She smiled as he turned her around and pulled her against him.

“That’s a promise, Sunshine. In the meantime, I just need a little taste.” He captured her lips in a hurry. They both knew they only had a minute before being caught. They’d invited everyone over for a celebratory dinner, and LJ and Dylan would be returning to the kitchen to get more of the pizzas they’d made. She’d finally gotten to fulfill her promise of making pizzas from scratch with the boys, and they were so proud to serve them.

He pulled out of their kiss and gave her several pecks before stepping away again to look at her.

“Oh no, now you’re all covered in flour.” Teegan laughed and dusted off his shirt. “We’ll be busted for sure.”

“I can’t help myself.” Liam shrugged and pulled her close again. “We’ll be man and wife in a few short hours anyway, so they’d better get used to it. Tomorrow will be here before we know it, and I have to make up for some of the time I’m going to miss with you while you’re over at Susan’s, and I am going to miss you tonight, love.”

He’d only proposed a couple weeks ago, but neither wanted to wait to get hitched. They’d both agreed on a simple ceremony for only family and close friends, so they’d found a local justice of the peace and would be getting married where they shared their fondest memories, both past and present, at their special waterfront property.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “How are your feet?”

“Toasty-warm, and yours?”

“Eager…”

Teegan smiled. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a very long time, Liam, and my feet can’t wait to bring me to where you stand to say our ‘I do’s.’”

“Ditto, sweetheart, and that’s certainly good to know.” He chuckled. “Uh-oh, here come the boys.” He kissed her on the nose and squeezed her bottom before stepping back. “We’ll have to continue this tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow,” she whispered. After dinner, Claire and Susan would be dragging her off. Apparently they were both superstitious about the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding, and Teegan had decided to humor them. It was going to be one long night, though, but the thought of the next day and forever after that with Liam made it all worthwhile.

***

Her wedding day dawned bright. She’d gotten up early, as the butterflies danced around in her stomach, and she couldn’t wait to get this whole ordeal over with. She just wanted to be his.

Last night, Susan and Claire had kept her up late as they took a trip down memory lane. They pigged out, watched movies, talked, and laughed as they’d done when they were back in high school. It was sleepover bliss. She smiled, remembering their evening as she stood looking out the window and down at the car they were going to take to the beach.

I’ll be Mrs. Teegan Bates in just about an hour. Teegan Bates,
squee!
She moved her hand to her belly in an attempt to calm her excitement and sighed as Susan and Claire fussed over her.

James, Dylan, Carter, and Aaron had spent the night with Liam and LJ for one last guys’ night before the wedding, and she wondered if they’d had as much fun as she had.

“Good Lord, Claire, I hope you’re having a girl,” Teegan teased. “I was just thinking about the boys, and we’re severely outnumbered here.”

“I’d love to have a girl, but I think Aaron is rooting for a son.” She giggled. “Leave it to you to think of something so silly on such an important day. You’re going to be such a beautiful bride. I just hope I’m not a blubbering mess of joyful tears. I think the hormones are starting to kick in.”

“Aw, I want a girl.” Susan smiled, patting Claire on the back. “I’m outnumbered on a daily basis, and now so will you be,” she teased. “You’ll be such a great mom to LJ, Teeg. He just adores you, and I can’t wait to see you and Liam make a ton of pretty babies of your own.”

“I’m looking forward to it too.” Teegan turned to hug them both and tried hard not to get emotional and ruin the makeup job they’d just finished. “James mentioned you wanted another child the other day, and I say you should take the same advice I gave to Claire and spice it up a little. Just let me know when you want me to watch my nephews.” She winked, and Susan seemed to perk up.

“I’ll let you enjoy your honeymoon a little first, and then I’m going to hold you to it.”

“You do that, hon. We should try and get pregnant together.”

They giggled, and then Claire spoke. “Well, don’t wait too long. That way the babies will all be close in age.”

They hugged again, swept up in the moment.

“Okay, enough of this,” Susan said, stepping back to admire Teegan’s beauty. She then went to a dresser drawer across the room and took out a small box. “Here, it’s your something borrowed.”

Touched, Teegan carefully took the gift box and gasped as she opened it. Inside were the most beautiful earrings she’d ever seen. Brilliant, round diamonds reflected the light. They dangled low and were in cased in platinum.

“Your mother bought these for me on my wedding day, and I thought you’d appreciate a little piece of her on your special day as well.”

“Thank you,” Teegan whispered. She missed her mother terribly and was completely touched by Susan’s gesture. “My mother did have spectacular taste.”

“Oh no.” Claire dabbed at her eyes. “We can’t have you red- and puffy-eyed when you walk down the aisle, and it’s my turn.” She quickly grabbed something from her bag and rushed back over. “This will be your something blue.” Claire dangled a lacy blue garter from her finger and smiled. “Come on now. Lift your leg, and let’s slip this baby on you.”

Teegan did as she was told and laughed. “Okay, so we have something borrowed—the beautiful earrings from Susan. We have my something blue from Claire with this very sexy garter. I have my something new in my dress. Now I just need something old and we’re all set.” She went to the night table in the corner to grab her purse. “I packed this last night. Isn’t it beautiful?” She reached in and pulled out an antique pearl hairclip.

“This was my grandmother’s,” Teegan confessed. “She left it to my mother, and my mother left it to me.” She rushed over to the mirror and placed it in her hair. “I wish she was here with me today.” Teary-eyed, she smiled at her reflection.

“Don’t be.” Susan aired out her dress. “Your mom would be so proud of you and is looking down with a smile on her lips. Are you ready to put this on now? It’s almost time to go.”

“Yes, Susan, let’s get me dressed, and thanks.”

Her hair was swept up in a loose bun, and loose, curly tendrils fell against her shoulders. Her grandmother’s clip rested on the right side, giving an elegance to the simple ’do. The dress was a satin, A-line, ivory, strapless wedding gown with a slight amount of patterned beads at the top and ruffles along the waist to the hem. It was perfect, and it made her feel like a princess.

“You make a beautiful bride, Teeg.” Susan sniffed as she wiped her wet eyes.

“Thank you!” She stood in front of the mirror and twirled around. “Is it almost time yet?” She was anxious now.

“It is,” Susan said as she and Claire each held out an arm. “James will meet us when we get there.”

Because James was walking her down the aisle, Liam had asked LJ to be his best man, and she couldn’t wait to see them both dressed up and waiting for her. “You’re to stay in the car until he gives you the cue that it’s your time to shine.” Susan said.

“Yes, ma’am.” Teegan gave her a salute. “Now let’s go meet the love of my life.”

***

Calla lilies entwined a white wicker arch at the end of the beach. A white runner ran from the car to where Liam stood waiting. Red rose petals scattered in the wind, giving a splash of color to the already-beautiful scene in front of her.

“Do you like it?” James held her hand in his as he watched his wife walk down the beach before them. They were up next. “As soon as we woke up this morning, we came here to make it beautiful for you today. We all wanted to make it special, especially Liam. He loves you so much, and I’m so happy you’ve finally found someone good to love you the right way.”

“Thank you, James. I love him too. It really means a lot to me, especially that you’re here to walk me down the aisle today. I wish our parents were here with us.”

“Me too, honey. Me too.” He kissed her cheek. “Now it’s time to give you away. Are you ready for this?”

“I’ve never been more ready in my entire life.”

A tan jacket enhanced Liam’s broad frame. His white dress shirt was opened slightly at the nape, showing the slight dusting of chest hair hidden underneath. Gorgeous blue eyes took in the sight of her and sparkled with love. Her gaze skimmed the rest of him, taking in his pleated slacks and sandaled feet. Liam’s light brown hair blew in the breeze, and she sighed with the knowledge that their love had prevailed against all their obstacles, and there were so many.

Her gaze captured his again, and everything and everyone seemed to disappear but them. Before she knew it, they were holding hands and repeating the justice of the peace’s words to complete the ceremony. Liam, her love, her hero, was now finally her husband.

After speaking their vows, exchanging rings, and completing their blissful union by sealing it with a kiss, Mr. and Mrs. Liam Bates became one.

Epilogue

One Year Later

“I need you, Liam, please.”

“Oh, Sunshine, I’m here,” he groaned, and she didn’t need to ask him twice. The spark was still there and shone as bright as it had in the beginning. “I plan to worship every part of that delicious body of yours.” He lowered his head and got back to work on her.

They had the house to themselves for the night to celebrate the last little bit of their anniversary, and she planned on making a lot of noise for him. His tongue speared her moist center several times, and Teegan whimpered, desperate for completion.

“Come for me, baby. Let me feel your sweet honey on my face. You taste so damn good.” He flicked his tongue through her moist folds, and moved it in and out of her repeatedly before applying just the right amount of pressure against her clit and circling it, making her tremble and ache.

His bold statement and watching him work her with his mouth brought her to an incredible orgasm. Lights danced before her vision while her whole body trembled as she moaned with satisfaction.

Liam slid his cock inside her and moaned his own satisfaction. “You feel so damn good around me,” he growled, sliding out momentarily to flip her over the couch and enter her from behind.

She moaned again in response, thrusting her butt back every time he pumped himself into her with enthusiasm. Liam’s vow to christen every room with their lovemaking had been fulfilled over time. The kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and his special workout room had all been thoroughly used, and now the living room had as well.

“And you feel so good inside of me. Harder, Liam, harder, oh Liam, yes…” She was breathless and lost in the sensation of him. He reached between her legs and caressed his balls with every slam home, and she could feel them draw closer together. His breathing hitched and came in rapid pants, letting her know his own orgasm was drawing close. He leaned forward and nipped at the back of her neck. His body heat surrounded her, making her feel safe and loved. His breath was hot, his lips warm, and his wet tongue tasted her again, over and over. His grip on her became harder, and their moans of pleasure began to drown out the noise of flesh slapping flesh.

He filled her fully, leaving her satisfied, wet, and feeling well loved. Soon, he roared out as he brought her over in bliss to join him again with her second climax.

“Liam that was—that was absolutely incredible.”

“Only because it was with you,” he murmured, helping her up. He had certainly kept his end of the bargain when he’d said he would cherish her. He did both inside and outside of the bedroom. “So what were you about to tell me earlier before I interrupted you with these lovely exploits?”

Liam went to the kitchen to get some champagne, and she contemplated how to tell him the news. She rubbed at her stomach absentmindedly as he returned. “Well, my love, it seems you and I are about to expand our lovely family in about six months’ time. Are you rooting for a boy or a girl this time?”

She giggled as his eyes widened. He then lifted her up, twirled her around, and kissed her senseless. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, but whatever it is, I’m truly grateful.”

He slid her down his body and got down on his knees to caress and kiss her stomach. “I love you, Teegan Marie Bates, always and forever. Whatever the sex, I’ll be happy with either. I’m rooting for healthy.”

“Good answer.” She laughed. “If it’s a boy, I hope he’s as handsome as you, and if it’s a girl, she’ll help even out the odds. Poor Susan, Claire, and I are outnumbered here.”

“Then we’ll have to fix that.” He smiled, lovingly tracing a heart against her stomach with his fingers. “If she doesn’t come this time around, we could always try again.”

“That we could.” Teegan laughed some more. “How did I ever get so lucky as to have a husband who adores me the way you do? Pinch me if I’m dreaming. On second thought, don’t, because I don’t want to wake up and have you disappear on me.”

“This is no dream, Sunshine. It’s what love is supposed to be like, and I’m not going anywhere but right where I am, with you always.”

“I’ll take it.” She captured his mouth with hers again and probed the slit of his lips to gain entry once more, meeting his tongue with her own as he met her passion equally with his own.

“You’re insatiable.” He smiled before bringing her back into the kiss again. “But then again, so am I.” His lips left hers, and he began to trail featherlight kisses down her stomach.

“Only for you, my love,” Teegan whispered. “It will only ever be for you.”

He laid her back down on the couch so that she was comfortable and leaned in close. He spread is hand over her belly again and got down on his knees. “You’ve made me so happy, Teeg.” He moved his hand as he leaned in close, whispering, “And I already love you too, my precious baby.”

The End