Just One Promise Read online

  “Summer is taking a break, two years in a row she was pregnant. Now we’re enjoying watching the boys grow up,” Rome states. I think two boys is probably all that’s in the cards for them. Summer still takes a few jobs here and there, but she thoroughly enjoys being a mom to Sawyer and Parker.

  “We’re in the process of trying an IVF treatment, but it’s taking a toll on Quinn’s body. If it doesn’t work, then we’re looking at adopting.” It’s not just taking a toll on Quinn, you can see it’s weighing on Mason’s shoulders as well. He worries non-stop about Quinn, as he should. It broke her down for a while when she found out it was going to be difficult to carry her own children.

  “What about Heath, shouldn’t you be pestering him?” Rome chimes in.

  “I knew this was coming, Audrey and I will be having children, just not right away. She wants a houseful of kids, and I wouldn’t mind having them running around, out on a board with me, and sharing all the love I have to give. That being said, we’re taking our time first.” I see the tears gleaming in mom’s eyes. I take her in my arms hugging her.

  “When you say a houseful, how many are we talking? Do I need to get a part time job to support my spoiling habits,” she asks.

  Rolling my eyes, she’s so stubborn. We take care of her as much as she’ll allow us to, but we do little things here and there. Usually she doesn’t figure it out until it’s done, and all we have to do is hear her complain about it a little bit and she’s good to go. “Yeah, sure. Like that would ever be allowed,” Rome grunts.

  “Let’s get this show on the road, I already know what she’ll love. Though, if we can grab some lunch after, I’d appreciate it. Got something I wanna talk about,” I state.

  “I’m game, lead the way,” Mason says.

  “Always here for you, baby brother,” Rome grunts.

  “I know what she wants probably more than you,” Mom interjects, with a flourish of her hands. The worst part, she’s right, and we’ll probably pick the same damn ring out.

  Once we settle on the ring which we both did in fact chose the same damn one, the only difference, I wanted to go big. Mom said, “No, she’ll never wear it, because she’ll be scared to lose it. That’s Audrey, she’s not obsessed with looks, frills, or money,” and she’s fucking right. We pick out a one carat platinum, princess cut diamond.

  We get it wrapped up, paid for, and then we head out to lunch. It’s not something I want to talk about, but I know to be a better man, I’ll do what I have to, even if that means getting back in therapy. I don’t want my past fucking with my future.

  32

  Audrey

  I did it. After talking to the girls and Momma Tina, I cut the cord and quit my job before finding a replacement I wasn’t sure I should or could do it, but after talking to them, I felt better about doing it. Apparently, they saw my tired eyes and slumped shoulders.

  Typing out my resignation was a freeing moment. After I hit the send button, I closed my laptop, placed it back in the home office, and took a walk down to the beach to join Heath. He came out here earlier, I didn’t tell him what I was doing, wanting to surprise him.

  “You’re in deep thought out here,” I tell Heath as I sit down. He usually hears me coming a mile away, today is different though.

  “Sorry about that,” he brings his arm around me. I rest my head on his shoulder. “Anything I can do to help you get out of these deep thoughts?” I question.

  “Talked to mom and my brothers today, a lot to take in, and a lot I needed to hear. I’ll tell you the same thing I told them. If I wake up from another nightmare, I’m not going to let it rule my life. I’ll get help, I’ve gotten it before when I first moved in with Mom, it helped. I guess what I’m saying is, I won’t let this come between you and I, and if I do need to get help, you may have to come in from time to time with me,” he lets out a sigh. I move out from under his arm and straddle his waist.

  “We have this, together. It’s you and me against the world. We both made promises to one another, and I’ll always stand by your side.” My hands cup his cheeks, so he can see the sincerity in my face.

  “You got that right, Babe. That being said, I’m telling you right here and right now, we’re getting married, and soon.”

  “Is this your way of proposing?” I question with a smile on my face, this is so Heath. He takes what he wants, but he also gives, God, does he give.

  “Not really asking, but if I need to, I will,” the smirk on his face, I fall in love with him more and more each day.

  “Well then I guess I’ll tell you my answer, yes. My answer will always be yes with you.” We’re at the perfect place to start another part of our journey. We make out for what seems like hours, neither of us wanting to get up from our spot.

  “I have something else to tell you,” I mumble between kisses.

  “Yeah, what’s that?”

  “I quit my job today, well I turned in my notice. I have two weeks left to work with the man who shall not be named,” I roll my eyes when I say that.

  “Thank fuck, I was getting tired of you dealing with his bullshit,” he grunts.

  “Well, two more weeks, then I’ll be unemployed, but I am looking for another job.” I state.

  “Not worried, Baby. If it happens, it happens. If not, that’s okay too,” we get up, Heath dusting off the sand from my body, more like feeling me up. I return the favor, laughing the whole way.

  33

  Heath

  Audrey didn’t even ask about her ring, didn’t look for it, and she damn sure didn’t expect it. It’s just like mom said, Audrey is a girl next door. Money doesn’t thrill her, even though I have it in fucking spades.

  When we get back into the house, Audrey is on the phone. I expected her to call her dad first, but I’m surprised when she calls Summer and Quinn, then they somehow add mom into the phone call. And all I hear is laughing, screaming, and wedding planning. Even with us both wanting a small wedding, there’s shit to be done.

  I grab Audrey’s left hand, and finally slide the ring I bought her on her ring finger, “It’s so beautiful, Heath,” her voice is breathless.

  “Gotta go girls, mom. Time to enjoy my bride to be,” I hit the end button on Audrey’s phone, not even waiting for a response.

  “What?” Audrey questions.

  “Babe, you can talk to them tomorrow, today is for us,” I grunt. I lean down, her hands going around my neck, my hands grasp her waist, and I pick her up.

  “Oh my gosh, Heath!” She’s laughing the whole way I take her upstairs to our room, noticing all the changes she’s made. The frames on the wall, her books here and there. There are even pictures of our niece and nephews. I came home from a hard as a fuck day, she had them framed and hung. Making it feel less like a house and more like a home. That day I showed her just how much I appreciated her hard work, in and out of the bedroom. By the time we were done, there wasn’t an inch on her body I didn’t kiss, lick, or suck.

  Her returning the favor was the icing on the cake. The way she took me in her mouth, her eyes never leaving mine, then when I backed off before I came down her throat, she was on her hands and knees, giving me the perfect view of her gorgeous body. That was also the day we delved deep into our fantasies.

  I remember it like it was yesterday, her ass clenching around my dick, the way she moaned, the pleasure she took along with the pain. I watched the entire time, even when she backed her body into mine taking everything, I had to give her. I didn’t come inside her though, no fucking way was I wasting my cum that way. Instead I pulled out and painted her ass cheeks with thick ropes of my essence.

  I think we’ll be having a repeat of that night, and soon. But, tonight it’s time for me to make love to my fiancé.

  34

  Audrey

  The next day Heath and I are at the kitchen counter, eating a breakfast that I made. Something down to my roots with homemade biscuits and gravy, it’s a comfort food in the worst of times, but honestly mo
re or less today it was a craving I had.

  The doorbell ringing pauses us from eating, “That didn’t take long,” Heath grumbles.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “I’m glad you made enough to feed an army, I guarantee the whole family is here, and today you’ll be planning the wedding with the girls and mom. Which means I’m going to have to share you, and I really don’t want to,” it’s almost endearing how grumpy Heath is when he doesn’t get his way.

  I laugh then say, “They love us, and want to share our happiness. I promise it won’t take that long to plan our wedding. Do you have a date in mind?”

  “The sooner, the better. I’m ready for you to have my last name,” Heath states.

  “Well, I suppose I can make that happen. Oh, by the way, how do you feel about dogs?” I ask.

  “Never had one, but if you want one, we’ll do our research on which ones would be a great family dog, and go from there,” he kisses my forehead and answers the door. I pull out more plates, utensils, cups, and napkins that way they are easily accessible.

  “Why are you answering the door, where’s my new daughter?” I hear Momma Tina say. I round the corner, “I’m right here, I hope you guys are hungry.”

  We all say our hellos and hug, then the girls gush about my ring. When all of us make our way into the kitchen the men have the kids eating and are chowing down on their food as well.

  “Really glad I made a triple batch,” I mumble.

  “Probably a smart idea, we’re going to need to start alternating houses with our family getting bigger,” Summer says.

  “Yeah, I agree,” Quinn replies.

  “Ready to start wedding planning? I know you guys want it on the beach, but we still have dress shopping, flowers to order, food to get in line, your father to get home, Heath’s outfit, and so much more.” Momma Tina gets out what looks like a planner, notebook, pens, and magazines.

  “I guess we’re planning the wedding today,” I say with a chuckle. All of us girls follow her to the living room where we eat and plan every single thing. I do mean everything, the only thing left for us to do is wedding dress shop, and for me to call my dad to see if he’ll be able to come. As bad as it sounds, I’m not holding my breath.

  Epilogue One

  Heath

  Two Months Later

  Standing at the water’s edge, waiting for Audrey to walk down towards me, a sense of calmness comes over me, my brothers are standing next to me. Even in our thirties we’re still as thick as thieves as we were in our younger days.

  Audrey wanted Summer and Quinn to be beside her, and if we’re not careful those three will concoct a scheme of all schemes.

  Watching our family surround us, while we say our vows to each other, it’ll be one of those memories that goes in the record books.

  After the girls take their place on Audrey’s side, we watch Sawyer and Parker come down the aisle being our ring bearers in khaki pants, white shirts, and suspenders. This has mom written all over it. When Alana comes down the aisle, my heart melts a little more. She’s the cutest thing ever in a coral color dress, she’s throwing petals every which way, not that it matters. We only have our family here. Hell, even Mom is walking Audrey down the aisle. We tried to wait for her dad to come stateside, but he met a woman. After many tears from Audrey, I put my foot down and set a date for us.

  Then I got on the phone while Audrey was out wedding dress shopping and called her father. I got the same song and dance she did, “I’m busy living my dream, I love my daughter but it’s my time to live free and easy.” When he said that, I didn’t even respond, I hung the fuck up.

  When I see Mom and Audrey walk outside from our home, coral colored tulips in Audrey’s hand, her dress molding her body like it was made for it in a soft white hue, hair falling down in soft waves, but her smile, that’s the gift of all gifts.

  Mom is in a coral dress much like Summer, Quinn, and Alana, just in a different style.

  “I wish you both happiness, love, and laughter,” Mom tells us as she gives me Audrey’s hand.

  Our eyes never leave one another’s, when Audrey mouths, “I love you,” it takes everything in me not to kiss her senseless, something tells me that if I did that, our officiant wouldn’t be too thrilled. Instead I mouth, “I love you, Audrey.” We say our vows, it’s short and sweet, just how Audrey and I wanted. Nothing too big or showy.

  “You may now kiss the bride,” is spoken, my hands cup Audrey’s cheek, and we take our first kiss as husband and wife.

  My brothers’ whistling and the girls’ hollering break us apart. The smile on Audrey’s face, I would do this every year, if she wanted.

  When everything is said and done, all of us head toward our back deck, the catering company we hired has the buffet set up, it’s enough for a feast. Audrey didn’t want anyone to have to worry about clean up. Even when the girls said they wouldn’t mind doing it, she put her foot down and said no.

  The biggest surprise I have though, is we’re leaving tonight. Audrey didn’t say where she wanted to go for our honeymoon, the stubborn woman. So, I made plans of my own. We’re heading to Jamaica for a week, her bags are even packed.

  Thank god for the girls, I tried to just pack bikinis, once they realized that they took over.

  My brothers, damn do they rally for you, I didn’t end up getting the help I thought I would need too. Instead I had Rome and Mason in my corner, we took a guy’s trip down to Costa Rica, it wasn’t for too long. Only a weekend, but it was enough to let us surf, get some heavy shit off my chest, and to have a few beers.

  Coming back after that weekend, talking to Audrey, it lifted a heaviness off of my chest. Somedays the cloud likes to settle over my head, but with the help of my family, I’ll be okay.

  I didn’t think I could love my family any more than I already do, but they continue to prove me wrong and I couldn’t be more thankful.

  Epilogue Two

  Audrey

  One Year Later

  It’s our one-year anniversary, not our wedding anniversary, but it’s been a year since that first night I met Heath, right here where it all began. I left him a note on our kitchen counter, knowing he said he’d be working late tonight. I make my way to the bar and tavern, that will be another thing I’m sure he’ll threaten to spank me over, as well as a certain article of clothing I’m purposely missing.

  In a dress, with my body moving to the beat of the music, in another ten minutes or so he’ll be here. I just hope Heath knows I did this for us, and also for another surprise I have up my sleeve. I mean he had a surprise of his own when it came to our honeymoon, nothing but sunshine and a private bungalow over the water. The only interruption we had was room service. The girls packed my suitcase to the gills, but we never left our bungalow. Bathing suits were about the only thing both of us wore, and even then, they didn’t stay on very long.

  Two hands wrap around my waist, the scent, the feel, I know it could only ever be Heath. Plus, we’re in a small town, everyone knows everyone.

  “What the fuck were you thinking coming here, on your own,” he grumbles, not even saying hello first.

  “Hello to you too, Mr. Carter,” I whisper.

  We dance, slowly, our bodies moving to the beat of the music. “Hello, Mrs. Carter, didn’t like coming home to an empty house,” he whispers into my ear. I’m about to make a snarky comment about, Barrel, our golden retriever, being home to greet him when Heath replies with, “A dog is not my wife.”

  “Well played, but still. I have a few surprises up my sleeve,” I turn back around, my back to his front, his hands on my hips. I back my ass into him, letting him know what I really want.

  Two songs later, Heath’s hands have dipped below the skirt of my dress, not quite moving all the way where I need him the most.

  “Want to take a break?” I throw out, I’ve already scoped out a place that has the perfect place I want to lead him too.

  “This is your night, Baby
. Lead the way.” My hand finds his and I pull him out the back door, through the small patio they have, and down an alley. No one is around, we can still hear the music from the bar. Heath catches onto what I’m going for and takes over.

  He backs me up against the brick wall, Heath’s hand dives into my hair, moving me exactly where he wants me.

  I want his lips on mine, except he doesn’t want the same thing, it seems he’s in a teasing mood tonight. His lips find my skin, kissing a path from the shell of my ear down to my neck. I growl in frustration, one of my legs slide up against his hip. I’m open and waiting for him now, it gets the point across. Heath picks me up, I wrap my legs around his waist. Both of his hands slide up the outside of my legs as he positions himself between my thighs.

  “Are you fucking kidding me, Audrey. You were out here, without me, and you’re not wearing anything under you dress,” Heath groans.

  “Easier access,” a grin spreading across my face.

  My hands find the button on his shorts, diving my hand inside, his girth is so thick my fingers don’t touch when they’re wrapped around him.

  I want his taste on my tongue, much like I had him that way only the day before. Heath was in the outside shower, water was sluicing off his body, and I knew what I was going to do.

  Dropping my robe as I walked in, then I was on my knees before he knew what hit him, needless to say it was a very good morning for the both of us.

  “Fuck, pull it out, Audrey,” he croons in my ear, his body surrounding mine while he holds me up with his body.

  I do as he says, guiding him to my pussy, I coat the tip of his dick with my wetness. Heath dips down once he’s done being teased, and with one powerful thrust he’s inside me.