Fallen (Love in Norfolk #2)

Eight

Over the next few weeks, I was swept off my feet in a whirlwind romance like the type you read about or see in the movies. Considering Nixon had been adamant that he wasn’t a ‘sappy’ romantic type, it appeared that wasn’t quite true. Although there was nothing sappy about his behaviour. It was like I had thawed him out and that protective layer of ice he had surrounded himself in had slowly melted away.

Nixon was attentive, considerate, and respectful with a good sense of humour, something I hadn’t seen before. He was still bossy, demanding and overbearing at times, always the one in charge, but it didn’t bother me, this forced me to stand up for myself more.

My mother, father and Chrissy returned from holiday, which meant that I would have to tell my parents about our relationship. I didn’t relish sneaking around behind their backs. This may have brought even more excitement to the set-up, but I didn’t like lies.

Both Amy and Mattie already knew. Mattie had come to terms with it quite quickly, but Amy was of course Amy and still extremely outspoken about our relationship. She said that Nixon was all over me like a rash and that it wasn’t healthy. I found it amusing that she lectured me on how things were moving too fast when she’d never dated anyone either. Bottom line, if I didn’t tell my parents, Amy would unintentionally spill the beans at some point. She was too passionate to keep her feelings contained for long.

One evening, my mother caught me at the bottom of the stairs as I was heading out to meet Nixon. I was dressed up as he was taking me to a restaurant for something to eat .

Look pretty for me, but wear something that will be easy for me to peel off your body. Nixon had messaged me earlier that evening. He was the master of the steamy texts.

“You look nice, where are you off to?” my mother said as she was coming out of the kitchen. I could see Amy over her shoulder, shaking her head as if to say, ‘Don’t do it’ but I went for it anyway. As I said, I didn’t like lying to anyone, especially my parents.

“I’m going out on a date,” I replied. There, I had said it.

“Really? Since when do you date and who with?” My mother said with a slight smile.

I left it a beat or two, trying to shut out Amy’s disturbed face in the background as if I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life.

“Nixon from next door. He’s taking me out of a meal,” I said, smoothing down my dress. I left off his surname on purpose. That name in our house had always turned the air blue and it’s not like his first name was a common name, she’d know exactly who I meant.

My mother’s face morphed with surprise. She wasn’t happy about it but she hid it well.

“Really? Since when did we mix with the McKenna boys?” she volleyed back. Amy slowly traced a fingertip across her throat in a, ‘you’re dead now’ type of motion.

“We’ve been seeing each other on and off for a while. And before you start with the lecture about the McKenna boys being trouble, he’s changed since he came back from the army. To be honest, they all have and I think it’s time to move on from the nonsense of the past. Everyone is much more grown up now.”

My mother’s eyes narrowed, “I know they’re more grown up and that’s what troubles me. I don’t care about silly arguments over land and stuff. That has nothing to do with the boys, but there is bad blood between Nixon and your father. You were there, you saw the fight, Jenna. ”

“That was ages ago. Nixon doesn’t bear any grudges now,” I reassured her.

She took a deep breath before placing her hands on her hips. Mum’s fighting stance. Oh dear.

Amy started to rattle pans nervously in the kitchen.

“I take it your father doesn’t know,” Mum stated, her eyes unnaturally wide now.

I smoothed down my hair, “No. I thought you could tell him.” I paused but she didn’t reply. She just shot me an uncomfortable look and that was my sign that I had to be strong and firm. I was an adult and could make my own decisions. Fair enough, if they didn’t want me to bring Nixon to their home, that was fine. But I wouldn’t stop seeing him.

“I really like him, Mum. I have for ages, years in fact. And I’m old enough to make my own decisions. If you met the man he is today, you’d like him too, I’m sure of it. You just need to give him a chance. Surely you don’t want me to be on my own forever?”

“It isn’t that. I do want you to meet someone and finally settle. Just why one of those boys? There a plenty of chaps in the village.”

“You can’t choose who you fall for,” I pointed out, feeling like I was the adult and she the child.

My mother shifted uncomfortably on her feet and lowered her hands as Amy came to stand beside her.

“I’m with you Mom. I cannot stand the tool but he does seem to worship the ground Jenna walks on. Maybe we’ll have to give him the benefit of the doubt,” she said. I wasn’t sure whether that helped or hindered me.

Our mother turned her head towards Amy, “So you knew about this?” she questioned with a dark look.

Amy held up her surrender hands, “Hey, don’t have a go at me, it wasn’t my news to share. And anyway, aren’t you pleased that she’s told you about him? She could have started sneaking out at night. That’s what Betty does with her new boyfriend.” It was suddenly like I wasn’t there and this launched me momentarily back into the past.

Luckily my mother saved the situation, “I suppose you’re right and yes Jenna, you are an adult now. Actually, your father and I were discussing that whilst we were away. How we need to give you all a bit more slack.”

BOOM! A rocket of satisfaction went off in my head. My mother had conceded. She didn’t like the fact that I was going out with Nixon, but she’d accepted it. For now, anyway. Goodness knew how my dad would react.

“Well, have a good time then. And if you’re going to be late back, message me, OK?”

“OK.”

As they went back to the kitchen, Amy shot me a look of victory. I wasn’t sure why she was blowing her own trumpet as she hadn’t been supportive in the beginning. I heard my mum questioning her about her friend Betty’s situation as I turned away.

After one last look in the mirror and a fluff of my hair, I left the house with a huge smile and walked down the driveway to meet Nixon, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted.

*****

A few days later, my dad didn’t take the news as well as my mother but again, he accepted it. Another relief as who would want their father interfering in their love life?

I saw Nixon most days and had spent some time at his house, although I had yet to stay over. My parents clocked watched and were always around to ensure I got home OK in the evenings. Which was a bit like locking the gate when the horse had bolted as Nixon and I were already in a sexual relationship. One that continued to take my breath away. Although I had yet to stop over, we spent plenty of quality time hanging out in his room.

Nixon had introduced me to both his parents. I would describe his mother Melanie as being civil but guarded on our first meeting, but after speaking together a few times, she started to warm toward me. Mitchell looked through me as if he didn’t really know who or what I was. He was so frail now. Mason was his usual polite self; Seth was just quiet around me and Boyd was Boyd. No change there. He made me feel like a simpleton.

Nixon would pick me up from the pub on the nights I was working as it was starting to get dark in the evenings. He’d take me home and we’d park behind the huge oak tree at the bottom of my driveway and make out. I know I didn’t have anything to compare it to, but our sexual compatibility was off the chart and he was so tactile. Even in front of his brothers, who would mutter the clichéd ‘get a room’ comment.

Nixon and I hadn’t spoken about the boyfriend, girlfriend word, but that is what we were. I didn’t broach the subject, as I didn’t want him to feel pressured by labels. We were together and exclusive and that was all that mattered to me. I knew he wasn’t seeing anyone else. Nixon spent so much time in my company or working on the farm, that there was no time for anything else. There was also the looming thought of him having to return to work out his notice period in the army, something I was not looking forward to. Nixon had explained that his sick note ran to the end of March that following year. He’d briefly explained at the base that day that if he quit immediately, he’d lose his honours and part of his pension. He reminded me that it wasn’t about the money, it was about the principal and what he was owed. Especially after what had happened to him.

My riding lessons were going well and I was now able to mount Vicky with confidence. The fact that I could trot her around the training paddock had massively impressed my parents. My mother even commented on how much I’d changed since they’d come back from holiday, and that she was impressed that I was now working. Even if she didn’t like where.

My parents invited Nixon to the house for supper one night, just the four of us. I had purposefully suggested that we arrange it for an evening when Amy was away. I didn’t want her throwing the Kybosh on it. Luckily Mattie was at his friend Rob’s house and Chrissy was at my Grans for the weekend.

The night of the meal, Nixon brough a bottle of wine over and he and my dad got along fine. It was awkward at first, but it didn’t take long before they started talking about mundane tractors and farming equipment. Nixon spoke briefly about his time in the army but you could tell he wasn’t comfortable. My parents picked up on that and soon changed the subject.

When Nixon left the house, they were quite positive about the evening, still not one hundred percent sold but they explained that they felt better now they’d met him properly. They also said he was welcome over any time.

My mother’s words about how I had changed and become stronger were welcomed ones and I agreed with her. I felt more comfortable in my own skin.

I had grown as a person in more ways than one. Part of this was due to Nixon and his influence. He brought out the best in me, made me fight for what I wanted, and tested my choices. I didn’t give him all the credit of course. I had done plenty of soul-searching too and had found a missing portion of myself. That lost little girl was gone and with Nixon by my side, I would never let her back in.

We met at the meadow and the pool quite often as Nixon was attempting to teach me how to swim. I couldn’t concentrate and spent most of the time ogling his gorgeous body; which he told me off for of course.

Things were going well between us and I was enjoying being in a relationship that I didn’t have to hide.

Most people had come around to the thought of Nixon and I together. Even my friend Charles got it. The last two people who were taking longer to convince were Boyd and Amy. And part of me imagined they may never come to terms with it. I let it go, the old me that would have wanted to please everyone had retired.

The rest of the year passed by without issue and Nixon and I continued to grow stronger as a couple. We became established as boyfriend and girlfriend. Yes, there were a few bumps along the road but nothing major.

Christmas and New Year passed by. Nixon spent Christmas Day with my family and we stopped at his house for New Year and everything worked out just fine. We had been spending so much time together that we made the effort to ensure we didn’t turn our backs on family time during important holidays.

I started the new year feeling thankful and loved up and looking forward to the future. I had quit my job at the pub and had started working with my mother more, sorting out the invoices and assisting with other financial tasks. It turned out that I had quite a head for numbers. I had done extremely well in my Math’s A-levels and enjoyed using that part of my brain. I also started looking into accountancy courses.

As the darker nights left us, the future looked more than bright. Nixon and I were unshakable and I had everything I had ever wanted at that point.

*****

It was Sunday. I had spent most of the day mucking out Vicky’s stable with Amy. I hadn’t seen Nixon all day. He’d messaged to say that there had been a mix up with an order of some cattle and that he’d call me once it was resolved.

Later that evening, he texted me and told me to meet him by the pool as he had a surprise for me. He said that I should bring Vicky.

He hadn’t seen me on a horse for a while, and so I decided to surprise him by riding her over, instead of leading her along like a dog (as Nixon had said that first day when he came back) .

I had to go the long way around due to the cattle grids. I wore my hair in a low ponytail under my riding hat and had borrowed a pair of Amy’s jodhpurs that she’d never worn, a red jumper and her old riding boots.

It was a cool night, the breeze light, and I thoroughly enjoyed walking Vicky through the fields. I loved the countryside, especially the wild meadow which surrounded the pool. It was like that spot belonged to Nixon and me now. We had also had sex in the water, it had been hot and heated, despite the temperature of the river. Nixon had lifted me against the embankment and had driven me to heaven.

That had been the first time we’d had unprotected sex. Nixon had explained that he was healthy and got regular check-ups and of course, as he couldn’t have children, there was no way I would get pregnant. He said it was my choice and that he was fine either way, but I had wanted to see how his naked skin would feel inside me. The sex had been better and not having to use protection allowed us to be more spontaneous. To feel that close contact had been so special and I felt like it had made us even closer. The fact that we would never have children did swim around my thoughts on occasion but I soon managed to push it to one side. I wanted Nixon and if kids were not on the cards, so be it.

I loved him so much. When I had confessed that to Amy that first time, she’d rolled her eyes, saying I was infatuated and how that wasn’t the same thing as love. I didn’t agree with her. Nixon and I had now been together for several months, but it felt much longer than that. We had been aware of each other our entire lives. That evening of the fire when we first met properly at the pool that night had fused a strong connection. Initially, Nixon had fought it. Mainly to protect me from his inner monster, but I saw through all that now. He had regular flare-ups and some days he was moody and withdrawn, but I’d gotten used to that. As with all relationships, you had to take the rough with the smooth. Fortunately, I liked both Nixon’s rough and smooth sides .

As I made my way through the trees, bending low over Vicky’s neck to ensure I wasn’t smacked in the face with branches, I saw Nixon on his father’s horse, Shadow. The stallion was jet black and so very tall, but he’d need to be to carry Nixon’s well-built body. He looked mouth-watering as always in faded blue jeans with some rips in them and a dark grey close-knit jumper. That hotspot between my legs flared in earnest of possible things to come.

His reaction to me riding Vicky had been exactly what I had wanted; a mixture of surprise and pride. I could see how impressed he was with every perfectly chiselled contour of his masculine face.

I steered Vicky toward Shadow, who snorted and flicked his black tail, sensing my mare, adrenaline pumping through me.

“So how does it feel?” Nixon began, clicking with his mouth, a signal for Shadow to move. The beast pranced to the side suddenly, not quite obeying his master’s instructions. Nixon handled him with ease though and nudged his feet into the horse’s flanks, tugging on the reins, “Easy,” he cooed gently to his horse, calming him. “Sorry, he’s high-spirited and your horse may be in season, so we need to go steady,” Nixon informed me confidently. He was so self-assured, that nothing fazed him.

I gazed adoringly across at him and he rolled his eyes and repeated, “Stop mooning. You haven’t answered my question?”

Our horses came together side by side and my thigh briefly skimmed Nixon’s, “It feels amazing,” I said with a grin, trying not to be derailed by my physical reaction to him.

“You able to canter yet?” Nixon asked, running a hand along Shadow’s neck. I held on to the pommel of Vicky’s saddle.

“Yes, I’m not up to galloping standards yet but I can canter. I did fall off once but got straight back on. That’s what Simon said. That falling off is all part of learning to ride. ”

“Simon’s right. It is. I’ve fallen off tons of times. Part of the process,” Nixon admitted without a hint of shame.

“Really? You’ve fallen off your horse,” I said in a surprised voice.

He quirked me a look, “Of course. I’m only human Jenna. I’m not perfect.”

“You are to me,” I whispered. I knew I sounded loved up but I didn’t care. Nixon tutted and then grinned, manoeuvring Shadow around so we were facing the same way.

“Don’t put me on a pedestal too high Jenna. The fall could be catastrophic. Come on, follow me. Show me what you’ve got Little Mermaid,” Nixon stated with a challenging wink.

He then clicked his heels and Shadow shot forward. I did the same with Vicky. She pranced sideways for a moment but then set off after Nixon.

We rode together side by side. Nixon barked a few comments out here and there about my posture, but I didn’t mind. He was in bossy mode, him being the better rider. He looked so magnificent on his horse, so sexy, those rock-hard thighs gripping Shadow’s strong flanks.

The breeze ran through my hair, my ponytail swinging with each hoof beat. I wasn’t usually competitive, but I would have loved to have been able to race Nixon. We wouldn’t have stood a chance against his stallion, but who knew, maybe he’d have let me win. There was a gentleman inside him after all, I had seen that version on and off over the past few months.

As we approached a cluster of trees, a place I had never been to before, just on the outskirts of our land, Nixon slowed his horse to a steady walk. He then took Vicky by the bridle to help slow us down. She immediately obeyed.

We threaded in and out of the trees in silence, both just enjoying the ride.

“What do you think?” Nixon said with a flick of his head as we came out of the shrubs. I twisted my head to check out where he was motioning and saw we were next to the river. A small man-made bridge had been erected over the water which would allow us to cross without getting our horses wet. I was thankful as I wouldn’t have been confident enough to take Vicky through the river no matter how calm it appeared.

“Did you build that?” I question, steering Vicky in beside Shadow.

“Yes, with Mase and Boyd. We finished it that day I almost drowned you last year. That’s what we were doing there.”

I wasn’t sure it would hold two horses so I waited until Nixon crossed and then directed Vicky over. There was no railing, just four posts, two on either side of the river and the base of the bridge was propped up by what looked like metal posts that disappeared into the water.

“Nicely done. Now, follow me,” Nixon said as he set off over the grass towards several buildings in the distance. I recognised them as being part of the McKenna’s farm.

We passed by a couple of fields which held livestock. I loved the smell of the countryside; it was powerful but it didn’t bother me. You got used to it, living in the middle of nowhere.

I followed Nixon over to a large barn and then pulled Vicky to a halt as he dismounted and tied Shadow’s reins over a post next to a horse trough. Shadow lowered his head and then started to drink greedily. I directed Vicky there and was about to dismount but Nixon was already reaching up. He put his arms around my waist and lifted me from the animal and then purposefully manoeuvred me so I slid down the hard length of his body. Excitement pumped through my veins like a powerful drug.

As my feet touched the floor, he tilted my chin up with his fingers, “You did well, I’m impressed. It won’t be too long until we can race each other,” he said, reading my thoughts from earlier.

He then tied Vicky next to Shadow and took me by the hand, leading me into the barn. A flurry of excitement thrummed in me. Why was he taking me into the barn? My mind boggled with hope .

When we were inside, I could see a picnic blanket had been set down in between a stack of hay bales. There were two wine glasses and a bottle of red set in the middle. A huge smile plastered itself across my face. There were also rose petals scattered across the floor.

I turned to Nixon, tugging my hand free and throwing my arms around his neck. His strong hands came around my waist.

“You did all this for me?”

“Of course. I doubt Mason or Boyd would be into it,” he said with a twinge of amused sarcasm.

“Did you make the picnic yourself?”

“Absolutely, buttered each slice with my bare hands. I was in the army you know. I can cook,” Nixon grinned down into my face. “Want to see what else I can do with my bare hands?” His smile grew wolfish and he turned me and pushed me gently against the wall of the barn.

The gloves were then truly off. Nixon’s mouth crashed down over mine and as his tongue drove into my mouth, I felt a surge of dampness between my thighs. My back hit the wall of the barn. I needed this so much. There was something carnal and raw about being somewhere so rustic and my heartbeat kicked my ribs in anticipation.

My hands fell away from the back of his neck and down his biceps which flexed when they felt my touch, “That tickles,” he whispered against my mouth as I pushed my chest against his. Nixon then lifted his hands from my waist and took me by the wrists, dragging my arms up and pinning them to the wall above my head with one hand. I attempted to pull my hands free, wanting to touch him, but he shook his hand and rammed his mouth back over mine.

I could feel the thick ridge in his jeans and he ground it against my stomach.

My body was on fire as he easily restrained me, it was such a turn-on being helpless and under his power. I attempted to pull my hands free again, but he tightened his grip. It wasn’t painful but the message was clear, I’ll let you go when I’m good and ready . He turned me on in a way no one ever had.

He raised his head, looking down at me with heavy-lidded eyes, “Are you wet for me Jenna?”

“Always,” I panted against his mouth.

Nixon then deepened the kiss, growling deep in his throat and I moaned, kissing him back with fervour. I was so ready, my sex t hrobbing as he pushed himself against me. I could feel he was now rock hard against my jodhpurs.

Our breathing became ragged. Nixon’s free hand found its way under my jumper and he yanked my bra down, his fingers cupping my breast. More heat surged through me as his thumb found my nipple. I couldn’t stop the moan of pleasure which burst from my lips and into his mouth.

Nixon raised his head and took a step back, staring down at me with desire-filled eyes, “Lift up your arms,” he instructed in a husky voice and I obeyed. He then lifted my jumper up over my head and threw it on a hay bale behind him, before expertly removing my bra.

I stood there before him with my breasts on display and his eyes roamed over them greedily.

“So, fucking perfect and all mine,” Nixon said in a possessive voice. He too then lifted his jumper over his head and threw it to join mine.

His perfectly muscled chest looked magnificent in the dim lighting, a ray from the lamp highlighting the contours of his pectoral muscles. I moved forward and ran my hands over his stomach and it clenched in response.

His face was shadowed, “So far, we’ve had sex, Jenna. Fucking mind-blowing amazing sex. Tonight, I’m going to fuck you, hard . Are you ready for that?” Nixon’s voice was low and gruff.

Nixon knew exactly what I needed, “Always,” I breathed and started to unbutton my jodhpurs. Nixon impatiently batted my hands away and finished the job himself, yanking the bottoms down over my thighs to my ankles .

He then lifted me into his arms, his hands under my armpits, turned around and placed me gently on a stack of hay bales which were around the same height as his waist.

I leaned back, the straw scratchy against the cheeks of my bottom where it wasn’t covered by my lace thong.

Nixon then shifted and pulled the jodhpurs off my ankles with one swift yank. He planted a hand over my other breast, his finger playing with one nipple before he pushed me back so I was lying on the bale.

I inhaled, desire and lust wracking my frame as I lay before him, waiting.

Nixon then tugged my knickers down my legs and discarded them, his eyes drinking in the sight of my naked body.

Just when I thought I couldn’t get any more excited, he parted my legs roughly and I gasped.

And then, I went to heaven. Nixon lowered his head between my legs, parting me with his hands as he drew his tongue in between the folds of my sex, tasting me. I fell back against the bale, arching my back, pushing myself against his face whilst his mouth continued to work its magic.

I shuddered viciously, “Oh my god, yes, please,” I panted. Nixon then traced the area with his hand and gently pushed two fingers inside me. He caressed and teased me. Strong fingers brushed expertly over that swollen nub, setting a rhythm until I couldn’t take it anymore and my climax burst through me. It started at my core and then rushed through the rest of my pelvis. I cried out, almost screamed it was that intense.

Nixon lifted his head, a satisfied expression mixed in with the carnal look on his face.

I could barely remember my own name at that point.

His gaze was still hooded as he watched me and my eyes flickered to his hands as he unbuttoned his jeans and released himself. His expression was full of passion and determination .

Nixon stood before me, unashamed with his hard length in his hand. He didn’t even remove his jeans he just pushed them down. I watched as he stroked himself a couple of times.

He then lifted one of my legs over his hip and drove into me in one hard thrust. My body accepted his immediately, he was buried to the hilt, that sleek velvet skin throbbing inside me, filling me completely. I was already on the edge of my second orgasm but wanted, no, needed to hold back, knowing that the release would be so much more intense when it came.

Nixon braced himself on solid forearms at either side of my body and then it got even better. Desire flared, hot and intense in his eyes.

He started to move. Slow, long thrusts at first which then became faster, deeper , and harder and I parted my legs more to take everything he had to give.

He took my mouth in a bruising kiss and I loved it and wrapped my legs around his waist; his lips raw and hungry as my tongue fenced with his own.

The pleasure I experienced was exquisite, the fullness overwhelming . I gasped, unable to control the waves of excitement as they crashed through my entire body as Nixon drove me towards my second orgasm. That feeling was building with every thrust and we were both breathing heavily. I ran my nails down his back, arching my body, and thrusting my breasts into his chest. There was a liquid heat between my legs.

“Cum for me,” Nixon whispered in a husky voice against my ear as he continued to move inside me, his voice was thick with urgency and I knew he was close.

Knowing I was almost at the point of no return, Nixon transferred his weight onto one hand and slid the other between my legs, his fingers stroking my clitoris again and I couldn’t hold back any more, my second climax rocked my entire body and Nixon followed me over the edge. Shouting my name as he emptied himself inside me .

He remained on top of me for a moment, both needing to gather our breaths, my skin was hot and sweaty as was Nixon’s.

Eventually, he withdrew and pulled up his jeans before sliding his hands under my back and bottom and lifting me into his arms and off the hay bale. He carried me over toward the picnic blanket and sat me down.

“I hope you’re not expecting me to picnic naked,” I said with a smile. He shot me a wolfish look.

“If it were up to me, you’d be naked all the time. When we’re alone of course. I wouldn’t want to share that tight little body with anyone else.”

I eyed the assorted food before me, feeling especially hungry. It was probably the mind-blowing sex that had built my appetite. Nixon went to fetch my clothes and I quickly dressed whilst he poured us both a glass of wine.

He then lowered his large frame down onto the blanket and crossed his legs. He looked comfortable considering his size and the fact he was sitting there in his jeans with the top button still undone. He was still bare-chested and my eyes roamed over the fine hair which travelled from his navel and disappeared into his jeans. I wanted to rip them off again.

There was a bang of a car door in the distance which startled me and I spilled some wine onto the blanket. Nixon looked up at my sharp intake of breath.

“Sorry,” I said, feeling like a clumsy idiot. Luckily it was a dark blanket so the stain didn’t show.

“Do you think your brothers heard us?”

“Who gives a shit. It’s none of their business and no, I don’t. That sounded like Mason’s car, but the house is too far away for them to hear anything out here.”

Nixon started to open some of the containers and handed me a plate. There was a selection of sandwiches to choose from.

“This is amazing . I must say, considering you said you weren’t a romantic type; you’ve blown me away. ”

“You’re rubbing off on me, what can I say? And as well as being fit as fuck, I enjoy your company. I can’t believe I stayed away as long as I did,” Nixon confessed.

“Why did you?”

His brow wrinkled, “You know why. You were too pure and perfect and fucking sweet and I didn’t want to fuck with that.”

“What about the fire? You said you still blamed us.”

Nixon shook his dark head, “I think I used the fire as an excuse as well as well as the shit between our parents. It was a front and it wasn’t really about that. I needed to be in control and I could feel that slipping each time we met. I didn’t like it. I didn’t want anyone to have that level of hold over me.”

He paused, his eyes narrowing, but I could see the humour in his eyes, “Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you all this and giving you more power.”

Nixon dashed a hand across his jaw as he shot me an intense look, “But you’re too sweet. I can’t imagine you taking advantage of anyone.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I may have some tricks up my sleeve to bring you to your knees Mr McKenna,” I joked.

Nixon smiled but then his tone turned serious and he closed the distance between our two bodies on the blanket, “Anyway. I want you, Jenna. All of you and I want the world to know you’re mine,” he said, running a finger down my face.

A tinge of excitement shot through me at his possessive tone, “What do you mean? They already know?”

“No. I mean I want to make it official.”

I blinked at him and he shot me a provocative smile.

“Marry me.”

You could have heard a pin drop. My mouth fell open as shock was injected into my system. Shock and a massive zing of joy !

“What? You’re asking me to marry you?” I must have looked like a complete dummy, sitting there with my mouth open like a fish.

“Not quite the reaction I was hoping for,” Nixon choked out with a grin.

“I’m sorry, I’m just in shock.”

He pushed forward onto his knees and lowered his head, brushing his lips against mine, “I mean it, Jenna. I love you. So, fucking much.”

My heart swelled in my chest as he raised his head. His expression was full of intent, “And I love you. But, don’t you think it’s a bit soon?”

“I get it’s all a bit fast, but I don’t care. This thing between us is good. All that time I was away in the Army, you’re the only person I thought about. Why do you think my buddies at the base already knew so much about you? I went away on purpose, to grow the fuck up and I did.”

Realising I was handling it rather badly, I stuttered, “I love you so much Nixon but what would our families say?”

There was a pause as we both stared into each other’s eyes.

“You don’t have to answer right away. Think about it. This isn’t a rash decision on my part, this is truly what I want, I’m almost twenty-eight and I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. And you really do need to think it through, I’m not an easy man to live with. I can be a demanding bastard and so you need to be aware of what you’ll be taking on. There’s also the other issue, about kids. I won’t be able to give you children.”

I inhaled, feeling his pain, “I understand that and I don’t care. And I’ve seen your darker side Nixon and you’ve shared the reasons for it with me now. But I would like some time to think about it if that’s OK. I do love you, but it’s so soon. Surely the jump from boyfriend to husband will be considered massive.”

“I get that. Although to be honest, I feel too old to be called anyone’s boyfriend,” Nixon pointed out with a smirk.

“I love you Jenna and I want to spend my life with you. ”

“If I said yes, and we do this. How would we go about it? Would you speak to my dad and do it the old-fashioned way? They’re all going to try and talk us out of it you know.”

“Well, Mason already knows I was intending to ask you, but the others don’t. If you want me to go to your father first and do it all the correct, expected way, I will do whatever you want. The thing that worries me is their fucking interference. They will all think it’s too soon, fuck me, even I think that, but sod it. I want you to be mine and I want the world to know you are, so fucking much. You’re like a drug I will never stop craving and I need you in my life permanently.”

I didn’t mind the dominance behind his last words, it stoked a fire in me. We were opposites but it worked. I wasn’t a doormat, but I liked being led by this man and that bossy side spoke to my submissive.

“Well, we’re both adults, we don’t need permission. But yes, I know my father would appreciate you speaking with him first. And it wouldn’t need to be a large fancy wedding, you know I don’t like crowds. And it wouldn’t need to be in church, I’m not religious unless you are?”

“Not at all, just the opposite after the shit I’ve seen.”

“I don’t care about fuss and would like something small and intimate, if we do this.”

“And I feel the same way,” he said softly, stroking my face. I leaned my cheek into that strong warmth. I didn’t need to think about it at all, not really. My heart was bursting with love for this man.

“Yes Nixon, forget what I said, I don’t really need any time to think about it. Yes, with bells on, I’ll marry you.”

His entire face lit up, and satisfaction and joy intermingled.

“Fuck me, we’re really going to do this. Who would have thought it, a McKenna and a Taylor-Joy,” he growled possessively. Nixon then pushed his hand into his pocket and withdrew a small black case .

He then opened the box and there inside was a small platinum ring with a cluster of tiny diamonds. It was perfect . My smile widened.

“Nixon, it’s stunning .”

“It was my grandmother's. You really like it, not too old-fashioned?”

I held my breath as Nixon lifted my left hand and slid the ring onto my finger.

I lifted my hand to my face and touched the gems with my fingers, “It’s unique and I love it. And it fits perfectly . It’s like it was meant to be.”

“I fucking love you, Jennifer Taylor-Joy,” Nixon whispered, brushing his lips across mine again.

“Soon to be Jennifer McKenna. I quite like the sound of that.”

“So, you’ll take my name,” he shot back.

“Of course. I’m quite traditional about things like that.”

“Good. I’d want you to take my name, would probably demand it. I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you. The sexist beast in me needs it,” he said with a smile. I knew he was joking. He wasn’t sexist, maybe a touch here and there but weren’t we all guilty of that at some point?

Nixon sat back down and started to fill my plate with sandwiches. He then poured me another glass of wine and we started to talk about his day on the farm before we naturally moved to the subject of our future. I was so excited and terrified at the same time.

“So, do you want to talk about possible dates or remain engaged for a while? I want you to move in with me but you won’t be able to do that until after we’re married. My mother likes you but she’s very old-fashioned about cohabiting.”

“Well, in that case, we could do it sooner rather than later. Maybe in a couple of months? When the weather starts to get warmer?”

Nixon raised his glass to his lips and I did the same, he then saluted us and I followed, “A late spring wedding it is Little Mermaid.”