Chapter 13
chapter
thirteen
Wren
We’re driving back to the house, Keller in the backseat with our new dog. I glance over at my husband. The man who made me climax no fewer than four times last night.
He and my sister were right, I’m not frigid.
That and I’m pretty sure Liam might be a sex expert. He’s a sexpert. I snort.
“What are you laughing about?” he asks.
“I’ll tell you later. It’s not really for small ears.” I look to the backseat again, where Keller is busy telling Banjo all about her new home.
“I think she loves me, Mom,” Keller says, his voice filled with wonder.
“I think she definitely does.”
“I want her to sleep in my room. Not in my bed, but maybe beside my bed. On the floor. Can she do that, Liam? Can Banjo sleep in my room?”
“It’s okay with me, bud. But your mama has the final say.”
Keller’s eyes flick to my face. “Yes, it’s okay with me. But if you change your mind, that’s okay too.” My son nods, then goes back to talking to the dog, now telling her all about his awesome room.
“You know, you don’t need to buy his affection. He genuinely likes you, I can tell.”
“Is that what you think? That’s not at all it. Remember when I said I picked that house because of the backyard?”
“Yes.”
“It’s made for a dog. I even have everything already bought at home. It’s just been in the garage waiting for me to pick a pup and bring them home. But letting Keller pick made more sense to me. I guess I should have asked you about it first?”
“Oh, that’s not what I mean. I just want you to know that we’re all in this too.”
“Oh yeah? Like a real family?” His eyes flash when he repeats my earlier words.
“Yeah, just like that,” I say.
“Speaking of our family, is it too soon to ask if you are interested in adding to our merry band?” he asks.
“Another dog?”
“Or another,” his eyes flick to his rearview mirror.
“Another kid? Oh, yeah, I’d love to have more kids. It just wasn’t an option in our previous life. BL, if you will.”
“BL? What’s that mean?” he asks.
“Before Liam.”
He laughs at that. “Is that what we’re going to call it?”
“That’s what I’m calling it. I can already tell I’m healing, changing, and we’re not even a full week into our marriage.”
“So is my plan working?”
“What’s your plan?”
“To make you happy,” he says simply. “To make sure that you smile and laugh every day. To keep you safe. To make you feel loved and cherished. All of that goes for Keller too.” Then he mouths, “and to make you come as many times as possible on a daily basis.”
I laugh. “It’s a solid plan, I like it.”
We sit in companionable silence for the rest of the ride home. Once we get there, the boys take Banjo into the backyard to show the pup her new outdoor space.
I decide to go back to the bedroom and try to finish unpacking my clothes. I probably should try and buy some new things. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know my new hometown.
I’m in the closet hanging up dresses when Liam calls my name.
“I’m in here,” I tell him.
He appears in the doorway and leans against the frame; he gives me a wicked grin that makes my panties wet. Good grief, it’s like he turned on my horny switch.
“How’d it go?” I ask.
“Great. Banjo loves the yard. Keller thinks he might want some gloves to play fetch with her.”
That makes me laugh. “Sounds about right. You know, even as a baby, he didn’t like his hands to get dirty.”
“I mean, he’s not wrong. Touching those slobber-covered tennis balls is gross. I think I’ll wait a few weeks before I introduce him to the joys of scooping up the poop from the yard so you don’t step on it.”
“Yeah, you definitely want to wait on that. And maybe don’t hold your breath on him helping.”
“It’s all good. It’s not as nasty with the help of the long-handled tools. Fuck, why are we talking about dog shit?”
I shrug. “You brought it up.”
“I did.”
“Did you need something?” I ask.
“Yeah, I need you.” He comes into the closet and pulls me into his arms.
The dress and hanger in my hands squish between our bodies.
“I’m in love with you, Wren Gregory, I hope you know that.”
“I love you too, Liam. I always have.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. I know I’m not the same person you fell in love with so long ago. The last decade of my life has shaped me in a way that doesn’t always make me proud. Oddly enough, just being near you makes me feel like I’m healing though. But it might take a while. Are you sure I’m not too broken and damaged for you?”
“No. Never. You are everything. Its always been you, Songbird. Even when I wasn't supposed to want you, I still did. Now I get to call you mine. Forever.”
“Forever?”
“Yep. No take backs. We made vows.”
“In that creepy chapel?”
“Exactly. Vows made in creepy chapels last the longest. I think I read that somewhere.”
I laugh. “Are you sure about that?”
“Most definitely.” His hands slide down to my hips. “So, Keller is showing Banjo the wonders of a brand-new LEGO kit. That should buy us enough time for me to fuck you at least once.”
“At least,” I agree.
“Then let’s get started.”