20. Grayson
Chapter 20
Grayson
I crack my eyes open when I hear a boom of thunder, alerting me to the rain that’s now steadily drumming against the roof of the tent.
“Shit,” I mumble, lifting my arm that’s draped around Carlee’s waist and scrubbing my hand over my face. She’s still fast asleep and sprawled across my chest.
If the rain doesn’t let up, we’ll need to pack up and head to the cabin for the duration of our stay. Maybe that’s for the best given everything that happened last night. A smile tugs at my lips at the thought.
Sweeping the blonde locks back from her face, I lift my head, brushing my lips across her skin. My back protests as I do. I’m not sure I could endure another night sleeping on the hard ground anyway. There’s a patch kit in the box the air mattress came in, but I’m yet to inspect the damage. It may be beyond repair.
Gently moving Carlee off me, I sit up, cricking my neck from side to side. I feel stiff all over, and I need to piss. I don’t even bother dressing, there’s nobody around here but us. I exit the tent and lift my arms above my head, stretching out my weary muscles once I’m standing to full height.
The rain beats down on my skin as I survey the campsite. Whatever was lurking around is long gone. I shake my head and chuckle to myself as I again think about the shenanigans last night brought with it. Although Carlee’s vulnerable side tugs at my heartstrings, I’m sure even she’ll be able to laugh about it in the light of day.
“It’s raining.”
I glance over my shoulder to see Carlee’s sweet face popping out of the tent. I love her sleepy morning look. Her hair is sticking up all over the place, but she still gets my heart racing.
“Morning, sunshine. How did you sleep?”
“Surprisingly well… considering.”
When I let out a small laugh, her eyes slightly narrow.
I walk around the back of the tent, out of view. “Hey, where are you going?”
“To take a leak.”
“Charming.”
“Well, you asked.”
“I need to go too, is the bear still hanging around?”
I chuckle again. I doubt it was a bear.
By the time I’m done, Carlee emerges from the tent wearing only my T-shirt and a pair of unlaced pink Converse on her feet. It’s raining quite heavily, so the shirt is already starting to cling to that sexy body of hers as the water soaks through the fabric. My cock starts to harden, but he’s going to have to wait. I’ve got to pack up camp and move us somewhere dryer.
“Why don’t you go sit in the car while I pack up? I don’t want you getting sick.”
“We’re leaving?”
“I need to get you somewhere dry. ”
“But…”
“Babe, we’re not going home, I’m taking you to my uncle’s cabin.” I’ll need to call him first, but I’m sure there won’t be a problem. “So, be a good girl and get in the car. This won’t take long.”
She places her hands on her hips and I know the sass is coming. “I’m helping. I’m already wet, and I don’t want you to get sick either, so stop your bitching.”
I shake my head as the corners of my lips tug up.
This woman .
“Are you serious?” Carlee screeches as the cabin comes into view.
“What?”
“This has been here the entire time… less than a mile from where we camped, and you made me dig a hole to poop in, like some kind of wild animal?”
“I’m pretty sure wild animals don’t dig holes to poop in, Carlee.”
She reaches across the center console, playfully slapping my chest and making me laugh. I could’ve easily driven her up here to use the bathroom, but where would be the fun in that? I wanted her to get the whole camping experience, sue me.
A touch of nostalgia runs through me as my eyes take in the old place. There were so many good times spent here with my dad when I was a kid. It’s where he taught me how to be a man, even though I was just a boy. Did he know our time together would be limited? Because I remember him cramming so much into our stays.
This is where I learned how to shoot and clean a gun, use a knife properly, make the perfect campfire, and thread and hook a fishing line. My dad even taught me how to play poker and chop firewood, amongst many other things. A lump forms in the back of my throat as memory after precious memory floods my mind. Things I haven’t thought about in years.
The first time my uncle brought me up here after my father passed, was hard. Part of me was glad to be back, but it made me miss my dad even more. This cabin was where a father and son forged an unbreakable bond. That first night I came here without him, I cried myself to sleep. Granted, I was only ten, but nothing was ever the same with him gone.
I shift the car into park near the front porch. It hasn’t changed much, maybe it’s a little more run-down than I recall. It’s been a long time since I’ve been up here. Fifteen years, or more. I called my uncle while we were still at the campsite, and he was fine with us coming here. He was on the road working, but said he might even drop by for a visit since he’s heading back home. I hope he does.
He resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two young daughters, but he’s away a lot since he travels frequently for work. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and I’m excited at the prospect of introducing him to my girl. She’s going to be family one day… hopefully sooner rather than later.
“This place is cute, very log cabiny,” Carlee says, making me laugh. “Has your uncle owned this place long?”
“It’s been in the family for over fifty years. It was my grandfather’s, and when he passed it went to his two sons, but after my dad...” I dip my head and lift my shoulder as a fresh wave of emotions runs through me. I can’t even bring myself to say the words. “It’s my uncle’s now.”
Carlee reaches over, grasping my hand. She doesn’t say anything, but her touch is comfort enough. One day this place will be mine, but unfortunately, I won’t get to teach my sons all the things my father taught me.
“Come, let’s get you inside. You need a hot shower and some dry clothes.”
I’ll take care of all the wet stuff loaded in the back of the Range Rover once Carlee is dry and warm.
It’s day two of our stay in the cabin. Yesterday was a washout, it pretty much rained all day. We spent our time cooped up inside, either in bed or lounging in front of the lit fireplace in the main room, we even played a few games of strip poker. My girl has the perfect poker face and hustled me out of my clothes on more than one occasion.
Today’s our last full day here, tomorrow we’re heading back home. I’m not looking forward to returning to everyday life, because it means I won’t get to spend every waking moment with my girl.
But today, the sun has returned, and I have big plans for us. My stomach knots at the thought. I’m finally doing it, I’ve been procrastinating ever since we got here, but my time’s running out. I need to man up and lock this shit down.
We’ve just finished breakfast and Carlee’s upstairs in the loft getting ready. My dad put a bit of money into this place when he and his brother inherited it. Putting a small extension off the back that included a fully functioning bathroom and renovated kitchen.
I glance over my shoulder when I hear Carlee shuffling down the ladder that leads from the loft. Crossing the room in long, purposeful strides, she lets out a tiny squeal as I wrap my arms around her waist, lifting her down the last few rungs. Her golden locks are pulled back into a tight ponytail, so I bury my face in the crook of her neck, placing my lips against her skin.
“Are you up for taking a walk?”
“Of course.”
Placing her down on her feet, I reach for her hand, leading her out through the rear of the cabin.
Carlee talks endlessly as we walk through the forest, down toward the lake. I keep pulling my phone out of my pocket, checking for a signal.
“Are you expecting a call?”
“No, just checking for reception. I want to call my mom.”
“Oh” is all she says as she continues with whatever she was saying prior. I usually hang on to every word she speaks, but not today. This morning my mind is preoccupied by something else.
When the bars on my phone go from one to three, I stop walking. That’s probably the best reception I’m going to get around here.
“Just let me make a quick call,” I say, searching for my mom’s number in my contact list. It’s looking a little bare these days. I deleted all the other women’s numbers months ago. Carlee is the only booty call I intend on having going forward .
I click FaceTime, wrapping my arm around Carlee’s shoulder, bringing her closer so she can see the screen too.
I smile as soon as my mom’s face appears. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, baby. How’s the camping trip going? Oh hi, sweetie,” she says when Carlee brings her head closer.
“Hi, Janelle.”
“Have you done it? Is that why you’re calling?” I can hear the excitement in my mother’s voice as she speaks.
“Done what?” Carlee asks.
“Hold this,” I say to her, passing over my cell.
“Oh my God, he’s doing it,” my mom shrieks, and Granny’s face appears on the screen. “Kaitlin, quick, come here. Run.”
Jesus, what the hell was I thinking calling them first? I should’ve waited until afterward. I hope they don’t give it away before the words have even left my mouth.
I reach for Carlee’s left hand, her right arm is extending out to the side, so the other three women in my life, can witness what I’m pretty sure is going to be one of my most momentous days going forward.
“Fuck-a-duck, he is,” Granny chimes in as I slide my hand into my pocket and maneuver down onto one knee.
I hear a loud ear-piercing squeal from the other end of the phone, I’m not sure if it comes from my mom or my sister. When I glance up at the sweet girl standing before me, I find her eyes wide and her pretty mouth gaping open.
I give her what I hope is a reassuring smile. I had an entire speech planned, but I can’t remember any of it, so instead I speak from my heart and pray it’s enough.
“Carlee,” I say, clearing my throat when I hear the crack in my voice. Why am I suddenly so emotional? “I feel like I’ve waited my entire life for you.” When I see tears rise in her eyes, I swallow thickly. “I know we’ve only been together for six months, and some may say this is too soon to make this type of commitment, but I knew from that very first moment, you were something special. I love you more than I ever thought possible. You’re it for me, and the only thing I need in this world to be happy.” I hold the platinum, five-carat, round brilliant-cut, halo diamond ring out in front of me.
“Oh Gray, that was so beautiful,” I hear my mom say, sniffling, but neither of us acknowledge her.
I hold my breath as Carlee stands there motionless for what feels like a damn eternity, blinking down at me. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, sunshine? Spend the rest of your days by my side.”
My heart thunders against my rib cage as the silence becomes deafening. Why isn’t she saying anything? My eyes plead with her for an answer.
Suddenly, she drops my phone onto the ground below and launches toward me, knocking me backward and onto my ass. “Yes,” she weeps, peppering kisses all over my face. “Yes, yes, yes. A million times yes!”
I hear a few screams and cheers coming from my cell, that is now sitting face down in the dirt. My family obviously heard Carlee’s reply. The ring is still clutched between my fingertips, so I rectify that immediately, sitting us up and sliding it onto her finger before she changes her mind. It’s a done deal.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” she asks as she gazes down at her hand.
“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”
“I’m a little crazy.”
“You’re my kind of crazy, sweetheart,” I say, placing my mouth against hers to seal our union with a kiss.
My heart is so full .
Standing, I bend to scoop up the phone and end the call before wrapping Carlee in my arms. I’ll call my mom again later. I shared the best part with them, now this time is mine, and mine alone.
She said yes.
I feel incredibly light, like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. It’s every Christmas and birthday present I’ve ever gotten rolled into one.
We make it back to the cabin in no time. I stop when we reach the back door, swooping Carlee into my arms. “What are you doing?” she asks as I open the glass sliders and step inside.
“Carrying you over the threshold.”
“Isn’t that supposed to come after the wedding?”
I place her on her feet just inside the door. “I’d marry you right this second if I could.”
She stares down at the sparkly ring on her finger and smiles. “It’s so beautiful, Gray.”
“Not as beautiful as you.”
One day I’ll tell her the story behind the large, round diamond sitting in the center, but not today. It holds special meaning to my family, to me , because it’s something my dad bought for my mom. That’s why I wanted my mother to be present for the proposal. In a small way, it brought things full circle for her. It also felt like my dad was part of this too.
When my parents first got married, my dad was fresh out of college and hadn’t made his fortune yet. So, the small diamond ring he gave her, the one my mom still wears to this day, was all he could afford at the time. One of the first things he did when he made his millions was buy the large diamond that now adorns Carlee’s finger. He intended on using it for a new, improved engagement ring for my mom, one he said was more worthy of her. But she loved the one she already had and didn’t want a replacement.
Even when times were tough after my father passed, she couldn’t bring herself to part with the expensive diamond, no matter how badly she needed the money it would bring. When I told her, I was going to ask Carlee to be my wife, she gave it to me.
“Your dad would want you to have it,” she said, cupping my face. “If he was still here, he’d be honored to see his future daughter-in-law wearing it… he’d be so proud of you, my boy.”
I didn’t want to take it because I knew how much it meant to her, but after her words how could I not? When I picked up the ring from the jeweler, Mom was the first person I wanted to show, and she cried as soon as she saw it.
“Grayson,” Carlee whispers, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah, babe?”
“Take me upstairs, you’re so getting laid.”
Without hesitation, I lead her toward the ladder and lift her onto the first rung. I grab a handful of her ass cheek as she starts her climb. “I’m going to fuck you so hard we’re probably going to break this bed as well.”
She looks at me over her shoulder, grinning. “You’re rich, you can afford to replace it.”
I open my eyes, and the first thing I do is reach for my fiancée. My fiancée. My lips turn up at the thought. Light floods the room, so I know it’s still daytime, but I’m disappointed to find the space beside me empty and the sheets cold. I reach for my phone that’s sitting on the bedside table and see it’s almost four in the afternoon.
There are two unread messages from my mom on the screen and another from my sister, but I’ll get to them later. All I can think about right now is my girl.
We’ve been in bed all day. In between making love to my future wife, we talked about our life going forward and our upcoming wedding. Like me, Carlee wants a short engagement. We’re both eager to start the next chapter together.
Flopping back down onto the pillow, I grin up at the ceiling like a besotted fool. Don’t judge, I’m still riding my high. I can’t believe Carlee said yes; a part of me worried it was too soon for her, but she didn’t hesitate with her answer. Okay, maybe she hesitated for a beat, but in the end, I got the reaction I was hoping for.
Dropping my phone onto the mattress beside me, I flip back the sheets and rise from the bed. I grab a pair of sweats from my suitcase and slip into them. I’m being a needy bitch, I know, but I want her close. A part of me feels like it’s missing when she’s not around.
“Sunshine,” I call out as I climb down the ladder to the lower level. Jumping from the last two rungs, I turn as my eyes scan the room. “Carlee.”
I search the interior of the cabin, and when I don’t find her, my stomach dips. Heading for the glass sliding doors at the rear, I walk out onto the back deck. “Carlee,” I call out, but there’s still no sight of her. I’m starting to panic as I reenter the cabin and jog toward the front door. Where I again find no sign.
I place my hands on either side of my mouth, this time yelling her name as loud as I can. Where the fuck is she ? My Range Rover is still here, so she couldn’t have gone far.
Turning around, I head back inside. My gut tells me something is off, but she wouldn’t leave without telling me, would she? The cell reception is spotty at best here in the cabin, maybe she went for a walk to make a call. Emma and Ashton knew I was planning on proposing, but they were both sworn to secrecy. I can imagine she’d want to tell her best friend the good news, even Reece. I know how close they are.
That’s where she is , I tell myself.
As I’m crossing the main room, heading back upstairs to grab my shoes so I can go and find her, a glint to the right catches my eye. I race in that direction. The light shining through the window illuminates the large diamond ring sitting on the kitchen counter.
My heart drops the moment I reach it. There’s a note sitting underneath, with two words scrolled across it.
Two fucking words.
I’m sorry.
This can’t be happening. It has to be some kind of cruel joke.
I dash toward the ladder, scaling it in record time. My eyes frantically scan the loft the moment I reach it. The backpack she brought with her is gone. Fuck .
I reach the bed in two long strides, scooping up my phone. My hands are trembling as I pull up her number and press call. It goes straight to voicemail and the bottom falls out of my world. I drop to my knees and cradle my face in my hands as the realization sinks in.
She’s gone.
She’s fucking gone.