30. Evan
30
EVAN
F rom my spot on the couch hovering over the coffee table where our boardgame was spread out I could see out the front window. Heavy snow had been falling for the past hour, and with every second that passed it concerned me.
“Dad, it’s your turn.” Parker shook me for the third time. I was distracted, worried about Amber who was meant to pick up the kids fifteen minutes ago. I pulled my eyes from the window and looked down at the board.
“You’re right, it is.” Smiling to keep them happy and hide my concern, I flicked the spinner and the needle spun round and round. “Four! Oh no…” I moved the game piece four spaces only to find myself at the top of a chute, which set me back three levels.”
Vera covered her mouth and giggled, and Parker cheered. Before this turn, I was only six spaces from winning the whole thing. He was next in line to win, with his piece seven squares away and a few chutes as hurdles.
“My turn.” Parker snatched the spinner and my eyes rose up to the window again. The snow had to be sticking and making roads slick. I thought about calling her, finding out where she was but I stopped myself. It would be dangerous for her to try answering a call if the road conditions weren’t safe. I was on the edge of my seat.
“I got four too!” Parker’s cheer snapped me back to the game where he moved forward, narrowly avoiding the chute that set me back. Vera went next, climbing a ladder to come right behind Parker and my measly two spaces left me far behind.
As Parker spun to win, I saw a flash of headlights and looked up. Amber’s car pulled into my driveway, putting my heart at ease. When the relief took over, I was better able to celebrate Parker’s victory.
“Hey, you did it!” I slapped his hand in a high five but Vera crossed her arms and pouted.
“Don’t worry,” Parker told her, “you’re good at flash cards.” He patted her arm and she laughed at him.
“Let’s get this cleaned up before Mom comes in, guys.” We started picking up the pieces and placing them in the box but we weren’t quite fast enough. Amber stumbled in with snow dusting her shoulders and the top of her head which was covered in a dark colored sock hat. She had a grin the size of Texas as she stomped her boots by the door.
“Hey, guys, I’m here.” Shedding her coat, she looked over at us as we finished cleaning up. Vera was the first to take off, racing toward her mother with joy. Parker walked calmly, but I could tell he wasn’t so happy. We’d had a few sleepovers at my house with just the kids, which he loved. He always hated going home, probably because I was a little more lenient about video games than his mother. When Amber came to pick them up, he would pout a little and ask why we couldn’t all live together.
I’d been meaning to bring up that topic, but I wasn’t ready to push Amber just yet. I put the lid on the box and left it sitting on the table as I stood up and prepared myself to handle Parker’s pouting fit. I wanted us to be a family under one roof, but Amber and I had only been back together as a couple since around October. Being the third week of January, that meant less than three full months. It was moving kind of fast for a stable relationship. Or at least that was what I thought she’d say.
“Do we have to go?” Parker whined. “I don’t want to go home yet. I like Dad’s house.” The way they instantly started calling me “Dad” without hesitation made this whole thing feel that much more real. These kids were incredible. They had adjusted so quickly to my presence it made me feel like I had always known them.
“Actually—” Amber bit her lip and looked up at me apologetically. “The roads are pretty bad. I’m not sure I’m going anywhere tonight. It didn’t feel safe.”
Stopping by the door, I helped Amber out of her coat and pressed a kiss to her cold cheek. Her hair clung to me with static as she pulled her hat off. “It’s alright. We have plenty of breakfast food for everyone. I was worried you wouldn’t get here safely. I’d rather you be here where it’s warm than take the risk of being stranded on the road with the kids.”
Vera and Parker cheered loudly, pumping their fists in the air up and down. “Yes! Can we stay up late too?” Parker already had his eyes fixed on the TV, but I was about to burst his bubble and be a dad.
“Nope, sorry. It’s been a long day, and Mom and I are pretty tired.” My hand rode the small of her back as I herded everyone toward the couch. “You two go get your pajamas on and brush your teeth, and we’ll come say goodnight soon.”
“Aw man, that’s not fair.” Parker pouted, crossing his arms, but Vera ran off to obey. He slunk after her slowly, using his best childish manipulation techniques for which I was no longer falling for. I’d spent enough time with them to know how to handle these situations. I just had to buckle down and not feel sorry for him.
Amber and I watched them disappear down the hallway then she turned and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I take it you guys had fun?” Her soft smile tempted me closer. I kissed her and bit her lower lips sensuously.
“We did…Parker is a bit of a handful sometimes with his pouting.” I chuckled and pulled her against my body. I wished every sleepover would be with her too. Lying in my bed in my arms, letting me place kisses on her skin every night and every morning.
“Better than Vera’s attitude before Christmas. She was a little snarky.” Amber laughed and kissed me again. “It feels like Christmas again all over. The snow is so pretty.”
“Dad, Parker spit on me!” We heard and I sighed.
“Don’t move a muscle. I’m going to tuck them in and I’ll be right back.” I pecked the tip of Amber’s nose and reluctantly pulled away from her to walk up the hallway. I found Parker laughing and Vera glaring at him. She had toothpaste spit on her arm that had soaked into her shirt.
“It’s okay, Vera, you’ll take it off when you put your pajamas on.” I turned to Parker and said, “What happened, bud?”
“Her arm was in the way because she’s slow. I didn’t mean to spit on her; it just happened.” He shrugged innocently, but I assumed like any brother he didn’t really care that he’d done it.
“Spitting on someone is disrespectful. Please apologize to Vera.” I waited while he offered a half-hearted apology, then I said, “Please don’t do that again. Now you two get your jammies on and get into bed.” I kissed the tops of each of their heads. “And if you wake up before me and Mom, keep the volume of the TV down. There are Pop-Tarts and donuts on the counter just like this morning. Alright?”
“Night dad,” Parker groaned.
“Goodnight,” Vera said, throwing her arms around me. “I’m glad you’re my dad.”
It touched my heart to hear that. I crouched and wrapped my arms around her to give her a squeeze. “I’m glad I’m your dad too, baby. Goodnight.” I kissed her on the cheek and stood up. “Night, kiddo,” I said to Parker, tousling his hair while he rinsed his toothbrush, then I slipped out of the bathroom and headed back to the living room, but Amber wasn’t there.
Her coat hung by the door still, shoes beside the kids’ boots lined up on the shoe mat near the door. I glanced around; she wasn’t in the kitchen or dining room, so I flicked off the lights and headed for the bedroom. I was so tired my bones were aching, and though it was a bit early for sleep still, I knew if I laid down I’d be out like a light.
“Are you here?” I called as I stepped into my bedroom. The light was on, the bed turned down. I could see the light under the bathroom door and shadows moving around.
“Yeah, just getting into my pajamas. I’m cold and my jeans were damp,” Amber called from the other side of the door.
Moving to my dresser to pick out my own pajamas, I thought about how quickly life had changed for me in such good ways. I’d been so accustomed to bad things happening my whole life, it felt like a shock that instead of the shift being hard and involving grief, that this life shift was incredible and brought a wholeness I never knew I could have. Sudden positive shifts were a thing; I’d just never experienced them before.
I kicked off my socks and shucked my pants, pulled on some drawstring pajama pants and took off my button-down shirt. Yawning, I plugged my phone in on my nightstand and crawled under the covers, propping myself up on one elbow while I waited for Amber. I let my eyes shut but fought sleep until I heard the bathroom door open. When I opened my eyes, she stood in front of me wearing nothing but a slinky negligee.
“Wow,” I breathed, not even trying to hide my attraction to her. “You are sexy as hell.”
Amber blushed and crossed one leg over the other, turning her body back and forth from the waist up. “Can I tell you a secret?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.
“Sure.” I sat up a little higher, watching her inch closer to the bed.
“I never planned to go home tonight.” She bit her lip and crawled onto the bed seductively, staring me in the eye. I chuckled and reached for her body, my fingers finding the soft skin of her outer thigh.
“You didn’t? What did you have planned?” My question came out as a grunt as she pinned me down and straddled me, pulling the blanket up around her backside. Her palms splayed on my chest as she smiled down at me. Her hair formed a curtain around us and made her look all the more beautiful.
“I want you…” she said cheekily, “but I also want to talk about some important things.” She leaned down and kissed me hard, tongue searching my mouth. My lips parted and I kissed her back hungrily. I was so exhausted, but seeing how badly she wanted me energized me. I could definitely go for some sex.
Our kissing grew more passionate until we heard a thump and some giggling. I tore my lips away from hers to shout, “Go to bed, kids!” It was followed by more giggling and then silence as Amber snickered.
“You enjoy being a father?”
“I love it,” I told her, pulling her back against my lips. The moisture her body was creating dampened her panties and my pajama pants too. It made me swell just thinking of how incredible it was to slide into her. She pushed away though and rolled to the side, lying down next to me.
“You know…” Amber sighed and brought her hand up to the mattress between us, drawing a figure eight on the sheets. I turned to my side and lay there looking at her, watching her hand move. “My lease is coming up in February. I will have to sign on for another full year since they don’t do six-month leases. I’m wondering if it might make more sense for us to pool resources.” Her eyes rose to meet mine in a hopeful expression.
“Parker has been asking when he can just stay here.” I grinned. “It would only be because it’s totally more economical and would have nothing to do with how amazing it feels to make love and fall asleep in each other’s arms, right?” I narrowed my eyes playfully and reached over to pull her against me.
“I’m serious,” she said, pressing her hand against my chest. “My lease is up, Evan. This back and forth is fun, but the kids love it here. I love it here; we love each other. I want to be a family under one roof.”
All playing aside, I wanted it too. If she hadn’t brought it up, I’d have continued the way things had been much longer. I was waiting on her to push for more because I didn’t want her to think I was rushing things.
“I would love to have my entire family and the people I love under my roof.” My statement drew a grin from her lips that quickly faded into seriousness again.
“But what if the family grows?” she asked, worrying her lip between her teeth again. “Do you think your house is large enough for a bigger family?”
Studying her for a second, I tried to understand what she was saying. Her face was so serious, eyebrows peaked in the middle, lip crushed between her teeth. Reading her was impossible, so I just asked.
“What are you saying?”
“We had an oopsie. I wasn’t planning it, but sometimes things just happen.” Her shoulder bobbed as she grabbed my hand. I thought she was going to put it between her legs, but she pressed my palm to her belly. “The family is about to grow by one—hopefully just one.” A nervous laugh bubbled out of her while I connected the dots.
“You’re pregnant?” As I said the words warm tingles spread over my skin. She nodded and grinned, closing the gap between us to kiss me.
“Are you happy?” she asked with a wince.
“Happy? My God, I’m ecstatic.” I kissed her back, this time rolling over on her to pin her down. “I get to be a dad again? This time from the beginning…” My mouth covered hers as I maneuvered my body, grinding on her and positioning myself between her legs.
“Mm-hmm,” she mumbled, nice and slow as we kissed deeper.
“Mm, it means I don’t have to use a condom for a while and I get to enjoy your skin,” I growled, kissing my way down to her earlobe where I breathed into her ear and nipped at her sensitive flesh.
Amber rocked her hips up against mine as I continued grinding, her hands resting on my hips. “Yes, and we can start immediately if you want.” She claimed my lips again, forcing me away from her neck. I couldn’t believe what was happening. My heart was so full.
Her fingers expertly traced the edge of my pajama pants, slowly pulling them lower while I lifted my hips, eager to give her space to take them off. Every touch sent a jolt of electricity through my body, igniting a fire in me. My fingers tangled in the delicate straps of her negligee, my desire growing with each movement she made.
“I need you,” I moaned against her neck, my breath hot against her skin as I helped her slide the material down her body, revealing the soft curves and smooth skin underneath. Her breasts looked even more enticing than usual, full and round, begging to be touched and tasted. My cock throbbed with anticipation as I imagined all the ways I could pleasure her.
“Good,” she purred as I deftly removed her panties, revealing her wet, hot center. “I’m yours.”
I lowered my head and placed a gentle kiss on her belly, my lips leaving a trail of heat as I made my way down towards the center of her desire. With trembling hands, I parted her folds and reveled in the sight of her glistening core. The sweet aroma of her arousal filled my senses, making me crave her even more.
Amber’s intoxicating taste exploded on my tongue, sending shivers of pleasure down my spine. Her nails dug into my shoulders as she arched towards me, begging for more as I continued to explore every inch of her with my mouth. Every moan that escaped her lips fueled my desire, driving me to please her until she was completely satisfied.
I continued my sensual assault on her pussy, alternating between long languid laps and quick flicks of my tongue, dragging her moans out of her with each touch. Her hips rocked and bucked against me as I worked her into a mind-numbing orgasm.
“Evan,” she whimpered, her walls clenching around my tongue. Her breath was ragged and her hips were bucking against my mouth as she moaned my name. She trembled and spasmed, her fingers tearing at my hair, gasping and gritting her teeth to keep from screaming out in ecstasy. I continued until she finally unraveled beneath me, her body limp and spent.
With a satisfied purr, I trailed kisses up her body until I reached her lips once again. “You taste amazing,” I growled huskily against her ear, delighting in the pleasured shivers that ran through her body.
“Let me see,” she responded, guiding my lips back to hers. I kissed her hard and she sucked my lip into her mouth while she spread her legs for me.
I positioned myself at her entrance, feeling the slickness and heat of her arousal making the first push inside almost effortless. A low moan escaped from Amber’s lips as she dug her nails into my back, her body eagerly taking me in until I was fully submerged within her. She enveloped me like a warm and welcoming glove, her inner walls pulsing with pleasure as we moved together in perfect synchronization. It was like we were two puzzle pieces finally fitting together, completing each other in every way possible.
As I groaned in pleasure, her body pressed tightly against mine, our movements perfectly synchronized as we both started to move in unison. My thrusts were slow and deliberate at first, but soon picked up speed as the heated passion between us intensified. With each movement, I could feel her body reacting to mine, a symphony of moans escaping her lips as I angled my hips just right to hit her sweet spot. The delicious friction between us only drove me closer to the edge, but I couldn’t stop now, not when she was begging for more.
“Oh, Evan, right there,” she whimpered, her fingers digging into my skin and urging me on. The intense pleasure coursing through my body was almost too much to handle, but I couldn’t deny the primal urge to keep going, driving us both toward sheer ecstasy.
“I’m almost there,” I managed to grunt out between heavy breaths, the pleasure building up inside of me like an unstoppable force. “I’m going to…”
“Yes, baby, come in me,” Amber panted, her walls contracting around me, urging me on. Tension coiled in her body, building and intensifying. Her muscles tightened and released in a rhythmic pattern as she lay beneath me, her hips rising to meet my thrusts.
Finally, with a guttural moan, she reached the peak of pleasure, her pussy clenching and releasing around me like a vise. I felt my own release coming, a wave of sensation crashing over me and sending me into a state of pure bliss. My mind went blank as stars exploded behind my closed eyelids, every nerve in my body alive.
As she tightened her muscles, her body rippled around me, drawing me deeper with each spasm. My vision blurred and my heart raced as I surrendered to the intense sensations. I couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped from my lips. I collapsed onto her, both of us panting and trembling with satisfaction.
My hips continued to slowly pump, soaking up every last shred of enjoyment, while I kissed her softly. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.” My hot breath cushioned between our lips as she responded.
“You are very good at that.” Amber smiled and clenched her pussy again, making me grin.
“That’s it…do those Kegels. You’re getting a head start.” I chuckled as I rolled off her and pulled out. Our bodies were only apart for a second before I pulled her back to me and covered us.
“Can we do this every night for the rest of our lives?” My nose rubbed against the tip of hers as she sighed softly.
“I hope so.” She yawned, wrapping her arms around me. “But let’s sleep on that one.”
That was a sentiment I could agree with. I yawned too, and fell asleep before I could even respond to her. I dreamed of life with her, marriage, more children—buying a home we both chose. I dreamed of vacations and holidays, family reunions and birthdays. And in every dream, she was right by my side, where I always wanted her to be.