Chapter 34
Austin
A month later, Violet’s still healing.
It’s been a rough road, no sugarcoating that. She’s had memory lapses, moments of confusion, and mood swings that hit like summer storms—sudden and intense. I’ve been with her every step of the way, doing whatever I can to make things easier. But watching the woman I love wrestle with emotions that seem to come out of nowhere? That’s been the hardest part.
Some days start out fine. She’ll smile, maybe even laugh, and for a while, it feels like we’re back to normal. Then, out of the blue, she’s upset or on the verge of tears. It breaks my heart to see her struggle with something as simple as trying to remember where she put her phone or forgetting a conversation we had the day before.
We saw a neurologist to make sure everything was okay, and the tests confirmed it’s all from the concussion. Post-concussion syndrome, they called it. Apparently, this kind of thing happens a lot—memory issues, mood swings, the whole nine yards. Hearing it explained was a relief in some ways. At least we know what we’re dealing with. But knowing doesn’t make the day-to-day any less challenging.
The doctor said time and patience are key. Symptoms like these can last a few months, or longer. There’s no guarantee when she’ll feel like herself again, and that’s tough to hear. Still, we’ve been doing our best to roll with it.
We’ve got our system now. There are sticky notes all over the house—reminders for everything from feeding the dog to her therapy appointments. We keep a journal, jotting down everything from her mood changes to little wins like remembering what we ate for dinner the night before. Therapy’s helping her work through the trauma, and I’m learning to spot the warning signs of a mood swing so I can help her through it or give her space when she needs it.
It’s not easy. Some days it feels like we’re climbing a mountain with no end in sight. But then there are the good moments, the ones that make it all worth it. Like when she recalls something we talked about the day before or when she tackles a frustrating situation without breaking down.
Those moments? They’re gold. They remind us that healing isn’t a linear, but we’re still moving forward.
And as I watch Violet pin a new sticky note to the fridge with a wry smile, I can’t help but feel hopeful. She’s strong, even when she doesn’t see it. We’ll get through this together.
Through everything, Violet and I have only gotten closer. We’ve figured out new ways to connect—how to really listen, how to be patient, and how to celebrate the good days when they come. It’s the little things that bring us comfort now: quiet evenings on the couch with Adrian, taking Max out for long walks to clear our heads, or just sitting together, holding hands without needing to say a word.
I’ve been staying over at her place most nights. Honestly, I’d move in tomorrow if I could, but I’m holding off until her house is done. I want it to feel like a fresh start for both of us, the beginning of something permanent.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about proposing. I can’t wait to make her my wife. Every detail of how I’ll do it has been running through my mind, I want it to be perfect, something she’ll always look back on with a smile, no matter how hard things have been.
Sometimes, when she doesn’t realize I’m watching her like when she’s laughing at something Adrian says or scribbling a note for herself with one of her million sticky pads, I just know. She’s it. She’s the person I want by my side forever.
Her strength amazes me, but so does her vulnerability. Loving her has shown me what it means to truly care for someone, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life. I’m not sure how I’ll pull off the proposal without her figuring it out ahead of time, she’s pretty good at reading me, but I’ll make it happen. And when I do, it’ll be one of the best days of my life.
It’s Thanksgiving week, and we’re on the road to Sweet Springs to spend the holiday with Violet’s family. She’s mentioned that she talks to her parents every week but avoids visiting because her mom has... opinions . Apparently, her mom likes to comment on everything from how Violet does things to how she’s raising Adrian. Fun times ahead.
I’m hoping my presence will act as a buffer. Worst case, her mom turns her attention to me. Best case? Same.
During the drive, Violet keeps messing with her dress, smoothing it out or adjusting the hem. Adrian’s in the back with Max sprawled across his lap, glued to his phone. Kid’s in his own world with his headphones on, so I take the opportunity to distract Violet.
“You know,” I say, glancing at her, “I don’t think I’ve mentioned it yet, but you look absolutely beautiful today.”
She turns to me with a small smile. “You haven’t, but thank you. You’re looking pretty good yourself.”
I grin. “Baby, I always look good. Didn’t you know you’re dating the hottest man on this planet?”
She raises an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. “Oh, is that right? The hottest man on Earth? You sure about that?”
“Absolutely. One hundred percent. You, Violet, are the luckiest woman alive.”
She snorts, rolling her eyes. “Well, if you say so. I guess I am pretty lucky.”
“Damn straight,” I say with a wink. “Just wait until your mom sees me. She’ll be so distracted by my charm and good looks, she won’t have time to critique your parenting.”
Violet bursts out laughing. “Oh great, now I have to worry about my mom falling for my boyfriend. Maybe I should just leave you in the car.”
“Too late,” I say, shaking my head. “You’ve already brought me into the lion’s den. No turning back now.”
“Well, when she starts telling you how to live your life, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she says, still laughing.
“Hey, bring it on,” I say, puffing out my chest like I’m ready for battle. “I can handle whatever she’s got. Plus, I’ll win her over. Guaranteed.”
Violet smirks. “Oh, you have no idea what you’re walking into, do you? But I appreciate the confidence and the backup.”
I reach over and give her hand a squeeze. “Anything for you, babe. If things go sideways, we’ll just fake a family emergency, grab Max and Adrian, and make a run for it.”
“Deal,” she says, chuckling. “But let’s see if you survive Thanksgiving dinner first.”
“With you by my side? Easy,” I reply, giving her a playful grin. “Now, let’s go charm the pants off your family. Metaphorically, of course.”
“Please stop talking,” she says, shaking her head but laughing anyway.
Adrian scoffs from the back seat and says, “Can you guys be more gross?”
“Come on now, Adrian. Don’t be mean to me,” I say, turning to look at him.
“I’m not being mean, bruh. I’m just saying that you guys are gross with all this lovey-dovey stuff,” Adrian replies, rolling his eyes but grinning.
“Gross? You know, you’re just jealous,” I tease. “One day, you’ll understand how it feels to be this madly in love. Also, please be sure to not call your grandmother ‘bruh’.”
“Okay, okay, sheesh! And I am not jealous” Adrian says, shaking his head. “I’ll just pass on this love stuff, thanks.”
“Oh, you say that now,” Violet chimes in, smiling at him, “but one day, you’ll find someone who makes you feel the same way. And then you’ll be the one being all gross and lovey-dovey.”
“Not gonna happen,” Adrian insists. “But if it does, I’ll make sure to keep it private, unlike you two.”
“Okay,” I say, laughing. “But until then, you’ll just have to put up with us.”
Adrian sighs dramatically, but I can see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Fine. But if I hear one more ‘beautiful’ or ‘baby’, I’m putting my headphones back on.”
“Deal,” I agree, chuckling. “We’ll try to keep it down.”
“Thanks,” Adrian says, leaning back in his seat. “I appreciate it.”
Violet and I share a knowing smile before she turns her attention back to the road. “Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember,” she says softly.
“With you and Adrian, it already is,” I reply, squeezing her hand once more as we continue our journey to Sweet Springs.
We pull up to Violet's parents' house, a simple two-story with a neat yard and a wooden fence. The front porch has a swing and a few planters, giving it a comfortable, lived-in feel.
Inside, I meet Violet’s brother, Mason, and his wife, Grace. Mason’s got the same blonde hair as Violet and greets us with a solid handshake. Grace, small and friendly, gives us a warm hug. Violet’s mom, Mabel, pauses in the kitchen to hug us too, her blue eyes kind, even as she says, “Adrian, your hair’s getting long. You should think about a haircut.” Her tone is soft, more habit than critique.
Her dad, Luka, welcomes me with a firm handshake and a drink, guiding us into the living room. The house feels homey, with family pictures and the smell of a good meal in the air.
Luka shares stories from Violet’s childhood, his laid-back attitude putting me at ease. We settle into easy conversation, laughter filling the room.
After a while, we head to the dining room, where a beautiful Thanksgiving feast awaits. The table is adorned with a centerpiece of autumn leaves and candles, and the spread includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, salads, bread, and vegetables.
After a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and an evening full of laughter and stories, Violet and I start saying our goodbyes. The room is buzzing with family chaos. Mabel’s tidying up even though everything is already spotless, Luka is helping Adrian wrestle Max into behaving, and Mason and Grace are laughing at something on the couch. It’s a scene straight out of one of those sappy holiday commercials, and I can’t help but feel content.
Adrian’s staying with his grandparents tonight, so it’s just me and Violet heading back to her apartment. Finally.
“Thank you so much for having us,” I say, shaking Luka’s hand firmly. “Dinner was amazing. Seriously, I’m still thinking about those sweet potatoes. And the pie. And well, everything.”
Mabel positively beams, her earlier critiques forgotten or at least ignored. “You’re welcome, Austin. It was lovely to have you. I’m just glad my daughter finally brought you around. Took her long enough!”
“Mom,” Violet says, groaning as she pulls Mabel into a hug. “Don’t make it weird.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’ve barely gotten started,” Mabel says with a mischievous grin.
I laugh, shaking hands with Mason and Grace again. “See you soon. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure Violet keeps driving in a straight line.”
Luka claps me on the back as we head for the door. “Take care, son. And good luck!”
I’m not sure what I need luck for, but I’m taking it.
Violet kiss Adrian’s head. “Be good for Grandma and Grandpa, okay? And don’t forget to take Max out before bed.”
Adrian rolls his eyes. “Yes, Mom. I know. Love you.”
I fist-bump him. “See you tomorrow, buddy.”
“Now that I won’t be around, you can get back to your lovey-dovey stuff,” Adrian says with a smirk.
“You bet we will,” I say, winking at him.
He chuckles, shaking his head like he’s too cool for all of this, but I catch the grin on his face.
As Violet and I walk to the car hand in hand, I glance over at her, noticing how her whole face is lit up. Tonight has clearly done wonders for her.
“See? Told you that your mom would focus on me and not you,” I say, squeezing her hand.
She laughs softly. “True, but I’m just glad she didn’t fall head over heels for you. That would’ve been awkward.”
I shoot her a smug grin. “What can I say? If I had to charm her, I would’ve nailed it. You’d have to start worrying about me getting adopted into the family.”
“Oh, please,” she says, rolling her eyes. “She’s already obsessed with Adrian. You were just the side dish.”
“Fair. I’ll take it. But admit it, tonight was perfect, right?”
She smiles up at me, her eyes sparkling. “It really was. Thanks for surviving my family.”
“Anytime,” I reply. “Honestly, I think I’m a natural at this whole family holiday thing.”
She laughs as we reach the car, the sound making my chest feel a little lighter.
The drive back is quiet and peaceful, the streets are glowing softly under the streetlights. Once we’re back at her apartment, we head inside, hand in hand, the silence between us comfortable and full of that unspoken connection we’ve built.
As soon as we step into the bedroom, though, I can’t hold back anymore. I gently press her against the wall, sliding my hands up to frame her face. Her wide eyes meet mine, and I lean in just enough that our noses brush.
“Today was perfect,” I whisper, my voice low, before catching her lips in a kiss that says everything I’ve been feeling all night.
Her arms wrap around my neck, and for a moment, it’s just the two of us, lost in the glow of everything we’ve built together.
Violet responds eagerly, her hands tangling in my hair as she pulls me closer. The intensity of our connection feels electric, and all the love and gratitude I feel for her pours into our kiss. Never has a kiss pulled me in and revved me up the way every one of Violet’s did. We stay like that for what feels like forever, lost in each other, until finally, we break apart, both of us breathless and smiling.
“I love you, Violet,” I say softly, resting my forehead against hers. She smiles back, her eyes shining with tears of joy. “I love you too, Austin.” We stay there for a moment longer, savoring the quiet intimacy, before I lower my fingers from her face to her neck. I kiss Violet with all the passion that I can muster. Violet moans as I lower my hands slowly to her breasts, squeezing each one without losing the kiss. I move my hands lower until I get to the hem of her dress. I feel the warmth of her thighs as I touch her. Moving my hand up her thighs, I reach where I really want to be. I touch her pussy through the fabric of her panties and rub her. I can feel her wetness and I pull her panties down her legs while kneeling on the floor in front of her.
“This is how I like to be. At your feet, worshiping you and making you moan my name with just the flick of my tongue,” I say to Violet. “Hold your dress up and look at me while I eat this pretty pussy.” Violet does as I say, and her obedience turns me on so much. I want to devour her until she begs me to stop. I lean down and blow air onto her bare pussy, and I see how this makes Violet tremble with need. I have this intense desire to worship her body, to show her how much I love her, so that’s what I do. I suck her clit and swirl my tongue without pause. With one of her hands, Violet pulls at my hair hard.
“You like this, beautiful?” I ask her.
“Yes. I need more, Austin,” she replies.
“Say no more.” I go back and lap at her pussy, using two of my fingers to touch around her entrance. I enter her little by little, making her want more. I grab one of her legs and throw it over my shoulder to have better access. I don’t stop my ministrations, lapping at her juices that are now coming faster as she approaches her climax.
Moving my fingers faster, I say to Violet, “Are you going to cum all over my face? I want you to squirt all over my mouth. Can you do that for me?”
“I don’t know, Austin,” she says.
“Yes, you do,” I say to Violet at the same time I slap her clit hard and finger her, and that’s what makes her detonate.
I keep slapping her clit repeatedly. I see, for the first time, Violet squirting all over my face. I drink her in and savor the delicious flavor that has made me addicted. When she is done, she sags against the door. I place her leg on the floor and stand up. I look into her eyes and say, “You are such a good dirty girl. You did squirt all over my face.”
Violet flushes at my dirty words. “I didn’t know that I could do that.”
“Well, now you know you can,” I say with a cocky smile.
Violet wraps her arms around my neck and hooks her ankles just above my ass, kissing me passionately. I walk backward until my legs hit the bed, then I drop onto the mattress with Violet still wrapped around me. She pulls back, her eyes sparkling and her lips swollen from our kisses. I quickly get to work, removing her dress and leaving her naked on my lap. Her breasts are on full display, and I lean down to lick at one of them, making her nipple stand at attention.
"You have too many clothes," Violet whines, simultaneously attempting to remove my shirt.
"I know. Let me help you with that," I say, gently placing her on her back and standing up in front of her. I pull my shirt up over my body, followed by my pants and boxers. I stare at her, marveling at her beauty, her breasts with pretty rose nipples that move with every breath, her soft belly, and the glistening wetness of her pussy.
"Do you know how perfect you are?" I ask, my voice hoarse with need. I stroke myself up and down while I admire her.
"Hurry up, Austin," she urges while she watches me stroke my cock.
"In a hurry to come again?" I tease.
"Yes. I want you inside of me now."
"So demanding, my dirty girl," I chuckle softly.
Without waiting for her to say anything else, I pounce on her, kissing her plush lips as I settle between her legs. I guide my throbbing hard cock to her entrance, taking my time. Painstakingly slowly, I enter her, groaning at the sensation of her soft, wet heat surrounding my sensitive head. I pull out slowly and lock eyes with her as I push in again, this time harder than before. I keep fucking her hard and focus on the way her muscle tightens around me, watching the pleasure roll over her pretty face.
Intertwining our fingers above her head, I dip low and take her mouth one more time. Fuck, I want to crawl into her body and become one with her.
I can feel how my pleasure builds and try to hold my climax as much as I can. I keep watching her expressions. Her pretty blond hair splayed out on the white pillow. Her cheeks rosy with excitement, and her eyes filled with desire and love.
“Oh, Austin. This is so good,” she cries out, her eyes drifting close while her pussy spasms around my cock.
“Look at me,” I demand through gritted teeth. “I want you to stare at me as we come together.” Violet nods her head. I am about to come and fill her with my seed. “Now, beautiful. Come, NOW, all over my cock,” I say to Violet as my body shakes with my release and her pussy holds my cock as she comes with me. When I am finally done, I roll onto my back, pulling Violet tightly into my arms.
“Wow,” Violet mumbles against my chest.
“I know. That was…”
“It was everything.”