Chapter Twelve
Colton
M eadow and River meeting my family couldn't have gone any better. I had zero doubts that my family would be anything but supportive and thrilled about the baby, but I hadn't expected my sisters to hit it off with Meadow so well. It was a surprise to find out that Jackie and Meadow had already met, but it made sense with Brantley and River both going to the same science camp.
We made it back to Meadow's house, where she instantly crashed. I let Brantley take my truck, and had him and River promise to text me the location for their hike, just to be safe, before they headed out on the trail. Once I knew the kids were okay, I curled up with Meadow and caught up on some sleep.
We only woke up when the kids got back from their hike, demanding to be fed. Hanging out with River, Brant, and Meadow was one of the most fun nights I've had in a long time. Brantley and I weren't ready to call it a night, but when River and Meadow both started nodding off during the movie, I knew it was time to head out.
"How wild is it that we both met the Sterling women and yet had no idea?" I turn to Brantley, who's deep in thought, as we drive back to his house late Sunday evening.
"It is pretty wild. They're hard to resist. Well, at least River is." His cheeks flush red.
I nod in acknowledgment so he doesn't feel too embarrassed. "You're not wrong there. It's like Meadow has this pull over me that draws me in. It's been like that since I first laid eyes on her. And for a man as logical and analytical as me, it’s such an intoxicating feeling."
"Yes, that's exactly how it is with River. She's fucking brilliant, Uncle Colt. Her brain amazes me, but then the fact that she's so humble and kind, and not pretentious like most of the people we went to camp with, draws me in."
"It doesn't hurt that she's beautiful."
"Uncle Colton…" Brantley groans at me.
"What? She is. She's a very beautiful girl. Just like her mom."
"She's stunning and doesn't even realize it. It's effortless, which makes her that much hotter. I…"
"What's up?"
"It's not weird that I'm a few years older than her? I mean, she's the same age as my little sister. That doesn't make me a creep, does it?"
"Hell no. You're not that much older than River. And, to be honest, she's probably more mature than most adults I know. I might be biased because of her mom, but I've gotten to know River and can honestly say she's one of my favorite people. Finding out she’s Meadow's daughter was like the icing on the cake for me. We bonded early, and I really have enjoyed getting to know her and building a relationship with her. "
"She really likes you. She said you make her feel normal, which doesn't happen often."
I rub the ache in my chest at hearing those words. "So, did you ask her to homecoming?"
"I did, and she asked me to hers." Brantley's smile is so bright it could light up the night sky.
"That's great. I'm sure you'll have a great time."
"I'm excited to introduce her to my friends. I think she's nervous about going to her dance, though."
"You going with her will be good. I don't think River knows that some of the kids genuinely like her and would be friends with her if she just let them in."
"I can see that. She doesn't always pick up on social cues and is too up in her head, worrying about being different."
The rest of the ride, we talk about Brantley's classes and where he wants to go to school. He's applied to MIT, and I can't help thinking how much River would benefit from Brantley there if she does decide to attend next year. I know Meadow's a bit worried about River being so young and so far away.
When I get back to Sparrow Falls, I have a message from Meadow, inviting me to spend the night. I can't help the excitement that rushes through me at the prospect of holding her all night. After a quick stop at home, I head back to my girls, and find not only them but Wren and Daphne over as well.
"Well, hello ladies. How's everyone doing?"
"Hey, stud." Wren winks, earning a smack from Meadow, who comes over and gives me a hug and a kiss .
"The girls came over to help River decide what she wants to wear to homecoming. Daphne brought a few dresses for her to try on. If none of those fit, we're all going to brainstorm a design that I can whip up this week."
"Sounds like fun. Have you all eaten yet?"
"Nope. We got too excited about River's first dance."
"Alright. Let me take care of it. You want me to cook or order something?"
"Hmm, you think you could make us some breakfast food? I should have everything here, even bacon." Meadow blushes, embarrassed that her biggest craving is meat when it would normally repulse her.
"I can handle that."
"Do either of you have a preference on how you like your eggs?"
"I'm fine with whatever." Daphne smiles.
"She's lying," Wren pipes up as she glares at Daphne. "Daphne loves scrambled with cheese. I'm down with that, and so are Riv and Meadow."
"I can manage that." I give Meadow another kiss before heading towards the kitchen to work on dinner.
I love that Meadow's house has an open-floor plan. The only thing separating the kitchen from the living room is a large island with a bar top, so I'm able to watch as the women ooh and ahh over River and the dresses she's trying on. It's fascinating as hell to observe their dynamics, and I’m glad that Meadow and River have Daphne and Wren in their lives. Their bond is evident and something to be cherished.
Even though I have two older sisters, I'm clueless when it comes to fashion, but listening to the women go on about the dresses River comes out to show is amusing. I'm starting to learn that while Wren is brazen and speaks her mind, she isn't unkind, especially where River is concerned. She'll tell Riv if a dress isn't working but in a way that doesn't put her down. Daphne is quiet and only speaks up when she feels it's important. Then you have Meadow, who hasn't stopped crying and keeps blaming it on the baby. The entire ordeal is comical, to say the least.
"Alright, ladies. Food is ready."
I decided to make a hash since all the girls seem to love scrambled eggs. I diced up an onion and potatoes, and fried them with the bacon, then added a ton of eggs and even more cheese. It smells delicious, if I do say so myself, but hopefully the girls will agree.
"Oh, this looks fucking awesome. Thanks, Colt." Wren hip-checks me out of the way so she can plop a large helping on a plate. I'm about to protest when Wren shoos Daphne into a chair and sets the plate in front of her.
Everyone grabs food and drinks, and snags a seat at the island or stands in the kitchen while we dig in.
"So, did you figure out a dress for the dance?" I turn my attention to River.
"I think so. Well, I have one that I'm going to wear to Brantley's dance, but I think I'm going to have Mom make one for my dance."
"You sure that won't be too much for you to do this week?" Concern floods me as Meadow waves me off.
"Are you kidding? You've seen her wardrobe, right? The woman is a goddess with a sewing machine. Making Riv a dress will be a sinch," Wren reassures me as Meadow beams at her friend.
"I have zero doubt in her capabilities. I just want to make sure she's not pushing herself too hard. She's got a very important job right now, and if there's a way that I, or you ladies, can make her life easier, I'd like to do that for her."
"Wow, and I thought Ezra was swoony," Daphne mutters, making all the girls giggle.
"What?" I furrow my brows in confusion.
"Nothing, babe. You're just surrounded by avid romance readers who love their book boyfriends. Those two found their own, and it seems I was lucky enough to find mine."
"What's a book boyfriend?" I feel like I've heard my sisters use this term, but I wasn't really paying attention to their conversation, so I have no idea what they're talking about.
"You, stud muffin." Wren wiggles her brows at me.
"A book boyfriend is a leading male character in the romance books Mom and her friends read. There are several different types, but essentially, they are the goals all women who read romance hold when looking for a male partner," River informs me.
"Okay…"
"You're kind, considerate, and put Meadow and River first. You're questioning if she's taking on too much and don't want her to overdo it, which means you have no problem stepping up to take care of her and help. That's classic book boyfriend material." Daphne's cheeks flush by the time she's done talking, but I smile encouragingly at her. I hope she's someday comfortable enough around me to talk freely.
"Now, that I can understand. Thank you for that explanation, Daphne. But I don't think being considerate and putting my partner first should be that big of a stretch."
"You would think it would be common sense, but not all men feel that way. "
"Well, I'm glad you've both found your book boyfriends, then. You're good people, from what I can tell, and deserve to be treated like the queens you are."
"Yeah, he's good." Wren smirks at Meadow. "On that note, I think it's time for us to head out. It's getting late, and I'm missing Brooks. He should be done at the bookstore by the time we get back. If you need any more help with the whole book boyfriend thing, stop by to see him. He's got a wealth of knowledge." Wren winks suggestively, making me blush.
Maybe I will need to make a pit stop at Lost in the Pages soon. I like Brooks, and it wouldn't hurt to get to know him a little better with our girls being so close.
Daphne and Wren insist on cleaning up the kitchen since I cooked, then head out for the night. It's almost 9pm by the time they leave, and I can tell Meadow is exhausted. River disappeared a while ago, so I don't feel guilty steering Meadow down the hall to her bedroom.
"Come on, Dow." I guide her to her bed and help her strip her clothes. Dropping to my knees, I slide her long skirt down her legs and stare at her bump, which seems to have popped overnight. Leaning in, I place kisses all over her stomach. "Hey, nugget. This is your daddy. I just want to let you know I love you so much. You are so lucky. You've got the best mama, sister, and aunts, who can't wait to meet you." I kiss her stomach one more time before looking up into Meadow's eyes, which are now filled with lust.
She licks her lips as she runs her fingers through my hair. "Watching you love on our baby, even though they aren't here yet, is hot as hell, Colt." Meadow all but purrs as she rubs her legs together .
I can smell her arousal from where I'm sitting. It's heady and has my head falling back on my shoulders as a moan falls from my lips. Scooting closer, I slide Meadow's underwear down her legs until she's standing in front of me gloriously bare. Leaning in, I inhale her scent, which sends a shudder through her. With my hands on her thighs, I guide her legs apart to grant myself access to her glistening pussy. My tongue darts out, parting her as it runs up her center then circles her clit.
Meadow's legs wobble with the first swipe of my tongue. Not wanting her to get hurt, I push her waist until she's sitting on the bed, propped up on her elbows. I place one leg over my shoulder, kiss my way from her knee up to her inner thigh, then repeat with the other leg.
By the time I get settled between her legs, Meadow is a whimpering, needy mess, mumbling incoherent words. Needing to put her out of her misery, I attack her as if I'm starving, making her cry out.
"Shh, Dow. You don't want River to hear us."
"I-it's sooo good."
"I know, baby, but you need to be quiet."
I laugh when Meadow grabs a pillow and shoves it over her face. Her hands whip out wildly until she finds my head and guides it back to her dripping slit. I slide my tongue through her folds, thrusting it in as far as I can, as my thumb strums her clit. Feeling her walls flutter, I replace my tongue with my fingers and suck her clit into my mouth, sending Meadow over the edge. I continue to work my girl until she's boneless beneath me and shoving the pillow off her face.
"How are you so good at that?"
"Because it's you, and I love pleasing you. "
"Good. Then get naked and give me your cock. I need you to fill me." Fire flares in her eyes as I make quick work of my clothes.
Scooting Meadow up the bed until her head reaches the pillow, I notch my straining dick at her entrance. "Are you sure, Dow?"
"Colton Harding, if you don't fuck me right this minute, I will make you watch me use one of my battery-operated boyfriends to get the job done."
I arch my brows in surprise but don't dare hesitate another second to slide into her warmth. Meadow feels fucking incredible.
"Yes, yes, yes," She chants as I start to thrust faster, her wet pussy making it easy.
"Fucking hell. I'm not going to last long."
"Me neither. So. Close," Meadow whimpers as I lift her hips, which allows me even deeper inside her.
Grabbing her leg under her knee, I hike it up on my hip and make Meadow cry out. I'm so close to coming, but I don't want to get there without her. Leaning forward, I suck Meadow's nipple into my mouth. Rolling it between my tongue sets off Meadow's orgasm. Her walls clamp around my cock, tipping me over the edge as I pump my cum into her while still sucking her nipple.
"Ooh, enough, Colt." She gently pushes my head away as aftershocks rock her body.
"Too much?"
"I'm just a little sensitive." She smiles sweetly up at me.
"Sorry, Dow."
"It's okay. Oh no!" Meadow cries out as her head whips down to look at her chest .
My hand is still wrapped around her breast, and it's only now that I'm noticing it's damp. Meadow's nipples are slowly leaking. Meadow looks mortified, but as I feel my cock try to attempt a round two, I can't deny how sexy seeing the changes in her body is. She tries to cover her chest, but I stop her.
"This is so embarrassing." She buries her face in the pillow.
"No, it's not. It's sexy as hell, Meadow."
"You can't possibly think that." She's still avoiding me, so I guide her face to look at mine.
To my shock, I can feel myself hardening again. Apparently, Meadow does too if her gasp is any indication.
Fully erect, I slowly thrust in and out. Meadow's eyes widen as I continue at a languid pace, never tearing my eyes from hers.
"Do you still doubt me? You are fucking stunning, Meadow, and so is your body. Seeing it change before my eyes as you grow our baby is the sexiest thing I've ever seen. Don't for one second doubt how fucking beautiful you are to me, okay?"
Meadow nods in agreement, but that's not enough.
"I need your words, Dow. Tell me you understand that I think you're breathtakingly beautiful."
"I understand." She sighs as I pick up my pace.
"Good." I flip us over so that Meadow is straddling me as I lean against her headboard. "Now, ride my cock while I play with these exquisite tits." I grasp her breasts as I roll her nipples with my fingers.
"Oh my goddess." Meadow moans as she throws her head back.
Her back is arched as she plants her arms on my thighs and starts rocking. I keep my attention on her breasts as her thrusts speed up. She's driving me fucking crazy with her movements and noises. I'm shocked when my second orgasm builds.
"Need you to get there, Meadow."
"Touch me."
"I am, baby. Be more specific."
"M-my clit."
My hand leaves her breast and trails down her stomach to her clit. I gather some wetness from between us and start circling her bundle of nerves, which makes her walls flutter around me.
"Yes, Colt. Just like that."
I'm so close, but I'm trying to hold on for Meadow. Needing to get her there, I work her clit faster and finally let go as her orgasm hits. Meadow falls into my arms as we both feel the euphoria of another mind-blowing shared orgasm.
I gently move her hair off her sweaty forehead and kiss her. Meadow hums contently in my arms as we sit in her bed, still connected.
"Come on, Dow. Let's get cleaned up and head to bed. River and I have an early morning tomorrow. You can sleep in if you want, and I can take her to school."
"Oh, you keep talking dirty like that, and we might never make it to bed," she teases.
"What, dangling sleep is all I need to turn you on now?"
"It definitely doesn't hurt." She smiles sleepily at me.
Holding her carefully, I stand from the bed and carry Meadow to the bathroom. Our shower is spent with me making sure Meadow doesn't pass out while standing. I try to convince her to let me dry her hair, but I can tell my girl is completely wrecked and needs to sleep more than anything else .
Crawling into bed with Meadow is like a dream come true. I wasn't actively looking for her, but she's filled my life with so much joy and purpose that I can't imagine it without her and River.
With Meadow tucked in close, my eyes can't fight the sleep any longer. When I wake in the morning, tangled in Meadow, the peace I felt the night before carries me through my day, making it one of the best I've had in as long as I can remember.