Chapter 12

Garrett

Sunlight breaks through the curtains as I open my eyes to my wife curled up at my side.

Lindsey’s long hair is splayed out in a mess over her pillow and she’s snoring oh so softly. The black tungsten band on my left hand contrasts against her creamy skin.

We were supposed to be taking the long weekend away to get to know each other better without everyone’s prying eyes. Instead, our weekend at Beckett’s cabin became our non traditional honeymoon, two weeks after our impromptu wedding. I would have taken my new bride anywhere in the world for such an occasion but this would have to do for now.

It seemed we were pretty good at making do.

Beckett, with some last minute help from Kevin, saw to it that the cabin was completely stocked with anything we could possibly need so that we didn’t have to leave if we didn’t want to and we took full advantage of that luxury the first 24 hours. Yesterday we hiked around the state park and enjoyed some of the outdoor views before retreating back into the cabin to enjoy some more erotic views.

I was certainly going to have to pay to have Beckett’s cabin deep cleaned and sanitized after we leave because there wasn’t a surface in here that I think was untouched.

Between continuing to get intimately acquainted with my wife, we spent time talking. Catching up. Learning about each other and the people we’d become over the last decade or so. And with every word, every story, I fell deeper in love with the woman who held my heart for so long.

“Mmm, morning,” Lindsey’s voice cracked as she peeked open her eyes and looked at me.

“Morning,” I smiled then kissed her cheek. “Hungry? I can whip us up some breakfast.”

“Five more minutes,” she purred and curled in closer to me.

Something I was quickly learning about Lindsey is that she wasn’t as much of a morning person as one would think that a ‘former’ Olympic athlete would be. Don’t get me wrong, Lindsey was up with the roosters if she had to be, and she didn’t complain. But turns out, my girl takes every chance she can get to sleep in.

After years of waking up at the crack of dawn, you were not going to hear me complain. Even if I couldn’t actually sleep in. I may sound like a total fucking creeper but I was more than happy to lay by Lindsey’s side and watch her sleep. Watch her dream peacefully.

So that’s what I do until Lindsey is finally ready to get out of the warm cocoon we’ve created around us.

While my bride showers, I get the coffee pot going and fix her breakfast just like I promised.

By the time she joins me in the open concept living area, I’ve got everything plated and waiting. Before Lindsey can take a seat at the table, I sit first and pull her into my lap. At some point, we’ll have to go back to reality and we won’t have this time together. I plan to take full advantage of as much contact with her as I possibly can.

“You know, I’m beginning to think that you’ve been taking cooking lessons from my grandmother,” Lindsey leans back against my chest and says after taking the first bite.

“My uncle taught me how to fry eggs and bacon. But I’ll admit, Harriett did teach me a thing or two,” I answer before nipping her neck.

Lindsey hums and the sound goes straight to my cock.

Oh I’d love to take her right here on the kitchen table but I really should let her eat breakfast first.

“Keep this up, Garrett, and I may never want to go home.”

I chuckle. “Baby, you and I both know that’s a lie. As much as you might be loving this, you’d get bored eventually and want to be back with your horses at least.”

“Okay, that’s true. But, just so we’re clear, it’s not you I’d be bored with. Ever.”

“I sure fucking hope so,” I grunt.

“Keep feeding me, tell me I’m pretty, and make love to me once in a while. We’ll be set.”

There’s no stopping the primal growl that escapes me. “Honey, I’m going to do more than make love to you once in a while. I can promise you that.”

Lindsey shifts her weight and rubs against my erection just so she can kiss my lips. “I’m holding you to that Mr. Everleigh.”

“Speaking of my last name,” I hold my breath for a beat, feeling uncertain about this conversation.

“Hm.”

“I uh…we never really talked about if you would change your last name or not,” I give her hips a gentle squeeze with my hands. “But, I guess, I was wondering where your mind was on all of this. It wasn't something we even had a chance to talk about.”

Linsdey sets her fork down and turns all of her attention to me. “You’re right, we never talked about it. I guess, in all the rush, I didn’t think about it either. Traditionally speaking, I’d take your name.”

“I’m not saying you have to take my name, at all. I…uh…well I realize that you have medals and titles tied to your last name and, honestly, nothing about our relationship has been traditional,” I laugh.

“I never thought I wouldn’t share a last name with my husband.”

“Linds, I’m not really attached to my name. Honestly, even the thought of passing it on doesn’t appeal to me. You know now that me and my father were not close. A last name…a family name…should mean something, you know?”

“Hm. And what about if we have children?” Lindsey scrunches her forehead in thought.

“I’ll admit, I didn’t think this through before I brought it up but, what if I took your last name instead? It would be my honor to pass on your legacy. Your family’s legacy.”

Lindsey’s eyes swell with tears. “Oh you sweet sweet man.”

“Think about it. I don’t need an answer today.”

“I don’t even need to think about it, Garrett. It’s untraditional but damnit. Will you be Mr. Addington?”

“I’d love to.”

Lindsey wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me.

Breakfast is long forgotten and the need to be inside her again wins.

Of all the things I’ve done in this lifetime, marrying Lindsey will forever be the best thing I’ve ever done.

Thank you so much for reading Shadow! I hope you’ve enjoyed the introduction to Addington Ranch. Please consider leaving a review. Reviews are like warm hugs for authors and encourage us to keep going!

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