53. Della #2
Things have turned primal, both of us chasing our pleasure.
His elbows are next to my head, and he is staring into my soul as he fucks me relentlessly.
I’m on a razor’s edge, and when I tighten my muscles, he shouts before I feel him release in me.
The sensation sends white-hot euphoria through my entire body, and I shout his name while we touch heaven together.
He is still pumping in me while we come down from the moment.
Putting his sweaty forehead on mine, he kisses me more tenderly.
“I’m so glad you’re staying, Della,” the words fall from his mouth. “I know this isn’t the right time, and it’s a lot, and it’s so inappropriate to say, but it’s the truth. You belong here, and I can’t wait to do more of life with you. Amberheart may be your sunrise moment, but you are mine.”
“I didn’t know this existed until I met you, Jaxon,” I reply.
Spinning our bodies, he ends up on his back and settles me next to him despite the radiant heat from our bodies.
“Can you even remember far enough back to when you said you didn’t know what desire felt like? I was about to fuck you through the wall… and then through the mattress,” he laughs, and I laugh along.
“You’ve given me so much more than just a taste of what desire is, Jaxon. God, so much more,” I tilt my head to his to seal that statement with a kiss that consumes me. When he pulls away, his head hits the pillow, and he sighs.
“I want to alternate napping and fucking your brains out, but if I don’t answer my family, there’s a chance they’ll show up. They are just as excited about the prospect of keeping you here. But don’t plan on sleeping tonight.”
“Deal,” I reply before we get up, get dressed, and head back downstairs to share the news.
After the text goes out, I’m glad I got a little food in my stomach because approximately seven minutes go by before the door opens.
I don’t know why I was expecting them to come independently, or more slowly, but everyone files in, including Cayson.
Seeing his entire family, with Molly and Lanie in tow, makes my nose tingle again.
Knowing how all these people went above and beyond to support me is too much.
“I’m so glad you’re not leaving,” Molly whispers when she hugs me. “If you can no longer rent the apartment, move in with me for a little while until you find a new one.”
“Or me,” Hazel says.
I haven’t even entertained the logistics of staying yet, but I know I’ll have a place if I need it.
“I’m glad I don’t have to be the only non-rancher here,” Lanie says before pulling away.
“Della,” Beth steps up, next in this carousel of love.
“I know Jaxon talked about your painting talents, but the show today was remarkable. You have a special touch,” Beth says, hugging me.
“Dale wasn’t feeling his best, so he stayed back, but told me to extend his deepest appreciation and compliments for your work. ”
“Thank you so much,” I tell her. “None of this would have happened without your wonderful children and your amazing ranch. Thank you.”
“We are the lucky ones, my dear. Especially Jaxon… and Hazel… and Molly… and Lukey,” she laughs. “I could go on,” she squeezes my shoulder before making her way outside to where people are sitting around the fire that Jaxon started.
Only Cayson remains inside, and he looks at me for a second before he starts. “Any pitchforks around?” he asks.
“You’d be surprised what I can do with a regular fork,” I chuckle.
“Look, Della, I’m not asking you for forgiveness, but I am sorry for the heartache and drama I caused.
As I’m sure you can imagine, my brother and I have exchanged a number of words over this, and when he asked me why his best friend didn’t trust him, it broke something in me.
As I said to him, I’m owning my fuck-up.
It’s not an excuse, but it was hard for me to see you for you based on some things that I’ve been through, and am still going through with the twins’ mom.
But um…” he clears his throat. “I’m taking steps to be better.
I don’t know what your full plan is, obviously, but I’m taking this as a sign that you’re staying, at least for now? ”
He stops, and I nod my head.
“I’m so happy to hear that. Because, despite what happened, after I was able to step back and listen to my siblings without my distorted lens, I think you guys have something special, and I’m grateful you’re giving it time and space to explore.
Plus, I have no doubt that Jaxon would have packed up and left to be with you, and we kind of need him here,” he nods, “But mostly, I’m trying to say, I’m really, really sorry. ”
I appreciate and accept his apology, and I know he is coming from a place of hurt that I don’t know about. Surprisingly, Jaxon and I have never gotten into the nitty-gritty of it, but I push the envelope the tiniest bit.
“Did you really think I purposely ended up at his garage?”
“My ex did a lot of things purposely that I never could have imagined someone doing. I have been conditioned to doubt, but I’m working on it. ”
“I promise I was never out to take advantage of your brother, or any of you. I didn’t expect to find a home in Jaxon or Amberheart, but I did, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. You might be stuck with me, Cayson,” I laugh.
“I’m so fucking glad to hear you say that, Della. Can I hug you?”
All I do is open my arms, and he meets me to give me the biggest hug ever. He pulls away and holds my shoulders.
“My kids love you too, you know,” he adds.
“This isn’t about me, and I’m not getting into it now, but one of the therapies we are starting with Luke is art therapy, and it will be nice for him to have someone to talk shop with.
They were not happy when Maria came to watch them tonight, and they couldn’t come see Miss Della. ”
“I love your kids, Cayson, and I am happy to help and be involved in whatever capacity you see fit.”
“Thank you,” he says, and I’ll find things out about him one day, but today, I’ll just take it for what it is.
“Everything okay in here?” Jaxon pops his head in to ask.
“Everything is just right,” I smile.
Cayson and I join everyone at the fire pit, and throughout the night, they keep coming back to my paintings and the place I could have at Heart of Will as the resident painter.
When the fire starts dying down, the family takes the hint and starts cleaning up.
But before they leave, I address them all.
“You guys, thank you for your incredible generosity tonight. All of your support means everything to me, and if there’s anything you ever want painted, let me know. I owe you a lot of commissions.”
“Are you kidding?” Everest says. “We are getting in at ground level at a steal of a price. Those will all be worth double someday.”
“Triple!” shouts Hazel.
“Priceless,” Jaxon smiles at me like I’m the only person here.
After goodbye hugs go around and they leave, he closes the door and his lips brush mine, soft and tender, before he folds me into his arms.
“Welcome home, Della,” he says quietly.