Protect Me(84)

He loves me.

And no matter what happens next and what the outcome of the trial is, I know I will always have his love with me. He is the happily ever after I never thought I’d have. He is my life and my one true love.

We are a team and we’ll always have each other’s back because that’s what a team does. They protect each other. They love each other.

As I drive away in the back of that car and watch Nate disappear from my sight, I know without a shadow of a doubt that one thing is for certain: when we get home tonight, whenever and wherever that may be, we have eighteen hours worth of break-up make-up sex to get to.

And I can’t wait.





Epilogue


Nate




It’s the first Saturday of November and the leaves are all but gone from the trees. The sky is bright and clear, but don’t let the sunshine fool you. Today’s high is only supposed to be forty-five. Lia is sitting beside me in the Mustang as we head over to Travis’ house for Grant’s first birthday party.

Last night after we got home from St. Charles, Lia helped me wrap that big ass box containing Grant’s battery operated hot wheel. It took two rolls of wrapping paper - partially because I cut the first strip too short - and half a roll of tape to wrap this bad boy. I can’t wait for Grant to tear into it!

Lia and I had a date last night that involved two of my favorite things: sex and tattoos. After the ordeal two months ago, Lia had been talking about getting some ink, and I had been contemplating another. So, after dinner, we stopped by my tattoo parlor of choice, New Ink, and looked around. Turns out, Jared, my regular guy had a cancellation later in the evening.

After spending about thirty minutes looking around, Lia finally decided on her tattoo. Actually, Jared designed it for her based off of a few ideas she had. This intricate tattoo is perfect for my girl. It’s a dandelion blowing in the wind and as the pieces blow free, they turn to birds. It symbolizes her freedom. Her past leading to a better future. And it’s fucking sexy as hell on the back of her right shoulder.

I decided that since I was there, I might as well get another, too. I chose to bring the tribal design I have on my shoulder forward to cover my left pec. I, also, decided to permanently mark my body with the one thing I swore I never would do. A woman’s name. Placed within the curves and lines of the tattoo is the name Lia. Her name is permanently etched on my body, close to my heart. The place she will always be.

We pull into Travis and Josselyn’s driveway leading to their beautiful log cabin style home. Travis did everything he could to build this house by himself, including push Joss away when his work became more important than their time together. But, fortunately, he got his head out of his ass around the time Grant was born. They will be celebrating their first anniversary in just a few weeks.

I park the Mustang next to Jake’s old truck and make my way to the trunk. Lia is there a moment later and helps me lift the box out of the deep hole.

“I can’t believe you got him this thing,” she says with a smile. “He can’t even drive it yet.”

“Maybe not yet, but I will teach him. He’ll be driving this thing better than his dad drives, by May. You watch,” I say with a smile. I situate the large box in my arms, mindful not to rub it against my tender chest, as we make our way towards the front porch.

“Nathan Stevens, what the hell is that?” Josselyn asks from her position at the front door with her arms crossed firmly over her chest and an exasperated look on her pretty face. It’s a total Mom look.

“This, my favorite sister-in-law, is the best gift ever for my nephew,” I say as I walk up the stairs with no problem.

“I heard that,” Erin hollers from her chair just beyond the doorway.

“Is it going back home with you after the party?” she asks with her eyebrow raised in question.

“Nope,” I say as I jimmy myself through the front door. “But I promise to come out here all the time and help him with it,” I add.

Josselyn huffs, but doesn’t say any more, as she places a kiss on my cheek. “Hi, Lia,” she says as she hugs my girl.

Lia has become fast friends with all of the Stevens women. She still works at the bakery full time, but doesn’t live in the apartment above anymore. Now, her beautiful head rests on the pillow next to mine, every night. There’s no better way to fall asleep. Well, there is one better way…

“Hey, everyone,” I call into the living room as I set the big box down next to the mountain of presents.

“Nay Nay!” Grant exclaims as he takes off at a wobbly run towards me, yelling the nickname that I’ve been given since the little guy can’t quite say Nate. It makes me smile to hear that cheesy name from his lips. The guys love to tease me, but I don’t give a shit. I think it’s cool. I barely have time to get the box situated and turn around before the little man is in my arms. He officially started walking last week, the day before his first birthday.