Authors: Georgia Cates

Beauty From Love (28 page)

BOOK: Beauty From Love

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“Oh yeah,” she moans. “Right there. Don’t stop.” She still says that after four years, although she knows I never stop until she comes.

She tenses and squeezes her legs tightly, signaling the onset of her climax, and then I feel that magnificent way her body squeezes my cock. That, combined with the knowledge of knowing I’ve brought her to orgasm, ignites the onset of my undoing. I thrust a few more times and then drive deep inside her, emptying all of myself. I love coming inside her even when we’re not trying for a baby.

I’m blanketing her with my body while I remain inside. I kiss her forehead and lift my head so I can see her face. “Hi.”

She smiles and giggles. “Hi.” She releases her legs from around my waist and they go limp beneath me but I’m not ready to pull out.

I lower my face to hers and gently scrape her with my whiskers. “You’re going to take my first layer of skin off with that, caveman.”

“I’ve been thinking of shaving it.”

“No way! It’s sexy as hell and I love the way it feels when you go down.”

“Then I’ll keep it for you because I want my girl happy.” I plant a quick kiss against her mouth before pulling out and rolling to my back. I reach to take her hand in mine, lacing our fingers.

We lie motionless and I decide it’s a good time to bring up the making-a-baby talk, although we agreed we wouldn’t talk about kids. Technically, this child I want to talk about doesn’t exist so it doesn’t fall under the forbidden-discussion category.

“I understand if you’re not ready for another baby.” She doesn’t say anything and I wonder what’s up with her—why she isn’t agreeing.

She moves her hand to my chest and circles the endless infinity symbol, signaling that she’s thinking hard about what I’m saying. “Your hands are full with the three we have so we can wait. Maybe we can think about trying when the twins are two. That would make them three when the new baby is born—that would be a good space between them, right? I’d be thirty-five—much younger than I expected to be by the time we had our fourth.”

She brings her hand to her forehead. “Can we have a confessional session? We haven’t had one in a while and I think it’s time.”

I’m surprised. That’s not at all what I was expecting to hear. “Sure. Same rules as always?”

“Yes. No discussions. No explanations. No grudges.”

“Okay. Three minutes?”

“No timer for this one.”

Oh hell. I always depend on the timer to stop the train before it runs out of control. “If you’re sure.”

“I am, but I want you to go first.”

“Okay.” I briefly think and say the first thing that pops into my head. “I love our kids but sometimes I feel like our marriage takes a back seat to them.” I’m grimacing on the inside because that was a rough way to start.

“By the time I get the kids bathed and ready for bed, a lot of times I’m so exhausted, I don’t feel like having sex.” That’s not a confession, that’s a fact—but I’m glad she’s at least willing to admit it.

“We came here to get a break and take things slow since we don’t often get that luxury, but once you’ve had enough of that, I’m going to fuck you ninety-nine different ways.” I’m thinking about turning over to start with way number one.

“You should probably enjoy fucking me ninety-nine different ways while you can since you’ll only get to do it for about seven or eight more weeks before I’m put on pelvic rest again.”

“What?” There’s only one reason she’d be placed on pelvic rest.

“I know I just killed our confessional time but … surprise.”

I rise from the bed so I can see her face. “You’re pregnant again?”

She nods. “I am.”

I put my hand on her belly and don’t detect any change in it. “How far along?”

“I’m guessing around six or seven weeks.”

“Oh, L … I’m so happy.” And I am but then I remember her telling me she wanted to wait a little while longer when we discussed having another one. “How do you feel about it?”

“Well, I was shocked at first, maybe a wee bit upset, but I’ve had time to get used to it and now I’m really happy. I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to handle a newborn with a three-year-old and a set of twenty-month-old twins, but I’ll figure it out.”

“What about Healing Melodies?” I’m so proud of L—her work to create a foundation using music as therapy and expression for children of addicts is nothing short of miraculous. But she has so much on her plate since she refuses to stop composing. I don’t know how she’ll juggle all of it. Perhaps we’ll revisit the discussion of hiring a part-time nanny or maybe Nanna and Pops will take her up on the offer of coming for an indefinite stay. They seem to be warming up to the idea since Jolie is gone on the road with Jake most of the time.

“I’m not sure. Maybe I can talk Addison into helping. She’s expressed some interest but there’s plenty of time to figure that out.”

“I haven’t told you yet, but I’ve decided to sell some of the vineyards so I can spend more time at home with you and the kids. I haven’t decided which ones or how many, but I’ve been discussing it with Ben. I figure giving my brother-in-law first pick is the right thing to do. I’d rather help him get established here so he doesn’t relocate my sister to California. I don’t think Mum could take that, especially before their baby arrives. And I’m thinking of making a proposition with Zac after I know what Ben wants to buy.”

She rises from the bed and throws her leg over to straddle me. “I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. The kids and I need you at home with us.”

“And that’s the only place I want to be—with you and our swarm of kids.”

This has been an amazing year and I couldn’t possibly publish this book without a word of thanks to the incredible people that helped make it possible.

I thank my family for their love, support, and patience while I hibernated in my writing cave, forcing them to eat takeout more often than anyone should. I won’t forget your encouraging words or the treats you brought me when you thought I needed a break or a sugar rush so I could push onward.

My agent, Jane Dystel. You’re the best. Thank you for being the one I can run to.

Readers and bloggers. I can’t do this without you. You’re the butter on my bread.

My word and grammar ninja, Jennifer Sommersby Young. You are the cat’s meow and you make me (appear) smarter than I really am.

My dear friend, Ani Markarian. Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement when they’re much needed. I adore you.

My Aussie advisor, Sharon Luth. Thank you for steering me out of the wrong and into the right when I don’t know my ass from my elbow.

Beauty from Pain Support Group. I can always turn to you. Thanks for loving Jack Henry and Laurelyn as much as me. I love your enthusiasm.

Emily Beach Thomas. Your legal advice was invaluable. Really. That whole Blake scenario would have sucked without your help.

I have a ton of author friends that have offered love and support this year. I can’t possibly mention them all but there’s a handful that hold a special place in my heart. Amy Bartol. Shelly Crane. Samantha Young. Michelle Leighton. Katie Ashley. Raine Miller. I’m so happy to call you my dear friends.

Trish Brinkley. You’re one classy lady. Thank you for all of your hard work. I adore you.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre • Anemone

Dixie Chicks • Not Ready to Make Nice

Elton John • Blessed

Elvis Presley • Can’t Help Falling In Love

Emeli Sandé • Next to Me

Gotye • Somebody That I Used to Know

Imagine Dragons • Demons

Jay Ollero • The Man I Want to Be (feat. Tyrone Wells)

John Legend • All of Me

Katy Perry • Unconditionally

Norah Jones • I’ve Got To See You Again

Plumb • My Sweet, My Lovely

Plumb • In My Arms

Plumb • My Child

Sleeping At Last • Light

The Swell Season • The Moon

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

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It has been such a pleasure corresponding with some of you via Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, email, and by my blog. I love being in touch with my readers so don’t hesitate to contact me at any time. I love you all and thank you for your support through this journey.