Breaking Kate: The Acceptance Series (35 page)

April and Jake have their heads together, but after a minute April pops up. “Kate, seriously, that was incredible. Would you maybe want to sing that at our wedding? It could totally be your present to us.”

“I don’t know, guys. What if I screw it up?”

“You won’t screw it up, Katie; now say yes.” Jess only calls me Katie when she’s emotional, so I know it must have been okay.

“Sure, April, I would be happy to, but just the one song, okay? I don’t want to change my career path to wedding singer anytime soon.”

April squeals in happiness as she wraps me up in a big hug. “Thank you, thank you,
thank you. Eeekkkk I’m so excited right now! Who would have known we have our very own Mariah Carey among us?”

Connor pulls out his song and cockily struts up to the stage like he’s the king of the world. He doesn’t ask anyone to go up with him, so he must be pretty confident in his song. Soon enough, the music to
I Wanna Sex You Up
by Color Me Badd comes on and I bust up laughing. This was my pick and I was hoping he would be the one to get to sing it. His voice isn’t the best, but he absolutely makes up for it with his performance. He sings directly to Jess and slides around the stage a lot, falling to his knees; it’s hilarious. Connor finishes, blows Jess a kiss, and heads back toward the guys section of lawn.

Jess picks her song then sticks her tongue out at the boys with her fingers in her ears, wiggling them around which is classic Jess. It must be something they think will trip us up or something.

“Okay, Kate, this one is for the two of us. We
totally
got this.”

Not letting me respond, she’s grabbing my hand and pulling me to the stage. Without even letting me see the song she finds it on the machine, but once I hear the music I know she’s right—we’ve
totally
got this one. In eleventh grade, Jess and I did a talent show with this song. Believe it or not, we brought down the house with our rendition of
If You Wanna Be My Lover
by The Spice Girls. Sometimes we do it around the house just for fun, although the boys would have absolutely no way of knowing that. They probably just think the song is stupid and it would be funny to see someone sing it. Jess takes the lead and we alternate roles of singing and dancing the whole time. This is so much fun. I’m not even paying attention to the audience; it’s just me and Jess being us and having a blast. When the song’s over, even the boys stand up and clap. Connor’s the first to speak up, though.

“I should have known when I picked that song that you two do you would have an act for that one. Seriously, though, you guys have the best voices; you should go on tour or something.”

“Wouldn’t you miss us if we went on tour? I mean, we probably wouldn’t miss you or anything because I’m
sure
guys would be trying to break down the door of our luxury tour bus.” Jess bats her eyelashes at Connor dramatically a few times.

“Damn, woman, if you think we would let you go on tour without us, you’re crazy. We would be your bodyguards and in-house stud muffins, ready and eager to please your every desire.”

Everyone has coupled off, and Linda and Bryan are yawing which makes me yawn.

“I hate to interrupt the
stud muffins,
but do we have a winner for the night or do we need another round?” 

Jake speaks up fast, “No, Mom. After hearing Kate and Jess I think without a doubt the girls won tonight,
and
I got a wedding singer. I also think Connor and Daniel need singing lessons or we need a new family game since we have no shot of winning anymore with them on your team.”

“No way, Jake you’re just a sore loser. Your mom and I have lost against you for years. What goes around comes around and payback is a bitch.”

“Okay, kids, I think we’ll call it a night. I can’t wait for our spa day tomorrow, girls, it’s going to be so much fun.” Linda and Bryan give each one of us a hug and a kiss. I’m in love with how much they love their family. I’m a little sad I missed out on all this for years, but on the other hand, I’m super happy I won’t miss out ever again; this is my family.

“Goodnight, Kate, we’re so glad you’re here. Your mom would have been so proud of the woman you’ve become.” As she moves on, I hear her tell the boys in sequence, “Daniel, use protection.
Connor, use protection. Jake, no grandbabies until
after
the wedding unless you want to move the date up.” When she gets to Jess and April, she tells them both the same thing, “Thank you for loving my sons.” I swear I actually see tears in Jess’s eyes; she doesn’t speak, just nods.

Jake and April head off to the house with Bryan and Linda as the rest of us head down to the guest house. All of us are yawing by the time we get in the house. We’re not even interested in staying up and talking; we just say goodnight and head to our rooms.

Chapter 19 – Daniel

Today’s been a long day. I can’t believe how tired I am even after the good night’s sleep I had last night. While I’m waiting for Kate to finish up in the bathroom and come to bed, I think about all the things we found out today. I think it’s awesome that Kate and Connor grew up together and she now has an extended family, which happens to be my extended family, too. I vaguely remember that day we all hung out together when we were kids. I wish I remembered it more, but it was a long time ago. I’m completely lost in thought when I feel Kate snuggle into my side.

“Damn, Kate, my shirt looks much better on you than it does on me.”

“I don’t know about that. I think it looks damn sexy on you, but I can’t help but want to wrap myself up in your scent.” I know the feeling. I pull her in tighter to me, loving that we’re spooning.

“Daniel, do you mind if we just lay here and talk tonight? I just need to take a little time and absorb all that’s happened today.”

“Of course not. Don’t ever think we have to have sex just because we’re together. I have
some
willpower.  I’m happy just laying here and spending time with you wrapped in my arms.”

“Daniel, do you think my mom would be happy with the way things turned out today?”

I flip Kate over so she’s facing me and run my fingers through her hair. “I think she would be happy. I think she would have been pissed that your dad kept Linda away from you when you lost her. I know you had Maryanne, but it seems Linda knew your mom better than anyone. I’m happy that you’ve found your extended family, and even happier that they’re also
my
extended family. Now you need to decide how you’re going to deal with your dad. If he really wants a fresh start with you, he’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to facilitate the relationship and bring them into your new family with open arms. I know Linda can hold a grudge, but I think for your sake she would try to get along.”

I love how she rubs my back and looks me in the eyes the entire time I’m talking to her. “My dad has done some pretty shitty things in his life, but this is one of the worst. I don’t necessarily think he kept her from Linda on purpose, because my mom never had any problems spending time with Maryanne. Maybe they just grew apart, especially with living further away from each other. My friendship with Jess probably made a relationship with Maryanne easy. My dad isn’t the easiest person to approach and he was hurting when he spoke to Linda. I wonder if she made other attempts over the years to get back in my life, that might have made all the difference, you know?”

She seems so sad. I give her a kiss on the forehead; they always seem to perk her up a bit. “I know, but she probably decided to abide by his wishes. It had already been a few years since you guys had been getting together. She saw how hard it was on Connor to lose you, she probably didn’t want to see either of you go through that pain again. The ball is in your hands now. Don’t dwell on the past, gumdrop, just focus on your future. Everything and everyone else will fall in place.”

“My dad called this morning. They went and saw Lila Hope today. They were both crying and apologetic about it all. Maybe I should have let them in sooner, but I felt like by keeping her to myself I could stay closer to her. Now that they’ve seen her, I know Michael needs to be told. This isn’t fair to
him or me. I need closure, Daniel, so that the one percent of my heart that is still open to him will be completely yours.”

I hate hearing that he still has part of her heart. Even if it’s a tiny piece, it’s a very significant part of her soul. I’m so proud of her for realizing it and coming to a decision because after this she will be completely mine.

“I can’t wait to meet your daughter, Kate. I’m sure she would want you to be happy, and someday we’ll take her brothers and sisters to meet her, too. I know she wasn’t a part of your life for long, but while she was here she made an impact on you that helped you become who you are today.”

She just nods her head as silent tears escape her eyes and all I can do is hold her. I think that’s all she
needs
me to do. Within a few minutes, she’s sleeping so peacefully, curled up in my arms. I can’t think of a better way to fall asleep.

Morning comes all too soon. With the girls scheduled to leave for the spa at ten a.m., the fact that we slept until almost nine doesn’t give us much time. I’m excited for her to have a day with the girls and for her to get to know April’s family. Everything seems to be falling into place; I’ve never been in a relationship before where everything just fell together like it was meant to be. I can’t wait to see her all dressed up tonight, although I’m sure that as soon as I see her in that dress all I’m going to want to do will be to peel it off of her.

“Kate, sweetheart, you don’t have much time; you’d better get in the shower. You only have about an hour before the limo gets here to take you guys to the spa.” Raising one questioning eyebrow at me, she looks adorable.

“The limo?
You guys rented a
limo
to take us to a spa?”

“Yes, a limo for the spa. Jake wanted everything to be prefect and special for April today. She doesn’t let him spoil her, so he takes advantage when he can.”

“That’s sweet. I could tell how much he loves her last night. Just the way he looks at her shows how much
in love
they are. They adore each other. That’s why I agreed to sing at their wedding because of the loving looks they shared while I was singing. It was like they were promising each other forever with their eyes. Their love is undeniable, it’s truly a blessing..” Kate’s eyes glaze over a little bit and I pull her hand to my mouth and kiss her ring finger.

“You know, promise rings are typically worn on the right hand, but when I placed yours on your finger, I put it on your left because you’re it for me. If I would have placed it on your right hand I would have felt like there was a chance to take back what happened, and I don’t ever want to take it back. My love for you is undeniable. You’re mine to love forever and to worship until the day I die.”

“Mr. McCormick, it’s not just your body that sets me on fire, it’s your way with words as well. Please come and worship every inch of my body in the shower or I will never make it through today. I love you so much. I love that people constantly think I’m engaged. I wouldn’t have wanted you to place my ring anywhere else. You found the perfect ring and the symbolism behind it is profound, you were staking a claim to me. I like that and one day when my name is on your back, everyone will know that
you’re mine
and I can’t wait for that day when I get to claim you.”

Holy fuck that’s hot.
I don’t waste a second; I grab her off the bed and take her to the shower. “Baby, that is the hottest thing I’ve ever heard. Most girls would freak over the symbolism of the ring and tattoo especially so soon. Not you gumdrop. I love you so much. I’m going to fuck you in the shower and it’s going to be quick, baby. I’m so turned on right now my eyes are crossed. Tonight, I’m going to take my time with you. I am going to show you how much I worship every single part of your incredibly sexy body.”

I turn her around, placing her hands against the shower wall, and she immediately spreads her legs. I slide my fingers across her clit and inside of her; she’s so wet already; I can’t wait another second. I thrust inside of her and reach around her wet, naked body. I’m not coming alone, but I’ve got to make this fast. I begin kissing her neck, using one hand to massage her breast and tug on her nipple ring. I take my other hand and slide it across her wet pussy, tugging on her clit. She’s so fucking responsive; I immediately feel her gripping me tighter, clenching me with her muscles, and I’m about to lose it.

“God, I love the way you grip my cock when I’m fucking you. It’s yours, Kate, my cock is yours forever and your tight little pussy is mine. You understand that, right? Tell me, baby, tell me your mine.” I love the way her cries of pleasure mix with the acoustics of the shower. She’s not holding back this morning; she’s on fire. I’m sure Jess and Connor can hear us but I don’t care.

“God, yes!
I’m yours, Daniel—always. Take me, baby, I’m so close. Fuck me; show me how much I turn you on. Show me that you’re mine and only mine. Deeper, let me feel all of you. I’m so close, Daniel…so close!”

Feeling her come so hard and wet all over my cock drives me to the edge, fast. I can’t help it after hearing her talk like that; I was lucky to hold out as long as I did. I love coming inside of her. I can’t wait until one day when coming inside her creates a life made of the best parts of her and me.

Spinning her around, I claim her mouth. I can’t fuck her and not kiss her; she needs to feel how much love I have for her. I break away quickly, though.

“Here, let me help you clean up really quick. You probably only have about fifteen minutes to get out there.”

Kate finishes up quickly and kisses me as she gets out of the shower. “I’ll see you later when we get back. Thank you for planning all of this today. I love you so much.”

“It was my pleasure. I love seeing you happy, but you won’t see me until tonight. Connor and I will come and pick you and Jess up around six and walk you over to the party. Stay here until then, okay?”

“Sure, whatever you want. Love you!”

After getting dressed, I stroll into the kitchen for breakfast. The nice part about staying in the guest house is that Linda always has the staff bring out a continental breakfast. Connor’s drinking coffee and shaking his head at me. I guess they heard us but I really don’t care.

“Dude, I really don’t need to hear you fucking my god-sister like that. It sounded like a fucking porno, but a good one, you lucky bastard.”

“You act like you didn’t get any last night
or
this morning.”

“I didn’t, it’s that time of the month for Jess, so beware of attitude and carry chocolate in your pocket. Watch out because you know how girls sync up and shit when they live together. Kate’s probably going to start anytime.”

“Thanks for the warning—I think. As long as I can peel that dress off of her tonight and have my way with her, I don’t care
when
she starts.”

“What are our plans for today? I have something I want to do and I want you to come with me.”

Connor looks up from his coffee. “We’re not supposed to do anything for a few hours yet. Dad and Jake are dealing with some last minute details for tonight and Mike got delayed, so he won’t be here until after the party starts. I don’t think we’re going to end up doing much of anything today. Why? What do you want to do?” I know he’s going to shit bricks in about five seconds.

“I want to go to Ben’s”

Okay, less than five seconds since he just spit his coffee all over the place. I can’t help but laugh; his face is priceless.

“Daniel, seriously, why do you want to go to Ben’s?”

“I want her name, Connor; she’s the one and that will never change for me. I want her name permanently on my skin because she is permanently in my heart.”

“Daniel, it’s too soon, you can’t; you’re going to scare her away. It’s only been two weeks, and don’t give me the love at first sight speech. I know all about how all the great loves in your family were all love at first sight. This is Kate though—
my Kate
—the girl who, less than a year ago, was struggling to not be so broken and live her life again. She’s not ready for this. If you do it you’re going to blow it with her.”

I take a deep breath, he sounds awfully possessive of
my
girlfriend. “Connor, I’m sorry I have to ask this, but I need to know—do you have feelings for Kate beyond friendship?”

Connor puts his head down and won’t meet my eyes. I drop down into the chair across from him and wait. If he has feelings for her this is going to be so fucking bad. Sighing, he finally lifts his head up.

“Truth?” I nod at him. “Always, man, no matter what” Nodding, he continues. “I don’t know what I feel for Kate and it’s confusing the hell out of me. I have always felt friendship for her and a deep-rooted sense of needing to protect and care for her. I love Jess, more than I ever thought possible, but also I love Kate, and the thought of her being hurt or broken again tears me up inside. I don’t think I feel for her the way you do, and I don’t love her the way I love Jess, but what I feel for her is on another level. I’ve never felt like this before and I just don’t know what it is or how to act.”

We sit in silence for what seems like forever, both deep in our own thoughts. “Connor, I’m trying to piece this together, and we’re going to figure this out
before
we leave this house today. Let me ask you a few questions, okay?” He nods, looking genuinely distraught and a little optimistic at the same time.

“If you think about Kate being with me, does it make you happy or angry?”

“Normally it makes me happy, but today it made me angry.”

“If Jess were to cheat on you, how would that make you feel?”

“I would be digging the SOB’s grave that messed with her.”

“If Michael came back into their lives and wants to be friends again, what would you do? Heads up, Kate is calling him tomorrow so this is a
very
real question.” Connor slams his fist on the table.