The Only One for Her (19 page)

Chapter 38: Trace

Waking up, Lindy and I were tangled together. We had spent the evening
not
talking and then drifted to sleep. Having her in my life was a miracle. So many things could have gone wrong, but they hadn’t. The stars had aligned and I had my Lindy in my arms where she belonged.
Thank you, God, she said yes.
I don’t know what I’d be doing right now if she hadn’t. Probably licking my wounds like I imagined Randy was doing.

Lindy began to stir. I pulled her closer, pressing my erection into her backside.

“Well, good morning to you too,” she said with happiness in her voice. Even though I couldn’t see her face, I could hear her smile.

“It is a good morning with you in my arms. I want to wake up like this every day,” I said, sliding my hand up her abs to her breast.

“Me too,” she said, pushing her fine ass toward me.

Lindy pulled my hand toward her mouth and began sucking my index finger. I let out a moan.

“Looks like you are full of ideas this morning, future Mrs. Michaels.”

“Yes,” she said. “Ideas of all the things we can do together in bed.”

Reaching down, my fingers made their way through her soft curls to her hot wetness. Slipping inside her, I knew she was as ready as I was. “You’re so wet.”

Lindy just moaned. Lifting her leg, I placed it on top of mine, giving me the access I wanted. I began rubbing my cock between her legs while Lindy softly purred. Her hand found the head of my cock and began guiding me into her hot, wet core. “Oh, God, Lindy. You’re so wet,” I said again as I filled her. “You make me so fucking hard. You feel so fucking good.”

“Good to know, Mr. Michaels,” she said with a breathy voice. “Nothing feels better than you.”

My cock had a mind of its own and I continued thrusting into her. My hand played with her left nipple, tugging and pinching it. Lindy’s sounds let me know I was doing what she liked. “Lick your finger and touch yourself, honey. I want to hear you come.”

Lindy did what I asked, touching her clit while my cock continued on. In and out. In and out. I was holding out until I felt the squeezing of her tight pussy and heard my girl screaming. I loved how she sounded and I was determined to hear those noises every day.

If I had known a relationship could be this way, I never would have proposed to Angelina. My feelings paled in comparison to how much I loved this woman.
Why
had I thought Angelina could be the one for me? I had ignored the signs of her selfishness. Maybe I had just wanted to have someone. But, being with Lindy was so much more than having someone. She was the missing piece that made my life rich and full. I never wanted to be without her and couldn’t fathom how I had managed before meeting her. She was my everything.

***

I couldn’t wait for my family to meet Lindy, but I knew she was nervous. I couldn’t blame her. Meeting someone’s family for the first time was stressful. Lindy wanted to make a good impression, and I had no doubt that my family would adore her. The more I experienced things with Lindy, the more I realize how incompatible I had been with Angelina. Going to family events had been stressful as she’d never wanted to go.
I had been blind.

Coming out of her closet, Lindy looked like a goddess in the black halter dress we got her while shopping. I made a mental note to go there again to buy gifts for her. The clothes were perfect for her.

“What do you think?” she asked, turning around for me to get the full effect.

“You look stunning. I love that dress on you. I think I’m really going to love it on the floor later,” I said, winking at her.

“Well, I’m sure that can be arranged,” she said as she leaned her body into mine. Her head rested on my shoulder. I wanted to just scoop her up and take her back to bed, but my mother was expecting us.

“It’s just missing one thing,” I said, pulling the Tiffany’s box from around my back.

“What’s this?” Lindy asked.

“Open it and find out.”

Lindy lifted the lid of the box. Her eyes filled with tears. “You have the key to my heart,” I said.

“I love it,” she said, pulling me toward her for a kiss. “It’s beautiful. Thank you. Will you help me put it on?”

“Yes.” Lindy took the necklace out of the box, handing it to me. She turned around and moved her long blonde hair to the side. Putting the necklace on her I couldn’t help but think about how she had opened my heart when I thought it would never be possible again.

Lindy turned around. “Now everything is exactly right,” I said.

She looked in the mirror. “It’s stunning. Thank you so much.” Lindy leaned her body into mine, hugging me again. This felt right.

Driving to my parents’ house, I could feel the tension radiating from Lindy. A tear streamed down her face. “Honey, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

“I was just thinking about how foreign my life is compared to most people’s lives. You have a family. They love you and want to look after you. It’s hard to understand when you’ve always had parents. Mine were taken too soon. I just really want yours to like me.”

Reaching over to touch her hand, I said, “I have no doubts they are going to love you. And they are going to become your family. You’re not alone anymore. Beautiful, it’s all going to be okay. I’m a man on a mission and my mission is to make all your dreams come true.”

“You already have made my dreams come true by asking me to marry you, by loving me, coming after me, and not letting me run away from you. You are a strong man, Trace.”

“Not as strong as you, Lindy. You have braved life mostly on your own. You are way stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Lindy squeezed my hand. “Thanks, sweetie,” she said. “I know it’s going to be just fine. I’m letting my nerves get the best of me.”

As I drove, I told her a little about each family member, ensuring to share a funny story or two.

Arriving at my parents’ home, Lindy seemed more relaxed. “Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yes. I’m sorry to be so emotional. I
am
looking forward to meeting your family.”

“You’re not too emotional. Don’t worry about it,” I said, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.

We got out of the car and made our way up the cobblestone path. “Your parents’ home is beautiful. I love the style.”

“Yeah, it’s nice. My mom always wanted a Tudor. They bought this a few years back. I think they have more room now than when we all lived at home,” I said laughing. “My mom is ready to have grandchildren spend the night so she can take care of them. She’s from a family of six kids, so there are always a lot of people around.”

“Really?” Lindy sounded anxious again.

“Today it’s just my immediate family.”

“Oh, that’s good,” Lindy said, sighing. Before opening the front door, I pulled Lindy close and whispered in her ear, “You look really beautiful today.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Trace.”

We made our way down the hall, past my parents’ formal living and dining rooms. We could hear laughter coming from the great room.

“There you are,” my mother said. She hugged me, then reached out for Lindy and gave her a hug.

“Lindy, this is my mom, Kathleen.”

“It’s so good to meet you,” my mom said as she bear-hugged Lindy.

“You too,” Lindy said.

“Honey, the men are in the backyard grilling the steaks if you want to join them. Lindy can have a glass of wine with us.”

Lindy nodded when I looked over at her. I poured her a glass of wine. Handing it to her, I introduced my sisters Kristie and Shannon. “You ladies have fun, but not too much,” I said, giving my sisters a slight glare. They were notorious for sharing stories about me. “I’ll be outside with the men,” I said, flexing my right arm. Lindy giggled.

***

“We’re so excited to meet you,” Kristie said hugging me. Shannon gave me a squeeze right after.

“I’m happy to meet all of you.” My nerves were still there, but Trace’s family was so nice, I couldn’t help but feel comfortable.

Kristie took my hand and looked at the rock Trace had given me.

“Wow, your engagement ring is beautiful. My brother has good taste,” she said, beaming at me. Trace’s sisters and mother were gorgeous which didn’t surprise me at all.

“So Lindy, what part of Louisiana are you from?” Kathleen asked while stirring something that smelled delicious.

“I’m from a small town outside of Lafayette called Scott.”

“I’ve been to Lafayette. The seafood is out of this world. I grew up in Houston, but we had some extended family in Lafayette, so we’d go there to visit.”

“You don’t sound like you’re from the South.”

“We moved to California when I was sixteen, so I lost my accent, but I didn’t lose my Southern ways,” Kathleen said with a wink. She was adorable and looked like she could have been a former Ms. Texas.

“Here, sit. Have some snacks,” Kristie said, directing me to the kitchen table. I put together a slice of cheese on a cracker and ate it. Taking a few sips of wine to chase the cheese and cracker helped calm me a little.
It’s amazing how doing something with your hands can relax you when stressed. Being a cheese lover, I enjoyed the strong flavor of the blue on the cheese platter. The Michaels had good taste in cheeses. I wonder if Trace had requested my favorite chardonnay to be on hand as well. Kind man. Nibbling and drinking also provided the courage I needed to answer the expected questions about my story. I knew the usual question was coming when meeting new people. Something like, tell us about yourself. My story always seemed to invoke pity.

“We know you and Trace met in Maui, but somehow we don’t know the exact story,” Kristie said. That was a way better story than my life story, so I didn’t mind telling that one.

Trace’s sisters sat at the table with me while Kathleen continued fixing lunch. She was pulling fresh baked rolls out of the oven when I started our story.

After telling them how Trace had saved me from falling into the ocean, both his sisters had their hands on their chests, tears welling up in their eyes.

“That sounds like Trace,” Shannon said. “He’s always been so protective.”

Kristie smiled. “We’re really glad he found you, Lindy. I can see why he cares for you so much.”

“I’m the lucky one. Trace has brought me back to life in so many ways.”

Trace popped his head in through the French doors. “Mom, the meat is ready.”

“Good. So is everything else.”

We all got up and began carrying dishes out to the back patio. The backyard was huge; picturesque, actually. Images of my future wedding paraded through my mind.
This was the perfect place for us to get married.
They even had a gazebo for us to stand in front of while the minister did the honors. The feeling of being home—where I belonged—cocooned me in its warmth. Sitting at the table with Trace’s family I knew I had finally found my place in this world.

Chapter 39: Lindy

“Today was really wonderful,” I said getting into bed with Trace. “I loved your family and I felt completely welcomed by them.”

“They loved you, too. I could tell.”

I snuggled up to him, resting my head on his chest. “Your parents’ backyard is really beautiful. Do you think we could have our wedding there?” I looked up at him and saw a huge smile on his face. He looked at me and shook his head as if in amazement.

“You make me so happy. Yes, I don’t see why not. My mom would be so excited to have it there.”

“Do you think your family might think we’re rushing into things? Have they said anything to you about us being engaged already?”

“They may have before today, but I think they can see how well we go together. I know they’re happy for us.”

“I’m happy for us too. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt…content.”

Trace pulled me closer. “I know what you mean. Even though I was going to marry Angelina, something always gnawed at me. I never could put my finger on it, so I ignored it.”

“Well, now you know. She wasn’t the person you thought she was.”

“That’s for sure.”

“Do you still think she had something to do with Derrick’s death?”

“Probably not. I was just grasping at straws. I think it was just a horrible accident.”

“Well, that’s good. It would be awfully hard to work with her if you thought she was a killer.”

“No doubt. It’s hard enough knowing she’s a liar and a cheat. But, I’m stuck with her for now. Until I figure out what she really wants or find a way to buy her out.”

Trace’s hand stroked my arm sending tingles through my body. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do tomorrow while you’re at work. It’s going to be weird hanging around the house without you.”

“You know, Fran does need some help at the office. Lately, she’s been mentioning being tired and it seems like she’s slowing down a little. Do you want to come in with me tomorrow and see what you can do to help her? Maybe help her out for a few months while figuring out where you want to go to school?”

“That’s a great idea. I’ll be her assistant,” I said, chuckling to myself. Trace laughed too.

“It will be great. She’ll get the help she needs and I’ll get to see you all day,” he said kissing my temple.

***

Trace’s office was sleek and modern. Multiple shades of gray with discrete splashes of color made up the color scheme. When we reached the reception area, Trace introduced me to Katelyn. It looked like she was the gatekeeper for the company. She looked about my age, so maybe we could become friends. I’d have to see what happens.

We made our way toward Trace’s office and Fran was already at her desk, working.

“Fran, I’d like you to meet Lindy.”

“Lovely to meet you,” Fran said, coming around her desk, extending her hand to shake mine.

“It’s my pleasure,” I said.

Fran looked like the perfect grandmother. The type that baked cookies and pinched cheeks. I instantly liked her.

“I hope this will be okay with you that I’ve hired Lindy to assist you in some of your duties.”

“Okay? It’s more than okay. We’ve had so much going on, I’m behind on things. I really do need help.”

Trace smiled. “Anything crazy happen while I’ve been gone that I need to know about?”

“No, in fact it’s been strangely quiet. Angelina hired a new assistant. That’s the only change I’m aware of.”

“Good,” Trace said, running his hand through his hair. “I’ll let you two get acquainted and you can come up with what you need Lindy to do. I haven’t checked email in a few days, so I’m sure I have some messages to return.”

Trace kissed me on the cheek and went to his office. “So, my dear, congratulations,” Fran said, inspecting my ring. The warm smile on her face let me know she approved. “Trace is a good man. I know he’ll make you very happy.”

“He already has, Fran. I know it sounds crazy, but I’m head over heels in love with him.”

“It doesn’t sound crazy at all. I met and married my husband after two weeks. He proposed to me on our first date and I said yes. We’ve been married for forty-two years.”

“Really? That’s amazing,” I said.

“Sometimes, you just know when it’s right.”

Nodding, I said, “I know exactly what you mean.”

Two woman approached us, one carrying a file in her hand. “Is he back?” she asked in a snarky way.

“Yes, Angelina. He’s back. Lindy, this is Angelina and her new assistant Melissa.”

“Nice to meet you both,” I said, but didn’t reach out to shake their hands. I could tell Angelina could care less about meeting me.

“You too,” she said gruffly. Then she turned on her heel and headed for Trace’s office with her assistant in tow.

Looking at Fran, I wasn’t sure what to say. She just shook her head. “God works in mysterious ways, Lindy. No one knew that side of her until Derrick died.”

“I see.” I didn’t want to say anything unflattering about Trace’s ex, not knowing how it might come across. Plus, she was his business partner and I didn’t want to make any waves. I could tell, however, by the frown on Fran’s face, she wasn’t particularly fond of Angelina. It made sense considering all that had happened.