Reckless Kiss

Deacon’s arm is over my waist, and his breathing is low and rhythmic. I’m lying on my back, gazing at his beautiful face as the wind moves his thick brown hair across his brow.

A smile curls my lips, and I trace my finger lightly along the sweep of a wave, just above his skin, not touching. I don’t want to wake him. My heart beats for him with so much love.

Crawling carefully to the side, I lift the sketchpad and start a new drawing, losing myself in the lines of his forehead, the cut of his cheekbone, the square jaw covered in scruff. My st

omach tingles. He’s a god in repose, something you would see in a Greek temple or a Roman coliseum.

He’s mine.

My eyes heat, and I’m so emotional lately. My love for him has always been strong, but I’ve never been such a cry baby.

A strange scent floats by on the breeze, an animal, and my throat closes. I’m shocked by my body’s sudden revulsion, and jumping to my feet, I barely make it to the half bathroom just inside the patio door before I throw up my small breakfast of toast and coffee.

I flush quickly and step to the sink to put cool water on my face and neck, and I remember being at the hospital, talking to the doctor. Then I remember the next morning with Mateo. I’d chalked it up to stress, but closing my eyes, I filter through the dates…

I’ve got to know for sure before I say anything, but my chest trembles. My stomach tightens, and my insides squeeze. I’m excited and I’m scared, and I can’t breathe. And I’m terrified…

If this is true, I have no idea what happens next.

21

Deacon

The sky spreads out in front of us brilliant blue and gold. The sun dips toward the horizon, and it’s like fire rolling beneath the clouds. Angel is behind me on the bike, slim arms tight around my waist, and we’re flying along the freeway headed up to Mount Cristo Rey.

Placing one hand on top of hers, I give it a squeeze as satisfaction spreads across my stomach. We’ve spent the last twenty-four hours growing closer than we’ve ever been, talking about everything, loving each other whenever we want. It’s like a little honeymoon…

It’s amazing.

And I’ve decided.

Nothing’s stopping us anymore.

Wind pushes against my face, and we rise higher, following the trail up the mountain. As the sun drops lower, we can see the lights of Juarez flickering on to the south. It’s crazy how close the two places are.

Reaching the top of the small mountain, I ease off on the gas and we slow. No one else is here, and I park the bike, removing my helmet and reaching for hers. Our eyes meet, and we don’t speak. We’re in this magical place at this time of day when it feels like anything can happen.

The air is a little cooler at this altitude, and I pull her against my side, wrapping my arm over her shoulders as the breeze swirls around us. Her skirt swirls around her beautiful legs, and I think about those beautiful legs being mine, her beautiful heart belonging to me, her talented mind and caring soul.

We climb the wooden staircase leading up to the enormous cross with the massive statue of Jesus standing in front of it. It’s not a crucifixion, as the Christ’s hands are facing down, palms spread over the cities as if in blessing or prayer.

I’ll take both.

Standing on the crown-shaped platform at the base of the monument, we gaze upwards, absorbing the solemnity of the moment as the sky turns red above us. The air is crisp and dry. Dipping my head, I press my nose to the top of Angel’s head and inhale.

Exhaling slowly, it’s time.

“I thought it would be easy.” My voice is quiet. “I knew people like Winnie would be a problem, but I could handle her. Now we’re in a dark place.” She tenses, and I tighten my embrace. “I wanted to do this differently, but now I don’t want to wait.”

Turning to her, I hold her left hand as she looks up at me. “Nothing will change my love for you, Angelica Maria del Carmen.” Lowering to one knee, I take the ring I’ve held since April out of my inside pocket.

“Deacon…” She inhales sharply, pressing her hand to her lips as her eyes heat.

“I want you to be my wife.” Looking at her slim hand so delicate in mine, I place the ring on her third finger. “Will you?”

She drops to her knees, her pretty eyes shimmering as she nods quickly. Emotion tightens my stomach. She blinks and two tears fall right before she dives into my embrace, wrapping her arms around my neck.

Clearing the thickness in my throat, I look up at the sky around us, the hands spread over us in blessing. “Don’t cry, beautiful. I’m going to make you so happy.”