Always Us (Always and Forever 2)

“Like elope?”

“That’ll do.” He looks completely stoic, no traces of humor.

“Trey, we need to plan one, my dad and Kingston wouldn’t be happy if I married you without them there. Not to mention how hurt Kathy would be.” He huffs. I can see him debating a list in his head to convince me otherwise. But he eventually agrees with my answer. Which I’m glad, because I won’t budge on this. Our friends and family need to be there. Everyone but my mom, actually, is it bad I can see my wedding without her?

“Fine, but don’t make me wait. What about April?”

I think of the timeline, it’s February now. I think we can make that work.

“Okay.” I shrug.

“Really! Just like that?” Sitting straight up, he straddles my waist and grabs my book, tossing it over his shoulder. Before raining kisses all over my face, neck, and chest. Not caring that there are joggers and other beachgoers who’ve started to stare.

“Yes, just like that. Ah! Trey, stop, that tickles.” I laugh against the three-day-old stubble on his chin as it rubs against my stomach. Grabbing at his hair, I try to stop his innocent torture on my breasts and upper stomach. I love us like this. Finally giving me mercy, he stands up and grabs my hand, lifting me from the ground in one swift pull.

“Come on, I’m taking you for a swim.”

The rest of our vacation is nothing but lovemaking, sun, salt, water, and sand. Planning the wedding will commence the second I get home, until then the world can wait.

“LET ME SEE IT, BITCH!” My hand is pulled from the clothing rack abruptly. I drop the shirt and hanger and a joyous smirk spreads on my face.

“Good morning, L,” I say sarcastically.

“Good morning my ass. Holy fuck, this ring is fucking stunning!” She’s lucky we haven’t opened yet; her profanities would really make our customers comfortable.

“I know, he really did amazing, right? I have to tell you how it all happened!” A glimpse of the ocean and setting sun as our backdrop when he proposed comes to mind, as we walk toward the sitting area by the dressing room. Telling her in great detail what happened, I watch her give the same reaction I thought she would. Tears, language, and lots of enthusiasm.

“Holy shit, he’s good! God, is there anything wrong with our big guy—Trey?” Rolling my eyes, I wave her off with the flick of my hand.

“So, I’m taking it you guys really got to reconnect this weekend?” She wiggles her brows, like the pervert she is. Once again, if Kingston and Lana were in the dictionary, their names would be side by side with the same meaning.

“Yes, we did. And no, I didn’t tell him.” I knew that question was going to come up, so I answered it for her. I haven’t had the nerve to crush his heart and tell him about my condition.

“Shayla, he deserves to know that. Did you talk to the doctor?”

“Yes, I have an appointment next week and they will do another CT scan and see what the tumors look like and if they’ve reduced in size.” I don’t know how women do this sort of thing. Face the fact that they may never have children. It creates a deep pit in my heart knowing that’s there’s a void that may never be filled.

“I’m going with you, Shay,” she states, and I don’t even want to tell her no, because truth is, I’m scared, too.

“Okay.”

“Good. I think Trey needs to whisk you away more often, you’re much more agreeable these days.” She winks and squeezes my shoulder to leave me for a second. The day drags on slowly, my heart racing with anticipation for dinner with Gwen tonight. By the time I get home, it’s nearing five, and I start cooking right away.

“Mmmmm, baby, it smells fucking good!” I hear Trey’s voice bellow out from the entryway of my apartment. His voice carrying to the kitchen where I’m slaving away over the stove.

“I’m making your favorite.” I smile, adding butter to the sautéed veggies.

I turn and meet his approaching figure. He looks so damn good and…healthy. I can see he’s slowly letting time heal his heart, while I lick his wounds from his father’s death. The Trey I fell in love with and adored for nearly my entire life is coming back to life.

“You’re my favorite dish, so I hope you’re not the one simmering on that stove.” He grabs my hips and lifts me up on the island, pulling me away from the stovetop. I yelp when my ass and thighs hit the cold counter. The soft cotton of the green dress I’m wearing rides up when I’m seated on the counter. One of the thin straps that are tied on the top of my shoulder slides down my arm. Spreading my legs with his hands, he takes his spot between them. Immediately finding my neck, he starts assaulting it.

“You smell like fucking cherries.” He breathes hot air onto my cool neck.

“It’s a new body wash,” I say with my head back and my mouth slightly agape. Trey’s hair is a little longer, tickling the underside of my jaw.

“You had a great day, I take it?” I ask, running my hands over the rise and fall of his broad shoulders.

“I did. We finished recording with this local band then Kingston and I got to have lunch with your dad. He was fucking thrilled to see me, telling me how lucky I am and all this shit that I couldn’t agree more with. Then I come home to my future little housewife cook