When You're Mine (MINE #3)(42)
“Mine,” she whispered against my lips.
“Yours,” I whispered back, before burying myself so deep, I wasn’t sure where she ended and I began. Sparks dotted my vision and a loud cry bled from her lips as we came together, falling apart in each other’s arms.
Home.
The best thing to hold on to in life is each other.
~ Audrey Hepburn
Katy and Archer had gone all out for little Vaughn’s 1st Birthday Party. It was a Mustache Bash, and the fun had been going on for hours. Setting up a tent in the backyard, they had a photo booth, games for kids of all ages, table upon table of delicious food, cake pops, candy, and drinks. When we first arrived, I thought…all this for a one year old? But after seeing the smiles I’d seen today, I decided that even though it may have been a little over the top, it was perfect.
Sitting across from us, the birthday boy sat proudly on his mother’s lap, drinking from his sippy cup, dressed in a red t-shirt that said…
However, you would’ve had to get here early to know that. Right now, it was covered in chocolate and so was his face. Usually, Katy didn’t allow him to have sweets. As in, no sugar whatsoever. He was on go as it was, she didn’t feel the need to add to it, but he was in rare form today. It was funny to watch Archer chase after him, cursing under his breath when Vaughn would strike out on his own. They were going to have their hands full with that one.
Turning my attention to Barrett, I watched as he buried his face in Ava’s neck, earning himself another round of giggles.
Best sound in the world.
Ava Eleanor Shaw, affectionately named after my mother, flailed her tiny little arms while her father blew raspberries on her neck and belly. Barrett leaned over, pursing his lips for a kiss. “I think I’m wearing her down, which means I’ll be wearing you out later,” he whispered before his lips were on mine.
“Promises, promises,” I teased.
“Whoever said being pregnant was awesome, lied their asses off.” Maddie complained, rubbing her huge belly.
“Maddie, mouth,” Katy warned, pointing down at Vaughn.
Maddie rolled her eyes, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Bless her heart, she was eight months pregnant, with twin boys. Of course she blamed Holden and his supercharged sperm daily for her miserable state. She was excited about being a mother, being pregnant… not so much.
Archer swung his eyes our way. “Y’all better lock Ava up. Those are the dicks I warned you about.”
“Archer!” Katy scolded with a slap to his chest.
“What?”
Katy shook her head, handing Vaughn off to his foul mouthed father. “The first time he says a dirty word, I’m washin’ your mouth out with soap.”
Archer laughed, settling the tired little boy in his lap. “Love to see that happen, sweetheart.”
“Katy is that Alex?” Maddie asked.
Katy spoke of her brother often and I’d seen his pictures in magazines. In direct contrast to the bright and vibrant colors covering every surface, he was dressed entirely in black, holding a motorcycle helmet in his hand and wearing a big smile on his face. Katy took off, practically running towards her brother.
“Fuck,” Archer cursed and I had half a mind to scold him, but Vaughn had fallen fast asleep and my Ava was well on her way.
“What’s wrong?” Barrett asked.
“He’s moving in with us for a while. Says he needs a break from the spotlight, so Katy offered him the guest house. I love my wife, but I do not get along with her brother.”
“Archer, the last time you saw each other was two years ago. Let it go.” Maddie said defensively.
“I have let it go. He won’t. It’s like he’s determined not to like me at all. Just like his ole man.”
Maddie’s blue eyes softened. “He’ll come around. Just give it time,” Archer didn’t seem too convinced.
“Phuck!” Vaughn shot up like a bolt of lightning. “Phuck, Phuck, Phuck!”
“Did he just say…?”
“I think he said…”
“Phuck!”
We were all in shock. I mean, we all joked Vaughn’s first word would be a dirty one, but oh my God, Katy was going to flip her shit. We all began to laugh. Vaughn liked the response he was getting so he continued.
“Phuck, Phuck!”
Archer attempted to cover his mouth, but it was too late, Katy was already descending upon the table and she did not look like a happy mommy. Hands fixed to her hips, she shook her head. Archer had the decency to look ashamed, but he continued to stifle his laughter. Katy plucked little Vaughn from his lap and pinned her husband with a hard glare. “You’re in big trouble when we get home.” Archer didn’t look very worried.
Not long after, we said our goodbyes and made our way home. Ava slept the entire ride, exhausted from the eventful day. Once we got her inside, she went down without a fuss.
Later, after he’d made good on his promise, I was wrapped in his arms.
Breath on my shoulder.
Hands on my skin.
Bathing in his love.
A love that would stand the test of time, and any hardship met along the way. A love worth dying for, fighting for. A love worth waiting for. Moments like these were rare, since Ava had been born. I savored and cherished every single one. “I always knew,” he whispered.