Throwing clothes into my bag while Spencer grabs my bathroom stuff, my phone beeps immediately.
Levi
I love you, Letty. Sleep well, knowing everything will be just fine.
Me
I love you too, so much. Thank you for being strong, for not leaving me, and for risking your life to save us
Levi
It’s finally time we started living, Scarlett.
Spencer walks out of the bathroom with his hands full, giving me a weak smile as he opens my bag and places all the toiletries inside. “Scar. Baby, look at me.” He sits on the edge of my bed, holding my hands in his. My eyes stay glued to the carpet. “Eyes on me. Now.” Spencer’s voice is demanding, snapping me from the war in my mind. My eyes find his, obeying his command. “Stop doing what you're doing. Stop beating yourself for not being here. What happened isn't fair, but it also wasn’t your fault.” Placing my head on his chest, a sigh escapes me. Easier said than done. His soft hand rubs my cheek. “For the record, my family loves you. Loving you comes without a price; there is no way to repay us for the love we give. We give it because we want to, because you stole our hearts, baby. Loving you endlessly is easy, fuck those who didn’t, but I promise you I will make up where they lacked, I will love you hard enough for all the love you didn’t have, because I want to, I’ll always want to.” My hand traces his jaw, and he relaxes it, before my lips find his, drinking in his affirmations, praying like hell the words will remain true.
“I don’t deserve you,” Whispering into his mouth, he grabs my hand resting on his cheek.
“You deserve the world, baby, and I'm going to give it to you.” Kissing him washes away my worries, my guilt, the uncertainty surrounding this entire evening. His love leaves no room for those feelings; it’s just him and me. “My parents are waiting, let's go home.”
Home, somewhere I've never had until now, with a family who loves me without end or condition. All without my brother, who should be here with me.
Chapter 55
Great News
Anna
Ialways knew I wanted children; there was never a doubt in my mind. I’ve always been the type of person who was overflowing with love and empathy. I knew when I met David that love would spill over into whatever mini versions of us we created; there was always an abundance of it. After we had Spencer, the doctors told me I couldn't have any more, and I was crushed. David and I got through it as we do everything else, in the end, loving and cherishing what we had, instead of being somber over what we couldn’t change. Now, I sit here looking atLevi and the growth he’s made, so incredibly proud to call him my son, to give to him and Scarlett what they have never had, yet what we are rich with – unconditional love and support.
We have been with Levi every day during his hospital stay. He’s made fantastic progress and is due to return home tomorrow; he’s on the mend. Looking at his smile and seeing him surrounded by family is all I ever wanted for them. They fit into our lives as if they were always meant to be a part of it. These kids believe we changed their world, and we did, but they changed ours. I was so graciously blessed with two more children, whom I love deeply. The thought of what Grant did to them floors me. It brought me immense joy to watch him go down, even though the cost was abhorrent. With everyone gathered around Levi’s bed, it is time.
“Alright, kids, listen up.” David squeezes my hand, passing me an overjoyed smile. Maddie sits on the bed with Levi, and Scarlett sits on Spencer’s lap in the corner chair. “We got a call from our lawyer. The verdict has been made.” Their eyes lock on mine, ready for whatever comes crashing down on them. “He’s being sent to prison for attempted murder. They have sentenced him to serve twenty-five years, plus an additional two years for battery. Should he ever return to the public, he would never be allowed to work in public safety or be permitted within the same state as you. This is great news!”
Scarlett stands from Spencer’s lap, moving towards Levi. “You did it. You really fucking did it.” Levi grabs her arm and pulls her into him, hugging her with every ounce of love he has.
“Fuck yeah, Letty. What 'dya’ say I bust out one day early so we can really celebrate?” Nodding my head, I smile.
“One more day! Until then, we have shopping to do! Scarlett, Maddie, time to go Christmas shopping. Girls' day!” The girlsjump up, kissing the boys goodbye, and leave them to talk about baseball and cars.
Chapter 56
Morning to Forever
Scarlett
Waking up cocooned in Spencer’s arms made my soul come alive. Every morning when his arms are wrapped around me, I feel like I could take on the world. A year ago, I would have told you I was weak, broken, damned. I'm here now, rubbing my fingers along his forearm, moving his hair back and forth, realizing who he made me. I am strong, repaired, and worthy. I have grown in knowledge, power, and love. Lying in the arms of the man who showed me I can be loved, I am powerful, filled with all the knowledge I need to beexactly who I want to be. Lying in the arms of the man I love, it’s like ecstasy, and I am so high that I never want to come down.
Sinking deeper into him, his arms wrap around me tighter. “Careful wiggling that ass of yours, you get him up, you get him down, and he likes this game.”
His groggy voice growls in my ear.I love getting him up and back down. I push my ass into him, arching my back while bringing my hand around the back of his head, lacing my fingers in his hair. My voice falls to a needy whisper: “I came to play.” A feral sound falls from Spencer’s throat; a dark groan mixed with a deep chuckle.
Rolling me onto my back fiercely, he grinds his hard length along my wet slit that silently begs for him.He feels amazing. I am already dripping for him. Wrapping my legs around his waist, my arms reaching around his neck, stealing his lips. His lips open, allowing my tongue to meet his, greeting it with hard, good morning thrusts.I love the way he devours me, drinking me in like a final sip of water.My breath quickens as he unlocks my legs, pushing them apart, moving his soft fingers along my stomach, trickling down the inside of my thigh. Goosebumps canvas my body, heat bubbles in my lower stomach, my back arches, and I move my lower half into his erection. “You want to come for me, baby?” I whimper,Yes, I sure fucking do. Kissing his neck, sucking and grabbing onto him, begging him to make the question a reality.
“Yes.” Breathlessly, his finger slides inside my underwear, stopping just before he touches my wetness and pulling his finger back out, sliding it down my thigh towards my knee.
“Is it throbbing for me?” He whispers into my ear, pushing himself on me once more, while kissing my neck.
“Mmhmm.” I moan into his neck.Please take what I’m begging you for.
