I switched my pace and began taking him down faster, using my hands to jerk him. I felt his thighs tense, and I knew he would be coming soon.
His release coasted my mouth, and Parker let out a low moan that had me reconsidering my decisions. I wanted him to make that sound again, and again, and again.
I knew what to do to drive him wild. So I opened my mouth that was full of his seed for him to see.
Parker rewarded me with another growl. “Fuck.”
He used his thumb to smear his release across my lips.
Once he tapped my chin, I knew what he wanted. I swallowed and moaned.
“I don’t know how I’m going to survive these next couple of weeks if you keep doing shit like that, Ev. How many weeks did the doctor say again?”
Taking his extended hand, I rise to my feet and join him on the sofa, nuzzling into his side once I’m seated.
“He said twelve weeks of no strenuous activity and the things you like to do definitely count as strenuous.”
He smacked my ass and kissed my forehead.
“When you’re right, you’re right,” he said with a sigh.
He yawned and drew me closer to him. Even though I did all the work, he was still wiped from his involvement. I snickered to myself as I pulled the throw blanket from the side of the couch and threw it over us. Parker’s eyes were slowly closing, so I cuddled deeper into his side.
I wondered if it would always be like this, if the sight of him would always take my breath away and make my heart sing. Lying here beside him, as old reruns played on the television, listening to his heart, I smiled to myself. Even our toughest days were our best. I finally had a partner who I could trust, someone who made me feel safe, cared for, and loved. Wherever life took us, I knew that we would be okay because we built thisfoundation brick by brick, and it was strong. Our future was bright, and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for us.
My eyes drifted closed, and my arms tightened around him.
I found my person, and I planned to never let him go.
Chapter 45
Parker
6Months Later
The doctors had predicted with consistent physical therapy and massages that I would make an 85% recovery. Charles had shattered the bones in my leg in several places. Paired with the GSW to the abdomen, I lost a lot of blood. If Evelyn hadn’t pulled me out of that barn when she did and if Danny hadn’t shown up with the cavalry, then I might not have made it.
I thought of that every day. I felt truly lucky to be alive. I thought the events would haunt me, but instead I felt like I had a new lease on life.
I had an amazing woman by my side, supporting me every step of the way.
Evelyn had opened herself up to me and had confided in me. In return, I did the same, and we shared things with each other that we never shared with anyone before. I told her the dark thoughts I had during my recovery, and she shared her thoughts of self-harm with me. Right then and there, we made a promise to always keep this level of communication. We wouldn’t let fear or insecurities get in our way. When we felt like the walls were closing in, we would talk it out.
Our relationship was new, but everything about it felt like it would last forever—so we promised to work at it.
My sisters were unbelievably happy for the both of us. I would be forever grateful for the way they took care of Evelyn while I was having back-to-back surgeries. Aja sat with Evelyn 24/7, only leaving to change clothes, while Janae stayed by my side, switching places only with my mother. We were never left alone. My family had adopted Evelyn as one of their own. She had fit perfectly, as if she were exactly where she was supposed to be.
Physical therapy was hard. I was constantly on the edge of frustration, curbing my tongue from lashing out. There were times that I failed, where my family and Evelyn took the brunt of it. In the moment, I would be agitated, but later I would regret subjecting them to my foul mood. They never held those moments over me. When Evelyn suggested therapy, I didn’t resist. My body wasn’t the only part of me that needed to be healed.
The decision to stay in Oakland Ridge wasn’t one we made lightly. Although the investigation into my conduct proved to be an attempt to slander my reputation, the damage had already been done. Chief Bradden was more than apologetic, but I couldn’t let bygones be bygones. The gossip about me had been so bad that the chief had suggested I switch houses.
Rory, Ian, and Cam begged me to come back, but I decided a new start was best.
My whole career, I had been succeeding out of spite. Just when I was close enough to be offered a chief position, all my hard work was swiped away because of a lie. Our decision to stay in Oakland Ridge wasn’t us accepting defeat. It was the decision to build something new on a stronger foundation.
My father hadn’t tried to visit again. It had been months since I last saw him. Even after all this time, I still had questionsfor him. I needed closure, and the only way I was going to accomplish it was by finally saying my piece to him before closing the door on that chapter.
Our father hadn’t set foot inside the estate, and our mother assured us he wouldn’t. One Sunday afternoon, we were all gathered in the living room after having breakfast when she broke the news.
