We break apart, our foreheads are touching, when Levi says, “That’s good, because I wasn’t taking no for an answer.”
Our day is spent in bed, the only break we take is to replenish our bodies. In between the burning fire that seems to always simmer just over the edge, we talk.
The both of us want something small, maybe even a justice of the peace type wedding, and Levi, he’s on board with this plan.
In fact, his exact words were, “Get dressed, we can go get our license today, and then get married tomorrow.”
I put my foot down and replied, “I don’t even have a dress. We haven’t talked to your parents about a date yet, either. I’m fine with getting married, and soon, but Levi, your parents deserve to get some plans made and so does Buck.”
“Fuck, you’re right. Still, get up and get dressed. We’ll FaceTime them and tell Buck, then set a date. I want the world to know you’re mine,” his voice taking on that deep huskiness I love so much.
“Okay, but first we need a shower,” I get up from our bed, my body feeling thoroughly used in the best possible way.
“I’ll meet you in there. I want a repeat of last night,” he grunts.
“Oh no, you don’t. One more time and I’ll be walking bow-legged for a month. How would that look when we’re standing in front of the judge getting married?”
The laugh he lets out makes my heart flutter, and then I’m up in his arms, as he carries us into the shower.
“I love you, Levi,” I whisper into his ear as my hands loop around his neck.
“Love you, Peyton.”
34
Levi
Three Months Later
I got the shock of my life after Peyton and I said our “I do’s”. It was the best shock a man like myself could get, too.
One that had me picking her up and marching her out the courthouse steps with my parents, siblings, and even old Buck, was whooping and hollering.
Right after we kissed, she leaned back, and whispered, “I have a surprise for you, Daddy.”
“You’re pregnant?” I yell out and everyone knows that’s in hearing distance. Tears are gathering in my eyes and it’s one of the greatest gifts that could be bestowed on me.
“In about eight more months, we’ll be welcoming a bundle of joy.” My hands find her cheeks and I kiss her for everything I’m worth.
I carried her out, “Levi, I can walk,” she said into my ear, her tongue slowly licking a path down my neck.
“I know you can, baby. Doesn’t mean I want to let you go. Give me this, just for a while.”
“You can have it forever, Mr. Heart,”
“Fuck, I love my name rolling off your tongue and to know you have my last name, makes me want to beat my chest,” I grunt.
We make it to the truck, and only then do I let her go long enough to open the door. She climbs inside and her dress that was decent in the courthouse, is now hiked up her thighs where I want to be most.
“Levi Heart, don’t you dare leave without saying goodbye,” I hear my mom cry out as she’s speed-walking down the steps. My dad is right behind her, not even thinking clearly about them. Just that I wanted Peyton alone and to myself.
“You were going to see us soon. A man needs to consummate his marriage, Ma,” my dad chuckles as he tries to reign her in.
“Pshhh, clearly it’s been consummated. Let me hug my girl, then you can leave for a little bit. Don’t you dare be late to the reception.” She stomps her foot and makes her way to where Peyton is sitting and trying to hide a laugh of her own. They hug and my father brings me in for a hug of his own and says, “I’m proud of you, son.”
“Thanks, Dad, I better get to my bride before Mom has her riding with you,” we both chuckle and Dad pries Mom away from Peyton.
“See you soon,” I tell her and head to my side of the truck. I have my wife by my side, life couldn’t get much better than today.
Epilogue
Peyton
Two Years Later
“Jack, no, no.” I say out loud to our son, who’s toddling around and thinking it’s funny to try and ride our dog Levi brought home. Sadie, our Australian Shepherd, that was meant to be more of an outside dog on the ranch made her home, well inside our house shortly after Jack was born. It’s been a wild ride at the Heart ranch the past two years.
We welcomed our son into the world and Levi took one look at him and named him after my father. The slow tears that were gathering, flowed fast and steady after that.
Sadie runs for the back door. I guess she’s rethinking being an inside dog after all. Though she’s great with Jack, sometimes she wants her own space.