Dakota is the only one I can trust to be honest with me at this point. Although, as my older sister, she’s known to be a little brutal when it comes to honesty. When I was ten and asked her if my boobs would ever grow, she looked at me straight in the eye and dead-panned a simple “No.” I cried for a week.
Then, the time I was excited to go to my first high school party, she flat out told me I looked like I was heading to a re-enactment of the civil war with my long skirt and blouse. I thought I looked retro. Shows what I knew about fashion at fifteen.
“Dakota, just say it. I’m fat.”
“Minnesota, you are not fat. You should stop saying that. I’d prefer my daughters didn’t start thinking looks and weight, which it should be noted, neither are an issue for you, are important in life.” She has a point.
“You’re right. I just don’t know what’s happening,” I whine. I wish I was “wining” with a glass of Chardonnay instead. But, alas, I am not. I have two bottles at home in the fridge. Last night I was tired of not having snacks and drinks in the house so I stopped by the store for necessities: cheese, wine, beer, and water. I also picked up some deli meat, but I ate that in the car on the way home. I’m a mess.
“Min, I hate to break it to you but . . . wait for it . . . you’re happy.”
“Being happy makes it so I can’t wear my favorite blouse because my boobs are popping the buttons? That’s ridiculous.”
Dakota laughs at me and slides a glass of sparkling water my way. I’ve noticed my sister is laughing more and that makes me unbelievably happy. Earlier this year, she was in a horrific car accident that claimed the life of her husband. Grief is a bitch and sent her spiraling in ways we never expected. I also didn’t expect her needs to completely turn my life around. All for the better but not without first testing everything I thought to be true. Like the strong and determined woman she is, Dakota took the initiative to face her issues and sought treatment. That’s what brought us to Lexington, her need to start fresh as Dakota Jennings and not the widow of Jeff Jennings.
“Stop laughing, it’s rude.” I attempt to pout, but it’s for naught as she smirks back at me. Damn her.
“Oh, sissy. I’m not laughing at you. Okay, maybe I am since you’re looking at me like you want to throw that water in my face. But, it’s happy weight. You’re in love and instead of going to the gym or working your life away, you’re spending it with your friends, family, and your new boyfriend. It’s a good thing, Min.”
Interesting. I was with Kent for years and never put on any weight. Come to think of it, in comparison I was never blissfully happy. Owen makes me happy. What’s more than happy? That’s me. In love and feeling loved.
“I guess. I’m going to need to put the bliss on hold and drop about ten pounds or buy new bras and shirts.”
Dakota laughs again before Arizona and Cali appear in the kitchen where we’re sitting. Already in their pajamas, I see the tell-tale sign of bedtime on both of their faces. Cali even stops her crawl mid-stride and yawns.
“Auntie, will you tuck me in?”
The girls and I have an even tighter bond after the months I lived here, taking care of them. I know it’s hard for Dakota to see me caring for her girls sometimes so I shoot her a quick glance, and she’s shaking a bottle for Cali.
“Go ahead, I’m going to give this one some meds before her bottle. I think she’s cutting another tooth.”
I nod and scoop Ari into my arms, causing her to giggle. Once we’re in her room, I place her on the ladder to her bed. My dad and brother put together a bunkbed that also acts as a castle. Nothing but the best for the princess of the family.
“You all cozy, chickadee?” I ask, standing on a foot stool which allows me to peer into her bed.
“Yep,” she says, popping her “p.” “Momma said you and Uncle O get to dress fancy this weekend. Will you come here to show us?”
“We can’t, baby. Remember our friends, Ben and Piper?” I ask, and she nods in response. “They’re getting married and we have to be there early to help them. But I’ll make sure to send your momma pictures. Will that be okay?”
Ari yawns and offers me a slight nod before turning to her side. I guess this conversation is over. I snicker and place a kiss to the top of her head and walk out of the room, turning the light off. I pad my way down the hall back to the kitchen where Dakota is sitting alone. I assume she put Cali in her bed. The girls are sharing a room for now but when Cali is teething, she’s a fussy sleeper. If Dakota wants any rest tonight she’ll need Cali to sleep in her bed where she is able to comfort her.
“Thanks for that,” she says as I sit down.
“Of course. Are you okay?” Gone is the laughing sister from twenty minutes ago. This is how it happens, though. Dakota will have sad days and happy days. Sometimes the sadness and the loss of her husband hits her out of the blue. I think this is one of those times.
“I’m okay. It is what it is. I wish I could figure out what triggers me. I suppose, it’s like my counselor says. Life.” Dakota sniggers and I smile. “Life is my trigger. How convenient is that?”
“I think it’s wonderful. That means you’re living, Dakota. It’s a good thing. How about this? I need to get . . . scratch that. I want to get more active. How about if you and I find a yoga studio or some sort of dance class. We used to love to dance. It’ll be good for both of us. Plus, what is it Elle Woods said? Endorphins make you happy or something like that?”
“Deal,” she says through a yawn.
“And on that note, I’m out of here. I have a furnitureless house to go home to.”
“Yeah, you need to handle that. You know Ikea has delivery.”
“Trust me, I’ve contemplated one-clicking the heck out of that site. But, I want to do this with Owen.” I hesitate before continuing. “I never did thank you, ya know.”
We stand and I find my shoes near the front door. Sliding them on before picking up my purse, I wait for Dakota to respond. She opens the front door and smiles. “You’re welcome. He just needed a kick in the ass. I’m always happy to do that. Plus, he’s grown on me. I’m happy you’ve found someone to love you, Minnesota. You deserve it. Appreciate it every single day. Never ever take it or him for granted.” Her statement is as much a warning as it is her reminding herself. Dakota and Jeff had an amazing relationship. She was loved and loved him back. I’m happy to have found the same with Owen.
We hug goodnight and as I pull my car out of her driveway, I realize how lucky we are to have my sister in our lives. She’s a blessing, and I only hope she finds her new happiness.
The drive to our house is quick, and I only make it through two songs before I’m pulling into my spot next to Owen’s Jeep. I see the lights on in the living room and before I get to the front door I hear him yelling at the television. Sports Center. He’s very interactive with his programs.
“Come on, man. That was totally out of bounds!” I laugh as I set my purse down on the floor near the front door and kick off my shoes. I walk into the living room to find Owen sitting on a bean bag chair. That’s new.
“Hey,” I say as he turns his attention from the television to me. Damn that smile.
“Hey, baby. I got bean bag chairs.”
“I see,” I reply, walking toward him and eying the empty chair, or whatever you call it, next to him. I decide instead of taking up the space on the empty chair, to use his lap instead by straddling him. My movement causes my skirt to hike up exposing my long legs. At least the weight I’ve put on has stayed in my chest and not made its way to my legs.
“Oh, I like your chosen seat better than using that thing,” he flirts, placing his hands on my ass while waggling his eyebrows.
My hands glide up his biceps to his shoulders and eventually behind his neck. I run my fingers through the hair at the base of his neck as I lean forward and kiss him. Owen loves when I’m the aggressor in any activity, specifically those of the sexual nature. Our kiss is sweet and tender at first, but then Owen takes one hand from my ass and places it in my hair and tugs me to him, increasing the intensity of our kiss. This movement sends tingles down my spine and directly to my happy place. The one that I am mindlessly gyrating on Owen’s lap. A growl from him has me melting into him. The kiss seems to go on forever as we make-out like a pair of teenagers. Dry humping and gasping as I feel an orgasm building.
I don’t have time to think about suggesting we move to the bed because Owen is tugging my panties to the side and thrusting a finger inside me. My head flies back, breaking our kiss as he flicks my clit once then twice before my orgasm crashes into me. Damn that was fast, but it’s not nearly enough. I lift myself enough to tug his gym shorts down. Thank the heavens, he’s going commando tonight. While I’m tugging his shorts down, Owen holds my panties to the side. I make quick time of lowering myself back down onto him. He fills me to the brim; the man who makes me smile, laugh, and come like a goddamn volcano, nibbles at my neck, and I melt into him.
Owen pulls me forward and captures my mouth with his. Try as I might to control this moment, I fail. Owen sets the pace. Lifting his hips, pulling me to him, again and again. I feel an orgasm building. Dear Lord, I can’t get enough of him. I’m so close and can feel by his breathing and his telltale moan he is, too. Then, he shifts his hips as he tightens his grip on my hips, and I explode.
As seconds tick by, I’m able to catch my breath as he kisses my lips gently and pushes the hair that’s fallen in my face back. “You okay there, baby?”
I snicker in response and smile. “That was a new move.”
“Nah, I’ve just been waiting for us to have these fancy chairs.”
We both laugh until my sides hurt and I lift off him. “I think I need a shower.”
“Me too; let’s go. We both have a busy few days, we need to get some sleep.”
I agree and make my way into the bathroom first. Once he’s closed the house he joins me. More kissing, more tugging, more satisfaction. It’s the dirtiest shower I’ve ever taken, and I love every single minute of it.
This is what I’ve always wanted. To be wanted and adored. For a man to look at me like I’ve hung the moon and set his soul on fire. Owen does that. He is my lobster. My north star. My soul mate.
The ungodly number of orgasms doesn’t hurt either. He’s a giver.