Lights and Words

I couldn’t keep my eyes or hands off of her. It killed me to be in Ireland and not spend every single moment with her. Yet, I know Toby needed to have the support of his brothers and cousins.

Doesn’t mean I didn’t head right to the comfort of my woman whenever I wasn’t needed. That first night I turned up drunk off my ass and horny as fuck, I thought Kaye was going to tear into my ass.

However, Kaye was so happy to see me nothing else mattered. Thank God for Dean because Kaye and I couldn’t move out of bed the next morning. Dean took care of Dae-Dae while Kaye and I slept each other off.

I knew then I wasn’t going to wait much longer to make her my wife. Two of my brothers have made it to the altar and I still haven’t gotten my ring on Kaye’s finger.

That’s about to change. I’ve had a lot to think about after traveling to Africa with Toby and Kamara to take her kingdom back, then being tossed into the New York situation. I mean, seriously, all of the craziness with the arrests, threats, more attempted kidnappings—enough is enough.

All I’ve been able to think about during these last few months is the fact that I have a woman I love and I haven’t made her my wife. Sure, that may have been a good thing during all of the chaos. Kaye was safe in Ireland under my family’s watch.

Still, Nellie, Bean, and Kamara were there for my brothers to relieve their stress. Hell, Brax has Heather even though those two think everyone’s blind or stupid. Yet, I’m limited in what I can share with Kaye from this distance and that stings.

I think the last few months have all been a reality check. I know Kaye still has a little bit of time left before she can come home, but when she does I want her to return to plan our wedding. Which is why instead of cleaning up the shit ton of files on my desk back in California, I’m landing back in Ireland.

I thought I was going to make this trip alone. It’s been two weeks since we all returned from New York. I had booked a plane with plans to get to Kaye before anything else could get in my way.

Nosey Noah started asking questions and the next thing I knew my entire family was on the tarmac boarding the plane with me. The plane Wyatt switched out to accommodate everyone for this impromptu trip, including my future in-laws. I can’t say that I don’t appreciate it.

Fuck it, the shit choked me up. This feels right. This time I’m going to see this through no matter what.

One call to Connie and Carrick and they’ve been getting things ready for me. I’ve been barking orders over my laptop making sure they get this just right. It has to be perfect.

While Connie has been gushing about how romantic it all is, Carrick has been ribbing me for it. I don’t care. Kaye is the one. This has to be from my heart. Better than any proposal she’s ever dreamed up to write in one of her books.

Shit, Wyatt and Toby pulled off some amazing proposals. I’ve put some real thought into this. I think it screams Kaye, but most importantly, it speaks to how long I’ve loved her before falling in love with her.

“Ye did well. It’ll be beautiful,” my mom’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

I noticed she changed seats to sit beside me when our descent was announced. You would think with seven boys it would be hard to show each one attention and love. That has never been the case with my mother.

She has been there whenever we needed her, including during times we didn’t think we did. So much love in a tiny woman. I smile when I think of my chance in a woman for me.

Like my dad, I’ve chosen a small but fierce woman. Kaye’s fierceness is just a little bit more hidden than my mother’s. Although, I know if ever pushed, Kaye would unleash it all.

Sliding down in my seat, I place my head on my mother’s shoulder. She cups my cheek and pats it with her small hand. My lips turn up when I feel her lips touch my forehead.

It’s just like when I was a small boy. Her presence stopped me from questioning everything—why I was more interested in how things worked than just playing and horsing around like my brothers, why kids at school wouldn’t play with me, why I couldn’t speak up like Wyatt, Ryan, or Brax? I questioned so much.

Mom was always there to make me feel normal and okay with who I was. She never made me feel like I had to be like the others. I’ll forever be grateful for that.

“I hope she likes it,” I murmur.

“Look at it, she’s going to love it,” she replies.

I feel more than see her nod towards my laptop. Connie is testing out the lights. It’s still early, but the sun will have set by the time we arrive there on location. It’s going to be amazing. At least I hope it will be.

“Here goes nothing,” I huff.

Kaye

We were moving through the edits and only needed a few reshoots, which Jacob and Shreya returned for. I want to be done with this. I want to go home. Why is this man always so damn difficult?

Lord, help me not to lay hands on this foul.

“I have to agree with Kaye. This is the reason for the reshoots. I didn’t like that you changed that scene from the book in the first place,” Colton, the director says.

“I thought it would work in film better this way,” Rodney says defensively.

“I requested you on this job because Kaye is such a strong writer. I thought you would work well with her. Honestly, Rodney, you’ve been getting on my fucking nerves. You’ve cost us continuous blows to the budget that were unnecessary,” Colton grinds out. “Pack your shit. Go home. Kaye has it from here.”

I want to jump in the air and hoot. Who says God is slow to answer prayers? That was an instant blessing.

“Colton, you…you can’t be serious,” Rodney stammers.

“You’re still here?” Colton says dryly.

Rodney’s face turns red, but he turns and storms away without another word. I can’t help the smile that comes to my lips. I turn back to see Colton watching me.

“You were waiting for that,” he snorts. “He used to be one of the best. I think his ego has bested him. I just don’t have the budget or the time to keep putting up with it. Besides, my little friend over there has been moping since Jacob’s little ones left. I want to get you out of here.”

I turn to see Dae-Dae kicking his foot at the grass beneath his feet. Dean had to head back State side for the roll out with her new publisher. The onset nanny was let go once Dae-Dae was her only charge.

Jacob was able to get a friend to watch over his two while he returned for reshoots. My son has become one of the crew around here, but it’s still not the place for a child. When things get serious and people need to do their jobs he is forgotten or pushed to the side.

I hate it and I’ve noticed the change in Dae-Dae myself. It’s only a little while longer. I may call my mother this evening and ask her to fly in, even if it’s just to take Dae-Dae back until I return.

Yes, it is time to finish things up here. I think we’re both ready to go home. It’s like when we arrived all over again. I turn back to Colton to reply, but Dae-Dae’s squeal pulls my attention back to him.

“Lix!”

I turn to see what’s going on and find the last thing I thought I would. All seven Black brothers headed in my direction. Felix is out front while his brothers flank his sides holding bouquets of white roses.

I don’t know what to do at first. I’m so relieved to see him. I’ve missed him so much. It takes a moment of watching Dae-Dae crashing into Felix’s legs for a hug, then Noah scooping Dae-Dae up into his arms, before I snap into action.

My legs carry me as fast as they can. The beanie I stole from Felix flies off of my head, but I don’t turn back for it. I jump right into his arms, wrapping my body around him. I knock him back a bit with the force of my run and weight, but John and Wyatt place a hand to his back to keep him stable.

Felix embraces me so tightly, I feel his muscles cord around me. I haven’t seen him since Toby’s wedding. It’s been a week and four months. To say I miss this man is an understatement.

“What’s going on? What are you doing here?” I breathe against his neck.

He bounces me in his arms to get a better grip. I go to climb off of him, but he tightens his hold to prevent it. Lifting my face from his neck, I look into his eyes.

“I needed to see you,” he says simply, but his eyes say so much more.

I look around behind him at all the handsome smiling faces. I feel like I’m being set up. When my eyes land on Dae-Dae and the light shining in his eyes, as Noah whispers something to him, my heart aches.

We need to go home.

I turn back to Felix to catch him watching me closely. My eyes tear up. This is the weakest I’ve ever felt. I’m so homesick.

“He needs to go home,” I say through a clogged throat.

“Yeah? Just him, or are you ready too?” He asks knowingly.

“This has been too long of a process. I’m so over it,” I reply blinking back tears.

Reaching to bring my forehead to his, he gives me some of his strength. It’s right on time. I’ve needed Felix here for longer than I’ll admit.

“I think I have something that will get you through. Ready to call it a day?”

“Yeah, just let me talk to Colton and get my things. I think I’m done for the day,” I answer.

He releases me from his waist, but laces his fingers with mine as I walk back to the director. I see the look in Colton’s eyes as he looks at the scene that has played out around him. I’d have that look too if I were a director.

I’d have to have every single one of this family’s fine men in my movie. Trust me, it’s has been a thought. I’ve toyed with writing a series about them. I think it would be a hot one.

“I’m going to take her for the rest of the day,” Felix says, it’s not a question, it’s a very firm statement.

“Ah, this is the real Tristan,” Colton chuckles.

I giggle, wrapping myself around Felix’s arm. “Yeah, pretty much,” I reply.

“Colton Rush, nice to meet you,” he says holding out his hand to Felix.

“Nice to meet you,” Felix replies, returning the gesture.

I take note that Felix doesn’t offer his name. Knowing him, I don’t think it’s an oversight. I don’t really care. I just want to get out of here and somewhere alone with my man.

“Take the weekend. I think we have what we need for now,” Colton says with a knowing smile.

“Thanks,” I chirp.

I turn tugging Felix with me before Colton can change his mind or someone else finds something to need me for. As we walk back to the others, my mind registers the flowers all the guys are still holding. Curiosity peaked, I turn my face up to Felix.

“Hey. What are you up to?”

He looks down at me and winks. Dipping his head he captures my lips in a searing kiss. I’m left breathless when he pulls away.

“Time will tell,” he says in a silky smooth voice.

With those words, each brother holding a bouquet hands it over. My heart and my arms are full as Felix leads me to the waiting SUVs. I have no idea what he has planned but it can’t get any better than actually seeing his face in the flesh.

I remained snuggled into Felix’s side the entire ride. I still don’t know where we are. Felix told me to wait here in the car, while he and his brothers unloaded and took off. I know this is Granny McGowan’s property. This was where we came for the wedding.

This place is so majestic. I’ve written a few scenes about this place that I plan to build a story around it. As I wait for the text Felix said he would send, I get lost in thought.

A transfer student that falls for a Duke, maybe. He keeps his identity hidden because he just wants to be normal and fall in love. Oh, yes! Where is my pen and notebook.

I start to dig my pen and journal out. This will work perfectly with the stuff I’ve already written. I need my laptop. I’ve been wanting to do something out of my norm.

My phone pings just as I get lost in my thoughts and notes. I frown at the interruption, but remember that it’s Felix—the real deal. I can get back to this later. I want to know what Felix is up to. Retrieving my phone, I read his text.

Felix: Follow the roses.

I’m too excited to text him back. I shove my things out of my lap and pop the door open. With my phone in my hand, I look around for roses. I spot two clay planters wrapped in lights, flanking the stone entrance to the side of the grounds.

I rush down the path. When I get to the mouth of the entrance, more rose petals cover the ground. They are creating a path, leading forward through the small iron gate.

I move forward through the opening. There are so many petals lining the path, I have to wonder if they’re anymore roses left in Ireland. I stop in my tracks when the trail leads to a grove of trees.

It’s not the trees that stop me, but the mason jars hanging from the branches. They look as if they have fireflies in them, but that can’t be right. I saunter closer to a branch nearest me.

There are glowworms inside, not fireflies. The tears start to flow. There’s a special story behind us and fireflies. I know they don’t have them here, but only someone like Felix would know to find glowworms instead.

Reaching up I touch the brown string attached to the bottom of the glass, to get a closer look at the paper attached to the string. More tears spill. It’s a printed page from Charlotte’s Web.

I move to another branch to see what’s on the page at the bottom of the next jar. Wiping my eyes to see clearly, I gasp.

He remembers these?

“The mouse and the motorcycle,” I breathe.

I float from branch to branch. Stuart Little, Secret Garden, James and the Giant Peach. Each sheet of paper has one of my favorites printed on them. Each one my favorites for one single reason.

“I loved you before I fell head over heels for you,” his voice rumbles in my ear, as his arms embrace me.

“You remember all of this,” I whisper.

“I remember you bringing me Charlotte’s Web and looking up at me with those big brown eyes. I’d never been more proud of the fact that I could read.

“You were what? Five, I was six. You didn’t go to Danny or Alberto. You came to me,” he says.

I chuckle. “They couldn’t read,” I laugh. “I saw you with a big book. I wanted to know what the words were in these books.”

“We spent hours sitting at the trunk of the treehouse tree. When it would rain, we’d hang in the treehouse. I’ve read every single one of these books to you,” he says.

“The glowworms?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“I’ve never seen a little girl so happy. We’re taking our daughter to the East Coast as soon as she can walk,” he chuckles. “I’ll remember that trip for the rest of my life. When I captured them in the jar for you, the shine in your eyes made me feel like I was ten feet tall,” he murmurs against my temple.

“You were to me. I couldn’t catch them. But you got two and gave them to me.”

I turn in his arms. My heart starts to pound. I think I know what’s going on here. Felix drops to one knee and that’s when I see both our families behind him, holding lit candles in their hands. My mom, dad, and grandparents are here.

“Felix?” I sob.

“Kaye, I want forever with you. I want to read to our sons and daughters. I want to take our family on adventures like we made up in that treehouse.

“I want to write a real life romance with you. I want to be there for Dashawn, not as an uncle, but as his father. We both see each other as father and son. It’s time I make this the way it should be,” he pauses taking in a deep nervous breath.

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” I say it before he can finish the question.

We both laugh. His face scrunches up as his eyes drop to the unopened box. With a shaky hand he opens it. I cover my mouth and stumble back.

The ring is massive. I mean, I have no words. I’m not even that type of girl. I don’t know what he was thinking when he bought it.

“You underestimate yourself. I wanted to get a ring to remind you every day how precious you are to me. You’re incredible, Kaye and I love you so much,” he answers my unspoken thoughts, reaching for my hand to place the ring on it.

He stands tugging me forward into his arms. I wrap my arms around him and breathe him in. This is so unreal. I need to pinch myself to see if I’m dreaming.

“I love you too,” I say into his chest.

Felix

“Yeah, that was pretty cool,” Ry says.

“Thanks. I can’t believe it’s finally done. I’ve waited so long. It’s going to sting having to return home without her though,” I wince.

“About that. It’s only a few months right? We’ll cover for you. Stay,” Wyatt says.

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah,” he nods.

“Dude, that means so much. I’ll do whatever I can from here. If you need me just say the word.”

“We can handle it. Nellie has been holding things down when we need you in the field. She can take on a little extra while you’re here,” Wyatt replies.

“Are you sure? With the baby, bro—”

“You’re fine. Mom will be all over helping with Nora. She’s been busting my chops about spending more time with the baby,” Wyatt groans.

“Aye, I could help out, I will,” Uncle Ronan offers.

We all turn to look at him. Something’s up with my uncle. I can’t put my finger on it, but I know something is up.

“You’re coming to California?” Noah says incredulously.

“You don’t get more Irish than you and your brothers. I’ve been trying to get you over for years,” Brax says. “What the fuck?”

“Och, I don’t move to the beat of ya drum, I don’t. I said I want to help. Maybe I want to spend time with me sister,” Uncle Ronan grumbles.

“Bullshit,” my brothers, cousins, and I say in unison.

“It’s the lass with the dreads,” Carrick snorts.

“Who?” My brows knit.

“I’ll batter ya, if ya don’t shut yer gub. I said I’m going. Now leave it be,” Uncle Ronan growls.

We all burst into laughter. Something is stuck in his craw. I’ll have to do a little digging into that.

“I guess I’m staying,” I say and shrug.