I feel light feathery kisses travel down my spine, stirring me from my sleep. Then those kisses are suddenly between my legs, my body is rolled onto my stomach, slowly. I moan as fingertips grip my hips and tug them backward, a wet, warm tongue slides through my center, only to flick my clit.

“Thomas,” I groan, my voice still deep and husky from sleep.

“I’m going to be away from this sweet pussy for two days, Ines. Quiet, and let me enjoy this,” he says and then his face is right back between my legs.

I don’t say anything else, content to let him enjoy himself because it feels amazing. I push back against his face, my body ramping up, and searching for its climax. I rise to my palms, my breasts swaying as my hips roll against his mouth. Closing my eyes, I let out a long sob when I come, my thighs shaking and warmth filling me from the inside out.

Thomas’ fingers stay firmly gripped around my hips. He shifts behind me, his cock pressing against my center, before he slowly sinks completely inside of me. He fills me, stretching me, as we both let out a simultaneous moan.

I yelp when he pulls almost completely out of me and then slams back inside, his thrust punishing to my relaxed, post-orgasmic state. On the second slam of his hips, I groan, and on the third, I rear back to meet his pelvis. I lift back to my palms, straightening my arms as I meet each stroke of his cock with my own.

“Come again, sweetheart,” he grinds out through clenched teeth.

Shifting my weight, I slip my hands between my thighs. I graze his inner thigh with my nails and am rewarded with a loud hitch in his breath. Then I move my fingers to my clit and start to firmly rub circles, enjoying the way it feels, his cock filling me, his hips slamming against my ass, and my fingers touching my clit. It doesn’t take me long until I’m panting, and on the edge of my second release.

“Fuck, come,” he growls. My pussy clenches tightly around his dick, and my fingers fist in the bedding, as I throw my head back and cry out with my release. “Shit,” he shouts, and then he stills, his cock buried inside of me and I feel it grow as he comes.

Falling forward, I press my cheek against the mattress and he slowly glides in and out a few more times. He slips from my body and tugs me against his side as he flops down. I rest my head on his chest, my body warm and sated.

“I have to get up and get ready,” he grumbles, the regret obvious in his voice.

I throw my arm and leg over his body, attempting to pin him in his place. “Do you have to?” I ask.

He wraps his arms around me and places his lips on the top of my head in a kiss. “I do, angel eyes.”

I let out a huff, and crawl over him, straddling his thighs. “If you must, then I suppose you must,” I sigh.

“You’ll be okay with me gone?” he asks for the millionth time between last night and this morning. “I left you some cash, don’t be stubborn, use it if you need to. Text me when you leave, when you arrive at class, and when you’re home,” he repeats, again. His hands find purchase on my hips and he gives them a squeeze.

“I’m not a baby, Thomas. I’ll be fine,” I state. His jaw clenches and I lean forward to press my lips against his. “But thank you for being concerned and caring. I’ll text you my every move,” I whisper against his mouth. He grunts and presses his lips to mine.

“Thank you,” he grumbles.

He gently lifts me from his body and lays me down on the bed. I watch as he stands, and then I continue to watch as he gets ready for his trip. I hate it, I hate every second he dresses. I despise it when he picks his luggage up, and when he kisses me goodbye. He’s going to see her, that bitch who came all the way here to cause problems.

“I love you, sweetheart,” he murmurs from the doorway.

I sit up, pulling the sheet over my naked breasts and I give him a small smile. “I love you too, Papi. Do not give her an inch,” I state.

He gives me a wide smile, it reaches his eyes and everything. “Not a goddamn inch, Ines. Especially not after last night,” he grunts. “See you Tuesday night, be ready for some fun.”

He doesn’t say another word. He turns and walks away from me, I watch his perfect ass in his jeans and let out a sigh. Then I glance down at my ring and smile. I have plenty to do to keep me busy while he’s away, and I should be glad to have a bit of privacy, especially for the test I need to take. I need to know what’s going on, and I need to be able to freak out alone, then I can get my shit together and tell him one way or the other. Letting out a breath, I cringe, I also have to call my family.

Deciding to take a shower before I tackle the rest of my list, I stand up and make my way toward the bathroom. It doesn’t take me long to shower and dress for the day. I choose to wear a pair of worn comfortable jeans and one of my favorite oversized t-shirts. It’s low cut and shows off too much cleavage, but then again, so does everything else.

I run to the drug store, grabbing the money that Thomas left for me before I leave the house. When I arrive, I’m surprised by how many tests there are, and I buy the one that says ‘early response.’ Although, according to my calendar, it isn’t really early at all. I’m actually a month late, something that isn’t completely uncommon for me, but uncommon enough that I’m pretty sure I already know what these tests results are going to yield.

Hurrying home, I rip the package open and follow the instructions. I set it down on the counter, then I walk away. I don’t want to know the answer yet. I want to live in denial for a few more moments, at least. Picking up my cell phone I scroll through my contacts and find my mom’s name.

“She lives,” my mother breathes. Then I hear her call out to Kosmo that it’s me on the phone. “What the hell is wrong with you, girl?” she scolds.

“I’m sorry Mom. I’ve been so busy, so much has happened,” I say. I’m afraid to speak in a regular voice, afraid that my mom is going to be angry with all the news I have to tell her.

She harrumphs, then urges me to tell her everything—absolutely, everything. “I met someone,” I announce.

“Tell me about this boy, oh my gosh, that’s so wonderful,” she practically squeals.

Clearing my throat, I close my eyes to tell her about Thomas, who is definitely not a boy. I’ve hidden enough from her that I feel like I need to be completely honest. “I love him, Mama,” I say. “He’s not a boy though. He’s a man.”

“How much of a man?” she asks, her voice losing some excitement.

Opening my eyes, I look at my reflection in the dresser mirror across from me. My cheeks are pink, and my eyes are bright, I’m so happy and I already know when I say this, that she won’t understand it—she won’t understand how Thomas can make me as happy as I am.

“He’s one of my professors, he’s in his forties,” I admit. Then before she can say anything else, I quickly add, “We’re in love, and we’re engaged. We’re getting married in fifty days and I want you and the whole family to come.”

There is silence on the other end, and then I hear my brother start cursing in Spanish. I only know the bad words he says, and nothing in between them, but I know that he’s not happy and that Mama must have put me on speakerphone without me realizing it.

“Mama,” I whimper.

She clears her throat. “You’re insane,” she announces. “This is not right, nothing you’ve just told me is acceptable, Ines. Not only is your engagement period extremely short, and this relationship is far too rushed, I refuse to accept it.”

“I’m eighteen, and we’re in love, please don’t judge him before you’ve met him. I think you’ll really like Thomas,” I plead as my eyes fill with tears.

“Absolutely not. After everything this family has been through with your sister, this is what you do? You go off to college, and you get married less than six months later? You haven’t even lived a speck of your life yet, Ines. He’s lived an entire lifetime before you even entered this earth. I’m sure that he’s a man that I would find pleasant, since he’s in my fucking dating pool,” she practically shouts.

“You better get your little ass home, sister,” Kosmo growls into the phone.

I can hear my mother sobbing from somewhere in the background, but I can tell that I’m no longer on speakerphone and I’m glad for it. “I’m not coming home, Kosmo. I love Thomas, and he loves me. We’re getting married. I wish that you all would come, it would mean the world to me,” I whisper through my trembling lips, as tears fall from my eyes.

“No, Ines. As a family, we cannot support this hasty decision you’ve made. We haven’t talked to you in weeks, you’ve been avoiding all of us. What does that say? It says you know you’ve been behaving badly, that you’re wrong and you know it,” he states.

I shake my head. “No, that’s not what it says, Kosmo. I knew you would all freak out and I didn’t want to hear it from you. I’m happy, so, so very happy,” I state, wiping the tears from my eyes and stiffening my spine. “We’re getting married, with or without your blessings. I want you all to be there, and you will all be invited, but it’s happening. We love each other.”

I end the call, not wishing to hear anything else. Then, I curl up in my bed, and I cry. I need a moment to just feel sorry for myself, then I’ll be okay. Closing my eyes, I let my sobs lull my body to sleep.

My eyes crack open what feels like minutes later. I glance at the open bathroom door, but I ignore what’s waiting for me on the other side. I’m not ready yet. With my phone still clutched in my hand, I’m not surprised to see that nobody from my family has called me back to talk to me.

Thomas hasn’t called me either. I’m sure he’s been traveling and meeting with his attorney, possibly grabbing an early dinner. Pressing my lips together, I scroll through my contacts, needing someone to talk to, someone to share my excitement with, someone who will take my mind off of that little test in the bathroom for a few more minutes.

When I see Jessa’s name, I tap it with my thumb and listen to it ring.

“Hey,” she murmurs after the second ring.

I suck in a breath and amp up my voice, trying to sound extremely excited. “I’m engaged,” I shout, going a little over the top.

“Yeah? Congratulations. I’m so happy for you,” she states, sounding a little dumbfounded. I don’t blame her, I still am as well.

I explain that we’re getting married after the divorce is final. She doesn’t say anything for a few breaths, and I think that she’s going to voice her concerns like my family did. My eyes pinch closed as I wait for her to tell me how stupid we are, how stupid I am.

“Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there,” she announces.

My heart stops beating for a second, unsure that she’s really said those words. Then I smile, it’s crazy huge, and I’m kind of glad she can’t see it because I’m sure she’d think I was certifiable.

“It’s just going to be at the courthouse, but I’ll let you know. I just had to tell you. I knew you’d be happy for me,” I confess.

I don’t know if Thomas wants a courthouse wedding, but after talking to my family, my dreams of anything fancier than that are shattered. I won’t have anyone to walk me down the aisle, and my sisters won’t be my bridesmaids. I’m not about to plan something that’s just going to make me feel shitty, or shittier. So, a simple courthouse ceremony, and maybe dinner afterward sounds perfect.

“Is someone not happy for you?” she asks.

I sigh, seriously glad that she isn’t here to see my eyes well up with water. “My mom. She’s pissed. She thinks I’m rushing, and she refuses to accept it or acknowledge the wedding, or Thomas.”

“She’ll come around,” Jessa says.

I wish it were true, I wish I didn’t know my mother well enough to know that Jessa’s words, while they’re attempting to be comforting, will never come true. My mother doesn’t come around, she’s stubborn and strong-willed. Those are great attributes in a woman who has had to fight and claw through each and every day while raising a brood of children. Not always the best when you just want your mom to accept the decisions you make, even if she doesn’t necessarily agree with them.

“I have to go, I’ll text you the info when I have it,” I mutter.

“Congratulations,” Jessa says as I end the call.

The tears flow again, and I quickly wipe them away sucking in a deep breath. Standing on shaky legs, I drop my phone to the bed and slowly make my way into the bathroom. It’s time that I face facts, it’s time that I stop pretending that there is an answer lying on the bathroom counter, an answer that could change my entire world.

Flipping on the light, my eyes catch the stick, sitting there holding the information that can, and will, rock my world. I glance down at my engagement ring and I smirk. It’s still absolutely stunning, and not just because it’s beautiful, but because of what it means. Thomas really does love me, and he wants me, he wants to keep me forever.

I close the distance between the counter and myself and glance down. I’m glad that I got the test that actually displays the words of the results, because my hands are shaking so badly, and my mind feels so jumbled that I don’t think I would be able to remember the difference between one line and two. I know what those words staring back at me mean though. I know exactly what they mean.

Pregnant.

“She showed up in Lincoln?” Robert asks, leaning back in his chair.

I nod, twirling my pasta onto my fork. The dish makes me think of Ines, and when I fed her Chicken Alfredo in bed. I miss her, and I’ve only been away from her for a few hours, I’m pathetically in love with her. “She cornered my fiancée in the bathroom of a restaurant while we were at dinner,” I explain.

“Fiancée?” Robert sputters, his eyes widening in surprise. “Holy shit, you didn’t waste a fucking second.”

I chuckle, shaking my head and reaching for my glass of wine. “Too old to waste time, Rob, and you know it,” I wink.

“You do know that tidbit of information will send Danielle into a tailspin of fury, don’t you?”

Leaning back in my own chair, I shrug. “I can prove we’ve lived apart for at least five years. New York is an irretrievable breakdown state, so it really doesn’t matter that I’ve fallen in love with somebody else, it’s no fault, what can she do?”

“You don’t have to explain the law to me, Thomas,” Robert grunts, lifting the corner of his lips. “However, the best part of all of this is the fact that you’ve lived extremely separate lives for so long. That’s going to save your bacon with a judge if it goes that far,” he snorts.

I nod in agreement and turn back to my pasta. I’m melancholy about how this has turned out, and part of me wishes that I would have conceded to Danny’s request. What she asked of me, wasn’t extremely unreasonable, but on the other hand, I couldn’t continue lying to Ines. I also, couldn’t ask her to accept the arrangement between Danny and me, it wouldn’t be the way to start a relationship and I’d already fucked up enough.

“We meet at nine tomorrow morning,” Robert states, throwing his napkin on his plate. “I need some sleep if I’m going up against her hard-assed lawyers,” he winks as he stands.

I chuckle, standing as well. “You’ll hold your own. I have complete faith in you.”

“Damn straight I will,” he grunts.

I sign the slip for the meal charging it to my room, then together walk to the elevator. It’s late, and I’m sure that Ines has been waiting for my call. I promised her I would contact her as soon as I was settled into my room for the night. Once we’ve separated, and I’m back in my hotel room, I don’t hesitate to pull up her name and press send. I need to hear her voice, it’s like a fucking addiction.

“Hello,” she whispers, and my heart starts to pound.

I can tell there’s something wrong. “What’s the matter, angel eyes?” I demand, not giving her a real greeting.

“I talked to my mom,” she announces. “My family isn’t at all supportive of us, and they made it abundantly clear that they won’t be, ever.” My stomach drops from her words, and I hate that I’m not there to talk to her in person about this, to hold her, and let her know that it will all work out. “I’m still inviting them, but can we do just like a courthouse thing?”

Clearing my throat, I give her a nod even though she can’t see me. “Whatever you want, Ines, you can have whatever you want,” I offer.

“Will your family come?” she asks sounding hesitant.

“I’m sure they will, we’ll ask them in a few weeks at Thanksgiving, okay?”

I hear her gasp. “I forgot about Christmas, shit,” she mutters and then I hear her let out a sob. I hate to hear her cry, it feels like my heart is being ripped from my chest.

“We’ll go somewhere for Christmas, just you and me,” I quickly announce. “Or we can go to my family’s, they always do a Christmas and my brother has a new girlfriend, which I’m sure you’ll meet at Thanksgiving.”

“Okay, can we decide after we attempt Turkey Day first?” she says with a hiccup.

I hum my agreement. “Yeah, sweetheart.”

“I’m sorry I’m being a crybaby,” she mutters.

Shaking my head, I chuckle. “I wish I were there to wipe your tears away,” I admit.

We talk for a few more minutes, but she sounds exhausted and I’m sure she’s had a trying day, so I don’t keep her for long. I know that she will get to sleep in a little tomorrow morning since she won’t have to go to my class, but she’s tired.

“Get some rest, sweetheart.”

“Okay, Papi,” she rasps.

I end the call, feeling a little bit empty. I should have been there when she talked to her family. No, I should have put her on a plane and we should have gone to see them in person. I feel like a fucking pussy, again.

Selfishly, I’ve been thinking about me, my divorce, my family and her, but not about the outer aspects of our lives. I haven’t thought much about her mother, or her siblings, about how they would react to an eighteen-year-old Ines being with—me. Fuck. I have some making up to do, and some ass to kiss.