Brie
“Go left! Go left!” I shout to Cliff just as Kellan fakes moving to the opposite direction.
With a look of determination, he swiftly moves that direction and tags Kellan with a bright red hand print.
The buzzer dings and Wendy shouts, “Red team wins!”
I toss my hands in the air triumphantly, “Yes!!!!”
My husband groans as he approaches me. “This is getting bloody ridiculous…”
“Your losing streak?”
He sneers at my mocking.
“It really is. I thought you were the athletic one?”
Slightly panting, he questions, “Is that really what you want to teach them? To be an arrogant winner?”
“Said the sore loser.”
So shoot me. I love beating him at art games. I may have the athletic drive of a panda bear most of the time, but throw in a little bit of paint to the activity and I’m willing to try so much harder.
“You know what?” Kellan says in a suspicious tone. “Perhaps it’s time I prove to you, I really am better at sports than you?”
My head tilts at him sarcastically. “You’ve just been going easy on me all this time?”
“Yes.”
“Liar.”
In one swift move, Kellan’s got me around the waist, locked in place against him. All of a sudden he shouts, “Kids!!! Come get her!”
A wave of paint covered youth come sprinting my direction. Various hands, big and small, tag my legs and the lower half of my t-shirt covered body. They laugh, run away to dip their hands in more paint, and return to repeat the process. My head falls backwards against Kellan in uncontrollable laughter as he encourages a mass execution of paint prints.
In between commanding for them to continue, his lips bump against my ear and he says, “I love you.”
My laugh fades just enough to repeat it, “I love you.”
Finally, Wendy speaks up, “Alright! Alright! Time for showers and dinner!”
They groan their disappointment at the game ending.
“You’re having pizza,” she informs receiving a mass uproar of cheers. “But outside as you wait for your turn to shower…”
The children wave at us goodbye while being led towards Saul who is standing by the doorway to help.
“We have to get home and shower too for dinner, Mrs. Kenningston.”
The sexual promise in his voice almost distracts from the pressure of our pending meal.
It’s taken three weeks for the results of my teaching certificate to come in. While passing the time has been more than enjoyable with redecorating Felicity’s office to become my own, visiting the children’s hospital with Guy who Kellan actually apologized to, and an upswing of genuine courting from my husband that has included, but hasn’t been limited to, romantic gestures like having an array of art supplies unexpectedly delivered to our place of business, the lingering fear I failed had steadily been on my mind. Despite everyone’s vote of confidence, I couldn’t help but believe my personal problems prevented me from passing. That I had too lost the ability to balance devoting time to my passion and my personal life. When the results came in two days ago, I almost didn’t open them. Actually…it took heavy persuading along with a bit of pampering in the form of ice cream to get me to bite the bullet. It turns out not only did I pass, but it was almost a perfect score. I cried. Yeah. I know... I think it might’ve been worse than the little I did when I graduated college.
His arms cradle me closer, and I angle my head to pout. “Do we have to?”
“Yes.” He lightly laughs. “Me and my father both want to celebrate this moment of your excellence. Our entire family is waiting to celebrate with you, Love.”
Not entire. My parents and sister won’t be there. No one was able to get away from work last minute…Have I mentioned my hatred for living so far away from them yet?
“But we already celebrated,” I sheepishly argue.
“Burgers and a pint followed by you for dessert barely qualify as celebrating.”
“That negative tone better have been about the food and not about shagging me nonstop for two hours.”
Kellan’s face contorts between arousal and humor. “God, I love it when you use the right terminology….” He turns me around in his arms. “And you know there’s no way in bloody hell would I ever complain about making love to you. Not even if I had to take six pills and risk cardiac arrest just to try.”
The odd choice of phrasing has me laughing as I shake my head.
“Now, stop dragging your arse and let’s get home to shower off. I may have arranged for dinner to compensate for an orgasm or three, but not if you keep up this pouting and chit chat.”
His playful demeanor makes me smile wide.
This is the man I missed. This is the one I’d lost. And ever since he thought I was going to walk away without looking back, he’s returned to the man I fell for. Don’t get me wrong. Things aren’t perfect, but they never have been nor am I ever expecting them to be. We’re different. We clash. We bump heads. We’re stubborn, him more than me of course. We still struggle for balance daily, but now it’s not about time for one another or attention. We don’t fight about who isn’t receiving the support they need. We’re back to arguing over whose turn it is to grab coffee or do the dishes, both of which are on him.
After a quick drive home and a long, hot, two people, multiple orgasm, shower, the two of us are strolling towards the restaurant’s opening with our security details sandwiching us.
I negotiated Kage’s salary back up to where it belongs. Kenneth didn’t just do as I requested however. It took a long, somewhat heated argument before he caved. Kage was angry with me when I mentioned what I did, but I think part of him was proud too. He cares about me and the truth is, after all the time we’ve spent together, I care about him too. Our security details really are extended family.
On the other side of the threshold, I glance over my shoulder, “Make sure you stop watching the exits long enough to eat something, Kage.”
He gives me a stern expression. “I will never stop watching the exits, Mrs. Brie.”
“It’s his job,” Kellan reminds me in a mocking voice. “Duh.”
With a sharp nudge of my husband away from me, I snip, “Fine. I will make sure I have food delivered to you and Vincent.”
“Appreciate it, Mrs. Brie.”
Vincent holds the door open for us and adds, “As do I.”
“You make me look like such an inconsiderate, asshole,” Kellan playfully gripes, winding his arm around my waist.
“Eh. You do that all on your own.”
“Ouch, Mrs. Kenningston. Above the belt, please.”
“That’s not what you were begging for an hour ago…”
He growls deliciously and brushes his lips against my ear. “And it’s not what you’ll be begging for in a couple hours either…”
“Could you stop trying to seduce her, already? She bloody married you,” Kristopher teases from where he’s waiting at the bar.
“I like to keep it that way,” Kellan reminds him as he gives my ass a small graze. “Speaking of award winning seduction, where is the woman you failed miserably with for what was it…three weeks?”
He glowers. “You’re obnoxiously chipper. Why?”
“We’re celebrating the success of the woman I love. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Kristopher gives me a polite smile. “My apologies. Congratulations again.”
“Thank you.”
“I have no doubt you are going to be a marvelous teacher.” Kris grabs the martini glass being offered to him. “After all you did housebreak my little brother. He can successfully sit, roll over, beg, and even learned how to scratch an itch without requiring trolling of the entire neighborhood first.”
Damn…
The comeback sends my hand flying to catch the laugh falling out of me.
“Well played, big brother,” Kellan commends.
Their sibling banter is interrupted by the sound of a baby crying. Quickly, Kris puts his untasted drink down, and states, “My son’s probably tired of being passed around like a hot potato. Pardon me.”
He scampers off, and I can’t help but smile at his paranoia.
All the Kenningston men are like that about Keegan. The moment he’s unhappy they basically elbow each other out of the way to render the situation. Thankfully, he’s a pretty cheerful baby, but those few moments he’s not, he has them all eating out of the palm of his hand. Can you imagine how much worse it would be if it was a little girl?
Kellan slips his arm around my waist once more after ordering us two glasses of champagne. His mouth begins to drift to the crook of my neck when a familiar voice says, “You do know you have an audience.”
Our eyes land on Guy and Stephen who are both looking strikingly handsome in their suits.
They really are an adorable couple.
“Watch at your own discretion,” Kellan counters and lowers his lips back to the inside of my neck.
I gently bump against him to cease his action.
He huffs like an upset child.
“You two pout very similarly,” Guy points out promptly. “She makes the same face when you tell her it’s zucchini, not a cucumber.”
My face scrunches.
Kellan slightly chuckles. “Count yourself lucky if she doesn’t attack with it. That was not a great date night.”
Don’t like false advertising…
We share a small round of laughs.
Guy introduces, “Stephen, this is Prince Kellan Kenningston, Duke of Rockbridge. Kellan, this is my boyfriend, Stephen.”
My husband extends his hand. As they shake he kindly says, “It’s a pleasure to meet you. And please, just call me Kellan.”
“Pleasure is all mine,” Stephen assures, dropping his hand. “I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy the company of your lovely wife for months. It’s nice to finally have the formal introduction our significant others have been desiring.”
“Agreed.” The bartender places the beverages down for us. “I would also just like to apologize again for my actions. It was unacceptable to attack you as I did, Guy. I assume full responsibility for the incident and will gladly pay for all of your medical services along with any additional funding for pain, suffering, or services lost during your downtime.”
A displeased grunt escapes me. “You can’t just buy my friends, Kellan.”
“That’s not at all what I’m trying to do,” he quickly clarifies. “I’m extending my apologies and trying to make things right. I’m sure his broken nose caused him loss of wages.”
“It didn’t,” Guy brushes off accepting the champagne Stephen ordered for them. “But I appreciate the concern. And I’m fine. Really. I…deserved it for what I said, even if I felt it was justified.”
Kellan grabs his own drink. “I’d also like you to know that if you are still interested in a teaching position at Hannah’s Hope and would like to continue to be a member of the selection process for faculty as well as student enrollment, we would love to have you.”
My attention snaps upward surprised by the gesture.
We hadn’t talked about this! Last time I tried he insisted we focus on hiring office staff to help carry more weight around there. This…This is left field! I never thought I’d hear Kellan want to be around Guy.
“You have proven to be a valuable asset. Your guidance helped Brie pass the test for her certificate. Your input during the staff selection was beneficial and prevented some poor choices from being chosen as candidates. You’ve always proven to be an amazing friend to my wife even when I wasn’t and that alone is reason enough for me to extend an offer to remain with Hannah’s Hope anyway we can have you.”
I let my jaw hit the ground unsure of what to say.
Guy’s stunned expression matches my own.
Oh look! Yours too!
“Could you two close your mouths,” Stephen fusses. “People are gonna start staring. He’s simply making amends. It’s not as if he’s offering him a kidney.”
Kellan chuckles and tips his glass towards Stephen. “I like you.”
My friend slides his free hand around his significant other.
See. Him and Kellan really are more alike than they care to talk about.
Guy clears his throat. “I appreciate the compliments as well as the offer. It’d be…a pleasure to work with you both.” He turns his words to me. “And I know I’ve said probably a million times by now-”
“Million and one-”
“Congratulations. You earned it.”
“Yes,” Stephen agrees lifting his glass. “Congratulations.”
I softly smile. “Thank you both.”
“Kellan!” My father in law beckons from across the room. “Come on! Brie needs to open her gift before we start ordering!”
“Gift?” my voice squeaks.
Kellan puts his drink down and begins to tug me that direction. Stephen and Guy swiftly follow us.
“Did he say gift?”
“He did.”
“No,” I refuse quietly. “No gifts, Kellan. You promised.”
He shrugs smugly. “I lied.”
“Not good for a marriage…”
“It is when your wife is refusing presents.”
Just a few feet short of where everyone is gathered, I stop us. “Kellan.”
He lets out a heavy sigh, motions the men to move past us, and lowers his attention down to me. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“Oh, I’m being ridiculous?”
“That’s what I said. You know for a future teacher you might want to work on listening.”
These heels are like daggers…not a wise thing to say to me right now.
Kellan’s infamous grin grows wider. “Love, this is a monumental thing to celebrate. So we’re going to celebrate. Some celebrations include parties, such as this, and gifts such as the one waiting for you. Now could you please stop arguing with me and open it?”
Stop it! I shouldn’t just let him spoil me like this! I am so not that person…
“Ugh. Fine. But if it’s something crazy like a pet peacock, the first thing I’m going to train it to do is attack you.”
He chuckles and takes my hand. “I love you too…”
When we arrive to the semi-circle created, I take a moment and drink in the small crowd filled with many smiling faces. Kenneth is standing with each of his brother’s at his side, Fredrick of course accompanied by a very excited Elizabeth. Soph, Kris and baby Keegan are positioned slightly towards the center. Guy and Stephen have planted themselves next to Hugh and Dana while a few other faces from the various branches of MINOH around the country are somewhat clumped together.
Before I have time to reflect on the presence that is lacking, Kellan drags me to the middle of the floor to be the focal point. “Ladies and gentleman, I would just like to thank you all once more for being here to celebrate the success of my beautiful wife.”
The group gives me applause and whistles.
“She bloody hates this amount of attention, so I am going to be a good husband for once and keep it short. Having Brie not only agree to taking the test, but joining Hannah’s Hope is without a doubt one of the most incredible things in my life. We now get to do more than share a common dream. We get to build it together and this certificate, which is so much more than just a piece of paper, solidifies it. Thank you all for being here for her. For us. For the future we are trying to create. Thank you for being family.”
His speech warms yet causes my heart to ache.
You know why…
“Vincent,” Kellan calls out. “The door.”
He steps out of the way to allow the unexpected.
No….Really?!!?
My husband whispers in my ear. “Your gift…”
“Dad!” I shout, rushing over to greet him.
“There’s my girl!”
“You made it! Oh my god! You made it!”
“Of course we made it. Would’ve quit my job if they tried to keep me away from you.” His arms wind around me as the crowd awes. “Congratulations!”
“Mom!” My voice squeaks again, flying to embrace her next. “You’re really here!”
“Of course we are sweetheart. We’ll always be here for you!”
Over her shoulder I immediately notice my sister and a face I wasn’t expecting to see again so soon. After wiggling out of my mom’s grip, I fall into my sister’s. “Candice!”
“Congratulations sis! I’m so proud of you.”
The sound of Kenneth announcing dinner instructions to the other guests barely reaches my ears. “Thank you!” I give Viper a cocked eyebrow. “Fancy seeing you here.”
He smiles and slides one arm around Candice’s shoulder. “I hope I’m welcomed.”
My eyes swing back and forth between him and my sister.
When did that happen?!
Kellan folds his fingers with mine. “As long as you’re here to enjoy yourself and not to work, then yes.”
Viper gives him an immediate nod. “Absolutely.”
I let my mouth drop prepared to ask a million questions when my husband intervenes again. “Thank you for coming, Candice. I’m glad your boss changed his mind.”
“Damnedest thing that they all did,” she jokes in return, reminding me I was tricked.
Did you know about this? What do you mean you suspected?!
“Why don’t you two go grab a drink from the bar, and we’ll join you shortly.”
She gives me a brief kiss on the cheek and strolls away with Viper tightly pressed against her.
Once they’re gone, I turn back to scold my parents for lying along with my husband only to realize they’ve vanished. Quickly, I frown, “Where the hell did everyone go?”
Kellan tugs me into him, wraps his arms around my waist, and rests his head on my shoulder from behind. “Your mother is cooing over your nephew and your father is putting back bacon and cheese stuffed mushrooms alongside mine.”
I slowly shake my head before leaning it against his. My hands slip up his arms to hold him in return. “Thank you…For everything, Kellan.”
“My pleasure, Love…” He holds me just a tad tighter. “Thank you for not giving up on us.”
Helplessly, I smile at the business around the room. My mother is playing with Keegan’s toes. Kenneth and my father are laughing with their mouths full. Fredrick and Elizabeth are toasting with my sister and Trenton is flirting with Wendy. Just as Dana flags us over, I sweetly declare, “This is my happily ever after, Kellan. It’s always worth fighting for.”
Isn’t yours?