Chapter 28

CHAPTER 28

MATTHEW

J essica’s soft breath brushing across my chest puts a smile on my tired face. Despite how late we stayed up last night, my body still wakes up before sunrise. Lack of sleep isn’t enough to break these old patterns established since I was a teenager working the ranch with Dad.

Honestly, I don’t mind. I may spend the day yawning, but these few moments I get to watch her sleep in my arms are totally worth it.

It’s been three weeks since I thought my entire world was crashing down around me with no indication of recovery. And it’s been three weeks since Jessica swooped in and saved me. Her forgiveness is the best gift she’s ever given me. I still work every day to earn her trust. She’s starting to relax, and give it to me more freely, but I can still see the hesitation in her at times. That’s okay, though. She’s mine, and that’s all that matters.

I stretch forward and kiss the top of her head. She lets out a soft moan and spreads her hand out on my chest. My dick immediately hardens.

Her soft lips brush against my chest, delivering light kisses. Her hand slowly slides down to my stomach, bringing out a smile. “Did I wake you?”

She nods and shifts her sleepy eyes to mine. “But that’s okay.”

She wraps her hand around my dick and gives it a squeeze. “Fuck, woman. Do you see what you do to me? ”

She chuckles and gives me another tug. “You were already like this before I woke up, so don’t blame me.”

I roll her over onto her back and settle between her legs, pressing my arousal against her thigh. She looks up at me with a wicked grin, and I growl. “You are solely responsible for my morning wood.”

“What are you going to do about it, cowboy?” She wraps her legs around my waist. A movement that opens her up to me completely. Before I have a chance to respond, she lifts her hips just enough that my tip nudges her center. She’s already so wet for me that I slide in with ease.

“Fuck, baby.” I struggle to catch my breath as her tightness clamps around me, taking me deeper.

“Feels so good,” she breathes, digging her nails into my back just the way I love.

I slowly rock in and out of her, her body coming alive beneath mine. Being with her like this is so easy and effortless, it makes me wonder why we ever fought. “How did I live so many years without you?”

She presses a kiss to my lips. “Because you’re a stupid man.”

I laugh and kiss her back. “Not gonna argue with you there.”

“Good. Now hush and make me come before Emmie wakes up.”

“With pleasure.” I lift her leg up over my shoulder and increase the speed and force of my thrusts. I started locking the door at night once Jessica moved in. Emmie sometimes wakes early and interrupts us. It’s to be expected with kids, but this morning I have no intention of leaving either of us unsatisfied or frustrated.

It’s not long before her breathing increases and I feel her body contract around me. She’s so close. I reach a hand between us and rub my finger over her clit. One stroke and one hard thrust of my cock inside her and she comes undone. I claim her mouth with mine and swallow her cries.

I continue to pump inside her, dragging out her release. I take every ounce of pleasure she gives me, stockpiling it and storing it in my heart.

“Matt,” she cries out. Hearing my name through a moan is all it takes to break me. I come inside her, hard .

My body collapses onto hers and I struggle to catch my breath. To keep from crushing her, I prop myself up on my elbows. I hold my gaze on hers and kiss her. “You’re mine, Jess.”

She smiles and kisses me back. “Yes. And you’re mine.”

“You better believe it, baby.” She laughs and my entire body comes alive again. This woman is it for me, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.

If I do it right, it’ll be the best life imaginable.

Emmie goes running through the door ahead of us. She disappears into Momma’s kitchen before we can even get the door closed.

“There you are.” I hear Momma call. When I round the corner, I see Emmie wrapped up in Momma’s arms for a big hug.

“Sorry, we’re late, Momma.” I kiss the top of her head. “We went riding today and stayed out later than anticipated.”

“That’s okay.” She pats my cheek and smiles. “You’re here now.” She turns to Jessica and gives her the same hug. “Everyone is already around the dinner table. Why don’t you go ahead and join them?”

I nod and lift Jessica’s hand to my lips as I lead her away from the kitchen.

“Uncle Adam.” I hear Emmie cry out in joy followed by a loud oomph . That girl never could restrain herself where Adam is concerned.

“Hey, munchkin. Where’s your dad?” Adam asks.

“I’m right here.” I say as I walk up behind him with Jessica in hand.

Adam lifts Emmie up in his arms and hugs her close. “I was beginning to think you three weren’t going to make it.”

“And deal with Momma’s wrath? Never.” The room erupts with laughter. Not because what I said was particularly funny. But because they all know I’m right. None of us were allowed to miss Sunday dinner at Momma’s without a really good excuse.

“Sorry, you can blame me,” Jessica says as she wraps her arm around my waist. “We were having such a nice ride today. I didn’t want it to end. Plus, it was a special day for Emmie.” Jessica reaches out and tugs at a strand of Emmie’s hair. “Tell everyone what you got to do today, sweetheart.”

I tense beside her and let out a low growl. “For the record, I was completely against this.”

Jessica laughs and playfully slaps my chest. “Oh hush, let Emmie tell them.”

Emmie’s smile grows and she wiggles in Adam’s arms. “Jessica let me ride Flight today. All by myself .” Her smile grows and she kicks her feet in excitement. “I rode my very first big horse, and I didn’t get hurt.”

The room breaks out in a series of whoops and cheers. With each congratulations and declaration of how big she’s getting, Emmie’s smile grows bigger and bigger. I lean down and whisper in Jessica’s ear. “You do realize there is no turning back now. She’s never going to let up on me until I get her a big horse of her very own.”

Jessica’s grin turns mischievous. “Yep. And I’m gonna enjoy every single second of it.”

I growl, mostly for show, and kiss her lips. I’ll always worry about Emmie, but I can’t deny she’s a very capable rider for such a little girl. And with Jessica by my side to help her with her riding skills, I know Emmie will be just fine.

We take our seats at the table. Emmie hops from person to person telling them each individually about her ride on Flight. And everyone listens to her with rapt attention like it’s the first time they’ve heard her tell the story.

Momma finishes setting all the food on the table and takes her seat at the end. I look at Jessica and smile. Finally, she’s right where she belongs, and I have everything I ever wanted.

I lean over and whisper in her ear. “Thank you.”

She looks up at me with a raised brow. “For what?”

I kiss her below her ear before I continue. “For coming back to me. For making my life complete and perfect.”

Her eyes gloss over as she cups my cheek with her hand. She lightly kisses me with a smile. “You’re my soulmate. Despite how hard I tried, it was kinda hard staying away. ”

“I’m glad.” I kiss her once more before I turn back to my family. Adam is watching us with a smile on his face. My eyes meet his and he lifts his beer to me with a nod. I do the same. We don’t need to exchange words. Our silent acknowledgment is all we need to let the other know how happy we are to finally find the one we intend to spend the rest of our lives with.