Wrecking Us Saving You Read online

  “You had no clue what the hell was going on or if something had happened. For all you knew, I was gone.” The pain in my chest is suffocating me.

  “Nevertheless, I’ll regret it for the rest of our lives.” He hangs his head, shame written all over him.

  “Stop, I don’t want you feeling this way. I hate I feel this way.” I wipe my falling tears. “I know something that would help me feel better.”

  “Please, tell me. I’m willing to do anything.” He places his hands on the counter, caging me in.

  “When I’m at my lowest, doubting everything, love me fiercely.” His eyes float to mine.

  “I do, baby. More than my own life.” He hauls me into his arms, taking my mouth and owning me. Body and soul.

  “I need a shower, you need a shower.” I drag his shirt over his head.

  “So what are you saying?” Desire teeming in his eyes.

  “I’ve never had sex in the shower.” I watch as his mouth turns into his boyish grin.

  “Me either.” He puts my legs around his waist. “Time to check off another dream of mine.” He pulls me from the counter, carrying me upstairs.

  I stand in the bathroom, drying my hair. I scan the room, the blues and neutral tones are beautiful. The color palette carries throughout the house, except three rooms.

  Laying the dryer down, I walk into the extra bedrooms. There’s furniture but no color or bedding. I wonder why Lea didn’t finish these rooms?

  “There you are...” Chord wraps his arms around me. “What are you doing, besides standing naked in the middle of the room?”

  I giggle. “Like there’s an inch of my body you’re shocked to see. Why aren’t these rooms done?”

  “I was waiting for you.” He shrugs. I turn, looking at him. “I had to do downstairs, it would’ve been weird to have a couch and television, and nothing else. Well, that’s what Lea said.”

  “I was...” I trail off, hesitating.

  “You were?” He’s going to make me say it, isn’t he. He is. I roll my eyes.

  “I was wondering if you mind, can I decorate them? Maybe paint, some bedding?” He pulls me closer when I shiver, but I’m not cold.

  “Absolutely. If there’s anything you want to change, we can do that. Lea and Torrie have a ton of samples at the office.” My brow furrows.

  “Seriously?”

  “This is our home, do what you want. You don’t need to ask for a thing, except the bank card but only because we don’t have yours yet.” He cocks his brow.

  I tug at his hand, leading him to Silas’ room. I pull clothes from the drawer as he watches. A line forms between his brows.

  “Not sure I’ll ever get past taking your money.” I slip into my panties, glancing up to find Chord glowering. “What’s that face?”

  “Why are your clothes still in here?” He shoves his hands in his pockets, making his pecs flex deliciously.

  “Should I move them?” My stomach flips when he raises his brows. “I’ll move them. Any particular spot?”

  “Yes, our closet.”

  “No shit. I mean, dresser, chest, which side of the closet? Do you use a particular sink or side?” I hook and spin my bra as his eyes follow my every move. I snap my fingers. “Here, babe.” Pointing to my eyes. “I’m here.”

  “I hear you. I like seeing you.” He hooks his finger in my bra, yanking me to him. “Why do you need to wear clothes?”

  “We have a son, and there’s this thing about nudity in public places.”

  “Oh, yeah.” He sighs. “Listen, this is our home. If my clothes need to be moved, do it. If you want the sink closest to the outlet, take it. If you want to paint something, I don’t care.”

  “I love you.”

  “Wait a second, you may change your mind.” He takes a deep breath as my palms begin to sweat. “I haven’t earned most of my money. I have an inheritance from my parents and a brother who always thought the best investment he could make would be for Thayer and myself.

  “I had more money in high school than most of the parents did. This house was my second purchase from that money, my car the first. My college was paid for by my parents, and One bought my first SUV for my birthday.”

  “And you’re telling me this because?”

  “Stop acting like it’s my money. If it weren’t for my family, we’d be living on noodles and Kool-Aid. But as long as you were by my side, I wouldn’t care.”

  “Your point, dear?” I ask, my hands on my hips.

  “There is no ‘your money, my money’ from this point on; it’s our money.” He crosses his arms.

  “Is that so?” He nods. “Is that an order?”

  “Nope, but it sure would make life easier and another hurdle jumped.” He rubs the back of his neck. He’s so sweet and yummy and maddening, but he’s also right.

  “For the record, I win the next argument.” His eyes light up, a smile growing on his mouth.

  “You bet, baby.” He reaches for me, but I slap his hand away.

  “Oh no, big boy. That look in your eyes will get us both in trouble and we’re already late. Now, scoot. I’ll move my clothes after I get back with all the new ones you’re buying me today.” I wink.

  “I’ll grab a shirt and make room in the closet.” He slaps my ass before jetting out of the room.

  “Smartass,” I grumble with a smile as my heart skips a beat.

  I’ve spent the afternoon shopping with Thayer and Lea. I have several new outfits to wear to work on Monday. I’m so excited to be doing something Silas can be proud of.

  We walk along the mall, window shopping, when I spot something on the other side. I don’t say a word, making a beeline to the window. I peek inside the store as I look at the dresses up front.

  “Are we needing one of these?” Lea nudges me.

  “Not yet, but a girl can look.” I smile as my stomach knots.

  Thayer grabs my hand, tugging me through the door. “Let’s get a closer look.”

  There’s racks upon racks of dresses, wedding, bridesmaids, and flower girls. I just want to marry Chord, not have the world in it. Simple, low-key, and family. His family, but they’re the only one I have.

  I giggle as Thayer and Lea try on veils when something in the corner gets my attention. I work my way around the stands, glancing at the girls and then the material until I reach it.

  I pull it from the rack as my heart hammers. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

  “Try it on,” Thayer whispers in my ear.

  I fight back tears when I turn to them. “It’s perfect.”

  “Oh, you have to try that on; if you’re about to cry, you have to do it.” Lea takes the dress, plodding to the changing room.

  Thayer hooks my arm. “I can’t wait to see you in it.”

  I take my time, making sure everything’s where it should be. It has lace and a flowing sheer skirt, everything I ever envisioned. I step out, easing my way to the full mirror.

  “Sarah.” Thayer grasps her chest.

  “Oh, yeah. That’s the one.” Lea’s eyes shimmer.

  I lay my hand on my stomach as it flutters wildly. I take my free hand, fanning my eyes as I hold back my tears. “This. It’s the dress. The one I have to wear to marry Chord, he deserves a dress like this.”

  Lea puts her arm around me, looking at me in the mirror. “You deserve to marry Chord in a dress like this, Sarah.”

  “I’ve always wanted to say this—are you saying yes to the dress?” We giggle like little girls.

  “I am.” I dab at my eyes.

  Thayer helps me from the dress while Lea gather’s our bags. She walks with me to the front of the store, where a lady begins ringing me up.

  “Will that be all?” She smiles.

  “For today.”

  “That’s $1685.00 Is this cash or credit?” My jaw goes slack. I cut my eyes to see where the others are, standing by the front window.

  “Oh, my. I forgot to look at the price. Would you happe
n to have a layaway?” I run my hand through my hair.

  Her face softens. “We do. Can you pay two hundred dollars today, it’s a little more than ten percent.”

  I think back when I checked my money on the way here, I have two hundred and thirty dollars in my account, and I haven’t spent anything. “I can.” I hand over my debit card.

  “Is there a problem?” Thayer steps close to me.

  I wave her off. “No, I’m going to lay it away until I start working.”

  “Would they not take Chord’s card or check? I know there’s no problem with his.” Thayer glares at the clerk.

  “Thayer, I’m buying it. I refuse to marry your brother in a dress he bought.”

  “I’ll pay for it.” Thayer reaches in her purse.

  “No, you will not. I’ve got it.”

  “What’s going on?” Lea pops her head in the door.

  “Sarah’s putting her dress on layaway so Chord won’t be buying it.” Thayer side-eyes me.

  “I’ll buy it or let One,” Lea says tossing her wallet at Thayer.

  “No.” I put my hands up. “Thank you, but no. I appreciate y’all, I do. But I wouldn’t even let Elise buy this dress. This family has done more for me than my own. If Chord marries me, it’ll be in the dress I bought for him.”

  “There ya go,” Thayer says.

  “She really does belong in this family of strong women. Well, have at it, sis,” Lea says to the clerk.

  On the way home, I stare at the dress receipt. It’ll be easy to pay off and I’ll have done it on my own. I fold it as small as possible and put it in the little secret pocket in my purse.

  “Hey, buddy. Good mornin’.” I rub Silas’ back, waking him up the way my mom did me.

  He stretches, forcing his eyes open. “Mornin, Daddy.”

  “Are you ready for some birthday party fun?”

  He sits up with a lopsided grin. “I am. I’m so excited.”

  “I think your momma has something special for you to wear, wanna go see?”

  “Yes.” He stands, raising his arms. I grab his wrist, sliding him onto my back. It’s become our ritual. “I smell pancakes.”

  “Yes, you do. Momma has been working hard to make today nice for you.” I trot downstairs as he bounces on my back.

  We turn the corner at the bottom and watch as Sarah plates a stack of flapjacks. The smell is to die for, she adds a little cinnamon to the mix.

  “Momma, we smelled that from our room.” I wink at her, when she walks over.

  “Are y’all hungry?” Silas nods.

  She places a kiss on his temple. “Happy birthday, Silas Jordan.”

  I let him slide into the chair. Leaning over him, I kiss the top of his head. “Happy birthday, buddy.”

  “Who wants pancakes?” Sarah yells as she sets down a huge plate.

  We get busy with breakfast, finishing in no time. I know Silas is thrilled, Sarah seems anxious. She hurries down the stairs, spinning in a circle as Silas and I watch. Our heads bounce back and forth like tennis balls.

  “Here’s his clothes, please make sure he gets them on right.” She doesn’t even look at us before she’s off again.

  “Thor!” Silas screams when he holds his shirt out.

  “Cool, dude. Momma thinks of everything.”

  She comes down the stairs with Silas’ backpack. “He needs this on.”

  “Can I help you do something?”

  She stops in her tracks. “Can y’all take these things out to the car?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Silas covers his mouth, snickering. “You called her ma’am.”

  “She’s a girl, I can do that. You grab those two, I’ll take these.” Silas follows me to the car, and we come back in to find more bags.

  “Sweetheart? Baby? Sarah!” I yell up the stairs.

  She pops her head around the corner. “Yes?”

  “Is there something you want to tell me?” I fold my arms. She comes down, stopping in front of me, out of breath.

  “Huh?”

  “Why are we packing the SUV like you’re leaving?” She gapes at me.

  “What if he needs a change or I do? And we may need towels, did she say if he could wear shoes or flipflops to take off before playing? Oh, sunscreen.” She jumps up, turning to run, but I grab her hand.

  “Honey, we have everything we need. I’m sure Mom has some things, if not.”

  Her face falls, I pull her to me. “I want everything to be good for him.”

  I lift her chin, pressing my lips to hers. “It’ll be great. We’ve gotta go or we’re gonna be late.” I throw her over my shoulder, turning the corner, I take Silas’ hand. “Get the door, buddy.”

  The gates to my parents’ home swing wide, allowing us to drive through. As we get closer to the house, we can see cars all the way around the drive.

  “Who did she invite?” Sarah’s forehead creases.

  “Family and friends.” I shrug with a lopsided grin.

  She fidgets with her clothes, even fusses with Silas’ once he’s out.

  “How do we look? Is his shirt dirty? Wait, his shoes have a frayed lace, I need to change them.” She sprints to the back, digging through bags.

  I lean against the back of the SUV, and Silas leans against my leg as I run my hand through his hair. I’m waiting for her to breathe. She doesn’t. “Sarah?” She cuts her eyes at me. I’m not sure what flashes in them, but I can tell this is bigger than I first thought. “Talk to me. And don’t say nothing.”

  She wheels around. “What if they laugh at him over his shoes?”

  Fuck. “I promise you, that will not happen. Most importantly, he’s not you. He has an amazing mom, who takes better care of him than any mother I know could.”

  “You think?” She crinkles her nose. I slide Silas around to face her.

  “Have you ever seen anything more perfect?”

  Her eyes flicker to Silas. “No, I haven’t.”

  “Come on, let’s go party.” I hold my hand out to her, and her eyes lock with mine as she takes it.

  I lead them around the side of the house where Mom has every blowup offered in her yard. The grill is going and there are kids playing.

  Silas yanks on my shirt. “Are those my frwiends?”

  “If you want them to be. Why don’t you go say hi?” He takes off running, we follow behind.

  “Chord, how you doin’?” Brannon throws his hand up.

  “Hey, man.” I shake his hand. “Brannon, this is Sarah.”

  “Hello, Sarah. I hate I keep missing you at the office.” He offers his hand, she takes it.

  “Right, you’re married to Torrie.”

  “I am. And that little brunette next to Silas is my daughter, Andi.”

  “She’s beautiful.” Sarah beams when Andi holds Silas by the hand.

  “She’s her mother.” Riley chuckles. “Hey, y’all.”

  “This is Riley, Walker’s brother.” I incline my head at him. “Wait for it, Andi’s stepdad.”

  Sarah’s head flips from me to them. “And Walker was Thayer’s fiancé?”

  “Yep, good job.” Brannon winks at her.

  “I love it! Y’all are one big, happy family.” Sarah’s mouth curls into a smile.

  “We all grew up together, in one way or the other. So why should that change.” Riley grins.

  “Sarah, my baby girl.” Mom gives her a hug. “I’m gonna hug you until I get my fill.”

  “You know you can anytime.” Sarah hugs her again.

  “Why am I not allowed to get my fill of you?” I mutter, earning me chuckles from the two assholes beside me.

  “What’s that, Chord?” Mom asks.

  “He thinks he’s being cute, he’s talking about sex.” My head whips around to Sarah, who laughs her ass off.

  Mom rolls her eyes. “You boys and sex.”

  I stand there, mouth on the ground. Sarah leans against me, snickering. “Don’t try to embarrass me, Chord. You won’t win.�
��

  I slip my arm around her, holding her to me. “Duly noted.”

  “More like, dayum.” Brannon hits Chord’s arm.

  “No refills allowed, your mom said so.” Riley bends over holding his stomach, cackling.

  “Har, har, har. Y’all are too fucking funny.” I shake my head, hoping to cool my reddened cheeks.

  “Sarah?” A familiar voice to surprise my loves, calls her name. She turns, slapping her hand over her mouth.

  “Luke? Oh my gracious.” He hugs her tight, giving me a high-five.

  “How did you?” He points to me.

  “He’s alright, I think you should keep him.” Luke winks.

  “Good to see you, man.”

  “Chord?” Sarah elbows me, jerking her head behind us. “I’ll get Silas.”

  I turn to see Walker, trudging toward me. “Only for a kid.”

  “Hey, gorgeous,” Riley says to Walker’s fiery redheaded girlfriend, Reese.

  “Walker?” Brannon’s eyes are round.

  “Man, do I owe you. Seriously, nothing but mad love for you.” I take his hand, pulling him into a hug.

  “I think he needs to keep this thing.” Reese waggles her brows.

  Alden turns the corner, carrying presents. “Y’all didn’t have to get him anything, this is epic enough.” I point to Walker.

  “Do I at least resemble him?” Walker’s brow creases.

  “Thorw?” Silas’ face is worth everything as he stares at Walker.

  “I owe you big time.” My heart thunders as Silas runs up to Walker, dressed in a Thor Halloween costume.

  “Damn, he did it.” Hardy shakes his head in amazement.

  One pats Walker on the back as he joins us. “Gentlemen, we need to up our game, the Pennington’s are stealing all the women with shit like this.”

  “Damn straight,” Hardy grumbles.

  “This is a helluva day, brother.” I rub my chest, gazing at my life as they talk to Thor.

  We play with the kids, enjoy good food, and laugh with our friends. Sarah comes to my side, I pull her into my lap. She lays over on me, her arm around my neck.

  “Are you tired?”

  “I am, but this day has been worth it. Silas is still reeling from meeting Thor.” Sarah pats my chest.