Page 28 of The Secrets Behind Us

"Do you want to continue to fight?" I tentatively ask, crossing my fingers that he says no.

"I do, but I'm not willing to risk you. Besides if we want children, I shouldn't do anything to jeopardize myself."

"You want children?"

"Yes, don't you?"

I've always imagined us having kids together. But is it too early to be discussing this?

"Yes. But I haven't really thought that far in advance."

Dexter places the plate in his hand in the dishwasher. He moves toward me and grips my waist, pulling me closer to him and giving me a sweet kiss on my lips.

"Well, Sugar Lips, we need to start thinking about it. You're moving in with me, we're going to get married, and you'll be the mother of my children."

I cough, choking on my spit and I start to sputter, "You want to marry me? Isn't that a little fast?"

"It depends on who you ask. I don't think it’s too fast. I've been in love with you since I was a kid. If you ask me, it's been too slow, but we can take as long as you need. I just want you with me." His words make my heart soar.

I wrap my arms around his neck and whisper against his lips, "Yes, I'll marry you one day."

Dexter doesn't waste any time. He deepens the kiss and everything else around us just fades away. And all I can see is Dexter, my love, my future. I pull back from him, resting my forehead on his. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Chapter sixteen

Epilogue

It's been a few weeks since I've moved back to Rose Valley. After finding out that his dad was the one behind the texts, Dexter cut him out and we resumed our relationship as if there never was a break, even though it was five years. I try not to think about how it was his dad that kept me in fear for so long. How does anyone do that to their own son? Dexter says he’s fine, but I worry that he’s just avoiding his feelings.

It was a huge sigh of relief when I told my parents that I would be moving in with him. They took it fairly well. I enjoyed being back at my parents' house for a few days, but I’m glad to be living with Dexter too. Since my mom got sick, my parents have been very much into displaying their love for each other and as much as I’m glad that they love each other, I don’t need to see them pawing at each other all the time.

Moving in with him has been eye opening. He's utterly insatiable. We haven't stopped fucking since we've gotten back together. He is the worst patient. Though he's supposed to be recovering from his ribs, he refuses to take it easy, still wanting to mess around at all times. Sometimes forcing us to become pretty creative.

I also started working at my dad's mechanic shop as a manager. It's been great. My dad's paperwork was a mess, so it's taken me a little while to get it all organized, but it’s almost there. I want to get it to a point where we could automate a few things, such as bills and ordering parts.

I’ve always loved Rose Valley. When I would picture the future, I would see a house here with my husband and possibly children. I have so many great memories here. This is where I first fell in love with a boy and then fell in love with the man.

Leaving for California broke something in me and the longer I lived there, the bigger the pieces got. I was going through life in a fog and returning to Rose Valley cleared it for me.

I look over at the man who is driving. The one who has always had my heart, since I was eight years old and he was ten.

"We're here." He breaks my trance as his deep voice rumbles through me.

Glancing out my window, I see nothing but trees. Excitement runs through me and I hop out of the car. Dexter has finally started to heal and has been itching to recreate a past memory.

He comes around the front of the car and looks over at the forest, probably trying to make a game plan. Once he’s satisfied, he moves back to me. “Ready for the rules?” He asks with a devilish grin.

A bead of sweat drips down my back and I run my hands over the top of my running shorts. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Remember, you will get a head start. Once you hit the tree line, that’s when I’ll start the chase.”

Then he steps toward me, bending his head down to whisper in my ear, “And when I catch you, I get to fuck you right then and there.”

I swallow as my panties feel as if they are going to combust. I rub my thighs together to try and relieve some of the throbbing between my legs. Dexter gets sight of me and smirks.

“Are you ready?” he purrs.

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