Page 67 of Coveting Catherine

Leo strode to his bedroom and stood on the side of the bed. She remained his. His soon-to-be wife and the mother of his child. Leo set about planning his new mission. It involved the woman he loved and the child he adored with all his heart. He’d erase the pain from the past and replace it with happy memories, laughter, and, most importantly, love. He lifted the green dress over her head. His hand cupped the side of her face as he leaned down to capture her mouth. Catherine’s hands slid under his shirt as she let out a tremulous sigh.

“Kit Kat, never forget I’ll love you until my dying day. I’m making love to you and we’ll sift through Ash’s confessions, one by one. I don’t want you to be afraid to tell me anything. You have my heart and whatever transpires, I give you my word, it won’t change how I feel about you. Now I want a promise from you. We work through whatever problem we encounter. I can’t lose you again.” The vulnerability in Leo’s face showed Catherine how much he needed her promise.

“I swear, I’ll never walk away again. I’ll stay and fight for us because I never want to feel the pain of losing you again. I love you,” she whispered.

Leo leaned down and removed the offending panties. “Never hide from me, Kit Kat. You’re beautiful. Never doubt how I feel about you.”

She smiled. Her hands slowly undid the buttons on his shirt. Leo pulled the chain over his neck and undid the clasp. Letting the ring slide into his palm, he held her hand and slid it on her finger. They finally found their way home.

Leo slid out of the rest of his clothing as Catherine watched with lust filled eyes. Her tongue swiped her bottom lip as he straightened and pulled her close. She kissed along his jawline as his hands moved up and down her back. She nuzzled his ear as he climbed onto the bed. His hardness, unmistakable, as it pressed against her belly.

“Don’t pull up your anchor yet, sailor. I believe you promised me a bite of chocolate.” She batted her eyes coquettishly as he threw his head back and laughed. He pulled the candy from the wrapper, broke off a stick, and offered her a bite. She leaned over, bit into the piece and moaned. Leo pulled her hair back from her neck and kissed along her jawline and down her neck sending shivers down her spine. He chuckled as he licked the chocolate from her lips and laid her on the bed.

He lay on top of her and captured her face between his hands. “This is where you belong.” Leo’s practiced hands explored her body, waking it up with the feel of his touch. Heat coursed through him as she moaned when his tongue traced her nipple before he gently sucked and nibbled. He made his way down worshiping every inch of her body. When he found her center, she parted her legs. Her shyness and insecurities disappeared as she smiled down at him as she offered herself to him.

He leaned down and parted her silken folds, his tongue slowly licked up and down until she squirmed under his intense attention. His fingers slid inside, and he moved slowly at the same pace as his tongue. Catherine closed her eyes and her hips moved with the rhythm Leo set. What started slow and sweet started to build into a frenzied fever as he intended to show her what she did to him. His hand gripped her hips as he increased the pressure of tongue and fingers. When he curled them upward and sucked on the protruding nub, Catherine’s back arched as she screamed the orgasm, he demanded from her. Leo wasted no time grabbing a condom and she ripped the wrapper and slid it over him.

“You know these aren’t one hundred percent effective, right?” She grinned at him as he adjusted himself over her.

“I’m willing to take the chance. I finally have the home I dreamed of, the woman I love more than life, and a daughter I love with all my heart. If we’re blessed with another then so be it. As long as I’m here to watch you grow with our child and experience it all.”

He entered her slowly, staring into her eyes. Leo watched her eyes darken and he pictured a little boy with her red hair and green eyes staring back at him. The thought made him smile as he thrust harder, fate gifted them a second chance. Catherine held his heart, and they found their way back to each other. Making her happy became the ultimate mission for the rest of his life. Catherine clamped tightly around him as the orgasm rolled over her and he soon followed. He softly kissed her forehead, and she stroked his jaw. For her, he’d walk through fire. After all, love is always worth fighting for, and he’d happily spend a lifetime coveting Catherine.

EPILOGUE

The following day, Leo hopped from their bed and announced they were getting married. He refused to waste any more time to live the life they dreamed of together. He made a group text to his team and Kassie. Carol and Maddie turned into commanding generals and took over the plans. Victoria and Ivan watched the kids, while Kassie and Bryanna took Catherine bridal dress shopping. Catherine tried on dresses until she found the perfect one. The dress flattered her frame and showed off all her curves, because Leo loved her just the way she was.

The next day, they stood in their backyard in front of their waterfall and exchanged vows in front of their friends and family. Samantha and Whiskey’s absence was felt by everyone. Catherine and Leo prayed they’d find their way back home.

Leo repeated his vows while never breaking Catherine’s gaze. His voice deepened as he assured her, he took his promise to love and cherish her seriously. He bent to her ear when the pastor announced them as husband and wife. “I love you, Kit Kat, till the day I die, you’ll always be mine.” The words brought tears to Catherine’s eyes. The tough, commanding leader gave her his heart and she vowed to cherish it forever.

Leo knelt before Melody and claimed her as his daughter while sliding a purple flower ring similar to the one Chase had given Emma. Melody’s excitement at calling Leo her Daddy amused everyone. One day, when she was older, they’d explain the truth concerning Ash. She knew all she needed to know for a five-year-old.

They left in the afternoon on a two-week honeymoon in Bali, thanks to Kassie and Chase. It didn’t matter where they went. Leo never allowed her out of his bed.

Catherine smiled as she placed the white stick on the counter, set her phone timer for three minutes, and waited. Her new husband couldn’t control some things no matter how hard he tried.

Leo tapped on the door as his head popped around the corner. “Well,” he anxiously asked.

Catherine chuckled. “You have to give it a couple—” Two pink lines appeared. Her eyes filled with tears as she turned the stick in his direction. Leo paled before he grinned, picked her up, and spun her around.

Their joy seemed boundless except for one small detail. Chase reported Kassie’s implantation didn’t take again. Kassie, naturally distraught, put on a brave face in front of her family and friends. Catherine worried how she’d take the news of her pregnancy. She wanted to tell Kassie alone and not in front of their entire family.

Catherine watched her friend walk up to Bryanna’s bakery. Catherine didn’t miss her glance into Samantha’s salon or the longing gaze in her eyes as she passed. Catherine felt the exact same way.

Kassie smiled as she took the seat across from her and took a sip of the hot chocolate Bryanna set on the table moments before, along with a plate of cookies.

“Oh wow, this tastes amazing. Is Bryanna coming to join us?” Kassie peered at Catherine from the rim of her cup.

“In a minute. I wanted to talk to you for a moment, alone.”

Kassie set her cup down as her worried gaze never left her friend. “Is everything okay?”

Catherine licked her lips nervously, pulled tissues from her coat, and placed them on the table. “I have some news to share with you. I’m worried about how you’ll take it.” She watched as Kassie stared at her for a moment, swallowed, and nodded. Kassie reached for her hand and grasped it tightly a moment before speaking.

“We’ll work it out,” Kassie assured her.

“Leo and I are having a baby, Kassie.”

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