Page 33 of Forever Mine

The rest of the night, I give her what she wants. I’ve touched, kissed, licked every inch of her body, and it’s not enough. It will never be enough.

Chapter18

Natalie

My whole body is sore. I think I used muscles I didn’t know I had.

It probably didn’t help any that we got a late check-out and I had to hurry home and teach a class this afternoon. I’m tired. Heck, I’m way past tired, but it was all worth it.

And now here I sit at the park, about to walk in for Ollie’s game, and my nerves are taking over. I wanted to be invited for so long, and now that I am, I’m second and triple guessing everything. Am I wearing the right thing, do I sit with his family, are they going to think it’s weird that I’m just now coming, am I doing the right thing, should I have just gone home?

Chloe was late getting to the gym, so I told Beau to go ahead without me. I didn’t think I’d be this nervous when I got here, though.

But here I am, and I’m not happy with myself. I don’t like this side of me. The self-sufficient, independent woman that I usually am is gone, and it pisses me off.

I pull my shoulders back and pull down the mirror over the visor. Instead of checking my makeup or my hair, I’m looking at my eyes. I see the pain from the past still there, but I also see the hope and positive attitude that’s been a part of me my whole life. I can do anything. I can take on any challenge, and making the best of this, doing what I can to save my marriage, is probably the biggest challenge of my life.

But I can do it.

With my resolve set, I put the visor back up. I turn off my car and get out, pulling the crossbody strap of my purse over my arm. Smoothing my hands down my legs, I start walking toward the soccer field.

I get to the field, and the first people I recognize are Isabella and Lucas. They’re standing with their backs to me, and Lucas is rubbing Issi’s back. She’s due soon, and I know everyone in the family is anxiously waiting for the little one’s arrival.

I stop next to Issi and put my hand at her back. When she turns, I can’t help but notice her round stomach. Did it grow since last night? “Oh my gosh, Issi! You’re glowing.”

She grimaces, but she still insists on pulling me in for a hug. “I don’t feel like I’m glowing, but thank you. The fundraiser was perfect. All the guys have been talking about how you pulled off a miracle.”

I can feel my face heat, embarrassed. “It was nothing… really.”

Issi blurts out a laugh. “I don’t think you can get away with saying it was nothing. It was a success. I know the brothers were pleased with the amount of money raised.” She kisses my hand. “It’s going to help so many veterans, Natalie.”

I nod my head, and I can’t help it, but my shoulders pull back, and I stand a little taller. I am proud of all we accomplished.

Issi grimaces and turns side to side as if she’s stretching out her back. “I’ve missed coming to Work It Out and seeing you.”

I can’t resist rubbing my hand across her belly. “Well, when the little one comes, you can come back. I’ll sit in my office and play with the baby while you get your sweat on.”

She rolls her eyes, and it’s then I notice how tired she looks, not that I would ever tell her that. “That actually sounds pretty wonderful.”

I nod. “Sooooo… we still don't know if you're having a boy or girl?”

Lucas groans. “No, and she’s determined that it’s going to be a surprise for all of us.”

Issi laughs as Lucas pulls her into his arms. “It’s going to be a huge surprise for us all.”

I’m about to agree when I feel someone brush up against me. I know who it is before I even turn and look. “Hey,” I say, way more breathlessly than I mean to.

Beau smiles down at me. “Hey, wifey. I saved you a seat.”

I nod, but before I go with him, I turn to Lucas and Issi. “What about you guys? You sitting down?”

Issi shakes her head with a groan. “Those metal seats are too uncomfortable for me. I’m good standing.”

I hug her one more time before waving at them as I follow Beau. He climbs the stairs to the bleachers, moving in and out of people down the aisle until we get to the top row. “Have a seat,” he says, pointing at two empty places.

I look around. “Where are Ford and Lilian?”

He points down to the field. “Ford paces the whole game and can’t sit. I think Lilian stays with him to keep him calm. Austin was working on an order, so I’m not sure if he’ll make it, but Huddy and Elle were going to stop by.”

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