Page 83 of Living Without

I had so much to look forward to. Waking up and going to sleep with the man of my dreams beside me. Starting my new courses soon and having my job back at the movie theatre, so I wouldn’t have to worry so much about money. Even the arguing with the man I loved, I looked forward to. Strange to most, but not me.

When we pulled into the compound at the Ballarat charter, I glanced at my man and asked, “I thought we were going to Nancy’s for lunch?” I flicked my gaze to the clock on the dash. “We’re already running late.”

“We’ll get there, angel. Just gotta see your dad about somethin’. You comin’ in to say hi?”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “Of course, or he’ll get mad if he finds out I’m in the car and didn’t come in. Besides, it is my surprise party.” I smirked.

Saxon narrowed his eyes. “It’s a few days early. How in the fuck did you know?”

I giggled. “When I spoke to my brother last, I knew he was keeping something from me. When I threatened to tell Mum about the porn he has stashed in the garage, he caved.”

Saxon ran a hand over his face and groaned. “At least we know he’s a weak link when it comes to his sister. You’re just gonna have to pretend to be surprised. Your mum’s gone a little crazy.”

“I will.” I smiled.

“Good.” He chuckled.

I met him at the front of the car, and we walked in together, hand in hand. Once through the front door, Saxon pushed me against the wall and claimed my mouth.

When he pulled back, I complained with a small growl.

“Never get tired of kissing you,” he said with a smile.

“I hope you’ll never get tired of doing other things to me also.”

He shifted his head to the side and clipped, “Woman, never talk about that when your dad is close. He’ll have my balls.”

“It’s okay. I’ll tell him I like them too much.”

“Nary,” Saxon warned, but he was doing it smiling. “Come on.” He took my hand again and led me down the hall.

“Surprise!” was yelled. I pretended to stumble back, as Saxon’s arm quickly came around my waist to hold me.

“Oh, my gosh.” I gasped, and then I took it all in, the food, the people. Everyone was there from the Caroline Springs and Ballarat charters. My mum was being held by Stoke. She had tears in her eyes.

Saxon’s chin touched my shoulder. “You really need to invest in some acting classes.”

I snorted and whispered, “Shut up.” Still, I felt choked up; tears even filled my eyes. What they wanted to do for me, the surprise, the thought, even when I knew, it meant a lot. I turned into my man and buried my face into his neck. “Everyone is so amazing,” I cried. I heard laughter at my back.

“Hey,” Saxon said softly. Looking up to meet his eyes, he gestured down. Glancing there, I saw he held an envelope. “Happy birthday, angel.”

With shaky hands, I took it and opened it. A gasp left my lips, and I lifted my shocked eyes to his. He’d given me two first-class tickets to LA. “But we can’t afford this.”

He chuckled. “Angel, I make a shitload with my custom designs. We can, plus we’re meeting Kelsey there. She’s coming for the weekend to see you.”

“Oh… Saxon.”

* * * *

SAXON

Cupping my woman’s face, I kissed her again. I was right before. I would never tire of tasting her lips.

“Go to your mum, angel, before she bursts with excitement, and don’t forget, play dumb about the whole party.”

She giggled. “I will. You may not think I’m a good actress, but I can fool my mother.” She gave me one last peck before turning and starting for her parents.

Then I heard her mum yell, “You knew. How?”

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