Page 66 of Our Broken Pieces
I know we need Marcus’s father to bless this whole marriage thing when the time comes, but I just want to kick him in the shins. For Marcus’s benefit, I’ve decided to just smile and nod my head when interacting with his father. Not saying it isn’t painful and I want to rip my hair out around the guy, but I have to keep the end goal in mind. At least I’ve won over his brother and mom. It felt really nice to be accepted by them, to hear that they want to see me again. I felt comfortable around them, like Icould let small parts of my true self show. And when I did, they still liked me.
On the drive back, the entire weekend ran through my mind about twenty times. Sitting next to the man who finger fucked me senseless yesterday is rough. I loved it. I want that to happen again. And when he said he wouldn’t fuck me until I had his ring on my hand? I almost set the bed on fire. Thankfully, he hasn’t acted differently toward me. In fact, he’s been quite sweet. Touching me, giving me innocent kisses, giving me his smiles. But I don’t know if it was all because it came naturally or if it was from the obligation of being under the watchful eyes of his father.
It’s mid-afternoon by the time we walk into the house. Once inside, I breathe in the comforting scent that I can only describe as being “Marcus”. I’m so happy to be home, to be able to relax.
Marcus drops his bag on the bottom stair of the staircase, walks into the living room, and flops down on the couch. I take my bag to my room, then make a stop in the kitchen. I pour us two glasses of water and join him on the couch.
“Thanks for driving this weekend.”
“You’re welcome. I didn’t think you would want to drive my truck.” He smiles.
“Your truck scares me.”
“It shouldn’t. Thanks for getting through this weekend. I know it was a lot.”
“Even though your dad tried to ruin it, I really had fun. Your mom and brother are great.”
He nods in response before turning on the TV and flipping through the guide. Not finding a game, he hands me the remote.
“You can turn on what you want.”
I switch apps and press play for Cinderella.
He glances at the TV with a smirk. “Again?”
“It’s my favorite.”
He shakes his head and goes back to his phone while I pull a blanket over me and settle in. Marcus stands from the couch. “I’m going to work on some emails. Enjoy your movie, princess.”
He leans down and kisses my hair. I watch him walk out of the room, grabbing his bag and heading up the stairs to his room.
Chapter Forty-Five
Marcus
I’m standing outside of a coffee shop downtown on a Wednesday afternoon, waiting for Audrey and Melonie. Gigi and I leave in two days for our extended weekend.
I’m going to propose this weekend.
Am I nervous, even though this is all fake? Yes.
But I’ve enlisted the help of the two people who know Gigi the best to make sure I get it right. When I told them my idea a month ago, they both shrieked and Audrey looked like she was going to cry, which made me uncomfortable, but it told me I was on the right track.
I see the two women walk around the corner, Melonie skipping over to me, giving me a hug. Audrey greets me with a fist bumpand we head inside. We place our orders, I swipe my card, and once we have our coffees, we sit at a table.
Audrey pulls a binder out of her bag. “Okay, Marcus, we have everything booked. Resort, park tickets, all your special activities, photographer. Everything should be in your email.”
I take the binder from her, blowing out an anxious breath. “Do you think she’ll like it? It’s not too much, is it?”
Melonie shakes her head. “Marcus, it is so perfect. Just have tissues with you. She’s probably going to cry.”
“But she hates to cry.”
“Not when she’s happy.”
I nod. “I know she’s going to say yes. That’s our plan. But I’m still nervous.”
“Why are you nervous?” Audrey questions.
