a good lie

*cue decode by paramore* how did we get here??

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"Is everything okay? Is someone hurt?" Johanna to Elias

Elias hated being the family doctor.  There was not much could do now that he was so deep in the trenches, nor did he trust his loved ones with anyone else…but it was times like this he just wished he chose a different calling.  He’d never been put in this specific position before and it had always been one of his biggest fears.  

He hadn’t told Toby what was happening, because he wasn’t exactly absolutely sure.  He couldn’t absolutely know until he was there.  He still had a sickening feeling.  He was pretty certain, yet he refused to make his baby brother irrationally afraid for no reason.  It was part of the reason he was moving so frantically.  Toby’s voice was absolutely terrified and it broke his heart.  He shouldn’t have to suffer like this.

It wasn’t until his own wife pulled him aside that Elias realized he was trying his best not to cry.  This was going to destroy them.  “I think Naomi is miscarrying.” He told her, trying not to get emotional.  He needed to be calm when he got to them.  “Toby just called me and it doesn’t - it doesn’t sound good, Jo.” Elias swallowed his sob.  He wasn’t ready to deliver this news to his brother.  He sincerely hoped he was wrong, but he doubted it.  

“It’s up to you, but I think it would help if you’re there.  I know Naomi really likes you and Toby iis going to be freaking out.” Elias dug the heels of his palms into his eyes, shaking his head.  This was truly a nightmare situation.  He hated putting this on his pregnant wife - he seriously didn’t know what else to do.  It took everything in him not to lose his mind more.  “No matter what, this is going to be a long night, baby.” 

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“Wait, you made this?” Fizzy to Camden

Camden scratched the back of his neck, trying his best not to let his anxiety show. He had spent hours working on these flowers for Felicity, hoping that she would like them and not find them cheesy. He really wanted to treat her for their date tonight and getting a fresh, beautiful bouquet was out of his budget. Yeah, he could've downsized things and got her a cheap one, but he didn't want to half ass it.

And, yes, pipe cleaners were more affordable than flowers. He just hoped that the time and effort he put into them, on top of the fact she could keep them forever if she wanted, meant more than stuff that would die in a couple of days. Camden made his parents promise him the arrangement actually looked good and not like some kindergarten project.

"Yeah..." He smiled sheepishly, gesturing lamely to them. "I, uh, learned how to make them online. I wanted to give you flowers, but I also wanted to take you to the restaurant we're going to and...yeah." Camden chuckled nervously, hoping she could follow what he was hinting at without him having to say it. He really only had so much money to spend here.

"I was thinking if you liked the I could continue to learn and maybe it be one of our things?" Camden continued, trying not to sound too hopeful. He normally wasn't a shy guy, but right now he wanted to hide himself anywhere else but here.

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“How mad are your parents? Do they hate me?” Fizzy to Camden

"No! No, they don't hate you." Camden couldn't help himself from interjecting. He was overwhelmed and his brain felt fried. He didn't blame his wife for worrying, but he also just had probably one of the hardest conversation he ever had with his parents. Admittedly, he didn't feel great.

Camden wished he went about things differently. He trusted his parents more than anyone in the world, with the exception of Felicity at this point. He hated that he lied to them. Hell, he hated that he lied to the rest of his aunts and uncles, too. It wasn't like him, but he would do it again if necessary. He doubted any of them could understand how much he loved Fizzy.

He sighed, frowning. "They're upset. I don't know how 'mad' they are, but like...they're definitely not happy. And I think it's because we kept it from them, not because we got married." He admitted, pinching the bridge of his nose. He seriously thought they would've been more against the actual marriage - and he sensed they weren't thrilled - but all his mom and dad continued to bring up was why he didn't say anything sooner.

Camden buried his head in Fizzy's shoulder, trying his best not to cry. He didn't feel like he had the right to. "I just feel like a jerk, because I should have told them. At least, once we did it. I tell them everything and my dad looked so crushed." He hated thinking about their expressions when he told them. "I know my mom is too. She's being nice because I know she loves you and us, but we just need to give them some space and time. I know they'll accept this."

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“Thanks for keeping him, I owe you one…” Reid to June (pre marriage he’s got a work trip)

The great thing about babies was that they took up so little space.  If her and Reid’s sons were older, she wasn’t sure how she’d be able to swing things in her tiny studio.  However, the idea of snuggling up to both little boys and neither of them knowing a difference between her space and an actual apartment? Oh, she was ready for those cuddles. 

June knew it wasn’t going to be all sunshine and daisies.  She struggled with just Ryan - she struggled with just him even when she had help.   However, 9/10 times her help was Reid.  He was a godsend and she would be damned if she couldn’t return the favor whenever possible.   Part of her was tempted to suggest they just merge their families since they were basically a mismatched one anyways…but that was probably crazy, so she held her tongue.

“Just bring me back a cool souvenir and consider ourselves even.” June grinned, scooping up Liam from his arms.  “I love a good sauce - and you know that’s in your best interest since you’ll get some of whatever I make with it.” She wasn’t even exaggerating, either. She froze a lot of the food she made extra of, but sometimes she couldn’t help but pass stuff over to Reid. She knew he was far busier than her, plus she loved hearing his thoughts.

“You just get your butt to the airport and let me know when you’ve landed safely.” June almost poked his chest. She didn’t really have a shy bone in her body, but she had to remind herself sometimes not everyone was as open as she was.  “Sorry in advance for all the updates I’m probably going to send you.” She was absolutely going to be sending him selfies of her with the boys on top of the relevant stuff.  June was kinda excited to have the opportunity to do so.  “I’m very thorough!” 

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“Are you happy I am here?” Linnea to Brent

Admittedly, Brent had no idea what he was doing right now.  This wasn’t a situation he ever really foresaw himself getting into.  He never even considered it.  However, as absurd as it was, he couldn’t will himself to change his mind.  He had taken responsibility for Linnea and he had no reason to suddenly give that up. He didn’t want to.

In the past week, he realized that he was content with her being there.  He was growing more comfortable with her each passing day and, he hoped, she felt the same towards him.  Linnea seemed to be the missing part of his home, regardless if he ever thought there was something lacking before.  He didn’t know exactly what to consider her technically, but there was no reason for him to.  

He couldn’t help but frown at her question, though.  Was he not giving her a reason to believe that way? Did someone put that in her head? He wasn’t sure.  And he hated it.  “I am happy.” He promised, nodding slowly.  It felt pointless to tell her that if he wasn’t, she wouldn’t be here.  Brent doubted that would land well, nor was he trying to upset her more. 

“Are you happy?” Brent asked softly, offering her a gentle smile.  “Like, I know I don’t know everything you’re going through and how to necessarily do more for you.  I want to, though, Lin.” He actually wished that these sort of things came more naturally to him, but he was awkward and shy and not nearly as warm as the rest of his siblings.  It didn’t come to him naturally, he supposed.  He just hoped that wouldn’t throw her off any more than it seemingly had.

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"I think we should have a baby." Suki to Emile

Emile felt his knees buckle involuntarily from sheer surprise.  Suki’s voice was as casual as proposing where to go for lunch this afternoon and it took him a few times of replaying her words for them to finally click.  He had absolutely no control over his facial expression right now.  He probably looked insane.  

“Are you - “ His voice was hoarse.  He wasn’t even sure he could speak.  “Suki, are you serious?” He breathed out when he could, but it was a pointless question.  He knew she was.  This was not something she would joke about with him, plus her face was completely earnest.  She meant it.  She really wanted this.

Ever since he broke up with his ex, Emile had written off the idea of ever being a father himself.  It wasn’t because he didn’t want to be - god knows he wanted it desperately.  He loved being an uncle to all of his nieces and nephews.  He genuinely adored being around kids.  He just knew he wanted his own child and he didn’t know how he would be able to co-parent with someone he didn’t trust.  He seriously never thought he could put that faith in someone else again before he met Suki. 

And they had these conversations.  It was something that had even come up when she was a surrogate.  He had not been prepared to start feeling a little jealous that she wasn’t carrying his kid, which was already confusing and overwhelming enough for him, but the last thing he wanted was to bring up the possibility of trying for their own before Suki was ready.  

When he could find the strength in his legs again, he came around the kitchen island and immediately wrapped her up in his arms.  “I love you so much.” He murmured into the crook of her neck, just hugging her as tightly as he could.  He pressed a kiss to her collarbone, then the base of her neck, then her lips, then her forehead before squeezing her again.  “Let’s have a baby.”

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“I’m not good at meeting new people…” Linnea to Brent

Brent wasn’t sure how he was supposed to bring up his family to Linnea. As much as he knew he owed no one an explanation, he understood why his parents and siblings were curious and possibly concerned. He kept this situation private for the most part, but he had to tell them at the very least. He knew why they were pushing to meet her.

“You don’t have to meet everyone at once.” Brent reassured her, his voice gentle. He hated that she seemed nervous. He understood why she would be, he just wished he could prevent it. “You don’t actually have to meet them…I’m not going to force you to, Lin. I’m telling you because I know they’d like to meet you and I’d honestly like them to meet you too. I know they’ll love you.” He promised, resisting every urge to clue her into how he did as well. He was way too attached to her.

It was selfish of him, he knew, but he wanted them all to meet desperately so Linnea could have more people in her corner. He didn’t know if she would be receptive to spending as much time with them, but he knew the heart of his family. He knew there was no way that his mom wouldn’t come by his apartment more. How his sisters would try to invite her out and get to know her. Carson definitely would try to become her best friend.

“No one is going to judge you. That’s not what they’re like at all…” Brent offered her a small smile. “We can start off with my younger brother, Carson. I promise, he is the least intimidating of them by a landslide…he’s a big goofball. We could even go to one of his games and meet up with him afterwards, so you don’t have to immediately meet him. I promise, he’s absolutely harmless, though.”

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“He keeps kissing my belly like you do and saying hi to her…” Jessica to Zane (with a face like 🥹)

"Mmm," Zane hummed with a grin, nuzzling closer to his wife's bump. He was basically obligated to give it another kiss since she mentioned it. On the other side of her, their son was drifting off to sleep. His eyes kept fluttering shut, but his little hand was right beside Zane's.

Obviously, he had noticed how freaking adorable Alistair was being. It absolutely melted his heart. He might be biased, but he and Jess created some of the cutest, sweetest kids. He just knew if Ruth wasn't having a sleepover at Marc and Kelsey's, she'd be all up in this moment too. She was so excited to have a sister.

"I might've told him that's how she becomes his best friend." Zane admitted, chuckling. He pressed another kiss to her belly before readjusting his position so instead of his head in her lap, her head could rest on his shoulder. He slung an arm around her, pulling her even closer to her.

"He's really excited, babe. I don't know if he fully gets it, but I think he does..." His grin deepened. Ruth was still pretty small herself, so he couldn't say with full certainty this was his favorite stage but so far? He knew nothing of the terrible twos. He loved when Ruthie was this age and, somehow, he was even more of a mess seeing Alistair like this.

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“Do you want to meet him? He’s really cute!” Logan to Love

"Oh my god!" Love gasped, snatching Logan's phone out of his hand at the sight of his baby nephew. She loved babies and children. Beyond that, though, she loved family. She had a soft spot for her own and it was her favorite thing to see others gush over theirs. She couldn't wait for the day she'd be married and create her own family with the man she loved.

Seeing Logan beam over his nephew was genuinely made her all the more attracted to him. Her cheeks would start hurting if she smiled any bigger. "When can I meet him?" She asked, grinning up at Logan. He wasn't lying - that baby was so stinking cute. Then again, most babies were to her. Still, it wasn't every day she just the opportunity to have access to a baby. She wanted to pinch those cheeks.

"You said his name is Florian?" Love confirmed. Her grin deepened when he nodded. She couldn't help but swipe though a few more photos. She was surprised she didn't melt to the floor when she came across them me of Logan proudly holding him, pressing his lips to the baby's temple? She literally had no one to talk about this.

"How soon can I meet him?" Love rose a brow, trying not to be too forward. She knew Logan was on the shyer side, but he was offering to introduce them after all. "I wouldn't mind babysitting. I think that's a fair exchange on such short notice." She mused, nodding. She was teasing, but there was clearly truth to her words. She'd love to see that baby in person. And, beyond that, Logan with his nephew - even if she wouldn't survive it.

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"I can't believe I have cankles..." Suki to Emile (sobbing actually)

Emile was absolutely not laughing at her. At least, that was what he was going to promise her if she called him out. Suki just had this way of catching him completely off guard. When he was surprised, he tended to laugh, regardless if the situation called for it or not. He was just awkward like that.

However, part of him did mean to laugh. He wasn't mocking his girlfriend! He just couldn't believe she was being serious right now. Emile wasn't going to lie and say her body wasn't continuously changing, that it wasn't apparent she was pregnant. She was 8 months along now. It was awkward sometimes, but it was their reality, and Emile wasn't about to put things on pause unless Suki absolutely wanted to. She didn't. He didn't. They just had to keep rolling with the punches.

"Come here, love..." He beckoned for her, pulling her into him. He pressed a kiss into the top of her head, then her forehead, holding her tight. "Do you understand how absolutely incredible you are?"

The thing was...Emile didn't see the aforementioned cankles. She looked ridiculously good in his eyes for a woman this far along. "Are your ankles bothering you, babe?" He asked, raising a brow. He wasn't going to explicitly agree or disagree with her. That just seemed like opening a can of worms regardless of which direction he went with.

Instead, he guiding her to the couch with him and motioned for her to put her feet in his lap. Immediately, he began to massage her, focusing on each foot one by one. "Do you want to pick out dinner? Or the movie we watch later?" He playfully pinned a bit of her skin. She looked at him in surprise, but it seemed to help soothe some tears. "What? You think I'd let you get to make both choices?"

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"Can I put you down as my emergency contact? I usually leave it blank..." Bellamy to Beau

Beau could tell that Bellamy wasn't trying to make this a big thing, even if it realistically was one. He never had to actually think about being someone's emergency contact before. People probably thought that he and Emile were each others, but as far as he knew, that wasn't the case. He still listed his parents when necessary. Emile probably listed his own, if he had to guess.

"Yeah, of course." Beau promised, nodding. He'd never readily agree to something like this so quickly, but this wasn't Bellamy. He wanted to be let in more. He wasn't going to balk the second he got his wish.

He knew things were still pretty early between them. He wasn't trying to discredit that or rush things. Beau just knew he wasn't being nice when it came to Bell. He wanted anything and everything she was willing to give him. If that was trusting him with something like this? He would've told her no if he genuinely wasn't comfortable with the idea.

"Is something coming up?" Beau asked, scratching the back of his neck. "You can put me down, but would it be easier if I just went with you? I would...if that's okay with you..." He murmured almost hesitantly. If any other woman was asking him, he probably wouldn't have answered. Since it was her, though, he had to figure things out. He would never be like her shitty family.

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"Ever thought about going out on a date with a pregnant girl?" Suki to Emile

The chuckle that escaped Emile’s lips was more from surprise than anything else. It was definitely not unkind. His eyes couldn't help but dart to her bump after she called attention to it and, to an extent, he had to remind himself that she was pregnant. It wasn't that he necessarily forgot. He knew that the only reason he knew her was because she was pregnant.

Still, it wasn't like Emile was constantly thinking about it. He was just enjoying getting to know Suki. She was fun and beautiful and just the most interesting person he'd ever met. He couldn't stop thinking about her, even if he wanted to. He did not need to get into how hard he tried to.

“Mmm, can't say I have had that specific thought.” Emile mused, his grin deepening. “I have thought about taking you on a date, though. Wait. I'm sorry – you're pregnant?” He was clearly teasing her. When he really thought about it, he knew he didn't mind the fact. If he did, this conversation wouldn't be happening.

“I, uh…” Emile ran a hand through his hair, chuckling as he really let things sink in. “You really wanna go on a date with me?” He asked, scratching the back of his neck when it reached there. He was probably more baffled by that than anything else. He hadn't been with a woman in any sense of the word in nearly a decade. He basically swore them off.

“I…yeah.” Emile nodded sheepishly, blushing when he realized she was serious. “We should do it. That. A date.” He had to laugh at himself. “Sorry - it's been a while…”

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“Oh my god, you’re so obsessed with me… it’s embarrassing!” Martha to Cedric

Cedric couldn't help but arch an eyebrow, but that was the only body part that physically move.  Well, no, that was a lie.  His eyes kept following Martha around the suite of their hotel - hence her comment, if he had to guess.  He wasn't being shy.  They had dinner in an hour and he was already dressed.  His girlfriend, however, was shamelessly torturing him.  

He wondered if she actually wanted to go to dinner.  He’d say her actions implied otherwise, but when wasn’t she keeping him on his toes? Every time she snuck a glance back at him, though, he could see the little smirk tugging at her lips.  He probably wore a similar expression.  He was a little too fixated on other things at the moment to really be paying attention to himself. 

“Mmmm,” Cedric hummed in agreement.  There was no point in denying it.  Besides, he didn’t want to.  He was unapologetically obsessed with Martha Beauchamp.  He even readjusted his position so he could get a better view of her.  “It’s going to be really embarrassing when people are calling you Martha Mercier.” He told her cheerfully.  “Absolutely mortifying when you have our children.  I mean, it’ll be a whole thing for both of us - but let’s be real, dear.” 

He mustered the energy to get up, cross the room, and face her.  It was times like these where he loved their height difference a little more.  He couldn’t stop grinning.  “You’re literally going to be visibly more obsessed with me no matter how hard you try.” His voice was low, smug.  He pulled her to him, even more thrilled that she was still down to her undergarments.  “People who don’t know you will ask who you are and I’ll get to say my wife.  And you’re going to love it.” He bent down to kiss her.  His actions did not downplay her words.  “That’s so embarrassing for you, my love.”

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"I just need a quick break..." Bellamy to Beau

"Are you okay?" Beau murmured, trying not to let an ounce of panic slip into his tone. Bellamy was calm. He could tell she was flustered, but she wasn't freaking out, which meant there was no reason for him to. He didn't want to accidentally make this situation awkward, because it currently wasn't.

They had been making out - plain and simple. He had been trying his best to keep things not painstakingly slow, yet still respectful. He knew he had to be gentle with her body. Beau knew that beyond her physical limitations, this was all very new to Bell. He never wanted to do too much, too fast. At least, not with her.

He thought it would be okay to advance things. He even asked Bellamy if he could. She was giving him all the cues to. Beau doubted if she understood just how crazy she made him, but he'd tried to make it clear. When she gave him the go ahead to continue, part of his mind stopped working. He let his hands explore her. Let his lips touch beyond her lips. He remembered groaning into her mouth and tightening his hold on her waist before she gently tapped out.

"Take your time." Beau whispered, readjusting both of them so she quite literally had more room to breathe. He was trying his best to be respectful while still being new to all of this. He'd never been with, or cared to be with, a woman long term. He definitely never thought that he would find himself fall in love for someone who was chronically ill - especially to the extent that Bell was. He'd never wanted to protect someone so fiercely before.

He pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head, moving his hands from her hips to her shoulders. "Let me know if I can help." He murmured, ready to do whatever he needed to.

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"I literally don't have anyone else to turn to or I would..." Suki to Emile

"Fuck, Suki, are you okay?" Emile demanded, already moving. He scanned his apartment quickly for the nearest pair or shoes that were appropriate for his outfit. He normally wouldn't go out in sweats, but his mind wasn't even thinking of that. He grabbed the matching jacket off his armchair while he jammed his feet into a pair of sneakers.

The rational part could keep himself from truly panicking. Her voice, while anxious, didn't sound slurred or in pain. That was good. She was calling him and not some stranger on her behalf. She trusted him enough to give him a call. All of these were good things. He would have to hold onto them so he didn't freak out on the way to grab her.

"Is anything bothering you? Is your apartment affected?" Emile wasn't totally thinking straight as he fired off questions. He grabbed his keys from the counter, his movement so quick he scared Ginger from her perch. The tabby ran under his couch. "You're outside, right? I can grab whatever you need inside..."

He wasn't even thinking about Beau or Bellamy (and, if he was being brutally honest, their child Suki was carrying). All he could think about was her. The thought of her suffering in any way...it really wasn't something he could think about properly. He put an extra pep in his step the second the possibility crossed his mind.

"I'll be there in less than 20." Emile promised. "Do you want me to stay on the phone with you while I drive? I can..."

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“I can’t believe we’re married now… I’m your wife!” Autumn to Damien

Damien was genuinely in such a state of shock. Not in a bad way - in actually the best way possible - but he was convinced this was the most vivid dream of his life. There was no way it couldn’t be. He knew many would be daunted by how much and quickly everything recently changed for him, but Damien embraced it. He wanted this. When it came to Autumn, he wanted it all. He convinced himself it would never be possible, yet here he was.

He was already the father to their son. They had a son. There was never a moment he didn’t look at Florian in anything other than awe. He always wanted to be a dad, but he admittedly never thought too heavily on the matter. He always assumed that he would know when things were meant to be. He couldn't stress how everything just made sense when it came to his little family.

And now Autumn was his wife! He seriously thought he was dreaming.

“Mrs. Mercier.” He murmured low into her ear, grinning. He would never get used to that. Autumn let out a little squeak of surprise when he pinned her against the wall and it drove him all the crazier. “My wife.” He pressed another kiss to her lips, before letting out his own manly giggle. “Fuck. I can't believe I get to call you that.”

A lot of people would probably think he was doing this because he had to. Damien knew he could bring Autumn back to France without marrying her. He simply wanted to. This was a dream of his since he'd met her and now it was finally a reality. “I've never been happier in my life, Autumn.”

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"Come on, I'll take you to my secret spot..." Autumn to Damien

“Lead the way.”  

Damien’s pupils were dilated wide with desire.  He honestly didn’t know if Autumn could tell, if she knew what it meant - if she really even cared, herself.  All he knew was that if he didn’t have her by the end of the night, he might combust.  Luckily for him, it felt like she wanted him too.  Maybe not as much as he wanted her, but enough for him to take.  For him to get her to that point once they finally crossed the line they were teetering on. 

He wasn’t shy.  He held her hand in his tightly with theirfingers interlaced, allowing her to guide him blindly. Every now and then she’d glance back at him with that breathtaking smile of hers and it was a miracle he didn’t melt to the ground each time.  Now was one of those times.  Autumn paused to observe traffic and, in doing so, met his gaze and grinned.  She squeezed his hand a little tighter. He watched as her eyes briefly flickered to his lips.

Fuck. He really couldn’t do this. 

“Let me.” He spoke directly into her ear, his voice low but loud enough for her to hear. She gave him a look of confusion.  After all, she was supposed to be leading the way.  However, Damien spotted a little narrow alley a block back while they had been walking.  He had almost pulled her aside then, but he talked himself out of it at the last second.  He tugged Autumn in the opposite direction, earning him another confused glance.  He was moving with a bit more urgency now, but he didn’t care. 

“Damien-” She began once he turned into the alley.  

He didn’t let her finish.  In a moment, one of his hands were on her waist, the other on her lower back as he guided her to him.  His mouth silenced hers with a kiss - their first kiss.  He genuinely couldn’t wait any longer.  His fingers sunk into her skin ever so slightly.  She responded back enthusiastically, her hands reaching for his neck, his hair - her grip as insistent as his.  She bit down gently on his lower lip and he couldn’t help but groan, deepening the kiss further. He’d never been so attracted to someone in his life.  

Then, just as fast as the moment came, it died down.  They pulled apart breathlessly.  Damien could feel the heat all throughout his body and wouldn’t be surprised if he was red from the neck up.  Their hands remained on each other, but instead of trying to initiate more, their grips loosened.  Autumn laughed first and his chuckle followed immediately.  Damien couldn’t help himself.  He leaned in and pressed a kiss for her forehead, then stole another on her lips.  

“Weren’t you showing me your secret spot or something?” He asked teasingly.  Autumn let out a giggle of disbelief.  She pinched him gently, rolled her eyes, and resumed her respective role as their guide.  Damien knew in that moment he was going to marry this woman.