CHAPTER ONE
VIOLA
“Mom!” TJ screams from the top of the staircase. He’s named after his father and is definitely Travis’ mini-me—loud, obnoxious, and keeps life interesting with his antics. Basically, a typical thirteen-year-old boy. “Where are my basketball shorts?”
“You mean the entire dresser drawer that’s filled with them…” I muse from the kitchen as I grab creamer from the fridge.
Coffee. I need lots and lots of it.
It’s Friday morning and chaotic as usual with three kids and three dogs.
“I can’t find my favorite pair!” he whines.
“James, go help your brother, please. Ginny, don’t forget you’re picking TJ up after practice,” I remind her. Ever since she got her license six months ago, she’s been put on carpool duty, which has been a godsend.
“Ugh. I have plans,” she deadpans, then holds up her book to remind me.
Except when she complains about it.
“Can’t you pick him up before the signing? He’s done at 4:30; you’ll have plenty of time before you go,” I say, filling my cup full of coffee.
Ginny’s been invited to an exclusive meet and greet dinner with one of her favorite authors, and she’s been talking about it nonstop for the past three months. There’s no way I could’ve forgotten, but it happens to be the same night Travis and I are leaving for our anniversary weekend getaway.
She scoffs, then nods.
“James, don’t forget to feed and water the dogs,” I say when he returns with TJ. “And you…” I point at my youngest. “No pranks on Grams and Gramps. I’m scared one of these days you’re going to give them a heart attack.”
Travis strolls in with a devious smirk on his face. He walks over, smacks me on the ass, and steals my coffee. “Nah, your folks are gonna outlive all of us.”
I roll my eyes, then snatch my cup back. “That’s my favorite Harry Potter mug. Get your own.” Then I lean over and give him a kiss.
“Ew, please stop the PDA,” Ginny groans loudly. “It’s bad enough we know what you’re gonna be doing all weekend. We don’t need to be witnesses.”
I nearly choke, wondering where all the attitude is coming from. Ginny’s in her prime teenage years—one minute she’s sweet as pie, and the next, she’s ripping your head off. And I can’t even deny that she’s a lot like me at that age.
“What are they doing all weekend?” TJ asks innocently. At his age, he’s definitely been subjected to the sex talk and where babies come from, but that doesn’t mean he’s put together how he was conceived.
“Reading,” Travis answers with a sly grin.
James rolls his eyes and starts digging in the fridge. At fifteen, he’s constantly shoving food in his mouth.
“I’m leaving in five, be ready or get left behind,” Ginny announces to her brothers.
“Shotgun!” TJ calls out, grabbing his backpack and basketball bag.
“Keep dreaming!” James retorts, shoving him when he walks past. “Youngest always gets the backseat.”
“Just wait till I can drive. I’m making you sit in the trunk!” TJ shoulder-checks him.
Travis and I lean against the counter, drinking our coffees and watching our three pride and joys bicker before we’ve even had breakfast.
“Shut up, both of you.” Ginny scowls, grabbing her keys, then turns to look at me. “Ugh, I’m so sick of driving them everywhere.”
I cup her cheek and kiss it. “Perks of being the oldest.”
“And this is why your mother and I need a weekend alone to read.” Travis waggles his brow, earning an eye roll from Ginny.
“Gonna go throw up now,” she mumbles as she walks away.
“Remind me again why we had kids?” Travis teases, pulling me into his side.
I tilt up my head and find his lips. “Because you wouldn’t get off of me,” I retort quietly, but apparently not quietly enough because James groans obnoxiously loud.
“TJ, let’s go before we see the conception of our next sibling.”
“James Travis!” I scold.
Travis high-fives the boys, and I hug them before they meet Ginny at the car. Then we hear the horn as she drives off.
“Finally alone.” Travis smacks my ass again, causing my coffee to spill.
“Travis King!” I grind out. He laughs at my mad face.
“Meet me in the shower, my princess. Let’s get this weekend started.” He flashes me a wink, then lowers his shorts showing his bare ass. “I’ll be waiting.”
I snort, shaking my head as I watch him go upstairs. “You get started while I finish my coffee.”
“Hurry up!” he shouts from the top of the stairs.
I chug the rest of my drink, set it in the dishwasher, then contemplate cleaning up the counters. We’re well into our thirties, and Travis still acts like a horny teenage boy, not that I’m complaining. He’s made these fifteen years of marriage the best years of my life. It’s been an adventure with busy careers, raising three kids, and remodeling our house. We’ve been by each other’s side through it all and are madly in love.
I look around at the kitchen, and I hate how messy it is. It’s as if our children can’t figure out where to put their dirty dishes, regardless of how many times I tell them. But then I remind myself these days will be over and gone, and I’ll be sad as hell. Ginny will be leaving for college in just a couple years with James quickly following behind her. Then it’ll just be TJ until he does the same.
Knowing I can’t give my husband my full attention until I pick up, I quickly load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters. Once I’m content, I make my way to the bathroom.
“About damn time, woman. I was about to finish without you.”
“Oh, you poor baby. You got it last night, and you’re already deprived?” I taunt, stripping off my clothes, then meeting him under the water.
“When it comes to you, sweetheart. Can’t ever get enough.”
He cups my ass, pulling me into him, then crashes his lips to mine. I weave my fingers through his wet hair, arching my back and pressing into his hard cock.
“I still can’t believe we’ve been married for fifteen years.” I sigh as he lowers a hand between my thighs.
“I know,” he replies in between biting my lower lip. “Feels like just yesterday you were in my kitchen begging me to fuck you like a whore.”
“Travis!” I lean back to smack his chest, but he takes my wrist and pushes my hand down to his erection.
“Or should I say since I fucked your brains out?” He grins, and I easily recall the memory of our first time together.
“You’re the one who punched my date’s face in. You wanted me as much as I wanted you,” I remind him as he lowers his mouth and latches onto my neck. Water streams down my back as I stroke his shaft, and he sinks a finger inside my pussy.
“Fucking right, baby. You ready to count?” he murmurs in my ear. “I wanna hear you scream.”
Before I can respond, he spins us around and pushes me slightly until my back hits the wall. He slams two fingers between my thighs, and I gasp, grabbing onto his arms for balance as I see stars. Travis has always put my pleasure before his, but I get off equally as much watching him succumb.
As he finger-fucks me, he feathers kisses over my jawline and neck. He rubs over my clit with the pad of his thumb, and it sends me through the roof. My head slams back into the wall as the orgasm rivets up my spine. My arms wrap around his neck as he lifts my leg and slides his cock inside, the orgasm high still making me shudder.
“One,” I murmur when I finally catch my breath.
“Good girl. Get to five, and I’ll make your favorite pancakes.”
“Don’t bribe me with food,” I scold.
“Why not? I know your favorite things—ten intense orgasms followed by sugary syrup on chocolate chip pancakes.”
I snort. “And that’s why I married you.”
CHAPTER TWO
TRAVIS
“Mmm. This is why I keep you around,” Viola moans around a mouthful of food.
I arch a brow as I take a sip of coffee.
“Alright, fine. Not the only reason.” She rolls her eyes with a smirk. “You ready to tell me where we’re going?”
“Nope.”
“How will I know what to pack?” she counters.
I’ve been planning this for months, and there’s no way I’m spoiling it now. She’s always been impatient.
“Trust me, you won’t need much.” I waggle my brows. “And I’ll pack for you. That way, you don’t have to worry about it.”
“Yeah right. I need more than edible underwear and a see-through bra!”
“You have edible underwear?” I ask, amused. “Definitely packing those.”
She shakes her head with a grin.
I stand, taking my empty plate, and kiss the top of her head. “Take your time. I’ll get us packed, and then we can go.”
I’m dying to get there and have some quality alone time with her. Though we still can’t get enough of each other, it’s hard when we’re juggling schedules between work and kids. I wouldn’t change this life for the world. My family means everything to me, but getting Viola to myself for a night is exactly what we need.
“Alright, sweetheart. Ready to go?” I swing a black blindfold around my finger.
“What’s that?” she eyes it cautiously.
I hold it up with my hands and flash her a devious smirk. “For my wife.”
“Should’ve known you were gonna pack toys.”
“Technically…it’s for the car ride. But don’t worry, you’ll definitely be wearing it for pleasure later.”
“I’m not wearing that! Everyone will think you abducted me.”
I chuckle, shoving it into my pocket, then grab our things. “You’ll be in the front seat, and you won’t be tied up. Though I brought those too.”
“Travis.”
“You said you liked the handcuffs!” I retort. “These ones are legit. I borrowed them from Drew.”
“Oh my God. Please don’t talk about my brother and handcuffs,” she groans out, following behind me as I walk to the car.
“Like Court hasn’t told you all about their dirty sexcapades.”
“That’s different. We use a code name, so it sounds like she’s talking about someone else.”
“What? That’s just wrong.” I load everything, then open the passenger door for her.
“No, it’s so I don’t throw up,” she counters as she buckles in.
“He doesn’t make me use one when we talk.”
“You don’t talk about our sex life.”
“Of course I do. How do you think I got the handcuffs in the first place?” I waggle my brows, then pull out the blindfold and hand it to her. “No peeking.”
She exhales a deep breath, sighing as she gives in and takes the black fabric.
“Can I at least choose the music before I have to wear this?” she asks when I get behind the wheel.
“Of course, sweetheart.” I flash her a wink, then press a kiss on her knuckles. “Then sit back and relax. We’ll be there in a couple hours.”
I love surprising my wife. She does so much for our family and deserves this and more. She’s also put up with my ass for almost two decades.
After finally admitting our feelings, we had two kids before we said our vows. Every day, I’m still amazed that she picked me.
“I’m bored and can’t look at the scenery or read,” she complains an hour into the drive, which causes me to chuckle. Viola always has her nose in a book on long car rides.
“We’re halfway there now. Want to listen to an audiobook?” I suggest.
“Can I take off the blindfold to search for one?” she asks optimistically, but I know she’ll recognize where we’re headed.
“Nope, but I could pick one out.”
Viola barks out a laugh. “The last time I let you do that, I was bored to tears. You have the worst taste.”
“Market Wizards is not boring. It takes an acquired taste to get into money and marketing.”
“Pfft. Bad taste,” she mutters.
“Fine. Do you remember your senior prom?”
“Uh…vaguely, why?” she asks, caught off guard.
“Do you remember who you went with?” I prompt.
“Kevin Alistar.”
“So, I guess I’m not the only one with bad taste.”
“Dammit, Travis!” She swings her arm and smacks my bicep.
I chuckle, grabbing her hand and weaving my fingers through hers. “I was jealous as fuck. I came home from college that weekend and wanted to punch his nerdy little brains in. Told Drew I wanted to hang out, but in reality, I was hoping to see you. Didn’t realize how ragey I’d feel when I did.”
“Really? Jealous over Kevin?” Viola chuckles.
“You know damn well I was. The way his arm snaked around your waist and how his eyes stared at your chest. He’s lucky he didn’t meet my fists for being a perverted pig.”
Viola snorts. “You acted the same way, don’t forget.”
“That’s different. I knew you’d eventually end up in my bed.”
“Oh my God. You haven’t changed. You’re still full of yourself.”
I bring her hand to my lips. “That’s why you love me, baby.”
“That’s true. Never a dull moment with you.”
“Okay, that earned you an extra orgasm tonight.”
***
“We’re here, baby. Ready?”
“Yes! Plus, I really gotta pee.”
I snicker and park the car. “Just a second.”
Once I open her door, I help her out and lead her to the front of the car. This is something I’ve wanted to give her for years.
“Okay, Princess,” I whisper in her ear, standing behind her. “Happy Anniversary, my love.” I remove the blindfold and wait for her reaction.
“We’re staying here? It’s gorgeous!”
I move beside her and watch her face light up. “The view is…wow.”
“I thought you’d like it.” I grin, waiting for her to notice the SOLD sign out front on the lawn.
“Wait…did you rent or buy this?” she turns to ask.
I dig the key out of my pocket and hold it up. Viola’s eyes go wide.
“It’s ours, baby. Your very own vacation house on Lake Tahoe.”
“Travis King! You bought a whole house without consulting me?”
Her lips are tilted up in a smile, but her accusing tone sends me mixed signals.
“It was a surprise!” I remind her. “I couldn’t tell you, but I knew you’d love it.”
“I do love it. Even more now that I don’t have to go through the agony of house hunting.”
“See? I did you a favor.” I pull her into my arms. “Now we get to christen every room.”
“Hope you brought your Viagra.” She busts out laughing as she runs toward the door.
I chase after her and pin her to the front door. “Very funny. You know damn well I don’t need that to please my woman all night long.” Grabbing her wrists, I yank them above her head and thrust my hips into hers.
“I don’t know. I’ve always wondered how a man your age can go all night long, kinda suspicious.” Her teasing voice only makes me harder.
I arch a brow, grinding my cock against her stomach. “Guess I’m gonna have to prove that I don’t need a magic pill to fuck my wife till sunrise.”
Viola bites her bottom lip, arching her back to press into me. “Gimme your best, King.”
“Game on, Princess.”
CHAPTER THREE
VIOLA
“Good morning, sweetheart,” he whispers into my ear as I slowly wake up to the sun gleaming through the blinds. My eyes flutter open, and I smile, though I’m tired of Travis trying to prove me wrong all night—which he totally did.
“Waking up to you never gets old,” I admit, gliding my hand down his stomach and grabbing his cock that’s already waiting for me. Then again, when isn’t it?
He groans out as I tighten my grip and stroke him. “Damn woman.”
I slide my lips across his, then kiss down his chest. Travis moves the blankets away from his body, revealing his perfect cock. His gaze is on me, studying and admiring me, as I lick and suck the tip.
“Fuck,” he groans out when I slide my tongue around his tip. Travis wraps my hair around his fist and guides me over his shaft. I take him in until he hits the back of my throat, and I gag.
Knowing that I’m making him feel good turns me on, and I squeeze my thighs. His breathing increases, and before he spills into my mouth, I pull away.
All I can do is smirk before he flips me onto my back and moves down the bed. Travis grabs my ankles, pulling me to the edge before he drops to his knees and spreads my legs.
“Oh God,” I moan out as he devours me, then reaches up and pinches my nipple. His tongue swirls and flicks against my clit. I’m losing myself within mere minutes.
“Not fair!” I protest, happily riding out my release. He gets cocky as hell and takes pride in how quick he can make me come. “One,” I murmur. He knows my body better than I know it myself.
My heart pounds as I come down from the orgasmic high. Without warning, Travis rolls me onto my stomach. His cock slides in and out, and he fucks me slow from behind.
“Feels amazing, doesn’t it, Princess?.” He reaches back and slaps my ass.
“Harder,” I demand, loving the pain mixed with pleasure.
Travis’ grip on my hips tightens, and it doesn’t take him long before he spills inside of me.
“Goddamn,” he says, catching his breath.
After we come down from our high, we take a shower together. He washes every inch of me, including my hair, and I return the favor.
Once we’re done, Travis gets dressed and heads to the kitchen. I take my time getting ready for the day and even put on some lipstick.
When I’m finished, I see a big plate of bacon and eggs on the counter. But he’s not done yet.
“Strawberries and cream waffles?” he asks but already knows the answer because he’s pouring the batter into the waffle iron.
“You spoil me too much,” I say, moving behind him and snaking my arms around his waist. He takes a step back and kisses me on my forehead.
The delicious smells fill the room and my mouth waters. After he’s made more than enough for us, we take everything to the breakfast nook that overlooks the lake.
“This place is beautiful. I can’t believe it’s really ours.”
He shoots me a wink, and I grin.
“Just imagine how much time we’ll have to spend here when the kids move out,” he says.
“Well, considering we have three teenagers’, it won’t be too much longer. I can’t believe we’re old enough to have a kid who’s driving. How’d that happen?”
“I know. Sometimes it feels just like yesterday you were telling me you were pregnant with Ginny.” His face softens, and I replay all the small and big moments we’ve been through over the years.
“I love you so much,” I say. “Thank you for this.”
“I love you too, Princess. Always and forever.” He looks over at the clock on the microwave.
“I’ve got some things planned for us today, so we should probably get going soon.”
“Seriously?” I can’t believe he’s gone out of his way to do all of this. “You’ve already surprised me enough.”
“You deserve it and more,” he says matter-of-factly, picking up our empty plates and rinsing them.
“Am I dressed okay for what we’re doing?”
He looks at me from head to toe. “Depends. What are you wearing under that skirt?”
I lift a brow. “Let the imagination wander. I might’ve gone shopping.”
“If we had more time, I’d be going in for a second breakfast.” He shoots me a wicked grin.
“Don’t tempt me to sit on your face right now,” I taunt. Considering this is the most we’ve been alone in a while, I’m not taking a second for granted.
Travis and I head to the car. While he’s driving, I text the kids to make sure they’re staying out of trouble. Though my parents are staying at the house with them, I have no doubt they’d let them get away with murder.
Viola: No parties! Remember, I have cameras all around the outside of the house.
Ginny responds with an eye roll emoji, then sends another text.
Ginny: Come on, Mom! I’m not stupid.
Viola: Your brothers are doing okay?
Ginny: They will be as long as they keep their voices down so I can finish this book.
I laugh, and Travis glances over at me.
“Ginny’s complaining about needing quiet reading time.”
“She reminds me so much of you. Would rather stay in and read than hang out with boys. Not to mention she has your snarky attitude.”
I scoff. “No, that attitude came from you. And I might’ve read a ton, but I turned out just fine, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. Saved yourself for me.” He waggles his brows.
“Oh hush! I wasn’t a virgin, asshole. You just like teasing me about it.”
“Come on, just admit it already,” he teases.
I roll my eyes, shaking my head at him. “Keep dreaming. But you’re the only one I gave my heart to. Happy now?”
He smirks. “Yes. All mine.”
“You should be glad I read all those romance novels. I knew exactly what expectations to have when it came to what I wanted and deserved. You exceeded them all, so I guess always having my nose in a book wasn’t a bad thing.”
“Alright, I can’t argue with that. Just call me your Prince Charming.” He flashes a smug smirk.
A snort escapes me. “You mean a freak in the sheets, King.”
Travis turns down a road where the lake is directly beside us. The sky is crystal blue, and the September sun is high in the sky.
As soon as Travis pulls into a giant parking lot, I see a huge boat.
I turn to him, excitement taking over. “We’re going on that?”
“Yep! It’s called the M.S. Dixie. It’s the largest cruising ship on the lake.” He takes my hand when we’re out of the car. I interlock my fingers with his, and we walk toward the resort. We sign in and go to the gift shop while we wait.
I grab one of the straw hats from the rack.
“You should get it,” Travis suggests. “Looks sexy on you.”
“Really?” I ask, taking a peak in the small mirror on the wall.
I see a few souvenirs the kids would love too. “We’ll have to stop and pick up some things before we leave. We can’t go home empty-handed.”
He laughs. “You’re right about that.”
After we leave the shop, it’s time for us to board.
“This is going to be awesome,” I tell him as we walk down the dock to the red and white boat that’s waiting at the end.
Travis hands the guy our tickets.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. and Mrs. King.”
We smile and continue forward. “When I was younger, I always dreamed of being called that.”
Travis slides his lips across mine, then whispers in my ear. “I dreamed of other things, like you riding my face.”
“Mm.”
We head up three sets of stairs until we’re at the bar area. Travis orders us both a glass of Zinfandel, then we continue to the top to get a good view of the mountains. The sun reflects off the water causing it to shimmer and shine.
We find a seat and drink our wine while we wait for everyone to board. I look over at Travis and lean forward for a kiss.
“This is perfect,” I whisper.
“You are,” he says, brushing his fingers across my cheek.
“Hope you still think that when I’m fifty and wrinkly. I feel so old sometimes,” I admit.
Travis chuckles. “We’re getting older, babe. Just aging like fine wine.”
“Men age differently. When you’re old, they’ll call you Daddy. When I’m old, they’re gonna call me Grandma or Old Lady.”
“Or call you a GILF. Also, you’re gonna make a cute grandmother one day,” he tells me.
“Oh my God, Ginny could literally make me one before I’m forty!” The thought makes me laugh, but it also makes me want to cry too. Life has been so good, but I feel like precious moments are slipping through my fingers. I’m not sure how things will be without my babies living with us.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Travis asks, wrapping his arm around me like he’s claiming his prize.
“The kids growing up and moving out, leaving us empty nesters.”
“Viola!” He laughs. “We’ve got plenty of years with them. And when they leave the house, we’re fucking like we’re twenty again. Or I could just knock you up again. Maybe we’ll have twins.”
Now I’m laughing. “And start all over? No way. Ginny has two more years of high school, then she’ll move away to college. I worry about her.”
“I know. But like you said, you turned out okay.”
I give him a sideways glance. “Until you ruined me!”
“In all the right ways, sweetheart,” he says as we look out at the calm water. Parasailers and paddleboarders surround us, and I’m so glad we did this today. It’s relaxing. After we’ve finished our drinks, we decide to go downstairs for some dessert at the restaurant.
Once the chocolate fudge brownie I ordered arrives, we dig in.
“Happy fifteen years, sweetheart,” Travis tells me.
“You too, babe,” I say. “It’s been a great day.”
We finish eating and go upstairs to soak in the views. Travis wraps his arm around me and holds me against him. How’d I get so lucky? A question I’ll never be able to answer.
Eventually, we return to the resort and dock. When we’re on land, we stop and get the kids some magnets and T-shirts before going to the car.
“This is just what I needed,” I admit, realizing we’ve been gone for nearly four hours.
“Oh, the day isn’t over yet.”
I tilt my head at him. “What does that mean?”
He shrugs. “You’ll see, Princess. You’ll see.”
CHAPTER FOUR
TRAVIS
“You’re really not going to tell me?” She pretends to pout, and I shake my head.
“No, and that sad face won’t work this time,” I say. Viola knows I’m weak for her and has me wrapped around her little finger. But I refuse to let her ruin what I have planned. If it were up to her, I’d ruin all the surprises I planned for her.
I take the long way back to the lake house. The leaves are changing, and the view is stunning.
“Where are we going now?” Viola finally asks.
“Back to the lake house,” I tell her, knowing I’ve stalled long enough.
She’s confused when we park. “You took the long way to bring me back home?”
“I love that you’re already calling this place home.”
When we get out of the car, I pull her into my arms and place a kiss on her forehead. She pulls away and smirks. “Just wait until I get you inside.”
This has me chuckling. “Oh really?”
She leads me up the steps, and I unlock the door.
“Yeah, just you wait,” she says when we walk inside.
“Now, what were you saying?” I bite the corner of my lip, and she growls just as all of our friends and family jump out and shouts, “Surprise!”
Viola didn’t even have time to notice the entire place was decorated.
Her eyes go wide, and she breaks out into a fit of giggles.
“A surprise party?” She turns to me just as her parents walk up and hug us.
“Happy Anniversary, kiddos,” her mother says with a big grin. Mr. Fisher kisses Viola’s cheek and tells us congratulations.
Courtney squeezes between the triplets, then walks up and hugs her next. “You know I love any excuse to plan an event. I think it’s in my genes.”
I laugh because I’ve hung out with her massive family on several occasions over the years. The Bishops sure know how to throw a party.
Courtney wraps her arms around Viola and squeezes her. “When Travis suggested it, I was like onboard before he could even ask for my help! Plus, fifteen years of putting up with him deserved a big bash.”
“Excuse me.” I scowl, but Courtney only laughs at me.
Drew shakes his head at his wife, then grins at me. “It’s kinda our anniversary too.”
Courtney’s face reddens as she widens her eyes at Drew.
“Oh my gosh, you’re right.” Viola giggles.
“Huh?” I say with confusion.
“Their first time together was the night of our wedding. Guess both of you got lucky that night,” Viola responds.
“Happy fifteen years of getting laid, man,” I taunt, slapping his shoulder.
Viola snorts, turning her attention to Kayla and Logan, who comes over.
“I’m so glad you could make it,” I tell them as Kayla hugs me.
“Congrats, you two!” Kayla says. “Skylar sends her love, and the kids are with Logan’s mom.”
Skylar’s away at college right now since the semester just started last month.
Logan speaks up. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get off work, but I insisted I had a family event. They couldn’t say no.”
Drew nods. “Yeah, I said the same thing. I think the entire department knew what we were doing, though.”
I see TJ is annoying James, so I walk over to them. I look at TJ first. “Go hang out with the triplets.”
Delaney, Anderson, and Creevey are younger than TJ, but he doesn’t seem to mind hanging out with them.
James gives me an unamused look as TJ walks away.
“What’s goin’ on?” I ask, noticing an annoyed look on his face.
“Where are all the girls?” he says as I make my way back to the living room where everyone’s sitting.
I laugh with amusement. Every time I look at him, I see bits of my younger self.
“Girls will get you in trouble,” I remind him, and he shakes me off.
“Aunt Courtney said there were going to be girls here my age.”
“I did, and your sister and Delaney are right there, so it’s not technically a lie,” she says, overhearing us. “I would’ve said anything to get you off your phone.”
He scoffs and walks toward the boys instead.
“Teenagers are nightmares,” I mumble.
“If we survive the next five years full of all these attitudes, it’ll be a miracle,” Viola adds.
TJ’s busy chatting with Anderson about a game on his iPhone. Creevey stands behind them like he’s their manager. It’s funny to see our kids interact with one another in the same ways we did growing up.
“I think it’s time for a toast,” Kayla says.
Logan and Drew pass out champagne glasses while I pop the cork. Ginny tries to sneak a drink, and I quickly shake my head at her.
“Mom said I could,” she insists.
“Really? So I can ask her to verify?”
She huffs. I’ve been caught in the middle of that game way too many times. “No drinking until you’re forty.”
“If I listened to everything you said, I’d literally die an old woman before I had any fun!” She’s whining, and it takes everything I have not to laugh.
“That’s right. No partying, no boyfriends, and no alcohol until you’re fifty.”
She rolls her eyes so hard, I’m surprised they don’t fall right out. “You’re embarrassing.”
Viola stands beside me, and all it takes is one stern look before Ginny straightens up.
“To the happy couple,” Kayla says, holding up her glass, and we all toast.
“Thank you guys so much,” Viola tells everyone. I turn and see how emotional she looks. Being surrounded by our family and best friends has made it a perfect day.
Soon, the champagne is flowing, and music is playing softly in the background as we chat with the people who mean the most to us.
“I can’t believe you were able to pull this off,” Viola says after she’s had a glass.
“Trust me, you’re still hard as hell to surprise,” I admit. “Thankfully, Courtney and Kayla were on board and helped round up the kids.”
“I’m glad they’re here even if they look bored as hell.”
“Wait, so we’re moving here?” TJ asks, interrupting our conversation. “That’s what Ginny said!”
Everyone stares at us. Ginny mumbles, then goes back to her book.
“No, your mom and I are when you move out. It’s our new romantic getaway cabin.”
“Oh yeah right, but this place is ours?”
“Yep, it is,” Viola says. “We should spend Christmas here this year. Get it all decorated and make a big feast!”
“Oh, I love that idea,” Kayla gushes. She’s been obsessed with Christmas for as long as I’ve known her. “The mountains and snow in the winter are going to make this place look like a winter wonderland. It’ll be so magical!”
“Here?” James asks, unamused. “I wanted to hang out with my friends over break.”
Viola shrugs with an apologetic smile. “And I want to spend time with my kids.”
James looks at me, and I nod in agreement. “Your mom’s the boss. You know that.”
Courtney directs everyone to the kitchen for dinner. It’s an Italian number with breadsticks, salad, and lasagna.
After we’re done eating, Kayla speaks up. “Who’s ready for cake?”
Kayla grabs it from the fridge and places it in front of Viola.
“Wow, this is an identical miniature of our wedding cake.” Viola glances at me in shock.
I smile and nod. “I was wondering if you’d notice. I had the same lady make it. Same flavor and everything.”
Kayla hands me the knife. I cut it into thin pieces and place them on dessert plates. As soon as Viola takes a bite, her eyes light up, and she moans. “Wow. She nailed it.”
I lean forward and kiss her, tasting the sweetness on her lips. “Yep. It’s exactly like I remember.”
The kids go outside on the deck to hang out, and the adults stay inside to drink and chat.
“We’re going to have to give you guys the grand tour,” Viola says, eating a spoonful of hazelnut cream icing.
“That would be amazing,” Courtney says. “Though Travis already sent us pictures.”
“Seriously?”
Kayla and Courtney nod.
Viola gasps. “And you two kept it from me? How? You’ve got the biggest mouths on the planet.”
Kayla snickers. “Travis told us he wouldn’t ever let us visit if we ruined the surprise.”
“Yep, it was enough for us to keep that shit to ourselves,” Courtney says.
Viola’s in disbelief. “But you slip with secrets all the time! Both of you!”
“The stakes have never been so high, though,” Courtney admits with a wink. “Drew and I plan to take full advantage when it’s our wedding anniversary. Hope you can watch the kids,” she says with a laugh.
“We’d be happy to watch all the kids,” Viola’s mom chimes in. “They’re easy peasy.”
“Sneaky. All of you!” Viola chuckles. “My own friends and parents kept secrets from me.”
“I’m just glad it worked. Seeing your reaction was worth the threats,” I say.
After we’re done eating, she shows everyone around to each room. While the house is spacious and well decorated, the lake views off the large deck are the big showpiece.
After we’ve fully celebrated our anniversary, everyone leaves except the kids.
“Thought they’d stay with us tonight. I know how much you miss them when we’re away,” I say.
“Thank you.” Viola stands up on her tiptoes and kisses me. I run my fingers through her brown hair and smile when I pull away.
“Want to watch the sunset?” I ask, pouring us another glass of champagne to finish off the bottle.
“Yeah, I’d love that.”
The kids have gone to their rooms. Ginny has her nose in a book, James is busy texting on his phone, and TJ’s watching TV at an ungodly volume, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I love having alone time with Viola, having our family together makes me feel complete.
The crickets create a symphony of chirps as the sun begins to dip behind the mountains and trees. Eventually, the sky goes from blue to purple to dark gray, and the stars appear. This view is everything, and I can’t wait to spend many more getaways here, hiking and exploring it all together.
“Did you imagine it’d be like this?” Viola asks.
“What’s that?”
“Being married to me.”
“I hoped and wished we’d have this kind of life together. There were times in the very beginning when I wasn’t sure it’d happen. Now, it’s better than I ever could’ve imagined. You and the kids are my everything.”
Viola leans into me, and I slide my lips against hers. “You make me the happiest woman in the world. If a genie magically appeared and gave me three wishes, there’s nothing I could ask for because I have everything I could ever need and want.” She meets my eyes. “I love you so much.”
Those three words never get old to hear. “I love you too, Princess. Looking forward to spending an eternity with you.”
She kisses me again, sliding her tongue between my lips and moaning. I groan in her mouth. “Now I’m regretting the kids being here.”
Viola laughs. “Yeah, I was looking forward to screaming your name all night.”
I immediately have to adjust myself because my dick is hard as fuck. I look over my shoulder, then back at her before I slip my hand up her skirt. She’s dripping wet.
“No panties?” My eyes go wide. “You said you went shopping.”
“I did, but I never said I put anything on.”
“You’re a fucking prowess,” I say, rubbing her clit. Viola’s breathing increases when I shove two fingers inside of her.
“Yes, yes,” she whispers, holding onto my arm as I finger fuck her. I make sure to look over my shoulder every once in a while. I’m on high alert to make sure the patio door doesn’t slide open.
“Fuck,” she quietly pants out as I pick up the pace, her muscles tightening around me as her head falls back.
“Just imagine my cock inside of your tight cunt,” I whisper in her ear.“You dirty little minx. You’re so ready for me.”
“Oh God…” She groans. “I’m so close…”
Her body convulses as she bites down on her lower lip to keep from screaming. I keep my pace, her pussy clenching and nearly snapping off my fingers. When her breathing steadies, I bring my hand to my lips and taste her release. She looks up at me with hooded eyes as she inches her skirt down her body.
“That’s one,” I say, magnetized by her gaze. “Hope you’re ready for more because tonight we’re finally going to beat that record.”
Her brow pops up, but then her mouth curves into a devious smile. “You know I love a challenge.”
“Of course you do, Princess.” I kiss her lips again. “Don’t forget that blindfold.”
