Temporarily Yours

Chapter 36

Leah spoke, "Remember when I told you I'd beat your ass if you ever hurt Caroline back in Mexico?" I nodded and Leah smiled softly before continuing. "Well, I don't think you'll have to worry about me doing that. You're a good man, Luke. Caroline deserved someone who would give her the world and make her feel loved, appreciated, feel like a queen. And you're doing a damn good job of fulfilling that place in her life. Thank you."

I looked down at my left hand, gazing at my ring finger. It felt bare again, like it had the first time I took my wedding ring off after Chelsea passed. It hadn't felt right then, and it didn't now either. But this time it was different. I was ready to marry Caroline. I was ready to make her my bride.

I glanced up, meeting Leah's eyes. "I love her." I said tenderly.

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The sun showed feebly through the branches of the trees, glistening on Chelsea's tombstone. Chelsea's favorite tree was a dogwood tree. She had wanted to plant tons of them on the farm when we broke ground there. She never got around to it before she was diagnosed with cancer though. I eventually planted one right outside her little cabin and it had only felt right to bury her under one when she passed.

"Long time, no see," I said lightheartedly and I squatted down. "You probably would have hit me upside the head for that joke."

I smiled, knowing she would have done just that. It was hard to believe it'd been almost three and a half years since she'd gone to be with Chris and Kelly. Also hard to believe Lee joined them. Tate wasn't very old when Chelsea died. I think he remembers the thought of her, though. Bo, on the other hand, certainly remembers her. I'm just glad he's taking to Caroline so well. Caroline reminds me of Chelsea in certain ways so I think that's why Bo is mostly okay.

"I'm going to marry her, Chels. I love her. The letter you left me, really pushed me to move on. Without that, I don't know if I would have."

I sat in silence, listening to the sounds of passing cars in the distance and the chirping of birds overhead and in and among the trees.

I don't think you truly ever can move on from losing the love of your life. I'll always love Chelsea, no doubt in my mind about that, but I also love Caroline. With Chelsea, it's now a past love that I'll always cherish. Yet, with Caroline, it's the new and exhilarating kind of love, a love that I need, it's an existent love.

Caroline made me whole again. She was the missing puzzle piece to this crazy jigsaw life I have. I never thought I'd find a woman to fill that gaping whole in my heart, yet Caroline did. She stepped into my life at a time I needed it most and I thank God every day for her.

Just then my phone buzzed. It was Caroline sending me a text.

Dinner is being prepared. Steak, red potatoes, green beans, and apple pie for dessert! I bought an extra can of whipped cream just for us ;) The boys have been missing you all day! See you soon. Love ya to the moon and back a billion times! <3

  That little text brought a huge smile to my face. It was the little things like that, that made my day. God, I loved her.

  I glanced down one last time at Chelsea's tombstone before kissing my hand and placing it on the sun-warmed stone.

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As I walked inside, I could smell the delicious smell of food wafting towards me. I quickly and quietly snuck past the kitchen heading towards my bedroom with the Victoria's Secret bag in hand. Once I was in the clear, I slowed down and rounded the corner. I placed the pink bag on the end of the bed and shoved the ring box into the back of my sock drawer. Then I quickly ran back out to the kitchen.

"Something smells delicious, baby." I announced as I appeared in the kitchen.

  "Hey, honey." Caroline said. "It'll be just a little while longer. The kids are out back with Til."

  She was at the stove stirring the potatoes in the pot. I approached her and gave her a peck on the lips.

  "What's this I hear about whipped cream." I whispered huskily.

   Caroline bit her lip. "Mmm, you'll just have to wait and see." She winked.

  I growled before smiling. I reached for her hand, pulling her away from the stove. "I have something for you!"

  "Can't it wait? I'm cooking." She whined.

  I shook my head. "No can do, miss. Now, come on."

She just laughed and set her wooden spoon down. "Fine."

I dragged her towards the bedroom. As we entered the room together, I made sure she didn't see the bag before I closed the door behind us and quickly pushed her against it, attacking her lips. Her fingers immediately tangled in my hair. We had a quick make out session which I can say I enjoyed thoroughly.

She pushed me off of her, her cheeks beat red. "What was that for?" She asked breathlessly, a trace of a smiling on the edges of her lips.

"I haven't seen you all day and that made up for the lack of kisses I got!" I exclaimed. She smirked. "I also got something to go along with that whipped cream."

Caroline's whole demeanor changed and I chuckled, pointing towards the bed. Once her eyes met what I was gesturing towards, she ran over to it, picking it up. Caroline gasped as she saw what was in it.

"Do you like it?" I asked wearily.

  She nodded vigorously. "I love it. Did you pick it out yourself?"

"In fact, I did." I said.

  She gave me a quick kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Our moment was cut short as we heard the padding of feet and the whine of Bo. "Miss Caroline!"

  "Oh boy," She sighed.

We laughed together as we made our way out of the bedroom. This is how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. I wanted to spend each and every passing second with a great wife and my children. I couldn't wait.

Author's Note

I don't know about this chapter guys.... I need feedback to update again!  :)