"Fuck!"

I could feel my knuckles turn white from gripping the bed sheets. My whole body was shaking and my heart was beating right out of my chest. I gasped for air as I felt the pressure build up between my legs. Every thought I had before was surely gone by now.

I loosen my grip on the sheets and I felt Carol crawl up to me. I look at her as she hovers above me and smiles at me. I grab her face and pull her down to me and savor her kiss like it's the last thing I'll taste.

After we pull back, we don't say a word to each other but just stare into each other's eyes. It still amazes me how I get so lost into her ocean of blues and I can't seem to find my way back to shore.

I finally come back and smile at her, "You're amazing,"

She giggled and it was the cutest thing ever and my heart exploded. "I've had experience," she winked, which caused me to turn every shade of red, which made her laugh. She leaned down and kissed my nose and I pulled her to me and wrapped my arms around her.

She laid her head against my neck and we laid there, not saying a word, and I loved these moments. Not necessarily the sex, I still like that, but it's the moments that doesn't involve anything but being with each other.

Just laying in each other's arms, not saying a word, is the best feeling there is, because I know that she's safe, and I'm safe, and nothing can hurt us because we have each other's protection.

The thought that was gone before, surely came back and I couldn't ignore it this time. "Carol,"

She made a noise and I patted her back to indicate for her to look at me. She lifted her head and looked at me as I looked at her, "I need to tell you something, but I don't want you to freak out," she gave me a look but I ignored it as I took a deep breath, "I saw-"

I was interrupted by the sound of my phone. I picked it up from the bedside table and saw Richard's contact name appear on the screen. I looked at Carol and told her to hold on.

"Hello?"

"Terry! Hope I'm not interrupting anything."

I looked down at Carol as she had her head back on me. "Um, a little bit, but what's up?"

"Ok, so Steph and I have everything ready for tomorrow, and by the time Carol leaves for work, I will come by and we can go over everything,"

I nodded but felt stupid because he couldn't see. "Sounds good,"

I could practically hear the excitement in his voice, "Great! See you tomorrow!" he hung up and I put my phone back on the table.

I rubbed Carol's back as I laid there and thought about tomorrow. I'm glad to have Richard and Stephanie help with everything, because I couldn't do it on my own. I'm glad to have some help, and I really wanted this to be the best party ever.

Carol's birthday party.

She isn't really that into surprises, and I know that because I surprise her on her birthday every year, but it gets better because I love surprising her and the look on her face is what I love the most.

Every year, she's completely oblivious to the fact that when her birthday comes around, that I throw her a party, and I like that because she forgets that there will be a surprise party.

"Who was that?" she asked as her head was still laying on me.

I shrugged, "Richard,"

I felt her nod, "What did he want?"

I hated lying to her, but I had to in this case. "Just wanted to know what I was doing tomorrow,"

We lay there for a few minutes until she leans up and sits on me. I stare up at her as she's smiling down at me and I'm wondering what is going on through her head. She leans down and kisses me, but it's not a peck, it's a heated kiss that has my insides burning and my heart racing.

She pulls back and stares at me, "I love you," she caresses my cheek and continues to stare at me. "So much," and that's all it took for my heart to explode into confetti.

This woman is mine. She has been mine for seven years, and she'll be mine until it's our time to go. I never want to leave her because she's my other half and I'm completely and utterly in love with her.

I smiled as I felt my heart race, "I love you too,"

***

When I woke up the next morning, I had a stupid smile on my face and I couldn't mask my excitement because I was nervous and excited at the same time. I knew that I would give everything away in a heartbeat from the way I was acting, but I was trying to hold it all together.

I made a plate for Carol and right on cue, she walks into the kitchen. I smile at her as she walks to me and smiles back. "Good morning," she kisses my cheek and leaves my face heated.

"Happy birthday," I smile as she smiles back.

"Don't make a big deal out of it," she walks around me and I stare at her.

"Why not? It's your day," I watch as she sits down at the table.

She looks at me and shrugs, "I'm getting old," I couldn't help but chuckle as I sat down next to her.

"Babe, it's something everyone has to go through. Getting old isn't that bad," I watch as she takes a bite of her food then looks at me.

"Easy for you. You're still young," she had a point.

"Well, even if I'm young, you're still the sexiest woman ever as you get older," I watched as her eyes landed on me and I knew that saying that was a plus for me.

"Therese," she started and I knew where this was going. "I have work in about thirty minutes. Please don't make me late,"

I chuckled and got up. "Fine," I walked to the counter and made some coffee for myself. I turned around and caught her looking at me. I raised an eyebrow, "Problem?"

I heard her take a deep breath as I smiled and watched her. "You're really testing me today," I shrugged as she stared at me. "Why you do this at the most inconvenient times, I don't know,"

I chuckled, "Babe, I do it because I know that it drives you crazy," I winked which caused her to roll her eyes.

I love playing this game with her and I do it so much that it has become a hobby for me. I genuinely love messing with her in times where she can't do a damn thing about it.

She got up and walked towards me and I watched her as she stood in front of me. She didn't say anything as she slowly leaned towards me. I waited for her lips to make contact with mine, but they never did.

She pulled back and held the coffee in her hands and smiled at me then walked over to the table.

I stood there staring at her, wondering what the hell just happened. She came back and sat the coffee on the counter and smiled at me, "I can play that game too," she smiled, "Babe,"

She walked back and I couldn't help but smile as she sat down and took a sip of her coffee. I watched her for a moment until she looked up at me, "Problem?"

I smiled and nodded, "Alright, I see how it is,"

She smiled and shrugged then went back to eating.

Well played.

***

Carol left for work and it was around two when Richard and Stephanie came over. We still had another two hours before Carol came home, and even though I was panicking, Richard said that it was plenty of time to get everything set up.

Richard had some friends from his work and they all pitched in to help. Stephanie's friends came along too, and I couldn't be more happier because I honestly thought it was just going to be us trying to get everything set up.

As an hour went by, everything was coming together and it looked amazing. I couldn't believe how good everything looked and I was so excited for Carol to see it.

I had called Phyllis and told her to come by before the party started, and she said she'd be here. I wanted everything to be perfect, and so far, everything was.

As I was standing in the living room with Stephanie and her friends, Richard came up to me. "Hey Terry, I need you to go to the store,"

I gave him a confused look, "For what?"

"Someone forgot the candles," he looked over at Stephanie and I saw Stephanie glare at him.

"I did not forget them, you did," I chuckled a little and told Richard that I didn't mind going to the store. He gave me the money and told me to hurry up before we had about an hour before Carol got home.

I quickly got into my car and left the house. I checked the clock on the radio so many times as I was driving down the street. I had to make sure that I had time, and that I wasn't going to be late.

What a great way to throw a birthday party for my wife if I'm late to it.

I parked at the store and quickly got out and went inside. I knew exactly where the candles were, so it took no time for me to grab them and pay.

I walked out and went to my car. As I was unlocking it, I heard a car pull up but I ignored it as I opened my door and was about to get in, but I was stopped.

"Hello Therese,"

I froze and slowly turned around and was met with the man that I never thought I'd see again. The man who I didn't even want to see ever, but here we are, face to face in the parking lot.

After seven years.

He smiled, "You look good. Hope all is well," he had on blue jeans and a white shirt. He looked bigger, but not fat. He was more toned and muscular, as if he's been working out everyday.

I didn't have any words to say to him. I honestly didn't want to be here in front of him. I wanted to get in my car and drive away as fast as I could.

He stared at me for a moment until a smile crept on his face, "Still don't talk much, huh?"

"What do you want?" I finally got out the words as I stared at him.

He shrugged, "Just wanted to say hello," I could tell that wasn't the only thing he wanted. He chuckled, "Alright, fine. I wanted to know how Carol was doing,"

I squinted my eyes at him because I couldn't believe what just came out of his mouth. "Excuse me?"

He smiled, "I mean, it's only fair to know how my ex wife is doing,"

I felt my insides burn but I tried keeping it together. "Why the hell would you want to know?"

He stood there staring at me for a minute, "I thought I should at least know that,"

I shook my head, "I'm not telling you a damn thing," I was about to get in my car when he came up to me and stopped me.

"Whoa whoa, all I wanted to know was how she's doing," he stared at me as I stared back. "I heard she's pregnant,"

I stared at him, "How do you know?" I felt my heart racing as he smiled.

"I have my ways," he shrugged.

"It's none of your business," I tried to get back in my car but again, he stopped me.

"It is my business, when she was my wife," he chuckled, "Oh, and the girl she left me for happens to be her wife now," I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at him. I don't think I heard what he said, because I didn't understand any of it.

"What?" I stared at him as he looked taken aback from it.

"She didn't tell you?" I shook my head and he smiled. "I would of at least thought that she would of told you, her wife, why we divorced in the first place,"

I stared at him, "I believe she divorced you because you were a drug head, an abuser and a cheater," if I'm not mistaken, that's all true.

He chuckled, "Oh, you must have read her journal," I gave him a confused look but he smiled. "I read those parts too, but they weren't true," he paused and shrugged, "Well, half anyways, I don't think you read your pages, correct?" I slowly shook my head and he smiled. "Oh, Therese. Maybe you really don't know the woman who Carol really is. But, you'll soon find out,"

I was about to say something but he stopped me, "You've been married what, three years?" how he knew that, I have no idea. "It took us about four years for our marriage to fail, so I wouldn't be surprised when everything started crumbling down," he started walking off until he stopped and turned towards me. "Maybe you should read those pages about you. It might finally all click,"

I watched as he got into his car and drove off, leaving me completely confused.

***

I made it back in about ten minutes before Carol arrived. I was shaking the whole ride over there and I couldn't stop. I was shook up about the encounter I had with Harge, and I couldn't get his face out of my head.

I walked inside and was met by Richard. "What the hell? How long does it take for you to get candles?" I shrugged and followed him into the living room, where everyone was waiting.

I saw Phyllis and made my way to her. She smiled when she saw me and instantly pulled me into a hug. "I was wondering where you were," she said as we pulled back.

"I was out getting candles but got caught up in something," she nodded as she looked at me and I couldn't help but smile at her.

This was my sister. The one who I thought would never get better, and would always make my life a living hell. But here we are, seven years down the road, and she's finally living the life she was meant to live.

I heard Addison run up to me and I smiled as I picked her up. "You're getting so big!" I smiled at her.

She smiled back, "That's what mommy always says!" I chuckled as I looked over at Phyllis who was smiling at her.

I sat Addison down and watched as she ran away. I chuckled as Phyllis turned towards me, "She's a mess," I nodded as I looked at her.

"She's energetic like you were," she nodded and smiled.

"I know, that worries me," she chuckled. "I'm trying to keep her mind right, and keep everything away from her," I saw something in her eyes and I knew what she was talking about.

I smiled, "Don't worry about that. You're a great mom," she smiled and pulled me to her and hugged me. I hugged her back and felt the love for my sister that I thought wasn't possible anymore.

"She's here!"

I heard Richard yell and he told everything to hide. I found Addison and hid with her and told her to be very quiet. But of course, being a six year old, she has to giggle every now and then.

The door opened and when we heard footsteps in the living room, everyone jumped up and screamed.

"Surprise!"

The look on Carol's face was priceless and I couldn't help but laugh. Her eyes lit up as she looked around and even from where I was, I could see tears in her eyes.

I made my way to her and when she saw me, she broke down crying. I pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back, "Happy birthday babe," she hugged me back tighter.

When she pulled back, she wiped her eyes and smiled at me, "Thank you," she leaned in and kissed me and I smiled against her lips. When we pulled back, everyone started walking to her so I backed off.

I watched as she kept a smile on her face and that's what made me smile. I loved making her smile, and I would continue to do so for the rest of our lives.

As the party started, I was in the backyard with Phyllis and Gregory, and we were having a pretty good time. Richard was cooking on the grill and everyone was talking and laughing, and it was amazing.

"Terry," I looked over at Phyllis as she smiled at me. "I have something to tell you," I nodded as she looked around then grabbed my arm and walked us away from everyone.

I stared at her as she stood in front of me. "What's up?" I watched as she took a deep breath and looked at me.

"I'm pregnant,"

My eyes widened and she smiled. I couldn't believe it, she was pregnant. I pulled her into a hug, "Oh my God! Congrats!" I pulled back and she chuckled as I looked at her. "How long?"

"About three weeks," she smiled and I couldn't help but smile. This was amazing, and I couldn't be happier for her.

"How did Gregory react?" I watched as she looked towards the house then back at me.

"He was surprised and happy," I smiled as she smiled. "I didn't know how he would react but he showed me that he was genuinely happy about it,"

I nodded, "That's great," I pulled her into a hug. "I'm so happy for you,"

She rubbed my back and thanked me. After we talked a little while longer, we headed back towards everyone. I smiled at Gregory when I saw him and he smiled back. I congratulated him as I hugged him. I really did like him, and I'm glad he's taking care of my sister.

I caught sight of Carol and I excused myself as I walked over to her. She was talking to someone as I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. I smiled against her shoulder as she held onto my arms.

She turned around to face me and smiled at me, "There you are," she grabbed my waist and smiled at me as I smiled back. "I can't thank you enough for doing this,"

I smiled, "It wasn't just me. Richard, Stephanie and their friends helped out also," she smiled at me and I felt butterflies in my stomach.

"I'll thank them," she smiled at me. She leaned towards me and kissed me softly on the lips and I felt everything in my body turn to flames. She pulled back and leaned her forehead against mine.

We stood there staring at each other for a moment and I couldn't be happier at this moment. I have everything I need and want, and I wouldn't want anything to change that.

As I was staring at Carol, I thought about Harge and his face flashed through my head. I pulled back and Carol stared at me for a moment as I could see confusion in her eyes.

I keep forgetting to tell her about him. This is the second time I saw him and I don't understand what he wants from me. I don't understand why he's even here, or how he even knows about Carol being pregnant or how long we've been married.

I mean, he's been in jail, right?

"Terry?"

I shook my thoughts as I stared at Carol. I needed to tell her but now is not the time since it's her party and I wouldn't want her mood to change. But, after the party, I will be telling her.

I smiled at her as she was staring at me. "I'm fine babe," I kissed her to reassure her. She smiled when I pulled back and I smiled back. "Let's enjoy the party,"

***

After the party, everyone stayed to help clean everything up. I couldn't ask for better friends because they truly were the best.

Phyllis smiled at me as she was walking out and I stopped her. "I love you," I smiled at her as she smiled back. I pulled her into a hug.

When we pulled back, she looked at me and smiled, "I love you too,"

I told her, Gregory and Addison bye as they were all walking out of the door. Richard and Stephanie were walking towards me and I smiled at them.

"I love you guys," I pulled them into a hug and they told me they loved me too. I truly was blessed with great friends and I couldn't ask for any better.

After the last person left, I walked upstairs to the bedroom. I stripped out of my clothes and heard footsteps behind me. I turned around and meet those blue eyes smiling back at me as she was walking towards me.

She didn't say anything but grabbed my face and gently kissed me. I grabbed her waist and was walking backwards when my legs hit the bed. I fell back and looked up at her as she was smiling at me.

She stripped out of her clothes and I watched as she slowly climbed on top of me. I smiled up at her as she smiled back. She leaned down and kissed me and I felt my body burn.

I gently pushed her off a little and she gave me a confused look. "Babe, I have to tell you something," she smiled and leaned down to kiss me. I tried pushing her back, "Baby, this is serious,"

"It can wait," she kissed down my neck and I bit my lip.

"It really can't," she kept kissing my neck and my mind turned to mush. I couldn't think right when she's like this and it drove me crazy.

I felt my back arch as I felt her fingertips trail down my body. It left tingles all over my body and I couldn't hardly breathe. It felt like it was getting hotter and hotter in here.

I heard her say breathlessly, "I love you,"

I couldn't respond because my mind was going crazy with every touch she made. Every kiss was like small burns all over my body. It left flames that ignited inside of me. I couldn't get enough of her even if I tried.

That night, we made love like no other. It was different and amazing in every way. The things she makes me feel even after all of these years still amazes me.

I will never get enough of her, and I never want to even think about it ending.