Remember Love (10 page)

Brenna

For the next hour,
Tucker and I cuddle together without saying a word, content to be close to each other. All these years this is what was missing from my life. I can’t believe my mom was the reason we parted. And then, of course, there was Wesley. I’m glad Tucker confessed so much to me. Maybe I can ease his mind a little, too.

“Tucker
,” I say, pausing until I hear him mumble, “Yeah.” I go on. “I just wanted you to know that there was no one else after Wesley. I hung out with a few guys at parties and stuff but that’s all. I never met anyone else who I was interested in that way.”

H
is arms tighten around me and his lips press against my forehead. “I have to admit, I’m more than a little relieved.”

“There was always something missing
, even with Wesley.”

“I know exactly what you mean.
I felt the same way about Stacy.”

Silence stretches between us for a few more minutes
, both of us lost in thought.

I interrupt our silence.
“I know what was missing.”

“What’s that?”

“He wasn’t you.”

He pulls
me up to meet his eyes, eyes that are so full of emotion I wait for it to spill over onto me. He trails a hand across my cheek and into my hair, bringing my face to his, feathering light kisses on each corner of my mouth before pressing his soft lips to mine. You know that song
It’s In His Kiss.
It’s true! I feel cherished and loved from just the feel of his lips against mine.

Tucker ends our kiss right before I hear a ringing phone. “Well
, at least this time we got to finish.” he says as he winks at me.

“Where’s your phone?”

“It’s in my bag.”

Rising up and leaning over the end of the couch to
retrieve his phone, I hear a groan from Tucker just before I feel his teeth across my nipple. I almost drop the phone as a full body shiver shakes me to the core. I sit up and give him a flirtatious grin as I scoot back to straddle his hips, all while handing him his phone. Two can play this game.

By the look on his face
, he knows what I’m up to. I watch him swipe his finger across the screen of his now silent phone.

“It was
Mom. I need to call her back and make sure nothing’s wrong.”

I nod, keeping my eyes on
him, still grinning. I’m not going to tease him while he’s on the phone with Anna. Well, not much, anyway.

“Hey
Mom, what’s up?”

I listen to his one
-sided conversation for a second, then he extends the phone to me. I take it and place it to my ear to say hello. I laugh as she asks me if I’m taking care of her boy. “Yeah he’s in good hands.” I say.

As soon as those words
leave my mouth, Tucker runs his hands up my thighs, making me a little breathless as he runs them up and down and so close to my center. I shoot him a look. Warning him to behave. He produces a wicked grin in response. Sitting up so we are nearly facing each other, he runs his hands around my hips, grabbing onto my ass and guiding my hips against his. I try to hold back the moan as my clit rubs up against his erection.

Knowing his mom heard me
, I feel a blush rise in my cheeks, especially when she says, “Brenna, you okay?

Tucker must have heard her because his body is shaking in silent laughter
, his face pressed into the crook of my neck.

“Yeah
. I’m fine.”

This makes Tucker laugh even harder.

She talks for a few minutes more and tells me she hopes to see me soon. Then we end the call and I shove Tucker’s phone against his chest as he leans back.

He says
, “Aw baby, don’t be mad. After all, you started it.”

“I did no such thing
. I was just sitting here, waiting for you to get off the phone.”

“Yeah
, you were,” he says as he lays his phone on the table. “I gotta go soon, so don’t get me all worked up.”

“
I’m not opposed to helping you out with that, you know.”

“I know
. But I’m not going to make love to you and leave. Especially since I have to go a week without seeing you again.”

“If you say so.”

“Yeah
. I say so, for now, anyway. As much as I hate to leave you here, I need to be heading home.”

Pouting a
bit, Tucker smiles at me, then leans forward and takes my bottom lip between his. We share another soft, slow kiss before he stands up and lowers me back to my feet. I’m not ready for this to be over.

“Don’t worry
, Brenna. This isn’t goodbye.”

“I know
. Doesn’t mean I won’t miss you, though.”

Smiling
, he bends down to pick up his bag, placing it on the couch to zip it up. Then grabs his phone from the table and slides it into his pocket. He takes me into his arms, hugging me tight.

I close my eyes and
inhale deeply so I can remember his scent until I’m in his arms again.

Tucker lets out a sigh.
“I’d ask you to walk me out, but with you dressed like that, I might have to hurt someone before I reach my truck.”

“Jealous much?”

“Nah, baby. I just don’t want others to see what’s mine.” He says as he pulls me flush against him, staring straight into my eyes. “And you, Brenna James, are mine.”

He kiss
es me one last time before heading for the door. I’m sad to see him go, even though I have a beaming smile on my face. I take my necklace between my fingers and realize, yes, I’m his. And I couldn’t be happier about it.

Brenna

After Tucker left yesterday
, I rested on the couch and pondered everything we discussed. I now understand why he was hurting over Wesley. He was waiting for me. He had put his life on hold for me. And what did I do? I threw it all back in his face.

I was
ted years with Wesley. If I’d only waited for Tucker, I could have spent my time with him. But in my defense, I was a young naive girl who jumped at the chance to date when an older boy asked me out. So, I jumped at the chance. And when that older boy pushed, I gave in and climbed into his back seat.

Sex with Wesley was a disaster.
It made me wonder what all the hype was about. That’s also why I never bothered to go the distance with anyone else. After what I felt this weekend in Tucker’s arms, I finally understand the hype. I felt so hot and needy… downright horny for the first time in my life.

Then
I think about the fateful conversation he had with Mom. I can’t believe she said those things. I’m sure she thought she was doing what was best for me, but I wish she would have talked to me about it. Although I was only fourteen at the time, I guess she didn’t think I was old enough to understand.

Tucker called when he got home
. We talked about all of our likes and dislikes. Did the whole “getting to know you” thing again. The only major thing we disagree on is sports. I refuse to change teams, as does he. He told me he was going to wear his UK shirt and hat the next time he visits.  A blue shirt, cat lover in the middle of Card Nation? Yeah, Tucker. Good luck with that.

After making plans for the following weekend
. I insisted that I would be the one to drive to visit him, we said our “see you laters.” We don’t say “goodbye.” It sounds too final, and there will be no more “goodbyes” between us.

After a quick showe
r, I crawled into bed and held tight to the pillow Tucker used. It still smelled like him.

When I woke up the next morning
, a text awaited me.

Tucker: Good morning.

Brenna: Good morning.

Tucker: Good luck with you
r finals.

Brenna: Thx :) I will txt u when I’m done.

Tucker: sounds good. Have a good day.

Brenna: U 2

After spending the morning texting, I rush to campus to complete my first final. Then I hurry back home to text Tucker again and study before my next final. I wake up to do it all again the next day… and the next. Each day is a weight lifted and a step closer to my future. The future I now see with him.

Finally, after completing my last final, I
arrive back at my apartment and happily drop my keys and phone on the table. Then I smile as I throw myself across my bed. Grades will be posted late next week, and graduation is set for the following weekend. All that’s left after getting my grades is applying for my teaching certificate before the end of the month.

I drift off to sleep
with a smile on my face.

Tucker and I walk hand
in hand through the streets downtown. We look for a place to sit by ourselves, away from the crowds, so we can stare at the night sky together. We find a patch of grass between two buildings and sit there in silence for a little while. Tucker puts his arm around my shoulders and draws me up close to his side.

“Brenna
, I meant what I said on the Ferris wheel.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, I’ll always be yours. I’ve loved you since the moment I met you five years ago. I’ll still love you five years from now and five years after that.”

“So you only plan to love me for the n
ext ten years?” I laugh softly.

“No
. I plan to love you for the rest of my life.”

I
see the love in his eyes. I know he means it.

“You know
, I’ve loved you just as long, Tucker.”

“I know.”

I nudge his side with my elbow, making him chuckle.

“Brenna
, you’re going to marry me one of these days. You know that, right?”

“Yeah
, Tuck. I know.”

“No matter what
, you wait for me. No one else, Brenna. It’s you and me forever. You are forever mine. Promise me, Brenna.”

“Forever yours, I promise
, Tuck, and you are forever mine, too. So you better wait for me to grow up.”

“There was never any doubt about that.”

After sealing our promises with a kiss, we sit there side by side, his arm around my waist, and my head resting on his shoulder. I know that this boy will be mine for the rest of my life. This is where we belong. Forever side by side. This is where I feel safe. This is where I feel at home. This is a forever kind of love.

I s
it straight up in bed, running my hands across my face, feeling wetness on my cheeks.

I remember.

That night his parents found us spread out on the grass in our little hideaway spot, making out like the teenagers we were. His mother instructed us it was time to leave for the night, and that my mom was looking for me.

The rest of th
at summer, Tucker and I were inseparable, making the most out of every minute. Stolen kisses in the hayloft, sitting for hours in our tree. Taking every chance to see each other. Summer turned into fall, and fall to winter, and we always found ways to be together.

That spring we made plans to spend every moment
of the coming summer. But by then, it was all gone. I was alone with no more Tucker, and no reason why. Tucker and his family moved away from the farm, so there was no way to see him anymore. I didn’t know where they went, and no one would answer my questions.

My young
heart was shattered that summer. I moped around the house, fearing I’d done something to make him stay away.

Now I know why
, and I know what I have to do. I jump out of bed and rush around my apartment to get ready as quickly as possible.  Today, I am headed south and toward Tucker.

Tucker

I thought the last eight years were torture without Brenna. Wrong. The last four days have felt like hell. I miss her. Our amazing Sunday feels like it happened months ago.

But now, in less than twenty four hours,
she’ll be in my arms again.

We’ve spent th
ese past four days reacquainting ourselves, between texts and phone calls. We haven’t spoken much about the past. There isn’t much left to say.

I did
, however, ask that she not confront her mom just yet. I think we should wait until after her graduation and do that together.

She agreed that we sh
ould stand together and hope her mom approves. I don’t need her mom’s approval, but I want it. Regardless, I’ll not let anyone come between us again. Come hell or high water, I’ll have my forever with Brenna. She is my future, and with each passing day that future becomes less of a fantasy and more of a reality.

I slow my truck, taking in the scenery as I drive the last quarter mile down the driveway to my house.
I love living here. It’s peaceful. There are no neighbors nearby and my house is far enough from the road that people driving by can’t see what’s going on in my yard. Not that anything exciting ever happens here. But hopefully that’s about to change.

Peering
out the windshield, I notice Brenna’s Xterra parked next to my house. My heart beats faster the closer I get. I didn’t know she was coming today, and I’m a little worried about why she’s here early. I thought everything was okay between us when we spoke last night.

“Stop thinking the worst
, Tucker.” I mutter to myself.

I p
ark beside her and turn off the engine. I sit there for a minute to calm my racing pulse before looking for her. She has to be around the back of the house, or I would have seen her as I drove up.

I finally exit my truck and hustle to the back yard. I was right. She’s standing with on my deck,
elbows propped against the rail, as she stares off into the woods.

Leaning against the side of the house
, she’s wearing a strapless pale pink dress with little white flowers around the top, and her cowboy boots. There’s nothing sexier than Brenna wearing her boots. I see an overnight bag at her feet with a little denim jacket strewn across it.

I push away
from the house and head her way just as she spots me, giving me a bright smile.

Brenna walks
toward me, and as soon as I reach the deck steps, she’s in my arms.

I say,
“I’m not complaining but I thought you weren’t coming till tomorrow.”

“I had to come today. I remember
, Tucker. I remember that night, and the way I felt.”

I s
queeze her tight, trailing kisses across her cheek to the corner of her mouth, and my heart may burst at any second. It’s beating so hard and fast. Tilting her head back so I can look into her beautiful deep blue eyes, I say, “What did you feel baby?”

“Safe, home, a forever kind of love, right here in your arms then and now
. That’s what I feel. I felt it the other night. I just didn’t realize that was what you wanted me to remember.”

“I wanted you to remember
the love we shared, to feel the connection we had then. And I hope you feel that same love and connection now.”

“I remember the promises…”Brenna trails off
, her eyes settling over my shoulder on something in the distance. “Who’s that?”

T
ension overtakes my body as I look over my shoulder. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! What the hell is she doing here? Better yet, how does she know this is where I live?

I face Brenna.
“That’s Stacy.”

Brenna’s body
stiffens in my arms. She slowly starts to pull away, but I tighten my arms to keep there.

I say,
“Before you get riled up, I have no idea what she wants or why she’s here.”

“Then I suggest you find out and get rid of her before I do.”

There’s my feisty girl.

Letting go of Brenna, I trudge to where Stacy is now standing. I
t’s been months since I’ve seen her, or spoken to her. Why is she here, now?

“What are you doing here
, Stacy?”

“Well
,” Stacy says, “hello to you too.”

“Tell me why you’re here,
” I demand, hoping she’ll answer and leave my house quickly. This could end everything between me and Brenna, and that’s not a chance I’m willing to take.

Stacy says
, “I used to want more from you, even though I knew from the beginning it was out of the question. But that’s not why I’m here.”

I hear footsteps be
hind me, Brenna appears, asking, “Then why are you here?”

Sighing
, Stacy’s eyes dart me and Brenna before answering, “Brenna, this may not be what you wanna hear, but I have to get it all out so please try to understand.”

“Go on
.” Brenna replies.

Stacy looks at me.
“Tucker, you asked me once about the night at the party. I lied to you. Nothing actually happened that night. Wesley saw that you were drunk. He told me that he made sure you knew all the details of his night with Brenna. He was also talking about how love sick you were, and that you wouldn’t date anyone else because you were waiting on her.”

I nod.
“Okay. So what really happened that night?”

Stacy clears her throat.
“Nothing. I took you back to my place to sleep it off and we talked for a little while before you passed out. The next time I saw Wesley, he assumed we slept together and I didn’t correct him. It was none of his business.”

I ask. “So what about when we ran into each other a year later?
Was that by chance, or by Wesley?”

“
Wesley.” Stacy answers. “He wanted to keep you out of the picture. After the first few times, I told him to fuck off. When it all started I wasn’t looking for more than a good time. I know that sounds bad, but it’s the truth. I was trying to heal my own broken heart.”

Shaking my head,
I ask, “Why’d he want you to keep me away from Brenna?”

Stacy shrugs.
“I don’t know for sure. I just know he was jealous of you. At first it was because girls flocked to you, and you shunned them. And then it was because Brenna talked about you.”

I grit my teeth.
“If you see Wesley again, you tell him he better not cross my path or he has one hell of an ass whoopin’ coming.”

Stacy snorts out a laugh.
“Get in line. Anyway, look, I’m really happy y’all found you’re way back to each other and I wish you the best of luck. I’m gonna go now. I’m moving to Tennessee. That’s why I wanted to see you before I left. It’s was nice meeting you, Brenna.” She turns to me with a sad grin. “Goodbye, Tucker. It was nice knowing you.”

Brenna and I silently watch Stacy head to h
er car, then in her car and drive off.

I curl
my arm around Brenna’s shoulders and giving her a little squeeze. She tilts her head up to look at me, and I sense her relief. “I’m so glad she’s the only one. I can’t go through that again. I’ve never been so consumed with jealousy as I was when she said your name.”

“You know
, you’re adorable when you’re angry and jealous.” I laugh.

She s
macks my stomach. I let out a grunt in response, and she rolls her eyes. Then the sky opens up and a soft spring rain falls down on us. Brenna steps away from me tilts her face toward the sky. Then she lifts her arms straight out to her sides, and spins in a circle. She looks so peaceful. I walk up closer to watch her dance in the rain.