Oral Care

Chapter 40: Uninvited...Again

*** Rafael's POV ***

Standing next to Christian through the brief but heartfelt ceremony to Meagan feels a little awkward simply because I can't focus on the main event. My eyes are glued to Evelyn as if I am afraid she will vanish into thin air if my gaze leaves her.

That phone call will haunt me for years to come. I was sure it was over. She sounded so defeated, so unsure, so unlike herself. I can't let her keep whatever is eating at her tucked away and hidden anymore. I need to fix whatever is broken in whatever way possible. I'll throw in whatever resources it takes to make her happy again.

She glances at me a few times during the ceremony and I see glimpses of my fiery girl. I long to restore her. To have her be her confident self, but ever since we arrived in Texas she became more introverted and these last two days with Meagan and Christian seemed to rattle her to the core. I don't understand it, maybe I never will, but I needed reassurance that she isn't blocking me out altogether.

And she gave me that in the moment before the wedding. Again, not sure I know or will ever know what was going on with my mom and her when I walked out, but the way she looked at me and clung to me and her whispered words, promising me forever...she erased my doubts but not my concern for her. That had to wait. But for now, I can't tear my eyes away.

The ceremony ends. It is nice and intimate having just the most important people in the room. Evelyn's family would hate it for sure, and we have yet to hear how the rest of my siblings will react to Christian's rash decision to propose and marry twelve hundred miles away from home. But I'd be down if Evelyn wants something like this.

I know it is too soon to ask her, even though deep down I am sure she is it for me. I don't want to send her running. But this trip down here, from her rude-ass family to this crazy pop-up wedding, has made me think more seriously about our future. I'm willing to bet that she has too.

"You're eyes were not where they were supposed to be during that ceremony, Doctor Baumann." She purrs as she slips her arm through mine. She is gazing at my brother and Meagan who are talking excitedly with my mom and dad.

I guide her eyes to mine, pinching her chin between my thumb and forefinger. "You made it impossible."

She rolls her eyes and smirks at me. I bend my face down to meet her lips, but we are interrupted by Meagan's mother. "Looks like you're next Evelyn. I never thought I'd see the day when you two girls settled down."

I feel Evelyn bristle at Alicia's comment. I tuck her under my arm. I am about to defend her when I hear my dad speak up. "Settling sounds very passive. Evelyn and Meagan seem anything but that. They just hadn't met anyone that could hold their attention. Nothing wrong about that."

"Come on, doll. You owe me a chat." I insist pulling Evelyn along. I am grateful that my dad intervened. I found a lounge earlier with a toasty fireplace and a cozy couch that I thought would be perfect for us to convene. I hope that it isn't occupied.

"Don't be too long. Mom and Dad are insisting on all of us dining together before they let us ring in the new year as we planned." Christian advises as we make our exit.

I nod and continue to move Evelyn along. "Where are we going?"

I push open the door of the lounge, relieved to find it empty. It is warm and quiet once I shut the door behind us. I twist the lock. Evelyn laughs and flops back on the couch. "I can see you don't want to be interrupted."

"We need to talk." I tell her, loosening my tie and coming to stand at the end of the couch. She is effortlessly beautiful, kicking her bare legs gently. I run my hand along her smooth skin, unable to help myself. She pushes herself up by the palms of her hands and grips me by my tie, pulling me down to her. I follow planting my knees on either side of her and lowering myself slowly with my arms. I stop just shy of her lips.