Tanner's Unrelenting Soul (The Cunningham's Book Two)

True Love Blooms

TANNER*

“I love you, Kaysen,” I whispered, unable to contain the words any longer, as I finished inside her. She had prevented me from expressing my feelings earlier, but now I couldn’t hold back.

I have never experienced such intense feelings for someone until I met Kaysen. The mere idea of losing her fills my heart with aching emotions that I never imagined I could feel. Somehow, Kaysen has entered my life and shattered all the emotional barriers I have built over the past twenty-one years. It’s going to be difficult navigating this situation, except by releasing all of my past hurts and allowing Kaysen to enter my heart.

I’m dead set on getting better, so I don’t mess things up for her. I plan to dedicate all my spare time to be with her and Cora. It’s possible that her parents may become annoyed by my constant presence, but I don’t care. I meant what I said - I want to be there for Kaysen throughout her entire pregnancy. I don’t want to miss a single moment. The mere thought of something unfortunate happening to Kaysen and the babies while I am not there drives me to the brink of insanity.

I handled her with utmost care just now, considering her current condition and needing to avoid any strenuous activities. It was best to take things slow and not get too excited while we were making love. It’s best I keep my distance from her from now on until she’s had her next appointment. However, my desire for intimacy with Kaysen is as strong as the need for air to fill my lungs.

“Tanner, please don’t say something you may regret later. I wouldn’t be able to bear you changing your mind. I have fallen for you, but I can’t say that I love you yet. Not now; it’s too early in whatever you want to call us,” Kaysen said as she ran her hand through my hair.

I withdrew from inside her and shifted to the side, not wanting to put too much weight on top of her. As I looked into her vibrant sky-blue eyes, I said words I never thought would escape my lips.

“Kaysen, I want to ask you to be my wife. I’m not proposing right at this moment, but I need and want to marry you. You mean everything to me. I may sound a little insane, but deep down in my heart and soul, I know you are the love of my life. You have come into my life and rescued my spirit. I have been a mess for as long as I can remember. You inspire me to become a better man, to let go of my previous misconceptions about marriage and family. I couldn’t survive without you. I need you in my life, Kaysen,” I whispered, caressing her face.

“You want to get married? I’m so confused Tanner, you said you would never be married,” Kaysen said, looking into my eyes with confusion.

“Kaysen, I was an arrogant, stupid son of a bitch. Before I met you, I didn’t know what love was. I have never felt this passionate about anyone in my life. I love you, Kaysen, and I would never say something I didn’t mean,” I said, nuzzling my face into Kaysen’s breast and embracing her.

The bed creaked as I rose from the bed and pulled Kaysen up to me. Kaysen stayed quiet, deep in thought as I made my way towards my bathroom. I placed her on a soft towel that I had prepared beforehand. Adjusting the faucet, I made sure the water was warm and comforting, filling the bathroom with its soothing sound. Taking my time, I tied Kaysen’s hair into a bun, making sure it stayed dry. On the edge of the bathtub, I placed a bottle of body wash with a delightful coconut scent, which filled the room with its inviting fragrance.

As I approached Kaysen, I bent down to kiss her forehead and offered a warm smile. “Why don’t we freshen up and head back downstairs to unwind for a while? And if I haven’t terrified you completely, I’d still love to do some online shopping, just like I mentioned before.”

“I’m not scared, Tanner, I’m just confused. I don’t even know what to say, because this kind of thing doesn’t happen, does it? It’s just that what started as a one-night stand has somehow transformed into a love that feels so intense. It’s strange, because I didn’t feel like this with my ex-husband. All I ask is that you promise me you won’t leave me or hurt me again. I don’t think I could handle it,” Kaysen whispered, running her fingers through my hair.