Illicit Affairs

Chapter 39

I couldn't believe what Ryan had just asked me. My heart was doing somersaults because this was something I wanted more than anything. This went beyond saying I love you. This was the next step in our relationship.

"Okay. Yes because I feel it too. It's not just a place that makes a home, but the person you choose to share it with. You are my home Ryan."

The soft, sweet smile he gave me melted my heart. Everything just felt so right. "Are you sure?" He asked.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life. We could live in a cardboard box and as long as I have you by my side, I'm home." I replied, my hand reaching out to cup the side of his face. This had been the most unforgettable evening. I felt so at peace. I felt truly happy.

"Then let's go inside. We're home baby."

We entered the house and went upstairs to the bedroom. Just as I kicked my shoes off and was about to undress he disappeared into the bathroom. When he returned he was holding a damp washcloth. "I'm sorry, but I just can't take you seriously with that makeup." He chuckled.

I closed my eyes allowing him to gently wipe the makeup from my eyes and face.

"Much better." He smiled that smile that never failed to make me weak in the knees. He then undressed me and laid me into our bed.

I was home.

***********

My red stiletto nails gleamed brightly and wickedly in the mirror under the light as I put in my ruby earrings. I was dressed all in red today. The color of confidence....and blood.

"Nervous!" Ryan asked me as he entered the bathroom.

"Yes. I'm about to go toe to toe in a battle of wills with a master manipulator." I sighed.

"You're going to do great." He gave me a quick kiss so as to not smudge my carefully applied red lipstick.

Taking a few moments to look around what was to be my new home and using that to build my confidence even more, I left the house and set out to Charlotte.

My first stop was a small cemetery just outside of the city limits. Thanks to Jimmie's PI, I knew exactly where she was buried and I located the simple gravesite and headstone easily. I placed the bouquet of wildflowers I had brought into the urn and traced the name etched into the stone with my fingertip. I felt an overwhelming sadness come over me. It never had to be this way. Clearing the lump in my throat, I spoke.

"You don't know me, but I'm your niece. I wanted to tell you that I know who you are. I acknowledge you and I can't even begin to imagine the pain you went through in your life. You deserved better and I'm going to tell him that."

Before I left, I snapped a photo of the headstone just to show him in case he doubted me. I took one last look back before getting into my car to drive to his house.

Since I really didn't know how to face my grandmother, I deliberately chose this day and time to go to their house as I knew she had a standing appointment to have her hair done and lunch with her friends. I also still had access to the security cameras in their house, so I knew that he was home. He could hide from the public but he couldn't hide from me.

This was not a casual visit so I did not let myself into the house but rang the doorbell instead.

"Mia....Hello. You're here. What can I do for you princess?" He asked in stunned surprise over seeing me at his doorstep and his face was filled with hope.

Not missing a beat, I firmly put my game face on and got right to the point before I allowed myself to instinctively fall into old habits. He may have seemed warm and friendly but I sternly reminded myself that he was the enemy.