1 year later

RAQUEL

Blue,

Deep blue eyes.

Just like her father's.

Its only been a few months of being a mother and my heart swells with each passing second I spend with the tiny being that made Heaven open up as soon as I heard her cries. I would protect her and be the type of mother I had been deprived of.

Alex had been emotional, seeing the way he held and interacted with her so well was incredible. The memory was still fresh of the day Diana came into our life and holding her now, cradling her to my chest- it was one of the best days of my life.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine with her grandma," said Alex's mother as she entered the living room plopping next to me.

"I know," I whined admiring the peaceful look on her face," just because I've returned to work still doesn't make being away from her any easier."

Hearing the groan past her lips I chuckled looking back up at her," For the last time, if anything happens I will call one of you," she replied.

"Now you should go," she continued whilst taking her granddaughter into her arms," and enjoy work. Don't forget today she's staying the night here."

I pouted," I swear if I didn't love your son so much I would have objected against him being so adamant on us spending time together," I said standing ready to leave. If I stay any longer I would be tempted to take D with me to work.

"Do you have any idea what you guys will get up to?" she asked grinning.

"Considering how this one," I said stretching my hand out to momentarily rub my baby girl's head," has been keeping us up at night. I'm sure the only exciting thing we'll do is sleep."

Deep down I knew that wasn't true.

I had plans for tonight.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

Nodding my head I give her and my sleeping angel a quick peck before I head out to work.

***

Listening intently on the progress we've made so far in the meeting my hand plays with the engagement ring currently sitting on my finger. A habit I developed since the night he proposed. More often than I hated to admit my mind strayed, looking forward to the future as each day revealed more joy than I could fathom.

After the meeting I half-heartedly listened to what Serena and Angie were discussing," Alex," Angie replied. I perked up and caught her smirking as Serena looked at me with amusement.

"Told you that would get her attention."

Sucking my teeth I refocus on them," You guys are such idiots," I chuckled.

"When's the wedding again?" Serena asked.

"In April," I blushed," you're still coming right?"

"Of course," she shrugged.

"With Kevin?" I asked trying to keep my tone from being too hopeful. She grimaced avoiding eye contact. Angie spared a glance in my direction.

"Serena, come on. Not every guy is going to hurt you especially at the level Derek did," said Angie who reached across the table to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I know, I know. That still won't stop the small voice in my head from warning me off whenever Kevin does something so sweet."

"It's okay to have your doubts," I said staring intently into her eyes," I have periods where I'm terrified I'm going to suddenly wake up and find Alex mistreating me or that he no longer loves me. But allowing fear to pull you back stops you from ever living life."

"And not to mention if you end things with him, I will beat your ass," Angie said earning a laugh from Serena.

"Just give him a chance, at least promise us you will try," I added hoping deep down she will take a chance. She's come a long way from those dark days of Derek and now she's been laughing more. In the end a friendship had grown between us all.

"I promise, mom," she replied jokingly earning an eye roll from me.

"Speaking of which, how's my little niece?" Angie asked smiling.

"Good. She's spending the night at her grandma's place which means Alex and I will finally have a night to ourselves," I mumbled the last part but I knew both of them had heard me loud and clear. Looking up Serena and Angie both shared a look whilst smirking.

"What?" I asked looking between the two of them.

"What are you guys going to do?"

"Nothing," I replied weakly.

"Sweetie," Serena said," leave that innocent shit for your dad."

Angie chuckled clapping her hands," Looks like I've rubbed off of you. "

"Its bad enough dealing with one. I don't think I have it in me to deal with the both of you," I sighed dramatically.

"Say whatever you like, you need us."

"Seriously though, don't be shy in being a little more daring," Angie said.

"I know...and I may have something in mind for us," I said smirking.

"Which is?" Angie asked leaning forward.

Not answering the question I stood up silently even though both Serena and Angie were both calling me back and imitating kissing noises.

They can both be so childish,

And yet

I couldn't imagine my days without them.

***

My heels clicked against the concrete floor as I moved around the deserted garage, despite my rapid breathing I kept moving, kept moving with a purpose whilst convincing my mind that indeed no one else was around.

Entering into his office, his back was turned to me as he spoke on the phone. My father had passed down the garage to him and he had been busier with work but our relationship was still solid.

I waited patiently silently admiring the scope of his shoulders and overall build. Once he finished the call I cleared my throat, he tensed turning to land his eyes on me.

"Hey baby," I mumbled leaning against the door. He didn't respond he didn't have to. With the way his eyes trailed down my figure, I sensed his curiosity of what I wore under my trench coat.

"Thought we could go down memory lane," I nervously chuckled whilst tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

He moved towards me closing the distance between us, feeling his fingers lightly brush against my cheek, I hold my breath as his hand wraps around my throat. Out of everyone he's left such a profound mark on me, made me grow so accustomed to his standards whether it's in the bedroom to any place we decide to deem right to engage in quenching our desires.

Ever since the baby was born it had been a while since we were intimate. And seeing the hunger burning through his blue orbs only confirmed that indeed good things came to those who wait.

I quickly shudder when I feel his hand cup my breast," You've been selfish allowing only D to enjoy these whilst denying daddy," he mumbled placing a quick peck on my neck. His tongue moving slowly down to the only opening that my coat would allow of my chest.

He untied the ropes to reveal my bare form. I grew nervous, after the baby was born I hadn't been as confident as I used to be in being naked in front of Alex despite his attempts. The stretch marks on my body were almost close to stopping me from doing this but now seeing the bulge in his slacks, a sense of pride washed over me at seeing the arousal I could evoke out of him.

Placing my hands on his chest I unbuttoned his shirt, the fabric fell away to grant my fingertips the chance to feel his skin. Taking a glance to where my hand rested, the difference in our skin tone staring back at me, I feel unapologetic of the love I feel for this man. As he looks down at me, love radiating in his eyes as he smiles, I thank whatever stars had to align to make us cross paths.

To blindly lead us here into each others arms and make us see what we unknowingly deserved in this little thing called love.

Thus I felt no shame in confessing he was always the one thing I needed...

THE END

***

Thank you guys so much for all the votes and support. It's been quite a ride writing this book and I started feeling a lot more connected to these characters. I really didn't think the book would ever reach this number of views much less votes. So thank you guys soo much for all the support.

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