Longing for You
As he lowered his hands from her face, his gaze shifted to her stomach. There was no denying the news floored him as much as it had her.
“I can’t believe I got pregnant after one night with you.”
The corner of his mouth lifted as he caressed her leg. “Well, we did have sex five times within twenty-four hours.”
Any other time she would have laughed at his joke. Instead, she burst into tears. “I know you’re probably questioning the paternity. I’ll do a DNA test once the baby is born, but I swear, I’ve always used protection. Until you.”
Her chest shook as a round of sobs erupted. Tears continued to form and blur her vision, and to top it off, she felt a wave of nausea hit. No wonder she’d been nauseous today. She had morning sickness.
“Cassie, stop.” He grasped the nape of her neck and pulled her to his chest. “I don’t need any test. I believe you. Besides, I haven’t forgotten the snide comment Mike made the night you ended things. He advised me to use a condom, said he was glad he always did.”
He meant well. She knew he did, but his words reminded her of her reckless behavior. Mike’s insult hurt. She may have been casual about sex, but he’d been her only partner in the last year. She’d been with Aaron for two years prior to that. The double standard would never change. Men could sleep around. Women couldn’t. If they did, they were considered sluts.
“Listen to me.” The tender tone of his voice set her at ease. She silenced her cries as best as she could and peered at his chest. Then he tipped her chin higher. “I’m not doubting you. If you’re pregnant, I… I’m going to be a father.”
“I’m sorry,” she croaked. “I know it’s the last thing you want.”
Theo shook his head. “Ever since Jonah told me he was planning to propose to Ally, I’ve been thinking about having a family.”
“Starting a relationship is hard enough. People have to get used to each other. Throwing a baby into the mix is a recipe for disaster.”
Deep laughter echoed from his chest. “Cass, most people don’t know each other the way we do. I’ve spent enough time without you. I know you’re the one.”
“Theo—”
The moment he placed his hand against her belly, her breath caught. Any objection she had left her mind. So did everything else but him. The heat of his breath warmed her cheek when he leaned in close to her lips.
“You once told me that everything happens for a reason.” He swept his fingertips under her pants, across a tiny section of skin beneath her navel. “This baby just proves what I’ve said all along. You belong to me.”
She couldn’t fight it anymore. She nodded slowly then closed her eyes when he kissed her. It was as if he’d breathed life into her. The tightness in her chest released with each sweep of his tongue.
When he finally broke away, he held her close. “Whenever you’re ready, we’ll make this official. Until then, I’m going to enjoy every second I have with you.”
She would enjoy every second with him too, and when the time came, they’d greet their child together.
EPILOGUE
A mild breeze blew in the window, ruffling the curls Cassie spent hours trying to perfect. She blew a wisp from her lashes and glanced outside. At least the weather was pleasant for December. It could have been worse. Had she lived in Massachusetts, she’d be freezing in the blistering winds and two feet of snow.
Refocusing on the large, oval mirror on the wall, she rotated her hips from side to side, taking in the white satin and lace covering most of her body. Hard to believe the gown was a size smaller when she first tried it on.
She placed her hand against the tiny bump below her navel. It seemed to pop out overnight. Luckily, Theo’s grandmother was a damn good seamstress. She was able to release some of the stitching around the waist, accommodating the tiny protrusion.
“You look beautiful.” Ally boasted. “If I didn’t already know, I’d never be able to tell you’re pregnant. You have the sweetest little bump.”
Ally patted her belly lightly then adjusted the veil atop Cassie’s head. It was a comfort having her by her side today. “I’m glad you’re here, Ally. This is the most important day of my life. It means the world that you’re sharing it with me.”
“Cass, you and I will always be inseparable. And after today, we’ll finally be sisters.”
Indeed they would. She’d been by Ally’s side when she and Jonah exchanged their vows last month. Now Ally was doing the same. “You’re gaining more than a sister. You’re gaining a niece or nephew too. Congratulations, Ally McCabe. You’re an aunt.”
Ally chuckled. “So are you.”
It took a minute to sink in. By the time it had, Cassie grinned from ear to ear. “How far along are you?”
“I’m not sure. I took a home pregnancy test before I came to the church. I’m guessing around two months. Jonah and I have been so busy that I didn’t realize I was late. I probably still wouldn’t know if I hadn’t gone to the antique store.”
Cassie snickered. “Mystique Antiques?”
“Yep. I went there to return my watch, and the little old lady that runs the shop gave me a present. It was a silver rattle.”
Cassie covered her mouth as she gasped. The instant she walked inside the antique store, she knew there was something peculiar about it, as well as the items within its walls. It wasn’t until she and Ally compared stories about the items they received when she realized how right she was.
“That place is touched by magic, isn’t it?”
Ally nodded as she watched Cassie adjust the camellia hair comb nestled in her hair. It was her something old and something new. It went well with the pearls she’d borrowed from Ally.
Gazing at the bouquet of white roses, she admired the blue satin sash tied around the base. Not only did it match Ally’s dress, it matched Theo’s eyes too. It was also her something blue.
“Cass, it’s time.”
She searched the room for Ally, finally spotting her near the door that led to the hallway of the church. Knowing she was still there helped ease Cassie’s nervousness. So did seeing her father. He was ready and waiting to walk her down the aisle.
As she touched the comb once more, she knew she would keep it forever. Ally may have felt the need to return her watch, but Cassie couldn’t return the comb even if she wanted to. Not after Theo’s grandmother recognized it as a long-lost family heirloom once owned by Theo’s great-great grandmother. The comb had finally found its way home.
So had Cassie.
* * *
Theo tuned out the music playing in the background. He even tuned out the faces of his and Cassie’s family and friends. She was making her way down the aisle, looking more beautiful than he’d ever seen her.
The road that brought them to this moment was long and riddled with many twists and turns. Some weren’t so pleasant, but the ones that were outweighed the bad. What happened before was put to rest. Both he and Cassie cared only about the future.
It was still hard to believe that a poorly-devised plan helped him satisfy a need she’d evoked in him years ago. Yet it turned his need into an insatiable desire. He couldn’t fathom his life without her or the precious life she carried within her.
Once Cassie’s father joined her hands with Theo’s and returned to the seat beside her mother, he knew the moment had come. In a matter of minutes, she’d be his wife. Cassie McCabe… He loved the sound of it.
The longer they gazed at each, the harder it was to resist the urge to kiss her. He couldn’t wait until they were in the Bahamas, enjoying every second of their honeymoon. He’d definitely be enjoying his time alone with her. The love they made always set him on fire. They’d be lucky if they saw anything other than their hotel suite.
After spending so many years without her, it was hard to believe he could make love to her whenever he desired. Yet knowing she would always be his outweighed any physical benefit he’d gained.
Loving someone meant more than appeasing a s
exual desire. It meant surrendering the heart—completely or not at all. Physical wants would wane in time. Emotional wants lasted a lifetime. He should know. He’d been longing for her all his life.
Today wouldn’t change that. It would only prove to the rest of the world what he knew all along. She was his, had always been his, and would be his for the rest of his life.
Today, he and Cassie began forever.
Afterword
Dear Reader,
Thank you for taking the time to read Longing for You. I hope you enjoyed the story. If you did, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.
While Longing for You is a standalone novel, there will be a few more books in the Touched by Magic Series. I already have Cori’s book in the works, so look to read more about her as well as other characters in the future. I’m looking forward to sharing more of this series with you.
If you’d like to connect with me or keep up on my latest news, you can find me all over the web. I have a newsletter filled with goodies too. You can find the link to the signup form, as well as links to my social media sites, under the Contact Information section of this book. Also, I have other books available at most online retailers. To learn about those, please visit the section: Other Works by Kelli McCracken.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
About the Author
Kelli McCracken is a paranormal and contemporary romance author from Northeast Kentucky. She is the author of seven books with many more in the works. When she’s not listening to the crazy character conversations in her head, she enjoys crafting, cooking, and outdoor activities.
“Time is the one thing in life that we never get back. Live life to the fullest with no regrets. Second chances are rare.”
Kelli enjoys connecting with readers and chatting about books, characters, and all things fictional. To learn more about the author, visit her website at www.kellimccracken.com
Other Works by Kelli McCracken
Only in Time: Mystique Antiques Series
Time doesn't always mend a broken heart.
Jonah McCabe made a mistake. A horrible mistake that's haunted him for the last six years. In one night, he lost everything. His future. His happiness. His oldest friend and confidant. Ally Jacobs.
Then fate intercedes. A last minute favor brings him face to face with his past--every beautiful inch of it. Regaining Ally's trust won't come easy, and time is running out once again.
Can Jonah make things right in a race against the clock, or will he lose Ally forever?
* * *
What the Heart Wants: Soulmate Series #1
Do dreams foretell the future? Are there soul connections that go deeper than love?
Dylan McBride is tired of his rock star lifestyle. Between the nosy press and crazed fans, all he wants is to be left alone...and find the angel who's been plaguing his dreams for months. Maybe longer.
When he meets Heaven Lewis, his world is turned upside down. Not only is she the girl from his dreams, he notices he can sense her emotions at any place and time.
Being involved with a celebrity is the last thing Heaven imagined...or wanted. Especially since her last relationship nightmare. Yet resisting Dylan doesn't come easy. Something about him pulls at her heart. And her soul.
Will Dylan's celebrity status be too much for Heaven, or can he convince her to surrender to What the Heart Wants?
* * *
What the Heart Needs: Soulmate Series #2
Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?
Dylan McBride thought he had it all when Heaven Lewis agreed to marry him. Yet the secrets surrounding them continue to build. Dylan's father won't accept his relationship with Heaven, but Dylan refuses to let his dad come between them. Even if it means giving up his life as a rock star.
His refusal brings a turn of events that may cost him Heaven's life. The only person he can count on for help is Layne. While his best friend agrees to help, Dylan can tell Layne is keeping secrets of his own.
Among the chaos, Heaven is adjusting to her newfound abilities when she discovers they're evolving. As if psychic powers aren't enough to deal with, someone is making threats on her life. Threats that will unravel family secrets and put friendships to the test. All for What the Heart Needs.
* * *
What the Heart Takes: Soulmate Series #3
Compelled by fate, will he sacrifice everything to save her?
Dylan McBride has never liked hiding-from his fans, the press, or his father. He's left with no other choice after his father threatens Heaven's life. Protecting his wife and unborn child is the only thing that matters. He'd do anything to save them. Even tolerate a connection she shares with her Keeper, the man sworn to save her life, the man he used to call his friend.
Layne's struggling with his pyrokinetic abilities, as well as accepting his role as Heaven's Keeper. As if kissing her didn't make things awkward enough, he learns that their connection is more complicated than he ever imagined. So complicated, it affects not only his mind, but also his soul..
Though he's taken to his Keeper duties, Heaven senses a battle between Layne's heart and soul. A battle that's preventing him from accessing his abilities. There's only one sure way to help him. Their friendship must deepen. But nothing's ever easy, and she soon discovers there's a thin line between love, hate, and What the Heart Takes.
* * *
What the Heart Desires: Soulmate Series #4
Torn by desire, will loving her mean the death of him?
Dylan McBride's Seeker abilities have always kept him a step ahead of his father. But one step isn't enough when it comes to his wife and child. His confrontation with his father leaves him questioning everything he knows, from his life with Heaven to his part in the Supreme Trinity.
Layne is growing stronger, as is his Seeker. The more time he and Heaven share, the more he's able to control his Keeper abilities. But when new secrets emerge, he's forced to face the truth, as well as the emotions he keeps buried.
Among the death threats, constant hiding, and birth of her child, Heaven struggles to keep the peace between her soulmate and Keeper. More lies are exposed, threatening to destroy all that she loves. Will she be able to deny the truth once it's discovered, or will she give in to What the Heart Desires?
* * *
Heartstrings: Heart & Soul #1
“You’ve suffered a terrible tragedy, Jo.” That’s what my doctor keeps telling me. All I know is that I’ve lost everything—my ability to play piano, six years of my life, my will to live…
The only thing keeping Jocelyn 'Jo' Hayes from falling apart is her brother, Brighton, whose past is sketchier than her mind. Brighton’s hiding secrets. He refuses to give Jo the answers she needs, but after she meets the mysterious Adam, she decides to keep secrets of her own.
As Jo’s recovery fluctuates, Adam’s purpose in her life grows more confusing. Then Paxton Carr shows up at her door. His resemblance to Adam sends Jo’s on a quest to discover the truth and regain her memories.
But the truth doesn’t always set someone free. Will Jo find the missing pieces of her memory and solve the riddle she calls life, or will the ugly truth destroy what’s left of her mind?
Acknowledgments
Any successful author has a tremendous team backing him or her, as well as their book. This team helps the author prepare the book for publication, and even after by spreading the word to readers. While my publishing team has changed over the years, I’m fortunate enough to see it’s been for the best. The team I have now is irreplaceable. While I can’t always repay them for what they do, I want them to know how important they are to me.
To my children: While you may not be the ones editing, publishing, or promoting my books, you provide me with enough distractions to chase away my worries. You help me relax and remind me of what life is really about. I will never b
e able to express how much you guys mean to me, but know that you’re my reason for existing. I love each of you with all my heart.
To my husband: I may not always like the advice you give me, but I listen. I know you want what is best for our children and me. I love you for being a good father and husband. I love that you’re everything I ever needed in a life partner. You balance me and smooth out the rough edges. You are my true half and the only person I want to grow old with. I love you, babe. Always.
To Lisa: For all the laughs, encouragement, and crazy messages.
To Rhonda: Yet another amazing person on my publishing team. You take on my work and provide me with a polished manuscript. You are a major factor in my success, and I’m grateful to have you in my life. It’s always a pleasure working with and knowing you.
To my dedicated beta readers: Your feedback is priceless. I appreciate the time you take in reading my work and looking for flaws. You are also a big part of my success. I feel lucky to have each of you on my team.