I Try

Chapter 24 - First Time

Lauren's Point of View

On the morning of my first wedding, the wedding that would not matter in a few hours, I spent the first hour that I was awake staring at the ceiling next to the love of my life who was dead asleep. His arm was draped across my stomach in a sign of either protectiveness or boundary issues, but I didn't want to move. I couldn't help but feel a blast of happiness and sadness wash through me. It was almost over. All of it was almost over, and I knew that when I stood up today and announced that I wouldn't be marrying Nash, it would sever ties to some people, namely my father. I had to decide that, laying next to Zack, it would be okay.

"Are you awake?" Zack mumbled, rolling onto his side some more.

I looked over at him, his eyes squinted in sleep and his hair pushed to one side of his head and I remembered everything we had been through together. I remembered how when I found out that he was the father of my baby, I doubted that he had ever loved me. But now, I could never doubt it again for one second. Finding Zack was the single greatest thing that ever happened to me and every heartbreak I'd experienced was worth it because it lead me to him.

"I love you," I whispered, leaning over and brushing his lips with mine. His eyes opened wider, surprised at my actions, and he propped himself up on his arm.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"It's for all the times that you held onto me when I felt like I would float away," I said, and I kissed him again. This time he was quicker on his feet and flipped me over so he was on top of me.

"Mr. Hunt, how very inappropriate of you," I taunted him, rubbing my toe against his calf.

"Well, Mrs. Hunt, I have a knack for many things. Maybe you'll allow me to show you?" I sat up a little, touching his chest to stop him.

"What did you just call me?"

"What?"

"You just called me Mrs. Hunt."

His eyes filled with understanding. "Oh, I see. I'm sorry, honey. I shouldn't've said—"

"No!" I blurted out.

"Huh?"

I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought him closer to me, smiling through his lips. "You're about to be a very lucky man, Mr. Hunt." I whispered, pulling our sheets over our bodies that tangled together. I remembered all the times I had gotten so afraid that no would ever love me unconditionally again, the way my mom had. She loved me when I was being obnoxious or when I made stupid jokes or when I would cry because my jeans didn't fit anymore. Of course, Zack loved me in a completely different way than my mom did. But now that I was confident again that I was worthy of love, I was able to see Zack's unconditional love for the beautiful thing that it was, and give my love back to him.

"Are you sure you don't want to wait?" he asked, brushing his hand through my uncombed hair.

"I've waited a lifetime for you. I'm finished waiting," I said, and before I could take another breath, he swept me off my feet. 

 So, I know it's been another year since I've posted to this story. And I also know it's super short! But I have gotten lots of requests to finish this story so I would like to try because I know so many really want an ending. 

Let me know if you still do! I'll do my best to give you one.