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Four and half years later

My daughter is singing a soft melody with her head dropped on my shoulder as I hold her while I'm cooking lunch. Jacob, our eldest, is sitting at the table and drawing, his little cute face full of concentration on the paper before him. He reminds me so much of Braden, he's literally a little copy of him with his chocolate deep eyes and same full lips. And those gorgeous dimples he got from Braden. He's like an exact replica of him.

Meanwhile, Ellie, our daughter, looks more like me with big, round eyes and pouted lips, her hair slightly darker than Jacob's.

They're both the most beautiful children I could wish for, both too smart for their own sometimes, but I love them endlessly and I could never wish for a better family and a better life.

Jacob's attention suddenly perks up and he's running out of the kitchen in a mere second. A clear indication that my husband came home from his work. And speaking about him ... God, if I could express in words how much love I have for Braden. It seems like I fall more and more in love with him each day.

He's literally the spark of my day. He's my whole damn world and my heart is beating for only him and my children. He's everything I could ever wish and hope for and meeting him was the best thing that could happen in my life. He showed me how the real love should feel like and look like. He gave me a family, a home.

We got married a few months after Braden proposed because he insisted on wanting to marry as soon as possible. I still hold a bit of grudge towards him because I have big, round belly in all of our wedding photos since I was heavily pregnant with Jacob then. But I don't regret a thing and I'd still do it all over again.

Braden moved us to the house he technically bought for me on my birthday before Jacob was born – that was his wedding gift to me. So now we're living in this enormous villa, which kids really enjoy because they can play in it.

I also opened the vet hospital after Braden persuading me for so long and he's helping me run it, but he also hired people who know about this business so I don't have to worry about it. I love working there since I love animals so much. It's a joy to tend to them.

''...and the teacher said I'm really smart, because I'm the only one who knows the whole alphabet and I'm the only one who can calculate already,'' Jacob's jolly voice gets nearer.

''Really? Nice!'' Braden comments, thrilled to hear about it. He's really proud of Jacob and Ellie because they're both so well-behaved and really smart, learning things pretty quickly. ''You're a really smart boy.''

They both come to the kitchen and I see Braden ruffling Jacob's hair. Ellie lifts her head from my shoulders and becomes restless in my arms. ''Dada!'' she squeals, jumping up and down in my arms.

Braden takes her from my arms, lifting her high in the air, making her giggle out in pure joy. ''How's my little princess today?'' he asks with a boyish grin on his face. It's delightful to see Braden with kids. I don't think he can make me fall in love with him anymore. He can't be more perfect than he is.

When he settles her in his arms, Ellie instantly puts her chubby, wet hands on his cheeks and kisses Braden on the centre of his face, leaving a wet spot behind. It's safe to say my daughter loves her father just as much as I do and she never hesitates to show him that love. And Braden doesn't mind either, letting her touch his face and listen to her giggle. She has him wrapped around her little finger.

He kisses her on the cheek and puts her down on the floor. ''Go look for Jacob.''

She runs in pure delight, her giggles echoing around the house, the small steps of her running being heard. Jacob is a little more than two years older than Ellie and he loves his sister endlessly. He teaches her things and plays around with her, protecting her at all times.

Braden steps behind my back and wraps his arms around me, nuzzling my neck with his head. ''And how have you been today?'' he asks me quietly.

I smile. ''Busy. It was really chaotic at the clinic today. How was your day?'' I ask him, enjoying the feel of his arms embracing me.

He exhales on my neck and I shiver, goosebumps erupting all over my body. After all these years, he still has the same effect on me as the first time I met him. My heart still skips a bit when I see him, my body still trembles when he looks at me and touches me and his lips still leave me breathless and needy.

''It was pretty good actually. I came to some decisions I want to talk to you about later.'' This perks up my curiosity because it must be important. ''But now I want a proper hello from my wife,'' he whispers into my ear.

I grin. I've become used to Braden's greetings every day and his goodbyes. I got used to him showing affection no matter who watches us and no matter where we are. He shows me his love everywhere we go, showering me with it.

I put the spatula down and turn around in his arms, wrapping my own around his neck, already knowing what's coming. He doesn't disappoint. He dips his head down and puts his mouth over mine, moving his hungry lips against mine – nibbling, biting, sucking, making me crazy. His hands sneak down to my waist and he squeezes it sensually and then they lower down to my butt, pressing me against himself, plastering my body on his.

My hands play with the hair behind his neck before I put them in his hair, tugging it. Braden groans in my mouth and sucks on my tongue before he ends the kiss, both of us breathless.

It's always like this with him, never less than it. He doesn't allow it and doesn't settle for less so my mind is always swimming somewhere on cloud nine after every kiss he gives me.

We end the kiss, both breathing hard and fast. After Braden kisses me, it feels like I've run a marathon, but in that nice way, that euphoric way. It feels amazing. ''I really don't know why you keep insisting on cooking when we could hire someone.''

I roll my eyes and sigh. ''I already told you that I wanted to learn how to cook and I found myself enjoying it. Let me have my fun, yeah?''

Braden shakes his head at me, a slow smile spreading on his lips. ''Okay, baby.'' He drops a kiss on my forehead, sweeping my hair back. ''I really love your hair,'' he murmurs, brushing his fingers through the strands. He steps back, biting his lip as he looks me up and down, his look turning dark.

My whole body flushes at that infamous look, knowing exactly what's going through his head. ''I'll go look what the kids are up to. I don't want them to hear their mother screaming in pleasure from the kitchen.''

I flush even harder. ''I'm not even that loud!'' I exclaim, almost as a whine.

Braden chuckles under his breath. ''You can be happy that the walls are soundproof, otherwise all our neighbours would know my name by now.'' And with that, he turns around and walks out of the kitchen, laughing to himself.

My eyes narrow at his back, but I turn back to the stove and focus on finishing the lunch, no matter how hard I find to concentrate.

Clara, our dog – golden retriever I saved when someone ran her over with a car and left her on the side of the road, comes into the kitchen suddenly, barking and sniffing. She comes to me and I pat her head, but she runs away immediately, without a doubt looking for Braden.

Is seriously the whole female population in love with Braden?

After the lunch is finished I go look for the kids and Braden. I find the little two playing around with Clara who's obviously gloating, probably just coming from Braden. That man truly can charm anyone he sets his eyes on.

I go look for Braden and find him in the living room, leaning over Pepito, our parrot, while Lady, our cat, is snuggling around his legs.

''Hello, Pepito. Have you been a good boy today?'' Braden talks to him like he's talking to a child.

Pepito twirls around. ''Shit!'' he shrieks. ''You're shit!'' He twirls around two more times, excited that someone is giving him the attention.

Braden's eyes narrow at him and he stands up straight with his hands on his hips, staring down at the poor parrot.

His eyes suddenly fall on me from across the room and he cocks his head as if he's silently asking me a question.

I flush all the way to the roots of my hair. ''That might've, could've been my fault ...'' I trail off and go further into the room.

Pepito starts nodding his head up and down in rapid pace. ''Baby girl!'' he says.

I flush even more and Braden's eyebrows lift. I put my hands up. ''And that's your fault. You're calling me that in front of him.''

''Jerk!'' Pepito lets out.

I can barely stifle a laugh. I wished for a parrot for a long time and Braden bought me an Ara for my birthday. I fell in love with him instantly and I spent a lot of time teaching him to speak and teaching him how to be around people so he doesn't shy away from the touch and doesn't have to be in the cage all the time. Braden often got frustrated when Pepito shat on furniture all around the house or created a mess like spilling coffee and tea, breaking things ...

But I was patient with him, treating him like a baby. Because my wish for having a parrot finally got true and I couldn't be happier about that.

''I think he doesn't like me very much.'' Braden chuckles, not taking offence in it.

I roll my eyes. ''He does, he just likes repeating new words he learns.'' And when I thought him how to speak, that damn parrot started repeating every single thing someone said. It was driving me crazy sometimes when he let out some colorful words, like right now, because of the kids, but then me and Braden talked and we came to the realization that they're going to hear curse words sooner than we think, but we're still going to be careful to not to curse too much (not that we do).

''Not that I'd be surprised if he disliked me. All other men in your life do,'' he points out, the jealousy clear in his voice.

I give him a what the hell are you talking about look. ''I only ever hang out with Jared and Damien. Are you going to accuse them of liking me when they don't even notice any other human when Brooke and Lily are in the room?''

That's right. Lily and Jared are still together, more happy than ever with their three children and happily married. They got married a year after me and Braden did.

And Brooke finally found herself a man who cherishes her and worships her. She put a high wall for Damien to climb, though, and he had to persuade her ruthlessly until she finally caved in weeks later and finally gave him a chance.

Now, they're engaged and expecting their first child. I swear life couldn't be any more beautiful than that. Things turned out pretty great for us and I'm glad.

''Not them, no. But every man I'm doing business with and comes into contact with you seems to fall in love with you. And it either makes me want to rip his eyes out for even setting them on you or lock you in a room forever so no one could see you again.''

I snort. ''You can be pretty sure I would escape.'' Braden chuckles. ''Besides, let's not go pointing out how women pant after you, literally drooling.'' I pointedly look at the cat who's now sitting by Braden's legs, staring up at him in pure awe.

I feel you, girl.

Braden's head cocks on the side and he gives me a secretive smile. ''I'm only worried about one woman panting because of me.'' He winks at me.

My body instantly shudders at his meaning, but I stuck my tongue out at him, saying, ''Come. Lunch is ready.''

I turn around and walk out of the room. But just when I come to the entrance, Braden calls after me, ''Oh, I'll be coming, alright.''

I shake my head and speed out of the room to go to the kids and bring them into the kitchen.

***

''You feel so good, baby,'' Braden groans in my ear, thrusting upwards, pushing his cock deep inside of me.

He wraps his arms around my back and pushes me down on his torso, pushing his heels into the bed and thrusting upwards in fast, hard strokes. ''Stay like this. Don't move, Rory. Don't you dare to move,'' Braden pants in my ear, his voice dark and tight with pleasure.

I moan, letting him have his way with me, letting him ravish me. ''Don't stop,'' I cry out. ''It feels so good.'' My nails dig into his shoulders as the pleasure starts to grow even more inside of me. I feel like I'm going to burst – like I'll explode.

And he doesn't stop until he takes us both to the highest point, making us cry out in pleasure, making us shout each other's names.

Braden hugs me to him, brushing my hair as I try to calm myself down and even out my breathing. He's kissing the side of my face and I lift my head from his shoulder, peering down at him.

He gives me a bright smile. ''After all this time ... it's still Earth-shattering,'' Braden murmurs, gazing admiringly up at me. His eyes glint from both the satisfaction and the happiness. It makes me warm all over.

''I'm glad it's still like this. I doubt I'd ever find it like that with anyone else but you.''

Braden's eyes suddenly turn a few shades darker, his expression getting grim. ''Don't even try thinking about that, because you'll never know how it would be with someone else but me. You're mine until we die.'' His voice is possessive, his words trying to make a point.

I chuckle, playfully biting him on the neck. ''Of course I am. And vice versa. Besides, I don't even want anyone but you. Others just don't exist.''

Braden stares at me with all the seriousness written in his eyes. ''Yeah, that better be it,'' he grunts moodily.

I punch his shoulder, laughing. ''Come on, don't be moody now, you old man.''

Braden's eyes glint mischievously, dangerously. ''Who are you calling old man?''

Before I can answer him, he has me flipped on the back, his hands tickling my body, making me squeal out and laugh uncontrollably. ''I'm not t-taking it b-back!'' I yell out mid-giggles, writhing on the bed to get away from his merciless hands.

''Are you sure about that?'' Braden asks, his hands not stopping.

We continue that war, him tickling me and me laughing and writhing on the bed until every part of my body starts to ache from the laughter. ''I didn't mean it! I-I'm sorry!'' I give in when I can't take it anymore. This is a familiar game with me and Braden when he's trying to get something out of me or making me say something I don't want. But he never uses this way to force me into saying something he knows I wouldn't say otherwise.

His hands still on my body and now they start to caress it – up and down my sides, his eyes transfixed on my naked body beneath him. His mouth is on mine before I can even register his intention, moving against mine in a rapid pace, making love with it, caressing my tongue with his.

I moan into his mouth, lifting my body up to seek his touch, but he backs away and lays down on the side. ''I said we have to talk about something today and I don't want to delay this for much longer.''

I prop my head on my hand, resting on my side. ''It's really late. Are you sure you don't want to go to sleep and talk tomorrow since you wake up so early every morning?'' Braden still works a lot, albeit not that much since Jacob was born. He said he wanted to spend as much time with us and seeing his children grow up as he can. He's a great father, better than I could ever imagine and I imagined a lot.

''Don't worry about that. It's actually a subject I'll talk to you about.'' I nod at him, showing him that I'm listening. ''I'm thinking about selling some of my companies.''

I stare at him for a few seconds, thinking his words through, thinking that maybe I didn't hear right. ''Uhm. What?''

Braden nods. ''I'm meeting with a few potential buyers tomorrow actually.''

My mouth hangs open. I sit up on the bed now, all the playful mood escaping from me, replaced by the seriousness and curiosity. ''But why would you do that? Don't you love what you do?'' I asked him about his work and complained how much he worked before we married and he always said he loves what he does. I got used to it, too, but he didn't work that much when Jacob was born anymore.

Braden puts his hands behind his head, giving the casual pose. ''I realised that my happiness doesn't lie in my work, at least not anymore and at least not for a while now.'' He searches for my eyes. ''My happiness lies with you now and Jacob and Ellie. And all our pets, of course,'' Braden chuckles before he gets all serious again. ''I want to spend as much time with my family as I can.''

His words turn my insides all mushy and bring an insane amount of happiness out on the surface. ''If that's what you want, baby, you know you have all my support. But only if you're sure and you're not doing it because you think I'd like that.''

He shakes his head. ''No. I'm doing it for all the right reasons. My heart's not in it so much anymore and I don't enjoy it all that much anymore.''

I nod at him, placing my hand on his. ''Alright. Then you have all my support.'' A thought strikes me then. ''Are you going to sell the bar?'' The Redster holds so many memories for me – good and bad, but mostly good. I still go there occasionally to bring those memories alive from when I was still working there.

''God, no. That bar holds a lot of significance to me, too.''

I frown. ''The clinic stay, too, I hope?''

Braden looks at me with all the seriousness he can muster. ''Babe,'' he says. ''The clinic is yours. You do with it whatever you want, I don't have much say in it.''

I smile. ''You know that's not true. I value your opinion more than anyone else's.''

Braden extends his arm and wraps it around my body, tucking me to his side and kissing my forehead. ''As I do yours,'' he replies.

''Hey, I need to tell you something, too,'' I say, biting my lip.

Braden looks at me with interest. ''I think it's a good time you chose to be with us more now since our family is extending.''

He keeps looking at me, clearly not getting what I'm trying to tell him. The grin I give him almost splits my face in two. ''You're going to be a dad, Braden. For the third time,'' I breathe out.

Braden keeps looking at me for a few moments longer and I hold my breath, anticipating his reaction. He doesn't disappoint by giving me the heart-warming, gut-clenching smile, showing me the both dimples and all his teeth. His eyes flash down to my stomach and he puts his palm flat on it, resting it there for a few seconds before his eyes search mine again. ''Another one?'' he asks me, the happiness radiating from him.

I nod while I continue grinning at him.

He bends down and starts placing kisses all over my stomach, making me giggle because it tingles before he puts his head back up, leaning over me. ''Thank you, baby,'' he whispers, a centimeter away from my lips. ''I'm happy I chose you as a woman to spend my life with. You make me so immensely happy, I can't even express it with words.'' He kisses me, placing his lips softly on mine and makes love to them, ravishes them with his own.

It's sweet and passionate and it's everything.

''I love you,'' he says, moving his lips against mine.

I groan. ''I love you, too,'' I say it back before he attacks my lips again, this time his kiss is more hungry, laced with desire. I feel his erection at my hip and I can't help but grin against his mouth as he climbs up on my body and settles between my legs. ''Another one?'' I repeat his words from before, but this time in a different meaning.

Braden softly bites my jaw. ''And many more to come.''

THE END

Yes. Well. This is it for this story. It has come to an end. And yes, there are still chapters in Braden's POV coming, don't worry about it! 

And like I already said, I'm working on another story, called A taste of Sin so you'll be hearing from me! Haha. 

I love the way you love my stories, I love the positive comeback and I'm seriously awestruck how far I've come (especially seeing how lazy I am and I never finished a story before in life). But I finished this one for you. Because you asked for it. And you gave me inspiration. So, this one's for you. I love you all. 

Dedicated to dangerouswomenonfree because her kind words and her comments always bring a smile on my face. Thank you for sticking with my story!

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