Conklin's Corruption (#3) (Conklin's Trilogy) (45 page)

“We’re home, baby doll,” Tyler said gently as he pulled the Lexus in the garage. 

I stretched my arms, feeling groggy from our long few days of traveling.  It was nearly 1:00 a.m., and our families were coming over at 11:00 a.m. bringing brunch and all the gifts from the wedding. 

Even my father was taking another Saturday off to join in on the fun.  I still had my reservations about him, but was trying to put his double life behind me.  He was still my father, provided for me and offered guidance my whole life, even if he were a complete hypocrite.

Our father-daughter dance was fortunately not as awkward as I thought it was going to be.  I was too high from marrying the man of my dreams to have any doubts or negative feelings.

Max was teary eyed and emotional which helped to make him seem to have a heart.  I was glad the side of the man I knew my whole life showed up for my wedding, not the terrifying monster who was at the Arena.

My body felt heavy as I stepped out of the car, but I was quickly lifted off my feet, curling myself into Tyler’s chest.  He rubbed his nose with mine, giving me sweet Eskimo kisses, causing me to giggle.

“Why aren’t we going in through the garage?” I asked sleepily as Tyler carried me through the lighted path to the front door. 

“I have to carry you across the threshold.  Marriage tradition,” he said as a matter of fact.

I wanted to roll my eyes but refrained.  He was eating every bit of this marriage up, and it was adorable and very unlike Tyler.

I loved every second of his traditional attitude.

The lights inside slowly started to dim on as Tyler impressively finished putting in the code with one hand.  “Welcome home, Mrs. Conklin,” Tyler’s deep voice said as he nudged the door open with his elbow.

My cheeks heated as he called me Mrs. Conklin.  I was really his, branded with his name.

I began to squirm, expecting him to put me down, but his grip tightened.  “I can walk now.  I’m sure after all that island food I’m at least fifteen pounds heavier,” I grumbled.

Tyler ignored my request, walking straight towards our bedroom.  “I’ll set you down once I pass the most important threshold.  Our bedroom,” he said, his voice turning sultry.  “Besides, you saying I can’t handle another fifteen pounds is offensive.”

I smacked his chest playfully, enjoying seeing his ever-famous Conklin grin slowly spread across his face.

Finally making our way to the bedroom, Tyler laid me down gently, his body covering mine. 

Bringing my hands to his cheeks, I pulled him in for a sweet and tender kiss.

When we pulled apart, Tyler looked into my eyes filled with love and desire.  “You’re not too tired to relive our wedding night, are you?”  Tyler’s mischievous grin made me melt, and my sleepiness from earlier evaporated.

“I guess I could muster enough strength for that.  As long as we can relive some honeymoon sex later this week,” I flirted.

Tyler’s eyes smoldered into mine as his grin grew wider.

“You can count on that for the rest of our lives, baby doll.”

***

After our family brunch, we opened all the extravagant gifts from the mile long list of guests.  Overly priced crystal vases and glasses that we would hardly ever use were piled in our living room.  The gifts I enjoyed the most were, per my request, the envelopes holding cards with donations to the Conklin’s fund for building shelters and low-income housing.  I was extremely grateful for everything but guilty in return.

Over our honeymoon, Tyler and I discussed revamping the shelters and low-income housing project.  I couldn’t wait to start giving back.  We both agreed any wedding checks that were made out to us would automatically go into that fund.  We didn’t need any more money.  We were fortunate enough as it was.

After every present and envelope were opened, everyone scurried in different directions.  My father and brothers went down to the cigar cellar, while our mothers, Heather and the kids went into the kitchen.  Nathan, Mitch, and Tyler escaped to the deck.  Probably discussing work.  Tyler and I had been gone for three weeks.  Of course he still had a few conference calls, but I made sure to be a very big distraction.  A welcomed one at that.

“So anything wild and crazy happen on the honeymoon that you can tell me now that we’re not surrounded by your family?” Jamie asked, raising a brow.

I laughed and blushed at the same time.  “It was very memorable.”

“Oh, come on, you can give me more than that!” she pestered.

I laughed then whispered, “I’m not going to kiss and tell, but Tyler Conklin may have a thirst for kink.”

Jamie gasped, taking a look around to make sure no one was watching.  “I knew it!  I told you the quiet ones are always the kinkiest!”

I hushed her.  “Stop!  He’d kill me if he knew I said that to you!  My lips are sealed now.”

She shook her head rapidly.  “Oh, no you don’t.  You can’t drop that bomb and not finish.  Just wait, I’ll get you drunk and you’ll spill.”

I laughed again, standing from the couch to go find Tyler.  Jamie followed, bickering more about keeping her in the dark.  I ignored her and then tried to dismiss the pull low in my belly from memories of our very delectable honeymoon.

Then I found my love, sitting on a lounge chair, his body relaxed and happy, practically begging me to find his lap.

I gracefully walked past Mitch and Nathan on separate sides of the outdoor couch, setting myself in Tyler’s lap.  He was startled at first, but quickly wrapped his arms around me, kissing me softly.

“Gosh, I can’t WAIT for the honeymoon phase to be over,” Nathan said in mock disgust.  Jamie hit Nathan’s shoulder while both Tyler and I laughed.  We knew it’d be a long time before we’d be able to keep our hands off each other.

Jamie sat down in the chair between Nathan and Mitch, swatting Mitch on the arm for putting his feet on the outdoor coffee table.  That caused Nathan to mimic Mitch, earning him a glare from Jamie.  I loved their interactions, and I was so glad to have them all in my life. 

Tyler gently nuzzled my neck, his scruffy beard causing me to giggle. 

Of all the people in my life, I was the most grateful for him.

My husband, Tyler Conklin.

“So what now, Mrs. Conklin?” Tyler asked, his hands making affectionate circles on my back and thigh.

As I stared into his eyes, admiring how they were changing color from green to blue, I was reminded of the first time in the elevator when I saw them.  He hypnotized me from the beginning with those beautiful eyes.  He stole my heart soon after.

Our life was finally starting.  All scary drama was over with, and I was thrilled to begin our quiet life together.

He chuckled as I smiled like a love struck idiot at him, waiting for my answer.  “Well?”

I blinked my eyes, my heart beating steadily for him in my chest. 

“Babies,” I murmured, my voice never faltering.

He searched my face.  “Babies.” He tested the word.

I nodded my head, my smile never fading.

“Babies,” he said more confidently, a slow smile tugged at his lips.  “I think we could manage that.”

I kissed him, knowing one day he’d fulfill another dream and all of my dreams to come. 

Today, tomorrow, and forever.

Acknowledgements

This is always the hard part.  So many people have been supportive throughout my journey with Tyler and Becca.  To be honest, this part could easily be just as the long as the entire Conklin Trilogy!

First I’d like to thank my cousin, Jen.  Without you pushing me to do this and encouraging me that my rambles were more than just crazy thoughts inside my head, I would never had hit publish.  Thank you for having faith in me.  Your supportive texts and emails mean the world to me, and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.

Sam Hondorp-we did it!  I can’t believe we actually made it through THREE books!  I know we’ve both learned so much from this experience, and I’m grateful for your willingness to answer my crazy texts on silly things I could probably just google!  Cheers!

My amazing Beta readers.  I value every single bit of your feedback, whether it be positive or critical.  You helped to mold this book into a beautiful sculpture.  It takes real guts to tell someone whether you like their work or what they could do to make it better, and I’m so thankful to have you all do so.

Emily Hamilton- I’m so thankful Christine gave me your name!  Thanks for proofing my book and making it squeaky clean!  You rock girl and I can’t wait to work with you in the future!

Andrea and Melinda- Thanks for being another set of eyes.  I love that you’ve taken the time to read through Becca and Tyler’s story!

Sommer- Oh Mr. Handsome… you’ve made my book come to life again!  Keep working your magic girl!  Can’t wait for more future covers to be done with you and Perfect Pear Creative.

Tonya- Oh My God.  You are so amazing.  I’m scattered, hairbrained, unorganized, and act like I live on a cloud most of the time, and you love me STILL!!  You do so much to help me gain control over everything, and I’m so thankful!  You’re honestly my best friend, I wish more than anything that we lived closer.  I know you’re only a phone call away, but holy hell a hug would be nice!  Or a trip to the bar, we could get into some fun trouble I’m sure!  I’m so happy Eye Candy Bookstore gave my book to you for a review, otherwise I we wouldn’t have met.  You rock chica, and you do deserve all the good in the world!  Love you to the moon and back babe!

Karen- To my author Mamma!  My face lights up whenever that facetime call comes through or a message pops up on my phone or computer!  I know we’ll always be friends until the end, and I can’t wait to come visit you and your family.  Also, my husband loves you, so there’s no way you can ever get rid of me!

Amanda- You are my author bestie.  Your snapchats and phone calls make my days better.  I know I can go to you for anything, bookworld or real world and vice versa.  It’s nice being able to talk with like minded people, and our dirty minds together create for an interesting convo.  You say you ramble, and well…you do, but I love it!  I can ramble back to you and not feel like an idiot doing so.  I can’t express how much of an impact you making me go to NOLA with you had on my life and my personal growth.  It was great finding someone who likes to randomly break out into song, take shots like a champ, and be myself with! 

Angela- I still always text you, and you always respond!  I hope one day I can offer you a fraction of the advice you’ve given me.  You’ve helped me grow as a writer (and marketer!).  I will forever be indebted to you for that.

Trudy-Can you believe this is my third book??  Seems like just yesterday we created our facebook pages!  You’ve been there since the beginning, and I’m so glad to call you my friend!  You offer advice like no other, and I’m so thankful for all your input.

Jen- You’re always so chipper and right to the point!  I love your boldness and positivity!  You answer your phone at all hours it seems, and I love that we can chat for just that long about random shit!  You’re the first one to share and see how I’m doing, and I’m thankful Karen bugged the crap out of me to do a takeover for Just One More Page!  Love ya girl!

To all my fellow authors who give me support daily.  We are in this together as one, and I’m so thankful every time I see a share or supportive like/comment.  Authors unite!

To my NOLA crew- Amanda, Trudy, Jen, Brandee, Renae, (and of course Brad and Kevin!) That was an experience of a lifetime.  I was pushed completely out of my comfort zone.  Who hops on a plane to New Orleans to stay with a bunch of people they’ve never met in person before?  I changed for the better after that trip.  Thank you all for being a part of it!

Christine with The Hype- I’m thrilled to be working with you for the release month of Corruption!  I see big things in our futures, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.  Thanks for your constant support and advice!

Bloggers- Thank you to all of the bloggers out there.  If it weren’t for you, my books wouldn’t be out there.  Especially to those few who took a chance on a brand new author with a flower on the cover of her book. 

Tyler’s Blueprint Babes- I’m lost for words when it comes to all of you.  Your pimping is inspiring, and I’m still in awe by all of your constant support and faith in me.  Know you all are appreciated and loved, and can message me any time and as much as you all want!  I love talking to my babes!  Ashley, Amber, Tenise, Dusty: You girls are my captains!

Last but certainly not least- I’d like to thank my loving husband for all your constant support.  I can’t wait to grow old with you.  I love you more than cupcakes.  And thank you to my babies.  Lincoln and Hannah, you are my world.  I strive to succeed because of the two of you.  You’re the reason for every breath I take, and I love to continue watching you both grow.