Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Eighteen

Daphne

" Y ou've got to be fucking kidding me," Wren growls after patiently listening to me tell her and Meadow over the phone what happened at the event after they left. "Your mom is a fucking cunt. Who the hell does she think she is? She's a washed-up former Miss America runner-up whose only real talent was being a trophy wife."

"Tell us how you really feel, Wren," Meadow chimes in making all of us laugh.

"I'm done trying to understand why my mother is the way she is. Ezra said she texted me a very nasty message sometime after the fact, but thankfully he saw it first and deleted it."

"What the actual fuck?"

Maybe I shouldn't have told Wren that part.

"Anyway, I finally said my piece, and I'm ready to move on. Unless she changes drastically, she will no longer be in my life, or my father's once the divorce is finalized. It's going to be a fresh start for both of us, and I couldn't be happier about that."

"Gah, I'm so happy for you." Meadow's sweet voice is breathy, making me think she's bouncing around like she does when she gets excited.

"Not to rain on the happy parade, but now that everything is done on all of your checklists, where do you stand with Ezra?" Leave it to Wren to cut straight to the point.

"I love him."

Meadow squeals so loudly that I have to pull the phone from my ear.

"And luckily for me, he loves me too."

"Gah, I love the fake dating trope so damn much. You two are fire together."

"Thanks, Wren."

"So, what are your plans for the rest of the night? Are you coming back to Sparrow Falls or staying with Ezra? If you aren't staying, Riv and I can host a girls' night."

"Awe, thanks, Meadow. Ezra and I decided we wanted to throw an impromptu get-together. You ladies want to come over for a pool party?"

"Hell yeah!"

"Count us in. Do we need to bring anything? River has been baking all day per my request. I always enjoy her kitchen creations, but I think she's leveled up in her baking. I can't get enough of her sweets lately."

"Mmm. You know I'll never turn down anything River bakes."

"Seriously. Not only is your child a nerdy genius but she's also a baking genius. It's really not fair. Lord help the world if you ever procreate again. Knowing how River is, your next offspring will probably be a baby Mozart."

"I can't help it that my chi sends out the best vibes, therefore blessing me with the most stellar daughter ever," Meadow teases, sounding more like her parents than normal.

"I'll call into The Tavern and see if they can do one of their party plates even though it's kind of last minute. Should we invite the Wilson Sisters?"

"The more, the merrier. Today was a good day, minus the few bumps in the road. I will not let my mother ruin this for me."

"Atta girl! Meadow, why don't you ladies get ready? Brooks has that fancy new SUV, so he can be our chauffeur for the night."

Poor Brooks. Thank God he knows how to handle wild Wren.

"Alright. Tell the other girls, and we'll see you in about an hour."

"Yes, sounds good."

I hang up with my friends and feel a little more peace settle through me. I know I said I wouldn't dwell on what went down between me and my mother, but it's really hard. I've never felt love or affection from her, so I know I won't miss it. What I think I'm really mourning is never having that quintessential mother-daughter relationship like you see in the movies or like Meadow has with River.

On my wedding day, hopefully to Ezra, will hold my father, but I will never get to go dress shopping with her or pick out colors, what food we should eat, and whether we should have a band or a DJ.

My children, if Ezra and I do have some, will never know their grandmother. She won't be there I'm the delivery room with me or stay the first few nights at the house to help Ezra and me figure out life with a newborn. She will be missing from any family vacations, first steps, first dates, and first heartbreaks, which really breaks my heart. If nothing else, my future children deserve to have a grandma who cares, but that will never come from her.

I'm so thankful to have met Ezra and to have been welcomed with open arms into his family. It took a little bit to get used to being "mothered" when we get together with his family, but his mom is filling the void one hug at a time. Ezra's mother is insanely supportive whether by asking about my foundation, or following me on Instagram and love bombing every one of my posts. She's exactly the mother I wished for and am loving getting to know better every day.

Ezra's dad is more observant and likes to sit back and just enjoy being with his family. I find a lot of solace sitting next to him during our cookouts. He likes to smoke a cigar sometimes after the kids go to sleep and the adults are sitting around Ezra's fancy fire pit. The smell reminds me of sitting under the huge mahogany desk in my grandpa's study, hiding away from my mother.

Grandpa used to sneak me chocolates and tell her he didn't know where I was. Those are the memories I'm happy to look back on. My mother might have been the worst, but her parents were the best grandparents a kid could ask for.

I'm fussing around the kitchen to see what we have food-wise when Ezra's strong arms wrap around me.

"Did you call the girls?"

"I did. They're both coming, along with Brooks. I think Wren was going to text the Wilson sisters to invite them and their crew. Hope you don't mind. It's going to get a little chaotic around here."

"I don't mind at all. You've filled my life and my home with so much happiness. I'd never let you leave if I could help it."

"You're the sweetest. You've got me for tonight."

"Oh yeah? What would you say if I wanted to keep you in my bed every night?"

Gasping, I spin in his arms to see if he's serious. He smirks at me, but his eyes are begging for me to say yes.

"Are you asking me to move in?"

"You bet your sweet ass I am. If I thought it would go over well, I'd be pulling a move like one of the alphaholes in your books and have you packed up and moved in before we came home from the event today."

"Holy shit, you are serious. You don't think it's too soon?"

"Love, I've been waiting seven years to talk to you again. The minute you came back into my life, I knew I wanted to keep you here. I may have offered a fake dating arrangement to you, but keeping you has always been my end game."

Before I can say anything, Ezra drops down on one knee and pulls a box from his pocket, popping the lid open. I see the most exquisite ring I've ever seen in my life. It's a beautiful princess-cut diamond in what looks like an antique art deco band. There's delicate filigree that makes the band look dainty. I'm so shocked that Ezra has to clear his throat to get my attention.

"Daphne Barkley, I knew there was something special when I crashed into you seven years ago. And since that day, you've always been on my mind. Seeing you walk into that tattoo appointment was one of the best days of my life. If you'll have me, I'd like to keep you and see how many more amazing days we can have together. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Tears are running down my face as I launch myself at Ezra. He laughs as I knock him over. My hands go to his face as I kiss him again and again.

Ezra flips us, making me yelp as my back is now flush with the kitchen floor, with him sprawled over top of me. He quickly takes control of the kiss, ratcheting my need for him tenfold.

"Fuck, Daphne. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

"Give me your hand. The next time I fuck you will be with my ring on your finger."

I lift my shaky hand for Ezra to slide on the ring. It fits perfectly. I move my hand back and forth, admiring the way the diamond sparkles in the light.

Ezra takes my hand in his before bringing it to his face and kissing his ring on my finger. "When did you tell the girls to come over?"

"They said they'd be about an hour."

"Thank fuck." Ezra pulls jumps to his feet, pulling me along with him.

We stumble, and I can't contain the laugh that spills from my lips. I'm just so happy and so in love with this man.

Ezra winds his hand through my hair at the base of my neck before grabbing it hard and tilting my head back. "Daddy wants you in our bedroom ready for me when I get there. Do you understand?"

Heat floods my core. I love playing in the bedroom with Ezra and am glad we have time to connect this way after everything that happened today.

"Yes, Daddy."

"Good girl." As I turn to head towards his—well I guess our bedroom—Ezra smacks my ass, making me jump. It seems like he's wound up tonight, but I'm definitely not going to complain about that.

Stripping, I make sure to place all of my clothes in a neat pile on the chair in the corner of the room. I leave my glasses on the bedside table, then kneel at the foot of the bed while I wait for Ezra. It seems like an eternity, and my center is aching desperately as I wait for Ezra. A sigh of relief escapes me as I hear him enter the room.

"What a good girl you are. You look so lovely on your knees for me. Crawl to me."

I lean forward on my hands and crawl towards Ezra, making sure to keep my eyes down. I want to look at him so bad, but I know if I do so without his permission then I'll only suffer in the long run. Ezra is the master at edging, but there's no way I can handle that tonight. I make it to his feet and lean back on my heels, hands placed in my lap, eyes down.

I shiver as he runs his finger down my jaw then tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. It always amazes me that a gesture so small has me aching with need so desperately. Ezra applies more pressure on my jaw, lifting my head to finally meet his eyes. They are full of heat, his pupils completely blown as he stares down at me like I'm his prey.

Hmm, that could be a lot of fun. Maybe I can see if he'd like to try some primal play sometime. My mind wanders to images of Ezra chasing me through the woods. My core pulses. I try shifting my legs to find some relief, but it's useless.

"What were you just thinking about, love?"

"Um, that you were looking at me as if I were your prey. I've read a few books where the characters enjoy primal play. I couldn't help but think that playing like that with you would be hot. I was picturing you chasing me through the woods…" I trail off as Ezra's eyes blaze and his nostrils flare. It seems like he is enjoying that fantasy as much as I am.

"You know how I love to fulfill your every fantasy. Chasing you through the woods to ravage you sounds like ecstasy. Let me do some research, but I would love to bring that fantasy to life for you." His smile is predatory and making me ache even more. "Open." Ezra taps my lips with his thumb.

He's standing before me in only his boxers, so I expect for him to drop them and to glide his erection into my waiting mouth. I'm shocked when I feel a bottle against my lips and the bubbles of the champagne popping on my tongue.

"Tonight calls for a little celebration, don't you think?" Ezra takes a swig before setting the bottle down on the dresser beside him. I'm not ready when he picks me up under the arms and carries me to the bed. "We don't have a lot of time, and as much as I'd like to play with you, I'd rather make love to you. Is that okay?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"No, not Daddy right now. Just Ezra." His eyes soften as he looks down at me. "Or husband. I think I'm going to like hearing that word come from your lips."

"Husband."

As soon as I utter the words, Ezra's control snaps. He sits up to shuck off his boxers before sliding right back between my legs. He lines himself up with my center before he slowly, inch by inch, slides into my hot, aching pussy.

"Ezra…" I moan as he makes love to me.

We're as close as two people can be, but it's still not enough. Reaching for his face, I guide his lips to mine. Ezra devours me as he makes love to me. It's perfect, and before I'm ready, I'm teetering on the edge of my climax.

"I love you… wife," Ezra whispers into my ear, and I explode. He groans out my name as he spills inside of me.

We kiss and cling to each other as we both slowly come down.

"I love you so much, Daphne. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together and see what our future has in store for us."

"I love you, too. I wouldn't want to take this leap with anyone other than you."

We stay wrapped in our embrace for a little while longer before coming to terms with the fact that we need to get up and prepare for our friends and family to arrive.

Ezra and I hop into the shower to rinse off. I gave Ezra my ring back to put in the box until everyone gets here later and we can tell them all at once. Heading towards the kitchen, I start digging through the fridge to see if we have enough food here to feed everyone who's coming. I've only managed to scrounge through the fridge when Ezra's mother calls out from the back door.

"Hello, dear. Reinforcements have arrived." She makes her way to the kitchen hands full of bags with Ezra and his dad loaded down behind them.

"I was already planning on a celebration earlier, but I had Dean run to the store to get a few more things."

"A few more things, my ass. I nearly bought out the whole damn floor," Ezra's dad teases as he sends a wink in my direction.

His mom quickly shoos the men outside to get the grill and pool ready as we dive into food prep.

Celeste comes in a little after her parents like a tornado with her rambunctious gremlins hot on her heels.

"Ezra gave me the cliff notes. I fucking hate your mother. She holds the throne right up there beside my useless ex-husband," she grumbles as she gives me a squeeze.

Layla leans over her mother's arms, begging for a hug too. I scoop her up and relax as she burrows her chubby little cheeks under my chin.

"My baby looks good on you. You better watch yourself around Ezra, or it won't be long until you two have your own horde of kiddos running around."

My face flushes, but I don't hate the idea of having babies with Ezra. I was always indifferent about being a mother, but I'm going to attribute that to having one of the worst. After seeing so many healthy mother/child relationships, there's a longing to have that with my own kids that has been growing since things started to get serious with Ezra.

Celeste hops right in on the kitchen prep. She tries shooing the older two outside with Ezra, but they're too busy getting some sweets from their grandma to notice. Watching how efficiently the pair move through the kitchen, I volunteer to take the kids out to Ezra.

We hang outside for a bit, but when Ezra tells me our guests are starting to arrive, I head inside to greet them at the door. Wren, Brooks, Meadow, and River are the first to arrive. The rest follow close behind until everyone is here celebrating and enjoying each other's company. Well, everyone except my father.

The girls are busy teasing me about Ezra when I realize he's missing. I look around the crowded back patio, but still am not able to find him. I just step in the backdoor and am heading towards the kitchen when I see him standing with my father, both men with huge smiles on their faces. I don't hesitate to walk right up and slide under Ezra's arm. He places a sweet kiss on my forehead before turning his attention back to my father.

"I hear congratulations are in order, pumpkin. I am so happy for you."

Ezra pulls the ring box from his pocket and slides my engagement ring back on my finger.

"Thanks, Dad. We're both so happy."

"As am I, dear. May I give you a hug?" I hate that he feels like he has to ask, but I also appreciate him not trying to push my boundaries. "Of course." I step into his embrace, and another piece of my heart mends itself.

I know we still have things to work on, but life is too short to hold grudges or punish my father for his mistakes. From his comments and his apology, I know he has his regrets where I'm concerned.

"Come on. I want to introduce you to everyone."

"I'd love nothing more than to meet them."

We all head out to the back patio where chaos is ensuing. Kids are weaving through the adults, screaming and splashing coming from the pool as the dads take turns playing a game where they send their children soaring through the air to crash back down in the water. The women are eating and feeding little ones in between bites and conversation.

I make my way around the party and introduce my dad to my friends and Ezra's family. So far, nobody has noticed my ring, but that all changes when Ezra's mother squeezes my hand while we're all talking.

"Oh my God!" she screeches as she pulls my hand closer to her face and marvels at my stunning ring. "Oh, thank you, Jesus. I'm getting another daughter."

"What? You're engaged, and you didn't tell us?" Wren yells as she storms over and all but tackles me in her hug.

The next few minutes are a blur as our friends and families surround us to congratulate us on our engagement. I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate joining my life with Ezra's.

The party doesn't last long seeing as it's a Sunday, but it's one of the best days of my life. Ezra and I collapse into bed completely spent after helping Celeste load her tired cranky bunch into her car to head home. I was relieved when his parents said they'd follow her home to help get the kids to bed. Celeste might be a superwoman, but she's also smart enough to take the help where it's given.

Too exhausted to do much at all, Ezra strips me down before pulling me into bed. He tucks me into his side, and we both lie quietly taking in everything that's happened not only today, but since we crashed into each other's lives again.

If you had told me six months ago that I would be curled up next to my fiancé, the once unattainable man I compared all others, I would have never believed you. But watching him prove his love for me and how he'll always be by my side has filled a piece of me that's been missing since he stole it seven years ago.