Thrive

It’s Independence Day and there isn’t much going on since Alex and Jack aren’t here, but Miranda and I have taken a small road trip up to Kendra’s parents lakehouse while Brielle and her own parents drove here for a barbecue which I wasn’t about to say no to. I was able to bring Baz and Peyton which brought me so much joy in and of itself. I made note to take pics and send them to Alex and post pictures on social media, of course.

“How’s your mom, Abby?” Kendra’s mom asked.

I wished my mom and Tyler could be here.

“Wonderful. She and Tyler are still happy as ever and planning on a winter wedding, specifically December which is unexpected.”

“Sounds like it’s gonna be beautiful.”

I miss the snow terribly.

“It does. I’m crossing my fingers for snow because the weather in Virginia is unpredictable. We could have snow, we could not.”

“Either way, I’m extremely happy for your mom.”

It’s nearly one and we just started eating. My phone vibrated just as I went inside to change into my suit.

Hey babe.

Alex.

Hey. What’s up?

Not much. You? Baz and Peyton?

We’re all great. They love it up here at Kendra’s parents lake house.

It was so generous of them to invite you.

Absolutely. Hey, can I call ya?

Instead, he called instead of answering me.

“I’m so happy to hear your voice.” I said.

“It’s so wonderful to hear yours. What are you up to right now?”

“I’m actually about to change into my bikini.”

He groaned.

“I’m missing that? Fuck.”

“I’m sorry, but you asked.”

“I did.” he sighed.

“Would you like a picture of me in it?”

“Would you mind?”

“You’re my husband. Of course, I don’t mind.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

"Well, I'll let you get to that."

"Ok."

“Talk to you later.”

“You too.”

We hung up and I changed into my suit then took out my phone so I could take a selfie for him. Once I got the right one, I sent it to him with a caption.

Eat your heart out, big boy.

When I walked out of the bathroom, my phone vibrated.

Damn. You're extremely sexy in that bikini. Have a great day, beautiful! I love you!

Thank you! You too. Love you, too!

I smiled and put my phone away. It was gonna be an awesome day.

“What’s going on? You’re all smiles.” Miranda asked as I walked out.

“I spoke to Alex and sent him a pic in my bikini.”

“I bet he loved that.”

“He was overjoyed.”

“Well, I’m gonna change.”

I met the dogs and everyone else by the lake. I was bombarded with jumping dogs and dog kisses.

“Guys. I wasn’t gone that long. Daddy sends his love.”

“Hey hun. You look amazing.” Brielle commented.

“Thanks. So do you.”

I sat down on a lawn chair and stretched out. I put on another coat of sunblock then waited fifteen before heading out to jump into the lake.

It was a Saturday in June that I wasn’t working and I planned on taking full advantage of that. My boyfriend and I have only been dating for two months, but I am absolutely crazy about him. We decided to spend the day at the beach and I was overjoyed. Growing up in Virginia, I always managed to get to the beach during the summer, so now that I’m living in California, it’s amazing.

“Need some help with sunblock?” Alex asked when I was sitting on a towel.

“Of course.” I said with a smile.

The feel of his touch on my bare skin still gave me goosebumps as we only started being intimate a month ago, but they were good goosebumps nonetheless. He began at my shoulders and made his way downward. When he reached my lower back, I felt the urge to kiss him. The second he was done, I fully turned around and kissed him, taking him totally by surprise, but he melted into the kiss as I did.

“What was that about?” he asked smiling.

“I had the sudden urge to kiss those amazing lips of yours.”

He pressed his lips onto mine and pulled me onto his lap.

“I feel the same about yours.”

I smiled as he held me close.

That was such a great day and one of my fondest memories of the two of us. I mean, it wasn’t anything overly special, but it was lovely and wonderful regardless. I jumped in moments later and let out a happy sigh; I was so happy and maybe the happiest I’ve been since Alex has been away. Five minutes later, I looked up to see Miranda sitting on the deck with a frown on her face.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m just really missing Jack is all. Nothing new.”

“Do you need a hug? I can get out-“

“No. I’m fine. Just pathetic and hormonal is all.”

I made a face and got out of the lake.

“Abby...”

“No. You’re my best friend and you’re stuck with me.”

She laughed and leaned against me once I sat down, sticking her head on my shoulder. I wrapped an arm around her stomach while we remained silent for a couple minutes when I heard her groan.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Sometimes, I get pains when I move and at the end of the day. It’s perfectly normal, but it sucks.”

“This is what I have to expect?”

“Yeah, but you’re a badass. You can handle it. You can handle anything.”

I smiled to myself.

“So can you.”

The rest of the day was one to remember and one of the best days I’ve had without my husband.

Notes