Colters' Promise

CHAPTER 10

LILY waited anxiously for her husbands to get home. They’d been banished to the dads so Holly could come over for her cooking lesson. For the first time, Lily had been impatient for her mother-in-law to leave. Lily was focused on having her men return so that she could make things right.

She thought back over her plan for the hundredth time, reciting the words she’d committed to memory but also knowing that the moment her husbands were there in front of her, she’d forget everything and have to wing it.

The important thing was that she would give them a memory to replace the one of her freaking out and scaring them to death. She’d give them something to look back on when their own children were grown. A happy time, a time to be excited and look to the future.

It had been a wake-up call for her when she’d realized just how much she lived in the now. Not that it was a bad thing. No one wanted to wish their life away, always looking forward and never enjoying the here and now.

But she’d made it a practice to never look beyond the next day. It was almost as if she were afraid to hope for any kind of a future. Or maybe she was just afraid she wouldn’t have one.

Finding out she was pregnant had altered her perception. It had altered her focus. No longer was today the only thing she concentrated on. Now she looked to the future, imagining how their lives would change when they welcomed a son or daughter into their family.

It was … nice.

Scary. Heart-stopping. Nerve-racking. But so very nice.

Her pulse leaped when she heard the truck in the drive. She smoothed her hands down her jeans, wiping her palms before she started toward the door to greet them.

She was there to open the door before they reached the porch. She tried to smile but she was so nervous that she wasn’t sure she pulled it off convincingly.

Michael reached her first, and before he could say anything, she launched herself into his arms and gave him a scorching kiss to curl his toes.

When she pulled away, his eyes were half-lidded and dazed. She smiled and pushed him into the living room.

Seth and Dillon stood in the doorway, observing her cautiously. Not wanting to leave them out in the least, she went into Seth’s arms and kissed him with every bit as much heat as she’d kissed Michael.

Man, she loved the way he smelled. Loved the way he felt. He was still wearing his uniform, and he hadn’t yet taken off his holster with his gun.

All in good time.

She felt a little smug when he was reluctant to let her go, but she pointed him toward Michael and then went into Dillon’s arms.

She tried to take control much as she’d done with Michael and Seth—though interestingly enough, Michael was the more dominant force, especially when it came to sex—but Dillon was having none of that.

He met her hungrily, taking over and ravaging her mouth. For several long, breathless seconds, he tasted her, explored her lips, and nibbled teasingly at their fullness.

“How are you feeling?” he whispered.

She put a finger over his lips and then turned to the others.

“I have something important I want to tell you.”

Seth lifted an eyebrow, then glanced at Michael, then to Dillon, and finally back to her. “Okay.”

She gestured everyone toward the couch. “Sit.”

As soon as they were all seated, she moved forward, no longer nervous or edgy. Peace settled over her. Her mind was quiet and no longer contained the painful memories of the past. It was filled instead with images of the future. Of her husbands and a tiny newborn baby. And then an older child, a girl or a boy. And of her husbands doting on him or her, and other children. Their family.

Her heart felt near to bursting. For so long she’d been ruled by the past. She’d hurt for so long that she’d nearly forgotten how to experience joy. Now it flooded her. Seeped into every part of her heart and soul.

She went to her knees between Dillon’s legs and reached with both hands to pull Seth’s and Michael’s hands so that she held them against her heart.

“Guess what? I’m having your baby,” she said, her smile so big that she could barely get the words out.

Seth’s eyes went soft. With love. So much love. And understanding as well. Michael smiled and squeezed her hand. Dillon reached out and cupped her cheek, his expression so fierce, and yet tears glittered harshly in his eyes.

“Isn’t that wonderful?” she asked.

And suddenly she was pulled onto Dillon’s lap. Michael cradled her from behind and Seth pulled her feet onto his lap. They surrounded her, their love warming her to her very core.

“It’s the most wonderful gift anyone’s ever given me,” Dillon choked out.

Seth’s hand caressed a line up her leg to rest on her knee and he squeezed, his smile so big that his face nearly split.

Michael nuzzled her neck and then whispered low in her ear. “Are you happy, Lily? I know you’re scared, baby, but are you happy?”

She turned, leaning into his chest. “I’m terrified, but I’ve never been happier than at this moment.”

“We won’t let you down,” Dillon said gruffly. “We’ll be with you every second of every minute of every day. You’ll never be alone.”

She reached up to cup his face as he’d done to hers. “I know, Dillon. I do know. I love you all so much. I’m so sorry I handled this so badly the first time. I wanted it to be special and for a little while, I let grief for Rose overwhelm me. I want this baby. I want our child. So very much.”

She turned so she could straddle Dillon’s lap and so she could touch Michael and Seth. She could see them and they could see her.

“Before I met you, I would never have believed that my life could be so full of joy and happiness. I’d vowed to never have another child. I wouldn’t risk it. But you give me such strength. You love me, and because you love me, I feel so strong. I feel like I can do anything. Even face my darkest fear.”

Seth leaned in and pressed his lips to hers and then he cupped the back of her head, simply holding her close.

“We’ll do this together, Lily. Just like Dillon said. You’ll never be alone. We’ll be with you every step of the way. Our baby will be protected, cherished, and loved by every member of the Colter family. No child will ever grow up more loved.”

“Have you been to the doctor yet?” Michael asked. “Do you know how far along you are?”

They hadn’t discussed the pregnancy since she’d had her little meltdown. She could see the questions they were dying to ask, but they’d purposely not overwhelmed her and had given her time to adjust to the idea.

She loved them for that, but she also knew that it had been difficult for them because they wanted to be able to talk about it. They wanted to be able to be excited. They wanted her to be as happy about it as they were.

And so they’d let her take the lead and had been as loving and supportive as always, content to wait until she was ready to take that first shaky step.

Well, she was there. She might not light the world on fire with her courage or bravery, but she had something going for her that not many others had. She had three wonderful men who loved her unconditionally.

Unconditionally.

Such a strong, powerful word. How many people could say they were loved without conditions? Without strings? No questions. No hesitation. They were loved.

Her heart clutched even as she nodded in response to Michael’s question.

“I went to see Dr. Burton several days ago. I suspected … or rather I had a suspicion, or maybe it was a fear. He did a test there in the office, then gave me a bunch of vitamins to take and scheduled another appointment in a month. My best estimate is that I’m around six to eight weeks along. Probably closer to eight by now.”

“We’ll all go with you to your appointments. Every one of them. Have you been feeling sick? Are you more tired than usual?”

Lily smiled at the concern in Michael’s voice. Though as a vet he treated animals, he still went all doctorly on her at the first sign of any illness or upset.

“Queasy. And yes, tired. Like oh-my-God tired. And my breasts are sore. But the fatigue was what clued me in. It was exactly how I felt with Rose—like I didn’t even want to get out of bed. I felt that way for much of my pregnancy, and it’s why I never really recovered when I went home with her.”

Dillon’s expression grew fierce. “That won’t happen this time. You’re going to rest. You aren’t going to lift a finger. And after the baby is born, you’re coming home and you’re not going to do anything more than hold or feed the baby.”

Her heart ached at the protectiveness in his voice. If only she’d had them when Rose was born. So many if-onlys. She reached down to place a hand on her still-flat belly. She couldn’t bring Rose back. And she couldn’t replace her. But she could give birth to her brother or sister, and a part of Rose would live on.

Dillon picked up her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her palm. “I love you, Lily. We’ll take care of you and our baby. I swear it.”

She leaned forward and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her and held on. He trembled against her, so much emotion shuddering through his big body.

“I know you will, Dillon. I love you too. So much. You and Michael and Seth saved me. You save me every day.”

When she pulled away, Michael tugged her into his arms and cradled her close.

“Do you want to tell the rest of the family or would you rather wait awhile?”

Lily hesitated. “I thought it would be a great Christmas present. For everyone. A new Colter. The first grandchild for your parents. Everyone will be together this year. Somehow it just seems fitting to break the news then.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” Seth said, joy lighting his eyes.

“You know what I think would be an even more wonderful idea?” she said in a low, husky voice.

Dillon’s hands tightened on her thighs as though he recognized the tone in her voice and knew exactly what it was she was up to.

“What’s that?” Dillon asked in a near growl.

“If you all took me to bed and made love to me.”

“Oh hell yes,” Michael said as he rose from the couch. He was already reaching for her, pulling her up from Dillon’s lap.

He swept her into his arms, cradling her against his heart. He gazed down at her, relief and love like a beacon shining in his eyes.

“I love you,” he said, his voice hoarse and a little shaky.

She reached up to touch his face. “I love you too.”

He carried her toward the bedroom, followed by Seth and Dillon. Once there, he laid her gently on the bed and kissed her deep and sweet.

There was a reverence to their every touch as they undressed her. Their touches were gentle, so much so that it made her chest tighten and ache. Their fingers stroked, their palms caressed, and their lips kissed.

She lay there naked, spread out before them as they stood over the bed, their gazes riveted. Their eyes brimmed with love, with adoration. Tears burned her lids because she could feel their love. They didn’t just say the words. They lived them each and every day.

It had nearly broken her when Seth had asked if she no longer wanted the relationship with him and his brothers. Never did she want them to doubt her love or her commitment.

She watched as they undressed. She never tired of seeing their bodies, of holding her breath as each piece of clothing fell away. They still did that to her. Still made her light-headed and turned her on with nothing more than a stare.

Michael was the leanest of the three. Taut, muscled. Not as broad shouldered as his brothers, but he was a bit taller. While Seth and Dillon had short, clean haircuts, Michael had shoulder-length, mussed hair that she found adorably sexy. She always thought it was his one rebellion. Nothing about him would make anyone think he was a rebel. He was extremely intelligent, quiet, and tended to be serious.

Seth was broader and his muscles more developed. He maintained a disciplined fitness regimen, especially since he’d been laid up and out of work for several months after being shot two years ago.

Dillon was the stockiest of the three. Massive shoulders, bulging arms that sported tattoos. He had an I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude that often irritated others, but those who knew him knew he had a heart of gold and when he loved, he loved with all his heart, deeply and without reservation. He was loyal to his toes. All the Colters were. It was a principle drilled into them from birth.

Family wasn’t just something. It was everything.

Dillon leaned over her, pressing his hard, warm body to hers. He was careful to hold most of his weight off her as he stared down into her eyes. He stroked his fingers through her hair and then leaned down to kiss her.

“Are you more sensitive now?” he asked huskily. “I’ve heard women’s breasts can be painful during early pregnancy.”

She smiled. “Yeah, they’re extremely tender. They feel bigger, and if I so much as bump into something, it’s like stubbing a toe.”

“Then we’ll be extra careful with you.”

He moved to the side of her, laid back, and then reached for her arm. “Get on top,” he coaxed. “I want to look at you, and I know they do too.”

Seth took her hand and helped her sit up, and then Michael was there, helping her slide over Dillon’s thighs. She settled just below his straining erection, allowing it to rest against her belly.

No one could resist such temptation.

She wrapped her fingers around the thick base and gently slid her hand upward to the tip. The bed dipped and Michael and Seth got in on either side of her. Seth leaned in, kissing her shoulder, nipping gently. Michael cupped one breast ever so gently in his palm, then leaned down to brush a light kiss across the top.

Her nipple immediately hardened and instead of aching discomfort, she ached for his touch. She wanted his mouth, even knowing how hypersensitive her breasts were at the moment.

Dillon slid his hands up her legs and over her hips to her waist. Then he lifted her, positioning her so she was over his cock.

There was a sense of urgency, almost as if he couldn’t wait to get inside her, to reaffirm his possession. As soon as she pushed down, enveloping his hardness, his nostrils flared and his eyes closed.

His hands shook at her hips and then he tightened his grip as she took him all.

Seth turned her face to his, kissing her long and deep. “Is it okay? He’s not hurting you, is he?”

She returned his kiss hungrily, wanting more. She wanted it all. All three men loving and cherishing her. Making love to her as only they could.

“No,” she whispered. “But I want more. I want you.”

Seth sucked in his breath. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. “You won’t hurt me, Seth. The baby is safe. We don’t have to stop making love. At least not for a while. I need you.”

The soft plea turned his eyes warm and soft but then they glittered and his pupils dilated. His breathing sped up as he pulled back and pushed up from the bed. A moment later he returned and rained a trail of kisses down her spine, to the small of her back, and then over the curve of her behind.

His fingers were gentle as he parted her cheeks. The lubricant was warm, as if he’d rubbed it between his hands so it wouldn’t be cold. His fingers slid easily inward, easing the passageway.

For several breathless moments, she remained still, mounted on top of Dillon, whose cock was hard and deep within her. She tried not to move as Seth’s fingers worked sensuously in and out of her tight opening.

Her pussy tightened around Dillon’s cock with each stroke of Seth’s hand and Dillon groaned, his fingers digging into her waist.

Michael stayed to her other side as Seth carefully positioned himself at her entrance. Michael stroked her hair, caressed her breast with featherlike touches, and then bent down to run his tongue over the taut peak.

She sighed, or maybe it was a moan. She was edgy and itchy all over. Eager, impatient. They were being so incredibly careful and she loved them for it. Maybe she even needed this gentleness from them when she felt so vulnerable.

They weren’t in any hurry, and they seemed determined that each movement fully express how much they adored her.

“I want to taste you,” she whispered against Michael’s lips as he returned to kiss her.

He smiled but shook his head. “This is all for you, baby. We’re not taking. We’re giving. I’m just going to stay right here and I’m going to kiss you and tell you how much I love you while Seth and Dillon bring you as much pleasure as they can. And then afterward, I’m going to hold you and our child while you sleep.”

The beauty and sincerity of his words clutched at her heart. She reached over, thrust her hand into his hair, and pulled him closer so she could lock her lips to his as Seth slid past the resistance of her body.

She gasped into Michael’s mouth. The sudden fullness was overwhelming, as it always was. No matter how often they took her in this fashion, the thrill never wore off. It was always as exciting as the very first time.

“Tell me how it feels,” Michael growled into her mouth. “Tell me what it feels like to have them both inside you.”

“Like heaven,” she whispered. “I so love when all three of you are a part of me. Inside me. Showing me your love and allowing me to show you mine.”

Michael’s hand fisted in her hair just as Seth and Dillon found their rhythm. Dillon held her more gently now, his hands on her hips, holding her in place for their combined thrusts.

Her eyes were half-lidded as she stared into Michael’s eyes. Her hair was drawn tight, the strands wrapped around his fingers as he held his fist firm.

“Please,” she begged softly.

Michael blew out his breath in a ragged spurt. “Like I could damn well refuse you anything.”

He maneuvered up, standing and leaning back toward the headboard. Then, using one hand as leverage against the wall and leaving the other tightly wound in her hair, he pushed his hips forward until his cock pressed against her mouth.

She ran her tongue over the tip, appreciating the moan that spilled from his lips. Then she sucked him inside, wanting that last connection.

They were all three a part of her. Deep inside her.

She relaxed, allowing the tension to ease and the fear that had knotted her insides for so long to slide away.

She let them take the reins. Let them have control. She trusted them. She was in their hands. In their care.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply and took Michael as far as she could, savoring the taste and feel of him on her tongue.

Seth slid deeper into her body in an alternating rhythm with Dillon. When Seth pulled back, Dillon sank deep. When Dillon retreated, Seth pushed forward.

Their movements were exquisitely tender. No hurry. No frantic race to completion. It was as if they’d determined that they had all the time in the world and they weren’t rushing a damn thing.

Dillon’s hands left her hips and trailed up her belly, pausing for a moment to caress her abdomen. Then he went higher, palming both of her breasts in the most tender of gestures.

He ran both thumbs lightly over the puckered nipples, all the while making sure he didn’t press too hard.

“Touch yourself, Lily,” he said huskily.

Having long since lost her self-consciousness when it came to lovemaking, she lowered one hand to Dillon’s taut abdomen and then trailed her fingers down to his groin where their bodies met and meshed.

She slid her fingers between them, through damp folds, until she stroked over her clitoris.

Immediately her body tightened all over. Seth and Dillon both let out strangled sounds. Her mouth molded tighter around Michael’s cock and his fingers tangled in her hair once more, holding her in place while he stroked back and forth over her tongue.

“That’s it,” Dillon murmured. “Pleasure yourself. I want to see you come apart right in front of my eyes. I want to feel you tighten all around my dick and then bathe me in your heat.”

Her nostrils flared and her body began to tremble all over in response to the seductive words. Dillon had such a wicked tongue. He had a way with words that never failed to tilt her right over the edge. He could talk a woman to orgasm. She was convinced of it.

Seth’s hands gripped her behind, held her as he began to thrust more forcefully.

She was teetering. So close. So very close.

She rubbed her clit in a circular motion, stroking the taut, sensitive bud with one finger. Harder. Faster.

The world went hazy around her. All she was aware of was pleasure. Beautiful, never-ending pleasure. And the love of the three men who’d changed her life forever.

Inside her. All of them. Deep. Loving.

She let out a soft cry around Michael’s erection and then went liquid in their arms. Seth and Dillon both held her up, supporting her with gentle hands.

Michael slid out of her mouth, though she knew he hadn’t come, and she slumped forward onto Dillon’s chest as Seth shuddered behind her, in the throes of his own orgasm.

Dillon twitched, arched his hips up one last time and then he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms solidly around her, holding her as he poured himself into her body.

For the longest time, she lay there, softly panting, eyes closed as she savored the aftermath. All too soon, Dillon shifted and then she found herself lifted into Michael’s arms. He turned, rolling with her so she was nestled into his side on the bed.

She snuggled into his embrace, tangling her legs with his. She wanted to be close. Didn’t want any space between them.

And then Seth was behind her, molding himself to her back, one leg thrown over hers so she was completely and utterly surrounded by him and Michael.

She smiled against Michael’s neck. This was love. This was her life.

This was home.