Chapter 2.65 – PhilInTheBlank

Cole and Avery had been seeing each other for over a month. They were two lonely people that happened to discover they really enjoyed each other’s company and became lovers. Now, they were spending most evenings and every weekend together, either at his house or hers.

Cole found himself thinking about this new development in his life during most of his waking moments. He couldn’t wait to be near Avery again. To talk to her, kiss her, or just simply make dinner together. She made him feel whole and loved.

He never worried about her melting down over something he said. It was easy to be with her and talk to her. There was no doubts about each other’s motives or feelings, only acceptance. That’s when he realized he was in love again, and it surprised him more than a little. He didn’t think his heart would be able to open up for a very long time after Yasmine shattered it.

Yasmine was charismatic and charmed everyone she met. But on the inside, she was a hotbed of emotions. Up one minute and down the next. Cole never knew which Yasmine he would get.

Avery, on the other hand,  was calm and methodical; a planner. It was obvious she took pride in her work with C&M Development.  It gave her a sense of accomplishment that she seemed to crave. She also had a way with people that allowed her to easily put them at ease.  Not in a flashy, over the top way like Yasmine, but by being quietly observant and simply asking questions.

In spite of Avery’s calm exterior, Cole discovered that she had a passion for living, and unless you really got to know her, you might miss it. The more of those layers he peeled away, the more he loved everything about her.

Spending hours just talking and laughing with her was the highlight of his day. Making love to each other in the evenings, that was the cherry on top.

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Cole knew, if he wanted a long term relationship with Avery, he was going to have to be upfront with her about his ongoing conversations with his father regarding their relationship. He was determined that they have open communication with no secrets. His experience with Yasmine made him extremely wary of keeping things hidden.

As they sat down for breakfast, he put down his fork, took a deep breath and began. “Avery, there’s something I need to talk to you about. Just so you are aware.”

The look of dread on her face made his heart ache. “It’s not that bad, not really,” he tried to assuage her fear with his words. “It’s Dad. He’s not a fan of our relationship. At all.”

She looked at him with disbelief and even more worry etched her face. “Why? I thought Ben liked me,” said Avery.

Cole smiled. “Oh. He does! That’s why. He needs you.”

Now she looked completely confused. “So what’s his problem. I would think he would be happy for us.”

“He’s afraid. Afraid that if we don’t work, that you might leave him,” admitted Cole.

Avery started laughing which wasn’t exactly the response he expected.

Now, he didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried. “And this is funny, because?” asked Cole.

Avery began to explained herself. “Cole, your poor dad. He has worked tirelessly, along with Leroy, to make C&M what it is today. And I know that he depends on me, and Noah too. Especially since Leroy retired.  And for the record, should something happen between us….” She suddenly stopped, her expression changing from one of relief to concern. She searched his face before continuing. “But we are good, right? I mean, Cole, I don’t want us to end. That’s not what this is…..?”

“No! No…” he interjected, stopping her from finishing her thought. “I don’t want us to end either. Not ever Avery. That’s why I’m telling you this. I don’t want any secrets between us.”

She relaxed and smiled at his words. “Then Ben doesn’t need to worry because I love…” she paused, swallowing her words before finally finishing her thought. “I love my job, and working for your Dad.”

Cole felt better, especially hearing her say she didn’t want things to end. She had made him feel warm and loved from the first night they spent together. Was that what she going to say?  he wondered, That she loved him before she changed it? And she was just afraid?

He smiled softly. “Well, I get hell about it every time I see him. Mom just looks at me with a sad look on her face, mostly because she’s conflicted. She’s loyal to Dad, and it hurts her that I’m causing him grief, even if it’s unfounded. Please, just let me know if he says anything to you. I told him, in no uncertain terms, to leave you alone.”

“You stood up to Ben for me?” she said shocked.

“Of course I did,” he said, “Avery, I haven’t been this happy in a long time, probably never. I look forward to everyday and every night with you. You are a sexy, interesting, sophisticated woman, with a hidden wild side that I adore. You make me stupid happy.”

She licked her lips and smiled. “Flatterer,” she said.

“It’s all true. But sometimes, I do wonder, if maybe you are worried because you are older than me. Honestly, I never think about it at all.”

Avery smiled warmly at Cole. “That was the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said or done for me.” She huffed out a small laugh. “I think I’m blushing. You are not too young for me. Why would you even say that? If I thought that, I promise you, I wouldn’t be here now.”

She stopped for a minute, and looked at him intently. When she finally spoke, her tone was soft and serious. “Cole, I’ve fallen in love with you. And you just made it easy for me to say. I love you.. And I don’t want anyone else but you, ever.”  Then she leaned in and kissed him.

When they sat back, Cole’s heart was full.  Things with Avery were just – easy and right.  He loved her so very much.  “I don’t want anyone else either,” he said softly, “That’s why I told you about Dad, because Avery, I love you too.”

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Three months later……

It was Cole’s 24th birthday and almost four months since he and Avery began their whirlwind romance in search of dessert.  He was surprised when the doorbell rang, because he wasn’t expecting anyone other than Avery and it was too early.

He walked to the living room and looked through the glass in the door.  He was pleasantly surprised to see it was Avery.  She normally just walked in, but she was holding a large box and obviously needed help with her package.

Cole quickly opened the door and took the box from her as Harley scooted between them to get out of the snow.  “What the hell Avery? Get inside. It’s snowing,” said Cole, laughing at both her and Harley.

Avery walked in with a huge smile on her face.  She looked down where Cole had put the box. “Open it Cole! Hurry!” she said excitedly.

A smile split his face in half when he heard a little yip coming from inside the box.  He quickly opened it and a little black ball of fur, tale swishing back and forth, looked up at him expectantly with shiny black eyes. Cole’s heart was filled with joy as he reached into the box to rescue the Labrador puppy from his temporary prison.

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Avery was so happy. Cole looked like a little boy at Christmas with the puppy licking his face.  She knew she had made the right decision. “Harley helped me pick him out,” she said proudly, “They’re already fast friends. Happy Birthday Baby. Meet … Fillintheblank.”

“Phillip what? Oh….” he said, and began to laugh. “Fill in the blank!”

“Yep. I didn’t name him yet,” she said laughing, “I thought you’d want to, so I’ve been calling him Fillintheblank.”

“Well, then that’s his name!” said Cole through his laughter. “We’ll make it official, but maybe we can call him Phil for short and then, when he chews up your shoe and you scold him, you can fill in the blank!”

They both laughed until they cried. Avery looked at Cole. She loved him and his boyish charm. “You like him then?” she asked coyly.

“I love him, and you too. This was the very best birthday present ever.” He kissed her cheek while still holding the wiggly puppy.  Cole was always so sweet.  These last few months had been more than she imagined they would ever be. The only thing marring it was Ben’s continued discomfort with their relationship. She had tried to talk to him, but he shut it down.

Cole put Phil on the floor and pulled her next to him on the couch in front of the fire.  They snuggled while they watched Harley and Phil play together.  She knew right then, she could do this every day. Cole made it easy to love him.

“Avery,” he said softly, sending sweet chills of desire down her spine, “You know I love you. And even though we haven’t been together long, we have known each other for what, 7 years? This already feels so right. I don’t want to live apart anymore. We have a puppy together now.”

Avery laughed and leaned back and looked at Cole. He wanted it too and she was relieved. She had been afraid that he was carrying around too much hurt from Yasmine. But she wanted more than to just live together.  “I love you too. You are right, now that we have a puppy together, we are practically a family. I don’t want to be apart anymore either. And…” She stopped and looked at Cole. Can I tell him? she wondered while those big blue eyes of his were watching her expectantly.

Finally, she scooted around, took a deep breath and looking him in the eye, decided to go for it. “I want to get married Cole, not just move in together. I know – I said age didn’t matter, but I’ve been thinking about it, actually a lot. Especially since I got Fillintheblank here.  I want a real family.  And I want it to be with you.”

She took another short breath and continued her justification speech since he didn’t comment. She wanted him to say yes so badly. “I think, this is where the age difference hurts just a little. My biological clock is ahead of yours – almost four years ahead. I will be 28 in a few months. I will probably be over 30 by the time we have children. When I look at your folks, I see a beautiful couple, still so much in love with each other, and young enough to enjoy themselves now that their children are grown. I want that too, with you, and I’m already way behind the curve.”

Cole just looked at her, still not saying anything.  Shit, she thought, he’s going to bolt. I really screwed up. Her heart was pounding waiting for him to say something. She waited for what was probably only a few seconds but seemed like an eternity before he eventually gave her a ghost of smile.  “Say something Cole,” she said nervously when his expression changed.

His eyes crinkled and his smile grew. She would have sworn his eyes were sparkling with excitement.  “Yes Avery. I want to marry you too. Very much so. In fact, let’s do it soon. There’s no need to wait. . . .Oh my god! Avery, we can do it tonight! Just get on a plane and go to Vegas. It will be fun! Then my folks can’t give me hell about it and you will officially be a part of the family. We will be a family!”

Now it was her turn to be stunned into silence. She had only hoped he would say yes. She never dreamed he would want to just run off and get married.  So very Cole to just throw it out there without thinking it through.  But, really, was it such a bad idea? Maybe they should. It definitely would avoid all of the shit with Ben.  “Really?” she asked again, “Are you serious? This is really what you want, and it’s not just “puppy” love talking?” She had to be sure.

He snorted out a laugh. “I love Phil, but I love you so much more. Truthfully, I’ve been thinking about marriage too. So, yes. Let’s do this. We practically live together already. I’m calling Ami, she’s back for winter break. We need a dog sitter, and she won’t spill the beans. We can go tonight and come back tomorrow, married.”

Avery was a little nervous. “But, I need a dress!” she said, and then wondered why.  He wanted to do this. As crazy as it was, he was dead serious.

Cole shrugged. “Get one in Vegas,” he said, “We can get rings there too!  Come on. You make reservations while I call Ami.”

“We’re really doing this? Right now?” she asked once again, still trying to wrap her head around getting married tonight. Cole was right. They were together nearly every day and night already. And besides, Vegas had amazing designers and jewelers.  She was sure she could quickly find an awesome dress while he bought wedding rings. Oh my god….it’s going to happen, she thought and her stomach did back flips.

Cole was watching her closely as she worked through the plan in her head.  “Oh….maybe you would prefer a big wedding, I’m sorry….” he said backtracking.

Noooo!  she thought. He completely misunderstood her silence. She quickly jumped in Cole’s lap and shushed him with her finger.  “NO! Don’t you dare back out on me Coleman Murdock! You just told me you wanted to marry me – tonight. And I expect you to do just that!” Her heart was beating out of her chest. She was so afraid he was backing out. This was exactly what she wanted.

“Hell yes baby,” whispered Cole, breathless, “We’re getting married – tonight! God, I love you.” He did love her. Of that, she had no doubt. She almost cried when he pulled her to him and kissed her ever so gentle and sweet. Like she was precious. No one had ever treated her that way before. Chill bumps covered her body.  If they didn’t have to leave now, she would have had him right there on the couch.

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Five hours later……

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