Page 47

THIRTY-EIGHT

ALEJANDRA

The Marine Corps Ball is in full swing, and the grand ballroom of the hotel is transformed into a sea of blue and gold.

The hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the melodic strains of a live orchestra fill the air.

I stand on the balcony, taking a moment to myself, my hand resting gently on my very rounded belly.

At twenty-eight weeks, our baby is growing stronger every day, and I can feel the life within me, a constant source of wonder and joy.

Gage has been quieter than usual tonight, his mind clearly elsewhere.

I know he’s been struggling with the loss of Ryder, the guilt of survival gnawing at him.

I’ve seen it in his eyes, the torment and the blame he places on himself.

I want to help him, to ease his pain, but I know that sometimes, he just needs to work through it on his own.

The balcony is cool and quiet, a welcome respite from the bustling chaos inside.

I take a deep breath, the night air filling my lungs, and I feel such a deep sense of pride.

My husband is a Marine, a leader among men, and tonight, he’s being honored for his service and his sacrifices.

I wish he could see himself through my eyes, could understand the strength and courage that I see in him every day.

Standing there, lost in thought, I feel a presence behind me. Strong arms wrap around my waist, and Gage’s familiar scent envelops me. “There you are,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble in my ear. “I’ve been looking for you.”

I lean back into his embrace, feeling the solidness of his chest against my back. “I just needed some air,” I reply softly. “It’s overwhelming in there.”

He nods, understanding in his voice. “I know what you mean. But you look absolutely stunning tonight, Ale. Everyone is asking who the lucky Marine is who gets to call you his wife.”

I smile, my cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment. “Well, he’s a very lucky Marine indeed.”

Gage is quiet for a moment, his arms tightening around me.

I take his hand, placing it on my belly, feeling the slight kick of our baby.

Hoping what I’m about to say to him will pull him from that grey area he keeps slipping into.

“Feel that, Gage? That’s our child, growing strong and healthy.

That’s your legacy, your reason to keep going.

Zoe needs her daddy to be strong for her. I need you.”

Gage’s eyes well up with tears as he feels our baby move. “You’re right, Ale. I know you’re right. It’s just so hard sometimes, carrying this guilt, this pain.”

I reach up, cupping his face in my hands. “I know it is, my love. But you’re not alone in this. We’re a team, you and I, remember, and together, we can face anything.”

Gage leans his forehead against mine, his eyes closed tight.

“You’re an amazing woman, Alejandra. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but fuck am I glad that you found me worthy.

Who would have thought the single dad with a newborn baby would fall madly in love with the nanny and it would be the greatest thing that ever happened? ”

I smile, my heart swelling with love. “You’ll never have to find out, because I’m not going anywhere. We’re in this together, forever.”

He smiles, a genuine smile that lights up his face and chases away the shadows in his eyes. “You’re right. Now, what do you say we show everyone how to get this party going?”

“ Aye dios , I don’t know.” I chuckle and let him lead me back to the festivities.

Gage’s mood seems to lighten, and he throws himself into the party with renewed vigor.

He laughs and jokes with his fellow Marines, his charisma and leadership shining through.

I watch him from across the room, my heart swelling with pride and love.

This is my husband, my rock, and I am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life.

Later in the evening, as the orchestra plays a slow, romantic tune, Gage takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. He pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me, and we sway to the music. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, and I feel content, complete.

“Eight years,” Gage murmurs, his voice low and thoughtful. “In eight years, I’ll hit my twenty years, and we can start a new chapter of our lives.”

I look up at him, surprised. “Really? You’re thinking that far ahead?”

He nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. “I am. I want to provide for our family, to give you and the kids the life you deserve. And in eight years, that will be a reality. We can live wherever we want and do whatever we want.”

“That sounds amazing, Gage. I can’t wait for that day to come.” I really can’t, and in the scheme of things, eight years isn’t long. But it’s the raising kids alone and the constant worry that will make it hard. It will never be a loss of love, because there isn’t a world where I wouldn’t love him.

Gage leans down, capturing my lips in a soft, tender kiss. “Neither can I, mi amor . Neither can I.”

The song comes to an end, and Gage takes my hand and leads me off the dance floor, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Come with me,” he says, his voice low and inviting. “I want to show you something.”

Curious, I follow him as he weaves through the crowd, his hand firmly gripping mine.

He leads me out onto the balcony, the same one where we stood earlier, but this time, he doesn’t stop.

He continues down a narrow pathway lined with lush greenery and twinkling fairy lights until we reach a secluded alcove hidden from prying eyes.

Gage turns to me, his eyes dark with desire. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night,” he growls, pulling me into his arms. His lips capture mine in a passionate, hungry kiss, and I melt into him, my body responding instantly to his touch.

His hands roam my body, tracing the curves of my hips, my thighs, and my swollen belly. He breaks the kiss, his breath ragged as he looks down at me, his eyes filled with love and lust. “You are so fucking beautiful, Ale. Pregnant and glowing, you take my breath away.”

I smile, my cheeks flushing with pleasure. “And you are quite the charmer.”

Gage chuckles, a low, sexy sound that makes me clench my thighs together. “I’m serious, Ale. You’re fucking stunning, and I want you so bad it hurts.”

With that, he turns me around, facing out and looking at the garden below.

My back is pressing against his chest. I feel his hard cock press against my ass as I hear his zipper going down, and I can’t hold in the moan that escapes my lips.

He hikes up the back of my dress and slides my thong to the side, bending me forward slightly so he can push into my already wet pussy.

“Shh, baby. You don’t want everyone knowing how much of a dirty little slut you are, letting me fuck you senseless with everyone around.” Gage cradles the small swell of my stomach as he thrusts into me. I hold back the moans as I look out over the balcony.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” I pant, trying to keep the whimpers that leave my lips to myself. He readjusts the grip on my waist and pounds into me harder and faster. “Oh God. You feel so good. Don’t stop.”

“The louder you are, the harder I fuck you, pretty girl.” Gage’s lips find mine again, his kiss urgent and demanding.

Gage groans, a deep, primal sound that sends shivers of pleasure down my spine. “Fuck, Ale. You feel so good. So fucking perfect, I’ll never get over how well your cunt takes me.”

He reaches between us, his fingers pushing aside the fabric of my panties, and he rubs my clit in time with his thrusts, just right so that it has me seeing stars.

“Gage,” I moan, my head falling back against his shoulder as I give myself over to the sensations coursing through my body. “Yes, right there.”

He chuckles, a low sound that vibrates against my skin.

“Does my slutty little wife like to have her pussy stuffed full of her husband’s cock at a very important,” he sucks on the skin where my neck and shoulder meet.

“very special holiday for the Corps. One where someone could walk out here and watch her getting fucked like a whore?”

“ Si ,” I cry out and his thrusts become more determined. “They should all know I’m yours.” I can feel my orgasm building, a tight coil of pleasure in my belly, ready to explode. “Gage,” I gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders. “I’m close. So close.”

He pulls his fingers away from my clit, and I whimper in protest, but he silences me with a kiss, his tongue delving into my mouth, tasting me, claiming me. “Trust me, pretty girl, not a single man here tonight doesn’t know that you’re mine.”

We both moan, the sound a symphony of pleasure and relief. Gage moves urgently, his hips thrusting against my ass, his body taking mine with a fervor that leaves me breathless and wanting more.

I grab hold of the balcony railing, holding on for dear life as he pounds into me, each thrust sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through my veins. I can feel my orgasm building again, the pulling taut, ready to snap.

“Gage,” I gasp, my body tensing as I climb higher and higher. “I’m going to come. I can’t hold on much longer.”

He grins, a wicked grin that makes my heart flutter. “ Eso es, carino. Dámelo .”

With those words, I surrender to the pleasure, my body convulsing as wave after wave of ecstasy washes over me. I cry out, my voice echoing through the night, and Gage captures my lips in a passionate kiss, swallowing my cries of pleasure.

He continues to move, his body chasing his own release, and it isn’t long before I feel him tense, his body shuddering as he finds his climax, spilling himself inside me.

We stay like that for a moment, our bodies joined, our breaths coming in ragged gasps, our hearts beating as one. Gage rests his forehead against my shoulder, his eyes closed, a contented smile on his lips.

“That was...” I say, my voice hoarse from screaming his name.

He chuckles, a low, satisfied sound. “Fucking amazing.”

He pulls out, his cum dripping down my thighs, my legs shaky and unsteady. Gage holds me up, his strong arms supporting me as I regain my balance. I straighten my dress, my cheeks flushing as I realize anyone could have walked by and seen us.

Gage notices my embarrassment and pulls me into his arms, kissing the top of my head. “Don’t be embarrassed, pretty girl. That was perfect. You made tonight unforgettable.”

I smile, melting into his embrace. “You’re right. It was perfect.”

We stand there for a moment, just holding each other, our bodies sated and our hearts full.

Finally, Gage pulls back, his eyes serious.

“Ale, you know I appreciate you more than words can express. You’re my rock, my partner, my everything.

And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, building this future of ours together. ”

Tears well up in my eyes, and I blink them back, smiling up at him. “I feel the same way, Gage. You’re my world, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

He leans down, capturing my lips in a soft, tender kiss. “Neither can I, Hermosa. Neither can I.”

Making our way back to the ballroom, hand in hand, I think to myself, eight years may seem like a long time, but with Gage by my side, I know we can face anything. Our love is strong, unbreakable, and it will carry us through whatever challenges come our way.

The rest of the evening passes in a blur of laughter, dancing, and celebration.

Gage is the life of the party. The men of his unit adore him and it’s clear to see.

I watch him from across the room with a group of the wives and girlfriends, my heart swelling with love and pride.

He’s everything to me: my partner, my best friend, the father of my children, and the love of my life.

The night slowly ends, and Gage takes my hand and leads me out onto the dance floor for one last slow dance. He pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me, and we sway to the music, our bodies moving as one.

“I love you, Alejandra,” he murmurs, his voice low and sincere.

I look up into his eyes, my heart overflowing with love. “I love you too, Gage. With all my heart, forever and always.”