Harper, an eighteen-year-old orphan fresh out of high school, yearns to claim her independence and make it into the cruel world on her own. Leaving the security of the only genuine family she's ever known, besides her father who passed away four years ago, she says goodbye to her foster parents who have sheltered her since she was fourteen. With her old SUV as her only sanctuary, she embarks on a journey across the United States in search of a college, a job, and a place she can call home. Finding romance was the last thing on Harper's mind, fueled by her father's last words to stay clear of men. But, what is she to do; when one fateful night an act of God thrusts her into the arms of a stranger who would change her life forever.
View MoreHARPER*
My foster mom, Sarah, shakes her head with a sigh escaping her throat. “I wish you would stay here and let us pay for your tuition fees.” She sighs again as she sits on my bed and continues to rant in displeasure at me going so far away on the road alone.
There are no funds available for my foster parents to cover my tuition fees. They would go into debt to help me. I could not allow that to happen. I’m an adult now, and need to devise a plan to attend college and cover the cost on my own.
“Explore the option of getting an apartment nearby. That way, if anything happens, we could be there to help you as soon as possible.”
Tears slip from her eyes as she watches me pack up the last of my belongings. Sarah is the only mother-figure I have ever known. My birth mother died during childbirth. Father raised me alone until a fatal hunting accident occurred. He survived the initial attack from being mauled by a bear, but died a few days after. I will always remember the last moments with him before he passed away, as if it were yesterday.
He had urged me to remain resilient and independent. Cautioned me to steer clear of men who would take control of my independence. ‘Take the money I have for you and allocate it carefully,’ he had said. ‘Have a future where you answer to nobody by assailing and attending college. Strive for greatness, Harper. When you feel you are all alone in this life. My spirit will always be with you. You’re like a bird, never wanting to stay in one place. You are perpetually on the move, so choose your profession wisely. Journey and explore the globe.’
I recorded our conversations on my cell phone. Sarah and Juan uploaded each one onto thumb drives. I had taken those and written them verbatim into diaries. Which I reflect on often, and they bring me peace. I was so lucky to have spent only four days in a home for orphaned children before Sarah and Juan rescued me. I hated leaving them now after the four years of love, comfort, and stability they have given me. The time has arrived for me to leave and go out on my own into the world, though. Where was I heading? I have no clue. But I have the entire summer after turning eighteen to figure that out. I received acceptance letters to multiple colleges throughout the United States. I hope to travel this summer and inspect them all before deciding where to set up roots. My foster parents wanted to come with me for the road trip, so we could have one last family trip before I left for college. After multiple debates about the topic. I persuaded them it was something I needed and wanted to do alone.
I couldn’t keep from glancing over at Sarah while packing toiletries into my overnight bag. I’m going to miss her and Juan so much. With effort, I bit back the tears that burned behind my eyes as they forced their way through. I closed my eyes, hoping the tears would disappear. When I opened them, tears streamed down my cheeks to my chin, anyway, despite my efforts.
“Take a seat, dear, and let’s chat for a moment,” Sarah says, shoving the suitcase I was packing aside. She gestures for me to join her and I comply, plopping down next to her with a huff.
“This is your home, sweetheart. It has to be said, we could never have children of our own. You may not be our blood, but you are our daughter. That remains the same now that you are eighteen and going off on your own. I want daily calls from you to confirm you are alright. Some post cards and snapshots of your travels would be nice as well. When you find a place to call home, let us help you get settled,” Sarah says, wiping away my tears.
“Let’s go fix your makeup,” she suggests while standing, and holds her hand out to me.
***
“Please remember to…”
“Carry my pepper spray. Don’t worry, mom, I’ll be alright.”
“What do you do if you are being manhandled?” Juan asked as he opened and inspected the motor of my vehicle.
“If I can’t get to my pepper spray fast enough, I’ll taekwondo their ass,” I reply while making some quick martial arts moves, and we all laugh in unison.
“All right, sweetheart, make sure you always have a full gas tank. You are so bad about running on empty. If you need money or anything else, promise me you will call us right away,” mom explains, embracing me.
“Let her go, dear. I need a hug too before she leaves,” dad says, pulling me from mom and embracing me.
***
It’s been over a month since I started my journey across the United States. Working as a waitress enabled me to buy food at night, and I’ve been living out of my car. It’s not the most comfortable place to rest my head. But I’m determined to do all that’s needed; so I don’t tap into the funds my father set up for me before he died. Every time I have walked into a restaurant, I always asked to talk to a manager to ask for temporary employment so I could eat. Not once has anyone turned me away. If I had any additional funds after I put gas in my car. Then I would indulge in a budget-friendly hotel room so I could clean up before hitting the highway once more.
Upon my arrival at the University of Austin, the staff refused to provide me with a walk-through. In response, I scheduled an appointment for Monday. However, it was only Thursday, so I had to find both work and a place to stay until then. This situation is frustrating because I will have to use my college fund to cover these unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, I cannot afford accommodations in Austin. Given these circumstances, I decided to go back to a town called Georgetown that I had passed on my way to Austin.
It was a thirty-minute drive to arrive back in Georgetown. I’ve been sitting in front of this cafe for a while now, trying to get up the nerve to go in and speak to a manager. The lunch rush had dwindled because it was nearing three in the afternoon. So if they allow me to work, I would have to return around five. If that happened, I would need to find something to do to kill some time. Taking a deep breath, I check myself out in the mirror before exiting my car and walking into the diner.
As I stepped inside the establishment, a beautiful, kind-hearted girl who seemed to be my age caught my eye. Her flowing brunette hair, tied in a ponytail, accentuated her charm. Her captivating green eyes shimmered, instantly captivating me. Taking on the role of a hostess, she greeted me with a dazzling smile, her voice exuding genuine warmth. “Hello there! Will anyone be joining you?” Her friendly inquiry filled the air, creating a comforting and relaxing atmosphere. I couldn’t help but feel fortunate that I didn’t have to search for someone. It was a stroke of luck that seldom came my way.
‘You’ve got this, Harper. Just do what you’ve already done several times before.’
“To be honest, I’m not here to eat. But I need to speak to a manager about temporary employment, please.”
“You are in luck. Tabby will be excited to have you here. One of our waitresses fell ill with a cold or something and will be out for a few days. Wait here and I’ll go see if I can find her.”
I felt a surge of joy as she hurried towards the rear of the building. It seemed like divine intervention was at play today. It felt like God had guided me to this town and this cafe. I explored the whole town, finding many other restaurants and cafes, but this one gave me the most promising vibes. The town itself was beautiful, with lakes and parks scattered around. Yes, I would have to endure a thirty-minute drive to school every day if I stayed here, but if everything fell into place, I would gladly make the sacrifice. The commute would definitely be worth it in the beautiful town of Georgetown.
A moment later, the girl who had welcomed me at the door returned to me with another woman who looked to be in her late twenties. “Hi there. My name is Tabitha. Tenley said you were searching for short-term employment. I need a waitress to work tonight’s shift. If you could work from 4 to 8, that would be wonderful. Uh, Saturday and Sunday as well, would be nice. Goodness! I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s backtrack, shall we? Do you have any experience with waitressing?”
I held in my urge to giggle. This woman before me was so full of spunk, but she seemed scatterbrained.
“Ma’am, my experience is extensive. I worked at a cafe in a small town in New Jersey for three years as a waitress. I have also been working at random restaurants for a month now, while traveling and visiting colleges.”
“Are you considering attending the University of Texas?” Tabitha asked, glancing at Tenley. “Tenley has been attending there for three years now, and she loves it. Inheriting this cafe from my grandmother has kept me from enrolling in college. If given the chance, I will go there. Oh, my goodness. I got off track again. Tenley, tell me to shut up; why don’t ya?”
Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t help but burst out in laughter, and Tabitha and Tenley joined in. I can tell that I am going to have the most amazing time working here.
After we had all calmed down from our laughing fit, I replied, “I’ve only been in Georgetown an hour, but if I enjoy the college, I may stay here, instead of finding somewhere to stay in Austin. Georgetown is so breathtaking. I had originally planned to leave after my walkthrough with the University of Austin on Monday, but this place is way too beautiful to leave.”
“That would be wonderful if you stayed. I am always in need of help around here. We keep busy during the summer with tourists passing through to get to Austin.”
“You said I could return at four, right?”
“Three-thirty would be best, so I can give you a tour before we get swamped again.”
“Thank you so much. You will help me out a great deal. I’ll be back soon.”
***
The number of customers eating inside the cafe is insane. Back when I worked at a small town restaurant in New Jersey, it was never as busy as this. I’ve never been in a place with such a crowd before. Tenley was supposed to leave at six, but she hasn’t left yet. I guess she feels bad for Casey and me. I’m thankful she’s still here, though.
Tenley blows away some stray hairs that had fallen into her face and shakes her head. “Alright guys. I can help you for an hour or until my brother arrives. Which ever one comes first. I have little energy left. But I’m not gonna leave you two stranded, with it being so busy tonight.”
“Your brother is so handsome!” Casey moans, closing her eyes. Then directs her gaze back to Tenley. “It’s almost impossible for me to keep my composure when he strolls in with those fancy suits on.”
Tenley shrinks away in revulsion. “Seriously, Casey! He’s my brother. Don’t go there,” she says, then leaves to take care of a group of guests.
“Girl, you’ll see what I’m talking about. Her brother will make you get all wet in your nether regions,” Casey says, scampering away.
“All right, girls. My brother has arrived, which means I am now a customer,” Tenley says, putting down her order pad and pen. She then takes off her apron and disappears through the door, heading to the break room.
Casey reaches out and clutches my elbow. “Oh geez! He’s seated in your area. Is it alright if I switch with you until they have left?”
“Tenley wouldn’t like that, and I don’t want to upset her. Better luck next time.”
I was busy submitting an order and didn’t notice when Tenley’s brother arrived. I waited for her to come back from the break room. Eventually, I followed her to the booth where her brother was sitting. As soon as I reached the booth, time seemed to stand still. The most enchanting hazel-green eyes I had ever seen captivated me. I realized then why Casey was out of sorts.
LAYKENFollowing the scheduled appointment at the clinic, my intention was to escort both Harper and me directly back to our home. It was impactful to see our baby on the screen and to hear the powerful rhythm of her heartbeat. I want to ravish my queen to the highest degree right now. I’m beyond horny again, and my cock straining in my pants, yet again. However, the need isn’t as bad, since Harper and I had sex before coming to Austin. But that will not happen and that’s fine by me. I need to give my queen some sustenance as so as possible. It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t starving myself. That milkshake did nothing for me, that she and I had this morning. I’ve been starving my ass off for a while and I’m sure she is sympathizing with me.Much like Harper, Tambre seems to have a hunch that the baby is a boy. I’m sticking to my guns on this one, though. I’m convinced the baby is a girl, and nothing will change my mind. Every cell in my body, every instinct, tells me without a doub
HARPEREver the gentleman my soon to be husband is, Layken parks the vehicle and comes jogging over to the passenger side of the car, opening the door and helping step out. He makes me want to pounce on him here and now, but I know something more important is on the wings. We’re about to see our baby for the first time and I can’t wait.We walk up to the receptionist who is beaming up at us and she gets us signed in. Once we have signed some paperwork, we sit down amongst all the others who are waiting to see any of the other ten doctors who practice in this clinic and wait to be called in to see Tambre.Layken and I whisper back and forth about nonsense as we wait and after about thirty minutes, Samantha, one of Tambre’s nurses, steps out calling our name. We stroll up to her, both beaming from ear to ear, and step inside the door, which Samantha closes behind us. Samantha weighs me, and we follow her to a waiting room. I get all comfy, sitting up on the waiting room bed, and she ch
LAYKENI woke up feeling energized and pumped for the day. Today would be the day that Harper and I would see Tambre and getting our first ultrasound of the baby. I can’t wait to see our little girl on the screen. Yes, I know for a fact that the baby is going to be a girl and I’m going to spoil both my princess and my queen a hundred times over. Harper seems to think the baby is a boy. But I can feel it in my bones that I’m right. This baby will come out looking every bit like her mother, and I’m going to make sure she can kick all those chump boys’ asses. She’s going to be strong and assertive, just like her mother. Harper and this baby girl will never want for nothing. They’ll have everything they could ever want or need, and I can’t wait to become a father.Deciding to let Harper sleep in, I climb from the bed and head towards the bathroom. Tambre said Harper couldn’t eat before the ultrasound, but she needed a full bladder upon arriving. She also said Harper could have a smoothie
LAYKENHarper consistently manages to surprise me, and each interaction in which she does leaves me with a yearning for more. The sexy gray lingerie garter set she was wearing had such an effect on me I almost blasted off like a bottle rocket. I tested my ability to restrain myself, and exerted every bit of self-control possible to stave off my empending climax. I never in a million years would have thought she would wear something that would be so sexually arousing to me. She’s always been so innocent and conservative. With her positioned between my legs, nibbling her lip and preparing to pleasure me, I struggle to hold back another orgasm. Even though there has been no direct interaction with my cock, the delicate way in which she is holding my erection in her petite hand is provoking an intense sensation within me.At the tip of my cock, pre-cum beads formed, and as she lowered herself, she used her tongue to trace along the slit of my cock, letting out a moan of pleasure as the fl
HARPERWe went back to Tenley's apartment so that we could do a load of laundry. I hoped to surprise him and wanted to change into something sexy to present to Layken tonight.It was almost nine at night, and Layken had been texting for me to come home. So once everything was dry, I changed, and Tenley took me home.I walked through the doorway and into Layken’s embrace, the comforting, musky scent of his cologne and skin filling the surrounding air. Having said our goodbyes to Tenley with a wave, we then shut the door behind us and walked further inside the house. As I struggled with the many bags I was carrying, he offered me his assistance, taking them from my grasp, and together, we proceeded toward the living room. He tossed the bags carelessly onto the couch before pulling me into another close embrace. His lips met mine, and a contented sigh escaped his lips. He must have missed me while I was away. That’s fine by me, because I missed him as well.“How are you feeling, baby?” h
HARPERExasperated, Tenley finally spots an opening in the overflowing parking lot, sighing in relief as she carefully nudges her car into the space, the weight of the day pressing down on her. “Are you sure you’re up for such a long walk? It’s quite a trek up to the entrance of the mall,” Tenley asked, glancing over at me. “Earlier, Layken’s report to Tambre was that you weren’t feeling well. That’s why I’m asking. I could keep driving around until a space opens up that is closer to the entrance, if needed. I don’t mind,” Tenley asked, glancing over at me as soon as she parked the car.“I’m feeling absolutely amazing after trying on my dress. So don’t worry, Tenley,” I said, grinning over at her. “It’s important that I get some lingerie to wear underneath it. I want mine and Layken’s wedding night to be special. Besides, the long walk would do me some good. I need to keep in shape as much as possible while I’m pregnant,” I said, winking at her. “I will not let a long walk detour me f
HARPERI twisted and grinned up at Layken. “Now that I have eaten and drank some water, I feel great. Don’t worry. It needs to be done today because we only have two weeks left before the wedding. Leanne needs to have time to make alterations if needed.”“Alright, sweetie. Let me drive you there, then. That would make me feel more comfortable with you going. Then your mom, Tenley, or Tambre could bring you back.”Anxiety darkens his face. So I know more than to object to his statement. “If it gives you more peace of mind, I’ll let you take me to my dress fitting appointment, bae.”“Yes, I would be worried about you getting there safely and then home otherwise. I wouldn’t want you to faint, fall asleep at the wheel, or get sick to your stomach on the way there and back,” he said, smoothing his fingers through my thick, long, dark hair. It’s always so comforting when he does this, and I realize just how tired I truly am. He’s right, I shouldn’t be driving.I glance at my phone and reali
HARPERLayken holds me up against the wall as I cling to him, his hardness still planted inside me. I don’t think I’ve ever climaxed so hard. Sex has always been amazing with Layken, but things have amped up considerably since I found out I was pregnant. Thinking back to how we met and my life changed forever has me all riled up. If it weren’t for Layken, I wouldn’t be alive right now. I would be dead at the bottom of the lake and no one would even know I was there.I don’t know what the hell got into me just now. Whatever it was, it enthralled my man. I should take charge and be more assertive, more often. I just had the most mind-blowing orgasm ever, since Layken and I have been together. Wait, no, not just one, but two mind-blowing orgasms. The last one I had appeared to have blasted off and was a never ending orgasm that lasted forever. My mind is reeling and even after a few minutes of sitting here, I’m still coming down from my orgasmic high. My senses ignite with passion as my
LAYKENHarper and I walked through the kitchen door from the garage, and once we were both inside, she grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward our room. I thought maybe she wasn’t feeling well and was about to throw up or something. I’ve noticed that happens when she’s upset.“Hey, wait, what’s going on?” I asked with concern.“I need you to fuck me, Layken. Right now, I’m extremely horny. I can’t even focus right now. Do you understand what I’m saying? I want you inside of me now!” she yelled over her shoulder.“What are you talking about, Harper? I thought you said your were tired? What in the world is going on, baby?” I asked, raising my eyebrows and blinking rapidly as I tried to grasp what she had just said.I have rarely heard cuss words coming from Harper, and she has never been as blunt as she just was to me. She told me she was tired in the car and she looked tired. But now, she looks full of energy, her cheeks are flushed, and she looks fucking gorgeous. It has to be t
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