Stripping it Down: Part Three

By Renea Porter

With his secrets out in the open, life is good for Raine. And now she's is able to focus on her musical career. But her ex continues to disrupt her life.

The thought of losing Raine, scares Sly.  And every time they take a step forward, they have to take three steps back.

Will Sly and Raine get their happy ending?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Devon Youngblood
• Release date: May 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386634447

Renea Porter

Renea Porter is best known for writing realistic stories with realistic characters. Her stories may even cause you to shed a tear or two. She mainly writes New Adult and Contemporary Romances. However, she's not afraid to venture into other genre's like Paranormal Romance. She enjoys spending time with her husband of fourteen years, and step son. She calls Pennsylvania home, but loves to travel and try new things. In her free time you can catch her reading books, watching reality tv, and baking.

Book preview

RAINE

I drop to my knees and wrap my arms around his body, engulfing him with mine. I can’t help the tears that fall from my own cheeks. This man has loved and lost. Everything makes sense. This is why he’s always kept people at arm’s length.

Patiently, I sit with him until he composes himself. That rocking chair was given to me from my grams. She had it when my mom was born. It was handed down to me. And it’s just there.

He presses his forehead to mine and silence embraces us. In this moment, I love this man with every fiber of my being. Nothing has ever come close to this. Nothing.

Now you see why I freaked. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want anything to happen to you or the baby. I can’t possibly take another loss, he says as the tears continue to brush his cheeks. Carter James. That would have been his name. My baby boy, he cries, as he holds onto me tightly.

Shhh, I try to console him as we remain on the floor, huddled closely together.

I don’t know if the little bean is going to be a girl or a boy, but I’m sure we can make any changes you want.

It’s perfect, Sly. I’m so sorry for your loss. My voice cracks.

He unfolds himself from me and swipes his cheeks. I haven’t been in here since the day he was supposed to be born, supposed to come home. There has to be some greater purpose here, and I think I’m staring at it. You are my greater purpose, Raine. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and this little bean. He rubs my belly.

I want the same. I just want to be with you.

His lips brush against mine. God, I love you so much.

I love you too, so much. Can we keep this our little secret until at least Christmas? I know you’re close to your family, and it’s taken me time to get used to that. I just want to enjoy this for a little bit.

Of course. I kind of feel the same. But we both know I’m kind of greedy, anyway. He chuckles.

I laugh. Turning my body so it’s flush against his chest, he wraps his arms around me. We just sit in silence, taking everything in the crib, the changing table, the dresser, and the rocking chair. It’s a lot to process. He kisses my hair.

When did it happen? I ask.

I’m twenty nine, so about five years ago. It’s the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought I’d find love again, let alone have another child. But then you happened.

I swallow hard. I recall you being quite persistent, I tell him as a matter of fact.

Yes, I was. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I turn my head to the side to kiss him. It’s her birthday today, I say. Ava would have been nine.

How long has it been since you visited her grave? Sly asks.

Too long, I suppose. Want to go?

Now?

Yes, now.

Okay. Sly uncrosses his legs and stands, helping me up by offering his hand. Like I said, if you want to change anything in here, feel free.

I love it the way it is. Maybe I can bring some of Ava’s things to incorporate in the room.

I think that is a wonderful idea.

He grips my hand in his and closes the door as we exit. I look up at him. I want to get flowers on the way.

***

Sly follows me through the cemetery as I stroll toward Ava’s grave. She has an angel headstone. The closer I get, the closer my heart constricts. Arriving at her stone, I bend down to lay the flowers and run my hand over it.

Happy birthday, baby, I whisper.

I stand up and Sly reaches for my hand, clasping his over mine. He lightly brushes his thumb on mine, calming me. A single tear still trickles down my cheek.

You’re going to be a big sister, Ava. I bet you would have been such a good big sister, Sly says, squeezing my hand.

A sense of peace washes over me. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s like she’s here, telling me it’s okay to move on, and that it’s okay to be happy. I swallow a hard lump.

I bend back down. Mama loves you so much. I kiss my fingers and then press them on the cold stone. 

Standing back up, I nod to Sly, letting him know I’m ready to go.

Are you okay? he asks as we walk back to the car.

Oddly, I am. I feel like the pain has been eased. It’s hard to explain.

All right, while we’re here, let me show you my son. His voice cracks