Mia rolled over in the early morning hours to find Cyrus sleeping peacefully beside her. They had made love most of the night until they finally fell asleep in each other’s arms. She reached for the heart necklace he had given her for her birthday, kissing it with a smile.
The night had been perfect. He made sure he took care of her, and her first time was everything she had ever dreamed of.
Mia slipped from the bed and got dressed, leaving Cyrus sleeping peacefully as she slipped from the camper.
Making her way toward the lake, she saw Holly sitting on the dock that reached out into the water. Mia walked to the end of the dock, sitting next to Holly. Their legs dangled over the edge and Holly looked over to her with surprise.
“What are you doing all alone out here so early?”
Holly shrugged. “Just thinking. I’m sorry about yesterday. Sometimes I get angry. I have trouble controlling it.”
“It’s okay. I understand.”
“I got bullied too. Isis was too. I used to take a lot of beatings when we were kids trying to protect her. Isis was always so small, but she was a little overweight, so people teased her. I guess sometimes I forget not everyone is going to be a bad person. I just get defensive before people have the chance to hurt me or my family.”
“I get that. I really care about Cyrus and never in a million years thought he would like someone like me.”
“Like you?”
“Look at me. I’m a big girl.”
“Big girl? You’re curvy, but it’s not like your fat. I know I was being a jerk, but I didn’t mean it.”
“Not everyone thinks that. Many people think I am fat. I guess everyone has their issues, huh?”
“True. I’m sorry I was mean to you. I can be a bully when feeling threatened and I’m working on it. I’m seeing a therapist to work on my anger problems.”
Mia nodded. “Humm. That’s good. Cyrus told me about all the girls he was with before.”
“Yeah. He was never really into them, though. I think he really loves you. I have never seen him like this.”
“I love him too. He told me for the first time last night.”
“You mean when you two were fucking in the woods.”
Mia’s eyes widened and her cheeks went flush. She glanced back at the lake. “You heard that?”
“Everyone across the lake heard that.”
Mia covered her face. “I think I’m going to die now.”
Holly giggled. “I didn’t need to hear how hard my brother’s cock is. You two got loud last night.”
“Sorry. It was… my first time. I guess I got carried away.”
Holly tilted her head and looked at Mia with surprise. “First time?”
“Yes. Cyrus was my first.”
Holly gave a half-smile and flipped water from the lake with her toes. “Well, shit. I guess we have a lot in common. Colt was my first. I saved myself for… I don’t know?”
“Love. Yeah. Me too. I really love Cyrus. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve loved him for years.”
Holly shook her head with a giggle. “Fangirl crush?”
“No. It’s not like that. At first, it was. Over the years, I started having real feelings for him. I know it’s crazy. Since I met him, I realize everything I thought about him was real. He’s a good man.”
“He is. Cyrus had a big heart. So, how did you meet?” Holly asked.
Mia looked over at Holly to see if she was just messing with her or not. “You don’t know?”
“Uh-uh. I just knew Cyrus had a thing for some chick.”
Mia giggled. “It’s sort of crazy. We met online.”
“No way.”
“Yep. I made a post about him, and he made up a fake profile to talk to me. I thought he was some creeper in his mom’s basement with a bunch of cats.”
Holly laughed. “That’s epic.”
“So, you plan on having kids?”
“Yes. Colt and I tried for a while after we got married, but we gave up. It was a lot of pressure for both of us. Plus, it’s been hard with our work schedule. I’ve had trouble conceiving. We took a break and focus on our career and then start a family. What about you?”
“Well, I know Cyrus can’t. I don’t mind if we tried other ways. Maybe in vitro fertilization or adoption. I want a baby. I’m not getting any younger and my clock’s ticking.”
“Cyrus wants a child. He always has. If you can help that happen, that would be great.”
“Why didn’t his ex-wife try to have a baby? He said that he might still have a chance, but it’s slim. They could have tried other options.”
“Honestly, I don’t think she wanted kids with him. I never told him, but I think she cheated for years. She hated that our family was so close. I’ll be honest. Tammy just wanted more attention than Cyrus could give. She didn’t have a good family, and she was a little needy with Cyrus. He was the first person to show her real affection.”
“A relationship isn’t always like that. People need their space to grow as a person.”
Holly agreed. “Exactly. She hated wrestling and just wanted him to be at home all the time to cater to her. She still loved the money, though. I think she was just… confused. Her friends put a lot of bad thoughts in her mind about him, too. Tammy wasn’t always that way. She was a good person before things unraveled for them.”
“Do you think he still loves her?”
Holly chuckled softly. “Not a chance in hell. Once wronged by someone, he’s done. He may help the person if they need something, but that’s it. That is just his good-natured kindness, but he could never love them again. He doesn’t do well with betrayal. My brothers are big on respect, and once they lose that, it’s hard to get it back. He is all for second chances, but not with something as serious as adultery.”
“MIA?” Cyrus yelled from the camper.
“Well, I’m being summoned. I’ll see ya later.”
“Sure thing. I’m glad we had this talk. Treat him good, Mia.”
“I will. I promise.”