Soul Sucker

John Miller’s POV

Manhattan Studio Apartment

Saturday, December 31, 2022

“I can’t wait for this year to be over,” I said as I looked out the window at the lights of New York. Heather was already asleep on the couch, and after watching the ball drop, we would be, too.

“It hasn’t been ALL bad,” Mary said as she hugged me from behind. “We fell in love, and together we can overcome anything.”

“I shouldn’t have to put you through this for something I’d do the same way if it happened again. That makes the suck of the last month even worse,” I replied. “I want to be with you and Heather, and I can’t be.” I stuck out my leg, the ankle monitor showing over my sock.

“It’s only been three weeks.”

“And the harassment hasn’t slowed down.” I’d already changed my cellphone number twice and couldn’t leave my apartment building without attracting a crowd. My dojo asked me to stop coming after protests made my fellow students uncomfortable. Mary had to change her phone number and email after our relationship spilled into the press, and her real estate listings had dropped to zero. Even Heather had to close her social media accounts because of online harassment, and she had to defend herself against attacks twice in school.

“On the bright side, we get plenty of your attention now.”

I snorted. “Now that I have nothing else in my life?” It had taken less than a day after my arrest for my ‘paid suspension’ to turn into an ‘unpaid leave of absence to allow him to focus on personal issues.’ Thank God I had a police pension; it was barely enough to cover the rent on my apartment and basic living expenses. I was dipping into savings for anything beyond the basics.

“You have your health,” she said, referring to the lack of any issues with fainting since Denver, “my love,” she let her hand drop to my crotch and squeezed, “and people who support you.” She was right about that. While the usual suspects wanted me in jail, police and conservative organizations rallied to back me. Terry set up a legal defense fund that had grown to a quarter of a million dollars, so I wouldn’t go bankrupt trying to keep my freedom. “You’ll get your day in court and win.”

“Nobody wins in these situations,” I grumbled. “I wish the DA would take this to the Grand Jury. If they have an ounce of sense, they’ll no-bill it.” ‘No-bill’ was the legal term for a grand jury looking at the evidence and deciding not to issue charges. If it happened, the case was over.

“We both know they can indict a ham sandwich,” Mary replied. “Andrew Craig won’t risk the grand jury until the last possible moment, just in case. He’s raising too much money off you right now.”

“And getting on television a bunch. I wish my lawyer would let me go on those programs and tell my side.”

“He’s protecting you, John. Let your lawyer speak for you. We know how these people twist their coverage to match their narratives.”

“Yeah.” She hadn’t taken her hand off my package, and a legal discussion wouldn’t keep it down. “We should get ready for midnight. Should I pour the champagne?”

“Sure,” she told me. “I’ll go slip into something more comfortable.” She waggled her hips as she disappeared around the screens separating the bed from the kitchen and living area. I headed to the fridge and grabbed the bottle, setting it on the table next to the plastic glasses. I removed the foil, then twisted off the plastic top. I poured the bubbly pink liquid into the glasses and looked at the label. It was sparkling grape juice; Mary had stopped drinking after we got serious. I put the cap back on, knowing Heather might want some in the morning.

I heard a sultry voice behind me as I picked the glasses up. “Is that for me?”

I damn near dropped them as I turned around. “Wow,” I said. It was all the brain function I could muster at the time. Mary stood with her left arm high on the wall and her right hand on her hip, one heeled foot ahead of the other. She was wearing a white silk and lace chemise that flattered her figure. The thin straps held up lace cups that gave tantalizing glimpses of her breasts and her dark, obviously erect nipples. The silk was in a diamond shape in front, one tip in her cleavage, the other at the hemline barely hiding her lace panties. The sides were the same lace, showing the firm muscles underneath.

My reaction was immediate and obvious, as was my glance at a sleeping Heather. “Don’t get shy now,” Mary giggled. “Tonight won’t be the first time we’ve made love with Heather nearby.”

I handed a glass to her. “To you,” I told her. “You and Heather are my everything. I love you.” We clinked the plastic and sipped the bubbly juice.

“To the best man I know,” she replied. “I love you, too.”

I took the glass from her and set it on the table. As soon as I turned back to her, Mary slid into my body and pressed those perfect tits against my shirt. “Do you like the outfit?”

I pulled her hips close, letting her know it had its desired effect. “It’s fantastic,” I told her as my fingers traced the edge of the silk.

“I have to get some use of it while it still fits,” she said as she rested her head on my chest.

“What do you mean? All the workouts have you in great shape!”

“I’ll be showing by your trial,” she whispered. “Congratulations, Daddy.”

I froze, my mind trying to comprehend what she was saying. “You’re pregnant?”

“A few weeks along,” she replied. “I thought getting pregnant would be difficult at my age, but you hit the target with your first magazine.”

Holy Shit! She's PREGNANT! “We’re having a baby!” I picked her up and spun her around. She let out a squeal of laughter as I set her down. I leaned down and kissed the hell out of her as I pulled her close. “How long have you known?”

“A few days,” she told me. “I was worried about your reaction, John. We’ve talked of having children eventually, but I didn’t plan on it being so soon. I know this isn't the best time, and I thought we'd get married first.”

“God hears our plans and laughs at them,” I said before kissing her again. “Wait here.” I ran out of the kitchen, ducking into the bedroom and opening the nightstand drawer. My Grandfather had spent a week with me before Christmas and left me with two valuable items. I moved aside the aged ‘Dagger of the Lord’ and grabbed the velvet box, removing what I needed. On the way out, I grabbed the white silk robe Mary had left on the bed.

I returned to my love and handed her the robe. She put it on while checking on Heather in the living room. I turned on my phone, setting the video to record from the table where I left it. I glanced at the television on mute; there were only a few minutes until the ball dropped, and I didn’t want her to miss this. I’d waited my whole life for a family, and it was time to make it happen.

Mary stood aside as I knelt before the couch and shook Heather’s shoulder. “Heather? Wake up, honey.”

Her eyes blinked open, and she let out a yawn. “Daddy?”

“It’s almost midnight, baby. I want you to see this.”

She looked at the television behind me. “I still have six minutes! You could have let me sleep!” She sat up and took in Mom’s outfit. “You look hot, Mom! He doesn’t stand a chance!”

I reached for Mary’s hand, staying on one knee as I brought my hand out from my pocket. “Mary Callahan, I love you more than life itself. I want you to be with me forever. Will you marry me?” I held out my Grandmother’s engagement ring in a gold setting.

“Yes,” Mary said as tears went down her cheeks. “Yes, I will!” Her hand was shaking as I slid the ring onto her hand. My grandfather wanted me to have it and had it resized. It fit her perfectly. The girls stared in shock at the big diamond, surrounded by emeralds.

She dropped down in front of me and engulfed me in a hug. Heather joined in, shocked and thrilled that Mommy was getting married again. The hug lasted a minute before Mary broke it with a deep, prolonged kiss.

When we came up for breath, Heather was practically bouncing. I reached back into my pocket and took out another ring. This one had a smaller diamond flanked by emeralds. I stayed on my knee and took Heather’s hand. “Heather, will you be my daughter, joining us and any future children in making a happy home?”

I slipped the ring on the ring finger of her right hand. “Yes,” she said before falling into my arms.

“Let’s get Heather some sparkling grape juice,” I said. The ball would start to drop in Times Square in two minutes.

We brought in the New Year as a family with lots to celebrate.