Текст книги "The Missing One "

Автор книги: Liz Lovelock

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 12 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Abby

We finally arrived at our temporary apartment and things between Blake and I are, to say the least, tense. We haven’t spoken much about the whole Katie issue. I feel terrible not having told him, but with things the way they were it wasn’t high on my list of priorities to try to reach out to him and risk putting myself, and my baby, back in danger.

Katie is coping pretty well considering all that’s happened lately. She’s a bright little girl and has really taken to Blake, which makes me happy. He’s so sweet. When they play together, her happy little giggles fill me with joy knowing that she’s able to connect with her dad so easily.

Sitting in the unfamiliar place, I can hear Blake reading Katie a story. Thankfully, the apartment is furnished and we didn’t have to worry about all that stuff. My mind hasn’t had much time to process what’s been happening. When Blake showed up on my doorstep a few days ago, every emotion from happiness straight to fear ran through me. I couldn’t believe he was there. I thought it was a dream. He looked as good as he did those years ago, and my heart lit up with excitement as my nerves kicked in.

After he told me what was happening with Melodi and with Jacob tormenting her, I couldn’t let her face this on her own. I packed my bags and left with him. I had to help, and if this whole thing gives me the chance to be back with my family, then I’m going to do anything I can. I won’t run again. I’m done, and I want Jacob to suffer just like I have been suffering from not being with my family and keeping Katie from them and more importantly Blake. Guilt will always tear away at me for keeping her from him, but what’s done is done. I can only pray that things will get better with time, but I know that it’s going to get worse before it gets better.

“What are you thinking?”

I jump at his voice because I didn’t hear him come back into the room. I take a deep breath to calm my heart rate. He comes around and takes a seat on the couch with me. His incredible emerald eyes burn into mine, igniting the passion that’s always been there. That passion has been locked away for the last three years, pining for the one man who made me feel like no other man had made me feel before. Now here he is sitting in front of me once again. After everything, I can’t help but wonder if his feelings for me are as strong now as they were back then. I know I’m sounding like a little school girl wondering if some boy likes me or not, but I can’t help it.

“I’m not sure really. I’m more worried about you.” My eyes never leave his as I watch him wipe his hand over his face, releasing a sigh. I can see the tension and pain written over his face, in every worry line that crosses his forehead.

“I hate that you kept Katie from me.”

My heart shatters into millions of pieces at his words. “I know, and I’m truly sorry. You have no idea how the guilt of keeping her from you has affected me.” Tears begin to well in my eyes, and tightness wraps around my chest.

“I have to ask…are you sure she’s mine? I mean you were also with Jacob, so, of course, I can’t help but wonder.” He averts his eyes from mine, looking ashamed for asking the question.

“I might’ve been in a relationship with Jacob, but it had been months since he laid a hand on me in that manner. We weren’t intimate for a while.” I take his hand in mine which warms my heart at his simple touch. “You were the only one at the time of conception. You made me feel alive and important.”

“You were, and still are, important. Especially to me.” His free hand cups my cheek. I close my eyes and savour the moment. It’s amazing how your feelings not only remain the same but intensify as time goes on. It’s been so long since I’ve been close to anyone, years actually. The last man to touch me is the same man touching me now. No one else ever measured up to him, so I waited. “How is it possible since you were on the pill?”

I open my eyes to be met with one charming smile. “After things happened between us I got sick, do you remember the day after when I couldn’t meet you?”

He nods.

“Well, when you get a bug it can affect the pill’s reliability. And yeah, it makes it easier to fall pregnant.”

“Oh, wow! That was something I never thought could happen.”

“Yeah, I know. Imagine how I felt after I left and started becoming sick. Then boom, double lines on a pregnancy test.” I laugh at the memory of it now. I was in the bathroom at the women’s shelter with the lady that ran it waiting outside the door. She knew something was off when I was constantly feeling sick,throwing up, and unable to keep any food down. As I sat there waiting, my heart pounded in my chest so loudly that I could hear it thumping in my ears. Then those double lines appeared and my world turned upside down. The rollercoaster ride just never stopped to let me catch my breath. I automatically knew it was Blake’s, without a shadow of a doubt, and a part of me was super excited to have this part of Blake with me all the time. Not only as a reminder of him but a reminder of the love we shared. Yes, I can easily say I love Blake.

“When were you going to tell me?” His fingers laced between mine. It’s like nothing between us has changed, all those feelings are right there on the surface laid out for each other to explore.

“Well, while I was in hiding, I couldn’t contact you. Since you came and got me, I’ve been trying to find the right time to tell you, but things have been so full on.”

“Why didn’t you tell me while you were hiding? You could have contacted me.” I hear tension in his voice.

“I didn’t want to risk her, or my life. The thought of Jacob coming for us when you weren’t there to protect us…” I trail off.

He takes my face in his hands and places his lips gently on mine. Every nerve in my body awakens to his kiss. I’ve missed his lips, his kind caring nature, and just him in general. He’s my everything and will always be my everything no matter what happens.

Our kiss begins to heat up and his hands trail over my body. I wrap my arms around him as he pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me. This feels so right being back in his arms, just us together once again. As he goes to strip me of my shirt, his phone begins to ring. He reluctantly releases me, allowing me to climb off him, and answers his phone.

“We aren’t done here just so you’re aware,” he says, giving me one of his cheeky smiles. I can’t help but feel like my smile goes from ear to ear. I relax back and listen as he answers the phone.

“What do you mean?” I hear Blake’s voice rise. “What the hell? What’s going through your sister’s head?”

It must be Corban on the other end and something has happened for Blake to be this wound up, considering the happy mood he was in a moment ago.

“Well, at least we know he was kept busy while we moved Abby and Katie here. How is Melodi?” He silently waits for his response while watching me. A part of me wants to grab the phone so I can hear the answer. Poor Melodi doesn’t need more crap happening around her, she doesn’t need the stress.

“Okay, good. Sorry about all this, I’m sure we’ll get this sorted soon and things will go back to normal.” After a few short moments, he ends the call.

I stand up and begin pacing around waiting for him to get off the phone. I’m anxious to find out about the conversation he’s just had.

“What happened?” Are the first words out of my mouth.

“Jacob showed up at Corban’s house tonight.”

“What!” I practically yell.

“Shh…Katie, remember?” He places his hands on my shoulders, his eyes meeting mine. “It’s okay. Well, it’s not, but he was there with Corban’s sister, Athena. They’re together.” My head instantly falls into my hands releasing a huge sigh. This is bad. If Jacob can weasel his way into Corban’s family with his lies, I can only imagine the lies he’s told that poor girl, and she must be stupid if she fell for it all.

“Is Melodi all right?”

“Yeah, she’s a little shaken up, but she’s doing okay. At least they got to tell his family about the babies.”

I nod at his answer.

“So, when are you going to tell your parents?”

Now that’s the number one question of the hour. I don’t know when or how to tell my parents, I don’t want to put them in any danger what-so-ever.

“I’ll wait until all this is over before letting them know.”

“Yeah, good idea. Well, beautiful, it’s been a full few days and after sleeping on the couch for the last few nights at Melodi’s, I need a decent bed.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Sharing with Melodi and Katie, there wasn’t a lot of room in her bed.” We both laugh. It feels fantastic to be able to laugh after everything that’s been happening.

“Let’s call it a night.”

“Hang on…who says you can stay in my bed?” I give him a seductive smile.

“Oh, you won’t be stopping me tonight. It’s been a long three years without you and tonight is going to be incredible.” He places a longing kiss on my lips, igniting my core. Unexpectedly, he throws me over his shoulder, carrying me down to my temporary bedroom.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Melodi

I lay in bed watching the rays of the sun dancing through the curtains and listening to the gentle rhythm of Corban’s steady breathing. The events of last night have really shaken me, and I’ve hardly gotten any sleep. I think I spent it tossing and turning. I cannot believe Jacob; he’s one conniving mongrel. He’s like one of the bad guys you watch in a movie, only now it’s real life and happening to us.

Why did this have to happen to my family? What if something happens to my babies because of the stress, or something worse? I’ve lived the past three years without my sister and my niece. I don’t want to lose them again. Abby is so different, but yet the same in some ways. I suppose she’s had to grow up a lot. I’m sure it wasn’t easy leaving us behind, but I understand it was for her safety. Especially if all the police were going to do was put out a Restraining Order on him. I know now that would never have stopped him, and I’m one hundred percent sure that he’s only using Athena to get to us. He’s always wanted Abby, and I don’t think anything will get in his way to achieving his final outcome. It frightens me when I think of what he might do to Athena once he has what he wants.

Now with Athena in on it, Corban probably won’t let me out of his sight. He made me pack my suitcase last night, and now I’m staying at his place. Not that it’s a bad thing because I only ever want to be close to him. He makes me feel safe and he’s my rock.

“You look lost in thought, beautiful.”

I’m startled by Corban’s voice as I thought he was sleeping. He lays his arm over my belly and pulls me closer to him, giving me a light peck on the cheek.

“Good morning, handsome.” I smile.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m all right. Last night just rattled me a little. I can’t believe your sister. She has no idea what he is capable of doing. I know Abby never told me the full details about what went on between them, but I remembered the bruises along with her distancing herself from me. I’m worried what might happen to Athena.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. I don’t know how to help her. She’s always been the stubborn one of all of us kids and it doesn't help that Mom and Dad have basically handed her everything she wants.”

I hear the frustration in his words. I have some idea of what he might be feeling right now and I wish I could help. “She’s about to learn a hard lesson. Hopefully, your mum and dad talked some sense into her last night after we left.”

He nods before leaning over placing a warm kiss on my lips. I close my eyes as I relish in this electrifying connection, the former conversation on hold for the time being. His hands begin to find their way up under my top as his fingertips dance along my sensitive skin. He pulls me on top of him as our kisses intensify and we are lost in each other.

I’m sitting at work, trying to decide if I’m hungry or not. Seriously, who am I kidding? I’m always hungry now, but I never know what I want to eat and then I eat it and next thing I know I’m visiting the bathroom once again. I’ve already been three times this morning. Being pregnant is not pleasant. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited, but this morning sickness crap seriously sucks. I think I hate the women who don’t experience it when they’re pregnant. I’ve even Googled remedies for morning sickness. So far, I’ve gone out and gotten some sweets, along with some ginger biscuits and a sugary drink. I know that doesn’t sound too healthy, but I really need some help. It’s as though my body has flipped a switch. One minute I’m fine, the next I have my head hanging in the toilet bowl almost everytime I eat something.

“How you feeling, Momma?” Rach questions as she makes her way over to my desk.

“Urgh, I’m never doing this again…Two is a good number, right?” I ask, all serious.

“Man, my parents will be lucky to get one from me. Axel’s sister has filled me in on all the gory details of childbirth, and that alone is a contraceptive pill.”

We both break out in laughter.

“Yeah, don’t tell me anything. I’d rather go in blind. So have you heard from Athena at all?” I ask.

“Nah, I’m a little worried. She hasn’t been home and she hasn’t been at work, Mom said. She called them up and checked. She isn’t sure if she should call the police or not.”

“I’m sure Blake is onto it, so tell her not to stress too much. Jacob has disappeared as well. We haven’t heard anything from him either, so I’m sure they’re together.”

It’s been a month since the dinner fiasco at Corban’s parents’ place. Blake hasn’t been able to locate them by their phones. None of Athena’s friends have seen her since the night of the dinner. It’s like Athena and Jacob have dropped off the face off the earth. Not that it would be a bad thing, but it’s a little concerning at the fact that they have left us alone. The flowers that were coming stopped the day after Abby and Katie showed up. Corban still doesn’t let me out of his sight, or if he’s not available, he makes Jonas, his driver and friend, watch me when I go out with Rachel or Flick.

It’s been a while since Flick has made a home visit to me as I don’t want her or Liam to be a part of this and risk them getting hurt. I’d hate that and the guilt I’d feel should something happen to them would destroy me. Flick and Liam are going really well. She’s super happy when I speak to her on the phone, or she comes by the office and we have lunch. She will only come to the office and be in a public area with me because those are the rules now, thanks to Blake and Corban. We’re planning on having a night in over the weekend, which I’m looking forward to. It’s going to be movies and junk food along with lots of talk about babies, boys, and sex. But it will only happen if Blake gives us the okay because we want to include Abby, and he is going to look after Katie for her.

Things between Abby and Blake have been going amazing. It’s so good to see her smile again, although I know she’s sick of being cooped up in the apartment. She knows it’s for the best, though. Katie is such a beautiful little spirit and I can’t wait for my little ones to get here so she’ll have little friends. I know Mum and Dad are going to love her to pieces. We haven’t told them yet about Abby, but Corban and I took a trip to their place about two weeks ago to see them and tell them our happy news. They were so excited to become grandparents and they want updates all the time. I’m forever getting messages from Mum asking how I’m going and when the next scan is.

In fact, I have a scan this morning. I’m waiting for Corban to come out of his current meeting then we are going to the doctors. I’m excited to see our babies again. I’m sure I’m about nine weeks along now. I’ll have my cast removed today as well, which I’m really excited about. It’s been nothing but a hindrance. Dressing myself has been a little challenging as well as always having to wrap it up for showers. I can’t wait to be able to sit in the bath tonight and actually enjoy it without having to hang my arm out. Today is going to be an awesome day.

“I know Mom is anxious about her, that’s all,” Rachel says as she sits down on the corner of my desk.

“Yeah, I think we’re all a little concerned since we all know what that man is capable of.”

She nods sullenly.

Corban’s office door opens and we both jump up and act busy even though I’m sure he knows we were just sitting around talking. We both smile at the client and say goodbye.

“What am I paying you girls to do if you spend your day talking?” he laughs as he comes around my desk, giving me a small kiss on my cheek.

“Oh, what are you on about? We work, you just always seem to catch us in the middle of a conversation,” Rachel laughs.

“Oh, Rach, did you happen to organise that appointment for me this afternoon?”

Rachel looks to balk for a minute, unsure of what Corban is on about, but then she clicks. “Yep, all booked in and ready to go.” She gives me a wicked smile.

What is all that about?

“Did I miss one of your appointments?” I’m a little worried I’ve slipped up now.

“No, beautiful. I had an early phone call this morning while you were in the bathroom and I asked Rachel to take care of it.”

“Ah, all right. I’m feeling pretty useless lately, sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he assures me with another kiss to my forehead this time. His public displays of affection recently have increased, especially in the office. I think everyone now knows he’s dating me. Yes, I do get the death glares from girls, but hey, he loves me. I couldn’t give a stuff about what those other people think. I’m glad he pushed aside his stupid rule and gave us a chance because I love being with him all the time. Once I have these babies, I’m sure he won’t let me come back to work, not ever, or at least until the children are much older. By then he might want another baby, so I guess it’s just a wait and see thing.

“Well, we better go, and I’ll drop you back here once we’ve finished.”

After waiting for what seemed like forever, I finally got my cast removed. The hair on my arm looks blacker than normal and it kind of smells a bit funky. I’m looking forward to a good hot soak in the bath tonight. We’re here now in the doctor’s waiting room anxiously waiting to see our little peanuts. My heart’s pounding in my chest. I just want to know that they’re okay and growing.

Corban takes my hand, sensing my anxiousness. I’m sure he’s probably feeling how I am. He is such an incredible support to me. I couldn’t have made it through all this crap with Jacob on my own. I couldn’t be happier that I’ve met the man of my dreams and now, unexpectedly, we are starting our own little family and my sister is actually here and our kids can grow up together.

“Good Afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews,” the doctor announces his arrival and once again we are mistaken for a married couple. It could be because the oldies like to think people get married before having babies. I notice Corban doesn’t correct him which causes a fluttering in my stomach.

One day it will happen.

We both greet the doctor. After first finding out we were expecting, Corban looked into the best physician with the help of his mother, of course. I can’t say I’m keen on a male other than Corban looking at my lady bits, but I’ve been told by Mum that when you’re giving birth, your dignity is left outside. Let’s just say I’m a little nervous now.

“How has everything been going?” he asks as he prepares the equipment.

“Pretty good, apart from the morning sickness. Hopefully, it goes away soon.”

“It will unless you’re one of the unlucky ones who get it through their whole pregnancy.”

That thought alone makes me want to cry. Throwing up daily for nine months would seriously suck. Definitely no more kids for me then.

“Oh, please, no,” I whine.

Corban gives a little laugh.

“Hey, buddy, it’s not you going through it all.” I smile.

“And I’m so glad it isn’t.”

We laugh.

“All right, let’s get a look at these babies. Lift your shirt a little. The gel might be cold, so I’m sorry about that.”

“That’s all right.” I do what he asks. As he puts the ultrasound wand on my abdomen, and I instantly hold my breath and wait. Seeing the two little peanuts brings the biggest smile to my face. My chest fills with such emotion; these are my babies. I don’t even know them yet, but I already feel a connection to them both. My heart is full of love for them.

As the doctor moves the wand around, I can see that they’ve already taken the shape of little people. He shows me their tiny fluttering heartbeats on the screen and lets me listen to each one. It’s a new song to my soul. I’m sure nothing could wipe the smile off my face. Corban’s face is identical to mine. He hasn’t let go of my hand once and has been gently placing kisses across the back of my hand. So much love is within us and between us.

After all the checks have been done, the doctor prints out a picture of each of the babies for us. We thank him and leave hand in hand.

“How perfect are they? I can’t believe we’re going to be parents,” Corban says excitedly. He picks me up around the waist, spinning us around, his excitement shines through. He will be the perfect dad for our peanuts.

“I know. It’s amazing!” The enjoyment in his voice as he grips the pictures in his hand, his eyes beaming with excitement as he stares down at his babies.

After grabbing a bite to eat, Corban heads out of his office for a meeting, and I go back to the office to finish up some things to prepare for the weekend.