“That’s not fair.”
“For what it’s worth, I agree with Evin. My niece and nephew need to see upfront that we’re a blended family.”
My heart skips a beat at his reference. I don’t argue anymore, giving them both an appreciative smile. My phone chimes with a reminder that the bizarre officially starts in fifteen minutes.
“Okay, guys, I need to give you a crash course in working the payment system because Mom will probably be flitting around every booth and forget she’s supposed to be working.”
They listen intently, assuring me they’re comfortable. A squeaky honk followed by a buzzing gets closer. “What the fuck is she doing?” Evin sounds terrified as we watch Mom pull up on a bright purple scooter.
“Mom, what the hell?” I screech as she climbs off.
“I lost track of time, and your dad refused to let me run back, so I borrowed Tess’s scooter. Evin, I need you to return this to booth twelve.”
“There’s no way in hell I’m driving that anywhere.” He grunts.
She narrows her eyes in a way that silently says, ‘we’ll see about that’.
There’s no time to discuss the purple contraption now parked beside my tent because a wave of people crowds the streets, signaling the bizarre has officially started. I smooth my hands down my sundress, do one more quick check over things, and get ready to work.
Three hours later, my throat is raw from non-stop talking, and my feet are screaming at me. There hasn’t been one break in the crowds, and my mom is perched like a proud peacock on her stool, upselling every customer. Lynda sits next to her, doing the same, except her style is subtler. Warren, Jill, Dad, and Evin are all busy as well, greeting people as they stop.
“We’re out again! You got me ready, Evin?” Miller yells, coming through the crowd with an empty sample tray.
“I got it!” I hustle behind the tables and pull out a tray from the cooler, handing it to Miller.
“Get another one ready, Dar. The band’s about to take a break, which means a bigger rush,” he instructs me, and I get to work immediately. Jill jumps in to help me break up cookies and clusters we are using for the samples. It’s amazing how everyone has fallen into a routine so easily. A stab of pain pierces my heart, thinking of the one person missing.
“You’re killing it, sweet girl.” Dad pats my back with an ear-to-ear grin, his eyes shining bright with pride.
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“What’s going on? We having a union break? Darby Rose, get your skinny butt back out front! You’re the headliner, and I’m not paying you to crumble cookies,” Mom yells to us, and I roll my eyes once again at her attempt to be funny.
I take another minute to restock the display cooler and then return to the front of the tent. Miller was right; when the band on the main stage takes a break, people swarm our tent. I’m doing my best to make my way through the crowd, accepting compliments and thanking the customers.
I’m mid-sentence when an icy chill washes over my skin with the response of being watched. My head swings in both directions, and when my eyes land on him, I stumble backward.
There’s no denying the young boy staring at me is Cole Kendrick. All the breath leaves my lungs, and my heart races to the point of dizziness. I can’t tear my gaze away, taking in the beauty of this boy. Cole is an exact replica of his dad, complete with the striking blue eyes. Eyes that are trained on me.
For the briefest of seconds, my mind goes to the baby I lost and if he’d look like the boy standing in front of me.
The answer is yes.
His lips curl into a boyish grin, and my hands begin to tremble. Panic knots in my stomach, winding its way up. Hot flashes hit my flesh, and sweat dribbles down the back of my neck.
Dear God, please don’t let this happen right now. I pray silently.
“Cole!” Pierce’s sharp voice cuts through the air as he shoulders through a few people and stops by his son’s side. “What the hell are you thinking? You know you can’t run off like that.”
The noise of those around us fades away, and my hearing zones in on what’s happening twenty feet away. Pierce’s face is twisted, but Cole is unfazed, still smiling at me.
“Look, Dad. It’s Darby.”
Pierce’s eyes follow the direction of his little finger, and when he spots me, his eyes grow wide. “Oh, fuck,” he states, rushing my way. I know he’s close, but I’m mesmerized by the young man that is the spitting image of his father.
“Darby, baby.” Pierce wraps around me, pressing my head into his chest. “Breathe.”
I do as he asks, sucking in air and squeezing my eyes tight. “He’s you… He looks exactly like you,” I rasp.
“Baby, I’m sorry. I was taking them to the library for the magic show. He slipped away.”
“Shit,” Evin hisses behind us, undoubtedly taking in the scene.
I snap out of my fog, shaking my head a few times, and realize how this must look. “It’s okay.” I step back, tip on my toes, and peer over Pierce’s shoulder. Cole is standing close, his smile gone, and he’s flanked by Maya, who is fidgeting nervously.
This is not how I expected to meet them, but it’s up to me to make it comfortable. “Hi there.” I sidestep Pierce and approach them slowly. “I’m Darby.”
“Hey,” Maya mumbles.
“I’m Cole.” He bounces excitedly.
“This is a wonderful surprise.”
“Hey there, Slugger.” Miller breaks in.
“Uncle Miller!” Both their eyes light up.
“Want to try some?” He waves the tray of samples in front of them.
Cole takes one eagerly while Maya is a bit more reserved. Cole inhales his, groaning dramatically. Maya’s eyes widen when she swallows.
“Oh my gosh, that is good,” she gushes, and the compliment sends a thrill through me.
“Thanks. There’s a lot more where that came from. Miller can help you pick something.” I throw a thumb over my shoulder.
Their eyes slide to Pierce, who nods his approval. Miller throws me a glance full of support before ushering them away.
“You okay?” Evin asks worriedly.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
He scans my face for signs of distress, no doubt ready to get me away if needed.
“Promise, I’m not going to break down,” I assure him.
He nods, stepping away and leaving me with Pierce. “I thought you were set up on the other side of the fountain. That’s why we came in this direction.”
“It’s okay,” I say softly.
“Your face is still pale.”
“I had a moment of reflection when I saw him. It made me think of…” There’s no need to finish the sentence.
Pierce blows out a loud breath and yanks me back into him. His mouth comes to my ear. “Don’t do that. Don’t go back to what we lost. Think about what we have ahead of us.”
“Okay.” The calmness in my voice shocks me.
“Yeah, you good?” He bends back, cupping my chin gently.
“I think so. I mean, the range of emotions I’ve experienced in the last three minutes is certifiable, but I’m still standing.”
A sexy grin spreads across his mouth, “God, I love you,” he says right before he sweeps his lips over mine. I melt into him, the people around us forgotten.
“Hey, lovebirds! We’re running a business here. Think you can join us?” My mom breaks into my kiss-induced fog.
I giggle, dropping my head back, and hold on to him.
“Dad! Look what Mrs. Annie gave us!” Cole shouts excitedly, dragging my attention to the tent. He’s yanking a DG Creations shirt over his head, and my throat closes as Maya does the same.
“Oh my,” I whisper, thankful Pierce is supporting me.
“We decided to skip the magician and help out here with the rest of the family,” Maya calls to us.
Jill, Warren, and Miller are beaming while nodding approvingly.
“You got another one of those
shirts, Annie?” Pierce jostles me in his arms, his own approval firm in his voice.
“Of course.”
He drops his mouth to the column of my throat and kisses gently. “You heard the little lady. Let’s get to work with our family.”
•—•—•—•—•
“You’re dead on your feet. Have a seat with me.” Jill taps the lounge chair to her right.
“Gladly.” I collapse, groaning as the cushion sucks me in.
“Would you like a margarita?” Lynda offers.
The answer is hell yes, but I look out over the pasture where Pierce, Warren, and my dad are leading the kids around on the horses. Is it appropriate for me to drink alcohol?
“Yes, she’ll have one. Add a tequila topper, will you?” Jill decides for me.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“It absolutely is. You’ve been working like the devil, and it’s your weekend. Enjoy it.”
Lynda hands me the large, salt-rimmed glass and sits at the foot of my chair. “Cheers!” she toasts, and we all join in chorus.
A loud ‘yippee’ sounds from the barn, and we all laugh at Mom, who is pumping her hands triumphantly in the air on the back of her favorite horse. Evin and Miller are walking behind them.
My anxiety spikes, but Lynda shakes her head when I move to get up. “She’s good, Darby. Jessie has been working with her in therapy on what is acceptable.”
“All right.”
“How are you doing with all this?” Jill asks softly.
“The better question is, how do you think I’m doing? Two months ago, if you told me I’d be in this position, I’d have laughed hysterically.”
“I think you’re a champ. This is hard, but Pierce is very happy.”
“I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but he doesn’t take resistance very well.”
She feigns shock, popping her hand over her mouth in an exaggerated motion. “Pierce? My Pierce? The sweet little boy that bulldozed his way into this world and hasn’t stopped since? The same darling that won’t take no for an answer and has the temper of a caged lion when provoked? Not to mention, when he wants something, he stops at nothing? That Pierce?”
Lynda and I both giggle. “That would be him.”
“I blame it solely on Warren. Both my boys inherited their father’s tenacity and grit. Admittedly, Pierce is a bit more aggressive in his nature.”
“Is aggressive your polite way of saying hot-blooded and headstrong?”
“Maybe a little.” She winks.
“Darby, all joking aside, you didn’t answer the question. How are you feeling about everything?” Lynda asks.
Damn Lynda and her intimate knowledge of the Grahams’ evasion tactics. She eyes me gently, and I know there’s no dodging this.
“I was nowhere near ready for this step. Pierce was determined to make it happen.”
“It is a big step.”
“Lynda, this is going to sound crazy, but meeting them makes it all too real. Obviously, I’ve always known he has children, but I was able to protect myself by insulating my life. Staying away was my solution. Returning to Charleston was always a temporary measure. I had a life and business in Charlotte that I could easily go back to. The Brasher offer was on the table, which was weighing heavily on my mind. In a way, I used Mom’s accident as an excuse to come home, clear my head, and make decisions about my future. Never did I anticipate the turn of events with Pierce. As a matter of fact, I decided to take the Brasher offer the night I ran into your family at Rosen’s.” I briefly glance at Jill then back to Lynda. “Seeing Pierce, Connie, and the kids in the parking lot shattered that insulation I’d built. Any nagging thoughts of staying in Charleston died that night.”
Jill’s eyes widen and pool with tears. “That was a very tense night for all of us.”
“Ironically, seeing all of you broke something in me, and I confronted Pierce with the truth. I guess you could say it set the ball in motion for where we are today.”
“Sweetie, you carried those demons around for too long. It was time you told him,” Lynda adds.
“Well, a lot was said that night, including his confession of how Connie got pregnant. It was not pretty.”
“Warren and I have never understood how Pierce messed up so badly. He was in a terribly dark place, and no one could get through to him. We decided early on to do what is best for Maya and Cole.”
“They’re your grandchildren. Of course, you do what’s best for them.”
“Pierce is not going to let Connie do anything to ruin this second chance with you.”
“Maybe not.” I shrug nonchalantly.
“But?” Lynda pushes with an arched eyebrow.
“But what?”
“There’s a ‘but’ in there.”
“Not necessarily. Pierce has been completely honest about his dislike of Connie. But even knowing she got pregnant through carelessness doesn’t change the fact that he has kids with her. And, I’m not sure I’m strong enough to put myself in a position that comes with that kind of responsibility.”
“Give it a chance. You may be surprised. You’re one of the strongest women I know.” She reaches for my hand.
“Thank you for that. I think I’m doing pretty well, considering a few days ago, the mention of meeting his children prompted a panic attack. And, last night, coming face to face with Cole almost caused me to faint.”
“The children loved being there last night. They thought it was amazing.” Jill tries to sound upbeat.
“If you say so. Maya distanced herself and hasn’t said ten words to me today. Cole is so much like Pierce; it’s unreal.”
“I’m picking up very mixed signals here. Pierce led me to believe you two had worked things out and talked about the future. Until this conversation, I was under the impression you wanted these things as well.”
“I love Pierce with all my heart. I always have. Jill, he believes there is a future for us and is hellbent on proving it. I am willing to try, but I’m skeptical.”
“Have you told him this?”
“A hundred times!” I semi-laugh. “He’s not listening.”
“You two are meant to be, Darby. He’s never been as happy as he is with you. I’m not sure he’ll survive if you leave him again.”
I wince at the sting of her words. “I’m not a confused twenty-one-year-old with a head full of conflicting emotions anymore. There will be no sneaking away without an explanation. We know I’m about to launch a new stage of my career. He’s supportive and excited for me. But the truth remains; his life, his career, and his family are here. The logical part of my brain is telling me to be realistic. I’m going into this with my eyes wide open.”
“If Pierce didn’t have children, would you still be hanging on to this realism?” Lynda squeezes the hand she holding.
I take a large sip of my drink, hoping the tequila will unravel the knot coiling in my stomach. “We’ll never know the answer because, if Maya and Cole weren’t in the picture, I would have returned twelve years ago and begged for my second chance.” My gaze travels out to the back of our land, where everyone seems to be having a great time. The smiles on the kids’ faces are visible from here.
“You know you can have a life, a career, and a family here, too, Darby.” Lynda throws my words back at me. “We’re all rooting for you.”
“I love you for it. But, in reference to Pierce, I’m not sure it’s the life he’s envisioned.”
“Maya and Cole are in an awkward position right now. Children are products of their environment, and we’re all doing our best to guide them in the right direction. It’s impossible to miss the way he feels about you. They witnessed that last night and then again today. It’s going to be okay with them,” Jill tries to assure me.
“I hope so because I hate thinking about Pierce hurting, but I’m being cautious. There’s a lot more at stake for the grown-up versions of Darby and Pierce. His priorities are much different.”
&nb
sp; “I have a lot of regrets, Darby, thinking that maybe I could have prevented so much that happened.”
“Jill…”
She holds up a finger, signaling she’s not done. “No, Darby, I could have been there for you in a way you didn’t expect. I know what you went through. My first two pregnancies resulted in miscarriages. One was far enough along to know the baby was a boy. It was a long time ago, but I remember each instance like it was yesterday. The feelings, the failure, the uncontrollable emotions that come like a force of nature. Warren was by my side, but bless his heart, he couldn’t do much to help. I’m not sure the boys even know. We never talked about it once Miller was born.”
That is not at all what I expected her to tell me. “I understand. It’s not exactly a pleasant subject.”
“No, it’s not, but it’s life.”
“I’m sure, once you held him for the first time, the heartache healed—knowing you were able to carry a life inside you and bring him into the world. All the pain and despair would vanish, and you’d know you had this miracle. Or, at least, that’s what I always pictured in my mind.”
Her eyes fill with sympathy, and Lynda scoots a little closer, the mood growing somber.
“I’ll admit that when the nurse placed Miller on my chest, the emotions were overwhelming. It in no way erased the past heartache, but it gave me a new appreciation for what I did have.”
“And then you had Pierce.”
“I did. Healthy pregnancies happen all the time after a miscarriage. You know that, right?” she informs me with hope in her voice.
“Oh, I know, but since I’ve been hung-up in love with the same man for over sixteen years, I never tried again. And, now, I’m not sure I will.”
A heavy silence hangs in the air, and I take another large gulp to shut myself up and stop admitting things that should remain private. If I make eye contact with either of them, we’ll probably all end up in tears.
Runner jogs up the steps, sniffs around my chair, and plops down with a loud doggy huff. His big brown eyes find mine before he closes them to rest.
“I’ll amend that. My baby came in the form of a ball of fur.” I take my hand from Lynda and rustle the top of his head.
Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers Book 1) Page 22