“I need a drink.”
Champagne arrives at my announcement, Mr. Rosen proudly popping the cork and pouring my flute first. He passes the bottle to a waiting server who begins filling the others. Warren raises his in the air. “To a very long-awaited and overdue celebration of your engagement. Congratulations.”
The underlying meaning of his toast isn’t lost on the adults at the table. The sound of crystal clinks around, Cole even tapping his glass of water to mine. I grin down to him and take a sip.
“Darby, I can only assume, with your upcoming nuptials, you’ll be back in Charleston,” Mr. Rosen says with a glint in his eye.
“Eventually, I’ll make it back.” The news of Brasher renovating their property here is still a closely guarded secret that can’t be discussed openly. We’ve even kept the news from Maya and Cole. They only know I’m trying to get back in the spring. Once the news of our engagement was revealed, Pierce and I have both fielded questions. Our response has been vague that ‘we’re working out the details’.
Rumors are swirling that Pierce is selling his share of the business and coming with me, leaving behind his kids to chase the girl that once dumped him. We suspect Connie started that one, trying to gain sympathy from a community that shunned her after the Runner incident.
“I expect to be the first name back on your client list.” He crooks an eyebrow expectantly.
“You’ll be one of the first to know,” Mom interjects. “Now, tell us about your delicious specials.” She gracefully takes the attention off me.
The rest of the night goes perfectly until the bill arrives. Warren and Dad argue over who’s paying. Pierce covertly slips his credit card to the waiter, letting them bicker until he signs the slip and announces it’s done. Dad scowls, throwing a dirty look his way and mumbling under his breath.
I excuse myself to the restroom, Maya asking to go with me. Mom and Jill exchange a glance and pass unspoken encouragement across the table.
Inside the restroom, I’m once again almost bowled over when Maya throws herself at me. “I am sorry for what I did! I’m an awful, terrible, horrendous person and deserve it if you hate me.” She cries into my stomach. “I’ve wanted to apologize for a while, but Dad told me this had to be done in person.”
A lump forms in my throat, and I swallow hard, trying to find my voice. My hands go to her back, soothing up and down until her cries soften and turn to short hiccups. My first instinct is to coddle her, dry her tears, and tell her all is forgiven and forgotten. It’s a slippery slope because whatever I say or do in this situation could go back to Connie and mean hell for Pierce.
I think about Jill and Mom; what would they say? How would they handle this? What would Pierce want me to say?
“I hate to see you sad, Maya. It breaks your dad’s heart when you’re hurting.”
“He hates me, too.
“He could never hate you. He loves you and Cole more than anything in the world.”
“Not anymore. I messed up everything. Dad is mad, Cole won’t quit telling me it’s my fault you don’t come around, and we’re not even allowed to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s unless it’s Dad’s week. All because of me.”
“Maya, you need to talk to your dad about these things.”
She peers up at me, her eyes bloodshot and filled with sadness. “He loves you. If you forgive me, he will too.”
“His job as a parent is to love and protect you and Cole, always making sure you are taken care of. I imagine it’s the hardest job in the world. You’re confusing his forgiveness with his concern. There’s a huge difference.”
“You don’t think he’s mad at me?”
“No, I don’t think he’s capable of the kind of love he feels for you and anger at the same time. It’s impossible for him.”
“Even though he stayed mad with you all those years and still loved you.”
My stomach seizes with the verbal sucker punch, and there’s an almost inaudible growl from somewhere behind me.
“My circumstances are worlds apart from his adoration for you. Pierce Kendrick may be gruff and have the temper of a wet cat, but he will always love you, even when you mess up. That I can promise.”
She seems to process this, color creeping back to her pale cheeks and her eyes clearing. “It’s going to be okay?”
“Of course, it’s going to be all right.”
“Do you know my mom, Darby?”
This is the slippery slope I was trying to avoid. “I don’t know her now, but I knew her years ago.”
“She’s… Well, she’s…”
“Maya, anything you want to say about your mom should go to your dad. I’m not the person to talk to.”
“No, what I’m trying to say is she loves Dad. She’s always told us that, and I never understood why he didn’t love her back. But I get it now. It’s because of you. I overheard Grandma telling Uncle Miller that you being back is the answer to her prayers. She said that the love story was coming full circle. I’m not sure what that part means, but Dad is his happiest when you’re around. I’m sorry I almost messed that up.”
“Oh, Maya.” I yank her back to me. “Everyone messes up. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes. It’s a hard lesson, and if I can give you one piece of advice, it is that when you are unsure of what’s the truth and what’s not, go to an adult you trust. You may not like the answers, but it’s part of growing up.”
She nods, squeezing me tight. “I can do that, Darby.”
“Okay. How about we use the restroom before your dad sends a search party?”
She grins, heading to a stall. The lock clicks, and I backstep around the corner to find Pierce, leaning against the wall.
“This is the ladies’ restroom,” I hiss.
“I fucking love you,” he whispers back.
“Get out of here.” I toss my hand in the direction of the door.
“You’re spending the night.”
“We will see. Now, get out of here!”
“I swear to God, if you try to say no, I’ll haul you out of here kicking and screaming. No one will be surprised, and your mom will send the video to Scottie to post on Instagram.”
“You forget I’m an expert at sneaking out the back.”
I realize my mistake immediately when his eyes grow dark and his voice comes out strained. “You’ll never get away from me again. What you just did for my daughter adds to the million reasons my stupid ass will go to the ends of the earth to bring you back to me. You’re a part of us now, and I’m not fucking letting you forget it.”
A toilet flushes, and I shove him, giving him a hard stare to leave before going back to the lavatory area. Maya comes out, her face almost free of splotches, and washes her hands. She looks at me through the mirror and giggles in a little girl pitch. “You should probably use the bathroom. It would stink if Dad throws you over his shoulders and you still have to pee.”
My eyes bulge at the same time a loud, strangled cough comes from where I left Pierce standing. He pokes his head around the corner. “I’m going to stand outside the door long enough to escort both my girls back to the table. Maya, you okay?”
“Yeah, Dad, I’m good.”
“Love you, baby girl.” He gives her a smile, flashing me a look loaded with challenge, and disappears.
•—•—•—•—•
There are no tears left in me. Jill and Warren showed up early this morning. My parents, Evin, and Miller arrived in time for breakfast. Cole and Maya fluttered around, bragging on their efforts while I was fixated on how easy we all moved throughout the kitchen that Pierce had unintentionally built with me in mind.
Runner was almost one-hundred percent back to normal, but Cole and Maya babied him like crazy. He loved it.
My first outburst came when Pierce announced it was time for them to go back to Connie’s. I helped them pack a few things, both their moods sinking low. When we said goodbye, Cole flung himself at me and buried his little head into my nec
k, sniffling.
That was all it took. I lost it. Maya joined us, and I ended up in a heap on the floor with Runner sprawled on top. Pierce had to peel everyone apart, and for the first time, I witnessed him cradling Cole in his arms and whispering in his ear until he calmed. Maya was teary-eyed but more reserved, though still clinging to me, kissing my cheek, and hurrying out the door.
My family left, giving me time with Jill, Warren, and Miller, while Pierce hit the noon deadline to return the kids to Connie.
This was another tear-fest but in the best way. Jill and Warren couldn’t stop gushing, while Miller decided he was taking advantage of my family discount this season to hone his skiing skills.
We laughed, we joked, and when they left, I was composed. It gave me a few minutes to look around and reflect on everything. By the time Pierce returned, I was ready to go.
My family, Lynda, and Ray were waiting for us at the shed. While Pierce and Evin loaded the car, Mom was her usual self, driving me crazy and insisting that the time on the road would give me a chance to start planning the wedding. She harped until Pierce came to my rescue and threatened to stop at a Justice of the Peace in Kentucky.
Everyone thought it was hilarious, except her. She’s now shooting death glares his way.
“If you get hitched by the JOP, I’m going to hunt you down.” Evin throws his arm around my shoulders.
“Why?”
“Because she’ll laser in on me, and I’m nowhere near ready to get married.”
“All the more reason to get her off my back and sic her on you.”
“Hunt. You. Down. Darby,” he repeats.
“Baby, it’s time.” Pierce slams the tailgate and whistles for Runner.
“I’ll be there Labor Day.” Evin turns me fully in his arms. “You’ll be working, but it’ll give me time to scope out the place.”
“I’m going to miss you.” My voice cracks.
“You’re not going to have a chance to miss me. I’m on the permanent guest list, your money manager, and the brother who expects a nightly call.”
“I love you.”
“Get on the road.” His own voice is hoarse. “You can make it to Nashville tonight.”
I give him one last squeeze, kiss the underside of his jaw, and turn to my dad, who’s waiting with open arms.
“Kick ass.”
“I will, Daddy.” His eyes grow warm and soft at the endearment.
“Okay, we’re not going to have a mushy, gushy, tear-infested send-off.” Mom yanks me from him into a hug. “Jill said this morning was humiliating the way you cried and carried on.”
This is a lie. Jill said no such thing, but this is mom’s way. She’s never been one to show emotions in public.
“That’s right. It was mortifying.” The best thing to do is to go along with it.
“You’ll be home before any of us have time to miss you,” she adds. “Get going before you cause us to miss the beginning of the next NCIS.”
“I wouldn’t want to get in the way of you and your all-day marathon.”
“Don’t get smart. You know I have a thing for Mark Harmon.”
“God, I’m crazy for even saying this, but I’m going to miss you, Mom.”
Her chest spasms against mine, and she pulls away, dropping her sunglasses, but not before I catch the moisture in her eyes. Dad steps in, folding her into him.
Pierce makes his rounds while I say goodbye to Lynda and Ray.
“Pulling up here in April seems like a lifetime ago,” I say with a sense of melancholy, scanning my parents’ property as we drive away.
“You okay?”
“Yes, it’s just amazing how things change. How I’ve changed.”
“Do you think you’ve changed?”
“In a span of the last eight months, I’ve packed up to move twice. I relocated my business, started over only to join a hotel conglomerate, which is still unreal to me. I reconnected with you, got engaged, arranged to put my house on the market, and sometime in the future, I’ll be a stepmom.”
“You’ve always been a highflyer.” He tugs my hand to his mouth and kisses my knuckles.
Runner woofs from the back seat and plops down, ready for his nap.
“You didn’t tell me how your meeting with Mr. Baldwin went yesterday.”
“It went fine. Quick and painless. He’s not upset I’m ducking out on the last month. Apparently, whoever bought the building is eager to start renovations. He even gave me back my deposit and the last month’s rent. You’ll have to keep a watch for me to see what happens.”
“I have fond memories of that place.”
I smile to myself, thinking of all the things we did in there. “I hope they don’t demolish it.”
“Not likely since it’s technically registered in the historic buildings category.”
“I wasn’t aware of that. If I had stayed, there would have had to be changes made. Wonder if they would have passed through permits.”
“You have a very persuasive and creative fiancé that would have made it happen.”
“You’d have had your hands full. My list would have been long.”
His eyes cut to mine. “I’d like to hear what you would have done differently.”
“We have days on the road. I’ll bore you with my baker geek speak later. I want to know how it went with Connie and the drop-off.”
His jaw locks, and he grips my hand tighter. “I gave Maya her phone back for the week, and she knows the rules. Connie threw it in my face that I’m breaking our week before school tradition, trying to stir the pot, but the kids didn’t bite. She asked for money to buy supplies, and when I told her they had been ordered and I’d be taking them in on the first day of school, she went through the roof. Her parents witnessed it. I left without another word.”
“I know you don’t agree, but making this drive with me is probably not a good idea. You should be where your kids need you.”
“This time is for us, and with all the shit flying around, there’s no telling what I’m facing when I get back. On the positive side, I’ll get the benefit of having them the first week of school for the first time in years.”
At the mention of ‘shit flying around’, a knot coils in the pit of my stomach. Pierce isn’t only dealing with Connie; he’s dealing with angry neighbors who want their mailbox structure replaced with a very specific brick, and the father of the driver who hit Runner is arguing who’s at fault. On top of all that, Kendrick Construction is about to launch into a new project.
“You should let me drive for a while.”
“I drive,” he states matter-of-factly.
“No need to be macho. I’m capable of driving across the country.”
“It’s not macho; it’s a man thing. You’re with me, I drive. Besides, you can sit there looking gorgeous and reserve your energy. You’ll need it.”
“Oh, really? Why is that?”
“I’ve mapped out the route, and we’re passing through at least seven states. I plan on fucking you in all seven. You may need to get creative.”
A rush of heat travels through my bloodstream, and I take my hand from his and slide it between his legs. My fingers outline the ridge of his cock, which hardens at the touch.
“Jesus, we’re not even out of town yet, and I’m ready to pull over.”
“Technically, we had sex in South Carolina this morning. You’ll have to get us to Georgia.” I continue to massage him. “And, since I haven’t had car sex since I was twenty-one, you need to hurry.”
He accelerates, his eyes slicing to me. “As soon as we hit the fucking state line, you’re mine.”
I lick my lips and moan, squeezing him gently. “You could use a little incentive.”
I twist in my seat and hiss when a stabbing pain cuts into my calf. “What the hell is that?” A large bag I didn’t notice with a plastic binder pokes out from under my purse.
“Something Annie told me to put up front.”
I yank my hand bac
k and pull the binder out. DARBY’S WEDDING BOOK is printed in bold black letters on the front. Color-coded tabs with labels and sheet protectors are clipped inside. The bag is loaded down with bridal magazines that have corresponding colored tabs with Mom’s notes.
I thumb through the magazine on top and groan at her favored selections. “No, no, no! I am not wearing poof and tulle!”
“I have no clue what that means.”
“It means my mom is trying to make me look like a bride from another generation.”
“Guess she was serious about jump-starting the wedding planning on this trip.”
A growl comes from the back of my throat when I read the letter she included. “She’s already spoken to the minister at the church and reached out to a venue.”
“That a problem?”
“We haven’t set a date! I can’t possibly plan a wedding right now. Who even knows when I’ll be back in Charleston? The renovations on the resort may take longer than expected.”
“The resort will be ready.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I sure as hell do, considering Kendrick Construction is involved. I’ll work my ass to the bone to have that hotel ready to open next spring. Knowing that the completion is the only thing standing between you coming home and marrying me is motivation enough to get it finished ahead of schedule.”
I jerk back in surprise. “That’s your new project?”
“That and a side gig I’m working on. We are one of the many contractors.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was going to surprise you.”
“My brother’s involved with the financing, my fiancé is involved with the construction, and I’m now technically a partner with their hospitality team. This is all very weird.”
“Think of it as coincidental.”
I shove the binder and the magazine back in the bag and huff out dramatically.
“Can we go back to the hand-job part of our trip?”
“No, I need my phone.” I snatch it from the console and open the browser.
“Why?”
“Because I’m going to teach the old bat a lesson.”
I search through the google results, pick a random location, and forward the link via text to Mom with two simple words.
Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers Book 1) Page 30