Embracing Series Box Set #1-6

by Delisa Lynn

  “Hi, thank you. And how the hell do you know? It’s my hair, isn’t it?”

  “Oh no, it’s that look all over your face. You always have a glow, but today, it’s the, ‘I’ve just been laid’ glow.”

  “Oh my gosh, Megan! I can’t believe you said that.”

  “What? Who the hell would be ashamed of getting fucked by one of those Ellis men? You, my dear, have a gorgeous husband and his cousins are just as sexy as he is, but you know I’m partial to Kade. At least you’re getting some. My battery operated friend isn’t doing as well as it used to. Maybe I can get a piece of Kade.”

  “Bitch, quit looking at my hubs, he’s off limits. But I have to admit they are all fine. You can have Kade; Ashton has too much baggage. You know he and I dated before Liam and I, right? Please find you a man and lay off of the battery operated ones, but I guess a battery operated one isn’t all bad. You don’t have to deal with any drama from them.”

  “God, no. I had no idea you used to date Ashton. What happened? Trust me, I would much rather have a man inside of me than a vibrating silicone.”

  “Well, as you know, his twin sister, Addison, was my best friend. Anyway, Ashton and I dated for months, but I wasn’t ready to have sex and he was. I was going off to college and he thought I would give in. When I didn’t, he cheated on me, of course. Then I snagged the other Ellis. A few years later, the poor guy got trapped by Christa and they had AJ. I actually almost lost Liam. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You and I have become really close, and I love you and trust you.”

  “Wow, I didn’t know all of that. I love you too. You are one of my closest friends and I adore your girls. What happened to Liam? Okay, spill everything. Do we need extra napkins?”

  “Yes, extra napkins. Let’s eat before I go into all the details; you may choke. You may also hate me afterward.”

  “Oh, Lila, I could never hate you, sweets. We all have a past and lots of secrets. I’ll save mine for another day, if that’s okay.”

  “Of course. Now let me eat and I’ll fill you in.”

  I take a bite of my bacon, egg, and cheese on ciabatta sandwich. These sandwiches are so good. They were my daddy’s favorite. I remember he used to bring Eric and me here every Sunday morning.

  It’s so odd how the smallest things can remind us of loved ones that have passed. I think of Ads every time I eat popcorn or get a pedicure. Hell, I think about her all the time. There wasn’t a day that we didn’t communicate in one way or another. Whenever I eat peanut butter, I think of my grams. She always made us peanut butter pie. See, just the little things.

  ***

  After brunch, Megan and I sit at a table in the middle of the mall.

  Meg places her hand on mine. “Okay, lady. Spill it.”

  “When I was in college, I met a guy named Evan. Nikki’s fiancé, Brody, is his best friend. Me and Nikki met Brody and Evan the same day. Evan and I became friends, but he always wanted more. Liam was in the Army and became MIA. I ended up sleeping with Evan. When Liam didn’t return for months, I started dating Evan and we got engaged. Then Liam came back.

  “I chose Liam, of course, but something was missing. My father died and, when Evan came to his funeral, I slept with him. I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway. For four years, we didn’t talk to each other at all. Then, seven months ago, when I went to New York for a friend’s wedding, I slept with him twice. And now the baby I’m carrying might be his,” I say. I pause, expecting her to say something, but she looks like she’s at a loss for words. “So, do you still want to be my friend?”

  “Sweets, of course I do. I’m no one to judge you. I have my own secrets, as I said before. Do Liam and Evan know that the baby might be Evan’s?”

  “Liam knows.” I sigh. “Evan does not, and Liam doesn’t want me to say anything. He wants to raise the baby as his, even if he’s Evan’s. I can have a test performed now or wait until the baby is born, but he still thinks we shouldn’t take the test. I’m so confused, Megs.”

  “First of all, Liam is a wonderful man, but he can’t tell you not to have it done. If you feel you should take the test, then do so. If you don’t take the test and Evan never finds out, that’s great, but if and when Evan does find out…I’m sure it won’t be pretty. Does Nikki know?”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. She does. I just told her not too long ago, and I’m afraid she’ll tell Brody, who will tell Evan. So, that’s where everything stands. I needed to tell you so I can get some advice from someone who doesn’t know Evan.”

  “Babe, the only thing I can suggest is that you follow your heart. Are you still in love with Evan?”

  “No, I’m not. I care about him and always will, but Liam is my life. I love him more than anything. I’ve hurt them both so much. Evan is actually engaged now.”

  “I know you love Liam. You two seem so happy and everything always seems so perfect between the two of you. Was Evan engaged then?”

  “No, he wasn’t even in a relationship back then. I really did have a perfect life. When I saw Evan that day in New York, my hormones took control. I swear I saw him and I was instantly wet. I know that’s wrong, but that’s how it was. I’ve made a vow to myself that I’m done with him. I will have to see him and his fiancée in a few months at the wedding.”

  “Damn, is he that hot? That’s the way it is when I see Kade. Oh, the wedding. Let me guess? He and his woman are also going to the wedding party?”

  “Yes, he is very attractive, and of course they are. Nikki and Brody are even moving to where Evan and his fiancée live. So if Greyson is his, they’ll figure it out eventually.”

  “Greyson? You guys finally picked a name? I love it.”

  I give Megan a hug. “Yes, we decided this morning. Okay, let’s go get those pedicures.”

  ***

  My mind always goes back to the conversations that Evan and I had about children and what Bryn did to him. She caused him so much heartache when her parents forced her to abort his child. If this baby is his and I don’t tell him, then I’m no better than Bryn’s parents.

  Should I turn a blind eye for my husband so he will be content knowing that Evan can never be a part of the baby’s life? Or should I do what I feel is best and tell Evan everything? Either way, I’m screwed. Feelings are going to be hurt and hearts will be broken. If the baby is Liam’s, then we have nothing to worry about. We can just move on with our perfect life and put all of this behind us.

  Still, I don’t want Evan to find out from someone else. I know it will break him. I know he loves Tatum, but he would never stay away from his child. This baby will be here very soon, six weeks to be exact. I think I need to do what’s best for us all.

  I hope I’m making the right decision and that Liam will forgive me for what I’m about to do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Liam

  Our baby boy will be here in less than six weeks. We will be adding another Ellis man to the house. Ashton, AJ, and Kade are all living here. Ashton gave Christa the house in exchange for all rights to AJ. She will probably sell the house, anyway.

  We found a building for the new company that Kade, Ashton, and I are opening together. It’ll be called ‘Ellis Boys Investigations.’ I’ve always wanted to work in the investigation field. When I was in the Army, that’s all I thought about. Kade and I have been discussing it since we were teens.

  We talked about starting a business together a year or so ago and, when Lila decided to take her little trip, I knew for sure that we should start the business. Ashton and I decided to let Kade partner with us at the Wine Venue, so he moved here from Texas and will be living with Lila and me until his condo is finished.

  Ashton, Kade, and I are meeting with the contractors today for the new location. It’s about twenty minutes from home and the Venue. We haven’t broken the news to Uncle Gil that he will be working more hours at the Venue now that Ashton and I both are going full time at the investigation business. Lila loves the idea of me
working with the guys. I would love for her to stay at home and not go back to work, but I know she won’t stay home. She loves working at the firm.

  ***

  When I pull up in front of the new building, I see Ashton and Kade already waiting for me. I don’t see the contractor. Oh no, I hope I’m not running late. I get out of my truck and jog to where they’re standing.

  “Hey, where is the contractor?” I ask.

  “Hey, man,” Ashton says. He pulls me in for a bro hug. “He is in the building. We thought we should wait for you to get here.”

  “What the hell took you so long anyway?” Kade asks. He gives me a fist bump.

  “Lila and I were hanging baby clothes. The baby will be here very soon. I’ll probably take a few weeks off, if that’s okay with the two of you?” I ask, but hell, it’s my company too. They should have no problems with it.

  “No worries, dude. We got this. We actually have a few new cases that I brought from Texas. That’s if y’all want to work on them with me?”

  “Of course we do,” Ashton and I both say in unison.

  Kade looks at us and laughs. He has that same laugh that Ashton and I have—a deep, loud Ellis chuckle.

  We go inside to talk to the contractor and get things rolling. The building is fairly large and we want it to have three offices. We also want a lounge, so if, for any reason, we need to bring the kids in with us, they will have a place to play.

  “Does all this look okay to the three of you?” Bob, the contractor, asks. He hands me a set of blueprints. I look through the blueprints, then at my cousins. They agree that it’s perfect.

  “I have a date, so I need to get going,” Kade says.

  “A date? With who?” Ashton asks.

  I’m surprised Ashton doesn’t already know. There’s no way he didn’t notice how well Megan and Kade clicked.

  “Megan Snow. We’ve been talking a lot lately and I see it going somewhere,” he says with a huge grin.

  I figured he and Meg were talking. I just hope he doesn’t hurt her.

  “That’s great, man. She seems like a good woman. Megan and Li have become really good friends.” I shake his hand.

  “Let’s grab lunch, Liam. My treat,” Ashton says.

  “Okay, you riding with me?”

  He laughs. “Yeah, since Kade left me.”

  ***

  We decide to go to Olive Garden since it’s only a few blocks away. Ashton and I weren’t that close when we were teens, but we’ve become as close as brothers over the last four years. I would do anything to help him out.

  “Lila’s due date is soon,” Ashton says. “What’s going on with the DNA situation? Are you going to take the test?”

  “No, I don’t want her to, but she wants to. I know it’s wrong that I don’t want it done. I don’t want him taking my baby. Greyson will always be my son, regardless. I just don’t want the test to say that he is Evan’s. I know I sound selfish, but fuck it, I’ll be selfish.”

  “You’re not selfish, bro. I understand. I would do the same fucking thing and so would Evan. I’m completely on your side and you know that. But dude, what if the tables were turned? What if you were him? Wouldn’t you want to know that she was carrying your child? I’m not saying that she should take the test, but Liam, think about the position she is in. Then think about if you were him and what you would do if and when you find out that another man is raising your child.”

  “Goddamn it. When you put it that way, you have a point. Why is this shit happing? Our family was perfect. When I found out about him years ago, I was afraid she would end up running back to him. I just don’t get it, though. What the fuck does he give her that I can’t? That’s what infuriates me the most. Knowing that he made her happy and that he had his fucking shit buried in her. I still think about that shit. Sometimes, when we make love, I wonder if she was like that with him. It makes me sick.”

  “I know, man. I honestly don’t know why she did it. But you know how Lila is. We both know she falls fast and loves hard, no matter what. Just think about what I said. Give it a few days, but he should know, man; he really should.”

  “I’m glad I can talk to you about this. It really means a lot to me. I know we didn’t always see eye to eye, but I’m lucky you’re not only my cousin, but my friend.”

  “Anytime, man. You know, I won’t lie. I was so pissed that she went to you, but I always knew that you would be better for her than me.”

  I laugh. “Yeah, I’m glad you fucked up.”

  He punches my arm, a smile on his face.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Lila

  I wanted to talk to Liam this morning about calling Evan. I didn’t get the chance. I should have just blurted it out, but he had plans with the guys. I know telling Evan is the right thing to do.

  “Hey bitch bag, how is my favorite pregnant woman?” I ask when Nik answers her phone.

  “Good. I’m happy to know my bitch of a best friend still loves me. I haven’t heard from you in a while. I’m ready to get married before I look like the side of the barn.”

  “Speaking of barns, when are you moving to the farm?”

  “Well, not for months. We’ve already designed the house and picked out where we want it on the land. I can’t wait for you to come visit. You will love it. Shit, Li, this is awkward considering we will be living so close to Evan.”

  “No, it’s okay! Of course we will come visit you. I called because I think I should tell Evan everything. Can you give me his number? Do you think I should just tell him?”

  “Of course you should tell him. I think that would be the best thing to do. I will text you his number.”

  “Okay, now I just need to tell Liam. I know he is going to be furious. Nik, please tell me I am doing the right thing.”

  “Lila Rae, this is the best for all of you. I’ll be there for Greyson’s birth, I promise. Now do what you have to do. I love you.”

  “Thanks, love you more,” I say.

  Shortly after hanging up, Nikki texts me a number that looks all too familiar. Now I just need to tell my husband.

  Me: Hey, love. We need to talk. Will you bring me some noodles on your way home?

  Liam: Everything okay? The Japanese Thai Pan with extra bean sprouts?

  Me: Yes. I just need to talk about something. That and an iced tea please :)

  Liam: K, alright. Headed to Noodle & Company now. Love you, baby.

  Me: Love you more.

  ***

  Liam

  Lila wants to talk and I bet I know just what the hell she wants to talk about. That damn DNA test.

  I pull into the parking lot of the noodle place. I bang my hands on my steering wheel a few times, then I go in and order her food. I will follow Ashton’s advice; I will take the test, but she will not call him until after she and I talk…unless she already has. I hope she wouldn’t do anything without speaking to me first.

  I’ve always known that Lila and I would have a perfect life. I knew our children would be as beautiful as their mother and that they wouldn’t want for anything. I never planned on raising the child of another man, a man that loves my wife as much as I do. The thought of it just pisses me off even more. Every time I think of what baby bean will look like, Evan’s jet black hair and brown eyes comes to mind.

  I would give anything to take back the past. I would have never gone to the Army; I would’ve begged Li to stay in California.

  I park my truck in the garage and take a few minutes to gather my thoughts before bringing my sexy, pregnant wife some food.

  “Hey, baby. Where are the girls? I got them some noodles too.”

  I kiss her lips. She is wearing a white sundress with black polka dots and her hair is in that messy bun on top of her head.

  “Hmm, I love you and I missed you. The girls are with Ashton, Kade, and Megan. They took the kids for ice cream. I was surprised you didn’t see them leaving. I asked Ashton if he could take the kids so you and I can be alone.”r />
  “Oh, I didn’t see them. Is this conversation going to be the dreaded one that I think it is?” I ask, praying she’ll say no.

  “Liam, we have to tell Evan. Nikki sent me his number. As much as you want me to, I can’t keep this from him. It’s not fair to him or Greyson. I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I already have, but this is the right thing to do and I hope you will understand that it is.”

  After running my hands through my hair, I pull her close to me and I kiss her forehead. After all these years, her scent still takes my breath away. I can feel her shaking in my arms.

  As the tears stream down my face, I whisper in her ear, “Call him. He has a right to know.”

  Saying those eight words hurts more than knowing he fucked my wife.

  “Thank you, I hope we are doing the right thing.”

  I stand next to my wife while she makes the phone call to her ex-lover. I can hear the shakiness in her voice. Tears rush down her face. I feel sick to my stomach. My head is throbbing and my body is aching. Negative thoughts rush through my mind; what ifs come pouring in. I can’t lose her or Greyson, even if he doesn’t have my blood running through his veins.

  “Hi, umm, Evan. This is Lila. I need to talk to you. If you can call me back when you get this message, I would really appreciate it. Thank you and have a good day.”

  “You got his voicemail?” I ask.

  The way she’s shaking, she would have probably fainted if he had answered. I hope he doesn’t call back.

  “Yes. Maybe he will call back. I know he’s busy with moving and stuff,” she says. “Nikki told me they all are having houses built close to the farm—the Martin’s Farm, that is.”

  “Now we just wait for Evan to call back. We did what we were supposed to do.”