by Delisa Lynn
I look up into her beautiful eyes. “Yeah, baby, we should.”
I stand and walk over to Elijah.
“Sir, I mean, Evan…Dad?” He looks at me, confused.
“Dad,” I say, reaching my hand out to him. I see Bryn hiccup a sob.
“Okay, Dad, will you come back tomorrow? I would like to spend some more time with you and Tatum, if y’all are up for it.” Elijah smiles at Ta.
“Of course we will. Would you like us to bring anything?” Tatum asks as she sits on the side of his bed.
“An apple pie from Mable’s would be great.” He chuckles and scratches his chin. “And vanilla ice cream.”
“I can do even better. Your great-gran makes the best apple pie. I’ll swing by and have her make you some before we come back. Deal?” I ask, crossing my arms.
“Sounds good to me. I have grandparents?” he asks.
“Yes. My father lives in Utah, but my grandparents live about ten miles away. They own Martin’s Farm. Ever heard of Loretta’s Apple Butter? That’s your great-grandmother’s.” At his age, he probably hasn’t heard of it.
“Of course. I thought everyone knew about Loretta’s?” He tilts his head. “Mom, did you know that was my gran’s apple butter?” he asks with a serious look.
“No, sweetie, I didn’t. It’s really good, though. I have a few jars at home.”
“Well, we’ll be back tomorrow. Bryn, if you hear anything about the test, please let us know.” I shake her hand. “Elijah, call me if you need anything, no matter the time. Okay?”
“Thanks, Dad, I will. I programmed your number and Tatum’s number in my phone.”
My heart swells when I hear him call me dad. All this time, I hated her for aborting him. I’m so fucking thankful he is alive, but I also hate her for keeping him away from me. He has missed out on so much time with his other family. He didn’t get to know my mom.
I have to wonder if Bryn would’ve stayed in Utah and had him there, would he be okay? Would he need this transplant? Both of his kidneys are shutting down. I pray that I’m a match and can help him.
Tatum wraps her arms around my arm as we walk out of Elijah’s room. I love this woman so much. She and my children are my life. Amazing doesn’t even describe her. No matter what is happening, she’s always positive, always thinking ahead. I’m so glad she’s mine, that she has given me beautiful and healthy children.
“You’re a terrific father. I hope you know that boy loves you already,” Tatum whispers as we enter the elevator.
I kiss her. Then I grin. “I think he loves my sexy wife too.”
“Stop it.” She laughs. “He is a great kid. I really hope this transplant works.”
As the elevator doors are closing, I hear my name. I push the open button and see Bryn standing on the other side, tears running down her face.
“Evan! You’re a match. They got the results back early. You and Elijah have the same blood type and you can be a donor.” I step out of the elevator. She runs to me and falls into my arms. “Please save my son. He is everything to me. He was never a mistake. I always wanted him. I’m so sorry for taking him from you. Please, save our child.”
“Of course I will. What do I need to do?” I ask, stepping away from her. Tatum grabs my arm again.
“Come with me. They have all the paperwork. They can do the transplant tomorrow if you are ready.”
“I can do whatever he needs me to do,” I say as we follow her down the hall. A young nurse greets us with a smile on her face. She hands me a clipboard and I see that the DNA results are listed with our blood types. He’s definitely my son. After seeing him, I had no doubts. Plus, I know that Bryn would have never cheated on me.
“Sir, once you fill all this out, we can add you all to the schedule for tomorrow, if that is okay?” the nurse asks.
“Tomorrow is fine with me. Whatever my boy needs. I am here for him,” I say adamantly.
“Evan, you sure?” Bryn asks as she rests her hand on my shoulder.
“I’m positive. I’ll not miss another day with Elijah. I lost seventeen years and now…now I am here.” I pull a shaking Tatum into my arms. “We’re here. My wife and the rest of our family will be here for him, no questions asked.”
Bryn bows her head and looks to the floor. “Thanks. Both of you have helped so much.”
“I’ll fill these out and we’ll get the surgery scheduled,” I tell the nurse.
I sit down in the small plastic chair and read all the questions before answering them. Tatum sits next to me and leans her head on my shoulder. It’s almost eleven at night. We’ve had a long few days. I know my woman is tired.
Pushing a strand of hair from her face, I kiss her cheek. She laughs and snuggles closer to me. “I love you so much,” she whispers.
“I know you do, and I’ll love you for the rest of my life.” And I will.
“Are you scared? You’ve never had any health issues or surgeries.” Shit, she’s right.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t, but I want to help him however I can.”
I see Bryn walking toward us.
“Sorry to interrupt, but they want to schedule surgery for ten in the morning. Is that okay?”
I look at Tatum. She nods. “Sure, that’s fine,” Tatum says. “We will be here. Will Evan have to stay over night?” she asks Bryn.
“Yes, at least one night. You’ll be able to stay with him. I’ll pay for everything. I don’t want you to be out any money for this.”
Eyeing the two women, I stand up and say, “Wait, he is my son too, and I’ll pay for my own operation.”
“Oh, Evan, no. I can’t ask you to do that. I have the money to pay cash for the surgery.”
“Okay, and so do we,” I growl. “Just because I’m not the mayor doesn’t mean I’m poor, Brynlee.”
“Look, we can cover our part. No worries, okay?” Tatum says to Bryn.
“But, I…”
“Look, I’m paying for the hospital bill, end of discussion. Got it?” I all but yell.
Gasping and crossing her arms, Bryn says, “Loud and clear. You’ll pay for the procedure, but please know I’ll pay for half.”
“Donate it to the hospital,” Tatum whisper-yells.
“Good thinking, babe.” I kiss her. “Now, let’s get these forms in and get home. I’ll need to rest before morning.”
“Thank you both so much.” Bryn hugs Tatum, then me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Tatum
The drive home from the hospital is quiet. Evan has to be back around eight in the morning so they can do a medical clearance and prep for surgery. He can’t have any food or drinks the rest of the night. I hated seeing her touch him. I know that sounds selfish, but he used to love her. I think my hormones are making me a little insecure, but my husband’s high school sweetheart shows up with their love child seventeen years later. How else am I supposed to feel?
“Ta, you okay, baby?” Evan asks as we walk into our home.
“Yes, I was just thinking about everything. I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t like her touching you.” I regret the words as soon as they leave my lips.
Evan laughs. He fucking laughs at me. “You’re so damn cute. I like jealous Ta.” He kisses me.
I push his chest. “Don’t laugh, I’m serious!” I say as he pulls me closer to him.
“The kids aren’t home. That means you can moan as loud as you want without worrying about waking them.” He pushes himself into me.
“Oh,” I say, turned on immediately.
“Oh is right. You remember teasing me earlier today? Well, now this,” he grabs my ass, “is mine. I’m gonna take you to bed and show you just how much I love you.”
Lifting me up into his arms, he carries me up the stairs to our bedroom. He opens the door and kicks it shut with his foot. He sits me down on the bed and tosses my shoes to the floor. Licking his lips, he pulls my pants down. He slips my boy shorts down my hips, then dips his mouth to my heat.
>
“Mmm, your pussy is always ready for me.”
He breathes over my clit. One lick and I’m climbing the bed. My head slings back and I fist the sheets. “Don’t you come. Not until I say so.” He dips a finger in as his tongue circles my clit.
“You ass, I need to come!” I yell. “Please.”
“Not yet. When you come, I want it to be on my dick.” He laughs as his finger goes deeper, finding the spot that makes me go crazy. My heels dig into the mattress.
“Gah…Stop. Fuck me, please!” I cry out, the need to come intensifying. He sits up and laughs as he slides back and unzips his pants, freeing his throbbing cock. I toss my shirt to the floor and unfasten my bra.
“Lie down,” I order.
“I’m not done eating.” He winks.
“Oh, yes you are. I need to come.”
He tosses my clothes to the floor. Then he flips me over so I am on all fours. “Yes,” I cry out as I feel him sink into me. He slides his cock out and then back in. “Oh God, harder,” I beg. As I push back, he pushes forward.
“That’s it, baby. Tell me what you want. Tell me you wanna come all over my cock,” he grunts as he lifts my ass up by my hips.
“Harder, baby. I wanna feel you come in me. My pussy wants to milk your cock,” I cry out. His dick swells and he pours himself in me.
“Fuck…that was so fucking amazing.” He stills inside of me. Then he leans over and kisses me along my spine. “I can’t wait for your belly to grow bigger. You’re beautiful, but you know I love seeing you carrying my child in this perfect body.”
“Hmm, I need a bath,” I say, coming down from my orgasm high. He pulls out and helps me to my feet. My knees are so wobbly.
“I want you again, after you rest.” He chuckles as he leads us into the bathroom.
I turn the water in the tub on. “I’ll be ready for round two whenever you are.”
“You’re so fucking perfect. You’re gonna stay with me tomorrow, aren’t you?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t leave you. The kids can stay with my parents and my brother can feed the animals,” I say, letting him know we got this. “Do you wanna call Zander and Brody? Maybe have them come to the hospital, before surgery?” I ask, not knowing if he wants everyone to meet Elijah so soon.
“Yeah, I guess I could let them know what’s going on.”
He helps me into the tub. He sinks down and then pulls me down in front of him.
“I think that’d be a good idea. I would like to have Audrey and Nikki with me, if that’s okay?” I’ll be scared and worried, so having my girls there will help a lot.
“I want them with you too.” He pulls my body into his. “Thank you for accepting my son. It means a lot to me.”
“Of course I would. I love you and I love that he is yours. Please know that he will be a part of our huge, crazy family. I want him here for all the parties and holidays. Even if he chooses to go to college in another state, I still want us to see him as much as we can.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. I’m one lucky bastard.” His hands come up to my breasts. “And these are one of my favorite things about you, other than your heart.”
“Is that a compliment?” I tease him.
“You know it.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Evan
We just arrived at the hospital. I’m checking in and then I can see Elijah once I get all my testing done. They’re going to do more lab work and a few tests on my heart. Tatum has been crying all morning. I’ve tried to comfort her as much as I can. Nikki, Brody, Zander, and Audrey are all here as well as my grandparents. We called them all late last night. They are all pretty shocked that the surgery is happening so fast.
I sit in this hospital bed and watch all the medical personnel do their jobs. I know that God is with us today and everything will be smooth sailing. Once Elijah is up to it, I plan on taking him on a fishing trip with the guys.
“Sir, we are going to step out and let your family come in. The surgery will take a few hours, then you’ll be in recovery for an hour. If all goes well, you’ll be back in your room in about five hours,” the elderly lady says as she pushes the curtain back. “Now, I know your wife is ready to come in. Are there any questions I can answer for you?”
“No, ma’am. You can send my family in. Wait, will I be able to see my son before we go back for surgery?”
“Sure. Would you like me to bring him in here with everyone else?” She smiles.
“That would be great.” I know that everyone wants to meet him.
“Okay, family reunion coming right up.”
She laughs as she walks out the door. I hope everyone will be nice.
A few minutes later, I look up and see Tatum and Gran walking in, followed by the rest of the crew. They’re all smiling and giggling. Here I am, getting ready to have an organ removed, and they are laughing and having a grand time. Tatum sits on the bed next to me.
“Hi, sweetheart. The nurse is going to get Elijah,” I say, loud enough for everyone to hear.
“I hope his mother isn’t coming in with him,” Gran says.
“Be nice if she does. Water under the bridge,” I say to her.
“I know baby, but she…”
I cut her off. “Not today, Gran. She’s his mother and he is my child, and we’re both getting prepped for surgery,” I remind them all.
Everyone’s attention goes from me to Elijah as soon as the door creaks open.
“Holy fuck! He looks just like you.” Audrey cups her hand over her mouth.
Elijah smiles as the nurse pushes his bed next to mine. “Well, look at all the pretty ladies.”
“Mouth, Audrey!” Nikki elbows her.
“Sorry, it’s just odd.” She looks at Elijah, then back to me. “You have super sperm. How the hell do all your kids look just like you?” She walks over to Elijah. “I’m Aunt Audrey.” She kisses his cheek. He smiles and nods.
“Okay, family. This is my son Elijah.” I throw my hands out in front of me, then I look at Elijah. “And Elijah, this is my family. I’m going to give him one of my kidneys today.” I give him a fist bump.
“Hi, everyone. Let me see…” He points to Audrey. “Since you are Audrey, that man must be Zander, your husband. You,” he points to Brody, “are Brody. My mom has pictures of you with her and my dad. That beautiful lady must be your wife, Nikki? And the cutest couple in the room must be my great-grandparents.”
“You summed it up, son. Audrey has a bad mouth, so please excuse her,” I say. Everyone laughs. Then I see Brynlee and Mayor Quirk walk through the door. “Well, if it isn’t the mayor.” I smile.
“Mr. Martin, thank you so much for doing this,” he says as he walks toward me and shakes my hand.
“No need for thanks. Elijah is my son, and as I told his mother, I will do anything for him.” And I will. He is mine, and I would give anything for any of my kids. Do I hate that his mother made me miss him growing up? Fuck yeah I do, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. All I can do is move past this and make sure that Elijah has a wonderful future, just like my other kids will.
“I understand that, sir. It’s so nice to meet you.” He looks at Tatum. “This must be your beautiful wife that Elijah keeps raving about.” He winks at Elijah as he shakes Ta’s hand.
“Yes, this is my Tatum.” I smile as I squeeze her arm.
“Sorry to break up the party, but we need to get the guys down for surgery. Everyone can wait in the waiting room, and I’ll be in for updates,” Betty, the nurse, says.
Everyone hugs us and departs, leaving only Elijah and me in the room. I can tell he’s tired.
“Dad, thank you for doing this. My mom loved you. Her parents made her lie to you. I don’t know their reasoning, but know it wasn’t her fault.”
“I know, son. I’m just happy I can do this for you so we can have the rest of our lives to talk.” I rub the top of his hand. “We’ll be okay.”
“Thanks, and yes, we will. I have
siblings I wanna meet. I gotta get better,” he says, and then the nurse comes back in.
“All right, we’ll wheel you down to the operating room. You will be in a split room, and once they remove the kidney from you, the donor, they will place it in you, the recipient,” she says, pointing to Elijah. “Now, you know that you’ll be in surgery for a while, right?”
I grab my son’s hand. “Yes, we know. We are ready to go.”
***
Tatum
“Evan, can you hear me?” I whisper in his ear. “Sweetheart, you’re in your room. The surgery was a success. They placed your right kidney in Elijah. He now has a right one that works.” I rub his hand. “You’re his savior, Evan. You came into his life and helped him when no one else could. I have a surprise for you when you wake up.”
He coughs and then moves his legs. “Hi, love. So, everything is okay?”
“Absolutely, and your dad is here! He’s out in the waiting area.”
“Here, at the hospital?” He looks around the room with a surprised look.
“Yes. He got here a few hours ago. He’s right outside the door.”
“Good. I would love to see him.”
“I think we can arrange that. Get some rest and everyone will be in soon enough. Elijah will want to see the family again too.” I kiss his forehead.
“Love you so much, baby,” he says before closing his eyes again. And I know he does.
I’ve waited so long to be with Evan. Every day, I’d hoped and prayed that someday I would be his. When Zander told me he was engaged to Lila years ago, I thought I lost him forever. Then, when I found out what she’d done to him, I wanted to choke her and hug her at the same time. He was free to be with me. The only problem was I couldn’t get away from Thayer until that horrible day.
No matter what, I will be by his side, just as I said I would. No one can hurt us as bad as we’ve been hurt already. After years of being married and raising two kids with another one on the way, I’ve learned that everything we encountered, positive and negative, led us to where we are today. I can’t wait to welcome Elijah into our growing family.