The Trouble With Us: A Second Chance Love Triangle (The Forbidden Love Series Book 2)

by Kat T. Masen

  “Grandfather, I’d like to fuck?” Luna’s eyes widened in disgust from where she stands. “That’s next level creepy.”

  “It’s next-level disgusting,” Beau tells his dad. “Mom needs to put a leash on you.”

  “She already does, son.” Uncle Rocky winks in delight.

  I cover my mouth to control my laughter when my parents finally have a moment with me. With Will behind me accepting congratulatory hugs from the rest of our family, I take a moment to admire them both. Dad is wearing an almost identical tuxedo to Will’s, and Mom is dressed in a beautiful emerald-green satin gown with her hair parted to the side, just above her shoulders.

  None of this would be possible without them—the reason why I’m even here today.

  “Mrs. Romano,” Mom murmurs, caressing my cheek. “You look happy, honey. I’m sorry your grandparents couldn’t make it. Last-minute notice, and they were all traveling.”

  “I am, Mom. You think I can still keep an Edwards in there?” I scrunch up my nose, waiting for Dad to respond.

  Dad places his hands in his pockets with a gleam in his eye. “I’m sure Will won’t object.”

  “What won’t I object to?” Will asks, kissing my shoulder.

  “Um, keeping my name as Edwards Romano…”

  “Hmm,” he trails off, pursing his lips. “I guess it makes good business sense.”

  I furrow my brow as Dad holds back his laughter. “Good business sense?”

  “I’m kidding,” Will teases. “You can do whatever you want. Maybe, I’ll change my name? I’ve always considered myself an Edwards.”

  “Now, that makes good business sense,” Dad concurs, then reaches out for an embrace. “Congratulations, sweetheart.”

  I hold onto him tight, knowing no matter what happens, his love means the world, and without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

  “Okay, everybody,” Mom yells in the room. “We have a wedding reception to get to.”

  “We do?” I ask, looking at Will.

  “Of course.” He smiles back, then kisses my hand. “This is not your ordinary elopement of a Vegas wedding, Mrs. Romano.”

  Inside the two-story sky villa at The Palms, the entire space is decorated beautifully. Everywhere you turn, flowers are arranged, even hanging from the ceiling.

  The main attraction is the long dinner table, perfectly styled with candlelight and a rose gold theme. Aunt Adriana and Eric were behind all the planning, according to Mom. The two of them are just as stubborn as each other when it came down to designs and themes, which Mom decided to remove herself from the equation when Eric became catty over candelabras.

  We take our seats while the waiters begin serving the food. I’m too excited to eat, constantly looking over at Will while gushing. He catches me staring once again, only to lean over and whisper in my ear, “You will need the stamina tonight, Mrs. Romano. I suggest you eat.”

  I bow my head, praying no one sees the flush in my cheeks. In front of me, I drink the champagne, which goes down way too easily.

  Just before dessert is served, Ava tinkers on the glass to prompt us to kiss. While fun when a guest at a wedding, the tradition is tiresome when you’re on the other side and forced to kiss in front of everyone every two seconds. I love kissing Will, but after several times which interrupted conversations and brought on Uncle Rocky’s crude remarks, it became too much. In between eating, drinking, and kissing—I warn Ava with my eyes to stop being a pain in the ass.

  Thankfully, Ava gets the hint but suggests we begin speeches.

  “I’m gonna start because I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this moment.” Uncle Rocky raises his glass with a mischievous grin. I mentally prepare myself; his speeches are unforgettable but not necessarily in a good way. “Amelia, you came barreling into this world as the accident baby. Sorry guys but true story. Lex could barely keep his dick in his pants.”

  I bow my head as Eric shouts, “Neither can you!”

  Uncle Rocky continues, though his expression softens. “I’ve always loved you as my own daughter, and you’ve always been my favorite.”

  Ava, Jessa, Luna all yell at the same time. “Hey! That’s what you keep telling us!”

  “Damn…” Uncle Rocky whistles then grace us with his goofy grin again. “Now, where was I? Oh yeah, cheers! I want some grandbabies, so get moving before your mother puts me in a home.”

  “Party down in Boca.” Nash laughs, knocking on Andy’s shoulder. “Cougar time.”

  Noah shakes his head with disappointment at his son. “A little too cougar, son.”

  Nikki stands up next with a champagne glass in hand. She wore a beaded silver gown, looking stunning for her age. There is no way you would ever think she’s just over fifty, her body the size and shape of a thirty-year-old.

  “I’m going to keep my words short. You’ve always been a part of our family, Amelia, since the day you were born. I could not have asked for anyone better for my son. Not only have you made him happy, but you’ve also brought him back to our family,” Nikki chokes on her words, surprising us all. She rarely showed any emotions. “Will, I love you. The best mistake your father and I could have ever made.”

  Beside me, Will squeeze my hand as he mouths “I love you” back to his mom.

  Eric stands up, clearing his throat, demanding attention.

  “Before Lex and Charlie make us cry and ruin our make-up, I’d just like to say I called this years ago. So, anyone who I placed bets with, pay up because Daddy needs a new pair of Dolce & Gabbana loafers.”

  “Are we back to calling you, Daddy?” Uncle Rocky complains, scowling. “You’re killing my buzz.”

  “What buzz exactly?” Eric scoffs, crossing his arms. “You told everyone in the elevator you just watched some porn clip where the girl squirted from one end of the room to the other.”

  There are several groans from the table and a bread roll thrown at Uncle Rocky.

  “And I’m still a buzzing…”

  I shake my head, grateful that my sister Alexa and my younger cousins were down the other end of the table and busy in another conversation.

  “Okay, we’re done with the two of you,” I tell them, pointing my finger. “Behave.”

  All is forgotten the moment Mom stands up with Dad. With quick breaths, I bite my lip, willing the nerves to ease. Will gently rubs my back, instantly calming me.

  “We welcomed you, Will, into our family before Amelia graced us with her presence,” Dad begins, commanding the room as he always does. “The day she was born, I handed her to you, placing her in your arms. At the age of ten, you promised Charlotte and me you would always protect her.”

  He clears the slight croak in his voice to continue. “For a while, each one of us lost our way. We all made mistakes, but the one thing we were trying to do was protect the one we love. It didn’t kill us. It made us stronger. I know you will treat my daughter the way she deserves to be treated and give her a marriage and life you both desire. You’ve always been like a son to me, then to grow and become a good friend. To have you officially as my son-in-law makes our family complete.”

  Will lets go of my hand as we both stand to embrace my parents. Dad and Will’s hug goes longer than my own, but perhaps, they need the time to rest their demons once and for all.

  This moment is the next chapter of our new life.

  I take a seat, but Will continues to stand. Much like my father, Will is incredibly confident when it comes to public speaking. With his champagne glass in his hand, his shoulders pull back while everyone waits for him to begin.

  “Five years ago, this girl wearing chucks out of all things appears in my office building. I remember the first time I saw her, annoyed some college kid was probably here for an interview, and she had her head buried in her phone,” he pauses with a knowing grin, glancing at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “I never expected it to be the girl who had made my childhood hell. The same girl who dared me to do things, only to get me into trouble.”
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  “You and me both,” Andy hollers with a laugh as we all join in.

  “A long time ago, she made me pinky swear, all because I wouldn’t let her jump off a ladder and into the pool. I quote, I had to come to her wedding, buy her the most expensive present, and no matter what song she chose, I have to dance with her even if I hate it.”

  Will extends his hand as I reach for it, prompting me to rise from my chair, so we’re standing beside each other.

  “And so, Amelia Edwards Romano. To stay true to the pinky promise, I’ve come to the wedding,” he starts with a smirk playing on his lips, hands me a black velvet jewelry box. I open it and gasp—inside is a diamond necklace with an emerald pendant, matching the ring he gave me.

  Will removes it from the box, placing it around my neck, then hooks the clasp as my hands graze over the necklace now secured around my neck.

  “I’ve given you the most expensive present,” he murmurs, kissing my shoulder softly. “And now, I ask for the first dance to the song of your choice.”

  With my hand in his, I follow him to the small dancefloor while thinking of what song to play. When it comes to mind, I turn to see my father sitting at the piano with a microphone being placed in front of him.

  “We are in Vegas, after all,” I tell Will before I walk over to the piano and whisper my choice into my father’s ear. Mom comes and sits beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.

  The piano sounds begin to fill the room, the classic melody of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love” composed beautifully by my father. As a child, it wasn’t often he would have time to sit at the piano and play, let alone sing, but when he did, I would sit right beside him and sing along.

  My arms wrap around Will’s neck as I stare at his beautiful face.

  “Happy?” He smiles, leaning in to kiss my lips.

  “I never want this night to end.”

  “Oh, but my dear wife, it must end,” he teases, running his finger down my arm, causing me to shiver in delight. “See, I have plans for you tonight. And you wouldn’t want to disappoint your husband on the first night of marriage, now, would you?”

  “I hate to break it you. I’m not a virgin. But you already knew that, though I will say I’ve never had sex in a pool before, and the one in this suite looks rather inviting.”

  Will laughs, leaning his lips against my ear. “A dirty wife, how did I get so lucky?”

  “You didn’t break the pinky promise.”

  While my father continues to play, our families join us, each couple dancing to the soft melodies making it the perfect night.

  There is so much love in the room, and as I take a moment to let it all sink in, I wonder how I got so lucky to be blessed with such a beautiful life.

  To be loved unconditionally no matter the mistakes I’ve made in the past.

  Yet the greatest gift of all is the man who had been there all along. Since the day I came into this world, his heart was always destined to belong to me.

  My husband—Will Romano.

  We celebrate well into the night until our family begins to leave, aside from Will’s and mines parents.

  “So, Dad,” Will begins with a serious expression on his face, “I know you’re bummed you didn’t get to throw a bachelor party for me, but I thought I’d throw one anyway.”

  Uncle Rocky’s eyes light up when a knock on the door follows. He rubs his hands in delight, much to Nikki’s amusement. Will opens the door for the sound of a whip to crack and echo through the large suite.

  “Hello, I’m Madam Kiska,” the thick Russian accent dominates the room.

  Uncle Rocky’s jaw drops, his eyes bulging as he becomes speechless.

  “Oh, sweet Jesus.” Dad buries his head in his hands. “We meet again.”

  The woman is much older and probably shouldn’t be wearing a leather corset. Her back appears a bit stiff as she saunters in the nine-inch heels. Gosh, I hope she doesn’t fall over in them.

  “So, tell me,” Madam Kiska commands, “Who has been a bad boy?”

  All of us point to Uncle Rocky as she whips out her handcuffs, his eyes widening in fear. He begins to shake his head, hiding behind Nikki. “Oh hell no. I am not falling for that again.”

  We all break out into a fit of laugher, my stomach hurting from the look on his face. Never in my life have I seen him so terrified.

  I stand corrected—this just made it the perfect night.

  And now, the best is yet to come….

  Our happily ever after as Mr. and Mrs. Edwards Romano.

  Epilogue

  WILL

  Marrying Amelia in Vegas was the easy part.

  Then life happened.

  We easily fell into wedded bliss, taking a few days off after a quick honeymoon in Upstate New York. The cabin was in the middle of the woods with no phone reception, forcing us both to unwind.

  Perfect—since the only thing on my mind was to devour every inch of Amelia’s body in all ways possible.

  I swear, she broke me to the point where we couldn’t have sex for one whole day, the both of us needing to recover. I felt just as bad, ravaging her body at my pleasure, yet neither one of us complained. Impossible, after the multiple orgasms and forbidden stroll into the woods where I fucked her in broad daylight against some tree while squirrels watched.

  When we arrive back in the city, it’s almost as if our vacation never happened. The takeover meant long hours and day trips out of state. Lex knew I had a lot on my plate with adjusting and tried to help out where he could, but of course—I am controlling by nature and don’t want someone else doing the job for me.

  We tried to apartment hunt where possible, adding to our very hectic lives since living out of the Four Seasons was not ideal, and neither was traveling to Amelia’s condo. Our broker showed us apartments on the Upper East Side, but no matter how grand or luxurious they were, none of them satisfied Amelia. It prompted our first argument as a marital couple.

  “It’s not that hard,” I told her after we left the fifth place for the day. “You’re a woman. Just pick which penthouse.”

  “I’m a woman, so pick one?” She placed her hands on her hips, staring at me with contempt. “That is so sexist.”

  I released an annoyed huff. “Look, I need to get back to the office. We can resume this tomorrow.”

  “None of them, Will.”

  “None of them?”

  She shook her head with defiance. “It doesn’t feel like home.”

  The argument went on until we were shown a three-story brownstone in which everything changed. I could see she instantly fell in love with the place, her face in awe as we walked through. I wasn’t going to risk her changing her mind, so I snapped it up and requested possession as soon as possible.

  We moved in a few weeks later, with nothing but a bed to call ours. When it came to furnishing, I wasn’t interested, and neither was Amelia. Thank God we have Ava. This is exactly her thing, but I swear, she drives us both insane. The number of text messages about wallpaper is too much to bear. I warned her to leave me the hell alone and pick it herself, or she’s out, and I call someone else in.

  Eric instantly put his hand up, but he was no better than Ava. The two of them just as annoying as the other.

  Yet the biggest news of all to rock our world came the night after what would have been the longest day in history.

  I returned from Boston, and Amelia had been in the office all day long. For the last week, she had gotten home just before midnight. A case had been assigned to Mom’s firm regarding a family of six children who lost both their parents to a drunk driver a few weeks back. The case itself is heartbreaking, taking the toll on the entire firm as they fought to find a family for all six children.

  To make matters worse, the family was in debt, barely making ends meet. The parents left no assets behind or even a house to call their own.

  Amelia really struggled, mentioning how difficult it was for her to remain professional when he
r emotions wreaked havoc. She began questioning whether practicing family law is the right career choice for her, but during these times of self-doubt, I assured her that all she is going through will make her stronger in the end.

  As for me, it forced me to gain perspective. All the money in the world could not take the pain away for these children nor bring their parents back. It made me start thinking of ways Rockford Technology could make an imprint in society. It wasn’t just about making money anymore, I need a greater purpose, and all those thoughts were because of my wife.

  We were sitting on the sofa Ava had delivered earlier today. I couldn’t complain given how comfortable it was, purposely ignoring the price tag when I saw the invoice. I was far from being tight, given my wealth, but who would have thought a sofa could cost so much.

  With a bottle of wine open, we both drank, curled up in each other's arms, not even changing out of our clothes.

  Then we got the call.

  Baby Knight, or as the nurses referred to him as Baby Stone, was to be placed into the foster care system then up for adoption.

  “I don’t understand,” Amelia argued with Charlie during the call. “How can Stewart Knight apply to terminate his rights as the father?”

  Charlie explained the process to Amelia even though Amelia knew precisely how it worked. It was more so she didn’t understand why he chose to do it.

  However, that call—changed everything.

  In the days which followed, Amelia began to withdraw from her usually jovial self. I narrowed it down to the case she was helping Mom with, knowing how much of an emotional toll it took on everyone involved. But as the days dragged on, Amelia sunk into a deeper depression. She barely slept, tossing and turning, waking up to nightmares in a panicked sweat.

  I had no idea how to handle it, and reached out to Charlie for support. But she also worried about her daughter’s mental health, admitting the last time she saw her like this was when I left for London.

  After my phone call to Charlie, I made my way to bed to find Amelia sitting upright, staring blankly at the wall. It had been a week since I last touched her, and I was out of my mind trying to help her. I just didn’t know what was running through her head.