by Ava Harrison
“Will she be okay?” Harper whispers, and everything around me disappears while
I wait for the doctor to answer.
“Only time will tell,” she says. “We’ll keep you posted, but I suggest you stay close.”
I don’t move. I’m paralyzed in place, all my biggest fears playing out in my mind to further torment me. Harper steers me toward my seat, where I sit in shock. At some point, my mother joins me, but I don’t so much as breathe.
Bailey could die. I could lose her. I sit like this for what feels like hours. The clock ticking on the wall threatens to undo me. Every second that goes by without news sends me further down the rabbit hole of misery.
“What if she doesn’t make it, Mom?” I ask, breaking the deafening silence.
She turns in her seat, and I look over at her tear-filled face.
“We need to believe she will. She needs you to be strong for her, Drew.”
“I caused this,” I grate. “It’s my fault.”
“Whatever you did is done, Drew. But right now, you need to put your self-pity aside and put her first.”
“I’m useless. I can’t do anything.” My voice rises, drawing unwanted attention from a few others sitting here waiting on news of their loved ones, but I don’t give a fuck.
“I’m here, but there’s nothing I can do.” Her hand lands on my knee.
“You can pray, Drew.” And I do. For the first time in probably my whole life, I walk to the chapel and fall to my knees.
I pray for Bailey. That she’ll survive. That she’ll be given a second chance to live a full, healthy life.
I pray for my sins, and for everyone I’ve ever hurt.
I pray for the chance to hold Bailey in my arms. Even if she chooses to walk away afterward.
“Drew, the doctor’s waiting for you,” my mom calls from the chapel door.
I say one last prayer for Bailey. Please don’t take her from me.
66
Bailey
“You were in an accident. A rather severe one,” the nurse says, checking my vitals and writing something on a notepad. “They had to cut you out of the car. You’re lucky to be alive.”
My eyes go wide, and I start to feel like I can’t breathe. A machine starts to beep erratically.
“Calm down, Bailey. You’re going to be okay,” my mother says from my side.
“W-What happened to me?”
“Your spleen was ruptured, and you needed a blood transfusion.” Harper’s matter-of-fact words are just what I need at this moment. I need facts. For once.
I take a deep, cleansing breath. “I-I saw Daddy,” I whisper, looking at my sister. “I dreamed of him. He held my hand while I was trapped in the car. He told me help was coming.” A tear falls down her cheek, and she wipes it away, smiling.
“I have no doubt he was right there beside you, Bailey. You two always had such a special bond.” This time it’s my mother speaking. Her words are tender. Heartfelt.
I process this news, growing more grateful that I’m alive. I know how serious a spleen injury can be. I’m lucky to be alive. Perhaps this entire event has been a wake-up call to my mother too? Only time will tell, but I decide to extend an olive branch. She is here, after all.
Reaching out, I lay my hand on top of hers. She smiles, sadly, and tears stream down her face. “I love you, Bailey.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I turn to the nurse still checking my vitals. “What happened to Reese?” I ask. Despite the entire accident being his fault, I still want to know he’s all right. He wasn’t in his right mind. It doesn’t make it okay, but I don’t want him to be dead.
“I’m not at liberty to talk about another patient,” she says, finally managing to get the loud beeping to stop. A headache builds at my temples, and I close my eyes to ward it off.
“Can you just tell me if he’s okay?”
“He’s okay,” Drew says, leaning against the doorway.
“You’re not to be in here, sir.” The nurse lasers him with a death glare.
“It’s fine,” Harper says. “We’ll leave so you two can talk.”
They both stand and exit the room, leaving me alone with the nurse and Drew.
“You upset her, and you’re out of here,” she warns before following my family. I need to tell this hospital she deserves a raise.
He takes a seat next to me but doesn’t say a word and he doesn’t touch me. Smart man.
“Tell me about Reese,” I say, knowing he’s the answer to my intel.
“He’s stable. You experienced far worse injuries. He’ll survive . . . if I don’t kill him first.”
I scoff. “I think you’ve hurt him enough.”
Drew stiffens, catching my meaning. It isn’t fair of me to bring up his part in Alexa’s death. I can see the pain in his eyes. The regret.
“I want you to know that everything between us happened because I fell for you.”
I chew on my cheek, not knowing if he believes what he’s saying.
“I mean it, Bailey. At first, yes, I was drawn to you because you reminded me of her. But that’s not why I fell for you,” he says, eyes boring into mine. “That was all you. All Bailey Jameson. You might look like her, but that’s where it starts and stops.”
“Reese was talking to me like I was her. If he could be so easily confused, how am I supposed to believe that you weren’t confusing us as well? That you weren’t tangling your feelings for her with me. I just don’t see how that’s possible, Drew.”
“I know it’s hard to believe, and the fact I didn’t tell you makes it look even worse, but I promise you, Bailey, you couldn’t be more different. I cared about her greatly, but more as a lifelong friend. She knew it, and so did I.”
“Drew. Please stop. I can’t do this with you.”
He cuts me off, forging ahead. “Our relationship was out of convenience for both of us. If someone else would’ve come along and swept her off her feet, she’d have been gone.”
“So you were more invested than she was? Is that what you’re telling me?” I scoff. “I’m hardly seeing how that’s supposed to make me feel better.” I turn too suddenly, and pain radiates up my arm. “Ouch,” I cry out, and Drew’s eyes widen.
“Let me help you,” he says, moving the wires so they don’t pull on my IV.
“Thank you,” I say.
His eyes are sad. I’m sure this isn’t how he hoped our talk would go, but I’m hurt, both physically and mentally. He kept secrets from me—big secrets—and as much as I want to believe our relationship is based on true feelings, I can’t help but feel like I’m the replacement Alexa.
“Stop,” he commands. “Don’t even think that way.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking?” I snap.
“I know you, Bailey. I know everything about you because I’m in love with you.”
I inhale at the intensity in his voice. “How do I know that, Drew? How do I know I’m not a fill-in? You lied to me.”
He laughs, but it’s not humorous. “You’re not Alexa. You’re the complete opposite,” he starts. “You care about everyone else above yourself. You’re selfless and kind.” He grabs my hand. “That is what made me fall in love with you. I only kept it from you because of this. I never wanted you to doubt my love. It’s not about what you look like, Bailey, but what’s in here.” He points at his heart. “I love you,” he repeats.
“You loved her once.”
He shakes his head. “Bailey. I. Love. You. It will always be you. One day, I’ll make you my wife, and I’ll spend a lifetime proving it.”
My breath hitches at his declaration. Love is one thing, but marriage?
“Please tell me you want the same. Please tell me I haven’t ruined everything,” he begs.
I believe him. God help me, but looking into his soulful eyes, I see nothing but love shining back at me. The sincerity in his words touching me bone-deep. I love him
. After almost dying, twice, I don’t want to waste time with what-ifs. I have to take a leap of faith and trust that what I believe is truth. He loves me.
“I want the same, Drew. I want you. I love you.”
His lips touch mine, and we lose ourselves in it. At this moment, it’s just the two of us. The outside world can’t touch us. For now, he’s all I need.
67
Drew
I walk into Reese’s room, knowing this can’t be avoided. He needs to atone for what he put Bailey through. To hell with the property and all the ways in which he’s fucked with me. This is about him almost killing an innocent girl.
He’s asleep, and I contemplate waking him but think better of it. If Nurse Ratched is caring for him, she’ll have my hide. When I’m about to leave, I hear his voice.
“Drew?” My name comes out raspy and weak.
I turn around to see Reese’s eyes open, looking at me. He looks so small in that bed. Almost childlike. It doesn’t escape me that he’s alone. Nobody’s here fussing over him.
That would’ve been Alexa. She was the only one who truly cared about her brother. She’d be here right now, and I know her absence is partially my fault. I need to learn that I can’t take full responsibility for other people’s actions. Their choices are their own, but I’m not there yet.
“How are you doing?” I step forward into the light and pause at the swelling and bruising around his eyes and up his neck.
Bailey’s injuries were worse, but all of hers are internal or hidden by her clothes. At first glance, Reese’s injuries physically look worse.
“I’m—” He looks embarrassed.
I remain quiet, needing him to speak.
“I’m so sorry.” He inhales, wincing at whatever pain he must be feeling. “I-I lost my mind. I know it’s no excuse, but my mind convinced me it was her. The drugs—” He trails off, sighing heavily. “Well, they fucked me up, man. You’ll never know how sorry I am.”
“You need help, Reese,” I say, closing the distance and placing my hand on his shoulder.
“I know I do,” he says, lowering his gaze to the bed. “The drugs help me forget. It’s why I use.” He looks at the ceiling for a long moment. “My life without Alexa is not one I want, Drew. She was the only person I cared about. She was the only person who cared about me.”
I don’t say a word. He obviously needs to get this out. Reese never saw a therapist after Alexa’s death, which was a tragedy. His parents opposed it, saying he didn’t need it. He’d survive. They are the lowest scum on this earth.
“She was the only person who really knew me. She was my only real family. The only one who gave a shit about me, and she’s gone. How do I go on after losing that?”
I sigh, knowing that he truly feels that way. “She wouldn’t want this. Alexa would never want you to repeat history. Your family did a number on her, too. Don’t let them destroy you like they did her.” I squeeze his shoulder. “We may not be able to choose our family, but we can choose to go our separate ways. There’s nothing that says you’re stuck with the hand you’re dealt. Get up and walk the fuck away.”
He nods. “I’m done with them. They couldn’t even be bothered enough to visit. You’re my only visitor.”
I knew this was the case but hearing him say it only manages to churn my stomach. How could his parents be so damn cold?
“Thanks for coming, Drew. I know I’m probably the last person you want to see, but you being here means a lot.”
“Listen, when you’re released, you’re going to be transported to a rehab facility in Arizona. It’s the best in the nation. Everything is paid for. You go and get better. Understand?”
“Drew, you can’t—”
“This is my final tribute to Alexa, Reese. She’d want you to get better. After this? I’m done. No more help. No more excuses. You get clean, or I write you off completely. Understand?”
He swallows hard, choking back the tears I can see welling in his eyes.
“I’ll do better, Drew. For you.”
I shake my head. “No. You get better and do better for you.”
I squeeze his shoulder one final time before leaving Reese alone to think about what comes next. I can only hope he gets better.
I was given my redemption, and I feel he deserves his. Bailey is my happy ending, and I can only hope that one day, Reese finds his.
Epilogue
Drew
I look over at my smiling wife.
Bailey looks radiant tonight. Her hair is swept up into an updo. At least I think that’s what they fucking call it. And her navy-blue dress hits about an inch above her knees and scoops low on her open back. But it’s my grandmother’s ring on her finger that makes everything complete.
She’s perfect, and she’s mine.
It wasn’t a smooth road to get here, but it was worth every bump and detour.
This weekend marks our fourth month as Mr. and Mrs. Lawson. I didn’t think I’d ever want to hear those two words together in reference to me, but Bailey was a game changer.
She walks across the stage, head held high, and receives the diploma she’s worked her ass off for. She didn’t need it. I will always take care of her, but she insisted it was something she had to do for herself. I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she is.
Bailey looks up, searching the room until her eyes land on me. She flashes me that knowing smile. I’ve been trying to get my hands up her dress all day. She looks too damn good, and she knows it. If she keeps it up, I’m going to fuck her right here.
After she’s gotten her diploma, the rest of the ceremony drags on. I bear it because this is important to her. But while her classmates get their recognition, I’m dreaming up all the ways I’m going to have her tonight.
When the ceremony has finally concluded, Bailey struts my way. All those dirty fantasies I’d concocted, coming back to my mind. When she gets close, I pull her into my arms.
“I want you.”
“You have me,” she says, ghosting her lips against mine.
“I’m so proud of you,” I say, knowing she deserves to hear it. And I mean it wholeheartedly.
“Took me long enough.”
I step back, hating how she still does that. She’s constantly belittling herself, underselling all her hard work. It’s something her therapist has been working on, and I’ve been helping push the change at home.
“But you did it. You went back to school. Got your degree, and then if I wasn’t impressed enough, you got your master’s. You are one kick-ass woman, beautiful.”
She grins. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Know what else you can’t do without me?” I ask, waggling my brows suggestively, and she smacks my chest.
“You’re such a Neanderthal.” She laughs.
“But I’m all yours.”
“Yes . . . that you are.” She smiles.
“But seriously, we’re going to do something after this.”
Her brow lifts in question, but I want to drag out the suspense a little while longer.
I’ve been working on a surprise for her graduation. One that she and I have both played a part in, only she never realized I was ten steps ahead of everything she did. While she was picking out tables and color schemes for down the road, I was actually ordering it and having everything installed—with a lot of help from Carter, but I’m not allowing him to steal my thunder.
She got her Master’s in Business Management, and I know she’s going to rock the hell out of owning her very own restaurant. The deed’s in her name. It’s hers, and I can’t wait to surprise her with it.
“What did you do, Mr. Lawson?”
I groan. “I love it when you call me that. It’s so dirty, baby.”
She chuckles. “Maybe we should get out of here so you can have your way with me.”
She lifts up on her tiptoes and places a kiss on my lips.
“I love you,” I whisper for her ears only.
“Alw
ays,” she replies.
Life is good.
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Sneak Peak:
Haven’t met Oliver and Addison yet? Now is your chance! Deceit is available on Amazon, Audible, or Paperback! Read a sneak peak now!
Sneak Peak Of Deceit
Chapter One
Oliver
“Where are you?” my mother’s shrill voice hisses through the phone. This is a daily occurrence, and sometimes I wonder why I even bother to answer.
Because she’s your mum, and she raised you. Because deep down, under her icy facade and lectures, I know she does, in fact, love me even though she drives me bonkers.
“You know damn well where I am, Mother.” I sigh, closing out the window on my computer. There’s no use trying to work right now, not when my mother has something to go on about. I turn away from my desk and face the window.
“London again.” She pauses before continuing. “I see.” Her voice is low, and all the muscles in my back tighten at her tone.
“You know I do business here.”
“Don’t you think it’s high time you come home and manage business here?”
Not this again. No matter what, whenever I speak to my mother, she stresses the importance of my moving in full time at my estate, also known as Pembroke Manor. “You’re perfectly capable of handling the estate business. You’ve been doing it for years.”
“You’re right. I have because I knew you were young and had other pressing matters.”
She means to say sow my wild oats, but she’s too proper. She’d be right, though. I’ve certainly had my fair share of exploits to give her that belief. “But now it’s high time you come home and do your duties. This is your estate. Your title. Your legacy.”