by M. Skye
With that, he walked out, looking at the guards. “Let him thrash around in there, boys. There will be an extra two hundred thousand in it for you if you do what needs to be done.” Richmond winked at the guys, and they nodded, understanding exactly what he was asking. He wanted Anderson to take his last breath in that room. Prison was too good for him.
As Tyree rounded the corner, he found Mia leaning against the wall in tears. He reached for her, and it took her a minute to register that it was him. At first, he just thought she was still shaken by what happened to Whitney, but then he could tell there was more.
“Baby, it’s okay.” He wiped the tears away with his thumbs. “It’s all over now.”
“Tyree, you don’t understand. Something happened. Something horrible, but I’m conflicted because it’s also a blessing. I feel so guilty. Ty, I’m so . . .” She was rambling, and he stopped her, holding her face still.
“Calm down and breathe.” He looked around and scanned the hall. “Where is Janelle? How is Chloe? Did she wake up?”
Her tears flowed freely, and he shook his head, thinking the worst. “No, baby. She’s okay, right? I mean, she has to be. They said they were hopeful. The children made it, and she just has to be okay.” When Mia shook her head, it was confirmed for him. “She’s gone? What happened?”
“She woke up. We were laughing. She was thinking of the name for the baby girl, and just like that she was gone. She died right in front of us. She grabbed my hand right before the doctors rushed in, and she made me promise to take care of the kids, and she asked to never mention her to them. How can I not? How can I never mention her to them, and how am I supposed to be okay with knowing how we got those little blessings? It’s my fault she died. I have to live with that every day.”
He pulled her close and pressed her hard against him. “You loved that girl, we both did, but you will not blame yourself. She trusted you, and she was in danger long before she met you. She knew this, and she still did all she could to protect the kids. We will do whatever it takes to give them a good life, and we will make sure they know her. If you want this, a life with the kids, we will have it. As long as it’s what you want.”
“I want it so bad, but is it fair to just take her kids and have all our dreams come true?”
“They will know her, we will tell them all about her, but someone has to be there for them. She wanted it to be us. The best way to honor her will be to take care of them.” He felt her head nod against his chest, and without him trying, a smile formed on his lips. He knew he shouldn’t be as happy as he was, but he couldn’t help thinking that they now had the one thing he no longer thought was possible. Actually, they had two. “Baby, I know what would make you feel better.”
“What?”
“Let’s go see the kids. I need to introduce myself to them.”
He started walking down the hall, but she stopped him, grabbing his hand. “Before you go, I know you already know the name for Tristen, but I named the girl.”
“Without me? I’m hurt.” He placed his hand on his chest jokingly. “What’s her name?”
“Chloe.” She smiled. “Chloe Janelle Johnston.”
“I love it.”
“I thought you would.”
He turned to Rock and Richmond, signaling for them to follow. He saw the tension clouding Mia’s face, and he kissed her gently. He knew things between her and Richmond were a work in progress, but she was still a little wary of him. He knew they would eventually work through it, and he hoped this would give them the extra push.
“Come on, guys. We need to introduce you to your new grandchildren, Mr. Tristen Tyree Johnston and Ms. Chloe Janelle Johnston.”
The guys both fell in step, and Richmond walked up, brushing against Mia. Her breath caught in her chest, and Tyree pulled her hand to his lips. “Baby steps, kitten. Baby steps.”
She turned and leaned in to press her lips softly against his. “Baby steps.”
Chapter Twenty-eight
Mia was pacing the floor, and Rick was just watching her. Three weeks had passed since the day Chloe and Whitney died, and Mia and Rick had yet to talk to Richmond. They had talked in passing about little things, but they hadn’t gotten into the serious discussion they needed to have. It had just been sidestepped. The repercussions of everything that happened that day had been keeping them occupied.
After the autopsy, they figured out that a blood clot that moved to the lungs killed Chloe. They also had been notified that Anderson died in the hospital under questionable causes, suffocation, and because of all the problems the two families had with him, it was anyone’s guess who was responsible. As far as Mia was concerned, she was glad he was dead, and she also thought she knew who was behind it.
Not that she blamed him, but Tyree told her that Richmond was the last of them to see him when they visited, and she was sure he made the call if he hadn’t done it himself. It gave her a small comfort, but it also made her uneasy because she knew what he could be capable of. Tyree had tried to explain to her the conversation they had, but she was still wary. She had other things on her mind.
The kids were doing great, and it was time for them to be able to come home, but it wasn’t as easy as they thought it would be to take them. Even though Chloe had voiced her consent for them to raise her kids, they hadn’t had anything in writing, and because they weren’t blood relatives, things were difficult. The only person still living with a link to the children was Chloe and Renae’s mother, and she hadn’t come forward. They hoped she wouldn’t. They had been with the kids every day and were completely in love with the little angels.
While Mia was still pacing the floor and Rick was watching her, Richmond walked in with Janelle. They were both smiling, laughing about something, and Mia felt a pang of jealousy in her chest. She wanted that with him. There was this sense of comfort and ease between them that she never had with her father. Taking a seat next to Rick, she grabbed his hand, giving it a squeeze. She saw the look on Janelle’s face and instantly felt bad. She and Rick had grown so used to consoling each other over the years that they now had a connection no one else shared. Thinking of how she felt about Janelle’s relationship with their father, she thought her sister may be feeling the same way.
Richmond had called them all there because he wanted them to finally sit down and hash out all the feelings they had for one another. Mia knew that Janelle was okay, but she also knew Richmond didn’t really know how to talk to her and Rick without her. She was the buffer between them. She had been for the past few weeks.
Taking a seat, Richmond gestured for Janelle to sit as well. Once they were all settled, he began to talk. “I’m glad you’re all here. I wanted to speak to you and get the air cleared. First of all, I wanted to let you know our family is in the clear with this Anderson mess. We are no longer under investigation, and his death has been ruled accidental.”
Rick looked at Mia, and she saw that he couldn’t hold his peace. “Come on now, what did you do? Buy a judge? We all know someone killed him. Not that I care that the bastard is dead, but whoever was responsible is someone in one of our two families. I actually think he is standing in this room.”
Locking eyes with Rick, Richmond nodded. “You want to hear it, then fine. I don’t give two shits about him being dead. The world is a better place because of it, and if I’d had the opportunity, I would have killed him myself just to see the life drain out of his face. I would have stood there until he took his last breath for what he has done to this family. He cost us years. I can admit that much, but I can’t admit to killing him.”
“Is that what you think?” Rick huffed. “He may have taken Mom and”—he paused, feeling his anger bubbling out of control—“manipulated my daughter, but he was only able to because you gave us a reason to stay away from you. Mother was afraid of you, and for good reason. You made her life hell. That’s why I kept my daughter away, and she felt like we didn’t love her because of it. I lost my only child.” Tears
were streaming down Rick’s face. “For all the loss we’ve felt, you were responsible in some way.”
“I deserve this. I deserve your hatred. I wish I could deny it all, but I’m to blame. Just know that I never meant to hurt any of you. I love you.”
“I don’t hate you,” Rick snapped. “I wish I could hate you, but even with everything you’ve done, you still saved my baby sister. Having her here with us today means more to me than you will ever know. I’ve been holding on to this anger toward you for all these years, but looking at her”—he turned to Janelle—“makes me feel like I’m able to forgive you. My child is gone, and so is our mother. We don’t have to lose what we have left.”
Mia saw when Richmond was overcome with tears, and when he turned to her, she wasn’t sure what to do. She was shocked and remained that way until Janelle slipped a hand on her shoulder. Mia looked up at her sister and saw the happiness in her eyes. She offered a sweet smile. Turning to face Richmond, she gathered all their attention as she began to speak. “Do you miss her?”
Without pause, he nodded. “Yes, every minute of every day. I messed up so bad, and I will never forgive myself for what happened to her. She was wonderful, and there is so much of her in you.”
“Really? I sometimes can’t remember what she was like before the drugs. I try really hard, but it’s all hazy. I miss her the most when I try to remember a good time to share with Kyan and can’t. I’m terrible for not remembering.”
“Dancing.”
“What?”
“You got your love of dancing from her. I know how Tyree hates to dance, but he does it because it’s one of your favorite things. She was the same way. She used to force me on the dance floor during all those stuffy galas, and every time I see you dance, the way your smile lights up the room, I remember her. Just like at your wedding, the second one,” he clarified. “The way you moved with Tyree, so in sync, so focused on him, I swear I’ve never seen you favor her more.”
“You were there?”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” He turned to Janelle, and she nodded. “We were both there. My biggest regret was not being able to walk you down the aisle. You looked so beautiful. I’ve never been prouder.”
Without saying another word, she crossed the room and threw her arms around him. “I missed you, Dad. I swear, I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, my beautiful girl, my sweet dove.” Kissing the side of her face, he held her tightly. “I missed you more than you know.”
Watching the scene must have triggered something in Rick, because soon he was standing with them, along with Janelle, and they all embraced. Mia had never known they would be this way again, that she would have her sister and father back, but now that she had them, she wasn’t going to let go. She was now content with burying the past and moving forward.
When Mia and Janelle vacated the room, Rick stayed behind, closing the door behind them. He turned to Richmond and tossed him a cigar from his desk.
“Now, truth time, old man. You killed him, didn’t you?”
“Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. Either way, he’s handled, and our family is in the clear.”
“Good. You know, I’ll admit I have missed your cunning over the years. It was always something to rival.”
“Well, get used to it, son. I’m not going anywhere, not anymore. If anyone dares try to touch this family again, it will be over my cold, dead corpse.”
“I like the way you think. Welcome back.”
“It’s good to be back.”
Chapter Twenty-nine
“Mommy, what if they don’t like me? I never had cousins before.”
Mia and Janelle shared a look, watching the nervous five-year-old. She was finally about to meet her cousins Meelah and Jonathan and her Aunt Asha and Uncle Terence. They had been taking some time out for Jenna to get adjusted to all the new family members, and they wanted her to develop a relationship with her father before they told her who he was. It was a failed attempt because the moment Miguel saw her he knew, and so did Jenna. Apparently, she had found a picture of him, and Richmond had explained who he was without telling Janelle.
“Sweetie, they are going to love you.” Mia got down to her level and brushed her hand over the young girl’s cheek. “Kyan loves you and they will too.”
“I’m scared. Will you hold my hand?”
She smiled at Mia, and Mia felt her heart warm. She hadn’t expected Jenna to accept her so quickly, but they had become fast friends. When Mia looked at Jenna, she thought so much about her little Chloe and how she hoped to have the chance to raise her and teach her things. She also wanted that chance with Tristen.
Even though the kids weren’t her blood, she felt connected to them, and every time they saw her, they responded as if they knew who she was. She just hoped they could get the issues with their custody worked out, because she was ready to bring them home. They already had a room made up for them, pink on one side and blue on the other with the sky painted at the top.
Kyan had been a big help with getting the room together, and he seemed okay with the idea of having a new brother and sister, but Mia wanted to make sure. He was usually on board with anything she asked, and she was grateful for that. She could have never imagined having a better kid. She knew she was lucky in that sense.
Grabbing Jenna’s free hand that did not contain her favorite doll, Mia walked her into Asha’s living room. Meelah looked over, stopping what she was doing. Jonathan was with Kyan. He also stopped playing and ran in their direction as fast as his little legs would carry him. Reaching out a little, chubby arm, Jonathan studied the girl while chewing on his finger. “Aunt Mia, who dis?” He touched Jenna’s face, and she let out a cute giggle. He started laughing too, and Mia felt Jenna release her hand to touch his cheek.
“Hey. This is Jenna, your cousin.”
Jonathan’s face scrunched, and he tilted his head to the side. “Cosen? Wut dat?”
Mia laughed quietly. “She’s your cousin like Kyan is. She is your Uncle Miguel’s daughter.”
“Like Kyem?” He turned back to Jenna and pointed. “You do airpane too? I like airpane. Kyem do dat. Uncle Gel do it too.”
Jenna looked at Mia with a confused look on her face, and Mia stepped in. “Kyan does the airplane with him. It’s their thing. Kyan, baby, can you come do the airplane with Jonathan?”
When Kyan approached, Jonathan walked away but turned back to call out to his aunt. “She pretty, Aunt Mia. I pay wift her later.” Jenna let her gorgeous smile show and let it drop when she saw Meelah approaching. Extending her hand, Jenna waited for Meelah to be introduced. Instead of taking her hand, Meelah looked at it and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Do you like Frozen?” Meelah asked bluntly. Jenna nodded and held up the Elsa doll she’d brought in with her. Meelah’s eyes lit up. “She’s my favorite,” Meelah squealed. “Let’s go play in my room. I have all the other dolls, too!”
The girls ran off. Janelle let out the breath she had been holding in and laughed at herself. “I swear I was nervous for her. She hasn’t been around many kids, and I just hoped they all got along. They missed out on so many times together.”
“I knew she would be fine. This is a good bunch of kids. We really got lucky.” Mia’s head turned toward the door, and when she turned back, she saw Janelle looking at her. “I’m sorry.”
“For what? I know you’re worried, but it will be okay. You will have those beautiful babies in that gorgeous room in no time. Sweetie, you’re already an excellent mother. They’re going to be so happy.”
“I really hope so.” Mia lowered her head and looked up to see her sister’s nervous expression. “I’m so selfish. With everything going on, I forgot to ask how things went with Miguel. Have you guys made any headway?” Janelle’s expression went from nervous to giddy, and Mia had to know. “Spill,” Mia prodded and pulled her down on the couch. As Janelle began her story, Mia sat back with her hand on her cheek.
Arriving at Karen’s house, Janelle wasn’t sure what to expect. She had called and spoken to Karen, and Karen informed her that Miguel was on his way over. Apparently, he had received a call from Mia, telling him to head straight over to Karen’s. When Janelle pulled up, she noticed that his car wasn’t there. She felt her racing nerves calming down.
When she stepped in, she was greeted by the housekeeper and rounded the corner to find her little girl sitting on her grandmother’s lap, telling her a story. Karen was completely entranced by the doe-eyed child and hung on her every word.
“And that really happened,” she heard Jenna’s enthusiastic voice say. Janelle let out a laugh, drawing their attention.
When Jenna saw her, she jumped up and raced over, hugging Janelle around the legs. “Mommy, you have to meet Mrs. Karen. She’s nice.”
Janelle looked at Karen nervously and said, “We’ve already met. I’ve known her for quite some time.”
Jenna looked between the two women and sighed. “Does she know my daddy?”
“Your daddy? What about him?”
“Daddy’s picture is here. I saw him.”
Janelle was confused. They had never discussed Jenna’s father, and as far as she knew, she didn’t know a thing about him. “Baby, what are you talking about? How do you know what your daddy looks like?”
“Papa showed me his picture. I asked him if he was my daddy and he said no, that he was just Mommy’s daddy, and he showed me his picture. Papa says I have his eyes.”
Janelle felt the wind leaving her. She had no idea they had had these talks. She was stunned, but a part of her was happy she didn’t have to explain it to her daughter. She was glad that part was already covered. Now she just had to break it to Miguel. Looking up at Karen, she saw that she also had questions. As if sensing the tension in the room, Karen called out to Jenna.