by Shyla Colt
“Talk to you soon,” she said, waggling her fingers.
She quickly made her way through the cold night to her ride. Part of her was terrified. What if he changed his mind before she arrived? He could be like that when he was drinking. Then I put my foot down. This is the last time I drop everything for Enzo. She had to draw lines, or he would walk all over her. Please make this worth my while. She made the drive to his home on autopilot as her mind filled with the things that could go right or go wrong. With her guts twisted into a knot, she pulled up into the driveway and found his door stood open. Bundled in a pea coat and a scarf, he made her laugh. It’s not that cold.
After closing the door behind him, he slowly made his way to the car door.
Oh, he is lit. Leaning across the console, she pushed the door open. He climbed up and sank into her passenger seat.
“You going to make it, Enz?” she asked playfully.
“I’m not that bad off, Ave,” he retorted.
“Uh-huh,” she said, pulling out of the driveway after he buckled himself in. “What brought on the drinking fest? I thought you swore off drinking so heavily.”
“Funny what a woman will drive you to.”
“Don’t put this on me. You’re the stubborn one here.”
“Pot meet kettle much?” he said with a snort.
She smirked. It felt good to banter like this. “Do the questions start now?” she asked.
“So eager to turn me inside out?”
Oh, baby, you have no idea. “I think I’ve waited patiently, long enough, don’t you?”
“Aye,” he muttered.
His attempt at an Irish accent made her giggle. “When did you know you loved me?” she questioned.
“Oh shit, you’re not pulling any punches,” he said.
“No, I’m done with that. This time I’m going for the TKO.”
He sighed. “Before you say anything, I’m not bitching out. It’s simply impossible to pick a defining moment. I could go all the way back to that night after the prom when we almost had sex. I think I knew it then on some level. But I was too young to really grasp the fullness of that feeling until college. When you started going steady with Kyle and it got serious. Jealousy ate me up from the inside out. Then you lost your V-card, and I fell face first into pussy. Because I thought, I could fuck you out of my head. It didn’t work, but I think I knew it affected you also, and I was petty. Willing to hurt you, too, if it made me feel better.”
“He was my attempt to move on. God, why did we waste so much time being idiots? All you had to do was say the word,” she said.
“No. As fucked up as I may be now, I was a wreck then. I would’ve ruined us. Hell, if I haven’t already.”
“Not just yet,” she said.
“Good to know. When did you know?”
“Ironically enough, after Kyle and I crashed and burned. He could never be you. I was always comparing and finding myself dissatisfied with him. My mom told me a million times what I felt for you was puppy love that would fade. The joke was on both of us when it never did.”
“Thank God. I could never trust another woman the way I do you.”
His words stunned her. “Then why?”
“Because what we have is ... unique. I don’t feel this way with anyone else. If I fuck up,” he shook his head, “I’d lose something irreplaceable.”
“But if you didn’t?”
“Then we’d live happily-ever-after. But how often does that ever happen?”
“Since when have we ever done anything the way most people do?” she countered.
He laughed. “Good point.”
Reaching the park, she pulled into the parking lot and parked. “We’ve done a number on each other, haven’t we?” she asked sadly.
“Only because we were trying to do what was best for each other.”
“Let’s stop doing that and just lay it all out in black and white.”
“I can try, babe. But there’s always many shades of grey in between, and I’m hard-wired to do what’s best for you. Don’t ask me to try to change that now.”
“Didn’t we just establish you aren’t always right?” she asked.
“It’s who I am, babe,” he said.
She scoffed. “We’re here. What do you want to do?”
“Sneak to the pavilion with me?” he asked.
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Won’t be the last either,” he said.
They climbed from her car and began the trek. As they reached the summit, she took a moment to admire the lights in the distance. The weather was unseasonably warm for this time of year. December without snow was a rarity. “Why is this time different, Enz? I’ve gotten my hopes up a million times, and I don’t want to be let down again.” She turned to face him, and he placed his hands on her hips. She could tell he’d sobered on the drive and the walk.
The moonlight showed his serious expression. “Because I finally have my head on half straight. I know you’re tired of waiting on me. I won’t leave you hanging anymore, Aibhlinn. I might stumble, and fall, but I won’t turn my back on you or push you away again.”
Scared of just that, she glanced down.
He gripped her chin. “Look at me.”
Obeying, she peered into his eyes.
“I ...” He paused and frowned. “Do you hear that?”
“Enzo! What the hell? Are you on something?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Shhh.”
She pulled out of his grip and backed away, furious. This was a new one.
“I’m not kidding, Aibhlinn. I heard something.” He took off toward the woods.
She crossed her arms. “What are you doing? It’s dark out there. You’ll get hurt.”
He ignored her and she cursed under her breath. I swear this is the last straw. Now he’s got me tramping through the woods in the middle of the night. She used her flashlight app to illuminate the path and started after the partially inebriated man she wanted to murder. Stumbling over the forestation, she stepped more carefully. As they moved into the woods, she froze. The haunting wail reached out and round house kicked her ovaries. It’s a baby. Her blood ran cold. “Enzo,” she called, picking up her pace.
“This way.”
She followed his voice off the cleared path and found him with an outstretched hand. Together, they made their way closer to the source of the cries. A carrier came into view, and they gasped.
“Is that what I think it is?” she asked.
The cry came again. “I’d say yes.” They walked around to view the squirming bundle. Dressed in a yellow bear outfit to ward off the cold, it was impossible to tell if it was a he or a she. “Hey, little guy, its okay,” Enzo said softly.
The care he used to unbuckle the seat made her heart jolt.
He cupped the baby’s tiny head and held its body to his chest, gently soothing it with his whispered words as he stroked its back. “It’s soaked, Ave. It’s no wonder it’s crying.”
“Who would do this?” she whispered.
“Someone without a damn heart,” he said fiercely. “You get the carrier, and lead us out of here.”
The take charge attitude and gentleness he was exhibiting had her ready to throw her panties over her shoulder and lay down with her legs spread wide. This was a side of him she’d never seen before, and she wanted more. Doing as he asked, she cast what light she could on the path. They stayed close to one another as they made their way out of the forest with the precious cargo in tow. “What are we going to do?” she asked.
“First things first, we’re going to get him or her what they need. Fresh clothes, diapers, new carrier. If they’d leave the little guy like this in the woods, who knows what they’ve been doing at home.”
“Shouldn’t we call the police?”
“I don’t know about you, but I’m in no hurry to get this little guy into the system where he’ll be lost. No, I want to talk to my mom tomorrow, see what I can do to make sure t
his little one goes to her,” he said.
His thoughts were going a mile a minute. “And if she can’t?” Aibhlinn asked.
“Then we’ll go from there.” He paused. “You’re in this with me, right?”
She nibbled the inside of her lip. “I don’t know what you need me to do, but I’m here.”
A beautiful smile broke across his face. “This is why I love you so much. Your heart is huge. So, let’s get this one settled.”
“We really have to figure out if the bairn is a boy or a girl, so we can give it a proper name?”
“What? Like Aibhlinn junior?” he teased.
She clucked her tongue. “No, but there’s nothing wrong with a strong Irish name.”
Enzo smirked. “Right.”
They made their way down to her car, and she knew life would never be the same again.
“Here,” Enzo said, handing over the baby who’d shoved its fist into its mouth and snuggled closer for warmth.
She wrapped her jacket around it and watched as Enzo took the keys from her pocket, unlocked the car, and began to safely arrange the car seat. It was far too easy to pretend this was their tiny family. The thought of the baby being thrust into a situation like Enzo’s made her blood run cold. No matter what, they had a duty to stand by this little one, and see it was placed in a proper home with a chance for the future.
Chapter Eight
Enzo
Name Pronunciation Aoife – EE-fa
“Do you think we have enough, love?” Aibhlinn asked.
He ignored her teasing tone and cupped the little girl’s head. “Hey, babies need a lot of things.”
“Yes, but this is only temporary,” she said softly.
“Still, she deserved the best,” Enzo replied, careful to keep his tone soft and low as he lowered the brand new carrier. The pink hearts, butterflies, and pastel green background did funny things to him. He never knew he could feel so much for someone in such a small span of time. The baby breathed evenly. The trust she exuded humbled him.
Despite all she’d experienced in her short span of life, she’d yet to be tainted or marred. I have to make sure she stays that way. He cuddled her, patting her back as she nuzzled his neck. After two bottles of formula and a fresh change of diapers and clothes, she had the baby smell he couldn’t get enough of.
“Okay,” Aibhlinn began, ticking her fingers off as she spoke, “we’ve got her a new carrier, a playpen with a mini bassinet for her to sleep in, enough clothes for a few weeks, a baby tub, diapers, formula, and wet wipes.”
“We need to get her a few toys at least,” he said.
Smiling, she peered up at him. “Right. What was I thinking?”
She was humoring him; he could live with that. “We need a name.”
“Enz, I don’t want you to get too attached. You know you’ll have to give her over to the authorities, right?”
“I’m already invested, might as well enjoy every moment of it I can. I know I can’t just keep her, but I will not leave her to the wolves with no one to make sure she lands somewhere safe.”
“She has parents out there, Enz.”
“Yeah, who left her in the forest.”
“What if she was kidnapped and a family is out there searching desperately for her?” Aibhlinn asked.
“Then when we hand her over tomorrow, I’ll know she’s going to be okay.”
“So stubborn,” she growled, pushing the cart to the baby toy section.
“Tell me you’re so anxious to hand her over to a situation that might be detrimental. Look at her, Ave, she’s everything that’s right in the world. So innocent, she doesn’t know anger, disappointment, fear, or hurt. Not like us. She has a chance to have a happy, healthy life. I want to make sure that happens. At least, as much as I can. If I’d had someone like us in my life, I wouldn’t have gone through everything that I—”
“Hey, we can’t change our pasts,” she said.
“No, but I can do something about her future.”
She held up her hands. “I’m not the bad guy here, Enz. I want to help her just as much as you do. But I know there’s going to be a lot of red tape, and I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“I’m willing to take the risk on this one,” he said honestly.
She nodded her head. “Okay. What do you think she’ll like?” she asked.
“That one.” Grinning, he pointed to a multi-colored ball with finger holds and balls that would jingle when she shook it.
“Excellent choice,” she replied, tossing it into the cart.
“Back to her name. I want something Irish.”
“You do?”
“I love your name, it’s unique. And without you, we never would’ve found her.” He swallowed. She could’ve died out there exposed to the elements with no one to hear her. The thought made his stomach sour. He held her a little tighter.
“Well, all right. What do you want it to start with?”
“A,” he replied without hesitation.
Her eyebrows rose, but she remained silent for a few minutes. “How Irish are we talking about going? We could do something like Abigail, or Alonna.”
“No, all the way, like yours,” he stated.
“I always liked the name Aoife. It means beauty in Gaelic.”
“That’s beautiful. Aoife it is.” He glanced down at the sleeping infant on his shoulder. “What do you think, baby girl? You like Aoife?” he asked, kissing her forehead.
She snuffled in her sleep. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“All right. I think we’re set. Time to get the princess home, I’d say,” Aibhlinn remarked.
“Agreed.” They made their way to the front of the store for a second time, and when they pulled into the vacant lane Aibhlinn began to unload.
“Oh, she’s a doll,” the cashier exclaimed.
“Thank you,” Enzo replied, unable to hide his grin.
“How old is she?” the woman asked.
“About two months.” Enzo let the guess roll off his tongue with confidence. He knew how to adapt swiftly; it was a required skill growing up on the streets.
“You two do good work, mom,” the cashier gushed to Aibhlinn.
Ave turned to look at him with wide eyes and he smiled. She was forming a bond, too. Good, then I won’t be doing this alone.
“Thank you,” Ave whispered.
“I don’t think there’s anything as beautiful as a man with his daughter. My husband and I had five girls. They’re all grown now and out of the house, but those younger years were precious. You get so little time with them before they’re off to school, making friends, and growing up at light speed.”
“We’re enjoying every moment we get,” Enz said, already dreading handing Aoife over. It didn’t feel like playing house to him. It felt like finding a dream in his grasp. Any man worth his salt would do what was necessary to have the thing he always wanted. He was no different.
HE ALL BUT INHALED the coffee as he slowly woke after very little sleep and too much alcohol the night before. Aoife had a set of lungs on her, and she wasn’t afraid to use then. Part of him imagined she wasn’t used to having her basic needs met. As the night wore on, and she realized there would always be a prompt answer to her beckoning, she’d calmed slightly. He sipped his coffee and peered down at his two favorite women dozing on the couch. How could someone discard such a precious gift so carelessly? He knew firsthand the things the foster care system could do to an innocent child. No way would Aoife suffer that fate. I can’t let her go.
He leaned against the counter. His mother had an in with the local social workers. She could take Aoife for a while at least. And then what? He took another sip and began to formulate a plan. He could get certified, and then take over. It’s not a sure thing. They could deny his mom, and she would be lost in the system. His mind went to Snake. They had a man who was good with papers and records.
The minute the idea popped into his brain, he latched on to it. He wanted
this tiny being more than words could explain. He could give her everything he never had—spare her the heartache and loneliness. She was a tiny angel resting on Aibhlinn’s chest; with her lips pursed and still moving in a sucking motion in her sleep, and a cap of dark hair covering her little head. He walked over and ran the tip of his index finger over her soft hair. They were beautiful as they slept peacefully, trusting him to keep them safe.
His chest swelled with pride, and something he’d never experienced before. Possessiveness. They were his to protect. Aoife stirred and nuzzled her face against Aibhlinn’s chest. I wonder what it would be like to see our own baby suckle at her breast? The thought blew his mind. This little being was a catalyst. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not yet. Mind made up, he dialed Snake.
“Hello?”
“Hey, man, sorry to call you this early but I had something that couldn’t wait.”
“No worries, brother. I’m still going from last night,” Snake said. The satisfaction in his gravelly tone was unmistakable.
“You boys always partied hard,” Enzo said.
“Only way to do it,” Snake answered. He cleared his throat. “What can I help you with, brother?”
“It’s a sensitive subject.”
“Ahhh. You want to head over this way, then?” Snake asked.
“Yeah, I think that would be best,” he replied.
“All right, I’ll put on a pot of coffee and let my boys know you’re headed in,” Snake said, disconnecting.
Am I actually doing this? A glance toward his girls had him answering with a resounding yes. He walked over to the couch, knelt down, and caressed Aibhlinn’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “Ave.”
“Hmmm?”
“I’m headed out to run a few errands. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“’Kay,” she said sleepily.
She puckered, and he brushed her lips, grateful for the moment between sleeping and wake that had her in a cooperative mood. She was a woman with a plan. If she’d been awake, she would be asking him a million questions he didn’t have any answers to. Yet.