My Way to You (Brothers in Law Book 1)

by Lyndell Williams

  Regina finally lowered her eyelids and shifted on the stool. She started clicking at the laptop. “I’m hungry.”

  “You haven’t eaten?”

  “I got swamped with work. I’m in high demand with the writers at my new job.”

  Alice spied a silver coffee thermos. She picked it up and teetered it between them. “But you had time for this?”

  Regina batted her eyelashes. “It’s tea.”

  Alice raised her eyebrows. “Tea, huh?” She started to unscrew the top.

  Regina raised one hand. “All right, it’s coffee.” She put her elbows on the counter and caught a thumb between her teeth. “Don’t tell Simon. He worries enough.”

  Alice lifted the cap and scrutinized the contents of the almost-empty thermos. “How many have you had?”

  “Just one. I swear.”

  “Well, I read somewhere that a little coffee, once in a while won’t hurt a pregnant woman.” She reached the sink and poured the remaining coffee down the drain. “Now, what would you like to eat?”

  Regina moved her head closer to the screen. “Nothing. I’ll eat later. I have to finish editing this article.”

  Alice opened the cabinet and got a white dinner plate. She set it on the counter before bending over the thermal shopping bag and pulling out a container. “Simon told me you’ve been eating eggs day and night.” She took the lid off and allowed the aroma to permeate the air. “I thought you might like something different.”

  Regina glimpsed away from the screen and eyed the plate of chicken, rice and vegetables. “That smells good.”

  Alice pushed the dish across the counter and stuck a fork underneath the fluffy rice. “It does, doesn’t it?” By the time she got a glass and water, Regina was already digging into the fare. Now to get her away from that blasted machine. “Why don’t you sit on the sofa, dear?”

  Regina licked her lips and took a sip of water. “Because that was not made for a pregnant woman. I can’t believe how hard it is to get out of it. Ma said it’ll only get worse.”

  She handed Regina a napkin and laughed. “She’s right. I can help you when you’re ready.”

  Regina bared all her teeth as she chortled and stroked her belly. “You’re going to lift all this?” Her hand covered the mouse. “Thanks, but I really gotta send this back to the writer.”

  “Suit yourself.” Alice busied herself in the kitchen. It was too easy. The one thing Regina needed after all she’d been through was a little mothering, and the fact that she was so likeable made it pleasant to care for her. It’s a shame that such an awful thing led us to getting to know each other. Alice kept an eye out to make sure the food continued to disappear from the plate while she straightened the kitchen and put the rest in the refrigerator. She searched a bottom cabinet. “Regina, do you know what Simon did with the empty kimchi jars?”

  Her question unanswered, she looked over the counter. Regina was staring at the computer. Tears welled over and soaked her lashes. “What’s wrong? Regina?”

  Regina shook her head violently. “Fucking bastards.” She swiveled the stool and climbed off. “They won’t leave us alone.” She pounded her bare feet across the floor. “Why can’t they just let us love each other?”

  Alice read the source of the current upset. Jeremy Stacks is a hero. Two bad he didn’t kill that coon-ese mongrel inside you. You betraied your ansestors and womm by fucking that chink. Sellout bitch. “Who are these people?”

  “Assholes with nothing better to do. They call me a coon and him a nigger lover. What the hell is wrong with them? We get it from all sides, you know? Blacks, Asians, Whites—all of them trying their hardest to scare us into tearing our family apart. That’s not going to happen.” Regina pounded her fist against the wall and screamed in the air, “Fuck all of you!” She slumped and sobbed.

  Alice led the distraught woman to the sofa. “Why do you read such hateful nonsense?” She went to the kitchen and got her a fresh water bottle. How long have she and Simon been dealing with this? “Stay off the computer, okay?” She stopped and looked at the buzzing phone on the counter. “It’s Simon.”

  Regina’s body heaved. She straightened her back and signaled Alice to hand her the phone.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” she said between sobs and wiping away tears with her sleeve. “Give it to me.”

  Alice passed her the phone. Regina cleared her throat before answering. “Hey, Babe. What’s up?” She continued to convulse and tears flowed, but there wasn’t a hint of distress in her voice. “I’m fine. Working. No, just editing articles. Your mom’s here. Okay.” She pressed the screen.

  “Ma?”

  “Hello, Simon.” Alice wondered at Regina. Her hands shook and tears continued to flow, but she was trying her hardest to hide the pain gripping her from Simon.

  “You’re taking care of my girl?”

  “Yes.” Regina stared at Alice, slowly shaking her head. “We’re just chatting.”

  “That’s great. I have to work late. Can you stay? If not, I’ll bring it home.”

  “Come on, Young. I’m not a baby,” Regina chimed. “As a matter of fact, I’m having one. Your mom brought tons of food. Let her go home, and you finish working at the office.”

  There was a brief silence. “All right. I’ll see you later tonight. Bye, ma. I love you.”

  “I love you too, son.”

  “You’re gonna eat and rest, right, Gina?”

  “Yes, I am. Now get back to work.”

  “Love you.”

  “You better, bye.” She dropped the phone on the sofa and rested her head in her hands.

  “Why didn’t you tell him about that awful email?”

  “Because there’s always an awful email or social media post. I arranged to stay off social media for my job, but I still have to check emails.”

  “Don’t you think he should know?”

  Regina rubbed her abdomen. “If I told him, he’d worry and rush home. There’s nothing either of us can do about it. We have to wait until the trolls find someone else to go after. It sounds horrible, but that’s the way it is.”

  Regina sat crossed legged. “You know what Simon had to do the night I was attacked? He fought my attacker and took me to the hospital. After that, he brought me home and climbed in the shower with me because I wouldn’t let go. He tried to hide it, but I saw the pain in his eyes when he looked at my bruises. It was the same pain I felt when I looked at his. That night was not only hell for me but for him too. He stayed strong and protected me. I must be strong and protect him.”

  The room blurred in front of Alice’s tears. “Can I hug you?” It was the closest they’d ever been to each other. Simon was marrying a strong and amazing woman.

  ***

  “Babe? Babe?” She stretched over the sofa and opened her eyes.

  Happiness filled Regina’s heart. Her love was back. She rested her hand on his shoulder. “Hey.” The feel of his lips caused a surge of excitement to run through her. “I thought you were workin late?”

  “Nah, I decided I missed you too much.” Simon straightened and helped her to a sitting position. “How are you and this little one?” he asked sinking next to them and smoothing his palm over her abdomen.

  She rested her head on his shoulder and tilted it to accept more of his magnificent kisses. “We’re fine. Where’s Alice?”

  “She wasn’t here when I came in. I guess she went home or had another engagement. Her social life is busy most of the time. Did you have a nice visit?”

  She chuckled “Visit? You’re stickin’ to that story, Young? You sent her to babysit me.”

  He nuzzled her neck. “Guilty. Forgive me?”

  “Yeah, it was actually nice, and I didn’t know she was such a terrific cook. I was pleasantly surprised. I figured she had chefs or somethin’.”

  “Nah, she owns the kitchen. What did she make?” He grunted and slid the knot out of his tie as he walked to the refrigerator. He disappeare
d behind the door. “Yes. That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Ma does it again. You want some, Gina?”

  “Yes, please.” Alice taking care of her was nice, but it was even better to have Simon around.

  It didn’t take long for the microwave to start humming. Simon clanked a fork on the counter and tossed his tie next to the computer before turning it on. “So, you wanna tell me what upset you earlier?” He lifted the screen and started tapping on the keyboard.

  “Wha-What do ya mean?”

  “I mean,” he said clicking until blue light reflected off his shirt and tan skin, “I know when you’re hiding somethin’ behind that super-proper, extra-sweet tone of yours, Ms. Kent.”

  “Are you breaking into my computer?”

  “Yup.”

  “That’s an invasion of privacy, Young. Aren’t you supposed to uphold the law?” She wiggled on the sofa like an upside-down turtle. The baby, obviously in cahoots with daddy, tumbled inside and demanded that mommy stay put. Why did I let him have my damn password?

  “Sit there, Gina. You sounded like a customer service rep. on the phone. You only do that when you don’t want anyone knowing how pissed you are.”

  “Simon. Don’t. It’s just nonsense.”

  -

  He narrowed his eyes as he read. After closing the laptop, he retrieved their dinner from the beeping microwave. “You shouldn’t hide things like that from me. I can handle it.” He stirred the food while walking back to the couch.

  “I know you can. I just don’t want to worry you all the time. It’ll blow over soon.” She opened her mouth at the food he offered.

  “That’s what happens. When two people love each other, they worry.” He took a bite and then presented more to his future wife. “You know, Gina. I realized a long time ago that loving me has cost you a lot. It endangered your career, peace of mind and physical safety.” He set the food aside and cradled her hands in his. The fear of losing her twisted his heart and had to be purged. “I wouldn’t blame you if you left. I’m just glad you haven’t. I love and need you so much.”

  She ran her fingers through his hair. “The slurs and hate are stressful, and the pain from what that monster did to me is not going away any time soon. You didn’t cause them though, and being without you would only give me more anguish. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Then that makes me the luckiest man in the world.”

  Chapter 36

  Courthouse

  Regina’s scream pierced through every corner of the dark apartment. “Don’t hurt my baby!”

  Simon flung the blankets over the back of the sofa and bolted. Papers fell from his lap and drifted onto the floor. He groaned and rubbed his shin where it hit the coffee table and stumbled towards the screeching.

  Regina was sitting in the bed yelling and tearing at the air. “No! No! Please!”

  Simon knelt next to her and held her head between his hands. “Gina, Gina. babe, it’s okay. It’s just a dream.” She stared into the shadows, tears flowing from her eyes. A flailing arm struck his mouth. He jerked back and pressed his hand against the stinging sensation and metallic taste oozing into his mouth. He dodged another swing, locked her arms and let her fists pound his back. “Regina, it’s me.” The night terrors started after a process server appeared at their door with subpoenas for them to testify at Jeremy Stacks’ trial. He’d endured quite a few punches since that day. The bed creaked while he rocked and waited for her arms to fall at her sides.

  “Simon?”

  Her palms spanned his back. “Yes, it’s me. You were having a nightmare.”

  “The baby?”

  “The baby’s okay. Here, lay down.” He drew her trembling body into the curve of his and caressed her belly. It soon quivered from the inside and there was a tiny poke under his hand. “See, she’s fine.” They’d learned they were having a daughter at the 24-week ultrasound. They basked in the joy of their discovery and the wedding that soon followed. The guests donned coats, and the Kents had a huge tent erected with high-powered heaters so their daughter could have the gazebo wedding of her dreams. Their teeth chattered as they uttered their vows. They were ecstatic then, but now, apprehension hung in the air.

  Going back and forth to court drained both of them. Simon didn’t want his wife to come to hear him testify, but she insisted. Tomorrow was her turn. She’s gonna have a hard time testifying on such little sleep. Another tiny kick from his daughter jolted his attention. He grazed his lips against Regina’s ear. “There she is again.”

  Regina put her hand over his. “I feel her. She’s okay?”

  “She’s perfect. He slowly drooped his eyelids closed. “Sleep. We have a big day tomorrow.”

  ***

  Simon paced and stared at the bathroom door while people darted behind him through the large courthouse hall. Sharp retching sounds drifted from inside every time someone opened the door. His stomach turned in sympathy for the agony his wife was going through.

  Testifying about the sexual assault took all the strength Regina had, and he was forced to watch helplessly as the defense attorney reamed her. Marcus and he tried their best to get her ready, but sleepless nights made her vulnerable to having an emotional breakdown when cross examined. He paced in front of the bathroom door. At least it’s over.

  Jeremy’s attorney pulled no stops in trying to discredit Regina as a mental wreck, but she stayed strong. She answered every question and made it clear that the young man sitting across the room attempted to rape her and kill her and the unborn child she was carrying.

  “I think she did very well.” Marcus stood with his coat draped over his arm, his head following Simon as he walked back and forth on the marble floor. “Did you see the jury. They appeared sympathetic towards her.”

  “Yeah.” He never took his eyes off the door. Toni emerged with her arm around Regina’s shoulder. She made eye contact with Simon. The usual serenity in his sister-in-law’s brown eyes was gone. Instead, they were anxiety-ridden. Things were not good.

  Regina shuffled along holding her panting chest with one hand and rotund abdomen with the other. The dark circles around her red eyes were a mainstay lately. She looked at Simon and flew towards him, throwing her shaking arms around his neck. “Please, take me home.”

  “Okay.” Simon swallowed back the pain jammed in his throat and drew her closer. “Do you want to get something to eat first?”

  “No,” she sniffed, “I just want to go home.”

  He desperately wanted to take away her anguish. “You got it.”

  The group turned. Everyone stopped in their tracks. Down the hall, Jeremy Stacks towered over his attorney, bending while the shorter man craned his head up and talked. He was the epitome of calm in his tailored suit and clean haircut. He appeared placid, almost serene, as if he wasn’t the one on trial. He erected and turned his head in their direction.

  Simon flinched at the pain from Regina’s nails digging into his side. Her eyes wide, she blinked uncontrollably as Jeremy met her gaze and curled his lips into a boyish grin. Then he flashed his perfectly straight white teeth with a smile that stopped at his cold eyes. He taunted her with his baby face, which may convince a jury that he is not so bad after all.

  Simon saw it before. A good-looking criminal getting off because of their ability to charm a jury. As confident as Marcus was, he maintained some doubt that Jeremy being convicted was a given.

  “Son of a bitch.” Marcus approached and stood beside Simon.

  “More like a manipulative sociopath.” Toni rubbed Regina’s back. “Don’t worry. They’re going to put him away.”

  “Come on, Gina.” Simon tried to turn her in the other direction, but she remained stagnant, staring right back at Jeremy. Her breath quickened like she’d just finish running and her eyes jumped in their sockets. Regina’s body convulsed and she bolted for the bathroom holding her mouth. “Gina.”

  “I got her.” Toni swung the bathroom door open and disappeared behind it.

&
nbsp; Simon stomped towards Jeremy. He ached to wipe the floor with the gawky creep who took so much from his wife. It was his photo that almost completely destroyed her blog and irreparably damaged her career. Now that the trial began, instead of enjoying her new life and happily planning for the arrival of their baby, she was a bundle of nerves jumping at every sound. She barely tolerated anyone’s touch anymore, and she constantly locked herself in the bedroom, where Simon heard her muffled cries through the door. Jeremy did all of that while presenting himself as the picture of innocence.

  “No, man.” Marcus appeared in front of him, blocking Simon’s view of his target. “You don’t want to get locked up for assault.”

  “Marcus.” Simon pushed against his friend’s hand and met steely resistance.

  “I’m serious. Gina is hanging on by a thread, and you’re the one that is keeping her from completely falling apart. Care and security, that’s what she needs from you, not to throw down with that scum.” He yanked Simon’s arm and put greater distance between him and Jeremy. “You don’t think Quinn and I weren’t ready to take care of him?” he whispered into Simon’s ear. “Believe me, we were tempted, but we’re lawyers. We have to let justice do its work.”

  Simon looked down the hall. Jeremy stared at them. “I just want to bash his—”

  “You have a career, a wife and a baby on the way. He’s not worth risking any of that. Get a hold of yourself and be there for them.”

  Regina emerged from the bathroom and leaned against the wall holding her round belly. She slid slowly down. Simon rushed forward in time to catch her before she hit the floor.

  “I think you should take her to the emergency room, Simon.” Toni stroked Regina’s braids. “She’s very weak.”

  “No, I want to go home,” Regina drawled and bowed her head.

  “Don’t worry, Babe, we’re going home.” Right after we go to the emergency room. Simon braced his wife in his arms. He took a moment to look back at the still smiling Jeremy before getting her as far away from the maniac as possible.

  ***