Chapter 15
Real tears flowed down Val’s cheeks. Her heart ached for Noah’s arms to hold her, his breath on her skin and his deep voice whispering to her in the night. Why hadn’t she fought for him? Because he didn’t fight for me.
She shifted on her barstool in the kitchen.
“Is there anything I can do for you, sis?” Sitting on the stool next to her, Bree handed her another tissue while their mother bustled around.
“No, thank you, you’ve been great. Both of you.” She sniffed and wiped her sore eyes.
This morning her mom and Bree had ambushed her. After three weeks of putting them off, she couldn’t avoid them any longer. They’d refused to leave her be until she gave them information.
Her mom busied herself making smoothies while Bree held her hand and asked questions.
“Well, I say good riddance to him,” Mom said as she sat two strawberry smoothies in front of them on the counter.
Something’s up. Her mom had never said anything remotely supportive after a break up. Usually, she blamed her daughters for the slightest argument.
“What the hell is that about?” Bree spat.
“Bree.” She gave her sister a look, but she really wasn’t upset. It was the question she wanted to ask, but didn’t have the guts to.
“No, I want to know. She’s never said that to me after a break up. What gives, Mother?”
Mom clanked dishes and turned her back to them as she cleaned up.
“Mother! Answer me,” Bree demanded, then turned to her and mumbled. “She’s hiding something.”
No doubt! But what? She clicked her nails on the countertop. “Mom? What’s going on?”
“Nothing, girls.” Her voice rose to high pitch. “You deserve better than a man who cheats on you.”
Bree bent close to her ear. “That’s her ‘I’m lying’ voice.”
Val nodded. “We’re not buying it. Besides, when Tyler left for that same tramp, you told me to apologize to him. You said I wasn’t satisfying him enough. Spill it.”
Mom stopped cleaning and walked to the bar. Nervousness etched her face. Her eyes glazed over and her gaze darted around the room. She tossed the dish rag down and let out a breath. “Well, you girls are adults now.” She looked between the two of them. “Remember, whatever I say, I love you two very much.”
“We know that, Mom. But you’re worrying us right now.”
“When I told the two of you that I had moved from foster home to foster home and my parents were dead…that wasn’t completely true.” She bit her bottom lip.
“What part of it?” Bree demanded.
“My mother died when I was nine. I went from my maternal grandmother’s house to my aunt’s and boarding school. I lived with a few different cousins here and there. But the worst was living at home…with my father.”
“How old were you when he died?”
Val nudged Bree with her knee.
“What? I want to know.”
“It’s okay, dear.” Their mom pulled up a barstool on the opposite side of the counter and sat. “My father, your grandfather, he’s…he’s still alive.”
Speechless, Val turned to Bree. Their gazes met. For a moment, they bonded in silence. Anger, disbelief, bewilderment; they all flashed in Bree’s eyes. No doubt hers revealed the same things.
She swiveled the seat to face her mother. The creak echoed through the kitchen. “Why did you keep our grandfather from us?”
Knots formed in her stomach as the stress piled up. She hadn’t slept or eaten in days. Everything reminded her of Noah, bills were piling up and to top it all off, her period was late. Yet, she hadn’t found the courage to test her theory. Of course, it could all be anxiety and nothing more.
“What I am about to tell you isn’t pleasant.”
“Tell us already.” Bree fidgeted.
“Okay, I’m just going to lay it all out. My father is a mean and cruel man. I’ve done everything to please him; nevertheless, it’s not enough. When I found out I was pregnant with you, Val, he was so happy. But when you were born and he found out you were a girl, he shunned you.” She shook her head and a tear glistened in the corner of one eye. “When, you came along, Bree, it was the same story. I vowed on the day of your birth that I was done trying to please him. I couldn’t let the two of you go through the cruel things he’d put me through.”
“What kind of cruel things?” Bree’s voice shook.
Mom waved the question off. “That’s not important. Your grandfather had a rough childhood himself, but it’s not an excuse for the things he’s done. I tried to shield both of you from him.”
“But, Mom.” She reached across and took her hand. “You’ve done all right for yourself. You’re a wonderful mother, you have an amazing husband and you have a great job. Look how you’ve climbed to the top of Zimmerman’s.”
“I worked hard for that job. Every bit of it was earned.” She slammed her fist down, causing the smoothie glasses to shake.
“Of course it was. We wouldn’t think otherwise.” The woman slaved at that company; day after day, trip after trip, year after year. Nobody put as much sweat and blood into a company unless… “Mom, what does work have to do with this?”
Mom squirmed in her seat, then held her head high and squared her shoulders. “Zimmerman’s Furniture Manufacturing belongs to my father.”
“How can that be? You’re telling us…” she pointed to her chest and then to Bree, “…that our grandfather is the Mr. Zimmerman? The one who lives in that old mansion and is loaded to the hilt, Mr. Zimmerman?”
Bree’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, shit! That means he owns the auto parts factory as well.”
“Yes, that’s the one. No matter how hard I work or how much money I make him, that old goat refuses to leave his companies to me, because I’m not a male.”
“I…don’t know…where to begin.” Val hugged herself as her stomach roiled and her head spun. “What does any of this have to do with N…Sam?” It seemed that she was a bit more like her mother than she’d thought. Secrets piled on top of secrets.
“I know I’ve been pushy—”
“You can say that again,” Bree mumbled.
Mom continued on as if she hadn’t heard Bree. “But, the first male heir will inherit both companies with me as the trustee and overseer of operations…Don’t look at me like that. If he dies before a male heir is born, then he gives it all to charity. I’m looking out for the future of you girls and your families.”
“Mother, I’ve never wanted financial help.”
“Speak for yourself,” Bree interjected.
“I know, but wouldn’t you like to own a larger shop and have people work for you? Creativity runs through your veins and you deserve to have the world see your designs. They’re amazing.”
“Thank you…Mom, is he in bad health?”
“Yes, well, he is ill. But…well, I have a half-sister. Erin. After I had both of you, he tried to have a son, but ended up with another daughter. He wants a great-grandson from one of you two, but he will leave the company to Erin’s son if she has one first.”
“I still don’t know what this has to do with you not wanting me with Sam.”
“I’m sorry, honey. Obsession to have a grandson has ruled my life for so long, I freaked out. Your grandfather is ill and he could pass anytime. I…I got Rita to do a…a fertility test on Sam when he was in the hospital.”
Val stood up. The barstool hit the floor with a clang. “Oh my, God! Tell me you didn’t.”
“Sis, calm down.” Bree reached for her.
She jerked away. “Calm down? She talked Rita into committing a crime. I can’t believe this. No amount of money is worth Rita risking her license and going to jail.” Her head started to spin again. Facts and information swirled together as she tried to grasp the implications. She clasped the counter for support. “Are you telling me that Sam can’t have children?”
“Now, honey.” Mom moved to her side a
nd guided her to a dining room chair.
“You are. That’s why you don’t want us together.” Suddenly, her hope vanished. If Noah couldn’t have children, then she wasn’t pregnant. Pain stabbed her heart. She wanted his baby. Wanted him to light up about her carrying his child like he had lit up about Bambi…Bambi! The bitch wasn’t pregnant. At least not with Noah’s child. “I got to…” She tried to stand up.
“You’re not going anywhere until the shock wears off.” Her mother forced her to stay seated.
Bree handed her a glass of water. “Take a drink. You’re as white as a ghost.”
She took a sip and sat the glass on the table.
“Are you feeling better?” Bree asked. “Because now is the perfect time to tell you my news.” She beamed and squealed. “You don’t have to worry about Erin. I’m pregnant.”
“Hallelujah.” Her mother wrapped Bree in a hug. “Are you sure? How far along are you? Have you seen a doctor?”
They both laughed and danced around. “I’m about five weeks. This is so exciting. We have to make sure this baby is perfectly healthy.”
“Don’t worry about that. When I tell Dad, he’ll make sure you have the best of everything.”
While the two of them planned and schemed, she grabbed her purse.
“Where are you going?” Mom asked.
“We’re going to get my man, Noah, back.”
They stared at her like she’d stepped off a UFO.
“Come on. I’ll tell you in the car.”
* * * *
Before Noah had his shoes off, Sadie met him at the door.
“Did you have a good drive? Clear your head?”
He ignored her question. “Thanks for staying with her, sis. Where is she?”
Sadie crossed her arms and gave him the mother stare. “She locked herself in her room upstairs. As long as I’m here, she refuses to come out. Not that it bothered me one little bit.” She tapped her foot. “You’re not getting off so easy.”
Sighing, he ran his hand through his hair. “Can I at least get in the door before you start the third degree?” He squeezed past her, grabbed a cola from the fridge and sat down at the long, wooden kitchen table.
Pulling out the chair diagonal from him, she sat down. “You’re in the door now, so let’s talk.”
“I don’t want to do this, Sadie.” He popped the can open and took a swig. If Bambi wasn’t in the house, he would have bought a six pack. However, he couldn’t chance her drinking any.
“Do what? Have this conversation or babysit that spoiled brat up there?”
Both! “Have this discussion.”
She drummed her nails on the wood. He instantly thought of Val and her long gorgeous nails. But Sadie’s insistent ranting dragged him back to reality.
“I’m sorry to tell you, little brother, but we are going to have this talk. Now! I can’t come running over here every time you need to do something.”
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“That’s not what I mean. Nothing you do or say will stop her from using if she wants to. Addicts will use you to get what they want.” She reached across the table and took his hand. “Pregnant or not, you can’t save her.”
“So I should turn my back on an innocent child? I thought you of all people would understand how I feel.” He drained his soda and stood to leave. “I got a car to work on. Since I’m home now, you’re off duty.”
“She’ll make you miserable. And no matter what happens, none of this will bring Molly back.”
He stopped dead in his tracks. “I’m not going there.” His voice boomed and came out harsher than he intended. But it had been hard enough listening to the medium. Not a day went by that he didn’t think of Molly; what she would look like, what color of eyes she’d have, to know the sound of her laugh. He grabbed his keys.
“Where are you going now?”
“To get a drink, and get the hell away from you.”
“Noah, for God’s sake, please listen to reason.”
He spun on her. “Reason? Don’t tell me there was a reason Lori had a car crash that killed our baby. Damn it, Sadie!” He grabbed her by the shoulders. “I didn’t even get to hold Molly in my arms. She was gone before they even preformed the c-section. I couldn’t do anything to prevent her death. I have to keep this baby safe.”
“Then call the cops. Have them arrest her for drug use. They’ll make her clean up.”
“You don’t know that, and I don’t want my child born in jail. What if they put her in foster care and I never get custody?”
“Noah—”
“I have to get out of here before I lose my temper.” He released his grip on her and slammed out the door.
Dust flew behind a car barreling down the gravel road in front of his house. Realization struck as the car turned into the driveway. He knew the car. Knew the driver. Knew those legs.
Val!
Chapter 16
God, she looks hot! He couldn’t recall a simple white tank top and matching skirt ever having this effect on him before. The skirt skimmed her knees, showing off her toned calves, and sent his blood racing. Wooden blue and green beads hung low on a leather necklace, and a leather belt accentuated her small waist. Reminding him just how good she felt in all of those places. Of course, she could’ve worn a floral muumuu, and he wouldn’t care.
He willed his body to walk instead of run toward her. Three weeks seemed like an eternity. Heat coursed through his veins, however, there’d be no willing his dick to heel. He wanted to bury himself in her here and now, Bambi be damned.
“Val.” Her name slipped from his lips in a whisper. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you, Noah. Don’t worry, I told them the whole story.”
Them? He looked around and saw Bree and Judith a few steps behind her. Christ, he hadn’t even noticed them. Not good, considering he was about to pull her in his arms and caress every inch of her glorious body.
Before he could respond, the front door slammed open and Bambi rushed out, Sadie following close behind. Hell! His temple started to pound.
Bambi wrapped her hand around his arm. “You’re not welcome at our house.” She stroked his bicep. “Tell her to leave us be, so we can raise our child.”
“Oh God, you are a bitch.”
He glanced at Bree. Lord, now that was a cat fight waiting to happen. Ignoring Bree’s comment and the nasty glare from Bambi, he chose to address Bambi’s remark. “That was rude and uncalled for. Apologize.”
“I will not! She wants to break us up and ruin our chance to have a happy family.” Bambi whined and pouted.
It wouldn’t work this time. He held no love in his heart for her anymore. The baby, yes, but not for the empty-shell-of-a-person carrying his child.
“Funny you keep saying ‘our’ as in yours and Noah’s.”
Val’s words brought him back to the present situation.
Bambi moved a step forward, but he kept a firm grasp on her arm. Val would never fight a pregnant woman, but Bambi wouldn’t give a damn. Headstrong and plain stupid, she’d pounce on anyone.
“And just what the hell does that mean? Or do you not know where babies come from? Prude.”
“Oh, I know where babies come from.” Her brows rose. “And according to this…” She took a manila envelope Judith handed her and waved it at Bambi. “Your baby didn’t come from Noah. He’s sterile.”
“What?” Not only had the word slipped from him, but from Bambi and Sadie as well.
“I’m sorry, Noah. I didn’t want this conversation to take place like this, but I had to tell you. Either she’s not pregnant or it’s not your baby.”
He released Bambi and started to pace. It couldn’t be true. No way. He stopped walking and ran his hand through his hair. “But how…” He didn’t finish his question. Guilt flashed all over Judith’s face. Somehow she’d conducted a test. That woman was capable of anything. He stared at her and cleared his throat. �
�I guess you had a hand in this?”
She smiled.
“Of course,” he muttered. “Can I see the test?”
Val handed him the papers. Disbelief washed over him. It couldn’t be true. What about Molly? He knew she’d been his. No injury or accident following the loss of his first child came to mind to explain it.
Pain stabbed his heart and he felt his throat close. His gaze traveled to Bambi’s stomach. He wanted to be a father. Wanted a baby to hold in his arms and protect from harm. Hope vanished before his eyes.
“Baby, you can’t believe that lying prude.” Bambi moved next to him. “We made love. It’s your baby!”
He doubted the test. Mistakes were made all the time. But the impatient look in Bambi’s eyes and her tone of voice brought back too many bad memories. She was lying. This was the uncomfortable situation the medium had explained mere hours go. His instinct told him the test was wrong, but his heart wanted to be free of her. He’d get another test later to deal with his doubt. After he had the truth from his ex.
“It says I can’t have children. It can’t be my child, Bambi. Whose is it?”
She looked down and shuffled her bare feet in the dirt. “Yours.”
He grabbed her chin and forced her to look up. His anger boiled under the surface. “Don’t lie. Tell me whose child it is, damn you.”
“Tyler’s!”
Releasing her, he jerked away. “You lied to me! You were pregnant when you showed up. Weren’t you?”
“Yes! I was. I needed a place to stay, and I knew you wanted a baby.”
“So you used me.” He took a breath to calm himself. “This is the last time you lie to me. The last time you set foot on my property. It would serve you well to get your shit and leave.”
“Noah—”
“Now!” He stormed off before he lost his control, headed for the car he needed to fix. Behind him he heard Sadie and Bree making plans to get a taxi and Judith taking a phone call.
What a day. And it was only half over.
Gravel crunched behind him and he turn to see Val following.
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