Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  “Well, being a single mum must be hard for her. I can’t believe Evan didn’t ask her to move back here with him. I really thought he would.”

  “I think she did too. She was devastated when she first came home. Then, when she found out she was pregnant,” Emma’s voice faded, remembering the long nights spent consoling her heartbroken sister, “well, let’s just say, it wasn’t what she planned for her life. But I think it’s safe to say that, even though Abby wasn’t expected, Ali wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world. Neither would any of us. I also think that having a baby to focus on helped her get over Evan.”

  “Maybe one day he’ll realize what he’s missing and do the right thing,” Lily sighed, as she carefully folded the seating chart and placed it back into the folder.

  “Ali told me that when she’s here for the wedding she’s going to try to talk to him. See if he wants to see Abby while she’s here,” Emma added, hoping her sister wasn’t disappointed again.

  “Hopefully, he’ll take her up on the offer. Maybe seeing her will be the push he needs. As far as I know, he’s not seeing anyone.”

  “I don’t see Ali going down that road again, but it would be nice if he’d come to visit Abby. I can’t imagine only seeing your child a few times a year, but maybe mothers are different than fathers. Although, I think my father would have followed my mother to the ends of the earth and back again. With or without her having his children. Maybe it’s just that Evan is missing the parenting gene or something.”

  “I guess. I still thought he would’ve at least asked her to come back, though. Even if they weren’t together. So he could see Abby grow up. Be a part of her life. Evan’s a good man and that’s what’s so confusing about all of this.”

  “He never asked her to move here as far as I know. She won’t talk about it. I think she was holding out hope that they could still be a family. She knew he couldn’t visit during the rugby season, but when he never came back when the season ended…well, she was crushed all over again.”

  Even though Ali refused to discuss Evan’s absence in his daughter’s life, Emma knew it cut her to the quick. Her sister put on a brave face for everyone, but Emma saw the quiet sorrow veiled beneath the cheerful façade.

  Lily silently nodded her head in agreement.

  “Only this time it wasn’t just for herself, but for Abby too,” she continued. “Ali was so upset, she thought about sending his child support money back, but my dad wouldn’t allow it. He said, ‘One way or another, Evan Thompson is going to take care of his daughter’,” Emma stiffened her shoulders, mimicking her father.

  “And so he should,” Lily frowned. “Well, maybe they can work out a visitation schedule while she’s here. It won’t be easy living so far from each other, but that’s what’s best for Abby, eh? Is Ali seeing anyone?”

  “She’s had a few dates since Abby was born, but nothing serious. She’s really just focused on being a mommy. She’s moving into a rental home that my parents own, when the lease is up for the current tenants. Maybe once she’s out of my parents’ house she’ll feel more comfortable dating.”

  “I can see that. Your mum is going to miss having such easy access to Abby, though.”

  “We avoid the topic like the plague. She cries if you bring it up. But the house is only a few miles from them, so I’m sure my mom will be over there all the time.”

  Emma knew Ali appreciated everyone’s help with Abby, especially the way their mother doted on her only grandchild. But she also knew that her sister was desperate for some privacy, and was counting the days until she and Abby had a home of their own.

  “I can only imagine. My mum’s already asking when we’re going to provide a grandchild for her. I have to keep reminding her that I’m not even married yet. Can’t I enjoy my honeymoon before being barefoot and pregnant?” Lily complained half-heartedly.

  “Aw…you’re going to be such a good mommy, Lily. And the thought of you pregnant makes me a little weepy. A little baby bump. A little baby Josh growing inside you.”

  “There is nothing little about Josh,” Lily winked mischievously. “They may have to cut the thing out of me. I don’t think my lady parts can handle pushing out a Thornton baby.”

  Chapter 3

  Getting ready for dinner, Emma felt overdressed as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Her figure-hugging new dress was perfect for a night out on the town, but showed way too much skin for a casual dinner with family. The soft yellow color reminded her of the daffodils that grew in her mother’s garden back home, but that was where the sweetness ended.

  Storing a white cardigan in her purse for later, she glanced in the mirror one last time. After applying a thin coat of lip gloss, she headed into the lounge, where she found Lily and Josh waiting for her.

  “You look lovely, Emma,” Lily trilled upon seeing her. “I love those sandals with the dress, too. You’re going to have all the boys queuing up to take notice of you.”

  Emma did her best ‘Single Ladies’ impression, her Sasha Fierce face firmly in place with her hand flipping back and forth dramatically, as she came to a stop in front of Lily.

  “Dork,” Lily giggled.

  Ignoring Lily’s fairly accurate observation, and Josh’s loud snicker, Emma continued her impromptu performance. She loved being silly. Having spent endless hours with her sister Katie perfecting the epic dance moves in the Beyoncé video, she knew it by heart, but stopped herself before she broke out the full routine.

  Sliding a strand of hair behind her ear, Emma laughed along with her cousin. “Seriously, though, I really don’t care. I just feel like dancing tonight, but it is more fun when you have a partner.”

  “I don’t think that will be an issue. My guess is you’ll have more than a few, and if not, then I’ll take pity on you. Josh doesn’t like to dance anyway, only does it to keep me happy,” Lily mentioned, as she wrapped her arm around Josh’s waist, ushering them out the door.

  As soon as they pulled into the driveway of Lily’s childhood home, the front door swung open and her Aunt Mary rushed down the walkway towards Emma.

  “Oh, my dear, it’s so good to see you!” Her hands clutched her cheeks as she gave Emma the once-over. “You look wonderful, and I’ve made your favorite roast beef and Yorkshire pudding,” Aunt Mary overflowed with joy, as she pulled Emma into a long embrace, then kissed both her cheeks.

  “It’s good to see you, too. I’ve missed you.” Emma looked over her aunt’s shoulder and spotted her uncle patiently waiting for his turn. “Hi, Uncle Bob.”

  “Hey, sweet pea. I’m glad you’re here,” he smiled, folding his arms around her.

  “I’m glad I’m here, too.” Emma wound her arm around his, as they walked into the house.

  Uncle Bob raised his glass to toast Emma’s visit once they gathered around the table for dinner. “Welcome to New Zealand, Emma. May your time here be well spent, and full of happiness. Cheers!”

  “Cheers!” everyone replied in unison, then tucked happily into their meals.

  “Has Lily brought you up to date on all the wedding plans?” Aunt Mary asked Emma, during a lull in the conversation.

  Emma swallowed a bite of beef before she responded. “Yes, I think so. It looks like everything is right on schedule. I’m getting so excited and, now that I’m here, I’m happy to help.”

  “Your being here is such a blessing, Emma. There’s still so much to be done and we need all the help we can get, I’m afraid.” Aunt Mary flicked a concerned look in Lily’s direction.

  “Well, we spent a few hours this morning going over everything. I must say, you’ve done a wonderful job helping Lily, and I know how much she appreciates it.” Emma tried her best to reassure her Aunt.

  “She knows I would’ve been lost without her. I’m not that organized. And I didn’t realize how much work it was going to be to put everything together,” Lily paused, smiling at her mother devotedly. “Thank you, Mum. I don’t say it enough, but I really do appre
ciate everything you’ve done for me. I hope you know that.”

  “Well, it’s not every day that your only daughter gets married. And to such a wonderful young man, too,” she said, regarding Josh affectionately. “I just want your day to be perfect.”

  “It will be. It’s exactly what I dreamed of, and you’ve helped make that happen for me. So, thank you, and you too, Daddy.”

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart,” Aunt Mary lovingly patted Lily’s hand, clearly relieved that everything was in order.

  “Well, we couldn’t be happier that you’ve found a man worthy of you,” Uncle Bob grinned, tilting his glass towards Josh.

  “Good as gold. I’m a lucky man,” Josh lifted his glass, returning the gesture.

  “Well…before we all start to cry, we need to get going. Do you mind if we don’t stay to help clean up, Mum?” Lily asked hopefully, getting up from the table.

  “No, it’s fine. Your father will help me. Just take your plates into the kitchen and we’ll finish up. Go have fun and we’ll see you soon,” Aunt Mary answered her, as she escorted them into the kitchen.

  Parking the car at home, they walked the few blocks to the club on the waterfront in Auckland’s CBD, Central Business District. Stepping inside, Lily took Emma by the hand and led her to a table, as Josh turned for the bar to order their drinks.

  Looking around the small club, Emma drummed her fingers on the table to the beat of the music. The techno remix streaming through the sound system was catchy and had a good dance beat to it. She noticed that there were only a few people on the dance floor, but it was still early.

  “Wait a few hours and you won’t be able to move out there,” Lily pointed out, as if reading her mind. “That’s when we usually leave, though. I hope you don’t mind. I can’t stand it when it gets really loud, and everyone’s all sweaty. The only sweaty man I want near me is the one who put this lovely ring on my finger.” Lily held her hand out in front of her, admiring her gorgeous engagement ring, then slid her gaze to Josh as he arrived with their drinks.

  “Whenever you’re ready to go, just let me know,” Emma responded, as Josh placed a bottle of beer in front of her, before sliding into the booth next to Lily. “Thanks, Josh. I’ll get the next round.”

  “Drinks are our shout tonight. Your welcome to En Zed from us,” he toasted, tipping his bottle in Emma’s direction.

  “Absolutely!” Lily agreed emphatically, cringing when she set her beer down a little harder than she meant to.

  “I’m the one who should be buying. To pay you back for putting me up for the next year. A few rounds of drinks will hardly cover it,” Emma protested.

  Lily gave her a playful smirk, daring Emma to quarrel with her, but letting her know, in no uncertain terms, that doing so would be fruitless. “It’s no use arguing, Emma.”

  Finding no quarter in Josh’s stubborn expression either, Emma conceded defeat and smiled gratefully. “Thanks, guys.”

  Lily tilted her face towards Josh, as she rested her chin in the palm of her hand. “So, who’s meeting us here?”

  “Noah and Dustin. Not sure who else will be tagging along, though, or who will end up with us as the night progresses,” Josh replied, lifting the bottle in front of him for a long drink.

  “Well, I’m looking forward to meeting your friends. You want to dance, Lily?”

  “Sure. Just let me finish my beer. Bottoms up,” Lily quickly downed the rest of her drink, then turned towards Josh. “Can you watch our purses, baby? We won’t be too long. Maybe order us another round.”

  The pulse from the loud music vibrated through Emma’s veins, as they danced together. It felt good to release some energy and dancing always did the trick. Lily’s graceful movements drew Emma further into the rhythm of the song as they laughed, while performing the latest dance obsession and some classic hip-hop moves.

  One song turned into another, and another, until they were both out of breath and in need of refreshments.

  Walking towards the table, Emma saw that two men had joined Josh, occupying the bench seat across from him, where she’d been sitting earlier. Two very large and attractive men, Emma couldn’t help but notice. Lily slid over, making room for Emma next to her, and Josh placed two frosty beers in front of them.

  “Emma, these fine young blokes are my mates, Noah and Dustin.” Josh aimed his bottle at each of the handsome men. “Noah, Dustin, this is Lily’s cousin Emma. She’s from America and staying with us while she’s at university this year.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Emma. Welcome to En Zed. I’m Noah Parker,” Noah smiled, as he reached his hand across the table to her. His large hand dwarfed hers, and his grip was strong, but not overwhelming.

  “Yes, nice to meet you, Emma. I’m Dustin Conrad,” Dustin greeted Emma, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze.

  Dustin was cute, in a boy next door sort of way, but Noah…Noah was all that and so much more.

  Are New Zealand men better looking than the men back home, or is it just their sexy accents? She asked herself. It must be a combination of both. There was no denying that Noah and Dustin were exceptionally good looking men, in a rugged sort of way. But when you added in their Kiwi accent, it just catapulted them into a different stratosphere.

  Noah had the most beautiful pair of crystal blue eyes she’d ever seen, which appeared even brighter against his deeply tanned skin. And his wavy dark brown hair was just long enough to catch the collar of his dress shirt, and had her fingers itching to feel the softness of it.

  Shocked by the shiver of awareness that raced down her spine, Emma felt goose bumps rise across her skin when Noah’s full lips parted, adorably turning up at the corners, and Emma was sure that one flash of that sinfully sexy smile had women swooning at his feet.

  “So, you’re from America.” Distracted by the touch of Noah’s leg, as it brushed against hers under the table, and still trying to recover from the unexpected loss of most of her brain cells from the impact of his killer smile, Emma almost missed his comment.

  The man should seriously come with a warning label pinned to his shirt.

  “Yes, North Carolina,” Emma managed to say, trying to disguise how flustered she was, while picking at the label of her beer nervously. She was in major trouble if one inadvertent bump of his knee against hers had her ready to crawl into his lap and purr like a kitten.

  His shirt was nicely filled out by an impressive set of shoulders, and a pair of biceps which were currently stretching the confines of their sleeves to their breaking point. He must work out a lot, Emma concluded. Muscles like that were gained from years of training and hard work.

  Emma kept finding her gaze landing on Noah’s hands, though. She’d never really paid much attention to, or found a man’s hands particularly fetching before, but she couldn’t take her eyes off them. They were strong and masculine…and big. And sexy.

  Yikes, normally two beers wasn’t enough to get her buzzed, but her head was swimming already. The alcohol content in the local brew Josh had gotten her must have been higher than what she was used to, because she couldn’t think straight.

  “I love this song. You have to dance with me,” Lily shoved Emma from the booth and dragged her away from the table, startling her from the dreamlike state she’d found herself in.

  “What are you doing?” Emma yelled to her over the music. “You almost knocked me over.”

  “Stopping you from making a right fool of yourself. Thought I was going to have to wipe the drool off your bloody chin. Noah gets enough attention when he’s out. He doesn’t need you, of all people, behaving like that. Seriously, Emma, it was about to get embarrassing,” Lily chastised her resolutely, while trying not to laugh.

  “I wasn’t that bad,” Emma objected, with suddenly-eroding confidence. “Was I? I didn’t think it was to the point of having to break out a bib. That wasn’t fair, though, you should have warned me.”

  “Yeah, yeah, he’s dead sexy. You’d have to be
blind not to notice. Got that sorted. Now control yourself,” Lily giggled, and gave Emma a spin as a new song started.

  “Would you like to dance?” Emma turned to find a fair-haired man executing some serious dance moves, while waiting for an answer.

  “Sure. Do you mind, Lil?”

  “No. It’s fine. I’m getting tired anyway. Need to sit for a while. Have fun, you two,” she quipped, as she slipped away.

  “So that’s Emma, eh? Her pictures didn’t do her justice. She’s very pretty.” Noah tried to sound unaffected but was failing miserably, as he eyed Emma on the dance floor. Pretty was an understatement. She was gorgeous.

  As if her emerald green eyes and shiny blonde hair, which he was sure was naturally kissed by the sun and not from a bottle, weren’t enough to get his motor running, her smile just about took his breath away. And the sexy yellow dress she was wearing, which was currently hugging her curves in all the right places, drew his eyes to a pair of long legs that he was sure would star in more than a few of his fantasies.

  She was lean but muscular, athletic. And he’d always had a weakness for leggy blondes.

  Everything about the way she looked appealed to him. Now, he just needed to see if she was more than just a pretty face. He’d heard Lily talk about her over the years, but surprisingly, had never met her until tonight.

  “Yeah, she’s a beauty. A total sweetheart. Lily’s chuffed she’s finally made it here,” Josh replied thoughtfully, while watching Lily approach the table. “Hey, babe. Who’s the bloke with Emma?”

  “Don’t know. He just asked her to dance and I was a bit knackered so...” her voice trailed off as she took the seat next to Josh.

  “Just let me know when you’re ready to go, and we’ll head home.” Josh reached out his hand to his weary-looking fiancée.