UnPlanned

by M. Piper

  “You must’ve done something right in life. I know my brother’s pretty smitten with you.” I glance over and his arms are crossed like he’s waiting to get something off his chest. I roll my eyes and grin.

  “Go on with it,” I whisper, rocking in the chair. He lets out a small laugh and shakes his head, relaxing his arms.

  “He’s not as put together as you think, Wren. Carter’s only been in his life a couple years and it took him a long time to get into the groove he’s in. I’d just hate for someone to walk in and ruin all that in a very short amount of time. I hope you know it’s not just Lincoln that ends up hurt when you crush his heart. The more time you spend with that angel, the more he hurts when shit hits the fan, too.” He quirks an eyebrow at me and I furrow my brows at him.

  “I appreciate your worry for your brother, but I love these two more than anything.” I shake my head. “I’m not hiding anything, I have no agenda, and I have full plans on never hurting them. Either of them. Ever.”

  He nods and steps off the wall.

  “Then welcome to the family,” he whispers before walking out of the room.

  “Hey you,” I hear Lincoln’s voice whisper and crack my eyes open.

  “Oh my God!” I panic and jump from the chair, my eyes scanning the room until I see Carter fast asleep in his crib.

  “What the hell was that about?” Lincoln laughs from the door way quietly. I hush him and sneak out of the room, shaking off the nerves from being jolted awake.

  “I thought he was in my arms when I passed out. I momentarily forgot I put him back in his crib last night.”

  “I don’t even remember him getting up,” Lincoln says then yawns and stretches, his defined abs and that delicious V draws my attention and he snaps his fingers, smirking at me. “Eyes up here.” That damn dimple’s making its appearance and I sigh. “What time did Carter get up last night? And why didn’t you wake me?” He heads to the coffee pot to start some morning fuel and I sit at the table, curling my legs under me.

  “You were fast asleep. I can help if I’m going to be here.” I shrug, yawning. “It was about two? Maybe? I don’t know, but he’s so snuggly and cute I guess I put him back in his crib then sat there and watched him for a bit. I didn’t mean to pass out in there.”

  “Creamer?” he asks, holding up a mug.

  “Yes, please,” I say, smiling.

  “Here ya go, beautiful.” He slides the mug in front of me and kisses my forehead as soon as Carter starts to stir. “You ready for this crazy train?”

  “Bring it,” I say, laughing and watch as he retreats back down the hallway. Ford’s door is still shut tight and from the looks of him last night he’s not waking up any time soon so pants are still optional.

  “I’m thinking about heading out to the country today, you in?” He’s carrying Carter, still snug in his pajamas, and grabs him a drink. The two of them are perfect together. I only hope I fit into their equation perfectly, too.

  “I have to get some stuff done at home,” I answer and cringe. “I really want to, though. But I have no clean clothes for the week and the house is a wreck and Lucy comes home tomorrow.” I pout my lip out and he laughs.

  “Adulting, man. It sucks.”

  Carter wiggles out of his dad’s arms and walks over to me, holding his cup in his hand, and sticks his arms up for me and my heart melts. I grab him and set him on my lap.

  “He likes you,” Lincoln says, a sparkle in his eyes. “He’s a pretty easy going kid, but he rarely takes to someone that fast.” The smile on his face has both dimples in full force and I smile down at Carter.

  “He knows a good catch when he sees one,” I say, laughing lightly.

  “Just like his father.” He winks at me and stretches again and again; I have to pull my eyes away from his V.

  We spend an hour or two chilling before I head home for the day. I hate to leave them, but I don’t want to impose and I know if I went with them today I’d be tempted to spend the night tonight and I don’t want to move things too fast.

  “Did you tell him?” My sister asks as I clean the house during our weekly phone call.

  “I did,” I say, out of breath from running up the steps after starting a load of laundry. “He took it way better than expected. I think it was the fact that Mom and Dad forced it and they’ve been hiding the details from me, that helped. I’m not sure how he’d have taken it if I would have done it on my own.”

  “Don’t say that. I’m sure he understands completely, Wren,” she mumbles. “It doesn’t matter the circumstances, you were young. You needed to get rid of it.”

  “Lark, I know you’re looking out for me but it still hurts, years later. What Mom and Dad did was wrong. I should’ve at least been able to see my baby.”

  She falls silent and I shake my head. “Anyway,” I snarl out.

  “I booked my flight,” she says softly.

  “Ahh!” I belt. “When?! How long do I get?!”

  “I’m not sure how long I’m in town. It all depends on the trial and if I’m picked for duty, I guess. I’ll be in three weeks from today.”

  “And I’m picking you up from the airport,” I blurt.

  “Did you suddenly get a car I don’t know about?” She laughs and I join in, mocking her.

  “No… I have a ride.” I laugh. “I’ll have Lincoln come too. His car’s big enough.”

  “Oh yay!” She squeals.

  In three weeks I’m mingling my family and Lincoln’s. No biggie. Right?

  Fuck, I hope this goes well.

  One more month with the girl I’ve given my heart to and it’s turned into a struggle to get up in the morning and spend an entire day at work. Before Wren I was working long days and pulling longer nights with Carter and I loved all of it. Now, I need my long nights with Carter and her and the long workdays are draining. Ford’s been aiding as much as he can, but the books are my baby. I’d never let him touch them. I would much rather be home with Carter and Wren but she’s busy as hell lately, too. With summer wrapping up, these last few weeks have been busy with end of the summer field trips and pool parties that by the time she gets to my house in the evening she’s ready to pass out. She’s determined to work her hardest, all the while I’m determined to make her realize the daycare isn’t where she’ll hang her hat. She’s talented, she needs to be using her talents in ways that she can live off of.

  “The heat’s killing business,” Reagan blurts, storming into the West House. The very empty house that was supposed to be open to the public a few hours ago but with the AC out we’re currently sweltering right now.

  “Shop closed?” I ask, looking up from my paperwork. I need to find the money to fix this and soon, or else we’re going to just lose more business. No one wants to pay for a tour in a gross house when they can go down the street and visit the multiple other ones that are cool and smell way better. Plus, there’s a lot of weekend events planned that I need it cool in here for.

  “I had to. The chocolates were starting to melt and I was about to die.” She throws herself on the couch after grabbing an ice pack from my freezer in the staff room.

  “Dramatic much, sis?” I laugh, watching her shove the ice pack under her tank top.

  “I’m allowed to be. I’m a woman and my boyfriend broke up with me.” She growls.

  “Oh well…so sorry for…what’s his name? Pimple?”

  “Dot, you ass!” She throws her sandal at me and I can’t help but laugh.

  “You’re better off, Reag. That dude was a flake. I forbid you to date anyone with a name like that again.” I laugh, unable to calm myself when the look on her face twists.

  “I don’t know what I was thinking,” she groans.

  “Want me to kick his ass?” I hate the name, and the man isn’t much better, but I don’t like seeing my sister upset over a douche canoe.

  “Nah. He’d break a nail and start to cry. It’d be a lame fight.”

  She smirks and I see the dimple that
each of us kids has clear as day.

  “You’ll find someone. I have faith, you’re still young.”

  “You found your someone.” She grins and sits up, moving the ice pack to the top of her head. “Ford said you’re pretty serious.”

  I nod and take a drink of water, leaning back in my chair. “I am.”

  “Mom material?” She smirks and I chuckle.

  “I think so.” I nod, sliding the paper on my desk over and smiling at the drawing she did at my house a few weeks ago. She doesn’t know I took it…hell she probably forgot about it. But it’s beautiful and it’s my favorite thing to look at daily as I’m stuck here at the desk.

  “You think you know her well enough?” She narrows her eyes and I sigh.

  “What are you getting at, Reagan? Why the third degree?”

  “You understand we graduated together, Lincoln. The school was big, but not that big. I’ve just heard things.”

  “Like?” My ears perk up and though I want to be angry that my sister’s trying to break us up I know that’s not what this is. I know it’s simply because she’s looking out for me and Carter and I appreciate it…but I still hate it.

  “The baby thing?” she whispers and I let out a puff of air.

  “She’s told me everything. How about you don’t worry about us, ok?”

  “She threw away her baby!” she yells, standing up. “How are you ok with that?”

  “She didn’t throw it away,” I scoff. “Her parents gave her no choice.” I feel myself getting worked up over this. This isn’t a topic I feel like gossiping about.

  “She still let them do it. But if you’re ok with it,” she shrugs.

  “Enough,” I blurt. “She was young and her parents had the money and power that she didn’t have. I’m not sitting here bickering with you about this.”

  “Hey, I like the girl. I think she’s great for you. I just don’t want you getting hurt. I care about your dumb ass, big bro.” She stands and replaces the now melted ice pack to the freezer and smiles. “I’m going home. It’s too hot for this.”

  “I’m getting it fixed today. Back at work tomorrow, Reag.”

  “Speaking of getting it fixed, Dad’s almost done with the outside remodel. I think the historic committee’s going to be pleased with it.” She smiles.

  “Of course they would. Dad’s amazing.”

  “He needs to retire,” she says, sighing.

  “He will. I mean hell, he’s barely running this place anyway. Other than the remodel he hasn’t set foot in this office in a year. I’ve pretty much got all this under wraps with your and Ford’s help, so he’s good to go.” I shrug.

  “Mom would like it.” She grins. “We should throw him a retirement party!”

  “Okay, ya crazy youngster. No retirement party until he officially announces it.” I laugh. “Now out. I need to figure these books out to find the money and get this AC fixed.”

  “Later, bro.” She blows a kiss on her way out and I sigh, leaning back in my seat and grabbing the picture Wren drew at my house the other night.

  She was so deep in concentration I knew it would have to be something great. When she headed home the next day, finding that notebook was at the top of my list, and when I opened it I didn’t know what to expect. I’m thinking maybe a room, or a building…something historic. Probably because I’m a dork. What I saw, however, was a portrait of Carter that blew me away. The attention to the detail she put into it, in the short amount of time she had to work on it, is amazing. I’ve never seen a portrait done this fast look so amazing.

  I stare at it a bit longer and smile to myself. I need to get her in…somewhere. An art studio, commissioned for work. Something. She’s not helping herself, and I blame her parents for the lack of confidence, but I think I have the right connections that she needs.

  After an afternoon full of making calls and getting the AC repaired I sit down with my laptop and go to work shooting e-mails over to the few people I know will help her.

  It’s almost six by the time I get home with Carter from grabbing him from my parents’ house. My dad got to talking about the House and the AC problem we had today and from the sounds of it, my sister’s right. He’s ready to retire. A year ago he’d have been all over trying to fix everything and today he seemed pretty pleased that I was able to get it all done on my own.

  We eat a quick dinner consisting of college dorm food because I’m starving and don’t have the patience to cook a real meal. Carter doesn’t care, I have yet to find a food he doesn’t like. After dinner I let him play for a bit while I change out the laundry and smile when I pull out a t-shirt of Wren’s and smile. How is it all these small changes have happened in this short amount of time and I’m insanely happy about them. I mean, at this point I’d be happy with her living here full time, but I think it’s too soon. Right?

  “Carter, how about we go for a walk?” I say, and the minute he hears the word ‘walk’ he perks up and claps his hands.

  “Walk!” he screeches, running for his stroller. It’s adorable, and I almost feel weird having my kid trained to be as excited for a walk as dog is, but I don’t. I grab Yellow’s leash and bring him along, too. Old man needs some exercise.

  It’s not too hot outside tonight so I don’t feel like walking all the way to Wren’s will be a big deal for either the dog on the leash or the baby in the stroller. I’ll be fine…I’m too excited to tell her about the progress I made today.

  “Hey you,” I say when she opens the door. “Wanna take a walk?” I motion down towards the stroller and she smiles then leans down and pets Yellow.

  “I’d love to. Let me grab my shoes.” She runs to her room and Lucy slides to the door.

  “Hey,” she says, smiling. “How’s Carter? You ever thought of putting him in daycare? Our girls are amazing,” she hints, grinning.

  “Free childcare is way better than paid for services, but thank you for the offer,” I laugh.

  “Any time. He’s a cutie.” She leans down and pets Yellow, giving him lots of much needed attention. I roll my eyes, laughing when he rolls to his back so she can rub his belly.

  “Ready!” Wren blurts, storming past her. “Don’t wait up!” She yells back to Lucy and Lucy hums a sarcastic response.

  “It’s fine. I’m just preparing myself for the day you move out on me,” she says, huffing but grins at me. “I’m secretly stoked for the day,” she says, making my eyebrows shoot up and then her eyes go wide. “Oh shit…not like that. I love her. I just…I’m happy for you two. You know? I don’t want her gone, but I think she needs you and—”

  “Lucy,” I say, stopping her. ‘It’s fine. I get it.” I smile and she takes a breath, nodding.

  “Right. Sorry. Have fun.” She closes the door and I can’t help but laugh at her. I feel sorry for the girl. She’s nice, but she’s so awkward.

  “How was your day?” Wren asks, pushing the stroller. She even looks like a natural pushing a damned stroller. Carter loves her, too. He took a liking to her immediately but to watch how well they’ve bonded over the last few weeks is amazing.

  “Long. Hot,” I say, my eyes enjoying her ass in these tight black pant things she’s wearing.

  “Did you guys get the AC fixed?” She turns and smiles back at me then cocks her head and lifts an eyebrow. “Are you just back there to stare at my ass?” she asks, grinning.

  “Is that such a bad thing? I mean…it’s a pretty darn fine one.”

  “Assssssssss,” Carter says from the stroller and Wren busts out laughing then gasps.

  “Oh no, that’s my fault!” She says, halting the walk and spinning towards me, eyes wide. “Oh God I’m terrible!”

  “Trust me,” I laugh. “I’m fairly certain Ford taught him that word already.” I wrap my arms around her and she giggles.

  “It was pretty cute hearing it come out of a kid,” she whispers, sighing.

  “Hey speaking of kids…how’s the daycare going?” I ask. She pulls away
and nods, then grabs the stroller and starts walking. I can tell she’s deep in thought so I don’t push. I’m enjoying this time with her and Carter. She’s silent for the longest time before she speaks up.

  “Fine,” she finally says. “I mean it’s a job, right?” She shrugs and I nod.

  “Yea. That it is. Have you gotten anywhere with your art?”

  “Um…no.” she half laughs but stops short. “It’s hard in this area, you know? I mean, I don’t want to teach art classes, but aside from living on Ramen Noodles and selling art at the local craft fairs, what else am I going to do?”

  “You gotta think bigger than that.” I nudge her then take her hand in mine as we continue the walk back to my place. I never asked her if she wants to come back with me, but being that she knows the route and isn’t saying anything is a good indication she’s expecting it, too.

  “Bigger like moving to New York or Seattle, bigger? You’re trying to get me to move away?” She furrows her brows and I groan.

  “No, Wren. Bigger as in outside the box. Your box consists of teaching high school art or being famous in a big city. There’s more to being an artist than those two things.”

  “I feel like you’re going somewhere with this so just spill.” She smirks at me as we walk up on my house.

  “I made a few phone calls today and sent a couple e-mails. I’m waiting to hear back from one place so I don’t want to get your hopes up,” I say and she smiles wide.

  “Where?! Who? For what?!” she shrieks. I laugh and pull Carter out of the stroller as we make it to my porch. He runs up, Yellow right at his side, and the two of them run into the house as soon as I have the door open.

  “Calm your tits, I’ll tell you,” I laugh. The look on her face is adorable. She rarely gets this excited and usually when she does it’s either about me and Carter, food, or art.

  “I have a party tit. One of them that’s calm, but one of them that just parties all day long,” she says, jiggling her boobs and I groan, stepping closer to her.

  “You shouldn’t do that in front of me. Not with a kid running around the house. I can’t promise what I may do.” I press my lips to hers and pull her towards me, meshing her body to mine. She moans and her hands grip my biceps.