by Vera Quinn
“Whatever. One cunt is just like another. All you all do is lie.” Kaden grabs Rebels arm, and they are throwing punches. I back up. Ms. Audie is shoved against the wall. Brody gets up to help get Rebel out the door. Gracie is still just crying. Uncle Charlie gets Ms. Audie out of the way. Brody takes Rebel down to the ground with his knee on his back. Kaden handcuffs him.
“Kaden, get outside and let him go. If he comes back, then arrest him.” Uncle Charlie says.
“Bitch, I will be checking to see if you are pregnant.” Rebel spews out. I go over to Gracie and try to console her.
“I told Brody this was going to happen.” Gracie barely gets out. I hear yelling out the back door, and I go to look out the door, and I hear Rebel yell at Brody.
“I claimed Gracie, and she is mine. I’m not done until I say I am. Do you hear me, Brody? I will not stop until I have her back in my bed and then I will fuck her like any other cunt. She’s nothing special.”
Rebel is in love with Gracie, and that is why he is being such a jackass. He finally gets on his motorcycle and leaves. I know when I get back in that kitchen I am going to have a lot of questions to answer.
Kaden didn’t even know about my suicide attempt, and now everyone knows. Oh well. I am not ashamed of it. I just don’t like explaining things. I go back in and help straighten the mess. I know I am going to have questions to answer.
I see Gracie has gone. I know she has gone to check on her girl. She’s going to take this all on her shoulders. She needs to learn she cannot control everything or everyone. Yes, Gracie and Brody could have handled this a little better. Gracie has to protect her baby.
Uncle Charlie and Aunt Gladys are trying to console Ms. Audie. They have sat back down at the table. Kaden and Brody come back in, and Brody goes to find Gracie. He brings them back in the kitchen. Shelby is playing away in her high chair. We all gather around the table. Aunt Gladys gets up and brings back more coffee for everyone.
“I think we need to talk about what just happen. Rebel is pissed, and he is not just going to let this go.” Kaden says.
“I’ll leave if you want me to. I’m so sorry for what my boy said.” Ms. Audie says on the verge of breaking down again. Aunt Gladys grabs Ms. Audie’s hand.
“Ms. Audie you are part of this family and so is Rebel. He’s had a shock, and he is acting out right now. He will apologize later. He’s just raw right now.” I know Rebel didn’t mean what he said. It doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt hearing it.
“When are you going to quit taking up for that boy? You have been making excuses for him since you both were kids.” Uncle Charlie asks. I level Uncle Charlie with a stare.
“Do not judge someone until you can walk a mile in their shoes. Isn’t that what you used to preach Uncle Charlie? Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk.” I tell him.
“Damn girl, you aren’t here two hours, and you are already making me eat my own words.” Everyone gives a little laugh at that, and the tension is lifted just a little.
“Well, someone has to keep all you men in your place, or you all try to take over.” That even gets a smile out of Brody.
“I have missed you, sister,” Kaden tells me but then he goes silent, and I know what is coming. “Why didn’t you tell me about your depression?”
“I’d like to know that myself?” Uncle Charlie adds.
“Because I didn’t want to worry anyone. I thought I could handle it, but I spun out of control. Kevin helped me through it, but I just couldn’t see facing another day with all my failures. I had caused a mess with Brody. Rebel and I couldn’t even be in the same town together, and I lost the thing that made it all better. Millions of women carry their baby every day but I couldn’t. I couldn’t make a relationship work. I was so far away from my family. I just couldn’t see a way out or face another day. I took a bottle of pills with a bottle of booze and just went to sleep. Sleep was my only escape. Kevin found me and he made sure I got the help I needed, and he held my hand the whole way. That’s the reason when he found whatever he has with Sandra that I wouldn’t stand in the way. That’s all I am going to say on the subject. Everyone knows now. So let’s move on.” That’s all I can give them.
“Gracie and I got married on the way back here. It’s the reason it took us so long to get here. We went through Vegas. We are going to make this work. End of story.” Brody is always straight to the point. “Gracie and Shelby will be moving into my house today. It’s our home now. Everything that is mine is hers. Not only is Gracie my wife, but Shelby is my daughter. If anyone has a problem with that, then you won’t be involved in our life.”
“Well, since everyone is sharing heavy stuff today, Laurie’s just been diagnosed with cancer. She’s doing fine, and it is in the very early stages. She went for her annual check-up, and her pap came back abnormal. She’s going to have a hysterectomy as soon as they can schedule it. It is our choice. We don’t want to take any chances. I’m taking vacation time for the first two weeks, but I may need some help after that getting the boys to practices for their sports and other activities.” I knew something had been bothering my big brother.
“Good thing you have a nurse in the family and I will be available for whatever you need.” Things always work out for a reason.
“I’ll help, too.” Gracie puts in.
“Me, too.” Ms. Audie and aunt Gladys say at the same time. This is what family does.
“Kaden, you know we are all here for whatever your family needs.” Uncle Charlie says but then he looks at Brody. “Do you know if Gracie is pregnant with Rebel’s child yet?” I think if Gracie could go under the table, she would. Her face is bright red, but she lifts her head and looks at Uncle Charlie.
“It’s too soon, but if I am, I would never keep his child away from him.” She looks at Uncle Charlie and Ms. Audie. “We only had sex once, so the odds are good I’m not but we did not use protection so the possibility is there.” Gracie goes quiet.
“I knew about the possibility before we got married and we will cross that bridge if we have to. It has nothing to do with our relationship. If Gracie has another child, I will love him or her just like Shelby.” Brody tells everyone. Good for him.
“Fair enough. So will we then.” Aunt Gladys says
“Gracie I love you, either way, sweetie. I understand your choices so don’t ever worry about me. If you have my grandchild, it will be lucky to have you as a mom.” Ms. Audie says. “What about that Giles woman and Shelby? Rebel said he was dealing with it.” Gracie looks surprised at this.
“I haven’t heard anything about anything. Lorraine hasn’t contacted me, and Mr. Lemons said he hadn't gotten anything from her either. We talked to Mr. Lemons on Wednesday so I could get some paperwork done on Shelby.” Gracie says.
“Gracie is having the paperwork done so if anything happens to her that I have guardianship of Shelby. I am also going to adopt Shelby. Mr. Lemons is taking care of all the legalities. I’m also having my will redone.” Brody takes Gracie’s hand, letting everyone know they are in this together. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Gladys look at each other and have one of those silent conversations only a couple who know each other so well and who have been together for years can have.
“Gracie, welcome to our family. You and Shelby have been in our hearts since the day you arrived here, and now you have become our family legally.” Uncle Charlie expresses his love for the addition to our family. Aunt Gladys goes and hugs Gracie, and so does Ms. Audie. Kaden pats Brody on the back and then shakes his hand. I go and get Shelby out of the high chair. We have some peace for a little while anyway.
“Gracie, you and I are going to have some girl talk while we pack you up,” I tell her.
“Gladys and I will watch Shelby. We have missed her.” Ms. Audie comes around to take Shelby out of my arms.
“I guess that means I am helping move boxes,” Kaden tells Brody.
“That leaves me with kitchen clean up, and I will go down and get some ribs to
cook for tonight. We can have a family dinner. Kaden, call Laurie and get her and the boys over here. Audie, can you fix some of that potato salad of yours and maybe some deviled eggs?” Uncle Charlie wants Ms. Audie to know she is welcome. She has always been family and will always be family.
“You know it, Charlie. I’ll fix us a peach cobbler, too. I have some peaches I put up and it won’t take no time.” Ms. Audie says.
“I’m going to get some packing boxes. Jilly, you going to be with Gracie?” Brody asks me.
“I’ve got our girl. Go do your thing.” He’s saying his goodbyes. I get Kaden off by ourselves.
“Check on Rebel. He needs a friend right now.” Kaden looks at me and shakes his head.
“I’ll do it Jilly, but you need to keep your distance from him. He’s always been poison for you.” That’s my brother.
“Just check on our friend. He’s hurting right now, and Kaden, don’t arrest him. Take that Sheriff hat off and put on your friend hat.” He laughs and walks out the back door. I wait for Gracie. She comes over to me, and we go out the back door. I see Brody is already going in his house. I pull Gracie over to me by her arm, and we walk beside each other.
“Come on sweetie, it is time for some girl talk, and you have to tell me exactly how Brody talked you into marrying into this crazy ass family.” We walk towards my childhood home and the home I have missed so much.
Chapter 17
Lorraine
My son has done the unthinkable. He gave away one of our own because there was no payoff for him. I can’t believe the idiocy that comes with the male gene in the Giles family. I have a granddaughter. There has not been a female child in our family, but yet they want to shun her. I won’t have it. Nor will I have our blood raised by that twit of a woman.
My cheating husband is going to receive exactly what he deserves today. People think he is the driving force behind our family and enterprises. Our sons are led around by their father, and he has made them weak. He gives them bread crumbs of power and keeps them on leashes by financial power. No more. Today I take my family back. I have all the money and votes to take over Giles Enterprises. Donald will be left with his latest whore and the clothes on his back.
My sons will now have to prove their worth or get out of my way. Lincoln, Scott, and Reginald have only the family property they have been deeded, and the homes we built them. None of the three have had the inclination to really learn anything about how our company was founded or operates.
They have families to keep appearances up, so they will fall into line as soon as they know I hold the purse strings now. Kendall has an addiction he needs to lick and then we will be getting his daughter back. He has always been the son that wanted more. Not that he was interested in actually working hard for anything. He just doesn’t want to take orders from anyone, and he has an eye for the best things in life. His weakness is the same as his father. He likes cheap women. Gracie is the perfect example and now Steffie. What kind of name is Steffie, and who names their daughter Shelby? Breeding is everything.
While Donald has slept his way through all the women in our office, I have lasting relationships with board members. Where Donald lavished his many conquests with gifts of jewelry and trips I saved and invested my money wisely. Tonight he loses everything, and I gain it all.
Tomorrow I start planning the demise of Gracie Roberts. Gracie’s family is gone. Kendall has signed his rights away. If something accidently happens to Gracie, of course, the child’s blood relative would be considered for placement. The right money in the right hands and I have my start of a new family. A family that will set the business world on fire. Shelby has the breeding and bloodline. I will have her educated and teach her everything she needs to know. The Giles family will be strong again. No one will stand in my way. Especially not Gracie Roberts.
Chapter 18
Gracie
Jilly and I walk into the house that has become my home so fast. Now I’m leaving it, again. I know it is a good move this time, so I have made my peace with it. Jilly wants girl talk which is code for she wants to make sure my head is in the right place. Jilly is always going to be a mother hen, but I am happy to have her in my life. I need to talk this out anyway. I think I have thought this out, but I am beginning to doubt my decisions. We make our way into the living room, and she pulls me down beside her on the sofa.
“Okay, spill it. Why did you decide to marry Brody? You’ve known each other, what, two seconds? Don’t get me wrong; Brody is a good man, but you already had sex with Rebel, too. Where’s your head?” Jilly asks. These aren’t questions I haven’t asked myself.
“When Brody tracked me down he convinced me. I’m going to talk to you about this, but please, try to understand. I did not do this without a lot of consideration.” She’s patiently waiting for me to spill it. “This is hard for me so could you wait until am finished to ask me questions?” I have worried about how everyone would take this.
“I promise Gracie, and I would never judge you, babe. You have been through hell, and you are allowed to live your life your way and on your terms.” That’s my best friend that I have missed.
“I had a great day with Rebel which I told you some about on the phone. That night we had sex. I thought we were making love, but if I had learned nothing from this but this one thing, it is it was only sex for Rebel. After what he said earlier.” I look at Jilly, and she looks like she wants to say something, but I go on.
“He got called away and when I woke up that Jade woman was in bed with me and she was between my legs. I freaked the heck out. She told me that Rebel expected it to be the three of us. Rebel and I had unprotected sex. I got the heck out of there, and I was freaking the heck out. When I got home, Lorraine had been here and left me a note. She wants Shelby, and I have no way of fighting her money. I panicked.
“Mr. Lemons said I had custody of Shelby so I could go wherever I wanted, but he had no idea I was going to run. He thought I was referring to moving to Winnsboro away from our home. I got away from Kendall by running the first time so I thought I could run again but apparently I am no good at hiding because Brody came after me and found me.” I finally slow down and take a breath.
“He was so patient with me. Shelby was having a bad week teething, and she wasn’t able to get down and play when we were driving all the time. She was cranky and not sleeping and I was a walking zombie. I missed my home here and everyone here I have come to love. Brody came in like a white knight and took over. He explained what Mr. Lemons was talking about and I called and talked to Mr. Lemons. He said as long as Shelby is in a safe, stable home that Lorraine doesn’t have a leg to stand on.” Jilly is nodding her head like she understands.
“After I had calmed down, Brody told me he knew most of what went on with Rebel, and he didn’t like it, but he still loves me. He said he still had feelings for me since he first saw me and when he heard that I ran he knew it was love.” I grab Jilly’s hand, and I want her to understand this next part. It is important to me. “I told him I don’t love him yet. I am attracted to him, but I don’t love him. I was very honest Jilly. I told him I thought I could be with Rebel, so I don’t even trust myself right now. He says he understands that and he wants us to build a family together. We haven’t even made love yet. He says he can wait and he wants to wait until I am ready.” I wait for Jilly’s response.
“Well, wow. I knew Brody had feelings for you. I can tell he loves you, but he is so gone, isn’t he?” Jilly is bubbling with happiness. “He’ll be good to you Gracie, but please don’t hurt him. If you decide you can’t make it work just be honest with him. I think you’re wrong about Rebel, though. Don’t get me wrong, Gracie. Rebel was a total ass today, and he had no right to say the things he did to you or me either one, but he was hurting because he loves you, too.” Jilly is always fair and it what makes me love her so much.
“I didn’t mean to hurt Rebel. I can’t do the things that Jade said. I was cheated on by Kendall, and I c
an’t live that way. A relationship is two people.” I slow down because I am getting upset. “When I was growing up we didn’t have a lot of money. My parents both worked and they always acted like we had to save for tomorrow but I always knew they loved each other and they loved me. I may be a little naïve, but I want that kind of life, and I want that kind of love for my daughter. I think that Brody and I can have that together. I don’t think I could ever trust Rebel’s lifestyle. I’m not judging his lifestyle. I just know what I can and can’t live with.” Jilly smiles at me.
“You’re not that scared woman I put in the truck with my brother months ago, but you have lost something, too. I love you, Gracie. There is something about you that reminds me of me. You have to get that strong girl back. These alpha men will run over you if you don’t. You are strong. If not the shit you have been through would have defeated you, but it didn’t, so get that strong, invincible woman. Put on your big girl boots and kick these men in the ass. Let me think.” Jilly looks in thought. Jilly is still just as outspoken as always. I have missed her. “How long ago did you have sex with Rebel? Have you ovulated yet?” I know my face is bright red.
“It’s been about fifteen days, and I think I ovulated. Things have been kind of crazy.” I tell Jilly. Trying to think about my cycle. I was trying to keep up with it so I could keep a close watch on it in case I didn’t have my period.
“Then we can go and have a blood test done,” Jilly informs me.
“I thought I had to wait until after I missed my period. It’s not due for another day or so.” I’m not very up to date on this kind of thing. I miss my mom at times like these.