Breathe

  “No buts.” Rafe stops us, grabs me by the shoulders and turns me so we're facing each other. “What's the deal, Gracie?”

  “Things are screwed up right now. With Kennedy. With Patrick. There’s a Rebecca out there somewhere. I just need some time before I can answer.”

  “Fair enough.” He nods. “Let's get something to eat and send you back to the big boy so he doesn't go tearing through this place looking for you. Lord knows he'd rip some new assholes if he couldn't find you.”

  AFTER A DELICIOUS DINNER of hospital food (insert sarcastic voice here), Rafe and I make our way up to Kennedy's room. The door is open and as we get closer I can hear talking. Loud talking. Yelling almost. I stop Rafe just before the doorway and we eavesdrop like a couple of teenagers spying on their parents.

  “I told you to leave. We don't need you here.”

  “I have the right to be here,” an unfamiliar voice responds. “I'm his mother.”

  Rafe and I gasp in unison.

  “He's mine. You have no rights to him Rebecca.”

  “And whose fault is that. Did you even stop and think that I didn't ever want to give up those rights?”

  “Don't say it. Not in front of him.”

  “What is she talking about dad?” Kennedy pipes in.

  “Not your concern, little man,” he says calmly to him.

  “It sure as hell is his concern. He deserves to know why I haven't been in his life.”

  “Rebecca!” Linc growls. “I said not now. He’s too young to be hearing things like that. I think you should leave. The last thing my son needs is stress while he's trying to recover.”

  “He's my son too, Lincoln! I care about him, too. I deserve to be here as much as you do.”

  “Then where have you been for the last ten years, Rebecca? I'm only going to say this one more time. You need to leave.” Linc throws his arms out towards the door and glances to where I'm standing in the doorway. His head does a double take. “Grace.”

  Rebecca's head whips around. “Ah. The perfect little princess is making an appearance.”

  This bitch has claws.

  Just breathe.

  Linc stomps over to me and envelops me in his arms. He turns his head to Rebecca. “Do not speak to her. She has been more of a mother to Kennedy than you ever have or ever will be.”

  “Again, Lincoln, whose fault is that?” She locks eyes with me. “Did he tell you our little story? Did he tell you about how he got Kennedy?”

  I hesitantly nod and look up to Linc. “I don't think we should be talking about this in front of Kennedy.”

  “I don't think you should be talking to Lincoln about our son. This is a family matter and doesn't concern you,” Rebecca snaps.

  “Rebecca, she's family,” Kennedy responds.

  All three of us turn to face the broken boy in the bed.

  “She's family to me. That should count for something.”

  Linc shifts his gaze from Kennedy to me. His smile is so wide it reaches his eyes. “See. I wasn't lying when I said he loves you.”

  “He loves her?” Rebecca asks in a whisper.

  Kennedy nods without hesitation. “I do. She lets me stay at her place on the weekends. She makes dinner for me. She lets me play video games all day. She takes me to her brother's hockey games. She helps me with my homework. She lets me watch boy movies and never complains. She just wants to spend time with me.” He grins. “And she loves my dad.”

  Rebecca's head drops. “I see.” She steps towards the door. “Lincoln, can I speak with you in the hall?”

  “Only if Grace comes with.”

  She sighs and nods. “Fine.”

  “We'll be in the hall for a few minutes, little man. Why don't you get some more rest.”

  “Okay, dad.” He smiles. “And Grace, I meant all of it.”

  I go to him and kiss his forehead. “Thank you. I love you, too.”

  Linc and I step out of the room and shut the door behind us. Rafe has conveniently disappeared. I'm a bit shocked seeing as he's so damn nosey.

  “What the hell is this, Lincoln?” Rebecca throws her hands in the air. “She worms her way into your life and Kennedy's. What chance do I have to get either of you back now? This bitch has taken everything from me.”

  My mouth drops open but nothing comes out.

  Linc steps up and gets in her face. “That's enough, Rebecca. Grace didn't worm her way into my life. I brought her in. It even took some convincing on my part.” He steps back from her and snakes his arm around my waist. “Who Kennedy and I decide to bring into our lives is our choice. Mine and his. And we choose Grace.” He looks down at me. “We will always choose Grace.”

  “He's my son too, Lincoln.”

  “Only by blood,” he bites back.

  She sucks air in between her teeth and begins to cry. “How can you do this to me? You know what I went through back then. Your father forced me.”

  “Bullshit. You were of legal age. You could have made the decision and said no.” He lets out a small laugh. “You took the money and handed him over.”

  She steps closer to him. “I had no choice. Grant would have ruined me. Ruined my family.”

  “Then I guess Kennedy and I weren't worth fighting for. Money has always been a priority to you.” Linc turns to me, grabs my hand and starts for the door. “I screwed up my life and I refuse to let him have a life like mine. I'll never walk away from him. I'll fight for him every day and I'll fight for Grace every day. They are my life now.”

  Rebecca reaches out for him. “Lincoln, wait.”

  He stops short. “I have nothing left to say. You need to leave.”

  She turns on her heel and begins to step away. Shifting her head and looking over her shoulder she says in a soft voice, “It wasn't supposed to be Kennedy.”

  “What?” Linc question.

  Without a second glance, she leaves us.

  A deep breath leaves Linc’s mouth.

  “Are you okay?”

  “She did nothing to me Linc.”

  “You weren't supposed to see her. She showed up out of nowhere trying to stake a claim on him. I won't let her. He's my son. She gave him up. She said she didn't want to be a mother.” He throws his hands in the air. “Where was she when I tried to contact her for five fucking years. And now that I'm happy and wanting to start a family with the woman I love, she suddenly wants to come back? It doesn't work that way. I'm not playing games with my son's life. When it comes to that boy,” he points to the door, “nothing else matters. And nothing can or will stop me from protecting him.” Linc leans against the room’s door rubbing the back of his neck with both hands. He stares at me with eyes so intense I may start sweating.

  After a few moments, he drops his arms to his side and nods towards the door.

  I nod back.

  He's sleeping peacefully when we enter the room. This is a tough kid. Not only did he get shot and survive, but now his estranged mother comes barging back into his life. He valiantly tells her that he loves me. I just learned about him being Linc's son yesterday and already he wants me to be a part of his family. This boy is amazing.

  “Since he's resting, I'm going to go home for a while. Do you want me to bring you anything?”

  “Don't go. I need you here. Kennedy needs you here.”

  “Linc, I can't just sit around watching him or you. Let me go home and get things ready for him. I'll bring you some dinner and a change of clothes.”

  He pulls me into him and squeezes with everything he has. I reciprocate. “You're too good for me Grace.”

  I shake my head against his chest. “I'm not.”

  “You are. And you're perfect for Kennedy.” He leans back and kisses me lightly on the lips. “Think about what I asked you earlier. When I made those promises, I meant them. Every single one.”

  I push against his chest and walk out of his embrace. “I will. Just give me time. Please?”

  “I'll give you anything you ask.”
r />   I gently smile and quietly leave the room.

  I hope the son of a bitch that did this to that little boy gets hung up by his balls and beat to a bloody pulp. Whatever caused all this, needs to be fixed.

  The sooner the better.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Cleaning and organizing sucks. I usually have Rafe to do this for me. I'm doing it alone because I need something to keep my mind off of reality for a while. Miles called a while ago and said he, Landon, Parker and Daddy would be stopping by in a bit to discuss some things with me. I’m not particularly excited for that visit.

  Kennedy is going to stay where Linc's office currently is. It's perfect for him. It's next to the bathroom and right across the hall from Asher. Moving Linc's office crap into my office is turning out to be a horrible experience for me. He's got a lot of random shit. His weight bench and other manly workout stuff are a bitch to try to move. Not sure why he even has it since he owns a damn gym.

  I'm taking a hiatus from work for a while so I won't need to be in there much anyway.

  Christmas is in two days and both families have decided to not bother Linc and I since we’re getting ready to bring Kennedy home the day after. We'll most likely spend Christmas eve and day at the hospital with him. Linc has gotten him a whole load of stuff perfect for a ten-year-old. Linc's parents have gone overboard on the gifts as well. Daddy gave him his gift at the hospital last night. He got him a new hockey stick. Daddy overheard Kennedy asking Asher all kinds of questions about what it takes to play the game. Looks like we'll have even more games to go to next season.

  Taking a break from moving all of Linc's stuff around, I decide I should go and see the boy. I gather up some of Kennedy's favorites for lunch and head out to the hospital.

  Once inside the giant building, I stroll down the hall saying a hello to all of the nurses that I've become familiar with in the last week. As I near Kennedy's room I hear a familiar female voice. I can't make out what she's saying but it can't be good.

  I slowly open the door and can hardly believe my eyes. Silently, I set the bag of food on the ground and start to fidget with the lily charm as I stare in disbelief.

  Linc and Rebecca are locked in an embrace. He's sliding his hands up and down her back and she's got her head buried in his chest sobbing. I briefly break my stare and glance over at Kennedy who is fast asleep.

  “It wasn't supposed to be like this,” Rebecca squeaks out between hiccups.

  “I know. We'll work it out.”

  She shakes her head side to side and cries harder. “Hold me tighter please. I just...I need to know it will be okay.”

  He moves one of his hands to her hair and begins to stroke. “It’ll be okay. I won't let him get to you. I'll take care of it.”

  I can't stand here and watch this anymore. “Who are you saving her from? And what are you taking care of?”

  They both stop and stand stock-still. “Shit,” Linc mumbles.

  “Yeah, shit.”

  He drops his arms from around Rebecca and moves towards me. “It's not what it looks like.”

  I raise my hands to stop him from coming any closer. “Classic. Thank you for the very cliché statement.”

  Rebecca turns around and stands next to Linc. She links her arm through his. He doesn't acknowledge her or move her arm. It's like he can't figure out what I'm doing here. He's so still it's almost like he's physically unable to move.

  “What's going on here?” I manage to get out calmly.

  Linc finally notices her arm and detaches it from his. “Rebecca was just filling me in on a few things regarding Kennedy.”

  “Really?” I ask as I fold my arms across my chest. “And what would those things be?”

  Rebecca looks at Linc. He nods towards me as the “go ahead” signal.

  “Well,” she sighs, “I was just telling Lincoln about how I think we should be a family and he was agreeing with me.”

  Linc whips his head around and grunts.

  “I see.” I turn on my heel as fast as possible and haul ass down the hall to the elevator. As I impatiently wait, I hear Linc running down the wide hallway and a click of heals quickly following.

  “Grace, wait!”

  I don't respond.

  “Lincoln, let her go. She gets it now.”

  The doors open and I jump in. Just as the they close me in, Linc and Rebecca come into view, but they're too late.

  “Damn it, Rebecca!” I hear Linc yell and a loud pound sounds on the other side of the doors as I start to descend.

  The ride home is quiet. Too quiet. I get out my cell and call Rafe.

  “What's up, Gracie?”

  “Rafe, I think he's leaving me.” Tears begin to slide down my face.

  “What? I don't understand.”

  “Me neither. I went to the hospital to see Kennedy and found Rebecca and him hugging.”

  “I'm not following. A hug is harmless.”

  “When I questioned it, she basically said they are getting back together for Kennedy. Linc didn't say anything. Not a damn word. I'm losing both of them to that stupid bitch.”

  He gasps. “Are you sure? I mean, just a few days ago he asked you to marry him.”

  “Yeah, but I said no.”

  “You didn't say no, Gracie.”

  “But I didn't say yes!” I yell.

  Rafe goes silent.

  “I just got home. I'll call you again later.”

  He sighs again. “I love you, you know.”

  “I know.”

  I'M IN THE APARTMENT by myself. Asher is off with Amy and Daddy somewhere. Thomas is in his own apartment. It's just me sulking and feeling bad for myself. I can't believe this is happening.

  Again.

  My mind can’t decide if it really is happening or if I’m being dumb and jumping to conclusions.

  This whole situation really sucks.

  I still blame Patrick.

  Stupid Patrick.

  Loud pounding startles me from my hate-filled thoughts.

  I slowly make my way to the door as the pounding continues.

  “Hold on. I'm coming.” Jesus. No patience. I unlock the deadbolt and yank the handle. “Seriously. You two need a lesson in waiting.”

  “Sorry, Gracie. I just got a call from Linc from the hospital and we're anxious to tell you about what we know.” Miles scoots past me, but not before giving me a kiss on the nose. Landon follows him in and plants one on my cheek.

  “Hey, Gracie.”

  “Hi boys. Can I get you anything before the smell of poop fills the room?”

  “No,” Miles screeches out. “Let's get to it. There's a lot to tell.”

  I follow them into the living room.

  “Shouldn't we wait for Dad and Parker?” Landon addresses.

  Miles huffs. “They'll be here in a bit. Let's get the Rebecca related info out first. They don't need to hear about that part.”

  “Right.” Landon looks to me with a serious face. “Are you ready, Gracie?” he asks as he pulls me down to the couch beside him.

  “I don't know. Am I?”

  Miles claps his hands once and sets his elbows on his knees. “So. I told you Linc was in Boston for the few days we couldn't find him and you now know why.”

  “Rebecca.” I curl my lip in disgust at just the mention of her name. It's immature, I know, but I can't help wanting to cut that bitch.

  “Yes, Rebecca. Well, apparently, she knows our dear friend Patrick.”

  My mouth opens and closes on its own accord. I try to ask questions but I don't know what to ask.

  Landon pipes in. “He's been in constant contact with her since early November. We think that Patrick had something to do with her going to Boston and coercing Linc into meeting her there.”

  “Exactly,” Miles exclaims. “Kennedy was the perfect excuse for her to lure Linc out of town. Talking about how she wants Kennedy in her life and how she wants the three of them to be a family was the perfect set up.”


  “In reality, she wanted none of that. Well, the family part at least,” Landon adds.

  “What? That's not what she said at the hospital today.”

  “We know what happened today, Gracie. It really wasn't what it looked like.”

  “How do you know, Landon? How do you know he was telling you guys the truth?”

  “Because there's a lot more to this story.”

  The front door opens and Daddy and Parker walk in with Asher and Amy in tow. Briar is a few steps behind them.

  “Family meeting time,” Daddy jokes. Once he notices our somber faces his smile fades. He bends and kisses me on the nose before sitting on the short end of the sofa with Amy. Asher plops down on the floor next to the coffee table across. Briar goes to Miles and sits on the arm of the chair next to him.

  “So, what did we miss,” she asks.

  Miles catches them up on the short conversation we just had. “So, onto Patrick.”

  “Yes. Patrick. He’s been a busy little bee as of late.” Landon laughs sarcastically.

  “Don't be a tool, Landon,” Miles breaks in. “Anyway. Patrick is the one who sent the pictures.”

  I take in a sharp breath. “But... I... He...”

  “He's basically been stalking you, Gracie,” Miles blurts out.

  “I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you, Gracie,” Daddy says sadly.

  I look to him. “You didn't know, Daddy.”

  He weakly smiles back at me.

  “Gracie,” Parker speaks up. I turn to him. “He's also behind the beat down that Linc got outside his gym.”

  I feel my face drops. “He is?”

  “Yeah,” Landon confirms.

  “I can't believe this. How could he?”

  Miles clears his throat. “One more thing, Gracie.”

  No. The thought just popped into my head. But it can't be. He wouldn't do that.

  Miles takes a second to gather his thoughts and words before he continues. “He's also behind Kennedy's shooting.”

  Hearing it out loud, coming from my brother's mouth is a shock, even though the thought had already entered my mind. My body tenses and I start to breathe quickly. Too quickly. I can't catch a decent breath. I'm gasping for air and I can't seem to get any to enter my lungs.