Echo (The Butterfly Series Book 3)

by Isabella Redwood

  ‘I think travelling light is a thing of the past,’ I joked, as our belongings teetered on the conveyor belt to board our flight.

  ‘I wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Cross replied, kissing me and led us through security to our gate.

  The flight there was relatively straightforward. The twins slept most of the way and I had managed to cope without taking more pain medication, wanting to have a clear head for when we arrived.

  The seaplane was an experience and we both looked in amazement at the scenery as we passed.

  I could see Lexi and JC on the dock as we stopped. They waved madly and I climbed off the plane falling into her welcoming embrace.

  ‘Welcome home.’ Her voice raw with emotion as she helped carry our things up to the house. Nicholi had joined us in the hauling process and as we rounded the corner, I saw her home for the first time.

  ‘Jesus, Lexi, this is extraordinary,’ I exclaimed, staring wide eyed and opened mouthed at the property before me.

  ‘Make yourself at home.’

  Lexi helped us inside and showed us to our room. I could not believe how exquisite everything was and knowing my sister had built this herself, never more proud.

  After unpacking and settling the girls down, I tucked into the meal Lexi had made for me and devoured it, with an extra serving.

  ‘I have sure missed your cooking.’

  Cross nodded in agreement, and turning to Nicholi, he too was nodding, reaching to kiss Lexi’s hand.

  ‘She is very gifted,’ he praised and the look that passed between them had me turning the same fuchsia colour as the flowers on the side table.

  Cross and Nicholi left to take a walk with JC and I sat while Lexi cleared up, her refusing for me to even load a dish in the dishwasher.

  ‘Rest, you will no doubt be up tons later in the night. Enjoy it while they are sleeping.’ She peeked at the twins who were nestled in their bouncer seats. ‘They are so beautiful and the perfect combination of you both. Little heartbreakers there for sure,’ she gushed and I nodded in agreement.

  ‘Lexi, there is something I wanted to ask you, while we are alone,’ I began, nervous, but reassured in the knowledge that she would not answer if she did not want to. She had not changed that much to be a complete mystery to me.

  ‘After everything that happened, my memories are so messed up, yet yours seem to be intact. I don’t know whether it is a side effect of us switching places and the extreme circumstances of what happened, but part of my memories are yours, part are completely gone and I wondered if you knew why?’

  I was not sure whether knowing would help, but worth a try.

  ‘I think it is the drugs they gave you, after,’ she advised and I stalled from my next question.

  ‘They drugged me?’ I replied, completely confused as this had never been mentioned before by my father or any of the doctors.

  ‘Yes, it explains why everything is so unclear. I saw a therapist, after.’ She sighed and her hands were wringing as though she did not know whether to continue, or it was causing her pain to remember.

  ‘I think they could help you.’

  I felt instantly relieved. ‘That would be great if you could give me their information.’ Ever hopeful there was a chance.

  ‘They are amazing if anyone can, it is them,’ she confirmed, getting up to make us hot chocolate, as I once again felt exhausted.

  ‘So you and Nicholi?’ I asked, unsure, but curious and hoped it was not a huge mistake to bring it up.

  ‘We are taking things slow.’ She poured marshmallows into our cups and added spray cream.

  ‘I hope things work out for you together. You deserve all the happiness in the world.’ I took a sip and tried not to count the calories.

  The boys returned shortly after and excusing myself, I went to rest with the twins. Cross followed and helped while I took a shower. We curled up together in bed and despite my exhaustion; I longed to be with him again, completely.

  ‘Hey, stop looking at me like that. You know we need the all clear from the doctor first,’ he scolded playfully as I pouted and threw the covers over my head.

  ‘Soon, I promise. Trust me; I am counting the hours, minutes and seconds too.’ He leaned on one arm, his taut muscles making my stomach ache with longing.

  ‘Did you and Lexi have the opportunity to chat?’ he asked curiously and I filled him in on everything I had discovered about being drugged and her therapist recommendations.

  ‘It makes sense,’ he sighed and I watched as the guilt washed over him, leaving nothing but inflammation.

  ‘Hey, no. Don’t go there,’ I ordered pulling him into my arms and pushing away all the negative feelings the mention of his mother generated.

  ‘I promise you for as long as I live I will do everything in my power to make up for what my mother stole from you,’ he urged, eyes pleading and soul open.

  ‘Just being with you, knowing we are all finally safe is all I need.’ Our mouths met until the passion threatened to consume us and Cross pulled away.

  ‘I need a cold shower,’ he joked, sauntering off to the bathroom and I giggled overflowing with happiness.

  Turning on the crystal bed light I surveyed the room my sister had picked for us. The panoramic windows with a love seat wrapped around it. The delicate colours and furniture complimenting the feel of the home, vintage yet nautical.

  I marvelled at her accomplishments. Seeing all the butterflies and the nautical theme I knew were for our mother and Seth. I sighed as I pictured them here. Mother would be so proud and dad would be completely shocked. Relishing the thought of how wrong he had been. I was the star child, the glowing beacon of hope and Lexi was the black sheep. Looking around now, he could not have been more wrong and I once again giggled.

  ‘What are you laughing at?’ He pounced on the bed and tickled me so much I woke the twins laughing so hard.

  ‘Diaper duty for you,’ I ordered, passing him Daisy whose diaper was particularly stinky and he took it on like a champion.

  ‘I have never been so happy. You have made all my dreams come true, now it is my turn,’ Cross proclaimed and I smiled shaking my head.

  ‘You got that backwards. Now it is my turn.’

  **

  SEVEN

  THE RING

  The house was the most it had ever been occupied and I lay listening to the new sounds all around me. I could hear in the distance a tiny cry. My mother’s intuition knew that it was the sounds of a colicky baby and I was resisting the strong urge to go help.

  Not wanting to interfere unless she asked I proceeded downstairs to make myself some warm milk and hope that Sophia would seek me out. It still felt strange to call her that, but everything was so different now and it was just one of the many things I had to get used to.

  Hearing footsteps behind I turned round and smiled as Nicholi approached me, arms open.

  ‘Couldn’t sleep?’ he asked, kissing my neck and making me wish I had opted for cold milk instead, my skin on fire with his touch.

  ‘I could hear one of the twins, but didn’t want to interfere.’ I poured us both a cup and handed him the cookie jar.

  ‘You are not interfering. I’m sure she would want the help.’

  I couldn’t help smile.

  ‘What?’ he replied puzzled at my reaction and I dunked my first cookie, treasuring the melted chocolate in my mouth.

  ‘Trust me, as a new mother, you don’t want people interfering. If she asks for my help, that is totally different, but until then. Cheers,’ I announced, clinking our glasses together and sitting down at the breakfast bar.

  ‘It is strange, a little, having them all here. But not in a negative way. Just something to get used to,’ he mused as though thinking aloud.

  ‘I know, and it will get easier. I’m sure,’ I urged, maybe more to convince myself than him and quickly looked up as Cross entered the room.

  ‘Hey, Lexi, Nic.’ He walked to the fridge and grabbed some bottled wate
r.

  ‘Everything okay?’ I asked, unsure, but couldn’t help it.

  ‘Yes, Daisy is a little colicky, but Sophia is doing great with her.’ He took a couple of cookies out of the opened jar. ‘Thanks,’ he grinned and left with his supplies to return to the mother of his babies.

  ‘I should have known she wouldn’t need me. She is a nanny, for goodness sake,’ I chided myself and shook my head feeling particularly stupid.

  ‘Even experienced people need a little help from time to time.’ Nicholi reached over and pulled me to sit on his lap. I snuggled into his neck and felt so comforted. He certainly knew the right thing to do in any given situation and I once again marvelled at how lucky I was.

  ‘I’m going to try to get some sleep.’ I yawned and suddenly felt exhausted. ‘Want to come with?’ A slight smile edged across my lips as he paused to process momentarily.

  ‘Er, nope,’ he laughed, kissing me gently on the lips and placing his cup in the dishwasher took my hand. ‘I will escort you to your room, though.’ He led me upstairs and kissed me once again on the hand as he walked slowly to his room. I watched as he closed the door and flopped onto my bed.

  Waking the next morning and realising it was ten am and I had overslept made me jump out of bed and quickly get dressed. I could hear Nicholi and JC in the kitchen and Cross was just coming from the basement, laden down with supplies in one of the picnic baskets.

  ‘Morning, I hope you don’t mind me borrowing a couple of things. There are not many shops around here,’ he chuckled, clutching the goodies as I eyed him curiously. A bottle of lemonade, strawberries covered with chocolate, and some fresh flowers he had taken from the orangery.

  ‘No problem at all. Planning something special?’ I asked, giving him the knowing look as he blushed and confirmed all my suspicions without words. ‘Oh, I’m so excited,’ I squealed, jumping up and down and remembered I needed to lower my voice. ‘Does she have any idea?’ I whispered; conscious she could hear and did not want to spoil anything.

  ‘Not as far as I know. I would show you the ring, but I want Sophia to be the first to see it.’ The happiness exuding from him and it was highly contagious.

  ‘Oh course. I cannot wait to hear all about it. I will leave you to it. Good luck.’ I was suddenly too excited to keep still and almost bounced like a cartoon character into the kitchen.

  ‘Good morning, you should have woke me up.’ I kissed both JC and Nicholi on the cheek and poured myself a cup of coffee.

  ‘I thought you deserved a sleep in.’ Nicholi came up behind me and my body tingled in readiness.

  ‘Thank you.’ I planted a chaste kiss on his lips and proceeded to check everyone had enough to eat. JC was happily finishing his fruit loops watching cartoons and I was trying to figure out whether to tell Nicholi the news. Deciding I would, I gestured for him to follow me out onto the deck.

  ‘Everything okay?’ he asked, furrowing his brow and taking my hands ready to be hit with something awful.

  ‘I have some news. Technically it is not mine to tell, but I hate keeping secrets from you.’

  I realised now more than ever how true that statement was. It killed me to not tell Nicholi instantly everything I was thinking and feeling. An odd yet delicious feeling at the same time.

  ‘Okay, you have me intrigued. What is it?’ he questioned and I suddenly felt uncomfortable. Should I be so excited to share this, knowing their history? Was I deviously trying to gauge his reaction, or was I just genuinely excited for them.

  ‘Er, well. I saw Cross coming from the basement with an array of picnic items. He was clearly planning a romantic gesture,’ I paused, letting the cogs turn and process.

  ‘Yes, I figured that would happen soon.’

  To my relief, he did not look at all crestfallen.

  ‘What? Was this a test, Alexa Thomas?’ He pulled me closer to him and I suddenly flushed.

  ‘No, I don’t know. Maybe a little.’ I looked down, feeling immensely guilty and rightfully so. My desire and need to be wanted and needed, suddenly at the forefront of everything, particularly where Nicholi was concerned.

  He shook his head as though it was the most ridiculous thing ever and kissed me longingly.

  ‘Why would I care when I have everything and everyone I ever dreamed of right here,’ he declared looking at JC and wrapped his arms around me tightly.

  ‘Me too.’ I reached up to meet his lips once more and was getting a little carried away when I heard footsteps approaching.

  ‘Sorry to interrupt.’ Sophia looked a little embarrassed, but not upset. For the second time today, the relief washed over me, like a fountain pouring its sparkly clear, fresh, revitalising water over me.

  ‘I was wondering if I could raid your closet?’ she asked, patting Daisy gently on the back in motion to the baby sway she was now no doubt an expert at.

  ‘Sure, of course.’ I almost bounced over to her, letting Nicholi’s hand go reluctantly as he smiled at the two of us together.

  ‘What?’ I asked as he stared at us with an expression I could not place.

  ‘Nothing, just, I don’t know how your parents didn’t see it. You look completely different to me.’ He shook his head in utter amazement. I looked at Sophia and we both shrugged in unison.

  ‘I have pictures from back then. Maybe we should put it to the true test,’ Sophia joked, and I nodded cheekily.

  ‘Okay, closet time.’

  I offered to take the baby from her and she smiled as I gasped at how little she was.

  ‘Oh, Sophia, she is such an angel,’ I gushed, kissing her on the head and inhaling the baby smell that was the ultimate scent. ‘Did you get any sleep?’ I asked, concerned, but not wanting to push myself onto her.

  ‘A bit here and there, but I’m fine. I don’t want to let them out of my sight for a second.’

  I wholeheartedly understood.

  ‘I remember the feeling very well and it doesn’t change.’

  I waved at JC as he was helping Cross in the kitchen with something. They had markers out and as soon as Sophia turned round, they immediately moved away from view. Thankfully, she did not notice.

  ‘Alexa is stirring. Will you be okay with Daisy for a minute?’ she asked and I knew she was doing it more for my benefit than her own.

  ‘Yes, please,’ I joyfully confirmed, sitting down cooing over my beautiful new niece.

  ‘That is the perfect picture,’ Nicholi spoke softly, his voice husky and I turned to meet his eyes.

  ‘Do you want to hold her?’ I gestured for him to join me on the deck swing and he sat down next to me, gently rocking her back and forth. ‘That is the perfect picture.’ I scooted closer to him and kissed his cheek.

  ‘Okay, shopping time,’ I laughed, taking the baby back and smiling as he looked at me so longingly. ‘What?’ I asked, curious to know what he was really thinking, and he just shrugged it off nonchalantly.

  ‘Nothing,’ he sighed and I watched as his eyes truly revealed his thoughts.

  Heading upstairs, I sighed deeply. I knew what he was thinking, us together, more children. It was everything I wanted too, but remembering what the doctor had said after JC, that pregnancy could be very dangerous, I shook my head blocking it out. If I were ever so blessed to have Nicholi, then no matter what, we would have more children together. We had been through so much; it was the least he deserved to have the family he longed for.

  Re-joining Sophia and Alexa, I led us all into my bedroom and revealed the closet of clothing she could choose from.

  ‘Holy Crap, there are so many.’

  I bowed my head in shame.

  ‘Yes, too much. So anything you want, it is yours,’ I offered, perusing the options and picking some things that I thought would fit the occasion. Obviously, she had no idea, which just made it even more fun.

  After selecting the outfit of her choice, she teamed it with the necklace I had bought for her and hiking boots.

  ‘Not the most glamorous, b
ut certainly practical,’ she laughed at the ensemble as she nursed the twins.

  ‘Can I do your hair?’ My voice was low and uncertain until the radiant smile only she could pull off ploughed over me.

  ‘I would love that,’ she gushed and I set to work, curling and teasing. I completed my look with some shimmery lip-gloss and a touch of mascara.

  ‘There, perfect.’ I turned her round so she could survey the masterpiece.

  ‘You did a great job, thanks so much.’ She touched the side of her eye swiping her finger across slowly. Her bruises were fading, and the sparkle she had was returning each day.

  ‘I just want you to know, how proud I am of you. Everything you have accomplished and how you have dealt with all the struggles. I did not know how to bring this up, so I’m just going to say it. I have an account for you. Firstly, to make up for the money I found in my bank account that I know you put there before New York. But also to help you and the babies with whatever you need,’ I began, but stalled as her face changed from content to simmering within seconds.

  ‘Thanks, but I don’t need your money. I will provide for my own family,’ she muttered and stormed out of the room.

  Returning to Nicholi and JC I watched Cross leave with his family and tried to play games and act as if everything was fine.

  We decided to take a walk by the lake and JC had run off ahead throwing stones into the water as Nicholi stopped and I turned around.

  ‘So are you going to tell me what is wrong?’ he asked and I felt the tears escape without the strength to stop them. ‘Hey, it’s okay.’ Nicholi held me close as I wept for the sister I had and lost and now she had returned, yet we were a million miles apart.

  ‘I wish I could believe that, but nothing will ever stop me from being a colossal idiot and saying the wrong thing at all times,’ I whined, regretting ever bringing it up and wishing I had just not bothered.

  ‘Firstly you are not a colossal idiot and secondly you were only doing what you thought was the right thing,’ Nicholi urged and I shook my head in disagreement.

  ‘I offended her by offering her money. She had gotten into debt for me putting money into my college fund. After everything that happened, I couldn’t have gotten through without that initial help with living expenses and hospital bills. She made me able to have all of this and I just wanted to repay her,’ I explained, still reeling from her hostility and it stung more than I ever thought possible.