by JA Johnston
I tried to mingle, somewhat? Some boys tried to get my attention, but I wanted to be by myself in order to figure out who I am and what I wanted to do. The one thing I knew for sure was that I was not going back to the Bennett house. In order to do that, I needed my own money. So, I began working odd jobs. Then finally at a day care center. That’s when I met Piper, and my life changed.
Adams’ parents asked me if there was anyone I would like to invite. At the time, they asked, I didn’t. But then a few days later, after carefully sorting through my thoughts, I asked Adam what he thought if I invited Grams to try to reconnect with her. To renew our relationship. This time, there are no responsibilities to keep me from her. I wonder what she will think of me? How will she respond when I tell her I run an escort company? Will she be judgmental? I don’t know, I don’t know this woman. But I feel this strong pull to be involved with her.
We arrived early, but not too early on Thanksgiving morning, greeted with warm welcoming embraces. Their family home is filled with delicious cinnamon smells. I help Jennifer in the kitchen, which is something I haven’t done since I was very little. Loving memories of my mother and grams return.
“Oh, my dear sweet girl, you still manage to get some ingredients in the bowl, while wearing a majority of them on your clothes.” I hear a small warm voice say from the doorway.
I turn and see her. Her hair has faded, it’s not bright red anymore. Her warm brown eyes still look at me as if I’ve hung the stars. “Grams”. When I was younger and I watched the movie, “The Parent Trap”, I thought she looked a lot like Maureen O’Hara. Of course, since then, I always imagined her in that way.
Grams enters the kitchen and embraces me. She leans back and cups my face with her hands. “You look so much like your mother. I am so happy to be here with you.”
“I am so glad you came. I wasn’t sure if you would.”
“Of course, I would, my only grandchild wanting me to join her for Thanksgiving. All these years I’ve celebrated with cousins or my neighbors.” She says in a loving sincere tone.
Jennifer clears her throat behind me. “Grams, this is Jennifer Hunter.”
“Hello, Mrs.?” Jennifer looks to me.
“Oh, I haven’t been called Mrs. Lane in a long time. Please, my name is Eileen.”
“Welcome to our home Eileen. This is my husband Nicholas.” Jennifer introduces him as the men enter the kitchen. “My youngest son, Ben.”
Grams welcomes their embraces. “Grams, this is Adam. The one I told you about on the phone the other day.” I’m holding Adam’s hand, squeezing the hell out of it. He squeezes it back and looks at me. I don’t know why I’m so nervous about her meeting him.
Grams smiles at Adam, then I see something flash, almost a recognition in her eyes. “Nice to meet you, young man.” Grams turns to me, “How long have the two of you been together?”
“Six months” I say while looking into Adams’ smiling eyes. He returns my smile.
“Oh. And the two of you are already living together?” she asks. She seems worried, concerned.
“Yes, after much persuasion on my part. But I think the break-in at her office, convinced her.” Adam says.
“Break in? Amelia, we have so much to catch up on.” Grams now seems worried and pained.
“Adam, why don’t you take them into the living room. Can I offer you some wine, Eileen?” Jennifer asks sweetly,
“Yes, please. Thank you for inviting me into your home. I’m sorry if I seemed momentarily at a loss. It’s just that,” she looks at Adam, “you look a lot like someone I should know.”
Adam just smiles. “Well, if you ever figure out who I look like to you, be sure to let me know. Who knows, I could be related to them.” He says jokingly.
“What?” Grams is so confused.
“Oh, you!” Jennifer giggles, as Nicholas pours the wine.
“Forgive my brother’s attempt at humor.” Ben interjects. “We’re adopted. So, when someone says that to us, we try to joke about it. We love our parents.” He says as he gives Jennifer a hug.
“That still doesn’t forgive how I acted. I’m sorry, I do hope you accept my apology.” Grams says sincerely.
“I hardly noticed.” Adam shrugs. “Now, ladies, if you will follow me.” He gives a slight bow and waves his arm towards the living room.
After a delicious meal, we followed it up with coffee and pies. Then we all made our way to the living room. Jennifer is a wonderful hostess. Everyone shared what they were thankful for and Grams said, “I am thankful to be here celebrating with my granddaughter.” She teared up while looking at me with tenderness, “I have missed you so much. You have grown into a beautiful woman, and I am proud of you for everything you have accomplished.”
“Oh, Grams!” Now it’s my turn to get misty eyed. “I am so thankful that you are still accepting me to be a part of your life, after not being there for so long.” I turn and look at Adam, “I’m thankful for you, my superman!”
After everyone has had their laugh at that, Adam says; “I have never been more thankful than the day that I landed you on your ass at the waterfront trail.” He looks passionately into my eyes. “That day changed my life. I was intrigued by a blue-eyed goddess. Amelia, you have changed my life in such a short amount of time.” All of a sudden, he kneels down in front of me, on one knee. He takes hold of my left hand, “Amelia Cierra Bennett, will you marry me?”
My hand is shaking, tears are swelling behind my eyes. My breathing has become heavier, he asked me to be his wife, to be his forever, us together. “Yes.” I say in a labored whispered tone.
Adam places the ring on my finger as he stands and pulls me into his arms. “I didn’t think you would cry.” He whispers into my hair.
“You want me? Forever?” I ask with a trembling voice.
“Only you. Only you Amelia, forever.” He takes my lips in a warm sweet kiss. My hands are wrapped around his neck, his hands on my waist.
“Well, I know that I am thankful that I am getting a daughter-in-law.” Jennifer cries out. “I am so happy. You have no idea.” She states as she pulls me from Adam and hugs me.
I am then passed to Nicholas and Ben who are also thankful that I am joining their family. It is a strange feeling to be wanted. Growing up, I never felt this.
As the afternoon turned to evening, we drove Grams home to Garrett Island. Her car would not start, so it would need to wait to be towed from the Hunter’s driveway in the morning. Grams and I sat in the back seat together, talking, laughing, crying, the entire way. We pulled up to her two-story Victorian home. When I walked through her front door, all the happy memories I savored came rushing back, filling me with love and warmth.
I wrapped my arms around my shoulders, giving myself a hug. Grams walks towards me and puts her arm around my shoulders. I lean my head onto her shoulder. “It’s the same.” I whisper.
“I don’t need change my dear. This home is filled with many moments that are happy and sad. I cherish all the happy ones, and pray for the ones that make me sad.” She pulls me tighter, “And to let you know, it works. I’ve been praying for you.”
“Eileen, you’re home.” I hear a deep voice behind us. Beside Adam is a man, tall with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. “And who is this?” He asks looking at me.
“Oh Bill, do you not recognize Amelia?” Grams says smiling at the man.
“Amelia, no? Courtney’s little one?” He smiles at me. “You have certainly grown up. You’re not a little girl anymore.”
“Amelia, this is my neighbor, Bill Wagner. When you were little you would play with…”
“Dan and Sam.” I cut Grams off. Shaking my head and smiling, “I remember.”
“Bill, this is Adam, Amelia’s fiancé.” Grams waves her hand in Adam’s direction.
Adam sticks his hand out, “Adam Hunter.”
Bill shakes Adam’s hand in return, “Bill Wagner.” He turns and looks at me, then back to Grams, “Didn’t know if you
had dessert, Judy wanted to invite you over when she saw you return.” He looks back at me, “You are welcome too of course” he adds with a smile. “All three of you.”
“Thank you, but we do need to get home.” I turn to Grams, “I love you, and I will call you tomorrow to make plans.”
She grabs me in her arms in a strong embrace. Whispering into my ear, “I am looking forward to spending quality time with my granddaughter. I love you, my dear.”
On our way home Adam asks, “Are you related to the Wagner’s?”
“I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”
Shaking his head, “just asking.”
Seventeen years, eight months
I SURVIVED! I survived Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. Of course, I’m as big as a house now. But the way that Lucas looks at me, you wouldn’t know it. Whenever I see him watching me, I am filled with warmth. His eyes cannot hide the love and desire emanating from them. I haven’t seen my feet since the baby shower, and even then, it was difficult.
The holidays were upon us so soon after the baby shower, that I have not had time to dwell upon the information Grandmother unleashed on me. I have wondered and written down questions to ask. To whom I should ask, I don’t know. Grams thinks she has something of mom’s, but she’s not sure. I’m not sure who mom’s friends were in college to further the investigation either. I’ve decided to wait until after the babies are born to further my investigation.
Today, I am thirty-six weeks pregnant. My doctor has assured me that the babies are growing normally even if I don’t feel them moving around as much. My blood pressure has been normal, thank goodness.
Lucas has been helping me a lot around the house and with my daily routines. He is even helping me in the shower because he’s terrified that I may slip. I don’t think I will, but I’m not complaining. Thankful for a huge shower, my husband bathes me from head to toe. Our bathing sessions quickly turn into love making sessions. I am going, to be honest, I am glad for that. With how big my stomach is, leaning over holding onto the shower bar makes it more enjoyable.
Then there’s Sam. She’s been a big distraction. Learning about her relationship with a married couple surprised me. Now she has learned that they are thinking of having a baby and she’s confused as what this means for the three of them. But she said, she knew it wasn’t a lifelong thing. Her attention since New Years has been directed towards Benjamin Hunter. I hope to see her tonight at the Winter’s Ball to find out what is going on with them.
The Winters Ball is a fundraiser that supports research for Alzheimer’s’. The founders, Mr. & Mrs. Bragg, began this when his mother was diagnosed, which progressed aggressively. Mr. Bragg shares the story of his mother, and her decent into this horrible decease. How it has affected him and his family.
My gown is royal blue with an empire waist and cap sleeves. I had to have it hemmed to ankle length. Lucas insisted that it would be another fall hazard if I hadn’t. The man has become obsessed with the idea of me falling. I have not done that in months, and when I had, someone was always around to catch me it seemed.
I find myself standing alone for a moment while Lucas is getting us a drink. I’m looking for Sam. At that moment, I feel a hand on my stomach and a little voice says, “You sure have a huge tummy.”
I look down and see a beautiful little strawberry blonde-haired girl. I smile, “Yes, I do.”
“Do you have a baby in there?” she asks.
Smiling, “Yes.”
“My Aunt Susan has a baby in her tummy, but it’s not this huge.” She states in a shocked tone.
Trying to stifle a laugh, “I have two babies in my tummy.” I inform this little inquisitive girl.
“Wow! Two babies. How do they fit in there?” She’s staring at my stomach in awe.
I let out a chuckle, “I’m sure they are beginning to run out of room in there.” I look around, who does she belong to? I don’t see anyone looking for her. So, I ask, “Who are you here with?”
“My mommy and daddy, gramps, Uncle Brian and Aunt Susan.” She looks up at me, “You’re pretty. Are you a princess?”
I smile down at her, “No, are you?”
“When I grow up, that’s what I am going to be, a princess. Princess Aubrey.” She states with a curtsy.
Oh, my goodness, she is too cute. “Princess Aubrey, that is a beautiful name.”
“What’s your name?” she asks.
“My name is Amelia. How old are you Princess Aubrey?”
“I’m six years old.” She rubbing my stomach again, “Can your babies hear us? My mommy says she talked to me when I was in her tummy. Do you do that?”
“Yes, I do talk to them.”
“There you are, Aubrey. You were supposed to stay with gramps.” This woman is obviously her mother; she looks like a grown-up version of Aubrey. “I am sorry if she’s bothering you.”
“No, she’s not. She’s quite entertaining.” I smile at her. “I’m Amelia Bishop.”
“I’m Ailene Bragg. I was just talking with Lucas.” Ah yes, they own the PR firm that represents LARBB. She smiles at me. “Lucas told my husband and I that you were expecting. By the looks of it, seems to be soon.”
“Yes, my due date is February tenth. But I will more than likely go in before that, I’m pregnant with twins.”
“Now that he did not share with us.” She looks down and notices Aubrey still rubbing my stomach and talking to it. “Aubrey, what are you doing?”
“Mommy, you said that you talked to me when I was in your tummy. She said she talks to her babies too. So, I wanted to talk to them.” She states in a matter of fact tone.
Shaking her head, “You can’t just touch other people’s bellies. It’s not polite.”
“Oh.” She looks up at her mother, “I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”
“You need to tell Amelia, you’re sorry.”
With the sweetest saddest face and puppy dog eyes, Aubrey looks at me, “I’m sorry for touching your belly without asking permission.”
“I accept your apology.” I smile down at her. “She’s a very sweet girl.”
“Yes, she is.” She smiles, “Oh, here come our husbands.” Lucas and another gentleman, approach us. Lucas places a kiss on my cheek while handing me water. “Amelia, this is my husband, Thomas Bragg.”
“Nice to meet you, Amelia. Lucas here hasn’t stopped talking about you. How are you feeling?” he asks while holding onto my hand in his two large hands.
“I feel great. Ready for these two to make their appearance.” I smile into his amusing eyes.
“We have four children, I’m not sure if you can ever actually be ready. Each one of our children has been a new learning experience for us.” Ailene smiles up at him, “And I wouldn’t change it. They are all a blessing.”
After talking for a while, we all make our way to our assigned seating. I am happy to see Sam and Ben at our table along with Adam, who’s solo. “Why didn’t you bring a date?”
Adam looks at me, “I’m not dating anyone.” He shrugs his shoulders, “I suppose I could have invited someone, but then I would be obligated to make small talk with them.”
“Is small talk such a terrible thing?”
He chuckles, “No, but I think there will be enough people around this table for me to talk to.” He winks at me.
“Are you implying that I talk a lot?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.
“Adam would never imply such a thing, now would you dear?” Jennifer Hunter says as she takes a seat next to her son.
“Mom, you’ve met Amelia twice. I’ve known her for a couple of months now and she doesn’t stop talking.” This causes everyone at the table to chuckle.
“Seems my best friend has you figured out already too.” Lucas leans towards me and whispers into my ear.
“I don’t talk that much.” I whisper back and look at him. “Do I?” As soon as I ask that, someone catches my eye beyond Lucas. My blood freezes, as I see him. His dark wavy ha
ir, stocky build, and his arrogant smile focusing in on me. I’m vaguely aware of Lucas talking to me.
“Amelia, what is it?” He asks and looks over his shoulder in the direction that I am looking at. “Who is that?”
Goosebumps appear on my arms and chest as I see his brown-eyed gaze lingering on me. I hear my heart beating in my ears as memories of him surface to the forefront of my mind. Him grabbing me into his embrace and crashing his mouth onto mine, unwelcoming. His left hand has both my wrists restrained above my head while his right hand is wrapped around my throat. His deep voice whispering into my ear all the things he was going to do to me.
“Amelia” Lucas’ hands are on my shoulder. “Look at me.” I look into the concerned eyes of my husband.
Before I can answer him, a deep voice shakes me to the core. “Hello, Melia.” David Sawyer is standing beside my chair. I cringe at that name. This is the closest I’ve been to him since that night. “How have you been?”
I cannot bring myself to look up at him. I don’t even know how to respond to him because I never imagined ever seeing him again. My eyes are locked with Lucas’, pleading with him to see the fear that is in me. I feel the touch of a hand on my shoulder, a touch that is not my husband’s. “Cat have your tongue, Melia?”
Lucas sees and feels me cringe under David’s touch. He stands, “Lucas Bishop. And you are?” He says firmly.
I can feel David’s eyes are still on me, his hand squeezes my shoulder. He does not remove his hand as he responds, “Melia, you have horrible manners. You should be introducing me.”
Adam is standing on the other side of me, mirroring Lucas’ stance. “I’m Adam Hunter. You didn’t answer Lucas’ question, who are you?”
“Melia, seems you haven’t learned any manners in all these years. These men want to know who I am, you should introduce me.” David is squeezing my shoulder so tight, that I wince.