Mastering Macie [The Men of Treasure Cove 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Rebecca Joyce

  How did this happen? Taking a deep breath, she asked. “So, how are they?”

  “The oldest is doing well. He is breathing on his own. He is bigger than his brother by a full two pounds. The docs are saying he will be able to come home with us.”

  “And the other?”

  “I don’t know anything yet. They are still running tests.”

  “Boys, huh?”

  “Yep, two of them,” Matthew whispered. “Look, Macie. I get it. It is a lot to take in. One minute you’re cooking dinner. The next you have two kids shoot out of your hoo-hah. I am still in shock, too. I never thought at my age I would be a father again, but I am. Hear me when I say this. I am not going anywhere, and neither is Andy. We will be with you every step of the way.”

  “Wheelchairs and all?” she asked sarcastically.

  “Wheelchairs? Hell, woman, I am getting me one of those Hover Rounds. I’m gonna have Peter over at Cove’s Auto Body soup the darn thing up. We can get Andy to carry the oxygen tanks.”

  It was at that moment, Macie felt the full weight of what being a mother meant. Sleepless nights, the feedings, doctor appointments, dentists, schools, clubs, sports, it all became too much as her mind reeled at what was before her.

  Unable to stay calm, she burst into tears.

  Sobbing for a life that was no longer her own, her loss of freedom, but mainly at the chance to be a mother. She never thought she wanted to be one, but now faced with the opportunity, she couldn’t wait to embrace motherhood. She only prayed that her body allowed her this wondrous adventure.

  She didn’t stop Matthew when he pulled her into his arms. Hugging him to her, she clung to him. She needed his strength right now, more than ever. She never understood why he stayed around, after all the mean and hurtful things she had done to him over the last year. Yet, every time she turned around, he was there with his arms wide open.

  Life had dealt her some hard blows. When Matthew walked back into her life, she swore she would not fall under his spell again. It took her several years to let go of the hurt and pain she harbored when he left so many years ago. Then, one day unexpectedly, he appeared, changing her life forever. If she knew then what her future held, she honestly didn’t know if she would have stayed the course.

  It was one thing to allow two men into her life without any inclination of a future, but to solidify her to them by bringing two children into the mix was unthinkable. Her life was no longer “me and I,” but now it was “we.” Two innocent lives were now a part of the chaotic mess that was her life.

  Lost in her own indecision and grief, she never heard the door open. However, when another set of arms held her, something inside her calmed, as if everything was going to be all right. Looking up, she smiled through her tears at Andrew.

  “Hey, Macie May,” he said, wiping her tears away. “I brought you a young man who would like very much to meet his mother. You think you’re up for some company?”

  Nodding, she took a deep breath, sitting up as Matthew fluffed her pillows behind her. She watched as Andrew walked over to the small enclosure and lifted the lid. Gently, he took the small infant from his bed. Walking toward her, he smiled and placed the tiny baby boy in her arms. The moment she cradled him close to her, the baby opened his eyes. Macie’s heart fell utterly in love with her son.

  Gone were the indecisions, the worries, and the fears, replaced with love and hope for the future. Amazed at how small he was, she gently laid him between her legs. Carefully she unwrapped the blanket cocooning him. He never cried or whimpered. He just looked at her as she touched every finger, every toe. His skin, soft like silk, smelled fresh and clean. His little head was covered in a tuff of blond curls, but it was his piercing deep blue eyes, the eyes of his fathers, that spoke to her soul. He knew her as she knew him. He was hers. They belonged together, forever.

  “You, little man, caused a mighty stir. No more sneaking around, okay?” she whispered softly in a soothing voice. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. So like his fathers, but yet, she saw a bit of herself in him.

  He was beautiful.

  “So, any ideas on what we can call this one?” Matthew asked sitting down next to her, wrapping his arms around her.

  “I haven’t thought about that. I guess we do have to name him, don’t we?”

  Laughing, Andrew, sat at the foot of the bed, touching his son’s head. “Unless you want everyone calling him ‘little man,’ which I wouldn’t suggest. Too much of a stigma related to that. So, I think a name might be in order.”

  “I’ve never named a baby before,” she admitted, looking up at them. “What do you suggest?”

  “Typically the first male is named after his father.” Matthew grinned innocently.

  “Great! His name is Andrew.” Andrew smiled.

  “We could always name him after one of the dads, either Edward or William,” Matthew suggested.

  “Great, I can see it now, little Eddie and little Willie,” Andrew groaned. “There is no way any son of mine is going to be called little Willie.”

  Macie wasn’t listening to either of them. Her attention was solely on her little man. His strong grip wrapped tightly around her finger. Moreover, when he yawned, he did so with vigor and life. He reminded her of two men, who also had those similar traits, and she loved them dearly. Looking up at her men, she said, “How about Collin and Trace after my uncles?”

  “Jeff and Caleb’s daddies?” Matthew questioned.

  “Yeah.”

  “Those two men were hell raisers. Strong and defiant. I remember them always protecting and fighting those they loved. They saved my ass a couple of times, too. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to have my back but those two. I like it. What do you think, Matty?” Andrew asked.

  “Collin Matthew Jenkins. Has a nice ring to it.” Matthew grinned, triumphantly.

  “So does Trace Andrew Jenkins.” Andy smiled just as wide.

  “You mean Collin and Trace Owens.” Macie smiled, knowing that would put their hackles up, and it did, in record time.

  “Woman, have you lost your ever-lovin’ mind. They are our sons, and they will have the Jenkins name. I mean it, Macie. They ain’t no Owens,” Matthew argued, jumping from the bed, pointing his finger at her.

  “Technically, Macie isn’t married to either one of us. Therefore, technically the hospital will give him the last name of the mother.” Andrew winked and smiled at her.

  “Fuck that! Where’s that preacher who lurks these halls. I know there is always one on duty. Andy, go find his ass and drag him here if need be. Macie is getting married, and our sons will be named Jenkins if I have anything to say.”

  “Watch your mouth, brother. Besides, we still have a little bit of time, and you still need to ask Macie. With all that shouting, I wouldn’t be surprised if she hauls off and slaps you silly before she even utters the words ‘hell no.’”

  “Andrew’s right, Matty, I never wanted to get married, let alone be a mother, but now I am one. Let me deal with one thing at a time before you go making any more demands of me, okay?”

  Before Matthew could say another word, the door opened up and in walked three doctors and a nurse. Macie could tell by the look on the doctor’s faces that whatever they had to tell her wasn’t good.

  Standing to greet them, she watched as Andrew shook their hands and then proceeded to introduce them. “Macie, this is Dr. Gavin Rayburn. He is a neonatal cardiologist. He has been taking care of baby number two.” Macie looked at the tall, caramel-skinned man. He was something to look at. Chiseled jaw, strong nose, and full, luscious lips. She smiled at him when he stepped forward to shake her hand. His grip was firm but gentle, and she felt confident this man knew a thing or two on how to set a woman’s heart fluttering.

  “Close your mouth, honey. You’re taken, remember?” Matthew whispered in her ear.

  “Not until there’s a ring on my finger,” she whispered back, smiling as Andrew introduced the next doctor.

  �
�This is pediatric specialist, Dr. Colby Whitmore. He runs the neonatal unit and takes care of all the general needs of the babies. And last but not least, this is Dr. Nicholas Whitmore, from obstetrics and gynecology.”

  “Wow, and y’all came to see little ole me. I’m flattered.” She grinned, flirting with them, giving them her undivided attention.

  “You’re about to be spanked if you don’t knock it off,” Matthew muttered, but Macie heard him loud and clear.

  “Wait a minute. You said their last name was Whitmore. Any relation to a Jordan Whitmore?” she asked curiously since the two men with blonde hair and blue eyes bore a striking resemblance to Braxton and Charlotte’s husband.

  “Yes, ma’am. Jordy is our baby brother,” Dr. Colby Whitmore said.

  “Didn’t see you gentlemen at his wedding. Why?” she asked.

  Groaning, Andrew sat back down on the bed while Matthew picked up Collin, gently swaying him. Andrew knew what she was doing. Though now wasn’t the time for idle chatter, he chose not to redirect her attentions back to the problem before them. If Macie wanted to gossip and be oblivious for a minute to gather her wits about her, then he wasn’t going to stop her, but he stood with Matthew on the flirting. Her ass was going to be redder than a rose when she was free and clear to resume her extracurricular activities.

  “Jordy got married!” Nicholas asked with a shocked expression. Macie watched as both brothers looked at each other in confusion. “But he’s gay!”

  “Yep, he sure is. In addition, here is another shocker for ya. Not only did he marry a man, but a woman, too.”

  “I knew he was just bi!” Colby said, punching Nicholas in the arm. “Wait till I tell Trevor and Dillon. Those idiots owe me fifty bucks.”

  “As interesting as this gossip fest is, can you please tell me what is wrong with Collin’s brother?” Matthew asked, breaking the cheerful moment. Macie turned to him, sticking out her tongue.

  “Ms. Owens, we have run a battery of tests, and it looks like baby number two has what we call patent ductus arteriosus or PDA,” Dr. Gavin Rayburn said, cutting to the chase.

  “What the hell is that?” Macie asked, grabbing Andrew’s hand for support.

  “It’s a heart problem that affects some babies soon after birth. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. These arteries are the aorta and the pulmonary. Before birth, a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus connects these arteries. Now in normal cases, within minutes or up to a few days after birth, the ductus arteriosus closes. This is normal in newborns. However, in some babies, the ductus arteriosus remains open, which allows oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery. This can strain the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries.”

  “Can you fix it?” she heard Matthew ask.

  “Yes, sir. PDA is fairly common. We are going to start your son on a round of medication. Now, if that does not work, we can do some more invasive procedures, such as a catheter or worst case, surgery. He is very small, and I would like his weight to come up a bit in case the medication does not work, but I am hopeful it will. Andy, I will keep you posted, and you have my numbers.”

  With that, Macie watched as the man left, never giving her a chance to ask any more questions. Looking to Andrew, she couldn’t say anything.

  “It’s going to be all right, Macie. He will respond to the meds, and he will be just fine. Babies with this condition grow up to live happy, normal lives with no side effects. Just breathe, honey,” she heard Andrew say, but her mind was in a whirlwind.

  “He’s right, Ms. Owens,” Nicholas said. “Jordy was born with the same condition, and you’ve seen him. He is just fine, isn’t he?”

  Nodding her head was all that she was capable of right at the moment. Looking at Collin, she couldn’t imagine a smaller baby than him, but according to Doctor Rayburn, his brother was smaller and sick on top of everything else.

  She should have known she was pregnant. What kind of woman doesn’t know she’s pregnant? If she had known, maybe the doctors could have prevented this. She did so many things she wasn’t supposed to do in the last eight months. Hell, not more than three weeks ago, she and Sophie dipped into Ms. Anne’s private tobacco. She partied and drank. She lifted boxes that she never should have. She didn’t eat properly, rest or exercise, and she never took one damn prenatal vitamin. This whole time, she lived her life as she wanted, and now, a child that she helped create was lying in an incubator, fighting for his life, all because she was too selfish to do the right thing.

  “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, looking away. She couldn’t stand their stares. She knew they were judging her. Everyone judged her since the day she was born. Everything she did in her life, she did because she wanted to, never caring about the consequences, and now, she had to face the piper.

  She had caused this.

  It was all her fault.

  “Ms. Owens, this is not your fault. Nothing you did caused this. It just happened,” Colby said softly.

  “He’s right, Macie. This isn’t your fault,” Andrew reaffirmed, gently stroking her hand.

  “I want to be alone please,” she murmured.

  Chapter Twelve

  As Matthew walked toward the door, the nurse that accompanied the doctors smiled at him, ushering him toward the incubator. Laying his son gently back in his bed, the nurse smiled and slowly rolled Collin back to the NICU with Andrew and the other doctors following. Matthew felt bereft without him in his arms. It took everything in him not to chase down that woman and snatch his son back. Leaning his head against the wall, he closed his eyes and wondered how it was he found himself in this place.

  He had missed every bit of Emma’s life. Denied the privilege of raising his daughter, her mother took the choice away from him before he even knew she existed. Though he suspected it was her word against his, and when she married Glenn McKenzie, all thoughts of ever having a relationship with Emma was over. Resigned to his fate, he fled Treasure Cove like a coward, unable to stand the thought of his child being raised by another man. Therefore, he left behind the only family he had ever known. He left his family home, turning his back on everything he had ever loved.

  The hardest was leaving his brother. There were times, still today, that Matthew would swear Andrew hadn’t fully forgiven him for leaving like he did, but his brother never said a single word. Andrew had always kept his emotions and feelings shielded from others, and Matthew was no different. There were only a handful of times that he could ever remember his brother breaking down, trying desperately to express himself. Even when he did, it was sporadic and hard to decipher. After settling in California, he had tried to reconnect with his brother, but Andrew wanted nothing to do with him. When their parents died, he tried to help with the burial and services, but Andrew wanted none of his pity money. Soon after that, Matthew gave up, resigned to living alone.

  That was until he had an unexpected visitor.

  Working in Los Angeles, he never expected to see Isabella McKenzie walk into his office, let alone ask for help. The day Isa came to see him changed him forever. He finally had all his answers. After confirming that Emma was indeed his and Andrew’s daughter, she dropped the biggest bombshell of them all. His parents had already known.

  Apparently, his mother had suspected Emma’s parentage and asked Isabella for a paternity test. When the results came back positive, his parents spent as much time with their granddaughter as possible, until their deaths, even leaving Emma as their sole heir to the Jenkins farm. With documents in hand, Isabella asked Matthew to protect Emma’s heritage. After that day, Matthew kept a watchful eye on his daughter from afar. Even when Isabella took Emma to Nebraska, he was aware. That was until Emma disappeared. It took him seven years to locate her after that, finding her back in Treasure Cove and in trouble.

  He knew his daughter was going to need him. So packing up the documents her mother gave him, he h
eaded back home. Though he was happy to get the chance to meet his daughter for the first time, it was also an emotional meeting for one particular individual.

  Macie.

  If he had known back then the effect his departure from Treasure Cove would have on her, he would have made it a priority to say good-bye to her. After the meeting with his daughter, when he walked into Macie’s Diner, he expected a warm greeting from the girl he once remembered, not the tongue-lashing she gave him. However, it was the pain and anger in her eyes that told him he had truly hurt her that day.

  After that day out at the Hicks Ranch, something inside him clicked. His life had finally found its purpose. Though it took a lot of groveling and sweet-talking, eventually Macie allowed him around her. However, it wasn’t until Jeff and Caleb’s diner that everything changed for them. That night not only put him, but also his brother and Macie on a path, which neither of them could escape.

  Sighing, Matthew leaned his head against the hospital wall, closed his eyes, and hoped he could find a way to make all of this work, because there was no way he was walking away from his family ever again.

  * * * *

  Macie lay in bed, wondering what she was going to do next. Her life had changed in a blink of an eye. Now with two babies, and their fathers demanding marriage, she felt like her life was slowly slipping away from her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want the babies. She did. She never thought she could feel instant love for anything, but when she held Collin in her arms and he looked at her with his father’s eyes, she was lost. She just knew the same would happen with Trace.

  Instantly, worry filled her. She needed to see him. She had to make sure he was okay. Throwing the blanket aside, she slowly slid from the bed. The floor was cold on her bare feet, but she didn’t care. Walking slowly toward the door, she didn’t realize how sore she actually was. By the time she made it into the hallway, she was winded.