“’Fraid it is,” he said, jamming his hand through his hair again.
“You’re the one who sucker-punched my husband?”
Will reached out to her. “Elaina, I didn’t know that he was…that you were… Holy shit. This looks bad.” Hands over his eyes, he shook his head. Dropping them, he sighed. “I swear to you, Elaina. I didn’t know when I met you. I was a dick to him and deserved what he did.” Defeat and guilt trampled him, making him sag in his skin. “I’m sorry.”
Elaina stared at him, the silence uncomfortable for everyone. She glanced at Gunther, whose scowl and tight lips made her heart ache.
After a sigh, she said, “It’s okay. The last few months of my husband’s life were erratic and tumultuous.” She rested a hand over the baby, then turned to face Gunther.
Will exhaled a breath. “I wasn’t expecting that at all. Thank you.” He took Elaina’s hand and stepped toward Gunther. “Look. I know you don’t trust me, but I honestly had no idea who she was.” Gunther’s glare was icy. Undaunted, Will continued. “I love her…a lot. She’s made everything that sucks in my life amazing. She makes me smile, something I haven’t done in a long time.” He motioned toward Cora. “You must understand that. I promise she and the kids are in good hands with me.”
Cora rested her hand on Gunther’s chest, which was still puffed out and solid as a brick wall. “See? It’s okay. She’s fine.”
Unable to control it, he choked up, working damn hard to swallow the emotions. “I promised him, Cora. I fucking promised I would take care of his family.” He gazed at Elaina. “He would’ve done the same.”
“I know you did, and you’ve done so much for them. It’s time to let go. Release the reins.” She turned to Elaina. “He’s done well, hasn’t he?”
“Oh god, yes. If it weren’t for him, I may still be in bed.” She stepped closer to Gunther. “Cora’s right. We’re good. It’s not that we don’t need or want you anymore. It’s more like we are able to take care of ourselves now. It’s time you focus on your family and business.”
“I’m not sure if I can just let go.”
“It’s time. I trust Will. He’s been so good to me.”
Gunther’s gaze flickered between Elaina, Will, and Cora. He pointed at Will. “I want to speak to you…alone.”
A little alarmed, Will looked at Elaina. She nodded and reached for Cora’s hand. “Let’s go inside and check on Nicky and Anne. I’m sure she heard the commotion.”
After Will and Gunther watched their women go inside, they faced each other. “Are you being honest with her?”
“Yeah. I didn’t know who she was or that it was the Henry from Edge who offed himself.” Gunther hissed, making Will look down. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it that way.”
Gunther’s lips twitched before he spoke. “It’s still fresh for some of us. I lost my brother that day.”
“I didn’t realize you two were related.”
“We’re not, but he and I had been through so much together, we were as close as any brothers could’ve been.”
“Look. I met Elaina at the store. I haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since.”
“As long as there is air to breathe, I will worry over her. I promised Henry I would take care of her.”
“I swear to you, she’s in good hands. What I did to Henry was uncalled for and I regret it. That’s why I never called the police.”
Gunther leaned in close, towering over Will. He jabbed his finger into his chest. “If you harm one hair on her or her kids’ heads, I will hunt your puny ass down and beat the ever-loving bloody fuck out of you. Are we clear? Because I do not like to repeat myself.”
Will held his hands up. “Yes, we’re clear. I plan to take care of her and, if she will allow it, her children. I love her.” Still feeling a little intimated by Gunther’s hard stare, he pursed his lips and stepped back.
Sure his death stare spoke volumes, Gunther thrust his hand toward Will, who looked down at it as if he weren’t sure the gesture was sincere. “Welcome to the family.”
Will rubbed his palm on his thigh, then took the offered hand. “Thank you.”
Gunther’s grip firmed. He pulled Will close enough to growl into his ear. “For clarity, that wasn’t an empty threat. It was a promise. I have zero problem with using you as a punching bag.”
“Yup.” Will nodded. “Punching bag. Got it.”
A sadistic smile lifted Gunther’s lips as he patted Will on the shoulder. “Good. Glad to know we have an understanding.” He walked away from the situation and stalked back to his house, grumbling with each step.
“Fucking A,” Will whispered, wiping away the trickle of sweat running down his forehead. He walked to Elaina’s house and cracked open the door, peeking in. “Elaina?”
She and Cora came out of the kitchen and around the corner. “Hey… Come on in.” Rattled, he stepped in and closed the door behind him. “You all right?”
“Yeah.” He tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m man enough to admit he’s a tad scary.”
Cora chuckled. “Gunther is hard as nails, but once you get in, he’s a pile of mush. You should see him with the kids. He’s a gentle giant.”
“I don’t know about that,” Will muttered.
“I assume he gave you the old ‘If you hurt her, I’m going to eat you for breakfast’ speech?” Elaina asked, running her hands up Will’s chest, wrapping them around his neck. He followed suit, tucking his hands into her back pockets.
“Sort of. He said he would hunt me down and use me as a punching bag.” He pulled his hand out and touched his nose, remembering when Henry broke it. Elaina smirked. “So not funny, babe.”
“He’s just being protective.” She leaned close and kissed him on the cheek.
“Well, I’ll let you two lovebirds get on with whatever it was you had planned. It was nice to meet you, Will. We’ll set up a day when you can come over for dinner.”
“Same to you. Thank you.” After Cora left, Will looked at Elaina. “I swear. I thought he would tear me up.”
“As long as I’m okay with you, he will be, too. The minute you piss me off, I’m bringing out the big gun…ther.” She fought the giggle.
“You’re not funny.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Nope. By the looks of him, he probably hits harder than your husband did. I’m pretty sure he would annihilate me with one blow.”
“Speaking of Henry, I need to know. At what point did you realize who my husband was and decided to keep that quiet?”
“The first time I came into the house.” He turned and pointed at the picture hanging next to the front window.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t know what to say. I was scared I would lose you. You’re not mad at me, are you? I’m really sorry. It was stupid of me not to come clean.”
“No,” she said, letting out a sigh. “Like I said, his last few months were chaotic. I can’t even begin to talk about what his father did to him growing up. I’m shocked anyone could survive it. Between his anger, paranoia, and mental illness…” Her gaze dropped.
“Oh?”
“He heard voices,” she whispered, still not looking into Will’s eyes.
“Wow. That’s messed up.”
“Yeah.” She gazed up. “He had an undying love for me. We were trying to get back on track. He had…” She closed her eyes and exhaled before opening them once more. With Anne the only witness to the attack, she had never told anyone else. “Along with verbally and emotionally abusing me, he sexually assaulted me toward the end.”
Sucking in a breath, Will reached out and took her hands. “I’m so sorry, Elaina.”
“It’s okay. He was sick. His father assaulted him on many levels and in varying degrees. So, because of that alone, I have long forgiven him for all the horrid things he did to me.”
“Are you still in love with him?”
“I will always
have love in my heart for Henry. You need to understand that.”
“Yeah, completely.”
The stairs creaked, drawing their attention. Anne stopped at the bottom. “My son was a good man with a sound heart, but a fragmented past destroyed his life and mind.” She stepped off the last stair, tears clinging to her thin lashes. “He never meant to harm anyone. He was very passionate, but his demons tended to get in the way. He loved Elaina so much, and he was a wonderful father.”
“I understand,” Will said, nodding.
They all stared at one another until Elaina clapped her hands. “Well, how about that lunch date?”
“Yeah… Let’s get out into the fresh air.”
“We shouldn’t be gone too long,” Elaina said to Anne, who wiped her eyes.
“No problem. Jeb will be coming for dinner tonight and he is thrilled Nicky will be joining us.”
“Perfect. Call me if you need me.”
“Of course,” Anne said, smiling.
They turned and faced the stairs when they heard a whimper.
“Mumma…sick,” Nicky said, crying.
“Oh no.” Elaina jogged up the stairs, Will following closely behind.
Anne figured, between the two of them, they had it handled, so she walked off to the kitchen.
“What happened?” Elaina asked when she reached the top stair, noticing the vomit all over the front of his shirt.
“I sick.”
“In your bed?”
He nodded.
“I’ll take him and get him cleaned up,” Will said. “Bathroom?”
“It’s right around the corner. Thank you.”
“It’s no problem.” He reached down and took Nicky’s hand. “Come on, buddy. Let’s go wash up.”
Elaina watched as Will led her son off. It shocked her that he was willing to take care of something most would run from. She pursed her lips and headed into Nicky’s room.
Will flicked on the light in the bathroom. “Okay. Let’s take your clothes off and get you in the tub.”
“Bath?” Nicky asked, still crying.
“Yeah, buddy.”
Will started the tub, then helped him out of his clothing. He shuddered when he touched the vomit-soaked shirt, but he knew it was something he needed to get used to if he was going to be in Elaina’s life.
After peeling off the toddler’s clothing and tossing them into the sink, he opened the urine-soaked diaper and dropped it into the trash can.
“Easy-peasy. All right, little dude. You ready?” Nicky nodded, chewing on his fingers. Testing the water, Will said, “In you go.” He picked him up and set him in the tub. He glanced at the toiletries, finding a bottle of baby wash inside a cup. “Is this the soap and cup mommy uses?”
“Soap.”
“I take that as a yes.” He filled the cup, then poured the water over Nicky. “There you go, little dude. Feeling better yet?”
“Better.”
“Good.”
Squeezing the soap into his palm, he stared at Elaina’s son for a long moment, thinking this was what he wanted. It felt good to be able to help take care of things, even the things he would rather have nothing to do with. Babies and children came with messes and endless bodily fluids. Knowing he handled the situation made him feel good. He smiled, rubbed his palms together, and began massaging Nicky’s head with the suds.
Elaina dropped the dirty linens into the laundry basket, then headed down the hall to check on Will and Nicky. The bathroom door was open just enough for her to peek in.
She listened and watched Will tend to Nicky’s needs. He rinsed the soap off, speaking softly, soothing her sick little boy.
“There you go. You’re all clean.”
Nicky nodded. “I clean.”
“Yes, you are. Let’s get you wrapped up, then we can go back to your room and get dressed.”
“Jammies.”
“It’s too early for jammies.”
“Jammies,” Nicky insisted.
“All right. I feel you, little dude. I like staying in my jammies when I’m sick, too. Got to love a man who knows what he wants.” Will picked him up out of the water and wrapped a towel around his body.
Feeling a warmth fill her heart, Elaina smiled, although she had tears in her eyes. Without hesitation, he had stepped up. This little selfless act, as small as it may have seemed, made her realize that Will was the man she wanted in her life.
As he picked Nicky up and turned to the door, he locked gazes with her.
“Hey,” she said, pushing the door open. “Thank you.”
“It’s no problem.” He furrowed his brow a little and walked into the hall. “Everything okay? You look a little…emotional.”
“Yes. Everything is beyond good.”
Will smiled and started to walk off.
Elaina grabbed his arm to stop him. She stared into his eyes, unsure if this were the right moment, but she could no longer deny the rush of feelings in her body.
“I love you,” she whispered.
His eyes widened just a little. Maybe he was unsure of what she said. Or he wasn’t genuine about the feelings he had expressed earlier while facing Gunther.
For her, it was too late. Her admission wasn’t something she could take back.
As she breathed out, she opened her mouth to try to explain. Her heart raced, trying to find the right words, but then she watched as the shock on his face turned into joy—a glimmer in his eyes, a lopsided smile, and a flush to his cheeks most men would be embarrassed about.
“I love you, too, babe.”
She kissed Will, then Nicky on the cheek. “My men. I love my men.”
Will smiled. “Yes, yours, and we love you, too.” He winked and hurried off down to Nicky’s room.
She stood still, knowing this moment was pivotal. She smiled, feeling ready to explore more, wanting to spend the time and effort to do so.
Will had stitched her broken heart back together. There wasn’t much left to do besides enjoy life with her children, family, and the man who showed her love doesn’t have to come with pain.
Chapter 41
Gunther stomped up the porch steps, not looking back to see if Will watched him leave. He shoved open the front door and slammed it behind him, not thinking about the kids. He stalked to the glass Cora left on the dining room table and put it to his lips, draining it. Looking around, he slammed the glass on the table, muttering all sorts of obscenities.
He strode to the liquor cabinet and searched for the bourbon. Snatching the bottle, he twisted off the cap and tipped it back, taking a long pull. Bottle in hand, he headed into the living room and stood at the mantle for a moment before dropping into the chair.
He shook his head over how the universe brought Will and Elaina together. And now they were dating?
“Of all the fucking people in the bloody world,” he grumbled, tipping the bottle back once more, the smooth warmth rushing into his empty stomach.
He reviewed the whole situation in his mind. The one thing he couldn’t shake was Cora stepping between them, standing her ground, but being supportive of him. In a sense, he felt she protected him from Will when he stepped forward.
“Goddamn, I’ve got myself a good bird,” he whispered, taking another drink.
He rubbed his chest where she rested her palm, radiating strength and love. He set the bottle down on the floor between his feet. The emotions were too powerful to keep at bay.
He dropped his head into his hands, elbows on his knees, choking out a few sobs.
“I’m so tired,” he whispered.
Between putting in long hours at Edge, keeping an eye on everyone next door, worrying about Carly and Joel, then Josie and Jake with the twins, and Cora and their family, he’d worn thin, losing himself. Sitting up slightly, he cradled his head in his hands.
“I can’t do this anymore.” Gazing toward the ceiling, he said, “Thank you, you motherfucker.”
He needed to remember what mattered. Suc
king in a few deep breaths, he thought about all the good things happening with Cora.
The birth of Everette was a gift, quite possibly from Quinn.
All the wonderful memories with the children.
The physical relationship with her was something far too amazing for him to deserve.
The way she cuddled, respecting and protecting him.
All the naughty, dirty things she would do to him… So brill.
The worry she exuded for him, trying to make his life easier.
He thought about when he gave her the necklace, the one she had yet to take off.
Their first date was a day worth writing down in the memory book, as well.
He knew he wasn’t the best man or boyfriend a woman would want, but he loved Cora with everything he had.
It was all possible because of Quinn. She showed him such patience…with a firm hand, so to speak. She taught him to love himself, to give love, and most importantly, to accept the love others wanted to give him.
At that moment, he realized something so profound, he wondered why he never figured it out before.
His wounds… All the raw, exposed, festering wounds had healed. Everything he had lost no longer crippled him, allowing him to move forward.
Elaina was right. It was time to focus on himself and the family he now had. No more endless worry about things he couldn’t control.
It stops today. No more. Finished.
He smiled. The next chapter in the Gunther/Cora story was about to begin, and there was no better moment than now.
While he wasn’t completely sure she was ready, why waste another second?
He knew what to do, finally finding the bollocks to address his emotions and take the next step.
Cora walked in through the front door. “Gun? You okay?”
He stood. “I’m good. Yup, really good. Come here.” He waved her to him.
Her gaze traced his face, concern lacing all of her features. She reached up and touched a tear clinging to his cheek. His red-rimmed eyes and trembling lips and chin were all part of the telltale evidence.
“Were you crying?”
“I was, yes.” He took her hands.
Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five) Page 31