by Unknown
“What’s the plan with you and Whitney? Are you guys going to move in together?” I asked.
“I was thinking that if we could convince Haley to move in with you, then Whitney and I could take over the lease on Curtis’s place.”
“Don’t hold your breath, brother. She’s quite adamant about not moving in with me.”
“Well, if you weren’t such a slob.”
“Better than living with Curtis,” I countered.
“True. Hey speaking of Curtis, him and Loran just pulled up.”
“Cool. I’ll see you outside and congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
I found Curtis grabbing a beer and a mason jar of Gram’s sweet tea out of the cooler when I stepped outside. “Hey man, glad you guys could make it.”
“Thanks for having us,” Loran said as she hugged me hello.
“Well everything is over there, go help yourselves,” I said, motioning to the tables of food.
“We also came for something else,” she said.
“What’s that?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh ri-ight.” Curtis played off.
“Curtis!” Loran snapped.
Pulling Loran into him, he nuzzled her neck, “I’m kidding.”
“You better be,” she growled teasingly.
“So what’s up?” I asked.
“Loran and I got married yesterday.”
“What?” I asked, shocked. “And why are you saying it like it’s no big deal?”
Pulling Loran out of Curtis’s arms, I lifted her up and squeezed her, “Congratulations!”
“Thanks, Bentley,” she replied.
“So what’s with the hurry?” I asked.
“I just wanted to marry my girl.”
“What about the big wedding you wanted, Loran?”
“Oh, Curtis isn’t getting out of that,” she said, laughing.
“Baby, come on,” Curtis whined.
“Think of our wedding night. We could do that again.” She winked seductively at him.
“Damn, baby, really?”
“Really,” she nodded.
“I can only image what that involves.” I shivered, “Anyways, enjoy away, and I mean it, congratulations, you two.”
“Thanks, Bentley,” Loran smiled.
“BENTLEY, I WANT this baby out,” I whined as we sat in the doctor’s office.
“Emerson will come when he’s ready,” he tried assuring me.
“I’m over due by a week; I’m beginning to lose hope.” Bentley started laughing. “Stop laughing at me. This isn’t funny.”
Leaving the smirk on his face, “Okay you’re right, as soon as he arrives, I’ll ground him.”
“Not funny,” I huffed, deciding to give him the silent treatment until the doctor arrives.
“Would now be a good time to tell you that your flip flops don’t match?” he asked looking down at my feet.
“What?” I asked, horrified as I lifted my feet, “I can’t see them, this stomach is in the way,” I cried.
Bentley reached over and rubbed my belly.
Dr. Westward came in with nurse Katie, “How are you holding up?” he asked.
“Terrible, I’m done being pregnant. I want this baby out.”
“Your chart says you are four days overdue.”
“Only four?” I looked over to Bentley, “Get that smug look off your face, or you are not getting another one,” I glared.
“You would have to move in for that to happen,” he taunted, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Shut Up.”
“Okay, Haley, today is Tuesday, how about we induce you on Thursday? This way it gives your body two more days to do it on its own before we do it chemically.”
“Great, fine, I’ll take it. Where do I…”
“Wait,” Bentley cut me off. “What are the side effects of that?”
“Who cares? I want him out!” I screeched.
“I care, Haley.”
“Bentley, you’re right, there are risks,” Dr. Westward started.
“Like what?”
“Well, we may need to perform a C-section if the cervix isn’t ready, but when I checked Haley last week, her cervix was beginning to thin and soften.
“The baby has a higher chance of being born with a lower heart rate, which can diminish your baby’s oxygen supply, or lower the baby’s heartbeat. There is always a higher risk of infection for Haley, but those infections could happen with a normal delivery.”
Dr. Westward turned to me, “Haley, I know what I just said sounds scary, but I wouldn’t advise it if I didn’t trust it. Your baby is in the right position for delivery and the cord is not around his neck. I really don’t think we will have any issues, and sometimes Mother Nature needs a push.”
“How are you doing to it?” I asked.
“Katie will meet you at the hospital at six-thirty in the morning to get you settled in, and start you on an IV. Around eight, I’ll stop by and check your blood pressure and cervix to make sure everything is good. Then I will give you prostaglandin, which is a gel I will place on my finger and rub into your cervix.”
“Will it hurt?”
“Not any worse than when I check your cervix. After that, it’s a waiting game. Sometimes it works the first time, and sometimes I have to do it twice.”
“What happens when she does go into labor?” Bentley asked.
“Her body will react as if it were natural labor, which is why I prefer to induce with the gel verses the IV inducer, as it’s easier on Haley’s body.”
“Okay.” Bentley still seemed unsure about our decision.
“Bentley, one out of five labors starts this way, and I have yet to have any real complications.”
Bentley nodded his head, finally submitting to the doctor’s experience.
“It will be okay,” I said grabbing his hand.
He looked over and mouthed, “I love you.”
I DIDN’T THINK the day of my son’s birth was going to be so hectic. I was all ready to go, calmly waiting on the couch for Bentley to be ready to leave. He paced around the house three times making sure we had everything.
“Haley, where is your overnight bag?”
“In the truck.”
“Do you want a blanket to put in the car seat when we bring Emerson home?”
“I have one already packed in the bag,” I said, settling into a more comfortable position on the couch.
“Did you have warm enough socks? I know you hate having cold feet.”
“Yes, I have the pink heat holder ones you bought me last week.”
I gave up on sitting and lay down on the couch instead. At the rate Bentley was going we’d never leave.
“Did you eat breakfast?”
“Katie told me I couldn’t eat, remember?”
“Oh, right.”
“Bentley, we really need to get going or we’re going to be late.”
“Did you want to bring any books or magazines?” he asked, completely ignoring what I just said.
“I don’t think I’ll have time to read with a new baby, and all,” I laughed.
Kneeling down beside me Bentley asked, “You think this is funny, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
BY NINE O’CLOCK, the doctor came in and gave me the gel. Putting the sheet over top me he said, “Okay that should do it. I’ll stop by in a few hours and see how things are moving. Try to get some rest, you’ll need as much energy as possible.”
“Thanks.” Bentley said as his leg bounced up and down.
“Bentley, do you want me to give you something to calm down?”
I looked over to Bentley, laughing because he has been bouncing in his seat since we arrived.
“No, I’m good. I think I should go for a walk or something.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” the doctor laughed before leaving the room.
Bentley kissed my forehead, “I’m going to get a coffee; I’ll be right back.”
“Babe, I don’t think you need any caffeine.”
“You’re probably right, maybe I’ll get a water then.”
“And buy a sports magazine or two so you’ll have something to do besides sit and watch me sleep.”
“But I like watching you sleep.”
“Creeper,” I teased as he left the room.
“ALL RIGHT, HALEY, one more push,” Katie encouraged.
I flopped back onto the bed, “I can’t; I’m too tired.”
Bentley lifted my hand to his lips, “Sweetheart, you can do this, I know you can.”
“I’m tired,” I said, my eyes shut in exhaustion.
“I know, once he’s out you can rest,” he promised.
“Haley, another contraction is coming.”
Bentley lifted me up, supporting my back while I got ready to push again.
“Last push and he should be out,” said Dr. Westward.
Bentley counted down quietly in my ear, “Ten…nine…eight…seven...six…”
I felt Emerson slide out before we heard his tiny screams.
“Oh thank God,” I breathed laying back down.
Bentley kissed my forehead, “You did it, babe. I love you.”
The nurse handed me my son as the tears began to fall, “He’s perfect.”
Bentley snuck in beside me, “He is.” Bentley kissed his toes, fingers and the top of his head. “I don’t ever remember having this feeling.”
“What feeling?” I asked still looking at our son.
“The feeling of completeness.”
I leaned into him, “I know what you mean.” I wiped the tears falling from his eyes, “I love you, Bentley.”
“Oh, Haley, I’ve completely fallen for you. Everything you do and say, and everything you are. You are my first thought in the morning, afternoon, and when I sleep.”
“When it’s time to go home, I want to go to your home…our home.” I said resting my head on his shoulder.
“Marry me, Haley, not today or tomorrow, but just say you’ll marry me.”
“I’ll marry you, Bentley.”
I CAN’T BELIEVE our son Emerson is one. It feels like just yesterday I was just rocking him in my arms, now I’m sitting in his room, rocking in the chair watching through the window as Bentley and him run around the backyard, chasing after the puppy we bought him for his birthday.
“Hey, hon, are you in here?” Maggie called down the hall.
“I’m in Emerson’s room.”
“What are you doing in here, love?”
“Watching my boys,” I answered, still looking out the window.
“Beautiful thing, isn’t it?”
“Maggie, do you ever feel you missed out on things like this.”
She walked up behind me and hugged me, “No and even if I did, Haley, Emerson is making up for it now.”
I turned to face her, “We’re very blessed aren’t we?”
“Very.” She smiled.
“Where is dad finally taking you on your honeymoon?”
“Paris.”
“Really?” I squealed turning to face her.
“I know, I’m so excited,” she beamed.
“When are you thinking of leaving?”
“We were thinking July. Whitney has been helping run the diner for almost a year, and I think she is more than capable of running everything on her own now.”
“That girls is wise beyond her years,” I agreed.
“Like someone else I know,” Maggie hinted with a smile.
AFTER EVERYONE LEFT, I bathed Emerson and got him ready for bed then, for old time’s sake, I rocked him until his eyes grew heavy. Kissing him on his head I told him about the day I found out I was pregnant and re-told him all the promises I made that day.
I caught movement at the door and turned my head to see Bentley watching.
“Hey, baby,” Bentley smiled.
“I think I want another one of these,” I said, nodding to a sleeping Emerson.
“I was thinking the same thing all day.”
“I don’t think I’m ready to let go of this stage yet.”
Bentley took Emerson out of my arms, hugging him tight before laying him in his crib. “We should think about moving him to his tractor bed Ben and my dad made soon.”
“It’s sure is a beautiful bed.”
“Haley…” Bentley kneeled before me, “before we have another baby, I really want to be married.”
I let the grin slowly spread across my face, “I’d love to, Bentley.”
“Really? Fuck yeah!”
“Shhh,” I laughed, “you’ll wake Emerson.”
“I don’t care! It’s something worth waking him for.”
I stood from the chair, taking his hand and leading him to the door, “Not for what I have planned to celebrate our engagement.”
THANK YOU ASHLEY Verbeek and Dalas Venning for gracing both covers of Falling for Bentley and Catching Haley, but as both of your mothers said, “Hold off on making babies and stick to the bike helmet pregnancy.” LOL
Robin from Wicked by Design for torturing me in decision-making, and Natalie of Island Lovelies Book Club. You ladies have been absolutely wonderful to work with, and I’m so looking forward to working with you again. My beta readers once again you guys make me laugh with your comments. My readers, followers and bloggers thank you for everything. Words cannot express the love that I have for each and every one of you.
My dear sweet children and husband, you are I’m sure the most patient family a mom/wife can ever ask for. I appreciate everything that you offer up, to make me smile when I am about to pull my hair out. I love you …In fact, I love you most!
With Love
The Game, Kirsten Backhard (Book One)
Falling for Bentley (Part One)
Catching Haley (Part Two)
The Game, Derek Backhard (Book Two)—2015
Waking Up In Leather (MC Book)—2015
Available everywhere most ebooks are sold
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The Game, Kirsten Backhard – Book One
Published by Shawnte Borris
Copyright ©2013 by Shawnte Borris
ISBN-10: 1499296185
ISBN-13: 978-1499296181
Available where most e-books are sold.
I HEARD LIZ as she came home and placed her keys in the bowl on the red table by the door. I tried to suck in my tears, but the more I tried, the more they came. Liz slowly opened my bedroom door, and then I felt her weight sliding in behind me.
“Shh, baby, don’t cry,” Liz whispered while pushing the hair off my face and tucking it behind my ear. “What happened?”
“Nothing. I just had a shitty day,” I choked out.
“Kirsten, you have been my best friend for the past fifteen years. You have never lied to me before, so don’t start now. This is not like you at all. Nothing gets to you. So, yes, I know something happened.” Liz sighed.
“Drew,” was all I could get out before the ugly cry began.
I was crying for a man who I loved with all my heart. He was the same man who shattered my soul.
LIZ HELD ME tight into the wee hours of the morning. I could feel her shifting onto her back as she let out a sigh.
“Drew? As in our friend Drew?” she asked.
I took a few deep breaths and rolled onto my back. Staring at the ceiling, I decided it was time to let Liz in on my dirty little secret.
“Yes,” I whispered.
“How long?”
“Since Derek’s team made the playoffs.”
“Kirsten, that was almost a year ago.”
I could feel the tears starting to build again. I angrily pushed them away.
“I know. It feels like I wasted so much of myself on him.”
“Do you love him?” Liz turned her head to me. “I mean, how…how did this happen?”
�
��I don’t know. It was just something that fell into place. I was meeting Derek after one of his games at Mic’s Sports Bar as usual, and before I knew it, Drew had his tongue down my throat, and his fingers were teasing my nipples.” I took in a deep breath.
“So, all those nights you were at the office and those weekends you were away on business trips, you were actually with Drew? You’ve been bumping the nasty with Drew this whole time and never told me?”
I looked away, feeling ashamed. “If Derek ever found out, he would have killed Drew, and not to mention, our relationship would have been strained. Derek is my brother. I never want to hurt him,” I tried to explain. “Anyway, before I knew it, I completely fell in love with Drew. How stupid am I? I honestly thought that I might have had a future with him. God, I’m so stupid.”
Liz grabbed my hand and gave it a light squeeze. “So, this leads us to last night, huh?”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“So…” Liz took a deep breath. “Kirsten, did Drew do something to you? Did he touch you? I mean, in ways a man never should?”
“No, Liz. If anything, he touched me in all the right places. Oh god, the way his hands moved all over my body and the way his tongue slid and caressed every desirable inch of me…” I’m going to miss his touch so much.
“That good, huh?” Liz giggled.
“You have no idea. Drew is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, even from the first time.”
“You are so telling me about the first time, Kirsten,” Liz demanded.
“I went to Drew’s place. He cooked dinner while we watched the football game. After dinner, he said he needed to send an email for work, so I went and did the dishes. When I was finishing up, he came back and slid his arms around me. He whispered in my ear, ‘Baby, let’s go to bed.’ He led us upstairs to his room and held the door open for me to walk in.” I started crying again.
“When I walked in, candles were lit everywhere, rose petals were on the bed, and soft music was playing. I stood there in shock. I didn’t think Drew had this side to him. I knew he was kind, softhearted, and gentle. But book romance? No way. When I looked at him, he said, ‘If all you want to do is snuggle…” I didn’t even let him finish talking. I lost it. I jumped in his arms and started kissing the hell out of him. I slammed him into the wall on the other side of the hallway.