Return to Me

by Jacquelin Thomas

  He needed a strenuous workout to expend some of his pent-up energy. He’d been on edge ever since locating his son. Austin gathered his bag and navigated inside.

  After a two-hour intense training, Austin still found himself wound tight, his frustration banked, but not eliminated.

  When he arrived home, he pulled up his contact list on his phone. He stared at the names for a solid ten minutes before shutting it down. Austin considered calling a young woman he’d spent time with in the past, but changed his mind. She’d made it clear on several occasions that she wanted more than he was willing to offer.

  Austin liked her, but she reminded him of Jasmine and that was a path he wasn’t willing to travel down again.

  He wasn’t looking for a serious relationship now—his thoughts were consumed with his son. Austin’s heart ached with the knowledge that he had a child who was just beyond his reach.

  Chapter 2

  Bree Collins exited through the doors of New Beginnings Preschool, heading to her car. She checked her watch. She had taken Monday off to wind down after Jordin’s wedding. Since Jadin was currently working on a high-profile case, Bree volunteered to run the necessary errands for the wedding, returning rental items and finalizing payment.

  Today she wanted to get to the office early enough to have her first two cups of coffee while reviewing notes before the arrival of her clients.

  Her receptionist was on the phone when she arrived.

  “Good morning, Casey,” Bree greeted.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  She loved the woman’s bubbly personality and genuine demeanor. Her patients adored Casey.

  “How was the wedding?” the receptionist asked.

  “It was very romantic and beautiful,” Bree responded. “I don’t think it could’ve been more perfect.”

  Casey’s infectious grin always set the tone for the day. “I know Jordin looked stunning.”

  “She did,” Bree confirmed with a smile. “Speaking of weddings, have you and Eric set a date yet?”

  Casey nodded. “We’re getting married in October. On the tenth.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “Now that we’ve picked our wedding day, the engagement feels more real to me.” Casey handed her a stack of files. “You’re booked all morning and two appointments after lunch.”

  “Light day...”

  “Don’t worry, you have a full day tomorrow.”

  Bree strolled into her office. Her eyes landed on the photograph of her son that sat on her desk. Her heart sang with delight whenever she thought about Emery.

  When she lost her husband, Caleb, just before their second wedding anniversary, Bree wasn’t sure she would ever recover. As a psychologist, she worked with others who were dealing with grief, but when it came to her own... Bree found herself in a bad state of mind.

  It wasn’t until she decided to adopt that she found hope again. When she met Emery, it was love at first sight. The moment she laid eyes on him—Bree knew he was the child for her.

  * * *

  Bree picked up Emery and headed home. She was thrilled to see her little boy and looked forward to spending some quality time with him after dinner. He was a very happy and secure soon-to-be three-year-old.

  “Mommy, I wanna ’nana.”

  “Don’t you want to eat dinner, sweetie?” she asked. “Mommy’s making fried chicken and macaroni.”

  “Shick’en...mac’roni...yummy.”

  Bree laughed. “That’s what I say. Yummy.”

  As soon as they arrived home, she turned on the television for Emery, then went straight into the kitchen, where Bree washed her hands, then poured oil into a fryer. While it heated, she seasoned four chicken drumsticks and boiled water for the macaroni.

  She placed the chicken in the fryer and the cheese and macaroni in the oven, put a load of Emery’s clothes in the laundry and then returned to the kitchen. She washed her hands and checked on the food. Bree enjoyed being a mother. She considered it her one true purpose in life.

  For a moment, she allowed herself to think about her late husband. He had been her best friend and she missed him. Enough time had passed since Caleb’s death for Bree to consider dating.

  Although she had gone on a few dates, she had not met a man who could hold her interest for one reason or another.

  After dinner Bree cleared the table and filled the sink with hot water.

  She was down to washing the skillet when the telephone rang.

  A telemarketer.

  Her mouth thinned with displeasure.

  Bree put another load of clothes in the washing machine before giving Emery a bath.

  She was glad that he went down easily. She hadn’t finished the story before the little boy was sound asleep.

  “My little man...you’re so tired.” Bree kissed his cheek. “Sleep well.”

  She tiptoed out the room.

  Bree folded the rest of the laundry and carried it to her bedroom. She watched television as she put the clothing away.

  After a quick shower, she got into bed with her laptop.

  A friend of her emailed copies of the photographs she’d taken at Jordin’s wedding. An easy smile curved her mouth as she scanned through them. She was truly happy for her friend. Ethan seemed to be a wonderful person and it was obvious that they were very much in love. Bree prayed they would have a long life together.

  Her eyes landed on a photograph of Jordin’s brother.

  “You’re a cutie, Austin DuGrandpre,” she whispered. They hadn’t been formally introduced, but she knew who he was—Jordin and Jadin spoke of him often.

  Bree continued to stare at the photograph.

  He looked so handsome in the light gray suit he wore. Tall, lean and muscular, Austin wore a smile that lit his chestnut-colored eyes and accented the tiny scar over his left eyebrow.

  I wonder if he’s dating anyone?

  She chuckled to herself. She couldn’t seriously be thinking about Jordin’s brother in this manner.

  Bree turned off the computer. If she hadn’t, she’d be staring at Austin for the rest of the evening.

  * * *

  “Mrs. Holbrooke, it’s nice to have you back,” Austin greeted when Jordin strolled into his office a week later.

  Her smile broadened. “I hear you’ve been holding down my clients for me. Thanks.”

  “I didn’t have to do much.”

  Jordin sat down in one of the chairs facing him. “How are things with you?”

  “I’m fine. Why?”

  “We didn’t get to finish our conversation about Bree and Emery.”

  “It was your wedding day—not the right time or place but nothing’s changed,” Austin responded, girding himself with resolve. “I want my son.”

  “I understand completely,” Jordin said. “I would feel the same way if I were in your shoes. This is just such a complicated situation. I had no idea that Emery was your child. I celebrated with Bree when the adoption was finalized.”

  “I didn’t know I was a father.” He paused a moment before asking, “But you still think that I should wait?”

  “For now,” she responded. “I know Bree and you have nothing to worry about, Austin. She’s a wonderful mother to Emery. She adores that little boy.”

  “He’s my son. I never gave permission for him to be adopted.”

  “Unfortunately, courts have held that fathers unaware of their children may not later object to the children’s adoption, particularly when the father’s lack of knowledge was his own fault.”

  “I will argue that my lack of knowledge was due to dishonesty. Jasmine deliberately kept me in the dark about her pregnancy. She wanted to hurt me—I’m sure that’s why she never told me that she was pregnant. Jasmine put Emery up for adoption because her boyfriend didn’t want to
raise another man’s child.”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, but what did you do to her?” Jordin asked. “Why would she be so cruel?”

  “She’s always been vindictive. It’s one of the reasons why we didn’t work out as a couple. She wasn’t happy when I broke up with her.”

  “But not telling you about the baby—it’s malicious.”

  Austin nodded.

  “I know how badly you want to unite with your son, but I suggest that you take some time and get to know Bree first before you say anything.”

  “Why should I do that?”

  “Bree is also an innocent party in all of this, Austin. She doesn’t deserve to be punished for loving your son. There has to be a way for you two to work this out.”

  He hadn’t once considered Bree’s feelings in this situation. Austin was simply focused on bringing his son home where he belonged, but his sister was right. Bree hadn’t done anything wrong.

  “Austin, I watched more than once as Bree suffered through bouts of endometriosis. She was in agony to the point it was crippling. I’ve never felt so helpless as to witness her pain and be unable to help her in some way. Finding out that she wouldn’t be able to have children only made that pain worse. She once told me that she was born to be a mother and I believe her. If it’s not handled carefully, losing Emery might just take all of the life out of her.”

  “Jordin, can you introduce us?” he asked. “Getting to know her might make this a little easier for everybody concerned.”

  She nodded. “Sure. Ethan and I were thinking about hosting a dinner party on Saturday. I’ll invite her.”

  “Thanks so much, sis.”

  “I know you can’t really see it right now, but I know that there’s a way for you and Bree to come up with the perfect solution—one that will work for both of you.”

  “I don’t intend to snatch Emery out of her arms, Jordin. I just want to be in his life. He’s mine and I want to raise him. I’ll be fair to Bree. I promise.”

  “He means the world to her.”

  “I haven’t met him yet, but he already owns my heart, sis.”

  She nodded in understanding.

  “How did she come to adopt him in Las Vegas?”

  “Bree lived there for three years. Her husband was a musician and played for a couple of performers at Bally’s. He died a year later...killed in a car accident. I think adopting Emery helped Bree heal through that horrible period in her life. When the adoption was final, she moved here to Charleston.”

  “Is she from this area?”

  Jordin shook her head. “No, she’s actually from Georgia. She was my college roommate and we clicked right from the beginning. She’s been my best friend ever since.”

  She rose to her feet. “I’d better get to my office and return phone calls. I’m sure I have a stack of messages.”

  “You shouldn’t,” Austin said. “I talked to everybody who had called you up until yesterday.”

  “Thanks again, big brother.” She paused in the doorway and said, “Oh, Austin... I’s married now.”

  He laughed. “That you are. One day I’ll take that leap—don’t know when, though.”

  “As soon as you find the right woman.”

  Austin thought about his sister’s words. He’d once thought Jasmine was the right woman for him. She was anything but the right one. There was a time when he was crazy in love with her, but then Jasmine began taking him for granted. She used his love to manipulate him into doing whatever she wanted. When he finally came to his senses, the arguments started.

  They tried to make it work for three years. Austin had no regrets when he broke up with Jasmine. He had thought long and hard and decided to do what was best for him.

  But Jasmine had gotten back at him in the most hurtful way possible.

  Austin didn’t know if he would ever be able to forgive Jasmine for keeping his child away from him.

  * * *

  Nausea rolled through Bree, tightening her stomach and making her mouth water. She gripped the door frame. Any second now she was going to either throw up or wind up on the floor, doubled up in pain.

  She hated being in such pain from her endometriosis, but was thankful that it wasn’t as bad as it had been in the past. Bree sank down to the floor of the bathroom, the coolness of the ceramic tile against her skin bringing a measure of relief to her.

  Her stomach rolled again as the spasms weakened her. One hand pressed to her mouth, Bree crawled over to the toilet.

  Bracing her hands on her knees, her stomach released its contents.

  For a long moment Bree remained where she was, weak and trembling, a sour taste in her mouth.

  Finally, she pulled herself up, washed her face and brushed her teeth.

  An hour later, Bree felt much better and was on her way to the office. It was Friday and she was looking forward to a weekend of fun and relaxation.

  Jordin and Ethan were hosting their first dinner party tomorrow night. Bree wondered briefly who else would be in attendance. It didn’t matter really. She was grateful to sit and have some adult interaction for an evening. It would be the perfect ending to a busy week.

  Chapter 3

  Austin arrived at Ethan and Jordin’s home fifteen minutes early. He was surprised to find that Bree had already arrived. She was standing at the wrought iron railing on the second-floor balcony, facing Jordin as they talked.

  He stared at Bree, looking her over. The deepening sunlight framed her figure, outlining her curves. She was beautiful in a simple, natural way. Austin was shocked to feel desire streaking through him like a current.

  Jordin saw him and waved. “C’mon in. The front door is open.”

  Austin entered the house and was met by Ethan. “Hey...” he greeted. “Your wife told me to just walk in.”

  “No problem. Good to see you, man.”

  He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Jordin descend the stairs followed by Bree.

  “Austin, I want you to meet my best friend,” she said. “Actually, she’s more like a sister to me. Bree, this is my brother, Austin.”

  He was rendered speechless for a moment by her beauty. Austin swallowed hard, struggling to recover his voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said finally.

  His eyes darted to hers and locked.

  He cleared his throat softly.

  She met the smile and the hand that was offered. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, as well. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  Austin lost himself momentarily in their chocolate depths. His gaze fell to the creamy expanse of her neck. She was dressed to perfection in a teal-colored, sleeveless silk dress. Bree was tall and slender, but with an athletic build. She wore her shoulder-length hair in soft curls around her heart-shaped face. Her flawless skin was the color of a new penny.

  “Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes,” Jordin announced. “We’re still waiting on a few people to arrive.”

  “Would either of you like a glass of wine?” Ethan offered.

  “I’m fine,” Bree responded.

  “Austin?”

  “I’ll take a glass.”

  Austin could feel Bree’s eyes studying him. He met her gaze, forcing her to look away. He smiled to himself.

  The front door opened.

  “Hey, family,” Ryker said with a grin. “Look at this...the newlyweds are hosting their first dinner party.”

  His wife, Garland, gave him a playful pinch. “Leave them alone.”

  There was something in the wistful turn of Bree’s lips that made Austin sense the pain beneath the surface, and he longed to make it better. She had lost her husband in a tragic way and he could only imagine that while she was truly happy for Jordin—grief still resided in her heart.

  Jadin arrived with a date a few minutes
later, whom she introduced as Michael.

  Austin leaned over and said to Bree in a low voice, “I guess we should’ve brought a plus one.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  “Well, will you be my plus one for the evening?”

  She turned, easing into a smile. “Sure.”

  Austin glanced up and saw Jordin standing in the doorway. She gave him a quick thumbs-up, then announced, “Dinner is ready.”

  He and Bree were seated beside one another.

  “How do you like living in Charleston?” Bree inquired as she used her fork to slide the fettuccine noodles around her plate.

  Austin smiled faintly, laid his napkin across his lap and, picking up his knife and fork, sliced into a strip of grilled chicken. “I’m enjoying it. I’ve always liked this area.”

  He took a bite of his food. The delicate Alfredo sauce and chicken were cooked to perfection.

  “Jordin, did you cook this?”

  Ethan chuckled and was awarded a sharp glance from her. “Just so you know, I can cook. I will confess that I called Aubrie for help with ingredients and such.”

  “It’s delicious,” Ethan said.

  Everyone agreed.

  “Does Aubrie ever hang out with the family?” Austin asked. “I think I’ve seen her maybe three times since I moved here. I’d like to get to know her better, especially since she’s my first cousin.”

  “My sister spends a lot of her time in New Orleans,” Ryker announced. “She goes there to spend time with the chef who mentored her in culinary school. Each time she comes back with new entrées for her restaurant.”

  Bree took a sip of her iced tea. “She must really enjoy her work.”

  “I’m not so sure this is just about her work,” Jordin stated. “I think there’s another reason why she spends so much time there.”

  Jadin agreed. “Aubrie isn’t talking, but I suspect she’s seeing someone.”

  “She was always one to keep secrets,” Ryker said. “My parents keep hoping she’ll come to her senses and join the firm, but it’s not going to happen.”

  “How’s Aunt Rochelle doing?” Jordin inquired.