Return to Me

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “Would you now...” he murmured.

  Bree smiled. He almost sounded like his old self. “You probably need to eat something. I’m pretty sure you haven’t left your office much since you got here.”

  “Sometimes I forget how well you know me. I’ll be right out.”

  Minutes later he strode through a door. She met him halfway. “Hey, handsome.”

  “Where are we going?” Austin asked.

  “Wherever you’d like to go.”

  They walked out of the building.

  Out the corner of her eye, Bree saw a young woman getting out of a black town car. She wouldn’t have paid her any mind, but Austin had a violent moment of reaction to seeing the woman, which she recognized as anger.

  The woman was eyeing her, curiosity coloring her expression.

  He stopped walking as she neared and asked, “Jasmine, why did you come here?”

  Bree felt a thread of apprehension. What was Emery’s biological mother doing in Charleston? She glanced up at Austin.

  His expression was clouded with fury.

  “I came to see you because I didn’t like the way we ended our conversation. I’d like to speak to you alone.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Bree stated.

  “And you are who?” she asked, looking down her nose. “Actually, it doesn’t even matter. This has nothing to do with you.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Austin replied sharply, taking Bree’s hand in his own. “This is Emery’s mother.”

  Jasmine’s expression was one of pure shock. She tried to recover but was failing miserably. “You’re dating the w-woman who adopted my s-son.”

  Austin’s lips thinned to a furious scowl. “Our relationship is not your business.”

  “Does she know everything?”

  Austin nodded. “Yes, she does. We don’t have any secrets between us.”

  “Would you like to see a picture of Emery?” Bree interjected.

  Jasmine’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes.”

  She handed her a photo.

  “He looks very happy and loved.” Jasmine gave Bree a small smile. “Thank you for taking such good care of my son.”

  “I love him. I can’t see my life without Emery in it.”

  “You were made to be a mother,” Jasmine stated. “I don’t have those maternal instincts. I’m sure you must think I’m a horrible person.”

  “It takes courage to acknowledge something like that. You shouldn’t hang your head in shame. You did an incredible thing—you gave your son a chance to be raised by someone who desperately wanted to be a mother, but couldn’t otherwise.”

  “Are you planning to tell him that he’s adopted?”

  Bree nodded. “I want to be honest with Emery. When he’s old enough to understand, I’ll tell him.” She glanced over at Austin before asking, “Do you want me to tell him about you?”

  Jasmine shook her head. “I’d rather you didn’t. I think it’ll do more harm than good. Will he be able to find out my name?”

  Austin shook his head. “His birth certificate reflects Bree’s name. The original one with your name has been sealed. The only reason I had a copy was because Cheryl gave it to me.”

  “He’s better off not knowing anything about me,” Jasmine said. “Austin, you may not be his father by blood, but you are the one I would’ve chosen. Emery’s very fortunate to have you both.”

  “He’s also lucky to have had a mother who loved him enough to give him up,” Bree stated.

  “I guess it’s time I head to my hotel.”

  “You’re staying in town?” Austin asked.

  “My husband’s performing in Savannah tomorrow night. I came a day early so that I could talk to you. I’ll be leaving in the morning.”

  Jasmine walked back to her waiting car and got inside.

  They watched her drive away.

  “Go on and say it,” Austin said as they neared her car. “I know you have something to say.”

  “I can’t really see the two of you together. She didn’t strike me as your type. She’s materialistic. I could tell from her wedding ring, the designer clothes...she loves a certain type of lifestyle.”

  “I guess that’s why we didn’t work out. I prefer to save my money.”

  “She loves Emery, though.”

  “You really believe that?”

  Bree nodded. “Not everyone is cut out for motherhood. Jasmine recognized this about herself and she did what was best for him.”

  “I thought all women were born with maternal instincts.”

  “That belief is a myth,” Bree stated. “There are women who find the idea of motherhood exciting, but find that having to commit eighteen years to raising a child frightening. While women’s bodies are designed to carry children, it doesn’t make them mothers. In grad school, I wrote a paper on this topic. Women like Jasmine value freedom and independence over the responsibility of being a mother.”

  “I guess I hadn’t looked at it from that perspective.”

  They walked into the restaurant.

  Once they were seated, Bree stated, “She’s still in love with you.”

  Austin looked up from his menu. “I don’t return those feelings.”

  “You still feel betrayed, though.”

  “Are you analyzing me?”

  “No, I don’t have to—I can see the pain in your expression.”

  “Everything you and I have gone through could’ve been avoided if she’d just told me the truth.”

  “I’m glad she didn’t,” Bree said, “because we wouldn’t have met.”

  “Maybe we would have,” Austin countered. “My family is here and you’re my sister’s best friend. I believe our meeting was inevitable.”

  The waiter came to take their orders.

  While they waited for the food to arrive, Bree said, “I hope that you’re still planning to spend Christmas Eve with us. You should be there when Emery opens his presents.”

  “I am.”

  “Good,” Bree stated. “It will do you both some good.”

  He smiled. “I believe you’re right. It’s just something about that little boy that makes my world a much better place.”

  “Emery asked me if he had a daddy.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “I told him yes and that he’d meet him very soon.” Bree took Austin’s hand. “I want you to consider adopting Emery. Then he will truly be our son. We can tell him Christmas Eve.”

  “I see you’ve given this a lot of thought.”

  “I know you love Emery. I see it every time you look at him. I hear it when you talk about him. He is the son of your heart. It was the same for me when I saw him for the first time.”

  “We’re going to have a wonderful Christmas,” Austin said. “I believe this year we will all be getting everything we want.”

  Bree nodded in agreement. “You’re looking more like yourself now.”

  “I have you to thank for this early gift. I have a son.”

  “A beautiful little boy.”

  Austin shook his head. “He’s handsome. Girls are beautiful.”

  “A mother has a right to call her son whatever she wants.”

  He smiled. “I guess I stand corrected.”

  Chapter 22

  The rainy night in Charleston was a perfect one for staying inside and enjoying a quiet dinner. Soft, contemporary jazz floated throughout the house accompanied by the soft patter of raindrops on the balcony.

  “I’ve never had sushi before,” Austin said, “but I’m going to keep an open mind.”

  “You’ve never tried a California roll?”

  “No. Just never had a desire to try them.”

  “I ordered a variety for you to try,” Bree announced.<
br />
  “I can tell you now, if it’s not cooked—I’m not sure how I’m going to like it, but what do you recommend?”

  “How about the empire roll for starters? It’s spicy salmon with shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado and their house sauce.”

  Austin sampled it. He found the texture interesting, but not offensive. “It’s not bad. Not bad at all.”

  She smiled.

  “This is delicious, actually.”

  Bree pointed to another plate. “Now try this one. It’s a spicy tuna roll.”

  Austin tried it, then said, “I’m not crazy about this one.”

  She grinned. “Wait until you try the baked king crab roll. I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it.”

  Bree was right. “Okay, I think this might be my favorite.”

  He glanced over at her plate. “What are you eating?”

  “It’s called a rainbow roll. Would you like to try some?”

  “I’ll pass. I think I’m going to stick to the king crab roll.”

  Bree had ordered deep fried chicken cooked with egg and onion and served over rice as their main entrée.

  After they finished their meal, Austin and Bree settled down in the living room.

  He pulled her toward him and kissed her. Heat sparked in the pit of his stomach and ignited into an overwhelming desire.

  Austin kissed her a second time; his tongue traced the soft fullness of Bree’s lips.

  She gave herself freely to her passion, matching him kiss for kiss.

  “When will Emery be back?” he asked. Jordin had taken him to the movies and to visit with Amya and Kai.

  Bree glanced at the clock. “In an hour.”

  Austin grinned. “That gives us enough time...”

  “Is that all you think about?”

  He heard the teasing in her tone. “I know you want me as much as I want you.” Pulling her close, Austin kissed her; the touch of her lips on his was a delicious sensation.

  “I love holding you like this,” Austin whispered. He bent his head, kissing her neck.

  Bree returned his kisses with reckless abandon.

  He stepped away from her as if he was about to speak, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He just stood there looking at the woman he loved.

  She breathed lightly between parted lips. She didn’t say a word, but Austin could see her desire in her gaze.

  He helped her undress right there in the middle of the family room.

  No words were spoken from their lips; they communicated only through their hearts and their passion.

  * * *

  A fire blazing and Christmas lights twinkling, Emery stood between Austin and Bree as they placed the ornament he’d made on the Christmas tree. The air was scented with spruce and spices from cinnamon-studded oranges.

  Clad in a pair of Hulk pajamas, Emery announced, “Santa comin’ tonight.”

  When that cute little boy looked up at him with big, adoring eyes and a sweet smile, Austin wanted to be the best man he could possibly be.

  “I know. I bet he’s bringing you a lot of presents.”

  “Mommy say I was a good boy.”

  “That’s what Santa looks for—good boys and girls.”

  Bree sank onto the sofa by the Christmas tree while Austin put their son to bed.

  “Austin, I love watching you with Emery. You were made to be a father.”

  He sat on the rug in front of the fire. “I still feel like he’s a part of me—that he’s mine.”

  “I never had a real family, Austin. I don’t know who my father was, and I don’t want my son ever feeling the way I did. He needs you. I need you.”

  “I need you, too,” Austin responded.

  “I want you to know that I’d like to adopt again. I don’t want Emery to be an only child.”

  He smiled. “We can adopt as many children as you want, babe. But first, there’s something I think we need to do.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Get married. You turned me down the first time, but I’m going to put my pride aside and ask again.” Austin bent down on one knee. “Bree, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  He pulled a black velvet ring box out of his pocket and opened it, revealing a cushion-cut diamond surrounded by emeralds. Beside it was a smaller ring, a simple white gold band.

  “That’s for Emery,” Austin announced. “I’m committing myself to be the best husband and father possible. Now, I just need an answer if you can stop crying long enough.”

  Bree felt her throat tighten with emotion. “Y-yes,” she managed between tears.

  She handed a gift to Austin. “I want you to open this tonight.”

  “Right now?”

  Bree nodded.

  Inside was a framed photo of him and Emery. They were both sleeping.”

  “You are his father,” Bree murmured. “In every way that matters.”

  He grinned at her. “Always. Merry Christmas, babe.”

  “Merry Christmas.”

  Austin pulled her down to the rug with him and his mouth again found hers.

  He was the right man, and the man she loved and would love forever.

  The fire crackled and the Christmas lights seemed to twinkle even more brightly.

  Bree smiled, feeling her grandmother’s presence, and her love.

  * * *

  Bree woke up to find Austin staring at her. “How long have you been up?”

  “For about an hour. Merry Christmas, babe.”

  “Merry Christmas, Austin.” She sat up in bed, pulling the covers up to hide her nakedness. Her gaze traveled to the ring on her left hand. “I feel like this is all a wonderful dream.”

  “It’s real. We’re getting married.”

  Bree exhaled a long sigh of contentment. “I’m really happy.”

  “I’m glad.” He propped himself up against a stack of pillows. “I don’t know about you, but I’d like to get married as soon as possible. I don’t want to deprive you of your dream wedding, though.”

  “I had a big wedding the first time and it was mostly Caleb’s family. I had friends there, but no one outside of my foster parents. I’d like a pass on that this time around. I’m good with having the justice of the peace marry us.”

  “How about a small, intimate ceremony with just family?”

  “Don’t have any.”

  She glimpsed a shadow of disappointment in his eyes. “How about this...we get married and then have a really nice reception for family and friends.”

  “That’s fine.”

  She studied his face. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”

  “I don’t care how we do it—I just want to marry you.”

  “Then let’s plan a trip to Hawaii for the three of us,” Bree said. “Unless you’d rather not take Emery. We can get married on the beach at sunset.”

  “No, Emery has to be there when we officially start our lives together,” Austin stated. “I’ve never been to Hawaii.”

  “Neither have I, but I’ve always wanted to go there. I think it’s the perfect place for me to become your wife.”

  Bree eased out of bed. “I’d better shower and get dressed. There’s no telling when Emery will wake up.”

  “Mind if I join you?”

  She smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Austin glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was a few minutes past 7 a.m.

  By eight o’clock, they were in the kitchen preparing breakfast.

  Bree was in the middle of making scrambled eggs while he was on sausage duty.

  He heard the patter of tiny feet and said, “Merry Christmas, buddy. Breakfast will be ready in a couple of minutes.”

  “Open presents?”

  Bree planted a ki
ss on his forehead. “After breakfast, sweetie.”

  “I want juice pleeze.”

  “There’s a cup on the table waiting for you.” She scooped up eggs and put them on a plate laden with two sausage links. Austin added a piece of toast before Bree carried it over to Emery.

  Austin followed with plates for him and Bree.

  “Did you sleep here?” Emery asked while rubbing his eyes.

  Austin smiled as he sat down. “I did.”

  “Why didn’t you sleep in my room with me?” Emery placed a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth.

  Bree chuckled as she dropped down in the seat facing Austin.

  “Did you sleep with Mommy?”

  She turned to look at Austin, curious to see how he was going to respond.

  “Yes.”

  “Daddies sleep with mommies,” Emery announced. He got out of his chair and walked around the table to where Austin sat. “Are you my daddy?”

  He picked up the little boy. “What do you think?”

  Nodding, Emery touched his cheek. “Can I call you Daddy?”

  “It would make me very happy to hear you call me Daddy,” Austin exclaimed with intense pleasure. “I love you so much.”

  “Love you, too, Daddy.”

  Bree’s smile broadened in approval as she gloried in the shared moment between father and son.

  After breakfast, it was time to open the presents.

  Emery sat on the floor surrounded by more toys than Bree had seen anywhere outside a toy store. Austin was busy putting together a railroad set and train.

  She looked on, both hands resting on the head of a stuffed brown teddy bear nearly three feet high, a gift to her from Emery. Jordin had purchased it for him to give to her, and Bree loved it.

  “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had,” she told Austin.

  He met her gaze. “For me, as well. Spending it with you and Emery... I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

  “I want it to always be this way. I want this to be our tradition. I know your family’s big on holidays, but I like the intimacy of it being just the three of us.”

  “We can do that,” Austin said. “I promise.”

  Jazz floated slowly around them.

  With Emery asleep in bed, Austin came out of the kitchen with two champagne flutes. He handed one to Bree. “I propose a toast.”