The Widow and the Orphan

by J. Thomas-Like

  The Widow

  a n d t h e

  Orphan

  J. THOMAS-LIKE

  Also by J. Thomas-Like

  The Widow and the Rock Star

  The Widow and the Will

  Copyright © 2016 J. Thomas-Like

  Cover Art by James, GoOnWrite.com

  Author Photo by Chasing Light Photography

  All rights reserved.

  First Edition: June, 2016

  This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The author takes full responsibility for any errors and holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ISBN-13: 978-1534659636

  ISBN-10: 1534659633

  For more information:

  http://www.jthomaslike.com

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Chapter 57

  Chapter 58

  Chapter 59

  Chapter 60

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Note from the Author

  Dedication

  This is for my family.

  The third time’s the charm.

  Acknowledgements

  It seems that I always acknowledge the same people for the same reasons. That just goes to show that I have found myself a tremendously supportive and loving network of family, friends, and writers who make all the difference in the world.

  Gale Deloney and Pam Campbell-Deloney: once again, you went above and beyond to help me make the medical bits as realistic and plausible as possible.

  Natalie Rhymer, Jason Dandy, Tuesday Twomey, Brian Grant, and Matt Gross: Write Club is an integral part of my writing process. Without it, none of my novels would have come to fruition. I owe you all BIG.

  Madeline Freeman, Parker Cole, Andy Lockwood, Bailey Soper, and Sara Beth Cole: Powerhouse never ceases to amaze me in all each member has to teach and give. May we all achieve the level of success we want and then pay it forward to the up and coming.

  Beth Dagitses, Lisa Hudson, Ruth Gross, Janine Cairo, and Tina Wilson: my courageous beta readers. Without you, the little things would get missed. Thank you for taking the leap of faith with me.

  Chapter 1

  “I can’t believe I’m almost getting used to this.”

  Pepper Taylor winked at her best friend, Vivienne Foster. They waited for their turn to walk the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of the movie based on Viv’s best-selling novel, The Widow’s Path. “I told you it would get easier.” She patted Viv’s enormous belly and grinned when she felt the baby kick. “It helps to have this to show off. When you feel happy, you look happy. And honey, you’re ecstatic!”

  Viv laughed and caressed her swollen stomach through the silky material of her Valentino gown. “It’s definitely mellowed me. Somehow, I don’t mind all the attention now.”

  Pepper snorted. “Oh sure, you’re going to push me out of the way and mug for all the cameras. I can see it now.” She pretended to turn her head away with a mock sniff, but couldn’t keep a straight face. How she loved to tease her best friend.

  “The only thing I’m going to be pushing is this baby, out of me. God, I’m happy, but I am over this pregnancy thing.” Vivienne winced as she pressed on the small of her back with both hands. “My back’s been killing me all day. I think I slept funny last night.”

  Pepper offered her a sympathetic smile, wishing she could understand what Viv was going through. Sure, a nasty backache was something everyone experienced from time to time, but pregnancy was not one of Pepper’s accomplishments. Definitely not going on my resume, she thought. That suited her just fine. Kids had never been on her radar and, while she was pleased as hell for Viv, it wasn’t something she intended to pursue.

  Watching Viv rub her back and shift from foot to foot, Pepper looked around for a chair or something to lean on. “It won’t be long now. Do you need to sit?”

  “Hell no! I might not get back up!”

  They leaned against one another and chuckled just as their significant others joined their sides, carrying bottles of water and napkins filled with hors d’oeuvres. Will Foster mastered the casual rock star look in his simple black tuxedo and plain white, high collared shirt with no tie. His brown hair was in that typically fashionable disarray that was so popular and Pepper thought he wore it well. Will leaned in to kiss Vivienne, but all he got was her temple as she zeroed in on the snacks.

  “Thanks,” she said through a mouthful of cheese. “I feel like I haven’t eaten all day.”

  “Your wish is my command, babe.” Will patiently held his hand and makeshift tray in the air as she devoured every last morsel.

  Gabe offered Pepper some cheese and crackers as well, but she shook her head. Instead, she observed her best friend and sighed, a tiny smile lifting the corners of her mouth. In less than two years, Viv had settled her mother’s estate in Michigan, moved permanently to California, and married the man of her dreams all while the movie of her book was being made. The biggest surprise, of course, was the pregnancy. Unplanned and unexpected was an understatement, but it was the cherry on top of the sundae Viv’s life had become.

  Pepper snuggled up to Gabe, grateful to be right where she was in that moment. If it hadn’t been for Viv, Pepper would never have met Gabriel Seigal, the absolute love of her life. Sometimes it was hard for her to believe that they had found one another, not being the kind of person to believe in fate or God or anything like that. Instead, she chalked most of her life up to the chaos that was the universe, tragedies and triumphs alike. They had fallen in love and become devoted to one another, and now that she had him in her clutches, Pepper would make damn sure he stayed there.

  “Are you going to finish that?” Vivienne pointed to the napkin Gabe held in his hand.

  “No, hun. Help yourself,” Pepper said, her eyes twinkling, but not wanting to hurt Viv’s feelings. “But eat up. You and Will are next.”
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  “And then us.” Gabe nuzzled her ear, placing a small kiss on the lobe. He looked so handsome and distinguished in his navy blue tuxedo, slim, black tie and white shirt. Pepper felt her heart flutter every time she looked at him. The gray flecks in his hair were a smidge more pronounced than when they’d met, but his eyes were still a warm, kind blue. He’d taken to sporting a very closely trimmed beard, which enhanced his dignified appearance. “You’re stunning, darling.”

  That silky, British accent always gave her the chills. She felt her cheeks warming at the compliment and glanced down at the Donna Karan she wore. The buttery yellow color complemented her bronzed skin to perfection, and all of the crystals twinkled and shone like individual stars on the simple sheath silhouette.

  “Thank you.” She reached around to cup his face and pull his cheek to hers. Closing her eyes, she sighed and enjoyed the feel of his bristles. Soon, their lips were pressed together, and the familiar heat of passion spread through her body.

  A production assistant appeared, interrupting the intimate moment by clearing her throat, and began herding them toward the entrance to the red carpet. She expertly grabbed all of their water bottles and trash, balancing them with her clipboard and headset, never once losing the easy smile on her face. Pepper opted to keep her bottle, and the PA gave her a doubtful look. Thinking fast, the clever blonde hid the bottle within the folds of her shawl. “Better?”

  “Perfect. Wait for Ms. Streep to move to the next station and then go ahead.” The PA nodded and rushed off to instruct the next pairing behind them.

  Seconds later, Pepper watched as Vivienne and Will approached the first stop along the long stretch of red carpeting. There would be four different marks where they needed to pause and pose for the photographers. Pepper frowned as she noticed Vivienne’s pace slow, little by little. “Something’s not right,” she whispered to Gabe. She tightened her arm linked through his as she strained to see the expression on Vivienne’s face. The smile seemed natural and when she gazed up into Will’s face, she looked sublime.

  Maybe I’m being paranoid.

  “Come on, love.” Gabe he pulled her forward. Vivienne and Will were on the move to their next spot, leaving the first mark open. “Smile.”

  “Now that’s the first time I think anyone’s ever had to remind me to do that.” She instantly flashed a dazzling smile as the cameras worked to capture every single moment. Pepper couldn’t take her eyes off Vivienne, though. Not only had her pace slowed, but now the swing of her hips looked off, almost like she was limping.

  “Pepper! Pepper!” the photographers yelled, trying to make her look their way. The natural response to her name brought her attention frontward for half a second, but in her peripheral vision she saw Vivienne stumble and lean heavily into Will.

  “Viv!” Pepper yelled as she took off running for her best friend, ignoring the rest of the crowd and background noise, trusting that Gabe would follow and keep up. When she reached Vivienne’s side, she could see a look of pain and horror there. Pepper knew the shit was about to hit the fan.

  “Get me out of here!” Viv moaned, clutching her belly. The noise of the crowd swelled like a tidal wave and the clicking and flashing of cameras intensified. Pepper could feel the horde of photographers’ breath as they surged forward, straining against the barricades so they could get a better shot.

  “What happened?” Pepper linked her arm through Vivienne’s and, together with Will, lifted her to her feet. “Gabe, go find help!” With a quick nod, he ran off.

  “I think my water broke.” Viv spoke through clenched teeth and a pained smile. “And I do believe the stabbing sensation in my gut is a contraction.”

  “Oh shit!” Pepper turned around, searching for Gabe and help.

  “I’m gonna kill Dr. Perry,” Will muttered. “He said you were fine. He said you weren’t due for another two weeks.”

  “Yeah, well, I guess this baby had other ideas,” Vivienne growled, digging her fingernails into his arm while trying to keep herself upright.

  “We need to call an ambulance. Viv, don’t move, stay still!” Pepper clasped hands with her.

  “Here? With all these damn cameras? Are you fucking nuts?” Vivienne groaned. She took a step, then froze.

  “Now what?” Pepper was mesmerized by the appalled look on Vivienne’s face.

  “Uh, my water really did break.”

  Pepper looked down to see a growing wet spot on Viv’s dress and a small puddle between her slightly puffy feet, clad in black satin ballet slippers.

  “Oh my God!” Vivienne wailed. She was fixated on the puddle and starting to hyperventilate, so Pepper whipped her water bottle out of its hiding place, opening and dumping it on the ground in one smooth motion.

  “Oh, just look what I did! I’m such a klutz!” she shouted as event employees swarmed the area with napkins. Pepper took Vivienne by the elbow to keep their forward progress. Gotta get her out of here.

  Another PA popped out from behind the temporary wall that was the backdrop for the event and led them through the opening to escape the media’s eyes. Only two steps into safety, and the paramedics were upon them with a wheeled stretcher at the ready, swooping Vivienne up onto the gurney.

  With Will holding her left hand and Pepper holding her right, Vivienne was trying to take deep breaths, but that didn’t seem to keep the tears at bay. She looked to each of them and frowned. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

  “What the hell are you sorry for?” Pepper demanded. “You’re having a baby. Don’t apologize for anything.” She patted Vivienne’s hand and nodded to bring the point home.

  “I ruined everything.”

  “No you didn’t.” Will hurried beside the moving gurney but managed to lean down and kiss her cheek as he said it.

  “Of course not!” Pepper insisted, wishing she could kick off her stilettos. That was all they needed, her tripping and falling on her face as she tried to keep up.

  Vivienne gave a little grunt, but Pepper wouldn’t let it go. “I’m serious! When was the last time you saw a beautiful woman in Valentino go into labor on the red carpet? The movie couldn’t ask for better publicity.”

  “You sound like Jake.” Vivienne gritted her teeth and grimaced.

  Pepper grinned at the thought of Viv’s self-serving, overbearing agent. “Well? If the shoe fits.”

  As the paramedics loaded Vivienne into the back of the waiting ambulance, big, fat tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m scared,” she whispered as Will climbed in beside her and Pepper was forced to let go of her bestie’s hand. A lump clogged her throat, but she forced it down with a fierce swallow and grinned at Viv.

  Pepper winked and lifted her chin. “See? I knew you’d steal the show!”

  Chapter 2

  “Fucking traffic!” Pepper hissed from the backseat of the cab, which they had been forced to take when their private car was blocked in by all the other limos and vehicles. She clutched Gabe’s hand and leaned forward to peer over the driver’s shoulder. “Can’t you go any faster?” Her stomach flipped and flopped with nerves. Her armpits were prickly with sweat and she rubbed the beaded shawl she carried into them. This wasn’t just normal excitement, Pepper’s anxiety level was off the charts and she couldn’t understand why. Millions of babies were born every day. Why do I feel so scared?

  “I’m doin’ the best I can, lady.” The driver weaved in and out of traffic, alternately breaking and gunning the engine. Pepper expertly leaned into each movement, reminding her of days long gone when she would race around the neighborhood on her big wheel with Vivienne in hot pursuit. Now, the tables were turned and Pepper was desperate to catch up to her best friend of more than thirty years.

  “Dammit!” Pepper cried when they had to stop for a red light, wishing she could be behind the wheel. I’d have run that light!

  “Darling, we’ll get there. She won’t have the baby in the ambulance.” Gabe squeezed her fingers and Pepper tried
to lean back against the seat. She couldn’t make herself sit still and her knees bounced up and down.

  “You don’t know that! What if she did have it in the ambulance? I told her I’d be there!”

  Gabe wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, which she tried to shake off. “Will is with her.”

  Pepper would never admit it, but Gabe’s words stung. He’d just voiced her worst nightmare. Now that Viv had a husband and baby, where would that leave her? She didn’t know if she could face being replaced. She growled and smacked her thighs with her fists. “The traffic gods hate me!”

  Gabe outright laughed at her then, and her glare only fueled his amusement.

  When the taxi finally pulled up in front of the hospital, it had barely stopped before Pepper was pushing on the door to open it. She didn’t even wait for Gabe as she raced inside, leaving him to pay the driver. The elevator doors were just about to close when Gabe’s large hand dove between them. As they bounced back open, he stepped inside and gave her an irritated look. “Thank you for waiting for me.”

  “Sorry. I’m sorry. I just–”

  “It’s all right, sweetheart. I understand.” He linked his fingers with hers and squeezed.

  Pepper smiled apologetically and leaned up to give him a kiss on the cheek. “I’m just so scared.”

  “Try not to be, love.” Gabe placed his hand on the small of her back as the elevator climbed to the third floor maternity ward.

  Pepper rushed to the desk asking for Vivienne, antsy to get to her friend so she could hold her hand and be her cheerleader. Surely there would be room for her too, right? Of course Viv would want her in the room. Before the young woman behind the desk could answer, Will came jogging up from the hallway to the right.

  “Pepper!”

  “What’s happening?”