Love is Only a Whisper (Whisper Series)

by Wynn, Renee

  This was the end of one friendship but the dawn of a mature one. The Nicole of yesteryear was gone. The transition was good.

  She pulled back, smiled, and caressed his cheek.

  “What the fuck is going on here?

  Ashton stood in the door of the library with a fierce scowl. Brody followed close behind. Ashton wasn’t smiling, and his face was harsh to the point Nicole felt herself struggling to breathe.

  “Ashton, don’t do it,” Brody warned.

  “Yes, listen to Brody before you do something rash,” Brent sneered.

  Nicole tapped him on the arm. “Brent, stop it. You’re making things worse.”

  “You’re coming to his defense now?” Ashton snarled.

  “Ashton’s it’s not what you think—”

  “The hell it isn’t. I walk in and find my wife and my brother wrapped in each other’s arms…kissing.”

  “I can explain it. If you would just—”

  “I don’t need you to explain a damn thing. You want him so bad that you had to do it in my house.” He ran his angry gaze over her as he spat out the words. “What would have been the next move…our bedroom?”

  Pain pierced her. “How dare you? You know me better than that. I’m your wife not one of your drive-bys.”

  “Really? I don’t think that one of my drive-bys, as you so elegantly put it, would be caught in another man’s arms. Only women who do can be classified as —”

  “Ashton!” Brody grabbed his arm.

  She gasped, not believing the way he was talking to her

  “Ashton, don’t let your anger carry you to place where there is no return,” Brody said.

  Brent jumped in Ashton’s face. “ You were always a bastard, Ashton. I guess that will never change.” He pointed his finger. “Don’t you ever talk to Nicole like that again!”

  Ashton glared at his brother. “Get the fuck out of my house.”

  Nicole screamed. “Ashton!” Her mouth gaped as she fought to understand what was unfolding in front of her. She’d never seen Ashton so enraged.

  “Now.”

  Brent placed his hand at the small of Nicole’s back. “Go and grab an overnight case. We’re leaving.”

  She reached to remove his hand and Ashton punched Brent in the face, hurling him into the bookcase. Nicole was propelled backwards hitting the wall hard and falling to her knees. Ashton went to hit Brent again.

  Brody grabbed him before his fist connected. “Ashton, that’s enough.”

  Brent struggled to stand, wiping at the blood on his mouth. “So the great Ashton Campbell has finally resorted to violence.”

  “Screw you.”

  “Ash…ton!”

  He swung around, his furious eyes landing on Nicole. She was on her knees, both hands clasping her stomach. He ran and knelt on the floor, taking her into his arms.

  She was hurting all over. She swallowed and tried to quench the fear. “I hurt…cramps…my baby.”

  “Brody call an ambulance…now!”

  Chapter Seventeen

  At the hospital, the medical team maneuvered around Ashton so they could attend to Nicole.

  One of the attendants faced him. “Mr. Sinclair, you must step back.”

  “That’s my wife,” he shouted, watching the gurney being wheeled away. “I need to be with her.”

  Brody moved beside him. “Ashton. Let them do their job.”

  Ashton glared at another man who stood in front of him, blocking his movement. “Who the hell are you?” The doctor extended his hand. “I’m Dr. Greene. Your wife’s doctor, Dr. Menia and I are partners. I was performing an emergency caesarian when you and your wife came for your initial visit and didn’t get the chance to meet you.”

  He briefly shook the hand outstretched to him. The doctor was of medium height with dark blond hair and gray eyes. He was too young for Ashton’s liking. His wife needed a more experienced doctor. If Nicole could hear his thoughts, she would surely ream him out. His little wife didn’t take kindly to his ultra-conservative views.

  “Where is Dr. Menia anyway? She needs to be here.”

  “She’s on vacation—”

  “Vacation? What the hell? Call and get her back here!”

  “Ashton, calm down. I’m sure that Dr. Greene is adequate—”

  “Adequate? I want the best…not adequate.”

  The male doctor pulled himself up to his full 5’8 height. “I’m one of the best at what I do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a patient who needs me.”

  Ashton watched the doctor walked away. “Who the hell does he think he is?”

  “He’s the one who is going to take care of Nicole.”

  “If she loses the baby…”

  “Chill. Nicole is going to be fine.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “I do.”

  “Brody, don’t start that shit. I know you have this sixth sense…vision about things but I can’t deal with it today.”

  Brody shook his head. “Come on, take a seat.”

  “I can’t.” He started to pace back and forth.

  After a while, Ashton found himself staring out of the window into the darkness.

  How in the hell did it come to this? Many times he’d lost his temper in the past but always remained in control. The fury he felt when he saw Nicole in Brent’s arms caused indescribable pain.

  If Nicole lost the baby she would never forgive him, nor could he ever forgive himself. The harsh words he threw at her couldn’t be erased. They were out there floating between them. How could he have let his jealousy of Nicole and Brent’s relationship make him lose all rationale? In his gut, he felt that she would never cheat on him. But knowing she loved Brent drove him to madness. Pain caught his chest. It cut him deep to acknowledge what she felt for his brother. Ashton loved her and that was enough. It had to be because he wouldn’t let her go.

  He turned from the window and looked at Brody slouched in a chair with his head resting on the back of the wall, eyes closed. He appeared to be asleep but Ashton knew he was watching him. The door opened and his parents walked in, followed by Brent. He cursed under this breath. This wasn’t something he needed right now.

  His mother rushed toward him, giving him a hug. “How is she?”

  “I’m waiting for the doctor. He glared at his brother. “What are you doing here Brent?”

  “I’m here for Nicole.”

  “Don’t you think you have done enough? Get the hell—”

  “Ashton! Stop this nonsense. You and Brent are brothers. I won’t have you acting differently. I’m sure Nicole wouldn’t either. Why didn’t you tell us Nicole was pregnant?”

  “We just learned of it ourselves.”

  “Well, how far long is she?”

  “Almost four months.”

  “What? Four months?” His mother frowned. “But the two of you just got married. I can’t believe—”

  “Alexa,” Camp Sinclair admonished. “Son, how are you holding up?”

  “Not great.”

  “He would do better if he would sit down and relax,” Brody said from the far corner. He stood up and stretched. He came toward them, giving Alexa a kiss on the cheek.

  Camp grabbed Brody’s hand and shook. “I didn’t see you over there, Brody. It’s been a long time.”

  “Hello, sir.”

  “What happened?” Alexa looked at Ashton. He didn’t answer and turned away.

  “She fell,” Brent said.

  Ashton threw him a fiery glare.

  “Fell? What was she doing? I don’t understand young people today. They need to understand—”

  Camp put his hand on her arm. “Alexa, it happened. What’s most important is that she’s getting the best care.”

  “She’s going to be fine,” Ashton said firmly. He hoped saying the words out loud would calm some of his fear.

  His mother nodded. “Of course, she’ll be. She comes from strong stock.”

  The door opened and the d
octor walked in. Everyone turned towards him, waiting with bated breath. Ashton moved closer and stood in front of the man.

  “Tell me.”

  “She’s stable. I’ve given her a light sedative to help keep her calm.”

  Ashton asked the question that was foremost in his mind. “Did she lose the baby?”

  “No, Mr. Sinclair. But your wife is very agitated. That’s not good for the baby or her. Her blood pressure is elevated, which I don’t like. We’re monitoring it. The cramping has subsided but she needs her rest…and no stress. I can’t begin to tell you how important this is for the next forty-eight hours.”

  “I need to see her.”

  “I’m going with you,” Brent said.

  Ashton glared at him. “You aren’t going anywhere near my wife.” He slammed out of the waiting room.

  When he entered Nicole’s room, he took a deep breath before approaching the bed. Her eyes were closed and she appeared to be sleep. He let his gaze scan around the room taking in the sterile atmosphere. It was a private room, which helped it to look almost like a bedroom but not quite. There was a television, a dresser, a round table, and two chairs, a loveseat and a nondescript painting on the wall but none of the bright colors his wife loved. He wanted her out of this place as soon as possible.

  He assessed her unmoving body covered with a starched white sheet, the tube in her arm and the baby monitor around her stomach. With a heavy heart, he took her hand and sat at her side. His heart beating fast, he thought about how this could have ended with her being hurt badly and the loss of their child.

  Finally taking her other hand he gently rubbed her stomach. His child lay in its cocoon. He thanked God for the miracle. But she was still in danger. She needed to get through the next few hours. He released her hand and ran it down slowly down one smooth cheek. The awesomeness of her beauty, even in sleep, rendered him speechless.

  “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured. “But God help me, I can’t let you go.”

  His heart was heavy with pain. It felt as though someone had dealt his heart a deep blow, reached in and pulled the muscle from its socket. The blood gushed, entrenching him within its grip.

  “Nicole,” he breathed and waited. Her eyes remained closed, her breathing deep but slow. The sedative the doctor had given her must’ve taken effect. His movement faltered. “I messed up. You would probably say, well what else is new.” He bit his lip to hold back overwhelming emotion. “I promise. Things are going to be different. I know you don’t know this but I never thought I would have a chance with you.”

  Ashton leaned over, kissed her lips softly and whispered. “I love you, Nicole. I will be the man you can depend on. That I promise.”

  He felt the presence of another in the room. A hand was firmly planted on his shoulder.

  “All this time and I never knew how much you loved her.”

  “Would it have made a difference?” He stood and faced his mother. “I’m sorry, Mother. I’m angry at myself and for taking it out on you.”

  Color tinged the surface of her cheeks. “I guess I deserved that. There is no excuse for the way I acted. I apologize. I was wrong in the way I treated Nicole. I wanted someone more mature, experienced and worldly for you.”

  “She didn’t choose me. I’m the one that chose her. You should’ve accepted the fact.”

  “I know, but I’m trying to explain my attitude. I’ve known Nicole since she was a teenager. I’m ashamed of my actions. I’m proud to have her as my daughter-in-law.”

  “Thank you for that.”

  Ashton moved away from the bed and she followed. Alexa Sinclair could be controlling, smothering and a force to be reckoned with, but quick to admit when she was wrong. She loved hard but stayed out of his personal life. The conversation he intended to have about Nicole’s treatment now was needed. He was glad she’d made the first move.

  Alexa sighed and he wondered what else was on her mind. The wait wasn’t long. “Please be patient with Brent and Nicole.”

  “I’m not discussing this.”

  “Ashton, they’re close friends. Nicole fancied herself in love with him.”

  “I know that. Why are you bringing this up now?”

  “Darling, we’re all family. Marjorie and I are together all the time, which means Nicole, will be around Brent. I don’t want you and your brother fighting. Melissa is good for him. The marriage will help him to grow up.”

  He threw her a look.

  “I know you think I’m clueless to Brent’s shortcomings but I’m not. All his life he’s tried to emulate you. For the first time, he had something you didn’t have, a girl who loved him. Given time, Nicole and he will find which box to place each other.”

  “I won’t share her.”

  “No one is asking you to. Will you tell me what happened between you and Brent?”

  “No.”

  “He has a black eye and a bruise on his mouth.”

  “Why don’t you ask him?”

  “I’m asking you.”

  Ashton remained silent and stared hard at his mother.

  “Alright.” She sighed and nodded toward Nicole. “How is she doing?”

  “She needs rest. That’s very important right now.”

  “She’s going to pull through this.” Conviction threaded through her words.

  “Thanks for your support.”

  “A strong bouncy boy, mark my words.”

  His lips lifted. “A boy?”

  “Boys have been the firstborns of the Sinclairs’ for the last fifty years.” She smiled. “You’re not going to be the one to stop the trend.”

  “I don’t care about the trend. A healthy baby is all we want.”

  She reached up and hugged him tight. “Promise me something.’

  He pulled back and frowned. “What?”

  “Remember that you and Brent are brothers first. Settle this thing between you.”

  There was only silence.

  “I love all my children. I won’t take sides. I want you to fix this.” Her voice was firm and brooked no argument.

  He wasn’t making promises that he couldn’t keep.

  Finally the standoff was over; she patted his cheek and walked out the door leaving him to exhale slowly. This was one time where she was wrong. It would be futile. Brent wanted his wife. Did Nicole want to be with Brent? The unknown scared him. But it didn’t matter. She was his and would remain so.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Nicole opened her eyes and felt warmth at her side. Looking down she saw Ashton’s head on the bed and his hand resting on her thigh. He was asleep but a slight frown marred his handsome face. She reached to smooth the frown away and then snatched her hand back, remembering the painful words that had ricochet between them. She fought hard to hold back the tears but they sprang freely.

  He’d been cruel. God help her, she still loved him. But she didn’t want to.

  Nicole eyes roamed his body and then she remembered the harsh and cruel words he spoke to her. She gulped at the pain. God help her, she still loved him. But at that moment, she didn’t want to.

  She looked around, seeing the sterile room. Hospital. Her heart raced with panic. She searched for the hard stomach bump. It was still but where was no movement. Just a few days ago she’d felt flutters. Something was wrong. Frightened, she moved and the IV in her arm stung. The rapid beeping of the monitor at the head of the bed caused her further anxiety.

  Ashton’s head snapped up. “Nicole?” He shot to his feet.

  A nurse rushed in, pushed Reset on the monitor and laid a cool hand on her forehead. “Mrs. Sinclair.” Her voice was soothing. “What’s this all about? You must rest. Your baby needs it.”

  “Why can’t I feel him?”

  “It’s okay. You’re still in the early stages of your pregnancy. You may not feel the baby yet.”

  “I did a couple of days ago. It was only for a short moment. It felt like butterflies.”

  She smiled. “Well, I’m
sure he’ll make his presence known again. You and he have been through a little trauma. He’s taking a rest from it all.”

  “You didn’t tell me you felt movement,” Ashton said.

  Nicole directed her concern to the nurse. “I’m worried.”

  The elderly nurse smiled. “Don’t be. Your baby is doing fine. Besides, the medication we gave you slows everything down. It keeps him calm. Something you should be doing.” She patted Nicole’s arm. “I want you to lay back and rest.”

  “Is she okay?” Ashton asked.

  The nurse nodded. “Yes, Mr. Sinclair. Her blood pressure rose a bit, which set off the monitor. Now that she knows the baby is safe, I expect everything will settle down. If you need anything, let me know.” She left the room.

  The silence between them hung like a steel door. He resumed his seat and took her hand.

  “You keep saying him. So you think it’s a boy?” He rubbed a thumb smoothly against her skin, bringing much-needed warmth. She started to pull away but craved the connection. Not wanting him to realize the effect he was causing, she turned her head and looked at the window. Darkness covered the sky but the flicker of lights still made its presence known.

  “Sweetheart…”

  She swiveled her head toward him. “Why are you here?”

  “Where else would I be?”

  “I want you to leave here.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Get out.”

  “Nicole—”

  “Go! I’m sure there’s a woman who’s waiting for you who isn’t a drive-by.” She bit her lip to hold back more ugly words from spewing. Vindictive and childish weren’t adjectives normally associated with her. But within a matter of a few hours, her life had changed.

  Ashton’s features were unreadable. “The only woman in my life is you.” A tightening around the mouth and his eyes flashing dangerously warned of the surmountable control he was exerting. “Rest.” He leaned over to kiss her, but she threw up a hand to stop it.

  He withdrew, stood and stared.

  “I get you’re upset, Nicole. But I’m not going to let you hang onto your anger indefinitely.”