This can’t be happening. This can’t—
“Sign,” he commands, handing me a clipboard.
I reach my shaky hands forward, signing my name on the dotted line before he tells me to get changed.
I wait a beat before stripping off the rough fabric of the prison uniform and slip on my shorts and Evan’s t-shirt. His scent wraps around me, causing butterflies to swarm and peace to wash over me. It smells like home.
Slipping my feet into my Chucks and grabbing my belongings, I wait for the officer before he leads me out of the room and down another hallway before opening a gate and then a door and saying, “You’re free.”
I frown, looking out of the door that he holds open, the sun blinding me for a beat before I take a step out.
I turn back to him as the door slams shut, about to ask if this is a mistake.
What the hell is going on?
I turn around, walking toward the metal fence as it opens enough for me to slip through.
Leaning my head back, I breathe deeply, taking in the fresh air and allowing the sunrays to soak into my skin. I’m free.
“Do you come here often?”
My eyes snap open as the voice whispers along my skin, causing goose bumps to spread before I spin around, my eyes connecting with his honey ones.
“Evan,” I choke out.
“Hey, baby.” He grins, stepping forward and opening his arms. I don’t hesitate, I take the four steps that separate us and jump into his arms, wrapping my legs around him and burying my face in his neck.
“Shhh.” His hand rubs up and down my back in soothing motions as he buries his head in my hair. “It’s okay.”
The tears flow freely down my face as I pull back, slamming my lips down onto his. “You kept your promise,” I whisper once I’ve pulled back.
“I always keep my promises.” His grin spreads wider as he lets me down, his hands going to my hips before his eyes widen and he looks down. “Oh, fuck.”
I bite my lip as both of his big hands pull up his t-shirt I’m wearing to expose the small bump I’ve developed. He flicks his gaze back up to mine, the amazement shining bright before he crouches down and places his lips there.
“I can’t believe—”
“I know,” I say, pushing my hand through his hair before letting it wander down his face. “I can feel it.”
“You can?” His voice is full of awe and I can’t help the tear that slips free as I nod.
“It’s like butterflies right now, but soon it’ll be proper kicks,” I explain. When I first felt movement a week ago, I wasn’t sure what it was, but then it happened again.
He stares at my swollen stomach for another beat before slowly standing up and wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me back to him.
He places his lips onto mine, slowly, taking his time as his tongue explores my mouth properly for the first time in what feels like forever. It’s been seven weeks since I’ve felt his hands on me, felt his lips on mine, and I’m soaking in every second.
A slow tingle starts to spread so I push closer, needing to feel him all around me. “I need you,” I whisper.
“Fuck,” he groans, pulling away and taking my hand. “I booked a hotel.” He winks when he gets to his car and pulls open the door.
I chuckle, shaking my head and slide inside, relishing the smell of his car that is uniquely Evan.
When I woke up this morning, I never thought I’d be sitting here with him by my side and my whole life ready to live in front of me without those walls surrounding me. He’d promised to get me out and he stuck to it.
I lean over to him when he slides in, letting my hands frame his face as I stare at him. “I missed you so much,” I choke out.
His chest rises and falls as he places his hand on my cheek, wiping away another tear. “I missed you, too, baby.”
I can’t stop staring at her; taking every single feature in and locking it away in a vault in my mind. My hand wanders along her thigh as my other grips the steering wheel.
I almost wish that I had booked two nights in that hotel so that I could keep her all to myself for longer. One night isn’t enough; it’s never enough—not with her.
She’s glowing, her smile stretched wide across her face as we drive through the small town that has become her home. I see the way her eyes flit all over the place, her body relaxing even more as we drive past the community center and toward the compound.
She doesn’t even ask where we’re going, instead she leans back, letting out a breath.
“I love you,” she says, her head rolling to the side as she stares at me.
I take hold of her hand and bring it to my lips, planting several kisses on her knuckles. “I love you, too.”
I turn into the road that leads to the compound, my own body relaxing, knowing that we’ll be home soon, not that we’ll be able to go to the cabin yet.
“I’ll never get tired of hearing that,” she sighs.
I chuckle, but my stomach freefalls because I feel exactly the same. Every time those three words come out of her mouth it’s like angels are singing.
I drive through the gate and head over to my spot, putting the car in park and jumping out before opening her door. She places her hand in mine and leans against me when she stands up, placing her lips against mine in a sweet, gentle kiss before pulling back.
Her eyes widen when she spots all of the cars around us. “They’re all here, aren’t they?” she asks, biting her lip.
“Of course they are. They want to welcome you home.” I place my hands on either side of her face, bending at my knees so that my eyes are level with hers. “We can go to the cabin for a while—”
“No.” She shakes her head. “Let’s do this.”
“You sure?” I ask, my eyes flitting over her face. She hardly got any sleep last night, and although she looks radiant, I can see the dark circles gathering under her eyes.
“Yeah.” She looks down at herself and the summer dress that I brought with me. You can see her small bump underneath it—I can’t believe she already has a bump at four months along. I told her last night that I haven’t told anyone yet: that I wanted to wait to tell them together. “Let’s do this.”
She pushes her shoulders back, straightening her spine and grabbing my hand. I lead her over to Ty’s place, up the steps and through the door where everyone waits for us. They all shout “Welcome home!” as soon as we’re through the door, and then Lexi is bombarded with hugs and kisses from everyone. First Livvy, then Dad and Pop, then Kay. Ty gives her a nod of his head much the same as Seb, but West gathers her in a hug and spins her around in a circle, causing her laughter to bounce all around us. It’s not until Kitty wraps her in a hug do her eyes go wide.
“Holy fuck!”
“Aunt Kitty swore! Dollar in the swear jar!” Eli shouts, pointing at her.
Kitty’s eyes look at me and then Lexi before dipping down to her stomach. “Holy. Fuck.”
“She did it again! Another dollar!” Eli shouts, a grin on his face.
“Kitty,” I try to warn, but it’s too late because her hands are on Lexi’s stomach, watching it with wide eyes.
“You’re having a baby?” she asks, her voice a whisper before her eyes connect with Lexi’s. My gaze lands on Lexi’s face, taking note of the big smile.
“We are.”
The room is silent for a beat before Livvy says, “Wait, what? Did you two old men know!” She points her finger accusingly at Dad and Pop. They give her sheepish smiles. “And you didn’t think to tell me?” She huffs out a breath, storming away from them and over to West and Seb.
I step forward at the same time Kitty backs away a step, wrapping my arms around Lexi from behind, my hands landing on her stomach as I look at everyone, noting that Luke is missing. I frown for a second, wondering where he is before I say, “We’re pregnant.”
“Holy shit,” Kay whispers.
“Mom cursed, too, Ty!” Eli shouts again, barreling forward.
“Another dollar!”
“Shhhh.” She waves her hand at him before coming forward and trying to hug the both of us at the same time. “I’m so so so happy for you both!”
“Thanks.” I grin pulling back about to say something else when Eli interrupts.
“How did Uncle Evan give Lexi the baby?”
All of our eyes widen, several choked-up laughs sounding around us before Kay spins around and shouts, “Ty will tell you!”
“Ah fuck,” he groans, leaning his head back before whipping it back to Eli with pleading eyes. “I’ll give you twenty bucks if I don’t have to tell you.”
Eli tilts his head to the side before he shrugs. “Okay.”
I throw my head back, laughing at him and wondering if this is what it’ll be like for me in a few years’ time.
The chatter starts up after our announcement and Livvy comes forward, taking Lexi away from me before I get the chance to refuse.
We stand around talking for several hours before Dad, Pop, Livvy, Seb, and West head off. The sky's getting dark so we all drift out to the porch, Lexi sitting on the swing in between Kitty and Kay while Ty and Dean sit in the chairs on either side.
Eli is asleep in his room and I’m sitting on the steps, leaning my head on the wooden railing, watching Lexi as she talks all things babies with Kay.
Dad said he’s already been buying things for the baby; knowing him he’s probably already bought everything that we need. He also said he’s starting to decorate the nursery at their home for when the baby stays there and has grandad and grandpa time.
Headlights shining across the compound has my head turning. Luke speeds into the compound, parking his car at an angle before rushing around the other side and pulling someone out of the passenger seat.
We’re all on high alert, Ty and Dean standing at the same time as I do.
Luke slams the passenger side door to his car, cradling something against him as he looks down briefly and then darts across the compound and toward us to get to his house.
He comes to a halt when he spots us all watching him, his muscles taut and his face fierce. His eyes clash with mine and then Ty’s as indecision shines in his eyes.
He looks down again, murmuring something to the woman he’s holding against his chest. A whimper escapes her which has me stepping forward. What the hell is going on?
“Luke?” Ty stands beside me. “Who’s that?”
Luke’s hand glides along the person’s hair. “It’s okay, angel. I’ll make it all better, I promise.”
“Luke,” she whispers, her voice traveling to us on the wind.
“I know, angel. I know.”
His head swings up, his eyes flitting between all of us, stopping on Kay for an extra beat before he says, “This is… this is…” He visibly swallows. “This is my wife.”
My eyes widen, my mouth opening and closing as he spins around and walks away from us.
His wife?
“That’s it, baby! You can do it.”
I push my chin to my chest, putting all of my effort into the push before I lean back, my energy zapped.
“It fucking hurts,” I groan, letting my eyes close and basking in the brief stillness where there isn’t an inch of pain.
“I know,” Evan soothes.
My eyes pop open and I swing my head to face him. “No!” I shake my head. “You don’t know! You try pushing a watermelon out of your ass and then come back to me and tell me you know.”
“I wasn’t—”
“This is all your fault!” I shout, cringing as another contraction starts. I grit my teeth and hold his hand tighter as I start to push again, sweat rolling down my face. I’m a hot mess.
“I see the head,” the doctor announces. “Give me a big push, Lexi. That’s it.”
Evan moves a step toward the doctor. “Where are you going?” I grit out.
“I want to see.” He grins, tilting his head to get a better look. “Oh, fuck… what the… how the…” His eyes connect with mine. “This is insane!”
My nostrils flare as I push again, feeling like I’m being ripped apart. I’m never letting him touch me again. He can keep his hands and his dick to himself. I’ll never ever—never ever—let him near me again.
Why the hell can’t men carry babies yet? It’s the twenty-first century, surely they should have some kind of science now that lets a woman keep her vagina just how she wants it.
“My vagina will never be the same again!” I shout before putting all of my effort into another push as Evan watches in fascination.
I’m gonna kill him. I’m gonna skin him alive and make sure that he never gets anywhere near me with his dick again.
“Ooooohhhh! I see the baby, Lex! What is it, doc? A girl? A boy? An—”
“Evan?” I grit out.
“Yeah, baby?”
“Shut the fuck up and let me push the watermelon out.”
“Gotcha.” He nods, but still doesn’t stop watching as the contraction flows through me and then finally I feel the relief and then a baby is being wiped over, a cry sounds out and I’m being told, “It’s a girl,” and then handed her.
I stare at her, amazed and in shock, not knowing what to do or say. I’m speechless, completely speechless, but totally in love. I’ve been cooking this baby for nine months, but nothing made it feel real until now.
Her eyes open and I still stare, not saying a word as Evan stands beside me.
“She’s perfect,” I finally whisper.
“Like her mama,” Evan says, planting a kiss on my forehead as I trail my finger down her cheek. She’s so smooth, so soft.
I choke back tears as I turn my head to face Evan, staring into his honey eyes. I never thought I’d be here. A year ago I was locked up in a prison with no future, no possibilities, and now I have a man who loves me and a baby girl who is going to grow up with the best father she could possibly ask for.
He leans down, planting a soft kiss to my lips before saying, “I can live with your vagina never being the same.”
I grin, seeing the laughter in his eyes before smacking him in the chest with my free hand. “You’re impossible.”
“I know,” he says, chuckling and then leaning down to our baby girl and whispering, “Welcome to the world, Olivia.”
About the Author
Abigail Davies grew up with a passion for words, storytelling, maths, and anything pink. Dreaming up characters—quite literally—and talking to them out loud is a daily occurrence for her. She finds it fascinating how a whole world can be built with words alone, and how everyone reads and interprets a story differently. Now following her dreams of writing, Abigail has found the passion that she always knew was there. When she’s not writing: she’s a mother to two daughters who she encourages to use their imagination as she believes that it’s a magical thing, or getting lost in a good book. If she’s doing neither of those things, you can be sure she’s surfing the web buying new makeup, clothes, or binge watching another show as she becomes one with her sofa.
Connect with Abigail
Reader group—Abi’s Aces
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www.abigaildaviesauthor.com
[email protected]
Also by Abigail Davies
MAC Security Series
Fractured Lies (MAC Security Book 1)
Exposed (MAC Security Book 2)
The Distance Between Us (MAC Security Book 3)
Flying Free (Standalone MAC Security Spin-off)
Broken Tracks Series,
co-authored with Danielle Dickson
Etching Our Way
Destroyed Series,
co-authored with L. Grubb
Destroying the Game
Destroying the Soul
Etching Our Way Sneak Peak
James blunt—Goodbye my lover
This never should have happened. I’m a man in all sense of t
he word, but right now in this situation, I feel completely emasculated. I feel powerless in the fact that I have no choice in what I’m doing or what I’m saying.
I shouldn’t have had to do this, I should be able to make my own choices, but I can’t. I’m doing this for her.
To protect her.
I watch as tears stream down her face, mixing in with the rain that is pouring down from the rolling gray clouds in the sky. Her chest heaves on every breath, her arms wrapping around her middle as she tries to keep herself together.
All I want to do is wrap my arms around her and let her head rest in the nook of my neck that’s made especially for her.
My foot moves, taking a step forward but I stop myself, pushing my shoulders back and doing the right thing.
I have to do this.
I have to walk away.
I take one step backward, then another, my eyes not leaving hers as I do.
“Tris...”
I spin around at the sound of her voice, not being able to bear seeing her fall apart for a moment longer. Each step I take toward my car feels heavier than the last—like I’m wading through mud—and it’s getting harder and harder to walk away.
“Tristan!”
I turn back to face her, my heart cracking and my soul disintegrating when I see how hurt and utterly broken she is.
I open my mouth, shouting at her that, “We’re done,” because it’s all I can do to make sure that she never tries to fix this. If she does—no, I won’t allow myself to think about what he’d do to her, to her family.
I slide into my car, my wet clothes that are soaked from all of the rain instantly wet the seat and make it creak with each movement. It only takes two seconds until my eyes find her again, sitting in front of our willow tree, trying her hardest to pull herself together, but failing miserably.
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