He’s right. He’d pitch a fit, and we can do this. “Love you, both.”
“Work with me. Give me a budget, and we’ll make it work. Don’t take this job.” He’s pulling his shirt over his head, getting ready to leave.
“Embe, let’s try this new job and see how it works. You won’t have carte blanche, but I won’t have to put you on a spending freeze.” I sigh. He heaves.
“But I’ll be here all by myself.” Low blow but I’ll work with what I have.
Wrong thing to say. He’s conflicted and his ego is taking a beating. “Not fair. Just give it until Christmas.” The confliction in his stance is my breaking point.
I concede. “Christmas and we’ll discuss.” He nods. Kisses me good-bye and goes to work.
I cry. Eat some chocolate. Watch Gilmore Girls. And sleep.
This continues for a month.
I’m over it.
I’m fucking exhausted. And I smell like wild animal. Fucking live bulls, alcohol, and stupidity don’t mix . . . yet it happens every weekend.
Emberlee is withdrawing more and more— I sleep half the day during the weekend because I drag my ass in the door at three o’clock in the morning. Another couple weeks of this and intensive baseball training starts, but I don’t want to stop working the weekends until the baby comes.
With her curbing her spending to nothing— besides basic home stuff— I’ve managed to save a substantial amount. Her parents insist paying for basic housing for her, and it was an argument I wasn’t able to win— especially when she threatened to move back in with Avery and Brecklynn. If she reminds me one more fucking time we aren’t married, I’m liable to lose my shit.
Brecklynn is picking my mom up at the airport, and we’ll all meet for Christmas Eve dinner at Embe’s parents house. She brought Dick with her, and I’ve been subjected to countless jokes . . . both by Brecklynn and Emberlee.
“Hey hon. You up?” I pull her down to the bed so she lands sprawled next to me and I run my hands all over her little bump.
“Eleven weeks.” I kiss her ear. “Our parents are going to ask us if we’ve picked any names.” She sighs into my neck.
“And I’ll tell them what I told you. I need to see her first.” I hold back a groan.
“Can’t we just throw some maybes in the hat?” I ask, very timid-like because she is strict with this name business.
“You can throw whatever you want in wherever you want— doesn’t change the final outcome.” She pushes off me. “You need to get ready. We’re gonna be late.”
I look at the clock. “Embe, we have three hours. Come to bed with me.”
She sighs. “I’m meeting your mom and her very active Dick today— I’m nervous.”
I grunt. “Stop with the Dick innuendos. And nothing to be nervous over. She’ll love you. Come down here with me, and I’ll relax you.”
“No. Get up please.” She’s cute when she’s persistent. I’m a bit more persistent.
“I am up . . . that’s why you need to come down here.” She huffs. I grip her wrist and pull her to me, careful not to injure my Smudge.
“You’re incorrigible.” She sighs into my mouth.
“And you love it.”
The women have lost their damn minds. Diapers. Burp clothes. Some kind of tit contraption— I’m okay with my baby getting nutrients from there, but that thing looks dangerous. Clothes. More clothes. Holy shit. They’ve been opening presents for hours. I think my mom and Emberlee’s mom went a bit overboard.
“I’m not gonna have to shop for a year.” Her words hit me in the gut. I didn’t say she had to stop shopping, but she needed to cut back. I know the baby needs stuff. I’m all for providing for my child.
“That’s the plan. Anything we can do to help,” my mom states. She’s been on me about this job, wanting me to focus on school. Now she’s at a steady, high paying job. She’s taken over Brecklynn’s expenses and offered to help me. I refused.
“I can provide just fine.” I’m grumpy, and I’m hyper-aware of it.
“We know. But as grandparents, it’s kinda our job to spoil her.” She winks at me.
“Whatever.” I grumble. I watch Emberlee go into the kitchen so I follow her. “What have you been telling people?” I’m spoiling for a fight.
“What?” She looks exhausted.
“Why do they feel the need to buy the entire store?” She shrugs. “You tell them I don’t take care of you?”
“Back that shit up. I haven’t said shit to anyone. You’re the one who took this second job and aren’t home. Maybe they’re worried because I haven’t bought anything we need.” Her cheeks are flushed, and she isn’t backing down.
I take her hand and lead her out the door because nobody needs to hear us. “Why haven’t you bought anything?”
“Because I don’t want you to take a third job if I spend money. You won’t give me a budget. You won’t let me contribute. You won’t let me do anything except sit home at night, miserable and tired.” Her tears soften my demeanor.
“Embe.” I sigh.
“Don’t. Don’t use that tone. That nickname. I’m so mad, but I’m too tired to fight.” She sobs in my chest.
“Why are you tired?” I brush her hair from her face.
“I can’t sleep without you.” Shit. I thought the garage door woke her up every morning, and she’s telling me she hasn’t been sleeping. Fuck.
“I’m sorry. I’m bent outta shape for all the wrong reasons,” I admit.
“Why is being the man so important to you?”
“It’s all I’ve known. When my dad died it was my role. I’ve helped my mom as much as I could, and it’s just important to me that you’re never left in the same predicament she was. You or our Smudge.” She hiccups through her tears. “I’m sorry. You want me to quit?”
“Yes. And no. I know it’s important to you. But it’s unnecessary.” I hate when she’s reasonable. Her parents aren’t doing my job. They’re doing theirs. She isn’t my wife, but she is mine. There has to be a happy medium.”
“How about I cut back to every other weekend until the baby, and then I’ll stop.” She’s quiet for a minute.
“Okay.” She agrees.
“What else, baby?”
“I feel bad because I love your mom, and it’s her first night here. But I’m so tired. I want to go home.” I make it happen. To hell with them all. Those were my words as I bundled her up and led her outside. I’m sure they’ll be over in the morning for breakfast. “Not before ten. She needs rest.” I slam the door, silencing their conversation, and take my baby momma home. To sleep.
Baseball is in full swing. The traveling and leaving Emberlee now that she’s far along in her pregnancy isn’t helping my anxiety. She and Saylor, along with Brecklynn and Avery stay together when we’re gone. Tonight is my last night at the club, and I’m thankful. With two weeks until she’s due, I’m ready for some time with her.
It’s quite amusing to see her and Saylor waddle around and compare bumps. And I have someone to commiserate with in Deacon. We’re in his basement working with Mason. He’s been having some shoulder issues, and I’m trying to strengthen the muscles and work other rotations to help him pitch. Coach Gill is worried about losing him, and Mason won’t do what physical therapy tells him, so it’s up to me to find other options.
“Holy shit. We were watching Aladdin last night with Julie, and Saylor started crying for no reason, and when I tried to soothe her, she went bat shit crazy.” Deacon looks to Mason, “I’m pretty sure your words are safe for my daughter’s ears— my wife taught her some colorful ones last night.” We all chuckle.
“I went to Dairy Queen for Emberlee last night, and by the time I got back, she had changed her mind and wanted McDonalds. And it was my fault because I didn’t know and brought her the blizzard.” She isn’t a happy pregnant woman.
“Anal,” Mason says between reps.
“Do what?” I snap. If he’s talking about that and my sister, there will be h
ell to pay.
“Anal. You should have had anal. I wouldn’t have to listen to this shit, and you wouldn’t be going through it.” He drops the weight. “I’m outta here.”
I turn to Deacon as he flies up the stairs. “What’s up with him?”
“Between his shoulder and your sister, he’s quite bitchy.” I nod.
“I’m gonna head home. I’ll catch you later.” I’m shocked to find Emberlee upstairs with Saylor and both of them in workout attire. “Hey baby. Whatcha’ doin’?”
“We’re gonna do yoga while y’all do what you’re doing.” She’s so excited.
“We’re done. I’m gonna head home and nap before tonight. It’s my last night.” I go to kiss her, and she steps back. Deacon comes up the steps, and Saylor starts crying.
“What the hell?” Deacon barks.
Emberlee has joined Saylor, and I shake my head. “No clue.”
“Em-em-ember . . .” She stops and sucks in air. “She was gonna do yoga with me because we’re so huge and y’all are hot baseball trainer dudes with baseball bitches around all the time. Now she has to leave, and you won’t love me,” Saylor wails.
“I never get to see Brody. I just wanted to do yoga so I came over here and now he doesn’t want to stay. He’s tired. Because he’s carrying around thirty extra pounds, ya know. I bet the baby has a big head like him.” Deacon is trying his best to hold in his laughter— along with me— because this is straight up ridiculous.
“Y’all go do yoga, and we’ll come down with you,” I try to appease her. She cries harder.
“No. I’m sorry. You’re tired and working so hard for us. Let’s go home.” Whiplash. I have a fucking neck injury with her changing moods. “Saylor, I’ll call you.”
Saylor is sniffing. “I’m sorry, Brody. You’re so sweet to her.” She sighs and lets Deacon hold her.
Anal. Definitely anal next time.
Next is Mason’s story— and of course the rest of the crew ☺
Acknowledgements
My betas. I couldn’t do this without you. Your insight, the way you force me to dig deeper, express myself even if I’m afraid.
Helena- my baseball guru. Thank you for answering the most mundane questions.
Jeneane- your notes kill me. They encourage me. And thanks for letting me know when I nail it.
Terri – your goober loves you. You let me be me. Always. Love you from the bottom of my heart.
Keara – your messages remind me of the words I wrote. Thank you for helping.
My readers group – I hate I’m not that active but it’s on my resolutions list. I love y’all and thank you for everything.
My editor – Each time I send you a message for help . . . you’re there. I appreciate the guidance and help with each and every book.
Colleen – For always trying to keep me sane . . . Lord, it’s a full time job. Thanks for believing in me.
Readers – Last, but never least. I write for me. I write for you. I write because without an outlet for the characters talking to me I’d be institutionalized. I appreciate each and every one of you reading the tales I weave. For recommending me. For reviews. For all your kind words.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leigh Ann Lunsford is a stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn’t writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come.
FB Author Page https://www.facebook.com/leighannauthor
Twitter: @AuthorLeigh
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382702.Leigh_Ann_Lunsford
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lalunsfordauthor.com
OTHER WORKS BY LEIGH ANN LUNSFORD
Not Enough (Parker Siblings, #1)
Brielle Parker has her life in front of her; she just does not know how to live it. After years of not being enough for her parents, or the dreams she once had, how did one man Colby James show her she was actually more than enough?
Raised by her grandparents with her three siblings, Brielle was loved, no doubt. However, her grandparents were taken too soon, and she was left with her older sibling to try to raise her younger ones. She couldn’t help but let the doubts take over her life. Would she ever be enough? Then Colby walked in and changed everything, and just when she was facing her fears and falling in love for the first time, Colby ripped her heart out.
Will they be able to get past their mistakes to live the life they both want? Did Colby finally break Brielle when all he wanted to do was protect and love her? You can rebound from some mistakes, but some you just have to learn from and walk away. The love they have is true and pure, but will they finally be enough for each other?
Not Leaving (Parker Siblings, #2)
Addison Parker has loved one boy all her life, Tyler James. She met him the first day of school after moving to Tennessee to live with her grandparents. Through death, raising her younger siblings, betrayal, and heartbreak, he has been there. She has forgiven him for many things, but this time when he leaves, she decides he is not her future anymore.
Tyler James loves Addison Parker. He has made mistakes, but his love is always constant. He wants to be with her, but through lies and misunderstandings it doesn’t seem possible anymore. When a single moment changes his future, will he be able to come back and pick up the pieces of their relationship, or did he finally break all of her faith in him?
Not Hiding (Parker Siblings, #3)
Cambree Parker has finally flown the nest and headed off to college in a different state, truly alone for the first time. Trying to escape from her sisters’ shadows, she runs from the lies and deceit that have plagued her family for years, and from the boy who stole her heart and shredded it in the process. Once there, she realizes her freedom is not all she hoped it would be. She misses her family, thinks of Max daily, and when she decides she wants to take control, she is attacked, leaving her family to fear for their safety. Can she protect her heart and remain safe when the source of her heartache has taken up permanent residence by her side?
Max Baird knew he messed up. His guilt over Cambree being attacked makes him doubt if he is good enough for her. He just knows he can’t walk away. She has told him she hates the lies, but the one he is keeping can blow her family apart, and he doesn’t know if she will ever forgive him. He has seen his share of sorrow and heartbreak, but he refuses to allow Cambree to suffer at his hands anymore. He will prove to her they can work. Hopefully he isn’t too late.
Not Over (Parker Siblings, #4)
Dustin Parker had life and love in his grasp until the moment she disappeared without a good-bye. He has watched his sisters struggle, fall in love, and find a happily ever after. He thought it was his turn, but fate had other plans. Leaving the family again, this time to attend school across the country, he will play soccer, and try to keep her off his mind. All of a sudden in walks someone to occupy his bed but not his heart. Why is he promising her forever?
Teryn Hall has suffered years of abuse, held a prisoner in her home by the one man who should have nurtured and loved her. Her scars run deep, and when her pain bubbles to the surface she can’t control the memories and the anguish. She thought she was doing the right thing when she walked away. She thought he would wait for her. Didn’t he promise her forever? Right when she thinks things are back on track, the news of Dustin moving on could derail her.
Can love really survive anything?
Pieces of Paisley
Paisley Hull fell in love at sixteen; the forever kind of love: unexpected, passionate, consuming - her first. She never thought she could walk away from that kind of passion. Ignoring her heart, guided by her head, she never looked back.
Blindsided by
the beauty of a tiny, hazel-eyed vixen, Jake Grant fell head over heels in love, vowing to keep her protected and not let his past taint her. He may have been overzealous in his attempts to show her how much he cherished her but he never thought she would walk away without a fight.
Nine years later, a now divorced Jake has a chance encounter with an engaged Paisley just a few short weeks before she is set to walk down the aisle. Wondering if they gave up too easily, the two embark on a journey through the jagged edges of their past. Can they overcome the obstacles to finally become one or is it too late for their second chance?
Brisé
He was seven. She was four. Neighbors and best friends. He was her protector. She was his reason. Each had their battles but they fought them together. He had a plan. She wasn’t aware.
She was seventeen. He was twenty. Tragedy strikes and their life are derailed. She leaves to heal and fulfill a dream to dance on stage. He is left behind and forgets how to live.
He stops searching. She begins looking. Can they ever set one another free, or does fate have something else in store for them?
Promise and Protect
District Attorney, Jessa Pierce, has the chance to make her career with a high profile case. To take the devil himself off the streets is the one thing she is focused on. Never taking into account the danger she put herself and those close to her in, tragedy strikes and derails her triumph. Forced into protective custody after an attempt on her life, the guilt of what has happened weighs on her. She is determined not to allow another person to be put in danger because of her decisions.
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