by L. U. Ann
Devon stands, walks around the table, and kneels in front of me. "Please, don't think that this is your fault, Sweetheart. You're not the one who trespassed and snuck a child out to use as leverage." He wraps me in a hug, allowing me to take in his warmth.
We finish the decadent meal and work as a team to clean up. After clearing the table, Devon leads me out onto the wraparound deck overlooking the ocean. It’s too dark to see it now, but you can hear the waves crashing. It’s such a relaxing sound, and the sparkle of the white lights hanging from the roof creates a magical setting. The night air is chilly and the breeze coming off the ocean makes me shiver.
“Hold on, let me start the heaters.”
Heaters?
Devon pushes and turns knobs, and the tall structures scream to life. The cold air quickly warms, and he relaxes in the double lounger next to me, and tells me stories of his summers here with his brother. I haven't met his brother, Ryan, yet. He's in the service and is stationed at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. Evidently, they had been very mischievous with the vacationers here, pulling pranks, and causing mayhem. He has me in a fit of laughter a few times.
My laughter stops when he begins rubbing my arm. My head rests on the spot on his shoulder made just for me.
This feels so nice.
“Where’s Frank?” I ask. I can’t help but wonder where he’s staying.
“He has a room in the main building. He and Alice traveled around with my dad before I met you." He smiles. "Now, they help me out. They have a place to stay at each hotel. I will forever think of Frank and Alice as the parents I never had around growing up. I love them to pieces.” He looks deep in thought as he stares up at the stars.
“I think the world of them, too. I’m sorry your parents missed out on you growing up.” I try to comfort him as much as he has been there for me. I need to wake up from this depression and show him that he can lean on me, too. I know this is eating him alive just as much as it is me.
Chapter Fourteen and a Half
"If I can't have him, then no one will!"
"No, pleeeease. Stop, don't do this. You don't need to do this! I'll stay, but please stop," I scream, praying for him to release the wide, scared-eyed, little boy I'm staring at.
"You are leaving him, NOW!"
He aggressively tosses Evan towards me on the pier. I quickly reach for him, but he pulls his hair so that he stumbles back.
"I mean it, Lacey. You do what I say. You divorce that scum, stop the adoption, marry me, and we will have the future we were meant to have. Or," he grins wickedly after looking over his shoulder to the deep, turbulent water below, "or, it's a shame what will happen."
When he tosses him towards me again in disgust, I finally grab hold of Evan, cry into his neck, and hug him tightly to me.
Evan is still crying, hysterical from what Caine has just put him through. I need to do this. To save Evan. I didn't save my mom, but I can save Evan. I'll lose the best thing that has ever happened to Evan and me but it's his life that's on the line. I can't risk it.
I can't have Caine push him out into the depth of the frigid frantic Atlantic because I’ve failed to do everything in my power to save him. Caine storms past me as I'm holding Evan, and I feel an all too familiar pain.
A foot.
Hard.
In my back.
Pain shooting throughout my body.
History repeating itself, but I have to make this choice.
The choice to save Evan.
The sounds of my yelling and crying for Evan wake me up. Rubbing my eyes, I look around. I'm no longer outside. I'm warm and comfortably laying in a large, strange bed. I glance over and see Devon. He smiles sadly at me.
"Good morning," he says in his low, husky voice as he leans in to kiss my cheek. “Did you have another bad dream?”
"Morning." I nod in answer. "How did we get here? The last thing I remember is being outside under the stars."
"I took care of it, Sugar Pants."
Oh dear Lord, it is way too early for teasing, but it does make me smile. I’m a horrible wife. I’ve neglected him ever since losing my mom. We haven’t been intimate once. I can’t be that close to someone yet. Devon has been amazingly understanding.
"Oh my God, Devon! We might get Evan back today." The feel of my adrenaline pumping gives me hope. I'm pleased about the possibility of righting one of my wrongs. I forget the most important thing to do in the morning. "Uh oh, I need to use the restroom."
Devon laughs, and I look back at him to pretend I'm irritated, but I'm unsuccessful. He's too damn entertaining. I roll out of bed with the help of some very manly hands and walk into the unbelievably stunning bathroom. The sun is out and it's so bright here.
When I leave the bathroom, I find an empty bed and the delicious smell wafting from the hall draws me to the door. I smile, because fixing breakfast is just one of the many ways he shows he’s thinking of me. The door swinging in towards me causes me to jump.
"Sorry, Sweetheart. Alice came over this morning to fix us breakfast," he says.
His mouth, inches from mine, reignites that match. Holy moly, my hormones are letting me know it’s been too long, but the flame is blown out because I'm so excited to see Alice. I haven't seen her in about a month. A month. That was when I didn’t save my mom. Tears sting, and I blink them away.
"Lacey," Devon's voice is soft and comforting, "we need to finish cleaning up for breakfast. Frank will be here soon to take us to see Evan." He smiles.
That woke me up. I’m so ready to get my son back.
"Also, I got a text from work, and I need to head back tomorrow night for an early meeting on Monday. They need me to present the research I've been studying in the lab. Apparently, a number of scientists are interested in the possible new findings in pain tolerance. I told them I will be leaving Monday evening, or, if the meeting runs over, Tuesday, and I won't be returning until the following Monday. My boss knows that I'm flying back whether he likes it or not. I don't want to go back feeling like you have all of this to deal with alone. Can I please fly Becca in? I’m nervous about Caine and the games he plays with you."
"Your boss is right. You need to go. I shouldn't have let you do this. You can lose everything you've worked so hard to get. You took time off when my mom died and now with Evan. I can't let you jeopardize work or your studies." I smile, trying to dispel my nervousness about being alone with Caine.
"You know I could care less about my job. You and Evan are what matters to me. I'm fortunate to have family that’s loaded. My parents would rather I be here with you and Evan than worrying about my job." He pauses when my face shows my irritation. "How about this? I'll agree to go to this meeting because it is an important one, but I refuse to be there longer than needed. Okay?" he asks, waiting for my approval of the plan. "But let me get Becca on a flight."
"No, it's fine. I can't have the two of them in the same room. She despises him and could do some serious damage if she comes. I also haven't been completely honest about this trip. She's liable to kick my ass, too," I say. Trying to ease his worries, I squeeze him tight in a hug. "Let's go eat!"
The distraction is hopefully working.
Breakfast smells delicious and is absolutely divine, as always, when Alice cooks. I can see why Devon is so fond of her. She dotes on him constantly. The love in his eyes for her is immeasurable. It is nice Frank is able to join us for breakfast. They are such good people.
I'm watching the thunderous waves of the Atlantic with Devon's arms around me when Frank speaks, "The car's ready, Sir."
I smile at his reference to Devon as 'Sir'. Devon plants a kiss on my temple and leads me to the car that's finally going to reunite us with our little man.
The closer we get, the faster my heart beats. I'm so nervous. Devon holds my hand, taking some of my anxiety away. It's a fifteen-minute car ride but seems like hours. Bar Harbor sits on the northeast shore of some well-known mountain I forget the name of. It occupies most of Ac
adia National Park, and is abundant with tourists in the summer, which in turn makes Devon's family’s hotel a huge success. His father is well known for his good fortune and for purchasing booming properties. I can't even imagine having that weight on my shoulders. No, thank you. I have more than I can handle with Caine, Evan, and Devon.
I smile, thinking of Evan and then Devon. I glance over and find him already gazing at me with those bright, piercing blue eyes. Hmm... I wonder what his children's eyes will look like. Uh… Turning away to look out the window, I wonder where that came from? No, I did not just think that! How can I be thinking about having children? Are we ready? Holy shit, no way. First of all, I need to get my shit together. Second of all, I need to get Evan. Think of Evan. He has beautiful 'ocean eyes' like me, thank Heavens.
Pushing that thought behind me, I watch the pine trees go on forever all around us. A minimum amount of plush forest had been removed to make this road. The wealth of trees is impressive. Maryland has a lot of trees, but it’s a mixed bundle. It seems like watching reruns, the same tree over and over, until suddenly, there's a different one and then back. Pine needles cover the ground, and liberal amounts of new birth appear on the forest floor.
Devon's rubbing my hand, comforting me. All I want to do is snatch our baby back and run off with the two most amazing men in my life. I feel so blessed to have Evan and Devon. I smile a big-toothed grin, feeling like its Christmas morning. Devon's sitting back, looking fine as anything. Crap, these hormones! That warm and fuzzy feeling overpowers my nerves, making it hard to keep my eyes open.
Think of Evan, Lacey. Evan, Evan, Evan. I want to squeal with excitement. The car slows as it advances down a narrow driveway, coming to a stop just short of a number of small buildings. Devon helps me out on my wobbly legs, and I pray they won't fail me now. We begin to walk the remaining distance of the gravel walkway, Devon's hand in mine. The loud noise of a door slamming from the area to my left startles me, nearly sending me jumping out of my skin.
When we turn around, we find Caine holding Evan in his arms.
"Lacey?" he asks, as we begin walking towards my baby. Caine's eyes drop to Devon's hand holding mine. "What the hell are you fucking doing here?" His focus remains zeroed in on Devon, our hands, and me.
"Caine, he's my husband, and he and I wouldn't be here if you hadn’t stolen Evan."
"Momeee, Momeee," Evan says, clapping his hands.
"Yes, Sweat Pea, Mommy's here. I missed you."
"I didn't steal Evan, Lacey. To steal something is to take what is not legally yours. Evan and you are mine."
I shake my head, disagreeing.
"Don't shake your fucking head at me, Lacey. You know damn well we should still be married, and since I am the biological father, Evan is legally mine. If I hadn't brought Evan here, you never would have shown up. I did this for us, and I don't understand why I'm the bad guy. I'm trying to repair our family, and you’re off shacking up with your friend slash pretend-doctor-want-to-be husband." The venom in his words is too harsh to listen to anymore.
"Evan, Sweetheart." I move closer, needing to feel him, but the closer I get to Evan, the closer I get to Caine and the further away from Devon. That is one messed up thought, but I quickly dismiss it when my sweet pea grins at me. "Oh you little handsome thing. Come here to Mommy."
Caine doesn’t put him down.
"Uh, Lacey?" Devon begins.
"Yeah?" I ask, confused.
"Caine, can we go inside and talk?"
No! Let me grab him and leave. I have been so eager to get here, to see him, and bring him home that I didn't think about any stunts douche bag would try to play. I want to cry. The yearning to hold my baby runs so deep it fuels my hatred for Caine. I wouldn't be in this situation if it weren’t for him. Bastard!
"Yeah, can we go inside, Caine?" I ask, looking into his honey eyes.
I see the same emptiness that I recognized when he said goodbye at the courthouse after I was released from his reins as his wife. What happened to the Caine I fell in love with? He looks so lost. I almost feel sorry for him. No, no, I don't. I can't. He took my baby. He nods, and I follow his lead. Devon walks up, taking hold of my hand, as I glance up and smile at him. I hope he isn't worried. I don't want him to hurt. I'll hurt for both of us.
Feeling a chill, I cross the threshold into the home that is currently Evan's. Caine moves Evan over to a large area rug with toys laying here, there, and everywhere. Thinking about how much I've missed the last day hurts. I immediately sit, pull Evan into a tight hug, and give him a ton of smooches. I recognize a couple of the toys and his blanket. That alone gives me comfort knowing he wasn't without it.
"Momeee, Momeee," Evan replies and then squeals when I tickle him. Oh, it feels so good to have him in my arms.
"Uh, Caine. You can't have batteries laying around here like this. He can put it in his mouth and choke."
"I was switching the batteries in his toy car and forgot to pick them up. You seriously think I would be a lousy father, don't you?" Caine almost appears hurt.
What the hell? Of course, I believe he doesn't think things through. Our entire relationship was proof of it.
"Here." He holds out his hand to take the batteries.
"De-De, De-De, De-De," Evan calls with his arms moving up and down in excitement.
"Devon, come here," I call over and watch Caine stiffen as he walks towards the kitchen. I pick up a toy and start playing. Devon follows along. Happiness wraps me like the security blanket Evan is attached to.
"Argh, come here, my little man!" Devon calls, and almost immediately, Evan embraces him.
I grin from ear to ear. My favorite men. I just want to eat them up.
Caine moves around apprehensively, not knowing exactly how to act around Devon since he decided to change our lives yet again. I think the feelings are mutual.
I haven't removed myself from Evan's side. I can’t let him go. He takes his afternoon and evening nap in my arms. I didn’t exaggerate when I said I won’t leave him again.
"Caine, can I have a word with you?" Devon asks from my side.
Oh, shit! When I glance at Devon with big worried eyes, he pats my leg, trying to dispel the concern.
"No, I want to talk to Lacey." Caine says harshly, causing me to close my eyes.
Never again, never again will I be with someone who thinks they can talk to me this way.
"It's okay, Dev. Here, take your son," I say a little louder than I probably should so that Caine could hear.
I follow Caine into the back hallway. I'm not worried with Devon here and Frank, too. Caine would be foolish to try anything.
"Caine, I want to take Evan for the night, and we'll bring him back tomorrow." I hope this logic will work with him.
"Do you think I'm that stupid, Lacey? I know the minute you walk out that door with Evan, the two of you are gone forever. NOT. GONNA. HAPPEN!"
I take a step back from the sincerity in his voice. Shit!
"Really, Caine. I have sole custody, and you snuck into our apartment and stole Evan. I have a note from you to prove it. You really think you're going to get away with this?” I ask, appalled that I was ever married to this ignorant man. "And I'd honestly like to know why you think I'm going to divorce Devon for you, especially since you pulled these stunts." I am bemused by the thoughtless follow-through of his plan.
"Lacey, I swear to God, you are going to leave Devon and be mine again."
I gasp at his words.
Turning around to go back to my safety net, I say, "You really need to wise up to the world. You are delusional if you think that." As soon as I say the words, I wish I hadn't. I'll die if he hurts Evan because of me. I take Evan from Devon, who is pointing his finger to the hallway for Caine to follow.
Seconds later, I hear a bang and muffled yelling. I want to get up but I don't want Evan in the middle of this.
"I'm serious. Cut the fucking shit out or I'm calling the fucking police. How dare you steal tha
t precious thing? How fucking dare you! And you want my wife to divorce me?" Devon growls, making me worry how this is going to end.
"If you hadn't shown up and screwed up my chances with my wife, I would still be with her!" Caine shouts.
"I didn't screw up anything. You did when you hit her and cheated on her. How dare you think so little of her and that little boy? They are MY world. Do you get that? MY world, not your fucking world anymore."
My heart melts hearing Devon talk like that. I love him so much.
"God help me if you hurt Evan. I already have a number of copies of your little letter out there. My resources are just waiting for you to screw up and they will fucking kill you. There is no jail. You’re fucking dead if you hurt that little boy! Do you get that?" Devon shouts.
"I didn't fucking hear you. Do you understand, dumbass?" he asks again.
Grunting and groaning follows and I assume Caine has agreed when the two of them came out red-faced and ready to kick ass.
Caine and I argue a few more times over Evan returning to the hotel with me instead of staying here. He persists on holding onto the reins where Evan is concerned.
"Caine, how are you even off work?"
"I took leave, but I need to report to work on Friday."
"Who were you planning to have watch Evan?" I ask, with the gears in my head turning, beginning to work on a new plan.
"One of my buddies' girlfriends offered."
"Well, I'm here. I don't want just anyone to watch him, so I will," I confidently reply.
"He's not watching him," Caine says in irritation, pointing Devon's way.
"I don't even know if he'll be here. He's leaving for Maryland in a couple of days. Maybe he won't be back by then." I lie and wonder how Devon and I can get this to work out. If Caine doesn't know that Devon is back, he's more likely to leave Evan with me. That's it. It can work.
Devon and I work together to put Evan to bed. Caine seems confident he will work some magic over Evan and take over where Devon and I are concerned. He thinks he can replace us. What Caine doesn't realize is the bond between Devon and Evan is strong. He's lucky if he gets the chance to steal a kiss. I cannot wait to get him home and away from Caine.