“Ready to be my girl?” James asked with a wink, as he opened my passenger door for me.
“Thirty years ago, maybe, but I’m hardly a girl now.” I found his relaxed, playful mood very sexy.
He made a big deal of clearing his throat. “Okay, are you ready to be my sexy blonde bombshell?”
“Better,” I replied, cocking my head from side to side like I was deliberating his comment.
“If we stay, I think I’ll need to request one of the pool houses tonight. Your sassy ass deserves a paddling for being cocky when I’m nervous to share you with the rest of my world.”
“The rest of your world? I thought you said I was your world.”
“All right, they’re my world within my world, but don’t tell them that. I’ve had enough clashes with that lot to last me a lifetime. They think I’m the reformed bad boy turned golden boy now, so don’t you dare burst their bubbles.”
“Uncle James.” Bethany, the youngest of Tammy’s girls, came running into the parking area wearing a pink, fairy-tale princess-style dress covered in satin and lace as she made a beeline for him. She was six or seven, a gorgeous angelic looking little girl, with long flowing dark ringlets that were sopping wet.
“Have you been swimming without me?” James teased, crouching to the ground, his suit jacket scuffing the dirt as he bent to pick her up.
“Mom told us, ‘Get in that pool and get rid of some energy or you’ll be strung up before Uncle James gets here’.” We both chuckled at her impersonation of her mom with a scratchy voice more suited to a Halloween witch.
“I’m here now, so you can misbehave as much as you want since I’ve got plenty of bail money.”
“What’s bail money? Is that like the hay in our barn back home?” she asked. We chuckled again.
“Not that kind of bale, honey. How are those sisters of yours doing?”
“So-so,” she replied, wriggling down to the ground. “Come on, I kept you a seat at the table before Uncle Sawyer gets here. You know what Belle’s like with that lot. She hogs all the best seats near Grandpa, and we always end up in the middle where we have to sit the whole darn time until all the adults are done eating.”
“What about Milly?” I asked, trying to join in the conversation. Bethany stopped and squinted at me for a few moments then her jaw suddenly dropped, and her eyes widened when she thought she recognized who I was.
“You’re her, aren’t you?”
“Her?” Both James and I said at once. A small pang of anxiety shot through me because it was clear from the child’s understanding she had heard some adults talking about me.
“Yeah, Uncle James’ girlfriend. Aunt Billie’s friend … and Uncle Sawyer’s.”
“Anyone else’s friend?” James inquired good naturedly, when I was far too busy wondering what had been said about me.
Bethany searched her hairline then shook her head. “Nope, I think that’s it.”
“Shall we go inside?” James urged, smoothing the way by changing the subject. I glanced at him and wondered if he’d been worried she may have repeated something negative about me.
With every step nearer the house my heart pumped faster. I felt hot and sweaty, and nervously wiped my hot hands on my pants. In that moment, I hadn’t felt as nervous since I’d interviewed for my first internship decades before. James eyed me from the side and chuckled, and I guessed he had read my worried look.
“It’s a birthday lunch, Tricia, not an execution.” He smiled, took my hand, pulled me close, and moved his hands to the sides of my face. Stopping, he looked into my eyes and there was the instant connection between us that both instilled me with confidence and quieted my mind. “You’re beautiful. You’re amazing. You’re mine. Remember those three things and you’ll be terrific today.”
Thanks,” I mumbled. I felt embarrassed to have looked so weak.
“I love you, Tricia, and they’ll love you too. Don’t forget this isn’t your first rodeo at the Wild penitentiary.” His eyes told me everything I had needed to know. He looked excited and proud to be with me, and his comment made me smile.
Entering the house, we followed Bethany as she sashayed down the hall, her hard plastic, dress up heels click-clacking noisily on the marble as she walked. James and I shared a look and we both bit back grins when we found her funny.
A bout of raucous laughter was quickly followed by excited chatter in the distance. It startled me and I froze. James took my hand again, squeezed it tight, and flashed me a sympathetic smile. “Come on, I love you, you got this,” he muttered softly.
“Yuk,” Bethany shot back looking over her shoulder, having heard James tell me he loved me and we both laughed. The tension I’d held inside instantly drained.
Seconds later we were in the kitchen. Tammy, Caitlin, their husbands, and James’ father sat around the huge rectangular table. The children looked as if they’d been let loose in a candy store unsupervised and had been experiencing a sugar rush.
Harriett came from behind us and tapped James and me on the shoulders. “There you are. We had begun to think this big guy had been keeping you in his dungeon,” she joked.
“Uncle James,” Milly and Belle shouted in unison when they noticed him, ran over, and hugged him.
“Hey, my beauties, I’ve missed you young ladies.” Their smiles lit up their eyes when he hugged them back and my heart squeezed at how much those girls adored him, followed quickly by regret that James wouldn’t have a child of his own.
“Do you really have a dungeon, Uncle James?” Brock, the ten-year-old adopted son of Caitlin asked in awe.
James snickered, obviously loving all the attention from the little ones. He smirked and blew out a breath. “Figure of speech, Brock, I live in a penthouse apartment, remember?” Brock looked relieved and went back to coaxing Bethany to ride piggyback.
“Tricia, it’s lovely to see you again,” Harriett gushed, pulling me into a genuine warm embrace.
“Yes, Tricia, we were beginning to think he’d never bring you here,” his father agreed.
“Tricia’s had a lot going on this past year, Dad, the timing hasn’t been right, that’s all.”
When James made that comment, I had half-expected people to ask what I’d had going on and stood anxiously waiting for someone to press his point.
“Never mind, you’re here now. You must be serious when you haven’t made it down to visit us in Arizona, James,” another female remarked.
I glanced over at Tammy, and unlike the friendly vibe I’d had from her at Billie’s wedding, I saw her narrowed eyes scrutinizing me.
“I know and I’m sorry. But if you want to blame anyone, blame Dad. He’s worked me like a pack horse this last year,” James responded, coming to my rescue.
“True,” their father replied, quickly agreeing with his son. “He’s been a godsend.”
“I’ve only had two weeks off this year in total, and both of those in the past couple of months,” James added.
I felt Tammy’s reluctance to accept what he’d said, but with her father’s endorsement of James’ comments she had little choice but to do anything else.
“Well, I’m very happy to see you both, no matter how long it’s been. I’ve missed you, James,” Caitlin, his middle sister, offered, as she stood from the table and came around to our side of it. She hugged James and then me and her welcome was warm. “Lovely to see you, Tricia. Welcome to the family.”
“Milly?” Colby’s voice came from the hallway and relief washed through me that Sawyer and Billie had arrived. My eyes flitted back to where Tammy was sitting and I caught her still watching me. For most of my life I hadn’t cared how people saw me, but she had managed to make me feel self-conscious. I knew then, Tammy had an issue with me.
The reception Sawyer and Billie received from Tammy was far more enthusiastic than ours, but I told myself there were several reasons for this. First, Billie had been part of the family for a long time, and her three children were also integral
members of the family.
Billie came over to me as soon as the family greetings had died down, and I silently thanked her for her loyalty to me.
“Wow, I’ve been waiting so long for this, and now you’re here,” Billie said, excitedly. I knew immediately what she’d referred to. To Billie and Sawyer, I was family in all but name. Not so with Tammy, who had looked as if she’d had a bug up her ass with the idea of me being one of them. I guessed by the look on her face that I’d learn what her problem was sooner or later.
“Thanks,” I replied, smiling.
Before long Ronald led us out to the main patio at the back of the house where an amazing huge buffet of food had been laid out, with a birthday cake for Harriett placed at the center.
As soon as the younger children’s parents had filled up their plates the rest of us plated up ours. I’d noted James hadn’t stood idle. By the time he'd sat down, he’d helped Bethany cut up some steak, grabbed napkins for Belle, and carried Brock’s drink as they took their places at one of the smaller patio tables.
Lorna arrived late and once again there was another upheaval as kids jumped down, kissing and hugging, but as the lunch went on I began to relax in their company and had felt welcomed by all who were there … all apart from Tammy.
With light conversation, banter from the boys, and a few bottles of wine, I soon forgot Tammy’s frosty reception and the rest of the day was fun. The kids swam, ate, and swam again.
Jonathan, Tammy’s husband, and James played a nail-biting game of tennis, and I sat in awe at how fiercely competitive and skilled James was. When he won, his opponent looked pissed, but Sawyer, Billie, and I jumped up and down with excitement. It had been a long active day for the little ones and by 6:00 p.m. Remy had looked exhausted. He climbed up on my lap and had started to fall asleep.
“Would you mind if I showered the little ones and put them to bed?” Billie asked Harriett.
“Of course, sweetheart. My house is your house, Tammy will no doubt be doing the same with Bethany soon.”
“I’ll help you,” I told Billie, and stood up from the comfortable couch in the great room. I followed as Billie led the way to the accommodations they’d been given.
Billie opened the door to a three-bedroom apartment on the ground floor on the west wing of the house.
“Wow, this place is incredible,” I said, gasping in wonder at the sheer size and opulence of the suite of guest rooms.
“Isn’t it just?” she gushed. “I’m always scared to bring the kids here in case they wreck the place. I mean Brynn and all this.” She gestured at the fine furnishings, raw silk drapes, and white deep pile carpet and chuckled. “I feel I should dress the kids in those forensic suits before they come in here. Come on,” she urged, leading me through to the master suite.
“Down, now,” she barked at Remy and Brynn, who both jumped happily on the huge custom-made bed when she entered and saw them.
“Aw,” both whined as they dropped onto their butts and shimmed their way off the custom-built bed.
“Can you grab some pajamas from their luggage over there?” she asked, as she led them both into the bathroom. “I’ll get them clean and dry them while you do that.”
Eyeing the pink Disney Princess weekend bag and the blue Paw Patrol one, I opened them and did as she asked and then waited for her to finish getting the kids ready for bed and bring them back into the bedroom.
Twenty minutes later the twins were dressed in their nightwear and had settled into bed. Billie had already texted Sawyer, who turned up to read them a story.
“Right, now I can breathe. Tell me how you are doing? I was so sorry to hear about your mom.” When James had told Sawyer and Billie about my mom’s death, they had both wanted to come and support us. I had refused, worried that they may have inadvertently slipped up about Erin to Marnie or my father.
“I told Marnie,” I admitted. I gave her a sideward glance to gauge her reaction.
Initially she looked lost for words, then squeezed my forearm in support. “That was very brave, Tricia.”
“I know what you’re thinking. I dropped all of that on her when she was already grieving the loss of my mom. But it didn’t happen like that, it just … came out. Marnie made a comment which presented an opportunity for me and I took it.” I shrugged.
“How did she react?” she inquired tentatively, her voice full of concern.
“Accepting …” I nodded as I ran over the incident in my mind again, “pissed as hell about my mom, but she knew her well … reckoned that my mom bullied me.”
“Well, I agree, from what you’ve told me, your mom didn’t have the decency to discuss what your wishes were with you.”
“Right. Anyway, Marnie doesn’t want me to tell our dad, what with him losing Mom … and his age.”
“Never?” She looked astonished, and I guessed from that reaction she felt like me and he should be told.
“No, she agrees he should be told, but I should wait until he can breathe again.”
“Sounds like she’s got both you and your dad’s backs.”
“She does. Next time I talk to Erin, I’m going to explain and arrange a meeting for Marnie to meet her.”
Billie pushed on the door leading back to the central hallway of the house. “When do we get the pleasure of that?”
“I’m not sure yet, we’re taking it slowly. Can you give James and me a little more time with her on our own?” I asked.
Billie stopped entering the hall and turned to face me. “Do what you have to do, Tricia. It’ll give us a bit more time to talk to Colby and explain it. That boy is as subtle as a sledgehammer. I’ll make sure your story is handled with the sensitivity you deserve.”
Chapter Fifteen
“You’re never going to have a child of your own if you stay with her.” Tammy’s low voice hissed the words, and I knew immediately she was talking to James.
“Why can’t you just be happy for me?” James replied in a stern tone that told me how pissed off he was with her meddling.
“You’re amazing with children, and it would be a crime if you didn’t have a child of your own.”
“Why? Because my sister, Tammy, says so?” he scoffed, and I imagined the angry look he’d have been giving her. My heart was in my mouth as I looked toward Billie, who stood open-mouthed and listened with me. “Don’t you get it? I love Tricia … absolutely love her with all my heart, and you know how I know? She’s been to hell and back since we’ve been together, and I’m still here with her. More’s to the point, she hasn’t given up on me either, despite what she’s gone through. I’m going to marry her at some point so you’d better shape up, Tammy. You’ll go away before she does.”
“I’m only saying—”
“Well, don’t. Shut the fuck up. Have I ever called you on what I thought was best for you with the man you chose? A man, who incidentally was never home before his children were in bed, until you almost died when you were T-boned by a truck.”
“Don’t start dragging Jonathan into this, I’m just saying—”
“Oh, I’m not supposed to comment on your life, but you get to tell me how to run mine? You’re behaving like a spoiled, rich bitch who has nothing better to do with her time than dictate to others how to live their lives. What gives you the right to condemn the woman I’ve chosen to live out my days with? Being with Tricia is my decision, it’s what makes us happy, not what would make you happy for me. You have no idea how strong our feelings are for each other, but believe me when I tell you she’s more than enough for me.”
Billie took off in the direction of the voices and showed herself to them both. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation …” She turned and gave me a come here motion with her hand. “Neither of us could.”
My friend had given me no choice except to step into view and James instantly looked angry I’d heard them arguing. Stepping closer toward me, James wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me protectively to hi
s chest.
“I was having a private conversation with my brother, Billie,” Tammy replied, frustrated by my friend’s interruption.
“About me,” I retorted before I could help myself not to respond.
“Not so private when we could hear what you said from all the way down the hall,” Billie replied.
“Frankly, Tammy, our relationship isn’t anyone’s business but ours,” I stated. “You heard James tell you he loves me, and he’s well aware of all my flaws, but I’d like to put you straight on something if I may … if that’s all right with you, James, of course.”
James frowned, wondering what I wanted to say, but nodded and pointed toward his sister. “Shoot.”
“Did you know James and I avoided each other for years? Not months, Tammy… literally for years. Do you know why?” I paused, but she sat motionless and stared pointedly at me. When she had no reply I continued, “It was because James wanted more than I’d felt able to give him, and I was scared to commit to him. That miscommunication, along with scars from our past relationships with others, kept us apart after Sawyer and Billie’s wedding night.”
“True,” James agreed, moving a hand from my waist and slipping his hand in mine. He lifted them to his lips and kissed my knuckles before glancing at me with regret in his eyes for the time we had lost.
“Did you give Sawyer the same ‘talk’ as you gave to James?” Billie asked, sounding the angriest I’d ever heard her. “Because truthfully, Tammy, it would break my heart to think you had been so supportive toward me, and that same kind of conversation had been happening behind closed doors with him at the same time. I mean, this is about age, right? That Tricia and he won’t have any children.”
“Obviously, I didn’t talk to Sawyer because it was different with you two. You were younger, and Sawyer had Colby.”
“And we have Erin,” I heard James snap back. He immediately smiled and looked proud to have slapped her down.
“No one mentioned you had children,” Tammy replied, blinking rapidly in shock.
Resist Me (Unchained Attraction Book 4) Page 11