by Ford, Mia
I’d write into the night when the kids were asleep, and Aubrey would join me much of the time. It was quiet, and we could both focus, but she’d fall asleep after a full day with Rosie and a partial day with Braden after school. Cammie helped a lot as well, but the days were busy even with that. I told Aubrey that she could hire a nanny if she felt the need, but she told me that she only worked part time, so she could raise her kids. She balanced it as best as she could. I just saw how tired she could get one any given day.
Unfortunately, we didn’t see each other as much as I’d like to. We ate meals as a family when we could both be at home and Brent’s, as well as taking advantage of babysitters for date nights a couple times a month. Not that it was easy if I was recognized by anyone.
We didn’t make love often enough, and it felt rushed due to life and kids. I often missed the beginning and the long nights staying up as we tried to satisfy our need for one another. The nights were long but passionate and I loved watching her come out of her shell back then. Things were different, but I knew it was in the best way possible.
Within a few weeks, we had a good selection of songs to work on. The way we did it was words first and then music. I needed to have the words straight in my head and then work on the notes. Thank fuck the guys felt the same way. I was feeling good with daily exercise and mostly eating right as we were all trying to make our meals healthier for everyone. The kids were still young enough to learn about healthy eating.
I took Aubrey out to dinner to celebrate being finished with writing. She knew as well as I did that it was not the end of the process, but the rest was different for me, less personal. I was the singer and didn’t play instruments. We went to her favorite seafood restaurant and ate huge platters of food and I sipped a beer while she chose water. I raised a brow at her as she sipped the cold liquid and smiled. “Are you drinking water for a reason?”
Aubrey blushed and shook her head. “No, that’s not why. I just want to cut back on drinking other things for health reasons. You know that everything on our plates is the best we could eat.” Her tone was lightly sarcastic, and I looked down at mine, empty.
“The fish is protein. The potatoes might not be the greatest but it’s a treat.” I offered as she smiled.
“I know, and it was so good. I’m proud of you for such great songs. The fans are going to love it.” She smiled warmly as I pulled her against me, kissing her hair.
“You have made that so much better,” I assured her as she giggled. I hid that from the fans as far as detail but the passion for my life was there. They ate it up, so it made everyone happy. “I love you, baby.”
“I love you,” she replied as she turned her head to kiss me. Cammie was keeping the kids overnight, and we had the next several hours to ourselves. I had a lot of plans.
“Are we finished with dinner?” I asked against her mouth as she smiled. “I’d like to get home and have dessert.”
I paid the check, tipping heavily before pulling her out to the car. I secured her into the passenger seat and headed around to my side, in a hurry to get home. I’d been working a lot writing and meeting with the guys a lot and when I was home, I was with Aubrey and the kids. Tonight was all about us.
I drove home and parked in the garage, pulling her into my arms for a long kiss. She wrapped her body around me, her skirt sliding up to her waist as she deepened the kiss. I started to carry her inside, deciding where I was going to have her for the first time tonight.
I was hungry for my wife; for her moans, the way she screamed my name when we were alone and the way that she felt so tight around my cock. I slid her onto the counter and tilted my head, shoving my tongue deeper into her mouth as she moaned. She clawed at my back as I slipped my hands down, one to cup her ass and the other to slide between her legs. She was wet for me and I stroked her giving myself just enough room to press against her hungry clit.
Aubrey dropped her head back, moaning my name. I attacked her neck with my lips and teeth, slipping my finger under the material of her underwear, then inside of her tight body. “I’ve missed feeling you like this.” I murmured before sucking her skin between my teeth.
“Me, too. Life is so crazy, and I love it… but I miss you. I miss us.” She rocked forward as I added a finger, stretching her wider. I made her come on my hand, then dropped down to clean her with my tongue before staring into her eyes. “Take me, David.”
I stood and dropped my pants, watching as she moved forward and reached her legs forward to pull me closer. I dropped my face as I slid inside, memorizing the feeling. We didn’t have to hurry. We didn’t have to be quiet. We could enjoy every second with each other and I drove myself in, hearing her whimper,
I was fucking her hard when she came again, milking me as I gripped her ass and drove in deeper. “Fuck, Aubrey. You feel so damn good.” I told her as she screamed my name.
We were in bed and ready for more when my cell phone rang downstairs. I was just moving inside of her and smacking her ass, deciding to ignore the phone for the moment. “Baby. It might be about the kids.” Aubrey moaned, her face bent forward as she waited naked before me.
“Just this last time. I am so damn hard for you,” I told her, moving forward slowly as I buried myself in her. “Nobody has ever felt this good.”
The phone stopped ringing and immediately started up again. “Damn it. I just want to fuck my wife.” I pulled out and dropped my head back, breathing deeply. Aubrey moved below me, and I looked down, frowning. “We’ll wait for it to ring again.”
It did, and we both stood up. I slipped some lounge pants, and she grabbed my t-shirt, following me down the stairs. I grabbed the phone, and she hurried for her purse where her own phone was ringing. “Yeah?” I asked, leaning against the counter as I breathed in deeply.
“David. Finally!” It was Mel, and I frowned as I waited for her to continue. “Emma was in an accident with Press downtown. They’re on the way to the hospital right now and Miles called me. I’m headed over.”
“Which hospital? Grace General?” I demanded as Aubrey stared at me with wide eyes.
“We’re on the way.” I ended the call and told Aubrey to get dressed.
“What happened?” She asked, following me.
“Press and Emma were in a car accident. They’re at the hospital.” I replied as I grabbed my closest pair of jeans, exchanging my lounge pants for them. I slipped a hoodie over my head and Aubrey pulled on leggings and a sweatshirt that happened to boast the name of my band. I opened my mouth to tell her to take it off but let it go. I needed to know how my sister was.
We headed to the car after she splashed some water on her face to clean up and I started the car. I hit the steering wheel as she jumped, apologizing to her. “I’m worried, Aubrey. She’s my sister. I’ll kick his ass if he hurt her.”
“David, we have no idea what happened yet. Just get us there,” she told me, and I nodded. I backed out, and we drove into the city as she held my hand. It seemed to take hours, but I knew it was closer to twenty minutes with the way that I was driving. I parked as close as I could, and we rushed inside as I asked the first nurse that I saw about Emma.
We were directed to the waiting room, and I saw Mel and Miles standing together. I walked over and asked what happened as I gripped Aubrey’s hand.
“They were coming back from a local show and someone ran a red light. They hit his side of the car and Emma was awake when she got here. Mom and Dad are on the way.” She was rambling, and I hugged her to me, giving Press’ twin brother a long look. I didn’t dislike him but any man around my sisters made me edgy. I had to remind myself that his brother was here as well and closed my eyes as Mel started crying.
We were sitting down when a doctor walked out, asking for the family of Emma and Press. I stood up, and the others followed. The young man with worn brown eyes smiled weakly as he checked the chart in his hand. “Emma is conscious and only suffered minor injuries. She’s banged up a bit and thankfully, the
other driver wasn’t going too fast.” I let out a ragged sigh of relief as Miles stood taller. “Press is in serious condition. His right arm is broken, and he has a slight concussion. We’re going to keep him here for a few days for observation, but family is welcome to see both of them.”
Miles nodded and walked forward as we followed. He went to one room while we headed to another, Mel taking the first step into the room. Emma looked so frail in the bed with an IV attached to her and her eyes closed. “Fuck.” I hissed as Mel moved to one side of the bed, holding her sister’s hand as she cried softly. I took the other chair and Aubrey wrapped her arms around me as we all stared at Emma. Something cracked in me and pain shot through my body at the idea of losing anyone in my family.
Aubrey called Cammie to let her know what was happening and her sister assured her that she’d take care of the kids as long as we needed her to. Emma slept for the first hour we were there as her bruises darkened and a combination of sadness and rage slowly bubbled up inside of me.
She woke up after my parents arrived. We were all squished into the room as Emma turned her head and let out a small scream. Mel leaned forward, still clutching her hand as she whispered soothing words to her as Emma looked around with dazed eyes. “Where’s Press?” She asked in a shaky voice as I shared a look with my dad.
“Emma, you’re awake. How do you feel?” Mom asked as my sister pressed a hand to her head while tears streamed down her cheeks.
“A car hit us. We ended up sliding on the sidewalk… where is Press? Is he alive?” She asked as I realized I hadn’t talked to Miles. We all sat silent for a moment and a nurse walked in, smiling when she saw that Emma was awake. Of course, my sister asked her about Press and the pretty blonde frowned for a moment.
“I’ll have the doctor come in and talk to you about him. How are you feeling?” She asked as Emma described the pain that she was feeling. It was all normal for the type of accident that she’d been in and they had pain meds set up through her veins already to let her rest as comfortably as possible. I took a moment to walk over to the room that Press was in, cracking the door to see Miles and a couple that I presumed were their parents. They looked devastated and my rage lessened for a moment as I looked at their son in the bed. He looked nothing like the Press I toured with and the guy that owned the stage when he was on it.
I cleared my throat softly, and they all jumped before looking back at me. “My sister-Emma- is awake, and she’s asking about Press. Is there anything I should share with her?”
His mom started to cry and asked how my sister was as his father strode forward to clasp my hand in a warm handshake. They asked how she was, and I looked at Miles as he seemed to smirk at me.
These people loved my sister, so much so that they let the condition of their son go for a few moments. I told them that she was bruised up but otherwise okay and asking a lot about Press.
They told me that he had a concussion and a broken arm. His leg wasn’t broken but damaged in the accident that crushed his side of the car. He would be in the hospital for some time and have a long recovery but be able to play again. I felt relieved at that thought because he had talent. I was also reconsidering my feelings about him and Emma as I realized that she was a part of his family.
They asked to see her, and I invited them over to the crowded room. It was an awkward way for us to all meet, but it worked, and they were thrilled to see Emma. His dad hugged her, and his mom kissed her cheek after a tender embrace before they told her they were going to return to Press’ room. They had told her all about his condition and promised to keep her posted while he was still unconscious.
When they left, my parents blinked at each other in surprise. “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone, Em.” My mom said as I looked at Mel. Miles had joined us but remained in the background.
“It was new. It just happened so fast and I got close to all of them.” She replied softly as she looked at me. “I’m surprised David didn’t narc me out since he hated it from the start.” Dad stared at me and I fought the urge to roll my eyes as Aubrey touched my back.
“I didn’t want her with a Rockstar. That’s all. I didn’t know that they had all of this going on, but I never stopped it. I just didn’t welcome him.”
“Your sister is a smart girl, David. They both are so you need to give them more credit. I hate seeing them grow up too, but we can’t stop it. I couldn’t with any of you kids and you have all turned out great.” Dad told me as I gazed at him with shame filling my body. “You’ll see with your own. You can’t stop it.”
“I already see that.” I admitted as he hugged me.
“I’m seeing his brother, Miles. It’s newer than Emma and Press but I like him. I like his family.” Mel let it all out and we gazed at her.
“The young man that we saw in here?” Mom asked as Mel nodded.
“They’re twins.” Emma told her, and Mom’s mouth formed an O.
“What are the chances?” She murmured as she shook her head. The doctor came back in to check on Emma and discuss the plan for her to stay a couple of nights as we all listened closely. Jacob had showed up for that part with Vanessa after flying in after his phone call. We all sat silently after the doctor left and Mel sat down beside Emma, taking her hand again.
“I am staying with her tonight.” Her voice left no room for argument and we all smiled at each other. I had no doubt that Miles would be here for both her and Press as well.
“I want to be here too. For a little while. I can’t leave my baby girl.” Mom said as Dad walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. I looked at Aubrey, who was clearly exhausted despite remaining quiet for the most part. She had to be relieved that it was all out there now.
“Want to head home and come back tomorrow. You look tired, babe.” I offered as she nodded. “Cammie has the kids as long as we need so you can catch up on some sleep.”
“Perfect.” She said as I reached out for her hand. We hugged everyone before leaving and I walked her to the car quietly. Once we were headed home, Aubrey let out a sigh. “I am so glad she’s going to be fine. Press too. He’s a good guy, David.”
“I had no idea how serious they were,” I murmured as she squeezed my hand. “His parents adore her.”
“We all do.” Aubrey assured me and kissed my cheek. “Is it awful that I still want you?”
“No. We’re alone without the kids.” I replied as I headed towards our neighborhood. I smiled as I pulled through our gate and into the garage, closing the door behind us.
I let go of my anger towards Press, Miles, and the twins as I pulled my wife into my arms. I kissed her with a new enthusiasm, needing to feel her in my arms. I saw things through a different light and let go of the fierce way I protected my sisters, telling myself I could save it for my wife and daughter.
We headed upstairs and made slow, sweet love the first time before resting up for a rougher session. When I held her in my arms as she fell asleep, I hoped that we just made another baby together. I was ready for that now.
We went back to the hospital in the morning to see Emma, who looked a lot better. Press was awake as well and we visited him, greeting his parents and brother as I offered them all a warm handshake. I wanted to apologize without looking like an asshole and my wife hugged everyone, keeping it gentle for Press. We visited between the two rooms and I felt a lot better when we left that afternoon to get the kids. Emma was going home tomorrow, and Mel and my parents were going to help Cammie and Aubrey take care of her. Press was going to spend a little more time at the hospital, but he’d have support as well.
We enjoyed dinner as a family that night and a movie with the kids before bed. I made love to Aubrey that night before we fell asleep since the guys told me to take a day to rest after the accident.
I took Braden to school in the morning and let Aubrey stay behind playing with Rosie. We were planning to take her to the park when I got home, and I was looking forward to the day with my family.
&nbs
p; Of course, Aubrey wanted to work later in the day after dinner and I allowed it. I took that time with my kids and reveled in how much I loved them.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Aubrey
Emma came home, and we all helped her recover at home. She was going to make a full recovery and planned to help Press when he came home. David was so much more supportive of her relationship with him and was getting to know Miles as well now. He came over with Mel sometimes for dinner now and I could see that they were crazy for each other. Crazy didn’t even begin to describe the relationship between Press and Emma. They proved to us that they were it for each other through their devotion to one another.
Cammie announced that she was pregnant with her third baby a month before Thanksgiving, giving us that much more reason to celebrate the holidays. I hoped that I’d follow with my own news and we could do it together. Life was already crazy with two kids and our jobs, but family meant everything to me. I was especially happy watching how close Press and Miles grew to our family, spending Christmas with us along with their parents and a few other close relatives.
Neither of the girls were engaged to the brothers, but it was evident that they were all close. It was a matter of time before they were married and having their own children.
I couldn’t believe how mine seemed to grow before my eyes. Braden was becoming a little man who was so smart, and kind and Rosie was less of a baby every time I looked at her. When they were with the cousins, the kids were like little tornadoes that didn’t stop until they slept, making me tease Cammie about having another one. We still spent a lot of time together with our kids and sometimes out alone, just catching up like we used to do before life happened.
“What do you think she’d say about all of this?” I asked Cammie one day over coffee, knowing that she’d understand that I meant mom.