The Embrace Series: Romantic Suspense Box Set

by Dana Mason

  “Johnny, it’s fine. Go with Mark while I pack mine and Micah’s stuff.”

  “She’s right. We won’t be gone more than an hour. They’ll be fine and it’ll be good idea for her to have some one-on-one time with the boys for a while,” Mark said.

  Johnny turned to look at the boys. “Fine.”

  “Jamie,” Ali said, moving to the couch. “May I take Micah back for a few minutes?” Jamie looked up from Micah’s face as Ali leaned in to take him. Ali cradled him for a minute then handed him to Johnny. Johnny took Micah and held him close for a few moments closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. “He will be fine,” Ali whispered to him. “It’s just an hour.”

  Johnny opened his eyes and looked into hers. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it . . .”

  “I understand,” she said, placing her hand on Micah’s head.

  “What about you, are you going to be okay, Micah isn’t the only one I’m worried about?”

  “I’ll be fine too.”

  “Ready?” Mark asked from the foyer.

  “Yeah,” Johnny said, leaning over Micah to kiss Ali goodbye. “See you in an hour, sweetheart. Please keep the door locked and the alarm set.”

  When Mark and Johnny arrived at his house, Johnny couldn’t believe the camera crews that had followed from Ali’s house. It was crazy. Didn’t they have something better to do than follow him around? News vans parked up and down the street. Once Mark pulled in the driveway, a few ventured up toward the house, but they both managed to get inside without having to talk to anyone. “They don’t give up do they?”

  “Nope—never,” Mark said. “And you should watch what you say to them. You never know when they’re on your side, and when they’re not. They can twist everything you say into anything they want the public to hear.”

  Johnny grinned. “Fine with me, I got nothing to say to them anyway.”

  When they stepped inside, Johnny felt a little embarrassed at the mess. Mark looked around and whistled. “Wow, you’re not even fully unpacked yet.”

  “This has been the craziest two weeks . . . I thought I’d live a quiet life when I moved here.”

  “Yeah, well things never turn out the way we plan.” Mark gestured to the bedroom. “At least you have a bed now.”

  “What the hell?” He turned into the bedroom. “How?”

  “Ali mentioned the delivery times. Sarah made sure someone was here so you wouldn’t have to worry about it.”

  “Wow, I forgot all about it.” Johnny stared at the bed. “Thank you so much.”

  “Maybe one of these days you’ll get to sleep in it.”

  “Yeah, maybe . . .”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  When the doorbell rang, Ali froze. “Who the hell . . .” She checked her pocket for her cell phone and looked down at Jamie. “Hey, Jay, will you stay here and watch Micah in his crib while I get the door.”

  “Yeah—or I could get the door.”

  “No—no, Mommy will get the door. You stay here with Micah. Don’t pick him up, just watch him, okay.”

  “Okay.”

  Ali rushed down the stairs and checked the peephole. “What the hell?” She reached over to punch in the alarm code before throwing the door open. “What are you doing here, Carl?”

  “I heard Micah was home . . . thought I’d stop in and check on you guys.” When she didn’t immediately respond, he said, “I just want to see him.”

  “Why? Why now?”

  “Alison, he is my son, even if I’ve screwed up the past few months.”

  “Jamie’s here, it’s not a good idea for him to see you. He’s still getting over what happened.”

  “I would like to see Jamie too. I miss him.”

  “No. I don’t like this—you need to leave.”

  “Ali.” Carl reached out and slapped a hand on the door. “I didn’t come to fight with you. Just let me see him for a few minutes.” He looked over at the news crews and she knew it was another game. If she didn’t let him in, there was nothing to keep him from saying whatever he wanted to them.

  “Carl.” She rubbed her forehead, wishing she could slam the door in his face. “This isn’t a good time.”

  “I don’t want to start any trouble . . . Ali, just let me come inside.”

  She squeezed her eyes shut and dropped her hand to her side. “Fine, but only for a few minutes. I have a lot to do.” She turned and led him up the stairs. When they entered her room, Jamie was leaning over the crib talking to Micah.

  “Hey, buddy,” Carl said to Jamie.

  “Carl!” Jamie ran to him and hugged him.

  “Hi, Jamie, I missed you.”

  “Me too, did you come to see us?”

  “Of course. I heard Micah was back so I came to check on you guys.”

  He looked around Ali’s bedroom and raised an eyebrow. “Crib in the master bedroom?”

  “Johnny moved it last night,” she said pointedly. “I’m having trouble letting Micah out of my sight.”

  “Why? The boy can’t walk, what do you think is going to happen?”

  Proof Carl was no parent, and never would be . . . he just didn’t get it. “What do you want, Carl? I can see you have another motive.”

  Carl looked down at Jamie then back to Ali.

  She bowed her head toward Jamie. “Honey, why don’t you check your room for anything you might want to take to Daddy’s.”

  “Okay,” he rushed toward the door then stopped. “Can I take my Transformers to Dad’s?”

  She smiled at Jamie. “You can take whatever you want, babe.” When Jamie was gone the smile dropped from her face. “I’m not stupid.”

  “I want visitation, Ali. I want a relationship with him.”

  “Forget it!” she said, taking Micah from his crib and cradling him to her chest. “You have lost your mind.”

  “Be reasonable, he’s my son too. I have rights.”

  “No, you gave up those rights on the divorce papers.”

  “It’s not too late to file for joint custody.”

  “You son of a bitch! Don’t threaten me.”

  “Ali, you’re going to get Jamie back in here if you shout. Calm down, we can talk about this. I’m not here to threaten you, I’m here to talk.”

  “Really? Calm down when you threaten to take my son just a couple of days after he was stolen from me?”

  “If you and Mark can agree about Jamie, then you and I can agree about Micah. I don’t want to take him away or fight over him. I’m only asking for a few hours a week with him. Supervised, you can be there. I understand you don’t want him out of your sight yet . . . if ever.”

  Ali relaxed slightly. “Like what? You want to come here for a few hours a week?”

  He held his hands out, palms up. “Yes, that’s all.”

  “I don’t want you here when Jamie’s here. It’s been hard for him. I don’t want him to get even more confused.”

  “I understand, although, I would love to spend time with him too.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Mark would never agree to it,” she said, bouncing Micah a little. She looked down at her watch. “Oh hell—you need to go now.” She turned toward the door. “You can call me and we’ll talk about it.”

  “What’s the problem?”

  “Carl.” She grabbed his arm and led him out of the room and down the stairs. “You need to go now.”

  “Alison, relax. I’ve only been here for a few minu—”

  Halfway down the stairs, the front door swung open. Mark and Johnny walked in and looked up to find Ali rushing down holding Micah, and Carl trailing behind her. “Hi,” she said, meeting Johnny’s eyes as she hit the bottom step. “Carl stopped by to check on Micah. He . . . ah wanted to make sure he was okay with his own eyes.”

  Johnny walked up to Ali, took Micah out of her hands and held him to his chest staring Carl down.

  “He’s seen Micah, he can go now,” Mark said.

  “Alison, thank you.” Carl stared at Mark
with a disapproving expression then he blinked rapidly and said, “I’ll call so we can work something out.”

  “—Bye, Carl.” She gave him a little shove hoping to get him out and shut him up.

  “Work what out?” Johnny said after the door closed.

  “I’m not ready yet,” she said. “If you keep Micah, I’ll go finish packing.” Then she rushed up the stairs before he could question her further.

  “What the hell is she doing?” Johnny asked Mark.

  “I don’t know, but he can’t be trusted.”

  “I have no doubt he had something to do with Micah’s kidnapping. Why is she so blind?” Johnny growled.

  “She’s not blind, Johnny, just defeated. It’s easier to give in than it is to fight with a manipulator. She’s ready for some peace and if giving Carl a few minutes with Micah gives her some peace . . . and he is Micah’s father.”

  “No, a father would have been here for the last four months.”

  “Fighting with him will only make things worse. He’s a manipulator—always turns himself into the victim. You’re better off staying away from him.”

  “I can’t let him come around here. I won’t let him come near Micah again . . . or Ali.”

  Mark shook his head and Johnny wanted to smack the expression off his face. “It’s not up to you, Johnny.”

  “The hell it isn’t.”

  “I’m almost ready,” Ali said, stepping into the room behind Johnny carrying a suitcase. “What did I miss?”

  “Nothing,” Mark said. “Don’t carry those. Johnny and I will load them into your car in the garage, that’ll keep the press from seeing your bags. It’s better to keep them guessing.”

  “Thank you . . . okay, I need a few more things of Micah’s,” she said and rushed back out of the room.

  “Johnny, you need to chill out. You’re doing exactly what Carl wants you to do. Take a deep breath and relax.”

  “I’m fine as long as he stays away.”

  They arrived at Mark’s house, and Ali couldn’t help but feel like she was on Mars. The house was so large yet so warm and inviting. She’d been there before, but never explored the rooms.

  Sarah couldn’t have been a more gracious hostess. She gave Ali a full tour of the house.

  “Sarah, thank you so much for having us,” Ali said when they stepped into the guest room. “I hope Mark discussed this with you before he made the invitation.”

  “Yes.” Her eyes grew wide and she said, “We talked about it this morning. We were both worried about you staying alone over there with the press camped out on your lawn. I know how intrusive they can be.”

  “Are you worried this will cause them to start following you again?”

  Sarah shrugged. “They’re over it. I’m a pregnant, married woman now with a pretty boring life.” She smiled wide and said, “I love that, but they hate it.”

  Ali envied her smile. She’d give anything to have a normal life again. Have her sons home and feel good . . . comfortable. Even with Micah home and safe, she felt fearful. “This is good for Jamie. He’s so insecure now with the kidnapping. He just sort of stares at Micah like he might disappear.”

  “Hum . . .” Sarah said, “That’s true for all of you. Johnny and you both do that too.”

  Ali chuckled, “I guess that’s true.”

  Sarah sat on the bed, placing a hand on her protruding belly. “I imagine having a child stolen would make anyone uneasy. It’ll take some time for things to return to normal.”

  Ali smiled politely, not sure what else to say. Before Micah’s kidnapping, she could’ve never understood what having a child missing felt like. Now it was ingrained within her permanently. This gross feeling of powerlessness had seeped into her and was something she’d never forget, like losing a parent, or graduating from college, getting married . . . or giving birth. It had become a part of her personality, part of her life’s resume whether she wanted it to or not.

  She looked around the room and took a deep breath. Sarah’s guest room was so relaxing. The antique furniture and beach house like setting with sea blues and greens was so perfect. Ali wouldn’t be surprised if she looked out of the white plantation blinds to find the beach even though it wasn’t possible. “This is a beautiful room, Sarah.”

  “Thank you. It’s one of my favorites too. I wanted it to feel like an escape.” She grinned wide and said, “Would you like to see the nursery?”

  Sarah and Mark’s sprawling 6 bedroom ranch style house sat on a huge lot with a gated and secure entry. The family room, kitchen and dining room were open to each other with custom woodworking up the walls and ceiling. Between the thick ceiling beams, domed skylights let the sun in to brighten the space.

  They passed Jamie’s room on the way to the nursery. Ali had seen his room before, but this time it was much cleaner than last. She snickered and thought maybe Mark forced him to clean it up, knowing she’d be over. Jamie wasn’t a neat child. He definitely took after his dad on that front. When clean, his room gleamed with bright high gloss paint in reds, greens, and blues. The primary colors were so vibrant and cheerful.

  Sarah guided her into the nursery and Ali’s stomach fluttered at the beautiful bright room. A girl. Sarah was having a girl. Ali was a little envious of that, even though she’d never admit it. “Wow . . . it’s so beautiful, Sarah.” Ali walked over to the window, her feet drifting on the plushest carpet she’d ever seen. She picked up the hem of the curtain and rubbed the fabric between her fingers. They were cross stitched with hundreds of little daisies, obviously handmade.

  “Thank you! I really love it too.” She beamed.

  “I’m so happy for you two,” Ali grinned too. “And I’ve never seen Mark so happy.”

  Sarah’s cheeks pinked. “Thanks. We’re both really excited.” Her smile faded a little and she said, “I guess I’ll let you get settled in.” She turned back down the hall and when she passed the room directly next to the guest room, she pointed. “Johnny’s sleeping in Mark’s office. He didn’t think you’d want to share a room with Jamie across the hall, but he wants to be close to you and Micah . . . he was okay with the futon . . . so he’s your neighbor.”

  “Sorry he’s such a sourpuss right now,” Ali said. “Carl stopped by while I was home alone this morning and Johnny is none too pleased.”

  Sarah chuckled and lifted her eyebrows. “Well . . . they all seem pretty convinced that Carl had something to do with Micah’s abduction.”

  “I don’t know, Sarah. Kidnapping?” Ali said. “He didn’t want Micah, why would he have someone kidnap him?”

  “You’re asking the wrong person.” She met Ali’s eyes and said, “I don’t have as high of an opinion of Carl as you do. From what I’ve seen, he’s capable of anything, and Johnny has already lost too much in life to take your safety for granted.”

  Ali bowed her head and nodded. “I’m sorry. I hope you understand I’m not defending Carl. There’s no excuse for what he did to you.”

  “And to you,” Sarah said, pointing at her. “Don’t forget he’s already hurt you, Jamie and Micah once. He’s a manipulator and men like him never change.”

  “You’re right. I know that.” Ali shrugged. “It just feels like an easy out . . . blaming him for the kidnapping. I don’t want to forget there might be a real threat out there lurking about, waiting to hurt my family.”

  Sarah’s eyes grew wide. “And what makes you believe Carl isn’t a real threat?”

  And what makes me believe Carl isn’t a real threat. Ali thought about that for a few seconds, and realized he’d manipulated her and blackmailed her twice within the last week. Why wouldn’t she consider Carl a real threat? But . . . she’d been married to him, knew him better than anyone. Besides being manipulative, he wasn’t dangerous, he’d never hurt her physically. She nodded in agreement anyway. Sarah had every right to feel this way about Carl and Ali couldn’t argue the point. “I should be careful of anyone when it comes to my children.”

>   Sarah reached out and took Ali’s hand. “You’re going to be fine, and the boys are fine. You just need a little time to get back to normal.” She gave Ali a warm smile and turned to leave. “Let me know if you need anything.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Ali started unpacking her things into the empty dresser drawers, placing Micah’s things into the top. She unfolded his sleeper—her favorite—and brought it to her nose, smiling. She was one lucky mother. How many mothers had been through what she’d been through and never seen their child again. She closed her eyes and suppressed a shudder.

  When she opened her eyes, Johnny was standing in the doorway, watching her. She grinned, but when he didn’t return it, the smiled slipped from her face. She turned to place the folded sleeper in the drawer. “I wish you would stop brooding and just be happy he’s home.”

  “Oh, I am very happy he’s home, and I’m ecstatic that we’re all here together and that y’all are safe.”

  “You’re clamming up. Just tell me if you’re mad. Talk to me.”

  “No . . .” He ran his fingers through his hair, closing his eyes. “No, I’m not clamming up. You’re the one with the secret. You should be the one talking.”

  Ali threw her hands in the air and said, “I’m not keeping any secrets. I just don’t want to fight with you while we have an audience.”

  “Why are you assuming we’re going to fight? Am I always that unreasonable?”

  She glanced up at him through lowered lashes. “Carl wants to set up some visitation with Micah.”

  “What?” He violently shook his head. “Hell no—absolutely not!”

  “I have to consider it.”

  He leaned forward and got right in her face. “No, you don’t!”

  “He doesn’t want to take him anywhere, but he wants a few hours a week—supervised.”

  “He’s fucking playing you like a piano, don’t you see that? He’s doing it to get close to you, not Micah.”

  “No, that’s pointless. He knows I would never take him back.”