More Than Just A Name

by Jaxon, Lynn

  “You know I can’t get you that much money by noon. There’s no way the bank will approve that large a withdrawal in that amount of time.”

  “Oh, you can make it happen. Your last name can make all kinds of things happen in this town. I know you have money in several banks. You’d better hurry. Tick, tock.”

  “Mommmmmmmy! Gage wails.

  With that, I hang up. I almost got off on hearing the pain and panic in her voice. I told her she would pay.

  I shove the kid’s face. “Stop your sniveling, or you won’t like the consequences.”

  “Please, let me see my mommy. I promise I’ll be good.”

  “If your mommy can follow directions, you just might get to see her.”

  “Food’s here,” exclaims Roscoe as he walks through the door. “What’s with all the homeless people hanging out around here today? I almost had to fight one who tried to grab the bags.”

  “What the hell took you so long? You’ve been gone for over an hour.”

  “I’m sorry, boss. I ran home really quick to let out Princess. She has a tiny bladder.”

  It takes everything in me not to beat the shit out of him, but I need him to help with the next shipment…once that bitch comes through with the money.

  “Daddy, I’m hungry. Can I have something to eat?”

  When will this kid stop using that annoying whiny voice? It’s like nails on a chalkboard. “Shut up, or you’ll get nothing.”

  Roscoe frowns. He best learn I am in charge and there will be hell to pay if my directives aren’t followed.

  “Take the little shit to the bathroom first. I don’t want him pissing his pants. Then we’ll have to smell him all day.”

  “Sure, boss.” He quickly unties the kid. “Come on, Gage. Let’s go to the bathroom, but no funny business. And make sure you wash your hands when you’re done.”

  “Who gives a shit if he washes his hands? He’s the one using them to eat, not you.”

  Roscoe wrinkles his nose. “That’s just unsanitary.”

  “What are you? The sanitation police?”

  “No, boss. Where’s Paul?”

  “He went into the back to see how many pounds short we are to fulfill the shipment.”

  Chapter 25

  ~Meredith~

  I let the phone fall to the counter. I’m sure the asshole did all he could to get Gage upset before he called me. That bastard will regret the day he messed with my baby! Hate radiates from every cell in my body. I only feel a small semblance of calm when I look up into Nash’s emerald eyes, his arms open wide. I go into them and break down. The tears just won’t stop.

  “What if this goes wrong? I can’t live without my son. He’s my world. Tell me everything’s going to be okay. I need your strength to get me through this.”

  “Shh,” he says, stroking my hair. “Gage will be in your loving arms where he belongs before you know it.”

  “I pray you’re right.”

  Hearing a raised voice, we look over to see Chief Dunn on the phone, having what looks like an intense conversation. He abruptly hangs up and nods at Sean, who walks over to him.

  “Oh god, Nash. What if something’s happened at the warehouse?”

  “I don’t think it has to do with the warehouse. I caught bits and pieces of the conversation. I think they found something in Frankie’s apartment.

  “I still can’t believe how truly evil that man is. I feel like such a fool. How could I have not seen it in the beginning?”

  “Men like him are masters of manipulation. But they can only hide their true colors for so long. He knew how to play on your insecurities and manipulate you. I’m so sorry you had to endure all that. It’ll be over soon. You’ll never have to experience that kind of betrayal again.”

  Sean walks over, a look of satisfaction on his face. “They found Roxy Lange’s wallet in Frankie’s apartment. That will definitely be the smoking gun. There’s no way he will get away with what he’s done.”

  I gasp and cover my mouth with my hand. A part of me had hoped he wasn’t truly capable of murder.

  When Chief Dunn tells us it’s time to go, I give my mom and dad a hug and kiss, promising to call them just as soon as I know anything. It took a lot of convincing, including Chief Dunn threatening to put him behind bars, to get my dad to agree to stay put.

  We pile into the beat-up van and make our way to the warehouse. When we get there, red and blue flashing lights illuminate the area, and I see Frankie and two men lying on the ground, their hands cuffed behind their backs.

  “What the hell, Sean? Why didn’t they wait until we got here? Where’s my baby?!” I scream in a panic, throwing open the door to the van.

  Nash grabs me before I rush out and turns my head to the side of the building, where Gage cries in the arms of a female officer.

  “Gage!”

  He looks up and sees us running toward him. “Momma, Nash! I knew you’d come save me!”

  Relief like I’ve never felt before flows through my body as I skid to a stop in front of him, grasping his arms. I take him in from head to toe to make sure that despicable monster hasn’t harmed him. All I notice is his dirty, tear-stained face, but other than that, he appears fine. Thank God.

  Sean looks at the officer, who still has a grasp on Gage’s shoulders, and nods, letting her know it’s okay.

  Nash pats Sean on the back and smirks. “Thanks, man. We might have had a situation on our hands if she had tried pulling Gage away.”

  “That’s the last thing we need.” Sean chuckles, then gives me a hug. “I’m so glad your boy is back in your arms. It’s going to be okay. Frankie will be put away for the rest of his life. There’s no way he can squirm his way out of this.”

  “Thank you for everything. I’ll never be able to repay you for all you’ve done.”

  “It was my pleasure. Why don’t you get back into the van and wait for Chief Dunn to let you know your next step in this whole thing. Plus, it’ll only be a matter of minutes before the media swarms the place. I’m sure you want to avoid the circus right now.”

  “That’s the last thing I want to deal with.” I grasp Gage’s hand and look down at him, kissing him on the forehead.

  “I love you so much, Momma. Daddy told me I’d never see you and Nash again. Please, don’t make me see him ever again. I don’t want to.”

  I pick him up and pepper his sweet face with kisses, saying, “Never, never, never again.”

  Gage smiles, then looks at Nash, love and adoration in his eyes. “I knew you’d come and save me. You’re the bestest superhero ever.”

  Gage reaches for Nash, who looks at me, seeking approval. I smile and nod. If this situation weren’t so fucked up, it would be perfect. Gage and I surrounded by Nash’s love.

  Gage jumps into Nash’s arms, and he raises him up above his head. “You’re the superhero, little man. I’m so proud of how brave and strong you are. Let’s get into the van, then you can tell us everything.”

  Gage squeezes Nash’s neck while his little head bobs up and down. Nash reaches for my hand, pulling me to his side. Once we are in the van, Frankie being shoved into the police car, I know I can truly relax.

  “Do you want to tell us what happened, Gage?”

  Chapter 26

  ~Gage~

  “Momma, I was so brave. Mr. Roscoe was outside, so it was just me and Mr. Paul in the big room. Dad was using the bathroom. There was a banging on the door, then the police officers kicked it down. Mr. Paul threw his hands into the air and got down onto his knees.” I giggle, thinking about the way Dad looked with his pants around his ankles as he ran out of the bathroom.

  “Why are you laughing?” Nash asks, smirking.

  “I was just thinking about how silly my dad looked when the police officers came in and he ran out of the bathroom. His pants were around his ankles, so he fell. His face was as red as an apple. He was so mad. He used bad words and called Paul an idiot. The police told him he had the right to remain
silent, but Daddy didn’t listen. He screamed and cussed until they took him outside.”

  “Were you scared, baby?”

  “I’m a big boy. I was brave. I knew the police were there to save me. The lady police officer ran to me and untied me from the chair. She gave me a sucker and told me I would see my momma soon, and here you are.” I look at Nash. “Nash, I knew you’d have the police come save me.”

  Nash gives me a high five. “You’re so brave, buddy. Your momma and I are so proud of you.”

  “When I get big, I’m gonna be just like you, Nash, not Frankie!” I look at my momma. “I’m never calling him dad again. A dad doesn’t do bad things like that. I want Nash to be my dad. Period and exclamation!” I’ve heard Aunt Amy and Aunt Katy say that when they are talking so the person knows they’re serious. I want Momma and Nash to know I’m serious.

  When Momma and Nash both pull me into a hug, I know everything is going to be okay.

  Chapter 27

  Three Months Later

  ~Nash~

  Today is Frankie’s sentencing. Meredith’s parents will watch Gage while we go to the courthouse. He doesn’t need to go through any more trauma. He’s woken up several times in the middle of the night because of nightmares.

  In order for Frankie to escape getting life in prison for Roxy’s murder, he pled guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping Gage. The security footage from Meredith’s house made sure there was no question. It didn’t take much for the two others to sing like canaries. They didn’t want to be tied to Roxy’s murder. As it stands, they’re being charged as accessories to kidnapping and, for all the drugs found housed in the warehouse, possession with intent to distribute.

  Frankie tried to get people to listen to the fact I was a stripper, but the only connection made to the club was that my brother worked there and Roxy was there stalking Meredith. Everyone just said I look a whole lot like my brother, and it was just a coincidence Meredith and I were an item. I kind of think Ms. Bailey knows, but she hasn’t said a word. She’s been nothing but supportive through this crazy ordeal.

  But today is also a big day because after the sentencing, Meredith will go to family court to have Frankie’s parental rights revoked. This makes me beyond excited because I plan on making them both legally mine soon. They have my heart and soul. I’ve managed to get Meredith to see that she’s more than just a name, but god, I can’t wait until she takes mine. I want her to love what her name represents — strength and determination to not let her past hold her down.

  It’s also the start of Thanksgiving break. We plan on taking Gage on a four-day vacation on the Disney Cruise Line over the holiday. Because I plan on asking Meredith to be my wife on the cruise, I’ve asked Meredith’s parents, as well as Sean and Amy, who have gotten really close over the past three months, and Evan and our parents to come along. Meredith and Gage bring light and love to everyone they are around, and they have a way of bringing people together.

  Gage is thriving at school, and all the teachers and staff love him. A few of the kids have made comments about me taking him home, but once I become his daddy, I hope that will change.

  * * *

  ~Meredith~

  “Hurry up, Gage. Pop will be here to get you soon. Remember, we’re leaving to go on the Disney cruise tomorrow. I hope you have your room picked up and a few toys picked out. I’ll be packing your bags tonight.”

  “I’m coming, Momma. I just finished picking everything up. I have all my toys I wanna bring sitting on the bed.”

  I laugh. “I hope you don’t think you’re taking your entire PJ Masks collection. The ship can only hold so much.”

  “No. Momma. Just a few. I promise.”

  When Dad walks through the front door, Gage flies down the steps and into his waiting arms. “Watch out, Gage. You almost knocked Pop to the floor.”

  “He’s Super Pop. I can’t knock him down.”

  “That’s right, Mer. I’m Super Pop. Nothing can knock me down.” He winks. “Well, except maybe your mother.”

  “Nanna would never knock you down, Pops. She’s too sweet.”

  “You forgot your duffle bag, Gage. Run back upstairs and grab it. Don’t keep Pop waiting. You have a full day planned.”

  Dad looks at me as Gage runs back upstairs. “Are you sure you don’t need me and your mother to be there with you today?”

  “I’m sure. Nash will be by my side.”

  “He’s a wonderful man. Honorable, hardworking, and loves you and Gage with every fiber of his being.”

  This brings tears to my eyes. “Yes, Daddy, he is. Just like you. Getting Frankie’s parental rights revoked is so important to both of us. When the time comes, Nash wants to be Gage’s dad in every way possible.”

  “I have no doubt he’s going to be the most amazing father. I have such a good feeling about you two.” He wraps me in his arms. “I love you, baby.”

  Gage, always going full force, runs back down and slams right into my legs, hugging me tightly. “I love you, too, Momma.

  “Time to get going. You’d better be good for Pop.”

  “I’m always good, Momma. Ain’t I, Pop?”

  “Aren’t I,” I correct him.

  Dad laughs at Gage. “You’re the best boy in the world.” He turns to me, hands on his hips in faux anger. “Don’t be so hard on him.” Turning back to Gage, he winks. “Let’s go get some ice cream.”

  “Woo-hoo!” Gage shouts out as he skips to the door, pulling on Dad’s hand.

  Nash pulls up just as Gage and my dad walk to the car. My heart thumps, just like it does every time I see Nash. He steps out of the car and gives me a smile before Gage’s voice rings out.

  “Nash! Come gives me huggie.”

  He laughs. “I’m coming, buddy.”

  I snap a picture of him squatted down in front of Gage, a megawatt smile on both their faces. Life is so good. I never dreamed of this picture-perfect reality. When he kisses Gage on the cheek and hugs him tightly, I think I feel my ovaries explode. My dad has a look of love and pride on his face.

  “Okay, you two. Enough of that. Nash and I need to get going. I love you both so much. Dad, I’ll call you after everything is over.”

  Nash and I stand together, hand in hand, and wave as they pull away. Thinking about what today holds leads me to think back to three months ago when I was afraid I’d never see Gage again. I can’t wait to see Frankie get what’s coming to him. I also can’t wait for him to see how happy I am. No matter what he put me through, he didn’t break me.

  Sentencing ended quickly, the judge having no mercy. Frankie showed no remorse and tried to blame Ms. Lange for everything. Because he had pled down to second-degree murder, he only got forty years for the murder of Roxy Lange, plus another fifteen, to be served consecutively, for kidnapping. The judge added an additional eight years for drug possession with intent to distribute. It will be a long time before Frankie has a chance at parole.

  It also takes no time in family court. After hearing everything Frankie did, the judge quickly deemed it necessary to terminate his parental rights. Nash and I can’t wipe the smiles off our faces as we leave the courthouse, papers in hand. It’s time to celebrate with our family and friends on the cruise.

  Epilogue

  Two and a half years later

  ~Meredith~

  “It is so hot out here. Remind me why I like living on the beach.”

  Nash starts dancing and shaking his ass while singing “South Side” by Thomas Rhett. I can’t help but laugh, despite feeling like I’m roasting.

  “Oh, give it up. You’re no Thomas Rhett, but I still find you sexy as hell, shaking your ass on the beach.”

  “Oh baby, you know you love it. Once Brianna is born, you’ll forget all about your swollen hands and feet, remembering how much you love the beach. Just a few more days and our little angel will be here.”

  “Daddy, Momma, look at me! I’m skimboarding.”

  “You’re doing grea
t, Gage!” I yell back. “Be careful. I don’t want you breaking your neck.”

  “That’s my boy.” Nash smiles. “I taught him everything he knows.”

  “Remember that when he gets hurt,” I growl, my face contorting in pain, my hand going to my stomach.

  He rushes over. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  I groan. “These contractions are killing me.”

  “What the hell, Meredith! Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “They’re probably just Braxton Hicks. Gage was a week late. I’m not due for five more days.”

  “She’s a Brooks. Haven’t you figured it out yet that we’re impatient? I fell in love with you in less than a week. Hell, probably the minute I laid my eyes on you but didn’t want to admit it.”

  I feel something odd, then look down, seeing wet sand under me. “Oh god! My water just broke.”

  Nash frantically motions for Gage. “Gage, your sister won’t wait anymore. We’ve gotta get Mom to the hospital.”

  Gage splashes out of the water and runs up the sand as quickly as his legs will carry him. He’s so excited. After Nash asked me to marry him, the first thing he said was, “When am I going to be a big brother?” The second was, “Can I call you Daddy now?”’ Life has been absolutely amazing the past two and a half years.

  My happy thoughts are interrupted by a contraction, my very impatient little girl seemingly ready to evacuate my womb. I let out a scream. Nash scoops me up into his arms and carries me through the house and to the van, which is already packed with my bag and the car seat. I can’t believe we are on our way to the hospital covered in sand, but such is my crazy, wonderful life.

  * * *

  ~Nash~

  Oh, my god. This is really happening. Being Gage’s father has been the best thing ever, but I didn’t get to go through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I’m ready for it all, including late-night feedings and diaper changes. Meredith has never looked more beautiful. They checked her, seeing she was only dilated two centimeters. She was so relieved when they told her it might be a while and she could go shower to wash away all the sand. My parents brought me and Gage a change of clothes, so we were able to get cleaned up, as well.