Renewed: The Unexpected Series

by Roberts, S. E.

  Me and Ryke follow behind, and I pull two beers out for us, and then we tell the girls we’re going to hang out in the living room until dinner is ready.

  We have dinner consisting of twice baked potatoes and salad, and then Avery goes to change into different clothes before they start to paint.

  I’m lost in conversation with Ryke and Claire that I don’t notice right away when she exits our room.

  Holy. Shit. How is it that my wife is so damn beautiful all the time? She could be wearing a paper bag over her head and I know that I’d still find her sexy as hell.

  She absentmindedly wiggles her ass as she makes her way toward me and then sits on my lap as I sit in the recliner, my sister and Ryke across from us.

  It’s taking every fucking ounce of my control to keep from stripping her damn clothes off her. She’s wearing cut-off jean shorts that are making my cock hard under her ass, with a lime green tank top. Her pregnant belly is peeking out the bottom, and maybe it’s weird, but it’s a damn turn on.

  She turns around and looks at me in shock, clearly feeling me poking her. I know I should be embarrassed, but I really can’t bring myself to care.

  “Seriously, Ev?” She shakes her head at me.

  I chuckle at her. “Avery Porter, if you didn’t wear shit like this around my house, I wouldn’t have such a hard time keeping my dick in my pants,” I whisper this to her as Claire and Ryke are wrapped up in their own conversation across the room.

  “You’re ridiculous.” She giggles and then gets off my lap and makes her way to the nursery with Claire. I grab the blanket off the back of the chair to cover my lap, willing my hard-on to disappear.

  3

  Avery

  My work day is finally over, and I’m exhausted. It’s truly a miracle that I stayed awake long enough to get anything done today. My best friend from work, Carly, kept asking me if I was alright, and I kept nodding as I yawned.

  “I’m in the living room!” Sierra hollers from the other side of her house as I pull the door open. Evan would have a fit if I ever left our house open like this. I can’t imagine Miles letting her get away with it. Although, she’s worse than me. I’m sure she doesn’t listen to what he has to say often.

  “I brought mint chip ice cream and Skinny Pop!” I say excitedly, although, I hate the taste of this popcorn. But Sierra thinks that she won’t gain weight from eating it, even though she practically lives on it.

  “Yay!” She stands from the couch and grabs the sack out of my hands and then heads toward the kitchen.

  I follow behind her. “How’s everything going? You been feeling alright?” I have to admit that I love being pregnant with her. She’s only about a month further along than I am.

  “Eh, I’m alright. I’m ready for this kid to come out though.” She chuckles as she grabs two waters from the fridge.

  “Uh, Sierra? You still have awhile.” I laugh. “Is it really that bad?”

  She rubs her belly.

  “Miles is just gone all the freaking time, and I’m so tired, and I just need a break.”

  “Sier, why didn’t you tell me? I’m happy to help any time I can, and Evan loves kids.”

  She sniggers. “Well, that’s good considering he’s going to have one soon.” I had no idea she had been so stressed. Now I feel like a super shitty friend. “But no, I’m fine. I just miss my husband. I thought that since he’s home now, I’d see him more, but I feel like he’s never here.

  Miles was sent overseas soon after they got married. He didn’t meet their son until he was close to a year old. I know that they desperately love each other, but I imagine the stress of being away from each other for so long, really did a number on their relationship. I can’t fathom the idea of being away from Evan for such a long period of time.

  “Well, just know that I’m here to help any way I can, okay?”

  “Thanks, babe.” She grabs the popcorn out of the microwave and pours us each a bowl. “Anyway, let’s go watch a sappy ass movie and pretend we’re drinking wine. Shall we?”

  I laugh. “Sounds good.”

  “How’s work going?” Sierra asks as she flips through Netflix, looking for a movie to watch.

  “Ugh.” I moan. “I’m so over Charlotte and her bullshit.” I roll my eyes even though she’s not looking at me.

  “What did the bitch do now?” She’s never met anyone I work with, but she’s heard me complain enough to know I can’t stand my boss.

  “We have this huge project coming up, which is making her even bitchier than normal.” I roll my eyes.

  “Is that going to keep you there later every night?”

  I sigh. “Yeah, most likely.”

  “Girl, your husband adores you, but I’ll be the first to tell you he’s going to shit a brick knowing you’re working late at that place. He hates that you work there.”

  If that isn’t the truth. It’s not that my husband doesn’t support what I do, but he hates how hard they work us, and he’s not crazy about where it’s located. Don’t get me wrong. There’re definitely worse areas in Phoenix, but I’ve seen my share of crazy people over the years I’ve been there.

  “I love him, but it drives me crazy when he acts like that.” I’m being a total bitch, but I guess this is my way of justifying the fact that I work for Kinsley. Although, I can’t imagine not working there though because I love all the friends I’ve made. Especially Carly. “Plus, what would I do all day if I wasn’t working? It’s not like the baby is here yet to keep me busy.”

  We finally decide to watch A Walk to Remember, which is a shitty choice considering we’re both hormonal pregnant women. She gets up at least four times to pee, and I’m pretty sure I’ve gone just as many times. I can only imagine how it’s going to be once I’m further along.

  “Honey, I’m home!” Miles hollers from the front door. I don’t think Sierra realized how early he’d be home or she would have kicked me out by now.

  “Babe, what are you doing home?” She gives him a confused look.

  “They let us go early tonight since we have an early day tomorrow. What are you girls up to?” He leans in to kiss his wife on the lips and then bends down to give me a hug.

  “Just watching chick flicks and talking about our controlling husbands,” I answer with a wink.

  He clutches his chest in mock offense. “What? We are so not controlling. But where’s my dinner, woman?” He chuckles.

  Sierra grabs a handful of popcorn and throws it at his head, which has me and Miles both laughing. It’s clear they love each other, even if they struggle sometimes. What couple doesn’t? Although, mine and Evan’s marriage is probably as close to perfect as you can get. I don’t take that for granted. We both wanted children much sooner than now, but had we been successful before, I’m not sure our relationship would be as strong as it is.

  I laugh and stand from the couch. “Alright, you two lovebirds. I’m going to head home so you can have sexy time.” I waggle my eyebrows.

  “Girl, he will not be getting sexy time from me until he washes his smelly ass.” These two always have me cracking up. They remind me a lot of me and Evan.

  “Yeah, go back to watching your movie. I’ll have my way with my sweet wife when you girls are done.” He winks at Sierra, and she sticks her tongue out at him as he heads down the hallway toward their bedroom.

  She sighs as she leans back into the couch and props her feet up on the table.

  “You guys are freaking adorable,” I say as she hits play on the movie.

  She laughs. “He’s a pain in the ass, but he’s my pain in the ass.”

  4

  Evan

  “Goddamn it!” I holler at myself in frustration as I slam my pen down on the big oak desk. I’ve been working in Scottsdale since early this morning. I had been hoping to leave here around dinner time so I could spend the evening with my wife, but this case is far from being finished.

  I’ve worked for Howser & Bowman law firm, as a family attorney
, since the year before me and Avery got married. I really lucked out with how fast I found work after finishing school. I know that typically it takes much longer. Especially in a place like Phoenix.

  I dig my phone out of my suit pocket to see if Avery has texted me yet today. I know that Kinsley is starting a big project, so she’s going to be even busier than normal. I’m proud of her for going after her dream of being an interior designer, but I fucking hate the people she works for. I know she doesn’t put up with their bullshit, but really to an extent, she does because she thinks she has to work. Once she’s further along in her pregnancy, I’m really hoping she’ll agree to quit so she can stay home with the baby. Both of my parents were always working when me and Claire were growing up, and we hated it. A crew of different nannies basically raised us until we were old enough to stay home by ourselves. I refuse to allow someone else to raise my child.

  It’s six o’clock, and who knows when I’ll actually get to leave this damn place. Flynn Howser, my boss, asked me to come to Scottsdale today because they wanted someone with experience helping them with this child custody case. I absolutely hate when there are children in the middle of their parents’ bullshit. Thankfully, with the Donald case, there isn’t any physical abuse, but it is for sure a nasty divorce, and they’ve pulled their three innocent children right into the center of it. I’m not looking forward to their court date.

  My phone vibrates on the desk next to me.

  “Hey Av,” I say in way of greeting. After spending the entire day locked up with her yesterday, I miss her like crazy. “Did you make it home alright?” I know I’m overprotective of her, but I don’t care. I’ll never stop worrying about her or our child she’s carrying. I know I’m going to piss her off way more times than I can count, but she’ll just have to get used to it.

  “I’m at Sierra’s for a girls’ night. We’re eating popcorn and ice cream.”

  I chuckle. “You two are trouble.” Sierra was my sister’s roommate when she was in the hospital a couple years ago. They quickly became friends, and in turn, Avery gained another, too. She didn’t really have a lot of friends outside of work, so I was glad for it.

  “Have you left Scottsdale yet?” I hear her crunching on the other line. Her cravings are insane. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve had to leave the house late at night to get her something strange. I’m talking like orange juice and cheese crackers. Nobody warned me of that nonsense.

  I sigh. “No.” I run my hands through my hair that desperately needs to be cut. “I’m going to be here for another hour or so. You think you can stay with Sierra until I get back to town?”

  “We just started our movie, so I’m sure that won’t be a problem. But you know I’m a big girl, right, Mr. Porter?” She chuckles at me. She knows I’m overprotective and often gives me shit about it, but after much arguing, I usually get my way.

  “Yes, Mrs. Porter, I know you’re a big girl. But that doesn’t mean I’ll ever stop taking care of you. I love you, baby momma.” She hates when I call her that, but I find it entertaining getting a rise out of her.

  “Evan Porter, if you ever want to have more children, you better watch your mouth.” I hear the humor in her tone.

  “So feisty,” I mumble. “I gotta get back to work, but be careful if you decide to leave. Please?” Sierra’s house isn’t in the nicest part of town, and I’d really prefer if she didn’t drive home before I get back into Phoenix. But my wife is very independent, and so I try to find some middle ground.

  “Promise. Love you.” I hear her make kissing noises into the phone, and I laugh.

  “I love you, too. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Mr. Porter?” I look up from my desk and see a blonde woman who appears to be in her mid-twenties. She’s wearing a form-fitting skirt and a white buttoned-up shirt that causes her cleavage to practically spill out of the top. She doesn’t look like she’s dressed for work, but what do I know?

  “You must be Mallory.” I stand from my chair and lean over the desk to shake her hand.

  “Yeah, my uncle said that I’d find you back here.”

  “I’m sorry. Your uncle?” Nobody told me that she was related to anyone in the office. Great, just what we need. I hope to God that she knows what she’s doing and they didn’t just hire her because she’s family.

  “Yes, Flynn is my uncle. On my mother’s side.” Wonderful.

  “Nice to meet you.” She seems nice enough. I just hope she can handle the workload I’ll be giving her. “You’re okay with working in Phoenix most days? I’m only in Scottsdale once or twice a week whenever they need an extra hand here.”

  “It’s no problem. I live in Phoenix.”

  “Great. Did Flynn already give you a laptop?”

  “He did. Do you want me to set it up in here?”

  “That won’t be necessary. Tonight, I just need a little bit of filing done, and then you can head out. I won’t keep you late.”

  I grab the box on the floor next to my desk and start pulling the files out. This place is so ancient, it isn’t even funny. Thank God our office in Phoenix is higher tech than this one.

  “They are all in alphabetical order and so are the three cabinets. It shouldn’t take you long.”

  After I set Mallory up, I head out to the break room to fill up on coffee.

  I fill my travel mug, and as I’m putting cream in it, Malcom walks in with a grin on his face.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” I ask as I stir my cup.

  “Man, your assistant is hot.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and I shake my head at him.

  “Are you ever going to grow up?” I laugh. “You could be married with kids by now, but no woman wants to deal with your crazy ass.” And it’s true. Malcom Jefferies is a complete man-whore. Women like him until he opens his mouth.

  “Whatever.” He smirks as he pours his own cup. “Give me two weeks, and I guarantee I’ll have her in bed.”

  I don’t know why I’m friends with this guy. Although, Avery can’t stand him, so we never see much of each other outside of work. Not that I blame her. The guy is a real moron.

  I head back to my office, and I see Mallory quickly sticking her phone down her shirt.

  “Are you about done with the files?” I ask as I check my own phone to see if Avery has called or texted again. I’m desperate to get out of here soon so I can get home to my wife. I hate these long days when we don’t get to see each other. I left home this morning before she was awake.

  “Yep.”

  She puts one last document into the cabinet and then sets the empty folder on my desk.

  “Great. You’re free to go now. I’ll be back in the Phoenix office tomorrow around eight o’clock, but you don’t need to be there until eight-thirty.”

  “Sounds good, Mr. Porter.”

  Forty-five minutes later, I’m finally on my way home to Avery, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of the night under the sheets with her. I know I’m acting like a teenage boy who has never gotten laid before, but I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of my wife.

  5

  Avery

  Two Months Later

  “Want to see a movie or something after dinner?” Evan asks as we pull into our favorite Mexican place. It’s been an extremely busy week for both of us at work, and we’re finally able to spend some time together.

  “Honestly, I kind of just want to go home and put my pajamas on and watch a movie. I’m really tired.” I turn in my seat to look at him. Damn, he’s sexy.

  I’m six months pregnant now and still just as tired as I was when I first found out.

  “Whatever you want.” He finds a parking spot, and after he shuts the car off, leans over the armrest, rubs his calloused hand along my face, and then pulls me into a searing kiss. I’ll never tire of this man and his romantic ways.

  He releases me from our kiss and looks into my eyes. “I love you.” He gives me his sexy grin.

  “And I l
ove you.” I quickly peck his cheek and then open my door to get out.

  “Hold on, Av. Claire is calling me.” I pull the door shut. I’m glad that him and Claire have a better relationship now. It was a bit rocky when she first moved here a couple years ago, but they’ve since gotten closer. They try to meet up for lunch once a week. I wish I had that kind of relationship with my sister, Ainsley. I guess if she didn’t live in San Diego, we probably would.

  “Hey, sis,” he says as an answer. “What? Claire, calm down. I can’t understand you.” I turn in my seat as I try to make out the words that she’s saying on the other end of the line but all I hear is crying. What is going on?

  “Ev, what’s wrong?” He doesn’t answer me but puts a finger in his ear, obviously trying to hear what she’s saying.

  “Fuck. We’re on our way.” He quickly pulls out of our parking spot, tires squealing. It’s truly a miracle that there aren’t any cops around, because we’d be in deep shit right now.

  He ends the call and grips the steering wheel tight, his knuckles turning white. I’m slightly afraid that he’s going to snap it in two because of how hard he’s clutching it.

  “Ev, what the hell is going on? Are they okay?” I’m scared to know the answer but ask anyway.

  “No.” He shakes his head, seeming to be in shock from whatever Claire just told him.

  I desperately want to pry, but think better of it. I decide to let him gather himself before making him tell me what’s going on. Obviously, something bad has happened. I just pray that the kids are alright.

  I’m a bit nervous at the fact that he’s driving while he’s this upset.

  “Babe, pull over, and I’ll drive.”

  The next thing I know, he’s pulling into the parking lot of a vacant building. He quickly pulls the gear into park.

  I grab the handle to get out to switch seats with him, but he stops me by finally speaking.