by K J Ellis
Taking a look over to Rem in the passenger seat, I notice her face is white.
“Are you okay, baby?” I’m worried that her being here is just too much stress that she doesn’t need right now.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just morning sickness. Just need a minute before we go in there.” She can’t even look at me as the lie rolls of her tongue.
“You don’t need to be brave with me, baby.” Reaching over, I take her hand in mine and lift it to my mouth, placing a kiss on the back of it.
She finally lifts her eyes to look at me. “Returning to the scene of the crime is always hard for anyone, but... this is where we could have lost our peanut.” A lone tear rolls silently down her cheek.
It breaks my heart that I did this to her. If it weren’t for her association with me, Shantel wouldn’t have gone after her.
Remme takes a deep breath and wipes her face with her free hand.
Looking in the rear-view mirror, I see Saxon perched on the bonnet of his car that he followed us in. I completely forget he’s there sometimes—he’s like a fucking ghost that you never see until you need to. I guess that’s why he’s so good at what he does.
“Do you want Saxon to drive you home? I can start the gruelling boot camp without you today, if you prefer?” I don’t want her out of my sight but then that’s why I hired security in the first place.
“No, I’m okay now. I need to be a big girl.” A sad giggle fills the car.
Exiting the car and walking around the back of it, I give Saxon a knowing nod. He knows what's needed of him today: I called him last night while Rem was sleeping.
Reaching the passenger side door, I open it and wait for Remme to take my hand as I help her out. Shooting a quick wave over to Saxon, Remme turns back to me and we enter the gym hand-in-hand.
Once inside, I head straight over to Devon, knowing Rem will most likely sit with her, under the subtle eye of Saxon.
“Hey, Devon. Where’s Owen at?” I question as Remme takes a seat next to her as predicted.
“He’s in his office. Isaak, before you go up there, there’s something you should know. Owen came in this morning covered in cuts and bruises. He wouldn’t tell me what happened—just snapped at me to leave it and disappeared up to the office.” She’s concerned, which in turn has me just as concerned.
“Will you be okay here? Saxon won’t let you out of his sight, I promise.” Remme gives me a confident nod in reply.
Knocking on the office door, I enter without waiting for him to invite me in like he normally does. The sight in front of me is shocking.
Owen is sitting at his desk with papers everywhere. This isn’t my best friend: Owen is the most organised man I know. He looks frazzled, and I instantly feel the uneasiness starting to creep up my spine.
“What the fuck, Owen. Are you okay?” I rush over to him so I can get a closer look at him.
“It’s nothing Isaak. Just a few bruises that’s all. You should see the other guy,” he jokes, half-heartedly.
There are more than just a few bruises. I have never seen him this way before. Someone has done a thorough job on him.
“Don’t give me that shit, Owen. I know you better than that. You're an excellent fighter, so for you to be this way isn’t normal. More importantly, where and who were you fighting?” I push for more information as he’s being shady and vague with me.
“I looked at the wrong girl last night. It turns out her husband took offence. That’s it. Now we have business to talk about and a sparring session today, so let’s not waste any more time.”
Looked at a woman the wrong way? Yeah, I’m not buying that bullshit, but he clearly doesn't want to talk about it, so I won’t pursue it any further, at least for now.
“The contract you wanted me to sign, I want it changed.”
The look on his face right now is a picture. I never bring up gym matters with him unless it's a ‘how’s business’ in passing.
“What do you want? You paid for half this gym, it’s yours. I won’t back down, so just sign the damn papers.”
I let out a laugh at his dramatics. “No, I want to change it so Remme signs it and owns my half of the gym,” I explain further for him. I take the seat on my side of the desk as I wait for him to process my proposal.
“What for?” he simply asks.
“Rem is quitting her job at Proflex. She had a call from her boss this morning. She’s been cleared to go back but has decided she wants to stay on with us, at least until the ba…” I freeze, stopping myself from finishing what I am about to say.
Owen’s eyes widen drastically, shock, written all over his face. “Remme’s pregnant?”
Oh God, she is going to kill me.
“Yes, keep your voice down. I wasn’t meant to say anything. Remme wants to keep it quiet until the twelve-week mark. Something about jinxing it.” I shrug, not really understanding her logic but not wanting to piss her off at the time.
“Congrats man. Never thought I would see the day that the mighty Bruiser would become a family man.” He gets up from his seat and pulls me up from mine into a bro hug.
“So, about the contract? What’s the deal?” Owen asks as he makes his way back to his seat.
“You have all this space up here in the loft going to waste. I thought as Remme is sticking two fingers up to Proflex that she could take it over—start her own business up here, which in turn will bring in extra business down stairs for you.” I try to reason with him, showing him that this could be the best way to do it.
“Okay, say I agree to this… that would make Remme my business partner. You going to handle that?”
He has a good point, but I know I’m the only guy for Remme and he’s my best mate and wouldn’t go there.
“Owen, it’s my idea. If I didn't trust you to look after my girl, I wouldn't have suggested it.”
He lets a bellowing laugh out that echoes round the room. “Alright then, I’ll have the contract changed as soon as possible.”
I stand as Owen looks up at me.
“Where the hell are you going?” Owen grumps at me.
“Well, now that’s sorted, it’s time to get this training camp going, don’t you think? Oh, and Owen, not a word to Remme about this chat. It's a surprise.”
Making our way down to the boxing ring, I can sense he is still out of sorts. I’m just having my hands taped by Vinny, and Owen is already getting warmed up. I put in my gum shield as I feel him come closer to me. Turning my head towards him to see what he’s playing at, I see there’s a hunger in his eyes, and I’ve not even got my gloves on fully.
“Whoa, Owen, chill out man. It’s only sparring. You look like you're about to kill someone,” I say, turning back to one of my other sparring buddies.
Tapping my gloves together, I’m ready to get this show on the road. I don’t get a chance to warm up, though, before I’m ducking away from Owen’s, mean right hook.
I push him in the chest to back him the fuck up. “What the fuck is up with you today? Did you not get your dick sucked this morning or what?” I say, trying to lighten his mood but showing I’m fucking pissed at how he just came at me. He doesn’t answer me. He just pulls off his gloves and fucks off back up the stairs, leaving me and everyone in the gym staring after him.
Whatever is going on with him has something to do with the state he’s in and the massive fresh bruises tattooing his face.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Remme
Three Months later
I’m sitting with Devon whilst Isaak finishes up one of his workouts, talking all things baby. When we shared the news, everyone was over the moon for us. I didn’t miss the smug look on Owen’s face when we announced it. Isaak never can hold his own water. I guess we did tell my best friend, so it was only fair he told his best mate, too. I found myself smiling harder at the thought of Owen and Isaak having a brotherly talk, something which has been few and far between recently. I
don’t know what is up with Owen, but he’s not the same guy I met at Isaak’s house all those months ago. He’s troubled that much is clear. These guys are more like family to me now, I want to help. Isaak has asked me not to say anything—that he will sort it out—but Owen still hasn’t opened up.
“So, come on. You think boy or girl?” Devon breaks through my inquisitive mind.
“Sorry, I was away with the fairies,” I joke. “As long as the baby’s healthy, I’m good with either. Although, I do think I’m having a boy,” I say, now aware that I’ve started rubbing and caressing my swollen belly.
“I think boy, too. Have you thought of any names yet?” she asks full of enthusiasm.
“Actually, we haven’t. Once we know the sex we can decide then.”
Come to think of it, we haven’t really discussed baby names at all. Isaak has been so busy with training for this fight. I’m sure we’ll get around to it when we need to.
“I’m happy for you both. I’m not really close with my family, but this baby is going to be so loved.” She places her hand gently on top of my bump. “Auntie Dev is going spoil you rotten. Just don’t tell your daddy, or moody Uncle Ow, okay?” she jokes, laughing, in turn making me laugh.
“You’ve noticed that with Owen, too, then, huh?” I ask her quietly.
Her cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink at the mention of Owen’s name. She thinks she’s recovered quick enough but I saw it.
Since I’ve been pregnant, I haven't missed a trick. So much so, everyone has started calling me Inspector Gadget.
“Erm, yeah. I mean, working with him all the time I see every mood swing he has, among other sides of him, but I’ve never seen him like this before, Remme. I’m really worried,” she confides.
“Me, too.” I glance over to the ring that Isaak and Owen had been sparring hard in only moments ago. Owen is heading straight for the shower room with his head downcast. Isaak has already showered and is mere inches from us, a huge, blinding smile on his face.
“We have to think of something, okay?” I turn my head to her as she gives me a quick nod, letting me know she’s heard what I’ve said and the meaning behind it.
“You ready, Sweetcheeks?”
“Sure am, Bruiser.” I jump off the stool and slide my arm around his hip. “I’ll catch you later, Devon,” I say over my shoulder as we head out of the gym doors.
“Miss Remme Rivers,” an elderly woman calls from the room off to the left of us. Getting up from our seats, the excitement is bubbling up to the surface now. We head over to her and enter the room as she moves aside for us to pass.
“How are Mummy and Daddy feeling? Are you both excited to see your baby, now they’re grown?” she asks politely.
“Yes, super excited,” I reply, feeling giddy as my stomach starts doing somersaults.
“Can Mum hop on the bed for me and we can get started?” She pats the bed in passing and heads to a big, complicated-looking machine.
I do as I’m instructed and lay myself back and Isaak moves to the chair that sits up close and personal next to the bed.
“Okay, just slide the waistband of your trousers down slightly for me.”
I follow her directions again.
“This will be cold.”
No sooner are the words out her mouth, she has the cool liquid on the end of the machine that’s in her hand and is rubbing it around my belly.
Straight away I can make our baby out: the head, arms and feet are clearer than the twelve-week scan.
“Oh wow, Isaak, look.” I grab a hold of Isaak’s hand, pulling him closer to me, giving him no option as I’m forcing him to stand instead of sit.
“Baby…”
The sonographer glances at her notes. “Baby Rivers is growing nicely; all measurements are looking fine. Did you want to know the sex of the baby, or you wanting to wait?” She asks as she continues roaming around my abdomen with the scanning wand. I take a quick look up at Isaak to make sure we agree to find out.
“Yes, we want to know.” Isaak’s grinning like a Cheshire cat that caught the mouse he was chasing.
I give his hand a little squeeze, and our eyes lock while we await the news together in our own little bubble.
“This is never one hundred percent certain—legally I have to tell you that—but…you’re about to be parents to a bouncing baby boy.”
Isaak looks like he's about to piss his pants in excitement. I personally couldn’t be happier to be giving him the gift of a son. His lips are on mine so fast I don’t have time to stop the public display of affection. I can feel my cheeks heat up the moment the nurse clears her throat.
“I take it you’re happy then?” I ask Isaak when he decides to let me go.
“Remme, I was happy the day we found out about the baby, but now...everything is perfect.”
I see a lone tear leak out from the corner of his eye, but he quickly wipes it away with the top of his shoulder.
“You’re such a sappy sod at heart.” I tease him, but my own eyes are starting to well up now, too.
We have another little moment together whilst the nurse cleans me up, asking if we want more than one copy of the scan. We ask for three copies so Isaak and myself have one each, and the other for my parents. We pay for the extra copies and grab the scans from the machine just outside the door. Everyone in the waiting area could tell we were first time parent as neither of us could stop looking at the picture of our prefect baby.
We head to the car full of joy and excitement. Isaak pulls out his phone, and I watch his thumbs fly across the screen. He unlocks the car doors with a swipe of the key fob and we jump in, leaving the hospital in his dust.
The car ride towards home passes in a blur as we talk about possible baby names, finally, and what we need to buy and get ready for when our son is born.
Wow, just saying that makes my whole world light up. I’m carrying Isaak’s son—his baby boy...our baby boy.
This feeling I’m experiencing right now, I want it to stay with me forever.
Just then, I notice we’ve missed the turn off.
“Erm, Isaak. You’ve missed the turning.” I look out the window, following the exit sign with my head. Turning back to him, I spot a smug smirk plastered on his face.
“What are you up to?” I question, full of eagerness.
“You’ll see.” It’s the only information he gives me. The next thing I know, we’re pulling up outside the gym again.
“Seriously, this is the surprise you had planned. The gym?” The overjoyed feeling, I had only moments ago evaporates into nothingness.
“Just wait and see.” He puts the car in park and jumps out, rounding to my side before opening the door. I look at his outstretched hand and back up to him, showing him my less-than-impressed expression. Looking around for a sign of any clues, I notice that Saxon is nowhere in sight. He is so good at just blending in now that some days I worry if he is even there at all. Isaak has reassured me that I’m always in his line of sight, even if I don’t see him.
He pulls me along, seemingly eager to get back into the gym. Maybe he forgot something and needs to pick it up on the way to my surprise.
Opening the door for me, Isaak waves his hand for me to go in ahead of him.
Lowering my head to watch my step, I almost jump out of my skin when out of nowhere and unexpectedly I hear people shouting in my direction all at once.
“SURPRISE!”
When I get my breathing back under control, I notice blue balloons and banners dotted around the gym and a small table situated in the middle of the room with what look like little nibbles to eat. Just then my belly rumbles. God, I hadn’t realised how hungry I am until now. It finally dawns on me that this is the surprise.
I spin around and launch myself at Isaak, hugging and kissing the life out of him before he gently places me back down on the floor.
“Surprise, Sweetcheeks.”
I’m speechl
ess. I have so many questions and spit them all out together. “You did all this for me? When? How did you pull all of this off?”
“For you, I can make anything possible. I thought you could do with a little celebratory party after the tough time you had, so I made preparations knowing today would be the perfect time to do it. I gave Devon a little nudge in the right direction and she did the rest.”
I shoot daggers at Devon, who’s trying to hide away behind everyone.
Giving Isaak another kiss to show him my appreciation and just how much I love him, I head further into the gym and become surrounded by everyone hugging me and telling me how happy they all are that we’re having a boy.
I find Devon through the mass of bodies talking to Spencer.
“I can’t believe you managed to keep this to yourself. How did you both get this sorted and know to pick baby boy balloons?” I’m bewildered and shocked that they have actually gone and pulled this off.
“Easy, I already went and fetched the balloons, decorations and party food before you got here this morning. And what you see in blue, I also have in pink. I was prepared for a girl or boy.” She waves it off like it’s nothing.
“It’s amazing; thank you so much.” I pull her in for a huge bear hug as more tears brim my eyes.
“Hey, stop those tears, Momma Bear. We’ll have less of that,” Spence tells me as I pull away from Devon.
“Oh God. I need to phone my parents and tell them the news.” I excuse myself and go to stand out of the way from the noise. I quickly scan for my mum's number and hit the call button.
Unfortunately, it goes straight to answerphone. I really want to speak to her rather than leave a message, but I’m excited to tell her and I can’t help myself.