“What incident?” Both Andi and my father asked the question at the same time. They even had the same frown on their face.
“Some fans recognized Ayden and it drew attention to us from everyone in the vicinity. Let’s just say, Breaking Silence has a large fan base, and we were almost up close and personal with quite a few of them.”
“Not a wise choice without security, so I understand your panic.” My dad rubbed his chin. “So do you think one of these girls followed you to the cabin?”
“No,” Ayden chimed in. “I received a package today. It wasn’t from my family or anyone else I know.”
My dad glanced at Bentley and Andi. All three were frowning as if they hadn’t understood anything Ayden said. It was my father who finally spoke again. “What was it?”
“A voice recording of Izzy confessing to someone that she planned to seduce me and get pregnant just to destroy her sister. There’s more, but that’s the gist of it.”
Andi and Bentley shook their heads as my dad pinched the bridge of his nose. None had anything to say. The news weighed on them much like it did Ayden and me. It was a truth that needed to be known. I wasn’t sure if the recording could be admitted as evidence in court. What I needed was this mysterious person to step forward and help me get justice.
“That is weird, guys.” Andi was the first to speak. Concern showed on her face as she stared at us. “No one has given me anything to mail to you except Bentley, and that was this morning.”
“We know.” I released the breath I’d been holding. “The package was sent from someplace here in Flagstaff, according to the postage. I just don’t understand how someone could know we’re here.”
It was more of a general statement than a question, but my dad looked worried. “You have the code to the safe if you need to get inside it. I wish I could tell you to come home, but now isn’t the best time.”
His words made my chest tighten. “Why? What’s going on, Dad?”
My father scanned the bar before he answered me. “Your sister is seeing a psychiatrist that was highly recommended to me. His name is Dr. Journey, and he has Izzy on medications.”
“Bout time.”
I heard Ayden mumble the words but didn’t acknowledge them. “How is she?”
Dad shrugged. “Honestly, I’m not sure. Dr. Journey thinks there’s a slight improvement, but he said it’s too soon to tell. He’s not sure what her condition is yet, which is one of the reasons he’s trying her on this medication.”
“And what do you think?” As I waited for an answer, Ayden clasped my hand and held it. He was just as anxious as I was to hear my dad’s thoughts.
“She appears to be better, but she’s spending a lot of time alone. She told me she was soul-searching.”
“Or plotting something.” I wasn’t as successful at mumbling my thoughts as Ayden. My dad grimaced at my words.
“I’m trying to remain positive, but you’re right. Izzy could be plotting something. Dr. Journey said she’s in a major depressive state.”
“Will you call me if anything changes?”
“Of course I will,” Dad assured me. “And you guys call me if there are any problems there. Don’t forget to set the security system at night.”
“We won’t.”
“Okay, princess. We have to go. Andi and I are meeting with a couple of our scouts in a few minutes to discuss some of the bands they’ve found.”
“We’ll talk to you guys next week. Bye.”
Everyone said goodbye in unison, then the phone went back to my home screen. I tossed my phone between my legs and gazed at Ayden. “Well, that was an interesting call.”
“Tell me about it. Are you buying that spill about Izzy soul-searching?”
“I don’t know.” I massaged my temples and tried to think from a rational point of view. “The part of me that holds out hope that Izzy will change someday and be a decent person wants to believe it’s happening. The part that’s always dealt with Izzy is questioning the validity of her story.”
Ayden rubbed my shoulders as he glanced toward the fireplace. “I’m having a hard time believing it. Something in my gut is saying this is all a show. She knows people are watching her right now. Why wouldn’t she act remorseful? Hell, we just listened to a recording a little while ago of her confessing what she planned to do. She’s twisted, Mia.”
“I know she is. Still, I can’t help but wonder if her feelings about the baby changed after she found out she was pregnant. You saw how devastated she was. Then she finds out I’m pregnant. If she’s going insane, I can’t help but feel partially responsible.”
As my guilt consumed me, Ayden tipped my chin until I met his eyes again. “Don’t let her do this to you. What you’re thinking right now is exactly what Izzy wants. We can’t be responsible for your sister’s happiness.”
“I know. I guess I try to find the good in everyone. How can someone who shares the same blood as me be so cruel? My dad isn’t like that. Neither were my grandparents.”
He stroked my arm, doing his best to soothe me. “Mia, for all we know, Izzy is faking everything. I’m questioning if she’s even taking her medicine. Is anyone watching her?”
“You heard everything I did. As far as I know, no one is verifying it.
I thought about his question a moment. My father only mentioned that Izzy was on medication by her doctor’s orders. He didn’t say who was dispensing it. If she was doing it herself, which I’m sure she was, we wouldn’t know for sure if she had taken anything.
It was time to get verification. I would text my father later and ask if he’d witnessed her taking her medicine. If not, I had to convince him to find it. Everyone’s safety depended on it. Besides, I still wasn’t convinced that whoever sent the recording to Ayden wasn’t attempting to extort us. If Izzy wasn’t making progress or taking her medication, there was a good chance she could be involved in the scheme.
Now more than ever I had to protect the people I loved.
Chapter 18
~Ayden~
The morning light beamed through the window giving the room a warm, hazy glow. My eyes had opened long before the sun began its ascent into the sky. After staying awake late last night, I didn’t think I’d start my morning this early. Then again, it was Christmas. This year, I had a reason to wake early and look forward to the day.
Our time at the cabin was passing fast. Mia and I didn’t have a set date on when we’d return to Music Haven, but while we were here, I wanted to enjoy every second, especially today. It’s why I stayed up late putting the final touches on what I hoped would be Mia’s most memorable Christmas.
I stared at her for the longest time, taking in her features. Her full lips parted slightly as soft breaths escaped. Long lashes touched the skin under her eyes, which remained closed. Her dark hair splayed over the pillow, contrasting perfectly with the white flannel sheets.
My chest rose as I inhaled.
Mia had no idea how many times I’d woken before her or fallen asleep after she did. In those moments, I stared at her just like I was now. I couldn’t help it. She amazed me.
The longer I admired her, the harder it was to believe she was mine. I never thought I could love anyone as much as I loved her. This time last year, I couldn’t fathom being in a relationship. Now I was on the verge of becoming a husband and a father. My life had changed completely, and it was all because of Mia.
Today, I hoped to prove to her how much she meant to me.
Leaning closer, I eased my head down until my lips pressed to hers. She stretched her arms up and wrapped them around my neck. Her body curled toward mine, making me ache with want.
As much as I loved the idea of making love to her right now, I knew we couldn’t. There was too much planned for the day, and I wanted to get an early start.
Easing back, I smiled. “Good morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning.” She winked at me then glanced at the clock. “You’re awake early.”
&
nbsp; “It’s Christmas.” I teased her cheek with my fingertips. “Merry Christmas, Mia.”
“Merry Christmas, Ayden.” A warm hug and tender kiss had us right back to where we started. I wanted to slip off her panties, slide between her legs, and drive my cock inside her. Now wasn’t the time. This moment would happen, I was damn sure it would, but not until later.
I couldn’t believe I was talking myself out of having sex.
I pressed my head to hers. “Are you ready to open your presents?”
“After a quick trip to the bathroom, yes.” She patted her belly. “My bladder is being held hostage by this one.”
I nodded. “I understand. I mean, I don’t really understand but . . . you know what I mean.”
She loved when I made an idiot of myself, and I’d do anything to hear her laughter.
“Okay, how about you head to the bathroom and I’ll go grab a coffee. Do you want some peppermint tea?”
“Yes, please.”
As she climbed out of bed, I left her side. Grabbing her robe from the hook on the back of the door, I helped her put it on. “I’ll meet you downstairs in a few.”
“Be down shortly.”
I rushed downstairs as quietly as I could. If I was too loud, I’d ruin half the surprise. Lifting the kettle from the stove, I added fresh water and turned on the burner. As it heated, I started a pot of coffee, grabbed a tea bag and cup for Mia and another cup for myself. Just as I heard her moving upstairs, I got a text. My phone laid by the coffeepot, vibrating. When I reached for it and read Bentley’s message, I chuckled. He was so impatient.
How long should we wait?
Mia was descending the stairs when I typed my reply.
About twenty minutes. I’ll let you know, so be ready.
After he sent me a thumbs-up, I shut off my phone and shoved it into the pocket of my pajamas. Mia came into the kitchen a second later. Thankfully, she had no idea Bentley and I were texting.
“Here you go.” I handed her the cup of tea then grabbed my coffee. “Let’s head to the den.”
Leading the way, I set my cup on the coffee table then knelt in front of the tree. Most of the items wrapped underneath it were for our family and friends, but Bentley had managed to mail me the items I ordered for Mia. Whatever she got me arrived the same day I got the strange package and the voice recording of Izzy.
Trying not to let the memory of my ex ruin the day, I forced the thoughts aside and focused on Mia. “Which gift do you want to open?”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to open mine first. I want you to open one.”
“Fine, but you kept your promise. Right? You didn’t spend a bunch of money on my presents, did you?”
“I kept within the budget we agreed to.”
Mia had the means to buy me extravagant gifts, but at this point in my career, I couldn’t. Granted, Breaking Silence had royalties coming in now, but I was far from reaching her level of wealth. I even asked Mia if she wanted me to sign a prenuptial agreement, but she refused.
At least she agreed to set a budget on what we spent on each other. I hoped she liked what I chose for her.
I grabbed the gifts and brought them over to the sofa. Then I went back for mine. Two were small enough to carry. One I had to drag. The present’s weight worried me that maybe Mia spent more than I had and she was protecting my pride. Yet she said she stuck to the budget and I didn’t believe she lied.
“Start with the big one.” She chuckled at me when I sat beside her. It took a few seconds to rip off the paper. As soon as I opened the box, I saw the black, hard-shell guitar case. I lifted it from the box and slid my hands over the shell. It wasn’t just the fact that she’d bought me a guitar case. She had it engraved with my name, and I discovered there was more once I opened the case. The foam inside was cut out in the exact shape of my guitar instead of the generic cutout most cases had. That meant my guitar would fit perfectly.
“This is one badass case, Mia. Thank you.”
“I thought it would come in handy when you go on your next tour.”
“It will.” I leaned in to kiss her and snuck a present inside her hand when I pulled away. “Your turn.”
Unwrapping the gift, she worked the package apart and slid out the item inside. “Oh! It’s so pretty.” She played with the cream-colored wristlet and snickered when she realized what it was. “It’s a phone case wallet. I’ve wanted one of these for a while.”
“I remember you looking at them when we were in St. George. I hadn’t noticed you using one so I thought it would make a good gift.”
“You’re so attentive.” She kissed my cheek. “Okay. It’s your turn again.”
She picked up the next present and handed it to me. I didn’t waste time opening this one. It was easier to unwrap than the guitar case, but what was inside had a bigger effect on my heart. It was a collage of pictures of my family. There were a couple of my parents, my grandmother, my aunt and uncle, and quite a few of Toni.
“Your mom helped me pick them out.” Mia’s smile lit up the room, as well as my heart. “Along with the picture frame comes an offer. I think it’s time you hung some pictures in your home at Music Haven, and I hope that you’ll accept my offer to move into my suite.”
“It’s not like I’m not practically living there now,” I teased.
Mia giggled as she nodded. “I want it to be official. That means moving the rest of your belongings into our suite.”
Taking her hand in mine, I squeezed it gently. “Nothing would make me happier than to make it official.” I couldn’t help but laugh a little inside. She had no idea what was in store for her.
Releasing her hand, I gave her another gift and waited for her reaction. By the time she opened it and pulled out the paperwork, her brows knitted. I watched her eyes pass over the words and then fill with tears.
“Ayden . . . is this for real?”
“Yes. I figured that in your lifetime, you’ve created so many stars, but you’ve never seen the star inside of you. It’s not a famous type like you produce. It’s a beacon of light. It gives people hope and peace.” I swiped away a tear falling down her cheek then cupped her face. “You may not see the star shining through you as I do, but when you look into the sky, you’ll see it. There’s a star in the sky named Amelia Shae after you.”
Her arms wrapped around my neck as she kissed me. “Thank you, Ayden. Thank you for helping me see a part of myself I didn’t know existed.”
“I will forever be the mirror you need to see the amazing person you are.”
She sobbed harder. I caressed her back, doing my best to calm her. “Don’t cry, baby. Please.”
After a few seconds, she drew in a deep breath, wiped the tears from her eyes, and then grabbed my other present. “Okay. Last one.”
Taking it from her, I fumbled with the tiniest package she’d handed me. The paper ripped with ease as I tore it from the small rectangular box. When I opened it, what I saw inside had my eyes watering. Two perfectly engraved guitar picks lay nestled inside a bed of velvet. On one, the words were in blue lettering, and read, World’s Best Dad. The other pick was written in gold lettering and read, My Dad Is My Rock Star.
“Wow.” I choked on my words. “These are beautiful, Mia. They’re now the mostfavorite picks I own. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like them.” She accepted her last present from me and opened it right away. Once she realized it was a jewelry box, she peered at me as if she were wondering the same thing I had about her. She was questioning if I’d gone over the spending limit.
Once she cracked open the box, she pressed her hand to her mouth. I knew her lips were trembling.
“Do you like it?”
She nodded. Then, she removed the necklace from the box and held it in front of her. I pinched the heart-shaped locket between my fingers and opened it.
“This side is for me.” I pointed to the picture of myself that I’d placed on the left side. “The other is for our
child. Now you’ll always have us close to your heart, even when I’m on tour.”
“It’s precious. I love it so much. Thank you, Ayden. This has been an amazing Christmas.”
“It’s not over yet.”
I glanced down at the only remaining present then back to her. She was looking at it too. “Did you get me something else?”
I brought the small package closer. “Yes and no. This present is for you and me.”
“Really?” She gave me a suspicious look and touched the package. “Are you going to help me open it since it’s our gift?”
I slid my finger under the tape holding down the wrapping. When it loosened, Mia pulled it away. The instant she saw the box, I knew by her creased brows that she had no clue what was inside.
“On the count of three, open it with me.”
She nodded at me and focused on the box. When the top opened, the light above us caught the gold and platinum, making them shine. Mia’s mouth fell open as her breath hitched. I waited to see if she would look at me, but all she did was shake her head.
“Is this our . . .?” The tears clouding her eyes were caused by the same emotion making her choke on her words.
“Yes, Mia. These are our wedding rings. I had them specially made for us.”
She pinched the one made for her between her fingers and examined it. “They’re beautiful.”
Admiring the ring, I was more than pleased at how well they turned out. They were the perfect bands for us, but I wasn’t sure I could find a jeweler who would be able to make them. Luckily, my father knew such a man.
“My dad and the man who made them are friends. He put us in contact before you and I made our trip to Tennessee.”
“They’re amazing.”
She traced over the platinum music notes twisted with the gold band. I took a chance buying the rings without her, but we’d talked about different styles not long after we got back together. I had mentioned my idea about the music notes and she loved it. Now the rings were a reality.
Everything worked out. I was able to get the rings one day during our trip while she was napping. She never knew I was gone or that my mother watched over her while I was out. I didn’t want Mia out of my sight, but I couldn’t take her with me to get the rings. Thankfully, she stayed asleep while I was gone.
Love Deserved (Rock N Roll Heiress Book 3) Page 18