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[ Truyện Tiếng Anh] Beauty From Love

Chủ đề trong 'Album' bởi novelonline, 21/07/2016.

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    I slap my hand against his chest because I can’t believe he’s asked. “Of course it is. She’s not a whore.”

    “Did she do it on purpose so he’d marry her?”

    Wow. His opinion of Addison is even worse than I thought. “No. She hasn’t even told him yet because she’s terrified he’ll tell her to get lost.”

    “Zac’s not in the best place to take on a baby right now, but he’d be a mother****er to turn her away. You think he’d do that?”

    I’ll kill him if he does. “I don’t believe so because I know he loves Addison.”

    “Haven’t they discussed marriage?” he asks.

    “She says they never talk about it and it’s eating at her. That’s another reason she hasn’t told him. She wants to figure out his thoughts about marrying her without a baby in the equation.”

    Jack Henry shakes his head. “****. Those two are in a damn mess. So glad that’s not us.”

    “I know.”

    “Did you tell her we’ve decided to have a baby?”

    I wanted to so badly but it was the wrong time. “No. I couldn’t after she told me she was knocked up.”

    “Don’t worry about it, love. It’ll all work out for them.” I know. My best friend and I will be pregnant together if all works out the way I hope. Our babies will be born close together. It may not seem like it now but it’s actually pretty perfect.

    “You’re right. Zac’s crazy in love with her and he’ll drop on his knee as soon as he hears her say the word baby.”

    It’s only been a few weeks since we were in Sydney to celebrate Jack Henry’s birthday, but now it’s time to return to my in-laws for mine, although my actual birthday isn’t for a few more days. The best part is that I get out of doing the cooking this time and Chloe, a professional chef, is preparing dinner. Another plus? Margaret is baking my cake of choice. Chocolate—yes, sweet baby Jesus—definitely chocolate. I could easily become hooked.

    I finish packing early and go out to Jack Henry’s office to see how much longer he’ll be. I’d like to get to Henry and Margaret’s early so I can talk one on one with Chloe since I’m certain she’ll be inviting Ben tonight. I’d like for that to go a little smoother this time around.

    Jack Henry isn’t over the whole Ben thing and I don’t suspect he will be any time soon. He still hates him for pursuing what he considered his. Too bad he failed to inform me that I belonged to him. It would’ve saved us a lot of grief and time apart, but I know in my heart that everything happens for a reason.

    I tap on Jack Henry’s half-opened door. “Hey, handsome. I wanted to see how much longer you’d be.” I stop dead in my tracks when I see the leggy brunette in a short skirt reaching across his desk—across him. Her blouse is so low cut, I expect a nipple to jump out if she stretches any harder.

    He appears oblivious to what she’s doing—of course he would with me standing right here—but how can he be? It’s so blatantly apparent that she’s trying to make him notice her great rack. Hell, they’re so nice, they catch my attention.

    “This is Bianca, the intern I hired for the semester.” I remember him saying he took on an intern but he never mentioned it was a female and he damn sure didn’t tell me she was hot. “This is my wife, Laurelyn.”

    I smile and offer my hand. “It’s a pleasure.”

    “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Hmm … funny. I haven’t heard a single word about her.

    “I hope all good.”

    “Absolutely.”

    “I’m finishing up, babe.” Jack Henry uses a red pen to circle an area on the map they’re looking at. “This entire section needs to be scouted for downy mildew. I’ve seen a few suspicious areas and it’s imperative to head it off early. You’ll be looking for yellow oil spots on the leaves. The infected ones are usually on the outside of the canopy but not always. You can find it on the top too.”

    I understand very little of what he’s just said but she does. He’s speaking vineyard, and she understands it perfectly.

    “Got it, Jack.” She’s calling him Jack? I don’t like that. With the exception of Mrs. Porcelli, all of his employees call him Mr. McLachlan. This woman’s not even a paid employee; she’s an intern.

    “I’m finished here if you’re ready to go.”

    Oh boy, am I ever.

    We’re not fifteen minutes into the drive when I can stand it no longer. I have to ask. “You’ve not mentioned Bianca. When did she come to work for you?”

    “December.”

    Oh hell. He’s been working with this woman for two months and hasn’t mentioned her once? What gives? “Why haven’t I seen her before today?”

    “She’s rotating through the vineyards. This is her first week at Avalon.” A beautiful woman has been roaming around my home vineyard for a week and I didn’t know? What kind of dumb-ass wife isn’t aware of that?

    “I find it a little strange she was dressed in a short skirt and low-cut blouse for intern work. Wouldn’t that be a little inappropriate for scouting?”

    “She was dressed like that because she had an appointment in town this morning. She won’t go out scouting in that.” He glances at me and then back at the road. “Where are you going with this, L?”

    I recall the way her breasts were thrust in his face. “She looked like she was trying to breastfeed you when I walked into your office.”

    “You’re being ridiculous. I’ve known that girl since she was a child. She’s Mr. Brees’s granddaughter. You remember him, right? One of my very good clients who gave us the tickets to Madama Butterfly. Accepting her as an intern is a favor to him.”

    He’s wrong. That child is all grown up and, outfit aside, I saw something in the way she maneuvered her body around him. She wanted him to want her. I know because a woman has the gift of intuition and mine is screaming at me, Beware of this woman, Laurelyn. She wants your husband.

    He doesn’t see it, or maybe he just refuses to admit it to me, but my radar is on high alert. I won’t be taking my eyes off her any time soon. “Of course I remember who Mr. Brees is. He’s responsible for my first opera house orgasm.”

    “Really, L? You’re giving Randall Brees, a man who very much resembles a Keebler elf, cre*** for that orgasm?”
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    “You know what I mean. He’s the reason I met your family. If he hadn’t sent you those tickets, I wouldn’t have been with you in Sydney on the night Henry was taken to the hospital. Meeting the McLachlans set our whole arrangement into a different motion—it changed everything. Mr. Brees has no idea but he may very well be behind me becoming your wife.”

    “Wow. Here I was thinking all this time that I was the reason you became my wife.”

    I roll my eyes. “Ha ha.”

    “All joking aside. You have no reason to worry about Bianca. She knows you’re my wife and I’m not interested in her.”

    I hate looking like the jealous wife. It’s not an attractive look for anyone, but I’d choose it over the naïve, played wife any day. “I’ll cool my jets because I trust you but let’s be clear about one thing. She makes one false move—one—and she’s gone.”

    He grasps my hand and brings it to his mouth for a kiss. “Anything you say, babe.”

    We arrive at Henry and Margaret’s a couple hours before my party. Jack Henry plants himself in the living room with his dad so he can check out the score of some game on TV. Suits me. I want to talk to Chloe about Ben, so I go into the kitchen. I see my chocolate cake on the counter and have an incredible urge to grab a fork. “Someone is eyeing that dessert very intently.”

    “I’ve been craving this cake since the last time we were here. I almost called to beg you for one last week. I was willing to drive four hours to pick it up.”

    “You should’ve called me. I would’ve made one and brought it to you.” Margaret’s grinning. I’m sure she’s assuming I have this special craving for a particular reason, but I don’t. I think it’s just a delicious cake and I didn’t get enough of it before.

    I can tell Chloe is processing this conversation. “I’ve seen that same reaction from some of the people at the restaurant and they’re always pregnant. Think you could be?”

    Margaret knows we’re trying but I’m not ready to go there with the rest of the family. And yet I don’t want to lie to Chloe. She’s my sister-in-law, and also a good friend, but I don’t want to say anything to spur more questions. I shrug, attempting to appear nonchalant. “Not that I’m aware of.” I walk over to take a look at what she’s preparing—and change the subject. “What did you decide to go with?”

    The birthday girl, or boy, always get to choose the meal. I couldn’t come up with anything that sounded great so I told Chloe to choose for me. “My version of chicken and biscuits. I thought you might like it since it’s sort of similar to your southern cuisine.”

    “That sounds so good. I need a huge glass of sweet tea to go with it.”

    “Done. Jack told me you’d want that rather than wine so I gave it a try.” Smooth one, McLachlan. You got me out of having to refuse alcohol.

    She takes out a pitcher from the fridge and pours some over ice. “Try this and tell me if it’s sweet enough for you.”

    It’s really good. “You nailed it. Tastes just like Nanna’s.”

    “It tastes like syrup to me but Jack said it had to be really sweet.”

    “He knows me well.”

    Margaret leaves the kitchen saying she wants to check on the game’s score. She gave me a wink when she said it so I’m certain she has an agenda—to quiz Jack Henry on how the baby-making efforts are going since she can’t ask me in front of Chloe.

    “How are things with Ben?”

    “Really good. I know Jack hates him but I like Ben a lot. He treats me well—better than any of the other losers I’ve dated lately.” She gets a giddy look on her face. “It’s crazy, Laurelyn. It’s only been a little over a month since we started dating but I think … I think he could be the one.”

    I never thought Ben was a bad guy. He just got a little zealous when Jack Henry started swinging his weight around. Honestly, I think he liked the challenge Jack Henry presented more than he liked me. “It’s not crazy at all. I knew very soon after I started dating your brother that Jack Henry was the only man I’d ever love.”

    “Ben’s perfect for me, although I never thought I’d want to be with someone in the business. They don’t make the best family men.” She looks up at me and scrunches her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Jack has changed because of you and he’d never be absent like Dad.”

    “It’s fine. I know what you mean … but you should probably be prepared for your brother to cause problems. He’s not happy about your relationship.”

    “I don’t care. His approval isn’t a requirement for me to be happy.”

    “I’ll work on him.”

    Chloe comes over to give me a hug. “I’d appreciate that. I say I don’t care if he approves, but that’s not the truth. I want him to accept Ben.”

    “I think he will in time. All of this is still fresh. Be patient with him.”

    She puts a baking dish in the oven, sets the timer, and then comes back to sit with me at the bar. A huge grin spreads across her face. “This isn’t something I could say to Addison but I’ve been dying to tell someone.” She giggles before leaning over to whisper, “Ben is supremely ****licious.” She groans. “Mmm … the man is damn good at what he does.”

    Okay. So, I don’t have to ask if they’re having ***—not that I would anyway. “It certainly helps when it’s good, doesn’t it?”

    “Oh yeah. No man has ever done to me the things he does. I just thought I was having good *** before. But umm … no. Is that how American men are?”

    “I only had one ***ual relationship before Jack Henry, and it was terrible, so I think you lucked out with Ben being … supremely ****licious. It has nothing to do with him being American.”

    She’s wearing a shocked expression. “Laurelyn. You only had one ***ual partner before my brother?” Her eyes are huge. “You were almost a virgin when you met him. I bet he ****ing loved that.”

    “Actually, he hates it. He wishes I hadn’t had the one.”

    “I can totally see that; he’s a greedy bastard. But you’re his wife so I guess he’s supposed to feel that way.”

    Jack Henry comes into the kitchen to grab a beer. “Smells good in here, sis.” We both go silent and he knows he’s interrupted something. “What are you up to in here?”
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    “Nothing,” we say simultaneously and then look at one another and burst into laughter.

    “Girl talk?”

    “Yeah. You could call it that.”

    He twists the cap off his beer and tosses it into the trash. “I like girl talk.”

    “You wouldn’t like hearing this. It’s not your flavor.”

    “Try me.”

    For a moment—like, a nanosecond—I consider telling him how supremely ****able his sister finds Ben but then decide I can’t do it; I don’t want to sour his mood. “I love you too much to do that to you, **** man.”

    14

    I’m the only one who didn’t have a gift for Laurelyn at my parents’ house on Friday night but she understood since it wasn’t her actual birthday. However, today is. She’s going into town for lunch with Addison and that couldn’t work better for me since I’ll be picking up her gift and driving it home. I want her new Cayenne here, but hidden, when she comes back from her day out in Wagga Wagga.

    She comes into the office to say goodbye. “Ooh, I haven’t seen Mr. good-looking suit in a while.”

    She’s right. I haven’t worn a business suit in quite some time. “You like?”

    “Oh yes. It reminds me of the way you looked when we first met. You’re still hotter than the devil’s ass.”

    “I have a business meeting in town with a new client. He has two hundred storefronts. Not huge but this guy has established these businesses in a ridiculously small amount of time, so I’d expect him to double it within the year. I think it’s going to be big.” I’m not obsessed with work like my dad was but I’ll be pretty damn happy to score this account.

    “That’s great news.”

    I sort of need to know what her plan is for the day. “How long will you and Addison be out?”

    “I’m not sure. We’re doing lunch at Alfredo’s and I’m hoping I can talk her into doing some shopping. She really needs a pick-me-up. Hiding the pregnancy from Zac is wearing her down.” That’s just like Laurelyn to take her special day and turn it into a way to cheer up her friend. Sometimes I get mad at her for always putting others ahead of herself, but it’s who she is.

    Addison deserves to be worn down. It’s no small thing, what’s she’s doing. That baby is Zac’s too and he deserves to know it exists. “Maybe that should be a sign to her that she shouldn’t be doing this.”

    “No argument there. You know I’m supporting her, not her decision, right?”

    “I know. I guess I thought she’d come around in a day or two.”

    “I’d hoped for that as well but Addison’s stubborn once she makes up her mind about something.”

    That’s the pot calling the kettle black. “Sounds like someone else I know. Maybe you should take her vibrator shopping to get all this off her mind.”

    “I was thinking the same thing.”

    Is she serious? “I was kidding, L.”

    “I’m not. I think it would lift her spirits.”

    This could work out well for me if Laurelyn buys something fun for us. “Well, if you do, I don’t want you coming home with one of those vagina pleasers that performs like a circus monkey.”

    “A circus monkey vibrator?” she laughs. “Really, McLachlan?”

    “They have them in performing rabbits and dolphins. Why wouldn’t they make a monkey?”

    “Okay. Nothing in the form of an animal or anything that penetrates.”

    Good. She remembers. “Because?”

    “Nothing goes inside me but you. Got it.” She says it like a child reciting a rule to her teacher.

    I roll my office chair toward her and reach out to grope her bum under her light denim dress. I pull her between my legs, my face level with her stomach. I kiss it atop her clothes. She’s wearing her boots. I haven’t seen her in those in a while. I wonder if I can talk her into wearing them tonight. “Mmm … now I’m a little excited about what you might bring home for us to try.”

    “Any requests?”

    “Mmm … choose something adventurous.”

    She giggles—very much like a child instead of the mature woman she is—and it makes me smile. She looks so innocent when she laughs that way, especially while wearing this little country sweetheart outfit. But I know better. There’s very little this sweet girl enjoys more than a good ol’ hard ****. “Adventurous. I can do that.”

    She leans down and kisses my mouth. It’s brief, just a sweet goodbye not intended to make my dick stand up. “Don’t forget we have dinner reservations at seven thirty.”

    “You never told me where you’re taking me.”

    “And I’m still not.” I want to see the surprise on her face when we return to Ash and sit at the same table where I propositioned her fourteen months ago. I wish I could’ve taken her there for the one-year anniversary but it wasn’t possible, considering we were at Avalon becoming husband and wife. Our lives have been a little crazy since so this has been my first chance to get her back there.

    “I’ll be sure to return in time. Should I dress casually?”

    “I have something in mind for you to wear so I’ll have it laid out for you.”

    “You choosing my clothes is a little weird.”

    “It’s not weird.” Okay. It is strange but there’s a reason. I want her in the dress she wore that night—the floral one with only one shoulder. I hope I’m able to find it. “It’s something I haven’t seen you wear in a while and I like the way you look in it.”

    “Now you have me wondering if you’re a closet cross-dresser. Am I going to come in and find you wearing my lace panties one day?”

    “I’m choosing something for you to wear, L, not me.”

    “Okay. I gotta go. Thanks for letting me drive the bullet.”

    She calls my Sunset that since it’s so fast. She says it gets away from her because it’s such a smooth drive. “Please be careful. And don’t speed.”

    I stand at the window and watch her disappear down the drive before I phone Daniel. “She’s gone. I’ll be ready to leave in fifteen minutes.”

    I’m finishing some last-minute details on a new order when Bianca comes into my office, without knocking. She’s traded her short skirt for short khaki shorts and her low-cut dress shirt for a thin, tight white T-shirt with a deep V neckline. I’m glad L isn’t here to see this because she wouldn’t like it at all. In fact, it makes me a little uncomfortable after the things she brought to my attention on the day she met Bianca. In light of that, I think it’s best if I finish the paperwork later. “I’m going into town for a little while but I’m expecting a delivery and I’d really like it if you could take care of it for me.”
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    She places her hand on my shoulder. “Anything for you.” I lean away from her touch to reach into my drawer for nothing in particular. I really hope she isn’t going to be a problem, but my gut is telling me otherwise. One wrong move and she’s out of here. That’s what L said. I definitely foresee that being a problem, but my business relationship with Brees means nothing if this girl causes a problem for L and me.

    Please, Bianca. No wrong moves. It’ll screw us both.

    I get out of my chair and move around my desk in the opposite direction of her as I head toward the door. “I have a business meeting and I have to make a pickup, so I’ll be out until this afternoon.” L’s new Porsche SUV had to be purchased at a dealership in Sydney and driven to Wagga Wagga, so it’s waiting in the parking garage at the hotel where my business meeting will take place. It couldn’t have worked out better.

    I run into Harold on my way out to meet Daniel. “Glad I ran into you. I have a single bag of a new potassium-deficiency product coming in today. Bianca is going to be watching for it and will bring it out to you. I thought we could try it on that area in the southwest corner and see if it does a better job than the old product.”

    “Sure thing, boss.”

    When I finish landing my new client, I go into the parking garage to fetch L’s sleek black SUV. It’s sharp, even if it’s a family vehicle. I could’ve gone with something flashier but she’s chosen to become a mum, so this fits her. It’s classy without looking like a muscle man should be driving it. I hope she isn’t disappointed I didn’t buy her a sports car. I’m certain she’ll understand that wasn’t a sensible choice.

    She isn’t ovulating so tonight isn’t about us trying. It’s about us having fun and boy, do I have a little bit of naughty in store for her. I told her to buy something adventurous but the truth is I already have. I can’t wait to see her in the ***y lingerie I bought or try out some of our new toys. I have to adjust myself inside my pants. I’m getting hard thinking about it.

    My meeting ran longer than expected so I’m a little later than I’d like when I get back to Avalon. Harold flags me down in the driveway from the edge of the vineyard, and I know something’s up. “You told me Bianca was bringing the potassium today?”

    “Yeah.”

    He shakes his head. “She never brought anything to me.”

    “Did you ask her about it?”

    He shrugs. “I haven’t seen her to ask.”

    Hmm … that’s not right. I told her to accept the package and take care of it and she agreed. “I don’t know what happened with her, but don’t worry about it. We’ll get it out tomorrow.”

    Harold steps back to admire L’s new vehicle and whistles. “That’s one good-looking ride, Mr. McLachlan.”

    “It’s Laurelyn’s birthday present. You think she’ll be happy?”

    “I don’t doubt it for a second.”

    I pull the Cayenne around back to a spot where L won’t see it when she comes home. I’m going to blindfold her when I bring her out to see it, the same way I did with the house in Maui. And I’m going to do it again later tonight as part of the fun I have planned.

    I go into the house and check the spot where Mrs. Porcelli leaves my mail. ****! It didn’t come. The expected delivery date is supposed to be today, so I take out my phone to track it. Hmm … says it was delivered. I relax, assuming Mrs. Porcelli placed it in a different spot, but I have to find it before L gets home.

    I leave the kitchen and go out to my office to see if her gift arrived in my business mail by accident. I find a package on the desk but it’s the potassium, returning my thoughts to Bianca and why she wouldn’t have taken this to Harold like I asked.

    “Crash Into Me” begins playing on my phone. It’s still Laurelyn’s ringtone more than a year later. The song still makes me think of her on that stage every time I hear it. “Hello, love.”

    “Hey. I was calling—just in case—to let you know I’m on my way back a little early.”

    “Just in case of what?” I ask.

    “I don’t know. It’s my birthday and you’re being all secretive about tonight so I don’t want to walk in and ruin anything you might be up to.”

    “You’re safe. I’ve already taken care of everything.” Except finding that package of naughty goodies.

    “All right, Mr. Organized. I’ll see you in fifteen.”

    Fifteen minutes does not give me long to find that package, so I decide to call Mrs. Porcelli. She has no idea what I’m talking about so I check the front door. And the back. Nothing. ****, I really want L to dance for me in that outfit tonight since her pole days are limited. Once she’s pregnant, there’ll be no more of that for a while.

    I still haven’t found L’s naughty surprise and she’ll be here any minute, so I give up and decide to search for her floral one-shouldered dress instead. I hope I have better luck finding that.

    I enter our bedroom and go motionless, the blood draining from my face. What the **** is going on in here?

    Bianca’s lying across the bed dressed in L’s new red metallic pole outfit and has all of our new kinky toys spread around her. “You are a very bad boy, Jack McLachlan.”

    ****! She got L’s package and thought it was the one I intended for her to receive. “I’m afraid there’s been a terrible misunderstanding.”

    She moves to her knees and motions for me to come to her. The top barely covers her breasts so I quickly look at the floor. “I get it, Jack. You were afraid to approach me so you had these things sent to me. Well, I get the message and I accept your invitation.”

    I’m walking around the room looking for her clothes. “You were supposed to open the package with the potassium in it, not this one. These things aren’t for you.”

    “What?” She sounds terribly confused.

    ****! L is going to kill us both if she walks in and sees this. “My wife is on her way home. You’ve got to get your clothes on and get the hell out of here.”

    I hear a sound so I stop to listen. Too late. I hear L coming into the house. “Oh hell. She’s home. Get your mother****ing clothes on while I try to explain this ****.”

    Of course she heads straight for our bedroom because she needs to get ready for our dinner reservation, so I try to head her off before she can see Bianca in her outfit. “Hey, you. How was …”
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    I interrupt her. “Stop, babe. Don’t go in there.”

    She laughs. “What are you up to? Some kind of birthday surprise?”

    Of course she doesn’t suspect there’s a near-naked woman in our bedroom. She trusts me but I swallow hard as I prepare to tell her what’s happened. There isn’t a way to present this that isn’t going to look heinous so basically, I’m ****ed. Thanks a lot, Bianca. “L, hear me out before you totally lose it.”

    “You’re scaring me. What’s happened?” I look toward our bedroom door, dreading—yet hoping—a fully dressed Bianca will appear at any moment. I really don’t want L walking in and seeing her without her clothes on. “Why are you acting so weird? And why are you watching the door?”

    “There’s been a misunderstanding.”

    She knows something has gone awry—I see it all over her face—as she pushes past me into the bedroom. “Well, let’s not make it two.”

    I enter behind her and it looks really ****ing bad for me because Bianca is topless and pulling on her shorts.

    Laurelyn gapes as she stands in the doorway, I’m sure unable to believe her eyes. “What the ****?” she yells before she charges Bianca and punches her. I go after her but she hits her a second and third time in the face with her fist before I’m able to restrain her.

    I pin her arms behind her back and she uses my hold on her as an opportunity to lift her legs up and kick Bianca in the arse with her boots.

    I’ve never seen Laurelyn like this—she’s a total scrapper—and I’m surprised at how stout she is for her petite size. “You need to get out of here.”

    Bianca’s nose is bleeding and the blood smears down the front of her white shirt as she pulls it over her head. “I know you’re pissed off but please don’t think Jack had any part of this. It was all a misunderstanding on my part and I’m so terribly sorry. And embarrassed. This will never happen again.”

    Laurelyn is unmoved by Bianca’s promise. “You say that as though you think there’d be an opportunity. This isn’t baseball, honey. You don’t get three strikes before you’re out.”

    “What? But I need this internship if I’m going to graduate on time,” she says.

    “Well, that sucks for you since you won’t be back,” L tells her.

    “Jack, I have to have this,” she pleads.

    I don’t give her time to make an argument. “You’ll have to find another internship because you can’t come back here ever again.”

    My birthday plans for L were shot to hell and back last night. Imagine that. Neither of us was in the mood for celebrating after Bianca’s little stunt, so we’re having dinner at Ash tonight. It’s not a surprise like I had planned but they’re going to give us our corner table when it becomes available.

    I had a last-minute business meeting come up so L is driving into town to meet me. She says she doesn’t mind because she wants to drive her new SUV. At least that part wasn’t ruined.

    I text L to let her know I’m finished with my meeting and waiting for her at the bar. I take a seat on a stool to wait and order two Pinot Noirs—not from my own vineyard—because I’m curious about the competition. It’s decent at best, certainly nothing to brag about, so I gloat because I know mine is much better.

    I check the time and see that Laurelyn is considerably late, which isn’t like her at all. “Get stood up?” The voice belongs to a woman sitting a couple seats away. I briefly glance in her direction and see a leggy blond wearing a plum business suit, a fitted jacket and short skirt with very high heels. I can’t see her face because she’s looking straight ahead but I can tell she’s beautiful.

    I choose to reply since I don’t wish to be rude but probably more so because I want to let her know I’m not on the market. I don’t want her flirting with me when Laurelyn arrives. “Nothing like that. I’m waiting for my wife.”

    “Her mistake. If she was wise, your wife wouldn’t leave you sitting alone in a hotel bar for me to invite upstairs.”

    I’ll be damned if I’m not stunned. I haven’t even made eye contact with this woman and she invites me up for ***. Sure, it sounds a lot like what I once did, but now it just sounds insane. “Sorry. You’ll need to find someone else.”

    She leaves her chair and moves to the one next to me. “I don’t think your wife will mind.” She unexpectedly places her hand on my head and pulls me close so she can whisper in my ear. “I know for a fact that your wife won’t mind if you take me upstairs and **** me like a champion.” Her faux Aussie accent is gone, replaced by a more natural southern twang.

    I turn to look at the woman next to me and recognize the golden-brown eyes staring back. “Laurelyn?”

    “Shh … no names. I only want a companion for the night. No complications. No communication afterward.”

    My brain registers the fact that my wife is sitting next to me in a public place wearing a blond wig and a ***y business suit and I get what this is. It’s all for me. L admitted during our confessional that she was afraid I would miss having different women, so she’s become someone else for me tonight. I push L’s glass of wine in her direction and hold mine up. “A toast to the best wife ever since she has no objections to this.”

    She clinks her glass to mine and takes a tiny sip before putting it on the bar. I forgot. She’s avoiding alcohol since we’re trying to conceive. “Would you like something without alcohol instead?”

    She puts her hand on my leg and slides it up. She brushes my still-soft ****, causing it to stir. “No. What I’d really like is this.”

    “Well, who am I to stand between a girl and what she wants?” I toss some bills on the counter in front of the bartender. “No change.”

    “Thank you, sir.”

    We leave the bar and enter the lobby area. “Do I need to get a room?”

    She holds up the keycard. “Already taken care of.”

    “Perfect.” I wasn’t looking forward to standing at the check-in desk with a raging hard-on.

    We enter the elevator and I wait for the doors to close so I can descend upon … hmm. What do I call her? She isn’t Laurelyn tonight. “I need something to call you.”

    She tilts her head and grins. “You can call me yours for tonight.”

    “Then you may call me incredibly pleased.”
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    She extends her hand for a shake. “It’s very nice to meet you.”

    She releases my hand as an older couple enters the elevator. Dammit. I’d hoped to get her heated on the ride up.

    The woman in the elevator is judging us. It’s clear as day by the expression on her face. She saw us introduce ourselves to one another and has now taken notice of only one elevator button pressed. I’m guessing she thinks Laurelyn is a hooker and I’d bet all the money in my wallet that she’s checked my hand for a wedding band.

    “You didn’t say how much this was gonna cost me.”

    Laurelyn turns a deep shade of red and lowers her head, giggling.

    “I have until morning. That was the agreement, right?”

    Laurelyn straightens and wipes the smile from her face. “Yes, sir. Your wife arranged for you to have me all night.”

    “Like I said before … best wife ever.”

    The elevator pings and the doors open for our floor. I gesture for Laurelyn to exit first. “After you, milady.” We exit and I can’t resist looking back at the couple in the elevator—she gives me a look of disapproval while he appears envious.

    We say nothing as we walk the hall to our room. “This is us.” L slides the card into the door. I step behind her and push her blond hair away from her neck so I can kiss it. She moans and I slide my hand under her short skirt and explore, finding her panties so my fingers can dive into her wet center. “Damn. You’re already slick.” She’s struggling to get the keycard to unlock the door while I finger-**** her. “I’m going to bend you over and give it to you so hard.”

    The green light flashes on the door and she pushes it open. “I’m going to come before we even get inside if you don’t stop.”

    I take my fingers out of her, but only because I want her to come with my mouth on her. I want to taste her.

    I lead her to the bed and she sits. I drop to my knees and kneel between her legs before I pull her bum to the edge. I reach under her skirt and drag her panties down her legs. I bring her ***y red G to my nose and inhale deeply. “You smell so ****ing good, I could almost get off just sniffing these.”

    I drop her knickers on the floor and grab the back of her thighs, pushing them back and apart. She props on her elbows, readying herself to look at what my mouth is going to do to her. It’s ****ing hot as hell when my girl watches me lick her.

    She’s looking down at me, blond hair spilling over her shoulders. Our eyes—light blue and golden-brown—are locked when I place my tongue against her center and drag it in an upward sweep. “Oh, filet-o-****. That feels good.” I lick her from the bottom toward the top and then circle my tongue around her clit. I push two of my fingers inside her and she calls out, “Omigod, yes!” It’s a plea for me to make her come. And then she does. I feel the contractions around my fingers and I taste the saltiness of her orgasm in my mouth. It’s absolutely delectable.

    She falls back on the bed, her legs propped on the mattress. They’re trembling so I place my hands on her knees to steady them. “That good, huh?”

    “Yeah. It was just that good.”

    She comes up and pushes me onto the bed. She unbuttons my trousers and yanks, anxious to get them down. “I’m not sure you’ve been given a proper blow job recently. I think you need one.”

    “I couldn’t agree with you more.”

    Once my trousers are off, she moves to her knees on the floor. She pulls me to the edge of the bed and begins by licking my **** from base to tip. She grasps it in her hand and her eyes watch mine as she drags her tongue across the tip from side to side. “I love the taste of your pre-cum.” She licks her lips and swallows before sucking me fully into her mouth, taking my entire **** in to the back of her throat.

    “That feels amazing.” But as great as it is, I have to close my eyes because I can’t watch the blond head bobbing up and down over my dick, even though I know it’s Laurelyn.

    “Babe, I’m about to come.” I still tell her before I do. I always will but just as L always does, she sucks even harder. She always wants me to come in her mouth.

    Laurelyn isn’t ovulating but it still feels like that shouldn’t have been wasted in her mouth. Then again, this isn’t us trying to have a baby. This is us role-playing because L wants to keep me happy and satisfied. She has no idea how unnecessary this is because all I want is her. No other women.

    I pull her into my arms and brush my mouth against hers. I want a sweet, soft kiss fresh on her lips when I bend her over the bed and **** her senseless. “Remember this delicate kiss.”

    “Okay.” She has no idea what I mean. But she will.

    I take a pillow from the bed and put it on the floor. “Turn over and kneel.” She does as I instruct and I stretch her arms over the bed. I take my shirt off and pitch it across the room. I lean down and place my lips at her ear. “Pretend to be someone else and I’m gonna **** you like you’re someone else.”

    I drive my **** into her hard and fast, causing her to gasp. I still until I feel her relax and then start moving in and out of her slower, testing the water until I build up to a faster pace, one she can tolerate. I grasp her hips and squeeze, pulling her body against mine to meet my thrusts. This *** is faster and rougher than what she’s accustomed to.

    I look at the blond hair falling over her shoulders and down her back and realize this isn’t what I want. I don’t want to **** other women. I don’t even want to **** Laurelyn while she’s pretending to be someone else.

    I pull out of her. “L, take that ****ing wig off. I can’t stand looking at that blond ****. It makes me feel like I’m ****ing somebody else.”

    She’s on her knees with her upper body stretched across the bed, squeezing the comforter tightly in her fists when I hear sobs. “L, why are you crying?” She releases the bed linens and uses her hand to wipe her face. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

    She doesn’t reply so I physically turn her over and see her tear-stained face and red eyes. “Talk to me, L. Tell me what’s wrong.”

    She refuses to meet my eyes. “You were different with me just now.”

    “Only because you came to me as someone else.”

    “You’ve never ****ed me like that before. Is this who you are with other women?”

    I use my hand to turn her face toward mine. “I’m not with other women.”
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    She finally looks me in the eyes. “Is that who you became when you were with the other twelve? And with Lana?”

    “No.”

    She gets up from the floor and straightens her skirt. “This was a bad idea.”

    “I’m sorry.” I roll to sit on the floor with my back against the bed and press my palms to my forehead. “I don’t know what happened.” But that’s a lie. I know exactly what happened. I gave her a punishment **** because everything she did and pretended to be tonight was a reminder of the repulsive things I’ve done. And my own wife was the one forcing me to walk that path again.

    “I shouldn’t have done this.” She cups her hands over her mouth and then pushes her hands to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I need to get out of here.”

    “I’m coming with you.”

    “Please, don’t.” She can’t look at me and I don’t know what it means. Is she angry? Hurt? “I need some time to think.”

    Laurelyn leaves without another word and I’m left sitting in a hotel room wondering what the hell she needs to think about.

    15

    I cry all the way home. I’m confused about what happened, but more embarrassed than anything. I don’t know what I was thinking when I decided I’d pretend to be another woman for Jack Henry. That’s clearly not what he wants.

    What should have been a night of hot *** turned into a total disaster. Jack Henry seemed to be into the role-play thing. I thought we were having fun and then it felt like he suddenly turned … angry. “Pretend to be someone else and I’m gonna **** you like you’re someone else.” I don’t even know what that means.

    I left Jack Henry at the hotel and now I don’t want to be alone. That’s why I’ve called Addie and begged her to come stay the night with me at Avalon. “Jack is staying in a hotel? ****, I feel sorry for him and I don’t know what happened.”

    Addie knows about his past. She thinks it’s ****ed up, and it is, but she’s the only person I have that I can talk to about this. “We were meeting at a hotel for dinner and I showed up dressed in a business suit like his former companions … wearing a blond wig. I propositioned him to be my companion for the night. No names. No commitments.”

    “Holy ****. Did he take you up on the offer thinking you were someone else? I’m gonna kill that ****er!”

    “No. That’s not what happened at all. I pulled off a phony Aussie accent and he didn’t know it was me at first. He turned me down cold—even said he was waiting for his wife.”

    “I’m really confused here, Laurie.”

    “I had this crazy idea to role-play—be someone else for him—so he could feel the excitement he used to get when he took a new companion.” ****, that sounded so much better in my head than hearing it come out of my mouth.

    “That’s the stupidest idea you’ve ever had!” Addison yells. “He loves you to death. Why would you even put the idea of him being with another woman in his head like that?”

    Yeah, hindsight is twenty-twenty. “I wish I hadn’t. It turned to **** so fast, Addie. Everything was good at first. We went up to the room and we were having fun but then something happened to him.” I remember what he said and chills come over me. “It’s like he became someone else and all I could think was that I came up to this room pretending to be someone else, so this must be what he was like with those other women.”

    “How was he different?” she asks.

    “He got rougher—more vigorous—than usual but I really liked it. It gave new meaning to *** on fire but then I freaked out because I started thinking about how he must’ve ****ed those other women better than he does me. Then I started crying.”

    “Oh hell, Laurie. That’s just so silly. You know he didn’t **** them better than you. He was probably really turned on that you would do something so nuts just to get him off so he got a little carried away.”

    “It was weird. He wasn’t himself.”

    “Well, you damn sure weren’t his sweet L, so why would you expect him to be your precious Jack Henry?” She’s right.

    “He told me to take the wig off, that he couldn’t stand it because it made him feel like he was ****ing someone else.”

    She gives me her duh look. “Sounds to me like he went along with that **** to make you happy but he doesn’t want to be with other women. I don’t think he even wants to be with you when you’re trying to look like other women. He hates his past and you forced him to relive it. It’s like a slap in the face to him.”

    I only wanted to have fun. I never considered this outcome and it’s my fault. None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for me. “Omigod. You’re right. I’m a terrible wife. And to top it off, he’s sleeping in a hotel because of my stupid insecurities.”

    “I wouldn’t say you’re a terrible wife. Maybe you could just say you suck tonight.”

    “He’s told me time and time again that nothing before me matters.” Why am I so insecure when it comes to Jack Henry? He made me his wife. What more can I ask of him? “I have to go to him.”

    I knock on the door once. Twice. And a third time. “Jack Henry.” I remember the second keycard in my purse and take it out. I unlock the door and push it open. “Jack Henry? Are you here?”

    I walk through the suite’s living room but I can’t see if he’s in bed. It’s hidden from view behind a wall but I see a red thong lying at the foot of the bed. It’s the one I left during my hasty departure—which reminds me I’m still not wearing panties.

    I walk through the bedroom door and Jack Henry is sound asleep, a half-empty bottle of whiskey at the bedside. I pick it up for a look at the black label—Jack Daniels. “This one is all on me, ****man.”

    He holds his liquor pretty well. I’m guessing his stamina for alcohol can be accre***ed to what he does for a living. A winemaker can’t be an easy drunk so maybe he isn’t plastered. We’ve had lots of pivotal discussions after he’s had a little too much to drink. I tend to like the answers I get from him because they’re honest.

    I shake his arm. “McLachlan, wake up.”

    He opens his eyes slowly. “L?”

    “I came back.”

    He reaches out for my hand. “I’m so sorry for what I did.”
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    “No, I’m the one who’s sorry. I shouldn’t have done that but I understand now and I’ll never do it again.”

    He runs his hands through his hair, tugging at it. “I’m such a mother****er. I lied to you. I know exactly what happened and I gave you a punishment **** because of it. I was too rough with you and I’m so sorry. Oh God, I might have hurt the baby if you’re pregnant. Do you feel okay?”

    “I’m fine.”

    He looks toward the curtains. “Is it morning? Did you take the test yet?”

    “No. It’s still night but I brought it with me so I can take it in the morning.” Thank God I had the good sense to go back for it.

    He puts his arms out for me. “Come here.” I climb into bed with my somewhat drunk husband. “I love you so much, L, and I can’t stand when there’s disharmony between us.”

    “I will never, ever do this again.”

    He pulls me close and kisses my forehead. “It’s late and I’ve had a lot to drink, so let’s go to sleep before I say something foolish.”

    It’s only a matter of a minute or so before Jack Henry is drunk-snoring. Perfect. I get to hear that all night. But I admit I’d rather hear it than miss it.

    I get up from the bed and take off my jacket and skirt. I’m already panty-free so I toss the matching bra to the floor. I should’ve brought something to sleep in but I didn’t, so I’m completely naked when I crawl into bed next to my sleeping husband. He rolls toward me and drapes his arm and leg across my body. He’s naked except for his boxers, his choice of underwear since we started trying for a baby. I think he read somewhere that boxers increase sperm count.

    I lie beneath him wide awake as he continues to snore—in my ear. I’m not drunk but I wish I were—or at least sleepy—because the alternative is that I’m horny. I want makeup ***, but I’m guessing that’s probably impossible since my husband drank a ****load of whiskey.

    I sigh, staring into the darkness, and then close my eyes. Maybe sleep will claim me if I lie motionless.

    Jack Henry stirs and his hand moves to cup my breast. It doesn’t help matters at all.

    I should probably feel ashamed for what I’m about to do but I don’t. What man would be angry about being awakened for ***? I can’t name a one. “McLachlan.” He doesn’t stir so I shake his arm. “McLachlan.”

    “Hmm.” It’s a groan, but not the ***y kind. “What is it, love?” His words are slurred.

    I decide words aren’t the only persuasive tools I possess, so I slip my hand down his boxers. Damn. He’s totally limp, a state I’ve not known him to be in too often. The man verges on having a perpetual hard-on so this may not work at all. He’s still half lying on me so I wrap my free leg around him. “I really want you to **** me.”

    “I’m up.” He shoots up to a sitting position and I feel his **** stirring. “Did you just tell me to **** you or did I dream it?”

    “You didn’t dream it. I want to have makeup ***. I need it so I can feel okay about us.”

    “We’re fine, but I’m more than happy to make up with you if I can. I had a lot to drink so it might not be my best work. You’ll probably have to get on top.”

    I don’t think I care how good it is or if I get off. I really just need to feel the intimacy that only that kind of nearness will bring.

    He’s hard for me so I move over to straddle him. He puts his hands on my hips and groans when I sink down on him. “You feel so good, babe.” And it does, but I already know I’m not going to come. Jack Henry’s too incapacitated to do the necessary things to get me there but I still want this. I need it.

    Jack Henry barely comes before he passes out again but I’m still satisfied.

    We fought.

    We forgave.

    We ****ed.

    It’s our thing, so I know we’re all good.

    A hungover Jack Henry still wakes before me. Amazing. I don’t know how he does it.

    I’m lying on my stomach and the bed sheet is pulled lower. The cool air hits my skin and then the slight scrape of Jack Henry’s facial scruff moves along my lower back, followed by the kiss of his mouth. “It’s morning, sleepyhead.”

    I lift my pillow and bury my head beneath it. “Go away.”

    “No, my love. I ordered breakfast and it’s waiting for us in the other room. Cold omelets aren’t good, so get up.”

    I remove the pillow and glance over my shoulder at him. “How are you so cheery this morning?”

    “I can’t lie; I feel like ****, but I don’t care because I’m excited about you peeing on that stick.”

    Oh, that’s right. It’s time.

    It was hard as hell but we declined doing an early detection pregnancy test for fear of a false result. That would’ve been devastating so we chose to wait until today to see if we’re going to be parents.

    “Want me to do the test now or do I need to eat my omelet before it gets cold?”

    He crawls up my back and lies on top of me with his mouth at my ear. “Get your sweet bum into that bathroom and do that test.” He swats me across my ass as he’s getting up.

    I yelp and sit up on the side of the bed. “Here’s the plan. I’ll do the test, come out and wait how ever long it says it takes, and then we’ll go in and read it together.”

    “Sounds good to me.”

    I get up to go to the bathroom and he catches my hand. “You know it’s fine if it’s not positive, right? That just means we’ll get to keep trying, which isn’t a bad alternative at all.”

    I nod. “I know.”

    I go into the bathroom and my bladder feels like it’ll explode as I open the box and prepare myself for the deed. A pregnancy test is pretty self-explanatory but I read the instructions anyway because I’ve never taken one and I don’t want to screw it up. I follow the instructions to a T and place the test on the counter. I slip into the hotel-provided robe and open the bathroom door, but I stop dead in my tracks when I hear the conversation in the living room between a woman and Jack Henry.

    “I’ve been trying to find you for a while,” she says.

    “There’s a reason you didn’t and it’s because we agreed to no contact afterward.”

    “I didn’t know who you were until I saw your wedding announcement in the paper. Then I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw you in the lobby last night.”
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    “Isn’t it against some kind of policy for you to look up guests when you work here?” He’s angry.

    “It is, but I don’t care. It was worth the risk because I had to see you,” she defends.

    “I’m married now.”

    It’s clear this is another one of the twelve and I’m so ****ing sick of this. It’s ridiculous. This one is ruining our potential baby moment—what could be one of the most epic moments of our lives.

    I walk into the living room and Miss Number X is all dolled up for my husband. I’m immediately pissed off. She’s beautiful—I’ll give her that—but she’s not young. She totally fits his type before me.

    I could play coy. I could play nice. But what I feel like playing is neither. “I’d like you to leave now.”

    “I can do that, but there’s one thing first.” She places a photograph on the table next to our breakfast. “This is my two-year-old son. He belongs to you and you’re going to start supporting him. You can either voluntarily take a paternity test or you can be ordered. The choice is yours.”

    I can tell she enjoyed saying that, and I’m sick. I swallow back the puke rising in my throat. I won’t do it in front of her.

    She walks toward the door and calls out over her shoulder, “My number is on the back of the photograph. I look forward to hearing from you, Jack.”

    I go through a series of emotions all at once but none are more prevalent than the hurt I feel in my heart.

    Jack Henry sits in the chair and puts his head in his hands. “I’m assuming there’s a possibility this child could be yours since you aren’t trying to convince me otherwise.”

    “I was with her for a few weeks but I don’t remember when. I’d have to do some thinking on it.”

    “You’ll have to do some thinking on it?” I feel the tears coming. “Well, I don’t have thinking to do about this ****. I can’t take it anymore.”

    “Don’t say that, L.”

    I walk to the bed where my clothes are and strip off the robe so I can dress and get the **** out of here. “You don’t understand what this is like, how humiliating it is for me every time a new one pops into our life. They chip away a part of me each time I’m confronted by another one. I thought I was strong enough to handle it, but I’m not.”

    I’m sitting on the bed dressed and putting my shoes on when Jack Henry drops to his knees in front of me. “Don’t leave me, L.”

    “I can’t stay.”

    “We need to talk about this.”

    Tears stream down my face. “Another woman may have had your baby. Not me, your wife.” I place my hand over my chest. “And it breaks my heart because I wanted to be the one—the only one—to give you babies.” I look into his eyes. “Infinity.”

    He immediately recognizes our code word. He steps out of my way because he knows the best thing he can do at this point is let me go.

    16

    Un-****ing-believable! I get my ass out of one ****storm only to be sucked into another.

    I look at the child in the photograph. He’s blond with blue, maybe green eyes. Nothing about him resembles me. I took biology and briefly studied basic genetics so I know he doesn’t have to look like me to be mine, but it seems there would be some kind of semblance.

    Although Evan and I are different, we both look like Dad and all the other McLachlans. Evan’s three kids look like him in one way or another, especially his son, but is it fair to make a comparison?

    I look at the picture and feel no connection to this boy. Shouldn’t my heart be softened or filled with some kind of excitement about finding out I may have a son? It’s not. I’m mad as hell—not at this child, but at myself. How could I **** things up like this with my carelessness? L and I were about to have it all and something I did three years ago has shot all of that to hell.

    My gut tells me this isn’t my kid, but there’s only one way to find out. I flip the picture over and immediately recognize the name. Jenna Rosenthal. She didn’t even give me an alias when we had our short relationship a few years back.

    I call the number and she immediately answers. “That didn’t take long. I knew it wouldn’t, so I already have the kit.”

    “No. I want to speak with my lawyer and have him recommend a reputable doctor to do the test.” We’re doing this by the book. No way she’s hoodooing me with false results. I’m sure that kind of **** happens all the time to dumb ****ers, but I’m no sucker. “I’ll take the first available appointment because I want this done as soon as possible.”

    “I’m sure you do want it done and over but it doesn’t end with the test. Ashton is yours and I’m going to make sure you take care of him.”

    I can’t see myself with a son named Ashton. It doesn’t feel right. “We’ll begin with the paternity test. Prove he’s mine and I’ll take care of him, but let’s get one thing straight. Never be under the impression that anything will happen between us. I’m married.”

    “Judging by the look on your wife’s face, you may not be for long.” I can tell she took great pleasure in saying that.

    “Not your business.”

    “That’s where you’re wrong. Ashton is about to become a huge part of your world—and I’m his mother—so that means I’ll be in your face whenever I feel like it. Every part of your life will be my business, beginning with your home life.”

    I’m not fighting with this woman about a child who may or may not be mine. “My assistant will set everything up and will phone you with the appointment date and time.” I end the call, not giving her time to argue further.

    I need to go to Laurelyn. I don’t know what I’ll say but I have to see her. And I can’t go smelling like sour mash whiskey.

    I go into the bathroom to shower and see L’s pregnancy test lying on the counter. We agreed we were going to look at the results together but Jenna Rosenthal ruined that.

    So what do I do? We wanted to find out together. It doesn’t feel right to do it without her. Nothing about this situation is right. L should be here with me and we should be doing one of two things: celebrating the new life we’ve created or making a game plan on how we’re going to make our baby happen. But we’re doing neither because of me and my ****ed-up past. If he turns out to be my kid, he was conceived long before I met Laurelyn. Can she hold that against me? She’s not here, so I’m beginning to think she can, and will.
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    Beauty from Love
    Beauty from Love Page 40



    I debate looking at the test, but not for long. I want to know if my wife is pregnant. Everyone knows two lines means pregnant. One line means not pregnant but I want to be sure, so I get the box out of the trash and verify what I’m seeing.

    Two lines. Laurelyn is pregnant. “We did it, baby.”

    I once told Laurelyn she is the only angel in my life. Now I’ll have two.

    17

    I go into the house and straight to the shower. I turn the water to full hot but I can’t feel the heat beating down against my skin. I’m cold—inside and out.

    How did my life turn to this overnight? Jack Henry and I had everything. We were on top of the world one minute and cast into hell the next. I know I need time to absorb this shock, but I’m not sure I’ll get over this one, especially if he’s had a baby with another woman.

    It all happened so fast but that’s generally how a kick to the gut feels. I was so giddy to read that ****ing pee stick with him but instead I find out he had a baby with one of the twelve. Maybe.

    “Laurie?” I’m startled when I hear Addison’s voice. I forgot she stayed last night.

    “Yeah, it’s me. I’m alone. I left Jack Henry at the hotel. Addie, something bad happened this morning. I mean, really bad.” I want to throw up just thinking about saying the words. Another woman had my husband’s baby. I’m not sure I can force that to roll from my tongue.

    “Laurie, I’m bleeding.” I wipe the water from my eyes and open the shower door. “How much?” She doesn’t have to tell me. I can see the stream running down her legs.

    “It’s a lot.”

    I attempt to appear calm. “It’s okay. Go lie down on my bed and I’ll get dressed.”

    I’m trembling as I dry off and pull on clothes. I tie my wet hair into a bun. “Hey, girl, how you doing in there?”

    “Not good. I can feel blood gushing when I move.”

    “Then stay really still. I’m almost ready.” I put my shoes on and go into the bedroom, following the trail of blood on the floor. Holy ****. My bedroom looks like a crime scene.

    “I’m sorry, Laurie,” Addison cries when she sees the look on my face. “I think I’ve ruined your bedding.”

    “No worries about the linens.” She needs a pad—a huge one—but I only have small pantyliners. “You can’t go to the hospital in this so hold up. I’m going to grab you something to put on.” I fetch a pair of Jack Henry’s sleep pants and a towel from the bathroom. “Take your panties off and put this between your legs.” I spread his pants on the floor for her to step into. “Foot in. Foot in.” I pull them up and pull the tie so they fit her snuggly in the waist. “Can you walk?”

    “Yeah, but I think blood is gonna gush out with every step I take.”

    “It’s okay.” But is it? I’m scared ****less. I’ve never seen so much blood.

    We begin the walk from my bedroom to the car. It isn’t a long distance but I swear it’s never felt so far.

    She’s crying. “I’m losing this baby, Laurie.”

    “You don’t know that for sure.” I want to be reassuring but she’s probably right. I don’t know how she could bleed that much and not be having a miscarriage.

    “I still haven’t told Zac. I guess that won’t be a problem now.”

    “Don’t talk like that.”

    “I’m being realistic,” she argues.

    “Mothers are optimists, not realists.”

    We get into my SUV and I’m driving much faster than I should. “I need them to tell me everything is okay because I really want this baby, Laurie. Even if Zac doesn’t. I’ve already decided I’m keeping it and raising it alone if I have to.”

    I reach for her hand and give it a squeeze. “Pray, Addie. Ask God to protect your baby.”

    “You know I don’t do that.” Like right now is the time to be stubborn and think you don’t need the help of a higher power.

    “Well, maybe you should.”

    Addison is taken into the emergency room and they begin her assessment quickly since anyone could see that she’s bleeding way too much. “Any idea when your last period was, Miss Donavon?”

    “The last normal one was on October seventeenth. I spotted in November but I don’t know if it qualifies as a period.”

    The woman types the date into the ultrasound machine. “Okay. We’ll use the one in October since November doesn’t sound like a period. That gives you a due date of July twenty-fourth, which makes you … fifteen weeks. Looks like you probably conceived on or around October thirty-first.” The woman grins. “I guess you had a fun Halloween.”

    “Yeah, it was a good one.”

    “Addison! You didn’t tell me you were so far along. You should’ve already seen a doctor.” How could she be so irresponsible?

    “I didn’t know I was that pregnant. I thought I was two, maybe going on three months at the most since I spotted in November.”

    “You’re almost four months. ****, it’s almost half over.”

    “Let’s do a scan and see what’s going on here.” The woman squeezes a bottle and clear jelly squirts onto Addison’s stomach. She places a probe in the wetness and makes swirling motions, spreading it across her belly. All of us are silent, staring intently at the screen. The difference is she knows what she’s looking at. Addison and I have no idea.

    She points at a white flashing on the screen. “This is your baby’s heartbeat. Can you see it?”

    “I do.” She stares at the screen, tears streaming down her face. “I haven’t lost my baby?”

    “He or she is hanging in there. I think I see what’s causing all this bleeding but I need some better scans for the radiologist to read. Take a breath and relax while I get the pictures I need.”

    We stare at the screen because it’s so amazing. “Omigod, Addie. Look. It already has arms and legs and I can see them moving.”

    “I prayed to God, Laurie. I begged Him to not take my baby and He didn’t.” Addison squeezes my hand. “Will you call Zac and ask him to come to the hospital? He should be here with me.”

    I hate that it took something so catastrophic to bring her to her senses, but thank goodness she’s finally going to tell him. “Of course—but what do you want me to say? He’s going to panic when I tell him you’re in the hospital.”

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