Memories of Us: A Second Chance, Amnesia Romance Novel

by Kennedy L. Mitchell

  I always knew what type of man my son was, what he was molding you and your brother into. All those summers and holidays, I paid your father for that time with you two. I'm not proud of it, but it was all I could do to try and save you boys. Each visit I noticed you two slipping further into your father’s lie, and still I did nothing more than keep paying for your time.

  And then one night it all changed.

  More lives than you can imagine were affected the night of your accident. You deserve to know what happened, what happened behind the scenes. You and that poor girl.

  Enclosed you'll find the legal documents we had written up hours after the accident. One is hers, and the other was meant for you. We thought separating you two was the best for both families.

  You had no idea the battle that went on behind closed doors.

  You didn't just hit an animal. You hit a calf that had gotten out from our fence due to her father's lack of maintenance of the property. Her father wanted to sue us for you driving high and hurting his daughter, plus with the news of the baby, threaten to toss in statutory rape. We had him for gross incompetence, and he had us. It was a stalemate.

  Instead of firing him, we agreed to keep him on, pay for her medical care, and give her a small settlement. In exchange, he didn't press charges for the wreck or the relationship between you two and agreed not to sue.

  We decided it was best for neither of you to know the truth. It would keep you apart if both of you thought the other had been the one to walk away. It was sheer luck that you didn't remember anything when you woke up in rehab. It could have been from the length of time we kept you sedated to help with the withrawl symptoms or head trama from the wreck. The doctors never gave us a solid reason why your memory from that night and other memories were erased. Then when you went into the military after getting out of rehab. I thought it confirmed the fate story I gave you that we'd made the right decision in splitting you two up. You were walking away from your father, and that girl was going to college with the money we provided.

  It wasn't until years later that I found the other document enclosed. It was given to me by my dear friend, who gave you this letter. He found it hidden in the papers from his father.

  You have to believe I had no idea what your father and hers did. I had nothing to do with the decision about the baby.

  But still, I'm guilty because I held on to the information for years without telling you, because we all agreed that night never to tell you two the truth. And I don't go back on my word. However, it's time you know it all, and she does too.

  Take care of her, Brenton. Give her whatever she needs to heal. She deserves that from us. And now that I'm gone, fire that rat bastard father of hers. After I'm gone, the agreement I signed dies with me.

  I'm very proud of the man you became, so it's hard to regret the decision to keep you two apart completely. You left, got out of our family’s dysfunction and charted your course. The family name means something again because of you, and I thank you for that.

  For many reasons, I'm breaking tradition and leaving my full estate and land to you. I know you'll take care of it and keep it in the family as our ancestors wanted. Our family fought and bled on this land, and I'm honored to pass it down to you, Brenton.

  Honored.

  Take care of it, but more importantly, take care of you. Stay as far away from the evil money brings as you can. Find something stable in your life you can hang on to like a lifeline to reality, or you'll drown. Find someone to remind you of what matters most.

  I love you.

  Your Pappy

  Fear clenched my gut at the words in the letter, but more so I was terrified of what I would learn next. With shaking fingers, I placed the note on the side table and began reading the first legal document.

  PICTURES RATTLED AGAINST the hall wall from my storming pace toward the room I'd left Dad and the attorneys in hours ago. There had to be a mistake. My family was fucked-up, yes, but this... no way in hell two men could be so damn evil or self-centered to come up with the agreement written on the papers in my hand.

  Please, God, no.

  Nausea stirred my stomach, pushing up the coffee I'd sipped that morning, blissfully unaware of the day's future turn of events.

  The french doors banged against the wall. Face burning hot with rage, I scanned the room for my piece-of-shit dad, but came up empty.

  “Where. Is. He?” I gritted out between clenched teeth.

  “Gone,” said the older attorney, Pappy's friend. With a concerned look, he shuffled across the room and rested a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Shortly after you left, I explained what was in the documents you were reading and that the entire estate was going to you instead of him. Your grandfather wanted it that way.” A small smirk formed on his lips. “He didn't want you charged for your father's murder, which he knew would happen if that man was still around after you read the documents. I had security escort him off the property.” The hand on my shoulder squeezed, drawing my gaze to his. “I'm sorry for your loss. Don't be too hard on your grandfather. It ate him up not telling you or her what he found out, but it was done. I'll have some paperwork for you to fill out, but we can do that another time.”

  With a nod, the men filed out of the room, leaving me alone, still gripping the damning evidence in my right hand.

  I turned on the heels of my dress shoes and marched back out the door, knowing full well what I had to do next. Even if I'd rather cut off my dick than shatter her beautiful, loving soul with the truth.

  Chapter 26

  Rebeka

  MOVEMENT OUT THE WINDOW stole my attention from packing to the black SUV halfway down the long drive. It must’ve been the legal teams leaving.

  So, it was done.

  Time to step back into reality.

  Dread and sadness dropped my stomach, and I fell to the bed.

  I was right to leave him before he woke up that morning. Easier for sure. Last night, with our bodies wrapped around the other’s, we said our goodbyes. What else was there to say?

  Yet there I sat, wanting one more conversation, one more smile, one more kiss.

  Who was I kidding? I wanted more than just one more. I wanted it all. All of him. But that wasn't on the table. Nothing was.

  I cut my eyes toward the closed bedroom door as a loud commotion sounded in the living room. Bellowing male voices pushed me off the bed and to my feet. I was halfway down the hall when the crashing and shattering filled the house.

  My feet turned to lead, preventing me from entering the destroyed living room.

  “Brenton?” I called out, utter disbelief in my voice. “What are you doing?”

  Brenton turned from where he had Daddy pinned against the far wall, hand wrapped around his neck.

  “Doing what I should’ve done years ago.”

  Daddy punched at Brenton's face and arms, but Brenton's hold held firm.

  “Stop!” I screamed. “You can't kill him.”

  At my hand on his arm, he dropped Daddy, who fell to a heap on the floor.

  “Get off my property and never step foot on it again. The entire staff will have orders to shoot you on sight if you do.”

  I shot frantic glances between Daddy and Brenton.

  What? His property?

  “Where's your brother?” Brenton asked, still glaring down to where Daddy crawled across the floor.

  “Here,” Bradley's voice sounded from the hall I’d just come down.

  Not crawling fast enough, Brenton picked Daddy up by the back of his jeans and tossed him out of the house before slamming the door shut.

  “You.” He whirled around to face a stunned Bradley. “You're going to rehab. I'll set it up, but you go tomorrow. Then when you’ve finished, you're running this place. Congratulations on the promotion. I'll have a contract written up for you to review on the terms and pay. But first I need your help making sure your piece-of-shit father leaves the property before I change my mind on not committing murder toda
y.”

  Not putting his back to the fuming Brenton, Bradley inched around the room to the front door. After fumbling with the knob, he darted out, banging the door shut behind him.

  “Brenton, what's going on? You got the land?” Nerves on high alert put a slight shake to my voice.

  “Yes. How attached to this place are you?”

  “The ranch?”

  “This house, the one we're standing in.”

  “I hate it. It's a constant reminder of my mom.”

  He shot me a questioning look.

  “She killed herself here. We were at school, but this is where she did it. Downed a bottle of pills. Bradley and I wanted to move to one of the smaller places on the property, but Daddy said no, that we had to stay here as a reminder of what we did to her.”

  “What. You. Did.”

  “Yeah.” I chuckled and nervously tucked locks of hair behind my ears. “Not him.”

  “Fuck, Beks. And you saved his life just now?”

  I shook my head. “No, I saved yours.”

  His face dropped and went ashen. “I'm tearing it down. You're staying in the main house, and so will your brother when he gets back.”

  “What the fuck is going on?” I yelled. “You're scaring me.”

  “Good,” he yelled back, then slammed his fist into the wall where Daddy's head had been.

  I stumbled back a step. “B,” I whispered in pure terror.

  His fury-filled eyes met mine before storming off into the kitchen. Cabinet doors opened and slammed shut.

  Inching toward him, I stopped and watched him scavenge.

  “Where's his fucking liquor?”

  “No. You’re not letting that man break you.”

  “Where is it?” he roared.

  Anger coursed through my veins. “What the hell is going on?” I walked into the kitchen toward him. He moved to step around, but with a soft hand on his shoulder, he paused. “Brenton, talk to me.”

  His head drooped as his hands found my waist. “I don't want to hurt you.”

  “You're doing that by not talking to me. What happened? Tell me. Please.”

  “Beka?” came Ryder's voice from the other room.

  Brows raised, I looked from the door to Brenton.

  “I called her.” That was all he said before tugging me against his trembling chest. “I'm so sorry, Rebeka, but you deserve to know.”

  “Know what?” I cried and dug my nails into his shoulder, anchoring me to him.

  Desperation seeped in at his solid body leaving mine. I wanted his strength back to hear whatever he had to say. Hand in hand, we moved around the small kitchen table and into the living room. Brenton guided me to the couch and gestured for Ryder to join us.

  Her tiny hand linked with mine. “What's going on?” she whispered.

  “I don't know.”

  “He called Kyle and said I needed to get over here as soon as possible, that you needed me.”

  I swallowed against a dry throat. The room spun with each short breath.

  Brenton paced, staring at the floor before dropping to a crouch at my feet, putting us at eye level.

  “Baby....”

  “Just say it, Brenton.” Ryder's hand tightened around mine.

  “I don't know how,” he choked out before leaning his forehead to my knee. “Pappy left me a note that detailed what happened behind the scenes of that night. I'll let you read it so you understand that neither of us knew the forces that pulled us apart.”

  Hating the pure agony in his tone, I dragged a shaking hand through his dark hair.

  “I wish that was the worst of it. Dammit, I wish it was. Beks.” His misery-laced eyes met mine with tears rimming the bottom lids. “The wreck didn’t cause you to lose our baby.”

  In shock, I pulled back and shook my head. “No, Brenton, it did. The doctors said—”

  “Think, baby. Did the doctors say you lost the baby or did your dad?”

  Mind racing, I attempted to remember specifics from those terrible days. “I don't... I don't know. Maybe Daddy?”

  “They took it from us.”

  “I don't—”

  “Our fathers decided our baby's fate. Your father told the doctors the baby was conceived under force, and while you lay unconscious, he signed over your rights since you were underage. He gave them consent for termination. And my father paid him to eliminate a future unwanted heir to the Graves estate.”

  “No, they wouldn't. You're lying,” I breathed even though I knew he wasn't.

  “Beks, I'm so sorry.” Tears dripped down his cheeks to my jeans.

  The growing dark spot drew my unfocused gaze.

  Brenton spoke.

  Ryder wrapped her arms around my shoulders and cried.

  But for me?

  Not a single tear. No emotion at all. All I could do was focus on breathing and stare at the wet spot on my jeans, at Brenton's tears.

  Nothing else mattered. The world slipped. Noises vanished.

  And at that moment, I learned what true devastation was.

  I was on the verge of a free fall into the darkness I’d somehow kept at bay all these years.

  But right now, knowing what they took from me, I dove into the darkness, not caring if I ever came back.

  Chapter 27

  Brenton

  “BABY?” DESPERATION laced the single word. “Please say something.”

  Hollow eyes shifted to mine, but she didn’t see me. My heart shattered at the emptiness where such life and love had bubbled over just hours ago. I hated hurting her, but she had to know, needed to know the truth of what our fathers had done.

  Seconds turned to minutes without her responding to either Ryder’s or my pleas.

  “She's in shock,” I said to Ryder, who nodded. Hands under her shoulders and legs, I scooped her off the couch. Clutching the most precious thing in my life close, I stalked to the front door.

  “Where are you going?” Ryder asked with pure panic in her voice.

  Couldn't blame her.

  “Taking her to the main house,” I grunted, shifting her in my arms to turn the doorknob. “I want her out of this fucking place.”

  Halfway out the door, Ryder was at my side.

  “I had no idea,” I said to her, looking down to the catatonic woman in my eyes. “I don't know what to do.”

  A tiny hand rested on my back. “I know you didn't know, and you're doing what you can. When you leave, I'll take care of her. She'll be okay.”

  “How do I leave her like this?” At the words, my heart cracked open, spilling out the feelings I'd been holding back. “How do I leave the woman I love who’s fucking breaking apart in my arms?”

  Inside the main house, we moved through the expansive halls toward my room. As gentle as possible, I laid her on the unmade bed before pulling the covers over her trembling body. Eyes still open wide, she stared unblinking at the ceiling.

  “I'm calling a doctor,” I stated and reached for my phone.

  “She needs you,” Ryder said in a soft voice. “Not me, not some strange doctor. You.”

  “Give us a few minutes.” I toed off my boots.

  “I'll be in the kitchen when you need me.”

  I nodded without looking at her as I crawled up the bed. The thick pillow gave to the weight of my head as I lay down beside Beks. Entirely still, only her soft breaths told me she was alive.

  “Beks,” I whispered in a plea. “Please talk to me. Anything.”

  Nothing. Not even a stolen glance.

  At a loss, I slung an arm and leg over her and hugged her close.

  “I love you. I’m in love with you,” I said with my lips against her shoulder. “I've always loved you. Don't leave. Don't give up. Please. Don't give up on us, not now. I need you, baby. Don’t you see that? You’re the only good in my life, the only one who sees me. Come back to me. Please, please come back to me.”

  Only her quiet, even breaths responded to my shattering heart.

  Me: H
ow is she?

  Ryder: Not good.

  Me: Seen her father around?

  Ryder: Nope. Nobody has.

  Me: Take care of her, please. I hate not being there.

  Ryder: She’s in good hands.

  Me: But not mine.

  Me: Any progress?

  Ryder: A little. She's finally talking to the doctor you hired.

  Ryder: I think she misses you.

  Me: I miss her, but we've been called out to a mission. Not sure when I'll be back.

  Me: Take care of her, okay?

  Me: I get email over there, so email with any updates.

  Ryder: Be safe. And she'll be fine, just needs time.

  Ryder: It's only been three days. Give her a bit to adjust.

  Me: I hate not being there. Hate her being in pain. Hate she has to go through this.

  Ryder: I don't know how in the hell you ever thought you didn't love her.

  Ryder: Are you always so dense?

  Ryder: Maybe Beka is better off without you.

  Me: You're kidding, right?

  Ryder: Maybe. Did I tell you I called off the wedding?

  Me: Did I ask?

  Ryder: No, but with Beka still not super chatty, I have to tell someone. You're the lucky guy.

  Me: I don't feel lucky.

  Ryder: Anyhoo, I'm staying with Beka. Moved out of Kyle's place.

  Me: Okay.

  Ryder: You suck as a chitchat buddy.

  Me: Does that surprise you? Email me with updates, and I'll try to fly in when we get back.

  Ryder: I'll let her know.

  I HELD MY BREATH AS the gate to the ranch swung open.

  Four months.

  Four long months since I stepped foot on this property. Since I left Beks in the hands of her best friend and the best therapist in Odessa. Somehow the heat had intensified while I was gone, making the short walk from the Tahoe to the main house miserable.

  “Hello?” I called out after shutting the front door, but no one answered. “Beks? Ryder?”