Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection

by Gianna Gabriela

  “Well, I have class in about an hour, and then I have a clinical at the ER until six tonight. Do you have any appointments today?” She takes a drink of coffee and then hands Lily a plate with her waffles.

  “Yeah, three. I should be out of work around two or three, depending on how long the last session takes. It’s a huge arm piece, so we’ll see.”

  Nodding, Emmy kisses Lily on the top of the head and comes to kiss me as well.

  “I’m gonna leave early so I can get a good parking spot. Thank you for the coffee. I’ll see you later tonight.”

  Kissing her temple, I squeeze her to me.

  “Love you, Em.”

  “Love you too.”

  Emmy goes rushing from the room, and I’m left alone with my princess.

  “Eat your breakfast, baby. We gotta go to Nana’s soon, okay?”

  “Okay, Daddy.”

  Pulling down a box of cereal, I pour myself some breakfast and sit across from Lily. Scrubbing a hand through my hair, I make a mental note to check hotel prices in my downtime at work. They’re going to be so excited. I mean yeah, I’ll be spending a hundred bucks on a doll, but Lily is my everything. So is Emmy. They deserve a nice weekend away.

  Thirty minutes later, we’re in my truck heading to my parents’. Lily is chattering on about something that happened on Paw Patrol this morning, and I have no idea what any of it means. But she’s excited and happy, and that’s all I care about.

  Pulling in the driveway a few minutes later, I shut off my truck and turn to look at Lily in the back seat.

  “Hey, Lily bug. You want to help Daddy plan a surprise for Emmy?”

  “Oh yes, Daddy! Yay!” Clapping, she giggles and dances, and I can’t help laughing. She’s so excited and doesn’t even realize what she’s gonna get to do.

  “Okay. Let’s get you inside to Nana and I’ll tell you all about it, okay?”

  We walk hand in hand into my parents’ house, and when I finish telling her about going into the city and spending the night in a hotel room, she’s almost giddy. Kissing her goodbye, I hand her off to my mom and head into work.

  Yeah, this weekend is going to be perfect.

  “You’re all set, man. Just make sure to keep it dry, and no scratching it. If you need anything, just give me a call. Here’s my card. You can always reach me on my cell.”

  I hand my client my business card, he shakes my hand, and then I’m left alone in the lobby with Sydney. Looking over at her typing, an idea forms in my head.

  “Hey, Syd?”

  She looks up at me and stops whatever she’s doing.

  “What’s up, broski?”

  “Really? Must you call me that?”

  “Well, I wanted to call you ‘giant pain in the ass,’ but I figured that was rude.”

  “Fuck off, Sydney.”

  Laughing, she gets up from the desk and comes over to me. “What do you need, Levi?”

  “I want to take Lily and Emmy away this weekend, go into the city for dinner, check out that American Girl doll store. Do you know what the best hotel is? I haven’t had to book a hotel in like years, and I want the best for them.”

  “That’s really sweet. How about this? You give me your credit card and I’ll get you guys all booked up. Your next appointment should be here soon.”

  Draping my arm over her shoulder, I lean down to kiss the top of Sydney’s head.

  “Thanks, Syd. I love you.”

  “Love you too, big brother.”

  Leaving her alone, I head back to my room so I can get cleaned up and have it ready. When everything is taken care of, I pull out my phone to call Emmy, but she doesn’t answer. Not too worried about it, I get back to my own work when my client walks in five minutes later. This is the final appointment of the day, but I have no idea how long it will take.

  Better get started.

  Four and a half hours. Jesus God. It should’ve been two hours tops, but the guy kept needing breaks and then would want to reschedule. Sometimes I think I picked the wrong career because fuck me, I wanted to wring his neck and tell him to either get lost or man the fuck up. It’s a tattoo, not open-heart surgery. Whatever.

  Cade didn’t have any appointments today, so it was just me and Syd all day. As I’m heading out to the lobby, she comes over to me with my card and a piece of paper.

  “You’re all set. Tomorrow night at the Hilton you check in, and checkout is eleven in the morning Saturday. There are like seven restaurants within five miles, and the store you’re taking Lily to is three blocks away. Have fun, Levi.” Kissing me on the cheek, she grabs her purse and swings out the door, waving as she goes.

  Shaking my head, I look down at the paper she gave me, unable to help the shit-eating grin. They’re going to be so excited.

  Sticking my Visa back in my wallet, I fold the paper and stuff it into my back pocket. Locking up behind me, I head to get Lily, ready for Em to come home from work. I didn’t talk to her all day and I’m worried.

  I’m standing in the kitchen, Lily coloring at the table while I stir the pasta on the stove. It’s almost seven and I still haven’t talked to Em. To say I’m concerned is an understatement.

  Pouring the pasta into the strainer, I’m just adding the sauce to the pan when I hear the front door open and then close. Dropping the wooden spoon, I rush out to the living room, thanking the heavens above when I see Emmy.

  “Shit, baby.” Striding forward, I scoop her into my arms, burying my face in her neck.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” Pulling back, Em is looking up at me with a frown.

  “What’s wrong? Why haven’t you answered any of my calls or texts? I’ve been worried, Em. It’s not like you to ignore me.”

  Understanding dawns in her eyes and she reaches up to grab my face, kissing me.

  “It died and I didn’t even think about it. Oh, Levi, I’m so sorry. They threw a surprise test at us today, and then on the way to work I got stuck in traffic behind an accident, so I was late. I worked right through my lunch break and only realized my cell was dead when I was leaving. I forgot to charge it last night.” She wraps her arms around my neck and I hug her tight.

  “It’s okay, I was just worried.”

  “I’m sorry,” she mumbles against my lips. Pulling away, she cups my cheek as she gives me an apologetic look.

  “Emmy, you home!” Lily comes running in the room, blonde hair flying everywhere. Emmy grabs her before she’s knocked over and settles Lily on her hip.

  “I am. And guess what? Tomorrow is an Emmy and Lily day, baby girl. Smells like Daddy started dinner, and I’m starving. Let’s go set the table, huh?”

  They bounce into the kitchen and I follow them, the sauce bubbling on the stove. Adding it to the pasta, I dump it in a serving bowl and carry it to the table.

  “Dinner is served, ladies.”

  Lily giggles. “Daddy, I’m a little girl, not a lady, silly face.”

  “My mistake, madam.”

  When I bow in front of her, she laughs harder and grabs my face in her tiny hands.

  “Daddy, you is so weird.”

  “Where do you think you get it from, goofball?”

  “Uncle Cade.”

  Throwing my head back, I roar with laughter. I only wish my brother had heard that.

  Emmy laughs and hands me a plate. She serves Lily first, then sits down next to her.

  “So, how was your day, Levi?” she asks with a wink.

  Rolling my eyes, I proceed to tell her all about my last appointment. She chuckles when I tell her about the guy, and by the end we’re all laughing.

  Once we’ve finished dinner, Emmy takes Lily up for a bath while I clean up the dinner mess. Placing the final dish in the strainer, not bothering to use the dishwasher, I lock the front door and head upstairs. Poking my head into the bathroom, I remind Lily that bedtime is in fifteen minutes and she gives me a thumbs-up.

  Heading into my bedroom, I change into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. Grabbing my i
Pad from the bureau, I settle myself on the bed, scrolling through emails and notifications. I’m only halfway through when Lily comes running into the room in her favorite princess nightgown, her wet hair in a long braid.

  “Daddy, come tuck me in!”

  “Coming, baby.”

  I follow her into her room and she hops into bed, burrowing under the covers and then poking just her sweet face out. Kissing her forehead, I hand Lily her bunny and tuck the blankets tight under her.

  “Sweet dreams, Lily bug. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Night, Daddy. Love you.”

  “Love you more.”

  Giving her just one more kiss, I back out of the room, shutting off her light as I go. Heading back to my room, I hear Emmy poke her head into Lily’s room, saying good night. As I’m getting comfortable on the bed again, Emmy comes into the room, shutting the door behind her. I look over at her as she locks the door, a wicked gleam in her eye.

  “Yeah?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. Emmy just nods, and I toss my iPad to the side as I sit up. Laughing, she rushes over and jumps in my lap, wrapping her legs around my waist. Her lips are instantly on mine, aggressive and rough. My girl is completely worked up, and I am so fucking good with that.

  My cock hardened almost as soon as she jumped on me, so gripping tight to her hips, I roll mine under her, making her gasp. In minutes, she’s panting and moaning loudly. “Levi,” she groans, yanking her shirt over her head.

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I need you.”

  “You have me.” Moving her up to her knees, I reach over to the end table for a condom. Pushing my pants down my legs, I roll the rubber down my shaft and watch through hooded eyes as she removes her panties. Settling herself back on top of me, Emmy takes my lips at the same time she lowers herself onto my cock.

  We groan loudly into each other’s mouths, holding tight to one another. As she begins to move up and down, I tangle my hand in her hair and use it to pull her head back, exposing her delicate neck. Leaning forward, I run my tongue along the length of it, grunting when she tightens her muscles around me.

  “Fucking heaven on earth, baby. Being inside you is my heaven.”

  “I love you, Levi,” she sighs, arching her back as I begin pumping my hips from below.

  “Love you, Em.”

  So fucking much.

  16

  EMERSON

  Waking slowly, I stretch and yawn loudly. I’m so glad that today is my day off and I have nowhere to be. I get to hang out with my little lady all day and I can’t wait.

  Climbing out of bed, I take a quick shower and hit my hair with the blow-dryer. Grabbing my phone from the end table, I carry it with me downstairs, finding Levi alone in the kitchen drinking coffee.

  “Morning, handsome,” I quip, bending over for a kiss.

  “Morning, babe.” He smiles and offers me a mug of coffee, which I gladly take.

  “Lily still sleeping?” I ask, sitting across from him.

  “Yeah. She’ll be getting up soon though, I’m sure.”

  “Yup. How many appointments do you have today?”

  Draining his mug, he places it on the table. “None, actually. I’m just gonna go in and do paperwork. We’ve been so busy that I want to get a jump on it. Tax season will be here before we know it.”

  Laughing, I stand to peer into the fridge. “You want me to make you breakfast first?” I ask, hand on my hip as I come to the realization that we need to go grocery shopping.

  “No, Em, don’t worry about it. I’ll probably grab a bagel next door while I work. I’m gonna jump in the shower and get going so I can get home sooner. I have a surprise for you tonight.”

  Winking, he leaves the room, allowing me the pleasure of watching his ass in those sweatpants. Fuck me.

  Shaking the thought from my head, I grab the carton of eggs and decide on scrambled eggs and toast for us girls this morning. Lily comes downstairs a few minutes later, sleepy-eyed and messy-haired. Laughing, I help her to the table and serve her some breakfast.

  “Can I have a juice box, Emmy?”

  “Of course, sweetie pie. Here you go.”

  I drop into a chair next to her and we both dig into our breakfast.

  We’re just about finished when Levi comes back downstairs, fully dressed and smelling delicious.

  “Okay, I’m off to the shop. I should be done around three, but it could be later. I’ll text you, okay?” He places a kiss to my cheek and ruffles Lily’s hair, causing her to giggle.

  “Bye, Daddy!”

  The front door shuts behind him, and moments later I hear his truck roar to life.

  “All right, what are we going to do today, Lily?”

  “Barbies!”

  “Shocker,” I laugh. “I’m gonna get the kitchen cleaned up. Why don’t you run upstairs and wash your face and brush your teeth, okay? Then we can get your Barbies.”

  “Yes!” She runs upstairs and I hear her laughing and yelling up there, and then the water starts running.

  Knowing I have a few minutes, I get the kitchen spotless and head into the living room. Sitting on the couch, I turn on the news with the hopes of seeing the weather, and then Lily comes bursting into the room, her tiny plastic suitcase in her arms.

  “You can be this one, okay? I want to be the prettiest one!” Handing me a brunette doll, she grabs her favorite doll and climbs onto the couch next to me.

  “Party time,” I joke, holding the doll up.

  “Hello, Lady. My name is Princess Lily. Do you want to be my friend?”

  Laughing, I allow myself to get swept up into Lily’s imaginary world.

  “Lily, you want a snack, sweetheart?” Standing up from the couch, I push the dolls and accessories to the side. Grabbing myself a bottled water, I get another juice box and carry it into the living room with a couple bananas. Lily takes her juice and I peel her snack, handing it to her.

  We sit in comfortable silence while we eat, and as I’m taking the last bite of my own banana, I ask her if she’d like to read some stories. I need a break from Barbies, and I know a book is the perfect distraction for her. Lily loves to read, but she especially loves being read to. She goes over to the bookcase and picks out a couple of her favorites, skipping back over to me. She sits on my lap and I hold the book out in front of us. It’s almost eleven, so I’m hopeful that Levi will finish his work early. I miss him, and yes, I’m aware it’s only been several hours. I’m a sap, what can I say?

  About halfway through the first book, we’re interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Raising an eyebrow, I kiss Lily on the head and move her over, standing to answer the door. Punching in the security code, I pull the door open halfway, finding two strange men on the porch.

  “Can I help you?” I ask.

  They’re both tall, probably around Levi’s height, but they’re much larger than my boyfriend. They don’t answer me, so I start to shut the door in their faces.

  “Emerson Reese?” one asks, reaching into his coat pocket.

  “Yes.”

  The other gives me a wicked smile and my skin prickles. My heart races when the man on the left shifts his stance and I see a gun tucked in the waistband of his pants. And that’s when I realize the guy on the right is familiar.

  “Emmy!” Lily yells, kicking and screaming, terror all over her little face.

  Holy fuck, it’s the man from the park.

  I didn’t see his face that day, but his build, the way he’s standing there, that sickening grin on his face—it’s him, all right. I know I only have moments to react so in one swift move, I slam the door shut and twist the lock. Turning around, I race toward where Lily is. Sweeping her into my arms, I go racing for the stairs, the two men banging and cursing against the front door.

  “Emmy?”

  “Shh, baby. I need you to listen to me.”

  I run up the stairs as fast as I can, tears running down my cheeks. Making it to Levi’s room, I rush to the closet door and
shove her inside.

  “Don’t come out until Daddy or I tell you to. I love you, Lily. I love you so much, baby girl.” Sobbing, I shut the door, ignoring her cries and her small fists hitting the door in fear. Looking around, I spy the chair to Levi’s desk and shove it under the knob, locking her inside.

  A loud crash from downstairs has me rushing back toward the stairs. I hear them shouting, and from the locations of their heavy footsteps, they’re coming upstairs. Running to the guest bathroom, I stand behind the door, hoping they’ll move past. Covering my mouth with my hand, I try to keep quiet as best as possible, but it does nothing to stop the tears.

  I’m trapped. I need to make a move. Not knowing where they are, if they’re even upstairs anymore, I go running down the hallway, praying to God they don’t find Lily.

  “There’s the bitch. Grab her, asshole,” one of them yells, and I race down the stairs, trying to get to the front door. I just need to get to the security box to sound the alarm and we’re safe. Hitting the landing, my legs buckle and I fall to my hands and knees, pain lancing through me. Scrambling up, I only make it as far as the front hallway before I’m grabbed by the hair and cry out against the pain.

  “Stop running. It’s only gonna make it worse.”

  “Fuck you,” I grit out, fighting against his hold. I’m swung around to face the bastard, who has pulled a black ski mask on. I try to hit him, but it only makes him angrier. He slaps me hard and I shout, more tear springing to my eyes. I start fighting for all I’m worth, but this man is huge and I’m no match for him. I kick and scream, but it does nothing.

  I never see it coming.

  The pain of my face meeting the wall is enough to throw me into a fog, and then I’m alone, swimming through the darkness, knowing I’ll never find my way through it.

  17

  LEVI