Redemption Series Boxed Set, Books 1-4

by Sandi Lynn

  “I feel great.” She smiled as she laid her head on my shoulder.

  “How about we leave the office at lunch and go shopping for the nursery? Dad is on a business trip and I’ll just have his line transferred over to Lexi.”

  “I’d love to. But don’t forget I have homework tonight that’s due tomorrow.”

  “I know. That’s why I suggested we take a half day.” I smiled as I kissed the top of her head.

  I set my board down in the garage and went inside the house. Kinsley was already in the shower, so I joined her.

  “Good thing this shower isn’t small or else the three of us wouldn’t fit in here.” I smirked.

  “Are you saying I’m fat, Mr. Calloway?” She grinned as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

  “No. But you are taking up a large amount of space.” I kissed the tip of her nose.

  “Since I’m so large, I guess we won’t be having sex anymore.” Her brow arched.

  “You would never do that. You’re hornier than I am, and I didn’t think that was possible.”

  “True.” She tilted her head to the side. “I guess I’ll just have to think of another punishment for you.” She smirked.

  “Punish away, darling. I look forward to it.”

  Chapter 40

  Kinsley

  “You can build multi-million-dollar programs and computer systems, yet you can’t build a simple little crib?” I smirked at him as he sat on the floor with all the pieces scattered around him.

  “I don’t have to think about computer systems and programs. They come naturally to me. But this—this is ridiculous.”

  “Hello, anyone home?” I heard Lexi yell from the foyer.

  “Upstairs in the baby’s room,” I shouted.

  “Whoa. What’s going on in here?” She smiled at me.

  “Chase is trying to build the crib.”

  “Trying?” Her brow arched.

  “Listen, Lexi, this isn’t as simple as you think it is. This is some complex shit.”

  “Oh, for God sakes. Give me those directions,” she spoke as she walked over to him and ripped them from his hand. “Kinsley, come over here. Chase, leave.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Me and Kinsley got this. We’ll call you when it’s done.”

  “What the hell, Lexi?”

  She grabbed Chase by his hand, helped him from the floor, and then pushed him out of the room.

  “Go surf some waves or something.” She shut the door.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Are you sure we can do this?” I asked.

  “Piece of cake.” She grinned.

  It took a little over an hour, and finally, the crib was built. It was beautiful and fit for a prince. I walked over to the door and opened it just as Chase was walking up the stairs eating an apple.

  “I was just coming to check on the two of you,” he spoke.

  “It’s finished.” I smiled.

  He stepped inside the room and stared at the crib that sat against the wall.

  “How the hell did you build that in an hour?” he asked.

  “Girl power, my friend. Girl power.” Lexi smiled.

  “Thank you.” He walked over and kissed Lexi’s cheek. “Tell anyone about this and not only will I fire you, but I’ll disown you as a best friend.”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. I’d hate to embarrass you.” She grinned.

  “Since you two beautiful ladies worked so hard, how about I treat you to dinner?” he spoke.

  “First of all, it wasn’t hard,” Lexi said. “And second of all, dinner sounds great. I’m starving.”

  I stood in the middle of the starry-themed nursery and looked around at how perfect it was. Everything was in its place and waiting for the arrival of the prince who was going to occupy it.

  “One more week,” Chase spoke as his arms wrapped around me from behind.

  “I can’t believe he’s almost here.”

  “We just need to get through my father’s wedding this weekend.”

  “We’ll be fine. First babies are always late.”

  “Not the answer I wanted to hear.” He chuckled.

  “That was nice of your dad to postpone their honeymoon until after the baby was born.”

  “Yeah. He’s pretty excited about his grandson. In fact, I think he’s more excited than he was about me.”

  “That’s not true.” I smacked his hand.

  “Are you up for going out to dinner?” he asked. “Or would you rather stay in and we can order something?”

  “I would love to go out, and I’m really craving Mediterranean food. Can we go to that place over on Sunset Boulevard?”

  “We can go anywhere you want.” He kissed my shoulder.

  The hostess took us over to a booth, and for some reason, there was barely any room between the seat and the table, so it was impossible for me and my belly to fit.

  “Do you have a table?!” I asked with irritation. “Why the hell are your booths like this? God help anyone who is fat.”

  I heard Chase snicker.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am. There’s a table right over here,” the hostess spoke.

  “You think this is funny?” I glared at Chase as we sat down at the table.

  “No, darling. Of course I don’t.” He brought his fist up to his mouth to stop the laughter from escaping him.

  “The hell you don’t! You wouldn’t be laughing.”

  He reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

  “Calm down. It’s not you, it’s the restaurant. Look around. All the booths seem to be like that. Sweetheart, you’re nine months pregnant.”

  “I know.” I sighed. “I just feel like a beached whale.”

  “You’re not a beached whale. You’re a stunning and gorgeous woman who’s carrying my son. Beached whales are far from being stunning and gorgeous.” He smirked.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “I’m sorry,” I spoke. “I love you.”

  “Don’t apologize. I love you too.”

  The Calloway wedding day was here. I stood at the mirror and stared at my large self in my long black strapless Valentino gown. I wasn’t feeling too well, but I couldn’t let Chase know because it was his father’s wedding day and he was the best man. Plus, I didn’t want him worrying about me. He had to go over to his father’s house early with the other groomsmen, so Lexi and Ben were picking me up.

  “You look so beautiful.” Lexi smiled as she walked over to me and grabbed my hand.

  “Thanks. So do you.”

  “God, it’s hard to believe that little baby Calloway is due to grace us with his presence next week.”

  “I hope he’s on time. I just can’t deal with this pregnancy anymore. I’m so uncomfortable.”

  “Are you ready to go?” she asked.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I smiled.

  When we arrived at the church, I saw Chase standing in the hallway talking to Alex. When he glanced over and saw me, a wide grin crossed his face.

  “There you are.” He walked over and kissed me. “You look absolutely beautiful.” He smiled. “How’s my son doing?” he asked as he placed his hand on my belly.

  “He’s fine. How’s your dad? Is he nervous?” I asked.

  “No. He’s a pro at this. I think at this point, it doesn’t even faze him.”

  “Excuse me, Mr. Calloway, we’re ready to start now,” Belinda the wedding planner spoke to him.

  “Alright. I guess it’s time. I’ll see you soon.” He kissed me.

  Lexi, Ben, and I walked down the aisle and took our seats in the first row, which was reserved for us by Chase.

  “Are you okay?” Lexi asked as she saw me place my hand on my belly.

  “I’m fine,” I lied.

  The truth was, I was having Braxton Hicks, which were making me very uncomfortable. I looked over at Chase, who was standing at the altar next to his dad. He gave me a wink just as the music started
and the bride began walking down the aisle. Penelope looked beautiful in her long white satin beaded gown that sat gracefully off her shoulders. Her brown hair was in an up-do with beautiful crystals scattered throughout.

  The minister started to speak, and I started to sweat. The pain began to radiate throughout my lower back. Chase knew something was wrong because he kept glancing over at me with a troubled look on his face. I shifted in my seat and Lexi placed her hand on my leg.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked in a whisper.

  “I’m not sure, but I think I’m in labor. Don’t say anything yet. I need to get through this ceremony.”

  “Fuck! Are you serious?”

  “I thought they were Braxton Hicks at first, but this is different.”

  I looked up at Chase, who was staring at me with a narrowed eye, and I lightly shook my head because of the concerned look on his face.

  “If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace,” the minister spoke.

  “OH MY GOD!” I shouted uncontrollably.

  “Excuse me?” the minister spoke as all eyes diverted to me.

  “Holy shit! Sorry.” I bit down on my bottom lip as the pain radiated throughout me.

  “Baby, what’s wrong?” Chase asked as he ran over to me.

  “I think I’m in labor.”

  “Sorry, Dad. I gotta go,” he spoke as he placed his hand in his pocket, took out the ring, and handed it to Steven. “Take my place, bro. I need to get Kinsley to the hospital,” he spoke as he took hold of both my hands and helped me up from my seat.

  Dean walked over to me and kissed my cheek.

  “I’m so sorry,” I spoke.

  “Don’t be. This is the best wedding present I could have ever asked for. Go have my grandson and we’ll be by later.” He smiled.

  “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go,” Chase spoke as he helped me up the aisle and to the car. I sat there, finally able to breathe. The pain had stopped. Shit. What if it just was Braxton Hicks and I just ruined the wedding? The thought horrified me.

  “How are you feeling?” Chase asked as he reached over and placed his hand on my belly.

  “I’m okay now.”

  “So you’re not in labor?” His brow arched.

  “I don’t know! I’ve never been in labor before. I can’t tell if it’s real or not.”

  As we drove down the highway, the pain shot through me again, jolting me out of my skin.

  “FUCK!” I screamed as I placed my hands on my belly. “It’s definitely labor!” I yelled.

  “We’re almost there. Breathe through it. Practice your yoga breathing or something,” he spoke in a panicked tone.

  The pain subsided as I laid my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes for a moment.

  “This is no time for a nap, sweetheart,” Chase spoke.

  I opened one eye and glared at him.

  “I’m not taking a nap!”

  He pulled up to the emergency room entrance, threw the car in park, and grabbed a wheelchair from inside the doors. Taking my hand, he helped me from the car and into the chair.

  “What’s going on?” a tall man in a white coat asked as he approached us.

  “She’s in labor,” Chase calmly spoke.

  “It’s a good day to have a baby.” He smiled. “Did the two of you just come from a wedding?”

  “My father’s,” Chase spoke.”

  “Are you a doctor?” I asked.

  “I’m Dr. Jameson Finn, and you are?”

  “Kinsley Davis.”

  He stopped at the nurses’ station inside the ER and told them to call up to Labor and Delivery.

  “Tell them that Kinsley Davis is in labor,” he spoke.

  “They said to keep her down here for now because there aren’t any rooms available. But one will be ready soon,” the woman in Snoopy scrubs spoke.

  “Jesus Christ.” Dr. Finn shook his head. “It seems like we have a baby boom going on right now. No worries,” he spoke as he wheeled me through the double doors and into an ER room.

  “You’re kidding me? Right?” Chase spoke with irritation.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll bring her upstairs as soon as a room is ready. I’m going to call and have them send down a labor and delivery nurse. In the meantime, go ahead and change into this lovely gown we had custom made for you.” Dr. Finn winked.

  Chapter 41

  Kinsley

  Chase helped me out of my gown and into the hospital one Dr. Finn handed me.

  “Any more pain?” Chase asked.

  “Not really. It’s just uncomfortable.”

  “Hi there,” the tall brunette with the long ponytail spoke. “I’m Kaylee and I’ll be your nurse. You must be Kinsley.” She smiled at me and then turned to Chase. “Hello.” She cocked her head to the side with a grin on her face.

  “Hello, darling.” Chase smiled back.

  I glared at him and he cleared his throat and grabbed my hand. After my exam, I found that I was dilated to four centimeters and Kaylee left the room to order an epidural for me and to call Dr. Morgan.”

  “What the fuck, Chase?”

  “What?”

  “You were flirting with the nurse.”

  “Sweetheart, I wasn’t flirting. That’s my natural state. You know that.”

  “THE HELL YOU WEREN’T!” I screamed as another contraction hit.

  “Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.” His warm breath was in my face.

  I did as he told me to, and it didn’t help, but eventually the contraction had dissipated.

  “Good job, sweetheart.” He smiled as he placed his hand on my forehead. “It’ll all be over with soon and you’ll be holding our son in your arms.”

  Nurse Kaylee walked in and smiled at Chase. He quickly looked away because he feared for his life.

  “Dr. Morgan told me to keep her posted and the anesthesiologist will be here soon to administer your epidural. Is there anything you need?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “And how about you?” She seductively smiled at Chase.

  “I would love a cup of coffee.” He smiled, and my nails dug into the flesh of his wrist. “So, could you please point me in the direction of the coffee bar?”

  “I’ll go get you a cup.” She grinned. “How do you take it?”

  Another contraction hit and this time it almost knocked me out of the bed.

  “HE CAN GET HIS OWN FUCKING CUP OF COFFEE!” I yelled through the pain.

  “Right. I can get my own. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.” His warm breath swept over me as his face was mere inches from mine.

  “STOP TELLING ME TO BREATHE AND GET OUT OF MY FACE!”

  “Just sit tight. You’ll be pain free soon,” Nurse Kaylee spoke as she left the room.

  “How’s the soon-to-be mom?” Dr. Finn walked in with a smile.

  “She’s evil,” Chase spoke.

  Dr. Finn chuckled. “Most women who are in labor are. Trust me. She’ll return to normal as soon as she gets the epidural.”

  “Gee, I hope so,” Chase spoke, and I smacked his arm.

  “Are you an OB doctor?” I asked him.

  “No. I’m actually a neurosurgeon. I’m just helping out in the ER today.”

  “Fascinating,” Chase spoke.

  My body filled with excruciating pain as I gripped Chase’s hand. He didn’t say a word and I appreciated it.

  “It’ll be over within a minute, Kinsley. Just focus on your breathing. Deep breath in, deep breath out,” Dr. Finn spoke.

  After the contraction subsided and Dr. Finn left the room, Chase narrowed his eye at me.

  “It’s okay for him to tell you to breathe, yet you yell at me to stop?”

  “Do you really want to discuss this now? Really, Chase? Because I do believe I’ll win.”

  Before he had a chance to speak, the anesthesiologist walked in and gave me my epidural.

  “That should sta
rt kicking in, in about ten to thirty minutes.” The anesthesiologist smiled.

  “I’m rooting for ten,” Chase spoke.

  Chase

  Six hours later, our son, Christopher Chase Calloway, came into the world at 7lbs 3 oz. After Kinsley got her epidural, it was smooth sailing. The moment he was born, tears of happiness filled my eyes.

  “He’s beautiful.” I kissed Kinsley’s forehead as she held him in her arms.

  “He looks like you.” She smiled at me.

  “Of course he does. He’s a Calloway.” I smirked.

  Kinsley and I took an hour and bonded with him before I had to make numerous phone calls to family and friends. I couldn’t stop staring at him. He was so tiny and perfect.

  “Do you want to hold your son?” Kinsley asked.

  “I’m kind of afraid. I’ve never held a baby before.”

  “You’ll know what to do.” She smiled as she handed him over to me.

  As I stared at him, guilt resided inside me. If I hadn’t come to my senses, I wouldn’t be here, holding this little life that we created. Kinsley changed me and the love I felt for her and him was overwhelming. He was my son and the thought that I was so close to not being a part of his life frightened me.

  Two Months Later

  “Is he all set to go?” I asked Kinsley as I walked into the nursery.

  “He sure is. Everything you need is in the diaper bag. Are you sure about this, Chase?”

  “I’m positive. He’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” I kissed her lips. “Have a good day at school.”

  “I’ll be by to pick him up after my classes.”

  “I’ll see you later, darling. Are you ready, slugger?” I smiled at him as I picked up the car seat and took it to the car.

  Kinsley’s classes started back up today and I didn’t want my son being raised by nannies or babysitters, so he came to work with me. Kinsley didn’t think it was a good idea, but I did. Plus, I knew my father would be thrilled to see him.

  “Good morning, sunshine.” I smiled at Lexi as I stopped at her desk.

  “Oh my God, Christopher.” She jumped out of her chair and took him from his car seat.

  “Again, good morning, sunshine,” I spoke.