Losing Love (What Will Be Book Series)

by Laura Ashley Gallagher

  One word.

  “Mine.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Alex: Flight landed. Want to meet my family someday?

  That was an abrupt change of subject.

  He’s been away on a business trip for two days, but I know he’s going straight to work from the flight. I’m okay with that. I need today to get my head together. I’m going to tell him everything this evening when he gets home.

  Me: Glad you’re home. I’d love to meet your family.

  Alex: Good. We’re going to dinner with them tonight. I love you.

  Say what now.

  If I could crawl through my phone to slap him, I would. This is not what I planned. He knows I want to talk to him tonight. Of all times, why tonight to meet his family?

  Alex: I promise I tried to get out of it, but they insisted. It was Lydia’s idea. I’m afraid if we don’t go to them, they’ll come to us. You’ll understand when you meet them.

  Sucker punch.

  I haven’t replied yet because I don’t know what to say. I can’t get out of this. He has met my family. It’s the least I can do, but I thought I’d have time. And after the last night we spent together, I know this will mean so much to him. I take a deep breath, run a nervous hand through my hair, and sink into the chair. I don’t know why I smile because he can’t see me, but maybe I’m trying to convince myself all of this will work out.

  Me: Great. Looking forward to it.

  Alex: Do you need me to come home? Are you having a panic attack?

  Even through text, he knows me.

  Me: I’m fine. I promise. Nervous, but fine.

  Alex: They’ll love you as much as I do. Thank you. Now, do me a favour and come see me. I want to show you something.

  He sends directions to my phone.

  An hour later, I make a left onto a dirt road. It’s brand new but dusty, and the bustle of construction vehicles tells me exactly why.

  White and red brick two-storey houses line up on my right, with a large green area and a playground opposite. I slow down as the dust rolls off my tires and scatters around my windscreen.

  That’s when I see him, standing on the new pavement outside a house. My heart leaps as I watch him, chatting to the men at his side, and looking like a god in his white t-shirt, faded blue jeans, and hard hat.

  I say a silent prayer my cheeks aren’t flushed when I get out of the car.

  The moment he sees me, his face lights up, and he rushes to my side, placing a firm kiss on my lips.

  “I missed you.” I beam up at him, catching my breath. I feel a little silly because we saw each other two days ago before he went on his business trip. But it’s the truth. I missed him with a deep ache.

  “You have no idea,” he says as he places his arm around my waist, pressing me closer. “Come,” he orders, setting a hard hat on my head. He wraps his fingers in mine and tugs me towards the house.

  We enter through the front door, and the loud charge of a chainsaw cutting through a plank of wood fills the air. Large windows make the space bright, but it’s empty, nearing the finishing stages before furnishings.

  “Guys, you can finish this later. Give us a minute.” His voice is polite, but the underlying authority makes my knees instantly go weak, and I grip his hand a little tighter.

  The men give me a nod as they exit, leaving us alone.

  “These houses are beautiful, Alex. I love how bright they are.”

  “Me too.” He is grinning at me with hooded eyes, like he is about to have me for dinner.

  I look down at my shoes, hoping he won’t notice the want in my eyes.

  He guides me around the house, showing me the spacious kitchen and the three bedrooms upstairs. These are lovely houses, but I’m still unsure what I’m doing here.

  “Alex?” I finally find the courage to say.

  He has let go of my hand to look out of the window. I don’t blame him. His handy work is something to be appreciated, but I’ve never known him to be this way about his work. He always seems to have quiet confidence about what he designs and builds without the need to show off. I don’t mind, not in the slightest, but why the change of heart?

  I stand beside him, watching the vehicles. They’re loud as they reverse, and men work but laugh together, and I imagine the kids that will eventually be in the playground across the street. They’ll be happy and giggling.

  I manage to suppress the knot in my chest.

  “I’ve seen your work. Anything you design is beautiful, and you should be so proud. But why have you brought me here?” I suspect there’s more to this than just showing me a house. “Unless you want us to make use of these houses before they’re occupied?” I raise my eyebrows, flashing him a cheeky wink.

  His thumb laces over my lower lip, tugging it free from the hold of my bite.

  “Christ, Mandy, don’t tempt me.” And there is nothing playful in his tone. It’s serious, deep, and primal. “You’re awfully distracting.” He laughs lightly, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “But that’s not why I brought you here. You’ve heard of the Hope Foundation, right?”

  My eyes narrow. Of course I’ve heard of them. Claire works with them a lot, and I’ve even volunteered at some charity events for the organization. They help kids in the foster care system, and those hoping for adoption. A lot of the kids are older. Unfortunately, families don’t want an already grown eight-year-old, so they become trapped within the system, usually going from family to family.

  “I know who they are.”

  “I got involved with them a few years ago and I’ve always wanted to do something. A lot of kids with the foundation are with families they love but because of illness, the families don’t have the facilities or the money to care for them.” He walks to the other side of the room, pacing a little as he goes in full flow. “I met a little boy when I first became involved who had an illness and he adored the family he was with and they loved him like their own, but he needed treatment and medical supplies in the house. He also needed a downstairs bedroom. And I remember thinking: is that all that is stopping this little boy from having a family? A downstairs bedroom and some medical supplies? So, I got my team together, and we renovated the house to suit their needs.”

  I’m sure my mouth is hanging open. I’ve seen how generous he can be with my own two eyes, but this is on another level.

  “Alex, that’s amazing.”

  “But then, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” He ignores my previous statement. “That was one kid, and there are so many more like him. Surely, every child deserves a home and a family to love. I knew I couldn’t help all of them. Each had different circumstances, but I could at least try to make a start.”

  I close my eyes to stop the dusting of tears from falling. His words are speaking to me more than he could ever know.

  “I met with the foundation last year and I offered my services. I wanted to build houses with a community centre where a doctor could visit once a week, or where they could come and get supplies, and have somewhere the kids could play. Not all the kids have an illness, but all of them need a home, and the amazing people who love them need support. I hate talking about money because it sounds dirty and arrogant, but I’ve been blessed with a successful business and I could do this. It was something I could give back. So, I built twelve homes, customized to each family’s needs.”

  I knew I loved Alex long before today, and even before we said it on the beach, but I don’t think I could ever love him more than I do at this moment. Watching him, so enthusiastic, inspired, and hopeful.

  He is so hopeful.

  This man cares more than I ever knew someone could. And without the slightest consideration for my efforts to stop the tears, they fall anyway. My heart is swelling too much to contain them any longer.

  He’s staring at me. His eyes are begging for me to say something, but I can’t stand still, and I don’t have the words to describe how I’m feeling. Instead, I notice my feet moving. Slow at f
irst, and then faster, until I leap into his arms. My legs wrap around his waist. My hard hat falls to the floor with a thud, but I hardly hear it as I lower my lips to his in a hungry kiss. I want him to know I love him, respect what he is doing and who he is, and hope he can feel how much I admire him, because soon he will know my story, and he will know what he is doing means something to me too. The low growl deep within his chest as he holds me tighter makes me deepen the kiss. Every emotion I’ve felt over the past few months pours out of me and into him until both of our breathing comes in desperate pants and our lungs scream for oxygen.

  Slowly and reluctantly, I pull away, loving the feeling of his hungry blue eyes as they scan my face.

  “Alex Hale,” I say, smiling, “You are the most amazing man I have ever met, and I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart. If I’d known this was the reaction I was going to get, I would have brought you here weeks ago.”

  We both laugh, frantic breaths sweeping across each other’s faces. I shimmy myself down from his waist.

  “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

  He has allowed me into a part of him that means so much and I’m grateful. It’s time I pay him the same courtesy. My heart breaks with the real possibility I may lose him, but I can’t keep it from him. This man deserves far better than secrets.

  “Mandy Parker,” he places the strands of hair back from my face, “I want to share everything with you. I’d like to have you involved in the next project and get your input.”

  Oh, Christ, this man will kill me with his words.

  “Hey, don’t cry.” He smooths his fingers over my tears.

  The knot in my chest is threatening to break into sobs, so before I embarrass myself any more, I turn away from him. He catches my arm, spinning me back around, and pulls me close to the warmth of his chest. After a long moment, allowing me to catch my breath and calm my breathing, he places his hand under my chin, tipping my face up to meet his.

  “Never walk away from me with tears in your eyes, do you hear me?”

  I nod my agreement, swallowing hard.

  “Whatever it is, Mandy, you’ll get there in your own time. You take the lead, remember?”

  I know that. He handed me the reins long ago. I just don’t know where I am leading us now.

  Tonight, after dinner, I need to tell him everything.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  I’m flying around Alex’s house like a headless chicken. Panic and nerves course through my blood as I cling to the towel wrapped around my body and try not to sweat my makeup off. Tonight is the night I meet his family and I reopen old wounds.

  “You need to relax.” Alex stands at the door, an amused smile curling on his lips and looking unfairly gorgeous in his dark grey slacks and dress shirt. He was in sweatpants ten minutes ago.

  “Relax?” I screech. “You sprung it on me this morning that I’m meeting your family tonight. How could I possibly relax?” I huff, blowing a strand of hair off my face.

  He chuckles and crosses his legs at the ankle as he leans against the door. I glare at him because this is far from funny, but it only causes him to laugh more.

  “It’s only dinner and the first two dresses you had on were beautiful. What’s the problem?”

  “I want to make a good impression.” My shoulders sag as I run my eyes over the outfits I have on the bed. I went home earlier to pick up clothes for this evening’s dinner and now I regret not getting more. None of these seem appropriate.

  He comes to my back and runs his hands down my bare arms. “They are going to love you no matter what you wear. You need to calm down. They don’t bite.” He pauses and I feel him shrug. “Okay, Charlotte can be a little nippy and Ava is six, but she’s possessive.” He chuckles again.

  Asshole.

  I can’t shake the uneasiness in my stomach. Alex has done this before with other girls. Everything in this relationship is new to me, and my inexperience is getting the better of me.

  “Here.” He grabs a hanger with a red fitted knee-length dress. “Red is sexy as hell on you.”

  I blush when he lifts the dress and matching red lace underwear is lying beneath it.

  “What can I say?” I look up at him. “I like to match.”

  “Jesus, Mandy.”

  He presses against my back and encloses his arms around my waist.

  “No,” I warn. “I’ve just done my makeup. And we need to go.” But I can’t help my heart from hammering in my chest as his hand slips under the towel and strokes my stomach.

  “But I want to watch you put on the underwear,” he rasps in my ear.

  I shiver but turn around in his arms so I am looking up at him.

  “I know, but if you wait a couple of hours, you can watch me take it off.”

  His eyes widen slightly and his mouth parts before he raises his hands in surrender, backing away and stepping out of the room.

  He greets Bandit at the door, patting his thigh so the dog will follow him.

  “I don’t know what I am going to do with that woman of ours, Bandit,” he says as I hear him going downstairs.

  I have a few ideas.

  I dress quickly and give myself a once-over in the mirror. I must hand it to him. He picked well with the dress. It hugs my curves but is modest enough to cover my cleavage and the cap sleeves are cute.

  God, I hope they don’t hate me.

  I shake my hands at my sides to release some tension before slipping on my heels and going downstairs, holding extra tight to the railing. I find Alex sitting on the back porch, elbows on his thighs and eyes straight ahead.

  “Alex.”

  He rolls his shoulders and stands up before looking at me. When he turns, he takes one step and stops. He inhales a deep breath. “God, you’re beautiful.” His face strains, his smile is tight, but his words are soft.

  I go to him and put my palms on his cheek. “I love you.”

  His eyes land on a strand of my hair, and he tucks it behind my ear. “I love you, too.” He kisses the top of my head. “Now, let me show you off.”

  When we enter the restaurant, he takes my hand, squeezing it when he notices I’m trembling and offers some reassurance with a smile. I walk along behind him, wondering if I can hide here for the night.

  What is wrong with me? I meet people all the time. Why has this got me so worked up?

  Before I can answer my thoughts, he stops and places his hand on the small of my back. Two people stare back at us. One with fire engine red hair, freckles spotted across her nose, and curves I could only dream of. And the other is—well—just like Alex, except his hair is fairer, his eyes are more on the hazel side, and his nose looks like someone has broken it before, but they’re definitely brothers. I can’t deny that. Around the same height, both with a sharp jawline, and shoulders made for lifting heavy things and their swooning women.

  Jeez, that’s a great gene pool.

  “Owen. Charlotte. This is Mandy.”

  I compose myself before Charlotte catches me gawking at her husband.

  “Hi,” I say, a little louder than I expected.

  Owen reaches out his hand and I take it. “It’s great to meet you, Mandy. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’ve never seen this guy smile so much, which is a change.”

  “Shut it,” Alex barks, but I push into his side playfully.

  I make him smile, and it makes me giddy.

  “It’s lovely to meet you, Charlotte.” I offer to shake her hand too and hope she doesn’t actually bite it off, but she pulls me into one of the warmest hugs I’ve ever received.

  “My goodness, he told me you were beautiful, but you really, really are. I haven’t seen him this way about a girl since we were teenagers.”

  I blush as she holds my upper arms. I look at Alex and he lifts one shoulder. He’s not even slightly embarrassed.

  He pulls out my chair for me to sit. Owen informs us their father, sister, and Ava are on the way.

  “I did
n’t realize you all knew each other so long.”

  “Oh yeah,” Alex drawls. “Owen is only eleven months older than me, and Charlotte here has been climbing in our window since she was ten. We can’t get rid of her now. She’s married to one of us.”

  I don’t know whether to laugh at the teasing, but when Owen’s shoulders begin to shake, I can’t help it. Charlotte slaps his thigh and throws a glare at Alex.

  “Oh please, you love me.” She takes a sip from her glass. “Honey, you’ll get used to these two. When they’re around each other, it’s like they never matured past the age of fourteen.”

  I laugh and start feeling a little more comfortable in my skin.

  Catching sight of something, Alex releases his grip on my hand, stands up, and his face lights up in the most beautiful grin.

  “Incoming. Here comes the only person you really have to impress.”

  Before I can follow his gaze, a small body comes running into his arms.

  “Uncle Alex,” she squeals, burying her face in his neck. Long black curls cover the rest of her face.

  Ah, Ava.

  Seeing how bright his eyes have become makes my heart swell in my chest and I’m smiling so wide, I think my face will crack.

  I stand.

  “Ava, I would like you to meet Mandy.”

  When she raises her head, a pink blush tints her cheeks, and warm brown pools connect with mine. She’s smiling, but I swear she looks me over, head to toe. I’m pretty sure I’ve become the woman trying to steal her uncle. Alex is looking at her with so much pride. I think I can see him melting right here in front of me.

  “Mandy,” he continues, “This is the other special lady in my life.”

  Ava’s gaze darts from me to Alex and back again. Her entire face beams, perfect little white teeth as she giggles, and another blush speckles her face.

  I know the feeling, kid.

  “Hey, Ava.” I smile my best teacher smile. “It’s so lovely to meet you. In person,” I finish.