FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  “Hailey?”

  I saw her sitting on the couch with her knees up to her chest. As I walked closer, I noticed the glass coffee table was filled with drug paraphernalia. She looked up at me with blood dripping from her nose and her eye was swollen.

  “Did Marcus do this to you?” I asked calmly as I sat down next to her.

  She nodded her head and then began to cry. Liam went into the bathroom, grabbed a washcloth and handed it to me.

  “What happened, Hailey?” I gently wiped the blood from her nose.

  “We got into a huge fight.”

  “Where is he now?” I asked in anger.

  “I don’t know.” She continued to cry. “He took off. I’m so scared of him. I thought he was going to kill me.”

  I pulled her into me to comfort her. “You can’t stay here.”

  “I can’t tell my mom and dad. Please, Collin.”

  I sighed. I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing or not. I looked up at Liam as he slowly shook his head.

  “You’re staying with me and Amelia tonight and I’m calling the police.”

  Her head shot up and a look of terror swept over her face. “No police. He’ll kill me, Collin.”

  I placed my hands firmly on her shoulders, gripping them tightly. “Listen to me, Hailey. This ends tonight. I know he’s been hurting you and I know you’re hooked on drugs. If you want my help, you’re going to do exactly as I say. We’re going to my place, I’m calling the police, and you’re going to press charges against him. Tomorrow morning, you’re going to call your parents and then you’re checking yourself into a treatment center to get help. You called me because you want me to help you. So this is me helping you.”

  “I’m scared.”

  I pulled her into me. “There’s nothing to be scared of. You have a lot of people who love you and are going to support you. You need to get your life back on track, Hailey. If you don’t, I can’t help you.”

  She nodded her head and I helped her up from the couch. “Go pack a bag and let’s get out of here before he comes back.”

  She walked to the bedroom and I turned and looked at Liam.

  “What’s Amelia going to say about this?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. I guess I’ll find out right now.” I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed her.

  “Hey, baby,” she answered. “I just got home. I’m surprised you aren’t home yet.”

  “I need to talk to you about something.”

  “God, what happened, Collin? I can hear it in your voice.”

  “I’m bringing Hailey home with me and she’s going to stay in the guest room tonight. She’s in bad shape and I need you to look at her.”

  “What happened?”

  “She and Marcus got into a fight and he beat her.”

  “Oh my God. When will you be here?”

  “About twenty minutes. I’ll explain the rest later.”

  “Okay. I love you.”

  “I love you too and thank you.”

  I ended the call and placed my phone back in my pocket.

  “Boy, you better thank your lucky stars Amelia is such a wonderful and caring woman. I don’t know too many women who would be willing to take in their husband’s ex-girlfriend.”

  I gave him a small smile. “She’s the most incredible woman in the world.”

  Hailey came out with her bag and I took it from her. We climbed in Liam’s car and he drove us back to the bar so I could get my Range Rover. I helped Hailey in and then gave Liam a light hug.

  “Thanks, bro, for everything.”

  “No problem, man. Call me and let me know how she’s doing.”

  When we arrived home, Amelia came from the direction of the kitchen and stopped when she saw Hailey.

  “Come here,” she said as she walked over and wrapped her arm around her shoulder and led her to the couch. “I’m going to get some ice for your eye.”

  “I’ll get it, baby. Just sit with her.”

  I went into the kitchen and wrapped some ice in a towel and handed it to Amelia. She gently placed it over Hailey’s eye, and she flinched.

  “It’s okay, Hailey. Just relax. When and what type of drug did you last use?”

  Hailey looked at her and then at me. I could tell she didn’t want to answer her.

  “It’s important you tell me.”

  “I did some coke about two hours ago,” she replied.

  “Okay. Hold this over your eye. I’ll be right back. Collin, follow me, please.”

  I followed her into the kitchen as she placed her hands on the counter. “She’s going to start going through withdrawal in about five hours, maybe sooner. What are you planning to do with her?” she asked.

  “First thing tomorrow, I’m calling the police, and then she’s checking into a rehab center.”

  “You need to tell her parents.”

  “She’s going to tomorrow. Right now, she just needs to sleep this night off.” I wrapped my arms around my wife and hugged her tight. “Thank you for this.”

  “No problem. She needs help really bad and I think you’re the only person that can convince her to get it.”

  * * *

  Amelia and I didn’t get much sleep. A thousand things were going through my mind and I couldn’t shut my brain down. Not only was I dealing with Julia’s situation, I was now dealing with Hailey’s.

  I climbed out of bed around six a.m. and went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Amelia wasn’t too far behind as she joined me in the kitchen. Around seven a.m., Hailey walked in and Amelia poured her a cup of coffee.

  “How are you feeling?” she asked her.

  “Like I’ve been hit by a train.” She took the coffee cup and sat down at the table. “Listen, I’m so sorry to involve both of you in this. I didn’t know who else to call.”

  I sat down next to her and placed my hand on hers. “I’m glad you did call. You need help, Hailey, and you can’t deny that. He could have killed you.”

  “I know.” Tears sprang to her eyes.

  “I’m going to call the police now and then you need to call your parents. They have to know what happened.”

  “I can’t, Collin. Can you call them for me? I’ll fall apart and I’m not feeling real good right now.” She was shaking.

  “Fine. I’ll call Peyton and tell her what happened.”

  I walked out of the kitchen and to my bedroom. Picking my phone up from the nightstand, I dialed Peyton.

  “Good morning, Mr. Black,” Peyton answered.

  “Good morning, Peyton.”

  “I’m a little worried that you’re calling me so early. What happened?”

  “Can you and Henry come by my place as soon as possible? Hailey’s here and she needs you.”

  “What the fuck happened to her?”

  “She and Marcus got into a fight and he hit her.”

  “WHAT?!” she yelled. “We’re on our way.” Click.

  I dialed the police and told them what happened. They were sending out two police officers right away.

  Before long, there was a knock at the door, and when I opened it, Peyton and Henry stormed in.

  “Where is she?” Henry asked calmly.

  “In the living room.”

  They walked in and the minute Hailey saw them, she broke down and sobbed along with Peyton. It was heartbreaking to watch as Amelia and I stepped out of the room to give them some privacy. A few moments later, two police officers showed up and took Hailey’s statement.

  My phone rang and I grabbed it from the kitchen counter to see that my dad was calling.

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Hi, son. Your mom and I are going to visit Julia in about an hour. Do you and Amelia want to ride with us?”

  “Sorry, Dad. We can’t right now. We sort of have a situation.”

  “What situation?”

  I explained to him what happened and before I knew it, he and my mom came racing into the apartment. The police officers left, and
Peyton helped Hailey into the shower. Henry walked over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder.

  “Thank you, Collin, for helping my little girl last night. Considering your history together, that was very nice of you to still want to help her.”

  I gave him a small smile. “You just can’t throw away years of history because things didn’t work out. Where is she going?”

  “We’re taking her to the Odyssey House. A friend of mine is the director there and I just called him. He’s getting her room ready as we speak.”

  Hailey and Peyton walked back into the room and it was time to say goodbye. She looked at me and the sadness in her eyes made my heart ache. I walked over to her and took both of her hands in mine.

  “You can do this, Hailey. You’re better than the drugs. It’s time to get your life back.”

  “I know. Thank you again for not turning your back on me.”

  “I’ll come visit you,” I said as I hugged her.

  “You better because, right now, you’re the only friend I have.”

  “That’s not true,” Amelia spoke as she walked over to her. “I’m your friend too and you have our full support. You can call us at any time.” Amelia hugged her.

  “Thanks, Amelia. Are you ready, Mom? Dad?” She took in a deep breath.

  Peyton patted my shoulder as they walked out the door. Once it closed, my mom walked over and hugged me.

  “Thank you, my sweet boy. You’re an amazing man.”

  “I know I am, Mom. I have the genes of two amazing parents.” I smiled as I kissed her head.

  Chapter 31

  Connor

  It was three days since Julia had been hospitalized and, depending on her bloodwork, she was scheduled to go home tomorrow. Jake’s parents took Brayden for a few days so Jake could spend his time with Julia. I called every family member I knew, and no one was too keen on getting tested to see if they were a match for Julia. I was furious and I let my mother know it as she was in the room visiting Julia with us. While we were all talking, the doctor walked in with a smile on his face.

  “I have good news for you, Julia. We found you a donor.”

  “What?!” she asked in excitement. “How so fast?”

  Happiness overtook me when I heard the doctor speak those words but also an uneasiness washed over me because it had happened so quickly.

  “Someone came forward with the same blood type as you and asked to be tested. Once all the tests were completed, she turned out to be a viable donor and she’s agreed to donate one of her kidneys to you.”

  “Who is she?” Julia asked.

  “I can arrange a meeting with her if you’d like.”

  “Yes. Please. I want to thank her for helping me.”

  “Okay, Julia. I’ll arrange it. Depending on your bloodwork tomorrow, you will probably be able to go home and, once you meet your donor, I can go ahead and schedule the operation within the next couple of weeks.”

  “Thank you. I can’t believe it.”

  “There still are some kind people in this world.” He smiled as he walked out of the room.

  Ellery had tears running down her face as she hugged Julia. This was the best news we’d gotten in a long time and it finally seemed like things were coming together. We left the hospital so Jake and Julia could celebrate in private and met Collin and Amelia at Per Se for dinner. He was overjoyed with the news, but he had the same concern I did. Ellery and Amelia excused themselves to the restroom, which gave me and my son a chance to talk in private.

  “Who do you think is helping Julia?” he asked.

  “I don’t know, son. I’m a little concerned myself.”

  “I’m happy for her, Dad. Don’t get me wrong, but I’m a little on the fence.”

  “I am too. Maybe we’re overthinking this and she’s just a very nice woman who wants to help your sister. I have to believe that there are some helpful, loving people left in the world.”

  “Yeah. Maybe you’re right.”

  Ellery and Amelia came back and took their seats, and we enjoyed a nice dinner celebrating the good news.

  * * *

  The next morning, Ellery and I dropped by the hospital to see Julia on my way to the office. I was in an exceptionally good mood. Between the amazing sex Ellery and I had last night and a good night’s sleep, nothing could ruin the way I felt. I couldn’t wait to see Julia and kept my fingers crossed she was being released today. I lightly knocked on her hospital door before entering.

  “Come in,” she said. “Daddy, I would like you to meet the woman who’s giving me her kidney.”

  I stopped in the doorway when the woman turned around. My legs felt as heavy as lead and they would not allow me to take another step. My heart started to race, and it felt like it was getting harder to breathe.

  “Hello, Connor,” she spoke as she looked down.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Ashlyn?” I said in a stern voice.

  “Ashlyn?” Julia said with confusion in her voice.

  “Get the fuck out of my daughter’s room NOW!” I yelled.

  I lunged towards her and Ellery grabbed my arm. “Connor, stop. Not here.”

  This was nothing but a nightmare and I needed someone to pinch me to wake me up. Anger rose inside of me and it was only the hold Ellery had on my arm that was stopping me from choking that bitch to death.

  “What’s going on?” Julia pleaded.

  “Connor, let me explain. Please,” Ashlyn begged. “I want to help your daughter.”

  My breathing became rapid as I stood there, unable to see anything but the woman that nearly destroyed my life and my family.

  “You aren’t going to say anything. You are to get the fuck out of here before I have you thrown out!” I yelled.

  Ashlyn put her hands up in defense. “Ellery, please calm him down. Let me explain.”

  “Connor, please. Calm down for Julia’s sake. This is a hospital that is full of very sick people.”

  I turned around so I didn’t have to look at Ashlyn to try and collect myself. The rage that was inside scared me. I could have very easily killed her right then and gone to jail and I wouldn’t have given a damn.

  “You have one minute to explain yourself,” Ellery said to her.

  “I am a match for your daughter, who needs a kidney, and I’m willing to give her one of mine as an apology for all these years. I want to help you and your family, Connor. I want to make amends.”

  I whipped myself around and Ellery grabbed my arm again. I jerked out of her grip and pointed my finger directly in Ashlyn’s face. “Make amends? You’re incapable of making amends. You’re nothing but a cold-hearted, psychotic bitch who deserved everything she got. You should still fucking be in prison as far as I’m concerned, and there’s no way in hell I’m letting them put your kidney in my daughter’s body. You are my sworn enemy and nothing you can do or say will ever make things right.”

  “I’m not that woman anymore. I’ve had years of therapy and I’ve changed. I’m married to a wonderful man and we’re very happy. I don’t want to harm you or your family. I only want to make things right.”

  I paced around the room, rubbing the back of my head, trying to calm down. But with each word she spoke, the angrier I became. There was no forgiveness here. There never could be.

  “Your husband obviously doesn’t know the real you.”

  “Yes, he does. He knows all about my past and he accepted me.”

  “Then he’s more fucked up than you are!” I scowled.

  “Daddy! Stop!” Julia began to cry. “This is my decision. This is my life, not yours. Now get out of here!”

  “Princess.” I looked at her as tears filled my eyes.

  “Daddy, I love you, but I can’t sit here and listen to you. I don’t even know who you are right now and, to be honest, I don’t like you like this.”

  My heart broke as I saw the disappointment splayed across her face. I sat down in the chair and cupped my face in my hands.
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  “Forgiveness always prevails, Daddy.”

  I looked up at my daughter and stared into her eyes. Denny. Denny’s words. Ellery didn’t say anything. She just stared at me with sadness in her eyes.

  “I can’t do this.” I got up from the chair and stormed out of the room. I heard Ellery call my name, but I didn’t stop; I just kept going. I took the stairwell down to the first floor, and when I reached the doors, I hailed a cab and had the driver drop me off in the parking garage at my apartment building. I climbed in the Range Rover and drove to the beach house.

  Chapter 32

  Connor

  I arrived at the beach house and, when I walked inside, it felt strange to be in the house by myself. I walked over to the bar and poured a scotch and took it outside on the patio. My phone kept ringing. When I looked at it, I saw that I had four missed calls from Ellery and three missed calls from Collin. Obviously, she told him what was going on. As soon as I set my phone down, a text message from Collin came through.

  “Dad, you’re freaking us all out. Where are you?”

  I did the unthinkable and turned my phone off and hid from my family. I just wanted to be left alone. Ashlyn, the memories, and the hell that bitch put me and my family through all those years ago was something I’d never forget. I never wanted that woman back in our lives, and now to find out that she, the one person I hated the most in this world and wanted dead, could save my daughter’s life was too much to fucking handle.

  I went inside and grabbed the bottle of scotch and took it down to the beach. As I sat in the sand and stared across the ocean, I started to talk to Denny.

  “If there was ever a time I needed you, old man, now is it. How the fuck am I supposed to accept something like this? You told me in your letter and to Julia that forgiveness always prevails. Maybe it does. But not in this case; not where Ashlyn is concerned. How do I look at my daughter every day, knowing that she has an organ in her that once belonged to the one person I despised the most on the face of this earth?” I brought the bottle up to my lips and tilted my head back, taking more than a small drink. “How the hell do you forgive someone who nearly destroyed you? Who nearly cost you the woman of your dreams and the love of your life? The same person who threatened my daughter when she was just a baby?” I took another drink as tears streamed down my face. “Damn you, Denny. Damn you for dying and leaving me here to face this on my own!” I took another drink and, before I knew it, the bottle was almost empty. “At least tell me something. Don’t just leave me here like this, old man.”