Never Expected Love

by S. M. Stryker

  "I brought her down here and she owes me."

  "Owes you what? A fuck or money?" The asshole is huge; he has to be at least five inches taller than me, but that doesn't make him stronger than me.

  "She said she would give me what I wanted if I brought her and her brats down here. Now she's claiming she's sick to get out of giving me what is owed."

  I slowly start edging my way down the alley just in case things take a turn. "How fucking perverse are you, forcing sex on a pregnant, sick girl."

  "Fuck you! She's the one that begged to come down here, she has to pay up."

  "Well, asshole, I hope your insurance is paid up because if you had sex with her and didn't use protection you probably have it already, because I can tell you like it rough and there is no cure. She's dying and doesn't have much time left, so I would stay the fuck away from her and pray that you get lucky."

  "Are you fucking kidding me? That fucking bitch, I'm going to..."

  "You are going to stay the fuck away from her."

  "Or what? You going to stop me?"

  "Exactly."

  He laughs at me as he takes a swing. I block him and step back. "Man, you don't want to fuck with me."

  "Like you could do anything."

  I turn to walk away, and I know what's coming. He grabs my shoulder and as I turn around, he is again starting to swing. I kick him in the groin and wrap my arm around his neck cutting off his air supply and choking off the blood from the jugular. "I told you, you didn't want to fuck with me. Now if you come anywhere near Sophia, I will come looking for you, and you will not like the outcome. Do you understand?" He tries to nod his head and lets out a low grunt as I throw him to the ground.

  I turn and walk into the restaurant and find Nicole sitting apprehensively at the table. "Are you okay? Sophia said you stopped some guy from taking her."

  I lean down and kiss her forehead. "Yes, I'm fine. He just had to learn that you don't hit women and children." I look over to Sophia, "I don't think he will be bothering you anymore."

  "Thank you, Richard, I can't believe he didn't try to hit you."

  "Oh he did, I just had to show him that he didn't want to do that again. Anyway, he shouldn't be bothering you anymore. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

  "No, I'm fine. Thank you for helping us."

  I look over at Talon, "Hey little man, that was very brave of you to help your mother like you did. You are going to grow up to be a good man, Talon. I am proud of you!"

  "Fank you, he's a mean man."

  "Are you two hungry?" I ask Talon and Skylar. Both of their heads pop up to look at me, their eyes big and full of surprise.

  "We get to eat here?" Talon asks as he looks from me to his mother.

  Sophia looks at me; I know what she is thinking. "Today we spend the day together, my treat, you need to take care of yourself for that little person you are taking care of."

  Her eyes fill with tears. "I don't know what to say."

  I glance at Nicole, she has a smile on her face and her eyes are a little glazed too. "Good, so after we eat, we'll go play some games and maybe go to the aquarium," I say with mystery in my voice. As I look at Talon and Skylar, their mouths open in ah, as if they know what an aquarium is. "So do you two know what you want to eat?"

  "Pannacakes and sausage." Skylar yells. "I wuv pannacakes and sausage."

  "How about you little man? What are you hungry for?"

  "Do day hab waffles?"

  "I'm sure they do, do you want sausage and scrambled eggs too?" Talon nods his head enthusiastically. Our server comes around and we order as Talon and Skylar color.

  "Did Nicole tell you what I plan on doing tomorrow?"

  "Yes, thank you, I don't know what to say, you don't even know me and you're treating me better than my own family. You are so good with Talon and Skylar, do you two have children?"

  I look at Nicole and a tear slips down her cheek.

  "We're not married, and no..." Nicole cuts me off.

  "...I can't have children."

  "Oh, I’m sorry, I didn't mean to..."

  "It's okay. It's just been since Richard and I have started seeing each other the realization of that loss has hit me harder."

  "You both are so good together, the way you are with each other, wow. I'm sorry, I just keep putting my foot in my mouth today."

  "Nicole and I know there is something between us, we just need to get to know each other a little more to take it to the next step, and I know it won't be very long." I look over at the shocked expression on Nicole's face, and I wink at her.

  We continue to talk as we eat. Talon is sitting by me so I help him cut his food up. I watch the love and care that Sophia is showing to Skylar, she seems to be a very good mom. Both of the children very well behaved.

  "Do you need a ride to the lawyer's office tomorrow?"

  "Where is it at? I figured I would take the bus, there has to be a stop close by his office."

  "I'll take tomorrow off, and that way I can take you and watch the children while you're in with him, so you won't have to worry about interruptions," Nicole offers.

  "Oh, I don't want you to take the day off for me, that's money out of your pocket. I'll be fine with taking the bus, really."

  "I've never taken any time off in the last fifteen years that I have worked there, it won't be a problem."

  "Okay, only if you're sure."

  "I'm sure," Nicole, says.

  We finish our food, and as we walk out of the restaurant I scan the area for the large asshole, but there is no sight of him. "Who wants to swing?" Squeals from both Talon and Skylar ring out. They both grab my hand as we walk back up the promenade to where the stairs are. "Talon, can you swing on the big swings or do we need to share with your sister." I look over my shoulder to Sophia, she isn't looking good, and she looks very tired.

  "I can swing on da big kids swing, I dun it before."

  "Why don't both of you sit here on the bench and watch while I push the kids before we leave"

  "That's a wonderful idea, Richard, thank you." Nicole kisses me on the cheek.

  I take the kids down the stairs. I put Skylar into the toddler swing showing her how to hold on, before giving her a gentle push. Then I make sure Talon is holding on tight before giving him a push.

  When the kids get tired of the swings, I take Skylar out as Talon jumps off. Skylar is tired so I carry her up the stairs. "I didn't think about getting the car seats out of the guy’s car."

  "I don't have car seats. Since I don't have a car, I take the bus most everywhere."

  "Well, we'll pick up a couple, just in case. I would feel better if they were protected," I say.

  "You know, Richard, it really is a shame."

  "What's that?"

  "That you were never a dad, you would have been a good one," Sophia says.

  "Well, I've always believed things happen for a reason. I wouldn't have been ready for children at your age anyway. There's something to say about older parents, they are more patient and a lot more secure. Anyway, we have a lot of friends that will have or do have children that will be in our life."

  We get to the car and drive to the nearest store that would have car seats. The girls go off to change Skylar’s diaper, and I have Talon as I push him in a shopping cart shaped like a car that he can drive to the baby section.

  A couple shopping carts later, I have car seats, diapers, wipes, one outfit for each of the kids a couple of soft blankets, a pair of pajamas, and the DVD of Disney's Robin Hood. I had never used the DVD player in my car, and this is a good time for it. They had a good time at the beach, now they can rest and watch a movie on the way home. I take Talon out with me to put the seats into the car. Once the seats are installed, we walk back inside to find the girls.

  We've bought some groceries and have loaded them in the car. I take the blanket that I keep in the back and hand it to Sophia just in case she gets cold. We start the drive back. It doesn't take long for all three of the
m to fall asleep in the back seat.

  Speaking quietly, Nicole says, "I can't believe everything you bought and did for them today, Richard, you are truly a wonderful man," she reaches over and takes my hand. "Did you mean what you said in the restaurant?"

  "You mean about us?"

  "Yes."

  I pick her hand up, bringing it to my lips and kiss it as I glance at her. "Every word of it, I want you to be comfortable with me. I don't want you to be afraid of me, and I know that will take time. He stole your security along with your innocence that day. I want to show you that not all men are like that."

  "I know, and I do trust you. I'm just scared of flashbacks. I don't want to be in the middle of making love to you and see his face."

  "I know, and when you're ready, we will go slowly to make sure that doesn't happen."

  "God, Richard, that will be my biggest regret, though."

  "What's that?"

  "Not being able to give you a child that you deserve to have. Watching you with Talon and Skylar today was a whole other side of you that I never thought I would see, you were so good and understanding with them. Sophia was right, you would make a great daddy, and I can't give that to you, so..."

  "You better not be saying what I think you are going to say, Nicole." I pass her a stern look. "Look, Nicole, I didn't start seeing you with the thought of babies in the back of my mind. I started seeing you for you, for who you are, and the way you make me feel when I'm with you. To be honest, until you told me your story, I hadn't even thought about children. Yes, I do love children and yes, when I was younger I did think about it, but that time has come and gone. Don't think that I am not one hundred percent satisfied with our relationship, because I am, I care a lot about you Nicole, and I don't want our inability to have a child get between us."

  "But...?"

  "There is no BUT in this conversation. If you're not happy with me, that is one thing, but I won't let you pull away because you think I would rather have a child than you." I squeeze my grip on her hand. “Nicole, if I wanted a child, I could adopt one by myself. If I were to do that, I would want to have a mother for them too.

  “I know it's hard to raise a child, especially by yourself, and to be honest, I don't know how Sophia is doing it and being ill. She deserves to have what is left of her time focusing on her babies, trying to fill their little minds with how much she loves them. Maybe she can do a video to them. They're so young, and they need to have something to let them remember her."

  "Oh God, Richard." I hear Nicole's gasp as she opens the glove box looking for a napkin or tissue. "I don't know what I would do if I were in that same situation. She's so brave. She's such a good mommy. If I ever had that opportunity, I would strive to be like her."

  "Did she tell you where she lives?"

  "No."

  I know we will have to wake Sophia up soon, but as I drive, I look back through my rearview mirror at the sleeping Talon and Skylar. I really did enjoy being with the kids today, and yes it does make me feel bad that I might not ever get that chance. I know that Nicole is special, I just never thought I would get into a relationship like this.

  "I live in Hillsboro."

  My eyes shift quickly to my rearview mirror. I thought she was asleep and now wonder what all she heard, as I glance over at Nicole. "Where in Hillsboro do you live?"

  "Some apartments by the park, I really appreciate you bringing us home and everything you have done for the kids and me."

  Sophia gives me the directions to her place; it isn't in the best part of town, although it's nice to have the park and library right there for the kids. We pull into a parking spot, and I can see Nicole is deep in thought.

  "Sophia," Nicole turned in her seat and looks at Sophia. "Do you live alone?"

  "Yes, I didn't want the children to get used to living with someone and then them leaving, so we live in a one bedroom furnished apartment. It works for us; it has a queen-sized bed that we all sleep in. It's not much, but we don't need much either."

  "I want you to know that I..." Nicole looks at me and takes my hand in hers. "We are here for you. I want you to think of us as family, the family that supports each other no matter what happens. I also want you to think about moving in with me... Now before you say anything I want you to think of something. As you get farther in your pregnancy, you are going to get more tired and it will be harder to take care of your babies. My niece lives with me, but between us and Richard we can help you with all your needs. We want to be here and help you. Please keep that in the back of your mind, okay?"

  "Okay, thank you again, both of you. You came into my life when I really needed someone."

  "We'll help you get the babies inside, you just show us the way," I say as I step out of the car. "The guy that you were with today, he doesn't have a key does he?"

  "No, I've never handed my key out, but of course he knows where I live."

  "If he stops by, please just call the police. If he treats you like that when you're pregnant, then he has no value of life. Oh, there is something I need to tell you...I kind of implied that you had a disease that was spreadable to keep him away from you." As I tell her what I told him it, I realize it sounds horrible, but I did it for all the right reason. I just didn't think about the rumors that might be spread. But knowing that kind of person, even if he did have some STD he probably wouldn't tell his partner anyway. "I'm sorry, I didn't think about the repercussions."

  "That's okay, Travis can be an ass, and he needs to be knocked down a few pegs. Really, I'm not concerned about him."

  We bundle the babies in their blankets and get them inside the apartment and into bed. On the outside the apartment is a dive with peeling paint, torn window screens hanging loosely from their frame, and cigarette butts litter the ground. Abandoned cars with missing wheels and trash are scattered around the property. The inside of Sophia’s apartment is the complete opposite. While the age and condition of the place is apparent, I can tell she has taken pride in her home. It’s clean and nicely decorated.

  "I'll call you tomorrow with the time the lawyer can meet with you and swing by and pick you up, okay?"

  "That sound great, thank you again."

  We hug each other goodbye, feeling a little uncomfortable about leaving her there, but if we hadn't met her today, she would still be living there. I know Nicole will do her best to get her to stay with her.

  Walking Nicole back to the car, I put my hand on the small of her back in a protective gesture as we walk through a crowd of people hanging out in front of the apartments on the sidewalk. None of them move out of our way until we get right to them, the smell of alcohol and weed infiltrates the air.

  Once we're in the car Nicole takes my hand in hers and looks at me. “Richard, I've never thought just how lucky I am." She looks up at me, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I just want to go get her and her babies and take her away from here. Tell me what we can do?"

  The tears start to slide down her cheeks as I reach over and wipe them away. I start the car as I contemplate her statement. "I know, honey." I rub the back of her hand with my thumb. "We are doing all we can right now. She'll let us know when she is ready. She'll talk to Ben, my lawyer, tomorrow. Hopefully, he can get some things taken care of for her. She needs to know that her children will be taken care of after she's gone and what happens in the event that she takes a turn for the worse while still pregnant. Between the both of us, she will be looked after, okay."

  "Okay. I can't believe that we just happened upon her. I can't imagine how alone she must feel, facing this on her own." Nicole's phone buzzes. She looks at it and a small smile crosses her face. "My sister Rachael and her husband Michael are going to come down for the weekend, I would love to introduce them to you. Do you mind?"

  "No, not at all, I would love to meet the rest of your family."

  "Oh, shoot, I need to call my manager to let him know that I won't be in tomorrow. I hope he doesn't get to mad."

  "How often do yo
u miss work?"

  "I don't, I think the last time was when Harlow moved down, and I helped get her into school so she could finish here after the Brad incident."

  "Are you kidding me? You think he might be mad. If he is, he's fucking crazy."

  "I try to stay on his good side, a couple years ago he asked me out, and I told him that I didn't think it would be a good idea, and he got so mad. Then every chance he had he would call me into his office with a stupid complaint. So I try to stay clear of him."

  "You let me know if he starts to harass you again, that's uncalled for. You are an employee, not a slave." I can't believe the audacity of this guy, who does he think he is? I would definitely like to teach him a lesson or two. I pull into her driveway and walk her to the house. Not knowing if Harlow is home, I suggest I look through the house just for my peace of mind. Harlow's door is closed, and she's probably asleep. Owning a bakery isn't conducive to getting a good night of sleep. She walks me back to the front door. "Thank you for going with me today," I say.

  "Thank you for asking me, Richard. Even with everything that happened today, I had a really nice time. Thank you for everything you did today. That was beyond thoughtful of you."

  I lean down and whisper, "No thanks needed, she needed our help." I bring my lips to hers and whisper, "I've wanted to do this all day long." She runs her tongue over my bottom lip before she bites it and draws it into her mouth sucking it. A deep moan escapes the back of my throat, and my gentle kiss goodbye turns ravenous.