by Zoe Dawson
Jackie could handle the kitchen for a few days because I had planned the menu, so I wasn’t worried. I needed to return my producer’s call. We had filmed several shows, but she wanted to talk about the upcoming holidays and what I might like to do.
I parked the bike, went into the house, took a shower and went off to Outlaws.
Four days and River would be home.
There was nothing to hold me back.
#
Two days after Creed started the setting he called me with the measurements. I drove to Lafayette and bought everything he needed. Then I drove back to Petite Libellule and delivered it. He handed me the piece he’d done for Henry, and I drove straight over to Boone’s house.
Verity answered the door. “Brax. Come on in.”
“Where’s Henry?”
“He’s in his room. He’s been grounded since his little stunt at the Aquarium, and that’s hard for him and for Bonkers.”
“You’re not going to make him stay home from The Founders’ Day Festival, are you?”
“No that would be too cruel,” she said. She eyed the wrapped package in my hand. “Surely gifts are not in order since he scared the hell out of us?”
“Aw, Verity, lighten up. He’s a boy and an Outlaw. So you’ve got your hands full. You knew that going in.”
She swiped her hair behind her ears. “Yes, I did. With two new babies coming into the world soon, I’d say our family is fast becoming a double handful.”
“Can I give this to him? He saved my relationship with River.”
“Really? Oh, Braxton, that’s wonderful.” She threw out her hand. “Go ahead.”
I walked down the hall and knocked. A bored and put-upon little boy voice said, “Come in.” When he saw me, a grin spread across his face. Bonkers yipped and ran to me. I crouched down and rubbed his silky ears. He barked some more and I laughed. “I’m happy to see you too, little buddy.
“Hey, Uncle Braxton! Thanks for sending me those sea turtle YouTube videos. I’ve been really bored because V-Mom won’t let me go outside.”
“Yeah, I figured. I’ve been grounded a time or two.”
“What is that?” he asked noticing the package under my arm.
“This is for you. I had one of your cool cousins make it for you. You made me think about something that happened to me when I was a little younger than you are, and that helped me understand something that has been bothering me a lot and pretty much saved my life.”
“And you saved mine. That makes us twins!”
I ruffled his hair. “Kid, I’d rather not do that again.”
“Yes, sir,” he said with an enthusiastic nod.
I handed him the package and he ripped at the paper. “Oh, boy! This is amazing. Awesome!” He leapt to his feet, eyes tracking to the door while he held up the metal sea turtle wall hanging Creed had done. It was incredibly detailed, right down to the look in its ancient eyes. My cousin was something.
I looked over my shoulder to see Verity standing in the doorway. “I’ll get your dad to hang that up when he gets home.”
Two days later Creed called early to tell me the framework was done. I was already out of bed, because I could hardly wait until River got home. I was just going over my surprise with Jackie for my dinner tonight with River. I was telling her my plans to close Outlaws and make her something special when I heard a banging on the door.
While I walked to the front door I spied Jake on the porch, and he looked completely freaked out and angry as hell. Had something happened with his daddy? As soon as the door opened, he shoved me and shouted, “You got my sister pregnant, and now you’re jerking her around about marriage. You son of a bitch!”
My back hit the wall and I just stared at him, his words slowly registering in my shocked and rattled brain. My knees gave out—completely buckled—and I slid down the wall and landed in a heap on the floor.
“What?” I said. “What did you just say?”
“I just intercepted a call from Doc Rust! At least my parents don’t know, or my daddy would be over here demanding answers and my momma would be toting a shotgun and planning a wedding.”
“River’s pregnant?”
“You didn’t know?” Jake scrubbed his face irritably. “It looks like she’s the one who has some explaining to do. My parents are going to freak.”
“No, they won’t. Or actually they didn’t, when I told them a few minutes ago,” River said from the doorway.
This wasn’t exactly the romantic homecoming I had planned. An ache spread out from my tight chest all the way down to the soles of my feet.
“And I do have some explaining to do,” River added. “So, Jake, would you please get the hell out of here and leave us alone?”
She was back…and I was going to be a daddy. What the fuck!
Chapter Seven
RIVER PEARL
Before I left for the airport, I called and asked if Verity and Aubree could pick me up. They agreed, gushing about The Huckleberry Café and filling me in on how my knee-melting, tough-as-nails Outlaw dived into a shark-infested pool to save Henry.
My Braxton, a hero. No surprise to me. It brought back the day he put himself in harm’s way to save me and Chase, that horrible day in the bayou when my cousin Earl had tried to murder us all.
I should have talked to him and not let this get out of hand. I should have told him right away that I was pregnant. What was I thinking? Brax would have stood by me because he loved me, not because he felt obligated; and if he offered me marriage, it would be because that’s what he wanted. I was such a fool. It was past time to go home.
I left New York City behind, ready and willing to get back to Braxton to work out this thing between us. I knew what I had to do before I saw him. It was imperative that I do it on my own, because I needed to stand up for my own actions. Actions I was not ashamed to own.
Everything I needed was back in Suttontowne, in a shabby-chic house on the bayou and a man I simply couldn’t live without.
The flight felt interminable. Now I was ready to come clean and work on some difficult things with Braxton, I wanted to get home.
The girls were there, and it wasn’t long before we were on the road. “Thanks for coming to get me.”
“We’re so happy you’re back and sorry that you missed the action.”
“I am too,” my voice was soft. “I want to talk to you guys.”
“What about?”
“I guess there’s no other way to say this. I’m pregnant.”
“Oh, my God. That’s amazing. Did you want to be pregnant?” Aubree said.
“It wasn’t in my plans. Of course I want to have children with Braxton, but this complicates everything.”
“You haven’t told him.”
“No, everything was so complicated with us, but now I’m not scared anymore. I’m pregnant, and I’m pretty damned happy about it. I love him so much.”
“He’ll be an awesome daddy. The way he handles Duel and Henry, it melts my heart.”
“I’m not going straight home. I’ve decided to deal with my parents first. Would it mess up your day if you wait for me while I tell them?”
“No. We’re so proud that you’re not afraid to own this, River Pearl.”
Two hours later we pulled into the drive that led up to Majestueux, my family estate. The sight of the big gates, the allée or alley of ancient, moss-draped live oaks, the beautiful plantation house, the trappings of the old South and a proud heritage now left me with mixed emotions: the feeling that it had once been my home and sadness to know that my ancestor had caused so much suffering and pain. I realized suddenly that not only did I not want to live here anymore; I would never return. I was confident that my life was waiting for me with Braxton, wherever our journey took us.
As soon as we hit the steps, I saw that Uncle Win and Evie were there. Perfect. I could get this done in one fell swoop.
“Good luck,” my friends said as I hurried out of the car and up the p
orch steps. I opened the door and called out, “Anyone home?”
“We’re in the sitting room, darling,” my momma said.
Taking a deep breath, my resolve firmly in place, I walked into the room, hugged everyone in turn, and sat down on the sofa across from Uncle Win and Evie. She smiled at me, and I gave her a smile back. She looked at me like she could see something was up. She put her hand on my uncle’s arm, and when he looked at her, she used her chin to indicate me. Before I could even utter a word, Evie rose and switched sofas. She settled next to me and Uncle Win smiled, bolstering me.
“Would you like a cocktail, sugar pie?” my daddy said.
“No, thank you. I shouldn’t drink in my condition.”
Evie stiffened next to me and she said. “Oh, my God. More babies.”
My momma turned to look at me, her eyes questioning. “Your condition? Oh, Lord, Jim.”
He went to her and slipped his arm around her waist. “But you’re not married,” he said. “River how could you do this? As if we haven’t fallen far enough from grace.”
“I didn’t do it on purpose. It was an accident. Brax and I have been careful. But no birth control is foolproof.”
“He’s going to do right by you, then, and marry you.”
I took a deep breath and glanced at Evie. I could see her frowning, and was sure she couldn’t understand where Brax was and why he wasn’t here to support me.
“I don’t know. We’re talking about it.”
“What!” My daddy exploded. “Why doesn’t he want to marry my daughter? You are as sweet as an angel. Why, any man would be honored to have you.”
“Oh, Jim, just hush your mouth,” my momma said and broke away from him. “She’s carrying our grandchild.” That seemed to stun my daddy in submission and speechlessness.
My momma rushed over and pulled me up. She cupped my face. “My baby. I can’t believe this, and I’m so happy for you. That man will do right by you, I have no doubt. As for why he isn’t here, I’m sure you have your reasons. I’m so proud of you for telling us this news, even though your future is a bit hazy, instead of hiding it. You really have grown up.”
I threw my arms around her neck while she hugged me close. “Thank you, Momma.”
She let me go. “Now Jim, you come over here and give her a big hug. We will support our daughter, and I don’t give a damn what those busybodies in Suttontowne think. Braxton has always been honorable to River Pearl and this family. Why, he plumb saved us.”
With a sheepish look my father came over and hugged me. “I’m happy for you, baby, and if you need us, you just holler. We are always here for you.”
“We are, too,” Evie said hugging me close. “He will do right by you,” she whispered in my ear before letting me go.
“No pressure,” I said, and she shook her head while my Uncle Win hugged me, too.
“Where’s Jake?”
“He got a phone call and high-tailed it out of here like he was on fire.”
I was disappointed. I had wanted to tell everyone in one sitting. Oh, well, he would have to wait.
Finally, I was able to leave, telling them Brax and I would be there for our weekly Sunday meal. That would be interesting, I thought, as I stepped off the porch and got back into the car.
“How did it go?” Aubree asked.
I smiled. “Surprisingly well.”
“Awesome,” Verity said as she put the car in gear and we headed home. I might be determined to work everything out, but that didn’t mean my palms weren’t sweaty and my stomach wasn’t in knots. I had promised not to hurt Braxton. I never meant to. Hopefully he would hear me out and would understand.
This was our final battle, and it would be a doozy. We would either weather it or we wouldn’t. But my money was on Brax.
As we got close to home, my cell rang, and when I answered, Doc Rust said, “Miss Sutton, I need to tell you that my receptionist called the wrong number to remind you of your appointment, and she got your brother, and he now knows you’re pregnant. I’m so sorry for the mixup.”
That’s why Jake had left the house like his tail was on fire.
“Aubree, step on it.” Anger ignited me. This was my news to tell, and I could just wring my brother’s neck for jumping the gun. Overprotective jerk!
When I pulled up, the front door was open. “Do you want us to stay?”
“No, I need to talk to Brax alone. I just have to get rid of my brother.”
I got out of the car with my suitcase and hurried toward the house. As I entered, I found Brax sitting on the floor with a shell-shocked look on his face and Jake looming over him.
“What?” Brax said. “What did you just say?”
“I just intercepted a call from Doc Rust! At least my parents don’t know, or my daddy would be over here demanding answers, and my momma would be toting a shotgun and planning a wedding.”
“River’s pregnant?” I heard Brax say, his voice gruff and shaky.
“You didn’t know?” Jake ran his hands over his face. “It looks like she’s the one who has some explaining to do. My parents are going to freak.”
“No. They won’t. Or actually they didn’t, when I told them a few minutes ago,” I said from the doorway. It wasn’t the homecoming I’d envisioned. An ache spread out from my tight chest and engulfed me. “And I do have some explaining to do. So, Jake, would you please get the hell out of here and leave us alone?”
“River. What the hell is going on? How could you keep this news to yourself! Brax—”
“Jake, zip it and go. Now,” I said. “Brax and I need to talk, and you’re doing the opposite of helping.”
His mouth tightened. “Well, congratulations. I’m so happy I’m going to be an uncle.”
“Good. Now get out.”
Brax looked up at me with such an open, vulnerable expression on his face, his eyes full of question.
“River…is it true?”
“Yes. It’s true.”
“Why? Why didn’t you tell me? How long?”
“I only found out a week ago. I’m so sorry. Please let me explain.”
He got up off the floor and walked out the front door. He was leaving? For a moment I couldn’t believe it. I went out the door, looking for him, and saw him disappear around the side of the house. I raced down the porch steps and ran to the edge of the porch. He was halfway across the yard, his strides long.
“Braxton! Don’t you dare run away from me!”
He didn’t stop. I took off and started running. He plowed through some mud that only got deeper as he kept walking, splashing his jeans and caking his boots. It was like running in quicksand, and I was frantic to stop him. I bent down and grabbed a handful of warm mud as it squished between my fingers and flung it at his retreating back.
It hit him right on the back of the neck with a satisfying splat.
He hunched his shoulders on impact and spun around, and when I saw the look on his face. I backed up. Oh, shit. Don’t prod a bear. But it was too late. He was moving fast now, on a collision course with me. I turned and bolted, but the mud was just too slippery. I fell facedown and got a nice mud pie facial.
“Ugh,” I said, but didn’t even have time to turn over. I felt him grab my shoulder and he flipped me over. Then Brax leaned over me and hit me right in the face with a wad of mud. After I cleared my nose and eyes, I used my foot to sweep his legs out from under him, and then we were rolling around, wrestling in the mud like a couple of crazy people. I was trying to shove mud down his pants while he was trying to shove it up under my T-shirt.
“Hey!” A male voice shouted above us and we froze, then turned our heads. His cousin Creed stood on the lawn, far enough away to avoid the soggy, wet ground.
“I brought this,” he said, holding up a small box. “When you two are finished mud wrestling or whatever it is you’re doing, you’ll find it on the counter in the kitchen.”
Creed walked away, and a few minutes later we heard his car drive down
the road.
There was a choked, muffled sound somewhere above me, and I turned back to look up at Braxton. He was on top of me still, bracing his hands on the slippery ground to keep his weight off me. He was covered from head to toe in mud. So was I.
My voice just barely above a whisper, I collected myself and said, “Braxton, my beloved, my hero, the father of my child. Will you marry me?”
He went rigid, like he was trying to fight something impossible to hold back. Then he sat back on his heels and I struggled to my knees, my heart aching for what I had done.
“Oh, God, Brax don’t,” I whispered, dragging him against me, heedless of the mud and gunk all over him. “I love you. I love you,” I said over and over. “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to propose marriage to me because I was pregnant. Especially after I found out you took the ring back. I didn’t want you to feel obligated to marry me because of the pregnancy. I didn’t want you that way, and I didn’t want you to think I was manipulating you.”
He covered his face and rubbed at his eyes.
“But then I realized that it didn’t matter, the ring, the marriage proposal, any of it. It was about us and would always be about you and me and how much we love each other. We’re together forever in everything. So to hell with timelines and other people expectations. We’ll just do it our way and that is all we have ever needed.” I pushed his mud-caked hair out of his eyes. “Ever.”
I rose shakily and tugged him to his feet. “Come here,” I said, and he followed. I went directly to the hose and turned it on. He gasped when I held the icy stream over his head, washing away most of the mud, leaving only his broken expression and his teary eyes.
A horrible feeling unfolded in me, leaving me emotionally suspended.
Brax blinked rapidly while I stood there with cold water running down my dirty, streaked legs.
Brax dropped his hand, his face carved by strain, his eyes shadowed with an emotion that went far beyond words. I never gave him a chance to speak. “We can get past this, right, Brax?”
