by Tia Siren
Alex looked at the relief in my face skeptically and asked, “What are you saying, Kellan?”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box. It was something that I had impulsively chosen on my way back to the office the previous afternoon. At first, I hadn’t been sure if I was actually going to use it, but the longer I carried it around, the surer I was about it. I opened the box and showed Alex the diamond ring inside.
“I’m saying that I want to marry your daughter and raise my son with her. Please, let me show you that I can be the man she deserves.”
He looked at me like I had grown several heads and he wanted to punch each and every one of them. Then, as the elevator came to a stop and I continued to stand between him the only available exit, Alex closed his hand into a fist and settled for punching the only head I owned.
The punch was strong enough to send me thumbing down the building’s elegant foyer. I could feel my skin heating and swelling, and I could only imagine the massive bruise I would have by this time tomorrow. Still, I didn’t blame Alex. If it had been my daughter, I would have done the exact same thing.
“Are you alright? Do you want me to call the cops?” A young guard asked me, but my eyes stayed focused on the man I still considered my best friend.
I shook my head and pushed the boy away. Ignoring the stares of the strangers and workers around us, I watched Alex shake his hand as he walked away from me.
With a sore eye and a heart that felt both heavier and lighter, I headed back up to our agency completely conflicted. On the one hand, it felt amazing to have everything out in the open and my intentions for my future with Amelia clear. On the other, I knew I had broken something between Alex and me that would never be fully repaired. I couldn’t help but worry about how things would be between us from now on, but once I reached my office and saw Amelia waiting for me with a cup of scotch, all of my worries faded away.
She frowned at the shiner on my face and went to get some ice from the mini fridge. “I guess I was wrong about him not hurting you.”
“Yep,” I groaned taking a seat on the couch.
Amelia sat beside me and nudged me until I laid back and rested my head on her lap. “He’ll come around,” she whispered placing a baggy filled with ice on my eye.
“And if he doesn’t?” I asked, looking up at her. “Then I’ve lost my best friend for what?”
“For the baby and me,” she deadpanned.
I smiled at her and kissed her belly before closing my eyes. I don’t know how long it took me to doze off, but before I knew it, I was dreaming of my mother and brother. For the first time in a long time, it was a happy dream.
A light buzzing on my hip woke me up. Still a little groggy, I scrambled to pull the device out of my pocket and answered the call with what I assumed was a proper greeting.
“You hurt Amelia again, and I’ll have your dick,” Alex spoke from the other end. Instantly I sat up straight. “And you better use that ring and marry her, Kellan. I swear to God, I’ll have your head if you make my grandson grow up without a name.”
My lips settled in a ghost of a smile as I looked at Amelia working at my desk. She winked at me as I used with every ounce of honesty I could muster to reply, “I will and you have my word that I’ll never break her heart again.”
Chapter Eleven
Amelia
I checked my phone for the millionth time since Kellan left home that morning and was annoyed to see that I had no calls or texts from him. I knew he and my father were super busy getting ready for the fashion show later today, but his unusual lack of contact made me super worried. Not wanting to be the needy girlfriend, I fought the urge to call him and walked to our walk-in closet to pick out my shoes.
After a month of family dinners and long conversations about the future, my parents had finally forgiven Kellan and, as it turned out, dad was actually euphoric about adding his best friend to the family. With me nearing my final trimester, Kellan and I had decided that it would be best for me to move in with him. There was just no point in setting up two nurseries when we were in love and so freaking happy together.
It was sometimes hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I had gotten everything I had ever dreamt of having. I had a Harvard degree, an incredible job, and Kellan’s love. In addition to that, I also had a few things I had never imagined having, such as the interest of the entire fashion community.
As much as I’d like to say that their interest was due to my job or even my sharp sense of style, it wasn’t. All they cared about was how a girl like had landed fashion’s most infamous womanizer. The blogosphere buzzed with gossip regarding us, but I was too preoccupied being happy to worry about what people babbled about me. With that being said, I definitely wanted to look beautiful for our first public outing at the show tonight.
I squeezed my swollen feet into a gorgeous pair of red Louboutin pumps and looked at myself in our walk-in closet’s full-length mirror. A smile curled on my red lips at the edgy and yet pregnancy appropriate look I had put together. Beneath a white motorcycle jacket, I wore a simple and fitted knee-length, black dress that flaunted my new curves and some bold jewelry that complimented it well. The look was tied together by beach waves, a sharp winged eyeliner and a golden clutch.
Satisfied with my appearance and already five minutes late, I called my driver and made my way out of the apartment. Once I was sitting at the back of the car and on my way to the venue, I tried Kellan again. After a few rings, he finally answered the call.
“Hello, love.” I could barely make out his voice over the commotion, but I still relaxed instantly.
“Hi!” I purred. “I was starting to worry.”
“I’m sorry,” he responded. “I’ve been really busy with work today. I planned to go home and change, but I ended up doing it at the office to save time. Are you on the way?”
I nodded even though I knew he couldn’t see me. “I am. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Perfect!” he exclaimed and then asked me about my day. We talked for a little bit before I finally hung up.
For the remainder of the ride, I checked my social media and fussed with my hair and makeup. As vain as it may sound, I wanted to look perfect and sexy for Kellan. After keeping me on edge all over his whereabouts, it was his time to suffer—and maybe, have a little flashback of the fashion show in which little Ben was conceived. I giggled at the idea.
After twenty or so minutes, the car stopped in front of an old church. As I stepped out of the vehicle, I admired its intricate marble detail and stained windows. It was truly a beautiful and perfect place for a bridal fashion show.
“There’s my beautiful girlfriend,” Kellan called from the crowd. I turned in his direction and, as per usual, he was dressed to the nines in a crisp white button down with the top few buttons undone to expose his tame chest hair, a pair of khaki pants with the hems rolled just a few inches, and a pair of tan Oxford’s. I would have jumped him then and there if the law permitted.
“Am I overdressed?” I asked after kissing his lips.
“Definitely, you should have way fewer clothes on. No clothes would be even better,” he stated in a serious tone that made me roll my eyes and laugh.
Happy Kellan was always my favorite Kellan, and I could tell that despite the unusual nervousness in his eyes he hadn’t been this happy in a long time. He winked at me and guided me down the carpet where we stopped for a few photographs before making our way inside the venue.
The inside of the church was just as magnificent as the outside. Adding to its architectural beauty, were tons gorgeous fresh flowers, candles and white silk banners that had been carefully placed to create one of the most—if not the most—romantic setting I had ever set foot in. I was instantly enamored with it.
I was so distracted by the beautiful serenity around me that I only noticed we were at our seats when my parents stood to greet me. It was strange to see them actually attend a show since they
always either stayed backstage or at the bar, but that was fun to have them there and share the gorgeousness of the place with my mom.
As we waited for the show to begin, the four of us talked—mostly about the baby and our progress with the nursery—and I was amazed at how excited mom and dad were about everything. My mother even clapped her hands when we told them we had chosen a safari theme for Ben’s room. By the time the lights dimmed announcing the start of the show my heart was so full of love, I wondered how it was still able to pump blood.
I had never known I cared so much about wedding dresses until the first model walked down the catwalk. I was entranced by the sea of white and pastel lace with the gems and sparkles dancing in the spotlights. My heart pounded as I admired the details in each dress and veil. I was acutely aware that Kellan’s eyes were focused on me as I gawked at the gowns, and though I didn’t want to scare him or make him feel pressured in any way, I just couldn’t peel my eyes from them or stop dreaming about wearing one of those beauties myself.
One particular dress made my eyes tear up. It was a traditional dress with long sleeves made of sheer fabric with lace trims. The bust was cut in a deep v shape with a crisp white material lining panels of delicate lace that faded onto a long tulle skirt. The dress looked regal and perfect and, at that moment, I decided that one day I would wear it.
In the blink of an eye, the show ended, and I stood to clap along with the rest of the crowd as the designer came down the runway. Confusion lined my forehead when Kellan kissed the back of my hand before joining the designer on stage.
I turned to look at my parents, but they only shrugged with ridiculous looking grins on their faces. I glanced over at Kellan and saw he had a microphone in his hand. He motioned for people to seat back down and they did.
He looked sexy and confident as he started, “As you all know, I got myself a girlfriend, which is odd considering . . . well, me.” The people around us chuckled and whistled, but I frowned with curiosity as my boyfriend continued to speak. “I’ve never been a settle down kind of man, and I never thought I would be, until that gorgeous woman right there caught my attention.”
My face grew warm and red as Kellan pointed at me and the cheers grew louder. Gazing deep into my eyes, he continued, “Even with that bun in the oven, I fought my feelings for her and my desire to have her permanently in my life until she eloquently pointed out that I was an idiot. Well, I’m tired of being an idiot.”
Before me even noticing it, my lips turned up into a smile, the crowd fell silent, and my beloved boyfriend slowly made his way towards me. My heart raced and fluttered and did every other weird thing a happy heart can do as Kellan came to a stop in front of me.
Kellan handed the microphone to my mother who held it up to his face as he took one of my hands in his and helped me up to my feet. His lips delivered a soft kiss to the back of my hand as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box. Tears flooded my eyes as my gaze shifted from the object in his hand to the handsome face I had loved for most of my life.
“Amelia Blackwell, you have made me want to be a better man,” he cooed as tears pooled in his eyes as well. “I know for a fact that I don’t deserve you, but I love you more than I could have ever imagined loving another person. I want the chance to spend the rest of my life trying to not deserve you a little less.” With watery and amazed eyes, I watched as Kellan Shepard dropped to one knee in front of me and said, “Will you marry me?”
It was an odd moment. Dreams weren’t meant to come true, but somehow mine did, and the reality far exceeded them. Beside me, I could hear my mother sniffing and my dad breathing heavy the way he did when he was really anxious. Knowing we had not only their blessing but also their excitement, made my heart—and my tears—overflow.
“Yes,” I said breathlessly with a vigorous nod.
“Yeah?” he confirmed.
I laughed as I pulled him to his feet and into my arms. “Hell, yes.”
People around us cheered and clapped as Kellan slipped the gorgeous ring on my finger and kissed my lips.
“I love you, future Mrs. Shepard,” Kellan whispered against my mouth, his strong arms wrapped tightly around me.
I giggled and kissed him again. “I’ve always loved you, Mr. Shepard. And I’m sure that I always will.”
THE END
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Chapter 1
After a painful, long, and frustrating day, my waitressing shift ended. I stumbled home, relishing the sweet release of untying my apron and kicking off my scuffed and soup-stained no-slip shoes. My apartment was dark and lonesome when I arrived, but I knew better than to think it was empty.
“Hey, Bill!” I called as I walked in.
There was no answer, only the turning up of the volume on the television. I assumed that, as per usual, he did not want my voice to intrude on his video games. Sighing and wincing, I collapsed into a chair by the kitchen table, pulled out my phone, and began browsing. It was then that I noticed the heap of dishes piled in the sink.
“Goddamn it, Bill!” I called to him. “I thought I asked you to do the dishes.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” he hollered back and then spiked the volume again. I took a deep breath, rose from my seat, and washed them anyway. The soap was harsh on my blistered, tired hands, but I pushed through.
That was what I did, and I did it for my family.
Once I was done and finally able to rest, I joined my brother, Bill, in the living room and plopped down in the armchair beside him. He had his feet up, and his gaze hyper-focused on the TV screen as the controller in his hands dictated whom to decapitate next. Surrounding him like the court around a king’s throne, were the detritus of a long day spent on the couch. I ignored the candy wrappers and empty soda cans and reached for one of the many open bags of chips.
“How was your day?” I asked him, sneaking a small handful of goods into my mouth.
“Lousy,” he grumbled back, without taking his eyes off the TV screen. “Some asshole in freaking China or something is dominating the game, making it impossible for anyone else to win. Goddamn it!” He slammed the controller against his knee. Then, remembering to be polite, he asked, “How about yours?”
“Oh, it was all right,” I said, pulling out my phone and losing myself in its glowing addiction. “I made decent tips, though of course, Mr. Davis continues to hit on me.”
Mr. Davis was a lecherous—though harmless—old man, who owned the restaurant where I worked.
“You want me to beat him up for you?” Bill offered and, as per usual, I sighed. He had made that offer plenty of times before, and the answer was always the same.
“No, Bill. We need this job. Rent is due in a week, and my student loans are coming up. How about you? Any luck with the janitorial position?”
Bill reached down, seized a paper cup of soda, sucked its straw for a moment, and then released it with the same “pop” he used to say his words: “Nope! I’m sure the bloody idiot took one look at my record and turned me right down. You know how it is. No one wants to give me a chance.”
I exhaled and shook my head without even bothering to ask Bill if he had called to check the status of his application, or if his resume was free of cheese puff stains. I already knew the answers to both of those questions.
Feeling glum, I returned my attention to my cell phone and flipped through friends’ statuses and news of the day. I was not actually paying attention, I just enjoyed watching the zoom of colors and words flow past, filling up the empty, exhausted chamber of my mind. Just as I was about to click off my phone and pull out some
of my homework, an article caught my eye.
Local Celebrity Returning Home!
Come to the Westcross train station tonight if you want to see THE Jesse Valen, star of the New York Jets, returning to our little town to visit family and friends!
Further down the article was a list of his prestigious awards and accomplishments, from his glory-filled college days at Notre Dame to his drafting by the Jets and his impressive stats in the professional league. A highlighted picture across from the words depicted his grinning, cocky face, confident brows, and shoulders so broad they looked like baby dolphins on either side of his V-shaped chest.
I breathed in and out, remembering the scent of him. He always smelled of football leather and freshly cut grass—the smells of sport and training.
Beneath that cheerful article, was a second and much less positive article linked. It read:
Unnamed New York Jets Team Member Face Accusations of Sexual Assault.
Who was involved? Why is it being covered up? Read on to find out more!
I read the headline and scowled. It couldn’t be Jesse, I was sure of it. He had been the most trustworthy guy I knew back in high school.
Except, of course, for what happened to my brother.
“Hey, Bill,” I said, interrupting his game. “Guess who’s going to be back in town? Your old friend, Jesse Valen.”
Bill paused his game and slowly turned his gaze to me. As far as I knew, there was very little that would break his concentration while playing, and I was surprised to see that Jesse’s name did the trick.
“Jesse Valen,” he said, “is no friend of mine.”
For some reason, his words stung me. “But in high school you guys used to—”
“I don’t care what we used to do. You know how I feel about that prick. Why would you bring him up?”
