Do Over Rules: A Secret Baby Surprise (The Archer Brothers Series Book 4)

by Jenna Gunn

  Raven nods, “I would be determined to find out too.”

  “I want to know too. I don’t understand why someone would do that to us.”

  Maddy says, “Do either of you have an enemy?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  Raven stands up and rocks the baby. You can see her cogs turning. “Would another woman be after him?”

  Maddy quickly says, “Christian told me that Bishop hasn’t dated since you left. So I guess if she was out to get him for herself, it didn’t work.”

  I scrub my hands over my face. “I feel terrible that I might have left Bishop over something that’s a lie.” Bruno starts to bang a plastic car on the floor and my nerves start to fray.

  Raven says, “If I can ask…did you two have problems before that?”

  “We were so young. Our problems were just normal couple stuff. I traveled for work with the acrobat show. And I was jealous that women always hit on him. He used to come home with their numbers in his pocket all the time. I guess that’s why it seemed so believable when I got a package with evidence he was having an affair.”

  Maddy’s little boy starts to stir. “If I can help, please let me know. Do you ladies want to get some sunshine? We can have our lunches on the lawn next to our house.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Raven says as she heads for the door “I think a little fresh air would do us all good.”

  Chapter Nine

  I knew Raven and Maddy were badass—but the way they didn’t even blink when I introduced Mia and the baby was just amazing. It definitely made it easier to leave Mia and Bruno at the house this morning.

  Now I need to finish breaking the news. Christian first. I call him on the way to work.

  “Yo.” He answers the phone in his usual greeting.

  “Hey, man. Got a second?”

  “Sure, I’m just checking supplies before a luncheon on the charter boat.”

  “Cool. Um…” I chew on my words for a second.

  He’s banging around in the background. “I’m listening.”

  “Get ready to have your mind blown.”

  He chuckles, “That’s hard to do these days. I’m listening.”

  “Mia’s back.”

  “Ooof. Yeah, didn’t see that coming.”

  I chuckle, “There’s more—”

  “Okay, the suspense is killing me?”

  “She had a baby…my baby. And he’s over two years old.”

  Everything goes silent on the other end. Then his words burst over the line. “What the fuck?”

  “Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt. I know a lot more now and am coming to terms with it.”

  “Dude, she kept your child secret for two years?”

  “It sounds really bad, doesn’t it?”

  He curses in the background before he comes back and says, “Hell yes it does. I don’t know how I’d feel about that.”

  “Didn’t Maddy—”

  “Don’t even go there. That’s fucking different.”

  I grit my teeth. “I guess I see your point. But regardless this is what went down and I need to get my head on straight because I’ve got my two-year old and my Ex living in my house.”

  I hear something slam down, “You what?”

  “They are living at Pelican Point as of last night.”

  He whistles through his teeth. “Does Dad know?”

  “Not yet. I’m going to talk to him in person this afternoon.”

  “That’s not going to be fun.”

  I let that simmer for a minute. “Yeah, and by the way Maddy and Raven have already met the little one and talked to Mia this morning.”

  “Maddy will look out for her.” Christian says, his voice softening as he speaks about his wife.

  “Look, please don’t be hard on Mia. I saw the evidence she got about the supposed affair for the first time last night, and to me it was obvious that it was a setup. But she got blindsided by it at a bad time. I’d like to show you the photos, video and receipts, and see what you think.”

  “That sucks, man. I’ll look at it with you. You really think someone did this to your marriage intentionally?”

  “I do. And I have no idea why. I always wondered if Mia was crazy, or if she really did have some kind of proof of infidelity that made it beyond doubt in her mind. Now I know. “

  “Shit, man. This is a major cluster.”

  “Agreed. Hey, I gotta go. I’m on duty in Lifeguard Tower Three soon.”

  “Later. Catch you at the Point this evening.” Christian says as he disconnects.

  Carter has already opened up the guard tower for the morning when I arrive. He nods a hello and keeps on working. I like being on duty with him. He’s quiet most of the time and doesn’t mince words when he does talk. He’s strong as an ox and brave as a mountain lion. Guess that's what happens when your off-season job is to jump out of planes to fight forest fires in the backcountry.

  “Going to be busy,” He says as he nods toward the people setting up their beach blankets for the day even though it’s still early.

  “Yeah. I think you’re right.” Now if I can just keep my head in the game, we’ll be okay.

  The main tower dispatches one of the rescue boats right away. Brandon and Jeremy respond. I watch with binoculars as my brother and his teammate speed out of the marina to help a paddle boarder in distress.

  Things start picking up. By noon, two of the towers have responded to swimmers in distress. I know it’s only a matter of time before we will be getting wet.

  “See that kid there?” Says Carter, motioning to the far end of our zone.

  When I train my binoculars on him, I recognize him. It’s Jack from swim lessons. And he’s alone on the edge of the water.

  “I know him, he takes my ocean swim lessons. And just like any other kid, he shouldn’t be alone.”

  “Want to go? There’s a lot of current over there.”

  “Yes, I’m going.” I grab the rescue buoy and start jogging down the ramp. I watch as Jack jumps and plays in the thigh deep water. A bigger wave could come at any moment. His mom is nowhere in sight.

  I speed up my run and I’m almost to him when a big wave hits him and tumbles him back. I manage to grab his slender arm beneath the whitewater and lift him up before he drinks any water. “Hey, Jack. I gotcha.”

  He coughs and sputters, then grins a big smile at me.

  “What are you doing out here alone, buddy? Remember, we talked about always swimming with an adult?”

  “Uh, huh. I remember.”

  “Well, where is your adult?”

  He points at the beach. “Over there.”

  “Come on.” I pull him along toward the beach. “Swimming with an adult means they have to be in the water too. Not when they are taking a nap.”

  He smiles a big lopsided grin, “Okay, Mr. Bishop. I’ll be good next time.”

  “Let’s go talk to your mom.”

  Anne is snoozing hard with her sunglasses on and her giant breasts defying gravity in her tight navy-blue swimsuit. I’m not sure what that thing is made of or what her boobs are made of, but something unnatural is occurring.

  “Anne, hello.”

  She stirs, licks her lips. Her head drifts toward me. “Oh!” She sits bolt upright. “Bishop. My goodness, what are you doing with Jack?”

  “Well, he was taking a swim by himself.”

  Her hand flies to her mouth. “Jack. Shame on you.”

  I almost say, no, shame on you. But I hold my tongue. “He’s too young to be on his own in the water.”

  “Of course. I must have dozed off.”

  I rub the top of Jack’s head. “Be more careful, okay. I happened to see him getting tumbled, but there won’t always be a lifeguard around.”

  She climbs up to her feet. Adjusts herself in her suit. “How can I ever thank you?”

  I make sure not to drop my eyes anywhere near her cleavage. “No need. Just be more careful.”

  She pushes her glas
ses to the top of her head and her eyes sparkle as she gives me a once-over. “Can I make dinner for you?”

  “Not necessary. I’ve got to get going.”

  “I’ll make something delicious and bring it for your lunch one day, okay?”

  I fumble for the polite way to handle her. “That’s really not necessary.” I take a few steps back. “Jack, remember, don’t go in the water without an adult in the water with you.”

  “Yes, sir!” He snaps.

  “See you next week for the swim lesson, okay?”

  “Oh, we wouldn’t miss it for anything!” Calls Anne as I hurry back to the tower. Great. Just what I need.

  Carter’s got a smirk on his face when I get back. “She likes you.”

  “Heaven help me. She always comes to the swim lessons. Makes sure to get a hold on me before the day is over. I managed to escape this time. But she’s dead set on bringing me a home cooked lunch sometime as a thank you.”

  He chuckles. “That’s fine, let her. I’ll eat whatever she brings if you don’t. I’m a single guy and won’t turn down a homemade meal.”

  “I’ll remember that. I appreciate a home cooked meal, but I’m not doing anything to encourage her. I’ve got enough troubles without that.”

  He laughs. “Woman troubles… I kinda guessed you’d sworn them off since you don’t talk about dating.”

  “I had. Sworn them off, that is. But sometimes swearing them off doesn’t mean your life gets any simpler. As a matter of fact, mine just got a whole lot more complicated.”

  “Glad it’s you, brother. I’m happy just being a free agent… minus missing out on some home-cooked meals.”

  Ironic that Carter and I were talking about home cooking earlier. When I walk into my place, I smell something Italian and wonderful coming from the kitchen.

  There’s music playing. Bruno’s laughter floats above it.

  When I round the corner, my heart stutters and flips around inside my ribcage. Mia’s dancing in a pair of short shorts and stirring something at the stove, and Bruno is wiggling around like a little monkey with his giraffe toy.

  “Hey you two.”

  Mia smiles over her shoulder. “Hey there.”

  “Guess I’m missing out on the dance party.”

  “There’s still time to get in on the action. About forty-five minutes until dinner is ready.”

  I drop to my haunches and wiggle my fingers for Bruno. He giggles wildly and hides behind his mom’s legs. “Come here, you little rascal.”

  Mia dances around and he finally comes to me. I pick him up. “I’m going to go talk to Dad.”

  “Oh, hm.”

  Bruno scratches his fingers in my beard. I grin at him and he smiles back.

  “I’m taking Bruno with me. We’ll be back in a bit.”

  I feel her eyes on my back as I head out.

  Bruno babbles baby words, some of which I understand as I walk around the house and up the stairs to the entrance. I knock, then open the door. “Dad!”

  “In the kitchen, come on in.”

  Dad’s got his head buried in the oven. Something smells almost as good as what Mia’s cooking.

  “What are you making?”

  “Trying my hand at Lasagna. Your Mom’s recipe. I’m cooking for Becka tonight.”

  “It smells good, at least. I’m sure she’ll like it.”

  When he pulls back, he tosses his oven-mitt on the counter and looks at me for the first time.

  His eyes go wide. “And who do we have here?”

  Bruno turns shy and buries his face in my neck. “This is Bruno.”

  “Handsome boy.” Dad picks up a glass of water and takes a sip. It’s obvious he’s thinking hard about what he’s seeing.

  “Mia’s back.”

  “And this is her child?”

  “And mine.”

  He swallows and just holds me with that hard blue gaze of his.

  “I found out about him yesterday.”

  His brows go as low as I’ve ever seen them. Maybe even as low as when I told him Mia and I had eloped. His voice is kind of restrained when he speaks. “That’s quite a surprise.”

  Bruno coos and says, “Bufday!”

  I frown, what?

  “Birthday.” Dad says and I swear I see a bit of moisture gathering in his eyes. “He said Birthday, because I said, surprise. He says the word just like you used to.”

  Well, hell. I’m about to get all teary eyed myself.

  “Bruno can you say hello to Granddad?”

  “Ga.” says Bruno.

  Dad’s face softens as he watches Bruno.

  “I guess I should ask you what you want to be called? Pop? Granddad? Gramps?”

  Dad huffs, his brows arch. “Jesus, those make me sound old. I’ll have to think on that. Put him down. I want to see this little tank.”

  I lower Bruno and crouch onto the floor. “Pop, pop,” I say. He looks around wide eyed.

  He points at the fridge. “Pop.”

  Maybe he thinks I mean Popsicle or soda. I have no clue how to communicate with him.

  “Where does this little guy live?”

  “Downstairs with me as of last night.”

  “And his mother?”

  “Same.”

  Dad’s face turns hard. “Son, she did you wrong. Are you sure that’s a smart thing?”

  “They need me right now, and I won’t let them go without a safe place to live and food on the table.”

  Dad reaches for Bruno, slowly extending his hand. Bruno wraps his fingers around my father’s weathered hand before he smiles sheepishly at me. “Go on.” I say.

  “He’s gonna grow up big.” Dad says, his voice husky. “Your Mom would have loved to see all these kids around here.”

  "I know. I’m sorry she won’t get to meet them.”

  After a few moments of Bruno patting Dad’s hand, I can’t take the sadness. If I miss Mom as bad as I do, I can’t imagine how much Dad does.

  “I’ve gotta go. Dinner’s going to be ready downstairs.” I pick up Bruno. “See ya later, Dad.”

  “You’re an honorable man. Bringing them here is the right thing to do. Just watch your back with that woman, son. Keep a straight head, you hear me? I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  His eyes are hard on me as I walk out the door. Like they have been a thousand times before. Only this time I’m actually worried too.

  Chapter Ten

  I finally have a moment to myself to return some messages as the sauce cooks and Bishop visits his dad. I scroll through the texts and missed calls.

  Letecia messaged from Spain. I drop her a quick note. So glad you found some work. I’m back in LC, looking for options. Bruno is good. XO. Stay in touch.

  Next up Franco, my acrobatics partner. I try not to be annoyed, but it’s a bit frustrating when he just keeps messaging when he knows I’m busy. I said I’d get back to him. But that’s Franco for you.

  I text, Finally have a minute to myself. Sorry, hectic here. Getting set up and all. Hope you’ve found a place you like. Are you in Italy?

  He immediately responds. Left Italy. Have you seen Bishop yet? Worried about you and Bruno.

  Franco was with me through everything. Acrobat partners work very closely together, so it was impossible for me to hide the heartbreak of the affair that I thought Bishop had. Then he helped me as much as he could while I was pregnant, and after by watching Bruno. So I’m not surprised he knew how intense things would be with Bishop. Yes. We’re working through things.

  Are you angry about his affair still?

  What do I say? I found out it might have not been a real affair.

  My phone immediately starts ringing. “Franco, this is a surprise.”

  He huffs on the other end. “My dear Mia, why’s it a surprise? We were just messaging.”

  “Because it’s about two in the morning in Europe.”

  “I’m not in Europe. I’m in Vegas.”

>   “Wow, that’s a surprise.”

  “Is it? There’s a lot of work here.”

  “Oh, that is true. I hope you find something you like quickly. I’m surprised you left Europe, I know you like it so much better.”

  “I rather be in the US, right now. Anyway, I called because I wanted to find out what’s happening.”

  I stir the sauce, taste, and add a pinch more dried oregano. “It’s kind of you to check in on us.”

  He snorts. “Mia, of course I’m checking in on you. You’re my partner.”

  “I was your partner. Past tense. Don’t forget the show is done, and I’m apparently living in Lynn’s Cove for the foreseeable future.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I came back here to set up roots. Bruno needs to know his dad.”

  “Hardly.” Franco makes a scoffing sound.

  I frown even though Franco can’t see me. “He does. We all three need to have a relationship. I think that’s how we can give Bruno the best life possible. Plus, the Archer family is huge. Lots of new babies. Bruno will have a lot of cousins to grow up with—”

  Franco cuts me off. “What’s this you said of the affair Bishop had not being real?”

  Guilt and anger war inside of me as I speak the words. “Bishop might have been set up.”

  I hear a startled gasp on the other end of the call. “What in the world makes you think that?”

  My other line starts ringing.

  “—Hey Franco, hold on. I’m getting another call.”

  I click over. It’s Raven. “Hey girl. I’m outside, down by the driveway. My friend just dropped off a baby bed for you. Can you come down and help me?”

  I turn the stove down so the sauce doesn’t burn. “Oh my goodness. That’s wonderful. Hang on just a second, I’ll be right there.”

  I disconnect and reconnect with Franco. “I’ve got to go. Sorry, I can’t talk right now. Let’s message soon.” As I start to hang up, I hear Franco shout, “Mia!” But it’s too late, I’ve already hit the End Call button. He’s going to think I hung up on him on purpose. I’ll apologize when I message him later.

  “Wow, look at this thing!” I hustle down the driveway. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you borrowing this for us.”