by LK Shaw
Chapter 31
Four months later
The trees were in full bloom. Flowers dotted the shores of the lake, sprinkling a myriad of colors as far as the eye could see. The aroma of spring and sunshine was all around me. It had become my favorite scent. It reminded me of rebirth and new beginnings. Two things I never thought I’d be thankful for. I stood on the flat rock platform and inhaled the sweet smell. Warm hands wrapped around my waist, and I smiled, covering them with my own. I tilted my head to give him better access to press soft kisses along my neck.
“Hello, beautiful,” Preston whispered in my ear.
I leaned back into his embrace. “Hi.”
There was the sound of birds singing and the occasional frog croaking. I could hear the low buzz of other conversations around us, but no one but Preston and I mattered in this tiny oasis.
“How’s the baby?”
“Oh my god, Landon. She’s the most perfect thing I’ve seen. Didn’t even fuss the whole time I was there. I swear she smiled at me.”
“I’ve heard babies smile when they’re gassy.”
“Hey, now.” Preston tickled my side, and I squirmed and giggled in his arms. I turned so we were face to face and wrapped my arms around his neck. He was smiling down at me, his hazel eyes glowing with affection.
“I wish I’d been able to go with you. I wanted to see her again, but I had to go out with Brickman and Crawford on that seize.”
“Neither of you are going anywhere. If you want, we can go see her tomorrow.”
“You sure Ines wouldn’t mind?”
“You’re Zoey’s aunt. And I know Ines really wants to become friends. She told me to tell you she’d be happy for you to come by anytime.”
This new life was so different. I actually had friends. A family. A new niece. Although, she wasn’t technically family since Preston and I weren’t married.
“You’ve got that weird look on your face.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What weird look?”
“That look that says you’re not sure this is all real.”
“Sometimes I wonder that it is. Do you know that I dreamt about us in this place once?”
Preston raised a brow. “What was the dream about?”
“I was standing here, just like this, looking out over the water. A man, you, came up behind me and wrapped me in your arms like you did just now. You just held me. Protected me. It was the first time since my father’s death that I’d felt peace.”
“What about now? Do you still feel that peace?”
I smiled up at him. Every day with Preston brought me more and more.
“Only with you.”
“I love you. I hope you know that.”
“How could I not? You show me every day just how much. I love you, too.”
As though in slow motion, Preston lowered himself to the ground and reached out for my hands. My breath lodged in my chest.
“Sara Landon Roberts, you’ve brought me more happiness than I could ever have imagined. You’ve taught me about strength and courage. You’ve also taught me about forgiveness. I don’t think I’ve brought you as much peace as you’ve brought me. You quiet the chaos inside my head. You love me for all my faults, which we both know there are plenty. You make me a better man. I love you with all that I have.”
Preston releases my hands, and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, square box. Inside was the most beautiful diamond ring. He reached for my left hand and spoke as he slid the ring down my finger. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” I was nodding before he’d even finished his question. “Yes.”
He rose and our lips met in a fierce kiss. Shouts and clapping surrounded us, but I didn’t pay it any attention. My whole focus was on this man who, despite all the hell I’d put him through, loved me. He broke the kiss and laid his forehead against mine.
“Thank god, you put this poor bastard out of his misery.”
Preston laughed, and we both turned to see Victor and Estelle, who was just barely beginning to show signs of early pregnancy, standing at the top of the rock steps. They both made their way down to us. Estelle gave me a hug, something I was still getting used to. Lord, this family was a bunch of huggers. “Congratulations, Landon. I’m so happy for you both.”
Victor and Preston hugged it out bro style with an across the body handshake with chest bump and a single pat on the back. Everyone switched and I was also subject to a short and simple hug from Victor. Being a part of a family was something I was going to have to get used to. It was definitely going to take some time.
“It’s supposed to be a surprise, but my dad is throwing you guys an impromptu engagement party. We’re supposed to find some way to get you guys over to the house. The rest of the family, including Brody, Ines, and Zoey, will all be there. So, when we get there, can you please act surprised?”
“You mean, like, right now?” My voice squeaked.
“Yes, right now. He’s so excited to be gaining another daughter, he couldn’t wait to celebrate.”
My mind was whirling. I didn’t know what to say. Panic was beginning to build.
“Hey, will you guys give us a second, please?” Preston asked.
Victor and Estelle’s expressions shifted to nervousness. “Oh, sorry, yeah, of course.”
He pulled me into his arms and instantly I calmed. The engagement and now the party, it was all so overwhelming. Preston didn’t let go of me, but he pulled back enough to look at me.
“You okay, now?”
I nodded. “I think so.”
“We don’t have to go. Ernesto will understand. Suddenly being part of this huge family is a lot to take in. Believe me, I know.”
“It’s all just happening so fast.”
“Then we’ll slow it down. It’s okay.”
I laid my head on Preston’s chest, soaking in his heat. His scent. His strength. I could do this. These people were my family now. They loved and they loved hard. This man had taught me so much about courage. I wasn’t that person anymore. The one who was always afraid to let people love me. I pulled back.
“No, let’s go.”
He stared down at me with those hazel eyes I loved so much. “Are you sure?”
I smiled up at him. “Definitely. I’m sure Ernesto has worked hard to do something nice for us. And this is our family.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
We turned to Victor and Estelle who stood there, uncertainly. “How’s this look for my surprised face?”
I made my eyes bulge and my mouth formed into the shape of an ’O’ at the same time I covered my cheeks with my hands. Everyone grimaced and then burst out laughing. Preston wrapped his arm around my waist and tugged me into his side. “Come on. We’ll work on it in the car.”
The four of us headed up the stairs and along the grassy path. I cast one final glance over my shoulder at the lake and marveled at the beauty of it. I didn’t need a magical snow globe. I only needed love.
Epilogue
“Mommy, I hold baby?” Maisie bounced around in her car seat in the back with the exuberance of a typical three-year old.
“We’ll have to ask Ms. Ines, sweetie. You’ll have to be really careful. Babies are fragile and we have to be gentle with them.”
“I promise, I be gentle,” she said solemnly.
My heart ached a little at how serious she’d quickly become. Unfortunately, Maisie had learned at an early age how harmful people could be if they weren’t gentle. Pushing away the bad memories, I smiled at her reflection in the rearview mirror.
We pulled in front of the blue ranch style house that sat in a quiet neighborhood. This was the kind of area I dreamed of living in. Good schools. Children playing with each other in their yards. Friends having other friends over for a cookout. A peaceful place to raise your kids.
I helped Maisie out of her car-seat and we walked hand in hand up the sidewalk. I glanced around with a heavy heart. Sa
dly, I’d never live in a neighborhood like this. All that was in my future, Maisie’s future, was a small, one-bedroom apartment in a rundown building. Where, instead of children’s laughter outside, gunshots and sirens were the background noise of daily living. People screaming at each other.
Instead of the smell of freshly cut grass, it was the acrid scent of garbage and the skunky scent of weed filling the hallway from someone smoking three doors down.
A glowing Latina woman stepped out of the house. “Michele, I’m so glad you came. Come in. Brody is just changing Zoey’s diaper.”
Once we were inside, she squatted down to my daughter’s level, and pulled her into a hug. “Hi, Maisie May. I’m so happy to see you again. I’ve missed you.”
“I hold baby?”
I laughed self-consciously. “Sorry, she’s been asking me that ever since I said we were coming over here to meet her. I told her we’d have to see.”
She stayed where she was and spoke gently to my daughter. “You’ll have to sit in a chair and someone will have to help you a little, but you can definitely hold the baby.”
“Thank you. I hold baby.”
Ines rose and we both laughed. “Come on, let’s go have a seat. Brody should be out any minute. Oh, my brother Pablo is supposed to stop over sometime too, but not sure when.”
He and Manuel were the only two of Ines’ family member’s I hadn’t met yet. I knew Victor, and I’d only by chance met her father one time.
“Michele, it’s good to see you.”
I glanced up to see Brody step into the living room with a small bundle in his arms. Maisie started clapping her hands and jumping up and down excitedly. “Hi baby. I see her? Pretty please?” She turned to me with the most pitiful expression. “Please, mommy?” She drew out the please in the most adorable and begging way.
I looked helplessly at Ines, who was smiling brightly. Brody thankfully responded for me. “Come on, baby girl.”
Maisie popped her hands on her hips like the little diva she was. “I not a baby. I a big girl.”
He covered his chest with his free hand. “Of course you’re a big girl. Only big girls get to hold the baby.”
In awe, I watched as this giant of a man took my daughter’s hand and led her over to the couch. He helped her crawl up in the corner, and grabbed a pillow. It was the sweetest thing to see Brody situating little Zoey in Maisie’s arms. With the utmost patience, he showed her just the right way to place her arms, gently guiding and instructing her to support the baby’s head.
“She’s doing a great job, Michele. I think you have a natural on your hands. They’ll be fine. Let’s go in the kitchen and catch up. I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever. You need to tell me how things are going with school and how all the girls are doing at the club.”
For the next hour, Ines and I sat and talked. Sometime during our visit, Brody popped in with Zoey and said that all the excitement must have been too much for Maisie, and she’d fallen asleep on the couch. He’d gone and also put the baby down for a nap. But now it was time for me to go. I needed to get Maisie to the sitter’s so I could study a little bit before heading to my shift at Sweet SINoritas. Only a few more months, and I would be free of that place.
“Thank you for your patience with Maisie. She gets a little excited.”
Ines hugged me. “She’s absolutely adorable. I hope you guys can stop by again soon. It’ll be nice to have another kid around. Gives us an idea of what to look forward to.”
I couldn’t help but both laugh and feel sorry for them. Especially during the terrible twos. “You and Brody are going to do great.”
“We’ll have to ask you for some pointers. You’re an amazing mom and Maisie is so lucky to have you.”
My throat tightened and my eyes burned. “Thank you.”
Being a single mother was the hardest thing I’d ever done in my life. I’d screwed up so many times. And I was so fucking tired. I followed Ines into the living room just as the front door opened and a tall, dark haired man stepped through.
“Pablo,” Ines stage whispered excitedly, keeping her voice down since Maisie was sleeping. She quickly hugged her brother and he gingerly took a few steps, a small limp noticeable in his stride. There was a pinch of guilt seeing that limp.
“Hey sis,” he greeted her. “Zoey sleeping?”
My head jerked up, and a shiver skated across my skin at his voice. Honey-colored eyes stared down at me. His dark, shaggy hair fell across a broad forehead and curled up at the edge of his collar and around his ears. He probably needed a haircut, but I’d kill anyone who took scissors to it. Whoa, where did that come from?
"Brody laid her down for a nap about fifteen minutes ago. If you’re quiet though, you can probably peek in on her. Oh,” she smacked her forehead. “I don’t think you two have ever actually met. Pablo, this is my friend, Michele. Michele, my brother.”
“Hi. Um, Ines told me you were shot while trying to find out who was behind Rapture. I’m really sorry. I feel I’m partially to blame. If I hadn’t come to Brody and Preston, maybe that wouldn’t have happened. Anyway, I’m really sorry.” I snapped my mouth shut.
He smiled, but something about it seemed strained. Shit, he probably blamed me.
“It’s not your fault. Hazard of the job.”
I cleared my throat. “Still, I’m really sorry. Anyway, I should get going. I have to drop Maisie off at the sitter’s.”
Scooping up my daughter, I heaved her up to a position where I had a good grip on her.
“Would you like some help?” Pablo asked.
For a moment I hesitated, but even as small as Maisie was, dead weight made it difficult to pull open a car door and also to try and situate her in the car seat. I bit my lip. “Are you sure?”
“Of course, she probably gets heavy.”
He gently took her from my arms and held her tenderly against his chest. I turned to hug Ines. “Thank you again for letting us come by and see Zoey. It was the highlight of Maisie’s day.”
“You know you’re always welcome to come over. I’ve missed you.”
“Same here.” I waved goodbye and led Pablo out to the car. Ever so gently, he laid her in her car seat and buckled her in.
“Thank you.”
He inclined his head. “You’re welcome.”
His eyes stayed locked on me, and I stood there awkwardly, not sure what to say. He didn’t seem angry, but something about him intimidated me. “Um, I should get going. Thanks again.”
I dashed into the driver’s seat and slowly backed out of the driveway, checking both directions before pulling out into the road. Pablo never moved. He continued watching me. Not in a creepy way, but as though he couldn’t not look at me. Our arms had touched as I transferred Maisie into his grasp, and his honey-colored eyes had darkened. Long after I left him standing in Ines’ driveway, I could feel my skin burn.
It didn’t matter, because chances were, despite my friendship with his sister, I’d probably never see him again. Why did that make me sad?
Thank you so much for reading ATONEMENT! I hope you enjoyed it. If so, I’d greatly appreciate a review on the platform of your choice. Reviews are so important!
Pablo and Michele’s story will be coming in 2021!
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on details! http://bit.ly/LKShawNewsletter
Want to see how Brody and Ines got together?
Be sure to check out IN TOO DEEP!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2O8pETl
What about Victor and Estelle?
You can read about them in STRIKING DISTANCE
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2Ct8f1h
If you enjoyed the LOVE UNDERCOVER series, then you’ll LOVE the DOMS OF CLUB EDEN!
Start the best-selling series today with SUBMISSION.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WeWvHv
Turn the page for a peek at Submission, Book 1.
<
br /> Submission
“You can do this,” I muttered to myself while I peeped out my car windshield. With a deep exhale, I wiped my sweaty palms on my pant leg and tried to calm the butterflies in my belly. I could feel my heart beating in my ears. I’d been sitting here for thirty minutes. I looked down at the ridiculous container of store-bought potato salad. It was probably getting warm. And gross.
I caught movement out of my periphery. Just a couple walking to their car. I didn’t know what I hoped to see from my parking space way in the back. The longer I sat there, though, the greater the urge was to leave. But damn it, I’d come this far. What could it hurt to mingle a little? I mean, these were just normal people, right? Kinky people, but still totally normal. Except for me. I was as vanilla as they came. Or was I? That’s what I was here to find out.
Now or never. With that, I quickly grabbed the stupid plastic tub and exited my car before I changed my mind. With a determined stride, I made my way across the parking lot and up the sidewalk toward the shelter house. My steps stuttered briefly when heads turned at my entrance. I gave an awkward smile and set my offering in an empty space between a tin pan of burnt hot dogs and a mostly empty baking dish of what looked like macaroni and cheese.
When I turned back around, no one was paying me any attention. Trying to remain inconspicuous, I stepped off to the side to stand against the wall, observing those sitting at the picnic tables scattered around.
“Well, who do we have here?” A deep, gravelly voice at my right drew my attention. My breath hitched and my body heated when I spotted the sexiest man I’d ever laid eyes on. I’d always been a sucker for a man with salt and pepper hair. Damn, he filled out that navy t-shirt nicely. My eyes traveled his full length before returning to his face. I flushed at the amused half-smile he wore at my perusal. It took me a moment to remember he’d asked me a question.
