Bring Me Back Here

by A. M. Guilliams

  “When are you due?” my mother asked, masking her smile. I could tell they were all worried as I took in each of their faces as they processed the news.

  “Valentine’s Day,” I whispered.

  “Are you okay? I can’t take it again if you’re not going to be okay this time,” Holden said as he pushed back his chair and stood. His voice was laced with a mixture of anger and fear.

  “We’re both fine. I’ve been to the doctor, and everything looks great. We’ll get an ultrasound next week. I spoke with the doctor about my concerns, and she feels there’s nothing to worry about right now,” I said as I looked over at my big brother’s eyes. We were always close growing up, and I knew he was remembering the day he thought he’d lost us both.

  He walked the few steps it took to come to my side and pulled me up from the chair.

  “I can’t lose you, sis. I just can’t,” he said as he pulled me in for a hug.

  “You’re not going to lose me. I know you’re scared. I’m scared too, but this baby is a blessing. We’re both going to be fine. I promise,” I said, almost believing the words I spoke. I still feared the worst would happen, just not as much as I had a few weeks ago when we were told the news.

  “You better keep that promise to me,” he said as he pulled back from the hug. It felt good to feel as close to him as we were before. I’d have to make sure we spent more time together. Just like we used to.

  “I want her to stop working, Dad. She needs to take care of herself,” Holden said as he took his seat.

  “Now just wait a minute. Pregnant women work all the time. I’m no different. I’m following doctor’s orders. I’m taking it easy and not stressing myself out. I’m perfectly capable to run that office,” I almost shouted. They weren’t taking this position from me. I wouldn’t allow it.

  “I hate to say it, Holden, but Ainsleigh’s right. She doesn’t need to quit working. She’ll be fine in the office. Is this why you requested to take this position?” my father asked.

  Gentry placed a small amount of spaghetti on my plate, but I wasn’t feeling it. My mother noticed I wasn’t eating and stood after she wiped her mouth with a napkin.

  “You don’t have to make me anything special, Mom. I’ll get something when we get home.”

  “Nonsense. Soup sound okay? Chicken noodle?”

  That did sound amazing. It was hot outside, but I didn’t care.

  “Sure. Thank you, Daddy, for standing up for me. And yes, it is. I’d just found out and knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the tours for very long. It was a win-win situation. For the ranch and for me.”

  Brooks and Leo remained silent as they ate their food. I was surprised that the mouthier ones of the bunch had nothing to say.

  “Well, I’m happy about the news. A baby is just what this family needs,” my mom said as she brought over a bowl of soup and a package of crackers.

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Anytime, dear,” she replied with a wink.

  We finished eating and discussed anything but the news I’d just shared. I had a feeling my brothers and my father were more scared than anything. None of them said congratulations, and I knew why.

  They were just as scared as I was before I let the news sink in. Hopefully they would come around. I needed all the positive vibes they were able to give to get through the next eight months.

  CHAPTER 21

  Gentry

  N one of her brothers spoke a word to me on the tour today. I knew they were pissed that I’d gotten their baby sister pregnant yet again. Her dad had holed up in his office all day. I was sure it was his way of making sure Ainsleigh was okay.

  We’d just finished up the last tour, and I was holding the reins of the horse I rode as I walked toward the barn when all three of them came up beside me.

  “So you knocked up Ainsleigh yet again? What the hell were you thinking? Haven’t you ever heard of a condom, you dipshit?” Brooks seethed.

  I didn’t like the way he’d referred to his sister being ‘knocked up.’ He didn’t need to talk about her that way. My fists clenched as I tried to remain calm. I needed to be the one who was levelheaded in this situation.

  “First of all, asshat, don’t talk about her that way. She’s pregnant. Not ‘knocked up.’ And secondly, yes, I’ve heard of condoms. And no, I’m not discussing our sex life with you. I won’t disrespect her that way.”

  “You should’ve used them then. Why the fuck did you not think? She can’t take losing another child again, Gentry. I won’t risk losing her again if that happens and she runs,” Leo spoke.

  “I did think, asshole. And don’t you think I fucking know that? I not only lost our daughter, but I lost her too.” Thinking back to that time in my life caused me to shiver even in the heat of the sun above.

  “Look, I’m sorry. I know you lost Arabella too. We just don’t want to see her hurt,” Leo said, a little calmer than he’d spoken prior.

  “I don’t either. Can’t you all see that?” I asked, throwing my hands in the air in frustration. The horse beside me let out a huff sensing my frustration, and I patted my hands on her neck to calm her down.

  Heavy footsteps sounded in the distance, and we all turned to see their father walking toward us.

  “What’s going on here?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

  “A little man to man discussion with the fucker who got Ainsleigh pregnant yet again,” Holden explained.

  What the hell was up with all of the name calling?” Was I really that bad of a person?

  “It looks a little more heated than a discussion. I could hear your voices in my office. Now, don’t you think someone else could hear them as well?”

  I hadn’t thought of that when I screamed at them for what they’d said. She didn’t need to be upset.

  “Sawyer, I love your daughter. And no, this baby wasn’t planned, but you know I love her and will stick by her no matter what. I’m doing everything I can to make sure she takes it easy when she’s at home even though it drives her crazy. But since we’re all here to bash me for getting Ainsleigh pregnant, I might as well do what I planned to do since she returned.”

  “I have no doubt you love her. None of us doubt that. We’re just scared for her. Now, what’s on your mind, son?”

  I went on to discuss my upcoming plans, and they seemed to be on board. Hopefully Ainsleigh agreed to them. If not, I’d lose my mind.

  CHAPTER 22

  Ainsleigh

  I ’d heard the heated voices outside two days ago between my siblings, father, and Gentry. Only none of them would elaborate on what the discussion was about. All I knew was that everyone was on edge, which put me on edge. I shouldn’t have worried about what had happened. They were all stubborn men who wanted the best for me. But I couldn’t help but want everyone in my life to get along. I had a feeling that the discussion was about me and my pregnancy, but again, nobody would confirm or deny. All I knew was that if one of them asked me how I was feeling one more time, I was going to scream. They were all acting like I was the only one in the world to ever get pregnant. Their concern was starting to be passed along to me, and that wasn’t good for me or the baby.

  The only one I couldn’t seem to fuss at when he asked how I was doing was Holden. Every time he looked at me, I could tell he was thinking back to the day we lost Arabella. I wanted him to think of the present and the future. Not dwell on a time in our past when our family suffered so much pain. I thought about it day in and day out, but I needed him to treat me the same way he’d treated me before he found out about this baby. We needed one of our nights in. I knew that Aspen and Dylan were going out tonight, so I plotted my plan out and sent him a text to see if he’d agree to having a night in with me. Just he and I. Like we used to when we were younger.

  Me: What’cha up to tonight?

  He replied almost immediately.

  Holden: Not sure yet. What’s up?

  Me: Well, me and this pint of ice cream would
like some company. Wanna come by and watch a movie with me? Just the two of us.

  I sat the phone down as the office phone rang. Once I was finished explaining our prices to the customer and booking their tour dates, I picked up my phone to see if Holden had replied.

  Holden: Sure. Nothing girly, though. I can’t have the guys picking on me again for watching some chick flick.

  I let out a laugh. The last time we’d had a movie night in when I was heavily pregnant with Arabella, I’d conned him into watching The Notebook and our brothers found out. They didn’t let him live it down for days.

  My dad heard the commotion from my loud outburst and stuck his head out of his office.

  “You okay out there, baby girl?”

  “Yeah, Dad. Just laughing at something Holden said.”

  “Don’t go getting that boy distracted while he’s out on a tour. You know the rules,” he said with a smile.

  “Sir, yes, sir,” I replied as I jokingly saluted him.

  He mumbled something about his smart-ass children before he walked into his office.

  It was his fault we were all smart asses. We learned from the best of them.

  I texted Holden letting him know I promised no such thing and set off to finish getting the books balanced before I left for the day.

  The clock struck five before I knew it. The afternoons tended to pass by rather quickly here lately, and I hurried to save all the files before I shut my computer down for the day.

  The bell above the door sounded, and I turned around quickly to see who had arrived, almost losing my balance in the process.

  I caught myself from falling by bracing my hands on the desk as I untangled my feet from each other.

  “Easy there, sweet girl,” Gentry replied as he rushed over to where I stood behind the desk.

  He took my hand and held on tight as I regained my footing.

  “I swear, I’ve been a klutz today,” I replied as I smiled over at him and grabbed my purse.

  “Just today?” he replied with a laugh as he walked me to the door.

  “Ha, ha. You’re funny. What brings you by here? I usually meet you at the barn.”

  “Can’t a guy surprise his girl every now and then?”

  “He sure can,” I replied as I stopped in front of the door to key in the code for the alarm.

  We walked out the door hand in hand, and he took the key from me to make sure the door was locked before we started in the direction for his truck.

  “I’ve got plans with Holden tonight,” I told him as we got in his truck.

  “He told me earlier. I’m gonna go home and get a shower. Then I’m gonna get up with Brooks and Leo,” he replied as he backed out of the parking space.

  Immediately, my brain went on high alert. Just two days ago they were all at each other’s throats.

  Did they clear the air already?

  Were they just going to argue more?

  I couldn’t have that. But selfishly, I wanted this time with Holden. Even if that meant that Gentry would be spending time with my other two brothers.

  “I can hear you worrying from here, pretty girl. Stop. There’s nothing to worry about. We’re just going to have a couple of beers and hang out at their house.”

  “You sure you guys are okay? I can’t have you all fighting anymore.”

  “We’re good. We’re guys. We hash it out and move on,” he replied as he tried to reassure me. I’d have to take him at his word, even if in the back of my mind I wondered if that were truly the case.

  “If you say so.”

  “I do say so. What are you and Holden going to do tonight?”

  “Eat some pizza and ice cream and watch a movie.”

  “Please make him watch another chick flick. That shit would be priceless.”

  “We’ll see. I don’t know if I should make him suffer through another one this time,” I replied with a laugh.

  “I’ll never get tired of hearing that sound.”

  “What?”

  “Your laughter is one of the most precious sounds there is. I missed it almost as much as I missed you.”

  I blushed at his response. I hoped I never got tired of him wooing me and surprising me with his romantic gestures. Looking at him, you’d never think he’d say such things. His was tall and muscular from working on the ranch. But he surprised me at every turn by saying the sweetest things at the perfect time.

  “You might want to gain control of the redness in your cheeks. That turns me on more than you’ll ever know, pretty girl,” he replied with a sexy grin causing the redness in my cheeks to grow brighter than it was before.

  I turned away and tried to hide it as he pulled into the driveway of our home.

  Our home.

  I’d probably never grow tired of hearing those words either.

  I never thought we’d get to this point in our lives.

  Yet we had.

  And I couldn’t be happier right now if I tried.

  “What’cha smiling at?” he asked as we slid out of his truck and walked up the steps to go inside the house.

  “No reason. Just smiling.”

  We walked through the front door and almost ran right into Aspen and Dylan. They were dressed to go out. Dylan was in a button-down and khakis, and Aspen was in a mini dress with matching pink heels.

  “Damn, girl. You look amazing,” I replied as they backed up so we could enter the house.

  “Why, thank you,” she replied as a grin formed from ear to ear.

  “I won’t be able to keep my hands off her, that’s for sure,” Dylan replied as he pulled her closer to him.

  “Let’s hope not,” I heard Aspen mumble under her breath. She’d become frustrated with him wanting to take things slow. But I told her that all good things come to those who wait.

  “Have fun, you two,” I replied as I winked at Aspen when they walked past.

  “Those two seem to be happy,” Gentry stated as he took his shirt off while he kicked his boots off at the door.

  I was too caught up in staring at his shirtless form to reply.

  “You looking at me like that isn’t going to get me in the shower and out the door to meet your brothers,” he replied.

  “Huh? Looking at you like what?” I replied as I batted my eyelashes and walked toward him, cornering him between me and the door.

  I took my finger and traced the outline of his abs down to the top of his pants.

  “Not fair, pretty girl,” he replied with a chuckle as he sidestepped around me and walked toward our bedroom.

  “You’re no fun, Mr. Parkhurst,” I screamed after him as I went into the kitchen to prepare the pizza.

  The buzzer for the oven went off as Gentry walked into the kitchen. Water still dripped down his chest as he ran a towel through his hair, and another towel was wrapped around his waist.

  My mouth watered at the sight.

  “You know you’re not playing fair, right?” I asked him as I took the pizza and placed it in the oven.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about?” he replied with a grin.

  Yeah right.

  He knew damn well what he was doing.

  I gave him a knowing look that told him I knew exactly what his game plan was.

  “I need to give you something to think about while I’m gone,” he replied as he took the towel from around his waist and tossed it in my direction.

  I caught the soft, white cotton in my hands just in time to get a glimpse of his sexy backside walking down the hall.

  My phone buzzed in my purse breaking my concentration.

  I dug through my purse and retrieved my phone as I leaned against the counter.

  Holden texted to let me know he’d be here in ten minutes.

  If it wasn’t for that text, I’d show Gentry just how two could play at his game.

  The timer to the oven went off just as a knock sounded on the front door, and Gentry came down the hallway dressed in a fitted white t-shirt and a pair
of loose fitting blue jeans. Damn, that man. He could make wearing a paper bag look good.

  “I got the door,” he called out.

  I put on the oven mitt and grabbed the metal tray from the confines of the oven. As I placed it on top of the stove to cool, Holden walked into the kitchen.

  He walked up behind me and pulled me in for a hug.

  “Hey, sis. How are...?” I placed my hand over his mouth to keep him from continuing the question he’d already asked me twice today.

  “You’re not allowed to ask me how I’m feeling. You’ve already met your quota for today,” I told him.

  “I’m just trying to look out for you,” Holden replied as he pulled back.

  “And I love you for that. But you’re going to drive me nuts if you keep asking me.”

  “She’s full of herself. Have fun tonight,” Gentry replied as he pulled me away from Holden, who still had his hand wrapped around my back.

  He placed a gentle kiss on my lips, but I had other plans. I deepened the kiss as I placed my hand on the back of his head so he couldn’t retreat.

  “Enough of that shit. I don’t need to see you two making out in front of me,” Holden replied as he made gagging sounds behind us.

  “Drive safe and have fun,” I told him as I pulled him in for one more kiss.

  “Always.”

  I watched him grabbed his keys off the table by the door and slid on his boots before he walked out the door.

  “I’m going to go change. I want to be comfortable while we eat and watch the movie. Do you mind cutting the pizza for me?”

  “Sure. Hurry back or there might not be any left for you. I’m starving.”

  I raced down the hall and into our room. He wasn’t joking. He’d always been the one to out eat all of the brothers when we were younger. My mother swore he had a bottomless pit of a stomach because he never seemed to get enough food. And he somehow managed to be the smallest of the three brothers.

  I took off my jeans and top and replaced them with a pair of sweats and a tank top. My go-to attire for relaxing.

  I threw my hair into a messy bun and went in the direction the kitchen. Holden placed two slices of pizza on each of our plates and was walking into the living room when I reached the end of the hallway. I went in the kitchen and retrieved two cans of soda from the fridge. I was limited on the amount of caffeine I could have a day, but I needed something other than water to drink.