by C. A. Harms
I looked from one boy to the other and was unable to speak. My throat burned with emotion. I knew if I spoke I would cry so instead I just smiled.
The oldest one reached his hand out to shake mine. “Hi, Lexi. I’m Kyle. Dad always tells us stories about you.”
I looked at my dad and then up to his wife. She smiled warmly. “Lexi, I remember you being the sweet little girl with pigtails. You’ve turned into a beautiful young woman. I can’t believe you’re standing here,” she said, almost in awe. “We’ve talked about you so much to the boys and now here you are.” She shocked me when she moved forward taking me into her arms. “I’m so happy you finally made it to us.”
My father’s eyes were full of tears and I finally let mine fall as I hugged her back. I remembered my father running off with his secretary. I was so small, though, I really didn’t remember much about her.
She was nothing like my mother had described her.
“Who are your friends?” my father asked, looking behind me.
I turned and found both Natalie and Megan with tear-stained faces. They quickly swiped away their tears and stepped forward.
“This is Megan and Natalie, my two best friends,” I said before turning back to face my father and his family. “Girls, this is my dad, Keith, and his family.”
He corrected me quickly. “We’re your family, sweetheart. We always have been.”
I felt odd standing in his driveway when they obviously had plans. “We can come back another time. I don’t want to ruin your plans. I apologize for just showing up unannounced.”
My father spoke first. “No, no need to rush off. The boys have a soccer game and then we were going to grab something to eat. Why don’t you girls join us?”
Before I could answer Kate spoke up. “Lexi…girls, you aren’t running off. You just got here and the boys would love it if you joined us.” They were both smiling up at me and it was contagious as I immediately found myself smiling in return.
The littlest one tugged on my shirt and I knelt down in front of him. “I told Heather, at school, that I had a sister and she called me a liar. Then she stomped on my foot and ran off. Could you please come to my game so I can prove to her you’re real?”
I laughed. “Sure, buddy. We’d love to come to your game.”
We got into Kole’s Avalanche and I made Megan drive. There was no way I could trust myself right now. I felt a little out-of-body at the moment. I was still trying to accept everything I had just found out.
“Hey, honey, are you okay?” Megan asked from next to me as we waited for my father to back out so we could follow them to the park. I just nodded my head and pulled out my phone from my purse.
After two rings Kole answered and I immediately felt the rush of emotion overtake me. “Kole, I found him.” I breathed out the words but even I heard the shudder in my voice. “Oh my god, Kole, I have two brothers, and they are the sweetest little guys. His wife is so nice.”
I continued to sob between words. I let them fall without attempting to stop. I spent so much time thinking my father abandoned me. I thought I wasn’t important to him and then I found out he had spent nine years missing me.
Chapter 22
Spending the day with my dad and Kate watching the boys play soccer was wonderful. My father introduced me to everyone he could.
I caught him watching me often, as if he thought he may be dreaming.
Once the game was over we decided to go out for pizza. The boys played video games alongside Natalie and Megan until Kate had to drag them away to go home.
They insisted we stay with them.
“Lexi, we have more than enough room. I have two spare bedrooms and a full basement with futons and comfy couches. I won’t allow you girls to stay in a hotel.”
We finally agreed because we figured out quickly it was pointless to attempt to argue with Kate.
When we walked into their home I looked around in amazement. It was beautiful and I immediately felt the homey feeling it oozed.
Everything was so colorful and welcoming.
They showed us the joining guest quarters in the walkout basement. It was right off the family room, which overflowed with entertainment. They had a pool table, ski-ball machine and a few pinball games. It was amazing.
After we were all settled and the boys went to bed we gathered out on the back deck. The backyard was equally amazing. They had a huge pool and hot tub. The yard was huge and seemed to go on forever into the darkness.
“Would you girls like something to drink? Beer, wine?” Natalie and Megan both accepted Kate’s offer of a glass of wine and I asked for a bottle of water.
Both my father and Kate looked at me with a curious look on their faces.
“Most twenty-one year olds don’t turn down the offer to have a drink.” My father winked and I smiled. Now was as good a time as any.
“Well, the pregnant twenty-one year olds should decline.” Once it registered what I just said, Kate and my father looked at each other before looking back at me, both smiling excitedly.
“What…Lexi!”
Kate stood next to my father as he laughed. “So I’m gonna be a grandpa. Well, damn.” He leaned back and took a long drink of his beer.
“Well, I saw that gorgeous diamond on your finger earlier, but I was waiting for you to fill us in. Married and a baby on the way…that’s wonderful.” I could sense a small amount of regret in Kate’s voice as she squeezed my dad’s shoulder and he placed his hand over hers.
“I’m not married yet.” My father’s face appeared a little softer. “We’re actually planning a New Year’s wedding and just found out about the pregnancy.” My dad smiled once again and I knew he was happy he hadn’t missed those big moments in my life.
We stayed up for a couple hours as I filled them in on Kole and the last few years. I actually chose to leave out the therapy and anything to do with Matt. All I wanted was to see my father smile, so anything bad could just be left unsaid for now.
“Why didn’t the boy bring you here? Where is he now?” I turned to my dad and noticed I had zoned out for a moment.
I cleared my throat. “Oh yeah, he planned on bringing me. He actually just opened his own gym and they had a main pipe burst and some flood damage. I told him the girls could come with me so he could get the mess under control. Next time maybe…or you guys could come visit us.” I shrugged my shoulders and he smiled.
“Well, I’d like to meet him before I walk you down the aisle to give you away.” My father winked at me and it made me feel twelve all over again. Oh God, how I had missed him so much over these years.
Kate had planned a small cookout tomorrow and a pool party, prior to our arrival. I really felt as if we were intruding on their plans, but she insisted that we were more than welcome to join them.
After we said goodnight, Megan, Natalie and I escaped to our rooms and got ready for bed.
Chapter 23
Kole
This was my second night without Lexi next to me. The bed seemed so big without her. I hated not being able to stretch my legs out and feel hers against mine. I missed the smell of her shampoo as her hair tickled my nose. I couldn’t wait for her to get back home. I just wanted to hold her close and feel her warmth.
I had been waiting for her to call me and when it was almost 10:00 in the evening, I decide to call her instead.
It rang three times and I was about to hang up when she answered. “Sorry, I was just getting out of the shower. I planned on calling you in a few minutes.”
I smiled. “Well, I couldn’t wait any more. This whole being so far away from you really sucks.” I took in the sound of her soft giggle.
“How was your night? What all did you do?” I listened as she explained her evening. The excitement in her voice as she described her day with her dad was great. Lexi had been so lost for so long and lately it seemed as if she was getting stronger and more confident.
“How are you feeling? Have you been sick to your
stomach anymore today?” Earlier when I talked to her she said she felt nauseated. The caveman tendencies in me were resurfacing. “You need to be getting rest and not stressing yourself out.”
She was quiet and all I heard was her breath lightly coming through the phone. I listened for a few seconds without any response from her.
“Lexi?” I whispered. “Baby, are you awake?” Still nothing; there was no answer from her.
I listened a little longer and after a few minutes her breathing became much deeper and I realized my girl had passed out cold. She fell asleep as I was lecturing her about taking care of herself and the baby.
I listened to her breathe and I couldn’t bring myself to hang up; I found her breaths coming through the phone calming. If I closed my eyes and held the phone close it felt as if she was there beside me.
***
I woke to the sound of Lexi’s whisper.
“Kole…wake up. Lazy bones…are you there? Kole?”
I smiled, but kept my eyes closed. My cell phone felt as if it was fused to the side of my face. I reached up and switched it to the other side. As I peeled my eyes open I noticed the sun was barely up. “Damn, Lex, what time is it?”
She was usually the one that hated mornings. “It’s not quite six.”
I groaned and closed my eyes again. “Go back to sleep, you psycho.”
She giggled against my ear and I smiled more than I should be able to this early in the morning.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep on you last night.”
“Don't worry about it. You need sleep. Plus I got to listen to the sweet little whimpers you make. It helped me sleep being able to hear you breathing. It was like you were here with me.”
I could sense her smile. “You miss me that much, huh?”
I ran my hand up through my hair and let out a deep breath. “You have no fucking idea. I miss you so bad it hurts.”
She took in a deep breath. “One more night, handsome. Then I’ll be on my way back to you. I miss you too.”
She was right. One more night and then she would leave the following morning to come back home. The next thirty-six hours were gonna be hard as hell.
I had to be honest with myself; Lexi’s current mood was eating at me. She sounded so damn happy and the fact that we had barely talked was driving me crazy. I was definitely feeling a little pushed off. I tried my best to not get jealous that I wasn’t there to share this moment with her, but it was hard.
I listened to her excitement as she talked about the cookout they were having. A house full of people and my girl was there…without me.
Apparently it was Kate’s family and some family friends who would be there. I found myself wondering what guys would be there too. That caveman in me appeared once again.
I hung up the phone feeling like a total ass because I wanted to be there with her, staking my claim.
I forced myself to push forward and jump in the shower. I needed to get this day over with quickly.
Chapter 24
Lexi
I woke Megan and Natalie up a little after 8:00. It was time to go shopping. None of us had brought our swimsuits and there was a pool party.
“Okay, you two, get your asses up. Pool party today and I’ll be slipping my bootie into a suit. I plan to enjoy it before my belly starts blocking the view of my feet.” I smiled as that vision rolled through my mind.
They groaned as I shook the beds to get them moving. “Come on, we need to go shopping. The party starts at eleven. Move your lazy asses, now!” I yanked the covers off and quickly ran from the room to finish getting ready.
I was in the kitchen talking to Kate when both Megan and Natalie entered. Megan shot me the death glare and Nat just looked like a walking zombie. I laughed and slid the plate of bacon across the counter.
Kyle came running into the kitchen bouncing a basketball. He stopped quickly when Kate turned to give him the silent warning.
He slid into the chair and I grabbed a slice of bacon to hand to him. He took it and shoved it into his mouth. “So where are you all going this early?” he grumbled with a mouth full of food.
I leaned over placing my elbows on the counter. “Shopping for swimsuits. We need them for later.” He turned, eyeing Megan and Natalie carefully, and when he turned to face me he was smiling and his eyebrows shifted up and down.
“Can I go too? I can be the judge of the suits you try on.” I rustled his hair and he laughed. Kate scolded him and he disappeared down the hall quickly without even a hint of embarrassment.
***
We spent two hours shopping, and when all three of us were happy with our choices we drove back to the house. It was unusually warm for September and I wanted to enjoy the weather, plus the pool was heated. We changed into our suits and made our way outside to help with any last minute setup.
My father was handling the grill and the rest of the food was managed by a catering company. It was a relaxing setting and we all sat back to enjoy ourselves.
The house was filling with strangers of all ages. Natalie found herself in deep conversation with a friendly neighbor girl who showed up. She was about the same age as Nat. Megan and I chose to stay out of the crowd and lounge by the pool.
Kate and my father had been randomly bringing people over throughout the day to introduce us.
It was a relaxing day and I was enjoying the family gathering because growing up, it was always just my mother and I; rarely did we entertain.
It was a little after 1:00 and I was lost in the rhythm of the music playing from the stereo just behind Megan and me.
I hadn’t heard anyone approach, but when the shadow blocked the sun I looked up, squinting my eyes to see who was standing over me. Kate was standing to my right, but what caught my eye was the person standing directly in front of me.
“Lexi, this is my brother Adam, Adam, this is Lexi.” Before me stood a tall, blond, shirtless guy wearing only swimming trunks that hung low on his hips. He had blue eyes that were staring intensely at me. He just watched me and I found myself unable to look away. For a moment I felt slightly uncomfortable as his eyes roamed my body slowly. I pushed past it until I watched him lick his lower lip.
I sat up and wrapped my arms around my midsection, crossing my legs. “Hi, Adam, it’s nice to meet you. This is my friend Megan.”
A small smile spread across his lips. “It's really nice to meet you both.” He never even looked at Megan. He watched me intensely and just when I was about to say something he stepped back. “I’ll see you girls around the party.” He winked before he walked away.
Kate still stood next to me. She must have picked up on his actions because she knelt down next to me. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s been in the military for the last four years and I think the lack of female companionship has gone to his brain. He sees a pretty girl and he goes all playboy on them.” She laughed, only causing both Megan and I to do the same. She excused herself and walked off to mingle with her guests.
“Holy shit, Lexi. That boy wants you. He couldn’t take his eyes off you.” I rolled my eyes at her and let my body relax back onto the lounger.
Just before I closed my eyes I looked around the party quickly. My eyes connected once again with Adam. He was across the pool standing with a couple of other guys but his eyes remained glued to mine while he slowly drank his beer. I pretended not to notice he was once again staring and closed my eyes. I was concentrating on the music coming from the stereo. I fought the urge to grab my towel and cover up.
“Blond hottie is still eye-fucking you, Lex. If you weren’t already knocked up I would worry.” Megan was annoying me slightly.
“What is your deal, Megan? You do remember I’m engaged, right? It isn’t like you to be so forward regarding guys and me.” She shuffled in her lounger and avoided my comment. I reached out and pulled her arm making her face me. “What?”
She smiled lightly. “Nothing, I’m just playing.”
I glared at her. “Don�
��t lie to me, Meg. I know you too well, so spill it! What gives?”
After a thirty second stare off she looked away. “Don’t you dare hide something from me.”
She looked up, taking her focus off her hands knotted together in her lap. “We’ll talk later.”
I slid forward getting close to her, giving her no choice other than to look at me. “We’ll talk now.”
She took my hand in hers and at once I felt nauseated. “Lexi, it’ll upset you and this isn’t the time.” She tried to pull her hand back but I squeezed hers tighter.
“Tell me, because you know I’d never hide something from you. If it was something you needed to know I’d tell you.” She watched my eyes carefully as she told me what she knew.
“Radley and Kole got into a fight. Rad showed up at the apartment and Miley was there. She was just leaving—actually, Kole was making her leave, but she was dressed really sleazy.” The sadness in her eyes made my stomach lurch with uncertainty. “Kole swears nothing happened between them.”
I fought the tears as I stood up wrapping my towel around my body tightly. I walked toward the house as the bile rose in my throat. I just barely made it to the bathroom before I emptied the contents of my stomach.
I lifted myself up from the floor and Megan handed me a wet washcloth. “Lexi, it could be nothing. I was going to tell you when we got home. I didn’t want to ruin this trip for you.”
I looked at her as the tears flowed down my cheeks. “So you’ve been acting like a bitch toward me because you were avoiding me? You knew this whole time and hid it from me.” She started to speak, but I pushed past her, walking toward the bedroom.
I scrambled for my phone with one purpose.
I was so pissed off. I was pissed at Megan for hiding this from me. I was so angry at Kole because he played it out the last couple days like everything was perfect. It all infuriated me.
