I nod. He’s right, they do love her. It’s hard not to. Sweetness radiates from her, even if she has a sassy mouth. Which she rarely uses with me.
“I will still protect her. I’m just not going to be doing it on your dime. And I think once she’s healthy enough, you should take the guilt away that she feels for loving me because she thinks you want her too.”
His face turns into a blast of confusion. “I do want her.”
“Maybe. But you’re dating Cammy, and Emily doesn’t know that. She deserves to know.”
His mouth drops open. “How?”
“It’s my job to know, Johnathan. Just like when you told her you slept with three women the past few months. I know it was five. I also know you’ve been dating Cammy for a month and you’ve already had relations as well. You told Emily you didn’t. But what did you really expect? Her to be okay with Cammy and then what? You try and be with both of them? Now that, sounds a little sick doesn’t it?”
His eyes widen with horror. Yes. I know your games, Johnathan. I’ve dealt with them for years. I’m not a novice.
“I didn’t ask her to move in. I gave her a job when she wouldn’t take the money, I offered her to keep her on her feet. She’s always known about Emily and how I felt about her. She also knows that if Emily would have me I would be with her. I’ve not lied to Cammy about anything if that’s what you’re hinting at. It was Emily who wanted her to move in, not me. I like Cammy but I love Emily. I want to marry her.”
I shake my head. “No you don’t Johnathan. You wouldn’t have another girlfriend if you did. And you’d be honest with Emily like you are Cammy. I would never think to date another woman or look at another woman. I love Emily with all of my heart and my manhood could never get up for anyone but her. Just the thought alone makes me sick to my stomach.”
“If you expect me to give up Emily because of your claim on her, you’re wrong. You are no longer welcome at our home and I want you out.”
I scoff a deep bellowing laugh at him and throw my head back for show. “Do you think I’d be staying at the house anyhow? Emily is going to be in the hospital until the babies are born. I’m not leaving her side.”
He growls with a dark menacing face. “You will not be staying here. She is not yours to have, James. She is mine.”
“Ask her who she loves and ask her who she wants to sit by her bedside. Then we’ll see who’s she is, Johnathan. I don’t question her love for me. You do. You could have had her. I gave her the distance to try and figure stuff out with you. I even tried not to show my affection towards her. But she deserves someone to love her completely. And I do that for her and for the babies in her belly.”
He growls again. “Those are my fucking kids, James. Not yours! And you’ll do good to remember that!” He yells.
“They might be yours by blood. But I’ve been the one talking to them every day. I’ve been the one rubbing them and telling them I love them. Not you,” I say as coolly as I always talk. I’ve never been one to lose my temper. It’s part of my entensive training.
I get up and decide I’m done speaking with him. I’ve said my peace and eventually Emily will find out about Cammy and Johnathan and then her guilt for loving me will be gone and I can only hope we sail into the sunset together.
Chapter Twenty One
I can hear talking. Who’s talking? Where am I?
Oh fuck, I was bleeding on the deck of my new house. Where’s James? Are the babies okay? Is Dylan alright?
Open your eyes, Emily. Come on, you can do it. The muffled sounds are getting louder. I wiggle my finger. Oh, someone is touching me. Is someone holding my hand? I wiggle my fingers again.
“James, she’s waking up.” I hear the most joyous voice say. It’s my mom. My mom is here! Oh how I’ve missed her.
I wiggle my hands again and try to open my eyes. I can’t get them to open. Oh come the fuck on, damn-it!
“Sweetheart, we’re here. I love you Emily. Open your eyes,” The best male voice on the planet says and my heart thuds in my chest. That’s my man. My lover. “Emily, I’ve got you.” He caresses my arm and I can actually feel it. Am I drugged or something?
Focus Em, open your god forsaken eyes. I concentrate as my mom squeezes my hand and the love of my life rubs my arm. He’s here for me. I knew he’d never leave. Oh my James.
Something warm encases my lips and I can feel the spark of love filling my veins and the minty scent flooding my nose. He’s kissing me in front of my mom. Oh my god. I guess the cat’s out of the bag.
I force myself to purr in my throat and he chuckles. “I guess you can feel me.” He presses his lips against mine again and I try to will my eyes open. Slowly, I see a line of light in my sight.
He pulls away and I groan in protest and my mom chuckles this time. “I guess she likes your kisses. Well maybe if you’re that good James I should get a kiss too.” She smacks her lips. Oh no she doesn’t!
My eyes fly open and she breaks into a full on laughter and so does James. “See that worked.”
Oh that evil, evil woman.
I clear my throat, it’s Sahara desert dry. “Not funny,” I murmur, my voice raspy.
Looking down, I see that my belly is still the same size. I look to James and he rubs my tummy. “They are still inside and kicking sweetheart. Your endometriosis caused an intrauterine tear which made you bleed out. Your doctor fixed you up.”
My mom, like she was reading my mind, puts a straw to my mouth and I drink up. Oh, the cool refreshing taste of ice water. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything quite as good. Okay, James’s man juice, maybe. But that’s about it. I know, I know that sounds gross but it’s true. I’m not going to lie.
He keeps talking, his hand resting on my belly. “The doctor has ordered you to stay in the hospital for the reminder of your pregnancy. So your mom and I have been here around the clock.”
I frown. “How long have I been out?” Good it came out better this time.
“Four days and a few hours. They kept you under for a day and have been slowly cutting back the pain meds. You had a blood transfusion too.” He smiles.
Who in the hell smiles about their lover having a flipping blood transfusion, what is wrong with him?
“Is something funny about the fact I almost died?” I snap.
Coming closer, he lowers the rail on my bed and sits next to me. His hand caresses my cheek as he stares me in the eyes. Oh I love looking at him. He’s so sexy.
“It’s not funny love. But the blood that is in your veins is also mine.”
Okay, now I really don’t understand. “Come again?”
“When you needed a transfusion it’s customary for them to ask if any family wants to donate. I’m O blood type so I’m a universal donor. So they took two bags of my blood and transfused it into you.”
Well if that doesn’t scream “I love you,” I don’t know what else does. Who in the whole world does that? I have to be a rare case where your lover’s blood is actually coursing through your veins.
I smile and chuckle. “Well if that’s not a marriage proposal I don’t know what is.”
His face drops into sadness mixed in with contortion. All kinds of screwed up, it what it is.
“James, I was kidding.” I tease. Man, he’s so damn serious.
“Well, that’s kind of what I was hoping to do.” He pulls a ring box from his pocket and gets down on one knee next to the bed.
I instantly break into a fit of tears. He’s so romantic.
“I know this isn’t the right place. But I can’t wait and I’ve already gotten your mother’s blessing.”
I look to my mom who’s holding my hand and she’s crying too. My mom, the sap. I must get it from her.
“I love you, sweetheart. I know this with Johnathan has been hard but I know you love me too and I want us to be together. I can promise I will never cheat, or lie, or hurt you in any way. Will you marry me?” He opens the ring box and I gasp.
Oh
my god, that’s a huge rock.
“You had me with blood transfusion,” I smile and offer my arms for him to hug me.
He stands and gently hugs me, pressing his lips to mine. “I love you,” he murmurs against my mouth.
“I love you more.”
My mom chokes back a tear and claps loudly. “Oh, that was so romantic,” she sobs.
I giggle as James pulls his delectable mouth from mine. Mmmmm…I love his kisses.
“Yes, mom, he’s quite the romantic.” I wink at him and he slides the giant rock onto my left hand. I hold out my hand and look at it. Wow, that’s beautiful. It’s a huge princess cut diamond in the center with lots of little stones around the band. And it glistens oh so perfectly on my hand. He’s got wonderful taste.
“It’s perfect,” I smile.
“It better be; your mom and Stacy helped pick it out.”
When did he have time to do that? I thought he said he was here round the clock. I can’t complain if he left to buy me a ring. That was so sweet. I not only have my heart full with love for him. I literally have his blood pumping through it. That’s amazing. He’s amazing.
A knock sounds at the door.
“Ah. I see our patient is awake,” Dr. Golds says, making her way to my bed.
“Yes, and I’ve already been proposed to.” I flutter the ring on my finger so it can catch the light and she smiles.
“I’ve seen it already, and it’s gorgeous.”
I glance at James and he shrugs with a smile. “I was a little excited. I’m certain all your nurses have seen it too.”
I giggle and shake my head. “You’re adorable, Papa Bear.”
He just keeps getting more perfect. Who buys a ring for a woman who’s pregnant with someone else’s kids as they are lying incapacitated in a hospital bed? Not only does he ask my mom’s permission, he has her pick out the ring along with my other best friend Stacy and he shows the entire hospital staff. I think I just walked into my own personal heaven with this man.
“How are you feeling, dear?” Dr. Golds asks me with concern. I must have zoned out. I do that a lot. It’s not a medical problem. It’s just me.
“I’m a little achy and starving. But overall I’m happy and I’m so thankful you not only saved my life but the babies too.” I rub my belly.
“Me too, Emily. We were lucky to find the tear in time. But what I wanted to tell you is I can’t…”
I cut her off. “It’s okay, doc. I already know I’m stuck here for the remainder of my pregnancy. It’s okay. I don’t mind. I have my family for support and as long as the babies are okay, that’s all that matters.” I offer her a reassuring smile and she gives one right back.
“Well okay then.” She glances at my monitors and the babies monitors that are strapped around my belly. “It all looks good. I’ll check back in later. If you need anything, press the call button.”
I thank her and she leaves. But pops her head back in.
“Sorry, you can eat but only liquids until tomorrow.”
I thank her again and I glance at James and lick my lips. She did say a liquid diet.
“Oh no you don’t,” he scolds with a naughty smile.
My mom obviously catches on because she smacks my arm. “Gross, Emily Sue Bronwyn; don’t be like that when your mother’s in the room,” She admonishes weakly with a smile.
“Oh mom. I can’t help I like it.” I smile and break into hysterical laughter and I look at James who is as red as a radish. “What?” I shrug at him. “It’s true and we’re going to be married. It’s not like she doesn’t already know we have sex and we all know men like to have that done.”
And his face just turns redder and he turns around, embarrassed. My mom is red faced too but she’s smiling ear to ear.
Hey, I’m my father’s daughter and I don’t always do subtly well. Especially if I like something as much as I do his yumminess.
Another knock comes at the door.
“Can we come in?” I hear Cammy say.
“Sure,” I call.
Dylan comes pounding through the door and jumps up on the side of the bed.
“Dylan!” His mom screeches.
I wrap my arms around my new buddy and hold him too me.
“Hi Mama Bear. Are you all better now? I’ve missed you.” He kisses my cheek and my heart melts. How sweet is he?
“I’m all better. I missed you too and so have the twins.” I kiss his head and he turns and plants his face onto my giant bump.
“Hi twins!” He screams and I laugh.
“Dylan, we are in a hospital,” Cammy reprimands again and then Johnathan comes strolling into the room. My mom immediately stands and leaves. What the hell?
“It’s okay, Dylan” I pat his head. “Just talk softly to the babies.”
He listens and he starts to jibber jabber with them. Telling them all about his week and how he missed watching Sponge Bob because Mama Bear wasn’t home to sit with him. Now that one made me giggle. You’d swear I’d known him his whole life with how quickly we’ve bonded.
“Hello Beautiful,” Johnathan says and comes and kisses my forehead.
James grunts angrily, his back pressed against the wall, his arms over his chest. He’s not happy to see Johnathan at all. It’s obvious.
“Hi.”
He takes a seat next to me and grabs my hand into his and instantly, his face drops. Oh shit I completely forgot I’m getting married. Well that might be a huge shocker to this little happy life. Fuck.
“Him?” He murmurs darkly with a clinched jaw.
“I love him, Johnathan. I didn’t mean to but it happened and I’m not going to say I’m sorry. I’m not. I don’t want to hurt you...”
He stops looking at me, breaking my verbal concentration and he glances back at James and then to Cammy. A long breath is released and his shoulders droop.
“I don’t want to know more. Marry him, Emily. I don’t give a fuck anymore.” He pushes his chair back and it crashes onto the floor.
“It’s time for you to leave.” James steps forward, ready to remove him.
“I’m leaving, asshole.” He hisses and stomps across the room, exiting without another word.
Okay, that didn’t go very well. Not that I thought it would. What am I supposed to say? Oh I’m sorry I fell in love with my bodyguard when you were getting hooked on drugs and fucking women?
Do I feel bad? Yes. I don’t want to hurt him. I feel like dog shit for doing that. But I can’t worry about him anymore. He’s always done what he wants and now I’m doing what’s best for me.
Another knock comes to the door as Cammy takes a seat next to me.
James opens it.
“We have flower deliveries for Emily.” A man in a white scrub outfit says rolling a cart full of flowers, candies and balloons into my room.
“Who in the world?” I raise a brow.
James scatters the flowers and goodies around the room. They cover every nook and cranny.
“Most of them are from Claire, one is from your dad, the big roses are from Stacy and those are from me.” He points to a huge Gerber Daisy arrangement with a large Teddy Bear hugging the vase. Awe!
“Claire?”
“I called her to tell her what happened. She almost flew out but I assured her I had it all under control. But she wants you to call when you’re able.”
“I’m able now.” I reach out my hand to take somebody’s phone. James places his into my palm and his back ground is of me.
I click dial.
“James is Emily okay?” She answers.
“I’m fine. Thank you for the concern and room full of goodies.”
God, it feels wonderful to hear her voice. It feels like forever.
“Thank the lord. You sound so wonderful, Emily. I miss you baby.”
Okay, she dumps me and now she talks all girlfriend like to me again. What’s her deal?
“Ummm… I miss you too, Claire. How are things?” This is a weird conve
rsation.
“I’ve been worried sick. James has called me every day with an update. Are you sure you don’t need me to come out?
“I’m sure. My fiancé has everything under control.” I smile at him and he smiles back as he holds Dylan in his arms talking to him. Cammy is doing something on her phone.
“Oh good.” She breathes a sigh of relief into the phone.
She doesn’t sound surprised to hear about the engagement. He must have told her too. Is there anyone on the planet he hasn’t informed before me? What if I said no? He’s pretty confident.
“Did he tell you too?”
She giggles. Oh I missed that giggle. I love Claire’s voice and I miss her. Not her love but her friendship. I miss our girl talks and fun times together.
“Yes, he called as he was buying the ring with your mom and Stacy. He took a few pictures so I could give my two cents.”
I shake my head. I can’t believe he did that too. Everyone was involved in picking out the ring. Even Claire.
“Do you like the one he chose?”
“Yes, it’s beautiful. That’s the one all of us voted on; it was unanimous. But nothing would compare to how lovely you are, Emily.”
She must really miss me.
We get into a long conversation on the phone and Cammy stays playing on her cell and James whispers to me that he’s leaving to take Dylan to get some hot chocolate. Which I wave them goodbye but not before I get to kiss them both. He’ll make a great dad.
Claire informs me that her relationship with this woman is going well. That she’s sexy and an entrepreneur just like her. So they seem to have quite a bit in common. Which I’m happy to hear. Overall, it sounds like a great match. And I couldn’t be happier for her. And I tell her as much.
As I wait for James, Cammy is still engrossed in her phone and I close my eyes. Who would have thought waking up from a four day siesta would mean you’re still tired, because I am.
Chapter Twenty Two
A hand is rubbing my leg.
I open my eyes and smile.
Stricken Rock Series: Complete Box Set Page 65
