by Sadie Grubor
He pulled out a manila envelope and pulled a stack of white papers from it. I wrinkled my forehead in confusion.
"What is all of that?"
Chuckling, he answered me.
"The Agreement." His eyes met mine and I half smiled over my champagne flute.
"What are you doing with that?" I laughed out after I took my sip.
"Well, I was thinking that we should officially rid ourselves of this." He leaned forward and aimed the papers for the fireplace. I grabbed his wrist quickly. The expression on his face when he quickly looked at me was confusion and shock. "What?"
"I don’t know…maybe…we should keep it." I took it from his hand and started to leaf through the paper, biting my lip.
"You don’t want to get rid of it?" He placed his hands on the bottom of one of my feet and massaged.
"God that feels good." Moaning at his touch, I put my head back for a second and then looked back up to his face.
"Aidan, this brought us together." I held up the agreement papers. "This is the start of us."
He released my foot and crawled up my body, until he was on all fours over me. Grabbing the papers, he tossed them into the fire.
"Those are not the start of us." He kissed me softly. "The moment that I walked into Dixon’s place and saw you dancing and singing in that tight blue shirt, short shorts, and those damn striped white socks, you had me. It just took me months to figure it out." He gave me gloriously brilliant smile before capturing my lips in a searing kiss.
The past fifteen years had indeed been a rollercoaster of emotions and trials, but it was all worth it. Watching our family and friends at the twin’s birthday party was a reminder of the hardships, but also of the greatness that was still happening.
The entire family was thrilled Maggie made it home from Dartmouth for the twin’s birthday. She surprised us by bringing Jason home with her and sporting a large engagement ring, especially after the two had split up before college, agreeing that a long distance relationship wouldn't work.
Viola and Liam were surprised but thrilled for their daughter. Aidan grumbled about her being too young. James and Elora congratulated them. Phoebe offered to design her wedding dress. Celia offered up all of her girls for flower girls. I simply hugged her tightly and then hugged Jason. The way he looked at her was like someone saw an angel.
Abby made it home from college, as well as Rachel’s son, Alex, and Kimberly’s son, Peter. Jay brought all three of them from the airport at the same time.
Ryan ran to his mother, excited to see her so soon. He stayed with Liam and Viola while Abby was attending college, though she traveled home at least twice a month to visit him. It had taken some convincing, but Viola finally convinced Abby that she needed to focus on college to build a life for her and Ryan. And that she wouldn't have to worry about Ryan having a stable environment while she prepared for their future.
Alex had been quiet most of the time he was home, though he did seem to spend some time with Peter and Walsh. Walsh practically begged Alex to show him how to play bass. The bass was a talent Alex picked up in college, though his real passion was writing. Once Alex realized I too was a literature freak, we had some very lengthy, heated, and great conversations over books and authors.
The house was completely full for the party and the following week, not that it was ever quiet with Aidan, my four children, and the constant slew of friends they brought around. Most of the college crew stayed in New York for a week before returning to their colleges. Before they all left, Kimberly and I noticed that Abby and Peter seemed to take a liking to each other, and that Peter made sure to include Ryan. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next family gathering didn’t bring Abby home with Peter close behind her.
With the party behind us, I sat in my office at the foundation head office. Glancing up from a stack of documents, my eyes caught on the family photo we'd taken the day of the party. Almost instinctually, my fingers grazed the glass just above the faces of my children. There were all so grown up and their own person.
It was hard to believe Walsh and Livy had just turned fifteen. They both still shared the unspoken ability to communicate they had developed as babies. Fights, thankfully, never lasted between the two of them. Walsh often caved in for his sister before it could get too far.
Walsh was now obsessed with music, basically taught himself to play the piano by the age of seven and from there ventured into guitar, drums, saxophone, violin, and even the tuba. Not only was he one of the best musicians at his private school, he was so passionate that he developed a music club that met at our house weekly. I could already see this club turning into a band. We didn’t know for sure what kind of musician Walsh would become, but we knew whatever he did in life would revolve around music. Though, if he were to take the rock star path, I would believe it was to impress a certain girl who adored rock music - Adeline.
Not that he would admit it to Aidan or me, but Walsh developed his first crush and it was on Phoebe and Oscar’s daughter. It wasn’t hard to see why. She was a very bright and eloquent girl. She had Oscar’s height and bright blue eyes, while she inherited Phoebe’s thin frame and black hair. Adel was already on her way to being big in modeling, Phoebe having used her in fashion shows since she was a baby and being featured in multiple magazines. Adel enjoyed modeling, but her hobby was music. She played the piano and guitar, two things that immediately put her on the very high pedestal Walsh had created for her.
Jimmy grew up very close with both Walsh and Livy. He was very much like his father and Walsh was very much like Aidan so, needless to say, Elora and I have had to break up multiple fights between the boys. We also realized that there was an ongoing competition over Adeline's attention. It seemed, Jimmy too, had developed a crush.
Livy was fashion obsessed. It was like Phoebe had found a way to mix her genetic fashion code into her. Livy is very unique in her fashion choices and started designing clothes when she was six years old. Though the first designs were for her Barbie’s, the ones that followed were what caught Phoebe’s attention. So much so, that now, Livy spent two days a week at Phoebe’s design studio as her protégé. I enjoyed that Livy had this amazing opportunity but often felt as if I didn't connected to my daughter the way Phoebe could.
Livy wasn't too much into guys. "I am far too career focused to deal with the Neanderthals I go to school with." She had once said when Viola asked her about having any boyfriends. We both laughed. Aidan smiled proudly when I told him about it, clearly happy to not have to deal with a boy crazy teenager. However, that did not mean that boys didn't notice Livy and Aidan was the first to notice the way Ryan followed Livy around.
Cole is now twelve and our little technology geek. I should have seen his dismantling of all the remote controls in the house to see how they worked as a sign of his future interests. Though, what I found scarier was when he put them all back together and they worked. His room was covered in soldering guns, circuit boards, computer parts, television parts, etc.
Cole was a very smiley boy, but never loud. He had red hair, but not like the twin’s auburn, and there were days you could almost see Loreley looking back at you through his eyes. However, he had Aidan’s skin tone and mouth. Having always been the quiet one, he was often walked all over, especially when Alesandra is your baby sister.
Ah…Alesandra. She was exactly as Aidan had said, she was my clone. Her wavy, long, dark hair with my hazel eyes and complexion, she really didn't show any sign of Aidan physically. Though, the moment she was angry or upset, she was her father’s daughter. Not only was she daddy’s little princess, but her jealousy and anger were just like Aidan’s, quick and short fused. Her temper tantrum phase was almost enough to make me murder my own child and she could tantrum for hours regardless of punishments. It was a merciless process. Now that she was nine the tantrums had subsided, but she could still be merciless.
Aidan spoiled her to death and Viola swore it was because all he saw when he looked at her wa
s me. I had to admit it was a very reasonable assumption since I could get Aidan to do just about anything I asked. And Ales ran to daddy to get whatever she wanted.
With the kids being older and still having Kimberly in the house, I could devote more time to the foundation than previously. Viola slowly phased herself into part time and handed me the main functions and responsibilities. Once Viola stepped back and let me take complete control, I pulled Elora in to help. It got her out of the house a few days a week and we bonded as women and not just sisters.
Glancing up from the picture, I twisted up my face at the stack of mail I still needed to go through. It had been another long day at my office with the foundation. With a deep breath, I moved the funding contract I'd been reading and pulled the mail in front of me.
Pulling the stack toward me, I began sorting through and reading invitations, proposed charity event ideas, requests to host a charity auction for Isobel’s Heart, and other letters and documentation. When I came across a thick plain envelope, I frowned. Flipping it over in my hands, I examined it closely. There weren’t any postmarks to give away who or where it was from. The only information was the foundation address and my attention.
Keeping my eyes on the letter, I blindly felt for my letter opener in the drawer on my left and slipped it between the sealed paper folds. I didn’t know what it was about the letter, but something made my stomach clench and tingle. Taking a large swallow, I reached in and pulled out the plain white paper. The all too familiar handwriting brought tears to my eyes.
Dearest friend, Lilli,
No words can express how sorry I am for all that I had caused and for all that I am still causing now. I can only give you my simple apology and my deepest expression of gratitude toward you and Aidan.
Having recently acquired new photos of Cole, I couldn’t help but send you my utmost love and thanks for raising him so wonderfully. He is truly an amazing child and I wish that I could be with him. Since I cannot, I am more than happy that you are. You have done a wonderful job with him.
Please do not tell him of me in the present tense, at least, not until he is much older and can understand the whole story.
Once my father had shot me and I killed him, I knew that my fate was sealed. I could never be anywhere without my father’s brothers or associates coming after me. Nor could I stay and be sent to jail for murder. I had every intention of killing my father if necessary and that would have been evident.
I gave Cole all I could give him, a family full of love and happiness, along with his freedom. Freedom from manipulation and heartache. Please never let him believe that I did not love him, because I always have and always will.
You have my promise that I will not intrude in your life again after this, but I needed you to know the TRUTH. Because you have always deserved the truth, especially after all that you have gone through.
My deepest love and gratitude to all of you.
Lore
END
Note from the author (ME):
It's a bittersweet moment when you complete a book, series, or trilogy. It is the end of an emotional journey, as an author, and I hope as a reader.
Thank you for joining Aidan and Lilli, and the whole MA Gang, on their journey to find themselves, love, and family. I'm so honored and blessed that you spent your valuable time on this story.
With my sincerest gratitude,
Sadie
Coming soon from Sadie Grubor…
All Grown Up
Growing up next door to the man you love - your soul mate, you would think love would see you through everything. But sometimes, you don't get what you want,sometimes you have to grow up. And often growing up means going separate ways.
When you've found your soul mate so young, but lost each other, is it possible be happy with what you find? Is it possible to love again after you're All Grown Up?
Tentative Release – Summer 2013
Hidden in the Stars (Falling Stars 2)
When your heart has been broken, shattered by deceit, how do you hide your pain from cameras and millions of fans? You dull the ache with gorgeous women who look nothing like the girl that tore you apart. You drown the pain with your two best friends, Captain and Jack D.
All the bad boy behavior – super model girlfriend and major partying – splashed across the tabloids is the ultimate revenge. It's also the perfect way to hide among stars.
Join Jackson Shaw, guitarist for The Forgotten and step-brother of Christopher Mason, as one small family of three discovers our hidden star. And, maybe, makes him shine like he did once before.
Tentative Release – Mid-Summer 2013
Books by Sadie Grubor (& other pen names):
Falling Stars Series
Falling Stars
Stellar Evolution (a Falling Stars novella)
Hidden in the Stars (coming soon…)
Live-In Position
Under pen name V.S. Tice
Young Adult Books as Saewod Tice:
Amongst the Ruins
About the Author:
To keep up to date on upcoming releases, sneak peeks, cover reveals, and inspirational music & images for the Falling Stars book(s) you can find Sadie Grubor on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her website.
Amazon Author Page: Sadie Grubor
Facebook: Author Sadie Grubor
Goodreads: Sadie Grubor
Website: www.sadiegrubor.webs.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadieGrubor
You can also find me on Authorgraph.
About the Editor (& Script Savior):
It has been my pleasure to work with Monica, and I look forward to working with her in the future. She already knows all the crazy I have planned for her.
THANK YOU MONICA!!!
This is where you can find her, but she's really, really, really, really, really, busy, so she can't…. OKAY, perhaps I'm being a bit selfish. I'll still be pouty about it, just saying!
Monica Black – freelance editor
https://www.facebook.com/Monica.Black13
http://monicastormynightbooks.blogspot.com
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
{Deleted Scenes and Extras from the Modern Arrangements Trilogy}
Sadie Grubor
Scene: Awaiting the Big V
{Set Up: Elora, James, and Aidan sitting
in waiting room of doctor's office for James vasectomy.}
Aidan
"What if they fuck up Elora? What if I can’t get it up after the surgery? What will you do then, cause I won’t let you sleep with another guy?"
I came along for moral support, plus it was something that Lilli and I had discussed.
"James, I am not having any more children and this is the most effective and less evasive way to take care of it." She argued.
"Less evasive?! They are going to put a scalpel near my dick, Lor, that’s pretty fucking evasive to me!"
Elora glanced around the room, horrified by James loud comments.
"Aidan, tell her!" He pleaded.
"Um…James, as a guy I get where you are coming from, but I have to admit Lilli has suggested this to me as well." I rubbed the back of my head. "And, well, it really does seem like the most effective and less evasive way to go."
"Traitor." He glared before turning back to Elora. "What if, and this is just hypothetical, what if at some point you do decide you want just one more child?"
Elora narrowed her eyes on him.
"Now look here, Henry James Iverson, I have given birth to five, count them; one, two, three, four, five of your children." She ticked each number off on her hand. "I have been pregnant for over five years of my life. It's enough and this is the least that you can do, which will only be a couple of days of discomfort in place of my five years."
James tried to interrupt, but Elora was having none of it.
"If you don’t do this, then you can say goodbye to my pussy for the rest of my fertile life!"
My eyes widened at Elora
’s uncommon bluntness. When I glanced back to James, his eyes reflected horror at the mention of celibacy. James stood and briskly walked to the nurse's desk.
"Excuse me." He tapped on the glass window. "I have an appointment this afternoon."
I turned to Elora.
"Nicely played."
Settling back in her seat, Elora smiled victoriously.
Scene: A Birthing Story
{Night after Chinese Steakhouse dinner.
Begins with Elora and James in bed asleep}
James Iverson
"James."
I heard my name, but hell the Saki knocked me on my ass tonight.
"JAMES!"
Jerking up in bed at Elora’s scream, I twisted to her side of the bed.
"What? What’s the matter?"
Her face was pale white and her breathing heavy.
"I think my water just broke." he sounded scared.
"You think?" I questioned.
"Don’t be an asshole James! We need to go to the hospital!" She snapped.
"Okay…okay." I took a breath and ran around getting dressed, grabbing her hospital bag, and then collecting my wallet, phone, and keys. I turned around and saw the Elora was bent over and panting. "Baby, are you okay?"
"Fuck NO, I’m not okay! There is a watermelon trying to escape my body!" I flinched at the loudness and the imagery that entered my mind.
"Okay…" she panted. "Let’s go. PLEASE."
I helped Elora to the car and then called our families along the way. Once we pulled up to the hospital I pulled up to the doors and helped Elora into the hospital.
