“Your wife and baby are fine. They’re getting cleaned up right now and will be in room 212 in about 30 minutes. The baby was breech, but I was able to get to him and get him out before any distress occurred.”
“Did you say . . . him?”
He smiles wide. “Congratulations, you have a baby boy!”
My smile breaks free, taking over my whole face, and everyone cheers and claps and hugs around me. Drake smacks me on the back and I turn around, pulling him in for a hug.
“Thanks for being here, man.”
“Anytime, little brother,” he replies, smacking me on the back as I pull away from our hug.
Destiny’s mom hugs me next. “Well, what name have we decided on for this little guy?”
I laugh and shrug, not allowing myself to say the name until I see him. And Destiny. I want to reveal his name when we’re all together.
I go into the room first while the rest hang back to give us a little alone time. When I walk in, Destiny is sitting up in bed, the baby in her arms. He’s wrapped in a blue blanket. I quickly close the distance between us, kissing her face and lips. Then I step back to look down at my son’s face for the first time.
He has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and they look just like Destiny’s almond-shaped eyes. He has a tiny little nose and thin pink lips.
“Look at all this hair,” she says, pulling off his little cap.
A head full of dark hair pops out and I laugh, knowing that hair is all mine.
“He has crooked little pinkies too, just like his daddy.” She holds up his hand and sure enough, he has that weird family trait only the Slades have.
“He’s perfect,” I say, looking down at him.
“Hold him,” she says, lifting him up into my arms.
I hold him against my chest and he feels light as air. “How much does he weigh?”
“Six pounds, 14 ounces. He’s 24 inches long. He’s going to be tall and thin, just like his daddy.” She smiles up at me.
I sit on the edge of the bed, unable to take my eyes off of him. “So, are we sticking with the name we picked out?”
“I think it fits, don’t you?”
Just as she says that, everyone walks in, filling up the small room completely. I stand up and hand the baby back to her. “Everyone, I want you to meet the newest member of the family: Ethan Thomas Slade.”
They all ooh and aww at him. They take turns passing him around, but Mrs. Parker is the greediest. She sits in the chair and rocks him to sleep while the rest of us talk. Slowly, one by one, my brothers and their wives leave and we’re alone with her parents. Mrs. Parker insists on changing him and letting us get a little rest before nightfall.
When we both wake up and get some dinner in our stomachs, Mr. Parker finally talks his wife into going home for the night and leaving us alone to get adjusted to our new family. I slide onto the bed with Destiny, holding her hand and touching Ethan with the other. When I place my finger in his palm, his tiny hand curls up around it, making a fist.
I laugh. “He’s already got the Slade fight in him,” I tease.
She laughs but shakes her head. “No way. This Slade boy is going to be a good boy, aren’t you, Ethan? He’s going to take after Mommy.”
I smile over at her. “You’re a mommy.”
Her grin widens. “And you’re a daddy.”
“I like the sound of that,” I say, leaning my head against hers.
“I do too,” she agrees, lying back just to watch the baby sleep.
It’s the cutest thing—when he cries, he lets out a few small whimpers. At first, I think, “Well, this isn’t bad.” But if you don’t get that boob in his mouth fast enough, he sounds like a screaming banshee ready to tear your head off. His anger goes from zero to 100 in half a second.
“I think we’re doomed to have another me,” I tell her.
She frowns at me as she tries to coax him into eating. But now he’s so mad that the hunger is forgotten. He’s turning his head from side to side, his arms and legs are going, and his face is bright red.
I shake my head. “Nope, that’s not me. That’s my dad and his anger issues. Better keep the whiskey away from him or we’re doomed for sure.”
“Stop joking and help me,” Destiny says, exasperated.
I move closer but have no idea how to help get a baby on a boob. Finally, he latches on and forgets all about the fuss he was making. The room grows silent once again. I finally feel like I can breathe and think. It looks like it’s going to be a long night ahead of us. Actually, I’m not sure how we’re going to manage without that magic call button.
We’re in the hospital for a few days and the nurses help us with every little task. They show us how to bathe him, how to care for his umbilical cord, and how to get him to latch on correctly, plus they help with so much more. They get us anything we ask for. It makes me want to bring them home with us.
But the day finally comes when it’s time for us to leave. As I put him in the car seat, worry suddenly falls over me. I can’t believe they’re just going to let us walk out of here with him. I mean, don’t they know we have no idea what we’re doing? But on the other hand, all my brothers are doing it just fine. I’m sure we’ll figure out this whole parenting thing. We just need time and practice.
Walking into the house feels surreal. Destiny isn’t allowed to do much of anything, so I try to take care of everything that’s asked of me. I change his diapers and clothing. I make our dinner and clean up. I’m ready to fall over when I finally climb into bed beside her. Ethan is sound asleep in the bassinet beside the bed. I take a deep breath and sleep starts to take me. However, I hear that little warning signal and my eyes pop open.
Destiny is still sound asleep. If I could, I’d feed the baby now just so I wouldn’t have to hear the loud scream that follows that whimper. But unfortunately, I don’t have breasts. He lets out a loud scream and her eyes pop open.
“You need anything?” I ask as she sits up and picks up the baby. It’s only now I realize she doesn’t have a shirt or bra on. My eyes widen when I see her bare breasts and the way they’ve doubled in size since having Ethan.
She shrugs. “Figured I’d save myself the trouble and just sleep topless.”
I nod, understanding. But now I’m wide awake and wound tight, needing a release she can’t provide in her current state.
“I’m going to take as shower real quick.” I kiss her head and move toward the bathroom where I shower off. When I walk back into the room, they’re both sound asleep.
I breathe a sigh of relief as I take my spot beside her. I slide my arm up under her pillow and lie on my side, watching both of them sleep. Everything is perfect right now, in this moment. I have the love of my life and the most perfect son I could ever ask for. It’s crazy to think that all of this started with a single car ride. It’s crazy that all of this almost ended after a drunken mistake at senior prom. But now I know that it was all a part of our journey. It’s like God wanted to make sure we could handle everything thrown at us before granting us the best gifts of all: love, family, home.
I always hated the thought of home before. When I thought of home, I thought of losing my mom as a child. I thought of an alcoholic father. I thought about losing the love of my life. But now I know that this, right here—her, him—they’re my home now. Home will forever be a place I crave and yearn for every time I have to leave. Home is now held close to my heart instead of being pushed to the back of my mind. Home is finally forever, and there’s no way I’m ever running again. Not unless I’m running toward it—toward her, them.
Looking back now, it’s easy to put all the dots together. Looking forward back then, I knew what I wanted, but had no idea how to get it. But looking back, it all makes sense. We were placed here separately. Our path was to find each other, love each other, and overcome everything thrown our way. Once we did that, we were set.
We finally have everything we wanted—everything we were born for. It’s be
en a long journey, but I’d do it 100 times over to get to where I am now. Destiny has always been the only woman I’ve ever loved, and now she’s mine to love forever. I don’t know what else the future holds for us, but I know that since we’ve made it through so much already, we can make it through anything. Together. In love. With this little family we’ve already started creating. Home.
* * *
Keep reading for the conclusion of The Slade Brothers with Hudson and Deven’s story!
We weren’t destined to be together, in fact we were strictly forbidden.
The moment my eyes land on my brother’s best friend, my childhood crush comes flooding back.
If I was still the good little girl he remembered, I’d tell him exactly who I am.
Instead, I only have one thing on my mind—showing him exactly the kind of woman I’ve become.
* * *
I’ve screwed up so many times in my life, it’s starting to feel like it’s all I know how to do.
So what’s another notch in my belt of bad decisions.
Besides, I’m not looking for forever—just the one thing I never thought I’d get.
Him, for one night.
* * *
So after one delicious night of passion, I thought our fun was in the past...
Until I walk in to my brother’s apartment and meet his new roommate—Hudson Slade.
The look of shock doesn’t surprise me, but the regret in his eyes cuts deep.
Even more surprising, the way my heart skips when our eyes meet.
* * *
The one time in my life I make the right decision, and fall for the kind of guy I deserve, I’m still stuck with disappointment because the right choice means betraying my brother.
I’m not ready for this to end, I never will be.
* * *
This can only end in heartbreak—I know that.
Deep down, I think he does too.
He’s just not ready to admit it yet
But it’s better to jump from a sinking ship than to drown with it.
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* * *
It’s no secret I’ve always had a crush on Damon Strickland.
My best friend’s older brother and the center of every single one of my fantasies.
* * *
He’s a walking, talking temptation.
* * *
That cocky grin and those broad, athletic shoulders.
You know what they say about a man with big hands right?
* * *
Growing up, we always tormented one another.
I was the nagging, annoying little girl he hated
And he was the man-whoring, douchebag I couldn’t seem to get over.
* * *
Now as adults he actually came through and helped me land a job at my dream company.
* * *
How the hell am I supposed to focus when all I can think about is tearing that tight suit from his tempting body!
* * *
What’s even worse?
He forgot to mention, he’s my boss.
* * *
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Copyright 2020 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.
* * *
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
* * *
Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
One
Hudson
“It’s good to see ya,” Drake says as he pulls me in for a hug.
“Thanks for picking me up,” I reply, smacking him on the back as we pull apart.
He’s wearing a wide smile, dark eyes shining with the bright summer sun. “Of course. You didn’t think I’d leave my little brother stranded at the airport, did ya?” He picks up my military-issued duffle and tosses it into the back of his truck.
“Well, it was short notice.” I climb into the passenger seat.
He gets behind the wheel and twists the key in the ignition. “What’s your plans now that you’ve been honorably discharged?”
I take a deep breath and shrug. “No idea. I’ve been thinking about trying to get a job with the police or fire department.”
“You know you always have a place at the brewery,” he offers.
I nod. “I know, and I do plan on putting in some time there, but I need something with a little more…”
“Danger?” He laughs out.
I smirk. “I was thinking adventure.”
“Oh, right, right.” He nods along in agreement. “So, where ya staying?”
Again, I have absolutely nothing planned out. “I figured I’d just crash at the motel or something.”
“What? No way! You can stay at the house with me and Celeste.”
“You got the room?”
He nods. “Well, the spare bedroom is now Ty’s, but he usually sleeps in the bassinet in our room anyway. We can blow up an air mattress and throw it down on the floor.”
“How is my little nephew?” I ask, suddenly realizing how much I’ve missed. I’m the only single guy in the family now, and if it’s up to me, it will stay that way for a while. I need to learn to be on my own. I went from living at home with Dad to the military. I’ve never gotten the chance to be an adult.
“He’s good. Growing like a weed. In fact, you have a lot of new family to meet.”
“I know. I mean, I’m gone for a couple of years and the next thing I know, every single one of my brothers is reproducing. Even Wyatt. I never saw that coming.”
Drake laughs. “Yeah, neither did we. He was off the rails for a long time. But Destiny, she knows how to reel him in. So, you’ll stay with us?”
I nod. “Yeah, for a little while. Just until I find a place of my own.”
“You know, you could be like the rest of us and take your plot of land. Build something all your own.”
“I plan to…one of these days. Right now, I just want to relax, unwind, and enjoy catching up with some friends. I want to make sure I want to stay here. I mean, Wyatt went out and traveled the world. I haven’t seen anything worth seeing.” I saw a lot of shit I wish I didn’t though. Most of it still gives me nightmares. Hopefully, I can keep them at bay.
He reaches over and pats my shoulder. “You can stay as long as you’d like. Colton insisted on fixing up this old truck for Celeste, but she won’t drive the thing, so you can use it until you find something else, if you want.”
I smile over at him. “Thanks, man. This was all so spur of the moment that I really haven’t had time to plan anything.”
“No need to thank me. I’m just glad to finally have you back home.”
The rest of the drive to his house is quiet. We talk here and there, but mostly, I just gaze out the window, noticing how much everything has changed since the last time I’ve been home. It seems like forever ago, even though it’s only been a few years.
Drake points out Colton’s new house as we drive by, and he makes sure to show me the new addition to the brewery he’d built. He tells me about some of the business at the brewery, but to be honest, that never interested me much. Growing up and being the youngest, I spent a lot of my time at the brewery with Dad. The other guys had already chased off most of the babysitters that Dad had hired, so when it came to me and Wyatt, there wasn’t anyone around. Dad had no other option but to take us to work with him. I think I spent more time at that brewery than I did our house. The day I was finally old enough to be trusted to stay home alone was a day I celebrated. I never had the heart to argue with Dad about going to the brewery. It was his life’s work. He worked so hard and he was so proud of the company’s growth. And
whether I like to admit it or not, I’ve always been the type of person who kept my feelings inside. I’m not into sharing my emotions. I’ve always wanted to do what’s been asked of me and do the right thing. My brothers have always called me a suck-up when it came to Dad and a pushover when it came to everyone else. I just don’t have it in me to fight and argue. You’ll win every time simply because I don’t have any interest in being right or winning.
When we pull into the drive, Celeste comes out holding a baby in her arms. She’s wearing a wide smile and waving, her blonde hair blowing in the light summer breeze. I’ve only met Celeste one time, but I remember her being kind and welcoming.
“Are you sure she’s not going to have a problem with this?” I ask, opening my door to climb out.
“Yes, it was her idea,” he says, stepping out and moving toward the back to get my bag.
The two of us walk up to the porch. Celeste quickly kisses Drake before moving over to me. She gives me a one-armed hug as she holds the baby with the other.
“It’s good to see you again,” she says, squeezing me tightly.
I hug her gently, afraid of hurting the baby in her arms. “It’s nice to see you again too. How have you been? How’s this little guy?” I take his small hand in mine and shake it gently back and forth. He offers up a toothless grin.
“Good, getting bigger every day. You guys hungry? Dinner is ready,” she says, looking between the two of us.
The Slade Brothers: A Complete Small Town Contemporary Romance Collection Page 78
