Once Ash and I have gotten all the updates, he takes me into his arms, as he rocks back and forth with me.
“Liv, we’re so blessed with such good kids, aren’t we?” His face lights up. “I want us to do the holidays at our new condo this year. I can picture you in the kitchen, cooking with everyone sitting around laughing, and having a good time.” He strums an imaginary guitar with his arms around me and taps his foot. “Me and the guys playing a little music, sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?” I look up at him and nod, “Umm sounds perfect.”
“Liv, what would you say if we stopped in Houston on the way home? The condo is 99% complete and...”
I sit up on my knees, bursting with excitement, and give him a huge hug, “Oh Ash, are you serious?”
“Honey, of course I’m serious.” With a devilish look on his face, he smirks, “I’ve actually already changed our tickets. We’ll be flying into Houston.” Seeing the exuberant look on my face, he kisses me. “Just needed to hear you’re okay with it.”
Dear God...this man is amazing. He knows how to make me happy, and how I happened into this romance, is beyond me. Every day I have to pinch myself and ask if this is real.
The next few days in Paris seem to just fly by. We visit so many places and I’m on sensory overload. I‘ve seen so many beautiful sights in this romantic city, shopped more than I could have ever imagined, and I’m more in love with this gorgeous man, if that’s even possible.
The night before we leave is upon us and while I’m sad about leaving, I’m so excited to get home. Something about being in your own house - sleeping in your own bed, is calling me. For our final night in Paris, Ash has made dinner reservations and arranged for a limo to pick us up. As I’m going in to shower, he stands in front of the door blocking it, and grins. He cocks his head to the side, with an intriguing look and he’s holding something in his hand. “Liv, I want our last night in Paris to be memorable for you.” He takes my hand and kisses it softly, giving me goosebumps. “You make this city and our time here wonderful and I love you my sweet Sunshine.” He holds out a bag. “Here, I got you something.” On the bag is a white logo reading Aubade. He proudly smiles, as he hands it to me and winks, “Open it and, I hope you like it.”
Excitedly, I tear open the bag and pull out the most exquisite and sexy pair of sheer lace red panties and bra to match.
I take his face into my hands and roll my eyes playfully, “Ash, you really don’t have to keep buying me things, you know…”
He puts his finger to my lips, “Honey, I know that, but I can’t help it. Plus, these just had your name written all over them, and they begged to come home with me.” He gets a pouty look on his face, “They practically jumped in the bag.”
I turn around on my heels and give him a little wink. “Well, then, lemme go put them on. I don’t have anything for you, though…”
“Honey, you gave me the best gift, ever, for my birthday. There’s nothing I need or want, except you and your love. Which you give me every day, so consider me gifted.” He rubs his chin and looks up at the ceiling, slowly inhaling through his lips. “Just know that I’m gonna be fantasizing all during dinner, of what I’m going to do to you, when we get back to our room.”
After a romantic dinner, we take one last drive around the city, then head back to the hotel. It’s all we can do to make it back to our room, before we peel off our clothes and make love. We fall asleep and at 5am, the wakeup call comes. The day has come to leave this beautiful city, and head home.
The Rolls Royce is waiting to pick us up, as we walk outside. Before I get in the car, I turn to take one last look at the beautiful hotel. I spread my arms and breathe in deeply, “Ash I had so much fun. This place…I… I’m thoroughly spoiled rotten now, thanks to you.”
He bows and gestures with his hand. “Well, can I tell you that I wouldn’t have you any other way? I love spoiling you and I’ll continue to do so.” He pats my behind playfully, as he points to the car. “Ready to roll in the Rolls?”
***
Before I know it, we’re at the airport and have boarded the plane. I’ve got my headphones on and settle into my seat, beside my dream man. I look into his eyes and he adoringly smiles, as he mouths, ‘I love you’. Motioning me to put my head on his shoulder, he covers me with a blanket. I see he’s gotten his laptop out, which tells me he’ll be working. He nuzzles my head and I smile. “Why don’t you take a little nap, Liv. I’ve got some work to do. No snoring, though.”
My mouth drops open in surprise. “Ash I don’t snore...do I?”
He chuckles and kisses the top of my head. “No honey, I was only kidding. Sweet dreams.”
It’s only a matter of minutes before I’m fast asleep. It seems like I sleep on and off most of the flight home. I wake to find Ash’s seat empty. I stretch and look around, spotting him a few rows up and across, talking to a man about his age. He sees me and motions me to come sit by them.
“Liv, honey, this is Vic Salazar. He and I used to fly together back in the day. Vic, this is my fiancée, Olivia.”
Vic and I exchange pleasantries and he tells me about the good old days, when they were pilots for Continental Airlines. Vic spotted Ash when he got up to use the restroom, and they struck up a conversation. Coincidentally, Vic was in Paris the whole time we were there. Now he works for a large computer consulting firm and was there on business. We talk for a bit, making idle conversation and then make our way back to our seats. Ash yawns, stretches, and puts his seat back. “I think I’ll take a little nap, Liv. You want to watch a movie?”
I curl my feet up and wrap my arm through his. “No, actually I’m going to finish the book I started.”
Looking interested, he glances at my Kindle and asks, “Good series I take it?”
“Awesome series. Controversial, but very good.”
“Honestly I don’t know how you read on that thing, Liv. I’ve got to read the real thing. I like the feel of a book in my hand. But what do I know?” I remove his glasses, as he smiles and mouths ‘thank you’. Very quickly, he falls asleep with his ear buds in, and I look over at him, watching him breathe, looking at every feature on his face. The perfect shape of his nose, his flawless face and jawline, his perfectly styled gray hair, long eyelashes and his large, strong hand tucked under his cheek. He sleeps peacefully, until we’re about 30 minutes from landing. He wakes, to find me staring at him and smiles, “Whatcha looking at, beautiful?”
“Ummm, I was just looking at how perfect you are and thinking of what a wonderful time I had, and how lucky I am.”
He leans over to kiss me, “I’m the lucky one, Liv. Don’t ever forget that, because I won’t.”
The pilot comes on the PA system, letting us know we’ll be landing in Houston shortly. The flight attendant does her spiel about how happy she is that we’ve chosen United Airlines, blah blah blah, and I’m just excited to land and see our new condo.
Hello Houston! Vic and Ash are laughing, as they walk into the seating area to exchange phone numbers and talk for a bit. I’m excited and can’t wait to see Lainey. I’m eagerly anticipating the magic Marcus has done to the condo. My phone starts ringing, as soon as I turn it on and I notice there are missed calls, as well as numerous missed text messages. I laugh to myself, because I’m guessing it's the kids, wondering if we’ve landed yet. I should probably call Lainey and let her know we’re here.
I hit answer on my phone, as I swiftly switch my carryon bag and purse to my other shoulder. I put the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
“Olivia, are you guys back yet?” It’s Emily and she sounds anxious and upset.
“Yes we are. We just landed, matter of fact. You sound upset, hon. Everything okay?”
I hear her harsh breathing into the phone, which is frightening. “No Olivia. There’s been a horrible, horrible accident in Seattle.” Her voice cracks and she whimpers, “A commuter plane crashed into the ferry this morning and exploded.” She’s begins rambling unintelligibly, as I at
tempt to calm her down. “Emily, tell me exactly what happened honey.”
She sniffles and whines in a high pitched voice. “It was foggy and people were killed - lots of people. It’s been on the news all day.” She’s now crying uncontrollably, as she drops a bomb, screaming into the phone. “Olivia, Hayden was on the ferry. He’s in the hospital. In critical condition.”
I gasp, as I drop my bags onto the floor. My heart is racing and tears start falling, as I shake my head in disbelief listening to her.
She wails into the phone, “I need to talk to Ash. I need to talk to him, before he talks to Tommy. Please Olivia, please put him on the phone.” She pleads. “I tried calling his phone, but it just goes straight to voicemail. Please!”
I put my hand to my mouth, “Oh Dear God Em, let me get him.” My heart is racing really fast and I start to panic. As I make my way over to where Ash is, he looks at me confused. My chest is heaving, and the look on my face tells him that something is very wrong. He holds up a finger. “Vic, excuse me just a minute.” He walks over to me and lifts my chin with a worried look. “Olivia - who’s on the phone? What’s wrong honey?”
I stand there shaking my head, unable to speak, as I cover my mouth with my hand. He puts his hands on my shoulders and lowers his face into mine, imploring me. “Liv, honey what is wrong? Did something happen to one of the kids?”
I shake my head back and forth, now sobbing uncontrollably, and blurt out the words, as I drop to my knees. “Ash there’s been a bad accident. Hayden...” I hold my side, as I break down further and Ash quickly takes the phone from me.
There’s a look of horror on his face. “Who is this? Emily? It’s Ash. What’s wrong honey? Talk to me.” He’s walking around in circles, running his hands through his hair, shaking his head. “Oh dear God - NO! When? What hospital? What’s the number?” He walks into a private area and I follow behind him. His face paled, as he asks, “And Tommy’s there? Where’s Wesley? Has anyone tried to get in touch with him?” He throws his head back in despair, as tears fall from his eyes. “Oh dear God.” He takes a deep breath, attempting to gain composure. “Okay honey. Listen, I’ll call Tommy right now. Sit tight and I’ll call you back.” He nods his head, “Yes, absolutely, you should get a flight to Seattle right away. I’ll get one from here, as soon as I can. We literally just landed, so I’ve got to sort some things out.” He looks at his watch. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll call you back. You get the first flight out you can. Understand?”
He ends the call and with a look of anguish, he sits in the chair next to me, putting his head in his hands and breathes out. His eyes are full of tears, as he explains, “Olivia, Hayden was on that ferry. Tommy went to the hospital and tried to give blood and… They told him he’s not a match.” He breaks down. “They goddamn told him that Hayden isn’t his biological brother. He’s goddamn freaking out.” He’s flailing his arms and looks like a lost child. “He won’t talk to Emily, and she doesn’t know what to do. She’s beside herself.” He throws his hands up in defeat. “Dear God in heaven, I can’t hide this fucking secret anymore. My family’s falling apart and I have no idea what to do.” He puts his hands up to his lips and breathes into them, “Hayden may not make it. He needs blood. Tommy and I can’t give it to him. I just hope... ” He breaks down and sobs. My heart is aching for him, and I’m unsure what to do. He gets up and I can tell his mind is racing, trying to prioritize what to do first, when he becomes angry. He walks over to the window facing the tarmac, and slams his fist on it. “Damn you Anne. Goddamn you! What have you done to our family?” He beats his head on the glass repeatedly. “Anne GOD DAMN YOU!”
At this moment, I feel like an outsider. There’s nothing I can do and I’m rendered helpless. I walk over to Ash and put my arms around him, hoping he’ll respond to me.
I whisper, “Ash, I’m going with you.”
He turns to face me, looking forlorn and alone, shaking his head, no. “Olivia, I’m so sorry, but this is something I’ve got to do on my own. It’s up to me to fix this mess. I’m totally responsible for this. I should never have let it go this far.” He fists his hands. “I’ve failed everyone.” He leans his head on the glass and cries.
I decide to take the lead. I turn him around and firmly put my hands on his arms. With determination, I look him in the eye. “Ash, I’m going with you no matter what.” I point my finger at him. “And while you say you’ve got to fix your family, your family IS my family.” My voice breaks, as I take his face in my hands. “Look, I love you and if this happened to me, you’d insist on going with me, and you know it.” I can’t stop the tears that are falling from my eyes, “You’re not going anywhere without me. I’m in this one hundred percent with you.” I put my finger in his chest and through my teeth I say, “I love you, Ash Harper- you’re mine and I’m yours. Remember?”
He looks at me through teary eyes and kisses the top of my forehead. His chest is heaving, as he cries, “Sunshine. God I love you so much and I want nothing more than for you to be with me, but this isn’t gonna be easy.” He wipes his nose with the back of his hand. “I have no idea how the boys are gonna react, and I can’t guarantee anything. I have no idea how Hayden is, other than he’s in critical condition.” He puts his hand behind his neck and looks up at the ceiling, deeply exhaling. “I’ve got a lot of explaining to do, and there’s a lot of hurt that is going to surface. Plain and simple, it could get ugly, and I don’t want you to have to deal with it right now. You don’t deserve to be mixed up in this.” He looks down at the floor. “God I’ve got to get it together. I can’t…”
I put my arm through his and softly rub his forearm. “Ash, no matter what, the boys need to know that we’re a family. That we love each other unconditionally, and that through our strengths, we can weather anything.” I wipe away the tears from my cheeks, “I know it’s not going to be easy, no one said it would be, but I don’t care, I’m with you all the way. You are not leaving without me. End of discussion.”
He looks at me, with a sense of relief, but yet still uncertain. “You sure about this, Liv? I can’t promise you there won’t be hurtful words. Hell, I may lose all the boys. I just don’t know,” He breaks down again and takes my face in his hands, “You’re not gonna bail on me?”
I smile through my tears, hoping to reassure him, as I look into his eyes. “Ash Harper! I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life. No way I’m bailing, I swear. We’re in this together.”
He hugs me tight, so tight, that I swear I can feel his love. Our hearts are united and I’m confident at this very moment that we will get through this.
His phone rings, and he holds it out so I can see. With a pained and fearful look on his face, he closes his eyes and puts his hand over them. “It’s Tommy. God help me.”
I give him a hug, as he takes the call and walks over to a private spot to talk.
The End.
Sometimes in your life, people are sent your way at the right place, the right time. The good Lord sent me an angel, someone who took a nothing like me under her wing. She’s my hero. This amazing woman encouraged and pushed me voraciously, to what she felt was the pinnacle of my potential. Somewhere along this journey, she also became a wonderful friend. Tbird London prefers to remain in the background and that’s okay. I totally respect that. She is the epitome of selfless and shuns the spotlight with a vengeance. That being said, I just want her to know how much I appreciate her talents and her friendship. I’ll stop here, for fear that she’ll call me out for recognizing her. Tbird, I love you! You’re incredible.
I’m also lucky to have the steadfast support of my husband and kids. Writing a book requires so much time and I’ve discovered, finding the perfect balance and management of time, isn’t easy. It’s damn hard, matter of fact. Knowing your family stands behind you cheering you on is beyond comprehension. Hearing the simple words “Mom I’m so proud of you” from my kids, is the fuel that keeps me going. Just like Olivia, it’s day to day for m
e. I’m learning as I go and I’ll never take for granted, the love from family and friends.
I’ve got to also acknowledge the incredible creative team behind Out of the Box Regifted. The cover was a twofold process. Rhonda Hudnall Photography photographed the exquisitely beautiful hands. From there, we went to Marya Heiman at Strong Image Editing, who put her graphics ‘hands’ on it and made it into a cover. She gave me so many versions to choose from and finally, the last one reached out and grabbed my heart..
My oldest son created and maintains my website. He’s a man of many talents and he never ceases to amaze me. He continues to remind me to blog and I appreciate his beautiful wife allowing him to spend countless hours, keeping the website creative and fun. I love you Dale!
At the heart of my heart is an amazing musician friend by the name of Mark Odom. He took lyrics I wrote called Fairytale Man, originally featured in Out of the Box Awakening and put them to music - beautiful music. To top that off, he recorded it. As if that’s not enough, it’s on iTunes. Every time I listen to it, I’m humbled that he would do this for me.
To the gals who did beta reading, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I asked, you read, and your suggestions were so helpful in making Regifted what I feel is a quality read.
Crystal Marie at Little House of Edits is the brains behind the daunting job of editing. She came highly recommended from the Indie author community and I’m thrilled that she had time to work me in. Her patience with me is golden.
From Little House of Edits, we went over to Tammy at Butterfly Dreams Proofing and Editing who put proofreading touch on it and finally to Courtney Knight Nuckels at Clean Teen Publishing the expert behind my formatting. She effortlessly turned my manuscript into a book and is a dream to work with!
So as you can see, this process involves many talents. I’m so grateful to what I affectionately call ‘Team OOBREG’
I’ve got to give a mention to a phenomenal group of 20 ladies—a sorority of sorts called CLS. Most of us are in the USA, with a couple living across the pond. You all know who you are and I want you to know how much you mean to me. The support that stems from this group is indescribable. #PTTP ladies!
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