“What’s wrong?” I pout, watching him jump out of bed and tug on his pants.
“Wrong? Nothing, I just want to get some breakfast,” his voice is tight and I can’t help but feel like I’ve done something wrong. Two seconds ago, he was holding me close and murmuring about my beauty and now he looks like he’s trying to run out the door.
“Ok, well there’s no fire. Come back to bed and we’ll get breakfast after,” I pat the warm space he just leapt from on the mattress.
“No, let’s get up. I’m starving,” he looks at me from the corner of his eye as his words fall unconvincingly on my ears.
“Um, ok,” I slide out of bed, confused, but I don’t want to push it. I’m not sure what’s going on with Connor, but I know better than to make a big deal out of it. Besides, if I’m honest, it stings a bit to get rejected by him like this and I don’t really want to keep getting shut down.
I tug on my clothes and follow Connor upstairs to the kitchen on the main floor. The aroma that only a month ago would’ve sent me running to the bathroom to throw up, wafts around me and my stomach growls.
Bacon.
I lick my lips and practically float on the aromatic trail, like the old commercials of Toucan Sam, I just follow my nose into the kitchen.
“Good morning you two,” Marcus beams as he tugs an oven mitt down over his hand and lifts a hot plate piled high with pancakes from the warming burner. “I was starting to think you were going to sleep the whole day away,” he laughs like he just said something funny and takes the plate over to the table, putting it down on a pot holder.
“What’s all this?” I look at the dining room table in shock. With three place settings all ready for us and plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes and sliced strawberries down the center of the table, it looks like an IHOP advertisement.
“I thought it would be nice for us all to eat together, come sit down,” he corrals us to the table and I sit down across from Connor and dig in.
“Wow, this looks amazing, thank you,” Connor begins scooping eggs and pilfering crispy strips of bacon onto his plate.
“Of course, enjoy,” Marcus starts stacking his own plate with the food and I grab a couple of pancakes and slide them onto my plate.
“Thank you Marcus,” I slather butter over the fluffy pancakes and grab some syrup. “Hey, save some bacon for the rest of us,” I grab the plate from Connor laughing.
For a second we all dig in to the breakfast buffet and all you can hear are the sounds of our forks scraping over the china and us munching on the delicious food.
I look up at Connor and over to my brother before peering down at my belly. I’d always hoped that we would all come together as a family like this, but it looked so bleak that I didn’t think it would happen. I can’t help the sweet smile that pulls at the corners of my mouth right now. It just feels like everything in this moment is perfect.
“Hey, so I was up late last night thinking,” Marcus interrupts my thoughts and Connor and I look over to him.
“Yeah?” Connor’s eyebrows shoot up.
“Yeah, I was thinking about the house here, you know, Mom and Dad left it to me, but I don’t have a family to fill it. It’s too big and empty for me to live in alone,” Marcus finishes chewing his pancake and swallows it down with some orange juice.
“Ok,” I tilt my head wondering where this is going.
“This place isn’t meant to be one man’s empty castle,” my brother continues. “It’s meant to be lived in by a family. The halls are supposed to be filled with the pitter-patter of little feet. This dining room is meant to have big family dinners in.”
“What are you saying?” Connor’s fork stops in midair with yellow scrambled eggs piled on top.
“I want to give you two the house.” Marcus puffs out his chest proudly. “It’s what our parents would have wanted,” he nods at me. “I’ve decided that I will move into a condo closer to the church and that you two will take this place. It’s perfect for the little one and however many other little ones you have after this,” Marcus smiles at me but I don’t return it.
“But, Connor already has a house. And he’s already renovated it for the baby,” I shake my head slowly.
“Yeah, right,” Marcus almost spits out his juice with surprise. “You can’t raise a family in old man Lou’s rundown shack. That’s not a place for children. I’m actually shocked that it’s not condemned,” he steamrolls over me, ignoring the part where I said “renovated.”
“Listen, it’s a nice offer, Marcus,” Connor interjects, “but I’ve done a lot of work on my place. It’s a good home for the baby. I’m proud of my place and Charlotte is happy there,” he looks over at me and I nod in agreement.
“Yeah, we’re going to pass. But, it’s an incredibly thoughtful offer.” I agree with Connor.
The smug smile slips from my brother’s lips and he looks at us in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right? You can’t honestly tell me you’re going to pass on me giving you this house to live like some hillbilly in the woods. You’re going to live here, don’t be ridiculous, let’s just enjoy breakfast and we’ll work out all the details later.” Marcus lifts his fork and stabs a strawberry, munching on it as Connor and I stare at him.
Who does he think he is? He might have raised me when our parents passed, but he’s not my father. Besides, I’m a grown woman and it’s about time he learns that.
“No, I’m not joking. There’s nothing funny about this actually,” the sweet taste of maple syrup turns to ashes on my tongue as anger splashes up inside me. “You’re not my boss, Marcus. You don’t get to tell me how to run my life, you don’t get to tell me who I can love,” I nod at Connor, “and you definitely don’t tell me where I’m going to raise my baby. I don’t know where you got this idea that you’re some kind of supreme emperor and we’re all here to bend to your will, but you better get over it. You preach about Jesus, you aren’t actually Christ, okay? And just because you sit there with that stupid smirk on your face and tell us that our house should be condemned doesn’t mean it’s true. You don’t even know the first thing about what you’re talking about. When have you even stopped by and seen the place, huh? When have you set your stupid temper and pride aside and welcomed Connor back to Bend? As usual you think you know everything and you don’t know shit.” The flames burn up inside me. Years of my brother’s meddling and rules have restrained me and I’m breaking free.
“Lottie, stop being ridiculous, just eat your breakfast and relax.” Marcus tries to brush me off, yet again, but this time I won’t listen to him. I’ve had enough.
“No thanks Marcus. We’re leaving, right Connor,” I stand up from the table and he does too.
“Yup, sounds like it’s time to go,” he sighs heavily.
“I stomp out to the front hall and tug my shoes on my feet but Marcus doesn’t move from the table. He’s like a statue.
“Maybe before you insult Connor’s house you should actually stop by and see it sometime. I’m not moving in here, Marcus, I wish I could thank you for the offer, but it never really was an offer, was it? Just another command, but guess what? I’m your sister, not your dog, and I’m going to live my life how I want,” I open the front door and wrap my fingers around Connor’s hand as I walk through.
As my feet hit the step, I feel lighter than I have in years. I feel like a refugee who finally left an oppressive country behind for a new start in a new land. I finally feel like I’m free to live my life how I choose, and if Marcus wants to throw another fit about this and ice me out again, so be it. I choose my life and my future with Connor and my baby, and if my brother can’t fit into that life, then I guess I’ll have to cut the only thread left to my old family and sew new ones with my new family.
31|Connor
One Week Later
“Mmm,” Charlotte appears at the top of the stairs with her hair adorably messy from her nap, “something smells good.” She walks down and over to me.
“
I’m making a roast for dinner. Everything is almost ready, so I hope you’re hungry,” I smile down at her as she runs her dainty hands over my chest.
“That sounds so good, but what I really want is some dessert,” I can see the spark in her eyes being fanned by her desires. “How about we sneak in a little quickie before the food is ready, I promise I’ll make it worth your while,” her voice is sultry and almost irresistible as she tugs on my hand.
My mind goes back to the blood-streaked blanket as I lay her down on my bed. I want her, the way my cock is already pressing tight against my zipper is proof that I could spend my life in bed with her, kissing her and fucking her until our bodies were sore and we had to close our eyes from pure exhaustion. But I don’t want to hurt her. I don’t want to have to rush her to the hospital again. I feel like we dodged a bullet last week and even though the agony of keeping my hands off her is killing me, I’d rather die than do anything that will cause another trip to the emergency room. I’m not about to tempt fate.
“I can’t,” I look down and turn back to the stove, pretending to look inside. “Everything is almost ready and I don’t want to burn the meal.”
“Oh, come on,” she lightly tickles her fingertips up over my ribs playfully. “I’ll make you so hot there’s no way you’ll last long enough for anything to burn,” she murmurs.
“No,” I turn and look at her. The word is a full sentence and I can see from the look of confusion and hurt swirling in her eyes that she realizes I’m not going to budge.
“What’s going on with you?” She pouts, crossing her arms over her full tits.
“What do you mean?” I pretend not to understand the question.
“Ugh, it’s like you don’t even…”
Tap, tap, tap.
Charlotte’s unfinished thought evaporates into the air as we both look over to the front door.
“Who’s that?” I narrow my eyes and walk over. It’s not like I live completely removed from civilization, but I’m far enough from town that people don’t try the door-to-door thing out here.
“I don’t know.” She shrugs.
I open the door and Marcus looks up at me sheepishly as he runs his hand down over his arm. “I’m sorry to drop in like this, I, uh, can I come in?” He looks around the open space behind me and his eyes grow wide.
“Yeah, sure,” I step back and let him walk through the door.
“Now what?” Charlotte puts her hands on her hips and gives her brother a frosty glare.
“I didn’t come here to fight with you,” he answers rubbing his hands together nervously. “I’m here to apologize.”
I look at the face of a man I once called my brother and over to the woman I love, these two need to work this out. I don’t want anymore family drama hanging over our heads.
“Come in, supper is almost ready,” I nod toward the kitchen. “We’d love if you’d join us,” I offer.
“Is that okay with you?” Marcus looks over my shoulder to Charlotte.
“Sure,” she answers, but I can hear the skepticism in her voice.
32|Charlotte
“That meal was incredible!” Marcus pushes away his plate and rubs his hands over his belly like he’s the one who’s pregnant. “I had no idea you were such a great chef,” he smiles at Connor.
“I picked up a thing or two over the years,” Connor shrugs and begins to clear the plates from the large farm style table.
“You certainly have,” Marcus looks around the vast space. “You were right, Charlotte,” he twists in his chair to look at me, “this is the perfect place to raise your family. I can’t believe how you’ve breathed life into this place,” he smiles.
“Well, that’s all Connor,” I stand up and help him bring the dirty dishes to the sink. “He’s worked so hard on fixing this place up and getting it ready for the little one,” my heart feels like it’s so full it might burst. I must be the luckiest woman alive. To find the man of my dreams and then to have it turn out that he’s even better than I ever imagined. Cooking my meals, fixing the house, keeping me safe and happy. Love feels like a cheap and inadequate word for what I’m feeling.
“I’m sorry that I tried to push the house on you two,” my brother continues, but I’m in a haze as I let my eyes travel over Connor’s rugged chin and slide over his full lips.
“I get it, I know you’re trying to look out for us,” Connor answers, but I’m not letting Marcus off that easy.
“If you would’ve come by before this, you would already have known that the house is ready. That we are ready,” I grab Connor’s hand and place it on my belly.
“You’re right, I’ve got no excuse. I’m sorry that I made everything so difficult,” he looks down at his hands and I can see guilt spread over his face.
“Well, good then,” I know it’s not much of a rebuttal, but I don’t know what to say. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Marcus apologize for anything his entire life. It’s weird to have him admit when he’s wrong.
“I’ve still decided to give up the house, for all the reasons I already said, but,” he holds up his hand to my open mouth, silently asking me to let him finish. “I’m just going to put it on the market. Once it sells, I want to give you half the profit, you deserve it, that house was as much yours as mine,” he finally meets my eyes and I can see he’s tearing up.
“You don’t have to do that, we’re fine for money. Connor has his military pension and I’ve got my job,” I begin to argue.
“Let him do this, Charlotte,” Connor interrupts and blankets his hand over my shoulder. “It’s important to him,” he murmurs.
I shake my head, he’s right, now I’m the one being stubborn for no reason. “Thank you,” I turn to my brother and let go of the grudge I’ve been carrying inside. “That’s really kind of you,” I smile.
Marcus stands up and I give him a quick hug. “Thank you, both of you, I know I’m going to be a better uncle, a better brother, and a better friend because of you two,” his voice cracks.
“Hey, enough of that,” Connor clears his throat loudly. “No more crying allowed,” he jokes. “How about I make us all some tea and we chill out for a bit?”
“I can’t stay,” Marcus lifts his hands, “thank you though. I just want to say that I’m proud of both of you and I know you’ll make amazing parents.” Marcus sniffs and wipes his eyes on his sleeve. “But enough of that, like you said, no more tears. This is a happy time,” he smiles broadly.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for a bit?” I offer but my brother shakes his head no.
“I’ve got to start preparing my sermon for next week,” he answers, “but thank you for the meal, and, well, just thank you. For everything.” He holds out his hand to Connor and they shake, their scarred palms being extended in friendship for the first time in years.
Without any fuss and, for once, without any drama, my brother walks out the door and heads to his car. As he pulls back out of the driveway I look at Connor.
“Ok, now you’ve got some explaining to do,” I tilt my head and purse my lips.
“What? Now what?” He looks up at me, shooting his thick eyebrows upward.
“Do you not think I’m pretty anymore, now that I’m starting to look pregnant?” I put him on the spot.
“What are you talking about? That’s crazy!” Connor tries to laugh off my words, but I don’t smile.
“I’m being serious, I want to know why you suddenly won’t touch me with a ten-foot-pole, or any pole for that matter,” I jerk my head toward his cock.
“Charlotte, are you kidding? I’ve never met a woman that drives me crazy like you do. I love that your tummy is starting to show, I love your curves, I love you. There isn’t a haircut you could get,a pound that you could gain or a wrinkle that could form that will change that. You have my whole heart. And trust me, I want you more than you could ever even understand,” exasperation twists his face as he runs his hand over the side of his soft beard.
“T
hen what’s going on between us? It’s like you’re shutting me out? If you still find me sexy, then why won’t you touch me?” I step into him and he throws his arms around me, pulling me in tight.
“I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I’m just worried about the baby. I mean, one second I was tossing you down on the bed ready to fuck you and the next we were at the hospital hoping you weren’t losing the baby. I just keep thinking there’s something I did that made that happen. I don’t want to risk hurting either of you, that’s all,” he runs the palm of his hand over my belly and my anxieties ease off my shoulders.
“That’s really the reason?” I look up at him from under my eyelashes.
“I swear,” he holds up his hand. “How could you think I don’t find you attractive anymore. You were all I could think about before you got pregnant, and now that you’ve got my child growing in here,” his fingers trail over my stomach, “you have no idea how beautiful that makes you. If I had it my way, you’d never wear clothes and the only times we’d get out of bed would be to forage for food and use the washroom,” he laughs.
“Sounds like a nice weekend to me,” I raise an eyebrow mischievously.
“It sounds like pure heaven, but I just don’t want to hurt you,” worry flashes over his face like lightning.
I grab his hand and give it a squeeze. “Hey, you don’t have to worry about that. I’m serious, I talked to the doctor, I specifically asked her about sex and she said it had nothing to do with the bleeding. It was just a fluke. It could’ve been anything. You don’t have to treat me like I’m made of glass now. We can still have our cake and eat it too,” I smirk.
“Well, I don’t know about that,” Connor sighs heavily, but I can see a sparkle in his eyes.
Riding Lil' Red Hard_A Modern Day Fairy Tale Page 23
