“You would say that even if I wasn’t,” she smarted off.
“No comment.” He winked. “I’m going to get some drinks. I’ll be right back.”
“Wanna dance or sit for a while?”
“Let’s sit for a few and then dance. I don't want to miss anything with this being the last time Roxe is playing.”
“End of an era, huh?” Breigh sat, as we took a seat along the dance floor looking toward the stage.
“It really is. Sad really. But then I also think that maybe it is a sign of us being adults, living real lives, you know? It's not like we get out and see them like we used to.”
“Girl, we have been adults for a long time. Hell, you've been working, even through college. And me, I’m the mother hen now.”
“You’ve always been. Now you just have your own chicky.”
“Best thing I’ve done my entire life, other than marrying Wyatt.”
We both look over toward him getting us drinks at the bar.
My heart stopped when I saw the man standing next to him, helping. I should have known.
“Did you know he was coming?” I asked Breigh.
“Nope.”
I hadn’t seen him since the time he stood in my office, trying to compute what I was saying, that I needed him to leave me alone.
He was heartbroken just as much as I was, but I had to stand strong. I hoped I could tonight.
CASH
Walking over to the women with Wyatt by my side gave me a little confidence, but not as much as I needed. Somewhere my backbone had shriveled up and I loathed the thought of it. I used to walk with so much confidence but that hadn’t been there since all the crap with my father.
Holding a Coke and a water was anything but manly. At least with some alcohol I wouldn't be as nervous.
Man card has been removed. Stripped from me quite literally.
Emma locked eyes with me as soon as she saw me and didn't move once. I had done what she had asked, and stayed away from her, but I would be lying if I didn’t say I missed her terribly.
I placed her water on the table and my Coke beside it.
She stood up and slowly hugged me attempting to keep a distance after I hugged Breigh.
“Good to see you,” she said quietly.
She pulled back but I held on. “I’ve been thinking about you daily.” I released her and she stood beside Breigh. Emma didn't respond to me but her brown eyes didn't leave me either.
That would have to suffice, for now.
I watched and the band took the stage and Breigh and Wyatt went to dance on the floor. Emma sipped on her water and observed them just as I watched her.
“Do you want to dance?” I asked, knowing her answer before she spoke.
“With you?” She asked.
“Of course with me.” I smiled and stood up holding my hand out for hers.
“Okay. Just one.”
As soon as she stood up, I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me.
What in the hell?
“Emma?”
“Let’s just dance. I will explain everything later.”
I took her hand and slowly led her to the dance floor. I held her at a distance at first, moving at a slow pace. The smell of her hair made me want to move closer to get another whiff.
I had been praying for her daily and here she was in my arms.
She was pregnant. This was why she called everything off with me after she had seen me at the bar.
Everything came into perfect perspective. She was protecting our baby.
I swear just thinking about it made me love her even more. I didn't think that would be possible.
One song led to another and I didn't let go. She didn't ask and I wasn't going to give her a chance to question it.
I brought her closer to me when Roxe sang the cover of “Tennessee Whiskey.” It was instinct for me, like breathing.
I took her chin and raised it to look at me then placed a kiss on her forehead.
“I am sorry for so much,” I said quietly, as the song was coming to a close.
“Me too.”
The song ended and she lightly placed her hand on her stomach wanting to tell me something but looked lost for words.
“I’m going to go use the restroom.”
I nodded a yes so she knew that I heard her but she didn’t respond.
When she came out, we sat talking at a table, us four enjoying each other. We laughed about old times and the things that had changed. Mostly, me.
“How much longer do you have until you graduate from the academy?” Emma asked.
“Almost done. I’d love for you to come.”
She smiled at me, and shook her head yes.
We avoided the big elephant in the room and talked about easy stuff.
An hour later, we got ready to leave. The girls bid farewell to the band and got a few pictures with them, me holding the camera. Kelleye Joe’s was getting rowdy and none of us wanted to be a part of it. Those days had come and gone.
Everyone said their goodbyes and I walked Emma to her car.
“Thanks for the dances and walking me to my car. It really wasn't necessary though.”
“I just wanted to make sure you made it okay.”
“Are you going to ask me about my baby?”
“Yeah… I wanted to.”
“What do you want to know?”
We were standing in front of Emma’s car. She had leaned up against it, taking some of the pressure off her feet.
“The obvious?” I asked without asking.
“I’m six months.”
“And?”
“Yes, Cash, it is your baby. Our baby. Which is why when I saw you with Maddy I flipped. I found out right after all of that…”
I leaned in and whispered to her, “I wished I could have been there for you the last couple months. You and the baby deserve that.”
“I’ve really got to go.”
“Thank you for telling me.” It was all I could say.
I walked her to the door of her car and held it open for her to get in. “If you need anything, baby, call me.”
“Okay, I will.”
“I’ve gotta go.” Emma reached for her handle and I stepped back and assisted in closing her door.
She gave me a wave and I could see the tears falling down her face.
I stood exactly where I was, hoping to God I would have the chance to prove to her I was worthy of her love.
And my baby.
24
CASH
When calling Wyatt earlier in the week, I had assumed he would make time for me. Hell, I needed to talk to him, but that wasn’t the case. I guess I couldn’t blame him since I never was there for him either. I was his big brother and not even once tried to solve any of his problems, on the contrary, creating more of them was more my game.
Finally today, he was available and I was ready to find out what they knew about Emma. Frankly, I was shocked and excited at the same time. How that could happen I hadn't any damn clue but I was.
I wished I could have spoken more to them about it after Kelleye Joe’s but Breigh put a stop to that pronto.
The idea of Emma being the mother of my child gave me a thrill that I wasn’t sure how to deal with. I had been dealt one hell of a curve, not that I couldn’t say I deserved it. I was thankful I wasn't in jail like my father.
I knew two things. First, Wyatt was still going to disagree that I was the type of man who needed to be a father. I’d have to say in all fairness, I would agree with him. But now, I had to get things in line to be a good father. No, a great dad. I could do that. Not that I had a good example though. So many lies, such wasted time.
If I had pulled my head out of my ass a long time ago, I would have possibly already had what Wyatt had… Nah, probably not. He had always been the good apple. The one who was dependable, faultless, always did the right thing. I was the exact opposite of all that.
Second, I was fully aware Brei
gh was going to be circling Emma like a mad mama bear, making sure I wasn't going to hurt her. She had finally begun to warm up to me, at the very least, lightened up and tried to give me a chance. I had to say it was a miracle, but I had seen the forgiving soul my mother had preached to me about. I sure as hell wished I could take back what I had done to her in the past, the calling her a gold digger, the kiss I forced her into, and all the countless other crap I pulled.
Yes, how pathetic was I, trying to destroy Breigh and Wyatt.
Wyatt had to put up with me, he was my brother, when Mom least expected it, but Breigh, no she didn’t. She could have just as easily told me to get the hell out of her house. Instead when the shit hit the fan, quite literally she stood beside Wyatt with welcoming arms and listened.
I rang the doorbell holding pizzas and a two liter of soda, waiting for someone to answer. I heard the rush of little feet and an excited screech before I saw Olivia’s little face holding Wyatt’s hand.
“Uncle Cash.” She reached up and I bent down as much as I could to let her put her little arms around me before Wyatt grabbed for the pizza.
“Yummy!” Her sweet voice muttered.
I shook my head yes, picking her up, placing her on my hip.
“Only one cup, Olivia. You hear me?” I heard Breigh lay the rules down rapidly.
“Yes, Mommy.”
Reaching the end of the hallway where the kitchen connected, I apologized to Breigh for bringing soda.
“It’s okay. We just usually don't let her have caffeine this late. One cup won’t hurt. I’ll just add a lot of ice.”
“I figured it would be better than…”
“Yes, you’re right.”
Wyatt rolled his eyes. giving me a look, before pulling down glasses for us and a little cup for Olivia.
I stood watching how Breigh and Wyatt worked in harmony getting everything to the table, getting Olivia situated, and wondering if that would be me one day.
I had admired the changes they had made on the home, making it theirs after Rhonda left it for them. It fit them perfectly. Funny, how I could still see a lot of Rhonda’s things around, which seemed to comfort them. I would have probably felt the same way if I would have had the closeness like Wyatt did with her. I had my father; he had Rhonda. Who was the lucky one? Yep, Wyatt.
After taking a seat and Wyatt saying the blessing, I studied the small family. Grace wasn’t admittedly something I was used to doing and I knew that would have to change. I found myself almost taking notes as to what would be expected and what I should be doing if the situation turned out how I had hoped it would. I had admitted that to myself long before now, the very minute I knew Emma was pregnant.
“What’s on your mind, Cash?” Wyatt paused. “I assumed since you had wanted to meet with me earlier in the week that…”
“Wyatt…” Breigh said, as if she was stopping him from saying something he shouldn’t. I watched as their eyes followed each other, talking without me following what was being said.
“She’s pregnant,” I said, assuming that was what they were talking about.
“I’m going to get Olivia settled in the living room and let her have some TV time.” Breigh commented, damn near running from the room.
“I’d like for you to be here for this,” I said.
“I’ll be right back,” she said.
Wyatt cleared his throat. “You know how Breigh feels about Emma and how close they are. Don’t try to get information from her or put her in a bad spot.”
“I wouldn't do that.”
“Emma is a sister to Breigh, and….”
“Shit, I get it.” I sat back slightly in the chair, irritated with him. You could bet your ass he wouldn't be that protective over me.
“As you were aware, I was trying to set Emma up with my friend, Caleb, from work. She really didn't even give him a chance, which kind of pissed me off.”
I smiled a shit-eating grin, not caring that he would notice.
“Don’t you figure you have had your chance with her? Or chances. You haven't done right by her.”
“I know. But things are different. So many things are different.”
“I want to believe you… and I see a lot of things you are doing that are different. I wished you had seen everything that was so clear to me for years,” Wyatt said, while crossing his hands in front of him. I felt like he was a father lecturing me instead of my younger brother.
“Me too, but what good does that do now?”
‘None,” he said firmly.
Breigh grabbed us all a beer then sat back at the table.
“So what’s up? What did you need me here for?”
We were talking about all the piece of crap I was. The things I did to you…”
“Like kissing me?” Breigh muttered.
I could hear Wyatt take a deep breath.
“I can’t apologize enough for the pain I put you both through…”
“You’re right.” Wyatt said and then looked over at Breigh. She smiled sweetly and looked at him like he walked on water.
“Cash, what did you want to talk about?”
“As you know Emma is pregnant.”
”I couldn't say anything. You know I will always stand by her and…”
“No explanation needed. She told me it’s mine.”
I waited to see her expression but it didn't change for a split second.
Damn she was good, damn good.
I, on the other hand was smiling uncontrollably.
“True.” She raised her shoulders in unison.
“I want to be with her, and I want to do right by her. In fact, I don't think I have ever wanted anything as badly before in my life.”
Wyatt and Breigh both took a sip of their beers and looked back and forth at each other.
“All right then,” Breigh said with a smile the size of Texas.
“All right then?” I repeated.
“I love Emma. And you have started to show how you can be the man we had hoped you could be. But only time will tell. I have no way of persuading Emma, you should know that.”
“I know that. I just wanted you both to know how I felt and that I was going to be trying to win her over. I want this more than I have ever wanted anything in my life.”
“What you have to prove to us has nothing to do with what you have to prove to her,” Wyatt said.
“I’m well aware,” I confirmed.
“Just like Grammy says, actions speak louder than words. You feel like you have something to prove, then do it.”
“Seeing is believing?” I said.
“Well…not exactly. But in your case, since you don't exactly have a clear record, yep.”
“I just wanted to make sure y'all would support it if it did happen, that you wouldn't work against me,” I stated, somewhat with a question.
“A year ago, you bet your ass I would have been opposed. Not that it would have mattered. Emma is as hardheaded as they come. I see you’re trying…and you have been. All I have ever wanted is for you to be a good man… like Wyatt. And all I have ever wanted for Emma is to be as happy as Wyatt makes me.”
“No way will Cash ever be like me,” Wyatt said irritated.
“I agree, Bro, but I’m not giving up until I am the man that Emma and now our baby deserves.” I meant it too. If I was half as good as Wyatt, I would take it.
We sat in silence, listening to Olivia talk back to her cartoon as if she was talking to a real person she was in a conversation with.
It wasn't lost on me that I enjoyed these moments with my brother and his family far better than any skirt chasing I ever did. I just was never sober and ready to admit to myself it was okay to be happy.
What a waste of my time, working like I did…money wasn’t everything… and I had learned that the hard way.
EMMA
Knocking on my office door distracted me from the pitch I had due at noon. The conference room would be packed by 11:45, waiting for me to close the
deal on what would more than likely be the largest marketing plan of my business career.
I had never been afraid of a challenge and this was one I was determined to nail.
Once the baby came, I would be cutting back my hours, and I needed this to close the deal on my worth. I had provided my time and commitment to this company and hoped they would remember that rather than discarding me.
“Hello…” A knock and the door was opening.
Breigh.
I stood up to meet her and gave her a hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I figured you might want a pick-me-up.” She handed me a Starbucks, and a Danish.
“Decaf?”
“Yes, I knew you were only doing one cup of caff a day so yes, it is decaf. And I bought you two Danishes because I knew you will want one before the meeting and then one after since you won’t be leaving for lunch.”
I smiled. She did know me.
“Plus, I knew you probably haven’t slept a wink since seeing Cash.”
“Were you a fly on my wall?”
“No… but Wyatt was on with him for an hour after Kelleye Joe’s. Wyatt didn't say anything about it but just listened and told him to concentrate on himself. Then he brought over pizza last night and we visited with him.”
“Kinda funny he is having trouble concentrating on himself. That is all he did for probably most of his life and now he is having problems on it.”
“Shockingly he isn't having problems with the changes. He sees what he was and wants to make amends. He even brought up how he kissed me that night in front of Wyatt at dinner and apologized. I didn't know if I would be breaking up a fight or hiding under the table if one started.”
I laughed and almost spit out the Danish I had been enjoying immensely. I may have even moaned from the delight.
“I’m not going to keep you long… I know you have a busy day. I just wanted to tell you good luck and that I had fun with you at Kellye Joe’s. It was just like old times.” She smiled. “I hope we can do it again soon. You know I don't get out near as much as I would like to.”
“I don't think any of us do.” I had stopped going out a lot too.
Our Season (Lifetime Love Series) Page 13
