Reckless Redemption: A Bad Blooded Rebel Novel (Bad Blooded Rebel Series)

by Mellie George

  “I called her that morning and told her I was coming home and that I needed to talk to her. I had been granted leave by my superiors for that weekend anyway, so I knew if I was going to face this, I had to do it in person. Brenda agreed to see me and I drove all the way back here, ready to accept the fact that my marriage was more than likely over.

  “When I got home, I knew she could sense what I was going to tell her before I said it. I sat down next to her and told her the whole truth; that I’d cheated on her. I will never forget the expression on her face when I told her. It still haunts me to this day.

  “That day I learned that I married the most incredible woman on Earth. Because despite what I’d done she took me back with open arms. Brenda said that she would always be hurt by my infidelity, but that it took strength few men had to come home and tell her face-to-face. She told me she knew she’d not made it easy on me and even though that didn’t excuse what I’d done, she still loved me and would fight for us every single day for the rest of her life. Despite everything, she believed in us. I think I cried for the first time in a long while when she let me hold her again. About six months after that we finally made love again and that’s when Danni was conceived.”

  I sat there stunned. I couldn’t believe what I just heard…Dan had cheated on Brenda long ago and she forgave him because she didn’t want to lose him. She saw more good than bad in him and loved him through it all. Just like Danni had done with me.

  “Now you know why I had an instant soft spot for you, Beau. Yes, you screwed up in New York, but Danni did too. I love my daughter very much but when she told me the whole story she wasn’t so innocent there either. She used that Jake fellow to try and stoke your jealousy, and unfortunately it worked a little too well. I was on her ever since all of that happened to give you another shot but she’s stubborn.”

  “That she is,” I finally managed to say.

  “So, to answer your request, yes Beau, you have my blessing to propose to my daughter and I’m sure you have Brenda’s too. When you and Danni were together before she was happier than I’d ever seen her. Now that you are back together and having a baby…well, a father can only hope to see his child be as blissful as she is every day, and it’s all because of you. Congratulations,” he beamed, reaching his hand out to me.

  I took his hand and gave it a hard shake.

  “Thank you, Dan, this means a lot. Don’t worry, I will take care of her and protect her with my life. I love her so much and I promise there won’t be a day that goes by that she doesn’t know that.”

  “You’re a good man, Beau,” he said, smiling at me.

  We sat in silence for a few moments, drinking our sodas.

  “So, when are you thinking of proposing?”

  “Well I had originally wanted to do it while we were here in town but I haven’t bought a ring yet. I’ve looked at a few but it’s been hard to get away without her knowing what I’m planning.”

  “Yeah, it would be hard to do especially when you are a famous rocker,” Dan replied, winking at me.

  “I was actually thinking about the Fourth of July. The guys and I usually take a yacht out on the Ohio River, and I thought maybe I could do it when the fireworks start.”

  Dan smiled at me. “I think that sounds pretty romantic.”

  “I would actually love it if you and Brenda could be there too. I’m sure Everleigh would love to see you both and I wouldn’t want you to miss out on this special occasion.”

  “Danni did mention the other day that she wanted us to visit, so I think that sounds like an awesome idea. If there’s anything you need me to do to help, you name it.”

  I smiled at him and gave his hand another shake.

  “Thank you Dan,” I said, and before I knew it he stood up and pulled me into a hug.

  “You’re welcome, Beau.”

  We broke apart and he said, “What’s say we get going on this barbecue before our girls get back, huh? You’ve got a pregnant fiancé-to-be that will be ravenous.” Dan patted me on the back and we got to work on the food.

  Before long Brenda and Danni returned looking relaxed and happy to have spent the day together. Danni showed me a bunch of things Brenda insisted on buying for the baby. I watched her as she held up all the little unisex sleepers, pacifiers, and bottles, and my heart melted at how much she was glowing. She was already so excited about our baby and after looking at all the baby stuff, I had to admit I couldn’t wait to hold the little life that would be small enough to fit into those tiny clothes.

  July

  “So, today’s the big day, Daddy, are you excited?” Ryder asked, clapping me on the shoulder.

  Today was the day of Danni’s ultrasound and hopefully we would find out if we were having a boy or a girl. I really didn’t care either way, but I knew Danni was anxious to know so we could start buying things to get ready for the baby.

  It was also July third, the day before the big proposal; Dan and Brenda were already on their way to Cincinnati. They would be arriving while we were at Danni’s ultrasound so Sadie offered to meet them at my house. Danni still hadn’t decided if she would move in with me or not, even though we were fully committed to each other. I was hoping that would change by tomorrow night.

  “Yeah, I can’t wait, man,” I answered. “I know Danni’s going crazy waiting.”

  “Oh, I’ve been there. Evie was going nuts that whole morning of her ultrasound. I think the wait while they were checking things out was the hardest part for her.”

  “You mean for you,” Jude joked. “You just wanted them to say the sex of the baby so you could brag that you’d been right all along.”

  “I knew I was right from the minute the doctor said we were pregnant,” Ryder stated smugly. Ryder and Everleigh had found out last month that they were in fact having a boy. Max Matthews was officially on his way into our little family and would hopefully be here right after Halloween.

  “How much longer until you have to leave?” Jude asked me.

  We were all at the recording studio making some final changes to the track that would be our newest single once we decided on a release date.

  I looked down at the time. “Shit, I’ve got to run. Her appointment is in thirty minutes.”

  Kris patted my back as I pulled my keys out of my pocket.

  “Good luck, man. Let us know what you find out.”

  “You know it. Oh yeah, Jude, can you make sure Sadie calls me when Dan and Brenda get there?”

  “No problem, man. Now go get your girl to the doctor,” he said.

  I waved at them and practically sprinted to my Charger. Once I was inside, I started driving and practically broke the speed limit to get to Danni’s apartment on time. Just as I pulled into her driveway, she was locking her front door. I smiled at her as I got out of the car to help her down the steps.

  “Hey baby, sorry I’m a little behind.”

  “No worries. We should still be able to make it there on time,” she said, but I could tell she was irritated.

  After this appointment I planned on taking her shopping for most of the gender specific baby items she wanted so badly. Hopefully that would put her in a better mood.

  “Well, let me get the door for you.”

  I held her hand as I walked her to the car. We quickly got inside and drove the short distance to Dr. Mitchell’s office, Danni and Everleigh’s obstetrician. As soon as we parked, I got out and came around the car to open her door. She seemed to have thawed a little on the drive over and she took my hand as we walked into the office.

  “Let’s go see our baby,” she said excitedly, and practically pulled me to the office door. We stepped inside and she quickly signed in. We had barely sat down before we were called back to the exam room.

  I stood in the corner of the room while the nurse told Danni to lie on the exam table and to pull her pants down under her belly as far as they would go. As we waited for Dr. Mitchell to come in, I walked back to her and said quietly, “You
still mad at me?”

  Danni sighed. She smiled at me and answered, “No, I’m not mad. I am just excited about this appointment and I was worried we’d be late. I didn’t want to miss this.”

  “I wouldn’t have let you. Listen, I was going to make it a surprise but after this is over and if we find out what we are having, I want to take you shopping for the baby.”

  “Really?” she asked.

  “Really. I know we aren’t exactly living together right now, but we will need things for the baby no matter whose place it is,” I answered, hopefully hinting to her strongly that I wanted her to make a decision.

  She bit her bottom lip.

  “Yeah, about that…can we talk about it after the holiday? I want to have fun with everyone for the Fourth and then maybe we can figure it all out,” she answered with a hopeful smile.

  I was bummed that she didn’t want to talk about it yet, but I shook it off. This was about to be a big moment for us so I let it go for the time being. I leaned in and kissed her.

  “Sure baby, we’ll talk about it later.”

  I moved down to her stomach and kissed the now very noticeable round belly that was already starting to make her belly button pop out.

  “I can’t wait to see you today, Jelly Bean. You need to make sure those tiny little legs are open wide so Mommy and I can know if we need to paint your room pink or blue.”

  Danni giggled and combed her fingers through my hair.

  “I love you,” she laughed. I kissed her belly one more time before there was a light tapping on the door.

  “Come in,” she said, and Dr. Mitchell walked in with a nurse behind her wheeling in a big machine.

  “Danni? Hello, it’s nice to see you again,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Beau, how are you?”

  “I’m great. Just ready to see our Jelly Bean on screen,” I answered.

  Dr. Mitchell smiled at me. “Jelly Bean?”

  “Well we had to call it something until we find out what we’re having,” I answered with a smile.

  “I kind of like Jelly Bean,” Danni said as Dr. Mitchell fired up the ultrasound machine. “I think we should keep it.”

  “Okay Danni, I’m going to put some jelly on your stomach. This time it will be warm,” Dr. Mitchell said. “Just give the nurse and me a minute or two to check things out. I assume you both want to know the sex of the baby?”

  “Yes we do,” we said in unison and Dr. Mitchell and the nurse laughed.

  “Okay, just give us a few moments here,” she said.

  I held Danni’s hand as they looked at our baby. Suddenly we heard a whooshing sound; I smiled as I heard our baby’s heartbeat. It was one of the most beautiful sounds in the world and it never failed to take my breath away.

  “Heartbeat is about one forty five, so that’s good. Nice and strong. Everything looks really good here, Danni.”

  Danni sighed deeply and said, “That’s great.”

  “Okay, now, it looks like your little one is being difficult here so let me just see if we can get it to move into position so we can tell what it is,” Doctor Mitchell said.

  I squeezed Danni’s hand and said, “Of course our child would be stubborn. Already taking after Mommy I see.”

  Danni giggled and replied, “Dear God help us.”

  Dr. Mitchell jiggled the wand on Danni’s belly for a few moments and finally said, “Well, hello there.”

  “Can you see it? Can you tell what it is?” Danni asked.

  “I sure can. You see the little legs right there?” Dr. Mitchell asked as she pointed to the screen and we both nodded. It was amazing to see those tiny little legs and feet on the screen.

  “And can you see right between them there? This little one is bent over in there and definitely wants you to see what it is now. Congratulations you two, you’re having a girl!”

  Danni gasped and my heart warmed instantly. “Beau, we’re having a girl!” she exclaimed and squeezed my hand.

  A little girl…we were having a daughter. I melted in that moment as I looked at my tiny girl floating and swimming around safe and warm in Danni’s belly and I suddenly felt complete.

  I leaned down and kissed Danni’s lips, not caring that there was a doctor and a nurse in the room. When she pulled away from me, she had tears flowing down her cheeks.

  “A girl…Danni, this is amazing.”

  “I know, I’m so happy! I love you so much,” she said, kissing me again.

  After the nurse wiped the warm goo from Danni’s belly, she rolled her pants back up and Dr. Mitchell said, “I’ll give you two a moment to get situated. When you are both ready I’ll have some pictures of your little girl waiting for you at the desk when you check out.”

  “Thank you so much,” Danni answered and Dr. Mitchell smiled at us as she left the room with the nurse in tow. As soon as the door closed, Danni sat up and I pulled her into my arms.

  “Beau…we’re having a little girl.”

  “I know, baby,” I whispered into her hair.

  “Are you happy? I mean, really happy about it?”

  “Of course I am. I bet she’ll be as beautiful as her mother,” I replied, kissing her forehead.

  “You know Dad will be crushed,” she joked. “He wanted a grandson so bad.”

  “I know, but I really do think he’ll be happy about it.”

  She smiled so brightly and I couldn’t help but kiss her again.

  “I know he will. I can’t wait to tell them.”

  “Oh that reminds me,” I said, breaking from our hug to pull my phone out of my pocket.

  “Sadie was supposed to let me know when your parents got to the house.”

  I scrolled through my phone and I hadn’t received any messages yet so I assumed they weren’t in town yet.

  “No messages from Sadie. Guess they aren’t here yet.”

  “So, since we have some time does that mean you’re following through on your promise and we’re going to go baby shopping while we wait?” she asked.

  I grinned and took her hand. I kissed it and said, “Hell yeah, let’s go buy a bunch of pink shit!”

  She giggled and we walked hand in hand out of the office. We checked out and scheduled Danni’s next appointment making sure we had our first pictures of the baby before we left.

  As soon as we were in my Charger I asked her, “So, are you going to call everyone and tell them the big news?”

  “Well, I was going to, but I figured since we will all be together tonight at your house for dinner why don’t we tell everyone then at the same time? It would avoid a lot of phone calls.”

  “Good idea. Well, let’s go put a huge dent in my bank account spoiling our daughter,” I said, and Danni giggled as we drove away and found the closest store that sold baby items.

  A few hours later, I had been true to my word and spent a small fortune on everything for the new baby. We hadn’t discussed the ‘living together’ issue while we were shopping. I made sure not to bring it up because I didn’t want to spoil her good mood. Besides, she told me that she wanted to revisit the issue after the holiday. I just hoped when I proposed tomorrow she wouldn’t say no, and I wouldn’t look like an ass in front of my entire family.

  As soon as we got to my house, I quickly took all of the baby items we had bought and placed them in one of the empty spare bedrooms. The only good thing about living in a huge mini mansion alone was that there were plenty of places to hide things in case of a situation like this.

  We had almost bought the entire stock of the three baby stores we visited. Anything Danni wanted, I bought it. We had absolutely everything we would ever need or want for the first few months of the baby’s life. We had a stroller, car seats (one for my Charger, one for Danni’s car, and one for the brand spanking new SUV I planned on buying for us in a few weeks), the crib, a changing table, bassinet, a glider…everything. I just hoped that if everything went my way tomorrow night we would be putting it all together here at my house.

  Once ever
ything was hidden away, Danni came inside and got right to work on dinner. Everyone started trickling in after that and dinner was just about ready when Dan called Danni to let him know they would be there shortly. I had expected them a few hours ago, but when Danni got off the phone with her mom she told me that apparently they had decided to stop and have car sex on the side of the highway. Danni rolled her eyes as she said this, but I just laughed and actually I was a little jealous. Danni and I hadn’t even done that yet.

  Now we were gathered together in my home…the whole family. Everyone seemed to enjoying dinner and having a good time getting to know Dan and Brenda. I had just taken another bite of my food when Sadie cleared her throat and said, “Okay, I can’t take it anymore. Are you two going to tell me if I’m having a niece or a nephew, or do I have to smack it out of you, big brother?”

  Danni laughed as Brenda agreed with Sadie.

  “I’m with Blondie over here. You’ve both kept us waiting long enough. We’ve eaten, we’ve talked, and I’ve pictured every one of your guy friends naked a few times now. All that’s left is your big announcement.”

  “God, Mom!” Danni shrieked and everyone laughed.

  “Your mom’s fucking awesome, Danni,” Jude exclaimed while taking a bite of his dinner.

  “Thanks Jude,” she answered and turned to me. “Beau, do you want to do the honors?”

  I took her hand in mine and said, “No, this is your show, baby. Why don’t you tell them?”

  As she looked back at me I felt my stomach flip. This time tomorrow she could be my fiancé…or nothing more than the mother of my child. I hoped things would go well for me because I didn’t know if I could handle waking up one more day living away from her.

  Chapter 11

  Danni

  “Okay, well, here goes. Everyone,” I paused, looking at Beau and squeezing his hand, “we’re having a girl!”

  As the cheers and laughs erupted from around the dinner table, I looked at Beau’s face and something in his expression caused me to feel alarmed. He looked happy, sure, but there was something in his eyes that worried me. It looked like a mix of doubt and fear. My overactive imagination started to play tricks on me and I started to wonder if he was as ready to be a father as he kept saying he was.