Cherish Me (The Protected Love Series)

by Culbreth, Jennifer

  “Are you ok Sebastian? I need to know if you’re hurt right now.” Jace knelt down in front of him.

  “I’m ok. Daddy panked me. He yelled at me so I hide in the cowoset.” Jace smiled as the little boy tried to explain.

  “How old are you Sebastian?” Jace asked.

  “I’m free. Awmost fouwa.”

  “Are you hungry? What do you say we get you a cheeseburger?” Jace stood reaching out his hand. He could see the resistance in Sebastian’s eyes at first but after a few seconds he felt the little boy’s hand wrap into his.

  As they made it to the door he could see the fear grow into Sebastian’s eyes. Reaching down he scooped him up into his arms and headed away from the dirty apartment. As they made their way down to the empty courtyard Jace could feel Sebastian relax in his arms. His small arms wrapped around Jace’s neck as he carried him farther away from the life he’d never have to live again.

  Mark was waiting for them out by the tree line near the road. “Hey little guy. How’s it going?” Mark spit the long piece of grass from his mouth as he came up to Jace and Sebastian.

  “Hi.” Sebastian said sheepishly as he hid his head in Jace’s neck.

  “Five minutes and the kid loves you already.” Mark smiled. “Hey little man, I got something I bet you’d like.” Mark reached into his pocket and removed his phone. Swiping the screen he tapped an icon pulling up a game.

  Sebastian’s head lifted up in interest as he peered over at Mark’s phone. “Was dat?”

  “Ahh, this is the best game on Earth. It’s called Candy Crush. You wanna play?”

  “Ok.” Sebastian answered with a shrug.

  “Here he is.” Jace nodded toward the black SUV coming down the road toward them. He watched as the running lights flashed and the SUV came up in front of them. They walked from the darkness of the trees and hoped in. “Thanks for getting us man.”

  “No worries man. Who you got here?” Lucas said nodding towards Sebastian.

  “Long story. I will explain on the way to the hospital. Drive slow. I don’t have a seat for him.” Jace answered as he placed Sebastian on the seat between Mark and him and buckled the seat belt around his small frame.

  Jace watched as Mark explained the game to him. The same green eyes as Lexi’s looked up at him and smiled for the first time. Jace wasn’t sure what would happen next but he was sure what he wanted to happen. As soon as he could he would be contacting child protective services and seeing what the process would be.

  *****

  Jace’s hand squeezed Judy’s as they walked down the hallway toward the small cafeteria. Her heart fluttered as they approached the swinging doors. As a patron walked out she peered in catching a glimpse of Mark at one of the tables. She had no idea who would be sitting behind the door. Anxiously she pushed the door open and stepped inside making it almost a few steps before she froze. She didn’t have to see his face to know who he was. His bronzed caramel skin and short curly hair resembled Alexis. Everything had been for this; it had all been worth it for this very moment.

  She looked up at Jace grinning as she tried to fight the tears threatening to fall. She took a few more steps toward the table as Mark looked up at her smiling as she looked over and took in the playful grin of the little boy. His green eyes reached deep into her soul. He was beautiful. A shy smile spread across his face as she walked the rest of the way to them and took the seat just next to him. For a moment she sat in awe as the little boy stared back at her. He looked so much like Lexi.

  “Hi. I’m Judy.” She smiled at him.

  “I know.” He smiled back at her as he took a sip of his juice.

  “You do?” She looked up at Jace who shrugged.

  “Yep. My mommy told me who you was. You was in her picture.” He said.

  “Well that was nice of her to show you my picture. What’s your name?” Judy asked.

  “Bastian.” He giggled. “Have you pwayed Candy Cwush? It’s the best game in Amewica. I can show you how.”

  Judy laughed as Mark patted Sebastian on the back. “Got you hooked already little man.”

  Judy watched in amazement at every move that Sebastian made. She could see Lexi in every move and every smile. She couldn’t help but fall in love with him with every misspoken word and giggle from his mouth. She sat smiling as he explained how to play the game to her. Abbi came through the door with Ryan smiling.

  “Judy, Mason is awake.” Abbi called out, her smile growing larger as her eyes settled on the little boy at Judy’s side.

  “Sebastian, I will be right back ok?” Judy said to him.

  “You pwomise?” He looked up at her.

  “I promise.” She hugged him before making her way toward the door.

  “You good here Mark?” Jace asked following her.

  “You betcha. Ok let me show you how to drive people crazy with requests.” Mark gave Jace a thumbs up as he scooted his chair closer to Sebastian.

  As they made their way into Mason’s room Judy’s breath caught in her throat. Mason was lying on the bed with most of his torso wrapped up; the faint red where blood had seeped showed the layers of bandages. She quietly made her way over to his bed and took his hand in hers. His eyes flickered open as she took the seat next to his bed.

  “Hey, sis.” His voice was raspy. “It looks worse than it feels I promise.” He gave her a weak smile.

  “I am just glad that you’re ok Mase.” She smiled as she kissed the back of his hand.

  “How are you feeling, Brother?” Ryan asked from the other side of the bed. “Gave us a hell of a scare.”

  “I feel great. Especially when I push this little red button here.” He smiled drunkenly over at them. The medication was obviously doing the trick.

  “It only works every 15 minutes Mason.” An auburn haired nurse came walking through the door smiling at him.

  “Well hello again, Beautiful.” Mason smiled up at her.

  “Mason!” Judy laughed as she slapped his arm. “That’s your nurse!”

  “I know, ain’t she hot.” He smiled up at her. “And don’t hit me. I am wounded.” He cut his eyes towards Judy.

  “Oh no worries ma’am. I can’t say I get it all the time, but it’s amazing how the narcotics obscure their vision.” She winked over at Judy. “My name is Melissa Weeks. I will be Mason’s nurse tonight.” She reached her hand out toward Judy.

  Judy shook her hand as she looked up into the warm eyes of the nurse. She knew Mason would be in good hands and well taken care of. At least that was one thing off of her plate but she still had no idea what to do about Sebastian who was waiting for her in the café. She didn’t know what they had to do but there was no doubt in her mind that she wasn’t letting him go.

  “Mason do you need anything dear?” The nurse said checking his vitals.

  “Just a forever with your beautiful face.” A cheesy smile spread across his face.

  “You’re impossible. Has it been twenty minutes yet? I am about to hit that button and put you back to sleep.” Judy laughed.

  “Ok, I will be back in a bit to check on you.” The nurse smiled as she marked notes on his chart and walked out the door.

  “Isn’t she great?” Mason smiled over at Judy. “She’s gonna be your sister-in-law someday.”

  “Ok sure, Mason.” Judy giggled.

  “So did they catch the bad guy?” Mason looked up at Jace.

  “Yep, he has been taken care of.” Jace patted his leg. “No need to worry about that anymore.”

  “What about Ashley?” Mason stuttered as his eyes got heavy.

  “Ashley?” Judy looked up at Jace.

  “We will talk at the house.” Jace whispered towards her before speaking again to the room, “I think Mason needs to get some rest and I am sure that he will be plenty fine if we leave him with the nurse.”

  Judy looked back over at Mason who was now snoring loudly from the last shot of morphine. She smiled knowing that her brother was going to be ok. A warm feel
ing spread through her body as the realization that the threats were now behind them. They could all finally start living a life and not worry about looking over their shoulder everywhere they went.

  Her new focus was on those green eyes down the hall and making sure that he never questioned how much he was loved and how much his mother cared for him. As they left Mason’s room, Jace found the nurse and left their contact information with her. Reaching for his phone he read the text message from Mark saying he and Sebastian were going to be in the surgical waiting room across the hall.

  As Judy made her way into the waiting room she smiled; Mark was lightly snoring on the couch in the corner of the room with Sebastian’s small frame laying on top of him sound asleep. Gently, Jace reached down and picked Sebastian up as Mark’s eyes blinked open taking in who was in front of him.

  “Don’t shoot. It’s me.” Jace joked to Mark as Sebastian curled his arms around Jace’s neck.

  Jace smiled down at Judy as they headed toward the parking garage. She now had three favorite men in her life.

  Chapter eighteen

  “So what do we need to do to get the ball rolling? Can he come home with us today?” Judy tried to hide the worry in her voice.

  “I can grant you temporary custody pending a formal hearing. We will need to do an inspection of the home and living conditions. We have already had a look at your background records and other information.” The custody worker said from the other side of his desk. “Ms. Adams, the fact that you were listed in Alexis Reynolds’ living will as the godmother of Sebastian helps. Of course the judge will make the final ruling.”

  “That’s perfectly fine. When do we need to schedule the inspections?” Jace asked.

  “The inspections will be random and you will be notified of the custody hearing once a date is set. I have your lawyer’s contact information here Mr. Alexander.” He smiled warmly over at Jace and Judy before continuing, “All we want is for Sebastian to have a good and loving home. We want him to be taken care of as much as you do. I am sure you won’t have any problems, this is all procedure.” He reassured.

  “Thank you, Mr. Davis.” Jace stood taking the man’s hand in a firm shake. “I appreciate your support.”

  “Yes, thank you for all of your help.” Judy smiled excitedly.

  “In the meantime, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call me. I will get the process started now. He should be ready for you now. Go down this hall, take a left. It’s the first room on your right.” Mr. Davis pointed down the hallway.

  “Thank you so much.” Judy said taking off down the hallway.

  It had been over a week since they’d had to turn Sebastian over to protective custody. It broke Jace’s heart thinking of him being all alone in a place he didn’t know. In the short time they’d had him he had already become attached to Jace and Judy, he had already started feeling comfortable being around them. He hadn’t slept the first two days that Sebastian had been gone. Jace had been a product of foster care and he knew how scary it was.

  Going from somewhere you begin feeling comfortable into a place that is unfamiliar is scary. He’d been through the system for many years and he would make damn sure Sebastian didn’t have to experience that. He’s never going to go a day without knowing that he was loved and that he’d be taken care of. He’d never be scared of what was going to happen or where he’d end up. He’d never have to live amongst ten or twelve children in a cramped house with a woman who only wanted the state money to pay for her next bottle of vodka.

  Jace followed Judy down the hallway as quickly as he could. She was practically sprinting as she turned the corner waiting at the door impatiently for Jace as he came up next to her. As he turned the handle a flood of emotions took over. He was happy, sad, anxious, and scared. He’d never experienced anything like this before. He stood just inside the door and watched as Sebastian’s eyes light up as he raced over towards Judy. Dropping his toys mid stride and jumping up into her arms.

  In that moment the world slowed down. He watched as Judy slowly spun a circle wrapping her arms around him. His precious green eyes were bright with joy and excitement as he giggled. This was his future standing right in front of him. He didn’t have a clue how it had happened, but right here right now he knew he would worship the two of them. All of his wants and needs from before he’d met Judy had all gone out the window, never to be thought of again. Nice cars and fast women were in the past, a past that he’d burn to the ground if he could. His future now held movie nights and baseball games. Football once he got old enough and teaching Sebastian how to drive a stick shift. It was all about this now. About family. He would do whatever it took to make Judy, Sebastian, and himself a family.

  “Come wook at this!” Sebastian said excitedly pulling Judy’s hand toward a train set in the corner of the room. “It moves wike a weal twain!”

  “I see that.” Judy smiled as she ran her hand through the short curls on Sebastian’s head. Looking him over to make sure that he was healthy.

  “How are you Sebastian?” Jace came over sitting next to them on the floor.

  “Good. I missed you.” Sebastian said standing and wrapping his arms around Jace’s neck.

  “We missed you too buddy.” Jace swallowed the lump forming in his throat.

  Looking over and seeing the smile and glistening tears forming in Judy’s eyes he took her hand. For a moment they just sat watching Sebastian’s enjoyment with the toy train set. He showed them how to put it together and turn it on.

  “What do you say we buy you one for your room?” Judy looked over at Jace as she asked Sebastian who was sitting in her lap.

  “Does that mean you’re gonna be my new mommy and daddy?” Sebastian looked up into her eyes.

  “Do you want us to be?” Judy wiped at the tear rolling down her face.

  “Don’t cwy. I want you to be my mommy and daddy.” Sebastian turned in her lap wiping the tear from Judy’s cheek.

  Jace could barely contain his own emotions as he cleared his throat trying to hold it back. “Well then what do you say we go pick out some new stuff for your room?”

  “I weally get to go home with you?” Sebastian’s eyes lit up again as the smile spread across his face.

  “You really do!” Judy smiled.

  Three and a half weeks later…

  “Uncle Mason!” Sebastian squealed as he ran across the living room of Janet and William’s beach house.

  “Bastian!” Mason reached down and picked Sebastian up.

  “Are you still hurt?” Sebastian asked.

  “You can’t hurt superheroes!” Mason smiled at him.

  “If you’re a superhewo, where’s your cape?” Sebastian gave him an unconvinced look.

  “It’s in the truck. I promise I will show you later.” Mason winked at him.

  Sebastian squirmed down from Mason’s arms running over to Jace. “Daddy! Uncle Mason has a cape! A weal cape!”

  “Oh yeah. Well he isn’t as cool as me though.” Jace picked him up flying him around the living room like an airplane. The sound of Sebastian’s giggles resounded off of the walls. Something Jace would never get tired of.

  “More, Daddy! More!” Sebastian begged.

  “Ok, one more round and then we have to get ready for Uncle Ryan and Aunt Abbi’s wedding.” Jace grinned picking him back up and spinning him back up into the air.

  “Wee!” He squealed. “Wook Uncle Wyan! I’m an Airpwane!”

  “I see that!” Ryan said coming into the room as he fidgeted with his tie. “I hate ties.”

  “Oh come on man you can’t be going drama queen on us this quickly.” Mark laughed from the other side of the room as Sebastian giggled.

  “What’s so funny?” Ryan reached down and started tickling Sebastian.

  “Uncle Mawk said you was a dwama queen!” Sebastian choked out between laughs.

  “Well Uncle Mark is gonna get it later. What do you say we double team him?” Ryan held his fis
t out as Sebastian bumped it with his own.

  “Ok!” Sebastian eyed suspiciously over to Mark.

  They’d spent the better part of the morning carrying barrels, lanterns, and chairs out to the beach in front of the house. Ryan had been stressed all morning as they set up the wedding. As many battles and he and Jace had gone into together, not one had ever made him as nervous as he was now. After they’d finished setting the beach up, showered, and dressed, they’d enjoyed a beer in the kitchen in honor of the big day. Now the waiting game had begun as they waited for the girls to finish getting dressed to give them the green light.

  “Any word from my future wife? She didn’t get cold feet did she?” Ryan looked over at Jace.

  “No word. I am sure with all of those buttons and ties on that dress it’s gonna be a while before she’s ready.” Jace answered.

  Mark coughed out, “Drama. Queen.” As Sebastian covered his mouth and pointed.

  “I heawd that!” Sebastian giggled.

  “Hey, Little Man. Why don’t you go check on your mommy and see what they are doing.” Jace knelt down to Sebastian.

  “Ok, Daddy.” He smiled before he took off down the hallway towards the back room making airplane sounds the whole way.

  “Never thought I’d see the day man. Never once did I think I’d see the day that you’d be a dad.” Ryan came over slapping his shoulder.

  “You just wait until your little bundle of joy comes out.” Jace smirked.

  “Yeah. I wish I could keep her in there until she’s eighteen. At least you got a boy, who happens to be potty trained already.” Ryan laughed.

  “Yeah what can I say, Alexis gave us an amazing gift.” Jace smiled.

  “That she did man.”

  “Ok, everything is ready downstairs. Where the hell are the girls at?” William came in through the sliding glass door from the balcony.

  “We just sent Sebastian on a mission to find them.” Jace answered.

  “Well that should only take an hour or so with his attention span.” William joked. “You ready, Son?” he came over propping his hand on Ryan’s shoulder.