Cherry Grove (The Cove Series Book 1)

by Leaona Luxx

  Malone left early for work, so I got busy doing some laundry when I hear the doorbell. Opening the front door, I find an older gentleman standing there.

  “Hadlea Lloyd?”

  “Yes.” Taking a step back, a chill runs over my body.

  “You’ve been served.” He hands me a paper.

  Reading the papers, I get dizzy as the blood drains from my face. My heart races as I read and re-read the paper.

  Cole’s asking for a paternity test. Why? How the hell did he even know? I’m going to lose Malone for good.

  I’m busy calling my attorney, Dr. Michaels and the boys, to let them know everything when Malone enters the kitchen. He’s furious, maybe even frightened.

  “What the hell, Hadlea? I’ve been fucking calling and texting you for an hour.”

  I take a deep breath when my eyes meet his, grabbing the corner of the table to steady myself. If Malone leaves me, I’m going to lose it.

  “Cole is asking for a paternity test.” His face goes from furious to nuclear immediately.

  “How the fuck did he find out? Who the fuck would tell him?”

  I shake my head in response; it’s all I can do. Malone knows me well enough to understand I’m about to crumble.

  “We’ll be fine. Doesn’t even matter,” I retort. He comes over and reaches up to wipe away tears. “Let’s call the doctor and get the test, if she says it’s all right. So we can rub this shit in his face.” He’s so calm.

  “I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t understand. I have no idea how he found out.”

  Malone is quiet, yet attentive for the rest of the evening. Lost in thought, I don’t hear him say it’s time for bed. As we lay together, me in his arms, Malone kisses me.

  “It’s going to fine, baby. Stop worrying.”

  “Because you’re not worried? You’re afraid they’re his. I can see it on your face because God knows, you’re not looking at me. You haven’t looked at me since I told you.” Muttering as I begin to get out of the bed. He grabs my wrist and pulls me back to bed.

  “I’m sorry. I know they’re not his, but the fact he gets to put you through this to find out is bullshit. I have no choice in protecting you. I’m so fucking pissed that he gets to do this to you, to us. If I don’t keep some semblance of control right now, I’m going to fucking lose it. Okay, baby? Please, tell me it’s all right.” Malone needs me. For the first time, he’s weak.

  A week later, we’re on our way to the hospital for the paternity test. In my mind, I keep running over a conversation I had with Delaney two days ago.

  “So, how did he take it? Did he leave? Is he going to?”

  What the hell? Delaney has been so supportive lately but her need to find out if Malone threatened to leave me, was too much.

  “No. he’s fine, very supportive. What’s up with this shit anyway?”

  Delaney looks away, I get up to leave. This really isn’t healthy; no friend does this kind of shit.

  “I’m sorry. I just didn’t know if there was a chance they were Cole’s or not. I thought maybe he would go ape shit if he didn’t know.”

  What the fuck? That’s even worse. Leaving without another word, I just couldn’t shake her dislike of Malone.

  When we step from the elevator, I’m frozen to the spot. Cole. Cole is here.

  “We’ve got this. I knew he was going to be here. I waited to tell you because undo stress, and Dr. Michaels agreed. I’ve got you, baby.” Malone has his arm around me as we walk through the door.

  Cole stands as we enter, in his orange jumpsuit and shackles, drawing attention from everyone. “Haddie girl, come over here and let me see you. How’s my babies? You should’ve told me we were expecting.”

  Bile rises in my throat as the guards sit Cole down when Malone answers him.

  “Well, Cole. If they were yours, maybe she would have. Considering how the meeting between you two went the last two times, I’m sure you can understand why there’s been no contact.” Malone sends me through the second door but pauses, he looks at me winking, closing the door. I don’t even have to press against it to hear the exchange.

  “And Cole, you’re not to speak to her again. If these two or the DA can’t stop you, I sure the hell can. I’m having you removed from this room. You have no right being near anyone after raping Hadlea. And one more thing, don’t you dare look at her again because I’ll fuck your world up.”

  Not another word is spoken as Malone enters the door with a slam. I hear a flurry of activity outside. “Did you just tell people what he did to me?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. Not to humiliate you but to warn the others. This whole thing is fucked up and it’s bullshit he gets to be here. Something about authenticating a true test. Bullshit. It’s so he can torture you, and I’m not fucking having it.”

  Cole’s removed once again after the test while we sit waiting. I paid to have the results rushed. Malone and I almost argued over it, but I told him it was my gift to him. No way can I wait for this to be over, so a check and a court order later, this will all be over within a few hours.

  I stood and crossed the room. I sat. I paced. I cried. Malone did all of it with me, right by my side. There’s a knock at the door, and the nurse asks us to follow her to the doctor’s office. Cole’s waiting there. Dr. Michaels had a fit when she found out he was near her patients and talking to me.

  She sits at her desk, waiting for us. Smiling as we enter, she continues reading papers. We sit, Malone holding my hand. I turn to look at him, then, he kisses me.

  “Together, no matter what.” Kissing me again, he wipes tears from my cheeks. He’s as afraid as I am but refuses to show it.

  “Well, Ms. Lloyd. I hate you’re here for something like this. We pinpointed time of conception before either man knew. But it’s my understanding this man,” she points to Cole with an infuriated scowl on her face, “would like to know if he fathered a child while raping you. We are here because of the concern to your health, and the ADA here to oversee with this man’s attorney, the test is valid.” Dr. Michaels looks at Malone, then me.

  “I’m pleased to say, once again, congratulations to you and Mr. Woods on the upcoming birth of your twins. Please escort this man from my building.”

  As we stand, Cole growls his demands, “I want to fucking see it with my own eyes.”

  Malone walks over, taking the paper, and searches it for the information. He then shoves it in Cole’s face.

  “Close enough? Need anything else?” Cole is livid. Malone turns to the ADA.

  “If he or anyone to do with him, comes near her or contacts her ever again, I will fucking sue this goddamn state. Do you understand me? It’s fucking, enough. I will do what it takes to protect her, period.” He turns to Dr. Michaels. “My apologies.”

  “’Bout fucking time.” She smiles in return.

  Malone hustles me out the door and into the elevator before I know it. He presses me into the wall, kissing me breathless.

  “Mine. All mine.”

  One

  Everything that could, came against Hadlea and me. We fought each other, our pasts, others, circumstance, and time. We couldn’t work on us for working on everything thrown at us.

  I want to give her everything, I want her happy. After everything with Cole, I want to take her away for a while but she is seven and a half months pregnant. There’s a change in her, Hadlea isn’t herself, and I have no idea why.

  I enlist Thayer’s help, hoping she will talk to her because once again Hadlea isn’t talking to me. I can’t spank her to make her talk and I can’t love her enough. What the fuck is wrong?

  “Thayer, I’m telling you, something is wrong. I can’t put my finger on it. For three weeks, she’s been distant. I shouldn’t have waited, maybe if we’d married right away, this wouldn’t be happening. She’s having doubts, I just know it. She pretends it’s nothing, but there’s something.”

  I’m so frustrated, I can’t think straight. Our sex life is st
ill amazing, but it’s like Hadlea is semi-automatic. I’ve been over everything a thousand times; I just do not know what to do. Finally, my little sister comes to the rescue.

  “I’ll go see her. We’re past due for a girl’s day. She’s been spending a lot of time with Delaney. I don’t get it, she’s odd, One. Have you checked her out?”

  I sit there, stunned into silence. “No. Not one time has it even crossed my mind. She’s good to Hadlea, so I’m happy because she’s happy. I’ll do it, now.” Picking up the phone as Thayer leaves, I call Cal.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Lea

  “Hey, sister,” Thayer belts from across the street.

  “Now you have to babysit the sister?” Delaney can be such a bitch.

  She’s sad. She never speaks to anyone, including her son. It’s like I’m her only friend, I can’t desert her. She once told me, I was a lot like her, alone for so long. I can’t imagine how she lives this way.

  But I draw a line at Thayer. This girl’s had my back from minute one, and she’s to be left the hell alone.

  “Well, thanks for waiting with me. I guess, I’ll call you?”

  “What? I’m not coming? I thought this was wedding stuff? As if there’s going to be one, you still don’t even have a ring,” she huffs out, and my foul mood returns.

  “Okay. So, I’ll call you,” saying to Delaney as Thayer arrives.

  “Hello, Delaney,” Thayer says in her mellow manner, and Delaney rolls her eyes.

  “Again, we’ve got it from here Delaney. Talk to you later.” Slipping my arm through Thayer’s, we walk away. I hate being rude, but she would’ve stayed all day.

  We enter a dress shop Thayer thought might have what I’m looking for. I hope so. This dress is becoming as distressing as my non-existent ring.

  No, he hasn’t given me one yet. Even when I bring it up, he changes the subject. We browse the store until Thayer sees I’m not interested then she suggests we go. I want to go home, so she follows me there, and we sit talking for hours. I’ve missed her so much; she’s my sister in every sense of the word.

  “So, how are things going; you seem so distracted. You still want to marry One, don’t you? I mean, the dress is a no brainer, we can go anywhere to find one. Hell, you can have the designer flown to you.”

  I’m wound so tight; I know I’m harboring old demons. They have sought me out as of late, trying to drag me under. But I can’t share it with Thayer. I’ve already told Delaney too much.

  “You’re right, I’m being unreasonable.”

  Thayer looks confused by my words. “No, Lea. Never said unreasonable. So, what are you thinking?”

  She knows me too well, and I hate it sometimes. Delaney’s safe, she offers secrecy, at arm’s length for life I’ve lead for so long. She’s safe and I still get to feel in control.

  “Lea, what’s going on? One’s going to flip shit but I need to tell you, he’s worried. He’s scared you don’t love him anymore. He thinks you’re about to bolt.”

  The hell you say? Why does he think that? When? He seems like he doesn’t have a care in the world. I’m so confused.

  “What? No. I’m here to stay. He’s my life. I’ve told him, it would take him leaving me. I mean come on, I’m loyal to a fault. I thought, maybe, he was having doubts about marrying me.”

  Thayer sits shocked by my confession. Is it only obvious to me and of course, Delaney? He hasn’t even bought me a ring.

  “What? One would never doubt you two belong together. I don’t understand, do you two not talk?”

  “Yes. But come on, what am I going to say to him: you still want me?”

  Burying my face in my hands, I feel tears spring to my eyes. I will not tell Thayer.

  “What the hell, Lea? Fucking talk to me. No wonder One is doubting your love.”

  No. She. Did. Not.

  “My love? My love? I’m here. Not running, waiting.”

  “Waiting. Waiting for what? Him to fail? You to fail? What are you waiting on, Lea?” We never argue, but I’m about to fight.

  “How about the fact, I’m waiting on a fucking ring. How about the fact he has never mentioned one, at all. It’s all wonderful to talk wedding and how there’s something wrong with me, but that asshole hasn’t even bought me a fucking ring.”

  Fisting my hand in the air, I cry like a lunatic. It’s hormones. Thayer runs to me, arms open wide and hugs me. She holds me until I stop crying, cooing soft sweet words but never telling me I’m wrong. I knew it, this is all a joke. He didn’t want to marry me. Delaney was right all along.

  Thayer tries to comfort me by saying all the right things. Telling me how we belong together. That Malone loves me. Staying until I’m calm, promising another wedding day, hopefully finding a gown. After she leaves, I sit in the sunroom trying to push the gloom away. How the hell did I get here?

  One

  The intercom buzzes just as Thayer comes barreling through my door.

  “I’ve got her, Patsy.” Looking up I greet Thayer, “Well, hey sis. I’m assuming you know what’s going on with Hadlea. So, let’s have it because I’m ready to go home.”

  She looks horrified and disgusted at the same time. There’s about to be a shit storm.

  “What?” She’s really angry. Just then, Chord walks through the door, mad as hell.

  “I’m here to keep her from killing you, but don’t get too happy because I’m really thinking about kicking your ass myself.” He states as Hardy walks in, shutting the door behind him.

  What the fuck? Before I can ask, Hardy rounds on me, furious.

  “You’re a fucking idiot. Chord, sit down, Thayer’s got this.”

  “Okay. What’s going on?” Thayer is still pacing as she turns to pin me with her stare.

  “What’s going on? Do you want to marry her? Better yet, do you even love her? Furthermore, why the fuck would you do her this way? It’s not like you don’t have the money. Why?”

  Fuck this, now I’m angry as hell. I’ve done nothing but love this woman, she’s everything. “What the fuck are you talking about? Is Hadlea okay?” Thayer shakes her head as she returns to pacing.

  “One thing! You have one thing so important it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to figure it out.”

  Stunned, I sit there. Running every waking moment with Hadlea through my mind, and nothing comes to mind. Thayer, Chord, and Hardy sit looking back at me as if I’m stupid.

  “Just fucking tell me.” I’m done with this shit. Besides, I’m getting really nervous.

  “A ring. You haven’t given her a ring. No mention of one. No looking at them. Nothing, One. She thinks you’re having doubts. She’s scared.” Un-fucking-believable.

  “You haven’t even moved in with her. You still go back and forth, from your place to hers,” Hardy finishes. I sit here, reeling from their conjecture.

  “She’s pregnant, man, she needs reassurance. Hell, Lea’s needed that from the time you met her. I’m with them, I don’t get it,” Chord jumps in with his smart fucking mouth.

  “Are you kidding me with this shit right now? Have you no faith in me? Oh, and thank you for telling me my girl has none in me also. Appreciate it.” I’m fuming. “I love Hadlea. I can’t live without her, will not. A ring you say? Move in you say?” Looking from each to the next.

  “First, moving in. It’s Hadlea’s home, without her asking or telling me, I can’t. I’m dying to call that house ours, but she hasn’t asked. She’s never had control over her life, and this is her home to control. I will not ask; she’ll think of it on her own. When she does, I’m packed. That’s one reason I go back to the condo, to be ready when she says I can. The other reason, I’m getting permits in order to build an addition once we’re married. We discussed keeping the condo but adding an addition is a better choice.” Thayer has calmed some.

  “And the ring issue?” Chord follows with the biggest question.

  “There is no issue. I jumped the gun in asking Hadlea to marry me.
I have one, I was having it engraved. But then, the shit storm that is our life kept beating us up, and I decided not just any ring would do. Hadlea has a picture of her parents on their wedding day; she’s been looking for a dress similar to her mother’s. I’ve been married before, guys; we want this to be different.”

  “Hadlea’s never had a dress, a ceremony, a shower, or a ring. It has to be right. Her mother was buried with her ring, so I took the photo and copied it. Her father bought the set in California while on leave. I wanted the same jeweler’s family to make another, just like it. It’s taken me three weeks to even find his granddaughter so she can do it. Hadlea’s father's name was listed in the registry, they’re making me a copy of both.”

  Thayer sits down on Hardy’s lap as she cries, and he soothes Thayer but is smiling like a mad man. Chord looks watery eyed. I have to ask why everyone is so quiet.

  “What?”

  “You’re buying her a replica of her mother’s wedding ring?” Hardy asks.

  Thayer begins to sob in earnest. Smiling, just thinking of my girl and how she’ll respond.

  “Yes. And mine will match her father’s. Hadlea’s only seen love between a man and a woman through her parents, and I want her to know our love is that kind of love. I also ordered her a mother’s bracelet to be her something new for the wedding. She has a ring for the boys her parents bought, but she needs to add the girls and the twins. A ring looked gaudy, so I opted for a bracelet. Different, don’t you think?” Thayer jumps up and rounds my desk wrapping her arms around me.

  “You’re too much. Hadlea will love you forever and never doubt your love again.”

  My heart jumps at the thought of her never doubting me again.

  “That’s the plan. For her to never doubt us or our love. She deserves this love.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Lea

  Delaney’s called non-stop about a lunch date over the last few days. The only time I don’t hear from her is when Malone is home. I need to do something about her. I’m beginning to think I only have her around to feed my insecurities; who needs that?