Cherry Grove (The Cove Series Book 1)

by Leaona Luxx

  “Em and I were going home after a late dinner. As you can see, there was a man trying to get in the back gate. Not an immediate threat but it’s what he did after.” Aksel pauses for the video to catch up. There it is, the man taking pictures of the gates before he runs down the street to a waiting car. “Too dark, man, to get a clear shot of the plates, sorry One.” Malone reaches over to rests his hand on Aksel’s shoulder.

  “You did well, son. Wouldn’t want you to put yourself or our girl in harm’s way. Thank you.” My son smiles like I’ve never seen him do before. Cal finishes with another call.

  “Yes, Aksel. You did very well. We’ve got extra security coming, thank you.”

  Hardy turns and hands his phone back. “Yeah, man. Good job. I sent it to Smith, One. He said there may be security footage close by.”

  I’ve never seen my boys treated so well. Once the security team is there, they receive their instructions, and we’re ready to leave. Emerson jumps from the truck where we sat to keep warm, and Aksel comes to her side.

  “I guess we need to get home. You too, Mom, it’s late,” he adds as the others walk over.

  “I’m taking her now. I just want to tell you again, how proud I am of you. It was a smart move to not get close but to film it. Please remember, you’re our world, so don’t put yourself in danger. We love you both.” Malone drags Aksel in for a hug, a real hug. The kid latches on, ending it with a firm pat.

  “We love y’all, Dad,” Aksel says it absentmindedly as he leaves.

  It’s quiet. Too quiet. Finally, Cal breaks the silence as Aksel’s car leaves with a security detail trailing.

  “Damn fine young man, One. Make sure you deserve that, it’s an honor.” Malone brings Cal in for a manly hug.

  “Will do. I had a great example.” Malone has tears, so do I, as he turns to me.

  “He called me Dad. I didn’t ask. Huh, Dad. Killer.”

  Hardy slaps him on the back. “Yeah, guess that’s better than ol’ man.” We all laugh as we ready to leave with a security detail with us all.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  One

  Aksel gave us a really good lead a few nights ago, but we still had nothing solid. The added security for everyone helps me not to worry as much but I still need this to be over. Hardy and I are on our way to Cal’s office to work on a lead as Hadlea calls.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” My smile is wide as I watch Hardy from the corner of my eye.

  “Why hello, Sir Hotness.” Hardy makes a gagging sound, and Hadlea laughs.

  “Sorry, baby, you’re on speaker. Hardy can’t handle it.” She laughs louder.

  “Of course he can’t, baby, not many can. So, I’m thinking of going shopping; is that okay?”

  Now Hadlea knows I’m not going to say no—with the extra guards, she’s covered. But does she have to without me?

  “Without me? Who’s going?” I inquire, getting Hardy’s attention as he straightens in his seat.

  “Willow is picking me up and we’re meeting Thayer and Em. Is it all right?” Hadlea knows it’s not about permission but safety, so y’all don’t twist that shit. Got it?

  “Of course, baby, thanks for the heads up. Please be careful and no changing the plans. I love you, Hadlea.” She sighs heavily, I know what she’s thinking as she says it.

  “I love you, Malone. Completely. Bye, babe.” She’s gone. As well as my heart.

  We pull into Cal’s office and that’s when I see her: Monty. Fuck her. “No, Monty,” I say as I point at her, trying to stop her. It doesn’t.

  “One. Honey, really. This is enough of all of this, we belong together. Did Lea get upset about our meeting at the condo? Or was it the kiss?” I have no clue what she’s up to but I’ll bite.

  “No, not at all. I know what you wanted, but it didn’t happen.” Monty’s eyes dull.

  “That’s not what I heard.”

  “I don’t give a damn what you heard,” I bark as we continue into Cal’s building.

  After an hour of meetings, calls and dead ends, it’s time to go. Exiting the building, Hardy’s phone rings.

  “Hey, Willow. What? Calm down, I can’t understand you, honey. When? We’re on the way.” Hardy pulls me to the truck as he calls Calder.

  “Calder. There’s been an accident. Hadlea and Willow were crossing the street to the others. Someone ran a red light, just about ran them over. They had to dive for their safety.” He ends the call, spinning out of the parking lot. This can’t be real, fuck.

  Breaking every law known to man, Hardy comes to a screeching halt in front of the emergency room. I’m through the door before he’s around the truck, and Thayer meets me at the door.

  “Oh my God. One, it was horrible. A truck ran a red light as they crossed the street, they barely had time to jump out of the way. As they fell to the ground, I immediately turned to Lea as she screamed in pain. I think she broke her arm protecting the babies. I’m so sorry.”

  No. No, this isn’t right. “How’s Willow? Where’s Hawk?” I ask looking around to find the other boys and Em as Hardy holds Thayer in his arms. The rest of our family comes in to meet us. Aksel speaks first.

  “Hawk’s with Willow. Looks like cuts and some bruises. She was lucky. The driver of the truck was gone, no fucking plates. Someone’s trying to kill our family.”

  I drag him in for a hug as he cries. I hold him. For him. His mom. For me— his dad. Everyone is crying or just holding one another as the detective wanders over to us. I turn my venom on him as I unleash hell.

  “What the fuck is it going to take, Detective Warner? Hadlea’s death or just our children’s? Which is it? I need to know before I have to plan a funeral.”

  Hardy’s on me, as Aksel helps keep me off this man. I can’t lose them, I won’t. Time grows stale as we wait for word, finally, Dr. Michaels comes through the door.

  “Malone? I’ve been with Hadlea, so far, she and the twins are not in immediate danger. Hadlea took the brunt of it. A fractured arm, cuts, and bruises. I don’t know how she keeps going,” she says with a shake of her head. I know how.

  “Her children. The love of her children always has, always will.” Hadlea’s the strongest woman I know.

  Walking in her room, there’s still a flurry of activity. Her eyes catch mine as she begins to cry, quietly.

  “Hey now, none of that, babe.” I waste no time getting to her as Doctor Michaels comes in.

  “So, here we are, again. I cannot express enough, the importance of Hadlea having bedrest with no stress. We’re walking on a tight, thin rope with your health and the health of the babies. I need compliance.”

  “I’m going to tighten her security. Anything I can do, I will.” I hope Doctor Michaels understands; I will do anything.

  “I know, Malone. First things first, no driving. Bedrest. The only time you are to be up is for bathroom needs and doctor appointments. Understood? Can we make it happen?” She waits for our agreement.

  “We’ll do whatever you need, right, Hadlea?”

  As I give her a kiss to the top of her head, she agrees, “I understand.”

  Doctor Michaels tells us Hadlea’s in for a couple of days. Finally, alone, I give Hadlea a once over.

  “What or better, why are you looking at every inch of my body? Stop it.” She starts giggling as I finish.

  “I want to see what’s been bruised or scraped. I’m going to inflict it on the person who did this to you. I’m sorry I haven’t taken better care of you. I’ll never forgive myself. Not this time.” Hadlea reaches for me, and I go willingly.

  She peppers kisses all over my face as I hold her. She winces as I adjust her pillows. “Rest, this arm must hurt and you have to be exhausted.” As Hadlea lays down she tugs at my shirt.

  “Please. I can’t without you.”

  I strip my shoes to lay down with her. “You know how well they like me doing this.” She giggles, tucking into the curve of my body.

  “They’re use it by now. I love you. Y
ou and me against the world.”

  Holding her close, I kiss anything I can get to my lips until she falls asleep, whispering.

  “I love you, baby. You and me against the world.”

  Lea

  I wake up, wrapped in Malone. His arm under my head, his hand on my belly. Now I know why I’m getting pummeled, the babies are happy. Then it hits me, I need to pee. I hate to disturb Malone but, oh, no I don’t.

  “Baby? Malone? Malone.” Sitting straight up in the bed, he’s wide awake now. “Malone, I need to pee. You need to help. Like now.” He scrambles to his feet, before rounding the other side.

  “Okay, let’s go, baby.” I stand, and suddenly I’m in his arms. “Grab your I.V. and be careful of this arm.”

  He has me in the bathroom and back before I know it. “You know, Malone, you haven’t signed my cast. I’m thinking you need to find a pen.” He laughs as he searches for a pen. I can’t see what he’s writing until he’s done. I can’t take my eyes off of it.

  “What do you think? You needed something you’ve never had.”

  It was something I’ve never had or even seen.

  “M.W. l/s H.L.”

  Encircled with a heart, just like initials on a tree. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” He kisses me tenderly as Delaney comes through the door.

  “Well, hello. How are you? Such a scary thing. I’m so happy you weren’t hurt, Hadlea.” Malone is so not happy she’s here but keeps his thoughts to himself.

  “I’m good. Thank you for coming by, are you working today?” Delaney mills around the room, looking uncomfortable. I know she and Malone do not even like being together; the tension is thick.

  “Do you have any leads on who this could have been? Any witnesses?” she asks. I glance at Malone, who’s watching her closely.

  “Ah, no. The driver ditched.”

  Delaney looks from me to Malone but says nothing at all. Suddenly, Delaney startles me.

  “Oh. What about Malone’s ex-wife? Mont? Monty, is it? I saw her the other day by your house, Hadlea, but didn’t give it a second thought. Why would she be over that way?”

  Malone cocks a brow in return. Is he really considering his ex-wife in this wreck? As the driver or as the mastermind?

  “What is it, One?” He searches my eyes, and I know it’s because I called him One but Malone is for me. I will not use it around her.

  “Not sure, but I’ll have it looked into. Thank you, Delaney, I appreciate it. Hadlea means the world to me.”

  After a few minutes, Delaney leaves.

  “Why did you call me One? I don’t like it.”

  “I’m not sure. I just don’t like calling you Malone around her. It shows her things about us I don’t want her to know.”

  ***

  The following weeks, Malone never leaves my side. He waits on me at every turn, even helping me bathe. I think it’s as much for him as me.

  I have a check-up today I need to get ready for, so let’s just say it’s a hat day. Malone’s no beautician. As we ready to leave, Malone’s cell buzzes.

  “Woods.” He waits, listening. “Handle it, David. I can’t be there today.” He pauses. “Fine. I’m fucking coming.” He ends the call turning to me. “I’m sorry, baby, it’s the insurance company. I have to go; they’re insisting. I’ll call Em. I’m sorry.” His desperation is evident as his head hangs.

  “Malone, it’s okay. Your business comes first, we’ll deal.” Giving him a comforting smile. Twenty minutes later and I’m on the road, without Malone.

  “I really appreciate you doing this. I can’t believe everyone couldn’t get away. Although, it was last minute; thank you, Hardy.” He nods his acceptance.

  “No problem. One knows I’m here for whatever is needed. The insurance inspectors are being assholes. They act as if it’s an inside job.”

  Spinning toward him, I stutter my words. “Th-they think Malone has something to do with all this bullshit? Why?”

  “No, not necessarily One but an inside job nevertheless. He’s got this, Lea; One will be fine. You need to keep healthy for everyone.”

  As we enter the building, we’re immediately approached by Delaney.

  “Hello. How are you? Where is Mr. Woods today? His ex-wife have him cornered again?”

  I release my frustration as a very loud sigh. Hardy’s tense beside me. “No. Emergency at work, Hardy’s his stand-in.”

  “Better option than One, I must say.” She eyes Hardy.

  Before Hardy blows a string of epitaphs at her, I cut her short. “Need to get my blood work and an ultrasound before Doctor Michaels’s appointment. Call you later.” I wave over my shoulder.

  Once upstairs readying for my ultrasound, I have another bout of nausea. The staff quickly calls the doctor, who prescribes some medicine to be given to me. A shot to the hip. They tell me in thirty minutes or less, I should be good to go.

  Hardy takes my arm as I walk out of the exam room. “I’m so sorry, Hardy, this never happens. They think I’ve just been through so much, it’s natural. I just don’t think so.” He stops mid-stride.

  “What do you mean?”

  Turning to him, I try to explain. “My other pregnancies never had any complications. I know with my age and the multiple pregnancies can cause problems, but there’s something off. I feel off… somethings not right.” Suddenly, I double over in pain.

  And for the second time in my pregnancy, I see blood, everywhere. I fall to the floor before Hardy can catch me as I scream in pain.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  One

  Looking at my watch, I realize Hadlea should have called by now. Or Hardy at least. I pull my cell from my pocket. The insurance inspector looks irritated. He has no clue I’m about to be irritated.

  Just as I bring it up, it buzzes— Hardy. “Hey, what’s taking so long?”

  The line is quiet, and that’s when I see Cal walking to me. My knees go weak. The look in Cal’s eyes says everything that Hardy hasn’t told me yet. It’s Hadlea, and it’s bad.

  “What the fuck is it, Hardy? Where’s Hadlea? Dad?” finally pleading because Hardy’s speechless, but I need to know.

  “One, let’s go. I can explain on the way.” I take a step and hear Hardy, crying. I turn to Cal again about the time the inspector grunts.

  “If you leave now, I’ll fine you for non-compliance.”

  Before I’m upright, Cal’s on him. “Fucking do it then, but this man—my son— will go to his fiancé and their children. His hands are clean. You find out who’s done this because the police sure can’t. But he will go to the hospital. It’s his fiancé and unborn children.”

  Cal places his hand on my arm, leading me to the car and we’re off. I’m at the hospital in record time. Looking at Cal, I say the only thing I can think of. “Thank you, Dad. I love you.” As the elevator opens to a room full of our family, my mother comes to me first.

  “Hardy feels awful. No one knows what happened but they can’t get her stabilized. They want you in there, go.” With a kiss, she sends me in.

  There, lying pale and looking as if her body can’t take another thing, is my Hadlea. She is hooked up to every machine possible as Doctor Michaels looks over her test results.

  “Malone, I’m not sure what’s going on here. I’ve been over her tests from earlier, she looked good. Blood work was good, ultrasound looked great. I’m just not sure what’s happened; she didn’t even leave the hospital. Hadlea had a bout of nausea after her tests. She was prescribed a small amount of anti-nausea medication, and within fifteen minutes she was having pain and bleeding. She’s in preterm labor. There can be complications but with your Hadlea, we’ll have to see. Nothing tells us why. Is she allergic to any medication I haven’t been made aware of?”

  I’m already texting Aksel, and he answers immediately.

  Me: Hey, is Mom allergic to anything she didn’t tell the doctor or maybe forgotten?

  Aksel: No. Mom would never not tell. She wouldn’t chance it, n
ot with the babies. Her medical records were sent down.

  Me: Call last OB/GYN back home. Find out for sure.

  Aksel: On it.

  Me: Hospital is faxing all they have.

  Aksel: Love you all, Dad.

  Me: Love you all, too.

  I’m in rapid fire mode with questions as I shoot the answers at the doctor. “No, not allergic. Aksel is getting in touch with the OB/GYN that treated her with the others. Old records were sent, checking for more. You should have them in less than ten minutes.”

  Doctor Michaels stares at me for a moment before saying anything. “Efficient, thank you.”

  I nod, looking at Hadlea, my voice little more than a whisper. “She’s my world. They all are my world. I’d do anything for my girl.” Leaning in to kiss her.

  ***

  The room is a flurry of activity as I sit there, holding my girl’s hand. I tell her how much I love her. A single tear escapes her eye and rolls down her cheek. I capture it on my index finger and slowly dry it by kissing it away.

  Hadlea is in labor and is being wheeled down the hall away from me. Not knowing if I’ll ever see her again, a panic runs through me. I do the only thing I know to do; I go to our family.

  Almost running by the time I get to the waiting room, I slowly walk through the door. Elise is the first person I see.

  “Mom, I’m scared.” I rasp out as tears flood my face.

  “I know, Malone, I know.” The only words spoken throughout the whole room.

  Finding a seat, I stay glued to the door. Waiting, praying for someone, anyone to come tell us something. It seems like hours pass before Doctor Michaels comes through the door. Jumping to my feet, I’m quickly surrounded by our children and the rest of the family.

  “Malone, Hadlea’s lost a large amount of blood, and she’s lapsed into a coma. The twins are on oxygen. They’re having a few test, but both are healthy and in need of little assistance. Once we have her settled we’ll come get you. The twins will be made available through the nursery window.”

  “Not without Hadlea. I’ll not see them without her. Please go on ahead, I just can’t.”

  Hadlea lay silent in her bed, tubes and lines lead from her to machines. Bending to kiss her sweet, perfectly pouty lips. “I’m sorry baby. I love you.”