Every Breath You Take (Redeeming Love Book 2)

by J. E. Parker

  I, however, wasn’t so quick to forgive him like the others had.

  Considering my past and the hell I’d endured, I had a real hard time separating the monster he’d once been from the upstanding man he was now trying to be. Because of that, I kept my distance and tried not to over-think it.

  Unlike Hendrix, he wasn’t my father, and I wasn’t his victim.

  Therefore, I didn’t need to worry about things like redemption and forgiveness.

  Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, Pop crossed his arms over his barrel-sized chest and stared at me. “How are you doing, Shelby?”

  The way he looked at me made me uncomfortable. It was almost as if he was trying to see past the wall I’d constructed around myself to keep others out. Call me crazy, but it felt like he was trying to see my soul.

  It was a tad unsettling.

  I swallowed and forced a smile as I grabbed a handful of plates from the cabinet. “I’m doing just fine, Pop. How are you?”

  “As good as can be.” He moved further into the kitchen, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. “How’s your truck running? Hendrix said he changed the alternator for you last weekend. Is it giving you any more problems?”

  Setting her spoon down, Grandmama turned around and glanced from me to Pop. She looked as confused as I felt. “You gonna fix it for her if it isn’t?” she asked, propping a hand on her hip.

  Pop’s eyes never left mine as he answered. “Yes.” Sliding his hands into his pockets, he chewed on the inside of his cheek. “I’ll do anything she needs me to.”

  What. The. Hell?

  Where did that come from? I didn’t understand—

  Wait.

  I suddenly remembered Maddie mentioning something about Pop trying to atone for his past sins by helping people out in the present. I guess that included me now.

  Well, alrighty then.

  Not missing a beat, Grandmama spun back around, picked up the pot of gravy from the stove and poured it into a blue and white hand painted gravy boat. “Her brakes need to be changed. I heard them squeaking when she pulled into the driveway.”

  Pop nodded. “I’ll get it done this weekend.”

  “Um…” For the first time in my life, words failed me. I wasn’t sure what to say.

  Grandmama looked over at me. “Are you gonna set the table, blondie, or are we gonna spend the night eating with our fingers like animals?”

  She smirked before carrying a plate of food over to the table.

  I narrowed my eyes in return. “I guess I’m setting the dang table. Lord knows we wouldn’t want you to throw one of your famous hissy fits.”

  Grandmama wasn’t the only one who could be sassy.

  At that, she winked. “Good idea.”

  Grabbing a stack of plates and a handful of silverware, I walked to the table. Since Grandmama didn’t finish telling me how many people were coming, I set the entire table, all twelve place settings.

  “James, grab the tea and lemonade out of the fridge,” Grandmama instructed Pop before hollering out to everyone else, “supper is ready, y’all!”

  At Grandmama’s shout, Lucca toddled into the kitchen, babbling away, and headed straight for the high chair at the end of the table. Hendrix followed him in, carrying Maddie bridal style in his arms. “Good job, behemoth. It’s about time you came in handy.” I stuck my tongue out at Maddie, and she snorted in return.

  Hendrix, however, wouldn't let me get away with being a smartass. “You know what’s funny, Shelby?” I raised my brows and waited for him to continue. “Not you, so shut up, loud mouth.”

  This asshole!

  “You know what, Hendrix Cole—”

  Hope and Evan walked into the kitchen, interrupting the tirade I was about to go on. “Hey, my little muffin!” I threw my arms around Hope’s shoulders and squeezed her against me. Hope worked at the shelter alongside Maddie and me. Like me, she was a victim’s advocate. She was also one of the few friends I had. “It’s only been an hour since I last saw you, but I’ve missed you like cereal misses milk.”

  Hope giggled, and Evan snorted.

  I dropped my arms to my side. “What is with y’all snorting so much?” I looked from Evan to Maddie. “Y’all been hanging out with hogs or something?”

  Grandmama clapped her hands together. “Time to eat.”

  I moved around to the opposite side of the table and sat down next to Lucca’s high chair. Hendrix and Maddie sat across from me; Evan and Hope sat next to them. Pop sat next to me and Grandmama and Keith, who I didn’t even see come into the room, sat on the other side of him.

  “Keith, you gonna say the blessing?”

  Nodding once, Keith bowed his head. Everyone else followed suit.

  “Lord, thank you for the food before us, the family and friends beside us, and the love between us. Amen.”

  A chorus of Amens sounded from around the table.

  “All right, everybody”—Grandmama filled her cup with sweet tea—“dive in.”

  And dive in we did.

  A few minutes later, everybody’s plates were filled to max capacity, and they were all yapping away. I was cutting up Lucca’s food, minding my business, when Hendrix, the troublemaker, decided to start his shit.

  “Hey, Grandmama, ask Shelby about her admirer.” He chuckled to himself. “We ran into him at the diner yesterday. The way the dude was looking at her I half expected him to toss her over his shoulder and walk out.” He took a bite of his food. “Too bad he didn’t do it. Would’ve given me a few days of peace and quiet.”

  I am so going to kill him!

  Grandmama’s head turned, and her eyes met mine. Lifting her hands in front of her, she clapped with glee. I could see her matchmaking wheels spinning.

  Great. Here we go.

  “Oh, really.” A sly smile spread across her face. “And who might this young man be?”

  I felt my face heat. I’d tried my best not to think about my last two encounters with Anthony, but his face had invaded my every thought for the past two days.

  It was annoying!

  “Nobody,” I said with a shrug, trying my best to appear nonchalant. “Just some guy.”

  “Just some guy, huh? Is that why you were staring at him like he was a T-bone steak and you hadn’t eaten in two weeks?”

  I dropped my knife to my plate and looked over at Maddie. Pointing at Hendrix, I hissed, “You better put a muzzle on him before I choke him to death.”

  Grandmama waved her fork in the air. “Calm down, children. Y’all know better than to threaten each other with violence while we’re eating supper. If you’re gonna kill each other make sure you do it outside after we’re done with our meal.”

  Pop looked down at me. “Who was the guy?”

  Great, now he was starting in on me too. “His name is Anthony. He’s a cop. End of story.”

  “End of story?” His face twisted in confusion.

  I shrugged. “He’s a nice guy, and he helped me out with something. It’s not a big deal.”

  “Helped you out with what?” Keith asked. “We’re gonna need details, babydoll.”

  Pop ignored Keith as he continued to grill me. “What kind of cop? Which station does he work for? What’s his full name?”

  Why in the world does he care so much?

  “He’s a homicide detective.” I stabbed a green bean with my fork. “His full name is Anthony Moretti, and he works for Toluca PD. Happy now?”

  Pop said nothing else.

  Grandmama spoke up next. “Was he handsome?”

  Maddie cut her eyes at Hendrix before nodding. “Looked like he stepped right off the cover of a magazine.”

  Grandmama’s eyes narrowed at me. “So why in the hell didn’t you talk to him?” She took a sip of tea. “There aren’t many men around here that could pass for models. You better snatch that one up while you can.”

  “I’ll have you know I’m as good looking as any damn model,” Keith interjected.

&nbs
p; Grandmama pointed a fork in his direction. “Yeah, but you’re old enough to be Shelby’s daddy. You don’t count.”

  Pop bristled beside me.

  Hope, who’d remained silent up to that point, chose that moment to jump in. “Too bad you didn’t get his number. I think going out on a date would be good for you. It would get you out of the house and—”

  I’d had enough.

  I dropped my knife for the second time and let it clatter to my plate. Everyone’s eyes turned to me, and I tossed my napkin down on the table. “I appreciate what everybody is trying to do here, but let me make this real clear to all of you. I do not want to date anybody.” Maddie opened her mouth to speak, but I held up a finger, cutting her off. “The only man I need”—I pointed at Lucca—“is this little one right here.”

  “Shelby”—Hope’s voice was soft and full of concern—“please don’t get upset.”

  For her, I tried to remain calm. “I’m not upset. I just want everyone to understand what I’m saying. I do not want a boyfriend. I do not want a husband.” I visibly swallowed. “The only thing I want is to give my son a good life, a stable life, a life full of love.”

  Something I never had growing up.

  Lifting my hand, I ran my fingers through Lucca’s curly hair as he chomped on a mouthful of mashed potatoes covered in gravy. “Because he is all that matters.”

  Silence reigned for a few moments until Grandmama spoke up again. “We’re gonna break that bone, baby.” At her words, my eyes slid closed. “Gonna snap it right in half.”

  My head dipped forward, and my belly dropped.

  Messed up as it sounds, I wasn’t sure I wanted to break that bone. It had taken me a long time to get where I was. Even if I still had issues, I’d come a long way. I wasn’t sure I’d survive revisiting the hell I’d barely escaped from.

  You relive it every day already, Shelby. Time to take your life back.

  Pop reached over and encircled my hand with his, surprising me. I lifted my head, and his eyes met mine. “It’ll be okay,” he whispered so low only I could hear him.

  Not knowing what to say, I merely nodded in return.

  Then, like the saving grace he is, Lucca screamed, breaking the tension surrounding the table. “Ga-ma!”

  Grandmama leaned forward so she could see him better. “What is it, stinker?”

  Lucca threw his arms up in the air. “Pie!” He was yelling so loud my ears rang. I wasn’t complaining, though, because I loved every second of it. “U-ka eat pie!”

  I lightly bopped him on the end of his nose, drawing his attention. “Eat your supper first. Then you can have pie.”

  He pinched his face up in frustration. “No, no, no!” He shook his head back and forth before looking back to Grandmama. “Ga-ma!”

  She was already up and out of her seat before the last syllable left Lucca’s mouth.

  Keith scoffed. “Mama, the boy’s got to eat his supper before he gets dessert.”

  Grandmama smacked him upside the back of the head. “He’s my grandson, and I say when he gets pie.” She looked over at me. “Besides, it’s got peaches in it. Therefore, I’m deeming it healthy.”

  I didn’t bother to argue with her.

  What was the point? She’d get her way in the end.

  Stubborn old bat.

  Less than a minute later, Grandmama sat a small piece of pie down in front of Lucca. Leaning down to kiss his head, she whispered, “Eat, baby.” When she looked up again, she nodded her head at my plate. “You eat too, blondie. I don’t want you going hungry.”

  I didn’t argue as I dug back in.

  Down the table, Keith nodded at Hendrix. “You watch the Clemson game last week?” A mischievous smile spread across his face. “How about them Tigers?”

  Hendrix tossed his napkin down on the table and pointed a finger in Keith’s direction. “Listen, you dumb son of a b—" He stopped before letting the curse slip from his mouth and glanced over at Lucca who was busy ignoring all of us as he stuffed peach pie into his mouth. “Don’t run your mouth to me. You know good, and damn well the refs gave the game away. The deck was stacked against Georgia from the beginning.”

  And just like that, the attention around the table shifted from me and my non-existent love life to the two idiots ready to come to blows over a college football game. While I was happy not to have all eyes on me anymore, I couldn’t help but jump in and stir the pot.

  “Both Clemson and Georgia suck.” The room fell silent, and I popped a piece of chicken fried steak in my mouth. “Only team worth mentioning is Bama. I mean, come on y’all, how many championship trophies do Clemson and Georgia have?” Silence ensued. “That’s what I thought.” Wearing a shit-eating grin on my face, I raised my hand in the air and hollered, “Roll Tide Roll.”

  At my outburst, Keith looked ready to murder me with his bare hands, but he kept his mouth shut.

  Hendrix, however, had plenty to say as he glared at me through slitted eyes. “Somebody open the front door because I’m about to toss her bony ass out on the front lawn.”

  Bony? Had he not seen the size of my ass lately? It was pretty hard to miss!

  Evan chose that moment to speak up for the first time since we all sat down to eat. “Shit, I’ll help! Fucking Alabama. I can’t believe she just said that.”

  Unable to contain it anymore, I dipped my head forward and laughed.

  It was one of the best family suppers I’d ever taken part in.

  6

  Shelby

  Thirty minutes later, Maddie plopped down onto the porch swing beside me. “Lord have mercy, I’m stuffed.” She hiccupped. I feel like I’m going to explode.”

  I chuckled and reached over to rub her belly. “I don’t imagine there’s much space left in there for food. Silly baby is taking up all the room.”

  Maddie smiled, and my chest warmed. “Only seven weeks to go.”

  I nudged her with my elbow. “And only a couple of weeks until you get hitched. Speaking of—” I pointed at Hendrix “—you sure you want to marry him? I mean eww.”

  When Hendrix scowled in my direction, I blew him a kiss and batted my eyes.

  Maddie laughed at us both. “Yeah, I think I’m gonna keep him.”

  I tapped my fingers on top my thighs and nudged her with my arm. “I don’t blame you. You know I think he’s great, right? I know I give him shit all the time, but it’s only because I like him.”

  “He likes you too.” Maddie entwined her fingers with mine. “It’s why he pesters you so much. If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t even talk to you.”

  That was the truth, and I knew it.

  A smidgen of relief washed over me.

  I didn’t care what people thought of me, but I cared about Hendrix’s opinion because he was about to marry my best friend. If he hated me, then I knew it’d stress her out, and that’s the last thing I wanted. Maddie was a beautiful person, and one of the best people I knew. She deserved nothing less than pure happiness.

  “Soooo…” Maddie nodded towards the house across the street. “Have you seen the new neighbors yet? Grandmama said somebody moved in a few weeks ago, but she doesn’t know who they are yet.”

  I looked at the colonial style home I’d dubbed my dream house the first time I saw it. It was a blue two story with a wraparound porch and a towering oak tree in the front yard which was perfect for a tire swing. The backyard was huge, level, and fenced. Azaleas and knockout rose bushes lined the porch and driveway making the home look like something straight out of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

  It was one of the most beautiful houses I’d ever seen.

  Too bad I couldn’t afford it.

  Maybe one day, I thought as I stared at the property with longing.

  “Has Grandmama or Keith not gone over there yet?” I looked back at Maddie. “What about Pop?” Pop lived in the house next door to Grandmama and Keith. It’s how Maddie and Hendrix met. They’d been neighbors and best friends since they
were little kids.

  “All three of them have,” Maddie replied, picking at a piece of lint on her shirt, “but whoever lives there is never home.”

  “They don’t have any kids?”

  Maddie shook her head. “Not as far as anybody can tell.”

  How weird. Why would someone buy a house like that if they didn’t have kids? The place was meant for a large family. I couldn’t be sure, but I was fairly sure it had four, if not five, bedrooms.

  “Maddie!” Hendrix yelled. “Time to go, pretty girl. I’ve got to be at the fire station to sign in for my shift within an hour.” He worked at station 24 in Toluca as a full-time firefighter. Pop also worked there as Hendrix’s captain. Coincidentally, Keith worked at Station 41 in Kissler as a fire captain too.

  Maddie grabbed my hand again. “Help me up, blondie. I’ve become a beached whale. I can’t even get up by myself anymore.”

  Standing, I turned around, wrapped my arms around Maddie’s waist and pulled her up. “Thanks, honey.”

  Hendrix, who had been standing in the front yard pushing Lucca on a toddler swing, jogged up the steps with my little man in his arms. “You didn’t have to do that. I was coming to get her.”

  I thumped his shoulder before taking Lucca from him. “You gotta be faster than that around here, behemoth.” I kissed my baby’s forehead and buried my face in his curly hair. “Ain’t nobody got time to be waiting around for you, slowpoke.”

  Rolling his eyes, he bent down and scooped Maddie up in his arms. “Call me when you get home, Shelby, so I know you made it all right,” Maddie said as she snuggled against Hendrix’s chest.

  “I will.” I blew her a kiss as he carried her away. “Love you, sugar.”

  She blew a kiss right back. “Love you too, crazy.”

  I chuckled at the familiar words.

  “You ready to go?” I asked Lucca a few minutes later when Maddie and Hendrix were gone. Besides Pop and Keith, we were the only two left from supper. Hope and Evan split right after they got done eating.

  Lucca nodded once. “Des, Ma-ma!”

  My heart swelled every time he called me Mama. “Alright, let’s get outta here.”