“Oh, I’m sure he won’t care. All he wants is you,” Kate said.
“I have an idea,” Natalie chimed in. “You’ll just have to give it to him later.”
“Well, I’m up for any ideas, Nat.”
“I think you need to do a paternity test and prove Mitch is the father of your baby,” Natalie said. She seemed very sure of herself.
“But what if he isn’t?” I whispered. I didn’t dare hope he’d be the baby’s father even though it was a possibility. I wasn’t sure if I could take it if I just proved Garrett was the father.
“You’re gonna have to have faith on this one, Charlie. I just have a gut feeling Mitch is the father. I don’t know why, but it’s something I’ve felt from the very beginning. Trust me on this,” Natalie insisted.
“It’s a good idea,” Kate chimed in.
“I know you’re both right. I’ve just been scared to hope for…I mean, so many bad things happened from his accident that almost tore us apart. I can’t take more bad news.”
“Well, are we all gonna live the rest of our lives not knowing? Wondering? What if there’s a medical problem and your child needs something genetically from the father? Don’t you want to know? Don’t you just want confirmation Mitch is the father? I believe in my heart that’s what you’re gonna find out.”
Natalie sure seemed certain. “Wow, Nat. You seem so sure.”
“I am. Mac’s uncle is on the board of directors for the hospital. I talked with him about it and he said all you needed was a sample from Mitch and a swab from the baby’s cheek. It could be done as soon as the baby is born. He offered to have it expedited for you in the lab. It normally takes two days, but he’ll make a call and have it done in a day for us. My gift to you, your gift to Mitch. It’s that simple.”
“Really? That’d be amazing. I wanna know so badly…I just have to get over my fear of not getting the outcome I want.”
“Great. What room is Mitch staying in? I’ll get a hair sample from his brush.”
“That’s all you need?”
“Yep.”
A knock came at the door. Kate opened the door and was faced with a large bouquet of flowers.
“Come in,” Kate said.
The flowers entered being carried by Lillian. When I saw her, my heart fell out of my body. Her appearance at my wedding was unfathomable. I never knew anyone who had this kind of nerve. Mitch had told her she wasn’t welcome. Shockingly, she’d only gotten community service for her participation with Eric in tampering with Mitch’s drugs.
“Lillian, what are you doing here?” I asked. Natalie made her way past Lillian and out the door before Lillian could answer. I knew exactly where she was headed. Mitch would be here any minute.
“I came here to tell you what a rude little bitch you are for not inviting me to my own son’s wedding. I can’t believe you’d be so spiteful. I know it wasn’t Mitch’s idea to cut me out.”
Sitting there with my mouth gaping open, I couldn’t decide what to respond with first. So many thoughts invaded my mind. All that came out was, “What? You’re unbelievable.”
“Mother, I didn’t want you here, not Charlie. This was my decision,” Mitch said, standing in the doorway. “I want you to leave now. Sadly, no one wants you here and you only have yourself to thank for it.”
“Mitch, please. You’re all I have left.”
As she began to plead, fear wrapped around me like a boa constrictor that she could manipulate Mitch. I began to stand up, but my knees buckled as a sharp pain seared through my abdomen. No, no. Not now. The baby isn’t due for another month.
Kate rushed to my side as I crumpled to the floor. “Charlie, what is it? The baby?” Her voice was high pitched.
“I think so,” I cried.
“Neil, Mac, get my mother out of here,” Mitch said as he kneeled down beside me. “Baby, look at me. I’m here and everything’s gonna be all right. Nat, please call an ambulance.” His words were calming, but the pain was still intense.
“Kate, go get the minister right now. I wanna have him marry us before we go to the hospital,” I said, as the pain subsided.
Kate looked at me bewildered, but in best friend form, she made a mad dash out the door.
“Baby, there may not be time for us to get married before—”
“Mitch, get my parents and anyone else you wanna have witness our ceremony. I’m not moving until we’re married.”
***
Another contraction ripped through me as the ambulance pulled into the hospital. It hurt like hell, but I kept focusing on the fact I was Mrs. Mitch Hawkins and nothing besides having my little nugget could make me happier.
The contractions were coming every two minutes and I was doing my best to breathe like Mitch kept telling me, but it was so hard. The pain was worse than I’d imagined.
I was wheeled into a room with Mitch trailing behind. Once I was moved onto a hospital bed, Mitch was by my side, holding my hand.
“Any second now, we’re gonna be a mom and a dad,” he said, kissing the back of my hand.
I thought about what Natalie had suggested about the paternity test, but I didn’t know if she could get it set up to happen right after the baby was born. I knew she’d try her best and that’s all I could hope for.
“One more good push,” the doctor said. “The baby’s right there.”
I inhaled deeply and pushed, crying out the entire time.
Exhaustion overtook me as the baby was delivered. I vaguely heard the doctor say, “It’s a girl.”
“A girl,” Mitch said. “We have a beautiful baby girl. She’s gonna be just like you,” he said, kissing my hand again, as his eyes teared up.
The nurse was cleaning up the baby while Mitch held me. “You’re so brave, Charlie. If a man had to do that, well…let’s just say the human race would die out.”
I laughed. My baby was here and I was so happy. I could hear her crying just a few feet away from me. Our little Katie. Mitch and I had agreed to name her after our best friend.
“We have our Katie,” I said, looking up at Mitch.
“Yeah. We’re gonna have to have another one and name her Natalie. I suppose you’ll want a Neil and a Mac to round things out.”
“Let’s just get adjusted to having one. We can talk about more babies in a couple of years.”
Mitch’s face dropped a little. I put my hand on his face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest. But, I love my brother even after all he did, and I’ll love his…our baby no matter what.”
The nurse interrupted us by bringing Katie over. “You have a beautiful, healthy baby. She’s perfect in every way.” The two of us stayed cocooned in Mitch’s arms for a long time. After a quick shower, we were moved to a private room that had an envelope waiting on the end table addressed to The Hawkins. Natalie had worked her magic.
“What’s this?” Mitch said as he picked up the envelope.
“It has information we need to know.” I was both excited and terrified, not knowing what the outcome was.
“So, you know what’s inside?”
“Yes, but not exactly. Just open it.”
Mitch tore open the envelope and began reading the contents.
“What? How did you? Charlie…”
“Tell me what it says,” I urged him.
“Katie’s mine. I’m her father, not Garrett.” Tears streamed down my Superman’s face. “You know I’d love her no matter what.”
“Happy Wedding Day,” I said, reaching up to wipe a tear away. Inside, I was thanking God for this gift I had no words for.
Mitch leaned down and put his forehead to mine. “I can’t believe you did this and so fast.”
“Well, I had a little help from my friends,” I said, seeing Kate and Natalie peering in from the hall.
“Come in, you two,” I called to Kate and Natalie. My dearest friends joined us in our room.
“We actually have Natalie to thank for g
etting us the paternity results so fast. Mac’s uncle is on the hospital board, so the minute we arrived the lab was on standby, waiting for a sample from the baby.”
Mitch looked over at Nat. “Thank you, Nat,” he said, pulling her close to him. “This is amazing news, even though I would’ve been good either way. We decided not to tell Garrett about the pregnancy. My mom might have tried to, but I’m pretty sure he’s blocked all forms of communication from her just like I have.”
“I’m so glad it turned out the way it did. But I know your heart is big enough to love any child,” Natalie said, snuggling into Mitch.
Kate stood there nodding with a knowing smile on her face.
“I know, we just had to have faith,” I said, smiling back at her. I wasn’t sure when she’d become so wise, but she had just in time to help Mitch and I through our toughest storm.
Before I could ask where Neil and Mac were, they came through the door carrying bags in their hands.
“Someone missed toasting to the happy couple,” Neil said, pulling out both a bottle of champagne and a bottle of sparkling cider.
“And,” Mac said, unveiling the top of our cake, “you didn’t get to have your cake.”
“Oh my gosh, you guys. Thank you so much for bringing this.” Another bag had paper plates, forks, and cups.
Once everyone had a glass and a plate full of cake, Mitch raised his glass. “To my beautiful bride. You make me strive to be a better man. It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing; all I need is you by my side. I know I can get through anything if I have you.” Mitch bent down to kiss me on the lips. Everyone raised their glasses and drank to that.
Scooping up a piece of cake, Mitch and I fed each other the first bite. It wasn’t exactly the way I had dreamed it would happen when I was a little girl, but the best part was I had the man of my dreams. Nothing could compare to that. Life was good. Kate and Natalie had been through their hard times and now Mitch and I had made it through a rough patch. Being surrounded by my friends, holding my baby, being Mitch’s wife…my life was complete.
Epilogue
Katie slept in my arms as Mitch and I watched the sun setting from our back patio. We had bought a cute little three-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow that fit us perfectly. Everything in my world was at peace…finally. I had my loving husband and beautiful daughter. Mitch was good, but still struggled with losing Garrett as a brother. They hadn’t talked since Garrett went back to New York, but maybe that was for the best. It was hard to say. I finally convinced Mitch to see someone for grief counseling because even though Garrett was alive, their relationship wasn’t. He didn’t want to admit it, but he needed to talk to someone and it was helping. I had complete faith he’d be able to get past what’d happened and move on at some point. Mitch was the strongest man I knew.
At first, I thought they could find their way past what’d happened. After all, Mitch had forgiven me for my part. But then I realized he viewed me as a victim of Garrett, not a willing participant in the betrayal. I hoped in time Mitch could metaphorically take his hands off Garrett’s throat to see his frailties and forgive him. That was the goal Mitch was working toward.
Lillian had completed her community service and had moved on to another unsuspecting man. She wasn’t one to be alone and her manipulation tactics seemed sharper than ever. She tried to interject herself into our lives after our baby was born, but Mitch told her he’d contact her when he was good and ready. At first she put up a fuss, but Mitch was like a brick wall she was beating her head against. He wouldn’t give her an inch. I didn’t blame him because she couldn’t be trusted. She’d proven that to us over and over. Finally, she took the hint and made herself scarce.
Edward was free of her and had been spending time with Mitch, helping him work through the pain of what had happened with Garrett. He also had become a doting grandfather, which surprised me a little. But, being free from Lillian had made him into a new man. I hoped one day he’d be able to trust again and find a nice woman to share his life with.
Chip had pleaded insanity and was currently staying in a psych facility until he could be evaluated to stand trial. He’d kept a team of psychologists busy trying to figure him out. It was uncertain when his trial would take place, but I knew when it did I’d have to testify. All I knew was that I was grateful Mitch found me in time because I’d have no idea where I’d be if he hadn’t.
The year had been a difficult one. Being forgotten and tossed aside by Mitch had nearly decimated my heart. But, our love had been tested and had come out the other side much stronger than before. For that I was thankful. Life may not always be predictable, but with my loving husband beside me, and my beautiful baby girl, my joy was complete.
The End
Chapter One
Trace
San Diego, CA
Staring out my office window, I pondered the life I was about to embark upon with my soon to be bride, Angelina. For several months we’d been planning the most important day of our lives: our wedding day. I had no idea how much went into all of this, but I’m a guy, so I kind of went along with whatever my bride wanted. It seemed like the most sensible thing for me to do because I hadn’t been planning this day since I was ten like Angelina. She knew exactly what she wanted for every aspect of the wedding and I knew I wanted to make her every wish come true. That had been my number-one goal since we became engaged, and it’d continue to be my goal in the years to come. I wanted to make her as happy as she’d made me.
“Man, daydreaming again, Trace?” Derrick asked, as he barged into my office. “I thought it was only customary for the bride to daydream.”
I laughed at my best friend and business partner. “Yeah. Hard to believe I’m going to be a married man in a couple of days.”
Before Derrick could reply, Angelina came in. “What are you two talking about?” she asked with a sly grin.
“Getting hitched,” I said, gazing at my beautiful girl. Her long, dark hair cascaded down, touching the tops of her breasts. She smiled, her big blue eyes lighting up. She was so stunning and all mine. God, how I love this woman.
“I can’t believe you’re going to make an honest man out of Trace here,” Derrick said, patting me on the shoulder.
Angelina chuckled, but I caught an intense look between them. A connection. It made me wonder…was something going on I wasn’t aware of? It was a quick flash, but it didn’t escape me. It wasn’t the first time I’d had this feeling when being with both of them. Goosebumps appeared on my arms just thinking something could be going on. We’re all good friends, and she loves me. I’m being stupid. No way would either of them betray me.
“We both know Trace is the most honest guy around,” she retorted. “He’d never deceive anyone. I just came in to give you this file then I’m off to finalize wedding details with my mom.”
Angelina leaned down to kiss me after placing the file on my desk. I kissed her back, but something definitely was different. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. “Okay, babe. Have fun with your mom. I’ll call you later.”
“Thanks,” she said and strolled out.
I would’ve asked Derrick if he thought something was unusual, but he was watching her walk away, which didn’t sit well with me at all. Why was he watching my girl walk away? I know it was a great view, but wasn’t that only reserved for me? What the hell was happening and why did I feel so…paranoid? Just pre-wedding nerves. Man up!
Derrick and I went over the contracts we’d been working on to acquire Hines Electronics. We were on the verge of expanding our company, TEK Medical.
Everything seemed fine, but I decided to make a surprise visit to my fiancée later in the evening to check in and put this prickly feeling to rest. Now was not the time to have any reservations about the woman I was marrying or doubt my best friend, either.
Maybe I was just overreacting due to the bar against sex right before the wedding. How I agreed to that, I’d never know, but she insisted it’d make
our wedding night all the more special and passionate. I could kind of see her point, so I’d agreed. Maybe the lack of sex was playing with my mind or maybe my gut instinct was out of whack from all the wedding planning.
Derrick went back to his office and my mind ran through a scenario I’d recently encountered with the two of them. I’d watched from the doorway. Angelina had been sitting on Derrick’s desk, her long legs crossed, laughing with him. They looked cozy, intimate somehow. I’d almost felt as if I’d been intruding on a private moment between lovers. I waved it off in my mind, thinking they were just close because Derrick is my best friend. But after today, I really felt something was up. Perhaps I’m overreacting and it’s something simple like he’s helping her with a wedding gift for me. Maybe jumping to the wrong conclusions was a side effect of my relationship with my high school girlfriend, Melissa, ending so badly. The past sure did have a way of rearing its ugly head at the worst times. I hadn’t trusted any woman until Angelina, or been in any committed relationships. Melissa had done a number on me. I had avoided being hurt at all cost, so I’d kept things casual. That was until Angelina walked into my life, changing everything. She was sweet, honest, and compassionate. We’d been together for two years and making her my wife was something I really wanted. She had my heart and I wanted to be the man that made her happy the rest of her life. That’s probably why I hated doubting her so much now.
***
It was a little after eight when I turned onto Angelina’s street. Parking farther away than I normally would gave me a view of all of the cars. Guilt swept over me as I took the keys out of the ignition. If she caught me, how was I going to explain spying on her? Oh, honey, that’s right. All of a sudden I don’t trust you. That would go over well. Maybe I was just having cold feet. Jitters. This could all be in my head and I could just be driving myself crazy for no reason. I’m surely not the first guy to jump to conclusions before the big day.
Forgotten By You (Redeeming Love #2) Page 22
