by Young, Alexa
“I lub locklat, Lolly,” Gracie squeals, looking excited.
“I know you do, angel. Let’s cut you a nice, big slice to fill your tummy.”
Gracie nods her approval.
“Thanks Laurie,” Dray says, smiling in relief. A birthday without cake at a kid’s party would have been a catastrophe. Laurie heads inside and works her magic. When she walks back out, the cake is covered in all kinds of sweetie goodness. Gracie gasps in delight. Laurie cuts her a big piece, which I’m sure Dray will be helping her with.
We all take a piece, making sure all the little kids have their share first then gladly tuck into our own.
“See, this is why I married her,” Ritchie remarks, scoffing down the cake. Laurie shakes her head in amusement as she stands, giving Noah his bottle.
“I think I would marry her, too, after this. I’m tempted for another slice,” Dray moans as Gracie quickly polishes off the rest.
“Hey, I think you’ll find you’re married to me.” Luce purses her lips, glaring.
“Oh, I love it when Luce gets all territorial.” Dray cannot smile wide enough.
“I’ll give you the recipe, Luce. Keep the big man happy.” Laurie winks.
“Luce more than makes me happy. Come here, baby.” He beckons her over.
“You have chocolate on your lip,” Luce points out.
“Want to help me with that one?”
Oh, God.
“Okay, you ready for presents, Gracie?” I ask as a diversion.
“Yeeees, peas.”
Dray shoots me a pissed look, but it’s a kids party; they don’t need to be treated to a floor show.
Ritchie helps me bring over the presents as Dray, Luce and Gracie begin opening them together. I start filming to capture the whole moment as Abbie cuddles in beside me.
Twenty presents later and there are toys, games, chocolate, clothes, and more girly stuff than Gracie can handle. It’s time for Ritchie to wheel out the finale.
Gracie’s face light up and she squeals as her eyes meet with her new bike.
“Pwincess bike!”
It certainly is – pink, shiny, and all glitter and ribbons. She leaps off Dray’s knee and runs over. Ritch lifts her to sit her down on it, placing her feet inside the pedal straps and adding the Frozen sparkly helmet to match. She’s in her element as she starts to ride around, the kids following along beside her. She isn’t going fast, but her little legs need time to adjust to it all.
Luce and Dray watch on, smiling at their little girl. Luce swipes a tear away; she always gets emotional at these kind of occasions. Dray places his hand protectively on her stomach as they watch their sweet, spirited daughter enjoy her day.
I pull Abbie into me, clicking off the camera, and kiss her hair. Her eyes meet mine and we smile. No words are needed.
* * *
We’re all sat watching Frozen for the millionth time, but as it’s Gracie’s birthday none of us complain. Gracie is seated on Dray’s knee with Luce curled up beside them both with Max on her knee, who looks more than cosy. He’s had a tiring day running around, but has thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all the kids who came to the party.
The Peppa Pig cake is next to Gracie in a tin; she’s still adamant no one will eat it. Every now and then, she pats Peppa’s head. It’s a touching sight to see her dressed in her birthday pyjamas after having such an amazing day.
“You had a good day, baby?” Luce asks, and Gracie nods as Luce leans in to give her a kiss.
“Such a big girl now with your new bike.” Her fingers stroke through Gracie’s curls.
“I big girl with pwincess bike.”
Luce shakes her head in amusement. “Sorry, I forgot to say ‘princess’ bike.”
“Get it right, Luce,” Dray snorts as she elbows him.
“Does anyone want anything else to eat?” Luce asks.
“No,” we all murmur, stuffed to the brink.
Luce lets out a deep moan, and Dray shoots her a look of concern.
“It’s okay, Dray, it’s just Joe moving.” She rubs her stomach and Gracie turns to look.
“I feel, Mamma?” she asks.
Luce takes her little hand and places it on the bump. No sooner has she done so then Gracie’s eyes widen.
“He kick me!” she squeals, and we all laugh at her expression.
“He kicked you?” Luce asks.
“Yeah, he kick me, Mamma.”
“I might get a little footballer yet,” Dray murmurs, looking hopeful and causing Luce to roll her eyes.
Gracie bends down to kiss her bump. “Joe, you come pay with me soon.”
“He will, angel, but he still has a little more growing to do yet.” Luce’s eyes meet mine and we smile at this touching moment.
“Mamma will keep him safe till he’s ready to arrive,” Dray says, placing a protective hand on her stomach.
“You keep Joe safe.”
Luce nods, and I know she’s barely holding back the tears. She’s a hormonal wreck at the moment. My eyes leave Gracie to look at Abbie, watching in such wonder. It truly is a sight to behold.
“Thank you for sharing this special day with me,” I whisper.
Her eyes meet mine. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“I love you,” I say without hesitation. Now just seems the perfect time.
Her eyes widen then fill with tears. “I love you, too.”
We lose ourselves in a kiss.
I pull away, smiling so hard at being here with a family and girlfriend I love so fiercely.
It’s the perfect end to a perfect day.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
I drop Abbie off in the morning; she stayed over at Gracie’s insistence and was greeted by one of Gracie’s early morning snuggles. It’s Sunday, so we had a big cooked breakfast, but I know she needs her Kindle time and the big game is kicking off later on.
I kiss and wave her goodbye, on my way back home my phone rings. I ignore it and continue on, but when it rings three more times on the trot a chill runs down my spine.
I pull over and stare in shock when Zack’s number appears on screen, with four missed calls. I quickly ring him back.
“Lex,” he groans.
What the fuck?
“Zack, what’s wrong?”
“I need your help. Weighman’s men came to collect on a debt. I guess Dad’s up to his old tricks again, and as I was the only one here I became their punching bag.”
“FUCK!” I yell.
I’m going to fucking kill him.
“Calm down—”
“How can I calm down? Has this fucking man not already caused you enough pain?”
He sighs deeply. “I know, and I thought I could do it. I thought things would improve, but there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. I’m stuck in this hell hole, and I don’t think I can take it anymore, little brother.”
What the hell?
“Don’t say things like that.”
He’s starting to scare me.
“I just… I can’t be here anymore.” His voice wobbles, and it shocks me. He’s always been the strong one who’s never shown much emotion.
“I’m coming to get you.”
“What… no—”
“I wasn’t asking. I’ve respected your decision for long enough now, and look where it’s got you. I want you safe, away from him. He’s no father, and you don’t have to try and prove your worth. You’ve always been a brother I admired and still do. Stop with all this pride bullshit and let me help you.” I’ve had enough of standing back and giving him space to sort himself out. Enough is enough.
“I—I—”
“Please, Zack. I want to do this. Let me do this. I want to repay you for all you’ve done for me,” I urge. He has to listen to me. I need to make him understand.
“Okay,” he whispers, sounding defeated.
“Are you at home?”
“Yeah.”
“Pack a bag with everything you need.
I’m coming to get you now.” I’m not giving him the opportunity to change his mind.
“Thank you,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.
“You’re my brother, no thanks are needed. Now, go pack. I’ll be with you in ten minutes.” I twist the keys in the ignition and rev the engine.
“I’ll be waiting.”
“I love you, Zack,” I say, knowing he needs to hear it more than ever.
“I love you, too.” The line goes dead.
“FUCK!” I yell. I want to snap my dad’s fucking neck. Just when I think he can’t sink any deeper, I’m reminded over and over what a fucking heartless monster he is.
I swipe the tears from my eyes and give myself time to regain my composure. I don’t want Zack to know I’ve been crying; he has enough on his plate to worry about. My focus right now is on him, keeping him safe.
I’m bringing him home, where he belongs.
COMING SOON
ZACK
MILLER BROTHERS BOOK 3
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to thank all the readers for taking the time to pick up and read my book. With the unlimited choices that are out there, I am so thankful you chose mine.
To Kristin from Hot Tree Editing, I cannot thank you enough. I am grateful for your invaluable input.
To CM Designs for my amazing book cover, thank you so much.
I would also like to thank all the bloggers that work tirelessly every day. As an author, I can’t thank you enough for all you do, you are all amazing.
To my family and friends for all their support throughout x
