by Chloe Lang
“And how many times has he visited them since they were born.” Her grandmother held up her hand. “I bet I have enough fingers to count his visits. It’s strange to me that all of a sudden he’s Mr. Nice Guy, Mr. Dad. He’s up to something.”
“Maybe.” She couldn’t deny her grandmother’s logic. Larry always did have a scheme going.
“Autumn and Andrea are so uncomfortable when Larry comes around now.” Her grandmother shook her head. “I try to make his visits as short as possible. He keeps bringing gifts for them and for Leland and I. Something doesn’t smell right about it at all to me. Your girls don’t even know him, Emma. It’s best it stays that way.”
If she hadn’t started hearing her dead sister’s voices, she would’ve thought so, too. In her heart she hoped he would come around. Her grandparents might need his help raising the girls if she lost her mind completely.
Stop it, Emma. I am not going to lose my mind.
Her grandmother touched her arm. “Emma, look how Andrea is smiling at those two. I’ve never seen her come out of her shell so fast before, have you?”
She turned and saw Andrea more animated than she’d seen her in a very long time. “Bane and Adam are good men.”
“I’m sure they are, sweetheart.” Her grandmother patted her hand.
The conductor and the students took the stage.
Emma waved at Autumn. Her daughter smiled back.
“Parents and friends, please take your seats.”
The audience quieted down.
“I would like to bring your attention to a change in our program.” The conductor motioned to Autumn to take center stage. “Andrea, would you be so kind as to join your sister?”
Andrea looked perplexed, but nodded. She left her seat and walked up next to Autumn.
The conductor continued, “We learned this week that this is the last year our fair city will have the very talented Autumn and Andrea as residents.”
Several in the audience voiced their disappointment.
“Did you tell?” Emma whispered to her grandmother.
“No, but you know there are no secrets in small towns, honey.”
That’s for sure.
“Autumn and Andrea are moving with their mother to Wilde, Nevada, at the end of the school year.” The conductor looked at her girls. “Would you give us the pleasure of a duet?”
The audience applauded.
Emma smiled. She was so proud of Autumn and Andrea.
Adam leaned over. “They must be really talented for this kind of response.”
“Just wait and see.”
Autumn turned to Andrea. “Okay?”
Andrea smiled and winked at Bane and Adam. “Yes. I would love to.”
“Did you see your daughter wink at us?” Adam was clearly thrilled.
Her girls spoke softly to each other.
Andrea went to the piano. “We will be performing ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.”
“That’s a very difficult piece,” Bane said.
Emma nodded. “Yes, it is.”
Autumn brought her violin up to her chin and held her bow just above the strings. Andrea played the introduction and Autumn joined in, both their hands flying over their instruments so very fast, but never missing a single note.
The audience members were as still as statues, engrossed in the music her daughters were performing.
When the piece came to a climactic end, everyone stood, clapping.
Bane and Adam were on their feet, cheering “bravo,” clearly surprised by Autumn and Andrea’s talent.
The audience would not quiet down, continuing to applaud for her girls.
The conductor turned to Autumn and Andrea. “Young ladies, would you consider giving us one more?”
Autumn nodded and held up her instrument. “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed. My sister and I are going to magically turn this violin into a fiddle.”
Andrea smiled. “One. Two. Three. Four.”
The hall erupted into cheers as they played a fast country song. The other students on the stage put down their instruments, moved behind the girls and began line dancing.
Her grandmother leaned over. “Just like my favorite television show with Rachel and Mr. Schue.”
The whole audience clearly couldn’t contain their excitement, as everyone was line dancing at their seats, including Bane and Adam.
When the song concluded, the crowd erupted once again into applause.
Emma looked into her girl’s eyes and saw how happy they were. Suddenly, the looks on their faces changed as their gazes went past her to the back.
She turned around and saw Larry heading her direction. As usual, he’s missed all the excitement.
* * * *
Adam sat on Emma’s grandparents’ sofa, listening to Autumn and Andrea play another song for him and Bane. He couldn’t get over how much the girls looked like Emma, who was in the kitchen with her grandparents and Larry.
It was clear to him that Em’s ex was tolerated more than welcomed in this house. Autumn and Andrea didn’t seem interested in Larry at all, and he didn’t seem interested in them or their music either.
Probably just another deadbeat dad. What a fool. Andrea and Autumn are incredible.
He was amazed at how gifted the girls were, and by the look on Bane’s face, he was, too. Quietly, he leaned over to his brother. “When Wilde finds out about these girls, Autumn and Andrea will be playing at all the gatherings around town.”
Bane nodded. “That’s for sure.”
When the girls ended their song, he and Bane jumped to their feet and clapped, yelling, “Encore. Encore.”
Autumn and Andrea ran up to him and Bane, giving them sweet hugs.
“Amazing,” Bane said.
He agreed. “God, you two are so unbelievably talented. Will you play another song for us?”
Andrea stepped back and smiled. “Thank you. We would love to. We enjoy playing for you very much.”
Autumn, still holding on tight, said, “You’re the best audience we’ve ever had.” She turned to her sister. “Before we play another song, let’s bring down some of our trophies to show them.”
“Only if they would like to see them.” Andrea turned to him and Bane. “Would you?”
He loved how happy the girls seemed. “Absolutely.”
“That’s a great idea,” Bane added.
Autumn released him and Bane. “We’ll be right back.”
Andrea smiled. “Don’t go anywhere.”
He smiled back at her. “We’re not going anywhere until we have a slice of your grandmother’s famous chocolate pie you’ve been telling us about.”
As they ascended up the stairs, Andrea turned back. “We helped make it.”
Hearing the pride in her voice made him smile. “Then I’m sure I will love it, sweetheart. I hope I get at least two slices.”
The girls laughed and vanished from sight.
When they were out of earshot, Bane turned to him. “Didn’t you find it strange that Larry suggested we come here for pie? It’s clear he’s not a favorite of Emma’s grandparents.”
“I did think it was odd, bro. He’s quite brazen, don’t you think?”
Bane nodded. “I wonder if he was the reason Emma reacted the way she did to the phone call back home.”
“I was wondering the same thing at the concert, but she doesn’t seem frightened by him.”
“No she doesn’t.”
“I’m betting Leland and Helen have a few things to say about Larry.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Bane sighed. It was clear that he, like him, wanted to protect not only Emma, but also the girls. “If we can get Helen and Leland away from the bastard for a minute or two I’m sure they will open up. I don’t trust the guy, Adam.”
“Neither do I, Bane. Neither do I.”
Chapter Twelve
Emma leaned against Adam. “If you need a break, I can drive, too.”
“But, guys, we’re going back to Wilde without stopping.” They’d all agreed to drive straight through so that she could take some extra time to unpack and set up her new home. Bane and Adam were going to help her there, too. They were her dreams come true. “We’re all beat from packing up my apartment.”
Bane squeezed her hand. “We’ll keep it in mind.”
“Don’t just keep it in mind, let me take over the driving for at least a couple of hours. It’s not fair for me to just sit back and enjoy the trip.”
They both laughed.
“Okay, honey. You can take over when we hit Casper,” Adam said.
Bane grinned. “Em, you sure have a lot of fire inside you.”
“You’ve only seen a small portion of my blaze, guys.”
“Really?” Adam smiled. “Sounds like we have a lot more to look forward to with you, sub.”
She grinned, anxious for them to show her more about BDSM. They’d even promised to take her to The Masters’ Chambers once they believed she was ready. She vowed to herself to learn fast. The club would be a kind of graduation for her into the life that they’d been in for several years.
“I’m so excited about everything. I can’t wait to get the girls to Wilde and get started on my new job. You guys have been so wonderful. Autumn and Andrea really took a liking to you.”
“Two handsome Marines. What’s not to like?” Adam laughed. “They stole our hearts, Em.”
Bane nodded. “You’ve done an amazing job with your girls. And all alone.”
“I saw you talking to my grandparents. They must’ve told you about how absent Larry has been.”
“They sure did,” Adam said. “How is he reacting to you moving the girls to Wilde?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure he gives a damn. It really is strange how he has shown up lately. I can’t seem to figure it out.”
“My gut tells me he can’t be trusted.” Bane turned to her. “How long were you married to him?”
“Two awfully long years. I was only sixteen when I found out I was pregnant. He was twenty-six.”
Bane cursed. “The son of a bitch should be in prison. You were a minor.”
“I wasn’t old enough to make good decisions. When Larry said he would marry me, I thought I didn’t have another choice.”
“The bastard probably only married you to keep from going to jail.”
“Bane, you sound like my grandfather when I came back with a wedding ring on my finger. I thought he was going to kill Larry.”
“I knew I liked your grandfather, Em,” he said.
“Leland and Helen are true blue, that’s for sure,” Adam agreed. “How were you able to get married, Em? Didn’t you need your mother’s consent? Norma wasn’t the kind of woman who would’ve given it to someone like Larry.”
“You’re right about that.” She closed her eyes, recalling that tear-filled day she’d tied the knot with Larry. “My ex forged my mother’s signature. I should’ve known better, but I didn’t. I felt trapped and without any other options. I thought my baby needed a daddy. Mine died when I was so young. I felt like I’d lost out. I didn’t want that for my child.”
Bane squeezed her hand. “Honey, that’s so understandable.”
“That’s what Mom told me when she found out. She never cared for Larry, but Mom finally did give her consent to our marriage, though after the fact. Like me, she hoped he would prove to be a good father. Mom and I were both wrong. I was so foolish back then. I should’ve listened to my mom and grandparents.”
“You were very young, sweetheart, with a very big problem.” Adam’s words were so kind.
“For the next two years, I lived with the cheating bastard. It wasn’t that I loved him. I just hoped he would take care of my girls and me. He didn’t. He would always come home drunk with stale perfume on his clothes. I finally had enough and moved in with my grandparents until I could save the money I needed to get us our own place.”
“According to your grandparents, you got your degree, too. God, Em, you’re superwoman.”
“Don’t believe them. I’m not even close.”
“Stop downplaying what you’ve accomplished, darlin’.” Adam’s tone was firm but kind. “You did what you had to do to get by. It’s clear your two girls mean the world to you. You’re amazing.”
“He’s right, sweetheart.” Bane kissed her on the cheek. “You’re incredible.”
For a brief second, she almost believed what they saw in her.
Should I tell them about the voices?
God, she wanted to, but even though she’d promised to tell them sometime, she just couldn’t bring herself to admit to them how flawed she really was right now. Not yet at least.
Time for a subject change. “Guys, shouldn’t we stop and grab a bite to eat? I could use a break and a chance to stretch my legs.”
“I saw a sign that said the best steaks in Wyoming are just a few miles up the road.” Adam placed his right hand on her knee. “I’m hungry, too.”
“You’re always hungry, bro.” Bane laughed. “But so am I.”
God, they made her feel so good, so happy. “Maybe when we get back to Wilde I can organize a rematch on the pie-eating contest for you two.”
“Not unless it’s your grandma’s pies, Em.”
“Don’t underestimate my abilities in the kitchen, guys. She and my mom taught me everything I know, and believe me I know a lot.” She giggled, thinking about the first meal she would serve them in her new house. “From now on, you may call me Chef Em.”
“Well, I for one, can’t wait to try your cooking, Chef Em baby.” Bane smiled.
“I for two, Chef Em baby.” Adam laughed. “My favorite pie is apple.”
“And yours, Bane?”
“Same, honey. I mean, Chef Em baby. We are twins, you know.”
* * * *
Bane saw the familiar sign on Old Highway 93 that told him they were almost home.
13 Miles to Wilde, Nevada – population 969, we welcome you with 1,938 arms.
Emma had nodded off five minutes after they’d left the steakhouse and had remained fast asleep between him and Adam ever since.
“Should be back in town in under an hour, bro,” Adam said softly.
“Yep. We will roll in around zero-four hundred.”
“The diner will be open. I’m hungry again.”
“Me, too. I bet when Chef Em wakes up that she’ll be hungry.”
Adam smiled. “For pancakes.”
They both laughed quietly, trying not to disturb Emma.
“Bane, can you believe she’s slept nine hours straight?”
“No wonder. She worked like a dog back at her apartment.”
“She’s something special, that’s for sure.” Adam sighed. “I absolutely want to protect her from whatever she’s afraid of.”
“We’re on the same page. I can’t get the image of how she reacted to that phone call out of my head.” He’d played it over and over in his mind. “I know she said her reaction had nothing to do with Larry, but I’m going to protect her and her girls from him no matter what.”
“Definitely,” Adam said. “The sooner we get Autumn and Andrea to Wilde the better.”
“School will be out for them in a few more weeks. I know Emma’s grandparents won’t let anything happen to them. They don’t trust Larry either.”
“Em’s granddad told me that every time Larry comes over to visit the girls he makes himself at home like it’s his own house.”
“That bastard missed the girls’ duet.” Bane had only been around those two angels for a few hours and already bonded with them. “Once Autumn and Andrea are in Wilde with Em, I doubt the fucker will come around anymore.”
“And if he does, you and I will be here to make sure he doesn’t hurt their little hearts again.”
“Did you see how they reacted whenever he was in the room?”<
br />
“I did.” Adam frowned. “He’s a total stranger to his own daughters.”
“They deserve better, bro. Them and their wonderful mother.”
“I want to be that for them.”
Bane nodded. “Me, too.” He spotted Carlotta’s Liquor Store and Tarot Card Reading Room up ahead. “Time to wake Em so she’ll be ready to have some breakfast with us.”
“I’m on it.” Adam gently nudged their beautiful passenger.
Em yawned and opened her eyes. “Is it my turn to drive already?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” Bane placed his hand on her leg. “Let me pull over so you can take the wheel for the last mile.”
“Last mile?” Her eyes widened. “How long have I been asleep?”
Adam kissed her. “As long as you needed, baby. Like we’ve told you before, we’re here for you. Always.”
Chapter Thirteen
Emma held the front door open to her new home. “Go get some rest.”
Bane and Adam looked totally exhausted. They’d been so stubborn.
“Are you sure there isn’t something else we need to do for you, baby?” Adam asked with a yawn.
“I’m sure. Every box is unpacked. Everything is put away. All my furniture is in place. You’ve even helped me put up photos of my girls and grandparents on the hallway wall, making sure their frames are all level. You both are wonderful and I appreciate all you’ve done for me. But like I’ve been saying since breakfast, you need to get some sleep. You are meeting with your new FBI boss in the morning. You need to be fresh.”
“What about you?” Adam asked. “I heard you talking on the phone with Mac. You told her you were going to come in tomorrow instead of taking the whole week.”
“Why not? There’s nothing left to do here.”
Bane wrapped his arms around her. “We all need some rest, sweetheart. I could use a shower, some clean clothes, and a few hours of shut-eye.” He kissed her tenderly. “We’ll be back to take you to dinner tonight and maybe we can rent a movie.”
“That sounds great.” She didn’t want to be away from them for too long. “I think we could all use a very low-key evening.”
