Intertwined Hearts Series (4 book collection): (Intertwined Hearts, An Exceptional Twist, Tangled Paths & Grafted Vines)

by Kimi Flores

  I blinked in shock. “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah, my blood is still pumping. What a rush. Why were hey fighting, though?” She was speaking a mile a minute.

  I laughed and started to explain when Madison interrupted. “Nobody messes with the goalie, right, Daddy?”

  “You’ve got that right, sweetie.” I couldn’t contain my happiness. My daughter and soon to be wife joined in my enthusiasm for this sport.

  Peering past Madison, I watched Stefen mouth, “You lucky bastard.” To which I nodded, put my arms around my girls and pulled them closer.

  “Don’t I know it.”

  ⁂

  Heading up to our rooms, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Abby. She’d noticed, too. I probably looked like I was ready to pounce.

  Before leaving the game, she’d asked if we could go into the pro shop to buy a jersey that fit a little better. My hormones may have kicked up a notch once she replaced my jersey with her own. I imagined her strolling around in nothing but that jersey and needed to pull myself together. My daughter was standing right here beside us.

  As if to remind me she was there, Madison begged, “Daddy, can I stay with Abby tonight? Girls should stay together. You can stay in the boy room.”

  Raising my eyebrows, I glanced over at Abby, questioning if she was up for that.

  “Of course you can stay with me,” she said. “Your daddy can hang out in the stinky boy room, and we can sleep in the pretty princess room.”

  I pretended to be wounded, holding my hand over my heart.

  “Daddy, you’re so silly.” Madison covered her mouth, trying to contain a laugh.

  “Fine, I’ll go get the princess’s bag and meet you back in your room.” I purposely stared Abby in the eye when I said it, still on fire for her.

  I returned a few minutes later and told Madison to go take a bath. I needed a minute alone with my woman. After the bathroom door closed, I grabbed Abby by the waist and yanked her toward me, growling, “I knew it was a bad idea to stay last night. I don’t know how I’m ever going to get any sleep without you in my arms.” It was a good thing we weren’t alone. This was one evening I could see us going down a road I hadn’t planned yet.

  Her breath caught before she offered her suggestive promise. “Get all the rest you can now, Mr. Hunter, because soon you won’t be getting any sleep when I’m in your arms.”

  My eyes widened. “Now I’m definitely not getting any sleep. I better get out of here.” Slowly, I ran my lips across hers before kissing them. Opening her mouth, I deepened our kiss. Her hands began to wander down my back until she reached my ass. I needed this. The love this woman had to offer me was overpowering. But we had to stop before I pulled her into the next room.

  Withdrawing from our fiery kiss, I vowed, “Soon, I won’t be leaving you for the night.”

  She attempted to catch her breath. “I can’t wait.”

  The next couple of months were going to be torture.

  Stepping away, I proceeded to say goodnight to Madison, reminding her to brush her teeth before bed, then I exited the bathroom.

  Needing to touch Abby one last time tonight, I gave her a crooked smile before capturing her in my arms again. “You’re giving me a lot to look forward to.” I kissed her and struggled, not wanting to let her go. “I love you. See you in the morning.”

  ⁂

  Abby

  I was dressed for bed when Madison got out of the bathroom wearing princess PJs. “Can you help me with the toothpaste?”

  “Sure. We can brush at the same time.” I followed my soon-to-be daughter back into the bathroom.

  She used a toothbrush that blinked on and off for a couple of minutes, letting her know how long to brush. When the light stayed off, she rinsed her mouth and spit out the water. “All done.” Well, that was nifty. They didn’t have toothbrushes like that when I was little.

  Hopping over to the bed, she got under the covers before admitting, “Abby, I’m really glad I get to share my daddy with you.” Her innocent brown eyes dug deep and snuggled into my soul.

  The thought had never occurred to me that Caleb belonged to Madison first.

  I almost lost it, then she added, “And I’m glad I can share you with my daddy.”

  I can confidently say that it’s possible to actually feel your heart grow. Madison had seeped into another void I hadn’t realized I needed filled. I’d lost my child, and Madison fit perfectly into that gaping hole, making my heart complete once again.

  She timidly continued, “Since my mommy is in heaven, and you and daddy are getting married—can I call you Mama?”

  Without warning, my eyes filled with tears. My voice cracked when I confirmed without a doubt, “Sweet baby girl, I would be honored if you called me Mama.”

  She gave me a huge smile that melted my already expanded heart, and I leaned down to kiss the baby soft cheek on her angelic face.

  “Goodnight Mama. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Have a good night’s sleep.” I moved up and kissed her on the forehead before joining her under the covers. There was no way I’d be able to go to sleep yet. Reaching for my phone, I sent Caleb a text.

  Me: Madison asked if she could call me Mama.

  Caleb: How do you feel about that?

  Me: Overwhelmed with joy

  Caleb: Wondered if she would ask you tonight.

  Me: Thanks for the heads up!

  Caleb: LOL…didn’t want to take away from your moment.

  Me: Have I told you how much I love you?

  Caleb: Yes, but I never get tired of hearing it.

  Me: Good night :) I <3 U!

  Caleb: <3 U 2. See you in the morning. BTW can’t stop

  thinking about what you said.

  Me: ;)

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Our Space

  Abby

  “Look at this chaos. I don’t know how I’m ever going to get this ready in time.” I propped my hands on my hips. I’m sure I looked like a hot mess in my paint-stained yoga pants, but this bedroom was the disaster. I was in the midst of redecorating. All the furniture had been removed, and the sandalwood color Caleb and I had just finished painting was still wet. Ladders, paintbrushes, rollers, and buckets were scattered all over the floor, as well as the drop cloths that protected the exquisite hardwood flooring.

  The master bathroom was already completely revamped in a neutral, light forest green with glossy white cabinetry and two pedestal sinks side by side. I had never shared a bathroom with a man before, so I was really thankful ours had a separate small toilet closet. I couldn’t help but make the tiny room a little girlie by adding a dainty chandelier. I’d also added another slightly larger chandelier over the new extra-large bathtub fit for two. Although, I had a feeling Madison might get more use out of the tub than we would. Caleb had told me he didn’t enjoy baths.

  Who knows, maybe I can change his mind.

  “I still can’t believe Caleb is letting you redo the entire house while you’re planning a wedding. I’m all for the do-it-yourself stuff, but you should hire someone this time.” Leah had stopped by to check on our progress before heading out to pick Madison up from Grace’s house.

  “And you know that’s not me. He wanted to hire people, but I enjoy doing it myself. Well, with my bestest gal, of course.” I placed my arm around her shoulder. I’d already suckered her into helping with a few of the larger projects.

  “I know, I know. I’d do the same,” she replied with an exhale.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind taking Madison today?” We needed to do some work on the gift I was planning to give Madison. We’d figured out a way to cover it, but it was difficult hiding it while I worked on it.

  “Of course not, she’s my little chica. I tried calling her chiquita the other day, but she said that was a banana and she wasn’t a banana, so I guess that’s out.” She started to cackle.

  “Well, it’s better than what Stefen calls her.”

/>   “Stefen? Caleb’s cousin, Stefen?” Her expression was comical.

  “Yep.” I grinned. “Apparently, back in the day when he changed her diapers, she peed on him, so he calls her squirt.”

  “She lets him call her that?” She gasped, almost offended. “I swear that man can get away with anything. All he has to do is flash those damn hazel eyes and offer up a grin with his perfect lips.” Her reaction made me snort.

  “I agree, he does seem to get whatever he wants. You know Lisa, that girl I told you about at Caleb’s parent’s house?”

  “The one who needs a good bitch slap?” Leave it to Leah not to sugarcoat.

  “Yeah, well, she and Stefen have this weird vibe going on. It’s like if he tells her to jump, she doesn’t even ask how high. She just knows, but there’s no affection with them at all. Caleb told me she’s been after both of them since they were teenagers, but she seems to have a little unhealthy obsession with Stefen.”

  “Doesn’t surprise me.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s honestly the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen, but he’s a player. He knows he’s good-looking, and I’m sure he uses it to his advantage. No matter how big of a major turn off that is, it’s also a damn shame.” She pursed her lips, but her bogus look of disgust wasn’t quite convincing.

  “He’s going to be here for the wedding, you know. He’s Caleb’s closest friend and best man. You okay with that?” I eyed my friend.

  “Of course.” She responded a little too enthusiastically. “Just because I wouldn’t date him doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy looking at him.”

  “Apparently he’ll be staying for a few weeks, too. He’s using the time as a vacation from work. I guess he, his dad, and his uncle have been working on this high profile case, and Caleb’s really excited Stefen will be getting away from it all for a bit.”

  I had mixed feelings about him being here when we came back from our honeymoon. However, I didn’t want to be a brat about it. Caleb was so at peace with his cousin staying, but we were also starting our lives together. No matter, by the time the wedding and our two-week honeymoon came and went, he would only be here a few more days.

  I felt conflicted about some of the things Caleb had shared about him.

  Leah nudged me. She must’ve seen it on my face.

  I sighed. “Caleb mentioned how worried he gets about Stefen because he’s sucked into that superficial life the rest of the family’s in. Caleb sees his potential and wants more for him, you know? He’s tried to get Bri and Stefen to move to Santa Barbara for years. He’s even busted out the Madison guilt card.” We laughed, knowing damn well that particular card was a difficult one to resist. “He says Stefen isn’t like that deep down. If you saw him with Madison, you’d believe it, too. The man had pigtails after a night with that girl. Maybe if he had some spicy Latina in this city, he may consider relocating.”

  “Pigtails?” Leah snorted. “Oh man, I wish I ‘d seen that. You’re sneaky, my friend. I knew you had an ulterior motive for talking about him. If he was anything like Caleb I might’ve fallen head over heels, but he’s not. I’ll enjoy the view while he visits, but ain’t nobody got time for a playa.” Her sassiness could bring me out of a slump any day.

  “I don’t know if I should be concerned or happy about that statement.” I narrowed my eyes playfully. “Because it’s you, I’ll go for happy.”

  “What’re you guys talking about?” Caleb walked in the bedroom, stepped behind me, and kissed my neck.

  “Boyfriend-less envious girl standing right here, guys. Wait for me to leave before getting all touchy-feely please.”

  Caleb always laughed at Leah’s comments, but I knew what she said wasn’t far from the truth. I’d been so wrapped up in him and the wedding that I hadn’t taken too much time for the two of us. I’d have to be mindful of that after the honeymoon.

  “I need to head out now anyway,” Leah said. “I’ll have Madison back tonight after dinner. She’s going to be my dinner date at that new steakhouse, since my vegetarian friend here won’t go with me.”

  “Thanks again. I can’t wait to finish her gift and see her expression.” I was overjoyed about her present.

  She waved as she walked out of the room, and shortly after I heard her car pull away.

  “I know you’re busy working in here and all, but do you mind keeping me company while I put my laundry away in the other room?” Caleb pulled on the bottom of my oversized button-up shirt, directing me out of the room. “By the way, I love my shirts on you.” He smirked.

  I tried to ignore his smile, but it was nearly impossible. “I’m sure I can tear myself away for a bit, but then I need to head to the backyard to finish up.”

  He walked behind me, and I knew exactly where his eyes were—burning a hole in the butt of my thin cotton pants. I wiggled my hips. “Mr. Hunter, kindly take your eyes off my ass.” I twirled around as his eyes quickly flew up to meet mine, and we both laughed.

  He cocked his left eyebrow. “How did you know?”

  “A girl always knows; it’s an instinct. Even if we don’t tell guys that we feel it, we totally do.”

  A strange but still somewhat playful expression came over him. “I don’t expect you to feel it from anyone but me. And if you do, I suggest you tell me about it.”

  Where did that come from?

  “Caleb Hunter, I am not going to tell you about every guy who plants his eyes on my rear. They just can’t help but look. I don’t exactly have a tiny, unnoticeable butt, you know.”

  “Believe me, I know your sensual curves are noticeable.” He chuckled in a sexy way. “It was one of the first things I noticed on the first day of school.”

  I blinked. “The first day?”

  “Of course, just being in your presence was overwhelming. I know this is totally girlie, but it was almost like my soul just knew it wanted to be with you way before my brain would accept that it was an okay thing.”

  My heart pulsated, and my belly fluttered. “You can’t say stuff like that, Caleb. You make me want to break down and cry. You’re my dream come true.” I had to bite my lip to keep it from trembling.

  “I don’t say those things to make you cry, love.” Holding me close, he placed a soft, tender kiss on my temple. Those had quickly become my favorite kisses.

  “Tears of joy,” I reassured him. “And I’m more than happy to shed those.”

  He sighed happily. “Enough with the mushy, we’ve got work to do today.” He popped me on the behind, and I yelped. He’d never done that before.

  We entered one of the upstairs guest rooms at the end of the hall, and Caleb motioned for me to sit on the bed he’d been sleeping in. Insistent, he’d moved out of the master bedroom right after our engagement so I could make it our space. He wanted us to share the new room from day one as man and wife. I’d been working hard, transforming it to a completely different style using our combined tastes. His manly, somewhat modern and my shabby chic, vintage styles were intertwined, not only in our home, but also our wedding that happened to be around the corner.

  He slid the heavy, mirrored closet door to the side while I sat at the foot of the bed, watching his every move, confident that I could stare at him the rest of my life and be a happy woman.

  “Oh, wow. I forgot these were in here.” Frozen, he stared at the floor of the closet.

  “What is it?” I got up and peered over his shoulder, noticing a few paintings leaning against the wall inside the dark closet.

  “Rene painted those.” He still hadn’t moved a muscle.

  “Really? Can I see them?” Grace had told me about Rene’s passion for art, but I didn’t realize she’d painted, as well.

  Peaking over his shoulder, Caleb spoke softly. “Are you sure?”

  “Of course! Stop being so silly.” Stepping around his tall frame, I wrapped my arms around his waist. “Your memories of her don’t bother me, babe. I really wish you’d understand that. At one time, she was an important part of your life. I want to
celebrate with you.”

  His hesitation was replaced with an awe-inspiring, heartwarming smile. The things I wanted to do to him when he looked at me like that—Instead, I turned so my back pressed against his chest. “Which one is your favorite?”

  Letting out a puff of air, he reached around and selected a captivating painting of a woman cradling a baby in her arms as she walked along the shore. “This one.” Moving to my side, he held the canvas in front of us. “She duplicated a photo that I’d taken of her carrying Madison at the beach, right before her chemo started. Madison was only six weeks there.”

  I ran my hand up and down his back. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It is. Rene loved art, but didn’t get into painting her own work until she got sick. It was an outlet for her. She only painted a handful of pictures, all right there.”

  I glanced back to the pile. It looked like there were about five unframed images propped against each other.

  “She said they were for Madison, so she’d always have a piece of her mommy’s heart.” He started to choke up. “I should have these professionally framed and wrapped up for her.”

  “Could I do it?” I asked gently. He was obviously struggling; it was the least I could do.

  He let out a slow breath and took a moment. “Yes, thank you. You take such good care of me.” Feeling his lips on my neck, I shivered, and he let out a low, sexy chuckle.

  Spinning to face him, I eyed the bed behind him. “We’re not in an appropriate room for you to be doing things like that to me.” Using the sultry voice I’d only recently discovered, I added, “If you don’t stop, I’m going to show you everything I’m willing to do for you.”

  The stunned gaze on his face was almost comical. “Well then, I think I can work on putting my laundry away later. Let’s go work on another project.” Leaning the picture against the wall, he pulled me by the hand. “Time to leave this room.”

  Good idea.

  ⁂

  The last day of school was finally over, and although it’d been one of the most challenging years I’d had to date, I was sad to be leaving my fifth grade students. Plans were still up in the air for next year as far as which grade I’d be teaching, though I was confident now that I’d love any grade I was placed with.