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

by Kimi Flores

  Must be another hang up from her mom. As much as that worried me, I wanted to help her, not baby her. I figured I’d try something new since she seemed to love our playfulness as much as I did. At the same time, I had to be careful not to push her beyond her limits.

  “Are you saying you’re never going to cut one in front of me? I can help you get over that really quick.” With a sinful gaze, I added, “You know I’m up for a good challenge.”

  She gasped. "What do you mean?"

  “It’s just us, babe. You’re gonna have to get past your embarrassment with me. I’m going to see you give birth.” I slowly crept over her, causing her to lay back down as I straddled her. "If I tickled you long enough, you’d get over this fear."

  "You wouldn't." Her eyes bulged out.

  I watched her, careful to gauge her reaction, making sure she wasn’t going to freak out. Determined, I needed to help her through the hang ups her mother created without pushing her over the edge.

  "Don't challenge me, Bri. You should know me better by now." I gave her a wicked grin and slowly brought my hands down toward her ribs.

  "Ahhh, don't you dare. Get off me! You’re going to make me pee, not fart." She yelled out, trying to wiggle away from me without success.

  "Okay." I placed my palms beside her head on the pillow and leaned down to give her a surrendering quick kiss, then I rolled off her. “That’s not the result I was looking for.”

  I jumped off the bed as she came after me, slapping my ass once more. "Don't ever do that again. I'm very ticklish, and it isn't a funny ha ha kind of ticklish. It's an 'I'm going to rip your arms off and beat you with the bloody stumps kind of ticklish."

  I covered my head in surrender. "Okay, okay, I give. Won't do it again." I gave her a sideways glance, smiling, and pulled her into my arms. She didn’t move away, which was a good sign. “You’ll get over it soon enough on your own, I’m sure.” I went in for a quick peck before grabbing her butt. “For now, we need to get ready to head over to the vineyard. What do you think about walking?”

  She watched her finger trace the lines on my tattoo, then looked up at me. “You just bought us a new car and you want to walk?”

  “Yes. It’s just down the road, plus I have something else to show you.” I kissed the tip of her nose and headed into the bathroom.

  Following, she said, “Wait, you never told me what we’re supposed to bring today.”

  I turned on the shower, waiting for it to warm up. “I already dropped some pies off yesterday.”

  “Well good thing. Nobody wants me cooking anything. That’s for sure.” She snickered.

  “Don’t tell my mom that. She’ll have you in the kitchen cooking in no time.” I felt the warm water, then dropped my boxers and stepped into the shower.

  The corner of her mouth creased up as she leaned against the wall, watching me through the glass door. “That sounds nice. I’ve never had someone willing to teach me how to cook.”

  “If you started cooking with my mom, my waistline would expand much quicker than yours.” I let the water trickle down my hair and watched her daydreaming. “I’m sure she’d love to teach you everything she knows though.”

  Her smile grew a little. I’ll never get tired of it, that smile, those lips, and I realized I’d do anything to make her happy. Even let my mother teach her how to cook.

  I guess I’m going to gain the sympathy weight anyway, why not do it while fulfilling another one of her dreams?

  ⁂

  Bri

  I sat on the edge of the couch, zipping up the back of my new Gianvito Rossi suede, heeled sandals. When Josh ran down the stairs, I glanced up at him.

  His brows furrowed. “Babe, I’m not complaining because those heels are sexy as hell. But are you going to be okay walking in them to the vineyard, standing all day, then walking home?”

  “Please, Josh.” I waved him off. “I’ve worn heels for years now. I could probably run a marathon in these.” I peeked down at the leather ties that laced up the front. “These are actually one of my more comfortable pair.” Standing, I let my loose-fitting black dress fall just below my knees as I pointed to the boxes on the entryway table. “Do you mind carrying those?”

  Curious, he lifted an eyebrow as he looked at the wrapped gifts. “What are they?”

  “The square one is for your mom, and the rectangle one is for all the guys.” I smoothed down my skirt, making sure nothing was tucked into anything it wasn’t supposed to.

  He picked up the packages, giving each an inquisitive shake, finally taking notice of my disapproving glare. “Okay, I won’t ask. Let’s go.”

  With the door closed and locked behind us, we walked hand in hand down the driveway toward the gate. They were difficult to see during the day, but the lights were still twinkling in the trees from the night before. I still couldn’t believe he’d had Christmas lights installed all around the property.

  Pointing to the trees, I said, “We forgot to turn those off.”

  “That’s okay. They’ll be on when we get home later.” He smiled down at me, but something was up. He was giving off a weird vibe.

  As soon as we stepped through the side gate, and it was locked behind us, he stopped, placing the boxes down on the small side wall, then grabbed my hands. “Do you remember what you said to me while we were going down the driveway, the first time you came here?”

  Oh crap, I was supposed to remember something?

  I bit my lip nervously, trying to remember, but ended up having to shake my head.

  He chuckled, smiling. “You said you were surprised I didn’t have some kind of emblem or initials on the gates.”

  “Yeah, you didn’t want anyone to know you lived here.”

  “Well, I do now.” He turned me around, pointing to the new monogrammed letters,J B on the front of the gates. With a goofy dramatic flourish, he added, “I want the world to know we live here, together.”

  I lifted the hand with my new engagement ring on it to my chest. “How did I miss that last night?”

  Standing behind me, he placed his hands on my hips. “I think you were distracted by the lights and everything else that followed.” He kissed my shoulder.

  Turning my head, I smiled and kissed his jaw. “You’re gonna to have to stop spoiling me like this, or I’m likely to get used to it.”

  “Good.” He grinned. “Because I’m not stopping anytime soon.” He reached for the packages, then started pulling me away, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the initials.

  “I love it, Josh. Thank you.”

  “Like I’ve said so many times. You are worth everything I do and feel for you.” He lifted my hand, kissing my knuckles as we started down the road.

  Feeling the small stones beneath my feet, I wondered if I should’ve rethought the shoes after all. I hope I don’t twist my ankle on this uneven path.

  No sooner did we make it to the vineyard before I had to go to the bathroom again. Strolling through the empty parking lot, I remembered we were meeting at the house, way down at the end of the driveway.

  Shoot, I hope I can hold it. I squeezed my legs together.

  When Zachary’s furry dog came trotting down the driveway to meet us, Josh leaned down, rustling the fur on his head. “Hey, Buddy. How ya doing?”

  Buddy loved attention. He made sure to greet everyone who came around. Making his way behind me, he licked my fingertips until I patted his head as well, then he strolled alongside like he was there to personally escort us to the house.

  “I’ve never met a dog with so much personality before.” I grinned down at the pooch.

  Josh pointed to the sedan parked in front. “My parents have been here for hours now. Mom’s cooking and refuses to bring a cold dry turkey from home.”

  I smiled. Mine would be cold and dry, even if we ate it where I cooked it.

  A small white French bulldog came scampering out from the side of the house, sniffing loudly at Josh and my feet.

  “Who’
s this?” I asked, squatting down to pick up the little snorting puppy. I was thankful I hadn’t peed all over myself with that simple move.

  Josh scratched its head. “I don’t know, but it sounds like you when you’re sleeping.”

  Scrunching up my face, I retorted, “Not funny and definitely not earning you any brownie points.” I cradled the dog like a baby in my arms.

  “Well, I think I have a few to spare right now.” He snickered before planting a kiss on my lips.

  “Oh, there she is.” Dani came out the front door, her eyes zooming in on the dog in my arms. “That damn perito is going to give me a heart attack. She keeps escaping.” She hugged me and took the dog. “Hey, Josh.” She leaned in, hugging him as well.

  Confused, I asked, “Who is she, and where is she escaping from?”

  Dani held the dog up in the air, looking at her fondly. “This is Stella.”

  I petted Stella’s back. “I didn’t know you got a dog.”

  We began to walk into the house, while Buddy kept his eyes on the little dog. Dani laughed, pointing to Buddy with her lips. “He thinks she’s his to protect. I got her to keep me company, shortly after you moved out.”

  I raised my eyebrow at Josh, a small smile appearing on my lips. Leah was right. Dani does seem at home here. She even brings her tiny mutt along.

  We entered the huge white Tuscan Styled home, and I really had to go to the bathroom. I patted Josh’s arm. “I need to use the restroom, babe. I’ll be right back.” Walking away, I clenched my legs together hoping I made it or Josh was going to have to go home and get me a change of clothes.

  I guess I’ll have to start carrying an emergency pair of panties from this point on. How depressing.

  ⁂

  Josh

  I followed Dani into the kitchen, watching as she walked out the side door that led to the backyard. As predicted, my mom was slaving at the oven in her normal holiday frantic buzz. It always amused me how she would put days of work into a meal that was devoured in twenty minutes.

  Hugging her, I planted a kiss on her cheek and reached for a goody on the tray she was arranging. “Ouch,” I yelped as she smacked my hand. “Well hello to you too, Mom.” I smirked, gave her another peck on the cheek and turned to see who else was there.

  My dad and Zach were seated at the dining table. I moved to sit with them, setting the gift boxes on the empty chair. “I take it this is the on-call section for us men?” I laughed, reminded of my mother’s mantra during the holidays in a house full of men.

  ‘Stay out of my way in the kitchen, but be close enough to hear me when I call you for help.’

  My dad chuckled then winked. “You know there isn’t much I wouldn’t agree with to get your mother’s cooking.”

  “Hey, I thought Brad was coming.” I hadn’t seen him on our way in.

  Mom came over to the table and wiped her face with a towel. “He just got in from doing that talk show in New York, so he’s in the guest room takin’ a nap.” She clapped her hands together. “Well, it shouldn’t be too much longer before we’ll be ready to feed the masses, Zach.”

  Zachary rose to his feet. “Then I’d better go help Dani get the tables ready out back. Thanks, Maryanne, for all of your help. I’m glad Dad and I decided to have Thanksgiving with everyone this year. Hopefully it’ll be our new tradition.” He went out of the same door Dani had, just moments before.

  I was glad we’d decided to have it here too. Thanksgiving held bad memories for Zach, so he and Uncle Joel usually sat in front of the TV, watching the football games, followed by some sort of get together the next day.

  Bri came into the kitchen, greeted my parents, seemingly careful to keep her ring hidden, then took her place on my lap. Digging my phone out of my back pocket I slid my finger across the screen and brought up some pictures. “So Mom, you’re always saying I never take any pictures. I have a few in my phone I thought you might like to see.”

  Her face lit up.

  Oh, this is going to be priceless.

  Looking down at the table, I went on, “I've felt a little of a shopping high lately.”

  Bri shook her head, knowing how much I hated to shop. With a giddy wave of the hands, Mom laughed, also well aware of me wanting to avoid shopping at all costs.

  My dad, on the other hand, wore a look of concern. “What sort of purchases are we talking about, son?”

  Offering my phone to my parents, I watched them study the images.

  “Oh Josh, the house looks beautiful with the lights.” My mom gasped as she swiped the screen for the next image.

  The new SUV was up next, and my dad spoke up. “Great choice of cars. I’ve been reading up on those and was thinking about trying to convince your mother to let me upgrade my own ride.”

  Elbowing my dad in the gut, Mom flipped the pictures and let out an audible gasp. “Well, shut my mouth. You added your initials to the front gate.” Her bottom lip quivered a moment as she stared a little longer at that picture.

  I took in Bri’s beautiful smile as she saw the genuine love and acceptance my mother had about us living together.

  “Keep going, I wasn’t done shopping yet. Oh better yet, give me my phone. I’ll just show you.” Taking the cell, I placed it on the table and reached for Bri’s hand, holding it out so the ring was in full view for my parents.

  “Good heavenly days. That’s a ring!” My mom yelled out with bugged eyes.

  Bri shook her head, hiding her face behind her hair as she giggled.

  “Don’t go getting all shy on me now, babe,” I whispered in her ear.

  My dad got up and went to shake my hand. “Son, I’m so proud of you.” Turning, he gave Bri a fatherly kiss on top of her head. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart. I couldn’t have picked a better daughter-in -law.”

  Her eyes welled with tears. “Thank you. Hey, wait a minute. Are you trying to butter me up so I’ll be on your cornhole team next time?”

  Dad barked out a laugh as Mom whipped around the table. She grabbed Bri with one arm and me with the other, squeezing us toward her. “I am just over the moon excited for you two. I finally have another girl in this testosterone-filled family.” She quickly claimed Bri like she was her very own. Moving back to her seat, my mom spoke a mile a minute. “You have got to tell me how he proposed. He got down on one knee, didn’t he? Josh Tucker, if you didn’t, so help me God.”

  Bri full out laughed and glanced at me.

  I gave her a devilish look. I wonder if she would still be laughing if I answered all of Mom’s questions with the truth.

  “Long story short, Mom, we were in our own little world and everything came out squeaky clean.” Grinning at Bri’s blushing face, I pictured asking her while we sat in the bathtub together. I winked, silently communicating with her.

  No, beautiful, I am not going to tell them you made me wait.

  I went on, “When she said yes, I knew my search was over, and I had found my prize.”

  Bri reached behind me, pinching my ass, giving me her ‘that’s enough info’ face.

  I chuckled, puffing with pride that only Bri and I knew what was going on. “I did get down on one knee to give her the ring, Mom. I’ll never get tired of visualizing her face when I asked her.” At that moment, I couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing as Bri narrowed her eyes at me one last time.

  I saw Bri reach for the gift under the table and leaned back in my chair so she could make her presentation. She cleared her throat, and I realized it was more of a way to keep the laughter from coming out than nerves, so I relaxed and prepared to see what my beautiful woman had come up with.

  She gently touched the top of my mom’s hands. “I have something here that I think would be perfect in your trophy room. I know Josh feels uncomfortable with his accomplishments, but I think his latest one might make the room a happier place for him.” She winked at me, sending my heart into a panicky flutter.

  I watched the gift exchange hands, and my
mother begin to untie the yellow bow. She gave me a curious look, but I honestly didn’t know what was in the box either. I just shrugged my shoulders.

  Bri’s eyes lit up as she watched my mom place the ribbon on the table and slowly lift the lid. A gasp escaped Mom’s throat after she moved the tissue paper to the side. Her hand shot to her mouth.

  Before I could even see what was in the box, she flew over, squeezing us again as she squealed, “Are you shittin’ me? I get a new daughter and a grandbaby?”

  I leaned over and glanced inside the box. In a bed of pink and blue tissue paper sat a white framed picture of the baby’s ultrasound printout.

  Damn, she’s creative when it comes to surprises.

  My dad took a quick peek and grinned.

  As my mom fussed over Bri, touching her belly, Bri’s dad came around the corner, into the kitchen. Understandably, she jumped off my lap and into her dad’s arms. “Daddy, I’m so glad you’re here.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he lifted her feet off the ground. Stefen and Leah stepped to the side, coming in behind him.

  “Princess, I wouldn’t miss this day for anything in the world. I still can’t believe both of my kids are having babies.”

  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Stefen touching his wife’s stomach, almost subconsciously. I smiled since I’d picked up that same habit this past week.

  My mom lifted her eyebrows at me, and I knew exactly what was on her mind. I whispered in her ear, “I know what you’re thinking, Mom, but she wanted to tell you in her own special way. You’re the first to know about the engagement though.”

  With a satisfied grin, she made her way around the room. As she bounced around, greeting and introducing herself, I relished in the fact that I was lucky enough to come from such an accepting family.

  Once my father and I said our hellos to Leah, Stefen and Alec, we all made our way out to the backyard, where Dani and Zachary were talking in hushed tones off to the side. The moment Dani noticed the group, she strolled away toward Uncle Joel, who was already seated at one of the tables with Dani and Leah’s mom, Maria, as well as Maria’s husband, Sal.