Prologue
Epilogue
May 2017
Brielle
The last three years have been anything but calm. I gave birth to my baby boy. Yes, he is Colby Mason James, Jr., known as ‘CJ’ around here. He was born on April 14, 2015. That was not the pleasant experience women lie about. Until the epidural I was ready to shove his ass back up there and tell him to sleep tight. He wasn’t coming out. I threatened Colby that since the baby was staying right there he wouldn’t be getting in me anymore. All in all, I have my little man, and I couldn’t be happier. He is a perfect mixture of Colby and me. In the looks department, he is the spitting image of his father, but has my personality, with a bit of Dustin’s mixed in. He worships his uncle. At this stage in Dustin’s life I am not sure I approve. Dustin just turned sixteen and is a royal pain in my ass. Cambree isn’t much better with her hormonal ass and the whirlwind of dates, prom, and cars. Did I mention hormones?
We are celebrating my little diva’s first birthday today. Riley Grace James joined her big brother, and our family was complete. Riley was born May 5, 2016, and my life is crazy train central. She looks just like me, but is as even-tempered as Colby.
Colby is busy at the hospital, but he is working more and more at the parts house because Tyler moved last year to open another one in North Carolina after he broke up with Addison. My in-laws still live in the farm house and it has been such a blessing having them here. They help me when I am about to lose my shit, and always take my side over Colby’s. He says it is because I have a vagina and gave them grandkids and I just give him the finger.
We rarely speak to Tyler because he shut us out. I don’t know what the whole story is because neither he nor Addison will talk about it. I missed our annual trip to Daytona after having Riley, so, Addison took her friend Kayleigh. When she returned, she dropped it on us that she was pregnant. Colby says Tyler is devastated he lost his chance with Addison. Whatever happened between them was bad, and whatever happened on that trip was worse.
I hear Dustin. “Little shit, you can’t just kick me and run.” He chases CJ in the house.
I grab Dustin. “Language.”
“Really, Brielle? You cussed all the time, and still do in front of the children.”
“I cuss in front of them not at them, douche.”
He just rolls his eyes at me. “I turned out okay, and you raised me.”
“That, my son, is debatable. Now take this food outside before Addy gets here with the girls.” For once he listens to me.
Addison and her twin girls will be here, and they are a handful. Yes, TWINS. Like I said, whatever happened on that trip was bad. I often wonder how she just slept with someone, but then found out it wasn’t just anyone. The girls are only two weeks old and were a few weeks early, so we weren’t sure she would make it today. I love my sister, but wonder what the hell she did . . . if she was even thinking. Guess what happens in Daytona doesn’t stay in Daytona if you are Addison. Right then Addy comes in, and I go help her with the girls. I cannot decide who the hell they look like, but I don’t really know her baby daddy. I don’t think she does either.
Colby comes running through the back door. “Holy shit, Brielle!” He looks panicked.
“What is wrong Colby?”
He looks at Addy and whispers, “Tyler just pulled up.”
Then the front door slams open and he goes right to Addy. “You lied. You told me there was no more pregnancy when I called you begging for forgiveness.”
“There was no more pregnancy for you to concern yourself with. You made your choice.”
Mitch walks in carrying the diaper bags and is fucking oblivious to the shit storm happening. He reaches over and kisses Addy on the head. “I think I got everything, baby.”
Before I can even react, Cambree says, “Mitch, meet Addison’s baby-daddy, Tyler. He is right behind you, dumbass.” Then shit hits the fan.
Colby
Holy hell, my life is crazy. I seem to always work, go to kid’s events, or deal with Tyler long distance. I would not trade a second of it as I look over to Brielle holding Riley and singing to her as she finishes up with the cake. I was coming in to tell her about Dustin’s new pick-up line I overheard, and I knew she was going to freak.
I don’t get the chance as our little heathen CJ comes running into the kitchen, and Dustin is right behind him. I will tell you I am one lucky son of a bitch. My wife is still hot as hell and feisty, too. She is an amazing mother and seems to fill that role with such ease. I know she is dealing with Addison’s mess, and I still don’t understand what happened there. One minute Addison and Tyler were engaged, the next, he was moving and she was in Daytona. Then came a baby carriage, or in her case two baby carriages. I turn to walk outside as Addison makes her way in and am stopped dead in my tracks when Tyler pulls up.
It is utter fucking chaos in my house right now. Hold the fuck up. Did Cambree just announce that they are Tyler’s babies? I look back and forth at all of them and realize that Mitch, Addy’s cop from Daytona, knew all along. Ain’t life a bitch?
Playlist
Boys Round Here -- Blake Shelton
Something About a Truck -- Kip Moore
Sure Be Cool if You Did -- Blake Shelton
Hey Pretty Girl -- Kip Moore
Me and My Gang -- Rascal Flatts
Everything Has Changed -- Taylor Swift
The Bitch is Back -- Elton John
We Can’t Stop -- Miley Cyrus
Love Somebody -- Maroon 5
Cowboy Take Me Away -- Dixie Chicks
Runnin’ Outta Moonlight -- Randy Houser
Glass -- Thompson Square
Dayum Baby -- Florida Georgia Line
Just Drop Dead -- Limp Bizkit
Broken -- Lifehouse
Don’t Ya -- Brett Eldredge
Redneck Crazy -- Tyler Farr
You and Me -- Lifehouse
Just a Fool -- Christina Aguillera & Blake Shelton
Everybody Hurts -- Avril Lavigne
Mine Would Be You -- Blake Shelton
Highway Don’t Care -- Tim McGraw
You Hear a Song -- Cassadee Pope
One Song Away -- Cassadee Pope
Stay -- Florida Georgia Line
God Gave Me You -- Blake Shelton
Acknowledgements
I would like to say thank you to all the Indie Authors. You all have paved the way for so many amazing things and helping others like me to realize this dream. I look up to so many of you and am amazed by your dedication and love of books.
Thank you to all the readers that buy this book. Love it or hate it, thank you. I started writing this story in my head for months while traveling bi-weekly for my son’s medical treatment eight hours away. It kept talking to me, and eventually you have to get it out because telling people you have voices in your head isn’t the smartest thing to do.
My sister, Taira- oh where do I even begin? You were behind me every step of the way even when I teased you with just a bit of Colby and Brielle . . . thank you for everything you do. You are not just my big sister, but my ultimate friend. I love you.
Again, my husband- thanks for my own fat dog and his 3 siblings. You just accept that I am going to take you to crazy town and board the train without a backwards glance anymore. I know, you say it is easier that way, and remember what I say . . . Happy Wife, Happy Life! I love you, honey!
Kiera- you have always stood by me and cheered me on, daily. Thank you for your friendship. Love you.
Michelle- Girl, where to start? Miles may separate us, but that doesn’t stop our friendship! I love you, XOXOXO- If you wouldn’t have thrown that air mattress down who knows where I would be now?
Lisa- From 5th grade, until now, you have been my BFF- our relationship has been challenging, loving, not so loving, distant, close, crazy but always constant. From dressing alike, to being adults, we have always had each other! I love you my neurotic, crazy, best friend!
Liseets
a Mann- If it weren’t for you and all your vigilance in helping your son, I may never have been able to begin this journey with my son. I not only credit you to saving my child, but many others along the way. Thank you seems so inadequate, and please know I will forever be grateful for you and treasure the friendship you have given.
My other allergy moms, way too many to name, thank you for being part of our wonderful community, where we can vent, bitch, moan and celebrate the milestones of our children. We are all one of a kind, and strong women. XOXOXO
*Peanut allergies are very serious and life threatening. My beautiful son has suffered anaphylaxis twice, and we almost lost him. Something as simple as a peanut can kill him. We began traveling to North Carolina every two weeks from Florida for treatment called OIT (oral immunotherapy) offered by only a few allergists world-wide. This life saving treatment has been life-changing and I would like to thank everyone who works for a cure and supports finding a cure.*
NOT LEAVING
By: Leigh Ann Lunsford
Copyright © 2014 by Leigh Ann Lunsford
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author acknowledges trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and or use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Edited by Chelsea Kuhel, editor and Katie Spillmer-Goodale (proofreader) (www.madisonseidler.com)
Cover Design by Angie Fields, i love it design studio
Image from Shutterstock
Each and every book I write will always be dedicated to my son, Evan, and my husband, John. Without them in my life, none of my dreams would ever come true. XOXO.
Prologue
September 2010
Tyler
What did I just do? I just broke up with Addison Parker, and for the life of me I can’t figure out why. She has been the air I breathe and the love in my heart for four years. Different colleges suck. She is at the University of Florida, and I am at the University of Alabama. That hasn’t even fazed us. No, it’s my stupidity listening to the guys on the football team about being “tied down” or “ball and chain.” They don’t understand that this girl makes my world go round. I keep questioning myself about whether or not this is the right decision, but it’s too late for that now. I miss that girl every second, and I thought maybe if we took a break it would help ease the pain I felt from being away from her. I can’t get our last conversation out of my head. Maybe that’s because the ache in my heart hasn’t stopped crushing me.
I asked her to come home for the long weekend, so we could spend some time together, and I wanted to do this face to face and not on the phone. I greedily spent the weekend holding her, loving her, and having a lot of sex. I am a solid A-class dickhead. I let her believe I just wanted to see her before things got crazy with football season and her dance team. I will never forgive myself. I ended the conversation with, “when school is over, and we are both still available, we will see where things end up.” Who the fuck says that? Assholes like me do, I guess. She just looked at me with tears running down her perfect face and never said a word. I don’t know if she was stunned speechless, which would be a first for that girl, or if she was so heartbroken she couldn’t form a sentence. I know that look will haunt me for the rest of my life, and I promise when this year is over, I will stop at nothing to get my girl back and never hurt her again.
Over breakfast at the diner this morning, I told her we needed to go out to the lake on her grandparent’s property and talk. She got really quiet and agreed. I can’t get the words to quit replaying in my mind. “Addison, we have been together four years, all through high school. Neither of us has experienced what else is out there, and I think we need to. Being at different schools so far apart is the perfect opportunity to explore another side of life, without each other.” She just stared at me like I had sprouted two heads; this was so out of the blue. I just had my dick in her last night. There is a special place in hell for people like me.
She never said a word, just nodded. I bent down, kissed her on her forehead, and left. I could not stay there any longer, or I would break down and take it back. I would take back everything I just said. I keep telling myself that this is for the best, and she will thank me for it someday. Yeah, I am not buying that load of shit either. Little did I know, this would not be the last time I hurt that girl. Maybe I should have never come home. Maybe I should have tried harder not to love her, because our love is toxic.
Chapter 1
May 2017
Addison
I was not really feeling up to going to Brielle’s house for Riley’s first birthday. My twins, Cheyenne and Shiloh, were just two weeks old, born on April 20, 2017. I was still feeling the side effects from their birth, and Mitch was getting on my damn nerves. Why did I sign up for him moving here and playing “baby daddy?” Oh, because the real baby daddy was absentee daddy. When I told that asshole I was pregnant, he told me to “fix it.” Who does that after ten years together? We weren’t a casual hook-up for goodness sake. We had been engaged for almost two years and were less than six months from our wedding. Tyler Marcus James, that is who does some shit like that. He was the fucking love of my life and the current dickhead standing in front of me demanding answers. As if he has any right to question me. He left town eleven months ago, and now, thinking he is going to claim his family, he strolls in my niece’s birthday party. He has really lost his mind this time.
Mitch didn’t really sign up for baby daddy duty. We were friends, and that is all we would ever be. Yes, people assumed there was more, and neither of us corrected anything. He was running from his own issues, and when I hinted that I could use his help for a while, he readily agreed. To this day, I am still not sure it was my idea.
Cambree has just announced to anyone in a five mile radius that Tyler is the twins’ dad. Lucky for me, Tyler had already figured it out when he stormed in my sister and his cousin’s house. Mitch already knew, so the only people clueless were Brielle and Colby. Oh, and the twenty or so people outside for the party. I am going to kill Cambree. You would think being seventeen years old would come along with just a touch of couth and common sense, but nope, not in this case. Right on cue, both girls start screaming their heads off. They definitely got the lungs from my side of the family if Cambree’s volume is any indication.
I turn to get my babies and see what they are fussing about, and Tyler is right on my heels. As he reaches for Shiloh, I slap his hand away. How dare he touch my girls? The ones he told me to “fix.” Grabbing my hand and pushing it away, he tells me, “Not now, Addison. You robbed me of experiencing the whole pregnancy, their birth, and the first few weeks of their lives. You will not stop me from picking up my daughters.” Are you fucking kidding me right now? I am waiting on the cameras to jump out and say, “Smile, the joke is on you,” because I feel like I am on a version of Candid Camera.
Turning away from him, I pick up Cheyenne, and she instantly quiets down. I turn around and look at him holding Shiloh, and I get pissed. How dare he come in here after almost a year and think he can just sweep in and play family? He has another thing coming. “Tyler, I will tell you this one damn time. These kids are mine. You made your choice, which forced me to make mine. You are not on the birth certificate because there wasn’t a line to list sperm donor, only daddy, and you are not that. You can take your hands off my daughter now. You will not destroy them like you did me.” My voice is so cold and filled with venom;
I don’t even recognize myself. I continue, “You have no legal rights to them and certainly no moral rights because you didn’t want them. I want nothing from you except to walk out of the door because that is what you do best. You may have created them biologically, but Mitch has been there every step of the way.”
I know it was a mistake to throw in his face that another man has been here, especially Mitch because Tyler has an issue with him. By the look on his face, I seriously underestimated how pissed off he would become. His jaw muscle is ticking rapidly, and I hope that isn’t an indication of how fast his pulse is racing because if so, he is in danger of a stroke. The vein in his neck is standing out, and his face is becoming a lovely shade of red. His eyes are piercing my face, and he is silently warning me not to say another word. Ha. As if. He knows me better.
To twist the knife and be as classless as I can, I throw in this parting shot for shits and giggles. “He has agreed that we should get married and be a true family, and since you have no legal rights to them, pretty soon we will all have his last name. Now unhand my child, and give her to her daddy.” Yep, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I pray Mitch doesn’t dispute this in front of Tyler, because in truth no such thing has happened. Mitch treats me as nothing but a little sister, and there is not a spark of romance between us. Yes, he is damn good looking, but I have a level of comfort with him, like a best friend. Besides, I think he and Kayleigh, my best friend, have something going on.
Parker Sibling Series Box Set Page 16
