by Elle Linder
She was silent.
He could only assume she didn’t want to say anything that might make Craig look bad. “Marie marrying me has nothing to do with Jackson. We’re in love.”
“I know about the baby,” she whispered. Parker was silent. Jackson must have told her, but did he also tell Craig? “I’m happy for you. Jackson is ecstatic about the baby and the wedding. He really loves you.”
“And I really love him. He’s a great kid. But Sasha, nobody is trying to alienate Craig from his son. The damage to their relationship happened over the course of Jackson’s life. The only reason he wants Jackson around is that you want him around.”
“I know,” she admitted shamefully. “I love having Jackson at our house. But you’re right, Craig never talks about him when he’s not around. And when he is, Craig’s irritated during the whole visit.”
Parker didn’t know what to say. He had heard the same thing from Jackson every time he returned from Craig’s.
“Parker, I can’t have kids.”
“What? What do you mean you can’t have kids?” His tone softened, and there was even a hint of concern.
“I won’t give you all the sordid details, but I had a miscarriage and had to have a hysterectomy in early November.” She sniffled.
“Sasha,” Parker said in a stunned tone just as Marie approached him. She furrowed her brow at him and turned to walk away. He grabbed her arm and mouthed ‘wait.’ Then, he put Sasha on speaker. “I’m sorry for your loss Sasha.”
“Thank you. I’ve had a tough time of it. Since then Craig and I haven’t been good. He’s different. I know he was hateful toward Marie, and he made her sound like a horrible person. I believed him. I thought she drove him into having an affair, but not anymore. He comes home late sometimes, and sex seems to be all about him.”
Marie’s eyes widened.
Parker recalled dozens of late night talks about Craig, and this sounded way too familiar. “Sasha, what are you saying?”
“I think now that I can’t have a baby, it’s driven Craig to find someone new. He really wanted a baby, ‘a do-over’ he would say. But honestly, I started suspecting there was someone else a month after our wedding. There was a change in him. Then he’d talk about Marie—how she’s changed. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but it’s like he was intrigued. One night in bed he called out to her in his sleep. I know he was having sex with her in his dream.” She sighed.
Marie put her hand to her stomach and covered her mouth, disgusted. She walked away and headed into the house.
“Sasha, I’m sorry to hear this. The mental and emotional damage he caused Marie was immense. The stories she’s told me are awful. But, she’s stronger now and finally happy. Just be careful.”
“Parker, he hates her. Though, I’m not sure why. And now that she’s marrying you, it’s fueled a fire in him. He doesn’t know about your baby yet, but when he does find out, he’ll come unglued. It’s always about him. His jealous rage controls him. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before. I thought he only directed it at Marie, but I was wrong. It’s anyone who gets in his way. I’m so sorry for the way I treated her all these years.”
“Thank you for saying that. Listen, I have to go. Marie needs me. I don’t want to cross the line here, but if he tries to lie his way into taking Jackson away from Marie, the court battle will get ugly. I won’t let him hurt her anymore.”
Marie had returned and listened to Parker, her eyes filled with tears at his declaration.
“I know he’s your husband, but Sasha, I will fight hard for Jackson and Marie. They mean everything to me and I only want what’s best for Jackson. You know what goes on in your house. Think about the boy, not what you and Craig want. Think about Jackson and what’s best for him. I know you love him.”
“I do love him. And I do see what goes on here. He’s better off with you and Marie,” she said. “Whatever happens Parker, I’m happy for you. I know we would have never worked. And you never looked at me the way you look at Marie. You do really love her.”
At that moment Marie touched his arm and he pulled her close, pressing his lips to her temple.
“I do. Take care of yourself, Sasha.”
“I will. Thanks for taking my call and I wish you all the best.”
Parker and Marie held tight to each other without saying a word. What was there to say? Sasha had just told them everything they already knew, but the validation gave Marie the peace she needed. She needed it confirmed that Craig was the awful guy she’d always known him to be and it wasn’t her that drove him to be that way. Now Sasha had to deal with the Craig Marie knew, and it was unfortunate. Finally, after all these years, Marie could move forward with a clear conscience.
Chapter 24
Twists & Turns
The feel of tender, velvety kisses woke Marie. She opened her eyes to see Parker smiling down at her. He rolled her toward him and her leg entwined with his, her growing stomach rousing him. Everything about her was sexier and alluring. She wore pregnancy well with a glow that took his breath away. The increase in her libido took her to a level he didn’t expect when she entered her second trimester. She was ready and wanting—all the time. So before he left the bed to get ready for a day of filming, he made sure he took care of his girl.
They had been in Budapest for a week now and would return to the states in two days. Having Marie with him was better than he had hoped and he looked forward to the next trip when they’d bring Jackson. But, this time it was just the two of them for a short mini-honeymoon while he worked. Marie would ogle him from behind the cameras during filming. She loved the sight of him working, and boy did it do things to her—risqué things that made her crave him more.
During Parker’s daily breaks they’d sightsee, but it was going to bed every night together, that was perfect and how Parker had hoped it would be. His life was meaningful in ways he never imagined possible.
Making love to Marie was his greatest pleasure and she received him abundantly. They were in tune with each other, body and soul. Neither had known a love like theirs. Parker moved down her body, placing soft kisses over her, and she hummed, enjoying him. Parker pulled the sheet over his head and her eyes closed with soft, harmonious moans flowing out of her. What a glorious way to wake up.
“This has been the most relaxing week I’ve ever had,” she said, curled against him. “I love watching you work. You’re my hero.”
“I’ve loved having you with me this time. My focus has been on point. In fact, having you here makes me better at my job.”
“Aww, that’s sweet, but you were great before me.”
“No. I was good, but you make me great.”
She giggled.
“Sweetheart, I’m not joking.” He cuddled her close and was getting stirred up again when Marie’s phone buzzed with a text message. “Dang it, horrible timing,” he grumbled, reaching for the phone and then passed it to Marie.
“Dark forces are working against you, handsome,” she giggled as she opened the message.
Lexi: Mom, call me asap!
Marie popped up in bed and read the text to Parker. “Something’s happened.”
“Calm down, baby. You don’t know that.” Marie shook her head and called Lexi.
“Mom, oh Mom!” Lexi started to cry.
“Lexi, what’s wrong? Honey talk to me.” Parker leaned in to listen.
“Mom, they were in a car accident. Jackson and Dad.” Marie dropped the phone covering her mouth, her eyes filled with tears.
Parker picked up the phone. “Lex, we’re coming home right now,” he told her.
“Hurry. Jackson looks bad, Parker,” she cried. He inhaled deeply.
“Okay sweetheart, can you give me the number for the hospital?” He paused and jotted down the number. “Who’s there with you?”
“Just Sasha.”
“Let me talk to her and I want you to call Ann. She’ll know what to do. I don’t want you alone.” His tone was l
oving and protective toward his daughter.
“Okay, take care of Mom. Here’s Sasha.”
“Parker, oh god, Parker,” she gasped.
“Sasha what happened, how’s Jackson?”
At this point, Marie was beside herself. Parker watched her get dressed, with trembling hands and uncontrollable tears. He helped her gather up their things to catch the first flight out of Budapest while he talked on the phone. They needed information, but what he needed was to hold Marie.
“Parker, he’s pretty mangled up, but he’s alive and will recover.”
“Jesus, what are his injuries?”
“A broken arm, and collapsed lung, cuts and bruises. Poor guy has been crying for Marie ever since he woke” She sniffled.
“Tell him we’re coming.” Marie stopped to look at Parker, then turned away and continued to rush around the room throwing their stuff into their luggage.
“Parker, Craig had been drinking and ran a red light. He’s worse off. He wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. They found him several yards away from the truck. Thank God the impact was on his side and not Jackson’s.” Her emotional, hoarse voice filled his ear.
Parker took a deep breath. “Okay, I gotta go so we can get out of here. I told Lexi to call Ann. Will you make sure she does? And please stay with her and Jackson until she gets there. Ann and Tessa can handle the kids so you can be with Craig, okay?”
“Yes, I’ve got it. Thank you.
“Okay, bye.” Parker stopped Marie and held her.
“How is he?” she asked, her body shook in his arms.
“He’s going to be okay baby. In the grand scheme of it all, his injuries are minor: broken arm, cuts and bruises, and a collapsed lung. But, they could have been so much worse.”
She looked up at him with swollen eyes and a glimmer of hope.
“He’s going to be demanding, you know. We’ll have to hire a personal servant for him,” he teased to lighten the mood. It worked like a charm making Marie giggle softly through her tears. “He’s going to be just fine. Now let’s get out of here and go home to our boy.”
Marie and Parker briskly walked into the hospital. The second Lexi saw them she ran to Marie and wrapped her arms around her. Sasha slowly approached them and instantly stared at Marie’s baby bump.
“Where is he?” Marie asked Lexi.
“I’ll take you. Ann is with him right now,” Lexi said. Marie looked at Parker.
“Go, I’ll be right in.” He kissed her temple. Marie nodded as Lexi led her away. Then he approached Sasha, who looked exhausted. “How are you doing?”
“I’ve been better. I’m glad you and Marie are here.”
“Us too.” They walked to Jackson’s room just as Ann walked out and Tessa came around the corner with coffee and snacks.
“Hi, Parker.” Ann greeted him with open arms.
“Ann, you look exhausted. Where’s Troy?” he asked while hugging Tessa.
“He went to buy the little turd In and Out,” she said with a grin. Parker laughed out loud.
“That’s my boy. Being demanding, just like I predicted he would. That’s good. It means he’s on the mend.”
“That he is. I think his emotional state was worse than his actual injuries.” Ann shook her head.
“Yeah, he really needed her,” Tessa added. “Poor guy was terrified.”
“Thank you both for coming.”
“Of course,” Ann said. “How’s Marie? I was worried when Lexi said she didn’t melt down.”
“No melting down. She was strong. Tired but strong. And she cried, but once we were on the plane she calmed down. We’ve been going back and forth with names, so that occupied our time.” He smiled.
“Yeah, so what names are you considering?” Tessa asked.
“Nope, she said not to tell anybody. You know she’s private like that,” he teased.
“Aw shit, she would keep this a secret,” Ann grumbled.
Parker laughed as he walked to the window of Jackson’s room. Marie was lying on the bed holding him. He smiled, Jackson was patting her stomach. Then his eyes lit up brightly and he hugged Marie tighter. Parker wondered what Marie had told him.
“I think I’m going to go now,” Sasha announced. Parker turned toward her. He had forgotten she was there.
“I’m sorry. It was insensitive of me to talk about the baby,” he said, as Ann and Tessa looked on.
“No, it’s okay. Be happy about your baby. I noticed Marie’s baby bump. She looks beautiful pregnant.” She forced a smile. “I’m gonna go check on Craig.”
“Thank you for everything,” he said, and to everyone’s surprise, he hugged her. Then he felt a hand on his back. He pulled back, unsure of how to react.
“Thank you, Sasha,” Marie said. “I’m glad you were here for the kids.” Parker’s arm went around her waist. Marie looked up at him, “He’s asking for you.”
He nodded and went into the room.
Marie looked back at Sasha. “How’s Craig?”
“Not good. He’s not awake yet. Did Parker tell you he was drunk and not wearing his seatbelt?”
Marie nodded.
“I should have known better than to let him take Jackson. He’s been unpredictable the last couple of months. I’m so sorry.”
“No, you can’t control him. He’s going to do whatever he wants. It’s what he always does,” Marie said. “I hope this straightens him out.”
“Me too. I’ll be back later to see Jackson before I leave.”
“Okay.” Marie smiled. Then she turned to Ann and Tessa. She rubbed her tummy as she sat down and slowly exhaled. “Once again, you girls are the very best. I could never survive this crazy life without you.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you don’t have to.” Ann patted her leg. “By the way, I’m gonna need you desperately for the next eighteen years.”
Marie looked at her, confused.
“What? Is it longer than eighteen years?”
“Ann, what are you talking about?” Marie asked.
“Raising a baby. The kid is only my responsibility for eighteen years, right?”
Marie and Tessa both jumped up, and all three women hugged, and soft squeals of delight filled the air.
“Oh honey, congratulations! Now our kids can grow up together. With Brooke’s!” Marie looked at Tessa. “Girl, you need to find a man ASAP, so you can join the party.”
“I have.” She smiled sheepishly as Marie and Ann’s jaws dropped.
Marie eyed Parker in the doorway of Jackson’s room. He was a real prince for letting them have their moment.
“You found a man? Does he know?” Ann snorted, but Marie’s mouth hung open.
“Shit yeah he knows,” Tessa snapped. “Why do you think I’ve gone to Maine so frequently when I usually only go once a year?”
“You found a man in Maine?” Marie frowned.
“Mhmm, and he’s wonderful. I was waiting to tell you after you were back from Budapest. I’m moving to Maine at the end of the school year.”
Marie’s lip quivered and she shook her head no. Tessa hugged her.
“No honey, you can’t move,” Marie cried, with tears rolling down her face.
“Goddamn, these friggin’ hormones.” Ann sniffled.
Chapter 25
She Is Strong
Two months had passed since the accident, and life as Mrs. Parker Nichols had been exciting and beautiful. There was nothing better than having a marriage filled with love, respect, and tenderness, and a husband who adored her. Marie couldn’t imagine her life without Parker. It was how she had always believed marriage should be, and now she finally had it. To know real love after all these years was well worth the wait. The alternative would have been tragic.
Despite the last couple of months and all the challenges that came with it, Marie was the strongest she’d ever been. After she and Parker rushed home from Budapest, the media broke out in a frenzy about the accident and their marriage. She was thrown into the spot
light overnight. Through it all, she held her own. There was no way she would crumble under the scrutiny, after finally getting everything she ever wanted. Now, she was making her first public appearance with him.
“Okay, this is ridiculous.” Marie sighed. “I’m busting out of this dress. I look like one of those provocative celebrities with their tits hanging out.”
“Nuh-uh, you look gorgeous,” Ann said. “You’re just nervous. This is your first public appearance with Parker.”
“Of course I’m nervous. But I have to do this. The fans have been amazing the last couple of months. Parker’s social media numbers have skyrocketed.”
“Troy is totally addicted to watching the numbers,” Ann said with a chuckle. “He said the wedding, the baby, and the accident drove the numbers up to the highest they’ve been. He says it’s been great for his career.”
“Oh, it’s been great for his career all right. They also love me, apparently. When we took those teaser photos back in October, I had no clue how they’d benefit Parker. Now I get it. My own Twitter page is doing pretty well too.” She giggled at the lunacy of having a Twitter account.
“No shit. The fans love you. You’re freaking amazing. They’re also anxious for the birth of your baby. This is exciting stuff. I even feel like I’m part of the celebrity world.” Ann laughed heartily.
“Ugh, I still think I need a wrap or a parka to put over this dress,” Marie said as she looked in the mirror.
“Not a chance,” Parker said, walking into their bedroom. He looked sexy in his black tuxedo. “Oh baby, you look delicious in that dress.” He placed his hands on her stomach and kissed her neck.
“That’s my cue to leave.” Ann snorted, then exited in a flash.
“Parker, my breasts are bulging out of this dress and so is my stomach. I look ridiculous.” She put her hands on her hips and he guided her to the bed. “No! You’ve got to be kidding. We are not having sex an hour before we leave for the banquet,” she said, aghast.
