Return to Me

by Jacquelin Thomas

  He stole a peek at her but did not respond.

  “Son, I know what you’re thinking. I didn’t handle the situation with your father right. I admit it.”

  “But you did what you thought was best at the time,” he responded.

  “I did what I felt I could live with.”

  “I did the same thing, Mom. I did what I thought was best. My timing was off, but I intended to tell her everything.”

  “Your intentions came a little too late.”

  “I’m aware of that, Mom.” Austin didn’t need to be reminded of the grave mistake he’d made. He also couldn’t feel any worse.

  * * *

  Bree opened her eyes, her vision clearing as the fog lifted. She was in the hospital.

  The dull ache in her stomach reminded her why she was here. They’d removed a cyst through laparoscopic surgery.

  Austin knocked on the door. “Can I come in?”

  “Of course,” she responded.

  When he walked in alone, she asked, “Where’s Emery?”

  “He’s with my mother.”

  Panic set in. “What do you mean by that, Austin?”

  “Calm down, babe. My mother is in town. I had her come to help with Emery while I was here with you. They’re in the waiting room. He’s been really worried about you, but I’ve assured him that you’re fine.”

  She relaxed. “I’d like to meet her and I need to see my son.”

  “I’ll get them.”

  He left and returned with Irene and Emery in tow.

  “This is my mother,” Austin said. “Irene DuGrandpre.”

  Emery was delighted to see Bree. “Mommy, you got a ouchy?”

  She painted on a smile. “I’m feeling much better now, sweetie.”

  “The doctor fixed you?”

  Bree nodded. She glanced over at Irene and said, “It’s very nice to finally meet you. Thank you so much for coming all the way here.”

  Not one to beat around the bush, Irene said, “I told Austin that he handled this situation all wrong.”

  Bree shifted in the hospital bed. “I definitely agree.”

  “I’m still in the room,” he interjected.

  “Why don’t you go spend some time with this little sweetie?” Irene suggested. “I’m sure he’s hungry. I’ll stay here with Bree. I’d like to get to know this young lady.”

  “Despite what’s going on between us, I’m glad Austin was here because I never thought I’d end up in the hospital.”

  “He’s a good man, Bree,” Irene stated. “Although Austin’s approach was not the right way to do this—my son wasn’t being malicious.”

  “Deep down I know he wasn’t,” she responded. “He was acting out of love for his son.”

  “He waited to tell you because Austin wanted to see if the child was happy and if you were a good mother. Surely you can understand why he’d want to know this.”

  “I suppose so,” Bree murmured. “I have to confess that I probably would’ve done the same thing. Only I wouldn’t have waited so long to tell him who I was.”

  “My son really cares for you.”

  “Trust is a big deal for me,” she stated. “And I don’t like being manipulated. Jordin and I have been friends since college. Knowing she had a part in this really hurts.”

  “They were only trying to protect you.”

  “I didn’t need protection. I needed the truth.”

  Irene nodded in understanding. “I kept Austin away from his father because I needed to get away from him—at least that’s what I told myself. There was a part of me that wanted to hurt Etienne. I never considered that I was hurting my son.”

  “You think I should just hand over Emery to Austin without a fight.”

  “I’m not saying that at all. I think you two must find a way to work out a compromise because that child will need both of you.”

  “If Austin gets the adoption reversed, I’ll have no legal right to Emery. I didn’t give birth to him, but I’ve had him since he was two days old. I can’t bear the thought of losing my child.”

  “You love my son, don’t you?”

  “I do,” Bree acknowledged.

  “Then talk to him and work this out,” Irene suggested. “Austin is not an unreasonable man.”

  “I know that you’re right, but I’m having a hard time with the fact that he manipulated me.”

  “That wasn’t the case,” Austin said from the doorway.

  “I’m going to spend some time with my grandson,” Irene said as she rose to her feet. “And leave you two to talk.”

  When she left the room, Austin took a seat in the chair facing Bree. “I wasn’t manipulating you.”

  “You deliberately kept the truth from me. You dated me under this cloud of secrecy—what do you call it, if not manipulation?”

  “I sought to protect you.”

  “Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect.” Bree paused a moment before continuing. “Austin, I get it. I understand your reasons for doing this, but it doesn’t lessen the heartache.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “I blame myself,” she blurted. “Your attachment to Emery...it should’ve been a red flag of some sort. I should have questioned it.”

  “You know in your heart that I would never do anything to hurt that little boy. Despite my actions, you have to know that I love you.”

  Chapter 19

  Bree was discharged home later that day.

  Irene helped her get comfortable in bed while Austin played with Emery.

  She was still a little groggy from the effects of the anesthesia. “I’m going to take a nap,” she said.

  “You rest, dear. Don’t you worry about a thing. We will make sure that little boy of yours is fed.”

  “Thank you for all you’ve done, Miss Irene.”

  When she woke up, three hours had passed.

  Bree sat up and swung her legs out of bed. She sat on the edge for a moment, trying to summon the strength to stand. Her fingers curled into fists and she closed her eyes to shut out the pain ripping through the area where she’d had surgery.

  Normally, she tried to get by without medication, but not this time. Bree picked up the prescription bottle, opening it.

  She swallowed two painkillers.

  Bree sat there for a moment, waiting for some of the pain to subside. Using the nightstand for support, she rose to her feet.

  “Sweetheart, what are you doing?” Austin asked from the doorway.

  “I need to go to the bathroom.”

  “Let me help you.” He was instantly by her side.

  She held on to his arm, allowing him to escort her to the toilet.

  Austin gave her some privacy.

  When she opened the door, he was waiting in the bedroom. “I’m going to sit up for a little bit,” Bree announced.

  Austin helped her into her robe.

  “What’s Emery been doing?” she asked. “I hope he hasn’t been giving y’all a fit.”

  “He’s hasn’t been a problem at all. Right now, he’s watching a movie on TV with my mom. They took a walk earlier.”

  “Has he been asking for me?”

  “Yes,” Austin stated. “I told him you were not feeling well. He wanted to give you a kiss, so I brought him in here while you were sleeping.”

  “Thank you for that. Emery believes his kisses make me better.” Bree smiled. “I think he might be right.”

  The pain began to dissipate as she gingerly made her way to the family room and sat down on the sofa.

  “Why don’t you put your feet up?” he suggested. “You may be more comfortable.”

  Bree agreed as she changed her position.

  Austin covered her with a throw. “Are you okay?”

  She gave a
slight nod. “I’m fine.”

  “Mommy...” Emery rushed over to her. “You no feel good still?”

  “I’m feeling much better, sweetie.”

  He was about to climb into her lap, but Austin stopped him by saying, “My mom made some peanut butter cookies. Why don’t you go into the kitchen and get some for Mommy?”

  Emery half walked and half skipped out of the room.

  “You’re very good with him.”

  He looked at Bree. “I think it must come naturally or something. When I look at him, all I want to do is to love and protect him. I would do anything for that little boy.”

  “That’s exactly how I feel.”

  “It’s not hard to see that we both want the same thing for him,” Austin said with a subtle lifting of his brows. “We’re on the same side, babe.”

  Bree shrugged her shoulders in resignation, then leaned back and closed her eyes.

  * * *

  The next day Austin arrived to find Bree up and moving about. She had insisted that he go back to the hotel with his mother instead of staying at the house with them. There were times when that independent streak in her could be both endearing and frustrating.

  Bree found that the sight of him still managed to take her breath away. She stepped aside to let him enter through the front door.

  He handed her a dozen red, long-stemmed roses. “Hi, beautiful. This is for you.”

  She accepted the gift, asking, “What’s this for?”

  “Just because,” he said, smiling. “You look gorgeous.”

  An electrifying shudder reverberated through Bree as she sniffed the fragrant scent. “Thanks, and thank you for the roses. This is very sweet of you to do this.”

  He sat down, leaned back and fit his fingers together. “Looks like you’re on the mend.”

  She smiled. “I feel much better.”

  Austin spread his hands regretfully. “I hated seeing you in pain like that.”

  “Hopefully the surgery will help.”

  “Why don’t I put those in a vase for you?”

  “There’s one in the top left cabinet,” she told him.

  “Did you know about the cyst?” Austin inquired when he returned to the living room.

  “No, I didn’t.”

  He took her hand in his. “I’m glad you’re okay. The thought of losing you...it was unbearable.”

  “Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about that.”

  “I know things have been tense between us. Bree, the bottom line is that I love you.” He pulled out a ring box. “You’re already the mother of my son. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

  Will you marry me? There was a time when Bree would’ve been excited about the idea of marrying Austin. Her gaze drifted over to the engagement ring he offered to her, each flawless stone throwing off light in all directions. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

  It was exquisite.

  Nothing could compete with this ring.

  “Sweetheart,” Austin prompted. “Did you hear me?”

  Swallowing once, she peered up at Austin, who waited above her, the possessive intent in his eyes making her ache to give in.

  But she couldn’t do it. “I’m sorry, I can’t.”

  Austin looked stunned. “Why?”

  “I’m looking at this practically,” Bree said smoothly, with no expression on her face. “We are both in this predicament and I get it. We get married—it’s a way for us to both get what we want. But the problem is that I don’t want a marriage of convenience. The way I see it—marriage isn’t supposed to be a business arrangement.”

  “I know,” he responded. “It’s supposed to be love and commitment forever. Bree, I want that, too.” Austin’s cheekbones softened as he looked away. “I want a wife who loves me as I love her. I want a life partner to share the ups and downs with, knowing that we’re stronger together than apart. You are that person for me.”

  “As much as I care about you, the truth is that I no longer trust you, Austin.”

  “What can I do to prove my love to you?”

  “I don’t know,” she responded quietly. “I’ve been in contact with my attorney and he advised that the first thing we need to do is to have a paternity test done. Your claim to Emery has to be established before anything else.”

  “I’m fine with this,” Austin stated. “Afterward, I want my name placed on his birth certificate.”

  “I propose that we table this discussion until we get the results back on the paternity test,” Bree said.

  He frowned in confusion. “Why? We both know that he’s my son. Babe, I’m not planning to snatch him out of your arms. I simply want my paternal rights restored.”

  “If the adoption is voided—I lose any rights to Emery.”

  “That’s why we should get married,” Austin responded.

  “We should marry for love—not to co-parent a child. It may have been the solution for Ryker and Garland, but that’s not what I want for me.”

  “So, you would prefer that we raise Emery together, but not as man and wife?”

  “It’s the way it has to be.”

  “Right now, I know you’re upset with me, but you’re not thinking clearly. Take some more time to think about this. Bree, we belong together. Our son deserves to grow up in a two-parent home.” Austin’s heart thudded with hope as he watched her struggle against doubt and move toward trusting him. “We love each other. Before you found out that I was Emery’s father—we spoke of taking our relationship to the next level. Please give me a chance to prove that I want to be with you and not just because you are the mother of my son.”

  “Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll try.”

  Austin kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you.”

  He left to go back to the hotel to pick up his mother.

  Bree had insisted on making lunch for them. “I’m not an invalid. Besides, I did all of the prep work earlier.”

  Although she was still upset with him, Bree still enjoyed spending time with Austin. It meant something that he’d come all the way to Georgia after them. Despite everything, her heart still belonged to him, and for a very brief moment, Bree allowed herself to consider that they might have a future together.

  Seated around the dining room table, they enjoyed chicken salad sandwiches, fresh fruit and freshly baked cookies.

  “Everything is delicious,” Irene murmured. “You must give me your recipe for the chicken salad.”

  “I’d be happy to,” Bree responded.

  She warmed beneath the heat of Austin’s gaze and her body ached for his touch, but Bree knew that she couldn’t allow herself to go there.

  “Mom’s right. You put your foot in that chicken salad.”

  She chuckled. “It’s my foster mother’s recipe. She’s won awards for it.”

  After lunch, they settled on the front porch to soak in the autumn weather.

  “This is a lovely little town,” Irene told her. “I’d never heard of Roseville until Austin mentioned it.”

  “That’s what most people say,” Bree responded. “We call it Georgia’s little hidden treasure. We do get our share of tourists here. That’s why you see all the boutiques downtown. We have a lake that’s a very popular attraction for visitors.”

  “Would you like to take a walk?” Austin asked.

  “Go ahead,” Irene encouraged. “I’ll watch Emery.”

  The idea sent her spirits soaring. Bree was feeling a little restless. The walk would do her good.

  “Your mother is a very sweet lady. I like her,” she told Austin as they walked along the dusty road.

  “She said the same thing about you, too.”

  Austin took Bree by the hand. “I feel like I’m in a Norman Rockwell painting.”

  Bree laughed. “You’re sil
ly.”

  “I’ve missed this...hearing you laugh like that.”

  “So have I.”

  “Sweetheart, everything is going to be okay. I promise.”

  She looked up at him. “You really believe this, don’t you?”

  He nodded. “I do because I have faith in us.”

  Bree couldn’t deny the spark of excitement at the prospect of his words, but her faith was not as strong as his. She feared his interest in her was only a result of his desire to be with his son. She wanted him to love her because he simply could not do anything else.

  They walked a couple of blocks before returning to the house. Bree was beginning to feel tired. “I think I need to lie down for a bit.”

  When they returned to the house, his mother and Emery were outside playing with his ball.

  “I’m glad you came down, Miss Irene,” she stated.

  She smiled. “Me, too.”

  “I hope you’ll come over tomorrow. We can continue getting to know one another.” She didn’t want to be rude—she just wanted some time alone. She just wanted it to be her and Emery for the evening.

  Bree walked them out to the car.

  He kissed her cheek. “You need to sit down and get some rest. You’ve been moving around a lot today. Call me if you need anything.”

  “I’ll be fine,” she reassured him.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Her gaze slowly lifted to his eyes. The moment they made eye contact she was snatched into a web of heated desire.

  What in the world is wrong with me?

  * * *

  “Son, everything is going to work out.”

  “You really think so?”

  Irene nodded. “Bree still loves you and I know she’ll do what’s best for Emery.”

  “You’re right about that. She really loves him,” Austin said. “I’m not sure Jasmine could have ever loved Emery like that. She’s very selfish.”

  “I’m glad you asked me to come,” Irene stated. “I need to apologize to you for what I did. I was wrong to keep you away from Etienne.”

  Austin reached over and took her hand in his. “Mom, we’re past all that now.”

  Irene was one of those people who had perfected the art of giving nothing away—expressionless face, emotionless eyes. She had her arms wrapped around herself as she talked.