Entwined Souls (Soul Sister Book 1)

by C. M. Youngren

  “Run, Embry, baby! Run! Don’t be scared, just go, please listen to me!” My angel took off toward the front. What took probably seconds felt like forever as I watched her go, and I struggled to get up. My face was throbbing and I didn’t know if I would make it very far before he got to me another time.

  Or worse, shot me as I ran too.

  “Get back here, you little brat, you don’t get to go anywhere without me.” But my girl was gone, and she would be safe.

  Scrambling to rise and take off myself, I didn’t get anywhere when my shirt was grabbed from behind and an arm was around my throat. One minute it was there, and the next, I was free. I heard a grunt and someone else hitting the ground hard.

  Turning, the next thing I knew Gyth was on top of Mr. Jenkins, Kace was standing to the side, weapon drawn, and I was cocooned in a solid embrace of hard, warm, muscle.

  Looking up into those sparkling green eyes, my heart beat with pure love. A whisper broke my battered lips.

  “Braxton.”

  It was like a war zone outside.

  Police, ambulances, paramedics, parents, and kids everywhere. Word had got out about what was happening and the world outside the center had exploded with activity while inside one very special little girl and I battled to stay alive.

  Embry had done exactly what I had said. She’d run straight for the front and right out the doors. While that was happening my guy and two incredibly special friends snuck in the back. Against orders, I might add. From what I had heard so far, Brax wasn’t waiting any longer to come in and get me, and where he went, Gyth and Kace followed. They reminded me of the three musketeers.

  And thank God for them.

  Once they got me outside and Mr. Jenkins into police custody, I was taken to the back of an ambulance waiting to go to the hospital. Although Embry’s foster parents had shown up, once the little one saw me come out, she hadn’t left my side. Her foster mother was aware of what was going on, even if my little one didn’t yet, so she didn’t seem to mind giving us the time before I would be taken away to get checked out.

  Braxton also hadn’t left me alone. I had been sitting with Embry on one side of me and Braxton on the other when the social worker showed up at the back of the doors. “I’m glad you're all okay,” she said. “Hopefully soon, you can put all this behind you and the three of you will be happy together. I will give you a call tomorrow to arrange the rest of what we need to.” Then she walked off.

  With everything that had just happened she probably didn’t even realize I hadn’t talked to Braxton yet and forgot about Embry not knowing. Braxton looked at me with questioning eyes.

  “That’s what I had to tell you earlier. It’s all set, she’s ours. Now more than ever, after today,” I told him. Then I looked down at my daughter. I was claiming her, she had always been mine somehow since the day she came to my place.

  “How would you like to come live with Braxton and me?” I asked her.

  Excitement danced in her eyes just as big and bright as the moon. “For reals, you mean it? I can stay with you? Will it be forever? Like a family?” She rattled off questions full of happiness.

  I looked over at Braxton and let him take this one. “You bet, the answer is yes to all those things, Doodlebug. But only if that’s what you want.”

  More tears, but I think these were happy ones, broke free from her eyes. “I want to, please,” she said quietly now, so full of emotion. I wrapped my arms around her and carefully pulled her into my side just as Braxton leaned over and hugged us both.

  Our moment was cut short when the paramedic came to let us know we had to get going. Embry’s foster mom came and got her, much to the little girl's dismay, but I ensured her it wouldn’t be long and she would be coming to live with us.

  Just as we took off, Brax looked at me and asked, “Earlier, you said there were a couple of things you needed to talk to me about. I just learned of one, what else did you need to tell me?”

  He was interrupted when the guy in the back with us started taking my vitals and asked, “Are there any allergies or medical conditions we should know about before we get you to the hospital?”

  Meeting Braxton’s eyes, but addressing the question, I replied, “I’m pregnant.”

  Chapter Forty-One

  Braxton

  Thank the Lord we were finally home.

  When we had gotten to the hospital and they found out my girl was pregnant, they’d kept her overnight for observation. Jurnee was carrying my child. Something she thought may never happen, but a beautiful dream that had come true. Now, not only were the two of us expecting a baby but our sweet little Doodlebug, Embry, was ours too. I was in a bit of shock, but so fucking elated. I just wanted to hold my girl and celebrate with her.

  Instead, I sat beside her as she laid in a hospital bed, praying that she and the baby would be okay. My life, Embry’s, and many others wouldn’t be the same if she wasn’t fine.

  She was my light, and I didn’t want to live in the darkness without her.

  I knew I was being a little dramatic since her injuries weren’t life-threatening, and the doctors said she and the baby would be just fine, but I loved her so damn much, my worry superseded my common sense.

  I am right here waiting for you to wake up, Dimples. I chanted to her over and over, as she rested that evening.

  The morning after the attack, when she woke up in the hospital bed, and her big brown eyes locked with mine, and her cute, dimpled smile graced her face, I knew my heart was whole and that my soul was at peace.

  We obviously had a lot to talk about, but right then, my girl needed to settle in. It was enough that she was here with me, that Embry and the baby were okay, and that we were together.

  “Hey baby, how about I help you upstairs to shower and then we get you situated on the couch so you can relax?” I said, placing my hand softly on her arm, needing to touch her. “I can make you something to eat. I’m not sure Summer and Alley, or even the guys are going to wait that long before they come breaking down the door to see that you’re okay.”

  Everything the day before had gone down so fast, although when I was outside it had seemed like years had gone by as I stood by watching, scared out of my fucking mind. Standing there waiting for someone to pull their head out of their ass and do something, drove me mad. I finally gave up and the guys and I took matters into our own hands. Consequences be damned.

  Then, when things finally came to an end, one that had both my girls safe, the ambulance had taken off before Summer and Alley had been able to get there, so they went straight to the hospital. They visited with Jurnee for a few minutes, for their peace of mind and to see that their friend was safe, but then let her sleep. I knew that they would be chomping at the bit to come over here as soon as we got settled.

  “Sounds good, but I’m really sore and tired, could you stay with me just in case I need you?” Speaking softly, my sweet girl dropped her head and looked down at the floor. She sounded so unsure. A lot had gone on in the last few days, but my feelings never diminished; it was time I reminded her of that.

  “Baby, look at me.” Stepping even closer to her, I took my hand off her arm and raised her chin with my finger. Questioning eyes peered onto mine. “You're the love of my life and it kills me that you might be thinking anything between us has changed. We do have some big changes coming, but you will always be part of my future.”

  “But I left. I messed up, and I hurt you.” Tears had started dripping down her cheeks.

  “It’s okay, we can talk about that because I need to know what was going on, but I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. We will be okay. Now let’s get you cleaned up and in some comfortable clothes.” My hand left her chin and caressed her flawless face, then I wrapped my arm around her side to guide her upstairs but stopped when she didn’t move. Turning into me so we were directly facing one another, she placed both hands on the sides of my face.

  “Brax, you're amazing, and I love you so
much. Thank you for saving me, for not giving up on me, and for walking back into my life again,” she whispered.

  She leaned up and kissed my lips featherlight as her words warmed my heart and my lips flamed with the passion only Jurnee could create. When she pulled back, her eyes shone with tears, but love so bright also bored into my gaze.

  “I will always save you, I will never give up on you, and walking back into your life was one of the best days of mine,” I whispered in return, knowing that my eyes looking back at her, mirrored hers.

  With that, we held one another and made our way up the stairs to our room.

  By the time we got back downstairs everyone started showing up. I didn’t have to make food since the girls showed up with enough stuff to feed an army. They visited for about an hour and then saw that Jurnee was lagging and decided it was time to head out so she could sleep.

  We hadn’t told any of them about Embry or the baby since we hadn’t gotten to talk about all of that ourselves yet, but they would know very soon.

  After showing Summer, Alley, Gyth, and Kace out, I walked back in to find Jurnee already out cold. I headed toward the kitchen to grab a snack while I waited for her to wake up and we could eat together. Landon had been MIA since the night we had all gone dancing together, but Summer told him what happened, and he said he would stop by at some point. He was avoiding someone, and my gut told me it was Alley, but again I had no clue why.

  Wandering around the house, I took the stairs to Embry’s room where I found Jurnee on the floor crying a few days back. We had painted the room but hadn’t had the chance to do much more than that. We needed to get that done as soon as possible because I knew that the instant the social worker said Embry was ready, that neither of my girls would wait even a second to bring her home. Embry loved Jurnee so much, and I hoped that someday she would feel that way about me too.

  I glanced around and looked back down to the spot where Jurnee had sat. What had made her so full of sorrow? Sad enough to have made her leave me? Or maybe she was scared. It was time to find out. On that thought, my feet were moving and I was headed back downstairs to wait for my girl to get up.

  More tired than I thought obviously, I’d sat down by Jurnee on the couch and laid my head back to just rest my eyes. Next thing I knew, I was waking up with Dimples’ head on my lap and she was staring up at me with those expressive, brown eyes. She could get me to do anything just by looking at me like that.

  “Hey,” she said softly.

  Leaning down, I kissed her lips, keeping it PG even though every time our mouths met my manhood roared to life. She was tired and there was a serious conversation that needed to be had. Reluctantly pulling back up, I asked her if she was ready to talk. She looked nervous, but it was time to do it and move forward.

  “Can you tell me now why you were so sad that day and the reason you left?”

  She hesitated, but then began to speak. “I was scared and sad that you would leave me, or I would have to leave and give you and Embry up.”

  What the hell?

  “Why would you think any of that, baby?”

  Tears falling, her voice cracked as she managed to say, “Because I thought I might be sick.”

  Sick?

  “I hadn’t been feeling well and I always worried that the cancer would come back, so I got blood drawn that day before I came home. I was scared. I sat down in that room thinking it was probably unfair for me to bring a child and you into my world when I never would be sure it wouldn’t come back. And yet at the same time, I didn’t want to give you both up. But what if I didn’t, and then you decided not to stay with me and risk that yourself? All these thoughts were going through my head and I didn’t know how to tell you. I just ran. I’m so sorry.”

  All of those words and emotions that poured out of her pierced my heart, like a nail had been driven straight through it.

  “Dimples, from now on what you go through, I go through. I can only imagine how scary the thought of that would be, but you deserve a beautiful life. We only get one, and we have to live it to the fullest. Mine wouldn’t be if we didn’t take each day we could have. We will walk the paths together now, and wherever the road leads, I will always be by your side. And for the record, what wouldn’t be fair is for you to deprive Embry and me of being with you. Please baby, from now on know that no matter what happens, it’s us, not just you, in it together.”

  “I know, I realized that once I sat down with the girls and started talking it out. But, then I just wanted to get my bearings and so I stayed again because we were talking about the wedding. It’s just weeks away and I want to marry you like there is no tomorrow. Now Embry can be there too. Everything I’ve ever wanted is coming true.”

  Her excitement and happiness were infectious, and we were both smiling. She sat up when we started to talk, and we turned facing each other.

  I grabbed both her hands in mine. “Dimples, we’re having a baby.” My voice was elevated with glee and I almost couldn’t believe it, but the doctors at the hospital confirmed it, and even after being knocked around, my girl and the baby were okay.

  They had done an ultrasound to check on the baby, and I was shocked that Jurnee was already a couple of months pregnant. My girl must have conceived one of the first times we had been together. Our little miracle wasn’t wasting any time. The bundle of joy should be gracing us with their presence in March.

  Hearing our child’s heartbeat for the first time, was something I would never forget. I’d held Jurnee’s hand as we both stared at the monitor. But when the swooshing sound and fucking perfect little beat broke the small silent room, our eyes met, both pooled with tears of amazement and pure bliss.

  Gazing deeper into her eyes, I squeezed her soft hands, and a grin lit up my face as I looked at my soulmate before me.

  That famous smile split her face, her dimples twinkling with joy, and I was the lucky one that got to see it. Her laughter broke through the house and the wonder and amazement shone through every pore of her body like a ray of sunlight. Her words were not hesitant or unsure anymore. They were not spoken as someone who was sad and scared. Those next words were said with confidence, love, and passion.

  “Brax, we’re having a freaking baby. And Embry is ours too. Oh my God, it’s the best feeling. I get two kids and the perfect man to light up my life.”

  Damn, I loved this girl. In a few short weeks, my ring would be on her finger and she would be mine forever. Oh shit, speaking of…

  Jurnee

  One minute we were talking, the next Braxton was off rushing away as fast as the wind, leaving a swoosh of air and his scent in his wake. Damn he smells good.

  Usually talking off like that was my MO. Maybe he has to pee. I couldn’t help the laughter that rang out. It rattled my body, and I grimaced in pain, no thanks to the bastard that tried hurting my angel and me.

  “What’s so funny, Dimples?” Brax asked, but then immediately came rushing over and dropped to his knees in front of me where I still sat on the couch, obviously reading my expression of discomfort.

  “I’m okay. I just got laughing so hard, it jarred me. What was that all about, you taking off like a bat out of hell?”

  “Tell me why you were laughing first, and I will tell you where I went,” he said, giving me that teasing, sexy smirk he was so good at. He really is lethal.

  Trying to hold back more giggles I replied, “I thought maybe you ran off to pee.” Laughter broke free again, there was no way I could have held it in.

  “Your dimples are showing, my love, and I adore them. But no, you goof, I didn’t have to pee. I do, however, have a question for you, and you’re going to have to sit tight and not go running off to the bathroom.”

  I gave him a questioning look. When he pulled his hand out of his pocket and popped open a box that showcased a magnificent, sparkling, round diamond ring, a gasp passed my lips as my shaking hands flew to my mouth. Braxton knew me well. It was simple, petite, with a twisted band mixed
in tiny diamonds, and white gold. The ring was delicate, not flashy, but the craftsmanship was beyond beautiful, and it was so me.

  I knew we were getting married, and we talked about needing to get rings, but I never expected such a fabulous surprise. Tears of happiness poured from my eyes, down my cheeks, and my trembling lips wouldn’t work. Good thing it was Braxton’s turn to talk.

  “Baby, I know we were going to get rings together, but I needed to do this right. You deserve every special moment that comes with getting married, and the ring to go with it.” My man took a deep breath, obviously trying to control his emotions as much as I had been. “I will love you until the day I die, you are everything good in my world, and you are the light that brightens my soul. Will you marry me, Dimples?”

  An abundance of tears fell down my face, as I threw myself forward and into his arms, knocking him backward and we both tumbled to the floor. I landed right on top of Brax, and even though it hurt, I didn’t care one iota. “Yes, I will marry you. You make me the happiest person in the world, and my life was not complete until the day you walked back into it.” I rained kisses all over his face then, and we laughed, so full of life and love. “Hey, I remember I laid just like this on our first date. And look where we are now.”

  “It was one of the best nights of my life, and right now is another amazing moment. We are going to make so many memories just like this together, and with our family.” He reached up and touched my face tenderly, and I leaned back down hugging him tight, not sure I would ever move.

  I love this man more than words could ever say.

  Chapter Forty-Two