Salvaged (Embracing #2)

by Delisa Lynn

  “No, I’m not. I care about him and always will, but Liam is my life. I love him more than anything. I’ve hurt them both so much. Evan is actually engaged now.”

  “I know you love Liam. You two seem so happy and everything always seems so perfect between the two of you. Was Evan engaged then?”

  “No, he wasn’t even in a relationship back then. I really did have a perfect life. When I saw Evan that day in New York, my hormones took control. I swear I saw him and I was instantly wet. I know that’s wrong, but that’s how it was. I’ve made a vow to myself that I’m done with him. I will have to see him and his fiancée in a few months at the wedding.”

  “Damn, is he that hot? That’s the way it is when I see Kade. Oh, the wedding. Let me guess? He and his woman are also going to the wedding party?”

  “Yes, he is very attractive, and of course they are. Nikki and Brody are even moving to where Evan and his fiancée live. So if Greyson is his, they’ll figure it out eventually.”

  “Greyson? You guys finally picked a name? I love it.”

  I give Megan a hug. “Yes, we decided this morning. Okay, let’s go get those pedicures.”

  ***

  My mind always goes back to the conversations that Evan and I had about children and what Bryn did to him. She caused him so much heartache when her parents forced her to abort his child. If this baby is his and I don’t tell him, then I’m no better than Bryn’s parents.

  Should I turn a blind eye for my husband so he will be content knowing that Evan can never be a part of the baby’s life? Or should I do what I feel is best and tell Evan everything? Either way, I’m screwed. Feelings are going to be hurt and hearts will be broken. If the baby is Liam’s, then we have nothing to worry about. We can just move on with our perfect life and put all of this behind us.

  Still, I don’t want Evan to find out from someone else. I know it will break him. I know he loves Tatum, but he would never stay away from his child. This baby will be here very soon, six weeks to be exact. I think I need to do what’s best for us all.

  I hope I’m making the right decision and that Liam will forgive me for what I’m about to do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Liam

  Our baby boy will be here in less than six weeks. We will be adding another Ellis man to the house. Ashton, AJ, and Kade are all living here. Ashton gave Christa the house in exchange for all rights to AJ. She will probably sell the house, anyway.

  We found a building for the new company that Kade, Ashton, and I are opening together. It’ll be called ‘Ellis Boys Investigations.’ I’ve always wanted to work in the investigation field. When I was in the Army, that’s all I thought about. Kade and I have been discussing it since we were teens.

  We talked about starting a business together a year or so ago and, when Lila decided to take her little trip, I knew for sure that we should start the business. Ashton and I decided to let Kade partner with us at the Wine Venue, so he moved here from Texas and will be living with Lila and me until his condo is finished.

  Ashton, Kade, and I are meeting with the contractors today for the new location. It’s about twenty minutes from home and the Venue. We haven’t broken the news to Uncle Gil that he will be working more hours at the Venue now that Ashton and I both are going full time at the investigation business. Lila loves the idea of me working with the guys. I would love for her to stay at home and not go back to work, but I know she won’t stay home. She loves working at the firm.

  ***

  When I pull up in front of the new building, I see Ashton and Kade already waiting for me. I don’t see the contractor. Oh no, I hope I’m not running late. I get out of my truck and jog to where they’re standing.

  “Hey, where is the contractor?” I ask.

  “Hey, man,” Ashton says. He pulls me in for a bro hug. “He is in the building. We thought we should wait for you to get here.”

  “What the hell took you so long anyway?” Kade asks. He gives me a fist bump.

  “Lila and I were hanging baby clothes. The baby will be here very soon. I’ll probably take a few weeks off, if that’s okay with the two of you?” I ask, but hell, it’s my company too. They should have no problems with it.

  “No worries, dude. We got this. We actually have a few new cases that I brought from Texas. That’s if y’all want to work on them with me?”

  “Of course we do,” Ashton and I both say in unison.

  Kade looks at us and laughs. He has that same laugh that Ashton and I have—a deep, loud Ellis chuckle.

  We go inside to talk to the contractor and get things rolling. The building is fairly large and we want it to have three offices. We also want a lounge, so if, for any reason, we need to bring the kids in with us, they will have a place to play.

  “Does all this look okay to the three of you?” Bob, the contractor, asks. He hands me a set of blueprints. I look through the blueprints, then at my cousins. They agree that it’s perfect.

  “I have a date, so I need to get going,” Kade says.

  “A date? With who?” Ashton asks.

  I’m surprised Ashton doesn’t already know. There’s no way he didn’t notice how well Megan and Kade clicked.

  “Megan Snow. We’ve been talking a lot lately and I see it going somewhere,” he says with a huge grin.

  I figured he and Meg were talking. I just hope he doesn’t hurt her.

  “That’s great, man. She seems like a good woman. Megan and Li have become really good friends.” I shake his hand.

  “Let’s grab lunch, Liam. My treat,” Ashton says.

  “Okay, you riding with me?”

  He laughs. “Yeah, since Kade left me.”

  ***

  We decide to go to Olive Garden since it’s only a few blocks away. Ashton and I weren’t that close when we were teens, but we’ve become as close as brothers over the last four years. I would do anything to help him out.

  “Lila’s due date is soon,” Ashton says. “What’s going on with the DNA situation? Are you going to take the test?”

  “No, I don’t want her to, but she wants to. I know it’s wrong that I don’t want it done. I don’t want him taking my baby. Greyson will always be my son, regardless. I just don’t want the test to say that he is Evan’s. I know I sound selfish, but fuck it, I’ll be selfish.”

  “You’re not selfish, bro. I understand. I would do the same fucking thing and so would Evan. I’m completely on your side and you know that. But dude, what if the tables were turned? What if you were him? Wouldn’t you want to know that she was carrying your child? I’m not saying that she should take the test, but Liam, think about the position she is in. Then think about if you were him and what you would do if and when you find out that another man is raising your child.”

  “Goddamn it. When you put it that way, you have a point. Why is this shit happing? Our family was perfect. When I found out about him years ago, I was afraid she would end up running back to him. I just don’t get it, though. What the fuck does he give her that I can’t? That’s what infuriates me the most. Knowing that he made her happy and that he had his fucking shit buried in her. I still think about that shit. Sometimes, when we make love, I wonder if she was like that with him. It makes me sick.”

  “I know, man. I honestly don’t know why she did it. But you know how Lila is. We both know she falls fast and loves hard, no matter what. Just think about what I said. Give it a few days, but he should know, man; he really should.”

  “I’m glad I can talk to you about this. It really means a lot to me. I know we didn’t always see eye to eye, but I’m lucky you’re not only my cousin, but my friend.”

  “Anytime, man. You know, I won’t lie. I was so pissed that she went to you, but I always knew that you would be better for her than me.”

  I laugh. “Yeah, I’m glad you fucked up.”

  He punches my arm, a smile on his face.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Lila

  I wanted to talk to
Liam this morning about calling Evan. I didn’t get the chance. I should have just blurted it out, but he had plans with the guys. I know telling Evan is the right thing to do.

  “Hey bitch bag, how is my favorite pregnant woman?” I ask when Nik answers her phone.

  “Good. I’m happy to know my bitch of a best friend still loves me. I haven’t heard from you in a while. I’m ready to get married before I look like the side of the barn.”

  “Speaking of barns, when are you moving to the farm?”

  “Well, not for months. We’ve already designed the house and picked out where we want it on the land. I can’t wait for you to come visit. You will love it. Shit, Li, this is awkward considering we will be living so close to Evan.”

  “No, it’s okay! Of course we will come visit you. I called because I think I should tell Evan everything. Can you give me his number? Do you think I should just tell him?”

  “Of course you should tell him. I think that would be the best thing to do. I will text you his number.”

  “Okay, now I just need to tell Liam. I know he is going to be furious. Nik, please tell me I am doing the right thing.”

  “Lila Rae, this is the best for all of you. I’ll be there for Greyson’s birth, I promise. Now do what you have to do. I love you.”

  “Thanks, love you more,” I say.

  Shortly after hanging up, Nikki texts me a number that looks all too familiar. Now I just need to tell my husband.

  Me: Hey, love. We need to talk. Will you bring me some noodles on your way home?

  Liam: Everything okay? The Japanese Thai Pan with extra bean sprouts?

  Me: Yes. I just need to talk about something. That and an iced tea please :)

  Liam: K, alright. Headed to Noodle & Company now. Love you, baby.

  Me: Love you more.

  ***

  Liam

  Lila wants to talk and I bet I know just what the hell she wants to talk about. That damn DNA test.

  I pull into the parking lot of the noodle place. I bang my hands on my steering wheel a few times, then I go in and order her food. I will follow Ashton’s advice; I will take the test, but she will not call him until after she and I talk…unless she already has. I hope she wouldn’t do anything without speaking to me first.

  I’ve always known that Lila and I would have a perfect life. I knew our children would be as beautiful as their mother and that they wouldn’t want for anything. I never planned on raising the child of another man, a man that loves my wife as much as I do. The thought of it just pisses me off even more. Every time I think of what baby bean will look like, Evan’s jet black hair and brown eyes comes to mind.

  I would give anything to take back the past. I would have never gone to the Army; I would’ve begged Li to stay in California.

  I park my truck in the garage and take a few minutes to gather my thoughts before bringing my sexy, pregnant wife some food.

  “Hey, baby. Where are the girls? I got them some noodles too.”

  I kiss her lips. She is wearing a white sundress with black polka dots and her hair is in that messy bun on top of her head.

  “Hmm, I love you and I missed you. The girls are with Ashton, Kade, and Megan. They took the kids for ice cream. I was surprised you didn’t see them leaving. I asked Ashton if he could take the kids so you and I can be alone.”

  “Oh, I didn’t see them. Is this conversation going to be the dreaded one that I think it is?” I ask, praying she’ll say no.

  “Liam, we have to tell Evan. Nikki sent me his number. As much as you want me to, I can’t keep this from him. It’s not fair to him or Greyson. I don’t want to hurt you anymore than I already have, but this is the right thing to do and I hope you will understand that it is.”

  After running my hands through my hair, I pull her close to me and I kiss her forehead. After all these years, her scent still takes my breath away. I can feel her shaking in my arms.

  As the tears stream down my face, I whisper in her ear, “Call him. He has a right to know.”

  Saying those eight words hurts more than knowing he fucked my wife.

  “Thank you, I hope we are doing the right thing.”

  I stand next to my wife while she makes the phone call to her ex-lover. I can hear the shakiness in her voice. Tears rush down her face. I feel sick to my stomach. My head is throbbing and my body is aching. Negative thoughts rush through my mind; what ifs come pouring in. I can’t lose her or Greyson, even if he doesn’t have my blood running through his veins.

  “Hi, umm, Evan. This is Lila. I need to talk to you. If you can call me back when you get this message, I would really appreciate it. Thank you and have a good day.”

  “You got his voicemail?” I ask.

  The way she’s shaking, she would have probably fainted if he had answered. I hope he doesn’t call back.

  “Yes. Maybe he will call back. I know he’s busy with moving and stuff,” she says. “Nikki told me they all are having houses built close to the farm—the Martin’s Farm, that is.”

  “Now we just wait for Evan to call back. We did what we were supposed to do.”

  I notice she doesn’t blush at the mention of his name anymore. Maybe she doesn’t have the same feelings she had eight months ago. Hell, those feelings should have been gone years ago.

  “I’m going to eat. Will you join me, please?” She places her hand in mine. “Thank you. I love you more than you will ever know.”

  I bend down and kiss her. She looks up at me with tears in her eyes, then her lips crash into mine again. We kiss until we both pull back, licking our lips. I can tell she’s still crying. I can’t think of any words to comfort her, so I show her how much I love her. I pull her back in my arms and kiss her again. I sit her on the counter and place small kisses on her cheek all the way down to her neck.

  “Hmm, Liam. Please, I need you,” she begs.

  I slide my hands up her thighs until I reach her center, and, with one tug, the lace boy-shorts fall to the floor. She is already wet. I love that my kisses turn her on so much.

  She pulls me closer to her and says, “Touch me. Show me how much you love me.”

  “We can’t, can we? Isn’t it too close to your due date?” I ask.

  She unzips my pants, freeing my dick from all the pain my zipper was causing. She pulls my pants down my thighs and starts stroking me. She slides back on the counter and pulls her dress over her head. Her belly is so round; it makes her perky breasts much fuller. Her nipples are hard. I take one in my mouth as she continues to stroke me.

  “Are you sure it’s okay?” I ask again. I know we shouldn’t with her being so close to delivering.

  “I’m sure. All I want is to feel you inside of me.”

  Even before the words completely leave her lips, I’m already inside of her. I’m as gentle as I can be. For the first time in a long time, I feel a closeness that I hadn’t felt for a very long time.

  With every thrust, she moans louder. “Harder, please. You won’t hurt us.”

  I give my beautiful wife exactly what she wants. I lay her back on the counter and scoot her ass to the end of it. Her legs are on my shoulders and the sight of her lying on the counter, completely nude, with me inside of her makes me even harder. I can feel her coming undone and I want to come with her. I give her a couple hard thrusts, making her body shake and her moans turn into screams. I know I can’t hold back any longer. I give her one last thrust as I feel every drop of me pouring into her.

  “That was amazing. I’m still coming.” The smile on her face lets me know she is satisfied. She laughs. “I need my food.”

  I help her up and grab a towel to clean her and myself off. She puts her dress back on and gets her food.

  I can stare at her all day long. She’s as beautiful as she was when I met her ten years ago. I run upstairs and put some sweat pants on. When I come back down, she’s sitting at the table, staring at me.

  “Look what you do to me. I can’t stop smiling at yo
u. I love you so much.” She takes another bite of her food.

  I kiss her forehead. “You know I love you more.”

  Her phone is still on the counter. I quickly glance at it.

  “So, no calls?” I ask.

  “Nope, not yet. He will call back, I’m sure. Maybe not, though. I know he is happy and I’m happy, so there is nothing for you to worry about. The baby and I aren’t going anywhere.”

  “I know. He will have to understand that Greyson is mine regardless,” I seethe.

  “He is yours, Liam. I can feel it. He has to be, but the test will prove to us he is,” she says with tears in her eyes. I feel like all we’ve done the last eight months is cry.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Lila

  It’s been over a week and Evan hasn’t returned my call. I call Nikki to see if she or Brody have heard from him. She said she wasn’t sure if Brody had spoken to him or not, so she would call him herself. I hope she won’t say anything before I get a chance to. Liam isn’t home. He and the guys are at the location for their new business. The girls and I just got back from a shopping trip. Now they’re napping, so I call Megs to come and hang out with me. I don’t want to be alone since I’m this far along.

  “Hey, doll. You home?” I hear Megs say as she walks through the foyer.

  “I’m in the kitchen, babe.” I grab myself a bottle of water and her a glass of wine.

  She hugs me and then sits on the stool, next to the breakfast bar. “How are you? You look bigger than you did yesterday.”

  I don’t know what I would do without her. She’s a wonderful friend. I know she’s hiding something about her past. She has no family here in California.

  “I hope you mean that in a good way.” I laugh as I punch her arm. “I’m so miserable. I can’t wait until Greyson gets here so I can have my body back. His head feels like it’s popping out of my vajayjay, and his Ellis feet are digging in my ribs. And I swear his ass is right here,” I say as I rub the left side of my very large belly.