A Torey Hope Novel Series: The Complete 4-Book Box Set

by A. D. Ellis

  Turning to the officers Jeremiah shouted gruffly, “She just admitted to it! Get in there and get my son and wife!” Dropping to one knee he prayed. He prayed like he hadn’t prayed since Beck was in the hospital four years ago. “God, please bring them out to me safely. Please, I can’t live without them. Please watch over the two of them and protect them.” He felt hands on his shoulders and back as his parents, Audrey’s dad, Nate, Libby, and the Morgans came over to stand with him. He knew this was as hard on them as it was on him.

  They heard a shuffle coming over the wire. Audrey’s voice whispered ever so softly, “Beck run as fast as you can to the doors when I say go.”

  “What did you just tell him, you bitch!? He’s not getting away! He’s my only shot at getting the money I need! Beckett, you better not try anything or I will hurt your mom and your dad.” Shelly had lost it completely. Ever grateful that she hadn’t planned far enough ahead to bring a weapon, he just prayed that the officers could get to her before she tried using brute force; she was a lot bigger than Audrey.

  “Miss Shelly, please don’t hurt my mom and dad. You’ve already hurt them enough and if you hurt them more it’s just going to hurt you. You need to try being nice to people. When you’re nice to other people, they will be nice to you.” Beck’s sweet little voice spoke so plainly and calmly.

  “Yeah, well, people stopped being nice to me a long time ago. So there’s no reason for me to be nice to anyone now. I just need the money and I’ll leave.” Shelly scraped her chair back and stood from the sound of it. They all would have preferred she stay sitting so that Beck had a head start on her once Audrey told him to run.

  “Ma’am, I need you to put your hands on your head and turn around slowly.” Hearing the officers arrive on the scene was one of the sweetest sounds in the world. But, he knew not to celebrate yet; they didn’t have Shelly in custody yet.

  “You dirty whore! You called the cops!? I thought you said we could work this all out!? You are a fucking liar and that’s what you’re teaching my son!”

  Shelly must have rushed at Audrey because Audrey screamed, “GO! Run, Beckett! Run as fast as you can! Go!!” Jeremiah’s breath caught again because he knew Beckett couldn’t run very fast; his only chance of getting away was if Audrey stopped Shelly. But, for Audrey to stop Shelly there was a risk of her getting hurt.

  A struggle and many voices exploded over the wire. His world stopped; he didn’t have his son and he didn’t know what was happening to his wife.

  Tears fell from his eyes as Beckett walked from the store holding the hand of an officer just as he heard, “You are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent…..” crackle over the wire.

  Dropping to his knees and he took Beckett in his arms holding him like he never wanted to let him go. Jeremiah kept the boy in his arms as he listened to the rest of the scene play out over the wire.

  “You were horrible to Jeremiah from the moment you two hooked up. You demeaned him by sleeping with anyone who would have you and your bad decisions left him with a special needs baby who you couldn’t even stick around to get to know. You’ve threatened him and our son. You’ve broken a restraining order. You drugged me as an act of karma. You kidnapped MY son! So, Shelly, if karma really does come to those who deserve it, you better watch your back in prison because she’s going to come for you tenfold. Don’t you EVER threaten me or my family again!” A loud, reverberating smack filled the air over the crackle of the wire and Shelly’s scream followed. Jeremiah had to laugh through his tears knowing how good Audrey had to feel getting all of that out before they took Shelly away.

  Jeremiah carried his son towards the store, stopping before arriving at the entrance so the little boy wouldn’t see his birthmother escorted out in handcuffs and wouldn’t have to hear the trash that would more than likely pour from her mouth.

  Standing near the store, hidden a bit by a concrete post, they waited for their world to walk towards them. When she came into sight, Jeremiah’s cheeks were instantly wet with tears. “She’s ok, Daddy, she did a good job.” Beckett wiped the tears and hugged his father’s neck.

  Striding the last few steps toward her as she ran to meet them, Jeremiah wrapped her in his arms and the three of them just stood quietly together, crying. Eventually, the rest of the group arrived, having felt they’d given them all the private time they could manage at a time like this.

  Libby and Audrey hugged, cried, and laughed through their tears. “I don’t condone violence, Audrey, but I heard that slap all the way out here and I wanted to cheer!” Libby wiped the tears from her face and snuggled into Nate’s arms. He reached an arm out for Audrey and hugged her to his side. “I know we’ve got a hell of a past, but I’m really proud of you and I’m happy that you’re moving on from the past. It’s time to let it all go. Great job in there, those two guys are lucky to have you.” A kiss to her head and Nate sent her into the arms of her dad and the Morgans and the Jordans. Before long, though, she was back in Jeremiah’s arms. He felt as though he would never be able to let her or Beck out of his sight; he already knew he’d be taking the rest of the week off so they could sort through the emotions that were sure to come crashing down pretty soon, once the adrenaline wore off. He also knew, since the flashback of one of his nightmares from overseas had come back to haunt him just minutes before, that he should probably look into talking to someone about all of that. Maybe Audrey’s Dr. Xander could help? Better yet, maybe the three of them could have some sessions and he could have some sessions on his own.

  He held Beckett so that his back was to the squad car as Shelly was loaded into it. She was quiet but the crushed, defeated look in her eyes was haunting. Where had things gone so wrong for her? He didn’t blame himself because she was messed up before him, but it had gotten worse with each passing day. Was she salvageable? Worth it? Should he hope she got the help she needed so that Beck could have a relationship with her some day? He knew he wanted to say no, but he knew that his son would vote that people can change and always deserve a second chance. The question, though, was did Shelly desire a second chance?

  He insisted on taking both Audrey and Beckett to the hospital for a quick check up. They were both cleared easily and the family of three headed home. With the adrenaline rush gone, all three of them were exhausted. They cuddled up on the couch for a movie but they were all asleep within minutes. Hours later, Jeremiah woke with a crick in his neck and felt like he was going to burst into flames he was so hot; between a blanket, his warm wife, and his furnace of a child he was sweating. He gathered Beckett up and carried him to his own bed, the child didn’t even stir. Returning to the couch, he gathered Audrey in his arms and carried her to their bed. In the morning he had plans for this warm body, but for the rest of the night they needed to sleep.

  Chapter 37

  Audrey

  I woke slowly, as if still partially in a dream world. I heard soft little squeals and giggles coming from far away; a deeper chuckle joined in and I knew my two boys were playing. I stretched in the bed, forcing the tension and exhaustion of the previous day from my body. Pushing it from my mind would take a lot longer; we had a family session with Dr. X lined up for this afternoon. After our family therapy, JJ would stay for an individual session; I think he has a lot from overseas that still haunts him and needs to be dealt with. The situation with Shelly brought it all crashing to the front of his mind again.

  “Hey, where are my two favorite boys?” I smiled through the words and waited for the footsteps I knew I’d hear soon. Right on cue, I heard pitter-patters down the hall followed by the heavier steps of my husband. Beckett scrambled up into the bed and curled up under the blanket with me. JJ stood in the doorway, looking too beautiful for words. He just leaned against the door frame, holding his coffee, staring at me. The love communicated from that one look was almost more than I could handle. If our son wasn’t right here, I’d have all sorts of ideas on what I could do to him, but that would have to wait. Reading
my mind completely, JJ winked at me and set his coffee cup down. He crawled up the bed, his eyes on mine, and my body warmed. My mind was in all sorts of dirty places right then. He chuckled and winked again, “Later, Sweets, plenty of time for that. Now, scoot over so I can cuddle up with my toaster and mini-toaster. You two almost roasted me like a baked potato last night.” Beckett laughed like that was the funniest thing he’d ever heard. I smiled and whispered in my husband’s ear, “Just wait until you feel how hot I am later.” He groaned and captured my mouth with his. Just as his tongue began to tease my lips open, Beckett interrupted, “Nicky and I want you to have a baby. Will all of that kissing help?”

  Laughing, I took the hands of both of my boys. I recalled the day that a beautiful little boy took my hand at the center and gave me advice that started me on a deeper road to healing. This one little boy helped me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed help. He brought me to his father. He convinced me that I deserved a second chance. My past is just that, my past. My present and my future are full of hope and love and it’s all because of one little boy. All because of Beckett.

  Epilogue

  Some Time Later

  The three women sat and watched as their husbands walked through the park, heading towards the family picnic they had laid out. None of the three ladies could focus on anything but the men walking towards them. Was there anything sexier, hotter, or more touching than a gorgeous man carrying a baby or holding a child’s hand all while his eyes communicated his love to the woman he walked toward? These ladies didn’t think they’d ever seen it if there was.

  Perhaps the reader is wondering who these three ladies are and who these three men are? And children? Maybe you’d like a little backstory to get you caught up? Well, I will let each of the three ladies and men tell you their summary version of the rest of their story.

  Nate

  Libby and I got married which you all know. When we last left you, my Libby-girl was very pregnant with our first child. We had a beautiful baby girl we named Abigail Emerson. Libby never went back to full time at The Center but she still works there part time. Abby has grown up going to The Center with her mom and she loves it there. When Abby was three, Libby surprised me with a positive pregnancy test right before our monthly date night. I was thrilled, I loved being a father. Libby was less than thrilled to find out we were having twins. She had been pretty uncomfortable during her pregnancy with Abby and she wasn’t looking forward to a double-dose of it all. Luckily, she didn’t suffer any more with our boys than she did with Abby. She says she was the size of a house, but I thought she was still the most gorgeous, sexy pregnant woman I had ever seen. Carrying twins didn’t do anything to diminish her pregnancy sex drive and Maverick and I were happy to oblige her.

  So, now we have almost four-year-old Abby and two-month-old twin boys. Decker Nathaniel was born first and Sawyer Nicholas was right behind him. They are identical down to their dimples and birthmarks. Being a twin myself, I think it’s pretty damn awesome that we had twin boys. I feel blessed that all three of my kids are healthy and happy. Nicky was at the hospital when the twins were born and he was so worried that one of them would be different like him. He’s in love with those boys, just like Abby has him wrapped around her little finger. And he’s still best buddies with Beckett. But now he has other things on his mind. I’ll let him tell his part of the story, but I’ll tell you my part in it.

  Honestly, Nicky’s story took a turn I never saw coming. He was a perfect fit at The Center and I was so proud of all the great work he was doing there. But then, something happened and it blew me away. I will say that I could have maybe handled it better when I first heard about it. Luckily, Libby was there to calm me down and get me focused on the positive. She sternly told me that none of this was about me and that Nicky needed my support. God, I love that woman.

  So, yeah, I’m still a school counselor. Libby is a part time stay-at-home mom. We are blessed and beyond happy. My children and Libby are my life.

  Libby

  Well, there’s not a whole lot to add to what my gorgeous husband just told you. I can’t believe he always manages to slip Maverick and pregnant sex into his stories! How about we keep a few things private, Nate?

  There is absolutely nothing more amazing and tear-inducing than watching my husband with our children. Shirtless, flat on the couch, letting the boys sleep on his chest. Crouched under a blanket with Abby listening to her tell a story. Naked in all his glory taking one baby from me as he hands me the slippery clean one; Nate loves showers with the boys. I think that’s because they get sleepy after a shower and they usually sleep in their bassinets in our room for at least 30 minutes and he and I tend to end up in the shower together while Abby naps. We strategically plan the boys’ shower time around Abby’s nap time.

  Nate is so perfect with our children. He’s also a great uncle to his nephews and niece.

  He didn’t handle things well when he first learned about some things going on with Nicky. I think the whole situation took most of us by surprise; Audrey wasn’t really surprised I don’t think. I think she had been hoping for this and was the first and biggest supporter of Nicky.

  Once we got over the shock, we realized that what was happening was natural and good and we are nothing but supportive of it all. I’ll let Nicky tell his own story though.

  Audrey

  That’s right, I saw it coming; in fact, I’d been hoping for it for a while. It’s not my story to tell, but you’re going to love it.

  As for me, I am in love with my husband more today than I ever thought I could be. I’m also in love with being Beckett’s mommy. But, along with getting to be Beckett’s mommy, I get to be mommy to the most gorgeous two-year-old baby girl on the planet. All of that kissing finally paid off; at least that’s what Beck tells people. Jeremiah and I finally got that baby we’d been trying so hard for; our little girl is named Megan Elise. She’s absolutely the most adorable little thing I’ve ever seen. Don’t get me wrong, Abby is precious and Decker and Sawyer are to die for, but I am mad about my little girl. Beckett feels the same way; he’s so very good with her at all times. I swear he taught her to walk; he’s so patient with her and she adores him. The only person Meg adores more than her big brother is her daddy. If I thought Jeremiah was the perfect parent with Beck, he’s a thousand times more protective over his baby girl. Maybe it’s because I didn’t see him with an infant or toddler Beckett, but he always seemed to just let Beck explore and knew he’d know his own boundaries. Not with Megan; he’s got an eagle eye on her at all times. I swear he would have breastfed her if he’d been able; he settled for the bottles I pumped for him.

  Jeremiah and Beckett and I were released from our family therapy about two months after the Shelly incident. It probably would have been sooner but Shelly committed suicide by taking a bunch of pills smuggled to her by another inmate and then hung herself when it appeared the pills weren’t going to do the job. It was shocking for Jeremiah and I and we were worried about how Beckett would take it. We continued talking to Dr. Xander for a while after that. It was sad that a life was lost, but we had always wondered if she even wanted to be saved. It was still a mystery as to what caused her downward spiral. Beck took it pretty well, which didn’t surprise us; the child is amazing. I think about Shelly from time-to-time; the way her life ended and what she was messed up in could have been me. If Beth hadn’t stepped in, if it weren’t for Nicky and because of Beckett and if I hadn’t met Jeremiah, I may have traveled further and further down that destructive path I was on. I truly count my blessings every day for second chances.

  Jeremiah

  Yeah, yeah, I’m a protective daddy. It’s just something about a tiny baby girl that brings out my Papa Bear instinct, I can’t help it.

  Audrey wrapped our story up pretty well. She’s got the most sought after party planning business in Torey Hope and people from surrounding towns come to her as well. I’m still at the same job, senior IT manager. We are
stable and secure and so very happy. Now that Megan is two I think we need to start thinking about adding another one to our crew. I’m thinking another boy, that way Meg would have a dad and two brothers watching over her. I added a tattoo of her feet right next to Beck’s on my chest. I finished my tattoos off, for now, with an angel way down low where only Audrey will ever see it. I had her write “My Sweetest Angel” in her prettiest writing and then used that as the font for the words over the angel. It’s pretty damn cool if you ask me. Audrey thinks it’s a waste that only she gets to see it, but I like the fact that it’s there just for her.

  Speaking of Meg’s brother, Beckett is excelling in ways we never thought possible. He will never be the fastest runner. He’ll carry the scar on his lip for the rest of his life more than likely. His hearing will never get better; the hearing aid is permanent. Unless they perfect an eye surgery for his type of vision problem, he’ll always need massive correction on his vision. But, our boy is in school and doing just fine. He struggles with reading and numbers, but he works hard with his Special Education teacher to overcome the challenges. The ironic thing is that he struggles with numbers, but he grasps math concepts that even some adults find too abstract. He loves to sing and draw and play imaginary games, but he also loves to read and learn about factual topics as well. Today I caught him singing Puff the Magic Dragon to Megan while he flipped through a book about how sand gets turned into glass. He’s such a contradiction in and of himself. He loves all of his cousins and aunts and uncles. He’s blessed to have not only his Grandpa Decker and Grandparents Jordan, but he gets a bonus with his Grandparents Morgan, we don’t count the fact that there’s no true relation there, they are family. Period.