Scarred

by K. Webster

  “Your dad took your mom home. She had gotten herself so worked up that she had a migraine. He practically had to drag her out of here though because she didn’t want to leave you. They told you goodbye but you were in your zone,” Andi told me softly.

  “Are you the family of Olive Redding?” a voice asked us.

  Swiveling toward the voice, I stalked over to the female doctor. She looked quite drained, and my stomach dropped.

  “She’ll be my wife soon and she’s the mother of my baby,” I confirmed softly. Please, God, let her be okay. She wanted to wait until we’d had the baby to get married, but I’d been ready since the day she moved in with me. If I lost the woman who was supposed to be my wife, I would never recover.

  “My name is Dr. Winston. Sir, can we speak privately?” she asked quietly, eyes darting over at Andi and Pepper beside me.

  “It’s okay, just tell me now. Is she okay? Is the baby okay?”

  “Sir, we managed to stop the bleeding and she is now stabilized in ICU. But I’m afraid she had some complications. Since she was eight months pregnant—”

  Complications? Was eight months pregnant as in no longer pregnant with our baby? My stomach dropped as my knees weakened, and I fell to them. Not our baby.

  Losing all focus of what she was saying, I thought back to the first time I felt little A.B. move in her belly a couple of months ago.

  “Bray, hurry!” Olive screeched.

  Afraid that she was hurt, I ran out of the bathroom still dripping wet from my shower with my towel tied around my waist.

  “What is it, baby? Are you okay?” I asked, coming to her bedside.

  Instead of answering me, she snatched my hand and brought it to her belly. At first, I didn’t feel anything, but suddenly something bumped my palm. My eyes flew to hers.

  “Is that A.B. kicking?” I asked excitedly.

  She nodded with a huge grin on her face. I kissed her belly where my baby just kicked and was awarded another soft kick to my lips this time.

  “Hey there, little guy. Daddy loves you,” I told my son. When I peeked up at Olive, she rolled her eyes but was still smiling. She thinks it is silly for me to call the baby a boy when we have no idea of the sex. This was our first real family moment, and my heart swelled with pride. Trailing kisses up her bare, scarred belly, I made my way up to her now larger breasts. I pulled up her tank and freed her breasts, taking one into my mouth.

  “Oh, Bray,” she moaned softly. Suddenly my towel was pulled from my waist.

  Noticing the heat in her eyes, I stood up and slid her panties down her legs. After I tossed them on the floor, I climbed onto the bed and sat on my knees, admiring her beauty. Her eyes fell to my cock and she bit her lip.

  Spreading her legs, I brought my face to her sweet pussy, dragging my tongue up her slit.

  “Bray,” she moaned and gripped onto my hair.

  Using my thumbs, I spread her apart to give myself better access. Diving in again so I could enjoy the taste of her, I began the series of swirls and flicks that I knew drove her crazy. Within minutes, she was screaming my name and losing control beneath me. I would never grow tired of giving this beautiful woman orgasms.

  Sitting up, I brought my cock between her legs and teased her wet entrance with the tip. She wrapped her long legs around me and urged me closer by digging her heels into my back. Careful not to hurt her, I slowly sank myself into her swollen heat. Recently, she’d become insatiable with our lovemaking. The doctor told us that it was normal and that she might experience more pleasure due to the increased blood flow in that area. Boy was she right.

  Once I was completely seated inside her, I leaned over and kissed her lips. Her belly had gotten just big enough to poke mine while we made love. As our tongues intertwined and teased each other, I thrust into her slowly.

  “I love you, Olive,” I groaned against her lips as my orgasm quickly made its way to me.

  “I love you too, Bray,” she mewled as a shudder passed through her.

  Her pussy clenched tightly around my dick, indicating her climax, which pushed me over the edge. My own hot release shot into her. We happily rode out the aftershocks together while little A.B. kicked me through her belly, making us both chuckle.

  “Bray?” Andi asked quietly, pulling me from my memories. Memories that only seemed like yesterday.

  I was still on my knees, but the doctor no longer stood before me. Andi had pulled a chair over to me and was sitting in it, patting my back.

  “How is Olive? Where did the doctor go?” I demanded, my voice rising as I realized I’d completely zoned out on the doctor.

  “She’s stable. We can see her soon. Dr. Winston said they did the best they could to save—”

  And once again, I completely checked out, not wanting to hear the words.

  My throat was so dry. If only I could get something to drink. What was that beeping noise I was hearing? I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. Dragging my eyes open, I took a moment to adjust to my scenery. I was in a hospital room. Had I had the baby? Bray was sprawled out on the small sofa in the room, snoring softly.

  Glancing down at my flattened belly under the sheets, I suddenly felt sick as I remembered Drake and the fall down the stairs. If I’d had the baby, wouldn’t there be people everywhere congratulating me? Where was my baby? The monitors started beeping loudly and a nurse rushed in to my side.

  “Hi there, young lady. I’m your nurse, Heather. How are you feeling?” she asked as she came over to my bedside.

  Ignoring her gentle greeting, I launched right into my questions. “Where’s my baby? Is my baby okay?” I rasped out.

  Frowning, she patted my leg before heading to the door. “Dr. Winston wanted to talk to you when you woke up. I’m going to go grab her real quick and let her explain what happened.”

  Explain what happened? God, no. Not again. Tears rolled down my face, and I was helpless to stop them. A silent sob escaped me, and I felt pain in my abdomen. My poor baby. Little A.B.

  Dr. Winston walked back over to the bed, a somber look on her face. Turning away from her, I focused on Bray, who was still sleeping on the sofa. His large body seemed to swallow the little sofa underneath him. The way his long legs hung off the end normally would have had me laughing. But not today.

  “Miss Redding, do you know what happened?” she asked gently.

  I forced my gaze back to her, not wanting to hear the words she had to say.

  “My ex, Drake, pushed me down the stairs,” I whispered, once again looking over at Bray.

  “I was afraid of that, honey. Remember, I was on your case last time you were here. Listen, I need to tell you something. When you fell, your uterus tore and you hemorrhaged badly. Because of that, you required surgery and a blood transfusion. We nearly lost you on the table, Miss Redding. It’s a miracle you are even alive after all the blood loss. However, we did have a major complication. We had to remove—”

  My wails cut her off. I couldn’t hear about how she’d had to remove my dead child. It would mean it was finally real. She was speaking rapidly, trying to calm me down, but all I could think about was my little A.B. Two large hands gently stroked my wet cheeks and lifted my face. Bray’s teary eyes met my own.

  “God, baby, I was so worried about you. I love you so much, Olive. I would have been destroyed had anything happened to you,” he told me and kissed my lips. Everything about him served to comfort me. His voice. His smell. His touch.

  “Bray, I’m sorry. He took another baby from me. I hate him,” I sobbed.

  “Shit, Olive. I’m so sorry. I was so worried about you that I didn’t even mention our baby. Olive, she’s safe. She’s in the nursery waiting for Mommy to wake up. Even though she came a little earlier than we expected, she was far enough along that she’ll be fine. Babe, she’s absolutely beautiful,” he grinned, eyes shining with pride.

  “She? My baby is safe? I don’t understand,” I told him confusedly and brought my gaze back to Dr. Winston.
/>
  She sat on the side of my bed and took hold of my hand, much like a mother should in this sort of situation. “Miss Redding, I was trying to explain to you that we had to remove your uterus during surgery. It was damaged beyond repair. Your baby girl is perfect but I’m incredibly sorry—you won’t be able to conceive again.”

  My heart sank at the prospect of never having any more children again. But when I thought about how my child was safe, I pushed through the pain. At least I had my little girl.

  “I want to see her,” I whispered to her as tears fell down my cheeks.

  She squeezed my hand and smiled before leaving the room.

  “Olive?” Bray asked. Turning to him, I could see worry etched all over his face. “What do you mean he took another baby from you?”

  Shame poured over me. I had wanted to carry that secret to my grave, but now I had to tell him. “That night that he carved me and beat me severely, I managed to escape. The hospital stitched me up, but they told me I was pregnant and had lost the baby. I couldn’t protect my baby from him. Just like today.”

  Fury painted his face as he growled his next words. “Just like today? What do you mean just like today? Olive, did he push you down the stairs?” He was scowling and his jaw clicked furiously as he waited for my explanation.

  “He accosted me in the stairwell. I was able to free myself, but then he shoved me down the stairs. Bray, I can’t live my life always worrying about if he will try to hurt me or our baby,” I sighed.

  “He’s going down for this, baby. I promise.” The look on his face told me that I could wholeheartedly believe him.

  “Miss Redding, we have a surprise for you,” the nurse named Heather chirped as she wheeled in a cart into our room. She picked up a bundled little thing wearing a pink stocking cap.

  My heart fluttered as I realized I was about to hold my little baby. I flicked my gaze over to Bray, whose face was overcome with joy.

  She pulled a tiny foot from the blanket to reveal a bracelet on my baby’s ankle. “Hold your wrist up,” she instructed. I did as I was told, and when our bracelets came near one another, they made a musical chime, indicating that she was definitely my baby. But as Heather carefully transferred my baby to my arms, my heart knew she was all mine—no bracelets needed.

  “She’s beautiful,” I whispered as tears filled my eyes. Quickly, I blinked them away so I could see her better.

  Her skin was lighter than my chocolate-colored flesh but darker than Bray’s. She was the color of coffee with cream. Perfect. I grinned as I marveled at her hair. She had so much of it. It was a pale brown color—again, a perfect blend of Bray and me.

  Bringing my lips to her forehead, I kissed her softly. “Abigail Constance Greene.” It wasn’t a question or a request—it was an announcement of her name. In that moment, it had just come to me. We’d been calling her A.B. ever since the first ultrasound, so Abby was a fitting nickname. And she would be named after her Granny as well.

  “I love it, babe. It’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl,” he praised and carefully stroked her soft hair.

  Her face scrunched up at the sound of his voice, and she squinted open her eyes. We gasped at how pale blue they were—such a contrast to her skin.

  “I’m going to have to buy a shotgun,” he chuckled. She would most definitely grow to be strikingly exotic and unique.

  This moment was perfect—just the three of us. And it lasted all of two seconds before someone burst in the door.

  “Aunt Pepper’s here!” Pepper announced, her arms full of shopping bags. “Once we found out you had a girl, I couldn’t bear for my niece to wear some stupid green and yellow shit. I come bearing gifts—gifts of the pink, frilly variety.”

  Bray and I chuckled as she set her bags down on the couch and hurried over to us. Jordan followed inside with more sacks.

  “Pepper, you shouldn’t have. Really,” I told her.

  She waved me away and bent over to get a closer look at Abby. “Oh, Olive. She’s gorgeous! Who’s the dad?” she teased, winking at Bray. He chuckled from beside me. Things with them seemed lighter. I guess bringing a baby into the picture will do that to you.

  Moments later, Andi and her real aunt Opal came in along with Jackson. The girls all tried to quiet their squeals, but it was hard not to get excited. Abby slept peacefully in my arms while everyone chatted away happily, crammed into the small rom. Bray kissed her forehead and then mine before ushering Jackson and Jordan out into the hallway.

  The door opened again and Connie flew in with a grin that stretched across her face.

  “Oh, Olive, she’s precious. I can see so much of my Brayden in her. You did well, kid,” she told me and winked.

  “Her name’s Abigail Constance. Would you like to hold her?” I asked.

  Her eyes misted as she realized we’d named Abby after her. Nodding happily, she took her from my arms and snuggled her close.

  “Hi there, sweet baby girl. Granny is going to spoil you rotten,” she purred as she rocked her granddaughter. Abby let out a sigh and we all laughed.

  The guys came back inside, all frowning, but once Bray made it back over to my bed, he shone with happiness once again. I let him kiss me, and I once again marveled at my perfect little family.

  After everyone left for the evening and Olive was asleep, I called Jordan as I slipped out of the room.

  “Hey, what did your father-in-law say?” I asked him as I sat down in a chair outside the room.

  “He talked to his PI that he used for Elizabeth when Cole was stalking her and he’s already been digging. Turns out, Drake has been missing a lot of photo shoots he’s been scheduled for. Just yesterday, one of his bigger contracts was discontinued because of that. The PI said that people were saying he’s been a loose cannon as of late. One of the younger models hasn’t shown up for work in days. Do you think Drake could have her? Are you going to call the police?” he asked.

  I rubbed my free hand through my hair. I’d never considered that Drake might just keep doing evil shit to women. Once we rescued Opal from his clutches, I’d hope that had been the end of it. I had always assumed that he was just obsessed with Olive.

  “Jordan, why don’t you call your father-in-law since he’s chummy with the judges and see if they can get a search warrant. I’ll call my contact at the police station that we talked to last time Drake harassed Olive. It doesn’t sit well with me that this fucker tried to kill my girlfriend and my daughter and is walking around a free man. With the other model missing, that fucker might just have her stowed away like he had done with Opal and Olive. It would be ideal if we could catch the asshole in the act. They’d surely put his ass away and without bail. Call your father-in-law and I’ll call my contact. Text me after. Thanks, Jordan. You’re a good friend.”

  After I hung up, I snuck back into the room. Olive’s nurse had come in and given her something for the pain, so she was completely out of it. We had sent Abby back to the nursery so she could sleep. Kissing Olive softly on the forehead, I slipped back out of the room and headed to the police station.

  “Baby, wake up,” I whispered against Olive’s lips.

  She blinked them open and smiled as she kissed me. “You’re up early, and I see you’ve already sent for Abby,” she giggled. Abby was drinking from the bottle I was holding. We’d already spent most of the morning staring at each other. I loved the way she would scrunch up her nose whenever I would talk to her. She’d been around for less than twenty-four hours and she was already my whole world.

  After she finished the bottle and I burped her like her nurse Heather had shown me, I put her in Olive’s arms. Olive gazed lovingly at our daughter.

  “Babe, I have good news,” I began, barely able to contain my excitement.

  She kissed Abby and looked up at me, waiting for me to go on.

  “He’s in jail without bail,” I beamed at her.

  “Who? Drake? How?” she asked, shocked.

  Grinning at her, I sat do
wn and stroked her cheek. “Olive, last night, a lot of people worked together to put him away. After talking with the police with Opal, they were able to use Pepper’s dad’s connection and get ahold of a judge really late who signed off on a search warrant. The police arrested him once they found a beaten woman tied to his bed. There’s so much evidence stacked against him. He’ll be going to jail for a long time.” I left out the part where they had found an entire wall of photos of her in the spare room—the fucker had even had a copy of our sonogram. It chilled me to know how he’d obtained that.

  Her eyes filled with tears and she grinned broadly at me. “I love you, Brayden Greene. From that moment you walked into my life, I’ve been smitten. Thank you for being exactly what I need and more than I ever wanted.”

  I brought my face close to hers and captured her mouth with mine. Our tongues danced together before I sucked on her lip and pulled away to look at her.

  “Olive, I love you too. I vow to always protect you girls. You both are my whole world. And as soon as we get out of this place, you’re going to marry me,” I informed her.

  She giggled, but it died in her throat when I pulled out the ring I’d picked out several weeks ago and eased it on her finger.

  “Olive Redding, will you marry me?” I whispered simply and kissed her chastely on her lips.

  One word changed my life forever. She kissed me deeply before finally giving me my answer.

  “Yes.”

  Six weeks later…

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride,” the judge told us.

  We’d opted for a simple wedding at the courthouse, but it was perfect. Bray brought his hands to my neck and pulled me to him. His lips met mine with a gently urgency, marking me as his wife. I fingered the chain around my neck until I found the angel wings and rubbed them. Not long after we’d gotten home from the hospital, Bray had given me the necklace in memory of the baby I had lost. It was the best gift I had ever received from anyone.