Haven

by J D Worth

  “That’s what family does for one another ’round here. Boyce helps when he can. Boyce and Walt should’ve had a shitload of kids, but surrogacies cost lots of money. That’s why Walt headed up your way. New York was a way for him to earn enough money for the future he wanted, and he met Boyce. They busted their asses and were all set when they came back here to live off one income.”

  “Given the timing of Aiden’s birthday, my mother would’ve been down here the summer he was born. She always loved children, even went to the library to volunteer. She must’ve loved having Aiden around as a newborn.”

  “Actually, everyone dropped what they were doing on the cottage ’cause Martin had to be up at Mercy after Aiden came early and spent over a month in the NICU.”

  “Oh, my goodness. All of that and they still completed the cottage.”

  “The Kingfields needed the paycheck.” Mace reminds me. I shake my head at myself. They had no choice. Martin and Marlene had a preemie who required a long hospital stay, which had to be expensive. “By then, your momma’s sickness was taking a serious toll on her, so she couldn’t help much. She insisted they bring Aiden to the cottage, and she’d rock him for hours while they wrapped up the interior. By that point, Marlene was forced to head to the country to take care of her momma.”

  “Marlene left Martin that soon after Aiden was born?” I gasp. “How could she do that to her family?”

  “Audrey, stop and think ’bout what you said.” Mace’s voice is patient as I tilt my head at him. “Both of our mommas left us for different reasons too.”

  I press into the back of my seat as understanding filters through me. “That was my elitist life talking. In my world, we don’t worry about bills or sky high health care costs. Nannies always take care of children in lieu of parents,” I say, disappointment rings deep in my voice. “I’m seeing what happens today when you have to scramble for childcare, especially if you’re a single parent. Martin has to rely on friends and family to make his family work after Marlene was forced to leave. I was unfair to judge Marlene. Of course, she would do what is best for her family. Martin is more than capable of taking care of the boys while she’s the only one who can care for her poor mother. My mother did the same. I was cared for in Italy while she was trying to relocate our lives here.” I swallow a painful reality. “Even if I don’t like my mother’s choices, I can look at the issues now without anger and see how difficult her decisions were. Marlene’s as well.”

  “Here, we make the sacrifices we have to for our families. In your world, folks make sacrifices on purpose and all for the mighty dollar. It’s not you, Princess, who couldn’t make friends. How could those kids you grew up with bond with anyone? Right from birth, their parents hand ’em over to strangers for rearing. I’ll never understand how wealth is more important than family ever could be. Love does not come with a price tag.”

  I think back to the frigid upper crest lifestyle compared to all the warmth I’ve felt here. My father dismissing me to Harvard mirrors his experience with Warren. I share, “I can’t understand how my mother could stomach our high society lifestyle. Not after exposed to this way of life, and the values her parents instilled within her. She was actually dying then, and she stepped up to help a vulnerable newborn. I recall being angry with her because I hardly heard from her during that time. I was also traveling and enjoying my few friends I had made. She knew I was fine and gave me the freedom I didn’t know I needed then to grow up. I look back now”—I shake my head at myself—“and wonder how I could be so angry when she was a saint? She always put others above herself. My mother was the true moral compass of our family. Shows how far I need to stride in her direction.”

  “People have to deal with all kinds of sickness, Audrey, so things are never that simple in life. Marlene’s coming in tonight to take care of Aiden. Cal’s Gram has Alzheimer, and she’s been in a bad way the last few years. Marlene helped how she could, and Charlotte was glad to care for Aiden. They worked as a team. It was an amazing relationship to see unfold. Aiden brought your momma so much joy and hope. Charlotte had a new spring in her step. To the point, we were all hoping her cancer took a miraculous remission of some kind. Sadly, that was not the case, but not for one moment did she ever stop thinking ’bout you. Emotional ties bind us in the deepest ways possible. The love we share doesn’t stop when someone dies, it keeps going, living inside us as long as we let it.”

  “And I am guilty of letting my mother’s love fade.” I fiddle with my fingers as Lilith’s stern smile flashes in my head. I look out the window, yet my steely visage reflects back at me. Am I destined to become Lilith? The waging battle of my mind and heart has only begun. I’m reclaiming life for myself and uncovering more of my past, including who my mother really was and the legacy of love she left behind.

  “Your cottage holds a lot of emotional ties. Two families were dealing with major life crises at the same time. That bonds people tight for a long, long time. Seeing you create happy new memories at the cottage means the world to Martin and Cal.”

  Meeting his knowing eyes, I say, “I’ve been the happiest here since my mother was alive.” Crinkle lines forms around his smiling eyes. I glance at Aiden’s angelic sleeping form. My heart warms, knowing my mother fell in love with all the people she met in this special place. I can’t deny I’m doing the same. Gazing back at Mace, this connection may be his ace of hearts. The more ground I claim for myself, the harder it is for the Asters to rule my life.

  Mace carries the waking sleepyhead into the diner. Deloris already has a booster seat propped in the same booth Mace and I were in not so long ago, spreading out crayons and coloring pages for Aiden. Mace orders a bowl of homemade macaroni with baked cheese and a fruit salad for Aiden. I try Mace’s usual order of a slow cooked, pulled pork barbeque dinner. My heart tugs, watching the nurturing interactions between Mace and Aiden.

  After lunch, Mace drives us to the hardware store and picks up a dump truck and plastic sand toys. He grabs his Jeep and meets us back at the cottage. Mace brings bucket loads of sand for Aiden so we can play in my shaded yard, settling in for the long sweltering afternoon. By early evening, I’m tuckered out when Martin retrieves Aiden.

  “Thanks, Audrey,” he says as I hand over Aiden’s bag.

  Beaming because I conquered another first, I offer, “I’m free tomorrow if you need me.”

  “Marlene, my ex, drove in when she heard ’bout Phil. Gertie and Phil are old friends of the family. She’s taking Aiden back with her tonight. Her momma has Alzheimer’s, so they can’t stay. Boyce will be back and can take him next week.”

  “Oh, okay. How is your friend Phil doing?”

  “Thanks for asking.” He sighs. “Looks like Phil will have surgery up at Mercy General, but he should be fine. Gertie will be out all week with him. Her granddaughter is coming up from Florida for the summer to lend ’em a hand with household errands and what not. Gertie said her granddaughter will be delighted to watch Aiden and make a little extra money for college. I think we’ll be good till Phil’s better, and Gertie can come back.”

  “Anytime, Martin. He really is a delight.” I smile down at Aiden playing peek-a-boo behind my legs with his father, who kneels down and playfully covers his eyes. “Aiden and I had fun today. Right, Little Buddy?” I ask as he hugs my legs. I reach down and rove the soft curls on his head again. Aiden grins up at me, and my heart swells again. Why was I so terrified before of children? Just being around them makes you smile nonstop.

  Wearing his dimpled grin, he asks, “Aubry, read wory?”

  Better able to decipher his words after spending the day with him, I bend down to his level. “Would you like me to read another story next time you come and play, Little Buddy?” He takes his time exaggerating his nod. I glance over to Martin. “We read so many stories that he fell asleep on me at the library before Mace came to my rescue.”

  “She did right fine, Martin.”

  “Good
to hear, son.” Martin claps Mace on his shoulder.

  “Yes, sir, it is.” Mace winks at Aiden. “I’m gonna get you, buddy.” Aiden squeals with laughter, running around the truck. Mace scoops him up and tickles him so that he’s giggling by the time he’s in the booster seat.

  “I’m here for the summer, Martin. If you ever need someone for him again, please call me.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind, Audrey. Looks like he had a good time today. Thanks again.” Martin ducks to his truck, and they head out.

  Mace encases me within his arms. “Baby shampoo,” he says of Aiden’s lingering scent on my shoulder. He moves the hair back from my neck, nuzzling me with his lips. “Princess.”

  A smile covers my face as I turn to him. “What?”

  Mace reveals a contented grin upon his lips.

  “I know. I’m sheltered.” I tighten my grip around him, enjoying the close contact. “I think childcare is a rite of passage, one of many I missed out on until now.”

  He touches my cheeks. “No, Princess, you’re unbelievable. You stepping up today means a lot. The crew, our neighbors, and family, we’re always there for each other. This is the Haven I know and the Haven you’re starting to understand.” Mace gives me a slow kiss that builds in tension. “You mind if I take a shower? I didn’t get a chance before. I’ve got grime all over me from the garage, topped with sand and dirt.” He flips over his hands, inspecting the grime.

  “I’ve seen your hands much greasier.” I roll my eyes at him. In a teasing fashion, he wipes an imaginary grease spot from my cheek.

  “Then what’s this?” He points to my shirt.

  I surrender with my palms up. My shirt is filthy after playing with Aiden all day. “I’m even dirtier than Aiden was. How is that possible?” Mace chuckles deep in his chest, steering me into the cottage. We shower together and crash in my bed after an exhausting day of chasing around an energetic preschooler.

  I awake much later with Mace’s large arms holding me tight, spooning me. My body buzzes from the intimate skin-to-skin contact. I turn towards him, and he relaxes on his back. I rest my head against his shoulder and drag my fingers over his defined chest, outlining his contours. I follow the fine strip of hair splaying down the deep cut of his pelvis. His cock grows along with the smile on his lips as I dance my fingers over his velvety skin.

  Mace simpers, drawing his eyes open, asking, “You hungry, Princess?” Silky wetness gathers in my pussy as I grip his manhood, moving my hand up his thick length and back down, prolonging his pleasure at a teasing pace.

  “Perhaps I need a taste…” I slide downward and slip his cock into my mouth. Luscious tingles settle deep in my pussy as I take control for once, giving him pleasure. I lick my tongue up and down his shaft and around his head. I suck gently to start, building a rhythm. I slip his cock further into my mouth the braver I get. His cock surges against my tongue as I hit just the right notes.

  “You don’t get a taste without me getting my own.” Mace swings up and maneuvers my body around, driving his tongue to my sex. I gasp. He rumbles a deep laugh that makes my pussy quiver.

  “Neanderthal!”

  “What did I tell you ’bout cupcakes, Princess? I’m gonna fuckin’ savor, and you’re gonna give me your sassy little moans while you come hard against my face.”

  “Fuck.” I buck back as he plummets his tongue deep. I slip his cock back into my mouth, springing my head up and down while I suck. We match our passionate movements, frenzied and absolute. He groans while I gasp in quivering shrieks. I tremble. He holds me tight against his face as I ride the crest of an orgasm.

  Craving a deeper, emotional connection between us, I peel myself from Mace’s body and straddle him.

  Leaning down to kiss him, I rasp, “Paint me white like you want to. We have the summer to be together now, Mace.”

  Mace grips my waist, holding me in place. He flips me onto my stomach, pressing his large body over mine. He breathes into my ear. “You’re playing with fire. I said a taste, not the whole damn cake.” Before I can blink, he walks out the door with his jeans and shirt.

  Stunned by his reaction, I’m slow to lift myself off the bed. I snatch a nearby T-shirt and tiptoe out as he pours a drink at the kitchen island. His back is facing me as I hover against the hallway wall, gauging his reaction. When his eyes find me, he slams his drink down. I jump at the unexpected blunt reaction. Readying himself to leave, he jams his boots on. His loud footsteps reverberate through the quiet cottage. He stalks towards me like a man starving, and I’m his first meal he’s had in a long time. He pushes me up against the wall, boring his eyes into mine.

  “Mace, I want this for us,” I say, resting my hands on his chest. I know what this means, but I can no longer hold myself back from him. My heart is breaking all of the rules, and I’m brave enough to ask him to love me like this.

  Mace’s hand covers my chest before sliding up my neck. He glides his hand higher, cupping the side of my face as his breath evens out. I turn and give the palm of his hand a gentle kiss. “Are you planning to stay here, Princess?”

  “For the summer, yes. Then I have to go back to my life.”

  “I want to love you without conditions,” Mace says, his voice raw.

  I buckle my brows. “What does that mean?”

  He shakes his head at me. “Get dressed before you leave me no choice but to end things on a tragically sour note.”

  A ragged breath squeezes from my chest as I shrink back against the wall. He storms off. With no words or false promises of staying, all I can do is watch his large form retreating, hoping I didn’t push him past the point of no return. Mace converses with Cal outside as their voices drift past the screen door. I rush to my bedroom and throw on yoga pants and a bra. When I emerge, they’re standing by my door while Cal holds a large pizza box.

  Cal says, “Hey, thought I’d stop by with supper. You two gotta be tuckered out. Aiden went down a short while ago, so I know you must’ve had a busy day.” Cal looks between us. I offer a small smile. Mace keeps running his hand through his hair, holding his mouth in a firm line.

  “Got some work at my garage I should finish before tomorrow. You two enjoy the pizza. I’m gonna head out.” Mace charges out the door, leaving the two of us alone.

  Tossing the pizza box on the island, Cal levels his eyes to me. In response, I pull my shoulders tight against my body as if I’m trying to shrink away from him too. “Something going on between you two I should know ’bout?”

  “Cal, everything’s fine. I’m not used to an energetic child. Now I’m exhausted. Thanks for the pizza. You saved me from cooking a meal tonight.”

  “Audrey, what the fuck was that with Mace?” Cal steps into my space, displaying a frosty expression on his face.

  “Nothing!” I reply, my voice comes out too sharp. Cal rears up. His eyes bounce around my cottage as his swipes at his frown.

  He cracks his neck to the left, and then to the right. His steely eyes hammer me to my spot as we stare at each other. “Did Mace ever tell you ’bout his momma?”

  “A little.” I shift in my spot, sensing he’s ready to detonate like a bomb. Cal steadies himself against the fridge. His brows shoot upward, learning Mace has shared that much with me already.

  “She was a good girl waitressing at a gambling joint. Abe had serious dough from his blackjack winnings back then and promised her the world. She was a naive small town gal who tangled with an older man and got herself knocked up. She tried but couldn’t make a life with him, so she walked away instead.”

  “Why didn’t she take Mace?”

  “Turns out, the next guy who offered her the world was far better than Abe ever thought of being. Mace wanted to stay behind, so he forced her out the door. She left brokenhearted and without him.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “In high school, our old coon of a guidance counselor signed Mace up for the SATs. Mace got mighty
pissed. He told the guidance counselor to go to hell and took the damn test to spite him.”

  “And?’

  “His perfect score drew lots of attention. The guidance counselor set him up ’cause of his impressive academic record. Mace is a freakin’ genius. When MIT came a calling, he told ’em to go to hell as well. Other major tech colleges caught wind. So did NASA, Apple, IBM, Boeing, and a shitload of other job recruiters. He told ’em all the same damn thing.” Cal gives me a knowing look.

  “Mace has chosen Haven over all the other opportunities he’s had?”

  “That’s exactly what I’m conveying.”

  “I’m falling in love with him—”

  “Don’t you dare say that aloud, Audrey!” Cal points his finger at me as his face flares red. “You’re a good girl, and you already have a life back in the big city. Mace can’t be the one to save you if that’s what you’re hoping. I’m serious here! Think before you say or do anything stupid. I know your momma tried as best she could to get you outta that life, but this is not the way to go ’bout changing things now. You go to Harvard and get the college education you deserve. You show William and Lilith you got the chops to rule the fuckin’ business world. Only then, you look back and see if the heartache is worth the carnage you’d cause. You can’t have both worlds, and you know that. Look what happened to your momma when she tried.”