Evan (Novella): 3.5 (A Carter Brother Series)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  Knowing she got naked in front of Evan still angers me somewhat. But seeing Lexi now has me realising I’ve not really met the real her. She looks sincerely worried for my wellbeing and seems like a genuine person. Maybe if I hadn’t come along she and Evan might have worked something out. The thought causes a sharp pain in my heart. Thinking of him with another woman makes me feel sick. But the thought he’d be better off without me has crossed my mind more than once since Lexi walked into the room.

  “Please, don’t. I can’t handle anymore. Sometimes I think everyone would have been better off without me turning up,’’ I cry, feeling sorry for myself. Imogen’s life is ruined and Evan’s will be destroyed if he doesn’t get her back, and mine? Mine was doomed the second I got that call telling me that she was missing. The only reason Evan is even interested in me is because of Imogen. Without her there is no doubt he’d be with someone else right now. He would never look twice at a lowlife like me.

  My feelings for Evan have grown over the week and with each day they have only grown stronger. Deep down I know if it wasn’t for Imogen we wouldn’t be together.

  Denny must see the doubt written on my face because she tightens her hand around mine.

  “No. Don’t do that. I thought Mason was only with me because of Hope, but I was wrong. So fucking wrong,’’ she sighs, smiling wistfully. “He loved me for me; Hope was just an added bonus. Evan loves you. He’s never brought a girl home to meet us before… Ever. Not even at school. Don’t let your head take you there, Kennedy. I might not know you, but from what Nan has said, you’re the best thing since sliced bread,’’ she giggles winking at me.

  “Thank you,’’ I croak out, before turning to Lexi. “And thank you. For coming here, and staying,’’ I tell her, then a thought occurs to me. “How did you know I was here?’’ I ask Denny.

  “Lexi called me. I had stayed at Evan’s for a while last year and Lexi cleaned the house up before I arrived. She still had my number in her contacts. My nan is on her way too. She got stuck on some bridge. The river has overflowed or something, so she was waiting for everyone to turn back around before she could. She called twenty minutes ago telling me she was on her way.’’

  “I don’t deserve any of you,’’ I tell her just as the door opens again.

  A man I don’t know walks in, followed by another who I know is Mason. No one could forget that face. He’s still as handsome as when I first saw him. I remember Evan telling me he had four brothers, but looking to the man standing in front of him I know he isn’t one of them. He has sandy blonde hair is messy and unkempt. He’s larger than Mason but only by so much. He also carries himself with importance, a confidence you don’t see in many people. He also has a lethal energy surrounding him. Something tells me you don’t want to get on the wrong side of him. From the look on Lexi’s face when he walks closer, I’d say she wouldn’t care what side she got on. I have to stifle a giggle. I mean, how inappropriate would it be if I burst out laughing right now. My daughter is gone, Evan is gone, and I have no idea what the sugar is going on.

  “Hey, I’m Aaron. I’m Evan’s old partner?’’ the man in front introduces himself. I look up at him and nod, biting my lip. It must be the drugs they’ve got me on because I can’t help the next thing that slips from my mouth.

  “I didn’t know he was gay,’’ I mutter out loud. When I realise I’ve said it out loud, I begin to giggle. I giggle so hard that it begins to hurt my sides. My giggles turn into laughter, high, hysterical laughter.

  One minute I’m laughing, laughing so hard that everything around me disappears. Then they become sobs. The first one that breaks is painful and it echoes around the now silent hospital cubical.

  Denny takes me in her arms, letting me sob into her chest. “I need her back,’’ I cry, my emotions all over the place. I try to get myself together. Being in this state is not going to help anyone.

  “I meant work partner,’’ I hear Aaron mutter before hearing Lexi giggle.

  “Where is he?’’ I ask turning my head, still sniffling. I don’t move, keeping myself locked in Denny’s arms, needing her comfort.

  Mason walks around the bed looking between us and when he looks back up to Denny, his eyes go soft.

  That’s so sweet, I think when he reaches her, leaning over to kiss her forehead. If only I had Evan here. Even better, Imogen. My heart is breaking having neither here with me. I need them. I’ll always need them.

  “He’s downstairs getting Imogen checked over,’’ Aaron states and I must not have heard him right, so I sit up better, wincing when the pain becomes too much. My leg hurts the most. I only have to turn my head and a pain radiates down my leg, all the way down to my toes.

  “I’m sorry, but could you repeat that, slowly,’’ I tell him, looking at his mouth, making sure I don’t miss a word.

  “He’s downstairs getting Imogen checked over,’’ he says and his lips twitch looking at my immobile state.

  “Oh my gosh,’’ I cry out, my hands flying to my mouth. “Is she okay? Where was she? Is she hurt? Is she going to be okay? Tell me?’’ I yell at him, feeling hysterical, causing a nurse to come running in.

  “What’s going on in here?’’ she asks sternly, eyeing the men in the room warily.

  “We’re good,’’ Aaron tells her winking before turning back to me. “She’s fine. She just needs to wait for the doctor to give her the okay to leave before he can come up. He wants to come up and see you but he doesn’t want to leave Imogen. I offered to watch over her but he nearly knocked me out,’’ he teases.

  The nurse walks over and starts checking the machines out. I think I’m in shock because there’s nothing I can say. She’s been found. She’s safe. She’s okay. Evan is safe. My heart beats rapidly and the machine next to me starts beeping like mad. The nurse walks over and says something, but my mind is on one thing.

  My daughter.

  My daughter is safe.

  “Miss, I need you to calm down.’’

  “She’s safe. She’s safe,’’ I cry and Denny hugs me. I sob into her shoulder just as the door opens again.

  Expecting it to be another nurse or maybe a doctor, I pull back. But when a large form looms in the doorway, my breath is taken away.

  “Evan,’’ I breathe out, and everything I was feeling seconds ago starts to simmer away.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  EVAN

  The doctors finally give Imogen the all clear.

  “Just keep a close eye on her. If anything changes, don’t hesitate to call the number on the leaflet I gave you,’’ the doctor tells me.

  “Are you sure she’s okay?’’ I ask again. If there’s a chance she’s not going to be okay then why aren’t they making her stay in for observation?

  “Yes. Her blood pressure is back to normal and she’s hydrated. There is no swelling inside her throat but the swelling around her bruises will take a few days to go. You can take your daughter home, Mr. Smith.’’

  I nod, holding a sleeping Immy in my arms. After being here for a few hours I’m finally able to check on my woman. No one has been able to give me any new information. All they’ve said is she’s stable but still unconscious.

  Like that makes me feel any better.

  Aaron came down not long ago to keep me updated. He offered to watch over Immy while she was sleeping but the look in my eyes must of told him that wasn’t going to happen. I feel like I’ve had to choose between the woman I love, and the girl I love, and I’ve hated every second of it. I even asked at one point if they could treat Immy upstairs where her mom was, but they told me no.

  Assholes.

  We’re walking down the corridor when I hear footsteps rushing toward us from behind.

  “Oh good Lord, there you are. My little girl,’’ my nan cries and I look around wondering where the fuck she came from. The hallway was clear when we rounded the corner. She must have been running fast to catch up to us that quickly.

  “Hey, Nan,’’ I greet
, feeling drained. I’m worried sick about Kennedy and I’m still not sure I should have let them discharge Immy. No matter how sincere the doctor looked when she spoke to me.

  We’re on the floor Kennedy is on now which is a different ward than the one she was on earlier. When I stop walking to greet my nan, she holds her hands up for Immy, but I just hold her tighter to my chest. She’s still wrapped up in a blanket but thankfully she now has a nappy on thanks to one of the nurses.

  I remembered Lexi packing clothes for both of the girls. I just hope it was something warm because I don’t want my girl being cold. She’s suffered enough today as it is.

  “Oh, come on, Evan. I’ve been stuck in bloody traffic feeling sick with worry about my two girls. Let me hold her.’’

  “I’m sorry, Nan, and I mean no harm when I say this, but I’m not letting her go. The next time she’s out of my arms will only be to place her rightfully in her mother’s,’’ I tell her and her eyes go gentle a fraction more before she bursts into tears.

  “You’re such a good boy, Evan. Come on. Let’s go see how my daughter-in-law is doing,’’ she smiles. “Have you heard anything yet?’’ she asks, but my mind is still focused on ‘daughter-in-law’.

  “What?’’ I ask astonished, my eyes snapping to hers with awe. How the hell does she know I plan on asking Kennedy to marry me? Not that I’m giving Kennedy much of a choice. After today I know I won’t be able to live without her or Imogen. There’s no way I’m letting them go.

  “Oh calm your horses, my boy. I saw the way you looked at her when I came to meet her. But back then you didn’t have wedding bells shining in your eyes. Now you do,’’ she tells me. I give her a shrug, not bothering to deny it. I will be marrying her even if she refuses. I’ll drag her skinny, fine ass down that aisle kicking and screaming.

  We reach the door to Kennedy’s room and I instantly hear voices coming from inside before loud sobs echo through the hall. Her cries hit my chest with a sharp pain and I have to compose myself before pushing the door open. Kennedy is crying into my sister’s chest. The picture shocks me. When I prepared myself to walk into this room I pictured walking inside to find her alone. I can’t believe she’s here, consoling my girl of all people. Mason is next to Denny looking uncomfortable and I would laugh if it wasn’t for the fact my girl was now looking at me like she has seen a ghost.

  “Evan,’’ she gasps.

  “Hey, babe,’’ I smile and walk over. Lexi and Aaron move out of the way, Aaron putting his arm around her as they move towards the window.

  She bursts into tears again, her eyes locked on mine, and her hand reaching for Immy.

  “You’ve got fractured ribs, baby. Be careful,’’ I warn her and my sister moves out of the way but doesn’t move far. I look up and give her a thankful smile. I’m guessing Aaron called her.

  “Lexi called me,’’ she whispers, reading my mind. She looks back down to Kennedy who is now holding a sleeping Immy in her arms while sobbing. Denny’s eyes soften, her eyes watering as she looks down at Kennedy in understanding, the only way another mother could understand.

  Looking back at Kennedy, checking her over to see if she’s okay, I can tell it’s paining her to hold Immy, but I also know she’d walk on fire to be with her.

  I turn my head to Lexi and mouth ‘thank you’ before stroking my girl’s face, the part that isn’t messed up with cuts and bruises.

  “How are you feeling?’’ I rasp out, overjoyed to see my girls back together.

  “So much better now that you’re both here where you belong,’’ she tells me, giving me a watery smile. I lean down kissing the top of her head. “Is she okay? What happened?’’

  “She’s fine. They’ve checked her over and given her the all clear.’’

  “She’s bruised,’’ she chokes out, tears still rolling down her face as she lightly strokes Immy’s hand where the IV had been put in.

  “Yeah, baby,’’ I tell her, not knowing what else to say. “The paramedics had to link her up to an IV,’’ I start, but pause not knowing how to tell her about the bruises on Imogen’s neck. Kennedy’s hand reaches out to squeeze mine and I give her a small smile.

  “What happened?’’

  “She was taken by Damon. We found her at his mom’s house. They’ve both been arrested and won’t get off on the charges. There’s too many against them.’’

  “Is that why you’re covered in bruises and have a fat lip?’’ she asks, not taking her eyes from Immy.

  “Yeah,’’ I chuckle and when she moves the blanket she notices the bruises on Immy’s neck. She gasps, looking at me horrified.

  “What happened? Oh my gosh, why have they let her out? Is she okay? Are you sure?’’ she cries, lightly rubbing over the bruises.

  “Yeah, she’s a fighter. I made sure to get another doctor to double check her injuries. I think towards the end they wanted to sedate me,’’ I chuckle, trying to ease the mood.

  Everyone listens intently in the room but I ignore them, my main focus entirely on my two girls.

  “Why is she naked?’’ she asks concerned, her nose scrunching up.

  “She was dirty from not having her nappy changed, baby. Let’s not worry about it now. She’s safe, back with us where she belongs. They can’t hurt us anymore, okay?’’

  She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes and I can see the concern shining in her eyes for her daughter. I lean in giving her another kiss when the nurse speaks up. I hadn’t even noticed her in the room.

  “I’m sorry but visiting hours are over. I know about your situation so I spoke to the ward nurse and she said it was fine to have two people stay. But I’m afraid I’ll have to ask the rest of you to go,’’ she tells us sadly.

  We nod our heads, Aaron, Lexi, Mason and Denny saying they’ll leave us to it. Needing to have a word with my family a second, I look down to Kennedy before speaking. “Let me go talk to them outside, and then I’ll be back. Nan, can you stay here for a second and watch over them?’’

  “Of course,’’ she says, waving me off from the end of the bed.

  Denny leans over whispering something to Kennedy before hugging her gently. Mason moves and the poor kid doesn’t even know how to address her. He ends with just patting her shoulder a few times before leaning in and kissing her cheek. I’m not going to lie, sister’s boyfriend or not, I want to smack his face away from hers.

  Denny must have noticed my expression because she starts to giggle. Taking Mason’s hand she steps back before walking out the room, leaving everyone else to say their goodbyes. I follow behind them hearing Lexi saying goodbye along with Aaron, before they too, follow us out.

  When we’re all outside I turn to Lexi first. Her eyes widen when she feels my attention on her. Before she can open her mouth I move forward quickly, pulling her against me for a tight hug. I know she’s not expecting it when I feel her body tighten, but I need her to know how thankful I am. How happy I am that she put everything going on aside and was a friend to me. The friend that I’ve missed the past few months. Without her help today, Kennedy would be lying in that room on her own, scared out of her mind with worry. For that, I’ll be forever thankful.

  “I’m so fucking thankful to you, Lexi. For everything,’’ I whisper hoarsely. “It kills me knowing that she was on her own. You knew that and came. Even after everything,’’ I rasp out.

  “Don’t worry about it,’’ she tells me, playing it off. I give her another squeeze before pulling away. She looks up at me with a sad smile. “I hope everything is going to be okay with you all. I’m only next door if you need anything, ever. I’m so sorry for the way I’ve been acting. I haven’t been myself and I’m so embarrassed.’’

  “Let’s not worry about any of that anymore. Fresh start?’’ I ask, giving her a genuine smile.

  “Yes. I’d like that. Oh, and the bags of stuff I brought with me for Imogen and Kennedy are in the cabinets beside the bed. The nurse said to leave them there. If I had known you we
re in the hospital sooner I would have brought them to you and Imogen.’’

  I nod. “Thank you. For everything.’’

  “Call me if you need anything,’’ she tells me.

  “Promise,’’ I smile, leaning in and kissing her temple. She smiles up at me before moving to the side.

  Aaron steps forward next, patting me on the shoulder. “You need more time at the gym, mate. He really did a number on you,’’ he teases, but I notice the way his eyes darken.

  “You haven’t seen the other fucker,’’ I chuckle.

  “Let’s hope you did a good number on him,’’ he winks, before giving me the head nod. You know the one that says, ‘I’m glad your missus and kid are okay.’

  He walks off and his words play around in my head. Damon really did do a number on me. In more ways than one. But one thing he didn’t get to do is break me. All I have to do now is make sure he didn’t break my woman. But no matter the answer to that, I’ll make sure I spend the rest of my life putting her back together.

  I watch as he takes Lexi’s arm before walking down the corridor. Seeing them together is another reminder that I need to set the two up. If they haven’t already hooked up, that is. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen them together that the same exact thought hasn’t occurred to me.

  Turning my body I face my sister. Guilt and shame hit me when I look at her tear streaked face.

  “I’m sorry,’’ I tell Denny at the same time she says, “I’m really sorry.’’ We both start launching at each other before turning serious. Not waiting, I wrap her tightly in my arms, squeezing the life out of her. I’ve missed her so fucking much. It feels like I’ve distanced myself from her since I moved out. One of the reasons I did was because of our ‘mom’. I felt guilty leaving her there knowing what a monster our mother was. It wasn’t until the kidnapping, knowing our mother’s part in it, that I truly felt ashamed. I’d been so focused on my job, on moving forward, that I didn’t reach out to her often. I’m just glad we have this second chance.