by J. P. Comeau
“Wow. I didn’t know maternity clothes could be so beautiful,” I murmured.
Gloria, an older woman, giggled with delight. “Oh, yes. Maternity clothes have come a long way from when I had my three kids. But don’t you worry. By the time you leave here, you’ll be stacked with clothes that’ll make any runway model jealous.”
Jazzy, a pregnant woman herself, smiled brightly. “I get all of my clothes here. I refuse to go anywhere else. The fabric is so soft, and the stitching is of great quality. Want me to show you my favorite evening dress? I have it in all the colors we have stocked.”
I nodded. “I’d like to see them, yes.”
As I took Jazzy’s hand, Clint relinquished mine. And I didn’t even look over my shoulder to see where he’d gone off to. I never thought I’d walk into a store and feel so comfortable, but I did. These women helped settle my nerves as they walked with me through the racks of clothes, asking me all sorts of questions.
“What kinds of cuts do you like?”
“Are you a leggings or a jeans person?”
“Do you go out at night a lot? Dresses, or pantsuits?”
“What about business attire? What do you do for work?”
By the time I got into the dressing rooms, I had over fifteen outfits to try on. And every single one of them made me feel like a million bucks. From the work blouses in every color of the rainbow to the evening gowns that somehow slimmed me down, I was in awe of the quality of these clothes. And their shoe collection was outstanding! Heels and sandals in every shape and size, complete with materials on the sides of the shoe that expanded to accommodate swollen feet.
There wasn’t an outfit I wanted to put back on the rack.
I could already hear Clint saying, ‘I told you so.’
“How are we doing back here, ladies?” he asked.
I turned around with a smile on my face as I slid my hands down the red dress I had on.
“So, what do you think?”
When Clint came around the corner, I expected him to smile, or tell me I was beautiful. Something to flatter me and make me feel good about things. What I didn’t expect, though, was for him to be holding a massive milkshake and a teddy bear.
What I didn’t expect was for the teddy bear to fall from his hand.
What I didn’t expect was his eyes to roam my body as if he were a lion stalking out his prey.
“My God, Roxy.”
I blushed. “Too much?”
He shook his head. “Not at all, princess. You look--.”
I smiled. “So, you like it?”
“I’m speechless. You look fan-fucking-tastic.”
The boutique girls clapped their hands with delight as Clint walked up to me. He stepped up onto the podium and handed me the milkshake, watching as I took a long pull from the straw. His eyes wandered my body. His hands settled against my hips. I moaned at the taste of banana and mocha as my eyes fluttered closed, chugging the creamy goodness he’d brought just for me.
“I want this dress in every color you have, ladies,” Clint said.
I released the straw. “Except for orange.”
His eyes found mine. “Why not orange?”
“It looks terrible on me. Washes me out.”
He smirked. “Every color except orange, then.”
I held up the milkshake. “What’s this for?”
He thumbed over his shoulder. “Got a teddy bear for you, too.”
“Pssst,” Jazzy hissed.
When I looked over at her, she held the bear up for me and squeezed the hand, letting the bear talk.
In Clint’s voice.
“Just remember, Roxy: you’re my princess, and you’re gorgeous.”
My eyes watered with tears. “Oh, Clint.”
He cupped my cheeks. “You’re radiant, Roxy. And I don’t want you forgetting that even for a second.”
I giggled. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you're spoiling me.”
“Well, get used to it. Because our child is going to be just as spoiled.”
My voice lowered to a whisper. “I like the sound of that.”
I liked the sound of anything that reminded me that Clint wasn’t leaving.
18
_____
CLINT
“So, how are things at the business?” Dad asked.
I sipped my whiskey. “They’re going well. Just signed another contract with the realty company to provide security for a bunch of properties Brenden just snatched up. So, I’m in the process of hiring a full-time security team devoted to taking on those contracts.”
“Sounds like you’ve got more work than you can tackle.”
I shrugged. “I’ll get it sorted by the end of the week. The contract doesn’t start for another two weeks, so it’ll give me time to hire and train before throwing them into a job. And if I have an entire team dedicated to working with just the realty company, then that gives Brenden and Zane more opportunities to throw work our way. Which benefits everyone in the long run.”
He grinned. “I’m proud of you, son.”
I lifted my drink. “Here, here.”
I threw the rest of my drink back as my eyes wandered over to the fireplace. It was finally getting chilly in Vegas as the winter months settled around us. But, it didn’t put a damper on tourism or on our business. I felt someone pluck the glass from my hand as I gazed into the flames, wondering what it might be like to curl up with Roxy and bask in its warm glow with my hands splayed out over her growing stomach.
“I know you don’t like to talk about personal things. But, I’d like to ask you a personal question,” Dad said.
I looked over at him. “Go ahead. What’s up?”
“You seem a lot happier lately. A bit more chipper.”
I blinked. “Is that a problem?”
He snickered. “On the contrary. It’s nice to see. I haven’t seen you smile this much since you came home after your contract was up. But, I can’t help but think that smile isn’t because of work.”
“And you want to know what her name is.”
He winked. “I’m a man myself, Clint. I know what a good woman can do to a man’s soul. You've met someone, haven’t you.”
I’ve done a little more than ‘meet.’ “Roxy.”
He paused. “What about her?”
I smirked. “I’ve been seeing Roxy lately.”
“Kelly’s sister?”
“Yep.”
“The one that’s always out partying?”
“That’s the one.”
“The sassy one that never knows when to shut her mouth?”
My eyes hardened on him. “Are you saying you don’t like her?”
He chuckled. “On the contrary. I think she’s the only girl I’ve ever come across that might have a chance in hell of keeping up with you.”
I felt the glass slide back into my hand. “So, you approve?”
“Approve? What are you, twelve?”
I shrugged. “I mean, if I’m seeing someone, I’d like my parents to at least enjoy having her around.”
“Well, I love Kelly. And while Roxy is definitely wild, she’s not reckless. She’s living her life the way she sees fit, and I admire that in people. She seems good for you.”
Tell him about the pregnancy. “Thanks, Dad.”
“You should bring her over for dinner sometime. You know, so we can get to know her more.”
Just say it. You know they’ll be happy. “I’m sure she’d love that.”
“Is it serious between you two?”
Damn it, Clint. Say something! “I’d say it’s getting there.”
Dad smiled. “Then, here’s to a long and healthy life for you both.”
I raised my glass before Dad, and I threw the whiskey back, and not once did I open my mouth about the baby. I don’t know, it just didn’t seem right without speaking to Roxy about it first. And besides, I thought that kind of announcement should be done when she was with me, with Mom here.
I set my glass down. “I hate to ruin the moment, but I need to get back to work.”
Dad stood. “Of course, of course. Thanks for agreeing to take your lunch hour with your old man.”
I grinned. “Old? When the hell did you get old?”
He barked with laughter. “When we had Zane. That’s when we got old.”
I chuckled. “Well, don’t tell him that. He’ll never let you hear the end of it.”
He walked over to me. “Come here, son.”
He held his arms out for me, and I wanted to back away. I didn’t like hugs. I didn’t like displays of affection like that. But, the allure of a hug from my father was one I’d never be able to resist. He wrapped his arms around me, and I felt like I was eight years old again. Sitting in his lap and crying against his chest because Brenden broke one of my toys. I squeezed my eyes shut. I patted his back and blinked back tears as I felt him kiss my temple.
“I’m so very proud of you, son. And I want you to know that you’ll never be forgotten.”
I drew in a deep breath and swallowed down the knot in my throat. I cupped the back of my father’s head before he brought his forehead to mine, connecting us the way we used to do when I was but a little boy. I heaved a heavy sigh before he released me, trying to ready my mind to get back to work.
But, I found myself diverting to Zane’s office.
I couldn't get the conversation with Dad out of my head, and I needed someone to talk to. Someone who understood what was going on. And because the girls had big-ass mouths that couldn't keep anything to themselves, my brothers had to find out second-hand that Roxy and I were pregnant. I was still irate with the girls, but I also couldn’t blame them. My brothers were their significant others, and I couldn't expect them to keep something like this to themselves.
What I wanted to prevent was Mom and Dad finding things out the way my brothers did.
“Hey! Clint!”
I slipped into Zane’s office. “We need to talk.”
He whistled. “Oh, boy.”
I closed the door behind me. “You got some time?”
He held his hand out. “I’ll always make the time. Come. Sit.”
I took a seat in front of his desk. “I don’t know what to do about Mom and Dad.”
He grinned. “Still haven't told them yet?”
I shook my head. “No. But, they know something’s up.”
“What do you mean?”
“Dad randomly invited me over on my lunch hour to spend time with him. He knew I was seeing someone, and I know it’s only a matter of time before someone blabs to him what’s really going on.”
“Ah. So, you want me and Brenden to keep the girls silent.”
“Among other things. I think Mom and Dad should hear it from Roxy and myself. They’ve invited us over for dinner, so I just need to work out the kinks of when that’s going to happen.”
Zane leaned back in his chair. “And how does all of this make you feel?”
I snickered. “What are you now? My therapist?”
He shrugged. “I’m your brother. So, I might as well be your therapist.”
I smirked. “Asshole.”
He grinned. “Jerk.”
I crossed my ankle over my knee. “Really, though. I feel a bit lost at sea right now.”
“I mean, are you happy?”
“Of course I’m happy.”
“No, no. I mean, are you really happy? As in, if Roxy hadn’t gotten pregnant, would you still want to be with her?”
“For fuck’s sake, what kind of question is that?”
He shrugged. “A good one. So, what’s the answer?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Of course, I’d still want to be with her. I lo--.”
I caught the words before they flew out, but it didn’t stop Zane from smiling.
“Don’t worry. I keep secrets better than Karina.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fuck you.”
He leaned forward. “I’m happy for you, Clint. But, I know this is also new territory for you.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. Shoot.”
“How did you make Karina comfortable during all of this? How did you reassure her that you’d be there, no matter what?”
He paused. “You mean, other than proposing to her?”
I glared at him. “Yes. Other than that.”
He clicked his tongue. “I kept telling her.”
“That’s it?”
He nodded. “That’s it.”
“You just kept reminding her that you weren’t going anywhere?”
“Yes. That, and I proposed. And I asked her to move in.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
He chuckled. “Hey, you asked.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I don’t want Roxy to feel like there will be a point that she does this alone. Even if things don’t work out romantically for us, I want her to know that I’m not abandoning our child. Ever. She’s never going to do this alone. Ever. And I’m concerned she doesn’t know that.”
“Then, tell her.”
“What if that smothers her, though?”
“Then, only tell her every other day.”
I sighed. “I’m serious, Zane.”
“So am I. Look, Clint. You’re doing that overthinking thing again that you’re so good at. You don’t have to overthink this. Just spend time with Roxy. If she calls, pick up. If she calls in a meeting? Excuse yourself and pick up. Answer her texts. Send her a gift every now and again to let her know you’re thinking of her. Do the kinds of shit men in relationships do.”
“You mean, treat her like I treated my ex-wife?”
“Treat her better. Because you know damn good and well she’s better than that sorry excuse for a woman.”
I sighed. “What if she’s not, though?”
He blinked. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Unfortunately, I’m not. What if I do everything right, and she still leaves? What if I put all of this energy into us, and she still steps out? What, then? And there’s a child in the mix, to boot.”
He chuckled. “You really don’t know what to do with yourself right now, do you?”
“And that’s funny to you?”
“A bit.”
“Care to enlighten me as to why my misery is funny?”
“Oh, come on. You’re afraid, but not miserable.”
“I’m not scared one damn bit.”
He grinned. “Could’ve fooled me.”
I shook my head. “I knew it was a mistake coming to talk to you.”
“Now hold on just a minute, asshole. There’s nothing wrong with being scared, now. You’ve been handed a shit stack of cards in life. No one denies that. But, if you’re really going to do this right with Roxy, then you have to be all in. No matter what it might cost you. You need to be there to listen to her, you need to talk about how you feel sometimes, and you need to never deviate yourself.”
I pointed at him. “I’d never step out on Roxy, and you know it.”
“Yes, I know it. But does she?”
I blinked. “You think she thinks I’m going to cheat on her?”
“I’m saying that you’re not the only one to have your heartbroken, and you’re certainly not the only one who’s scared in this scenario. Clint, Roxy is unwedded, pregnant, living by herself on a terrible side of town, and working a job she’s literally learning along the way. If you think for one second that she isn’t scared? Then, you’re the idiot in this situation.”
I blinked. “Shit. I never looked at it like that.”
“When do you see her next?”
“Uh, uh… tonight. She’s coming over to my place tonight.”
“Then, tonight would be a great time to talk with her about living arrangements once the baby comes. You know she’s thinking about it, and you know it’s worrying her. So, go ahead and tackle one worry at a time. You’l
l be surprised how much it abates your own worries to help heal hers.”
I stood to my feet. “You know what? You’re right, for once.”
He paused. “For once?”
I chuckled. “Don’t push it.”
He held up his hands. “Fine, fine. I won’t. But, don’t think I’m not calling you in the morning for details.”
I walked toward his office door. “Just don’t call too early. I hate your voice in the mornings.”
He laughed. “Noted. I’ll wait until you get to your office, then.”
I slipped out of Zane’s office and headed back to mine. But, on the drive over, I heard my phone go off. It kept dinging, one right after another. When I finally reached the stoplight, I yanked my phone out.
My stomach plummeted to my toes.
Brutus: Still on for our yearly beer call?
Ashton: You know damn good, and well, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
Riley: Yep. Wife’s got the kids for the night. I’ll be there.
Brutus: Clint, you in?
Ashton: A beer for our fallen brother?
A horn honked, pulling me out of my trance, and I slammed the gas pedal to the floor. I tossed my phone into the passenger’s seat and made a quick U-turn, cutting off the flow of traffic. Work wasn’t happening today. Not after those text messages.
How the fuck did it slip my mind?
Today marked another anniversary since my best friend had been blown to bits overseas. Today marked another anniversary of the day I had lost the only man in my life that ever meant something to me. Today marked another anniversary of the day I had to knock on his wife’s door and tell her that the father of their children had died, right there in my arms.
And I needed something stronger than the whiskey I had with my father at lunch.
19
_____
ROXY
I pulled up to Clint’s place with a massive smile on my face. Mostly because I was excited to see him. But, partially because I bought a yummy-looking blackberry pie, and I wanted to smear it on my body and have him lick it off me.
