Home Sweet Home: a Novella (Coming Home Series Book 3)

by J. M. Adele

  “You didn’t have to do that.”

  Slipping his hand into hers, he pulled her out of the flow of bodies heading for the doors. “Are you kidding?”

  Her mouth drew down, her lids drifting shut. “I don’t want to fight.”

  After finding a row of empty seats, he guided her there to rest. “I’m not fighting. I’m just amazed that you’d think I wouldn’t want to be here when you got back.”

  “You weren’t happy the last time I saw you,” she mumbled.

  He folded his arms, releasing a sigh, wanting to peel off his skin again but this time for the way he’d reacted to the news. “I was blindsided, Lory. Cut me some slack.”

  “We’re arguing.”

  And they were drawing a crowd, rubberneckers slowing to eavesdrop. “We have a lot to say to each other. Can I have the keys, please?”

  She pulled them out of her pocketbook and slapped them in his open palm.

  He took her backpack, too. “Ready?”

  She pouted.

  He cradled her face and kissed her deep. “It’s damn good to see you.”

  Tears were poised in the corners of her eyes, ready to spill.

  He tugged her hand, wanting to get out of there ASAP. “Where are you parked?”

  “Follow me.” She eased to her feet and led him to the exit.

  Ten minutes later, they were pulling out of the airport and heading into town.

  “You missed the turnoff.” Lory’s head twisted as she pointed at the side road heading south.

  “Yep.”

  “We’re not going home?”

  “Nope. I booked us a room at The Fairview Inn.”

  A huge smile overtook her face. “Really?”

  “Really.”

  Her dimpled grin was worth every penny.

  He rested his hand on her thigh for the remainder of the ride, needing the contact and the reassurance that she was there with him.

  He took pleasure in the fact that she leaned forward as the inn came into view, her eyes staring in wonder. The sprawling white building with its proud columns and French windows oozed class while keeping true to its historical significance.

  Knowing she was tired, Anton hustled to check in before finding their room and opening the door for her to enter.

  “Oh, wow. It’s beautiful,” she cooed.

  Yes, it was. A carved wooden bed invited them to stay the night. In the corner, a reading nook featured a black leather wingback chair, daring any booklover to resist its charm. And the kicker—an open fireplace.

  Damn, I’m good.

  “Why don’t you have a shower while I light the fire?” He took off his jacket.

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” She stripped off her coat and boots before disappearing into the bathroom.

  He stacked the kindling, waiting for it to catch before adding the larger pieces. It was crackling nicely by the time she emerged wearing the complimentary robe.

  “Are you having one?”

  “I showered before I left.” He sidled over to her, scooped his arms behind her back and knees, and lifted her in his hold.

  She shrieked, grabbing his shoulders.

  “Screamer.” Pecking her on the mouth, he deposited her on the bed. “Do you need to eat? Drink?”

  “I could use some water.”

  After searching the bar fridge, he found a bottle and handed it to her.

  “Thank you.”

  Lying beside her, he propped himself up on one elbow. The lump that had been trapped in his throat since she’d left, layered his tongue with gravity. “Why’d you go runnin’ off to Grey?” He focused on the pulse in her neck, unable to meet her eyes. “Am I just a consolation prize? Do you still feel somethin’ for him?”

  Her hands flew to cover her face. “No! I knew it was stupid the minute I got there. Before I’d even seen him,” she groaned as she slapped her hands on the bed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone.”

  His lungs deflated. Thank fuck. Tension seeped out of his shoulders and he flopped his head onto the pillow. Could he really blame her for wanting to get away from him after his catatonic response? Especially since he’d stupidly been keeping their relationship under wraps? “I’m sorry, too.” The fire hissed and popped as the silence between them stretched. He searched her eyes, finding remorse and a whole lot of love. “I forgive you. Please don’t do it again.”

  “I won’t. What I felt for him was infatuation. I looked to him as my guide because he always made the decisions.”

  “You don’t need anyone to choose for you.”

  “I know.”

  “But when something involves the both of us . . .” He spread his fingers over her belly. “. . . the three of us, we need to sort it out together.”

  She nodded, placing her hand on top of his.

  Curling on her side, she wrapped an arm around his back, and spoke into his chest. “You won’t leave me, will you, Toni?”

  “Is that what you thought? That I would knock you up and abandon you to go it alone?”

  Her eyes slid away, as her cheeks flushed. “It sounds stupid when you say it.”

  Oh, silly girl. He pressed his lips into her hair, breathing in her sweet apple scent. A balm to the jealousy he harbored towards his brother. A shot of adrenaline to speed up his heart. “No, sweetheart. Never.” I will never be able to tear myself away from you. “Now might be a good time to give you your Christmas present.”

  “I forgot! Merry Christmas for yesterday.” She stretched for a kiss.

  “Wait.” He left her for a moment to dig through his jacket pocket and hid the gift behind his back before resuming his position. “Merry Christmas.” He placed the velvet box in her palm, watching her eyes peel wide as she opened it. “Marry me?”

  Jaw dropping, her breath rushed out. “Is this the present you bought last week?”

  “Yeah.”

  “But. . . isn’t it too soon?” She gnawed on her bottom lip, worry creasing her brow.

  “Time has nothin’ to do with it. When you know, you know. Unless. . . you don’t.” He resisted a smirk, his heart full with confidence that she was all his.

  “What? Yes! Yes, I do. I will. Are you kidding?”

  “Not about something so important, no.” Now, he did smirk.

  She rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you drive me nuts. Shut up and kiss me.”

  No problem, sweetheart. He kissed the living heck out of her. All over her body, giving special attention to her stomach… and lower.

  He had her naked in the firelight for the second time.

  It was beginning to be his favorite thing.

  History Repeats (Kinda)

  Antonio

  Anton opened the passenger door of his truck, guiding his fiancée to the farmhouse door. Checking his watch, he confirmed it was lunchtime. The delicious aroma wafting on the breeze agreed. Who needed a dinner bell when they had Nonna’s cooking?

  With their hands clasped, the cool metal band of Lory’s engagement ring rested against his finger, inflating his chest with pride. She was finally his. He bent to give her a peck on the forehead. “Are you ready for this?”

  “Do you think they’ll be mad?” She tightened her grip.

  “This will be the first grandchild. They’ll be stoked.” Or not. They might be pissed. He didn’t really give a shit. Time to find out.

  “Not just about the baby. I mean about us.” Her voice faded as the corners of her mouth turned down.

  “They know I went to pick you up from the airport and that we’ve spent the night together. I think they’ve figured it out by now. Besides, I don’t care what they think. It’s nobody’s business but ours. And if they really love us, they want us to be happy.”

  He pushed through the entrance, going straight to the kitchen. Five pairs of eyes locked onto his. His sisters stared, both holding pieces of bread in identical poses. Nonna winked, flashing her dentures. Papà’s features relaxed into a mask of indifference.

 
Mama came towards them with open arms. “Everything okay?” She caught them in a group hug.

  “Sì.” He nodded.

  She lifted Lory’s chin and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m glad you’re back.”

  Lory’s gaze slid sideways to Antonio as she bit her lip.

  It’s okay. He slipped an arm across her shoulders. “We have something to tell you.”

  Mama tensed before stepping away. “Is Grey alright?”

  “Oh, he’s doing fine.” Lory spoke up.

  “We’re engaged and Lory’s going to have our baby.” May as well get it all out.

  The pieces of bread dropped from his sisters’ hands with perfectly synchronized thuds. His papa leaned back in his chair, smirking. Nonna grinned from ear to ear, resting her chin on her palm.

  Mama opened and closed her mouth a few times before saying, “No!”

  Okay, whoa. Role reversal. That was supposed to be Papà’s line. “Excuse me?”

  “No. This can’t be happening again.” She shook her head so hard, hair loosened from her bun.

  Lorelei leaned into his side, turning her face to the floor.

  For the first time, he was angry at his mother. Pressure welled behind his sternum and he forced it from his mouth. “Mama!”

  “Nelle. Sedere.” Papà’s bark stopped Anton from saying anymore.

  His mother fell into her chair, obeying the command to sit.

  “You, too.” Papà waggled a finger in Anton and Lory’s direction. “I have a story to tell. It’s time we cleared the air.”

  Anton pulled out a seat for Lory before taking his beside her. What the hell is going on? His mama had been acting weird at the show. Maybe this had something to do with her behavior? He tried to relax his jaw as he focused on his father.

  Papà pushed his plate aside and clasped his hands on the table. “Your uncle and I met your mother at the sale yards when we were teenagers. I’d never seen anyone so beautiful in my life.” He pulled Mama’s hand into his, giving it a kiss. Tears streamed down her face as she blinked at him. “I didn’t see her for weeks afterwards. Not until she walked in here with Matteo.”

  Holy shit. She’d been with his uncle. Oh… ooooooh.

  “Oh, my God,” Marianne gasped.

  Nonna slapped a palm on the table, shushing her.

  For once, Sophia was speechless.

  Papà cleared his throat. “When I told you, a father knows his son, I meant it. I know you because I was in the same position as you. I loved your mother from afar for years, hoping that one day she would see that she was the center of my world.” He tapped a finger on his temple. “And she did. Matteo never put her first.”

  “So, she figured it out and you got your happy ever after.” Anton raised his brows and turned to his mother. “Why are you upset about me and Lory?”

  “I’m sorry. My outburst was uncalled for. I am happy for you both. And extremely pleased that Lory will officially be a part of our family.” The words came out in a rush as she stared at the table in front of her.

  Anton shook his head, brow bunched in confusion. “None of that explains your reaction.”

  Her shoulders rose as she drew in a breath. “Matteo left me in pieces when he told me of his plans to leave. Your father put me back together. I found out I was pregnant not too long after your uncle left.”

  “Okay.” So what? He swiveled his head, looking between his parents for some clue to the problem.

  “We don’t know who Greyson’s biological father is,” Mama croaked.

  Holy fuck! That’s a big ass skeleton you’ve been hiding.

  “Basta!” Enough! “We don’t need to know. He’s my son.” One heavy finger just about drilled through the table to emphasize his point. Papà pushed his chair back before standing tall. “Back to work.” He squeezed Antonio’s shoulder on his way past. A congratulations, Papà style.

  At his command, Nonna and his daughters made themselves scarce. Anton and Lory were left to stare at his distraught mother. The three of them sat in silence for an interminably long time, the ticking of the clock there to mark the barrage of emotions tumbling across the wooden surface from Mama’s side of the table.

  Lory moved to take a seat beside her, offering comfort in an embrace.

  He leaned back, processing the drama exposé. All this time she’d carried this secret. His father didn’t seem to care. In a way, Anton understood. Papà had raised Grey as his own. It took more than one sperm to make a man a father. What if a test showed that he wasn’t? That would be devastating. Was he better off believing Grey was his biological son without concrete evidence?

  Would I want to know?

  Yeah. Yeah, I would.

  “Why don’t you find out?”

  Mama’s head popped up and she wiped her face. “I intend to.” Her shoulders rose as she sucked in some air. She met Anton’s assessing stare with a smile. “But first, I’m going to organize a baby shower and an engagement party.” Giving Lory one last hug before rounding the table to give Anton the same, she added, “I love you. Congratulations.”

  “Love you too, Mama.”

  Antonio

  July

  Lory cradled, Jack Lucca Clay Agrioli as he suckled at her breast. The sun streamed in through the venetians, playing patterns across her bare skin. Anton lounged in the recliner beside the hospital bed, fascinated by the sight of his new family. Lorelei was a natural. He could not have wished for more.

  “He’s asleep. Can you put him in the crib for me?”

  She covered her chest and passed Anton the precious bundle. He was careful not to jostle Jack as he placed him down with the precision of a bomb expert.

  There was a soft knock at the door.

  Goddamn it. Every time. “Whoever that is, they better not wake him up,” He mumbled under his breath as he opened the barrier to find his brother peering through a bunch of flowers.

  Anton placed his finger over his mouth in warning before he went in for a hug.

  They both padded into the room, Grey handing the bouquet to Anton to sort out. He grabbed a vase to put the flowers in, placing it on the nightstand.

  Lory’s face lifted into a tired smile. “Hi stranger.”

  Grey kissed her on the cheek before peering into the cradle. “Looks like an Agrioli. All that black hair. You did good. How are you doing, topolina?”

  “I’m okay. Exhausted. Happy. Sore.”

  Grey shoved his hands in his back pockets. “I bet. I won’t stay long. I went to visit the farmhouse. The proud grandparents told me the news.”

  “What are you doing in Mississippi?” Anton took a seat on the bed. Resisting a smirk, he remembered their trip to Boston only a couple of months ago. Lory and he had met Grey’s girlfriend. Scared her off, more like it. Grey had his work cut out for him there.

  Big brother had finally met his match.

  Grey rocked on his heels, like he wanted out of there already. “I quit my apprenticeship.”

  “What?” Lory’s eyes bugged.

  “Yeah. Boston wasn’t for me.”

  Huh. Chelsea must have left. Only a woman would be able to convince his pigheaded brother to alter his plans. Anton leaned his elbows on the bed. “So, you’re moving back permanently?”

  “No. I’m heading east to Bama.”

  “Chelsea?” Anton and Lory asked in sync.

  Grey dipped his chin. “Chelsea.”

  Anton grinned. I knew it. “How did Uncle Matteo take the news?”

  Screwing up his nose, Grey shook his head. “He’ll get over it. I hope he comes to visit soon. Him and Papà need to kiss and make up.”

  “It’s hard for Matteo.” Poor bastard. “Mama chose to be with Papà before Matteo decided to go. He left here broken-hearted.”

  “Yeah, well the restaurant is his mistress now. His pride was hurt more than his heart.” Crossing his arms, Grey shrugged.

  “Maybe so. At least Mama knows who her baby daddy is now.”

  �
��Twenty-five years later.” Grey rolled his eyes. “She chose the right brother.”

  Anton turned to Lory, giving her a wink.

  Yes, she did.

  True love always finds its way.

  Home, sweet home.

  Writing a book in 2020 has been a phenomenal challenge. Particularly a romance. It would have been so much easier to write a horror. And still, I must thank all the fans of this series for bringing me back to contemporary romance. After a couple of years writing paranormal/ supernatural storylines, it was a welcome change and a much-needed distraction.

  I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are navigating your way through this new paradigm with minimal disruption. But the reality is, this year has been FUBAR (any fans of Saving Private Ryan out there?) Thank God for books. Thank goodness for movies, art, poetry, and music. Thank the heavens for the great outdoors and for people with big hearts who reach out to lend a hand where it’s needed. Please ask someone for help if you’re struggling. You are never alone. Ever.

  So much love to all my readers who continue to support me. To those who go the extra mile (you know who you are) and share, like, subscribe, comment and interact in any form, I send an enormous thanks for all the love.

  My betas—Lisa and Kat—huge thanks for your valued input.

  To Bec, who reads every, last word, a special dose of gratitude goes out to you.

  All my lovely Gems in my reader group, you have no idea how much you inspire me to keep going.

  And finally, to every wonderful person who volunteered to read the advanced copy and/or drop a review—love, love, love to you.

  Brittany from Off the Book Pages, you are amazing, woman! Thank you for being such a huge support of indie authors around the globe!

  The beautiful souls at Creating Ink suffered through reading a truly awful rough draft and managed to steer me in the right direction. I can’t thank you enough for your patience and guidance.

  Fiona, you managed to squeeze me into your proofing schedule again! Mwah.

  My boys… I can’t imagine life without you. Thank you for understanding when I need to disappear into my writing cave. You are my heart.

  Thanks to my beautiful friends and family whose support is an unsinkable life raft, and a priceless treasure. Can you feel the bear hug? Yeah, you can.