My dad chuckled. “Trust me, son. I appreciate you getting her away more than you can fathom. She’s needed a break for a while. Now it’s dire.”
Squeezing me tighter, Ayden nodded. “What are you going to do about Izzy?”
His question had my breath hitching. While I couldn’t deny that I worried about what Izzy might do to our father, my dad assured me he wasn’t afraid. He swore that if anyone could get a rational thought through to her it would be him. He was the biggest reason why my grandfather never made Izzy leave. She always left on her own accordance but not until she caused enough chaos.
My father lowered his gaze to the ground as he shook his head. He adjusted the cufflinks on his shirt then moved to his tie. Once it was tightened, he peered at Ayden. “Don’t worry about Izzy. Leave her up to me. Get my daughter to a safe place and take care of her. I’ll handle the rest.”
“Trust me, Shane. I give you my word that I will protect Mia with my life.”
“Good.” My father’s voice hit a gruff tone. For a moment, his face seemed to age twenty years. His eyes went past me to what I assumed was the water fountain in the distance, the one he dedicated to my mom. “Forgive my insistence, but Mia is the only thing I have left of my Morgan.”
I held my breath when my father mentioned my mother. The pain in his voice was evident to me. It was always there whenever he brought up the subject of her.
“Dad, I’ll be fine.” I left Ayden’s side and folded my hands over my father’s. “You’re not going to lose me. In fact, next year, you will gain another part of me. You’ll have a grandchild.”
He grasped my hands and patted the top of one as he nodded. “I know you don’t understand my fear. I’ve never told you what happened to your mother when she was pregnant with you.”
As his words repeated in my mind, my skin pimpled. I glanced at Ayden, but the way his brow rose said he was as confused as I was. “What are you talking about, Dad?”
My father faced the planter and played with one of the flower shoots. “When your mother was about eight and half months pregnant with you, she went to Phoenix to meet with an old dance instructor who trained her in New York. She wanted him to come to Music Haven and work with some of our choreographers. I didn’t go on the trip because a band I was trying to sign was giving me grief.”
“Did something happen while Mom was gone?”
I leaned against Ayden as I waited for my father to answer. After a few seconds of complete silence, he nodded his head, but he never looked away from the flowers.
“She was supposed to return home the next day, but she never showed up at the airport to board the jet. The pilot alerted me to the situation, so I told him to stay until she arrived. I thought she was running late or stuck in traffic.” He glanced at me briefly before turning toward the fountain again. “When she hadn’t shown up by that afternoon, I knew something was wrong. I left word with the airport to ask your mother to call if she showed up. Then I had the pilot come back to get me.”
“Did she ever arrive?” A chill spread down my spine when he shook his head. Ayden’s arms wrapped around me as we both listened to the story my father was telling. “What happened, Dad?”
“By the time I arrived in Phoenix and checked in with the hotel where your mother stayed, it had been twenty-four hours since I’d heard from her. I retraced her steps, met with her former instructor, and talked to everyone who saw her that day. No one knew where she went.”
“So mom disappeared?”
“That’s the way it looked. The cops weren’t much help so I stayed for a week, searching for her. Then I came home. I was convinced that your mom had left me and it devastated me, but that wasn’t the case.”
Ayden shifted his weight to his other foot then pulled me closer. He must have felt me trembling. I couldn’t help it. This story was new to me, and the thought of my mom disappearing concerned me.
“A couple days after I returned, I received a phone call. The person on the other end had their voice distorted. I thought it was a prank until the person said they had your mother. I heard her crying in the background.”
“So my mother was kidnapped?”
My stomach knotted when my dad nodded. I gripped Ayden’s arm as I faced him. I tried to speak, but no words would come out. He couldn’t talk either. All he did was rub my arm and look at my father again. Once I did the same, I noticed the tears in my dad’s eyes.
“I told the caller I would pay any amount of money they wanted to get my wife back. They said they wanted to make me suffer. When I begged them not to hurt your mom, they hung up the phone.”
“What did you do?”
Wiping at his eyes, he pulled a handkerchief from his slacks and blew into it. “Your grandparents and I involved the cops, but it didn’t do us any good. Each day, I’d get a call around the same time. All I could hear was your mother crying and begging someone not to hurt her baby. This went on for two weeks straight.”
“How did this not make national news?” Ayden asked. His hold had tightened around me to the point I could barely move. What my father was describing had to be a husband and father’s worst nightmare. I could only imagine how Ayden would react if something like this happened to me.
“Besides the fact that we were working with the Feds, my father knew a lot of people. Let’s just say, if he didn’t want something to get into the media, it didn’t. He was a powerful and influential man.”
I always knew my grandfather was well respected, but I had no idea he could pull strings like this. I’m sure he did it to protect my mother’s life, as well as mine. The media made things difficult sometimes.
“You said this lasted for two weeks. What happened after that?” Ayden had taken over asking questions. I couldn’t. My mind was so blown that processing the information was a challenge.
Once my father put his handkerchief away, he took a deep breath and released it. Then he gazed at me. The memories racing through his mind were causing him pain.
“The Feds were finally able to get a location on where the calls were originating. By the time they arrived, a car had pulled down the driveway, but they caught another man trying to escape. He had you in his arms. I had no idea it was you until we found your mother in a room in the basement. She was delirious.”
He gazed into the distance and laughed half-heartedly. I wanted to go to him and remind him that everything turned out okay, but I couldn’t. In truth, I didn’t know if my mother ever fully recovered from this horrible incident.
“This is unbelievable,” I mumbled.
I wasn’t sure if my dad even heard me. He didn’t acknowledge what I said when he began speaking again. “As soon as the medics were with your mom, I went upstairs to find you. Another group of medics were checking your vitals. Once they cleared you, they bundled you up and placed you in my arms. I held you as I watched the cops cuff the man and throw him in the back of the police cruiser. I found out later that I had just missed your birth by an hour.”
As I stood there, every nerve in my body thrummed with the beat of my heart. The revelation stole away any rational thought I had. No wonder my father was worried about my safety.
“What about the car that pulled out when you arrived? Who was in it? Were they involved in Mom’s kidnapping?”
“It’s funny you should ask. I didn’t find out the truth until years later after your mother passed away.” My dad shook his head. He glanced at the ground as he mumbled something under his breath. When he gazed at me, anger had reentered his eyes. “The only reason I found out then is because of the tire tracks. The ones left by the vehicle that got away matched up with tire tracks in another case a few years later.”
There was something else he wasn’t telling me. I wasn’t sure what, and part of me was afraid to ask. It was difficult for him to talk about my mother. Not only had he done that today, but he also shared a painful memory as well. Still, I had a feeling I needed to know the truth.
“So who was it? Wha
t other crime did this person commit?”
My mind raced with so many questions. I thought I knew everything about my mother. Turns out I was wrong, and that simple fact angered me. So did my dad’s answer.
“The person who escaped that night wasn’t just an accomplice in your mother’s kidnapping. They were responsible for your mother’s death.”
The world around me spun. I clung to Ayden, doing my best to ground myself. No matter what I did, disbelief racked my body. “Are you saying . . .?”
“Yes, Mia. Selena Giles kidnapped your mother. Izzy’s mom is the reason I missed your birth.
Chapter 12
~Ayden~
I made Mia a promise the moment we stepped on her family jet. If we went to Tennessee for a few days so she could meet my parents, we would go to her family cabin for Christmas. This trip wasn’t just about keeping her safe. It was about getting her to relax and have a stress-free pregnancy. It’s what she deserved, not what she’d received.
From the moment our relationship began, we’d dealt with some level of stress. From fighting our feelings for each other to hiding the fact we were together, we worried about things we shouldn’t have. It only grew worse upon Izzy’s arrival, but Wesley played his part in all the chaos. Mia and I thought getting rid of Wesley would make things easier for us. Wrong. We’d gone from two meddling exes to one deranged ex who couldn’t let go.
If Izzy was behind the jacked up steps or the snake that was shipped, I wouldn’t stop until she paid for her crimes. She was not getting away with it this time, not after the damage she’d already caused.
To top things off, Mia’s father revealed a secret about her birth just an hour before we left. His admission messed with Mia’s mind, and it did the same to mine. As if I wasn’t worried enough about her safety, especially after Izzy threatened her, it was disturbing to learn her mother had kidnapped Morgan Brooks. Had the police not discovered the location of the house, who knows what would have happened to Mia and her mother. I shuddered at the thought.
Pulling up the driveway that led to my parents’ house, I glanced at the passenger seat of the rental car. My chest tightened when my eyes fell on Mia. She’d fallen asleep not long after we left the airport. I did my best to get her to take a nap during the flight. Instead, she made me the newest member of the alleged mile-high club.
I chuckled at the thought. Pregnancy hadn’t slowed our sex life. Mia was still comfortable in her body, and I loved everything about it, especially the fact that my child was growing inside.
It’s a good thing she got a little sleep. Once she met my family, we’d be up for hours. Before the night was over, my mother would invite everyone in the county with the slightest relation to us over to their house. Talk about overwhelming. I hoped I could get my dad to talk her out of it. While I wanted Mia to meet everyone, I didn’t want it to be in one night.
Being home was strange. Even coming up the driveway and seeing the old homestead had a way of hitting me in the gut. This place would always be home, but it wasn’t my future. It was part of my past. Wherever Mia was, I would be there too. She was the mother of my child and would soon be my wife. I would always come back to visit, but Arizona was my new home.
As soon as I pulled the car behind my dad’s truck, I killed the engine and stretched. Traffic this time of day was horrendous, and I’d spent forty minutes making my way down the interstate. I was ready to be out of the vehicle.
Mia drew in a breath as she woke from her nap. I watched as she blinked her eyes a few times before finding me. As soon as she saw me, she smiled.
“Hey.”
“Hi, beautiful. We made it to my parents’ house.”
“Already? How long was I asleep?”
I glanced at my phone inside the mount and read the time. “About an hour. I was in traffic for forty minutes then it took a little longer to get through town. Do you feel better?”
She nodded, but I could tell something was wrong when her eyes shifted to the windshield. Instead of raising her seat back into an upright position, she placed her hand against her forehead and sighed.
“What’s wrong?”
As I touched her cheek, she leaned into my hand. “I hope your family likes me.”
“Trust me, they will love you. You have nothing to fear.”
She gazed at me this time. “They won’t hold Izzy against me?”
“No.” I leaned my head toward hers and gave her a soft kiss. “My mom knows all the details. She holds nothing against you. No one does.”
“Okay. Then I believe I’m ready.”
“Good. I can’t wait to show you off to everyone.”
I heard her snicker when I left the car and shut the door. Once I made it to her side, I noticed the front door opening. I hoped my mom would give us enough time to get inside before she bombarded us with hugs and kisses.
As soon as I opened Mia’s door, I motioned toward the house. “I thought we might make a stealthy entrance, but I should have known better. My mother could hear a snail moving across the driveway.”
She shook her head as she took my hand and eased out of the car. As excited as I was for her to meet my family, it fringed my nerves. Mia and I came from different backgrounds. My parents lived comfortably, but we were far from wealthy. Part of me wished I was taking her to some large estate like her family friend, Greg, in New York.
Approaching the large deck, I offered Mia my arm just before we ascended the steps. She linked her arm inside mine and smiled. When I felt her tremble, I rubbed her hand. “Don’t be nervous.”
The words were meant for her, but they were a reminder to me as well. Mia loved me, no matter what. I’d never known her to think differently of someone just because of their social status. Her job was to help people achieve their dreams.
I was the one with the problem, the one who was embarrassed that he wasn’t rich. It was one of the reasons I gave Mia attitude when I arrived at Music Haven and heard what she was offering. At no point did she treat me like a charity case. It was coming from little and being offered everything that struck a chord inside me. It was time to move past it. Mia wasn’t ashamed of me. She loved me.
When we crossed the deck, Mom was waiting just inside the door. Once we were a few feet away, she came outside, opening her arms.
“My boy has returned.”
Mia released me as Mom wrapped her arms around my neck and crushed me in a hug I returned with just as much zeal. “Hey, Mom. I missed you.”
“Not as much as I’ve missed you.” She squeezed me tighter then released me. When she pulled away, I saw her wipe at her eyes and laugh. “Sorry. I told myself I wouldn’t cry, but I can’t help it. It’s been months since I saw you.”
“I know. Life’s been kind of hectic.”
She nodded as her eyes shifted to Mia. “Hello, sweetheart. You must be Mia.”
“Hi, Mrs. McAllister. It’s great to finally meet you.”
“Likewise, but please call me Kay or Mom if you want.” Mom drew Mia into an embrace. “Your pictures don’t do you justice. You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I noticed the scarlet shade in Mia’s cheeks when she and Mom ended their hug. Mom winked at me then motioned us to walk inside.
Entering the sitting room, the scent of cinnamon teased my nose. Mom had the house decked out for Christmas just like every year. It brought back a slew of memories as I gazed at the seven-foot tree sitting in front of the picture window. There were already presents under the tree, most likely for extended family. Mom never placed our gifts under the tree until late on Christmas Eve. Even when I got older, she kept the tradition going.
“Where is Dad?”
Mom shut the screen door and pointed upstairs. “He’s in bed, napping. He told me to wake him once you arrived. Do you want me to take your coats?”
“No, I still need to get our suitcases. You can take Mia’s though.”
“Don’t you need my help?” Mia asked. Her brow folded above her
nose as she looked confused.
“It’s a couple bags and two suitcases, which are on wheels. I’ve got this.”
Before she could argue with me, I helped her out of her coat and handed it to Mom. After she took it from me, I noticed her glance at Mia. “Oh, my goodness.” Mom covered her mouth. “You’re showing. How adorable.”
Mia grinned as she patted her belly. “I think I get bigger each day.”
“She’s full of it, Mom. She’s barely gained any weight.”
Mom laughed, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that matters.”
“We’re good so far.” Mia smiled at me as she cradled her stomach. It made my heart stutter. God, she was beautiful. I fell more in love with her every day. Each time I saw the tiny protrusion under her shirt, my heart soared. She and the baby were my life. I couldn’t imagine not having them.
Maybe this is why Mia and I went through so much heartache in the beginning. Perhaps I had to know what it felt like to lose her, to truly grasp how important she was to me. I knew that now, and as God is my witness, I’d never do anything to disappoint her or doubt her again.
~Mia~
Once Kay left to go upstairs and wake her husband, Ayden went outside to get our luggage. I stood inside the sitting room, feeling awkward at best. As I observed my surroundings, I studied the pictures hanging on the walls, the shelves, and the mantle over the fireplace. The ones of Ayden made me smile. Even as a teenager, he was a cutie. Maybe I was biased.
Taking my time to view the pictures, I made a slow sweep across the room, enjoying some of the funny photos of my fiancé. If we had a son and he resembled his father, I was dreading motherhood. All the girls would love him. What was the old saying? I’d have to keep a stick around to beat the girls off him.
I chuckled. Girl or boy, our child would be special, no matter what he or she looked like. The baby would be ours, and that alone made him or her unique in my eyes. He or she would be the heir to Music Haven—and my heart.
Love Deserved (Rock N Roll Heiress Book 3) Page 11
