A Forever Family (Forever #6) (4 page)

Connor

I awoke to the sound of Brayden crying. Ellery got up to get him and she brought him back to the bed and handed him to me.

“Say good morning to your grandpa.” She smiled.

I took him from her and gave him a kiss. He was happy and full of smiles now that he was out of his crib.

“I’m going to get his bottle. I’ll be right back.” She leaned over and kissed my lips.

As I held him in my arms, I smiled as I thought of Denny. Today was his birthday and I missed him. I missed our talks, his smart-ass comments, but mostly, I missed his lectures. Ellery walked back in the room and handed me Brayden’s bottle.

“Are you okay, baby?” she asked.

“Yeah. I’m okay. I miss him, Elle.”

She reached over and put her arm around me as she stroked Brayden’s head while I fed him his bottle.

“I know you do. I miss him too. But you know, he wouldn’t want you to be sad. He already made that very clear after he died.”

“I still can’t believe he’s gone. God, I would love to know what he would have thought about Collin getting married in Vegas.” I gave Ellery a small smile.

“I know exactly what he would have said. ‘Connor, that boy of yours is exactly like you. Get your head out of your ass and be happy for him. Embrace his marriage and happiness because you know damn well you can’t blame him.’”

I laughed. “You’re right. I can hear those exact words.”

She gave me a squeeze as she laid her head on my shoulder. “I love you more and more every day, Connor Black.”

I turned and kissed her forehead. “I love you too, baby.”

Once Brayden was fed, Ellery took him downstairs so I could take a shower. We were going to spend the day together; just the three of us. Like it was when we just had Julia. After my shower, I wrapped the towel around me and walked over to the armoire and opened the top drawer where I had kept Denny’s letter all these months. I slid my finger under the flap and took out the folded white paper. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, I slowly opened it.

Dear Connor,

My son and my best friend. As you’re reading this, I don’t want you to feel any sadness. I’m in a good place and I’ve been called home to reunite with my beautiful wife, Dana. Your journey to becoming a man was something that I treasured my whole life. You know Dana and I could never have kids, but we felt like our life was full because you were like our son. I know things with your own father hadn’t been easy for you, but as he gets older, you need to forgive him. People make mistakes and you of all people should know that. You’ve made your fair share throughout the years and you were forgiven more times than I could count. Life is all about family and accepting things we can’t control. You need to see the beauty in all things that happen because even the biggest mistakes can turn out to be the best gifts in life. Acceptance, forgiveness, and love prevail over anything that life throws your way. I love you, Connor Black, more than words can say and I think I did a damn good job of guiding you and loving you through the years. You’ve made me extremely proud and I couldn’t imagine a better man who deserved a wife and family as perfect as yours. Take care of Ellery, Julia, and Collin, and do right by them. So far, you’ve done an amazing job and I’ll be watching over you from afar to make sure you continue to do so. Remember, my son, that I will always love you and one day we’ll be reunited in the big sky. Now, toss this letter and be happy. Be happy for me that I’m back home and stop being selfish because you’re sad. Give Ellery a big kiss from me and don’t forget, I’m always around. If you need to talk about anything, just give me a shout. You’ll feel better, I promise.”

Love always,

Denny

Ellery walked in the room and stopped when she saw the letter in my hands.

“Is that—”

“Yeah.” I looked up at her.

She walked over to me, set Brayden in the middle of the bed, and wrapped her arms around me.

“I’m confused, Elle. Some of the things he says in this letter about my father don’t make sense.” I handed her the letter. “Denny knew that my relationship with my father was on the mend over the last few years, so I don’t understand what he meant.”

“I don’t know, Connor. Don’t read too much into it. It’s Denny. He’s probably just making sure you stay on the right track with your dad.”

“I don’t know. But something about what he said bothers me. Especially the part about acceptance. Almost as if he knew something I don’t.”

“Sweetheart, seriously, you’re reading too much into his words. Come on and get dressed. Go spend some time with your grandson while I get ready and we can start the day off by going to breakfast.” She kissed my cheek.

“You’re right. Let me throw on some clothes.” I took the letter from her and folded it back up. I slipped it back in the drawer and closed the armoire. Still, something about that letter seemed off to me.

Collin

As I sat at my desk, my phone rang and it was Diana calling. I had called her yesterday to tell her about me and Amelia, but she didn’t answer.

“Hello, Diana.”

“Hi, Collin. I’m so sorry that I didn’t get a chance to call you back yesterday. Joel and I were having dinner with some friends and by time I got home and with the time difference, it was too late.”

“That’s okay, Diana. I just wanted to tell you some news.”

“What’s going on?”

I took in a deep breath. “Amelia and I got married in Vegas last week.”

There was silence on the other end. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“Sorry just to spring it on you like that.”

“God, Collin. Congratulations. I’m so happy for both of you. Wait until I tell Jacob. He’ll be thrilled. Your parents must have been so happy. But I am a bit surprised that you did it in Vegas.”

“Well, we eloped. My parents weren’t there and they didn’t know until I came back to New York.”

“Oh. How did they take the news?”

“Not good at all. There was some tension and hurt for a couple of days, but we talked and everything’s cool now. My mom is planning a wedding reception and I want you and Jacob to come celebrate with us.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world. When is it?”

“We haven’t set the date yet. But as soon as we do I’ll let you know. How’s Jacob doing?”

“He’s doing really good, Collin. His attacks are few and far between now and he hasn’t been hospitalized once since we moved here.”

“That’s great, Diana. I’m so happy for you both. Amelia and I are going to come and visit you guys next month. We talked about it last night.”

“That’s wonderful. We can’t wait to see you.”

“So.” I paused for a moment. “How’s it going with Joel?”

She laughed into the phone. “Joel and I are great. We are dating exclusively and I’m pretty sure I’ve fallen in love with him. The best part is the way he is with Jacob and Jacob loves him.”

“Excellent.” I leaned back in my chair. “That’s what I like to hear.” My office door opened and my dad walked in. I held up my finger. “Listen, Diana, my dad just walked into my office. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Click
.

My dad walked over to my desk.

“Diana said hi. She and Jacob are doing really good.”

“I know, son. I spoke with her last week.”

I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes. “And you didn’t tell me this, why?”

“Because someone decided to spring some shocking news on us and I didn’t think about it.”

I looked down. “Oh. Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you were spending the day with Brayden and Mom.”

“I am. I just had to grab a file from my office.”

“Where are Mom and Brayden?”

“In Julia’s office. We’re taking Brayden to the Central Park Zoo.”

No matter how hard my dad tried, he couldn’t hide the sadness that overtook him today. I walked over to where he was standing and gave him a hug. “I miss him too, Dad.”

“I know you do, son. We all do. He really left a mark on this whole family.”

“He sure did.”

“I better get going. I don’t want to keep your mother waiting. I’ll talk to you later.”

I gave him a small smile as I walked him to the door. “Have fun at the zoo, Dad.”

“Thanks, Collin.”

After the workday ended, I grabbed my briefcase and headed home. When I walked through the door, an amazing aroma filled the air. I set my briefcase down and walked into the kitchen, where I found Amelia standing over the stove.

“Hey, baby.” I wrapped my arms around her and slid my tongue across her neck.

“Mhmm. Hi.” She turned around with a smile and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“What is that delicious smell?”

“I’m making a roast.” Her lips brushed tenderly against mine.

“How much longer until it’s ready?”

“About thirty minutes.”

I stared into her eyes as the corners of my mouth curved into a smile. “Then we have time for sex.”

“Not really. I have other things I need to prepare. I have to cut up the lettuce and vegetables for the salad. You can help me if you’d like.”

“I would love to help. I’m going to change out of my suit and I’ll be right back.” I pressed my lips against hers.

I went to the bedroom and changed out of my suit and into a pair of sweatpants. When I walked back in the kitchen, Amelia was standing at the counter, cutting the lettuce. She looked so sexy in her cropped yoga pants and tank top. I couldn’t resist myself. I wanted her and I was going to have her no matter what. I came up from behind and planted my hands firmly on her breasts.

“Collin. What are you doing?” She turned her head and gave me a small smile.

“Shh, baby. Just enjoy it.” My lips softly caressed her neck as my hands made their way up her shirt, feeling her naked breasts.

I pressed my erection against her and a soft moan escaped her lips. As I took her hardened nipples between my fingers, she set down the knife and placed her hands firmly on the counter. She knew there was no stopping me. Her head tilted to the side so my mouth could have easier access to the soft skin of her neck. She reached back and placed her hand on my head.

“Keep both hands on the counter.”

I released her breasts and hooked my finger in the sides of her yoga pants, taking them down with her panties all the way down to her ankles. I lifted each leg and removed her pants, tossing them to the side. My tongue slowly ran up the back of her leg. She gasped. As soon as my mouth reached her beautiful ass, I drew tiny circles around with my tongue as I dipped my fingers inside her. She was soaking wet already and my cock was twitching something fierce. Her breath hitched as I moved my fingers in and out of her, teasing her and bringing her to an orgasm the minute I pressed my thumb firmly against her clit from behind.

“Collin. Oh God. Collin,” she screamed as I stood up and wrapped my arm around her waist, holding her tight as my fingers played with her while she climaxed. Once her orgasm subsided, she stood in front of the counter, panting. I pulled down my sweatpants, spread her legs, and thrust my cock in and out of her at a rapid pace.

Her moans became high pitched with each thrust. “Bend over a little bit, baby.”

She did as I asked and I went deeper inside her, hitting all the right spots that made my cock twitch. With a firm grip on her hips, the warmth of her pussy, and three more pumps, I pushed deep and moaned as I released myself inside of her. Wrapping my arms around her, I buried my face into her neck as I tried to regain normal breaths.

“Okay, baby. I’m hungry now.” I picked up the knife and started cutting the lettuce.

“What are you doing?” She laughed as I was still buried inside of her.

“Helping you with the salad.”

“So we’re cooking naked now?”

“You’re not completely naked. You still have your shirt on. But I do like that idea.”

“Collin,” she whined.

“Okay. Okay.” I pulled out of her and pulled up my pants.

“Can you please finish the salad while I go and clean myself up?” She turned around with a beautiful smile splayed across her face.

“I’ll do anything for you, baby.” I pressed my lips against hers before she headed to the bedroom.

****

The next day, I had a meeting across town. My dad was supposed to attend with me, but something came up at the office and he needed to stay behind. I was used to handling these meetings on my own. Sometimes, I wondered if my dad bailed on purpose just to sit back and watch how well I handled things without him. After the meeting was over, I had Ralph drop me off on Broadway, where I was meeting Julia at Artie’s Deli for lunch. As I was walking down the street, two kids ran past me and bumped into a woman who was holding two brown paper grocery bags, knocking them out of her hands. Fruit and vegetables spilled all over the sidewalk. The little punks didn’t even bother to stop and help her. I shook my head as I bent down and helped her pick them up.

“Damn kids. Are you okay, ma’am?”

“I’m fine. Thank—” She stopped mid-sentence as she looked up and stared at me. “Connor?” she narrowed her eyes.

This was weird. “No. My name is Collin. My father’s name is Connor. Do you know him? Connor Black?”

There was something in her expression that seemed off. It was almost as if she was in shock or something.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I thought you were someone else. My apologies.”

“Ah, okay.” I smiled as I helped her pick up the rest of her food.

“Thank you, Collin, for your help. You’re a very nice man.”

“You’re welcome. Have a nice day.”

“You too.” She walked away and continued down the street. I couldn’t help but notice how nervous she seemed. It was strange, but I just shrugged my shoulders and made my way down to Artie’s Deli.

When I walked in, Julia was already sitting down eating and my sandwich was on the table waiting for me.

“Hey, sis.” I kissed her cheek.

“What took you so long? I went ahead and ordered your sandwich.”

“A couple of kids knocked some groceries out of a woman’s arms and her fruit and vegetables spilled everywhere, so I stopped and helped her pick them up.”

“That was sweet of you.”

“It was strange, though. When she looked at me, she called me Connor.”

“Huh?” Julia narrowed her eyes.

“I asked her if she knew Dad, but she said she thought I was someone else. She seemed really nervous.”

“That’s weird.”

“Yeah. I thought so too. Anyway, thanks for the sandwich.”

“You’re welcome.” She smiled.

“I’m thinking about hiring my own driver. Thoughts?”

She arched her eyebrow as she sipped her water. “Why?”

“Because I don’t want Amelia taking the subway. I can’t always be there to pick her up and the cab drivers are crazy here. She was telling me last night how the cab almost got into an accident.”

“What’s wrong with Ralph?”

“He’s Dad’s driver and he’s not available all the time.”

“Then hire someone. I think it’s a good idea. While you’re interviewing drivers, you might as well interview secretaries for you too.”

“I have a secretary.” I took a bite of my sandwich.

“Oops. Dad didn’t tell you yet?”

“Tell me what?”

“He’s stealing Laurinda from you and you have to find a new secretary.”

“My ass he is! Laurinda is a damn good secretary and he just can’t take her from me.”

“Yes he can. It’s his company.” She laughed.

I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh. This was shit and I’d be telling him how shit it was just as soon as I got back to the office.

****

When I got back to Black Enterprises, my dad wasn’t in his office.

“Laurinda, do you know where my dad is?”

“He’s in a meeting.”

I looked at her and flashed her my genuine sexy smile as I perched myself on the corner of her desk.

“You like working for me, right?”

“Of course, Collin.”

“We’ve been through a lot, you and me, right?”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “You mean all the times I had to cover for you with your dad?”

I sighed. “Yeah. Something like that.” I leaned in closer to her. “You’d never leave me, would you?”

“Does this have anything to do with me becoming your father’s secretary?”

“So he’s talked to you already?”

She laughed. “Yes and he’s your dad. He owns the company, Collin. I have no choice.”

“But you do have a choice, Laurinda. You can tell him no.”

“He’d fire me.”

“No he wouldn’t. He’d make me fire you and I would never.”

She laughed again. “Thank you for that, but I’ll still help you out until you find my replacement.”

I looked up and saw my dad walking down the hall. “Secretary stealer. We need to talk, Dad.”

“Yes, we do, son. In my office, please.” He chuckled.

I got up from Laurinda’s desk and followed my dad into his office, taking the seat across from his desk.

“You can’t have my secretary. It’s not fair, Dad. You made me fire yours and now you’re stealing mine? What happened to loyalty?”

“Collin. This is business and you’ll find a new secretary. Plus, I’ll be retiring in a couple of years and when you take over, you can have Laurinda back.”

“I’m telling Mom.”

“Your mom already knows. In fact, she suggested it.”

“Wow. This is payback for getting married in Vegas. Isn’t it?”

He sighed as he sat down in his chair. “Son, it’s not payback. Now, I have some work to do. Call human resources and tell them to start looking for candidates. Once word gets out that Collin Black needs a new secretary, women will be lining up outside the building for the job.” He smiled.