Ending with Forever (30 page)

“I’m fine,” she replies.

“No. You need to eat now,” I insist. “My babies want food.”

“Okay, Mr. Bossy. Let me get you situated and then I’ll feed your babies.”

“I like it when you’re accommodating, babe.” I frame her face with my hands and press my lips into hers, kissing them, savoring the silky touch of them.

“If you don’t stop now, I’ll have to have you accommodate my other needs,” she gasps, sucking in a sharp breath. I know her body well. It’s speaking to me, telling me she’s desperate to have me deep inside her.

“Say when,” I encourage, slipping my right hand under her dress and up between her thighs. The center part of her panties is moist with craving.

“We can’t. You’re hurt,” she argues, resisting me unconvincingly.

“It’s my shoulder, not my cock,” I assure her. “That part of my body is functioning just fine.”

“No. I want to hold off until our wedding night,” she declares.

This is news to me. I can’t survive two weeks without having my way with her, especially if we’re sleeping in the same bed. Is she out of her mind to ask such a thing of me? “Excuse me. I don’t think I heard you right,” I clarify. “The drugs are clouding my mind.”

“I want to wait because it’ll be extra special that night,” she reasons.

“It’s special every time we make love,” I assert.
Shit.
It comes out cheesier than it sounded in my head, but I really meant it.

“Did you really just give me a corny line?” she giggles.

“Damn it. I did, but I didn’t mean it like that. I was being sincere,” I convince her, stumbling over my words like I’ve never done before. I’m losing my suave touch.

“You’d say anything to get a girl into your bed,” she teases.

“No one gets into my bed, but you,” I smolder. “And yes, I’d say or do anything to have you between my sheets.”

“Let’s get you washed up and then we’ll see how persuasive you are,” she urges playfully with a wink.

W
ho could be calling so freaking early in the morning? I pat the nightstand blindly for my phone with face buried in the pillow. “Mmm…Hello,” I grunt.

“Lily, it’s momma,” a much-too-animated voice for this time of day replies. “I’m on my way with your grandparents. They couldn’t wait another day to see you,” she blasts into my half-awakened ear.

“What? You’re coming today?” I ask more alert with my back to Carson who’s still knocked out from his pain meds. “When?” I haven’t had a chance to tell Carson anything about Marcus and Bridgette.

“We’ll be landing in about three hours,” she confirms. What will I tell Carson?

“Do you need me to pick you up at the airport?” I offer as my mind panics in the background.

“No. That won’t be necessary. Bridgette is coming for us. I’ll call you when we’re settled and then we’ll meet with you and Carson, if he’s available.”

“Okay, Mom. See you in a few hours.” I disconnect and turn my body to spoon Carson.

“Your mother is coming?” he asks in a groggy voice, folding his hand over mine.

“Yes. Did I wake you?” I didn’t realize he was listening to me. “I hope you don’t mind. I know it’s a short notice.”

“Of course I don’t mind,” he tells me as he cautiously rolls on to his right side to face me. “She’s welcome here anytime,” he stresses sincerely, dissolving my heart without even trying.

“Will you be able to meet them with me today?”

“Who are them? Is she bringing a friend?” Carson questions.

Placing my palm on his face, I look into his hazel eyes. Will he understand what I’m about to tell him or will he think I’ve been lying to him all along? “Do you remember asking me about my middle name at my mom’s house?” He nods in response. “Chandler Montgomery is my uncle and Marcus Ly is my grandfather,” I tell him, feeling my chest tighten with apprehension. “I had no idea until Bridgette and Wes told me the other day.”

“I know,” he replies calmly as if it’s public knowledge. That’s not exactly the gushing reaction I was expecting.

“How?” I demand, feeling betrayed that he didn’t share that useful piece of information with me.

“Your mother broke down when I asked her about your father,” he answers. “It was unexpected. I…wasn’t prepared for it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I complain.

“It wasn’t my place.”

“Just like it wasn’t mine to tell you about Francine,” I remind.

“Yes. We make quite a pair. Don’t you think? How else would we have met if fate wasn’t so clever? Through hoops and bounds, we jumped through them all to discover that fate was testing us to see how strong we are together. I’d say we’re quite invincible.”

“We are,” I agree with his dimple smile. After all the impossible hurdles we’ve faced and bypassed, no news seems too preposterous for either one of us. Relief fills our hearts and minds now that everything’s out in the open.

“I can’t believe my mom poured out her heart and soul to you instead of me,” I grumble. “What’s up with that?”

“I guess I must have one of those trustworthy faces,” he trifles and then flinches, feeling the pain in his shoulder kick in.

“I think it’s time for breakfast and an oxycodone for you. Would you like that in bed or in the kitchen?”

“Will I get the special breakfast in bed or just breakfast in bed?” he inquires.

“Nice try, stud. Just breakfast and a pill. Remember? We’re holding off.” I remind him with a wicked grin.

“I don’t remember agreeing. I thought I told you I’d try until you give up?”

“You can try, but I’m very hard to crack. Google the word “stubborn” and you’ll see me on your screen,” I kid.

“Don’t remind me,” he surrenders. “I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”

“I love it when you’re accommodating,” I smart off with a chuckle and then jump out of bed.

“You’re a brat and you’re lucky I’m injured or I’d chase you down and spank your tight little ass and then tickle you until you beg for mercy.”

“I hope you don’t hold grudges because that sounds terrifying,” I reply and strut into the bathroom to brush my teeth.

~~~~

Bridgette calls Carson’s phone to give us the location and time to meet my mom and my grandparents. We’re joining them at their hotel for convenience because Grandma Ly has a bad case of jetlag. At breakfast, Carson and I decided to share our baby news when we see everyone. He presumed Bridgette had already informed Marcus because she overheard his conversation with Dr. Laurent. The only person who’ll be completely surprised is my mom. I’m on the fence about her response. I know she’ll be happy for us, but will she be disappointed that I’m pushing back our dream of me becoming a doctor? Honestly, I can’t fret about that now. It won’t change the fact that our babies will be here in July.

“Are you ready?” Carson interrupts my pondering mind. “We’re here, babe.” I nod in response.

Rollin opens the limo door for us with his usual gray-mustached smile and reminds us to text him when we need him. Carson pats his shoulder and thanks him for his sharp and hasty response yesterday. It’s amazing how many wonderful people are employed by Carson. My soul is somewhat comforted knowing that even though Carson may have to face unpredicted danger at times, he always has people willing and ready to protect him with their own lives whenever the situation calls.

Carson and I enter the grand hotel lobby to find two men in black suits waiting for us. Promptly, they direct us to a private dining area with a cozy fireplace and a fancy crystal chandelier. There’s just one elegantly dressed table with proper silver, glass and china occupying the entire open room. No one’s here except Carson and me.

“Please make yourselves comfortable. The Lys are on their way,” the one man who was rude to me in Hong Kong announces formally. He still has the same demeanor as before. Maybe it’s his personality after all—dry and cranky.

Carson pulls out a chair for me and then takes a seat to my right. I turn to face him and find myself fiddling nervously with the knot of his navy striped tie. My palms are clammy. I convince myself to focus on how fetching he looks instead of my edginess. He’s wearing a three-piece suit and he screams irresistible to me. I had to suppress my raging hormones when I saw him exit the walk-in closet looking so mighty. I wanted to say ‘to hell with waiting’ and jump his bones.

Attentive to my uneasiness, Carson grasps my hand and kisses along my knuckles. “Angel, everything will work out,” he soothes. “This is the start of our ending with forever.”

“I hope so,” I sigh. “Thanks for the encouragement, hazel eyes,” I tell him and then see my mom approach us, donned impeccably in a black suit and heels. My eyes want to believe that swanky lady with a new hairdo and makeup is my mom, but it’s too unbelievable. “Mom, you look incredible,” I stand up and applaud her. “I’ve never seen you so dressed up.”

“Your grandmother insisted on this makeover. I feel awkward,” she admits, embarrassed as she fusses with her blazer.

“No. You shouldn’t. You deserve to be spoiled rotten,” I convince. After all the shit she’s endured, she’s earned every bit of it.

“Lil’s right, Lia. You look astonishing,” Carson confirms with a kiss on her cheek.

“Thanks, Carson. Good to see you again.” She embraces his arm. This is my new mom, a woman with passion and style. “Lily, how are you coping?” she asks, offering me a worried expression. “I know it has to be overwhelming for you.” She reaches her hand out to me.

“It is. I can’t express it in words, Mom. How could you look at me every day—especially when we were struggling so badly and never want to reveal even the tiniest part of this world to me?” Those darn tears just won’t leave me alone. I feel them emerging.

“Because I love you with all my heart. Your safety was the only thing that mattered to me and your father.”

“I know you do,” I whimper, enfolding my arms around her and resting my chin on her shoulder. “Do you have any idea where my father is?” I ask with hope, forcing back those pesky tears that won’t seem to go away.

She shakes her head disappointedly and strokes my head. “I’m afraid not, honey. We both took your grandfather and uncle’s threats very seriously.”

The disillusioned look on Lil’s face shreds my heart to pieces. Her mother might not know where her father is, but Owen will have that information for me soon. I’ll make sure her fairytale will be complete.

“Angel, don’t be upset,” I encourage, cupping her withered face in my hand. “Nothing is ever clear-cut.”

“Listen to him, Lillian,” Marcus endorses, strutting in confidently with a refined woman I assume is his wife. “He knows what he’s talking about. He’s a knowledgeable and capable man,” he adds.

“Gratitude for the compliments, Marcus,” I repay and extend my hand out, offering him my utmost respect for all he’s done for me.

“It’s well deserved,” he stresses, looking at Lil and then back at me. “The world isn’t as vast as we think, is it?” he poses with a hinting glint in his eyes.

“No. Not at all,” I answer, understanding precisely what he’s implying.

“Lillian,” he calls his granddaughter by name. She stares at him with hesitation, narrowing her lids with caution. “I have a pre-wedding gift for you,” he tells her. “I’m positive you’ll love it.” He signals for his wife, who’s been admiring Lil with her doting eyes since they first entered the room, to handover a little red velvet box to Lil. “Go on. Take it,” he insists.

“What is it?” she asks, resisting to accept it.

“Open it and find out for yourself,” he urges.

She looks over at me for encouragement. I give her a nod and smile. She takes the box from her grandmother’s hands and flips the lid open to find her jade pendant necklace with two matching baby necklaces. I knew it. Bridgette must’ve told him about Lil’s pregnancy. She was with me that night when Dr. Laurent confirmed twins with ultrasound. An immediate smile spreads across Lil’s face. She was completely distraught when she told me Bianca had taken that necklace from her. It was gone and she would never see it again—so she thought. Marcus is beyond impressive.

“Thank you, sir,” she rejoices reservedly, but I know her better. She’s dying to shout hooray and jump high into the sky to celebrate. Her over-the-moon expression is hard to miss. 

“Call me grandpa. That would make me happier than anything.” His voice is brittle, sounding emotionally overcome as he persuades her to give him a chance. “We’ve already lost too many years,” he regrets.

She glances back to her mother and then to me and then to her weepy grandmother. “Grr…grandpa thank you for my gifts,” she falters. “I will cherish them and so will our babies,” she utters the weight of resentment off her chest and blows out a sigh of relief.

Both Marcus and his wife slowly approach Lily. They’re cautious not to be forceful, treading very gently. I can tell they desperately want to take her into their arms and hold her. Marcus reaches his hand out to her, pleading for her affection. She accepts his and his wife’s hands and falls into their chests. Tears come fiercely for all of them. Lia joins in and it’s a major meltdown of emotions. I find myself getting very choked up, watching a broken family mend with love and forgiveness. If they can rise above years of bitterness, I surely can also with Wes and Francine.

“Lily, you mentioned babies. Why?” Lia asks, breaching their circle and wiping her daughter’s crying face.

“I’m pregnant, Momma. With twins,” she reveals, darting her smiling eyes at me.
I guess we’re telling her our surprise now
.

“Twins?” she repeats with one hand over her mouth in complete shock. “How are you feeling? When are you due?”

“The end of July,” I answer for Lil. Lia shoots me a warning look. I think she’s telling me I better not forsake her daughter now that I’ve taken her innocence.

“That’s less than eight months away. I have to arrange my vacation time at the hospital, so I can be here for you,” she frets.

“They can hire a nanny,” Marcus suggests.

“No,” Lil objects firmly. “I don’t want a nanny. I will raise my babies myself,” she stresses.

“We will raise our babies together,” I correct her. “They’re mine, too,” I smirk with my hand on the small of her back.

“Let’s have some lunch,” Mrs. Ly proposes. “We can discuss babies over a delicious meal.” Happily, we all agree to take our seats and enjoy a lavish feast now that the air is cleared.