No Regrets (Live Today #2) (15 page)

“You know you don’t have to explain.” I try to reassure her.

“I know I don’t, but I want to talk to you. I don’t want anything between us. Ever.” God how can I ever live without her.

“I don’t either Angel. I love you. All of you. Even if it means I have to share you with your brother and dad for a night, then so be it.” I take a minute or two before I decide to be completely honest with her.

“I think my heart stopped when I woke up and you weren’t in bed.” She sits up to stare at me.

“You thought I bolted?”

“Well, in not so many words, but yeah.”

“Gabriel, I will never leave you again. I want you to believe that.” I take her face in my hands, and kiss her softly.

“I do believe that Jenna. I also know how important it is for you to be with your brother and your father right now.” I rub away a tear with my thumb before kissing her nose. “Believe me. I get it.” She bites her bottom lip and nods.

“I love you.” She whispers. I pull her in my arms and hold her tightly.

“I love you too Angel. Always.”

~~~

“Uh, Gabe?” Jenna asks from the bedroom. I’m just finishing up my shower. I wrap a towel around my waist and step out into the bedroom.

“Yeah, what’s up?” Her tone has peaked my curiosity.

“Willow just sent a text. Wonder why she didn’t text Matty.”

“Hmm. I don’t know, what does it say?” She looks at me dumfounded. “What?”

“I’m not going to go looking through your phone.” I sigh dramatically and sit next to her. “Do not sigh like that. I’m not.” She scolds. I take the phone from her hand and open it up to purposely show her.

“Jenna, listen. My phone is your phone. My room is your room.” She begins laughing. “What’s so funny?”

“You.” She lays back laughing hard. Once she has it out of her system, she sits back up and tries to continue. “Gabe, your phone is my phone, because it’s on my plan. And your room is my room, it’s in my house.” She laughs.

“Okay little miss smart ass.” I set the phone down and push her back on the bed. Once I have her where I want, her laughing stops. I bring my lips down to hers and kiss her with so much passion, we both are gasping for breath once I finish. “You know what I meant. My world is your world. You own every bit of me Jenna. Heart, body and soul.”

She brings her hand to caress my face. “I know, and you own me too.” Her face is serious. I reach for the phone and lay beside her, holding it up above us so we both can see it clearly. Before I open up Willow’s message, I open up my contact list.

“Look.” I show her. “After you left, I decided to delete every contact that held no importance to me. I don’t care about anyone else other than you and our families Angel.” She remains quiet. I’m hoping she fully understands now, that I will never keep any secrets from her ever again. She takes the phone from my hand and decides to open up the text messages. She scrolls over them. There are texts from my mom, my baby sister, Matt and Justin. She looks at me before going back to the phone and swiping the message from Justin to delete it.

“I deleted mine.” She whispers. “I trust you Gabe. But I really don’t need to look through your phone to believe you.”

“Same goes for me too. And honestly, I don’t know what Willow wanted. Your guess is as good as mine.” Curious as to what she wants, Jenna opens Willow’s message.

Gabe, can you please pick me up at the airport at 10:30? I want to surprise Matt. Wilz

“I really hope she isn’t planning on breaking him again.” Her voice is agitated. “I may have to inflict bodily harm if she does.”

“Easy Rocky.” I tease and she giggles. “I’ll send Drew to get her. I don’t want to leave you today.” She props herself on her elbow.

“Why?” I reach up and tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

“Today is the day you watch the video and I want to make sure I’m here. I promised you yesterday that I would be here for you, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

“You can go and get her. I’ll be okay.” The expression on her face doesn’t match the tone of her voice.

“No deal Jenna.” I answer before texting Willow back.

“What are you doing?” She tries for the phone, but I pull it away. “Gabe.” She reaches again, but I keep it out of reach. What she does next causes me to drop my phone. She pulls the towel from around my waist and grabs my flesh. “That got your attention, didn’t it?” She smirks. “I figured, since everything that’s yours is mine, this belongs to me too.”

“Better be careful with that Angel.” I groan as I begin to stiffen in her hand. She begins to move her hand until I become rock hard.

“What did you tell her?”

“That Drew will pick her up.” I can barely focus on anything other than what’s going on with her hand.  “Then I sent one to Drew asking him to get her.” She slides off the bed and settles herself between my legs.

“Jenna, what are you doing?” I ask as she lowers herself so she’s kneeling. Propping up on my elbows, I can’t help but stare at her. She says nothing, but slowly, she lowers herself until she has me in her mouth. “Fuck” I groan and drop my head back. Never in my life did I imagine feeling this good. She strokes and sucks and whatever it is she’s doing with her tongue is absolutely killing me. “Jenna, stop.” I beg, but she doesn’t. She continues until I can’t take it anymore. “Jenna…” I groan in warning, resting my hands in her hair. “Oh FUCK!” I yell letting go into her mouth. She slows, but doesn’t let up until there’s nothing left.

“Holy fuck Jenna.” I sit up, pulling her onto me. “That was…” Her face reddens.

“Was that okay?” She asks embarrassed. I take her chin between my thumb and finger and force her eyes to meet mine.

“That was beyond okay baby. Jesus, that was amazing.” I kiss her gently trying to reassure how much I loved that.

“I’ve never done that before.” She admits. “I just wanted to do something for you, but wasn’t sure if I would be any good.”

“Well, being that I’ve never had that done before, I would say it was the best I’ve ever had.”

“What?” she asks. “Are you serious?” I raise an eyebrow and nod.

“Would I lie to you about something like that?” She blushes again. “Jenna, I made a promise to never lie to you, ever. So believe me, please.”

“So those other girls?” She questions.

“Like I always said. Just decoys to get you upset. I never did any more than kiss them. Believe me when I can honestly say, I have no idea how I got the player reputation, because I have not done anything to anyone.” I chuckle. “I would take them out, show them a fun time, then take them home. Most of the time, they ended up going home with someone else.”

She wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you.” She admits before kissing me. God, I will never get enough of those words from her.

“I love you too babe.”

~~~

“Where did Drew go?” Matt asks.

“Said he had to make a quick run.” I shrug. “I didn’t ask, I only tossed Jenna’s keys to him.” He stares at me blankly before shaking his head before turning his attention back to Dani. “Hey, have you talked to Wilz lately?”

“She called the other day, saying she missed Dani.” He looks back to me. “Why?”

“Did she say she missed you?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“Yeah… We’ve been talking a lot lately. Of course she knows how much I still love her.”

“She’s not with your cousin anymore?” He shakes his head.

“Nah, they split up a while ago. She’s been focusing on Danika.” I nod. “Is there something you know that I don’t?”

Shaking my head, “Nope. Just curious. It’s nice to hear about shit other than us.” I chuckle.

“How’s that going by the way?” I look toward the bedroom, to make sure Jenna’s still in the shower.

“Couldn’t be happier. She uh, she gave me a nice surprise this morning.” I can’t hide my grin.

“She did the deed, didn’t she?” He can’t hide his laugh. “You sly dog you.” He suddenly stops. “Hey wait… that was your…” I nod. “Way to go, you lucky fucker. You’re turning into a man right before my eyes.”

“Shut up man.” I shove him. “Don’t give her a hard time for it either. She just found out it was my first as well.”

“She’s a newbie too right?” He looks shocked. “I could have sworn…” I glare at him, cutting him off. “Never mind. It won’t come from me.”

“Oh hey, before I forget. I wanted to do something fun for Jenna and Brennan. You know, maybe go to an amusement park with the family.”

“Which family?” He asks sarcastically.

“Our family man. Your parents too and Drew’s. Even Robert. But I don’t know about Paisley. I guess it all depends on how the video works out today. Anyway, think you can handle it?”

“Of course. I’ll make it happen.”

“Thanks.”

Jenna

“Well, you ready?” Brennan asks me. Dad’s setting up the office with the video we are supposed to watch.

“Do I really have a choice?” I ask sarcastically. So much has changed since we left home. I feel as if I’ve been living in some alternate universe these past handful of weeks.

“You always have a choice sis.” He corrects me. “Guess this didn’t go as planned huh?”

“Does it ever? This time, I’m not complaining. So far, I’ve ended up engaged and you’ve ended up as happy as I’ve ever seen you.” He blushes and smiles while glancing over at Gabe and Ashley who are talking on the phone with their parents.

“I swear, she has this effect on me.” He makes eye contact with me again. “I do get it now, you know. The whole you and Gabe thing. I just want you to know that I won’t butt in again.” I raise an eyebrow at him and we both begin to laugh.

“Yes you will.” I tease him.

“Yeah, your’re right. I probably will.” He chuckles. Gabe and Ashley make their way back to us.

“How’s the family?” I ask them both. Gabe sits beside me and pulls me into his side.

“Great. Of course Em is mad that the rumors on the website aren’t true. Guess she wanted us to get hitched.” He kisses the top of my head.

“Soon enough, soon enough.” I pat his leg. At that moment, dad walks in from the office.

“It’s all set up. Ready whenever you are.” He states “Uh, did you two make a decision on Paisley yet?” Brennan and I have been dodging that subject. He raises his brows at me asking me what I think. I shrug in return.

“She can join us, I guess. But I don’t want her to give Jenna or me any kind of attitude dad. I don’t think I can take it today.”

He nods in agreement. “I can’t argue with you there son. I don’t think I can tolerate it today either.” He turns to get her.

Brennan stands and offers his hand to me. I take it, stand and reach for Gabriel. I know there’s no doubt in my mind that I can’t do this without him by my side. He stands and places his hands on my shoulders and gives them a good squeeze. We make our way to the office, but notice Ashley is still sitting in her seat. Brennan turns.

“You’re not coming?” The worry in his voice is unavoidable.

“I… I didn’t think I should.” Her eyes trail over the three of us.

“Nonsense Ashley.” Brennan says. He makes his way toward her and kneels. “I need you just as much as she needs Gabe. Please Ash, please come in there with me?” She lays her hands on top of his and smiles. They both stand and we all walk into the office together.

There are pictures of us on the walls and on his desk. Some are recent and some are older ones from when we were little. There’s also some of Paisley when she was little. Brennan gasps.

“Jems,” He says looking at me. “She looks like you did when you were younger.” I stand beside him and stare at the small child’s picture hanging on the wall. I run my finger over the little girl’s face and he brings a photo of me at around the same age and places it next to her. The comparison is remarkable. “Guess there’s no doubt she’s dads.”

“She resembles you more now though.” I point to an older looking photo of her when she was a teenager. “Weird huh?” I ask. “She’s like a combination of the both of us.”

“That’s what I always told your mother.” Dad says. We both turn to see him and Paisley standing at the doorway. They walk in together and I can’t help the sting of pain to see their affection. Brennan takes my hand.

“You’ve got this.” He kisses the back of my head and whispers. “Jenna, if at any time you can’t handle this, just let either one of us know and we will make sure to get you out of here.”

“No, I have to do this.” I pull him to Gabe and Ashley who are sitting on the longer couch. We sit and wait while Dad stands at his desk.

“Before we begin, I have been requested to make sure that the three of you sign a document stating that you have actually witnessed this video. I thought it would be more appropriate to have you sign with me, instead of having some stranger that you don’t know in here while we watch it.”

“Sure, of course.” Brennan answers for both of us. This is going to be harder than I thought. I take Gabe’s hand and hold it tightly. He drapes an arm around my shoulder and comforts me. His fingers automatically make circles on my skin.

“I’m right here Angel.” He whispers in my ear and kisses just above it. I nod and squeeze his hand.

Dad pushes a button to a remote control, and the curtains that were open, suddenly close. He turns the television on and hits play on the DVD player. He sets a box of tissues on the table in front of us. There’s a chair that sits between the couch that we are sitting on and where Paisley sits, but he doesn’t sit there. He walks to the back of the office and stands behind us, making sure not to make eye contact with us. The video comes to life and my heart begins to pound uncontrollably.

Mom sits on the same couch we’re sitting on now. She is absolutely stunning. I can’t help the resemblance of her facial features to my own. I look just like her. So much, it makes me shiver. She is well groomed, of course. I wonder when this was taken, because she doesn’t look sick. Her eyes aren’t looking at the camera, but they are looking just past. She blinks and nods before looking directly into the camera.

“If you’re watching this video, then it means I have finally passed.” Her eyes gloss immediately, but she dabs them quickly. “I told myself to be strong and look at me.” She laughs softly. “I can’t even say one sentence without tearing up.” She dabs them again, then she shifts a little and dad sits next to her and holds her hand. Oh man, the look he has in his eyes toward her is the same way Gabe looks at me. I lean into Gabe and smile.

“Before I begin, I wanted to tell you all that I am truly sorry. I believe that this horrible disease has come upon me because of what I’ve done to you two.” She looks up to dad and smiles. “Paisley, I will assume that you are in the room with your brother and sister, since I know that your dad couldn’t keep a secret until after the video.” I look over to Paisley and she wipes a tear from her face. “Which means that Brennan and Jenna, you must hate me even more now than ever. Please reserve your hate toward me and not your sister.” She sniffles. “Now that I have you all in a room together, I want to let you know how much I truly love you. I know that my way of showing it has been unconventional, but at the time I thought it was the best thing to do. I did not realize I was pregnant with Paisley until a few months after I had left. Please understand that all I wanted was the best for you two. I thought I was doing my best for you.”

She wipes her eyes and continues. “Brennan, my boy. My beautiful baby boy. Words can’t explain how proud I am of you. As you probably know by now, even though I haven’t been in your lives, I have been keeping close tabs on you and your sister. Son, you have filled my heart with so much pride and joy …” She trails off. I reach for Brennan’s hand and he takes it immediately. Tears are spilling from his eyes. “You had to grow up so quickly. Thank you Brennan. You could have taken the easy way out when I left, but you didn’t. You stayed by Jenna’s side and your fathers. You were the glue that held things together. I’m sure you’re thinking you didn’t have a choice, but you did son. You did. You could have walked away when your father finally came to see me and left your sister in the hands of the state, but you didn’t. You stepped up again and fought for her. You decided to make your own family through music. I never doubted that Matt and William would have been a part of your family.” She smiles. “And now there’s Gabriel.”

A tear falls from my eye when I look up at Gabe. He kisses my forehead and wipes away my tear with the pad of his thumb. “Jenna, I’m hoping by now that Brennan has released his hold on you and Gabriel, and has finally let you discover how much you two truly love each other.” I smile up at him and he winks, we hear Brennan chuckle. “You two will find happiness together. I have to admit, seeing the both of you on stage that night you sang together was remarkable.” I gasp. She nods on the screen as if she can see me. “Yes, sweetheart, I simply had to see you perform. Your father and I have actually gone to several of your shows.” I turn to look at dad and he is still looking down. His chest rises and falls as tears fall from his eyes while he quietly sobs. I release Gabe’s hand and make my way to my father. He pulls me into his arms when I reach him and holds me tight.

“The way that you two look at each other is the same way your father would look at me. It’s a deep kind of love, one that hits immediately, and no matter how hard you try to push it away, it only comes back just as strong. I never doubted that you would find true love, not just for Jenna, but for all of you. I always knew Jenna would fall first though. Sweetheart, do you remember that day outside in the back yard?” I swallow back a choking sound. The dream. “You know, when you brought me a butterfly? Do you remember what I told you that day? I said I wanted you to always remember how beautiful you are. And princess, you make me so happy. You are the light that shines so bright that even with your smile, you can brighten up anyone’s day. You my sweet, sweet girl truly do have a heart of gold. I never doubted that, with the help from your brother, you would live with no regrets. I told you not to fall for the first guy you met and you would meet the man of your dreams. Do you remember?”

“I told you to keep Brennan close to you always, because you will need him in the end and he will need you.” She sobs. “I am so proud of you for doing just that. I remember asking you not to fight with him, but if you did, always kiss and make up. I know you two have had your fair share of arguments.” She nods. “Yes, Aunt Patty would always keep me informed, but you did always make up and find a medium in the end, didn’t you? Thank you for never giving up on each other. I take pride in knowing I have two of the strongest children ever. You two have done something I never could have imagined possible. You survived, even with the horrible things your father and I did to you, you made it through. You made your own family.”

“But even handpicked families get broken up sometimes too don’t they?” She looks down and reaches for something. “Brennan, Jenna, I am so sorry for William. I know how close he was to you two. I can’t thank him enough for saving you that night Jenna.” She wipes a tear, and dad wraps his arm around her. She rests her head on his shoulder and regains herself again.

I take dad’s hand and pull him toward the couch. Ashley gets up so Brennan can shift over and we sit between him and Gabe. Brennan places an arm around dad’s shoulders and we all begin to cry silently.

“I don’t know what I would have done if we would have lost you that night Jenna. I wanted to go see you, but I was having a bad spell, and couldn’t. Plus I thought things wouldn’t have turned out so well at the time. I assure you, your father has made it a point to know that the other driver will never see the light of day again in the free world. This is something he feels very passionate about and if you know us Munson’s, once we get an idea in our heads, there’s no stopping us.” She smiles. “Life is so unpredictable isn’t it?” Her face turns again. “In the long run, we never know how long we have with one another, do we?” She takes a deep breath before continuing.

“Paisley, my dear Paisley. You have been my little thorn haven’t you?” She laughs. God her laugh is so much like mine, it scares me. “Do me a favor sweetie, don’t hate Brennan and Jenna. I know you think you’ve had a hard life, but I really think that if you listen to them, and understand how they have lived through this, you will understand how good you have it. You have so much of them in you. It’s like you are half of them in one. I know you hate it when I compare you to them, but if you are in the room now, take a look at them. I mean really look at them Pai. You resemble Brennan the most, but your spunk and hardheadedness, well, that’s all Jenna. Paisley, you must understand, you had something that they didn’t. You had me by your side your entire life. They didn’t get that opportunity.”

“We were going to lose the house. Your dad was having a hard time finding work, and we were struggling to make ends meet. I didn’t have a good relationship with my parents at the time.” She laughs. “I actually had no relationship with them. They pretty much disowned me when they found out that I chose your father over them and their money. Doing what I did, you must understand how hard it was to write them asking for help. I was desperate. I wanted nothing more than to keep you in the same house for your childhood. It was something your father and I both agreed on since he grew up jumping around from school to school. So, I sent them a letter asking for some help. I was hoping they would let me have my inheritance back that they took from me when we married.”

“They refused. They said that the only way they would help me out was if I came home. Alone.” She’s given up wiping her tears by now, so they fall freely down her face. “They agreed to pay off the house in full to allow you to have a stable life, but in return, I had to leave your father. Brennan, I’m not sure if you remember me asking you to take Jenna to the park a few days before I left.” I look at Brennan, he nods quickly with tearful eyes.

“I remember.” He answers her.

“Your father and I fought so much that night. I was certain we had frightened you. I had told him about the plan, and he wanted no part of it.” She looks up to him on the screen. He’s had his head down for some time. “He said if he lost me, then he would lose his soul.” She reaches up and wipes away a tear from his face. She looks at him with so much love and compassion, it’s painful to see. “He swore he would find a way to make it work. I had to do what I thought was best for everyone.” She sobs. “So, I left.” She chokes.