Chapter 13

THIRTEEN

The time when tragedy brought us a blessing

Why won’t she pick up her fucking phone?

The memories plague me like a reoccurring nightmare.

I could have lost my wife and baby.

All because of him.

Falling pregnant with another baby wasn’t in our plans, though—a blessing in disguise. Charlotte was shocked when I told her at Christmas, in our bathroom while our family was celebrating inside our living room.

I’d memorized every inch of Charlotte’s body. The way her tits sat so firmly against her chest to the size of her nipples. I’ve spent hours devouring her body because I couldn’t get enough.

Then, there was this glow. The rose in her cheeks. There were simple things she hadn’t realized she’d been doing. Charlotte thrives on routine and is consistent. For example, she enjoys fruit, specifically strawberries and various melons, for breakfast. I personally didn’t care for them, but the moment I saw her face almost dry heave by looking at the plate of fruit, I knew something was wrong. She narrowed it down to a bad batch.

I smiled and knew our careless night after my trip to Boston resulted in another Edwards baby.

Charlotte made the pregnancy look easy, though I would never discredit just how difficult it was. We were both juggling an inquisitive toddler who had no sense of fear. We never expected Amelia to be such a little daredevil. It wasn’t uncommon to find her attempting to climb over her crib or reaching on the countertop for something she shouldn’t be eating. I knew it drove Charlotte absolutely insane. When it comes to parenting styles, Charlotte is more disciplinary than me. Perhaps, you could say I have a soft spot for my daughter. When your child is surrounded by so much family, it’s only natural she would be spoiled.

I break free of my thoughts, clutching onto Charlotte’s hand as the doctors examine her.

She was brought in only an hour ago after being found in a ditch where she gave birth to our daughter.

My mind refuses to push aside the image of him beside her. So many questions were left unanswered, which only fueled the rage inside me. My heart is beating so fast, unable to slow down from the adrenaline pumping through my blood.

I’m supposed to focus on my wife and child.

But I want him dead.

My gut instincts warned me something was off for the last few months. It’s why I confronted him inside his office even though he flat-out lied to my face and made me look like I was insane.

Charlotte argued I was losing the plot. It started too many fights, so I learned to keep my mouth shut, not wanting another wedge between us. It didn’t mean I’d forgotten. I made sure he wasn’t anywhere near her.

But obviously, I fucked up somehow.

The baby is wheeled into the NICU so the doctors can examine her too. Charlotte’s eyes widen in panic, begging she go with her.

“Charlotte,” I whisper, caressing her cheek. “She’s going to be fine. It’s just precautionary.”

Deep breaths escape Charlotte’s dry lips as she nods while trying to calm herself down. The doctors continue to poke and prod, but my mind refuses to focus.

Suddenly, my parents rush through the doors. Mom reaches out her hand, quick to touch my arm as Dad goes into doctor mode.

“Honey,” Mom says softly. “Where’s the baby?”

“NICU,” I choke, unable to hide my anguish. “She’s going to be okay.”

Mom breathes a sigh of relief. “Of course, she’s going to be okay. Someone is watching over our family.”

Now is probably not the time to give Mom the complete rundown on how this occurred. The skin around my eyes bunch as I stare at Charlotte. Aside from some cuts and bruises, all her limbs are intact, given the severity of the accident and the damage to the car.

I should have been there. Why did I let this happen?

“Lex, you look tired,” Mom mentions with a concerned voice. “Why don’t you go outside and grab a coffee? I’ll be right here with Charlie.”

“I… I can’t leave now.”

Charlotte clears her throat. “Please get some coffee. It’s going to be a long night, and your mom is right here. I’m clearly not going anywhere.”

“I’ll check on the baby.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Charlotte smiles weakly.

“Mom, please call me if you need me. I’ll be ten minutes.”

Mom nods as I kiss Charlotte on the forehead before stepping out into the corridor. The moment the door shuts behind me, the adrenalin rushes through me again. There’s a pounding in my ears, followed by the sound of sirens. My eyes shut tight, unable to rid myself of the memory of seeing Charlotte lying on the dirt.

“There he is,” a familiar voice says.

I lift my gaze to see Eric and Rocky walking toward me. I’m not surprised Eric is here but wonder why Rocky is, given he mentioned nothing about visiting the West Coast.

“Dude, what the hell happened?” Rocky questions with his arms crossed.

Struggling to swallow the giant lump inside my throat, a slight guttural roar escapes instead.

“Him…” I grit.

Eric curls his hand into a fist, pressing it against his mouth. “Lex, calm down. The important thing is everyone is alive.”

“I will not calm down,”I shout, my voice echoing in the long corridor. “How long has he been stalking her? Was his intent to kidnap her and …”

“Don’t say it, man.” Rocky shakes his head. “Baker never came across like that. He’s just not over Charlie. He wouldn’t harm her.”

I push Rocky’s chest, releasing my anger. “How the fuck do you know that?”

“You guys.” Eric panics, trying to pull my arm, but he’s doing a pathetic job at it. “I’m not equipped to handle heterosexual fights. If you pulled his hair or something, I’d be breaking this up in a heartbeat.”

Rocky raises his hands in the air, calling defeat. Instead, I lean against the wall, shutting my eyes to control my rage.

“I know you don’t want to face the facts, but he saved her life and your baby,” Rocky tells me bluntly. “You can wish he was dead, but chances are, so would your family.”

My eyes dart to his, painfully trying to come to terms with the truth. Chances are, this was out of my control. Charlotte’s contraction caused the accident. If he wasn’t following her, she’d be dead.

The door opens as Dad exits the room. “There you are. Have you had a chance to visit the baby?”

I scratch my head, letting out a heavy sigh. “I’m about to head over.”

Dad places his hand on my shoulder, glancing over at Rocky and Eric, who watch on cautiously, half-expecting me to lash out again. Instead, my shoulders fall, the exhaustion from the mental anguish suddenly overcoming me.

“I’ll go check on the baby. Then, provided there’s nothing concerning, I’ll bring her over,” he suggests, keeping his expression fixed. “Go be with Charlie. Your mother is trying to convince her to book a holiday, but we all know it’s because she wants to steal her grandkids.”

His hand leaves my shoulder then he walks toward the NICU.

“Look, I’m going to forgive you for trying to knock me out,” Rocky says calmly. “But we all know I can kick your ass, Edwards.”

“A cock fight would have been perfect.” Eric grins.

Rocky furrows his brows. “You’re a sick mother fucker. You know that?”

“I’m not the one who enjoys perusing photos of women’s feet. If anyone is sick and twisted, it’s you, Rockford Romano.”

I stare at them both, wondering what the fuck is wrong with them. At the same time, Rocky scans the corridor, then retrieves a flask from his jacket.

“Here, drink some. It’ll take the edge off.”

He unscrews the cap, and instantly, the scent of smokey whisky lingers.

“I’m supposed to be getting coffee.”

Rocky snorts. “Coffee? You pussy. Drink it. You’ll feel much better.”

Despite my better judgment, I take it from his hands and take a long-winded swig. The burn sliding down my throat is exactly what I need to calm myself down. As soon as I’m done, I let out a loud rasp.

“So, are we all okay?” Eric questions with a prolonged stare.

Both Rocky and I nod in unison. Then Eric claps his hands in delight.

“Should we all kiss and make up?”

“You’re fucked up,” Rocky berates him. “You better not jerk off to photos of me.”

Eric rolls his eyes in disgust. “Please, I have taste when it comes to my jerking-off fantasies.

I don’t want to partake in this conversation anymore. If I’ve learned anything over the last two years, it’s that these two have no filters or boundaries during conversations.

Taking a deep breath, I’m much calmer as the whisky settles in. I push the door open and see Charlotte lying on the bed with a hopeful gaze. She’s eager to hold the baby, so I’m praying Dad won’t be too much longer.

The door opens to Dad pushing a plastic crib into the room. Mom lets out a sigh as does Charlotte.

“I’ve got someone special wanting to meet everyone.” Dad smiles proudly.

Mom hovers around the crib, then lifts the baby in her arms to pass to Charlotte.

“She’s just beautiful. Do we have a name?”

“Ava,” I say softly, glancing at Charlotte, knowing how much she loves the name.

Charlotte’s lips curve into a relaxed smile. “So, we’re going with the tradition of names starting with A? I thought you hated that?’

“Hmm,” I murmur, looking at Ava. “Maybe I might feel different when we have the next kid.”

“Next kid?” Charlotte blurts out.

“How about we give you two a moment with your daughter,” Dad suggests, then quickly ushers Mom outside.

Alone with Charlotte and Ava, I choose my words carefully.

“I know we don’t have to decide now, but maybe another baby wouldn’t be so bad.”

“How about we talk about this when my vagina isn’t torn up?” Charlotte notes with dark amusement. “Push me, and you’re getting the snip.”

I rest my hand on her arm. “Hormones look beautiful on you.”

Charlotte breaks out into a smile. “You’re lucky you’re so damn good-looking.”

“I guess it helps,” I tease.

The second the words leave my mouth, Charlotte moves her face closer, wrinkling her nose.

“Have you been drinking?”

“Not drinking. I had a small serving.”

“Where?” she demands, then rolls her eyes. “Rocky is here?”

“How did you know?”

“Nikki just sent me a text. Apparently, he was in Vegas for some boxing match then took a private plane as soon as he heard.”

“Eric’s outside too,” I inform her.

All of a sudden, her face turns panicked. “Amelia?”

“Mom left her with Adriana. She texted me when she was on her way here with Dad.”

Charlotte’s shoulders relax. At the same time, Ava makes a little sound.

“She’s perfect, looks just like you.” Charlotte sighs dreamily. “I bet she has your eyes.”

“She has your nose.”

“Your stubbornness.”

I cock my head with a grin. “Your stubbornness, Mrs. Edwards.”

We both fall silent, admiring our newest addition. Then, Charlotte turns to face me.

“Lex, we need to talk about what happened.”

This moment needs to be perfect, and if it means we don’t discuss what happened, then I’m going to make sure he has no power over me. The fucker has interfered too many times, and I refuse for him to take this moment away from me.

“Shh,” I whisper, caressing Ava’s soft hair. “Let’s enjoy our little miracle.”

“Are you going to still call her that when she’s sixteen and begging you to allow her to have a boyfriend?”

I glimpse down at her peaceful tiny face as she sleeps.

“Ava is going to be my little angel,” I tell Charlotte. “Daddy’s well-behaved and respectful girl.”

“You bet your life on it?” Charlotte muses.

A grin spreads across my face. “Sure, why not? I’m always right.”

“Something tells me you’re in for a rude awakening,” Charlotte warns playfully. “An all-girl Dad. You’re in big trouble, Mr. Edwards. Really big trouble…”