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Chapter 18: No End in Sight
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2024-04-03 14:20:24Related chapters
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 19: The Post
Name“Go ahead and change into the gown. Wear the opening in the front. The doctor will be in shortly,” the nurse states as she exits the exam room.“Couldn’t they make these gowns more feminine, more glamorous?” I mumble, removing all my clothes. “It’s bad enough we must have this appointment annually. The least they could do is let us feel pretty while we do it.”With the thin hospital gown over my shoulders, I hold the front closed as I climb onto the exam table. The white paper crinkles annoyingly. The cold, sterile environment causes my skin to crawl.The doctor whips in with her nurse, and they quickly begin the breast and pelvic exams. I lie on the table, staring up at the fluorescent lights, praying for this to all be over quickly. You’d think after a hysterectomy, pelvic exams would no longer be necessary. I don’t question the logic, though; I endure it as every woman does.With no concerns, my exam ends, and I’m briskly walking toward the door and exiting the lobby. My jaw ti
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 20: He Changes Everything Calvin
CalvinMy presentation is over, and my college classes are officially complete for the week. I pull my cell phone from the side pocket of my backpack, turning it on as I walk through the hallway. I push through the heavy metal doors into the warm spring sun.Done.Finally.It’s time to pack up my stuff and move into the next phase of my life. But first, I’ll spend the evening with Sky. Since I didn’t convince Garret to let me have the girls’ apartment tonight, I’ve invited her to my place, promising to fix her a meal to die for. She’s begged me all week to tell her what’s on the menu, but I’ve kept that a secret, just like the big one I plan to reveal to her tonight. I’m nervous, yet ready.After tonight, she’ll know everything. With Sky in my home, there can be no more hiding Tyler. I think I’m finally ready for the secrets to stop.Finally awake, my cell phone vibrates several times, signaling a missed phone call, many social media updates, and two texts. Since there is no voicemail,
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 21: Rescue the Princess
Calvin“Tyler’s my son.” I don’t know what else she needs to know.If he’s a game changer, I don’t want to waste my time telling our story.“Like I didn’t already figure that one out. He looks just like you.” Dallas looks fondly in his direction. “Why haven’t you shared this juicy tidbit with us?”“It’s a long story. I told Schuyler I had something to tell her at dinner tonight. I planned to introduce Tyler to her this evening.” I let out a long breath as I rub my hands down my face. “I tried to date twice when he was a baby. College girls weren’t interested in my baggage. It’s why I gave up dating for over three years. I needed to focus on what was best for him.” I attempt to smile at Dallas. “Why does he change everything?”“Schuyler’s kept a big secret from you, too.” Dallas can’t help but glance toward Tyler, smiling as she speaks. “The reason we are going to her wreck site is because the wreck took a big part of her life away from her. Every three months, she visits a doctor for a
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 22: Up-High Ty
CalvinThere it is.I’ve laid it all on the line for her.My heart is in the palm of her hand to do with as she pleases. She takes a moment to process my words. She turns toward me, wide-eyed, slack-jawed, unable to speak. I brush wet strands of her hair from her face. My thumbs caress her jawline as I stare deep into her caramel eyes, imploring her to love me, to accept my confession, and to allow us to move on together.She looks back toward the truck. She doesn’t crane her neck or stand for a better view. She stares for several long minutes. As she turns back to face me, I’m paralyzed. I can’t breathe. I can’t move.“You…” She gulps audibly. “What’s his name?” Her brow furrows as her eyes search mine for answers.“His name is Tyler. He’s four,” I repeat.“Tyler Calhoun?” she questions.I nod. This is not the reaction I expected. I thought she’d ask about his mother, how we hooked up, why she wasn’t in the picture, and where he goes while I’m in class. She doesn’t seem concerned wit
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 23: Those Are My Hands
SchuylerMoments into the drive, I can no longer take the sound of the windshield wipers on the car window. I scramble for anything to discuss.“Can you tell me about Tyler’s mother?” I regret the words as soon as they spill from my mouth. “I mean, you don’t have to.”“I don’t mind.” Calvin peers over at me for a second before turning his attention back on the road. “I think it’s important for you to know. My second year of college, a girl I hooked up with one night the spring before showed up on my doorstep. Her name is Daniel, and she was a sophomore photography major.”Calvin shakes his head before continuing. “I was so freaked out about her tracking me down five months after our one-night-stand that I totally missed her pregnant stomach.”Now and then, Calvin looks toward me in the passenger seat to gauge my reaction before sharing more details. “She claimed the baby was her boyfriend’s, but he bailed as soon as she told him she was pregnant. Since she came from a large, very Catho
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 24: Fate is a Fickle Bitch
Schuyler“Hey,” Calvin whispers, peeking his head in the bedroom.I wave at him to shoo him out, and I tiptoe behind him, suddenly nervous about how the rest of this evening will play out.“I’ve prepared my bed for you,” he states, motioning me towards the back of the house.“I can’t kick you out of your bed,” I argue.“My couch is plenty big enough for me,” he promises.I walk into his room, finding the blankets pulled back and the bedside lamp on.“Let me know if you need anything,” he says, leaning against the door frame.I climb onto the mattress, pulling the blankets over me. I don’t want to be alone in his bed. I’m afraid his scent and my fantasies of him might keep me awake all night.“Can you lay beside me for a little bit?” I ask, patting the other side of his king-sized bed.He’s hesitant as he lies on top of the comforter, an arm’s length away from me.“Um...” I stutter. “Would you... could you hold me for a while?”Calvin doesn’t wait for a reason or argue. He scoots closer
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 25: Green-Eyed Monster
SchuylerI mull over my statement. I can’t let Tyler be the reason I stay with Calvin.“No, you can’t,” Dallas agrees. “Calvin and you are together because you love each other. Calvin loves you; he loves all parts of you. He doesn’t want to lose you. Now that you know he has a son, and he knows about your hysterectomy, there’s no reason to hold back.”“I don’t know how it’ll work.” I slump back into the sofa cushion. “How will we date with Tyler around? What will that look like?”Dallas shakes her head at me. “It’s different, that’s for sure. The two of you will have normal dates, though. I’m sure you’ll occasionally hang out with both of them. You love kids, so this won’t be a problem for you.”“Can it be that easy?” I rub my hands down my face. It seems too good to be true.“Do you love Calvin?” Dallas asks firmly.I nod.She holds up one finger between us. “Do you love children?”Again, I nod, and she holds up a second finger.“Do you like Tyler?”I nod, fighting a smile as it attem
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 26: The One For Me
Schuyler“He’s officially asleep,” I sigh, flopping on the sofa near Dallas.“How many books did you end up reading?” she asks.“Three, but we had a brief discussion in between each one. He asked me questions about dating.” I smile at my friend. “He asked about Garret and you, along with Calvin and me.”“Like what?” “We talked about love, where we go on dates, kissing, whether Garret and you kiss, if you love Garret, who Tyler loves, and so on.” I love Dallas looks as uncomfortable about the topics as I was when he asked me the questions.“Did you answer all of his questions?” Dallas’s worried face causes me to smirk.“Yes. I think it’s important to be open and honest with him,” I explain. “I didn’t go into detail, and I asked him what he thought a few times. He’s a perceptive little guy. He likes to see the adults in his life smile and laugh. And he’s glad you make his Uncle Garret smile a lot.”“Wow. I’m definitely glad I don’t work with kids. There’s no way I could handle all the q
Last Updated : 2024-04-03
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7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 43: Getting Ahead of Myself
Montana Snuggled close, my head on Carson’s chest, my mind rewinds the past twenty-four hours. What a day it turned out to be. “Are you ready to talk about our news?” Carson asks, tucking hair behind my ear to reveal my eyes. “This baby has made me so happy, love.” “What will I do while you go on tour?” I ask, feeling nervous. “Stay in Des Moines or LA?” “What do you want to do?” he asks. “I don’t know,” I confess. “Well, I’d prefer if you were with me in LA while we prep for the tour. Then, I’d love to have you on tour with me,” he says, pulling me closer. “How would that work? Would I drive my own RV and follow your tour busses or be on the bus with you and all the guys?” I inquire. Carson shrugs. “The guys have had women ride the bus with us from time to time. Most of theirs were one-night stands. But I’m sure we could lobby to sleep in the actual bed at the rear of the bus. The guys love you, and as long as you could tolerate al
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 42: Wedding Number Two
Carson When Tony joins us in the emergency department, Montana’s still unconscious. I share the information Fran told me. In her motherly tone, she tries to calm my nerves.I watch as the nurse replaces the empty IV bag with another. She promises Montana’s improving with the fluids in her system.Later, a rustling sound near my head wakes me. I lift it from the bed, finding Montana looking down at me.“Kiss… Beth…”I barely make out her raspy whispers.“What?” I ask.Tony appears on the opposite bedside.“Kiss…” Montana’s eyes flutter closed. “B-e-t-h…”And she’s out again. Neither Tony nor I understand what the two words mean. We attempt to work through it out loud, but we’re too tired. The wall clock reads six a.m. We need Montana to wake up. Then, we need to go home and sleep. **** Hours later, the nurse returns, taking Montana’s vitals. At her movement and tou
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 41: A Midnight Scare
Montana I wake deliciously exhausted from our session in the studio followed by hours of lovemaking here in our bed. I take my time stretching my arms over my head then pointing and flexing my toes. Beside me, Denali groans as he stretches, too. He takes up more of the bed with each passing week. He’s going to be huge.My phone informs me it's nearly ten o’clock. Carson’s already in the studio. I’m surprised Denali let me sleep so late. I guess we kept him up late last night, too.“Let me go potty, then I’ll take you outside,” I tell him as he nuzzles my neck, and I scratch his belly. Never far from my side, he follows me into the bathroom, whining as I wash my hands. It’s hours past his usual potty break, so I don’t delay him any longer.Every muscle aches as I descend the stairs, and my head hurts. Once outside, I take a seat on a patio chair as Denali does his business then runs to greet his friend, Snoopy, now on my lap.
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 40: Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Montana When his parents come into view through the large, glass window, separating the production area from the recording studio, shock and worry flood Carson’s face.“What’s wrong?” he asks through the studio mic, filling the booth.I open the door to the studio. “Nothing’s wrong. I asked your dad to help me with some marketing—I didn’t plan to mess with your recording schedule. I’m sorry.”He shakes his head, smiling. “It’s okay. A break will be good for the four of us. We’ve spent too many hours in this little space without windows to the outside world.”I wrap my arms around his neck, looking up at him through my lashes. “I love you,” I whisper.“I know,” he teases, guiding me into the booth. “Let’s break for the day.”“I’ll be at the pool,” Eli announces.“Remember sunscreen,” I tease him. “Set an alarm on your phone.”“Yes, child bride,” he sing-songs.I hear Jake murmur to Warner,
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 39: Grow My Business
Montana It’s Wednesday of the next week, and I’ve a billion things to do. Carson’s already in the studio when I wake up. I forego a shower, grab a quick bite, then lock myself in the office. I reached out to Carson’s father last night, hoping to get some ideas on marketing our product. We’re set to meet in a videoconference on Monday.I swallow my last bite of cherry toaster pastry as I enter the office. What a mess. I take in the piles of papers I’ve spread out on the floor. Today, I need to focus on a presentation for Carson’s father, explaining our product so he can best help me with a marketing strategy. The piles on the floor will need to wait.I settle myself in the large, leather office chair behind the desk. I move a stack of papers, freeing up room to open my laptop. While I wait for my presentation software to open, I check my cell phone calendar for today through Monday.Crap! I have my annual doct
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 38: The Key To All Of Me
Montana When we return to the backyard, I pull on my swimsuit coverup. I find that Carson and Eli are manning the grill full of burgers and chicken breasts.I join my brother near the kitchen door, placing all the fixings on the long table. Working as a team, we position the buns, condiments, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, chips, and dips. Mom and Dad set up a cooler of water, beer, and pop.Taking turns, we fix our plates soon after then scatter around the patio and poolside, gathering around tables and chairs. Sporadic conversations continue while we enjoy dinner. Dad commends Carson on the burgers and asks which seasoning he used. The two discuss the best flavors of seasonings and barbecue sauces. Luckily for me, the band is on their best behavior, and we enjoy hours with my family.“Time for gifts,” Mom announces.Carson takes my hand and leads me to the round table by my parents. He pulls out a chair for me, kissing my ex
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 37: What Happens in Africa...
Montana “You know, many couples get a dog to prepare themselves to become parents,” Carson’s mother tells my mom.I’m lounging in the sun in the chair next to theirs. My eyes are closed, and they believe I’m asleep. Wanting to hear what they say next, I keep pretending.“A grandbaby may be in our future.” My mom claps excitedly.“They rushed into marriage,” Carson’s mom reminds mine. “It would be okay if they took their time in starting a family.”“Do you have any grandchildren?” Mom inquires.“No. Do you?”“No. I can’t wait. I do look forward to it,” Mom states excitedly. “I assumed my son would give me my first grandchild, but he doesn’t usually stay in the US long enough to meet a girl. Although, I don’t know what to make of Starr traveling from Africa with him.”“She knew the band. Maybe she tagged along to see them,” Carson’s mom offers. “I’ve got another son and a daughter, both married, but they
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 36: Underdressed For Breakfast
Carson Fresh from my shower, I towel dry my hair then secure the towel around my waist. I smile at my reflection. I can’t wait to wake Montana and reveal my plans for us today.A female scream tears through the house. I lean into our bedroom. She’s gone. It’s Montana! I sprint from our room and down the stairs, hopping from the third step to the tile floor below.I narrowly miss falling from water dripping off of me onto the marble of the front room. I use a Scooby-Doo-like maneuver until I gain traction and run into the kitchen.I’m unable to speak or catch my breath when I stand in the doorway, finding Montana wrapped in another man’s arms as Fran and another woman watch.She pulls away, wiping tears from her eyes. “What are you doing here? And why didn’t you call me? I could’ve picked you up at the airport.” Before the man can respond, she asks, “How did you get here?”“Mom brought me ov
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 35: A Happy Surprise
Montana I feel like I’m right in the middle of an entertainment show publicity scandal. Like Jake said, “This sucks!” I understand the woman’s need to seek the father of her unborn baby. On the other hand, though, I can’t imagine Warner’s fear that he might be the father. I suspect he fears the DNA result, and that’s the reason he’s protesting it so.I try, but my mind can’t help but wonder how many women Carson slept with while on tour. Having witnessed the women throw themselves at the guys while in Las Vegas, I’m not sure Carson could have refused many of them.I refuse to sit here and wonder about this all night. I snag a bottle of vodka from the bar and head toward Warner’s room. I knock lightly three times.“Leave me alone,” Warner snarls.I ignore his demand, turn the knob, and find it’s unlocked. I slip inside, shutting it behind me.“I come bearing a gift,” I state, extending the vodka bottle for him.
