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Chapter 34: A Text From Dani
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2024-04-03 14:20:24Related chapters
7 Deadly Sins series Chapter 35: Three Possible Men
SchuylerCalvin nods toward Dani when we enter the restaurant. With his hand on the small of my back, he guides me through the crowded seating area. The warmth of his hand helps to calm me a bit. I’m his; we’re a team.Dani doesn’t stand to greet us or smile as we join her at the table. Calvin pulls my chair out before sitting beside me.“Hello,” I greet Dani.“Schuyler, it’s nice to meet you,” she replies.How?How does she know my name?She knows Calvin lives in Des Moines, and she knows my name; this is weirding me out.A server asks for our drink order as she places a steaming cup and a tea bag in front of Dani. Calvin orders two waters for us. While she steeps her tea, I take in the woman that abandoned her Tyler. In this lighting, I can’t decide if her hair is red with brown tones or brown with red highlights. Dani secures it loosely into a messy ponytail. Her eyes bright green are stunning, and her fair skin looks delicate with faint freckles smattered on her nose and cheekbone
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 36: Baby’s Father
CalvinI make sure I leave work right at five, as I promised. In my hand, I carry a large brown sack with a meal our chef practiced preparing today. I figure we need most of the evening to discuss our luncheon. Bringing dinner home will free up more time.During my drive, I flash back to the day I found Sky at the wreck site. She shared her deepest fears, the depth of her pain, and I promised to love her. I shared alternate ways we could grow our family. Since that day, I’ve tried to ease her into becoming a mom to Tyler. I watched as she quickly slipped into the role, and I reveled in the immense joy it brings her. She hoped but never dreamed that she would become a mother; she never thought she’d raise a baby.I love every minute of fatherhood. Sure, it’s scary and stressful at times, but I’ve never regretted my decision to raise Tyler on my own. Part of me believes I owe it to Tyler to allow his sibling to join our family. I worry if he found out as an adult that the child exists, h
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 37: Love Has No End
CalvinWhen Tyler returns from Theo’s the next morning, I fix us a snack of apples and peanut butter at the kitchen island while he takes Chinook to the backyard. When he returns, he takes the stool next to mine, sharing the games he played with Levi and Clint at Theo’s house last night.When he chomps on his apple slice, I begin. “Remember the story of how Nana and Papa adopted me?”Tyler nods while he chews, a little apple juice dripping from the corner of his mouth. I wait patiently for him to swallow.“You love Nana and Papa like your mom and dad, just like I love you.” Tyler repeats the words I’ve shared with him many times.“Right.” I smile. “Sky and I have been asked to adopt a baby.”His eyes grow wide. “I get to be a big brother?” Tyler asks, excitement welling up inside him.“Would you like that?” I ask, eager to understand his true feelings. “We’d have to share time with you and the baby.”“I’m gonna be the best big brother ever!” Tyler exclaims. “I’ll be just like Dan, Levi
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 38: Water Broke
Schuyler I pop out of bed, excited the day is finally here. I barely slept four hours last night, yet I rise like the morning person I’m not. I’ve fully embraced the life I once mourned I’d never have. My Prince Charming rode to Mexico on his white horse and turned my world upside down.Calvin slept at Garret’s last night while Dallas stayed here with Tyler and me. I didn’t want a bachelorette party, so instead, once Tyler went to sleep, the two of us drank a bottle of wine and goofed around at my house. Now, the sun is up, and it’s my wedding day.I hurry downstairs to make myself a cappuccino and Dallas a black coffee. Chinook rings the sleigh bells hanging on the sliding door, so I let him out back to do his doggy business. I marvel at his transformation from a nearly bald, shaved dog into a gorgeous golden retriever, his hair growing longer each day. It’s hard to remember why I cursed at my oldest brother, Levi, for springing an ugly mutt on us when I see this beautiful one now.T
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 39: Our Daughter
Schuyler“Finally,” Dani spits as another doctor enters her labor room. “Will you tell these Neanderthals I’m not having natural childbirth and to take me to surgery?”She words it as a question, but it’s definitely not a question. It seems Dani treats everyone the way she treats Calvin, and it looks like she always gets her way.The doctor nods to the nursing staff, and they immediately prep Dani. One nurse whisks me away to change into scrubs. I text as I follow the nurse behind the nurses’ station.Me: we’re headed to C-section“Um,” the nurse points to my hands, “you need to leave your phone here.”“My little guy is in surgery for an emergency appendectomy right now. I’m waiting for an update,” I explain, hoping to keep my cell phone.“You can lay it down here on the counter. We’ll monitor it and find you immediately, if needed.” She pats my forearm. “It’s a simple procedure; I’m sure he’ll be fine.”I nod, write my code on a notepad, and lay my phone beside it.In the cold, steril
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 40: Dawn
SchuylerCalvin’s fear shocks me.“You’ve done this before; I haven’t,” I remind him. “Wash your hands.”When he sits again, I lean forward in the chair, passing the baby to him; she looks tiny in his powerful arms. Instantly, he softens, cooing to her.I point to the card taped to her clear bassinet. I realize Calvin hasn’t looked in the direction I’m pointing, so I read, “Baby Girl Calhoun weighs eight pounds, six ounces, and is 22 inches long.” “She’s perfect,” he whispers. He’s gazing at her tiny face like he’s seen nothing more adorable in his life.“Yep! Ten fingers, ten toes, and healthy,” I concur. “She’s perfect. Can you believe she’s ours?”Calvin smiles at me. “Congratulations, Mommy.”“I’ll never tire of hearing that,” I confess, moving to sit beside him on the bed. I slide her little pink cap off, running my fingertips over her dark, peach-fuzz hair. “I can’t keep my hands off of her.”“There’s nothing wrong with that,” my mom’s voice softly states as she enters the room
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 41: Lyndon
SchuylerCalvin lifts our baby from her bassinet and walks over to Dawn as she looks down at the other sleeping baby. “I’m Calvin, Schuyler’s husband, and this is our new baby girl.”“Oh my gosh.” My hand flies to my mouth. “How rude of me! I should have introduced the two of you.”Dawn extends her hand to Calvin. “I’m Dawn, Theo’s friend and golf partner for many years.” She turns to peer once more at the infant. “And this is my niece.” Her voice shakes as she speaks.My mind quickly puts it all together. If this is her niece, then the baby must be her sister’s daughter. Something must have happened to her sister in the horrible accident. My heart breaks for her. I wrap my arm around Dawn’s back as she continues to gaze at the baby. I don’t speak as I’m not sure what to say; I’m not caught up on her entire situation.Pulling away, I snap a picture of Calvin holding our baby and quickly text it to Dallas. She’s already texted me twice to remind me to send photos.“Have you shared a pho
Last Updated : 2024-04-037 Deadly Sins series Chapter 42: Welcome to the Family
Schuyler Calvin drops me off at the door so I can run by Dani’s room, then meet him in the maternity ward. I enter the hospital with a bit more pep in my step this morning. Tyler’s no longer a patient; he’s doing great. And we get to bring Lyndon home today.I freeze at the door to Dani’s hospital room; she’s not here. When I inquire at the nurses’ station, I’m told she checked out against medical advice last night.She left without a word, no goodbye.How could she do that to Calvin, Tyler and Lyndon?Is it possible for her to not feel anything for her own flesh and blood?She has no idea how lucky she is.Shit! She left before signing over all parental rights for Lyndon.My stomach convulses, and my head pounds.Maybe Calvin will know what to do.Over in our room, Tyler proudly carries the baby carrier, placing it on the bed. Calvin cracks his knuckles as if preparing for a battle.“Let’s do this,” he says.My boys seem nothing but excited while I’m scared to death.“Dani signed out
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.
