Zach's PoV
Tessa, the nanny called me about thirty minutes ago, I had to leave the hotel because Kyra had an accident. My heart is beating a million miles per minute, that's my baby! As I change lanes stealthily, I utter a silent prayer: Lord, please keep her safe. Luckily enough, the traffic on the road isn't bad, the GPS predicts I'll arrive at Stonybrook Hospital in about 90 minutes.
At Stonybrook Hospital
Rushing inside, I approach the receptionist demanding answers. "Where is Kyra Lindsay? I need to see her now!" My chest starts feeling tight as I start having flashbacks about our parents' tragic death. Closing my eyes, I take a few deep breaths as my therapist had taught me and I manage to contain myself and my emotions.
Her almond shaped eyes widen in fear, I take another deep breath and try to remain calm, despite my trembling hands. She clicks on the computer then looks up at me timidly, "Room 201 Sir."
Without any delay, I head to her room and the moment I see her, I finally relax. My subconscious tries to calm me down, She's okay Zach, it's just a minor injury. I keep repeating that in my head as I walk toward her sleeping frame. Tessa avoids my gaze as she stands to the side twisting her hands nervously.
"Mr. Lindsay I am.." I cut her off by holding my hand up. Sighing deeply, I retreat to the door and beckon for her to follow suit.I don't want to lose my temper and wake Kyra up unnecessarily.
"What the hell happened Tessa? Where were you?" I semi yell but then guilt consumes me as I am the one to really be blamed. This is the second time Kyra has gotten hurt while under Tessa's watch, I should have followed my instinct from the first time.
She starts crying, "I'm so sorry Sir, I was on my phone but it was just for five minutes. She slipped while getting out of the tub."
My anger surges immediately, "Do I pay you to be on your phone or to pay attention to Kyra?" She moves to speak but again, I raise my hand stopping her. "Don't bother with the excuses, you're fired, I'll wire you your full salary just the same."
The tears keep flowing but I'm unmoved at this point. I've let too many things slide where Tessa is concerned, from her having a boyfriend or some other family member over the house, smoking and even neglecting Kyra's meal schedule.
Returning to the room, Kyra rushes to me from the bed. "Zach, you're here!" She squeals but stops quickly and starts grimacing. Leading her back to the bed, I help her to sit then press the call button.
"Take it easy baby girl..." I kiss her forehead gently, careful to avoid the bandage above her right eye. "Now, tell me what happened."
She sighs and gets sad, "I finished showering and tried calling Tessa but she didn't hear me. I fell while trying to reach the towel from the rack..." Kyra looks up at me pouting, "I should have been more careful, I know the tub is slippery."
I sit beside her, pull her into a side hug and just sigh. "It's okay, I'm just glad you're okay. First thing tomorrow, I'm calling the contractor to redo your bathroom missy. No buts this time."
She giggles and my heart lurches with joy. The door opens and a doctor enters, preceded by a nurse with a chart in her hand.
"Mr. Lindsay I presume? I'm Dr. Mathews." He says smiling politely.
"Yes, that is me. Is she okay to be discharged?" I ask pointedly. "Anything I need to be worried about?" Hospitals are nauseating for me and it's even worst for Kyra since she's the only one who survived the accident.
He steps closer, opens the chart and skims through for a few seconds. "The scans are good, no bleeding detected. She's good to go." He hands me the discharge paper, I sign and return it then collect her medication from the nurse.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I give Kyra a gentle squeeze and she smiles up at me sheepishly. "Thank you doctor, I appreciate everything."
As they leave, Kyle rushes in baring balloons and assorted chocolate. "How's my favorite girl doing?" He asks poking then kissing her cheek. Kyra giggles and swats his hand away.
"I'm fine Uncle Kyle, but you need to find a girlfriend so she can be your favorite."
Kyle gags playfully, "You are irreplaceable my love. All the other girls are heartbreakers."
Kyra sighs exasperatedly, "Both of you need to find a girlfriend, it gets lonely being the only girl here, you know?" She looks at me and narrows her eyes, "Did you meet anyone special at the conference?"
Words fail me as I remember Yana's beautiful face and her enchanting smile. A blush creeps up my face and their mouths hang open in shock!
"Bro, next time you lead with that bit of information okay!" Kyra slaps my arm and gets off the bed, grabbing her jacket. "Who is she? Where is she from?" She fires rapidly with a wide grin plastered on her face.
Kyle folds his hands, waiting for my response. "Her name is Yana okay. She is breathtakingly beautiful and the purest woman I've met in a long time." I gush with a wide smile.
Kyra squeals and jumps but I quickly grab her shoulders to hold her in place. "No strenuous activities remember."
Kyle takes the opportunity to take a jab at me, "Seems you've already fallen in love bro. When do we get to meet her?"
Shit! Here comes the sad part. Scratching the back of my head, I bite my lip nervously. "The thing is, we talked for a while but she left in a hurry and I didn't get her number."
They slap my arm and stomach simultaneously. "Ouch guys! It's not my fault her boss is a douchebag!"
Kyle narrows his gaze at me, "What does that mean? What are you going to do?"
Sighing, I lead the way as Kyra walks out behind me. "WE..." I point to Kyle and myself, "...will have to find her together."
Kyra hisses her teeth and huffs, "I have to do everything myself these days. Men! Uggghhh!" For a pre teen she is certainly overly dramatic and quite impatient. I mean, why is she so eager for me to be in a relationship? My subconscious snickers, Perhaps she's tired of you always doting on her and not living your own life?
Kyle and I snicker at her behavior, she is truly an old soul trapped in a youthful body. "Kyra relax okay. You'll get to meet her soon enough, be patient baby girl."
"You better pray we find her bro, otherwise you, my friend, are doomed!" Kyle shrugs and slaps my shoulder with a pitiful look on his face.
He's right, if I don't find her I'm definitely doomed! Could fate be really more cruel than this? The first woman who has managed to break down my defenses after my last disaster of a relationship has disappeared on me.
As Kyra walks ahead of us, I quickly fill Kyle in on what really went down. "I met her in the lobby while waiting for my bag. She paid for a night at the hotel even though I declined her offer bro!"
Kyle's mouth flies open in shock yet again, "I'll take her for myself cuz you're wasting time! She's a keeper!"
I smile proudly, "She's definitely a keeper. We genuinely connected and it wasn't a gold digger vibe bro..." I pause mid step and run my hand down my face. Kyle glares at me with his hands folded into fists.
"What did you do Zach?" He demands.
Smiling sheepishly, I reply. "The thing is, she doesn't know who I am because I didn't tell her yet."
Kyle shakes his head in disappointment, "Listen, the first thing you need to do when we find her is to come clean man!"
I quickly nod in agreement, "I promise man. Let's get this little princess home then we'll tackle that first thing in the morning."
Moments later, Kyle pulls out of the parking lot and we head home. The moment we step into the house twenty minutes later, Kyra tries to talk her way out of taking her medication but Kyle and I refused to give in. She eventually conceded, but only because we told her her we needed to start searching for Yana.
"I just want you to be happy Zach, you deserve it..." She kisses my cheek, "Plus I'm dying to have some babies around the house."
I was simply floored by her admission, "God and time baby girl. You'll get your wish soon."
She starts pouting, causing my breath to hitch immediately, "What's wrong Kyra?" Kyle in turn rests his hand on her forehead. "Talk to me."
Kyra folds her lips then replies, "Can I please sleep in your room tonight bro?" She bats her eyelashes at me, causing Kyle to chuckle and throw his hands up, gesturing exasperatedly at Kyra's behavior.
Sighing I ruffle her hair, "Yes of course baby girl. Go ahead." I watch as she runs off to her room excitedly, then returns with her favorite fleece blanket.
As I descend the stairs a few minutes later, Kyle hands me a glass of bourbon since we both know my night will be restless. Kyra literally roots around in her sleep and most times I end up with her arm or foot in my face!
_____
Zach's PoVThe blaring alarm wakes me up and I sigh deeply before throwing the covers off me. Kyra is fast asleep still, since she practically stayed up most of the night. Heading to the bathroom, I quickly take a shower then head downstairs to get started on breakfast.Yes, I actually cook and I enjoy it immensely. I'm filthy rich but that doesn't mean I have servants waiting on me hand and foot or that I live in a twelve bedroom home. It's a simple four bedroom home, four and a half baths with a pool, garden and entertainment room, inherited from our beloved parents.The moment I enter the kitchen, the scent of bacon and pancakes greet me. Kyle has a full spread prepared with fresh fruits, and of course his MacBook is open close by. "Somebody had an early start today." I snicker, stealing a piece of strawberry before he slaps my hand away. Kyle points a spatula at me, "Don't make me break your fingers! And yes, I had to be since I needed to find your girl."My face sours instantl
Zach's PoV Arriving at exactly 11:00 a.m, I am just in time to see a middle aged couple leaving the property. Heading inside, I am pleasantly greeted by the agent. "Hi Mr. Lindsay right?" She shakes my hand, "I'm Laura Payne, glad you could make it." There's something awfully familiar about her but I can't figure out what it is. She wastes no time giving me a tour of the property and we engage in a friendly banter occassionally. Her mannerisms and her smile remind me of someone I know, but who? About fifteen minutes later, the tour ends and we sit in the living room to discuss my offer. "Based on what you've divulged so far, I think this property will be ideal for the purpose I have in mind." She smiles brightly, "I'm happy to hear that Mr. Lindsay. Does that mean you'll take it then?" Laura asks hopefully and I just couldn't bring myself to let her down. Somehow, she seems to have a lot banking on this sale. Leaning forward, I prop my elbows on to my knees, "Please, call me Zac
Zach's PoVThe car barely came to a halt before Laura flung the door open and rushed inside. Her phone fell on the seat in the process so I placed it inside my pocket and parked quickly. Entering the hospital, a chill ran through my body as memories of my parents' demise resurface. Laura signals me to follow her, as she heads toward the elevator. "I'm sorry for you dragging you into my mess, I know you have better things to do." She sighs and pushes a few lose tendrils of her curly hair from her face.Patting her shoulder, I reply. "Don't worry about it, I'm happy you weren't alone when you got that call."Laura peers down at her feet instantly, "He's all I've got you know. His Dad walked out the moment he got sick so it's just been Yana and I." My anger surges instantly, how could a man do that to his family, his own flesh and blood? Laura gazes at me and chuckles, "Feel free to knock him out if you ever see him." She was trying to be brave but I could see through her façade. Before
Yana's PoVOh fate! Why did you play such a cruel joke on me! My feeble attempts to separate Zach and Damon for the last few minutes has proven futile. Laura tried to help but Zach told her to step away, so now I'm stuck between both men and their egos!"Damon, you need to leave NOW!" I shout, this time grabbing his attention fully. He simply eyes me up and down and scoffs."Why, so you can pick up where you left off with this idiot?" He gestures toward Zach angrily, who simply chuckles in response.Hissing my teeth, I flash his hand from mine and push his chest, "How the hell did you even know where I am?"Damon rolls his eyes, "I followed you because I saw you crying." He steps toward me but I shuffle backward, landing my back against Zach's chest. This angers Damon further; he lunges forward to grab me but Zach moves me out of his reach.Laura is pissed at this point, "You need to get the hell out! For crying out loud, nobody wants you here!"He glares at her and moves to leave but
Yana's PoVZach has not unfastened his hands from mine ever since we entered Panchitas Place. It’s weird but comforting because my previous relationships have never been like this. He continuously gazes at me, compliments me and man am I dying inside!“What made you really help me back at the hotel?” He asks suddenly, causing me to look at him skeptically.“Why do you wonna know that?” I bite the inside of my cheek to withhold the smirk that is brewing. He leans forward and cups my cheek in his hands.“Be honest with me, why did you?” He coaxes gently. I take a deep breath then exhale slowly.Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I reply “I genuinely just wanted to help you, it’s who I am.” Averting my gaze, I take a sip of water, “If it were me, I’d want someone to help me too.”He nods slowly, “You intrigue me in so many ways. You’re a selfless person, I appreciate that.”Our conversation is interrupted by the waitress as she places our meals before us. I ordered Haberno BBQ Ribs whil
Zach's PoV What the hell just happened? My mind is still reeling from everything that just unfolded. I ended the call with Kyra and the next thing I know, is that Yana is pissed and then tells me to go screw myself! She stalked off towards the hospital, and when I attempted to follow her things escalated! Deciding to give her some space and time to cool off, I grab a seat outside and order a beer. Slipping my phone from my pocket, I dial Kyle's number. "Bro, can you believe Yana just told me to go screw myself and accused me of being a player!?" I rant as soon as the line opens. Kyle gasps in shock, "Tell me you're lying! What did you do Zach?" He asks in an accusatory tone. At this point I'm flabbergasted by the events unfolding in my life: first Yana and now Kyle's accusation! Sighing, I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to stay calm. "Bro, you know me! I didn't do anything, I swear!" Kyle scoffs, "You expect me to believe you guys reconnected today, everything was going wel
Yana's PoVEntering my office, I toss by bag and phone unto the desk angrily. Today is Monday, and ever since the incident on Friday with Zach I've been angry and miserable. Perhaps I was too gullible for love, too quick to believe he was different! Maybe this is a sign that I should stay single because these men are not it!Laura and I haven't spoken since either because she thinks I'm jumping to conclusions. I know what I heard, Zach distinctly said: 'Just relax okay, I'll be home soon baby girl."What more do I need to know that he's a lying, cheating bastard? Powering my MacBook on, I check my schedule for meetings and clients I'd need to see. My office door bangs open, and in strolls Damon.Can this day get any worst?"Good morning Yana, I hope you had a great weekend." He says in a sing song tone. For someone who got his ass whooped, he surely is in a good mood."My weekend was just fine Sir. Is there something you need?" My tone is clipped, I literally have zero patience to dea
Yana's PoVThis entire week has been taxing on my poor body. Between work, Damon's jealousy and Zach's persistence, I don't know what is worst.Declining Zach's calls was not a deterrent at all, he resorted to sending floral and chocolate deliveries every single day. This notion annoyed Damon to no end, in fact, he doubled my work load!Entering my driveway, I heave a sigh of relief as it's finally Friday! All I need this weekend is rest and recuperation to tackle next week.As I exit my car, my phone vibrates and the screen lights up with a message from Zach and Sapphire.Sapphire: Remember we're hitting the club at 10! Don't even think of bailing on me either, I know where you live.Chuckling at her craziness, I reply: Fine! But I'm leaving by midnight. I'm tired Sapph!Zach: Hey baby, I hope you'll get some rest this weekend. Can we do brunch on Sunday PLZ?Shaking my head, I reply to him: I'll try to rest, thanks. Please, no more deliveries at the office. Let's just forget this wh
Yana's PoVThe past year has been simply amazing and filled with success for my entire family. Zach and I opened YAZ, the newest hotel a month ago, and I'm the Managing Director. We struggled to find a name until Laura combined the first letters of our names, including Azair's. The grand opening was dubbed the event of the year, with celebrities and top officials giving us rave reviews. I cemented my name in the industry from thereon, being featured in several business magazines because of my creative innovations and designs.Laura opened her own real estate firm with Zach and Kyle as her silent partners. She's now reeling in the big bucks, especially since she amassed a huge clientele in a short time. Kyle proposed three months after they became official, on Laura's birthday. My guess is that she got pregnant that night, as they are now expecting a baby girl!Sapphire is my assistant director, and she's absolutely amazing! Connor relentlessly pursued her until she finally gave in. T
Zach's PoVI'm officially hitched and off the market and I couldn't be any happier! Yana is fast asleep beside, most likely still exhausted from our escapades lastnight! The reception was wild and simply mind blowing as we partied all night, Jamaican style! I certainly released my inhibitions, and Yana definitely let her hair down.Easing her head from my arm, I slowly slip from the bed and go to check on Azair. I enter his room to see Kyra seated in the rocking chair feeding him. "Awwe you're such a good big sister!" I tease and pinch her cheek.Kyra slaps my arm, "I didn't think y'all would be awake til tomorrow. Lastnight was crazy!" She grins then hands Azair to me.I'm having a raging hangover but I'm trying not to let it show. Azair burps loudly and pukes on my shirt. "Way to go buddy." I smirk at him as he smiles at me.Kyra snickers, "He just loves you Dad, suck it up, or I'll tell Mom!"Flicking my finger against her forehead, I sit in the chair and turn the T.V on to catch
Yana's PoVAzair is fed and contented, and it's just in time for our vows! I still can't believe it's our wedding day because everything still feels surreal! Reverend Dunbar looks at me, excitement swirling in his eyes. "Ready to pledge your undying love my dear?" He grins, and I beam with pride."Definitely! I've been waiting for this moment all my life!"Zach smirks and takes my hands in his. He takes a deep breath and then starts reciting his vow:You are everything I could've ever dreamt of, and all that I'll ever need. Yana, you changed my life completely and I'll forever be grateful to you, especially for our son, Azair. My entire life is at your mercy, I vow to make every day better than the last for you from this day forward. Our family is now complete because of you and I am forever indebted to you. We've weathered many storms, even overcome several obstacles and I promise to be by your side to fight every battle together. I love you with every fibre of my being, and I always
Zach's PoVThree Months laterI still can't believe this day is finally here. True love really is a beautiful thing and I'm glad I took a second chance with Yana. Her indecisiveness resulted in us settling on a private ceremony with only our family, closest friends and a few associates.Standing at the altar for the last hour is actually wearing my patience thin! I'm just about ready to go find Yana and drag her here myself! Kyle dabs my sweaty forehead once again and snickers, "You sure Yana knows the wedding is today?"I swat his hand and glare at him. "Say that again and I'll knock your ass out!" I threaten, but he simply bumps Connor's shoulder and they laugh at my misery."I've never been this nervous in my entire life and y'all find this shit funny?" I grumble but it falls on deaf ears.Connor snorts, "Love is a beautiful thing and should not be rushed."How did I end up with these two as friends? Rolling my eyes, I ignore them and focus on Azair, who's playing with my tie.'Mom
Yana's PoVForty five minutes! That's how long Zach and I have been waiting on Ramon to get here! Calls to him keep going to voice-mail, so just imagine how pissed I am right now!The only reason I'm not riled up is because Khadijah kept her promise and has been sending me pictures with Azair. Zach nudges me, drawing my attention away from my phone. As I look up, my eyes lock with Ramon's and he gives me a sheepish grin. I instantly glare at him and stand up to greet him."Remind me again why Zach has you as his lawyer!" I seethe, my nostrils flaring for emphasis.He scratches the back of his head, "Sorry hun, I got into a minor fender bender."I'm almost inclined to believe, but Ramon is the Devil's spawn! "Pssshh, tell that to someone who doesn't know you Ramon." I slap his arm hard, much to Zach's amusement."Why are we here?" Zach asks as he folds his arms and widens his legs.Ramon points towards a nearby door and walks off. As we enter, I realise it's a large room with several
Zach's PoVAt exactly 11:30a.m, I grab my bag to head home to my family. As I'm exiting the office, I start whistling a happy tune and head towards the elevator. My phone starts ringing as I enter it to head downstairs. "Hey Suarez, what's up?" I ask skeptically.As my attorney, he only calls me when there's a problem that needs my immediate attention. He chuckles, "Let's get straight to it shall we?"I grunt, "What's the problem now, man?" I ask dejectedly.His response is marred by alot of wind, I instantly roll my eyes. Ramon is definitely driving with his windows down! Ughhhh! "Bro, I can't hear a damn thing you're saying!" I snarl. Nothing annoys me more than this, and he knows it!He cackles, "Shit, my bad bro. As I was saying..." Ramon starts but a fit of giggles in his background distracts him.Taking a deep breath, I roll my eyes and snap! "Ramon, for fucks sake, tell yo sidechick to shut it for a few minutes and focus! I don't have all day!"Unfortunately, the elevator opens
Zach's PoVAdjusting to Azair's sleep schedule has been a task, but Yana and I are making it work. Kyra chips in occasionally, but I've told her to focus on her exams.During the days, I go to the office for about four hours to tackle my backlog. It's gotten extremely busy, especially with new acquisitions, contracts, and properties.Khadijah stays with Yana to help her out with Azair and also monitor and report to Dr. Chambers. It's now 6:43a.m, and I'm feeding Azair, allowing Yana to sleep. "King, you gotta give Mommy a break at nights please." I whisper softly as he gazes up at me innocently.He looks at me as if he understand, but simply continues to drink from his bottle without a care in the world. "Mommy needs her rest, so take it easy on her, okay?"A few minutes later, I place him on my shoulder to burp him. As if taking revenge, he pukes all over my white tee and gurgles. "You little twat!" I exclaim then place him into his crib.Within minutes, he succumbs to sleep and I si
Yana's PoVOne week laterHome is really my happy place so I'm currently waiting for Zach to get us from the hospital. It's been a tumultuous journey, but it was all worth the wait! Azair and I are finally cleared to go home and he's scheduled for frequent appointments. His overbearing father even has a nurse on call, just to monitor him!Grabbing my phone, I call Laura since she didn't bother to visit us since Wednesday. "Hey sis, what's up?" She asks casually."Don't hey sis me. You didn't come to see me or your nephew in two days!" I retort.She huffs, "Sorry boo, but work has got me on a hampster wheel these past few days." I notice how tired she sounds and instantly regret my approach."Damn, you need to take a vacation sis." I state pitifully.Laura chuckles, "Yep, I really need some me time, so you better come get yo nephew-son."I mull it over for a few seconds, then a brilliant idea comes to mind. "I'm gonna work something out. Talk soon boo."I cut the call before she can st
Zach's PoVI'm elated that Yana is awake and by all indications, she's doing great! It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest and I can finally breathe again!Laura and Alex were the first to arrive, and it was overwhelming just watching their interaction. I had to step out of the room to compose myself.I guess I'll be doing alot of that today! It's now 8:35a.m. and Dr. Chambers plans to bring Azair at 9:00a.m, once all his tests are completed."Uncle Zach, are you hungry?" Alex asks, and I nod yes. "Kyra and Kyle are grabbing breakfast across the street."Laura pats Yana's leg affectionately. "Please don't scare us like that ever again!" She pouts, causing us to erupt in laughter even though she's right."Mom is such an ugly crier,please,please don't make me have to witness that again, Aunty Yana!" Alex jokes but earns a slap from a sulking Laura.I chuckle, "I think I can safely say we've all seen each other at our worst!"They nod in agreement, and I peck Yana's li