I never deleted my dealer’s number.I knew I should have. It was one of the rules, but it was like somehow I knew the sober life wouldn’t be for me. That I wasn’t meant to be clean and happy, no matter how much Avery convinced me I was.Avery.I still didn’t know what that perfect man wanted with a fuck up like me. We met at a college party.I didn’t even actually attend college. That’s how much of a loser I was. I went to parties with people I barely knew just because I knew I could get drinks and drugs from them.Avery was doing neither. Maybe that’s what I liked about him. “Do you know Ray?” I asked a quiet blonde guy sitting on the couch.“I don’t know anyone here, except for my roommate who is off getting laid.” He informed me.“Lucky him, I guess.”“I don’t know, I’m talking to you, I think I’m the lucky one.”“Are you flirting?”“No, actually I’m Avery.” He smiled.I couldn't help but laugh. That was so cheesy! He was so strange and dorky and yet I found him so appealing. “Do
I was relieved to find out Avery found Skyler.She hadn’t relapsed, but she was seconds from it. I felt awful. She was going through hell all by herself and I felt like I didn’t give her the idea that I would be willing to listen. I would have to do better. She and Avery were going away for a few weeks to get themselves together. It had been a rough few months for both of them and they needed it. Since it was Spring Break, that left one person to be home with me. EJ.We mostly watched TV and went over some of the future projects he was going to have. After the whole deal with Skyler, I didn’t want to press him to talk about what we had talked about the night of my mom’s wedding. “Are Lee and Grayson okay with you going to dinner with me and my parents?” EJ questioned. “Yeah, why wouldn’t they be?” I asked. “I don’t know, I just get so scared that they don’t like me and I really want them to. Especially Lee.”“Lee likes you, so does Grayson.”“It’s just you know, Lee’s dad was r
I was never supposed to find out I was adopted. I never suspected that I was. I was just a happy only child with parents I knew worked hard and loved me as well as they could.Who would have thought a goddamn biology class would change my entire life?“Elliot, I just got the labs back for your project, why didn’t you mention you were adopted?” Mrs. Stephens asked. “Huh?”“If I had known, I would have given you a different assignment. The whole point was to take DNA from you and your parents in an effort to see the similarities. So when the lab said there was no way that you and your parents were related, I realized my mistake. I’m so sorry about that.”What was she saying? There was no way I was related to my parents? How could that be? Was I actually adopted?!“Um, it’s okay. Sorry I didn’t mention it.” I muttered. “It’s okay. You’ll still get an A because I know you were very much willing to do the assignment.”“Thanks.”At least I got an A.--“How was your day honey?” Mom asked
I couldn’t breathe.I heard all of EJ’s words and even understood them, but it was like I couldn't fully process them. My brother that I had thought had died all those years ago was sitting in front of me. I had grieved him and thought about him daily, wishing I could have met him. And now here he was.He had been here for months. Working with me, making moves on the woman I loved, having breakfast with my father. Father. Did he know who EJ was? No he couldn’t have. EJ said Dad never wanted to know. “Lee,” EJ whispered. “Can you…will please just say something?”“Your name was going to be Samuel,” I breathed. “I was so ready to meet you.”It was strange but now looking at EJ and knowing who he was I could see the similarities between us. Our eyes were the same. We both had that strong Windsor jaw and we kind of had the same smile. He was actually my brother.Here I was thinking that he just wanted to take over my life. Maybe that was still true. I mean he had so many opportunities t
“I…I don’t understand Brantley.”I threw the note in front of him.I could see his eyes skimming the words and then he looked at EJ. “Where did you get this?”“I found it in my parents' things,” EJ answered. “And the check you wrote. They never cashed it.”“I um…look I can explain.”“Can you?” I asked. “Because last I checked my brother was dead and now he’s sitting next to me and has been in my life for months!”Scarlett gently squeezed my thigh.I took a deep breath. “Explain yourself.”“I thought your mom could make it through, I really did. I was never prepared to lose her,” Dad started. “She had given birth early and for some odd reason I thought that was a sign that things would get better.”“But I was there when she died,” I pointed out. “I watched it happen, there was no baby.”“EJ was in the NICU. I didn’t tell you your mom had given birth because it was supposed to be a surprise. I thought she would recover and we could surprise you with your brother. But things took a turn
“I’m sensing some…tension here.” Dr. Malik frowned. “Yeah you are,” I commented. “It’s been kind of a week.”“What happened?”Grayson and I looked over at Lee.“Remember how I told you my brother died with my mom?” Dr. Malik nodded. “Well that was a lie my father told me. He's alive."“Oh. And how did you find this out?” Dr. Malik questioned. “Remember my friend EJ?” I asked. Again Dr. Malik nodded. “That’s Lee’s brother.”“Oh my, this will be an interesting session.”“It sure will be.” I muttered. “So Lee…how are you feeling?”“Honestly? Betrayed, furious, hurt, rejected.”“Rejected? Why rejected?”“Because that’s what my father did to me. He rejected me ever since my mom died. He rejected my efforts and my love and anything that made me happy except for Scarlett. She’s the only thing in relation to me that he likes.”“And why is that?” Dr. Malik questioned. “Because he thinks she’s better than me. He thinks without her I’m mediocre.”“Do you think you’re mediocre without her?”
“I told you he was hiding something!” Skyler gasped. “But did you think it was this?”“No, of course not! Who in the world could have guessed that! However I definitely knew he was in love with you.”“Well everyone knew that.” I rolled my eyes. “How is Lee?”“He’s good. He and EJ have been spending a lot of time together. It’s cute.”“Have you talked to EJ alone since then?” She questioned. I shook my head. “No I have not. I um…I don’t know what to say,” I whispered. “I can’t pretend that I didn’t kiss him back.”“Scar…he’s only nineteen. He’s practically a kid and you know it. How could he ever take care of you and the babies?”“Well, he’s now a billionaire,” “Fine, financially he can take care of you guys, but what does he know about being a father?” Skyler questioned. “What do Grayson or Lee know about it?” I shot back.“At least they’ve finished college and have jobs and responsibilities. EJ is still in his first year of college. One of these kids is his nephew. I mean…I know
My living room was filled with people who didn’t want to be there. I didn’t particularly care though, it was time to air this shit out. “Well…you all know why we’re here,” I started. “We’re going to have twins welcomed into this family quite soon and you’re all a mess.”“I’m sorry, why aren’t your parents here?” Belinda asked. “Because despite my mom being a pregnant narcissist married to a man child and my father being an alcoholic married to a homewrecker, we’re actually in a good place. The rest of you are not. So who wants to go first?”I was met with silence.“Belinda and Alistair, meet Faye and Steven. You are all parents to Grayson.”“It’s nice to see you two again,” Faye offered nervously. “And you,” Alistair nodded. “Though I didn’t think we’d ever have to sit down with you.”“Dad, don't be rude,” Grayson snapped. “Oh so you do recognize me as your Dad still, how nice! You wouldn’t know it from all the missed calls and texts!”“I told you I needed space! You don’t just g
“Lee, I will never forgive you!” “Don’t be like this Scarlett.” “You are completely out of line!” “He’s my son!” Lee exclaimed. “He’s mine too!” I shot back. “You had no right to do this!” “Oh get over it!” “Hey, what’s going on?” Grayson asked, entering the room. “Look what he did to my son!” I whined. Grayson looked into the playpen and saw that Julian had a mohawk. Grayson laughed. “Woah buddy, you look great!” I gasped. “No, he looks crazy!” “I told you, Scar, he looks good.” Lee said smugly. “He really wanted it too.” “He’s three years old, he doesn’t know what he wants!” “You told me to get him a haircut. You said it was a father and son thing and I did it!” “I didn't know you were going to bring me back a punk rock child!” I groaned. “What happened to my prince?” “Mommy!” Julian smiled. “Look my hair!” “See, he loves it, Scarlett. It’s gonna grow back anyways.” Lee said. I sighed as I picked Julian up. “I guess you’re so handsome, you can pull it off.” “Do
I held onto my decision for two weeks. I know that sounds horrible, but I had to make sure that I was certain in my decision. I didn’t have sex with the guys, becuase that felt horrible knowing I was going to break up with one of them. I had also done something kind of big without telling the guys. I just thought it was the best decision. No one knew I had made a real decision. I didn’t want to jinx it like last time. I just kept going about my life, making sure that who I chose was who I really wanted. Every single night I went to sleep, my choice was confirmed. I knew who I wanted and it was time to tell everyone else too.The babies were asleep and we were having lunch. “Can I talk to you guys about something?” I asked. “Of course,” Grayson put his phone down. “What’s up?” Lee questioned. “So…I did something. Um…I had the house across the street bought.” I announced. “What? Why?” “How?” Grayson asked. “Both of your parents, actually.”“So…why did you do that babe?” “So,
“Are you ready to meet your new best friend?” Lee asked Julian as he got him dressed. “You’re gonna meet Auntie Skyler and Uncle Avery’s new baby. Are you excited?”Julian merely laughed in response and kicked his legs. “I’m so excited to meet this little guy!” I sighed. “I still don’t even know his name.”“Well, Skyler didn’t get to do a baby shower or gender reveal, so this is like a big reveal for her.”“I can’t believe she’s a mom now! I’m so excited for her!” I looked at the clock. “Shit we’re late!”“Scarlett, language!” Lee scolded. “We are in the presence of innocent ears.”“Julian cannot understand me when I say ‘shit’.”“You don’t know that. Children understand lots of things.”“You’re right. Sorry Julian. Darn it all to heck, we are late.” I kissed them both. “Gray? Are you and Joy ready?”“Almost,” Grayson called back. “And now we are!”I went to his room and saw him showing Joy herself in the mirror. She looked quite perplexed with her reflection. “Where did she get tha
“What’s going on now?” Lee asked. “Sophia is also in labor right now. My siblings have started their rivalry very early!”“Oh this is going to be insane.” “I know right? Why don’t you just drop me off and then take Julian home?”“Are you sure?”“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Robbie and my dad will be there. Julian has had an eventful enough day, I think.”“Wait, they're having their babies at the same hospital too?” Lee questioned. “Do they want that hospital to still be standing after they’re done?”“Hopefully they’ll be so busy pushing children out they won’t have a chance to yell at each other. You and Grayson can handle the kids right?”“Of course we can. It’ll be fine.” Lee assured me. “Don’t worry about anything except for your new siblings, okay?”“Alright. Just don’t burn down the house.” I chuckled. We arrived at the hospital and I turned around to look at Julian. “You be a good boy for Daddy, okay? Mommy loves you.”“He loves you too,” Lee smiled. “And so do I.” He kissed me. “I l
Lee or Grayson?Grayson or Lee?Windsor or Wrenford?Super hot billionaire who was the father of my baby or…super hot billionaire who was the father of my baby. No wonder this was so goddamn hard. I was comparing perfection with perfection.Only they weren't perfect right? They had flaws. Everyone did. But I loved their flaws too. I loved their differences and the way they were the same and how much they loved me. I could see two timelines unfolding every time I looked at them. But that was nothing new. None of this was. This was the same old song and dance I’d been doing for over a year.Wasn’t I tired yet?“You sound like a broken record,” Skyler shook her head. “I cannot believe after all this time you haven't chosen.”“That’s easy for you to say. You met your soulmate at a party and there was only one of him. I fell in love with two amazing men who impregnated me at the same time!”“So if only one of them got you pregnant, would you have really been happy with that guy?”“Of cou
I walked over to Grayson quickly. “Can I talk to you?” I asked.“Um, sure. Lee’s got the babies. What’s up?”“No, I need to talk to you alone.”I pulled Grayson out of the ballroom, down the hall to where Faye had gotten ready. I made sure to lock the door before turning to him. “What’s wrong?” Grayson asked. I smiled. “Nothing.”Before Grayson could speak again, I had reached out and pulled him to me for a kiss. He gave in easily as he always did. I pulled off his suit jacket as quickly as I could. “Woah, Scar…are we about to have sex?” Grayson mumbled against my lips. “You catch on fast.”“Here? Oh I missed this side of you.”Grayson lifted me off my feet and I wrapped my legs around his torso as he backed into the couch. By the time he sat down, I had his shirt completely open. I didn’t plan on taking it off, but I wanted to feel his abs. I moved my lips to Grayson’s neck. Hearing him whimper was making me even hotter. I had missed his sounds of pleasure and his eager hands o
Dressing a baby in nice clothes is extremely hard. They move too much and clearly don’t like the restriction of their clothes, so they lash out by screaming. “Joy, sweetie, please,” Grayson sighed. “It’s a really nice dress, why are you so upset?”“I don’t think she likes the socks.” I stated. “But they’re frilly and cute.”“Scar, can you do the clasps on Julian’s shirt?” Lee questioned. “I’m sorry, but his crying is making me feel like I’m hurting him.”“Yeah, one second,” I mumbled. There was just too much going on! I was only half dressed and all I could hear was screaming.I rushed over to Julian who was squirming and crying loudly. “Okay, honey, let’s get you dressed.”I quickly clasped up shirt, trying to ignore how miserable he looked. I knew he was tired, but it was better if he was asleep during the actual wedding. I feel bad keeping the babies awake, but it would be worth it. Then after their little nap during the ceremony, they could be awake and doted on during the r
Lee was smiling like crazy. After he won the coin toss he was giddy and had a pep in his step. Sex really can change someone’s mood, even if they hadn’t had it yet. “I would like to have sex before Faye’s wedding,” Lee informed me. “Why?” I asked. “Because I know how you get about romance and weddings, it makes you horny. But then you’ll feel like doing it with Grayson and not me, since it will have been his mom’s wedding.”“You think Grayson’s birth mother getting married is going to make me horny?” “Yes, I’m sure of it.”I laughed. “Um okay, what about tonight?”“Tonight sounds perfect.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “Grayson will watch the kids and you’ll watch me rock your world.”I kissed him. “And I’ll be on my back the whole time.”“Just the way I like you.” Lee kissed me again. “What are we doing tonight?” Grayson walked in the living room, causing me and Lee to break apart. “Um, Lee and I are gonna hang out.” I stated. “Ah. So I’m on kid duty tonight?” “Sounds
A year ago I was miserable.I had just checked into rehab and I didn’t want to be there. I was sick and shaky and dying for just one pill. I thought I was going to die. But I didn’t. Now I was a mom of two beautiful children who were my entire life. For the first time in many years, drugs were the furthest thing from my mind. I didn’t crave lines and pills and endless parties. I just wanted to take care of my babies. “Scarlett!” Grayson called. “Come quick!”My eyes shot open. I quickly realized the guys had let me sleep in. Something must be wrong now!I jumped out of bed and hurried down to the living room. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Is everything okay?”“She laughed, babe,” Grayson smiled. “Joy laughed at me.”“But you’re not funny.”“She thinks I am.”I bent over her crib and nearly fainted. She was smiling as she babbled. “Hi princess. You’re laughing now?” I asked. Tears came to my eyes as she giggled, looking up at me. “Am I funny to you? Do I make you laugh?”“Our baby