Finding Stone (The Stone Brothers Series) (Volume 1) (16 page)

It's been two days since I left the hospital. I'm feeling better, tired, but better. The bleeding has turned to spotting, so that's a good sign. Noah just left for work. He has been taking such good care of me.

I need to go to my apartment today, get some things, and start deciding what I want to keep and what I need to get rid of. It should be fairly easy to decide. Noah was very worried about me going, but I assured him that I would be careful. He called Maddox to see if he would go with me. Of course, Maddox said yes. I am going to get a hold of Kerrigan, too. I haven't seen her in awhile. I miss her. She was my "first friend" when I moved here.

I decide to Facetime Kelly. I've been missing home. With everything that's been going on, I need to feel connected. I don't want her to find out from anyone else about my big life changes. She answers on the third ring. It's great seeing the blonde hair and bubbly personality.

"What up, Molls?"

"I miss you, just wanted to see your face."

"Here's my face for your viewing pleasure." She runs her hands along her cheek and sticks her tongue out at me. Usually I'd laugh at how cheesy she is. I'm nervous about telling her what's going on. Everything has happened so quickly.

"Hey! What's wrong? Do I need to come to Chicago and kick someone’s ass?"

I sigh and half laugh, "Only if you're coming to kick mine."

"What'd you do? It can't be that bad. I mean it's not like you're pregnant."

I look down, "Well about that..."

"Molly, you aren't?"

The silence is deafening.

"Holy shit! Your parents are going to flip."

"I know. I am trying to find the best way to tell them."

"You definitely have to come home and do it. This shit can't be told over the phone. I will go there with you if you need me to. Actually, I'll just walk you to the door and then take off running. I've seen your dad mad. The one and only time was enough for me."

She is talking about the time we stole Halloween decorations from the neighbors and dad got a call from the Sheriff. The one and only time I was ever grounded.

"Yes, I know I need to come there and tell them face to face. I've got time off. I have had some stuff happen, but don't really want to talk about it. It's been pretty stressful.

“I started bleeding a couple of days ago. I'm just spotting now, no cramping. The baby is fine. I just have to keep the activity to a minimum and stay off work for right now."

"Who's the father? He is sticking around?"

"His name is Noah. He's a doctor in the E.R. Yes. He's sticking around. I love him."

"Go girl! You snatched up a doctor. Is he hot? Does he have some doctor friends that you can introduce me to? I can totally play nurse or sick patient."

"Shut up, you’re crazy! No doctor friends, but he does have some hot brothers." I can't help but laugh. She knows exactly how to make a person feel better. No judgment, just straight up encouragement and support.

"Oooh, do tell me more! Just save it for when you get here. How about this, now that you're going to be a mom, be a cool one. I better never catch you wearing mom jeans. I can't be seen with you if you are wearing those hideous things. They will never be back in style. I have a reputation to maintain and all, a cool one." She makes a face at me and giggles again.

See this is what I'm talking about. I miss her. She knows exactly what I need to hear.

"Okay, I'm going to get plans made today. Will you pick me up from the airport?"

"Duh, of course, beyotch. Just let me know when."

"I will let you know this evening. Thanks, Kelly."

"No problem. I love you. I would do anything for you."

"I know. Thanks girl, I love you too."

After hanging up with Kelly, I look at plane tickets. Jeez, I keep going further in debt. I want to leave first thing in morning; this has got to be done. This isn't something you tell your parents over the phone. I need to head over to my apartment and try to get out of my lease and pack up some things. Good thing it's just clothes and toiletries. I send Maddox a text letting him know I will be there within the hour. I call Kerrigan. She answers quietly, almost at a whisper. I tell her that I have missed her and need some help packing. She said she has missed me too and said she could help before she has to go to work.

I get to my apartment before Kerrigan or Maddox. I left early because I wanted to learn the train schedule. It's actually pretty easy, only four stops away. I glance toward Hansons and I see Kerrigan walking towards me. I can't help but wave at her. She is such a pretty girl. Her light brown hair falls midway down her back. She's just a little taller than me, maybe 5'6”. She's naturally skinny, the kind of skinny that all of us girls would like to be, the effortless kind. Must be nice. I don't think I have ever seen her wear much make up, just a natural beauty.

"Hey, Kerrigan, I am so glad to see you, it feels like it's been forever."

It’s a little awkward. I've not really talked to her since the whole Aaron thing. It's not her fault that he's a complete dick.

"It does, doesn't it? It’s been close to a month. How are you holding up?"

"It's been kind of crazy, a little stressful and a whole lot of pregnant."

"Huh? WHAT did you just say? Who? What? All I heard was the word 'pregnant'.”

She's just standing there with wide eyes and her mouth hanging open. I can't help but laugh. "I know, it was a shock! It's all good right now. Everything is slowly working out. Noah is the father."

"Dr. Noah Stone? God, your baby is going to be gorgeous," she smiles.

"Enough about me, how have you been?"

"Okay, I guess. I’ve been busy with work and stuff, haven't had a lot of time for much else."

"Listen, I never got the chance to apologize about the Aaron thing the last time we were all together."

"No, don't be sorry. Aaron can be a jerk. He just worries about me. He really loves me, though. He just has a weird way of showing it sometimes. If he has one too many beers, he seems to just get a little out of control. He kept apologizing. He knows he was wrong."

I have all these alarm bells and red flags in my head. Can she not see there is something wrong with this kind of relationship? Hearing all of that just makes me worry even more.

"Kerrigan, you know if you ever need anything that I am just a call or text away?"

"Yes, I know. I'll be okay though. Let's head inside and do this."

As soon as we walked into the building, we ran into the landlord. Because of the incident with the break in, he graciously let me out of the lease. He said it wouldn't be difficult to rent. I will lose the security deposit because of the damages, but will get my last months rent back. This is a win-win for me. That will offset the cost of a plane ticket and seven days off of work. When we get to the door, there is caution tape. I give Kerrigan a cliff notes version of what happened. She just hugged me and said she was sorry. I hear a noise behind us and see Maddox coming up the stairs. He stops and takes a deep breath. I notice Kerrigan looking down. Wonder what that's about.

"Hi, ladies, let's get this over with. They’re done processing the scene."

"I just need to grab some clothes and bathroom stuff. I can donate most of the rest." I quickly explain.

"Do you have any boxes?" Kerrigan asks.

"I just have a couple suitcases and an overnight bag. I don't care to use some trash bags if I need too. Honestly though, I think it will be enough. I live simply. I don't need any of this furniture that is here. Maybe I can have Goodwill come by and get it."

It only takes us about an hour to pack what I want to take back to Noah's.

"Maddox, can you help me get this back to Noah's?"

"I have to be at work shortly. I can put it in the trunk and bring it by later."

"Okay, that's perfect. Thanks."

We all walk outside. Standing across the street is Aaron, Mr. Clean on Steroids, looking even scarier than he normally does. I don't understand what Kerrigan sees in him. He stalks over to where we are standing and immediately grabs Kerrigan.

He kisses her roughly and says to her, "Sweetheart, I went by the bar to make sure you were at work. Erica told me you came to help a friend. I was worried when you weren't there. What did I tell you about always letting me know where you are?" He's saying this through his clenched teeth.

"I just came to help Molly get packed up. She is moving in with Noah, you know the doctor. Maddox's brother." She explains hastily. She looks scared. As soon as she says Maddox's name, I see Aaron's face look angry. His hand is tightening around Kerrigan's arm. I turn to Maddox who must notice the same thing.

"Aaron, buddy, is there a problem here?" Maddox steps forward as if to get in Aaron’s personal space. It’s a clear warning.

"No problem here. Kerrigan just has a habit of lying. Don't you honey?" He grabs her arm even tighter, and she flinches.

"Yes, I'm sorry Aaron. I should have told you where I was going to be. I just didn't think. I'm sorry."

"See, no problem. Let’s go, Kerrigan. Say goodbye to your friends." I see the apology in Kerrigan’s eyes as they walk away.

"You're just going to let them go?" I ask pissed. I see the pain in Maddox eyes.

"Yeah. I can't help her if she doesn't want it. I can't accuse him of being violent if she doesn't tell me. It's up to her. I have a feeling that something's not right there. We haven't received any complaints at the station and she won't talk to me. What else can I do, Molly?" I want to cry.

"Do you like Kerrigan? I mean I saw the way you looked at her when you came up the stairs."

As he packed my bags in his car, all he said was, "Kerrigan is beautiful."

I feel for the first time that I am walking into a home. My home. Knowing Molly is here makes me feel so incredibly happ
y
.

"Molly, where are you?"

"I'm in the kitchen making dinner."

I smile and head toward the kitchen. I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her. I plant a kiss on her neck. She lets out a little sigh, turns and kisses me right on the mouth. This no sexual activity ban we have is killing us both, especially since we have more access to each other.

"Any more bleeding?"

"Just some spotting, not bad though. I'm pretty sure it will stop in a day or two."

"That's good. It smells delicious in here. What's for dinner?"

"Salad, lasagna, and garlic bread. Simple and easy, but good.

I can't help but smile at her. No one has made me dinner in a very long time. My father believed in TV dinners and take-out, when he remembered to feed us.

"It smells delicious. How was your day?"

"It went okay. I'm worried about Kerrigan. I don't know for sure, but I think Aaron is hurting her. We ran into him after we moved my stuff out of my apartment. He seems very angry and controlling. He called her a liar and she agreed. Can you believe that? Neither Maddox nor I knew what to do. Before he showed up though, I told her about the baby. We got to talk a little bit. I apologized for that fiasco with Aaron. It just all seems a mess.

I talked to Kelly earlier today. I told her about the baby. She and I both agreed that I should tell my parents in person. I need to get this over with. Since I have the time off, I went ahead and booked a ticket for tomorrow."

"Molly, you can only make yourself available to her. You're supposed to be resting. I'm on duty for the next couple of days then I have some leave scheduled. I could come with you."

"It's just a plane ride. I called his office and asked if it was okay and they said yes. I think I should go alone right now. I need to tell them by myself first. They are going to be in for a shock. I want them to have some time to get used to the idea before they meet you.

If you want, you can come down in a couple of days when you get off work. That will give them a couple of days to adjust."

"I don't like you having to face this alone. Look at me, Molly. You do know that you are not in this alone? I am with you all the way. What time do you leave?"

"I know, Noah. I just think I need to do this alone. You have to remember, I am a preacher's daughter. I'm not sure how my dad or my mom is going to react. My plane flies out at 8:30 tomorrow morning."

“Oh God! I forgot I got a preacher’s daughter pregnant.” I smirk at her.

She pulls the lasagna out of the oven. She starts making our plates. Then sits my plate down in front of me. I take a bite and she waits watching to see my reaction. Lucky for me, it’s really good.

"This is really good! Thank you."

"Glad you like it. My mom isn't a very good cook. Sometimes I tried new things in the kitchen. It was always a hit or miss. Lasagna is one of a few things I learned to make."

We finish the rest of the meal talking about her parents and home life. Listening to her tell childhood stories makes me wish I had some good ones to tell her. She's going to make such a good mother. I am going to do everything in my power to be the kind of man that she deserves.

Molly goes into the bathroom to get ready for bed. I decide to go sit on the balcony. Several thoughts are running through my mind. I'm worried about Molly flying, worried about her facing her parents alone. I can tell she is getting really nervous. She doesn't need any more stress. She's seems to be fine about the whole shooting incident. She told me she couldn’t let things bother her that she can't change. Me, I let the past suck me in. I can't seem to let it go. My baby isn't even here yet, but I know there isn't a thing I wouldn't do to protect it. My child will know love, a love that I never really got to experience.

My mind is racing tonight. I wonder if Molly wants a boy or girl? I want a little girl who's like her mommy. No, wait. A beautiful daughter is what most men dread. Still that image of a daughter leaves me smiling. Maybe a son, someone I can play ball with and teach him manly things. I chuckle. Honestly, I don't really care. I am going to love a daughter or a son just the same. I look at my watch and realize I have been out here for thirty minutes. How long does Molly need in the bathroom? I decide to go check on her. She hasn't even been in the shower. What the hell?

"Is something wrong? What's taking you so long?"

"No, nothing’s wrong, I just decided to pack first. Then, I needed to brush my teeth and hair."

"Okay, I'm getting into the shower while you finish up whatever you're doing to your face."

"Alright." She says and stays put.

Living with a girl is going to take some getting used to. Why does she need to do all of this to get ready for bed? Whatever. I strip down and turn the water on. I step into the shower. I notice her strawberry shampoo and conditioner, her body wash, her body soap, her facial cleanser. Isn't that what she is doing now? Two razors? I laugh, happy I've never experienced this feeling of being a couple with anyone else. As I start to rinse my face, I hear the door open. I wipe the water out of my eyes and see Molly on her knees in front of me. FUCK ME!

"I know we can't have sex, but I have wanted to do this since you kissed me in the kitchen.” I look at her and smile. She puts her hand around me and starts to put me in her mouth.

"
You’re fulfilling a fantasy I had of you once while I jerked off
.
" I lean my head back against the shower wall.

“Let me know which is better, the real or the fantasy.”

“The real. You were great in my fantasies. You are perfection in real life.” She starts sucking away. Real. Way fucking better.

I have a list of beautiful Molly’s in my mind. Wet Molly on her knees might be my favorite.