Never Say Goodbye (Rebel Walking #6) (30 page)

EPILOGUE

“Luke.  Wake up.  My water just broke!”

It's been two weeks since we found Lilly.  We’ve moved into a new house and the constant crazy surrounding us has me dragging ass, but I jump out of bed with her whisper.

We have a bag packed.  The car seat has been properly installed and I've made sure Lilly has lifted nothing the entire time, waiting for this day to come.  The doctor told us yesterday that he's ready anytime now, I just didn't realize how quick it would be.

I grab a shirt and pull on a pair of jeans, rushing around the room like there's a fire.

Sliding the bag over my shoulder I stand ready to react, attack, run or fight, whichever comes first.  I'm so excited that I'm scared.  I'm so terrified that I'm worried and I'm so fucking lost that I'm losing it.

“What do you need?”

“Just walk with me to the car.  My contractions aren't extremely close, so we will be just fine.”  I've read about all of this.  It's going to be okay.  Just stay calm and get her to the hospital, then let the doctors lead.  

“Luke.  Wait.  I love you.  So many nights I cried thinking you'd miss this day.”  She starts crying.  “And now.  You're here.  You're going to see your son today.”  

“I am!”  It's so surreal.  I put my arms around her and stand there with her for a few seconds.  This is our day.  The day we meet our son.  This day will always be like a bookmark in my life where a new chapter begins.

I snap out of it as I think about the horror of not making it to the hospital in time.  I can't let that shit happen, so I lean down to pick her up.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“I'm going to carry you.”

“No you're not!  Put me down!”  I don't listen and I remember her saying her water broke.  I can just imagine what's on my arm.  Looking down I see that she's dry.  Her yoga pants are perfect.

“Where's the water.”

“That was about an hour ago.  I showered and got ready before I woke you.”

“Are you fucking crazy?”  She laughs as I walk faster to the car, kicking the door closed with my feet as we pass.

“You need a doctor now!”

“Calm down, Luke.”

“I'll be calm when this is over and you're okay.  Until then, I'm flipping my shit.”  I sit her down next to the door to my new SUV.  I just bought a dad car and I'm proud as hell about it.  My son will need to get to places safely and all I had was the bike.  

She gets in like she's just fine and I run around the front to the driver’s side.  

“You're so funny.  Stop being crazy, I'm not going to be able to stand you when I'm in labor, you know.  I may say I want to kill you and that this is all your fault.”

“Yeah.”

“Just remember it is your fault and I'm so excited to meet our son.  Did you decide on the name?”

“Yes.”  

“What did you decide?”

“I’ll tell you when he arrives.”  Just then she closes her eyes and starts breathing deep.  I speed faster to the hospital and dial the number to call ahead.  She does the whole breathing thing and we make it through our first contraction together.

I drive like hell with my hazard lights on rushing down the road, thankful there's not much traffic in our way.

We arrive safely and everything happens so fast.  They check her as soon as they can and she's already a two.  

We move to a room and the nurses hook every monitor imaginable onto Lilly.

Our friends all arrive and make a point to see her before the big moment and I catch myself smiling so hard that my face hurts.  Today is a great day.  It's not a day I would've requested or even thought about, but I've changed with everything that's happened.  My priorities are different.   

Things progress very quickly from there and she’s dilated to an eight within a few hours.  She decides not to get an epidural and I'm so proud of her.  Not that I'd do the same, but it's up to her.  

“It's time to push now.  Lilly, let's deliver this healthy boy today.”  She shakes her head yes to the doctor, bears down and pushes my son out of her body with a few hard contractions.  

I hold her hand and one leg as I  watch him enter this world.  I've never seen anything like this and never will again.  This moment can’t be recreated and I'm consumed with love for him already.

She's crying happy tears while we both smile at him then at each other.  This is how it's supposed to be.  This is what I almost missed.

When did my life become so perfect?  When did all the sadness turn into me looking forward to what tomorrow brings?  Lilly will always be my love.  She captured me long before I even knew she had and now I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her!

“What's his name?”

“Lake Jacobs!”

“I love that name!”

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Synopsis 

Kimber has left behind every single thing she knows to start a new life.  She's looking for something secure and away from her past.  She’s moved into her friend’s cabin until she decides what path she wants to take.  Trying to destress a little she decides to go somewhere for a drink.

Aiden works all the time and doesn't play often.  He's sent to check on a woman Holden sent to the cabin after a very intense assignment.  Looking for some down time before he starts something new, he stops in at a local bar for a beer.  

What happens when these two meet and have no idea who the other one is?  Will a night of laughter and fun start an entire relationship or will everything come to a crashing halt when they realize what they've done?

Whiskey Dreams

Sneak Peek of Chapter One

Kimber

I arrive at the cabin after the truck carrying all of my things.  It's not much, but it's all I've got.  Unloading is quick and painless as I drop all of it in the front room of the massive place.  I sit in the chair next to the large window providing a great view of the scenery.

My mind wont stop thinking about my recent phone call.  Lilly was hard to understand.  She cried through her words as she thanked me for everything.  Her apologies were very sincere and I hate that I like her.  I hate that I have nothing bad to say about her.  She's a fighter and a woman who was dealt a shitty father.  I know a little about what it's like to be that woman. 

She's been released from the hospital and she mentioned that Luke was working with the guys to find them a place to stay.  I don't think she was trying to rub it in or anything, because I asked how he was doing.  I do care that he's happy and going to get what he deserves.  Maybe one day, I'll make a trip to Missouri and see everyone again.  That's not anything in the near future, but it's something to think about. 

Eaven, Ivy, Lyndsey, and Holden have called me multiple times already.  I know they just feel bad about how it all turned out and want to make sure I'm dealing well. 

I can't say that I am.  I'm here.  That's about all I've got. 

I take a tour of the cabin and choose the master bedroom to move my things into.  I browse through the kitchen and make a list of all the grocery items I need to shop for to get me by for a few days.  I hope that I decide where I'd like to go by then, but I can tell by the serenity of this place that it'll do me some good to stay here for at least that long.

Driving my Jeep into town is an adventure.  This place was put on Earth so people could drive Jeeps through the terrain.  I love it and can't believe I've never had mine on these types of adventures.

I drive through the center of town and notice a pub that looks like it would be a great place to grab a bite to eat and a beer before I plunge into the grocery store.  I could use a beer and a little time just people watching.  Hell, maybe I'll find someone who's life has been crazier than mine and I'll feel better about everything.

I sit at the bar and watch the bartender interact with all the customers.  A few have plates of food, but the majority are just here to drink.  I'm looking over the menu when I hear a southern deep voice echo through the room.  Glancing over my menu, I'm drawn to the muscles on the man wearing a button up with the arms tore off and jeans that put the word tight to shame.  His legs are massive and I can see he must really struggle getting in and out of those things.

He catches me looking and starts to walk my way with a smirk on his face.  Those lips are slightly puckered as he approaches with confidence and I raise my menu to block my view from anything further. 

"Jack and coke, Darlin'."  He sits in the bar stool next to me and orders.  "Howdy, Ma'am,"  I turn to see him looking at me from my feet all the way up as his eyes glide over my body.

"I think you need to have a drink with me."

"That's alright, I already have one."

"Well, then we can at least have a toast on our first meeting.  The name is Aiden.  What's yours?"

"Brie."

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Six

Prologue

15 years ago

I can hear a tiny scream in the distance.  I'm sure it's some bratty ass kid defying their mom or dad, but I have to see for myself.  Flashbacks of my entire childhood begin to fill my head.  It's not usually a great idea to go behind these buildings this late at night. Hell, I know that from first-hand experience too.  My curiosity just may get me in trouble this time, but I have to.

Turning the corner, my fear comes to life.  Some greasy fucker has a little girl against the wall, rubbing his cock around her mouth.  Tears are pouring out of her eyes and my feet have already landed me within arm’s reach  of this fucker before he realizes I'm here.

Grabbing the collar of his shirt, I take him directly to the ground behind him.  My other arm secures him to the pavement with a death grip.  He attempts to fight me as I squeeze the life out of his body as my fingers flex into his neck.  

I have zero mercy.  His eyes bulge open wider as he tries to speak to me through them.  I'm not listening to his pleas.  This man is dead.  He will die.  I'll make sure of it.  

He signed his death wish the minute he laid his cock on the little girl's face.  Hell even before that.  

A tiny whimper sneaks in through the rage in my head.  I grip tighter as I turn to see her crouched on the ground with her hands over her eyes.  Dirty blonde hair is draped over her face, helping to hide this scene from her.  

The gasping sounds of his last moment on Earth should stop me from ending him, but it doesn't.  I turn back to watch him die.  Leaning in close to his disgusting face, I leave him with the last words he'll ever hear.  

"I'll see you in hell.  You'd better be ready, because I'll be looking for your ass as soon as I step through the gate."  

The grip of his fingers on my forearm relaxes and eventually his arms fall beside him.  

His pants are still at his ankles when I stand up, so I drag him behind the  dumpster and pull a raunchy bag out of it, dropping it on his dick. His shit should be gnawed on by the rats.  

I'll have to come back for him later.  Right now I need to make sure she's ok.  Fuck, how can she be ok?

"He's gone.  You can open your eyes now."  She doesn't move.  Her cries are silent, but her head is ticking as she inhales each breath.  This fucker has ruined her.  

I kneel next to her, making sure not to touch her.  I don't want her to think she has any reason to be scared of me.  "Hey you, let me take you to your mom and dad.  Do you know where you live?"  I can't call the police.  That's not an option.  Fuck, I hope that wasn't her piece of shit dad I just killed.  

She relaxes just slightly, but still hasn't uncovered her face or moved from her crouched position.  She has her legs tucked tightly against her chest.  Shit.  She's so fucking tiny.  I bet she's eight years old, maybe, if that.

I sit against the wall, right next to her, hoping I can calm her enough to come with me.  She doesn't need another memory I'm sure.  

"Do you go to school?"  I watch her breathing slow just slightly.  She nods her head, remaining covered.  

"What grade are you in?"  She doesn't move to
answer.  

"Can you sit up for me?  I want to figure out where to take you so you'll be safe.  It isn't safe out here for lil' girls."  She straightens her back against the wall just a little; keeping her legs in the same place, she moves her hands from her face.  Her hair is stuck to the tears and dirt on her cheeks and I try to look for any blood.  She doesn't seem to have any, not that that means she's not seriously injured.  I should drop her off at the hospital.  She will need help.  Fuck.  

I light up a cigarette and lay my head against the brick.  Blowing the smoke upwards, I try to think of a way to get any information from her.  

"How old are you?"  She still isn't budging.  

"Honey, can you hold up how old you are with your fingers?"

She moves her hands into the space between her body and her legs, before slowly moving each hand out.  She holds up one hand full, then a single fucking finger on the next.  Fuck.  That's how old my sister is.  We're twelve years apart.  

"Six.  You're six years old.  You're getting old.  It won't be long and you'll be driving."  I try to seem calm.  She needs a normal fucking conversation.  

She takes both hands and attempts to brush some hair out of her eyes.  She's about half successful with it.  

"Well, Six.  We need to get you home.  Let's get you out of this alley as soon as I finish this smoke."  She places her hands on the ground beside her.  She still has her legs tucked up, but she's visibly accepting me.  I hate that I know about this shit.  I fucking hate that I know how to comfort a child who's been abused.  

"Have you ever rode on a motorcycle?"  She nods her head slowly as a no.  This could get interesting.  I wish I wouldn't have brought the bike tonight, but I'll have to make this work.  The bike is large enough for us both.  I'm glad I haven't traded it yet.  I plan to soon, even though it's the only fucking good thing that came from my asshole father.  

I stand up and stretch.  Glancing over toward the dumpster, I feel secure since I can still see that fucker’s feet.  I take a step away, and turn back to look at her.  

"Well, if you don't mind riding on one, I can take you home."  I hope to fuck she knows where she lives.  

She slowly stands and with her head bowed down and starts to follow me.  The sound of my boots echoes in the space.  I turn back to fully look at her and notice she doesn't have any shoes on.  She's dressed in a dirty, torn up dress, barefoot, with mud caked all over her legs.  Fuck.  I want to kill this mother fucker all over again.  

I could go get her some clothes, but that will draw attention.  I'm sure she's considered missing and they'll be on the lookout for her.  Shit.  That's it.  I pull out my phone and make a call.  There's one person that will know the local news.  "Grams, I'm sorry to bother you so late.  Have you heard of any children reported missing on the news?"

"Evan.  My boy.  Where are you?  Come talk to me at my house."

"I can't do that.  I just need to know if you know any information."

"Evan.  Your grandma can help you.  Just tell me what you need."

"Grams.  Have you seen anything about a missing girl?"

"The assistant DA's daughter has been missing since yesterday over in Jefferson County.  Is that the one you're talking about?"

"Yeah, I think so.  What's his name?"

"Douglas.  I can't remember his first name.  He lives over in Madison."

"Thanks, Grams."

"When will I see you, boy?"

"Soon.  I've got to go."

"Alright.  I love ya."

"Love you too."  I hang up the phone on the only woman to ever show love to me.  She's almost seventy-five and has never been able to go up against my father.  He always had a way with making sure people knew their place with him.

I swing my leg over my bike and reach my helmet out to her.  "It won't fit great, but you need to wear it.  The ride will take awhile."  She slowly reaches for it and sets it on her head, not snapping it on.  

"Here.  You ride in the front.  I'll let you help me drive.  You need to start practicing."  She starts to crawl up the bike, pulling on my jacket to help.  I let her do it by herself because I know how important that is. 

"Six.  You need to snap that helmet on.  Can you do it or do you need my help?"  

She shakes her head no to me, so I do it carefully, pulling the strap as tight as it'll go.  It's not tight enough, but it's the best I can do.  

"Ok, Six.  It's time to learn how to drive."  I move forward, careful to hold her securely in front of me.  This will be a long ride, because I'll have to ride slow, but we'll get there.  Then I'll be back to take care of the asshole who did this.