Unbreak Me (29 page)

“Okay, lover boy, but I really have to go,” Molly said as she broke their embrace.

“What are you doing later?” Connor asked as he leaned against the door to his bedroom, unable to take his eyes off his woman.

“Umm, other than my meeting, nothing. I’m free after three.”

“Good, because I want
you
to accompany me to a little thing happening this afternoon.”

“What kind of thing?”

Molly felt a small pang of nerves. She wasn’t sure she could take any hostility from his mother, yet knew it had to happen sooner, rather than later.

“My godson’s first birthday bash.”

Molly was surprised. “You’ve got a godson?”

“Yup, little Ollie.”

Molly really had missed so much in the past year. So much had happened, so much growth. A world of change in both their lives, yet they’d never lost that spark that lived on within them, even though they had tried to move on.

“Okay, but the moment your mother pisses me off, I’ll sock her one,” Molly warned as she smiled. “And I can’t wait to meet little Ollie.”

“Aww, man, you’re going to bust my balls, aren’t you?”

Molly laughed. “Well, it all depends on what I want to do with them.” She stopped to peck him on the cheek as she walked through his apartment, Connor following her. “So, pick me up around three?”

“You bet,” he said as he pulled her in for one last kiss. “You’ve made me a very happy man.”

Resting her head against his, Molly ran her hands up and down his arms. Not wanting to leave, she forced herself to walk to the door. “I love you,” she said as her hand rested on the door.

“And that there is a good reason to smile,” Connor replied. “I love you more.”

Molly opened the door and left the apartment, knowing that that day was the first day of the rest of her life. She now had to think about the hearing, focus on the questions she would be asked. It was then the nerves kicked in.

* * * *

Barry set the file on his desk, looking all businesslike. His face was serious, but he was a professional, and knew that Molly needed a little reassurance.

“Molls, it will be fine, I promise.”

Molly sighed. Her palms were wet from nerves. She couldn’t help it. The whole point about the meeting was to go over the details, answer the kind of questions the defense would ask, and therein lay the problem. Molly was afraid of addressing the assault. Of addressing her past. Because she knew they would bring that up. Anything to smear her case.

“Will they bring up my past?” she asked.

“I very much doubt it. That has nothing to do with the assault. They will do all kinds of things to unnerve you, discredit you. Which is why you have to be strong, okay?”

Nodding, Molly tried to show him she was ready, but deep down inside she felt sick and wanted to run away. But there was no running from this.

“Okay then, let’s start.”

The three hours passed by in a haze of questions, answers, being told not to fidget or lose composure, and Molly was sure she wouldn’t make it through the hearing.

Sometimes the tests that life threw her way made her feel as if she was never going to overcome the bad beginnings, but her fight was now stronger. Her will to be happy was the ambition.
Fuck Eugene and his lies,
she thought, because there was no way in hell anything was going to stop her from living her life free from all the pain, bad memories and experiences.

Aggie certainly would have been proud of the fire burning deep in Molly’s soul.

Chapter Forty-Five

Connor stood looking at the rings. So many choices, so many stunning shiny diamonds, but he wanted something that was perfect for Molly. He knew she wasn’t big on the whole bling thing, and decided that something understated, elegant and beautiful was the way to go.

“These are some of our best for our more elite clients,” the attendant said.

“Money isn’t a question here,” Connor said, sounding more obnoxious than he had planned.

But when he thought about, he did look a little rough around the edges. His five o’clock shadow from Saturday was fast turning into a stubbly mess, which, to be fair, was earning him a few looks of admiration from some of the ladies in the jeweler’s.

“Can I see this?” He pointed to a gorgeous platinum solitaire.

“Certainly,” the jeweler replied. “This is a classic Cartier design.”

“It’s gorgeous,” Connor replied as he examined the ring. He knew this was the one. It was just perfect. “I’ll take this one.”

“A wise choice, sir.”

Picking out the right ring size was easy for Connor. He was well educated on things like this. Smiling, he waited as the ring was boxed. The excitement was almost hard to contain. He couldn’t wait to slip it on her finger, confirming his love for her.

Connor walked away from the shop and couldn’t hide his joy. It was evident from the way he grinned. Who would have thought that his trip back home would have led to an unlikely reunion, one that was now leading to marriage?

Knocking at the door, Connor couldn’t wait to see her.

Regina opened it, her eyes scanning him. Her reception was frosty. “I guess you’d better come in.”

As he stepped inside, Connor felt the awkward atmosphere. It was hostile, but Regina wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of being the one to address anything. She was more than happy to make him squirm.

“I’ll be right out,” Molly called from down the hall.

“Okay, no problem,” he replied.

Regina sauntered past him, into the living room, refusing to talk to him. It was up to him to break the silence.

“You know I never meant to hurt her,” he said as he sat on the chair across from her.

She shot him a look from over her glasses. It was full of contempt.

“We’ve worked things out.”

“So she told me,” Regina said, sounding colder by the second.

“I’m not going to hurt her.”

“I vaguely remember you uttering those words once before.”

“Regina, give me a break here. I’m trying,” he said, feeling as if there was never any way of her trusting him again.

“I’ll give you a break when you prove yourself. Molly deserves more than nice words, fancy trips—she needs someone to depend on. Someone who loves her, flaws and all.”

Ouch!
Her words were mean and cold, but it was true. Molly needed all those things, and Connor was more than willing to do everything in his power to deliver them.

“Then I guess I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that to you,” he responded.

“Oh, it’s not me you need to prove anything to, it’s that girl in there. And let me tell you something, sunshine, if as much as a hair on her head is hurt this time, I promise you, you will never get another chance.”

Connor swallowed Regina’s warning, understanding firmly where he stood with her.

Molly bounced into the room, looking gorgeous in a blue and white dress, her hair slightly pinned back on one side. A picture of radiance.

“Okay, let’s do this,” she said holding her hand out to him. “I’m not sure I’ll be home tonight, Gina, but I’ll give you a call.”

“No problem, just have a good time,” Regina replied, her eyes glaring at Connor.

“Bye, Regina,” he said, breathing a sigh of relief once they left the building.

“Are you okay, you look pale?” Molly asked as he opened the car door for her.

“I think Regina just cut my balls in half and fed them to me.”

“Ouch, the third degree?”

Getting into the car, Connor looked over at Molly and smiled. “Basically.”

“I knew it.” She scowled. “But to be fair, she does have a right.”

“So you’re gonna bust my balls now?”

“Nope, I’ll leave that to later.” Molly winked at him.

God, she was everything to him. The way she looked at him was enough to make him mere putty in her hands. She had a profound effect on him and she didn’t realize how much he needed her.

“Speaking of later, I’ve got a surprise for you. He winked at her.

“Oh, God, I hate surprises,” Molly complained. “You know that… What is it? Can I have it now?” Her face beamed.

“Nope, I want to give it to you at the right time.”

“Ah,” Molly said, smiling at him. “You do know that what you think are cryptic clues are actually very easily worked out?” Molly poked fun at him. “I mean, I can pretend that I haven’t got a clue, if that makes you happy.”

This was exactly what he loved about her. “Damn it, you want it now, right here, in the car, out the front of your home?”

“Yes, give it to me.” She giggled. “That sounded like the corniest come-on ever.”

“I’ll give it to you later all right, but right now,” he said as he pulled a small box from the inside pocket of his jacket, “I think your hand is missing something.”

Connor grinned when he held the small velvet box in front of Molly. His heart raced as he opened the box.

“Oh, Connor, it’s too much,” she gasped.

“Nonsense,” he said as he lifted the ring out, taking her hand in his. “This is just a small token of my love for you,” he said as he slid the ring onto her finger. “Not entirely how I planned on doing this, but… I love you, Molly Rice, and I’m forever yours.”

Molly’s eyes glistened with tears as she looked down at her hand. “I don’t know what to say. It’s gorgeous… It’s perfect, thank you.”

Molly reached over and kissed him, her tongue gently brushing against his, the taste of her mouth igniting the simpering flame in his core. If they had been alone, and not in the car, he’d have shown her exactly how he was feeling.

“I love you too,” she whispered, then sat back, admiring her ring. Connor couldn’t have been happier.

Smiling, Connor pulled off, knowing that at the end of the evening, he’d get to show her over and over again just how much he loved and craved her.

* * * *

The door to the house opened and Mark gave Connor a huge manly embrace. “About time you showed your sorry ass around here.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve someone I’d like you to meet,” he replied as he stepped aside and held out his hand to Molly, who looked more nervous than she needed to. “Mark, this is Molly,” he introduced her.

“Welcome to the madhouse, Molly, come on in,” Mark greeted her, the two of them shaking hands.

“Nice to meet you too,” Molly responded.

Connor was happy to see his best friend, and even more happy because he’d accepted Molly into his home.

A beaming Cassie walked down the long hallway toward them, holding the little birthday boy himself.

“Well, look at you, kiddo,” Connor said, holding his hands out to the little boy. “What are you feeding him?” he joked as he took the child into his arms.

“Ha ha ha, yeah, this little man loves his food and his mother’s specialty,” Mark joked.

“Oh, shut up, you idiot.” Cassie playfully shot her husband a glare. “Molly, it’s so lovely to finally meet you,” Cassie said as she embraced Molly, who was beginning to relax in their company.

“He’s such a gorgeous little guy,” Molly said as she looked at Ollie.

“Thank you, he’s a little angel, and completely spoiled,” Cassie said as she caught sight of the ring on her hand, and her smile seemed to take on another life.

Leading them through to the garden where other family members and friends had gathered, Cassie didn’t waste any time introducing Molly. Everyone was warm and genuine, and more than interested in getting to know the woman who had claimed the heart of Connor.

“She’s gorgeous,” Mark said to Connor as they stood watching Molly engage with Connor’s parents, laughing and being a delight. “And that ring… Someone is serious.”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life. She completes me.”

“Well, buddy, if she makes you happy, then we are happy.” Mark patted his back. “I just can’t wait until your mother hears about this.”

Connor laughed, knowing exactly the tsunami that would come with that, but he didn’t care. This was his life and her opinions no longer counted.

“What, she’s not here?”

“Nope, something came up,” Mark said, rubbing his chin.

“I’m sure she’ll be delighted, regardless.” Connor laughed.

It was odd. Odd in the sense that never in his wildest dreams did he think that he’d be there, with Molly, at his godson’s party. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to him. Molly had gained a confidence that made her so easy to be around, everyone loved her, approved of her, and, more importantly, they had welcomed her into their world with open arms.

“They are so lovely,” Molly said as they held hands, walking through the garden.

“Yes, I have to admit that they’re not a bad bunch.”

Nudging him in the ribs, Molly laughed. “What have I let myself in for?”

“Hmm, a life with me, something you’ll not get anywhere else.”

“You’re such a dork.” She grinned.

“Yup, call me El Dorko. I don’t mind, I won’t take offense.”

It was true. She could have called him anything she wanted and he didn’t care. Her being there with him, wearing that ring, confirming their relationship was all he needed. It was everything he’d ever wanted.

Chapter Forty-Six

“I feel sick,” Molly said as she buttoned her jacket.

“You’ll be fine. We’ll all be there,” Connor replied, trying his best to ease the burden.

“Oh, God, I can’t believe I have to face him.”

Hands trembling, Molly knew she’d be coming face to face with the man who had beat her in an attempt at raping her. Nothing could take the ill ease away.

“If there was any other way, believe me, I wouldn’t be letting that bastard lay his eyes on you again.” Connor couldn’t help it. He was pissed.

“Regardless of feelings,” Barry interrupted, “we need today to proceed without a hitch. If we want justice, then we need a verdict that will put him away.”

Molly swallowed hard. Her head pounded, and for the first time in a long while, she courted the temptation of wanting a drink.

“Okay.” She sighed. “I can do this.”

“Yes, you can,” Regina said as she touched her hand. “We will all be there.”