Coming Home: Dominant Devils Book 2 (26 page)

I wrapped my arms around my mother and pulled her in for a hug. “I love you, mom. Thank you for understanding and believe me when I say you have nothing to worry about. I plan on staying in Great Falls and commuting when needed. I don’t think the band will have a problem with it. If they do I’m prepared to give it all up. The last few months of being surrounded by everyone again has opened my eyes to what I’ve been missing.”

“Oh goodness gracious, you have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. I know I just met these gals but, I’m sure they’ll be okay with you and my adopted son hanging back in South Carolina. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them visit with us regularly,” my mom added. I knew she thought of Trevor like a son but she never really said anything. The fact that Trevor would have a place in our family warmed my heart. I loved his mom and would always be grateful to the woman for what she did for Hunter and myself but, I will never forgive her for turning her back on Trevor when he finally came out to her. I hold on to hope that one day she’ll try to make it up to him. I know it bothers him even if he won’t act like it.

“So you ready to take on me, Hunter and Trevor full time momma? You sure you can handle of us along with daddy, Hyde and the club,” I asked my mother with a big ass grin on my face?

“Damn straight I can! I just want you to make sure this is what you want to do for you, not everyone else. If you’re doing this for you then I think it’s time for you to tell Axle how you feel.”

“I will momma as soon as I get home. I’m not sure what will come of it but I’m ready to put myself out there. We’ve gotta reach some common ground even if it’s not with us together. Hunter needs both of us and doesn’t need to see us avoiding each other like the plague,” I confided in my mother.

“I grabbed this on my way out here,” my mother said handing me my phone. “I know it’s late back home but from what I hear he’s been sleeping about as good as you have. I have a feeling it’ll do him some good to hear your voice. The whole house heard what he said to you before we left. He’s hurting baby, put him out of his misery.”

With that said my mother left me with my phone and headed back towards the house. I contemplated calling Axle but choose the cowardly way out and text him.

Me:
You up

I figured that would be the end of it but to my surprised I instantly got a message back.

Axle:
Yep, you good?

Me
: I’m good couldn’t sleep

Axle:
You still feeling bad

Me:
Little bit but seems to be passing

Axle:
I’m calling now

Instantly, my phone starting ringing in my hand. I let it ring a few times before I answered trying to get myself together for what was doomed to be an awkward conversation. “Hello,” I finally answered.

“I was about to hang up babe. I was beginning to think you didn’t really want to talk to me,” Axle said in the other end of the phone.

“I honestly wasn’t sure. I’m not sure what to say or where to go from here. We’ve both been so distant the last two months. I just wanted to let you know whether or not we fix this thing between us, Hunter and I will be staying in Great Falls permanently. I wanted to talk to Carrin before saying anything. I’m hoping she will be alright with us staying at the house for a little bit longer. I’m not sure how long it will take for me to find somewhere nice for Hunter and I to live,” I said truthfully.

“I’m sure she won’t have any issues with you both staying there for as long as you need. That house is for all family babe. You and Hunter are just as much family as anyone else,” Axle said before going quiet. I wasn’t sure what to say myself. Axle startled me when he broke the silence. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you’ll be hanging around. As for us, we’ve got some talking that’s long overdue babe. Just know that I love you, forever and always.”

“I love you too Braxton. I promise we’ll talk as soon as I get back. Maybe I can talk you into taking a little ride away from everyone. I’m not sure we need anyone eavesdropping or putting their opinions in on the matter,” I said feeling like I said too much. I quickly changed the subject. “I should go check on Hunter. I left everyone inside while I came out to the beach to clear my head.”

“I’ll let you go baby. Goodnight love. I’ll see you soon,” Axle said before hanging up. I sat in the sand for a few minutes listening to the ocean when thoughts of a possible future with Axle flooded my brain. Visions of a black haired blue eyed little girl asleep on her father’s chest had me wishing for what could be. At first the thought brought a genuine smile to my face before it was quickly over taken with fear.

I started flipping through my calendar in my phone. I needed to see what day it was. I know I was roughly two weeks overdue for my shot but I had only had sex one time or should I say multiple times one night two months ago. Surely my shot was still effective then. There’s no way my symptoms would be caused by pregnancy. I went over the dates just to make sure. Everything lined up just like I had originally thought. No way could I be pregnant I told myself. Even still I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind. Monday couldn’t get here soon enough. I’d have the doctor due a test just to be on the safe side. Until then I’d get a good night’s sleep and keep my fears to myself.

I woke fresh the next day feeling much better physically and emotional then I had in a while, even though I didn’t get to sleep as long as I would hope. Ember had me, along with everyone else, up early to help set up the back deck for Layla’s baby shower. We had about five hours to pull it all together before the rest of the guest would be arriving this afternoon. With the supervision of a very pregnant Layla, Ben and Trevor took Hunter and Tivie to spend the day down that water. Periodically Carrin or myself would get a cute picture of the kids collecting sea shells, surfing or just playing in the sand.

We took shifts rotating out to get ourselves ready for the party. By the time the clock neared one Ember and me were the only two left to shower. The three eldest women took over direction of the caterers so Ember and myself could slip away to get ready.

When I returned downstairs some of the roadies and their wives were beginning to arrive. The deck was filling up fast with guest and soon after the party kicked into high gear. Ember was in the middle of the second game when the doorbell rang. That’s odd as it seemed everyone who was invited was already here. I saw Ben slip away to answer the door only to return with a beautiful flower arrangement done up with pink and blue flowers topped with balloons. I watched as Ben carefully knelt down beside his wife as she pulled the card from the flowers. Ember stopped the game and quieted everyone down for Layla to read the card out loud to everyone.

Sorry we all couldn’t join you today but someone had to stay behind and keep the guys in line. Know that we are thinking of you and can’t wait to meet the little rock star.

Love,

Vivie, Queenie and Marley

Oh my that was so sweet of them. Sweet enough to bring tears to an overly emotional Layla. It warmed my heart that the three ladies who stayed behind would do such a thing. That little gesture helped ease my mind of the decision I had already made. With the help of both of my families I could definitely make this work.

The rest of the day went on with no more distractions. We all talked in between games and Layla opened the loads of gifts she was given. It was a great day spent with most of the people I cared about. I sat back and watched my club family mingling with my band family. I was deep in my thoughts I didn’t realize my pregnant friend had taken the seat next to me. When she nudged my arm to get my attention I swear I jumped ten feet in the air causing her to laugh hysterically.

“Easy girl. Where’s the fire,” Layla asked between laughs.

“You scared the shit out of me. How the hell did your pregnant ass managed to get the drop on me like that? You caring some kind of badass ninja in there or something,” I choked out while trying to get my racing heart back under control.

“Not that I know of hussy but, I’ll keep it in mind. I didn’t mean to scare you, really I didn’t. You’ve just been sitting over here most of the day taking everything in. I wanted to check in with you to see where your head was at, that’s all.”

“I’m good, chick. I’m just taking it all in like you said. I would have never believed a year ago that this would be happening. Never thought that I would ever see both parts of my family together and getting along so well, ya know,” I said looking at a tearful Layla. “Girl don’t cry again! Your damn pregnancy hormones will be wearing off on me and I’ll be crying right along with you.”

“It’s all good honey. These are happy tears babe. I’m happy for you, that’s all. I’m glad you’re finally getting the best of both worlds. You and Hunter of all people deserve this. From what Trevor tells me you’ve got some things to talk to me about. Care to fill me in on exactly what it is,” my friend asked with a look telling me she already knows what’s coming.

“Leave it to Trevor to make sure I go through with this,” I said with a chuckle. I turned to face Layla and take her swollen fingers in my hands. “I’m planning on staying in Great Falls for the time being. I want Hunter to start school there and grow up with some roots. I plan on flying out when I’m needed and will make preparations for when we go on tour. I’m hoping you’re okay with this but, if not, I’m ready to accept the fact that no matter what Great Falls is my home. I’m sure I can find something to do there if you need to find someone to replace me.”

“You stop that shit right now girl. You will always have a place with us. We’ll have a break from touring til at least the beginning of the year and even then Ben’s pushing for next summer. We want time to get a handle on the parenting thing before we’re rushing out in the public eyes again. Our contract with the asshole is up December 31
st
and we all made the decision to look for new representation. That alone may hold us up or even knock us back but, after everything we’ve been through with that greedy bastard over the last six years I really don’t give a damn,” Layla snapped.

“I’m so happy to hear that. I kinda figured you would be okay with me living in South Carolina. I wasn’t sure if you would get away from Leonard, though. He’s the biggest asshole I know but, he’s got a lot of connections and has been in this business a long time. You know he won’t be happy when he finds out you won’t be retaining him again. You guys prepared for the fall out?”

“Ember’s dad is checking into a few things. Leonard might have lots of connections but, he doesn’t have as many as him. Dave has assured his daughter and the rest of us that one way or another we will land on our feet. I think he’s got something up his sleeve for Leonard. I’m just not sure what it is yet,” my girl said before changing the subject. “Enough bout business. How bout you tell me how your heart is doing. When you left here two months ago I was certain that you would be putting that stubborn pride away and going after that sexy ass man of yours. I’ve tried not to push you for details when you don’t talk about him when were on the phone. I’m a little confused and Trevor is like a vault on all things Avery and Braxton. So inquiring minds want to know what the hold-up is woman?”

“When we got back, he was there to pick us up at the airport. When I looked at him coming towards me I froze. I instantly put that invisible shield up to shut him out. I’m scared to get hurt. When he sent that text message after I left it killed me inside. When he said he couldn’t be with someone who would leave, it broke my heart, even if it was said in anger. I can’t help but think that every time I have to leave to come here or on tour that it will be a constant battle or he’ll think I’m running again,” I told Layla on the verge of tears.

“Look, I’m about to say something that I need you to hear and I need you to know that I’m saying this because I care about you. You need to know it’s coming from a good place,” Layla said stalling for a bit.

“Okay, let me have it. I trust what you say isn’t to hurt me; only to lay the truth out for me. You’ve always been good with shit like that.”

“Here goes nothing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Layla said before giving the brutal honest truth. “You’re a fucking coward Avery. For years I’ve watched you pine away after a man that has held your heart since you were a love-struck teenager. I’ve watched you hide your emotions and put that fake independent persona in place for the world to see. I know you can do things for Hunter and yourself on your own but, your too damn scared to let someone help you. You need to get that mess out of your head and go get the man who loves you just as much as you love him. If he was standing here right now I’d be telling him the exact same thing. It’s time to grow up and start dealing with shit like an adult. If you live everyday of your life scared to get hurt, you’ll die an empty lonely woman. It’s not that I won’t love and support you either way but do us all favor and make your own self happy for once. It’s time to stop dancing around the issue and face it head on chick. You’ll never know what could be if you don’t take the jump. If you try and it doesn’t work, you’ll always have people to help you through it.”

I sat in silence letting my friend’s words sink in. She was right, though I wasn’t ready to tell her just yet. She stood and gave me a quick kiss on the top of my head before waddling over to her fiancé. She walked right into Ben’s open arms and snuggled right into his chest. I watched the two stand glued together as they talked with our friends. It drove home exactly what I wanted. I want that to be Axle and me. I want to face the world together.