Kitchen Promises (Riverside Trilogy, #3) (The Riverside Trilogy) (14 page)

It was all starting to make sense to me now. It was like a huge puzzle I was finally putting together. Except, I needed to tear that puzzle apart and not let him win.

And to do that, I would have to play his little game. I would have to let him think he was in control. I’d have to do as he said.

I watched as Michael put everything from the baby shower away. Their tiny little, matching outfits, their teeny, tiny diapers, their new toys. It was all too much.

“I want them here now!” I whined.

“Soon enough, baby girl.”

“I know everyone keeps telling me to ‘enjoy the rest,’ ‘enjoy the peace and quiet now while I can,’ but I just can’t. I want them now. I wanna hold them and rock them and see their cute little faces. It’s been five years since Stella was a baby. And ahh…I’m just so excited!” I gushed, overly cheerful.

“Wow…sounds like someone’s in mama nesting mode.”

“Ha! I wish you would let me nest. But instead, I get to watch you.”

“Well, as soon as you’re up and walking around again, you can reorganize anything you want. I know you will anyway,” he snorted.

“Well, at least you won’t be offended when I do.” I grinned.

I looked around the nursery. I couldn’t believe this was mine. That my babies would soon be here. When Stella was born, Liam and I lived in a small two-bedroom apartment. We weren’t allowed to paint the walls, so I used wall décor and stickers to decorate her nursery the best I could. It wasn’t spectacular, but at the time, it was perfect. It was ours.

“I really love this nursery, you know?”

“I knew you would.” He smirked. “Surprisingly, the chalkboard is my favorite part.”

I glanced over to it, still thinking of the moment Drake and I wrote those down. I closed my eyes as I remember Drake’s voice…

“Molly, I don’t need a fancy ceremony. I don’t need the flowers, the big cake, or even the cheesy music. I just need you. I only want you. And if that means writing our vows on chalkboards, then it’s exactly what I want.”

That was it. I’ll just tell Drake I don’t want the ceremony or the big fancy wedding. He doesn’t want it either. That way I can keep my word to him, but give Denny what he wants to keep his mouth shut.

*   *   *

It was finally Christmas Eve. A huge storm front had just entered Chicago, dumping tons of snow on top of us. It was
beautiful. I could stare out our windows all day watching the snow falling over the city.

“Mommy! Santa comes tonight!” I was promoted from the bed to the loveseat downstairs. The doctor had given me lighter restrictions, but still wouldn’t let me do much of anything else. At this point, I was just excited to be out of the bedroom finally and enjoying new scenery.

“I know! Are you excited?”

“Yes! I can’t wait to see what he brought me!”

“Well, you know sweetheart, Christmas isn’t just about presents. There’s a meaning behind it.”

“I know.” She smiled. She sipped her hot chocolate that Michael made her and sat down next to me. Given all the shit that was happening…this was really perfection. I pushed everything back in my mind for now. I was determined to enjoy this.

“So, do you kids want to watch a movie?” Drake entered with more hot chocolate.

I excused myself to use the bathroom as they bickered on a movie choice. I laughed as I watched Drake try to keep up with the kids. It was precious really, seeing Drake in daddy mode.

Once I was done, I remembered I forgot my cell phone back upstairs. I wanted to call my parents before they went to bed and wish them a Merry Christmas.

As I unlocked my phone, a text appeared.

Blocked Number:
The clock is ticking.

My entire body shivered as I read his message. I looked around the room, feeling suddenly scared that I wasn’t alone.

Molly:
What do you want?

Hell, I didn’t know whether or not he could, but I wasn’t about to let him know that.

Blocked Number:
You know exactly what I want. Leave him. Leave him like you made me leave my family.

Molly:
You deserved it, you sick fuck.

Blocked Number:
Leave him. You were never meant to get your happily ever after, you fucking slut.

Molly:
I’m not leaving him.

Blocked Number:
You will if you want to protect him. I won’t even lay a finger on his pretty little face. Deal?

What the hell is wrong with this freak? He was totally getting off on this. Fury ignited throughout my entire body, making my hands shake as I held my phone.

Blocked Number:
And if you keep this our little secret, I won’t even touch a hair on Stella. Pinky promise.

At the sight of seeing Stella’s name on my phone, I chucked my phone as hard as I could against the wall, which apparently wasn’t very hard because it bounced off and landed on the floor. I sank to the ground, hyperventilating.
This cannot be happening.
I rubbed my hands over my belly, begging them to stay in as long as possible. It was my only way to protect them now.

What the hell am I going to do? I was prepared to tell Drake I didn’t want the whole ceremony and official “wedding,” but the mention of Stella and hurting Drake, I was fucking screwed. What can I do? Telling Drake would only fuel Denny more. Who knows what he really was capable of?
Could I risk it?

I pulled myself together and went back downstairs. Before I landed on the last step, I watched as Stella snuggled up
to Drake with a bowl of popcorn. I couldn’t lose them. I couldn’t lose my family.
What the hell am I going to do?

I snuggled into the sofa next to them. I was going to enjoy my family. I would not let Denny ruin this for me.

*   *   *

“Mom! Wake up!” Stella’s screams and body shaking jolted me out of bed before I could rationalize what the hell was happening.

“I’m up! I’m up!”

“Before the sun, apparently,” Drake muttered, whipping the covers off. “Here, let me help you, sweetheart.” He kissed me gently on the lips. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

“Merry Christmas,” I whispered back. And it was going to be. No matter what. Today was going to be a good day.

“Santa came! There are presents! And his reindeer ate the carrot I left out.”

“Wow, awesome!” I gushed with her. “What about the milk and cookies?”

“Yup. All gone.” She smiled proudly.

I took her hand in mine and let her lead me downstairs. Michael had stayed up late to place all the gifts under the tree. I did all my shopping online and made Michael wrap everything for me.

“Wow!” I smiled wide as Stella ran over to the tree. Liam was already kneeling down, shaking all the boxes. It was our first Christmas with Liam, and I wanted to make sure it was extra special for him and Drake. Violet was nice enough to let Drake have him this holiday, so I wanted to make it memorable for the both of them. Since I wasn’t able to do much, I had given Michael a to-do list of food to make and decorations to set out.

He really went over the top. Garland and lights accented the room, while eggs, bacon, and French toast aroma flooded my nose. I could hear my stomach growling as I inhaled the scent.

“It smells delicious, Michael! Please tell me we eat first?” I pleaded.

“No, mommy! Presents!” Stella interrupted.

“Please!” Liam begged.

“Fine.” I smiled. “But just one. Then we eat and then open the rest.”

Drake and I watched as they each ripped one open. Luckily, it was a toy that kept them occupied until after breakfast.

“Mols, where’s your phone? I tried texting you earlier,” Michael asked as he served me.

“Oh, I dropped it. I think it’s upstairs somewhere. I guess I should’ve asked Santa for a tracking device,” I said coyly.

“You dropped it? How?” Drake asked.

“Fell. I mean, it fell out of my hands. And I couldn’t bend over to pick it up.”

The room stayed silent. I was hoping Michael and Drake couldn’t see through the lie.

“Well, let’s eat!” Michael interrupted, setting the last of the plates on the table. We ate as Stella and Liam chatted away, telling jokes and making everyone laugh. I shoveled food into my mouth, enjoying the moment we were sharing together. It was perfect.

I couldn’t keep the thought of Denny out of my head no matter how hard I tried. I kept looking at Stella, knowing I was putting her in harms way. And then Drake, knowing I had to protect him. I didn’t know what that creepy bastard could do to him, but I sure as hell didn’t want to find out.

After Liam and Stella dug through their gifts and ripped each one open, I excused myself. I needed a moment to let this day sink in. I was an emotional mess just watching how perfect our family was. In actuality, it wasn’t perfect, but it was perfect for me. My future husband, my baby girl, my best friend, and Liam, my future stepson. We were a perfectly blended family. And now, it was being threatened.

Molly:
Fine. I’ll do it. I’ll tell Drake I won’t marry him.

Blocked Number:
And it’s a Merry Christmas after all.

Molly:
Fuck you.

Blocked Number:
Now, now. Where’s your Christmas sprit?

I had to do this right. I couldn’t let my emotions take over me as I told Drake. He had to know I was serious and make him believe me no matter what.

I had to. If what he said about Liam dying were true…

I had no choice.

Whom am I kidding?
I had no power or control over this. I needed a plan.

-----<>-----

Drake

Christmas was amazing this year. Having Liam here for the first time was so special to me. Watching his eyes light up every time he unwrapped a present was like reliving parts of his childhood that I had missed. It felt amazing to give him this—not only the presents, but the feel of a real family.

Molly engulfed herself in
Project Anchor
as soon as the holidays were over. She didn’t seem to like talking much and it felt like we were distancing. I knew she was worried about the babies and probably still very emotional and hormonal, but I wanted to get that back. I wanted her back.

After checking into Dan’s history, I hadn’t been able to find anything unusual. He had a whole record of previous jobs, previous addresses, and everything always checked out when I dug for more information. I wanted to believe Molly with everything I had, but I couldn’t go around accusing people of being a child molester. I needed hard evidence.

She hadn’t brought him up again, so I wasn’t sure if I should let it go or see if she mentioned him again. It was now a week after Christmas and things were finally feeling real. Molly was still getting weekly check ups and staying on strict bed rest. I would feel the babies kick and would talk to her belly so they could hear my voice. I was excited and nervous as hell for them to arrive.

“Sweetheart?” I entered the bedroom where she was laying and flipping through a magazine.

She looked up and smiled at me. I bent on my knees against the bed and kissed her softly. “How are you feeling?”

“Not too bad. I think one of the twins has the hiccups. Wanna feel?” She perked right up, leaning up on one hand.

I nodded and reached out to feel her belly. This would never get old. Feeling them inside her, knowing we made them, was the most incredible feeling ever.

“Feels like your belly is doing the wave.” I laughed.

“Feels like a dozen little elves are in there hammering away on new toys.” She grinned.

“So that’s where the toys come from,” I teased.

“Riiiight.” She grinned and rolled her eyes at me. For some reason, I felt tension between us. There wasn’t anything wrong with us that I knew of. The only thing hanging over our heads was the whole Dan/Denny thing.

“Are you still thinking about him?” I blurted out without thinking.

“Huh?” Her face confused.

I swallowed and began again. “Denny…I mean, Dan. Are you still thinking about how you think Dan is Denny.”

She stared at me a long time before responding. Her eyes went from soft to hard before responding. “No, I was confused, that’s all.” For the first time, I couldn’t tell if she were lying. Why would Molly lie to me? She was hell bent on this just weeks ago.

“It’s okay if you do, Molly. You don’t have to lie for me.” I moved a piece of her hair that had fallen back behind her ear. I wanted to look her in the eyes. “I just wanted you to know that I looked into it.”

She closed her magazine and propped up. “And?” she asked a little too enthusiastically.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I found nothing. Everything in his background is solid. His previous jobs, his education, his previous address—everything checked out.”

She leaned back down and dove into her magazine again, not saying anything. I waited patiently for her to respond.

“Oh, okay,” is all she said, not even looking up at me. I could tell she still believed it was he and I felt horrible for not being able to believe her.

“So I was thinking, what if tonight, Michael takes Stella out to dinner and just you and I have a little alone time? We could order food and a movie.”

“Sure, sounds great.” She smiled. “As long as I get to pick the movie.”

“Whatever you want. I’ll grab the menus.” I stood up and kissed her on the forehead, promising to return soon.

Later that night, she had fallen asleep half way through
Pitch Perfect
leaving me to watch the rest by myself. I didn’t half mind it, but I wouldn’t tell her that.

Just as the movie was ending, Molly began mumbling in her sleep. It was a mixture of Liam and cries of help.

“No…Liam…”

I froze, unsure if I should wake her up or not.

“Don’t hurt him!” she yelled, jerking me back. I was stunned how clear I heard that one. “Denny, you monster!”

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and shook her awake. “Molly! Sweetheart, wake up!” I squeezed her tight, not wanting to scare her as she woke up from whatever nightmare she was having.

“What? What happened?” she asked startled, opening her eyes wide. She glanced around the room, realizing it was just her and I.

“You were screaming in your sleep, baby. Are you alright?”

“Oh.” She blinked several times. “Yeah, just a dream.” She rubbed her hands over her face and I could see the horror in her eyes.

“What’s going on? Is there anything you need to tell me?” I asked.

“No, why? What did I say?”

“You were yelling about Liam and then something about Denny. Is this about Dan?” I asked as I tried to tread lightly, because I knew it was a sensitive topic.

“Dan is Denny,” she murmured. “Denny is Dan.”

“Okay, anything else?” I listened.

She snapped her head over me, surprised to hear how calm I was. “He’s threatening me.”

“Dan?” I yelled

“He said if I told you, he’d tell everyone about Stanley,” she continued.

I was more confused than ever now. “He knows?”

“Yeah, I guess my parents must’ve told him before the incident.”

“So wait. How is this possible? How is he contacting you? I mean, I literally have no proof or evidence that Dan is Denny or anyone else for that matter?” I felt like such an ass.

“He’s been texting me under a blocked number. He threatened you, Stella, and me—he wants me to tell you that I can’t marry you. He doesn’t want me to have my happily ever after because
I
supposedly took it from him.”

“That’s absurd!”

“There’s more,” she whispered.

“Tell me. Molly, tell me everything,” I begged, cupping her hand with both of mine.

“He said he made his identity disappear…just like Liam.” She closed her eyes as Liam’s named rolled off her tongue, but I could still see the tear slipping out.

“God dammit! How could you not tell me! When did this happen?” I hadn’t meant to yell, but I was furious. Not at her, but at this Denny fucker.

“The first messages were on the day of my baby shower. He knew Stanley was here. That’s when he said he’d tell. Then another set came Christmas Eve.”

“Holy shit, Molly.” I rose off the bed and started pacing the bedroom. I brushed a hand through my hair several times, thinking of what I could do. The fact that she even told me puts her in jeopardy.

“I didn’t know what else to do but to give in to his demands. He said things like ‘he wouldn’t even touch your pretty face’ and ‘he wouldn’t even put a finger on Stella’ and it scared the hell out of me.”

“How could you not tell me? What happened to us being completely honest with each other?”

“I know, I know. I’m so sorry,” she cried out. “I was scared. I was scared that he’d hurt you.” I could hear the sincerity in her voice.

“When are you going to understand that you do not have to take care of everything by yourself? You tell me. You tell me
everything, especially when it’s something serious and life threatening like this.” My tone was dark and serious. I was beyond frustrated.

“I know!” she screamed back. “I was scared! The last time someone threatened me, and I got you and everyone else involved, someone died and you were shot! Can’t you understand that I was trying to handle this myself to protect you? To protect everyone?” she cried. I felt like the biggest jackass in the world. She was right. The last time there was a threat, I shipped her all the way up to Wisconsin where Travis found her.

“Alright, I get it. I’m sorry for yelling. But Molly,” I looked deep into her eyes, showing her how sincere I was trying to be, “that was not your fault. You understand? You do not have to protect me. I should be protecting you. You’re pregnant, for God’s sake.”

“Okay, I’m sorry. I really am. But the whole thing he said about Liam just threw me off. It scared me where I thought he’d actually do something to you. And,” she paused, wiping away her tears, “I’d be lost without you. Just the thought makes me sick inside,” she confessed.

“Sweetheart, I understand. It’s okay. We’re going to figure this out,” I assured her.

“How?”

The more I thought about Denny, the more furious I became. “Let’s go.” It wasn’t a statement or question. It was a demand. I was getting all of us out of here. There was no way I was letting that bastard win. He wants to threaten me or my company fine, but the second he threatened my family, it was now war.

“You believe me? You don’t think I’m a crazy hormonal lady?” she asked stunned.

“Yes. And I’m so sorry I ever doubted you. I believe you. I promise to always believe you.” I kissed her gently.

“Where are we going?” she asked nervously.

“We’ll take the chopper up to my house in Canada,” I responded, grabbing the suitcases out of the closet. I had to call my driver and a few business associates before we could leave.

“You have a house in Canada?” she squealed. “Isn’t this something a fiancé should know about?”

“No, not when it was meant to be a wedding surprise.”

“You bought me a house in Canada for a wedding present?” she asked stunned. She sat up in bed watching me race around the room.

“Too much?” I asked.

“Well, considering most people swap pictures or poems or china, but a house?”

“Okay, you can pick out the china. How’s that?” I smirked.

“Now’s not the time to be joking, funny man,” she growled.

“Sorry,” I said out of breath. “Get dressed,” I ordered. I started throwing items in the suitcases. We didn’t have much time. If Denny were keeping tabs on her, he’d soon find out.

“What about Michael and Stella?” she asked concerned.

“Don’t worry. You get dressed.” I threw a couple things on the bed for her to change into. “I’ll grab them.”

I raced down the hall and woke Stella up. I grabbed a handful of her clothes and carried her into our bedroom. She was
half-asleep still, so I threw her clothes in our suitcase. She snuggled up to Molly as I went and woke Michael.

“Get out,” he mumbled in his sleep.

I flicked the lights on. “Get up. We have to go. Code White.”

“Code White? I dunno what that means, dude. Isn’t the point of having a code is to know them all first?” he snorted.

I whipped the covers off his body. “Shit, you sleep naked?” I turned my head. “Code White means evacuation. We’re leaving via chopper. Now. Pack some things, and for the love of God, get dressed first.” I threw his blanket back over him. “We leave in ten.”

I didn’t stay around for him to bombard me with questions. I’d catch him up on our way there.

“Ready to go?” I called out ten minutes later. Molly and Stella were standing next to me in the doorway as we waited for Michael. He finally trailed in with his suitcase, looking sleepy and pissed off that I woke him.

“Someone want to tell me what this is about? I’m losing beauty sleep.”

“Dan is Denny and he’s after Molly,” I blurted out.

“In a nut shell,” Molly added.

“Now let’s go.”

*   *   *

“Hope you packed your passport,” I yelled into the headphones as we made way over Wisconsin.

“Yeah, keep it in my back pocket all the time.” Michael rolled his eyes.

“I’ll take care of it,” I muttered.

It was after two AM before we entered Canada. Stella passed out on Molly’s lap. Molly was holding her belly for dear life. I could tell she was nervous and stressing out. I had to keep her stress free as much as possible, considering I just flew her hundreds of miles away from her doctor.

“Everything’s going to be alright,” I whispered into the headphones. “I promise.” I took her hand in mine and squeezed it. She gave a weak smile back…not that I blamed her.

“We should just tell him,” she said. “Stanley,” she confirmed. “Just get it out there and over with.”

“You shouldn’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’ll take care of this mess. I don’t want you to worry about it. You just rest and keep those babies inside until we take care of this. Okay?”

She nodded. I had called my assistant before taking off and told her I’d be MIA for a while. I wasn’t telling her or anyone where we would be, besides our pilot. I called and made sure the house was ready, stocked with supplies and food. It’s amazing how much you can have done for the right price—even in the middle of the night.

After landing, I carried Stella inside while Michael brought in the luggage. The house was in a secluded area, just the way I wanted it for Molly and I. Chicago was amazing, and it would always be my home, but sometimes, it’s just nice to get away from all the city craziness that comes with it.