Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
RHETT
After we leave Emiko at the school, I make the call to Lorenzo.
“Hey, Lorenzo, I have a problem and I’m hoping you can help me with it.”
“Sure, what’s up?”
I explain what Emiko and Seth went through. Then I tell him about the two emails that she’s received.
“Have Emiko send me the emails. And tell her not to respond to them until I’ve had a chance to check it out.”
“Okay, I’ll let her know. She can’t lose her kids and I can’t lose any of them.”
“Don’t worry, Rhett. You remember how our family works, right? She’s important to you, so she’s family. Send me the emails and I’ll get on it ASAP.”
“Thank you again.”
I feel better knowing that Lorenzo will help us. I don’t know why Seth’s parents are doing this. And after all this time. I see Sabrina coming up to the pharmacy and I sigh. For some reason she’s been coming to the pharmacy more often. She keeps bringing her items to me to ring up. It’s not like people don’t come to me, it’s that she doesn’t.
“Hey Rhett. Look. I’m sorry I’ve been such a bitch to you. I think I need to tell you how I feel and I’m hoping you feel the same way. I love you. I’ve always loved you. Even when you broke up with me, I didn’t stop loving you. I want to try again. It’s been long enough, and maybe this time you’ll see that we’re good together.”
Holy fucking shit. I don’t even know what to say to her. Does she really think I was just taking a break from her?
“I’m sorry if I gave you any indication that I wanted to try again. I’m with Emiko now and I’m happy.”
A dark look flashes over her face. “You know you don’t really like her. You’re using her to make me jealous. So, fine. It worked.”
I finish ringing up her items.
“Twenty-one sixty-five.”
“Are you not going to give me an answer?”
“I’m with Emiko. There’s nothing else to say. Except maybe you’re right. I don’t just like her. I love her. I’m in love with her.”
“I can see that you need some time. I’ll come back later. You should think about the fact that she could leave Wintervale. Then what would you do?”
I stare at Sabrina, trying to find the right words to say to her. Because saying ‘you’re fucking crazy’ probably isn’t a good idea.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t feel the same way that you do,” I say as I hand her the bag with her items.
Sabrina finally turns and leaves.
“Did I really just hear her say she thinks you two should get back together?” Paxton says to me.
“Yep. She sounded kind of unhinged. It’s a little scary and I have a bad feeling about her right now.”
“I always had a bad feeling about her. She was always unhinged.”
“Do you think so? She wasn’t like this when we were together.”
“Uh, yeah she was. Sometimes it felt like she’d lie to make you feel bad for her. Like when you kept trying to break things off. She always had some excuse as to why you couldn’t leave her. I was really happy when you finally put your foot down and cut her off.”
“I wish you had told me before. I always thought all of you liked Sabrina.”
“I like her…kind of…but I could see she wasn’t good for you.”
“I agree. You’re not getting back with Sabrina, are you?” Felicity frowns as she walks up.
“Hell no. I’m with Emiko. I’m done.”
Felicity smiles. “Good. Cause I like her a lot, and her munchkins. I’m putting together a back-to-school basket for them.”
I chuckle. Leave it to my sister to do cute things like that for the kids. I love how excited she is for my new little family.
Emiko
I’m trying not to lose my shit as I finish up my day. Seth’s parents have a lot of money and know some high-up people back in Springfield. So yes, I’m worried about what they can do. I don’t think they can take them from me. Considering the fact that Seth was emancipated and they’ve never even seen the twins.
Rhett offering to help gave me some relief. I never would’ve asked him, but the anger on his face made me feel good. Like he understood my anger. I just don’t know why they’re doing this.
I head over to the elementary school to pick up the twins. They’re always so happy to be in school. Moving to Wintervale has been a good thing for us.
Felicity: Are you busy tonight? We’re having a barbecue and we wanted you and the munchkins to join us. And then stay over cause it’ll be fun Did Rhett ask you already?
Emiko: No, he didn’t and sure. What time should we be there? And what can we bring?
Felicity: WOOOOOO! I beat him to asking you. You can come now if you want. Lukas and Emma are closing up tonight so the rest of us are at the house now. And you don’t have to bring anything
Emiko: LOL. We’ll be there soon. I need to stop at home and grab some clothes and stuff
Felicity: Yay! See you soon!
We head home to grab our things, then to the bakery to grab a bunch of assorted pastries and a cake. I was taught that you never go to a party or dinner without bringing something. Some traditions never die.
When I get to Rhett’s house, the smile that lights up his face makes me smile even more.
“I was just about to call you. I didn’t know if you were home yet,” he says as he kisses me.
“Felicity texted me while I was picking the kids up. She said we should stay over. Is that okay?”
The look in his eyes makes my body tingle.
“Yes.” He kisses me again, then whispers. “I’ve wanted you in my bed since the day I met you.”
This man makes my body feel alive again.
“Rhett!!” Kaito yells as he jumps into his arms.
I watch him hug both of the kids and take them over to Felicity. I see them getting excited over the baskets she hands to each of them. Rhett’s family has embraced me and mine, and can’t believe how lucky we are. Kaito and Miyuki love seeing baby Lukas. He’s six months old and just the cutest thing. He makes me want more babies.
“I called Lorenzo and told him what’s going on. He said that he’ll look into it. And until he has more info, don’t reply to emails or phone calls.”
“I’m scared. Do you think they can really take my babies from me?” I frown.
“No. They’re not going to touch you, Kaito or Miyuki. Ever. I don’t care what I have to do, I will protect all of you.”
I wrap my arms around him and he holds me tight. I believe him when he says that he’ll protect us. But he also doesn’t know that Seth’s parents have friends that will help them. Rich friends.
Tonight has been so relaxing. I got to know the guys from Lake Renegade better, and they’re always including my kids. They said there’s a lot of little ones in the family. Next time they’re going to try and bring them here. Rhett said that we’d go to Lake Renegade as well. Which will be really nice, we can visit my family too.
“Is it okay if the twins stay with me? I was thinking we can set the tent up in the backyard and camp out?” Felicity asks.
“Please mommy?” they both ask together.
I laugh. “Sure. That sounds fun.”
The guys get to work setting up the massive three-room tent as the kids watch in awe.
“I was hoping we could have a sleepover in my room. But if you don’t want to, we can join the campout,” Rhett whispers to me.
“A sleepover sounds fun,” I whisper back.
I feel him lean into my back and rub himself against me. Maybe it’s bedtime now.