And then Drake. Any negative press on him or me wasnt what he needed right now. He was in the middle of making deals and expanding the hotel and restaurant. He needed investors and the last thing he needed was another internet scam.
And lastly, what would it do to Violet, Liam, and Stanley? I didnt want Stanley to know, period. I didnt want that awkwardness between us all, especially since Drake and he were becoming business acquaintances. It wasnt something he was ever supposed to find out. h.e.l.l, I wasnt ever supposed to know about it. Could this affect his career? Would it ruin his relationship with Violet and Liam?
And what if I told Stanley myself? Just get it out there.
I couldnt. First, I dont even know that hed believe me. I have no proof whatsoever except the information my parents told me. However, I can bet Denny has proof. He was able to change his ident.i.ty and completely bury his old one, Im sure he has doc.u.ments of some sort proving everything.
Would Stanley announce it to anyone? Would he contact the agency for violating his terms of privacy? That could only mean getting my parents involved along with a whole bunch of other legal s.h.i.t. Nothing good could come out of Stanley knowing. It had to stay a secret.
Too many peoples lives were at risk. Denny was a powerhouse in business just like Drake and Stanley. Collaborating with Stanley meant that he was gaining more attention and developing stronger networks. I could never prove his ident.i.ty. Even showing his text messages didnt prove anything. I was screwed.
This was big enough where it would stress me out and put the babies in danger. If I just gave him what he wanted, this would all go away. I didnt want to give this man any power over me, but I had to think of my babies. Stress was something the doctor told me I needed to control to make sure I carried them as long as I could.
Molly: What do you want from me?
I cringed as I hit the send b.u.t.ton. I imagined his conniving face lighting up as he thought he was getting what he wanted.
Blocked Number: Tell Drake you cant marry him.
Molly: Youre insane. If you think Im letting you control me, youre wrong.
Blocked Number: I made my ident.i.ty disappear. Just like Liam. Imagine what else I could make disappear.
I gasped aloud, unwillingly. I dropped the phone. Everyone was too busy chatting and eating to notice that I was sitting there with my mouth wide open, tears about to spill out.
Molly: You f.u.c.king monster.
It was the best I could come up with at the time. I was angry, hurt, and in physical pain just from the mention of Liam.
Blocked Number: Ill take that as youre not going to play nice.
Molly: Ill go to the cops. You wont get away with this.
Blocked Number: I already have. You go to the cops, youll regret it. I promise you.
I shivered as I read his text. I promise you. That was worse than knowing what his plan was. Now if I told Drake, I had no idea what to expect. Its bad enough he was having a hard time believing that Dan was Denny, but now to convince him hes after me? Yeah, h.e.l.l have me committed or something.
Just as I about to scream and swear aloud, Michaels overly cheery voice interrupted.
Okay, everyone! Michael clapped. Time for games! he squealed.
Ugh c.r.a.p.
First game is really simple. Youll find some string on the tables. Measure out how big you think Mollys belly is. Person closest to her actual size, wins a gift basket! I turned my eyes to where Michael was gesturing. I hadnt even realized he had games and prizes. Just great.
It wasnt that I didnt appreciate all the work Michael did, but I just wasnt in the mood for games and prizes, and seeing how fat I actually was with string.
I couldnt keep my mind off Denny. Once again, the b.a.s.t.a.r.d was taking control. I had completely forgotten that he knew. There was a time my parents confided in Denny for everything. However, I hadnt told anyone, because as far as I was concerned, it was all a nightmare, a dream. I knew it wasnt, but it was the easiest way for me to forget about it. I was so young, I didnt understand, but word of it now, could put my entire family in jeopardy.
Mols, you gotta stand up, babe. Michael stood in front of me, holding his hand out for me.
I thought I wasnt supposed to be standing, I shot back.
He c.o.c.ked his hip and rolled his eyes. You can get up for one minute.
I grabbed his hand and let him lift me up. I felt like a whale and according to all the people who wrapped their too-long strings around me, I looked like one, too.
Looks like we have a winner! Michael squealed again. He was loving this. Way too much.
I pushed thoughts of Denny to the back of my mind as I tried to enjoy the rest of the baby shower. Everyone looked like they were having fun eating, playing games, and watching me open gifts. The twins officially have more clothes than I do.
Okay, everyone. Michael stood up and announced. I have a very special finale. The first ever sneak-peek at the nursery! Molly hasnt even seen it yet, so Im going to take her first, then the rest of you are allowed to go see it.
Finally, some good news.
Yes, cant wait! I genuinely smiled. He lifted me off the loveseat again and held my hand as we walked upstairs. There was a beautiful, large yellow bow over the door. Can I open it?
Go ahead, Mama. He winked.
I walked in and before I even saw everything, I began crying. The tears came unwillingly as I glanced around and noticed Drake standing in between the two cribs.
Well, what do you think? Drake wiped his arms open wide, displaying the room.
Itsbreathtaking! Oh my G.o.d! The room was a mixture of grey, yellow, and white. It was decorated in an Elephant theme. Yellow and white lantern b.a.l.l.s hung from the ceiling. The cribs were white with little grey and yellow polka dots painted on the railings, and a sheer, white canopy hung just above. It was something out of a magazine. A rocker was placed in the corner. There were wooden shelves hanging on the wall with childrens books and little Elephant wall decor hanging in between.
I cant believe you did this! I gushed to Michael, who was now standing directly behind me. I turned around and squeezed him. Its amazing.
You didnt see the best part yet. He winked and nodded his head in Drakes direction.
I turned to see Drake standing at the other wall and next to the chalkboard where we had written our vows.
You had it framed? I squealed. H-how did you do that? I didnt even know you could do that, I rambled.
I can pretty much get anything done for the right price tag. He grinned. Now our babies will grow up with our vows right in their room and know their mommy and daddy love them, and that no matter what, we promise forever.
You really know how to lay it on a hormonal pregnant woman, dont you? I cried. He rushed to my side and hugged me. This moment meant everything to me.
I dont care how or when we get married; these vows mean more to me than any ceremony.
Im happy you think that way, because this whale isnt fitting into a wedding dress anytime soon. I pointed down to my growing belly.
He cupped my face in his hands and leaned in, just barely touching my lips. It was a sensual moment. Not hot. Not desire. Just love. And it was perfect.
Having Drake in my life was something I never wanted to imagine being without. He was my everything. He taught me to love again, to trust again, and most importantly, to live again. He reminded me of what love felt like, what life could be like sharing it with someone you love, and how it felt to be happy. I wanted to marry him. I wanted to call him my husband and have our babies growing up with two parents. He was everything I ever wanted.
And now I was going to lose that.
The moment that I tell Drake I cant marry him, I know Ill be bombarded with questions. h.e.l.l think Im being overly emotional or h.e.l.l want reasons why. Actual reasons. How can I do that to him? Knowing h.e.l.l be devastated and hurt because of me? I cant. I just cant do this to him.
I wanted to enjoy this time with my family before the babies arrived. There was so much to do yet, I felt completely unprepared, but I didnt care. I wanted them. I wanted to keep them safe and hold them.
I decided to not let myself think of Denny. I hadnt heard from him since the baby shower three days before. I never confirmed that I would do as he said, nor did I dismiss him. The fact that he brought up Liam put my entire body into shock. He went to jail when I was six years old and got out right before my fourteenth birthday. He was let out early for good behavior. Years later, I heard he started a business and became a millionaire just a few short years later. By the time I had Stella, he was well-known in Iowa and held a lot of power.
I wanted to believe that he was lying about making Liam disappear. Rather, he was just trying to rattle me, to try to prove to me how much power he had. And as much as I wanted to believe that, a part of me believed him. To him, I was the reason he went to jail in the first place, so if he was behind Liams accident, it was to seek revenge"to take away the one person I loved more than anything. To make me hurt. To take my life away from me as I did his.
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. Id 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 cant. I want them now. I wanna hold them and rock them and see their cute little faces. Its been five years since Stella was a baby. And ahhIm just so excited! I gushed, overly cheerful.
Wowsounds like someones in mama nesting mode.
Ha! I wish you would let me nest. But instead, I get to watch you.
Well, as soon as youre up and walking around again, you can reorganize anything you want. I know you will anyway, he snorted.
Well, at least you wont be offended when I do. I grinned.
I looked around the nursery. I couldnt 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 werent allowed to paint the walls, so I used wall decor and stickers to decorate her nursery the best I could. It wasnt 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 Drakes voice Molly, I dont need a fancy ceremony. I dont 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 its exactly what I want.
That was it. Ill just tell Drake I dont want the ceremony or the big fancy wedding. He doesnt 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 wouldnt 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 cant wait to see what he brought me!
Well, you know sweetheart, Christmas isnt just about presents. Theres 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 s.h.i.t that was happeningthis 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 wasnt alone.
Molly: What do you want?
h.e.l.l, I didnt know whether or not he could, but I wasnt 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 f.u.c.k.
Blocked Number: Leave him. You were never meant to get your happily ever after, you f.u.c.king s.l.u.t.
Molly: Im not leaving him.
Blocked Number: You will if you want to protect him. I wont even lay a finger on his pretty little face. Deal?
What the h.e.l.l 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 wont even touch a hair on Stella. Pinky promise.
At the sight of seeing Stellas name on my phone, I chucked my phone as hard as I could against the wall, which apparently wasnt 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 h.e.l.l am I going to do? I was prepared to tell Drake I didnt want the whole ceremony and official wedding, but the mention of Stella and hurting Drake, I was f.u.c.king 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 couldnt lose them. I couldnt lose my family. What the h.e.l.l 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! Stellas screams and body shaking jolted me out of bed before I could rationalize what the h.e.l.l was happening.
Im up! Im 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.