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 wasnt 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, wheres your phone? I tried texting you earlier, Michael asked as he served me.
Oh, I dropped it. I think its upstairs somewhere. I guess I shouldve 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 couldnt bend over to pick it up.
The room stayed silent. I was hoping Michael and Drake couldnt see through the lie.
Well, lets 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 couldnt 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 didnt know what that creepy b.a.s.t.a.r.d could do to him, but I sure as h.e.l.l didnt 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 wasnt 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. Ill do it. Ill tell Drake I wont marry him.
Blocked Number: And its a Merry Christmas after all.
Molly: f.u.c.k you.
Blocked Number: Now, now. Wheres your Christmas sprit?
I had to do this right. I couldnt 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.
14.
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 didnt 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 Dans history, I hadnt 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 couldnt go around accusing people of being a child molester. I needed hard evidence.
She hadnt brought him up again, so I wasnt 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 h.e.l.l 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 thats 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 wasnt 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. DennyI 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, thats all. For the first time, I couldnt tell if she were lying. Why would Molly lie to me? She was h.e.l.l bent on this just weeks ago.
Its okay if you do, Molly. You dont 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.
Im 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. Ill 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 didnt half mind it, but I wouldnt 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.
NoLiam I froze, unsure if I should wake her up or not.
Dont hurt him! she yelled, jerking me back. I was stunned how clear I heard that one. Denny, you monster!
Finally, I couldnt 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.
Whats 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. Hes threatening me.
Dan? I yelled He said if I told you, hed tell everyone about Stanley, she continued.
I was more confused than ever now. He knows?
Yeah, I guess my parents mustve 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 a.s.s.
Hes been texting me under a blocked number. He threatened you, Stella, and me"he wants me to tell you that I cant marry you. He doesnt want me to have my happily ever after because I supposedly took it from him.
Thats absurd!
Theres more, she whispered.
Tell me. Molly, tell me everything, I begged, cupping her hand with both of mine.
He said he made his ident.i.ty disappearjust like Liam. She closed her eyes as Liams named rolled off her tongue, but I could still see the tear slipping out.
G.o.d dammit! How could you not tell me! When did this happen? I hadnt meant to yell, but I was furious. Not at her, but at this Denny f.u.c.ker.
The first messages were on the day of my baby shower. He knew Stanley was here. Thats when he said hed tell. Then another set came Christmas Eve.
Holy s.h.i.t, 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 didnt know what else to do but to give in to his demands. He said things like he wouldnt even touch your pretty face and he wouldnt even put a finger on Stella and it scared the h.e.l.l out of me.
How could you not tell me? What happened to us being completely honest with each other?
I know, I know. Im so sorry, she cried out. I was scared. I was scared that hed 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 its 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! Cant you understand that I was trying to handle this myself to protect you? To protect everyone? she cried. I felt like the biggest jacka.s.s 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. Im 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. Youre pregnant, for G.o.ds sake.
Okay, Im sorry. I really am. But the whole thing he said about Liam just threw me off. It scared me where I thought hed actually do something to you. And, she paused, wiping away her tears, Id be lost without you. Just the thought makes me sick inside, she confessed.
Sweetheart, I understand. Its okay. Were going to figure this out, I a.s.sured her.
How?
The more I thought about Denny, the more furious I became. Lets go. It wasnt 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 b.a.s.t.a.r.d 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 dont think Im a crazy hormonal lady? she asked stunned.
Yes. And Im 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.
Well 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 a.s.sociates before we could leave.
You have a house in Canada? she squealed. Isnt this something a fiance 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.