Return To Me

She placed the chicken in the fryer and the cheese and macaroni in the oven, put a load of Emery’s clothes in the laundry and then returned to the kitchen. She washed her hands and checked on the food. Bree enjoyed being a mother. She considered it her one true purpose in life.

For a moment, she allowed herself to think about her late husband. He had been her best friend and she missed him. Enough time had passed since Caleb’s death for Bree to consider dating.

Although she had gone on a few dates, she had not met a man who could hold her interest for one reason or another.

After dinner Bree cleared the table and filled the sink with hot water.

She was down to washing the skillet when the telephone rang.

A telemarketer.

Her mouth thinned with displeasure.

Bree put another load of clothes in the washing machine before giving Emery a bath.

She was glad that he went down easily. She hadn’t finished the story before the little boy was sound asleep.

“My little man...you’re so tired.” Bree kissed his cheek. “Sleep well.”

She tiptoed out the room.

Bree folded the rest of the laundry and carried it to her bedroom. She watched television as she put the clothing away.

After a quick shower, she got into bed with her laptop.

A friend of her emailed copies of the photographs she’d taken at Jordin’s wedding. An easy smile curved her mouth as she scanned through them. She was truly happy for her friend. Ethan seemed to be a wonderful person and it was obvious that they were very much in love. Bree prayed they would have a long life together.

Her eyes landed on a photograph of Jordin’s brother.

“You’re a cutie, Austin DuGrandpre,” she whispered. They hadn’t been formally introduced, but she knew who he was—Jordin and Jadin spoke of him often.

Bree continued to stare at the photograph.

He looked so handsome in the light gray suit he wore. Tall, lean and muscular, Austin wore a smile that lit his chestnut-colored eyes and accented the tiny scar over his left eyebrow.

I wonder if he’s dating anyone?

She chuckled to herself. She couldn’t seriously be thinking about Jordin’s brother in this manner.

Bree turned off the computer. If she hadn’t, she’d be staring at Austin for the rest of the evening.

* * *

“Mrs. Holbrooke, it’s nice to have you back,” Austin greeted when Jordin strolled into his office a week later.

Her smile broadened. “I hear you’ve been holding down my clients for me. Thanks.”

“I didn’t have to do much.”

Jordin sat down in one of the chairs facing him. “How are things with you?”

“I’m fine. Why?”

“We didn’t get to finish our conversation about Bree and Emery.”

“It was your wedding day—not the right time or place but nothing’s changed,” Austin responded, girding himself with resolve. “I want my son.”

“I understand completely,” Jordin said. “I would feel the same way if I were in your shoes. This is just such a complicated situation. I had no idea that Emery was your child. I celebrated with Bree when the adoption was finalized.”

“I didn’t know I was a father.” He paused a moment before asking, “But you still think that I should wait?”

“For now,” she responded. “I know Bree and you have nothing to worry about, Austin. She’s a wonderful mother to Emery. She adores that little boy.”

“He’s my son. I never gave permission for him to be adopted.”

“Unfortunately, courts have held that fathers unaware of their children may not later object to the children’s adoption, particularly when the father’s lack of knowledge was his own fault.”

“I will argue that my lack of knowledge was due to dishonesty. Jasmine deliberately kept me in the dark about her pregnancy. She wanted to hurt me—I’m sure that’s why she never told me that she was pregnant. Jasmine put Emery up for adoption because her boyfriend didn’t want to raise another man’s child.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but what did you do to her?” Jordin asked. “Why would she be so cruel?”

“She’s always been vindictive. It’s one of the reasons why we didn’t work out as a couple. She wasn’t happy when I broke up with her.”

“But not telling you about the baby—it’s malicious.”

Austin nodded.

“I know how badly you want to unite with your son, but I suggest that you take some time and get to know Bree first before you say anything.”

“Why should I do that?”

“Bree is also an innocent party in all of this, Austin. She doesn’t deserve to be punished for loving your son. There has to be a way for you two to work this out.”

He hadn’t once considered Bree’s feelings in this situation. Austin was simply focused on bringing his son home where he belonged, but his sister was right. Bree hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Austin, I watched more than once as Bree suffered through bouts of endometriosis. She was in agony to the point it was crippling. I’ve never felt so helpless as to witness her pain and be unable to help her in some way. Finding out that she wouldn’t be able to have children only made that pain worse. She once told me that she was born to be a mother and I believe her. If it’s not handled carefully, losing Emery might just take all of the life out of her.”

“Jordin, can you introduce us?” he asked. “Getting to know her might make this a little easier for everybody concerned.”

She nodded. “Sure. Ethan and I were thinking about hosting a dinner party on Saturday. I’ll invite her.”

“Thanks so much, sis.”

“I know you can’t really see it right now, but I know that there’s a way for you and Bree to come up with the perfect solution—one that will work for both of you.”

“I don’t intend to snatch Emery out of her arms, Jordin. I just want to be in his life. He’s mine and I want to raise him. I’ll be fair to Bree. I promise.”

“He means the world to her.”

“I haven’t met him yet, but he already owns my heart, sis.”

She nodded in understanding.

“How did she come to adopt him in Las Vegas?”

“Bree lived there for three years. Her husband was a musician and played for a couple of performers at Bally’s. He died a year later...killed in a car accident. I think adopting Emery helped Bree heal through that horrible period in her life. When the adoption was final, she moved here to Charleston.”

“Is she from this area?”

Jordin shook her head. “No, she’s actually from Georgia. She was my college roommate and we clicked right from the beginning. She’s been my best friend ever since.”

She rose to her feet. “I’d better get to my office and return phone calls. I’m sure I have a stack of messages.”

“You shouldn’t,” Austin said. “I talked to everybody who had called you up until yesterday.”

“Thanks again, big brother.” She paused in the doorway and said, “Oh, Austin... I’s married now.”

He laughed. “That you are. One day I’ll take that leap—don’t know when, though.”

“As soon as you find the right woman.”

Austin thought about his sister’s words. He’d once thought Jasmine was the right woman for him. She was anything but the right one. There was a time when he was crazy in love with her, but then Jasmine began taking him for granted. She used his love to manipulate him into doing whatever she wanted. When he finally came to his senses, the arguments started.

They tried to make it work for three years. Austin had no regrets when he broke up with Jasmine. He had thought long and hard and decided to do what was best for him.

But Jasmine had gotten back at him in the most hurtful way possible.

Austin didn’t know if he would ever be able to forgive Jasmine for keeping his child away from him.

* * *

Nausea rolled through Bree, tightening her stomach and making her mouth water. She gripped the door frame. Any second now she was going to either throw up or wind up on the floor, doubled up in pain.

She hated being in such pain from her endometriosis, but was thankful that it wasn’t as bad as it had been in the past. Bree sank down to the floor of the bathroom, the coolness of the ceramic tile against her skin bringing a measure of relief to her.

Her stomach rolled again as the spasms weakened her. One hand pressed to her mouth, Bree crawled over to the toilet.

Bracing her hands on her knees, her stomach released its contents.

For a long moment Bree remained where she was, weak and trembling, a sour taste in her mouth.

Finally, she pulled herself up, washed her face and brushed her teeth.

An hour later, Bree felt much better and was on her way to the office. It was Friday and she was looking forward to a weekend of fun and relaxation.

Jordin and Ethan were hosting their first dinner party tomorrow night. Bree wondered briefly who else would be in attendance. It didn’t matter really. She was grateful to sit and have some adult interaction for an evening. It would be the perfect ending to a busy week.

Chapter 3

Austin arrived at Ethan and Jordin’s home fifteen minutes early. He was surprised to find that Bree had already arrived. She was standing at the wrought iron railing on the second-floor balcony, facing Jordin as they talked.

He stared at Bree, looking her over. The deepening sunlight framed her figure, outlining her curves. She was beautiful in a simple, natural way. Austin was shocked to feel desire streaking through him like a current.

Jordin saw him and waved. “C’mon in. The front door is open.”

Austin entered the house and was met by Ethan. “Hey...” he greeted. “Your wife told me to just walk in.”

“No problem. Good to see you, man.”

He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Jordin descend the stairs followed by Bree.

“Austin, I want you to meet my best friend,” she said. “Actually, she’s more like a sister to me. Bree, this is my brother, Austin.”

He was rendered speechless for a moment by her beauty. Austin swallowed hard, struggling to recover his voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said finally.

His eyes darted to hers and locked.

He cleared his throat softly.

She met the smile and the hand that was offered. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, as well. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Austin lost himself momentarily in their chocolate depths. His gaze fell to the creamy expanse of her neck. She was dressed to perfection in a teal-colored, sleeveless silk dress. Bree was tall and slender, but with an athletic build. She wore her shoulder-length hair in soft curls around her heart-shaped face. Her flawless skin was the color of a new penny.

“Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes,” Jordin announced. “We’re still waiting on a few people to arrive.”

“Would either of you like a glass of wine?” Ethan offered.

“I’m fine,” Bree responded.

“Austin?”

“I’ll take a glass.”

Austin could feel Bree’s eyes studying him. He met her gaze, forcing her to look away. He smiled to himself.

The front door opened.

“Hey, family,” Ryker said with a grin. “Look at this...the newlyweds are hosting their first dinner party.”

His wife, Garland, gave him a playful pinch. “Leave them alone.”

There was something in the wistful turn of Bree’s lips that made Austin sense the pain beneath the surface, and he longed to make it better. She had lost her husband in a tragic way and he could only imagine that while she was truly happy for Jordin—grief still resided in her heart.

Jadin arrived with a date a few minutes later, whom she introduced as Michael.

Austin leaned over and said to Bree in a low voice, “I guess we should’ve brought a plus one.”

“I think you’re right.”

“Well, will you be my plus one for the evening?”

She turned, easing into a smile. “Sure.”

Austin glanced up and saw Jordin standing in the doorway. She gave him a quick thumbs-up, then announced, “Dinner is ready.”

He and Bree were seated beside one another.

“How do you like living in Charleston?” Bree inquired as she used her fork to slide the fettuccine noodles around her plate.

Austin smiled faintly, laid his napkin across his lap and, picking up his knife and fork, sliced into a strip of grilled chicken. “I’m enjoying it. I’ve always liked this area.”

He took a bite of his food. The delicate Alfredo sauce and chicken were cooked to perfection.

“Jordin, did you cook this?”

Ethan chuckled and was awarded a sharp glance from her. “Just so you know, I can cook. I will confess that I called Aubrie for help with ingredients and such.”

“It’s delicious,” Ethan said.

Everyone agreed.

“Does Aubrie ever hang out with the family?” Austin asked. “I think I’ve seen her maybe three times since I moved here. I’d like to get to know her better, especially since she’s my first cousin.”

“My sister spends a lot of her time in New Orleans,” Ryker announced. “She goes there to spend time with the chef who mentored her in culinary school. Each time she comes back with new entrées for her restaurant.”

Bree took a sip of her iced tea. “She must really enjoy her work.”

“I’m not so sure this is just about her work,” Jordin stated. “I think there’s another reason why she spends so much time there.”

Jadin agreed. “Aubrie isn’t talking, but I suspect she’s seeing someone.”

“She was always one to keep secrets,” Ryker said. “My parents keep hoping she’ll come to her senses and join the firm, but it’s not going to happen.”

“How’s Aunt Rochelle doing?” Jordin inquired.

“She hates being on crutches, having a cast on and not being able to drive. Mom’s driving my dad crazy. He threatened to come stay with us until she’s back on her feet.” Ryker wiped his mouth on his napkin. “I love my mom, but when she doesn’t get her way...”

“When Aunt Rochelle isn’t happy—nobody’s happy,” Jadin said.

They all agreed.

When they finished their meal, they gathered in the family room.

Austin couldn’t tear his gaze away from Bree.

Members of his family wandered in and out of his line of vision, locking Bree and him together, but nothing could shatter the connection alive and sizzling between them.

She felt it, too.

He could see it in her eyes, in the firming of her luscious lips. Just as he could see that she was trying to make sense of what she was feeling.

Their gazes connected and held.

Bree was an incredibly beautiful woman. Ravishing didn’t even come close to describing her.

Austin broke eye contact with her and stared down into his glass of wine. He bit back a satisfied smile. Good to know he wasn’t the only one being twisted into knots. However, he couldn’t help but wonder if this attraction he felt would complicate his plan to get his son.

* * *

Bree was powerless to stop staring into the most beautiful set of eyes she’d ever seen. They were a stunning chestnut brown with golden flecks throughout, large and thickly lashed. Austin DuGrandpre bore a strong resemblance to his father. They had the same honey-colored skin, a muscular build and both stood about six feet three inches.

Men shouldn’t have eyes this pretty, she thought.

He wore a light blue dress shirt that fit snugly over wide shoulders, then tapered, tucked into slim-waist navy trousers.

Austin smiled, revealing two small dimples Bree hadn’t noticed before. She tried to throttle the dizzying current racing through her. He radiated a vitality that drew Bree like a magnet. Whenever he laughed, his full-throated masculine sound sent strange waves through her stomach.

Girl, you need to focus.

It wasn’t easy, though. Austin made Bree feel things she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Not since Caleb.

At least I still have those feelings, she reasoned silently. For a while she worried that they had died with her husband.

“Jordin told me that you’re a psychologist.”

“I am,” Bree confirmed.

“I think it’s cool. I’ve always been fascinated with human behavior, especially when it comes to the criminal mind.”

“Okay, you know I’m going to ask the question. Why do you defend criminals?”

He chuckled. “I’ve come to expect it. All criminal defense lawyers are asked this question. It’s part of the criminal defense experience.”

“I’d like to hear your response, as well,” Garland said. “I don’t think it’s something I could ever do, especially if I knew my client was guilty.”

“Innocence is not the chief driver for me,” Austin stated. “You all may find this strange but I enjoy working with guilty people. I have an interest in the causes of human conduct. I search to find the humanity in the people I represent, no matter what they may have done. I started out practicing family law, but I didn’t find it as fulfilling,” Austin said. “Nobody knows this, but I once considered studying forensic psychology. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology.”

Bree reached for her glass. “Really?”

He nodded. “I love law and psychology—pursuing law just seemed the natural way to go for me.”

There was something in his manner that she found soothing. It was easy to talk to him. “That’s because you’re a DuGrandpre,” Bree responded. “It’s in your blood.”

“I suppose so,” Austin said with a smile.

She felt a lurch of excitement within her. “It seems we have something in common,” Bree told him. “I briefly considered going into law, but decided that I loved psychology more.”

“Do you have any regrets?”

She shook her head. “I know that I’m exactly where I should be.”

“I feel the same way.”

Bree felt there was some type of deeper significance to the visual interchange between them.

The thought struck a vibrant chord in her.

She contributed to the conversation going on among everyone, but found herself studying his profile.

Bree had to deliberately shut out any awareness of Austin just to focus on Jordin’s words.

“What do you think about a girls’ night next weekend?”

“That’s fine,” she responded.

Jadin agreed, then asked, “What about you, Garland? Can you join us?”

“She can,” Ryker answered for her. “It’ll do her some good to get away from the children.”

Garland pointed to him and replied, “What my husband said...”

At the end of the evening, she bid everyone a good night. As she gathered her purse, Austin volunteered to walk her down to her car.

“Bree, travel safe,” he told her.

She tingled as he said her name and a quiver surged through her veins. “You do the same.”

Bree unlocked the door and got into her car. She was soon pulling out of the driveway and traveling toward the freeway.

It had been a long time since a man had struck her interest, filling Bree with a strange inner delight.

* * *

Two days later Bree walked out of Marbelle’s Children’s Boutique, juggling her tote and a couple of shopping bags in her hands as she neared her car.

“Hey, are you following me?”

She glanced over her shoulder, her steps slowing. “Austin...what are you doing on my side of town?” Her heart danced with eagerness over seeing him again.

“I have a client who lives over here. Hey, thank you for being my plus one the other night. Everyone was coupled up...it could’ve been a little awkward if you hadn’t been so gracious.”

“I didn’t mind. I enjoyed talking to you,” she responded. “You’re a very interesting man.”

He grinned. “Do you have some time for lunch?”

“Sure.” Bree looped her purse over her shoulder while her insides jangled with eagerness. She felt the blood surge from her fingertips to her toes. “So, where are we off to, Austin DuGrandpre?” She was thrilled that he wanted to continue their conversation.

“There’s a little place around the corner.”

She chuckled a little. “You use that line often?” she asked playfully, glancing at him.

Austin laughed, full-throated and sexy. “I don’t believe I’ve ever used it before, as a matter of fact.” He adjusted his long stride to her much shorter one.

“I wouldn’t recommend using it again,” she remarked with a chuckle. “The only thing around the corner is a bank.”

He laughed. “I’m still learning my way around.”

“There’s a sandwich shop that’s two blocks away. It’s walkable.”

“Perfect. Let me help you with your bags,” he offered.

* * *

They walked past a pizza place in full lunch swing, the scents of robust sauce and spicy sausage filling the air.

Bree’s stomach rumbled. If he heard, there were no outward signs of it.

“You in the mood for pizza?” Austin inquired.

“Not really.” Although the pizza smelled great, at noon the place was usually overrun by high school kids, and Bree didn’t want to get caught in the wave of teens.

In the middle of the next block, the sandwich shop was trendy and casual.

“Have you been here before?” she asked.

“No. How’s the food?”

“Very good. I highly recommend the club sandwich. It’s roasted turkey breast, smoked ham with bacon and avocado. The roasted garlic mayonnaise is made in-house and is delicious.”

“You find a table and I’ll order our food,” Austin suggested.

Bree found one near a large window facing the street. She hadn’t expected to see him quite so soon. They would’ve run into each other at some point, she knew. This was perfect as she had been thinking of him earlier.

Austin walked up with two trays laden with sandwiches, potato chips, pickles and drinks.

Bree blessed the food.

“Jordin tells me that you have a little boy.” He bit into his sandwich.

“I do,” she exclaimed with intense pleasure. “He’s my whole world.” If Austin hadn’t mentioned it, she would’ve told him about Emery. It’s one of the first things she usually told men who seemed interested in her. It helped to eliminate the ones who were simply looking for a good time.

“That’s cool.”

“Do you have any children?” Bree inquired as she studied his profile.

It took a moment for him to respond. She wasn’t sure he’d heard her. Bree opened her mouth to repeat the question.

“No,” Austin interjected. “But I’m looking forward to having a child one day.” He wanted to bring up the subject of Emery, but didn’t want to make her suspicious as to why he’d be so interested in her son, especially since they’d just met.

“I think being a parent is probably my best achievement. My late husband and I really wanted children.” She took a sip of her drink. “He would’ve loved Emery.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

Bree smiled. “Thank you, Austin. There was a time when it was hard for me to think about Caleb, but it’s gotten easier. We had a lot of good times together.”

“I can’t imagine going through something like that.” Austin took another sip of his water when she moistened the top of her lip with the tip of her tongue. “I know my family would rally around me,” he said, shifting slightly in his chair.

“You’re lucky in that respect. I have no family,” Bree stated flatly. “I’ve had to deal with everything alone.” Austin had no idea just how lucky he was to have supportive family members. Anyone she’d truly cared about in the world was gone except for Emery.

“You’re not close to them?”

“I grew up in a drug-infested apartment in Atlanta for the first six years of my life. My mom died of a drug overdose, and I lived with my paternal grandmother. When she died a couple of years later, I was placed with a foster family. I don’t have any other relatives—at least any that I know about.”

“I had no idea,” he uttered.

Bree gave a slight shrug. “There’s no way you could’ve known. Besides, it wasn’t that bad. I had good foster parents. We lived in a nice neighborhood in Atlanta, with a great school. I was on the basketball team and even earned several college scholarships.” She wiped her mouth with a paper napkin, then said, “I think I turned out okay.”