Unforeseen
Table of Contents
UNFORESEEN
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
Enjoy an excerpt of Love Entwined
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Also by M.C. Decker
Unforeseen
Copyright © 2017 M.C. Decker
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the author.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or publishers.
Cover Design:
Michele Catalano, Michele Catalano Creative
www.michelecatalanocreative.com
Cover photos:
Lauren Perry, Perrywinkle Photography
www.perrywinklephotography.com
Interior Design and Formatting:
Christine Borgford, Type A Formatting
www.typeAformatting.com
Table of Contents
UNFORESEEN
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Epilogue
Enjoy an excerpt of Love Entwined
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Also by M.C. Decker
To those who’ve suffered through the hardest goodbye; May life’s unforeseen events lead you to another chance at your happily-ever-after.
Goodbye (noun): an instance of saying “goodbye”; a parting. “A final goodbye.”
One word. Two syllables. Both so finite.
We’d both said our fair share of goodbyes throughout our lives. Why did this one seem the most difficult?
Blake
December 2012
AS THE LIMOUSINE driver chauffeured us through the city and out to the country cemetery, I repeated the words I’d prepared in hopes of giving my wife–the love of my life and mother of my children—a proper goodbye. It was rather ironic considering we’d never believed in goodbyes.
After several weeks of studying media law together, I’d finally convinced Alyssa to go out on a proper date. Honestly, it was probably more due to the fact that I was worried about my buddy Rich swooping in and stealing her away from me. To my relief, she agreed and after a romantic evening filled with laughter and deep conversation, I was here standing with her at her doorstep.
“I had a great time tonight, Blake,” she said, staring up into my eyes. “I hope we can do this again sometime.”
“We will most definitely be doing this again soon,” I responded, pulling her in tightly against my chest. Feeling her heartbeat quicken with my touch, I knew she wanted to kiss me just as much as I wanted a taste of her. Maybe I was being too forward for just the first date, but I couldn’t control my impulses. I’d been imagining the taste of her lips on mine ever since she’d first pulled out a tube of cherry lip gloss on the first day of class.
Even wearing stilettos, Alyssa stood on her tiptoes as I pulled her in for our first kiss–our lips parted, our tongues danced, and our breathing became one. In that moment, I knew I never wanted another first kiss. This woman would become my wife—my first, my last, my everything.
After what seemed like an eternity, we drew away. The electricity between us still enough to spark a flame.
“I think I should probably say goodbye before I end up doing something that I may regret later,” I rasped.
“Never goodbye, Blake. It may sound silly, but I’ve never believed in goodbyes. I don’t want us to ever have to say it. But, you’re right—I think before I act impulsively, I probably should say good night and I’ll see you later,” Alyssa whispered, her warm breath dancing across my cheek.
Smiling at her words, I knew she was right. I responded by placing a chaste kiss on her cheek. “I agree. Never goodbye just good night and I’ll see you later, Short Stack,” I said with a wink.
She smiled and swatted at me for the use of the nickname I’d given her on the day we’d met several weeks earlier.
“Never goodbye,” I whispered to myself, as she turned and stepped into her apartment building.
But, as I’d learned, the universe sometimes had other plans for us.
I gazed out the window as the blur of the city lights turned to rolling hills. The sound of my daughter’s laughter claimed my attention. Not even quite a year old, she didn’t have any idea the significance of this day–her mother’s final goodbye.
Dressed in bright pink, just as my wife would have wanted, I watched as my daughter played with her favorite stuffed dog. I stared into Maddy’s crystal-clear, blue eyes, her little orbs reminding me so much of Alyssa’s, and wished for a moment that I could transfer all my memories of Alyssa to our daughter.
As hard as this week had been on me, the most difficult part was the heavy realization that our daughter–and now our son—would grow up without knowing their mother’s love. And, boy, did she love them both something fierce.
“Blake, it’s not too late to call the doctor’s office and tell them we changed our minds,” Alyssa said, as I opened the passenger door to help her out of the car. We’d just left the doctor’s office where my wife had her twenty-week ultrasound. The doctor had informed us that he could tell us the baby’s gender, but we’d already agreed to keep it a surprise. Now as we were about to enter the baby boutique, I could tell Alyssa was already starting to question our decision.
“Look at this beautiful pink bedding,” she sighed, running her hand across the plush fabric. “I just don’t know if I like these neutral colors.”
“You don’t really want to know, Lys. The surprise will be so worth it once you’re holding our son or daughter in your arms.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she said, scrunching her nose up in the most adorable way. The simple gesture alone had me reaching for my cell. It’s a good thing the doctor’s number wasn’t on speed dial, or Alyssa wouldn’t
have been able to stop me. I’d be a screwed man if our child got that trait from their mother.
“Blake, stop!” she nearly screamed, reaching for my phone. “I don’t really want to know. I mean I do, but I don’t. Jesus, I don’t know what I want,” she said, tears beginning to well in her eyes.
“Short Stack, don’t cry, Babe,” I said, enveloping her in my arms.
“You know I hate it when you call me that,” she laughed through her sniffles.
“I know you do, but I love it and I knew it would make you laugh. I think it worked,” I smiled, drawing her in for a gentle kiss right in the middle of the store. I wanted my wife to know that I adored her and all of her hormonal quirks, and I didn’t care who witnessed our public display of affection.
“I’m sorry I’m so hormonal.”
“You’re carrying my baby. I think it’s acceptable,” I said, giving her one last peck on the forehead before pulling away. “Now, let’s do some shopping!”
“I like the sound of that! I already see the cutest stuffed dog over there. It would be perfect for our little boy or girl,” she said, her blue eyes beaming.
“Blake, we’re here,” my mother-in-law’s voice breaking me from my thoughts. She patted me on the knee and I gave her a knowing nod. It was time and neither of us were ready.
After the chauffeur came and opened the car door, I exited and offered my hand to Judith. She pulled a black veil over her face, probably trying to mask her swollen eyes and puffy cheeks. In that moment, I wished I could hide from the world as well. As much as people didn’t want to stare, it was only human nature to watch from afar as I grieved my wife–the only love of my life.
I walked Judith to the graveside and returned to pull Maddy from her car seat. Something in my peripheral vision caught my eye, and it was then that I noticed my best friend Rich’s fiancée, Brooke, drop to her knees. Alyssa and Brooke had become good friends since Rich introduced her to us over a year ago. They’d been friends in college and reconnected after several years when she applied for a position at the Post where Rich worked.
Before losing their baby, Brooke and Alyssa had both been pregnant at the same time, and the two bonded over talks of morning sickness and prenatal vitamins.
Although I knew Rich and his woman had a long road ahead of them, and many serious discussions in their future, I was able to find a tiny bit of peace in knowing that my turmoil and tragedy brought the two of them back together. I’d always been man enough to admit that I knew what love was, and I was confident that those two had found it.
Some people live their entire life without finding their soul mate. I was certain mine had already come and gone. That part of my heart would always be reserved for Alyssa, and although I was still fairly young, I didn’t have any interest in finding love again and I doubted that I ever would.
Perspiration dripped from my forehead as I waited on Alyssa’s doorstep. It wasn’t even that hot out, and here I was sweating like a pig who’d just run a marathon. This wasn’t the impression I was hoping for tonight. I’d been planning this night for months. I wanted everything to be perfect, a night that we’d reminisce about over dinner on our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Most importantly, I wanted her to say “yes.”
The door slowly opened and Alyssa’s head popped out from the other side.
“You’re early! You’re never early!” she laughed. “I’m not quite ready yet. Give me two minutes to run back to the bedroom, and then let yourself in.”
“Babe, I’ve seen you naked before. I think you can let me in!” I chuckled, nudging the door open to reveal my girl standing there wearing nothing but a black lace bra and matching panties.
“Blake! I told you to wait!” she said, covering her chest with her arms and scrunching her nose in displeasure.
“You know you’re adorable when you act mad at me, right? I said, drawing her in closer.
“I’m not playing!” she pouted. “I really wanted you to wait.”
“I couldn’t wait another minute without seeing you,” I said, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
The scowl on her face faded as she relaxed into my chest. “I really should go get ready, or I’ll end up with even less clothes on, and I’ll never want to leave.”
“I think I’d actually be OK with that.”
“You are not!” she said, swatting my arm. “You told me that you were taking me someplace special tonight. I bought a new dress and everything and I plan on wearing it!”
“Fine, I’d hate to come between a woman and her new dress. But, hurry because I’m already in the mood for dessert,” I said with a wink.
I’d hardly had time to turn on SportsCenter when Alyssa opened the door to the bedroom, calling my name.
“Blake, I can’t get my dress zipped. Do you think you can help me?”
My dick swelled in my pants with just the silky sound of her voice. I quickly stood and walked slowly toward the bedroom–like a lion stalking its prey. She stood in the doorway, her back to me. She’d already stepped into a pair of bright red heels. My eyes traveled up her body, stopping right above the swell of her ass where the zipper of the dress taunted me. Instead of covering up her beautiful body, I wanted nothing more than to remove the damn dress. Who the fuck cares if it’s new? It belongs in a heap on the floor–along with her bra and panties. She can keep the shoes on, though. Because fuck, those are hot.
“Are you sure I actually have to zip this up? I think it’d be better off,” I whispered across her neck.
I couldn’t see her face, but I knew I was affecting her.
We never did make our dinner reservations that night, and her new dress did end up in a heap on the floor. I did, however, ask her to marry me–as we were both lying in bed, tangled in the sheets. It may not have turned out to be the night I’d spent months planning–but it was better than anything I could’ve envisioned. It may not be the ideal, or G-rated story to tell our children, but all that really matters is that she said, “yes.”
Cassidy
October 2013
LOOKING DOWN AT my watch, I saw we only had about twenty minutes to make it to the church in time for the rehearsal. The one thing I’d prided myself most on throughout the years in my business as a wedding planner was my punctuality. And, here I was, the maid-of-honor in my best friend’s wedding, and we were going to be late.
Barging in to Brooke’s bedroom, I saw her staring at her reflection in the mirror–unshed tears rimming her eyes.
“I never thought I’d find you in here on the verge of tears. Now, get it together before you ruin your makeup! We don’t have time to redo it,” I laughed, rolling my eyes.
“Shut up! Just because you don’t believe in showing any emotion doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t.”
“That’s not true. I believe in showing my emotional side,” I argued.
“Right,” she said, eyeing me suspiciously.
“I do! I just learned as a kid that you showed enough for both of us,” I sassed back.
“I hate you,” she laughed.
“No, you don’t. You love me.”
“I do,” she sighed, once again giving into my charm.
“Now, are you almost ready to go? I just got a text from Rich and everyone is already at the church. Your groom is growing impatient.”
“Ha! Well we can’t have that now,” she said. “I think I’m ready. Do I look OK?”
“Are you kidding me? Twirl around and let me see you! You’re stunning, Brookie. You seriously look better than most of my brides, and it’s not even your wedding day.”
“Shut up! You’re only saying that because you’re my best friend, but I love you for it.”
“You may be my best friend, but everyone else pays me to say it. So, look on the bright side, at least you get my compliments for free,” she said with a shrug.
“I’d hardly call the ten bottles of vintage chardonnay you got as payment for maid-of-honor duties as free,” she quipped.
&n
bsp; “You know you’ll drink half!” I said, shaking my head. “Seriously, get your shoes! We need to go!”
Making it to the church with just minutes to spare before the rehearsal was set to begin, Brooke walked into the vestibule ahead of me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rich talking to the minister. I stood by Brooke’s side for a few minutes as she greeted her father, my daughter, and a few of the other bridesmaids. Just as I was about to excuse myself to go check my makeup, the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen walked into the room.
He was wearing a royal blue button-down with matching tie and a pair of gray slacks. Covering his dark eyes were a pair of wire-rimmed glasses. Hello, Clark Kent–would you like to be my Superman?
Before I had a chance to ask Brooke if she’d seen the hottie, she was stepping up onto her tiptoes to hug Clark Kent himself. Of course she’d seen him–she knew him. It was her wedding rehearsal after all. I scooted in closer in hopes of eavesdropping on their conversation. I wondered if Mystery Man was single? I wasn’t originally planning on hooking up at my best friend’s wedding, but it looked like plans may have changed.
“Blake, I’m so glad you could make it!” she said, giving him a peck on the cheek.
Wait–did she just say Blake? As in Rich’s best friend, Blake? The best man, Blake? Yes, yes she did. Mission aborted. It was looking like I wouldn’t be hooking up with Superman this weekend after all. Well, fuck me hard–or not.
The two continued having a much-too-private conversation while I stood awkwardly at Brooke’s side. Hoping to gain her attention, I cleared my throat.
“Ahem.”
“Oh, sorry, Cass. Blake, this is my best friend, Cassidy Carpenter. Cass, this is Rich’s best friend, Blake Mitchell, or Early as these two knuckleheads call each other,” she said, pointing toward Rich as he started walking toward us with the minister following closely.
Blake took my hand in his, and although it was an innocent shake it seemed like something more. I immediately began to wonder if he could feel it too. Who am I kidding? Of course he couldn’t feel it. I’d officially lost my damn mind.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cassidy Carpenter,” Blake said. Dear god, even his husky voice screamed sex on a stick.