Page 4 of James

“Come on, let’s get in the car, and then you can explain. You aren’t going anywhere, my brother deserves to know he has a son,” he says, his voice gaining steel.

I open my mouth, and then close it, knowing that arguing is futile. Chase asks me which bags are ours and collects them for us, then carries them and puts them in his car boot. I put Jye in Cole’s car seat. After he's safely buckled in, I take a seat next to him and do my own seat belt. Ten minutes into the drive, Chase starts, “Why would you do something like this, Sasha?” he asks in a confused tone.

“I found out I was pregnant while I was overseas. Yes, I may have held a grudge but eventually I tried to call James to tell him but he didn’t answer. I left messages with Layla and Nikki, but he obviously couldn’t be bothered to call me back!” I say defensively. Chase glances over at Layla, who nods, confirming my story.

“I told James Sasha's been trying to reach him and that she sounded nervous,” Layla says.

“You could have tried harder,” Chase says, looking at me in his review mirror.

“Get off your high horse, Chase!” I say, not appreciating his judgement.

Chase sighs, and gentles the tone of his voice. “He’s our family, too.”

“I know,” I whisper.

“Have you been managing okay? You know if you ever need anything, money…”

“I’m fine, Chase,” I interrupt. He nods once, and then stares out at the road. It’s silent for a few minutes until he continues, “Layla said you’re looking for a place to rent. You know I own another apartment in our building. Nikki stayed there for a bit, until she and Kade got back together, now they have their own place. You can stay there as long as you need.”

“It’s empty?” I ask him. As kind as his offer is, I don’t want to kick anyone out. I can’t help thinking that must mean James is staying in that big house by himself now.

“It’s been empty since Nikki left. We can move you in tomorrow,” he tells me.

“Okay, if it’s not a problem that would be great. I left all my belongings at my parents before I left for Scotland,” I tell them.

“We can go and get everything tomorrow, I’ll hire a small moving van,” Chase offers.

“Okay, and Chase,” I say, fiddling with the hem of my shirt.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

“No problem, what's family for, right? Besides, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my nephew,” he says, affection lacing his voice. I will my eyes not to tear up. Who knew under all that bossiness was a kind-hearted man? Certainly not me.

Chase drops us off at my parents' and says he’ll come over in the morning to help move my belongings. I hug him and Layla, thanking them both. They both kiss Jye, before the two of us head to my parents' front door. Before I can even knock, the door flies open and my mother runs out and wraps her arms around Jye.

“Look at my handsome grandson! I finally get to meet you! You are so big!” she says, her words rushed.

“Well, hello to you too, mum,” I say in mock indignation. She doesn’t even glance up at me as she kisses Jye on his cheeks repeatedly. Finally, she looks my way, her hazel eyes narrowed on mine. “You'd think I raised you better, Sasha Crawford! Keeping my grandson from me for this long!” even as she lectures me, she walks forward and wraps me in her arms.

“I missed you, mum,” I tell her honestly.

“Missed you too, baby,” she whispers.

“Where’s dad?” I ask her.

“He’s away at work, he’ll be back next week,” she tells me. My dad is working in the mines as an engineer, so he’s away for weeks at a time. He usually works there for two weeks, and then gets one week off.

“Come on, let’s catch up on everything,” my mum says, steering Jye and me into the kitchen. She pours us both a drink, and then we get talking about everything we’ve missed in the last two years.

***

Chapter Two

Sasha

Chase came to my parents' house this morning, just as he said he would. We’re now in our new apartment, and I love how modern and spacious it is; it's perfect for Jye and me. My bed, chest of drawers, and television are already moved in. I went shopping and bought a new bed for Jye, along with more toys and clothing since I didn’t have room to bring everything back from Scotland. I’m cleaning and organizing Jye’s room and when there’s a knock on the door, I assume it must be either Layla or Chase so I open it with a smile. When I find myself face to face with a familiar tall, handsome, blond man, I freeze.

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