Unexpected Rule of Thirds

Unexpected Rule of Thirds

(Unexpected Series #2)

By: Melissa Aragon

*****

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 by Melissa Aragon

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This 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 or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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Also by Melissa Aragon:

The Unexpected Series:

Unexpectedly Out of Focus

Unexpected Comfort and Joy (Christmas Novella)

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Not Making Any Promises

Chapter Two: Allowances

Chapter Three: Stay the Night

Chapter Four: Just One Week

Chapter Five: A Bad Start

Chapter Six: Decisions, Decisions

Chapter Seven: Heartbeats

Chapter Eight: WTF

Chapter Nine: A New Beginning

Chapter Ten: Family

Chapter Eleven: The Truth

Chapter Twelve: Breaking the Rules

Chapter Thirteen: Mary's Bean

Epilogue

A Special Note to My Peeps (Readers)

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Rule of Thirds: The technique of dividing your picture evenly with two imaginary lines running vertically and horizontally, focusing your most important subjects either along these lines or at their point of intersection.

Chapter One

Not Making Any Promises

It’s pouring outside and inside it’s no different. Sarah’s fearful tears just keep coming and I can’t stop from joining her. I hold her tight as she falls apart, but still no comforting words can pull her together. John is in a coma. As if fighting breast cancer isn’t enough, now she faces the fifty-fifty chance of her husband pulling through or leaving her and Ginny for the afterlife.

The sound of the beating rain drowns out the buzz of the E.R. filled with ringing telephones, murmuring voices, beeping machines and the occasional crying child.

On my other side is Bryce, my silent comfort. Jane and Ginny are in the hospital cafeteria with Sarah’s parents where, again, Ginny is kept in the dark in an attempt to protect her from the harsh realities of life.

As the minutes pass, so do the tears, and finally, Sarah is calmed.

Okay, I’m ready to go in.

Her tears have turned her voice raw and scratchy and her porcelain skin red and puffy.

Okay. I nod and stand with her, letting her squeeze my hand as tightly as she needs.

We slowly make our way down the hall to John’s room leaving Bryce in the waiting room. A nurse in bright lime green scrubs and blue crocks is just leaving his room when we get to the door. The sad smile she gives us causes Sarah to squeeze my hand a little tighter. I wince at the pain, but don’t let out any sound. The sight of John swollen and bruised, connected to tubes and machines is heart wrenching. The rhythmic beeps connected to his heart and IVs mingle with the whisper of the ventilator pushing air into his lungs. I have to hold Sarah up when her legs wobble at the sight of the only man she’s ever loved look so weak and battered. Tears burn my eyes and I try to blink them away remembering the doctor’s words, "Try to keep his environment as peaceful as possible." Easier said than done.

With shaky fingers Sarah pulls John’s lifeless hand into hers. Silent tears stream down her face and soak the sheets as she leans over to kiss the back of his hand. I hold my breath waiting, hoping, to see any kind of reaction to her touch. His still body remains inanimate. Not even a flutter of his lashes or a slight tick of his fingers. I let out a sigh and grab the box of tissues next to his bed. Wiping my eyes, I pull out two soft sheets and hand them to Sarah before she turns his sheets into a giant handkerchief. With obvious effort, she pries her hand from his to take the tissues. A strangled hiccup slips out and she quickly presses her hand over her lips smothering the heartbreaking sound. Very quietly I get the other chair in the room and put it down next to her. Gently, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, comforting her as her body shakes with the sobs she won’t let out. It takes every bit of my self-control to not break down. Normally, I have my sob-fest alone, so that when I’m needed I can be strong, but this time I was so focused on my mess I spent the entire ride up lost in thought or pulling over to ralph.

Slowly Sarah pulls herself together, lets out a long, exhausted breath and moves closer to John.

I’ll leave you two alone and go check on Ginny.

I give her leg a gentle squeeze, then get up and walk out, unshed tears clogging my throat. As soon as I close the door behind me I stop to lean up against the wall, and, once again, I send out a silent plea to the heavens begging for mercy and a miracle. The tears start their burning descent down my cheeks and I wipe at them trying to pull myself together. I can see Bryce from where I’m walking, and I’m not sure if it’s my watery view or if what I’m seeing is real, but he looks angry, very angry. This is a look I’ve never seen on him before. As I get closer I slow my pace. Suddenly I’m not sure how to approach him. I look away and I have to blink to be sure I’m seeing clearly. Alex is here and he’s staring at me. Call it a force of habit or needing the familiar in the moment of a crisis, but when he moves in to hold me, I let him. I crash into his chest and weep.

Shhh, he sooths into my ear, and rubs the back of my head with one hand while holding me tightly to him with the other. For a moment I forget everything that’s happened between us. I forget that Bryce is sitting just a few feet from us, watching. All I can do is soak up Alex’s touch. I’m here, baby. Everything’s gonna be all right, he coos, and suddenly I’m angry.

How can you say that? I demand, trying to pull away, but Alex tightens his hold on me. The doctors won’t even say that, I cry out.

I’m sorry. You’re right; I don’t know that. I guess I was just trying to comfort you, he explains.

He tenderly kisses to the top of my head, and again I’m lost in his comfort. The moment doesn’t last very long when I hear someone very obviously clearing their throat behind us. Bryce! His name blares in my thoughts. I quickly tear myself out of Alex’s arms without any warning so he can’t keep me there again. I look up at Bryce, and I know if I start with ‘I’m sorry’ I’m apologizing for doing something that I haven’t really done, but seeing the white-hot anger rolling off of him, those are the only words I want to say. I have this indescribable urge to calm him, to reassure him, but before I can get one word out, Alex speaks up.

"What is he doing here?" he practically growls through gritted teeth.

My gaze shoots up to him in utter surprise. In all our time together I’ve never heard him speak to another person with so much venom.

Alex… I start off carefully. I don’t want to hurt him anymore. It was why I chose to stay away from Bryce while we settled our divorce, but then finding out I was pregnant, it really left me no other choice. I lift my hand into my hair instantly. Bryce and I—

We’re engaged, Bryce announces.

He slides his arm around my shoulders possessively, his words coming out as a claim and a challenge. They have the effect he’s going for. Alex instantly looks hurt, and then infuriated. He bristles, and I instinctively flinch.

Alex, I start to explain.

Is that so? He directs his question to Bryce, completely ignoring me. Well, I wouldn’t hold on too tight, if that baby’s mine then so is Mary, he arrogantly informs Bryce.

I stand off to the side, flabbergasted, watching the ridiculous primal scene before me. Both are standing with clenched fists and rigid postures. The air is clouded so thick with testosterone you could choke on it. I want to scream at them.

Are you two kidding me? I spit out. I have not agreed to anything with either of you. So before either one of you thinks to pee on me next, remember that!

Twisting on my heels, I storm off.

Un-be-lievable! I grumble, stepping out into the chilly air.

The rain has died down and a misty fog is left in its wake. Letting out a slow ragged breath, I inhale the clean fresh mountain air. I know this is not the place, or time to get into this. I should be up there with Sarah, and instead I’m down here trying to get away from the mess that’s followed me. What am I gonna do? I hate admitting it, but a small, very selfish part of me wishes everything wasn’t so out of sorts for Sarah, so that she could help me through all of this. Anytime I’ve needed direction in my life, it’s been Sarah who’s helped me find that path.

Shaking my head at my selfishness, I turn back towards the hospital and walk right into Bryce’s hard chest.

Ohmigod! I shout, startled.

What was that up there Mary? I thought we talked about being together, and now all of a sudden you’re saying there was never any agreement?

Bryce, you have got to stop doing that. Unless I say the words, my silence is not an answer.

So, you’re thinking about staying with him now? he demands disgustedly.

No. I don’t know. I told the both of you, I’m not making any promises until we find out which of you is the father. I don’t want to hurt anyone, but more importantly, I don’t want to hurt this baby. Looking up at him, I let out a slow exhale, and reply in a softer voice. I’m going to do whatever I think is best, Bryce. And right now, what I think is best is for the three of us to put off any relationship talk. Okay?

I can see he doesn’t like my answer, but he nods anyway.

Fine, but I’ve told you how I feel, regardless of whom the father is, I’m in love with you Mary. Gently, he moves his hand over my stomach and stares into my eyes. All of you, he professes.

He covers my mouth with his in a feathery soft kiss. I can barely stand, as always, his touch has a strong effect on my body. If I could, I’d stay right here in his arms lost in his kisses…but I can’t.

Bryce, that includes any acts of intimacy, I force myself to say.

His eyes take on a devilish gleam. I won’t make any promises.

I twist my lips to the side and look away. I can’t let him see just how easily his charms can break me down.

I have to go check on Sarah.

I take a step back, hoping he won’t pull me back in, because, honestly, I can only resist him so many times before I give in to what I really want.

Sure. Uh, I got us a room while you were up there with Sarah. So, I have to go finalize the reservation. I can come back after checking in, or if you’d prefer, I can come get you when you’re ready.

I’m instantly warmed by his thoughtfulness, and as much as I would love to spend the night in his arms in some hotel room, I can’t. It would completely go against my decision.

That’s very sweet of you Bryce, but I can’t—

Don’t, he stops me. Just let me do this for you. If you want, I’ll leave in the morning and we can figure out where to go from there, but for tonight let me be with you. Please, Mary. I just got you back in my life; I can’t let you walk out again so quickly.

I swallow past the tightness in my throat. My selfishness has brought this amazing man to his knees, and I wish I could just give him what he wants. What we both want.

I’m not walking out Bryce.

I love you Mary, he says softly, pulling my hands into his. I’ll respect your wishes, just please, give me one night.

His pleading words are chipping away at my resolve. I can’t breathe being this close to him. I want so much to push up on my toes and press my lips to his. Seeing my reflection in his sparkling pewter eyes, and the emotion of those depths, well, it’s enough. All my resistance is eradicated. I slowly nod my head, and elated relief washes over him. Then, as if reading my thoughts, he lowers his lips over mine and I melt into him instantly.

Not even a second passes, and I quickly break contact before I can fully enjoy the moment. Rushing to some sparse bushes, I heave. This can’t be happening. I haven’t eaten a single thing since we arrived two hours ago, but somehow the need to purge is strong. Unfortunately, I have nothing in me to give, so I remain bent over, dry heaving until I regain control over my body.

Argh! I growl. I’m so done with this part already! I shout, not caring how whiny I sound.

I know Love, Bryce soothes and helps me up.

I love the way it sounds when he calls me that: Love. I know it’s a platonic nickname commonly used by the British. It’s like saying friend, but the way it flows from his lips, and the emphasis he puts into the word, I know there’s nothing platonic about it.

Maybe you need to eat something. C’mon, I’m taking you to the cafeteria, he softly orders.

He pulls me into his side and kisses my temple as we walk. I can easily imagine a happy life with him. Which is why I can only give him one night. Anything more and the decision between him and Alex will be made without any clear-minded deliberation.

We walk into the cafeteria, and I’m thankful there aren’t any smells in here that make me want to ralph. Bryce walks over to grab me some food, and I head over to the table where Jane and a very glum Ginny sit.

Hey, I say, and sit down across from Jane and Ginny. How’s my Ginny Bean?

She looks as if the cupcake before her is a bowl of broccoli, instead of the sugary dream every kid devours without really tasting.

I miss my mommy and daddy, she complains, and my heart breaks for her.

I know sweetheart. Mommy will be down here as soon as she can, okay?

My attempt to ease her worry is meaningless. To her they’re just empty words right now. With kids, I’ve found, actions always speak louder. They’ll believe you when they see it. She nods half-heartedly, continuing to fork the mutilated, uneaten cupcake. Handing me a cup of hot water with lemon and a dinner roll, Bryce sits down next to me. I smile, loving that he knows I couldn’t possibly be able to eat or drink much else.

Thank you, this is perfect.

Jane forces out a loud, exaggerated exhale that I immediately ignore. I look up and see Bryce doesn’t or can’t ignore her so easily. His happy expression falls, and instantly I feel protective. I turn and give her a warning glare before shifting my attention to Ginny.

Gin, would you like something else instead of that cupcake?

She shakes her head, her ringlets bouncing off the sides of her face.

You know, I saw this claw machine out in the hall with a bright pink bear. How would you like to help me get it? Bryce asks Ginny in an excited tone. Her eyes light up and she nods emphatically. Well then let’s go, he says, his smile matching hers.

I smile too, thinking, no matter the age, there isn’t a female in this world that can resist his charms! She was instantly smitten from the moment she met him a few hours earlier. It’s actually very adorable. I look up at Jane and realize I’m wrong. She may be the only woman to not like Bryce. She’s practically burning a hole through him with the most hostile scowl I’ve ever seen on her.

Be right back. Try to eat something Love, he whispers into my ear. He plants a lingering kiss to my cheek, before walking away.

I can’t believe you brought him here! Jane sneers.

Not that I have to explain anything to you, but he was with me when you called me. He was concerned, and wanted to drive me instead of letting me drive myself, I respond in equal irritation. I breathe in, then let it out in a dragged out stagger. Slowly, I start to pick at my dinner roll, attempting to ignore her hot glare.

Sarah and John need our full attention right now. How can you give it if you have to make sure he’s comfortable? she demands.

He’s thirty-two years old; I think he can take care of himself. Not that it needs mentioning, but he understands how important it is for me to be here for John and Sarah. He isn’t trying to cut into any of that. Also, if he turns out to be the father he’s going to be around for good, so you should really give him a chance and get to know him. Honestly, I don’t get why you hate him so much.

Suddenly, the idea of