Chapter 27: Book 2 Blurb + chapter 1

Colton-

Is there hope for someone like me?

I've done bad things.

Committed crimes.

Harmed my family.

Hurt the only woman that stood by my side—the only woman who loved me.

I ruined her—ruined us.

Can I find redemption and get her back?

Find my way back and be the man I used to be?

Be the man she needs me to be?

I did the crime—now I'm paying the price.

It won't be easy, but I'm going to win back her trust.

Jenna-

What do I do when the man I love leaves me pregnant and alone?

I'm lost—don't know what to do.

Do I wait for him, or move on with my life?

My heart aches for him.

I'm bleeding out.

Every time I think I can move on, he shows his face.

He's in my dreams. Every damn time I close my eyes.

And each time I fall, there's another man who catches me.

A man who isn't the one who holds the key to my heart.

But this other man has secrets of his own.

Secrets that could hurt me.

Can I forgive the man I love, or do I move forward and try to forget him?

***

Chapter 1

Jenna

I hated Colton—hated the fact he lied to me. I thought we were best friends—lovers. I guess not. How stupid I was to think he would actually return the feeling. I thought he loved me. It's been four months since he was hauled off to prison. Four long months of crying over the man I was still in love with. Four long months of knowing I was pregnant with Colton Davenport's child.

“Jenna, you need to eat something.” Chloe said, taking a seat next to me. Benjamin and Chloe have been great. They always try to get me to come with them to visit Colton, but I can't. I can't face him after everything that's happened.

“Chloe, I already ate this morning.” I replied, rubbing my belly.

“Jenna, Chloe and I are going to visit Colton this Thursday. We would like it if you came with us. He misses you.”

I shook my head, “I can't. I have a doctor's appointment.”

“I think you should tell him about the baby.” Benjamin said, a small frown forming on his face.

“No, he doesn't deserve to know about his child.”

Benjamin reached into his jacket and pulled out an envelope, “Here, this is for you.”

“What is this?” I asked.

“Please, just read it—for me.” Chloe said, placing her hand over my hand.

I rubbed my belly and sighed, “Fine. I'll do it for you, since you've helped me through everything.”

I held the letter in my hand and unfolded it. Taking a deep breath, I began to read.

*Dear Jenna,

I know you don't want to talk to me—to see me, and I don't blame you. You gave me everything and I just threw it away. Hurting you was the last thing I wanted to do. It kills me to know you're hurting because of me. I think about you every hour of every day. I miss you. I miss your touch... your kisses. Most of all, I miss holding you in my arms. I know I messed up. I pray that you come see me every morning and night. You might not believe me, but I didn't kill that woman. Hell, I didn't even know that my mother's sister was dead. However, I did harm my sister. I know you hate me, but I still love you so much. I'm a bad person, baby. I've committed crimes. Hurt my family. Hurt the only woman who stood by my side—the only woman who loved me. I have no excuses for the things I've done, but you have to understand—I did it to protect you. I couldn't let my father hurt you, not after what you've been through. It's been a long road for me, but I'm slowly getting there. I hope you're doing well, baby. Any day now, my father should be facing his Judgement Day. My sister and Benjamin have come to see me once every few weeks. I'm working on setting things right with my sister. She's slowly finding it in her heart to forgive me. I don't deserve her forgiveness, but she's giving it to me. Benjamin wasn't so forgiving, but as long as Chloe is happy—he's happy. Here, I sit in my cell and I'm looking at your picture. I kiss it every night before I go to sleep—just, so I can feel close to you. I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry I didn't come clean and tell you the truth. Most of all, I'm sorry I let you down. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me. I just wanted to write this letter to you to tell you something. Not a day goes by that my heart doesn't ache for you. Visiting day is on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Chloe and Benjamin are coming to see me. I really hope to see you come with them. It would be nice to see you—would love to see you.

Love,

Colton

P.S. I love you, Jenna.

*

“Why—why do you do this to me, Colton?” I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

I wiped my face and sighed. I didn't know if I could force myself to face the man I hated and loved. I couldn't let him know I was pregnant with his child. I just don't see how Chloe could be so forgiving. Not after all Colton had done to her.

Benjamin placed his hand on my shoulder, “Jenna, let me and Chloe take you home.”

“I can't go back there—not right now.”

“Jenna—you need to rest.”

“You don't understand—there’s too many memories of him there.”

My chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. If I went back to my house, I'd break completely. Everything in that damned house reminded me of Colton. His scent still lingered. My pillow still has the faint smell of his cologne. I couldn't bring myself to wash the pillowcase. I was angry. So pissed at myself for getting involved with him.

“Ow.” I held onto the table to keep from falling. Benjamin was quick to steady me and help me in a chair.

“What's wrong?” He asked.

“I'm fine. I'm just tired.” I lied.

“Are you—”

“Yes!” I hissed, “I wish everyone would just leave me alone. I—need some time alone.”

“You'll call me or Chloe if you need us?”

I sighed, “Yes. I promise you I'll be fine.”

***

I stepped up to the doors of the church and let out a breath. It had been months since I stepped foot in here. I couldn't knowing Colton was gone. I pushed through the doors, taking a deep breath. It looked the same as I remembered it. Only one thing was different—Colton wasn't here. I let out a choked sob as I looked up to the wall. His picture was there—haunting me. It already haunted my dreams, but seeing it stare back to me made me realize. I was truly alone. I lost my best friend—the man I loved and hated.

“Miss Bradley?” I heard a voice call to me.

I whispered to the picture, pretending it was him. “I hate that I love you, Colton Davenport. I hate you did this—most of all, I loathe you because you used me. You used my heart and played it like a fiddle.”

“Are you okay, Miss Bradley?”

“No.”

“Do I need to call someone for you?”

“I'm sorry, but I shouldn't have come.” I turned and ran away from the church. Everything was crashing down. Every emotion. Each time I spent with the sexy bastard. All the times he held me in his arms. I ran to the edge of the church yard and sunk to my knees, “Please—God, what do I do? How do I move forward from this? Please, tell me—just give me a sign.”

“Jenna, are you okay?” Tommy, Jeff's cousin, asked as he helped me to my feet.

I blushed as his rough hands reached under my arms, helping me up. “Tommy, what are you doing out here?”

“I heard you crying and thought someone was hurting you.” Tommy rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“I'm okay—just—I'm okay.”

“You're not okay. I can see the pain in your eyes, sweetheart.”

“You're right.” I pursed my lips, “I'm a fucking wreck.”

“Come on, Jenna. Let me take you to get something to eat—take your mind off Colton.”