Chapter 28: Book 2 Chapter 2
Colton
If I could take everything back, I would. The guilt was eating me up inside. I wished I could go back in time and do it over again. I would be stronger—fight back. Stand up to my father and protect the innocent involved. Most importantly, I would come clean with Jenna.
*I’m sorry, babe.
I’m so very sorry I disappointed you.
*
My father is awaiting his fate, while I’m serving a three-year term. The cops offered me a deal. If I testified against my father, I would only be here a few years. It could’ve been so much worse for me. I was lucky enough to get a good cell mate. My mate, Javier, was serving for a hacking charge. He didn’t go into detail, but said he hacked into the FBI’s system. Long story short, he got caught.
I laid on the bottom bunk, tracing Jenna’s picture. I missed her so much it hurt. I kissed the picture and whispered, “I love you, Jenna. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Javier was just finishing up his push-ups when he glanced over to me. “Is that her—the one you write letters to?”
“Yes.”
Javier stood up and asked, “Can I see?”
I handed him Jenna’s picture, and he looked, handing it back. “She’s pretty.”
“She is. It’s just too bad I fucked everything up.”
“Maybe there’s still hope. Has she written you back yet?”
I frowned, “No.”
“Don’t give up. If she loved you and you loved her, that kind of a connection never dies.”
“Love.” I corrected him.
“Huh?”
“You said loved. I still love her and will never stop. She was the only one who stood by my side—no matter what everyone thought of me.”
“Well, have you tried to call her?”
“Can’t yet. I have a few friends coming today. They’re supposed to get me a phone card, so I can call her. Speaking of, it’s almost that time.”
“You’re hoping she comes with them, right?”
“A man can only hope. I wish she would, but I know—she’s not going to show. I can feel it in my bones.”
***
I looked up and saw Benjamin and Chloe walking towards me. They took a seat in front of me and gave me a warm smile. I have no idea why Chloe forgave me, but am very grateful for it. And Benjamin, he only forgave me for my sister. He cleared his throat, “Colton, I—”
“She’s not coming, is she?”
“I’m sorry, man. She’s still hurt.”
Chloe reached over and patted my hand, “She’ll come around, brother. It’s just going to take some time.”
Benjamin pursed his lips, “There’s something you need to know about her. She doesn’t want you to know, but I just can’t keep it from you.”
“What is it? She sick or something?”
Chloe muttered under her breath, “Or something.”
“She’s—pregnant.”
I exhaled, “What?”
“You’re going to be a daddy, man. Jenna’s pregnant with your child.”
“Shit, that’s why she hasn’t come to see me. Right?”
“She is under direct orders from the doctor to take it easy. She needs rest and absolutely no stress.”
“She’s okay—the baby?”
“Jenna and the baby are doing just fine.”
“Whew.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“I left a phone card at the desk, so you can call her.”
“There’s something you’re not telling me. I can see it in your eyes, Chloe.”
Chloe nodded, “It’s just—Tommy has been spending a lot of time with her.”
I clenched my fists and cursed, “Fucking Tommy.”
Benjamin and Chloe exchanged glances. Chloe leaned forward, “Benjamin and I are getting married. We’re going to wait until you’re out to have the wedding.”
“No, don’t wait—”
“I want you to walk me down the isle, Colton.”
“You do?”
“Yes. I would love to have you by my side to watch us tie the knot.”
“You cool with this, man?”
Benjamin nodded and chuckled, “It’s cool. Sure, we’ve bumped heads in the past, but it would be an honor if you did this for us. Consider this our wedding present from you.”
“Ok. I’ll do it, but it’s going to be awhile until I get out of here. Can you tell Jenna something for me?”
“Of course.” Chloe said, squeezing my hand.
“Tell her, I miss her and I love her.”
“We’ve got to go, but before we go we have some more news. Jenna isn’t the only one expecting. I’m pregnant, brother. You’re going to be an uncle and a daddy.”
“Wow. Even though Jenna didn’t come with you, this is the best news I’ve gotten since I’ve been locked up.”
“We’ll see you next Tuesday. And Colton, you look good—healthy.”
“Bye guys. Love you, little sister and congratulations to both of you.”
A baby.
I was going to be a father.
And, Tommy is closing in on my girl.
I needed to fix that.
Very soon.
I walked back to my cell and sighed. I refuse to let Tommy take away my woman and raise my child. No way in fucking hell would that happen. Tommy was Jeff’s cousin, a damn pussy. He always wanted what I had. And that someone was Jenna—my girl.