A Different Christmas (University Park #5) Read online

  “What? Why?” She seemed distraught as I broke the news to her.

  “Our son is nearly seven pounds, our daughter is a little over six pounds, and since it’s Raven’s bye week, it makes it easier for us.”

  “You mean for him.” Coldness laced her voice.

  Although she was partially right, I refused to agree with her. “No, for us. I want him there with me.”

  “But it’s the week before Christmas.”

  “Um, I’m due on December seventeenth. This is just two days before.” I wasn’t sure why this was a surprise to her. She was well aware of my due date.

  “Oh. I figured you’d be late and would go after the holidays. First babies are always late.”

  “You had us two weeks early.” I kindly reminded her.

  “Because you and Luke gave me so many problems. I was having contractions for five weeks straight. It was pure hell. It was a miracle you two survived. Heck, it was a blessing I made it.” She released a pitiful sigh. “You’re lucky you haven’t had any problems.”

  “Yes, I am.” However, talking to her made me tense and irritable. It was stress I didn’t need, but at the same time, part of me wanted her here with me. “Do you think you and Dad will be able to come? You’re more than welcome to stay here. I have to be at the hospital at noon, so—”

  A frazzled laugh echoed over the phone. “Oh, sweetie, the toy drive is this weekend and I’m co-chair. There’s no way I can make it. Monday I’ll be helping to oversee the distribution of the toys.”

  I walked to the living room and collapsed on the recliner. Bitterness filled my mouth, but I kept it inside until the edges of my heart crumbled to my stomach, making me feel sick. My mother refused to set her social obligations aside to be there for me when I needed her most. “I see.”

  “I’m sorry, sweetie. You should have warned me this might happen.”

  My fingers gripped the phone in a death lock. I wanted to choke the woman! “You knew I could go into labor anytime near Christmas. It shouldn’t be a surprise, Mom, seriously. But you know what…I don’t need you there. I’ll be fine.” I took several deep breaths, fending off the rage of tears forming in my eyes. “I’ve gotta go.”

  “Lexi, don’t be upset. Your dad and I will be there after Christmas, like we planned.”

  “Whatever. Talk to you later. Bye.” I hung up the phone, not waiting for her to say anything else. She was the most cold-hearted, selfish person I knew. Hell, she treated the damn dog better than she treated me. I’m sure if I were carrying Collin’s babies, she’d be on the next plane.

  Bitch.

  I chucked the phone across the room and sobbed like a big baby. Despite the tension between us, it hurt. She’d promised to be there for me and I’d honestly thought she would. I should’ve known better. Her social life was more important and she had made it crystal clear. All she did was make me upset and I didn’t need that in my life.

  My phone chimed and for a moment, I thought it was my mom, until I recognized the sound. It was Delaney. Her timing was impeccable. I stopped crying and grabbed a tissue as I struggled to get off the recliner to retrieve my phone.

  Delaney: What did the doctor say yesterday?

  Leave it to my friend to remember I had a doctor’s appointment. My sorry mother couldn’t even do that.

  Me: Good. She’s inducing me next Monday. 12 noon.

  Delaney: Oh, wow! The twins will be here in six days!

  Seeing the words six days made my heart flutter. Everything was happening so fast. Ready or not, I had to face reality. Raven and I would be parents in a few days.

  Me: I know. I’m scared.

  Delaney: Don’t be. You’re going to be a great mom and Raven is going to be a wonderful father. Just wait, you’ll see.

  I hoped she was right. Knowing his past still had me a little on edge.

  Me: We’ll see.

  Delaney: I’ll tell Luke. I’ll see if we can catch a flight Sunday night.

  I wanted my bestie and brother to come, but I didn’t want them to feel obligated.

  Me: If you can’t make it, I’ll understand.

  Delaney: Whatever. We’ll be there. Besides, I’m sure your parents will make Luke go.

  If she only knew.

  Me: I doubt it. Just talked to my mom and she’s not coming.

  Delaney: WTF? What’s wrong with your mom?

  A half laugh, half cry escaped my lips.

  Me: She’s too busy doing a Christmas toy drive for the church.

  Delaney: SMH. That’s just wrong.

  Me: That’s what you have to look forward to.

  Although Delaney hadn’t said anything about marrying Luke, I sensed things were getting more serious between them. They were good for each other and I hoped she was being loyal to him. Based on things she’d told me, I saw a change in my friend, and it was for the best.

  Delaney: Let me guess, it’s for the Norris’ church?

  Why couldn’t Collin’s family just disappear from my life for good?

  Me: I didn’t ask, but I’m sure it is.

  Delaney: Your mom just needs to move on and face the facts. You’re with Raven now. And you’re having his babies!

  Me: I’m not sure she’ll ever accept him.

  Delaney: I’m sorry she’s so screwed up. But I’m glad you took a stand and fought to be with the one you love.

  I smiled. She was right.

  Raven was worth every tear.

  Every ache my heart experienced.

  And the hell he put me through.

  Me: Me, too.

  Delaney: I’ve gotta go, but I’ll call you later this week and let you know our flight info. Hugs!

  Me: Sounds good. Hugs!

  ***

  Raven

  I changed the radio station, fed up with hearing sport commentators debate my abilities. I had to keep my focus and block out the negativity. My mind was going in a hundred different directions. Between Lexi being induced next Monday and the game the following Sunday, I was a little strung out. But that didn’t stop me from planning a perfect anniversary surprise for her. We’d been together one year, not counting the break in between, and after she told me her mother wasn’t coming for the delivery, I wanted to do something special for her.

  “Are we there yet?” Lexi asked for the third time, trying to peek from behind the eye mask I put on her. She sounded so cute, like my brother, Ashton, when he was little.

  “Almost, baby.” I patted her thigh as I headed toward City Park. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

  “Oh. My. God.” Lexi rubbed her belly. “The food was absolutely divine.”

  I laughed. “I’m glad you loved it. Terrance told me about it and said we had to try it.”

  “Tell him thank you. It was five stars.”

  “I will.” I pulled into the park and stopped a few feet shy of the valet stop. Night had set in and the weather was a nice sixty degrees — perfect for a train ride and a stroll through the park.

  “We’re here.” I leaned over and helped Lexi remove the mask.

  “Oh, wow.” She blinked a few times and looked around. “This is beautiful, Raven.” She peered out the window like a kid anxious to run through an amusement park. “Do they always decorate the park with Christmas lights?”

  “Yes. Celebration in the Oaks has been a New Orleans’ tradition since I can remember.”

  “How fun.”

  “I bought us tickets for a train ride, which takes us around the park to see the Christmas lights.”

  “Oh, that’s perfect.” She smiled and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

  “If you’re up to it, we can walk around afterwards. If not, I understand.” I wasn’t sure if she could handle walking through the park with her big belly. I felt bad for all the weight she was carrying around.

  “Exercise is good for me, so I don’t mind.”

  “We’ll see how you feel after the train ride.” I pulled forward to the valet porter.

  “Okay.�
��

  We got out of the vehicle and walked toward the train station. Festive holiday music played and thousands of lights twinkled in a variety of colors. Some outlined the huge oak trees and others draped the moss-covered cypress trees. Various light displays were spread throughout the park, creating a magical winter spectacular. Decorated Christmas trees lined the walkway, giving it a cozy, intimate feel.

  “This reminds me of last year when you took me to downtown Fort Worth and we went ice skating.”

  “I know.” I laced my fingers through hers. “This was the weekend we hooked up and you stayed with me.”

  Lexi stopped and turned to me. “Oh, no…”

  “Happy Anniversary, baby.”

  She covered her face with her hand. “How could I forget?”

  “It’s okay.” I chuckled. “You’ve got a lot going on.”

  “Not more than you.” Disappointment laced her beautiful features. “No wonder you gave me the diamond earrings during dinner.” She shook her head. “I thought you were giving me an early Christmas gift. I’m such a loser.”

  “No, you’re not.” I drew Lexi close to me. “You’re about to give birth to twins. I don’t think that puts you anywhere in the loser category.”

  “But I didn’t buy you anything.” Her hands rested on my chest.

  My eyes wandered behind her as the deep voices tried to enter my head. Telling me Lexi would never marry me. That she’d never be my wife. That all of this was just temporary. I shook my head and aligned my eyes with hers. “There’s only one thing I want from you, Lexi.”

  “I know.” Her gaze tore from mine. “Just keep doing what you’re doing. Okay?”

  “I’m not going to stop.” I lifted her chin, bringing our gazes together again. “No matter what it takes, I’ll prove I’m worthy of being your husband. I already told you, I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Good. Because I’m not going to let you.” She smiled and then backed away, latching on to my hand. “Come on, let’s go have some fun. I might not be able to ice skate, but we can at least enjoy the lights.”

  “You’ve got it, baby.”

  We boarded the train for the two-mile ride around the park. We laughed and talked the entire time as we passed the blinking Christmas displays, which included the animated Cajun Night Before Christmas display and the iconic snowman, Mr. Bingle, a New Orleans’ favorite. It was fun and festive and by the smile on Lexi’s face, I knew she was having a good time.

  “The lights were beautiful,” Lexi said as I helped her step off the train. “I’m so glad you thought of this.”

  “I wasn’t sure it would be a good idea since you’re so far along.”

  She waved off my comment. “I’m pregnant, not handicapped.”

  “I know, but it can’t be easy lugging around two babies.”

  “It’s not.” She huffed. “But it’s only temporary.”

  “Thank God.” I wrapped my arm around her. “Because I miss you lying naked on top of me.”

  A soft moan escaped her lips. “I miss that, too.”

  “How long do we have to wait?” I cautiously asked.

  Her eyes darted to the sky. “I think six weeks, but it might be longer for a C-section. I don’t know, but don’t let me forget to ask.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t.” Apparently, I wasn’t the only one missing the great sex.

  “So, have you decided on the names?” I held up my arm, pointing at my watch. “Times ticking.”

  “I know.” Lexi nodded repeatedly. “But this isn’t my decision alone. You have to agree, too.”

  “Okay. Let’s decide tonight.” I spotted a vendor selling coffee and pastries.

  “You want something?”

  “Do you have to ask?” She winked. “You know my weakness.”

  Since coming to New Orleans, Lexi had acquired a new favorite: java and beignets. “Caffeine-free, right?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  I ordered our drinks and pastries and we sat on a bench under a lit oak tree. Lexi pulled her phone from her pocket and opened her notes. “Last time, we narrowed it down to four names. Jayson and Justis, Raven Jr. and Isabella, Zander and Sky, and Garrett and Abigail.”

  “To be honest, I think Jayson and Justis sound like two boy names,” I confessed.

  “Really? I don’t think so, but they aren’t my favorite, so I’m okay with marking them off the list.”

  I glanced over her shoulder. “What about Zander and Sky?”

  Lexi squinted her nose. “Um, sounds kind of superficial, like they are the kids of someone famous.”

  Laughing, I said, “We aren’t famous. At least, not yet.”

  “That’s okay by me.” Lexi gave a slight shrug. “Hey, you skipped Raven Jr. and Isabella.”

  I glanced away for a moment, thinking of how to tell her what I thought about naming our son after me. “Can I be honest with you?”

  “Yes, of course.” She stuffed a piece of beignet in her mouth. The days of her being reserved and proper were long gone. I liked the down-to-earth Lexi much better.

  “I really don’t want to name our son after me.”

  “Why not?” She stopped chewing. “Raven’s a cool name.”

  I shrugged. “I guess, but I want our son to have his own identity. Not walk in my shadow.” I picked at the cardboard sleeve around my cup. “I want him to make his own name for himself.”

  “Okay.” She wadded up her napkin. “I’m not going to protest. I thought you might want to name him after you.”

  “Yeah, I’d rather not.”

  “To be honest, I’m not too fond of Isabella. Reminds me of Twilight.”

  “I thought you liked Twilight?”

  She nodded while taking a sip of her coffee. “I do. It’s just the connection I have with that name.”

  “I get it.” I held up my hands. “No blood-sucking name for our daughter.”

  She laughed and shook her head. “So, those two are off the list.” She tapped the delete button on her phone.

  Before she got to the last names on the list, I said, “What do you think about Jonah and Nevara? When I was on a plane coming home, I started Googling alternate names for a raven and a dove. I came across them and it reminded me of us.”

  “Jonah and Nevara.” Lexi repeated the names a few times. A smile emerged, creating a soft glow under the blinking lights. “I love them.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, it’s different and unique and fits our twins perfectly.”

  “Good. Then it’s settled.” I ran my hand over her belly and lowered my head. “Hey, Nevara and Jonah, can’t wait to meet you guys. Your momma and I are going to love you, care for you, and spoil you rotten.”

  Lexi placed her hand on top of mine. “And we can’t wait for you two to be born.”

  With our hands connected, she glanced at me. “I love you. Thank you for being here for me — for us.”

  I leaned closer to her, placing a tender kiss on her cheek. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”

  Chapter 9

  Lexi

  Saturday had been great and I wanted more of it.

  More of Raven.

  His touch.

  His caresses.

  His sweet, tender kisses.

  But he was up early and ready to leave for practice.

  “Thanks for breakfast. It was delicious.” I got up from the table and took our empty plates to the sink. Raven was still spoiling me for our anniversary. He made us a big breakfast with omelets, fresh fruit, and toast.

  “Anything for you, baby.” He hugged me from behind, pressing his cheek to mine as he cradled my swollen belly.

  “And thank you for last night.”

  “Are you talking about the Christmas lights in the park or the love we made?” he whispered in my ear.

  I shifted in his arms and faced him. Tilting my head to the side, a familiar flush hit my checks warming me from the inside out. “Both.”

  “Good
. I wanted it to be memorable,” he said with an impish grin.

  “Trust me, you made an impression.” I ran my hand down his torso, trying to keep my hormones in check. Raven’s body made it damn hard. I could stay in bed with him all day, allowing him to make sweet love to me. But being near forty weeks pregnant made it impossible.

  “Are you saying I still have it?” He cocked a brow.

  I laughed. “You always have. The Raven’s trap is not only irresistible, it’s also addicting.”

  “So, you’re addicted to me?” His eyes bore into mine, unraveling what little restraint I had left.

  “It’s more than an addiction, Raven.” I hooked my leg around his, sliding it up and down. “It’s a way of life.”

  Raven shifted his weight to the side. “You’re getting me excited, Lexi.”

  “Do you have to leave?” I gave his butt a nice little squeeze.

  He took a deep breath and his jaw clenched. “I wish I didn’t have to, but I need to take advantage of the extra practice time since it’s a bye week.”

  “I know you do.” I dropped my hands, stopping the flirting agonizing both of us. Leaning in, I kissed him. “Since you’re missing practice tomorrow, you don’t need to be late.”

  “I’ll be home as soon as I can.” He pressed his lips to mine and I closed my eyes, savoring his tempting taste. “Save some of this,” he gave my butt a quick slap, “for later, okay?”

  “Raven.” I released a squeal as my body tensed.

  “Don’t tease me, baby, unless you plan on doing something about it.” He winked and then released me from his embrace.

  “Oh, don’t worry.” I licked my lips. “I always deliver.”

  “Hey, that’s my line.” He laughed as he grabbed his gear and headed for the door. “But I’m going to hold you to it.”

  Placing my hand on my waist, I struck a sexy, pregnant pose. “I’ll be here waiting.”

  “I’ll be home as soon as I can.” He winked and then walked out the door.

  The door shut and a sudden pain stole my breath. It was hard, tightening my stomach and placing an incredible amount of pressure on my cervix. I leaned against the counter and took a few deep breaths. Although I’d been having Braxton Hicks, this felt more intense and definitely hurt like hell. After a minute, my stomach relaxed and I was able to clean the kitchen. It didn’t take long for another one to hit. I made a note of the time and continued to do the necessary chores around the house.