Her Love Lost (Love Shattered Series Book 1) Read online

  “Good morning gorgeous.” Dex said, and then he kissed me gently on the forehead. I loved when he did that. It made me feel cherished and loved.

  “Morning babe. Shall we head in to get something to eat?” I questioned, trying to control my tears. I needed to distract myself with breakfast before I broke down like a little baby in front of everyone.

  We all headed inside and we each ordered a stack of pancakes with strawberries on top. It seemed we all had the same taste in the breakfast department. This week we had all formed a special bond. The four of us had turned out to be a great group of friends and I would miss both Rob and Dexter when we left today. Once we were finished and our bill was paid, Dexter and I walked out to a bench seat a little ways down the road so we could have a private good bye away from Rob and Lil.

  “Courtney, I have had the most amazing week with you here. I don’t know how I am going to watch you drive away today. I am going to miss you terribly. You have come to mean so much to me in a short amount of time and I can’t wait to come over to North Carolina for a visit in a couple weeks. There is something I want to tell you. I couldn’t let you leave here today without telling you that I have fallen completely head over heels in love you Courtney. I know were moving fast and I have only known you a week but it feels like I have known you forever. I love you Courtney.” I stared at him speechless. He loves me? Wow I wasn’t expecting that. Of course I have fallen in love with him too. Am I ready to admit it? Yes, I think I am. He is right, I couldn’t stand to not tell him how much I love him when I am about to head home and won’t see him for several weeks.

  “Dexter. I love you too. I never thought I would love another man but this week has meant so much to me. You have brought me back to life. I feel like my old self again. I love you so much, I am going to miss you baby.” I hugged him to me tightly like he would disappear if I let go. I started to cry because I didn’t want to leave. I missed my kids tremendously and I couldn’t wait to get home to see them, but once I left Dexter I will miss him so much.

  “Ahh Cor Baby don’t cry. You get to go home and see your kids tonight. I am sure they have missed you. As much as I would love to throw you over my shoulder and lock you away on the farm I can’t be that selfish. Your kids need you back in town and you start your new job next week. You will be so busy, the next several weeks will fly by and before ya know it we will be with each other again for a full 2 weeks baby.” He kisses my cheek and pulls back to wipe away my tears with his thumb.

  “Now make sure you text me when you get to all of your pit stops. No texting and driving and I want you to call me when you make it home too, so I know you made it safely.” He gives me a stern look that makes me crack a smile.

  “Okay Dad.” I joke. “I guess we better hit the road I don’t want to get home too late.” I stand on my tip toes and press a kiss to his lips, he deepens the kiss and gives me a thorough goodbye kiss that I am sure to still feel the effects from when I make it back home later tonight.

  I meet back up with Lillian who seems to be in a deep goodbye with Rob as well. I clear my throat to let her know we are back. Her and Rob break apart and she heads for the driver side.

  “I am going to drive the first round of our trip Courtney. I would rather drive the first set because I am rested up for now.” My dear sister, she knows how upset I am and I will need a little time to gather myself up before I am up for driving. I send her a grateful smile and say my finale goodbyes to Rob. Then I share another long goodbye kiss with Dexter.

  Once Lillian pulls away from the diner I watch Dex in the passenger side mirror until he is out of site. He stood there watching our car drive away. I let out a deep sigh and turn to Lillian.

  “Thanks for driving for me Lil. I know how much you hate to drive. Dexter just told me he loved me and I told him I love him back. This is a big deal for me Lil. I haven’t felt like this ever. Not even with Dave and I loved him so much. I am so happy but my heart hurts at the same time. Why would I feel so much more with Dexter than I ever did with Dave? It confuses me to no end.”

  “You want my honest opinion Court?” She looks my way and I nod my head yes.

  “I think you always loved Dave with the bottom on your heart, but I think that was a young high school love and even though you both loved each other so much, that is all you knew was that one love. I think you have grown up a lot since Dave died and because of that I think you are able to love more deeply than before. So what you feel with Dexter is multiplied and I think that is why you both fell so hard in such a short time. The heart wants what the heart wants.”

  My sister is so good with words. I don’t know what I would have done without her this week. She has talked me off the ledge more times than I can count since we left North Carolina last weekend.

  “Thank you Lillian. You always know just what to say. I love you. Thanks for everything this week. Thanks for being patient and spending time alone when Dex wanted me all too himself. You are the best sister a girl could ask for.”

  I texted Dexter at every pit stop on the way home as requested. When we arrived to town we went to Lillian’s house first. We were surprised to find the house dark and the inside completely empty. It looks as if Greg had been busy while we were away. The only thing he left was everything for the baby. At least he had the decency to leave all that behind. Stupid jerk face. I tried to convince her to call the police but she said it wasn’t worth her time. She said that furniture was shitty and smelly from Greg smoking inside and she needed all new stuff, so she was going to use some of her savings and get all new everything.

  Lillian didn’t even care that he was gone or that he took all of her stuff and ran. She was just happy to have him out of her life. She claims it’s best for the baby this way with him out of their lives for good. Children don’t need dead beat dads.

  Since Lillian didn’t have anywhere to sleep she came back to my house with me. She could sleep in my bed with me tonight. I had a feeling I would need her comfort on our first night back home anyway. We always shared a room as kids. We didn’t mind sharing.

  Our mom was there with the kids, she brought them here earlier so that they would be home when we got back to town. She had let them all stay up late having a popcorn and movie night.

  When I walked into the door the kids shot up off the couch and practically knocked me over from their excitement. It was good to be back. I couldn’t get enough hugs and kisses. After the excitement wore off and we all got the kids in bed Lil and I said our goodbyes to Mom and went to get settled in to bed ourselves. With all the craziness with Greg leaving and taking everything with him and the excitement with the kids I had forgotten to call Dex right when we got home. Since it was so late, I decided to just text him instead even though I would have loved to have called before I went to bed. It had been a long day and I just wanted to hear his voice.

  Me: Sorry been home for a while. Things got crazy at Lils house and then the kids were up and excited to see me. This is the first chance I have gotten away. Didn’t want to call so late. Call me when you get up in the morning Love you X

  I had barely hit send on the text when my phone started to ring. Of course it was Dexter. I should have known he would be awake and waiting for my call.

  “Hey Dex,” I answered the phone.

  “Courtney, Baby you can call me any time of night you know that. I am still awake Rob and I have just been having a couple beers on our last night before we have to start hitting the bed early tomorrow night because of early morning filming.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t sure if you’d be asleep. We have had a crazy time over here since we got back.” I went on to tell him about the state we found Lillian’s home. He was furious and if the yelling in the background was any indication he had filled Rob in and he was just as pissed as well.

  We talked for a few more minutes and then the day started to catch up with me. Dexter promised to call tomorrow when he got a free chance. I headed to bed and snuggled up next to
Lillian. I was proud of myself for falling right to sleep and not crying myself to sleep for a change.

  The next morning, we headed over to Lillian’s house to clean up and shampoo the carpets before we went to shopping for furniture. We even put the kids to work getting the house cleaned up and all traces of Greg washed away. Dexter had called me earlier while I was scrubbing the walls and I couldn’t really talk at the time and I told him it would be a while before I could call him again today because we were at Lillian’s cleaning our asses off. He still seemed pretty pissed about the whole Greg thing.

  Each kid had their own job. Jason was to clean up all the bathrooms top to bottom, toilets, tubs, and all. He was the oldest so he got the bigger task of them all. Of course Lillian was paying him good for sticking him with that chore.

  Caleb we set to work on picking up trash around the house and yard. After that, we let him sweep the floors and vacuum before I started shampooing the carpet. Caleb wasn’t getting paid as much as Jason but he was younger and really didn’t understand the concept of money yet. So he didn’t care.

  Miley even got her own chore. She felt so proud and like a big girl for helping out and Lillian paid her in the form of popsicles throughout the day.

  We had just finished up cleaning, and we were about to head out to grab some pizza and shop for furniture when there was a knock at the door. I went to the door and when I opened it I was surprised to find pizza delivery guy standing there with a stack full of pizzas that could feed a small army.

  Each pizza had a note attached to the top, so whoever ordered this pizza went to great detail to make sure the delivery was made just right.

  I picked up the box on top and read the note attached,

  For Caleb

  Ham and Pineapple just the way you like it.

  Enjoy,

  Dex and Rob.

  The guys sent us pizzas? All the way from Alabama? Wow. I was speechless.

  I picked up the next Pizza which read.

  For Miley

  Plain Cheese Pizza for one lucky little lady!

  Enjoy,

  Dex and Rob.

  I had tears in my eyes. These guys were all the way in Alabama and still thinking about us. They had to have known that we would be starving from cleaning so much and sent us dinner. God I love that man. I love Rob too like a brother of course. I needed to make sure I call Dex as soon as I am done giving everyone their pizza. Jason’s pizza was just the same note as the others kids, saying Pepperoni and Cheese only.

  The next box in the pile was for Lillian

  My Dearest Lillian,

  I am sorry you had to return home to a mess. I wish

  I was there to help put everything back in order for you.

  Here is a meatlovers pizza just the way you like it.

  Don’t worry about eating the whole thing like I know you will.

  You deserve it and you said yourself that the baby loves pizza.

  Dig in beautiful girl.

  Love, Rob

  I read the note in shock. That sounds a little more intimate for someone who claims to be just friends. She was still in her bedroom finishing up some last minute things.

  “Lillian, get in here you have some explaining to do girl. By the way our guys sent us over some pizza all the way from Alabama. Well the pizza didn’t come from Alabama obviously but they ordered us pizza. They got us each our own pizza with a personalized note on each one.” I shouted to her.

  There was one last pizza and I knew it would be a bacon and pepperoni for me. One night while we were at Dexter’s place we all got to talking about pizza and the kind each person likes. I was telling them all that every time I ordered pizza I had to get everyone their own or order half and half pizza to make everyone happy. He must have remembered and made sure everyone had what they liked. My note nearly brought me to tears.

  Courtney

  I admire how much you take care of your sister. That

  Is one of the many things I love about you. I hope you enjoy dinner.

  I am sure it is much needed after the long day you have had. I can’t wait to

  Hold you in my arms again. Thinking about you always.

  Love, Dexter

  Who knew a bunch of pizzas could make someone so emotional. Lillian had come into the kitchen and was reading everyone’s notes. When she got to hers she read it and then looked up to me with tears in her eyes.

  “I don’t know what to say. That Rob is one confusing man. We talked a bit while we were alone one night while you and Dexter were out and he explained to me that we would have to remain friends because he wasn’t sure he could commit to someone who had a kid on the way. It upset me but I had made peace with just friends then he goes and sends something so sweet. I just don’t know what to think.” She started to cry. I can see her pregnancy hormones were in full force. I am surprised she held it together this long. I would have been bawling my eyes out just coming home to see my house a mess like hers was.

  “Oh Lillian,” I pulled her into a hug. “I am sure he is just scared. He is used to being a single guy with no attachments. I think he may feel something for you but he is just not quite sure how to express it or get past the part where you are having a baby thing. I am sure he will come around Lily pie. Just give him time.” She nodded and went on to eat her pizza.

  I decided I would send Dex a quick text telling him thanks.

  Me: Thanks for the pizzas. Tell Rob thanks too. It’s just what we needed I will give you a call on my way home later. Love you.

  He didn’t text back but I am sure he was busy.

  We were all sitting on the kitchen floor eating our pizzas and carrying on casual conversations with the kids. Just as we were cleaning up the pizza mess there was another knock on the door. This time I answered to find a delivery man asking for me to sign for the delivery. I wasn’t sure what Lillian had ordered but I went ahead and signed for it. The delivery guy handed me a note which I assumed was the receipt then the guy went to his truck and pulled open the back door and you could see the back filled top to bottom with furniture.

  I looked down at what I was holding and it was a note similar to the ones on the pizza boxes. It was from Rob. Did Rob buy Lillian all new furniture? This is unbelievable.

  “Lillian you better come here.” Looks like my buddy Rob is a big fat liar when he says he just wants to be friends. What kind of friend buys another friend a house full of furniture?

  Lillian,

  No pregnant woman should be left to deal with all the stress you have had to deal with the past two days. Please accept this as a gift. There is a no return policy so you are kind of stuck with it all. You can thank me later when I head to town with Dexter in a few weeks by cooking me dinner. I want you comfortable with everything you need. These guys will take care of setting up everything so you don’t have to lift a finger. All you have to do is show them where to put it. Look forward to seeing you soon darlin.

  Love, Rob

  Lillian and I watched as the delivery guys brought in a whole set of living room furniture. Then a whole new cherry wooden bedroom suit, a new kitchen table, and then last but not least a whole nursery set complete with a crib dresser and changing table. Yes Rob definitely had to be feeling something other than friendship towards Lillian.

  To make it easier for the delivery guys to get everything set up we said our goodbyes to Lillian and I loaded up the kids and headed home for the night.

  Chapter SEVENTEEN

  Dexter

  I figured Courtney would call me back soon so I didn’t bother texting her back at the time. I was sitting here with Rob who was confused as hell about his actions and buying Lillian all that stuff, but I wasn’t going to say anything the guy would figure it out on his own.

  I haven’t had much time to talk to Courtney since she left yesterday and I am missing her like crazy. So much that I have been tempted to fly out on the next plane just to see her for a few minutes and then grab a flight back home. It would
be worth it even if it was just an hour or so with her.

  My phone finally rings and I leave a brooding Rob alone in the kitchen and head to my room for some privacy.

  “Hey Baby, how are you?” I answer.

  “I am good. Just leaving Lillian’s house I wanted to call on my way home because the second I get home I am going to be busy getting everyone settled in and then I am heading to bed myself. I am exhausted.” She sounded so tired I wish I could be there to help her out with getting the kids settled in. She shouldn’t have to do it all alone.

  “I miss you so much Courtney. You sound tired baby. You should really be concentrating on your driving instead of talking to me.” I am always going to worry about her, especially since I can’t be with her all of the time.

  “I am fine Hun. Talking to you is keeping me awake. Plus, I am using my hands free device to talk to you so I have both hands on the wheel no worries.” That did make me feel better.

  We talked for a few more minutes until she arrived home. I could hear the kids in the background noise and they sounded like they were getting tired of being in the car. So I let her go so she could get everyone inside and to bed.

  Before I went to sleep that night I sent her a text.

  Me: Goodnight sweet girl. I miss you. Sweet dreams Love you X

  She must have already been asleep because she didn’t respond.

  The next three weeks went by with a flurry of filming, and talking, and skyping Courtney whenever I got the free time. She started her new job at the bakery last week and found great childcare for the kids. She seemed to be doing okay with them going to a sitter for the first time and it seemed like she really was enjoying being a working woman for the first time in her life. She even got to help out with some of the baking and she showed a real interest in that. The owner offered to pay for her school if she decided baking was something she wanted to do. Courtney seemed elated at that. I was proud of her and I hope that she would take them up on their offer. I know she was hesitant because it would take more of her time away from the kids.