Our Legacy

By Robin Nadler

Tommy and Brittany were healing. After being near the brink of death, they weren’t taking anything for granted. Their little daughter was the light of their lives and their growing baby was a sign that good prevailed.

They should have known it was too good to be true.
They should have known that life wasn’t always fair.

They had been through it before, but never like this.

Jade was an easy target, or at least that’s what they thought. A girl with no past and no connections to anyone. Someone that wouldn’t fight back.

They were wrong.

Jade’s life has taken a dramatic turn and it isn’t an option to stay in the shadows anymore. She has always allowed other people to push her around and she never wanted to draw attention to herself. Her reasons are personal and her scars are deep, but when someone comes after her, she has no choice but to fight back.

Mike adores her. His life is in pieces and his future looks nothing like it used to, but when he looks at Jade, nothing matters except making her smile. She is everything he ever could have wanted, and he never expected to feel anything for another woman after his heart was stomped on. He didn’t think he deserved to be happy.

Jade changed that.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robin Nadler
• Release date: Feb 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310680410

Robin Nadler

Robin Nadler is a high school teacher, romance author, animal enthusiast and sarcasm aficionado. When not standing in front of a classroom of teenagers, she is immersed in the lives of the characters she creates. As a fighter of Multiple Sclerosis, Robin continuously pushes the boundaries of what is expected of her and what she knows is always possible. Her goal is to inspire and share a love of humor, romance and passion. For information on her Family by Choice series, as well as her current works in progress, please connect with her on any of the following platforms. Facebook: facebook.com/nadlersnovels Twitter: @buka163090 Instagram: rnadler103 Blog: www.nadlersnovels.com

Book preview

Our Legacy

Family by Choice

Book 11

By Robin Nadler

Copyright © 2014 Robin Nadler

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and plot are all products of the author’s imagination and are used as fiction. Nothing is to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

This book is dedicated to all of the women who feel they aren’t good enough.

You are.

Our Legacy

Chapter One:

I need a break, or a beer, or a beer and a break, Jack said as he ran his hand through his hair and frowned. What the hell was in his hair?

Wasn’t Mike coming over? Tommy asked Bill. He’s the only one who can quiet Tessa.

What? What does that mean? When did he quiet her? Jack rocked his baby daughter and prayed she would settle down. She hadn’t let him put her down all morning.

Bill walked in with Josie in one arm and Bee in the other, David toddling after them.

He said he was coming after he visited his mom, Bill flinched as Josie grabbed his chest and he hoped she didn’t remove a nipple. Damn her grip.

Where is Tramp? Tommy asked as he carried Naomi. Tramp? he looked around.

Tramp! David screamed and Bee joined him, causing Bill to wince again.

He’s probably hiding from Bee, Jack said as he shifted Tessa to his other arm.

Whatever, Tommy muttered. If he’s eating anything he shouldn’t, we’ll know soon enough.

Bill put both girls down and David sat with them. Tommy put Naomi down and she began to cry so he picked her back up.

Someone stinks, Bill said. He looked around and sniffed.

It’s not mine, Jack said as he sniffed Tessa.

I’m good here, Tommy sniffed Naomi.

Bill looked at the three on the floor and sighed when he saw David had obviously leaked through his diaper.

Didn’t you actually close his diaper when you changed him? Bill picked his son up and glared at Tommy.

No, I thought it would be fun to have him shit all over my house, Tommy said.

Shit! Shit! Bee yelled and David giggled.

Shit! Shit! David yelled with her.

The doorbell rang and Tommy went to get it. He came back a minute later with Mike.

Thank God, Bill said.

Mike wrinkled his nose when he walked in.

Someone stinks, we know, Jack said.

Shit! David said.

Mike grinned.

Apparently.

Bill picked up his son and Bee screamed.

Here, Jack handed Tessa to Mike. She won’t stop crying, but I need a break. He walked to Bee as she tried to run after Bill and David.

Mike took the little girl and smiled at her. She immediately settled down and smiled. He looked at Jack who was stunned.

What? Mike asked.

I can’t take it, Jack sighed.

Incoming! Bill called out and a naked David streaked through the room.

Seriously? Jack said as he shielded Bee.

Tommy put Naomi down and saw Tramp finally run into the room in time to throw up something, he couldn’t tell what.

Nice, he said as he went to clean it up before Josie played with it.

Mike laughed at the scene around him. He hoped Jade was having a good time. He couldn’t wait to see her again.

Chapter Two:

I have never felt so relaxed, Julie said to Stephanie as they sipped mimosas. Brittany was sitting in a mud bath and Jade was getting her hair and makeup done.

That masseuse was amazing, Stephanie agreed. Hands like butter.

I’m so glad Jade is getting a little makeover, but I hope she’s okay with it. I don’t want her to think she needed it, Julie ran her hand through her hair.

A little pampering is never a bad thing, Stephanie said and they smiled when Brittany walked in, glowing.

Well, mud suits you, Stephanie grinned.

That was the most amazing feeling, she said as she sat down. I wonder what else we could do in mud.

Julie wrinkled her nose and they laughed.

I don’t know why you have to always bring up my brother.

Brittany smiled.

He’s kind of always on my mind.

They all looked over as Jade walked in and Stephanie stood up, amazed.

Look at you! she walked over to her. You look absolutely stunning.

Jade sat down and blushed.

I haven’t had my hair cut before, she said. I mean by someone else. I always just did it myself. It was a little weird having it done, but I like what she did. She gave me some layers, but it’s still long, which I wanted.

It looks beautiful, Brittany smiled at her. You deserve to be pampered.

How do you think the men are doing? Stephanie asked.

I’m afraid to call, Julie grinned. I suppose we should head back soon.

Brittany saw Jade looked tired and she hoped it hadn’t been too much for her.

You doing okay?

Jade smiled and sat down.

I’m fine, just a little tired.

We should head back soon anyway, Julie said. I think we might be needed.

********

If I knew what he ate, then I would have a better idea why it was blue, Tommy said as he tried to clean the brand new carpet where Tramp had puked.

Well it says that different stains require different cleaning supplies, Bill said as he searched on the Internet for carpet cleaning solutions.

I think it’s ink. It looks like ink. Did he eat a pen?

Tommy sighed. Brittany was going to kill him. The carpet wasn’t three months old.

I told you I don’t know. He isn’t talking, he glared at the pooch who wagged his little tail. Tommy began to wipe the stain and he was horrified as it smeared all over. Who buys white carpet? What the hell were we thinking? he muttered to himself.

I need some help in here! Jack yelled from the other room.

Bill walked in and saw Jack with Josie and Naomi on one side of the room and David and Bee on the other.

What’s going on?

What’s going on is that my daughter is a bully. She attacks anyone who comes near David and she won’t stop staring at his crotch. She is a mean girl like from the movie. She is going to be a pack leader and make all of the other girls cry. She’s going to be pregnant by 13 and in jail at 14. She must be stopped!

Mike walked into the room with a sleeping Tessa and handed her to Jack.

Take your daughter and go sit with her. I’ll handle this.

Jack shook his head and mumbled to himself as he walked out.

Mike sat down on the floor and looked at Bill.

I got this, you should help Tommy.

Bill smiled at him and left.

Alright, so what seems to be the problem?

Bee luv David, Sabrina grinned and crawled to Mike.

David luv Bee, David giggled.

Mimi Red lov yoo! Naomi yelled and crawled over.

Mama? Josie asked in a small voice.

Okay, so now that we’ve heard from everyone, let’s have a discussion, Mike walked to the corner of the room and picked up Brittany’s guitar. He walked back to the kids and sat down on the floor with them. They all sat next to each other and watched him as he began to play.

******

The women arrived home and walked in to see Jack asleep on the couch, Tessa sleeping on his chest. Tommy was on his hands and knees, scrubbing the carpet and Bill was chasing Tramp around the room.

Ahem, Julie said and the men looked at them.

Oh, hey, Tommy said and he sat on the stain. We didn’t hear you come in.

Jack sat up with Tessa and smiled at Stephanie.

You look rested.

She crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows.

Where are the rest of the children?

Bill sighed as Tramp ran away again.

He won’t drop it, he said and then looked up at Julie.

Hey. Tramp ate a pen.

Brittany looked at him.

What?

He puked ink all over the floor. It won’t come out. This carpet is stupid. How can it be so damn hard to get a stain out of the carpet? Didn’t we get the stain guard? Tommy sighed.

They all heard the music from the other room and the woman walked to look in and they saw Mike sitting on the floor, Naomi in his lap and David, Josie and Bee all napping on the blanket. He was softly strumming the chords and Naomi was helping him.

Jade had never seen a sweeter picture. She turned and walked back into the family room.

Mike saw them and he smiled.

Hi. I hope it was okay that I played your guitar. It was kind of an emergency, he said and Naomi went to walk to Brittany, but fell, so she crawled.

Brittany picked her daughter up and kissed her cheek.

Of course it’s okay. I didn’t know you played, she smiled as she sat down.

Mike blushed.

I mainly write songs, but I’ve always played lots of instruments. I haven’t done it in a while and I guess I never realized how much I missed it.

I can totally relate. Maybe we can talk more about that?

Mike smiled.

That would be great. He looked and didn’t see Jade.

How did everything go?

She’s in the other room, Julie teased.

Mike stood up and smiled.

Thanks.

Julie and Stephanie went to get their children and Mike walked into the other room. He saw Jade and his heart jumped. She looked absolutely beautiful. Her hair was a fraction shorter, but it fell to frame her face. She was helping Tommy with the carpet.

I don’t believe it. How did you know to do that? Tommy looked at her.

Jade laughed.

I can’t reveal my sources, she smiled and looked up to see Mike staring. Once the hairspray dries, blot it with some water and it should be fine. The hairspray pulls the ink right out.

Tommy marveled at how something that took him two hours took her ten minutes.

Jade stood up and Mike walked over to her.

You look great. Did you have a nice time? He loved how she had put his sweatshirt on again.

She nodded.

I did. Do you mind if we head out, though? I’m kind of tired.

He couldn’t think of anything better. He wanted to get her alone and talk.

Come on, he said and they made their goodbyes."

They walked to the car when Mike’s phone rang. He answered as Jade got in and sat down. She waited and Mike got in, clearly upset.

What is it? What’s wrong?

He wiped his face.

That was the assisted living center where my mom lives. She fell and they are calling an ambulance.

Jade reached out and instinctively rubbed his hand.

How close is the place?

Very close.

Then let’s go make sure she’s okay, she smiled and he nodded, grateful she was there.

Chapter Three:

Jack put Tessa in the swing in the family room and watched Bee play on the floor. Stephanie was in the bedroom changing and they were going to sit and relax after the long day. Jack was exhausted after taking care of the kids and he was very happy to be home.

Stephanie walked in and he smiled.

You look beautiful. Did I tell you that already?

She sat down next to him and snuggled against him.

You did, but I can hear it again.

You’re beautiful and you smell amazing, he kissed her forehead.

Well, Jacques had amazing hands. He did things to my body that were simply orgasmic.

Jack moved and stared at her.

What? Jacques? Orgasmic?

Orgasmic! Orgasmic! Bee yelled.

What is she, a parrot? Jack muttered.

Stephanie giggled.

I’m just teasing you. It was Jacques, but he didn’t do anything other than give me a shoulder massage. I decided against the full body scrub.

Jack sighed and she rubbed his chest.

If it makes you feel any better, Jacques wasn’t into me. He would have been much happier with you.

He smiled.

Well that’s better, but I still don’t like anyone’s hands on you except mine.

Why do you think I waited for the full body scrub? I really think there is only one man who can do that.

Is that right? he nibbled on her neck.

Oh yes, she murmured as she turned and captured his mouth with her own.

*******

Mike and Jade pulled up to the senior residence where his mom lived and he ran in, panicked at the ambulances and worried something horrible had happened. Jade followed and prayed everything was okay. They got in the elevator and went to the third floor.

Mom? Mike called out when they got to her room. They walked in and the medics were trying to reason with her.

Michael, tell these fine young gentlemen that I don’t need to go to the hospital. I’m fine. This is too much fuss over nothing.

Where did you fall? Did you hit your head? Are you okay? Mike knelt down next to the chair his mother was sitting on and took her hand.

I didn’t hit anything. I went to sit on the side of my bed and missed the edge so I fell on my behind and I couldn’t get up. I pulled the help cord like you made me promise to do and they called all of the nice and handsome young men to come and help pick me up.

Mike exhaled, confident she was okay. He turned and saw Jade speaking with the paramedics. He saw his mother eye her as well and before he could say anything, she called out.

Excuse me young lady, do we know each other?

Jade smiled and walked up to her.

Mike looked between them.

This is my mother, Elaine Stein.

Hi Mrs. Stein. My name is Jade Sored, she held out her hand and the older woman took it.

Sored? she asked and her eyes filled with tears as she stared at Jade and patted her hand.

Jade nodded and Mike was confused.

Do you know each other?

No, but I wonder if you ever actually paid attention in Hebrew school. Sored means survivor in Hebrew, his mother said.

Mike blushed.

It was a long time ago.

Jade was stunned Mike’s mom picked up on her name so quickly. She never had anyone realize the connection.

We need a signature and we’ll be out of your hair, one of the medics said.

Mike signed and saw the medic smile at Jade.

We miss you at the hospital. I really hope you’re back soon. I want to take that lunch you promised me, he smiled at her and Mike saw her blush. He walked closer to Jade and realized why.

He was jealous. He was so jealous.

Jade smiled politely and seemed oblivious to the medic’s obvious flirting. Mike closed the door when he let them out and he walked back to sit with them, but his mom stopped him.

Michael, will you run and get us some food? I’m hungry and I want to talk to Jade without you here, his mother said, never one to keep anything back. I also could use a hand in the bathroom, and I don’t want you to do it."

Mom, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Jade is tired and she is still getting over being sick.

Are you okay dear?

Jade smiled.

I’m okay. I would love to help you.

Mike shook his head, nervous for what his mother would say, and he didn’t want Jade to always have to do something for others. He looked at them and knew he wasn’t going to win this one, so he left.

*****

Jade helped Elaine into the bathroom and waited before she helped her change and they made their way back into the main room. Jade sat down next to her and smiled.

So tell me how you and Michael found each other, Elaine said.

Jade blushed.

He is my friend and he has helped me out a lot recently. He is a very nice man.

Elaine looked at her.

Where are your parents?

I’m an orphan. I don’t have any parents, she said softly.

I see, Elaine said. Mike said you were sick. Was it serious?

Jade wasn’t sure how much to say.

I ate some bad rice, she said.

Right, and I’m the Easter bunny, Elaine said and they both laughed. What happened? You can tell me.

I was poisoned, but I’m going to be fine.

Poisoned? Oy Vey. Who would poison you? Was it on purpose?

Jade sighed.

I don’t think it’s important, really. Mike helped me and I owe him a great deal. He saved my life.

So you aren’t in love with him? Elaine asked point blank.

What? Why would you say that? She began to panic. Had she been acting like a fool? Had she been embarrassing herself?

Because he is in love with you, Elaine said softly. It’s all over his face.

Jade shook her head.

No, Ma’am, you’re wrong. Mike is grieving over his marriage and I hope one day he finds love like he deserves, but it isn’t with me.

His marriage? Rebecca is a tramp who never deserved my Michael. He didn’t love her and she preyed upon his need to do the right thing. He was so focused on his obligation to his Country and his father that he couldn’t see what she was doing. He wanted to have a love like I had with my Jim, but Rebecca wasn’t it.

Jade sighed.

He was married to her. He had to feel something for her.

Elaine smiled at her.

He did. He was comfortable. He wanted to make me happy, Elaine became choked up. Michael has always done what he felt he was supposed to do. I think a lot of that is my fault. I should have been more up front with him. I should have helped him. Now he has suffered the most horrific loss of his boy. I don’t think I will ever forgive myself for that.

Jade shook her head and took the woman’s hands in her own.

What Rebecca did is not on you. I have never met someone as giving as Mike. He is gentle and caring and funny and strong. He knows the value of family and faith and all of that is because of you. You have raised an amazing son and you should be so proud.

Elaine reached up and patted Jade’s cheek.

My Michael deserves someone like you.

Jade blinked and her tears fell as she shook her head.

No, I don’t think so.

Why not? Why are you so certain?

Jade tucked her hair behind her ear and shrugged.

I’m not really a prize. I have a lot of baggage and Mike has been through so much already. He deserves someone who can be his equal.

Oh, my bubeleh. You have such a shayna punim. You look at yourself in a way that breaks my heart. You are a beautiful girl and Michael would be lucky to have you.

But I’m not skinny and I don’t want him to feel like he settled, she whispered, not understanding why she felt so comfortable talking to her about this. It was as if she had longed for a mother figure for so long, she just couldn’t stop herself.

Elaine smiled at her.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, she began. Being thin is overrated. She smiled and Jade laughed. When I say you are beautiful, I wasn’t simply talking about your figure, although you have curves in all the right places. Beauty is a presence, a way you carry yourself, a mix of the outside and the inside. My Jim loved me, rolls and all. He looked at me as beautiful, because he didn’t see my love handles, he saw me.

Jade wiped her eyes and sighed.

And just so you know, men aren’t perfect. Jim had quite an attribute that took some time to get used to. In fact, I think Michael takes after his father in some ways, but that’s not for me to talk about, she laughed and Jade blushed.

Rebecca was thin and she was a bitch who ripped his heart out. Michael isn’t looking for perfection according to what is on our TV. He is looking to give his heart to someone and have them care for it the way it deserves.

Thank you, Jade said softly.

Besides, Rebecca hated that Mike was in the Army. She would never have worn his shirt, Elaine smiled.

Jade looked down and realized she was wearing Mike’s sweatshirt. Jade hugged her and Elaine rubbed her back.

My child. I’m sorry you have had such a tough life. You have a sadness behind your eyes that doesn’t need to be there. I hope you find what you’re looking for, somewhere, and learn your value.

Mike walked back in and Jade sat back, wiping her eyes. Elaine smiled at her son.

I’m tired. You should go home.

Mike raised his eyebrows.

But I brought dinner. Didn’t you tell me to get dinner?

Are you arguing with your mother? I wanted to speak with your friend and I did. Now leave me to my thoughts and take this wonderful girl home.

Mike looked at Jade who hadn’t said anything. He was worried maybe his mother had overstepped.

Do you mind if I use the bathroom before we go? Jade asked Elaine.

Of course not, she smiled and Jade walked into the room.

Mike looked at his mother.

What did you talk about? Why does she look exhausted?

Elaine smiled.

She is a lost soul, Michael. She should be treated with care and cherished.

Mike crossed his arms and nodded.

I wish I knew how to help her.

Elaine chuckled.

You do, but only if you want to. Just don’t hurt her, she smiled. Now come here so I can give you a kiss.

Mike leaned over and she kissed his cheek as Jade walked out.

Are you ready?

Jade nodded.

I am. Thank you again for the wonderful talk, Mrs. Stein.

Elaine, please, and I hope you will come by again for a visit.

Jade smiled.

I would like that.

Mike watched them and felt a strange sensation. Something he had never felt when Rebecca was there. He felt like his mom was as happy as he was.

Chapter Four:

Bill went to take a shower after they got home and Julie was sitting in the kitchen feeding Josie and David. She smiled as she watched her children and she helped Josie try and use a spoon.

David eat like big boy, David said as he looked at his sister.

Josie watched him and tried to do what he did. Julie beamed at how sweet her children were, but she knew they were in for a fun ride with them. She found herself wondering what it would have been like with four children. She didn’t focus on it a lot, but sometimes she really missed her two boys.

Mommy, eat, David said and tried to feed her some macaroni.

No baby, you eat your food. Mommy isn’t hungry, she said and wiped her eyes.

Josie watched and tried to do the same, but she couldn’t. Julie helped her to put more food on her spoon and Josie ate her applesauce.

You two are the best. Mommy and daddy love you so much, she said to them.

The children ate and Julie found herself remembering.

******

(The Past)

Julie? Can you come down here? Juliana called out to her daughter. She had just gotten off the phone with one of Julie’s teachers, and she wanted to get to the bottom of what was going on.

Julie came clomping down the stairs with her hair in a ponytail, her jeans ripped and her t-shirt dirty.

I just hung up with Mrs. Long, Juliana said. Why didn’t you tell me you were having trouble with another student?

Julie felt her eyes fill with tears.

I can handle it. I’m not a baby.

I didn’t say you were a baby or that you couldn’t handle it. I’m asking why you didn’t tell me or daddy what happened.

Mrs. Long shouldn’t have called you. She needs to mind her own business.

Julie, I don’t think you mean that. Mrs. Long is a sweet woman and a great teacher. She likes you and she was looking out for you. I think you’re being a bit short sighted.

Mom, I’m 12 years old. I need to be able to handle things on my own.

Juliana tried to read her daughter.

Why do you have to handle things on your own? Why can’t you need help?

I just don’t.

I see. Well I think you need to figure out a better answer than that. You are not a little girl anymore. You are becoming a young woman and you need to be responsible for how you treat others. Mrs. Long said you refused to join a group with a few boys and your behavior really hurt Jeff’s feelings.

Julie looked at her mom and her eyes filled with tears.

I couldn’t join their group. Taylor said I would never get a date if I don’t start acting like a girl. I am such a tomboy, mom. I need to learn how to be a girl.

Baby, you are a beautiful young woman. Why would you think anything needed to change? You like spending time with Jeff and he is your friend. You hurt his feelings because someone else told you what you should do? I thought your father and I raised you better than that.

"Maybe you didn’t. Maybe you raised