Perfect Harmony

By DW Cee

Two Men
One Woman
A Child Whose History Unfolds Their Future

What began as a fight between two sisters, one lover, and a baby, continues with two men struggling to understand their lives with this woman and child.

At the end of Unfinished Melody, we watched Marni Montgomery accept Noah Bergstrom’s proposal of a happily ever after. To the chagrin of Ben Howard, Marni and Noah promise to love, support and trust one another.

However, one deeply kept secret between two sisters will ruin all that Ben and Noah know to be true. When revealed, no relationship will remain the same.

Perfect Harmony unfolds the complex relationship between our three characters, past and present. In this final installment, no question goes unanswered, no secret untold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DW Cee
• Release date: Sep 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311431462

DW Cee

I started writing back in Dec of 2009 after I saw an interview with Stephenie Meyers. She told Oprah that she always had stories in her head and that struck a chord with me. Whenever I drive, I have all kinds of stories circulating in my mind. Generally, I am the star of this story and many wacky things happen. Of course, I make the story quite complimentary and beneficial to me. I guess you could say Meyers channeled my head case into a novel. I am first a wife and a mother, as well as a restauranteur and a caterer. Writing is my last profession and a late-found one. I have a B.A. and an M.Ed from UCLA (yes, just like Emily from Indelible Love) and taught 1st grade for four years till I had my first child, a son. Two years later, I had my daughter and the two kids ran my life till they both started school. My husband and I opened a restaurant in LA when we first got married and have been in the food service industry for almost 17 years. I think I've always been a foodie at heart and though it sounds strange, loving food did not have anything to do with opening up a restaurant. That was all my husband's idea. I didn't even know I could cook till I got married. And then I discovered, I love cooking! I love everything related to food. Eating, first, cooking second, cleaning a definite last. I could do without the cleaning from the prep work and the mound of dishes created after a meal. But, that's a whole other blog in and of itself. Whenever we plan a family trip, and especially when my husband and I go on a couple's trip, it's based around what we want to eat, or which restaurants we want to visit. Hubby and I did a trip to Austin one summer just to eat BBQ. The trip to Rome was for pasta, Tokyo was for ramen and sushi, and in Paris, we gorged on treats from all the beautiful patisseries. The two best meals of my life were at Taillevent and Joel Robuchon in Paris. All of these places and restaurants sound familiar? :) NYC is our favorite city (and yes, Emily's favorite city as well) for dining. But… I digress. Even with the crazy schedule, I hope to keep writing. Indelible Love - Emily's Story and Indelible Love - Jake's Story were my first two attempts at writing. Entwined, my third novel, as well as Indelible Lovin' - Max & Jane's Story Vol. 1 & 2 have also been self-published on Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks, Nook, and Kobo. I am currently working on another story titled, Unlikely Attraction, as well as a new In...

Book preview

Mar. I will love you until I die. No matter the circumstances, I promise to be faithful to you. Though we will be miles apart, you will stay securely in my heart. You are my best friend, my lover, my life, my every breath. Before you leave, I wanted to tell you how much I love you. Though we’re young, I hope you’ll believe me when I tell you I want to marry you as soon as you’re done with school. I don’t want us to ever separate again. Will you marry me, Mar?

Sorry. Did I wake you? Mar was surprised to see me when she turned on the light in our hotel room.

I popped off the couch in a daze. Where the hell did that memory come from? It’s all right. What time is it? Is Ali up? Looking at the curtains to ascertain the time was no use. They were closed shut.

It’s six. I got here early so you can get ready for your meeting. I guess you fell asleep on the couch.

Yeah. I guess so. My head was discombobulated with all the shit swirling through it. This was late, but I needed to say what’d been on my mind all night. Mar.

She stopped mid-step. Let me check on Ali, first? She was deflecting. I was a complete asshole to her yesterday. I needed to make amends.

Grabbing her hand, I pulled her to the couch and sat her down. About yesterday—

Stop, she interrupted me immediately. I get it. I’m not Ali’s mom. You feel guilty toward Melody. You want Ali to know her real mom. I can’t say I wasn’t hurt by your reaction, but I also can’t say I don’t understand.

Let me apologize, I said, grabbing onto both of her hands. I shouldn’t have reacted so… I stopped talking because something wasn’t quite right. Looking down at her hands, I noticed a ring. What’s this? I asked, pulling up the hand in question, just in case my question wasn’t clear enough.

It’s an engagement ring, she answered quietly.

To whom?

To Noah, she laughed with her answer, who else?

I don’t understand. I thought you two were separated.

You know how it’s been with us. We’ve been apart, but we never really separated. I love him.

Does he love you? Marni looked as if I’d slapped her in the face. Sorry. What I meant was, after all the breakups, how do you know for sure you two should be married? Shouldn’t you wait a while longer before taking such a big step?

Now, Mar was laughing at me. I’m thirty-two. I think I’ve waited long enough to get married. You were married for ten years. The first part of her statement had much anger, the second part, much resentment.

I’m just watching out for you, Mar. I don’t want you to be hurt. I said this boldly, but the doubt in her eyes made me rethink my own statement.

Listen, if this is about Ali, I want to relieve your mind. I’ll still be around to help.

I guess it was always about my girl. Her welfare was our first concern. That’s what bound us. I take it only during the day? You’ll find a new place to sleep?

Yeah. I don’t think my husband will take kindly to me sleeping in another man’s house.

We both laughed until we heard Ali call out for her Mama. That moniker still perturbed me, but I decided there was nothing I could do about it. It wasn’t as if Mar had coached my one-year-old into calling her Mama. Even if I wanted to un-train my daughter, I didn’t think it’d be possible.

Mama! The holler got louder.

I’m coming, Ali-Girl. Mar called out in a sing-songy way that had Ali giggling from her crib. You’re awake early, Ali-Girl.

Mama. My baby girl called her aunt and raised her arms to her and only her. When I reached for Ali, she pulled her hands away and swayed her body from side to side. This was her letting me know she didn’t want me.

Seriously, Ali? I picked her up and gently threw her in the air. That brought out a welcome laugh filled with drool. I knew you’d want me instead. You see how much fun your daddy is? I continued to throw her in the air.

Dada! She squealed.

That’s right! Your dada is the best!

As weird as it was that I was playing house with my sister-in-law, I loved that my little girl recognized me as her father. As she became more cognizant of those around her, I’d have to take time to show her who her real and only mother was.

Ali-Girl. As soon as Marni spoke, it was as if there never was a Dada throwing his little girl in the air. She jumped over to her aunt. I see you have more teeth breaking through. You’ve been such a good girl even with all this teething. Most babies are a mess, but not my Ali-Girl.

Mama! Ali continued to pat Mar on the cheeks with her chubby hands. She also leaned in to hug her tight.

The two of them had me blowing out a deep sigh. This time, it wasn’t the thought of Melody that had me down, but the relationship between Ali and her aunt. Ali and Mar loved each other more than it made me comfortable. What would happen to my baby if Mar decided to leave her after she married? I supposed I didn’t need to borrow trouble. For now, I needed to get back into my sister-in-law’s good graces. I was truly an asshole for being upset yesterday.

Mar watched me closely to make sure I wouldn’t go psycho on her.

Again, I’m sorry about yesterday. I would continue to apologize until my friend believed me. I love seeing my baby girl happy and you make her happy. Hopefully, she’d come to believe my sincerity sooner than later.

What time do you leave? she asked. I gave her a questioning look, which made her explain, The Admiral is leaving this morning, and he’d like to have breakfast with all of us. May I take Ali with me while you’re at your meeting?

Sure… I dragged that word out as long as I could.

If you’re not crazy about the idea, I’ll tell them I can’t make it. Mar was still wary of my mood swings. It’s not a big deal. I’ll see Noah’s dad when he comes to LA.

Did I want my daughter a part of this happy family reunion?—not really.

Did I even congratulate Mar on her engagement?—not really.

Was I happy that Mar was getting married?—not really.

Did all of the above make me an asshole?—probably.

That’s fine. I blurted the words before I could take them back. I’ll be back by Ali’s nap time. You mind if we talk, then?

I’m really fine about what happened yesterday. You don’t need to apologize anymore.

If that’s the case, could you and Noah discuss how you want to work Ali into your schedule once you’re married? Then maybe you and I can talk about my daughter, afterwards?

Sure… Now it was Mar who was slurring her word.

What? I asked.

Her eyes stayed on me. Nothing, she said, and then turned her attention to Ali. Let’s get you changed so you can go have breakfast with Noah, the Admiral, Cece, and Carson. Do you remember them from lunch yesterday? Do you remember how you sat on the Admiral’s lap and played with him? You already have Cece, Carson, and the Admiral wrapped around your little finger. Noah told me you’re all they talk about, Pretty Girl.

My baby girl giggled as if she understood.

I had no idea my daughter had already met the in-laws. Everyone knew each other, loved each other, and acted like one big happy family already.

Why the hell did I feel like the big fat loser in this equation?

Chapter 1 - Noah

Marry Me ~Jason Derulo

Noah. You know how much I love you. I’ve loved you since I was barely out of high school and I should have married you when you first asked me that night on the beach. I know you still feel guilty about Marni and I know you hurt for her. I can’t say I’m sorry for her loss; we belong to one another—always have. When you ended up at NYU this year, I knew we were meant to be together, forever. Marry Me, Noah Bergstrom. We love each other, we make each other happy, and we’ll make beautiful babies together. Say you’ll marry me and live with me the next hundred years!

What are you thinking about? We’ve called your name three times now.

Sorry, Mom. I was thinking back to when Siena proposed. I shouldn’t have said yes that night. What a terrible mistake that was. I created such a mess for all of us.

"Mom’s always right, I like to say. I told you it was a big mistake to marry her. Mom had a smirk on her face. Neither of you were ready for marriage, Siena especially. That girl is only about fun. I shudder to think what kind of mother she would have made for my grandchildren had you stayed married to her."

Sad thing—I think our marriage was over as soon as the honeymoon was over. Having Admiral di Rossi as a father, I thought she’d understand my desire to succeed in the Navy. Who knew she’d have such a hard time with me working?

"Twenty-two is too young for anyone to marry. Look at me. I loved your father but didn’t like having to grow up by myself, and with a child. Had I been ten years older, I don’t know if I would have fallen for the Admiral’s charms as easily. I would have seen the lonely future ahead."

I disagreed. You would have fallen for the big, bad Admiral regardless of the pitfalls that lay ahead.

Mom laughed. You think, huh? I’m sure your father will agree. Have you spoken with Siena at all since the divorce?

Here and there I’ve seen her. It’s hard to avoid her since her father works with Dad, and she’s married another Navy man.

She’s remarried?

Right after we separated, she started dating a guy around my age and rank. The big difference between us is the fact that he’s willing to work completely under Admiral di Rossi’s wings.

And that means he’s with the di Rossi family at all times.

You’re a smart cookie, Mom.

Hey. What’s with the family pow-wow without me? Carson walked into the kitchen with this greeting.

You gotta get up very early to join in these secret sessions, Darling.

My gorgeous wife, you exploit all my weaknesses. He reached over and kissed my mother as if I wasn’t even in the room. They acted like young newlyweds. I loved watching Carson adore my mother. Both Carson and my father were good examples for me.

So, when’s the wedding, Noah?

Why, Carson? You offering us a big, fancy wedding? I challenged with a smile.

Because I love your mother so much, I’d do anything to make her happy.

Was that a yes to my question or another declaration of your undying love for my mother?

Yes! Carson answered.

I hope Marni and I will always be as happy as you two are.

You will be, Son. I love Marni. She’s warm, loving and down to earth. Initially I was worried about her situation with Ali, but after watching the two together yesterday, I see why she feels the need to be with her. I’m thinking I may be out in Los Angeles more often to babysit for you two. One meal and we’re all in love with Ali. I can’t wait until you and Marni have babies. When that happens, I’m permanently moving to Los Angeles.

Or maybe by that point, Marni and Noah can move next door to us in New York. Hopefully Ali will be situated by then.

Carson, I added to this conversation, unless you’re offering us a wedding and a penthouse in your posh neighborhood, you’ll be visiting up in Queens or Harlem. There’s no way we can afford a home in Manhattan—or even Brooklyn for that matter.

We will have you move in with us if that’s what it takes for me to play with my grandchildren. Now Mom was getting way ahead of herself.

Carson shook his head. Cecilia Hanover, he warned. I won’t share you with anyone. No kids or grandkids in the house with us.

Mom paid no attention to her husband’s comment, but I knew he wasn’t kidding.

Really, when’s the wedding, Noah? Carson asked again.

Soon? I’d like to have a small wedding, immediately if possible. I thought I heard Dad say he’ll be back in the States in a few weeks.

Where will you have this wedding? LA or New York?

I think we need to talk to the bride about all this, Carson. Mom got up from her stool. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late meeting Marni and her sweet niece.

Let’s go, then. Carson picked up Mom’s shawl and we all headed out to meet my fiancée.

Chapter 1 - Marni

Marry Me ~Jason Derulo

You’re my unending sunshine, you’re my unending hope

You’re my first and last breath, my sweet Melody

Will you give meaning to my life by becoming my wife

I love you my sweet Melody

Damn. Of all the songs to appear on the radio, why this one?

I was engaged to be married now. I’d become someone’s wife soon. This should have been the most fantastic morning, but this song threw me into a funk.

Memories of the first time I heard this song altered my mood. After Ben and my sister told me they were getting married, this song hit the airwaves and went viral. Women loved it and couldn’t stop singing its tune. The story of Ben Howard proposing to his girlfriend with this song hit a chord with every woman in the world. Such a romantic gesture catapulted Ben’s creation to the top of the Billboard 100.

I was shopping for groceries when I heard the song the first time. Standing in the cereal aisle, I listened to every word. It was Ben’s proclamation of love for my sister. Like a fool, tears fell and I cried to his words of love. I couldn’t stand the pain. I hurt so much; I left everything in the aisle and walked to my car so I could cry. After a good long time of consoling myself, I promised this would be the last time I’d cry over my sister and Ben. Unfortunately, I could never keep that promise.

Mama. Ali brought me back to reality. Her big, toothy grin made my heart do somersaults from here to Los Angeles. This little girl was the reason for my existence these days.

You want more fruit, Ali-Girl?

She nodded her beautiful head. Dada.

Your daddy is in a meeting with some Hollywood producer. Hopefully, he’ll get the job so he can pay for that little pink grand piano he purchased at FAO Schwartz yesterday.

She nodded her red head again.

Ali! I heard Cece’s excitement. Ali’s head turned to the call and gave Cece exactly what she wanted—a squeal, a gigantic smile, and hands raised, ready for a hug. Oh my sweet child. How can I be so in love already? You’re not even mine and I love you like my own.

Hello there, Fiancée. Noah grinned.

Hi. I answered shyly. His greeting was a small shock to my heart. Fiancée. I was someone’s fiancée—to be married, to be loved. I cherished that thought. I feared that same thought.

Good Morning my future daughter-in-law. Carson hugged me. Finally, another person in the family who is/was not a Bergstrom. I have felt outnumbered for years. I’m glad you’re joining the Hanover family.

Last I checked my son’s name is Bergstrom, not Hanover, which means Marni will take my last name. Elijah Bergstrom, in all his glory, was in the house!

Hello to the both of you, I returned each man’s embrace. I like this attention. Two debonair men fighting over me. I see why Cece keeps you both around, I teased.

Come sit with me, Marni. I think Cecilia has decided to kidnap Ali for her own this morning.

Damn you, Carson. You already have Cece. I want Marni with me, The Admiral kidded, kind of.

Uh, guys? She’s my fiancée, not yours. I think she should be with me, Noah demanded.

I enjoyed this familial interaction and wished Mom were here.

Noah pulled me down next to him and everyone else took his and her seats.

Marni, will you be having babies right away?

I looked at Cece who showed no shame in wanting grandkids. Well…I’m not sure. Noah? I asked.

I’m all for procreating! he declared to the chuckle of the men.

When and where’s the wedding? I need to make sure I’m available. My future father-in-law asked.

When will you be back, Admiral?

You may no longer call me Admiral. I’m commanding you to call me Dad.

Uh, if he gets Dad, I get Dad, too. Carson chimed.

If they get Dad, then I get Mom, Cece spoke those words in between kissing Ali’s cheeks. Does that make me your grandaunt? I can’t wait to be a grandmother! She plopped a few more kisses.

Noah and I felt the overflowing Bergstrom/Hanover love; it was sweeter than I deserved.

Well, Dad. I addressed the Admiral first. The wedding will be the first weekend you’re back in New York. And as to where we will have the wedding, I figure New York would be the best place since Mom and the other Dad are located here. I addressed my other newfound parents.

I can be back as soon as two weekends from now. Are you sure you can get everything ready by then?

I suppose I should ask Noah if he minds, but I’d be all right with a very small, family-only affair. Nothing fancy. If Mom doesn’t mind, we can get married at her apartment or some small restaurant. Maybe Dad Bergstrom can officiate, and Dad Hanover can walk me down the aisle. That would be ideal in my mind. Then everyone can be involved since the moms will most likely plan the wedding.

What about your father, Marni? Noah asked cautiously.

My father and Jean are still grieving Melody’s loss. It would be nice if they attended the wedding in New York, but I don’t think they will. They’re having a hard time. I forced myself to hold back any sadness. I didn’t need to dampen this wonderful mood. I was gaining two fathers rather than losing one. He was already lost to me.

That sounds perfect to all of us. Cece spoke for everyone at the table. I’ll call Jackie and we’ll finish our conversation from last night.

Marni, the Admiral said, We don’t mind flying into Los Angeles. You don’t have to try and work your schedule into ours. Will your brother-in-law be able to bring Ali back to New York so soon?

Deep down, I knew Ben wouldn’t come to the wedding. Though his response to my engagement was surprisingly tame, I couldn’t imagine him watching the wedding with a happy heart. As much as I wanted Ali to be a part of my joy, I accepted this reality.

I’ll talk to Ben. You don’t need to concern yourself with him. Just make sure you can officiate our wedding. It would mean a lot to me, and of course to Noah.

Noah watched but didn’t say anything to contradict me. If we’re all done here, should we separate so Marni and I can discuss a few things?

May I keep Ali with me a little longer? I’ll take her back to the apartment and play with her while you two do your planning.

An uneasy feeling arose, but I tamped it down. My niece appeared to have no issues playing with Cece. Are you sure? She’s more work than that cute little face shows the world.

I’ll strap her car seat into Carson’s car and we’ll carefully drive our princess home.

Ali-Girl. You want to play at Cece’s house? Will you be all right if I leave you for an hour? Seeing as how she didn’t even look my way, I understood her answer to be yes. Please call me if there are any issues?

Of course. Cece took off her pearl necklace and put it around Ali’s neck. The obsession with those pearls started yesterday and hadn’t worn off yet. Leave us all her stuff and go.

I kissed Ali good-bye and turned back several times to make sure she wasn’t crying with my absence. After the initial wave, she never looked at me again.

Let’s walk a few blocks. I want to take you somewhere so we can talk.

Sure. I followed his lead. I’m sorry I made all the wedding decisions in there. I’d be completely fine changing them to your needs. It doesn’t matter to me what we do in terms of the wedding. As you know already, I’m not high maintenance.

Noah brought me to a gelato shop that had just opened for the day. For old time’s sake? He gestured for me to enter after opening the door.

We ordered, we sat, and Noah appeared contemplative.

My heart sank. Is something wrong? Did I say or do something you didn’t like? Suddenly, I wondered if he regretted asking me to marry him. He had stayed quiet all morning—a little too quiet for comfort.

I felt so vulnerable and scared at this moment. Usually, I was a stronger person, but I felt unsettled of late. I couldn’t help the tears that formed.

Marni. No. It’s nothing like that. Don’t cry. Shit. Noah pulled me into his body. Where did my Marni go? Where’s the strong woman who could give me and her own happiness up to rescue her helpless niece?

I don’t know, Noah. Since I made that decision, nothing has been easy—whether with you or with Ben. Ali and Mom have been my only comfort.

Can we be honest with one another today?

OK… I wondered if there was something Noah or I had said or done that hadn’t been honest up until now.

What happened to you yesterday that put you in such a funk? You’ve been nervous and on edge. It’s as if you’re looking over your shoulder.

You noticed that, huh?

I notice much about you, my future wife.

My newfound title made me smile. So you’re not regretting proposing to me? The hitch in my voice was unmistakable. The insecurities wouldn’t leave until I heard an affirmation.

Noah brought me right back into his body. "Marni Montgomery. I love you. I want to marry you and create little Alices of our own. If you will still have me, I will be the best husband to you and the most incredible father to our children. As an added bonus, you’ll get Carson, Cece, and Elijah as parents and grandparents."

I cried on his chest for a while. Noah and I had had some rough years, but the pain was worth it. We’d grown up together. Once married, I knew we’d be mature enough to handle any other problems that came our way.

All right. I’m good now, I answered with a relieved heart. What did you want to talk about?

Siena and my first marriage.

That topic was not anywhere on my radar. Did I want to hear about either?

Chapter 2 - Ben

Amnesia ~5 Seconds Of Summer

Hi Ben.

Hey, Mar. I’m so glad you called. I’ve been meaning to call you today. How did we go an entire summer and barely see one another?

I wondered that myself. How have you been?

Busy. I think this music gig is going to work out after all. I’ve been crazy-inspired these days. Songs are pouring out of me like never before.

That’s wonderful, Ben. I knew you’d be successful. You just needed a new inspiration.

I guess. How’s school? It just started, right?

It did. It’ll be a great year.

I’ll try and visit a little more this year. I know I haven’t been the best friend or boyfriend to you.

Listen…I wanted to tell you that I think it’s best if we break up.

What? Mar. I know we haven’t talked much. I’ve been busy with my career.

I know, Ben. I’m not blaming you for anything. I think distance is hard on any couple.

Mar. We’ve been together for so long.

We have, and I thank you for all those years. I’m truly grateful you’ve been my friend. It would have been difficult growing up by myself.

Are you sure this is what you want?

I think this is what we both need. Time away will be good for us. You can focus on your career now that you’ve found your inspiration.

We’ll still stay friends?

Of course, Ben. That’ll never change…I hope.

This feels weird, Mar. I can’t remember the last time I was emotionally separated from you.

You’ll be fine, Ben. You might even be better off.

Mar… If you ever need me for anything, even if it’s just to talk, you’ll reach out?

Sure…

I guess it’s good-bye? Take care, Mar.

One last thing?

Sure.

I know you weren’t serious, but just in case, I relinquish you from your marriage proposal. Be free to marry whom you love. I know it’s not…me…

Mar…

Take care, Ben.

Hell! I didn’t understand why I kept thinking about the time I proposed to Mar. It wasn’t anything serious. We were just teenagers. I feared losing her to the lures of college life and I wanted to tie her to me. Last thing I wanted was for her to meet a like-minded collegian and leave me for a better prospect. Little did I know, I would be the one getting married in my early twenties.

I loved my wife. She was my sun, my moon; the entire solar system revolved around her and me. She treated me like a god and we rarely had cause to disagree on anything. There were times I knew she didn’t like my ideas, but she chose to let go of her wants and needs and support me. There was no better wife than Melody Howard.

Lately, my career flourished, Ali blossomed with all that love and attention, and I had a peace of mind—sort of. My prayers were answered when my baby girl found her caretaker, but my head was filled with question marks.

Where my sister-in-law was concerned, I was tormented. She was on my mind constantly, and I couldn’t figure out why. With her being engaged now, my head and heart wanted nothing to do with the reality that lay ahead.

I worried about Ali and her daycare situation again. If Mar married, where would that place Ali on her priority list? Mar declared her love for my daughter, but when she had kids of her own, what would happen to that love? There was no way Mar would put Ali above her own child. Forcing myself to look into the future, I needed to find someone who would place my baby girl at the top. That probably meant I needed to find another wife.

To remarry—I did not want to think about this so