Undeserved - Book 3: Undeserved, #3

By Yvonne Marrs

The third book in the Undeserved series finds Ann and Harry taking on more family responsibilities.

 

Mike and Charlotte arrange their wedding with the hope that both Aiden and Nicole will be well enough to be there on the day, or the whole idea is off. What will happen?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Sep 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9798201509040

Yvonne Marrs

Invernesian Yvonne Marrs (1982-present day) has loved writing for as long as she can remember, moving to the London area at the age of 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Yvonne graduated from UHI (Inverness College) with an HND in Administration and Information Management, a set of skills she puts to good use to organise herself and her work - especially as she has her own publishing company, WTSMP Publications. Currently Yvonne has published several fictional series - the 'When The Sax Man Plays' series, the 'Football Crazy' series, the 'Aiden Lewis octet', 'Can't Buy Health' series and 'Undeserved'. Yvonne dreamt up the idea that formed the "When The Sax Man Plays" (WTSMP) series after falling in love with saxophone music, and being inspired by Leona Lewis' dream X Factor win. To throw an ordinary person in an ordinary job, with an extraordinary talent into superstardom is the story behind WTSMP. The central character, Jason Bottelli is such a person, although we soon discover he is far from ordinary! If you like your fiction easy going, entertaining, enthralling and heart-warming, you'll fall in love with the musical romance that is the WTSMP series. The ever popular "Football Crazy" series follows our central character, Aiden Lewis, as he rises through the football ranks. From club player to International sensation; through to his management career, leading England into the World Cup and then his brother's local team, the London Giants, from nowhere into the Premiership as the series progresses. Aiden's story continues with the 'Aiden Lewis octet', finishing with 'Undeserved'. There are standalone books as well as those in a series: 'Castiliano Vulgo' - a fictional work on 16th Century London life written using both Elizabethan English and Modern English. 'Inexorable' - a murder erotica written as part of the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2016. 'Putting the Visible into So Called Invisible Illnesses' - a work of 50 poems about living with invisible illnesses, as Yvonne does. 'Harbourtown Murder' - a murder mystery set in fictional Cornwall where a stray cat is the only witness.

Book preview

Chapter 1

––––––––

Woozily, Aiden woke. The steady murmur of voices around him didn't dip. He was aware Nicole was still beside him, tucked into his side comfortingly.

Nic. Hmm... Carefully moving his head, he found her head beside his on the pillow; Nicole rubbed her nose very gently against his: he smiled and opened his eyes.

Hi honey, she spoke softly, welcome home.

Home?! Aiden's eyes opened wide. He could recall none of this, how had they managed that?

Steady, Aiden. From her now usual side, Ann leant over him. It's alright. She too spoke softly.

Charlotte was on Nicole's side of the bed; she also leant over them. I kept my promise of getting you home safe. She told him. How do you feel?

Confused: Aiden's frown told them so.

You might not remember, Aiden. Dr Farmah and I agreed it was a good idea to give you a small sedative for the journey home. Ann gave his hand a squeeze. I promised Harry I’d tell him when you woke up. She squeezed his hand again. How do you feel?

Tired, he whispered, closing his eyes again.

Charlotte nodded. That’s understandable. You've had such a battle, your body is worn out.

Aiden nodded, increasing his hold on Ann's hand. Stay. He asked.

Honey, are you sure you're feeling okay? Nicole kissed the top of his head, gauging from his expression how he truly felt.

Weakly, Aiden nodded. So tired. He murmured.

That's okay, Ady, you sleep. We'll be right here with you. Especially me. Nicole told him, beginning to gently rub his chest.

Good. He needed them.

Not long after Charlotte had asked how he was, and his confusion was evident in his face, Mike had left the room to swap with Harry. He knew that was the plan, and if Aiden reacted badly, Ann would be needed there, not away from them all.

Thanking him, Harry headed to the bedroom, hoping he would find a peaceful scene, half wondering if he would find Aiden asleep again. Ann smiled when she looked up at him, hearing his footsteps coming down the hall.

Is everything okay? He asked her softly, seeing that Aiden did indeed have his eyes closed.

Nicole was cuddled up to Aiden, and Harry shared a smile with her. Kissing Aiden again, he didn't even murmur; she looked up at Harry again and shrugged as if to say, sorry I did try.

We're fine. Ann confirmed, smiling as he put his hand over hers and Aiden's. You just missed him.

Harry shook his head. That's alright, as long as he's okay, that's all that matters.

He received three nods - one from Ann, Nicole and Charlotte.

Long may it last. He said under his breath, surprised when he received another three nods of agreement.

How’s Bobbie getting on? Nicole asked him, breaking the quiet around her, Harry and Aiden.

Harry positively beamed. She's doing great; they’ve both settled into student life well. Daniel, of course, has been a huge help. He's enjoying his course too.

Good. Nicole returned his smile. You weren't very sure of him at first, were you?

Harry shook his head. Especially after what happened, no. He took several deep breaths.

What Bobbie had endured would have sent most people out of their minds, but she had bounced back surprisingly quickly.

Nobody can blame you. Nicole told him softly.

He gave her a smile. I'm thankful Ann taught me not to overreact.

Moving here was the best thing to do then? Nicole teased.

Harry laughed. You could say that. He agreed.

Aiden smiled then, opening his eyes.

I'm sorry, Dad, did we wake you? Harry gently hugged him.

It's okay. Aiden spoke softly in Harry's ear. Are your sisters coming soon?

Frowning, Harry sat back, letting go of Aiden. We haven't discussed it, but possibly. He paused. Did you want to talk to them? I can call...

Aiden shook his head, cutting him off. No rush, it's okay. I just wondered.

As Harry was about to speak, his phone vibrated in his pocket: taking it out to see who the caller was, he saw it was Bobbie and answered immediately.

Bobbie, what's wrong?

Nothing, Dad. She almost rolled her eyes. My text yesterday said I was going to call today. She reminded him. How is everything?

We're fine, Bobbie.

She nodded. So, it'll be okay for us to come for the weekend, Dan and I?

Of course. We'd love to see you. Harry genuinely smiled. When can we expect you?

She looked at Daniel. Mid morning, if we leave after breakfast, is that okay?

They saw Daniel nod, also Harry nodded. Yes, that's fine. Any time you want. We'll be here.

Thanks, Dad. How did Papa's journey home go?

It went well, he slept for all of it. Harry looked across at Aiden and Nicole. I'm with him now, I'll put you on speakerphone.

Oh Dad no, don't disturb him. They all heard Bobbie say.

It's alright, Bobbie, you're not disturbing us. Nicole smiled. We're fine, and we'll see you in a few days. Not a minute ago, I asked how you're doing.

It's great. Bobbie beamed. We love it here. She squeezed Daniel's hand.

You could have a nice apartment there. Nicole began. The two of you.

We'll spend more time at home than here. Bobbie shook her head. It only made sense to go into Halls for a few months while we adjusted.

Hmm... Nicole murmured, seeing the same expression in Aiden's face, knowing they were thinking the same.

We'll see. Aiden said.

Papa, don't exert yourself over us, we're fine. Her smile turned to a grin as Daniel also nodded. We'll see you on Saturday. Call me if you need to, or if anything happens. Bobbie ended on her usual note of concern.

I will, but nothing will happen. Harry reassured her. See you soon. Not long after his daughter hung up, Ann appeared. We're expecting guests at the weekend. He teased.

Bobbie and Dan? Ann smiled. That will be lovely. We can have a proper Sunday family lunch. Her gaze fell on Aiden. How is my patient? She teased, pleased to see him smile. I hope these two haven't been keeping you awake.

Nicole kissed the top of Aiden's head affectionately. As if we would. She joined in the teasing. He's only been awake about five minutes? She estimated, looking to Aiden for confirmation.

About that. Aiden nodded. And yes, I'm fine, thank you. He pre-empted.

Good. Ann gave him a smile. It would be lovely if you felt up to joining us at the table on Sunday, but no pressure. We'll see how you feel.

I know. Aiden nodded, having the same thought himself.

Satisfied, Ann's attention returned to Harry. Charlotte and Mike are doing some shopping, I can't think of anything we need, can you?

Harry shook his head.

What about you two? Anything you fancy? Ann looked from Aiden to Nicole and back again, seeing them both shake their heads. I am still determined to fatten you up. She wagged her finger at Aiden. We need to build you up some insulation in the next few months.

As it was almost September, Nicole knew the truth in Ann's words. Winters weren't generally too harsh in Eastbourne but winter winds on the exposed Downs were bitingly cold.

I'll bring dinner through when it's ready. We'll give you peace. Call if you want us. Harry's voice ended openly.

We will, but we won't need to. Nicole reassured him.

Shaking his head, Aiden agreed. Perhaps once Harry was occupied by his family and they had a spare moment, he could squeeze in a quick call to Brighton. He understood Nicole's reasoning behind not letting his brother near him, but he was more than disappointed.

Chapter 2

––––––––

The TV was on in the background in Aiden and Nicole's room when Harry brought in their dinners over an hour later.

That smells delicious, Harry, thank you. Nicole's stomach growled as the smell reached her. You're spoiling us. She teased, taking the tray from him.

Don't get used to it, this is only for today and tomorrow. After that, you're expected to fend for yourselves. He too joked.

Casting an eye over Aiden's face and the stats lights on his wrist monitor, he almost couldn't believe what he was seeing. Not that anyone would challenge it, but it was so unusual for Aiden not to suffer many repercussions.

I'll be back later for the tray, and I'll take your bedtime refreshment order at the same time. He bowed jokingly.

Excellent service here, honey. We should leave a tip, don't you think? Nicole tested Aiden.

He nodded. Never leave the house without an umbrella. He said slowly.

Brilliant. Nicole nodded. That's a great tip.

They all laughed, and even that didn't set off Aiden's wheezing. Aiden smiled when Nicole cuddled into him, giving her a gentle squeeze. Satisfied he wasn't needed, Harry returned to the kitchen where the twins were already at the table, with Christian helping distribute the veg. Sighing as he let go of her, Nicole turned around to check Aiden was okay, asking him the reason for the sigh.

I don't like being waited on. He explained.

Nicole smiled. This was her Aiden all over. He hated fuss, even down to someone bringing him a glass of water. It's only for a little while, then we'll be fending for ourselves. She borrowed Harry's words, laughing when Aiden did.

They both were all too aware of the opportunity for her to begin the lecture there, but she didn't. Pulling himself carefully to sit upright, Aiden was amazed he felt nothing. Those miracle painkillers were an absolute Godsend.

Managing to eat most of the food on his plate, he leant back against the pillows and closed his eyes. His brother's words from earlier echoed in his ears, his apology for triggering the pain was, of course, accepted - Aiden hadn't said that he forgave him or it was alright, because neither were true. Part of him felt guilty, part of him told himself not to be so stupid: the fault was Justin's, not his. Chewing this over in his mind, he'd soon drifted off again.

With the twins engaged in bath time after dinner and Christian absorbed by his books, Mike and Charlotte had the evening to themselves. After checking in with Aiden and Nicole, that was. Mike gave Charlotte a smile, telling her that he had something to show her, but he needed her car keys in order to take her there. Interest aroused, Charlotte handed over her keys.

At their apartment, at both Nicole's and Aiden's insistence, Charlotte snuggled into Mike that night, a grin still on her face.

You are amazing. She kissed him.

Mike laughed. Lottie, you must have said that a thousand times. He was teasing, but secretly he was very pleased - and relieved - by her reaction.

It's true! She laughed with him. You’re amazing. Mike Nicholls, the amazing.

Pulling a face at her, he was surprised when she pulled him in closer. Next you'll be wanting me to act out all your fantasies.

Why not? Charlotte raised her eyebrows playfully. You are my soulmate.

I am? Mike