The Baby Between Them

By M.K. Brennan

Growing up with an abusive mother, teenage Raegan's escape had always been the Hughes home. With the younger brother, Nash, as her best friend in the whole world and the oblivious County Deputy, Hunter, making her heart sing whenever he's around, she's always felt safe.

 

Then her mother gives birth to a baby she hadn't known she was pregnant with and Raegan refuses to let her baby sister grow up in the same way she had, so she takes her and runs.

 

Can the Hughes brothers keep their favourite redhead and the tiny bundle she refuses to give up, safe and out of jail for kidnapping? And can the growing feelings between Raegan and Hunter survive the baby that's between them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.K. Brennan
• Release date: Jan 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224554218

Book preview

Prologue - Four Years Earlier

N ash you asshole! I wasn't ready to get wet yet!

Language Raegan!

Sorry Sylvie. Raegan stopped glaring at Nash and turned her puppy dog eyes on his Mum.

Don't even young lady! Those eyes stopped working on me years ago. Raegan pouted and Sylvie laughed. Nash... Don't be an asshole. She added, giving her youngest son a pointed look before she walked back into the kitchen through the back door of their house.

You're her favourite and you're not even one of her kids. Nash said, rolling his eyes. Raegan shrugged and laughed.

Not ready to get wet hey? Came a husky voice from behind her, before she was picked up and dangled precariously over the side of the pool. Are you ready yet ReRe?

Hunter no! Put me down!

Throw her in!

Lily you traitor! Raegan yelled at her sister. Hunter moved his arms slightly, acting like he was about to toss her in and she squealed, grabbing at his arms.

Hunter put her down! Sylvie called through the kitchen window. Her eldest son went to throw his victim into the cool water in front of them. And onto the ground, NOT into the pool! She added, quickly clarifying.

You're such a spoil sport Mum! Hunter laughed and then when he was sure he wasn't being watched from the kitchen, pressed Rae against his chest and slowly lowered her down to her feet, knowing full well that she had a little crush on him and would turn beet red at the contact. She saved you. He whispered into her ear, still holding her around the waist. This time... He felt her shiver and smiled coyly before letting her go.

Rae knew she would be bright red from feeling every single inch of his bare chest, as he'd put her back down on the ground. Her breathing was also way too fast. She swallowed hard and kept her eyes trained on Nash, who was thoroughly enjoying the fact that his brother was tormenting his best friend.

As Hunter finally moved his arms from around her waist and turned to head back to the chair he'd been lounging on, she gave Nash a wink and a cheeky grin lit up her face.

Hunter no! He tried calling to warn his brother, but Rae was too fast. She spun away from him, stuck her foot behind his and shoved him hard.

The look of shock in his smoky grey eyes, as he fell backwards into the pool, sending water everywhere, satisfied Rae immensely. She didn't even care that she'd gotten splashed in the process.

That's my girl! Sylvie called from the kitchen, laughing.

Oh you brat! Hunter called, but his eyes were gleaming and he could barely suppress the smile threatening to break free.

I'm not denying it. She replied with a shrug.

I'd run if I was you Raegan! Hunter's father, Thomas, called from his spot at the barbeque.

What? She asked, turning to look at him. It was just the distraction Hunter needed.

Shoulda run, short stuff. Hunter said as he jumped out of the pool. Rae squealed and tried to run. Not today! He laughed, as he grabbed her around the waist and jumped straight back into the pool with her in his arms.

Now who's the brat. She said with a giggle as they both surfaced. Hunter still had his hands on her waist, knowing that she wasn't a strong swimmer and didn't like the deep end of any pool, let alone theirs, that had been made extra deep for the tall Hughes boys.

Suddenly they both became aware of the fact that she was holding onto him as well, with her hands on his shoulders and the laughter died on their lips. Smoky grey eyes stared into emerald green ones and in that moment, it was like Hunter was truly seeing the girl in front of him for the first time.

She wasn't just Nash's best friend who pulled pranks on the brothers and intentionally woke Hunter up on the mornings she knew he'd been out with friends all night, anymore.

Hunter looked down over the white shirt she had on over the top of her swimmers. He rubbed his thumbs over the smooth skin of her stomach where the shirt had lifted slightly in the water, realising that she actually had a chest now, to fill out the two piece swimsuit that she was hiding. He quickly looked back up to her face and gave her a sheepish grin.

Stop having a moment with my best friend, Hunter. Gross! Nash called, ripping them both from wherever they'd been together.

I'll get you to the shallow end. Hunter said quietly, before walking them down to the shallows. Being nearly six foot four, he could easily stand in all area's of the pool and Nash wasn't far behind him. Their parents hadn't realised just how tall both the boys would be, but the brothers were both just grateful to have a pool to cool off in.

Once he got to where he knew Rae could touch, he let her go.

Bombs away! They both turned and watched Hunter's best friend, Tyler, run up and bomb dive into the pool.

Ready to be wet now? Hunter asked, giving her a wink before he ducked under the water and swam back to the deep end where he and Ty sat on the step in the corner.

Your brother's an ass. Rae growled, swimming over to the seats at the front of the pool that had spa jets. She sat in one and turned the jets on, before stripping her wet shirt off and tossing it onto the pool chair closest to her.

Ha! You started it this time. Nash laughed, sitting in the seat beside her. You really should have known he'd go after you or do you not know him at all?

Shut up! You're meant to be on my side.

Well he's right. Lily said with a shrug, swimming over to sit on the other side of Nash.

Ugh you're just as bad as each other! Rae looked up at Hunter and Ty. Hunter seemed to sense he was being watched and looked across at her. He gave her another wink and a sweet smile that made her cheeks blush all over again, before turning back to his conversation with Ty.

WHEN DID SHE GET BOOBS? Ty asked.

Oi! Not cool man. Hunter smacked Ty over the back of the head. He looked over at Rae when he heard her giggle, seeing that she'd obviously watched what he'd just done. He pointed to Ty and rolled his eyes, making her laugh again.

Considering how hard you two were staring at each other just before, you can't tell me that you didn't notice that she's got a bloody decent body now. Ty said appreciatively, making Hunter groan.

I noticed... He mumbled, running his fingers through his shoulder length hair, before grabbing the elastic from his wrist and tying it back.

It's a pity she's so much younger than us. She's...

Beautiful. Hunter finished for him.

I was gunna say smokin', but that works too. Ty had been a player since he finally had a growth spurt in grade ten and had the height and athletic body that the girls in their school swooned over. They were starting their final year of high school and Hunter had no doubt that Ty had stolen the virginity of at least half of their female classmates by now.

Hunter on the other hand, had been dating Amanda Rose since grade eight.

Tall and blonde with legs for days and a chest that could keep her afloat thanks to the new ones her Dad had given her for her sixteenth birthday the year before. She was every guys dream girl and the envy of all the females in school.

Well... Except for Rae. She'd never hidden the fact that she despised Amanda. She claimed she was fake and had told Hunter numerous times since she was ten, that he deserved better.

Touch her and I'll kill you. Hunter said and Ty threw his hands up in surrender, hearing the seriousness in Hunter's tone.

All good man. I have no intentions of going to jail any time soon.

I suppose we should get home before Rick goes to work. Hunter looked up when he heard the hesitation in Rae's voice. Lily seemed in no rush to move. He knew how bad it was at home for them. The moment she stood up though, it was like he was a bull seeing red. Anger ripped through him like he'd never felt before.

The fuck?! Hunter yelled, pushing off the side, propelling himself towards Rae when she stood up.

Hunter! Thomas snapped.

No Dad! You gotta do something about this shit! Hunter grabbed Rae's hips gently when he reached her, making her gasp and spun her so that his father could see what Hunter had seen from the other side of the pool.

Sweet Jesus... Again Raegan? Why didn't you tell me sweetheart? The older, slightly shorter, greying version of Hunter, walked over and bent down beside the young girl he'd thought of as a daughter since she was a toddler.

He gingerly touched the obviously fresh black and blue bruise with a thin slice down the middle of it, that ran from her shoulder blade and curved down almost to her hip.

When? Sylvie asked, bending down and stoking Raegan's hair. None of them had even heard her come outside. And I'll allow the use of language in this instant. She said to Hunter. He gave her a nod, but kept his mouth shut.

I wondered why you were wearing a shirt, when you hadn't all summer. Nash said, reaching out and grabbing her hand. Did she hurt you? He turned and looked at Lily. She shook her head.

I made Mum mad, but Raegan got in the way to save me. She replied, with tears filling her eyes.

I won't let her touch you. Ever! Raegan said angrily. I'm fine! She pushed past them all and grabbed her towel, wrapping it around herself. Come on Lily.

I'm not going. Her little sister said, sitting back down in the pool. I didn't know it was so bad. I'm sorry Rae. Lily burst into tears then. Nash sat beside her and pulled her into his arms.

You can't go home ReRe. Please Dad... Hunter pleaded with his father.

I'm calling Mitch. He said firmly, standing up and grabbing his phone.

I'll just go back to her. She'll die without me there!

You'll die if you stay! Hunter said, grabbing her face and making her look at him. Please just stay with your Dad!

Don't touch me! She yelled, pushing away from him. She turned and ran through the house.

Rae! Sylvie and Nash called in unison.

Dad! Nash turned and glared at his father. What good is being the sheriff if you can't help her? She's never been hurt that bad before!

You know she'll go back no matter what. She always does. Thomas looked between his sons and sighed. I'll get Warren to sit outside their house tonight. Keep an ear out since he's on night shift.

Thanks. Nash mumbled.

I'm joining the force. Hunter said firmly. I won't let Sasha kill her if I can help it.

Me too. Ty said, walking up and patting his best friend on the shoulder.

Chapter One - Present Day

S ooo... How you doin ? Hunter turned and shook his head with a smile at the redhead who'd just walked into the room, giving her best Joey from Friends impersonation. His brother went to take the oxygen mask off his face, but the nurse next to him slapped his hand away.

Touch it again Nash and I'll glue it to your face!

Aww go easy Abi. You know these two couldn't keep quiet to save their lives. Beautiful, emerald green eyes snapped up to look at Hunter, only just realising that he was in the room as well.

Oh! Hey Hunter. She said with a small smile.

How's it going Rae?

Fine thanks. Looking sharp. Rae replied, giving him a wink. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she eyed up his uniform.

Comes with cuffs too. Wanna try them out? He wriggled his eyebrows suggestively at her and had to bite his tongue to stop himself from smiling as her cheeks blushed.

Hunter Hughes! Abi turned around and slapped his arm. That's my stepdaughter you're talking to!

Careful Abs... That's assault on a police officer. Rae said with a giggle.

I think I'll let it slide. Just this once. A wide grin spread across Hunter's face, causing flutters to jump around in Rae's stomach.

You'd do anything to get out of a math exam, wouldn't you! Rae laughed, plopping herself down on the chair beside Nash's bed, giving him a small shove in the arm. He gave Rae a wink and she smiled, before reaching over and lifting the oxygen mask for him.

I think... I'd... Prefer to... Fail a... Math... Exam...

Raegan Beckett! Abi turned and slapped her stepdaughters hand away, causing the oxygen mask to snap down onto Nash's face.

Ouch! He groaned.

We're all getting the full names today! Rae looked at Hunter with fake fearful eyes.

She touches that mask again, you cuff her to the handrail. I'll be right back! Abi growled.

Oh so now I'm allowed to cuff her? Hunter laughed at the look Abi gave him as she walked out of the room. You're trouble you are. He added to Rae with a smile.

You've known this my whole life. Don't start being surprised by it now. She replied with a shrug, settling back in the chair.

You constantly surprise me Raegan. He said, his tone suddenly serious. His smoky grey eyes stared into her emerald green ones. Nash coughed, ripping them both back to reality. He lifted