The Vow: Em's Secret, #3

By Emily Foxx and Rick Foxx

The emotional and romantic conclusion of Em's Secret…


RICK MARSHALL

Everything changed when Jay revealed a life-altering event that will affect both me and Emily forever. I knew from this moment I had to deal with my painful past.

Secrets I buried for so long, never did I think they would resurface again. But I need to do this for Emily and our future. I just hope I find the light at the end of this dark tunnel and Emily will be there waiting for me.


EMILY MOORE

I struggled when Rick left me at the hospital, but I understood him better than anyone else. After hearing startling news from the doctor, I knew some serious changes needed to be made. I just didn't know how I was going to cope without Rick, but when I learned he was seeking help, I knew there was still hope for our relationship.

My problems with Scott aren't over… His lawyer requested Pamela's case to be reopened, and even though I had already committed to confess what happened the night of the accident. It unearths truths I never saw coming…


Will Emily and Rick get their happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Foxx
• Release date: Nov 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9798224869008

Emily Foxx

I am an Australian author. I write spicy romantic stories with a twist of drama and suspense.

Book preview

Chapter One

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Here Emily. I reach for the glass of cold water in my hand, and I smile at the hospitality of the doctor as she sits in her usual spot across from me in her office, taking her notepad and setting it on her lap. Her pink designer glasses are on the tip of her nose as she gives me a warm appreciative smile when I thank her for the water.

You’re very welcome. I thought today we would continue from our last chat at the hospital on Monday last week. You’re upset with your father and Rick. I swallow hard when the doctor raises the ball of angst that is spinning around inside my stomach. It’s been thirteen days since Rick left me in the hospital.

How is your relationship with your Dad? she adds.

I rub my wet lips after refreshing my mouth with water.

Honestly, it’s worse since last night when Dad told me Rick had returned none of his calls. It proved me right.

What proved you right? the doctor is quick to ask.

I’m sitting comfortably with my legs crossed on the leather couch with my focus now on the hotel across the road through the large window, considering Doctor Holmes' question.

An icy shiver runs through me as I watch the snowflakes latch on to the glass, reminding me of how cold it is outside. I tighten my arms around my waist as I try to bring peace to my world that’s being torn apart. I glance back at the doctor, who is patiently waiting for my answer.

Dad’s comment reminds me of the conversation with Liz in the hospital. Everyone thought Rick would come back to me once he’d sought help. I really wanted to believe, but I knew he wouldn’t be ready to deal with his pain. And last night’s call was the last kick to my stomach. I swallow the truth, dropping my gaze to my fingers before bringing my attention back on Doctor Holmes, who is fiddling with the pen in her grasp, tapping the ballpoint on her notepad.

Okay, you need to remember these are your thoughts. No one else’s. There could be a valid reason Rick chose not to speak to your father, and from what I have learned through you, Rick sounds like a proud man who likes his privacy. And by the looks of your smile, I’m right on target.

Yes, Rick is a proud man. She nods, pushing her frames back up that slipped down to the tip of her nose again.

Emily, my best advice is to focus on yourself. Eventually the answer you seek to why he hasn’t been in contact will come, probably when least expected. Now with your father. I want you to put yourself in his shoes. How would it make you feel if it was your daughter or son going through the same situation as yourself?

I drop my gaze to find my hand had unconsciously settled on my stomach as I consider what she said. I’ve yet to experience the perils of parenthood, but I know I would do anything to protect those I love. I lift my eyes to look back at her.

Yes, I do think about this because of the pregnancy. I fondly rub over where little one is the size of a pea and wouldn’t be noticeable by the naked eye.

And how have you been? Any more nausea spells?

Yes, it comes and goes. Doctor Carlton told me that the nausea may settle down after my first trimester. He’s referred me to an obstetrician-gynecologist. I have my first appointment this Friday. Doctor Holmes crosses her leg over the other.

Can I ask how far long you are? I nod.

Yes, when I had the scan a week ago, they said I’m about nine and half weeks. It won’t be an accurate assessment until the sixteen to eighteen week scan. She scribbles a note on her pad before returning to smile at me.

Okay, what I would like you to do this week is reach out to your father. Tell him how he makes you feel and why you’re upset with him. Then maybe you both can have a mutual ground of understanding. In the coming months you will need your parents’ support for your pregnancy. She links her fingers together, settling her hands on her notepad.

Emily, I would like us to move forward to what we were discussing before your spell in the hospital. Have you had any more bad dreams? I shake my head.

No, I’ve been preoccupied with everything else, but there are moments when something triggers to that time.

Yes, you have been through a lot in recent months and may I say your distraction is positive. I smile, she is right. I’ve been in touch with your attorney, Brad Ferguson. He would like to set up a meeting between the three of us. He recommended I proceed with the psychological test.

I nod, remembering the conversation and I go to speak but the windpipes deep in my throat feel like they are closed off, lacking oxygen. I grasp my amethyst stone necklace in the palm of my hand, becoming breathless. My mouth is now dry, and I pick up the glass to quench my thirst.

Emily are you okay? She leans forward on her elbows. I know this is hard, but you are going to have moments where you will choke on your words or freeze. You need to break this cycle of fear. I nod.

Okay. I want that part of my life put to bed. It’s important that I deal with this once and for all. I don’t want any baggage when this baby comes along. Doctor Holmes smiles.

Emily, it’s good to see that you acknowledge the future. It shows me your mental well-being is on the right path. I will begin the evaluation at our next appointment. However, I want you to make the first step today by telling me about Pamela. I clear my throat as a smile grows on my face, remembering when I first met her.

Pamela had dark brown hair like me, although she was petite. My sister Claudia and I met her in pre-school. Lizzie joined our small close-knit group in grade one, and ever since we all became lifelong friends.

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Hey Dad. I smile even though he cannot see it. I’m on my back, lying along the couch at Lizzie’s place, relaxing after a big day at work. It’s been a busy week.

After my personal problems which engulfed me recently, I have settled into the role of executive producer. I love working with both departments; Prime Daily News and Prime Investigates.

Emmy, good to hear your voice. How did the session go with Doctor Holmes on Wednesday?

It was emotionally draining, but I believe we are making progress. It was therapeutic, talking about the good times with Pamela. In a weeks’ time, she wants to do a psychological test and set up a meeting afterwards with Brad Ferguson.

Good, that will help with your defense against Scott. Rick mentioned before we had the talk about your relationship that Scott’s attorney has dug up the cold case with Pamela. Always remember if it gets to be too much you may pull back and let Doctor Holmes know you need some time to process before you answer her.

Yes, Doctor Holmes already informed me I need to speak up when it gets to be too much.

Good, and how are you feeling? Baby doing okay? I lick my dry lips, trying to moisturize them.

I’m okay. I was sick this morning, but other than that I’ve had no problems with the pregnancy—and Dad?

Yes, Emily.

I want you to know I understand you better now, why you acted in my defense, but I still believe it was the wrong decision. Both myself and Rick need all the support we can get, and I believe it would have benefited us more if we stayed together. But Rick was already leaning toward leaving me.

I know, Emily. He told me. It was a mature decision. I tried to contact him again yesterday, and still no answer. My stomach drops learning this knowledge. It’s when I realize I may have lost him for good.

Okay— I whisper, as tears pool in my eyes.

Emmy, please don’t get upset. I wish I was there to give you a hug. Have you thought about my suggestion that you move back home to Whitby and get a local job? I shake my head.

I’m not moving back home, Dad. I want to complete my two-year term with Prime, and then I will decide.

Em, please consider it because when the baby comes you will need me and your mother for support.

Can’t you come here for when I have the baby?

Yes, but I am thinking of the long term, please consider it. Okay?

Knock… Knock…

I snap my head toward my front door.

Dad, I have to go. Yes, I will think about it. I love you. I will ring you next week.

I make my way to the front door with my heart whacking against my chest.

Why didn’t the person use the intercom?

I’m not expecting anyone tonight. I know Liz is away with Jay in Los Angeles for the week and wonder who it could be.

Opening the door, no one is standing there. I immediately look down and there’s a beautiful boutique of lavender flowers in a white box on my doormat. My heart is now in my throat— I look quick to the right, down the hallway to see who delivered the flowers but I’m too slow as the elevator doors shut.

I breathe Rick’s name. I wonder if it’s him who delivered the flowers. I shake my head, no I don’t want to jump to conclusions.

I quickly place the box of flowers on the coffee table in front of me. I’m sitting on the couch with anticipation tingling all over me as I pull out the envelope. My stomach does flips when it's revealed Rick sent me the flowers as the card has the similar writing from when he sent me gifts before.

Dearest Angelface, you’re probably wondering why I sent these flowers.

I want you to know there is not a day where I haven’t thought of you. I have learned through Jay, you are pregnant.

My breath hitches

He only let it slip because he thought your father had already told me. I want you to know, I want to be there for you and the baby.

I am working toward getting help for myself. I want to do this for you and the baby.

Tears glisten in my eyes. I can’t believe I am reading this—Rick is finally seeking help. Now I’m excited at what else he wants to share with me, moving down to the next paragraph quickly.

Emily, I am going to contact your father this weekend to apologize for not contacting him. And to be honest, before Jay told me the news I was not ready to face my demons.

I nod, understanding him.

But knowing I am going to be a father, you and the baby need me, even if it is just in a support role. I will take what I can get. I’ll be in touch soon.

Love you always, Angelface.

Yours, Rick. XO.

Chapter Two

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Rick, Doctor Green shakes my hand firmly, please take a seat. He gestures to the brown leather lounge while he takes a seat opposite me. He adjusts his black jacket while slouching back in his chair near the rectangular coffee table, the only piece of furniture between us. He is about ten years older than me. Jay mentioned I was looking for a recommendation to Henry and he suggested this man. This is my second session and I requested an earlier session because of my recent nightmares.

Thank you for seeing me on short notice.

No problem, you said on the phone you’ve been having nightmares about Mallory. I know at our session last Monday we only skimmed the surface of what happened the day Mallory died, but from my perspective you are not ready to talk about the events that happened before and after her death. It’s understandable. You have a lot of angst and hurt still bubbling inside you. It’s more likely why your dreams have been more frequent since Emily collapsed. But for me to help you, I need you to voice what’s going on inside your head. I nod.

I will try. He relaxes against the back of his chair with his iPad on his lap.

These dreams usually haunt me around the anniversary. They would always start off with Mallory. I could picture her so clearly. I swallow hard. She was there with me in the room. I arrived to take her back to my parents’ place so we all could attend Colleen’s memorial together. I can still remember her hands trembling inside mine. Hot tingles scatter over me when I remember the heat of her fingers entangled with mine. It made me realize how much I still miss her.

When I noticed the fresh bruise on her cheek, I explain in a sob—even now it still shreds me apart— it gutted me. Seeing the marks on her again after a few months of no abuse from her father killed me. I knew from that moment on, I could no longer allow this to continue. We had spent some time alone in her bedroom and I convinced her to leave her parents’ home for good. We both decided that once we’d been to the memorial for Colleen, she would come with me to London. But when the time came for us to leave, I breathe a long lengthy breath closing my eyes as hot prickles spread over me. I flash my eyes open to the doctor, clearing my throat. Her mum, Ellen, stopped us in our tracks. All I wanted to do was get Mallie out of the hellhole. The doctor taps a note on his iPad and raises his eyes to me.

Good, we are making progress. He drops his gaze to his notes before raising it back to me again. Rick, it must have been a daunting experience for you. Are you able to tell me what was going through your mind when Ellen stopped you and Mallory?

Cold shivers scatter over me and my eyes wander to the blue sky outside the window. It’s amazing how well this doctor can read me, and I glance back at him.

It’s a moment that’s eaten me alive for years. The lack of air in my throat makes me cough. I reach for the glass of water.

Take your time, Rick. I nod as the dryness in my throat settles down.

I remember the desperation in Ellen’s eyes when she told me not to take Mallory away. I’m sure it was because she feared her husband. I told her she could come with me and Mallory but she flat out refused, cursing me because I wanted to break up her family, when all I wanted was to save them. Ellen told me her and Brent were working things out. Tears blur my vision because I can remember Mallory’s trembling hands inside mine. I look back to the doctor.

What broke me was the terrified look in Mallie’s green eyes when I accepted her mother’s words. I failed to listen to my girlfriend. I shut my eyes as the vision shoots through my body, and I shake.

Rick, we can stop if it is too much. I snap my eyes open, determined to see this through. I’m sick and tired of these dreams.

No, I want to press on. I smooth my thumb over the trim dark stubble on my chin. I saw the same look of despair in Mallory the day she turned up at my house out of the blue when I first learned the truth, eighteen months beforehand. He would hit Ellen and Mallory on a drunken rampage. It wasn’t all the time, but the fact he held power over them both made me so angry because I could have helped when Ellen wanted to stop me.

Doctor Green puts his iPad aside and leans forward on his forearms.

Rick, I commend you for being able to tell me what happened when you were under tremendous stress. It’s a big step for you. Is there anything else about that moment that stands out for you?

I regret not listening to Mallory’s pain that tugged in my gut when Ellen said those words. I should have stood up to her mother. But what made me angrier was when she wouldn’t let Mallory attend the memorial. It upset Mallie she couldn’t go. I told her I would be back to visit her later. And when I received the call later that afternoon— I look away, squeezing my eyelids together. I’ll never forget her watershed eyes when I said goodbye. It’s like Mallory knew I would never see her again.

Rick. I open my eyes and I wipe the emotion with the back of my hand. You’ve shared a great deal of what’s going on inside your head. You blame yourself. But there was the other chain of events which led to the death of Mallory and Brent. You are not responsible for that. And going back to when Ellen said to you she was working out things with Brent. She was mostly likely acting in defense of her husband because of the power he held over her. However, Ellen failed in her duty of care for her daughter. Have you spoken at all with Ellen in the last seventeen years? I shake my head.

No, and I don’t want to. Ellen knew what she was doing, she even protected the man after the car accident. He nods.

Do you think you can talk more about what happened after the car accident? I tell him about what I shared with Jay. Doctor Green’s relaxing manner makes it easy for me to talk more.

When I learned the truth of what really happened, a part of me died that day. Ellen and Brent were working things out, but apparently the asshole had been controlling every part of their life. I squeeze my eyes shut remembering the second I recalled the discussion with Mallory on the phone the day before and in her bedroom before we were supposed to leave for the memorial. He was furious to learn the reason Mallory spent so much time at my parents' place. And my plans for her to live in London with me. He had bugged Mallory’s phone and hidden cameras in every room of the house. That’s the major reason I blame myself. Brent deliberately took her away from Ellen and me. But what cut me is when Ellen’s father, Frank Cornell, paid me a personal visit. He didn’t want his daughter’s dirty laundry splashed across the papers and told me to keep my mouth shut. I shake my head. Once I paid my respect at the funeral, I never spoke with Mallory’s family again. I found out a year later Frank had a massive heart attack and died. I always believed karma would come to those who deserve it. He nods.

It’s an unfortunate incident what happened to you, Rick. I have a better understanding of why you are so angry. You need to put what happened behind you and in the coming weeks we will work to achieve that.

Thank you, Doc. I appreciate his words.

You’re welcome. There are two other women in your life which we didn’t discuss in your first session. The loss of your sister, Colleen, and Emily. She’s the main reason you came to me.

Yes. I spend the next few minutes talking about Colleen and Emily, and what happened with Em’s dad. When I learned from Jay about Emily being pregnant I knew I had to face my demons, even though I didn’t want to. I realize this baby gave me hope, much like Emily did when I first met her. A smile rises on my face, remembering our banter in Milly’s.

Rick, you have a lifetime’s worth of grief on your shoulders. You’ve shown me you are a strong, confident individual. But even the strongest cannot always hold the hand they have been dealt. I want you to focus on the now because this will help you, as there will be days when you feel worse. And others, you’ll be on top of the world. It’s important to keep positive, which you would understand having instilled that in your work ethic over the years. You mentioned, just before your recent talk with Emily’s dad, that he wasn’t supportive of your reasons for not returning his previous calls. Will you try again to reach out to him because from my view you respect this man? I breathe in a heated breath.

I’ll never forget the conversation last weekend. He was livid with me because it upset Emily that I hadn’t returned his calls. He wasn’t interested in excuses, but he was happy to learn I was going to start therapy.

No, Graham prefers to call me from now on. He wants me to focus on my well-being and not worry about Emily. Easier said than done. He told me she was doing well and will keep me informed on what’s happening with the pregnancy, and to say it pissed me off is an understatement. Doctor Green raises his eyebrow at my comment.

Rick, no one should stop you from being involved in your baby’s life. Just give him some time to consider what you discussed and reach out again, in a weeks’ time. However, he is correct about your well-being. You need to look after yourself, and I take it you haven’t been in touch with Emily?

Only a week ago when I delivered her flowers to her friend’s front door because I heard about the pregnancy. I don’t want to step on any toes, as I want to do the right thing with Emily.

Okay. Good. I’ll see you next Monday.

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Today’s session was progress for me, but ever since I left the doctor’s office it has been playing on my mind what the doctor said about Ellen. I am just so angry with her. She didn’t consider the consequences of her actions following the car accident.

Why didn’t she stand up to her father? Mallory deserved better.

It’s why I chose seventeen years ago to keep it to myself and focus on my career instead. All that matters to me now in this world is Emily and the baby. Although the pain I spoke about is still teetering on the surface of my mind, the doc is right. I am going to have moments where it’s hard and my good old friend is lending a hand as I throw the yellow liquid down my throat.

Rick, a familiar voice shouts over the music in the background as I turn to where a firm hand sits on my shoulder. I raise my gaze to Jay who has a huge grin on his face. He is in a cheerful mood.

Hello Jay. He slips into a high swivel seat beside me at the bar in Peaches.

I take it the session went well this afternoon? He leans in near my ear.

I told the doctor about what happened the days after the accident. His eyebrow shoots up.

That’s fantastic news, Rick. He pats me on my back.

I only asked for this extra session today because I was sick of the mental torture at night with the dreams I have been having lately, and even though it still hurts, there is an ease inside me that has opened up.

Good, did you want to join me and Liz for dinner next door? Normally, I wouldn’t accept but my stomach grumbles at me, telling me to eat.

Yes, I could do with a meal.

Five minutes later Jay and myself arrive next door, and there is Liz, all smiles waving to us in the back of the restaurant, near the entrance of the kitchen where we all usually sit, and my stomach drops a little because honestly I was expecting Emily to be there as she is living with Liz.

Liz gives Jay a kiss on the lips as he takes a seat beside her while I take mine opposite them.

They enjoyed a romantic getaway for a week in Los Angeles last week, and he did me a favor to lock in the contract for the property after I signed the papers for an LA branch last week. I aim to have it open this coming June. I’m still making negotiations about transferring back to London, as I would prefer for the head office to be back home where it all started.

How are you, Rick? I raise my gaze to Liz, who has a rosy smile on her cheeks.

I’m okay, Liz. And yourself?

Superb. She wraps her arms around Jay’s bicep while they focus on the menu in front of him. I nod as the waitress arrives, and we give her our orders.

Liz, how is Emily? Her eyes widen at my question.

Em is doing okay. The doctor has prescribed some medicine to help her with morning sickness, but other than that she is taking it one day at a time. Liz drops her gaze for a second before bringing it back to mine with a smile tugging at her lips. Emily told me you sent her flowers a week ago. She was happy you were seeing someone. Liz clears her throat.

Rick, I don’t want to upset you because Jay told me you have done well to take the first step toward seeing a doctor but there is something you need to know about Emily. You left her devastated in the hospital. She believed you wouldn’t seek help. However, thank you for sending those flowers. Emily needed that boost of confidence to keep on the path of getting herself where she’s headed. I close my eyes as the solid weight that’s been heavy on my heart since I left her is now lighter on my chest.

Rick, she hasn’t finished what she wanted to say, I snap my eyes back open, I want to warn you.

Liz— Jay grates, and she swings her head to him.

No, he needs to understand, Jay. He holds his hands up in surrender as Liz turns back to me while curiosity rises in me. Elizabeth has changed Jay a lot. He would never back off for a woman. It must be love, I chuckle under my breath. I never thought I would see the day.

Emily’s father is determined to keep you both apart. I settle my elbows on the edge of the table, while linking my fingers with my lips pressed against my two index fingers. He is very protective of Emily and Rick, it’s best you keep away from her until everything settles down. I know eventually he will let you see her. Liz tells me what went down in the hospital, and now I can understand why he acted that way on the phone.

Thank you, Liz. Honestly, it tore me apart having to leave her at the hospital, but at the time I believe it was the right decision. But thanks to Romeo here I learned Emily was pregnant, and it knocked some sense into me.

Romeo? Jay breathes, and Liz laughs.

Yes, Romeo. I dart my eyes to him. I’ve seen a vast change in you. Liz brings out the best in you. You’re firmer and more direct than you’ve ever been, although for Liz, you fall at her feet. I turn back to Liz.

Thank you for making my best friend the happiest man on earth. Liz tilts her head to the side and breathes.

Aww— Rick, that’s beautiful. I arch my eyebrow.

Don’t go all gushy on me. Jay helped me realize I needed to face my demons, and I knew I had to own up, I answer her back.

That’s good, Rick. I want you to realize too that you have changed, just in this short period, and can I say something to make you feel better?

It depends. I smile.

She laughs.

Emily realizes you both needed to deal with your problems if your relationship is ever going to work out. So, I want you to remember that when the hard moments come along in your sessions. Emily will be there for you. I give her an appreciative smile.

Thank you. I’m focusing on myself for now. Can you tell me how far long she is? Liz smiles.

She is close to eleven weeks now. I know she can’t wait till her first trimester ends. Liz laughs.

Why do you say that? Liz tilts her head to the side with the look of amazement at my question.

Because silly, Emily would most likely will be over the morning sickness. A slight smile appears on my face. I’m sorry I asked, and I need to catch up on some reading, surely there are books for soon to be dads.

Chapter Three

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I’m on the subway with a sonogram picture carefully grasped in my fingers. I’m grateful I asked for a copy because when I do eventually see Rick, I am sure he will want a memory of this moment. It’s hard to imagine the white mass inside the sac is my thirteen-week little one who has grown to three inches. My scan wasn’t due until my eighteenth week, but after a day and night of excessive vomiting on Saturday, I became worse yesterday morning, not able to keep food down. I called the doctor and she had me transported by ambulance to the hospital. She didn’t want me catching public transportation and Liz is out of town for work.

The doctor was waiting to treat me when I arrived. It turned out my blood pressure was elevated and iron levels were a little low, and she put it down to the fact I was dehydrated. She gave me intravenous fluids and tablets to help with the vomiting while she did a scan to check the development of the baby before she discharged me last night. She wants me to make sure I don’t overdo it this week and get adequate rest and sleep daily.

I check the time on the gold watch, and the light shines on the amethyst stone pear diamond engagement ring. I take a hard swallow because my thoughts drift back to Rick. I heard through Liz before she left with Olivia to head down to Florida for a conference that Rick is doing well, and I am happy for him. It shows how much has changed since I last saw him five and half weeks ago. I still haven’t had the courage to take off the ring. But then again, Rick never said to take it off.

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The time spent at work today flew by and I’m at the office of Brooks & Associates after a meeting with the CEO, Charlton Brooks. I was lucky to get an appointment with him on short notice. There’s been a lot of talk in the media about investment branding and the name Charlton Brooks was mentioned a lot. I wanted to touch base with Charlton to see if he was interested in doing an interview with Prime Daily News. I’ve read he’s a guru on investment branding and marketing and thought he may want to give tips to the would-be investors out there.

I spent half an hour in Charlton’s office while I admired the scenery from his office window. You can tell I am still not a full-fledged New Yorker yet. I still get starstruck.

The elevator is this way, Emily—

Charlton drags me away from the memory of the picturesque view of the Hudson River. I snap my head toward him. His smile is almost mischievous, the way his lips spread across his face. I make quick strides in my black leather knee-high boots to keep in line with Charlton’s long strides.

During our recent conversation I learned Charlton recently became a father for the second time. I had questioned who the baby was in the frame on his desk, and he started talking about his wife, Elise.

Here we are, he voices firmly, and I smile.

Thank you for seeing me on short notice, and I am grateful you’ve agreed to an interview. One of our producers will be in touch to schedule a time with a reporter.

You’re welcome, Emily, and please let them know I’m happy for the interview to be set up in my board room. Here’s my business card to speak with my assistant, Sylvia, to organize a time. He passes me his business card and