******************** CHAPTER - THIRTY ******************         BRINLEY.             Do you know that sickening feeling after eating a corn dog and riding the roaster right after not thinking about the consequences? That's the feeling I have right now as we are all gathered around Papa's bed.      Tear's streaming down everyone's face, myself included. Xander's holding my shoulders as Kelsy, Delores, and I say our goodbyes to him. But what is the right last words t

************************* CHAPTER- THIRTY-TWO ********************** BRINLEY. "Where have you been?" Julia says, both hands on her hips. 'Taking care of your baby,' I wanted to say, but I didn't; there's no sense in causing Julia to say something that will make me slap the shit out of her. No matter how bad I want to do that. "Bane was fussy. We walked around town all day," She scoffs, "You should have asked my permission to take him into town," She says. "I didn't want to wake you from your beauty sleep," I say sarcastically. "Whatever, give me my baby," I hand Bane over to his mother, and without uttering another word, I run upstairs to my room. My phone starts ringing when I close the door and glance at the screen. Kelsy. "Hey, Kels," "Brinley, who was that adorable baby, you sent me a picture of. Unfortunately, I was busy earlier and couldn't phone you," She says, sounding exhausted. "It was Julia's baby, his name Bane," I tell her as I run my bathwater. My feet are

**********************CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR**********************BRINLEY.It's been two days since Xander has seen my sketches for the new orphanage. He and I have a meeting to discuss it with one of Xander's contractors.Xander also agreed to keep this under wraps so the nuns don't find out; I want to surprise them.The nuns will be able to bring in more help and more children. Katie had an idea to help get the kids into new homes. Hopefully, a fundraiser will help bring the orphanage some finances and show off the beautiful kiddos.Katie and I are going to the rental to tell the nuns the excellent news. "Remember not to let it slip about the orphanage, okay?" I tell Katie as were walking. I love Katie, but sometimes she has a big mouth."I won't," She says, glancing at me.I raised my brow, and she pursed her lips."I won't. Trust me,"I nod my head. I trust Katie. I just don't trust her mouth."How are things with you and Xander?" Katie changes the subject."Good. The other day

***********************CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX********************BRINLEY.Xander never marked me like I thought he would. I don't know what he is waiting for, but I wish he would claim me like he has claimed my body, heart, and soul. I know Xander will mark me, no doubt, but it will be when he's ready.We only have a week left until Dominic is born, and the closer that day comes, the more nervous I am. I have no doubt that I'll be a good mom, but Dominic's heart condition scares me, and it's something that will take me time to get used to.Kelsy called me the other day and said Ryder and Axel are having so much fun together she didn't realize how incomplete they were until she met Axel. I was glad to hear her say that because he deserved a home with parents like her and Ryder. Delores and Gabriel are getting along great as well. Delores has spoiled her already, Gabriel is excited to start school in a few weeks, and I think Delores is having separation issues already. "You'll never be

**************************CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT***********************BRINLEY."Tell my family hi for me," I say, hugging Amanda. "I will. Thanks for everything, don't be a stranger now, okay," Amanda says, wiping away her tears. "I won't," I shake my head."Look at us," Katie says, wrapping her arms around Amanda and me. "The Three Musketeers back together again,"We all laugh at that. We used to call ourselves the three musketeers because we were together all the time. They were there for me during the hard times. I will never forget that."I love you both. But, Brinley, I'll come back and see your baby once he is born," Amanda quips. I nod to her."I'd like that,""I'm sorry I won't be here. But Amanda will send me pictures," Gabriel says, smiling as he wraps his arm around Amanda's waist."Xander might be okay by then. I'll talk to him," I tell Gabriel.He shakes his head."Don't. Look, Brinley, I don't want you fighting with your mate over me,"I frown."But it's not like