Forgiving You: A Switched Series Novella (The Switched Series Book 3) (5 page)

Maya

I can’t believe I just left my daughter with Jaxon. I really wanted to take him up on his offer to come with me, but there is no way I’m bringing Ava into this not knowing what Trent is capable of, and there is no one else I would leave her with for this long. I can’t believe he had those pictures of us. How could he have gotten them?

I decide to go home first before I go to Trent’s house. I need to pack a few more things and I need to figure out what I’m going to do. I love it here in Atlanta, it’s been our home for the last five years and I have a great business that I don’t want to give up either, but there is no way I can trust Trent right now. I need to find out the truth about how much he knew about all of this.

I pack up most of our clothes and some of Ava’s toys. Stuff that I know I will want with me no matter what happens. After getting the car loaded, I go by the studio and see how many appointments I have scheduled for this week. I call Jenn, my assistant at the studio to tell her I am going on vacation and see if she can take the appointments for me. She agrees and tells me to have a good vacation and she will see me when I get back, whenever that will be.

I pull into Trent’s driveway and see his truck is still in the driveway, so that’s a good sign. At least he’s not near Ava. I take a deep breath and get out of the car. I walk up the sidewalk and knock on the door, something that I realize I have never done before. We have never had a romantic relationship of any kind, he’s always been more of a good friend, but right now it doesn’t feel right just walking in his door.

He opens the door looking like he hasn’t slept in a week. He doesn’t say anything, just opens the door wide and lets me in. As soon as I am in the door, he grabs me and pulls me into a huge hug.

“I’m so sorry about last night. I would never hurt you or Ava, you know that. I just don’t want to lose you,” he says, sounding sincere. I nod my head at him and walk inside to sit down.

“Why did you send those pictures? How did you get them?” I ask him.

“I didn’t send him any pictures. I don’t know where they came from. I always assumed they were fake,” he says.

“So you knew about them, how?” I ask.

He takes a deep breath and looks me straight in the eyes. “Jaxon came by my house and started punching me. He said he had seen the pictures and he would kill me if I came near you again. I had no idea what pictures he was talking about and he didn’t tell me. A couple of hours later, Margo stopped by. She helped me clean up and I told her what had happened. She told me about the pictures. You know she and Molly were friends and she said the whole family was upset about them. I know they are all very good at their jobs, so I figured they would be able to figure out very quickly that they were fake. I guess I was wrong,” he says.

“Why didn’t you tell me about them? You knew I had no idea why he kicked me out. How could you let me feel like he just didn’t want me anymore?”

“I always thought you knew about them. I figured you told him they weren’t real and that’s what you were talking about. You didn’t understand why he didn’t believe you,” he says calmly. “After you sent the pictures of Ava and he didn’t respond, I knew I had made the right decision about not pressing the matter. He didn’t deserve either of you if he didn’t want her after seeing her.”

“But he never looked at those pictures. He didn’t know about her until yesterday,” I say.

“And you believe him so easily,” Trent says, sounding angry. “Look, I don’t want to argue with you about this. I’m just glad you came home. We will figure the rest out later. Let’s go get Ava and I’ll take the two of you out for a good meal. I’m assuming she’s at the studio with Jenn,” he says, sounding sure of himself. Why would he think that?

“Why would you think she’s at the studio with Jenn?” I ask suspiciously.

“I don’t think that, I know that, because I know you better than anyone. First you went home, and then you went to the studio to drop Ava off with Jenn so you and I could talk without her here. I know you, Maya. And I have missed you baby,” he says, walking over to me to kiss my forehead. How could he know exactly where all I have been?

“You don’t know me that good. Ava isn’t with Jenn, she’s with Jaxon,” I say, watching him closely.

“You brought Jaxon to Atlanta with you?” he asks, far too calmly.

“No, I left Ava in Tennessee with Jaxon.”

“You did what?” he screams. “Are you crazy? How could you leave your daughter with a complete stranger?”

“I didn’t leave her with a complete stranger. I left her with her father, because she has a right to know him,” I scream back.

“He didn’t want her, I do. How could you be so stupid, you are ruining everything,” he screams.

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask. Trent finally calms down and walks over to me.

“I mean I have missed the two of you. Maya, you know I love both of you. I can’t lose you. You have to know how I feel about you. I don’t just love you, I am in love with you. It was supposed to be the three of us. Jaxon didn’t want her or you, I do,” he says. “Please tell me you feel the same way.”

“I don’t. I’m sorry. Trent, you are one of my best friends. I couldn’t have made it without you the past five years, but I’m not in love with you. I’m sorry,” I whisper. He shakes his head. I can see the unshed tears in his eyes.

“You’re wrong. He’s just gotten into your head. Let’s go get Ava together and bring her home. We will figure out what to do about him later,” he says, pulling me toward the door. What does he mean what to do about him later?

“No, you can’t come with me to get Ava. Look Trent, I don’t know what I am going to do. Ava likes Jaxon. She was so excited to get to stay with him.”

“Ava likes me too,” he says quietly.

“I know she likes you. She loves you. I don’t doubt that. I’m not trying to keep her away from you. I’m just trying to figure out what happened five years ago and how my husband ended up with a picture of me and you in bed together. Are you sure you have no idea where it came from, who sent it to him.” He looks at me and narrows his eyes. He runs his hands through his hair and I can tell he’s getting frustrated.

“We never slept together, Maya. I have no idea how he got that picture. I guess somebody set us up. I don’t remember anything and I don’t know why babe. I’m sorry. I really thought you knew about it,” he says. I go over and sit beside him and he smiles. I have no idea what to do right now. Trent has been everything to me the past five years, but there is no way he is going to share Ava with Jaxon and there is no way Jaxon is going to share Ava with Trent. What a mess.

“When are you bringing Ava home? I miss her,” he says, leaning back on the couch.

“I don’t know. I packed some stuff up. I really want her to get to know the Taylor’s. She loved meeting all of them last night,” I say.

“You introduced her to all of them?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply.

“Where did you stay last night, Maya?” he asks. I don’t answer him because it’s none of his business and he is trained to tell when people are lying. I’m not getting into any of that right now. So instead of answering, I shake my head at him.

“Wow, Maya, really? The man kicked you out when you were pregnant, never once tried to contact you and you just spend the night with him. Ava doesn’t need to be around that. You should really put her needs first.” How dare he say that to me?

“I am putting her needs first. I left her with her father. One of the reasons she exists. I know he messed up big time. But he really didn’t know about her and he really did think you and I were together. I need to figure out why he thought that!!”

“I don’t like it,” Trent says.

“I’m sorry you don’t like it. But he is her father and he is my husband and it’s really not your concern,” I say, realizing my mistake.

“Ex-husband. You said husband,” he says, watching me close. I know this look. He’s trying to figure out if I messed up what I said or if I let a big secret out.

“I need to go. I’ll be in touch. Give Ava some time with Jaxon. She deserves to have him in her life,” I say, standing up to get my purse.

“Maya,” he whispers. “I miss her and you.”

“She misses you too. I just need to figure some things out,” I say. “I promise I’ll call.”

“Maya, if you walk out that door, you will regret it,” he says, eerily calm.  I turn around and look at him.

“Is that a threat?” I ask.

“No babe, it’s a promise. She is like a daughter to me. You can’t just take her away from me.”

“Don’t make me then. Give me some time. I’ll be in touch,” I say, walking out the door. I don’t know how I make it to my car, but somehow I do. I’m more confused than I ever was.

Jaxon

This day will definitely rank top on the list of the best days of my life. I can’t believe I have missed out on so much with this amazing little girl. She is definitely the very best parts of me and Maya combined. Not only is she beautiful like her mom, but she has to be the smartest child on earth.

We started the day going to breakfast. After that, we went to my parents so they could get to know Ava and I would have help in case I did something to mess her up. I know nothing about kids.

It’s almost supper time now and I still haven’t heard from Maya. I’m tempted to call her and if she doesn’t answer, call the police. I never should have let her go by herself.

“Hey, where’s Maya?” Callie asks, coming into the living room where Ava is playing.

“Callie,” Ava screams, before launching herself at Callie.

“Hey sweet girl,” she says, giving her head a quick kiss. “Are you having fun?”

“It’s been the best day. I got to ride a horse,” she screams to Callie. “Can I see your babies?”

“They are in the kitchen,” she says, putting her down. We watch Ava run into the other room. I can’t stop smiling just looking at that little girl. “So, where’s Maya?” she asks again.

“In Atlanta,” I reply, shaking my head.

“She left Ava with you and went to Atlanta. Is she coming back?” Callie asks, making me think something I have been trying really hard not to think.

“I hope so. She said she needed to talk to Trent and didn’t want Ava to hear. I’m just hoping she’s not using me to go spend some alone time with her boyfriend.” My phone starts ringing, I look down and see Maya’s name.

“It’s her, I’ll be outside,” I say, walking out the door. “Hey,” I answer.

“Hey, how’s Ava?”

“She is perfect. Definitely the best thing we ever did.”

“I will definitely agree to that. I’m on my way home. I don’t want to spend another minute away from her,” she says, sounding like she’s on the verge of tears.

“Maya, it’s late. As badly as I want you here, I want you to be careful.”

“I know it’s late, I just really…..”

“Really what?” I ask quietly.

“I just really miss Ava and it’s been a weird day and I just need to see her.” I can hear her take a deep breath and then I can hear her start sniffing. Great, she’s hours away from me and now she’s crying.

“How did it go with Trent?” I expect her to answer me, but the line just stays quiet for what feels like forever.

“Can we talk about it later? I’m really tired and have a long drive ahead of me. I really just want to forget about it for right now.”

“Did he hurt you?”

“Of course not,” she answers. “What did you and Ava do today?” I know she’s trying to change the subject. I know her well. Something happened and she doesn’t want me to know about it. This woman really is going to be the death of me.

“We had a great day. I took her riding. I hope that’s okay.” We never really talked about what she could do. I know she’s my daughter, but I also know deep down I messed up big time and don’t even deserve to have a chance to get to know her.

“It’s fine. I wouldn’t have left her with you if I didn’t think you would keep her safe. Did she love it?”

“She had so much fun. We took a ton of pictures. I think I’m going to have to buy her a horse,” I say, realizing I probably need to buy her a lot of things. I can’t believe Maya has been doing all of this on her own. Not only taking care of her physically, but financially too. Kids have to be expensive.

“She would probably love that. I’m about to stop and get some caffeine. I’ll be there sometime. Have fun with Ava. I’ll see you soon,” she says, hanging up.

As soon as I hang up, a text comes in. I look down and read it.

“Sorry, the only prints are yours. Let me know if you need anything else.” I knew it was a long shot, but I also had to try. Where did those pictures come from?

I decide to head back inside to my family, knowing Ava is surrounded by all of them and I wish I could go back in time and change everything. I only know one thing now, there is no way I am letting this girl out of my life now. I just need to come up with a way to make her mom want to let me back into their lives permanently. I slip my phone back in my pocket and head back inside to find Ava. I find her in the kitchen on my mom’s hip while she if finishing up cooking.

“Hey baby girl, come here so..umm.” I have no idea what she is supposed to call my mom. She is technically the first grandchild, especially since the twins are too little to call her anything.

My mom turns around to look at me with a small smile on her face. “Ava and I have been trying to come up with a good name for me,” she says smiling at Ava. “We’re still trying to figure it out. We are also finishing up supper, so you can go away now.” I smile back at them and take that as my cue to get out of the kitchen. I’m realizing now that I’m not the only one who has missed out on an amazing little girl the last few years.

I head back into the living room with the rest of my family. Brody, Leighton, and Collin have all arrived since I have been in the kitchen.

“Hey, where’s Ava?” Collin asks, looking around.

“She is in the kitchen with mom. I got kicked out.” He nods his head at me before saying, “I’m moving out. I thought you could use the room.”

I look back up at him in shock. “You don’t need to move out.”

“Yeah, I think I do. You have a family now and I don’t need to be there in the middle of it all while y’all are trying to figure stuff out. I figured Ava could use her own room. My stuff is already out, so you’re welcome.”

“How did you get moved out so quickly?”

“I went and talked to Lucas, the guy Brody bought his house from. He found me a place to rent for now. I hate to buy a house and be tied down,” he says smirking.

“I volunteer myself and Callie to go room shopping for Ava,” Leighton screams with the biggest smile on her face.

“Don’t you have a wedding to plan that’s in about two weeks?” She looks back at me and smiles.

“The wedding is completely under control. I could use a day away from thinking about flowers, lights, and all that other stuff I have no idea about, unless of course you think Maya would rather do it.”

“I don’t know what to think when it comes to Maya.” I look around the room at all of the different expressions on the faces of my family.  My dad narrows his eyes at me, but doesn’t say anything. “If you want to say something, say it.” I say watching him shake his head. After I keep staring at him for a few minutes, he finally nods.

“Okay, I’m trying to figure out why you never let her explain herself. I never saw the pictures you are talking about, but we both know in our line of work, things aren’t always as simple as a picture shows. If you had been man enough to confront her about it, you would still have a wife and you wouldn’t have missed out on the most amazing years of your daughter’s life.”

“Do you really think I don’t know all of that? If I could go back in time, I would do it in a heartbeat. Do you think I’m okay with the fact that my best friend has had my wife and daughter and I haven’t? In fact, I drove her straight into his arms and then I had to watch her drive away this morning to go back to him. I don’t know what the hell their relationship really is.”

“Don’t you mean ex-wife?” my dad asks, his eyes narrowing again.

“No, I mean wife. No more secrets. I sent her divorce papers, she never signed them. Legally, she is my wife and I have no idea how to keep her that way because I made the biggest mistake anyone can ever make when I let her walk away from me and now, I’m afraid I made the same one again this morning.”

“She will be back,” Collin says, standing up the same time I do. I turn to glare at him, hoping he will fill me in as to why he thinks this. “I had already been at your house a couple of hours this morning. You were all still asleep. She’s not that kind of girl. She is still in love with you. This morning proved that and the fact that she is still your wife proves that. You just better make sure you don’t mess up again.” Everyone starts asking what he means by this morning, but I don’t listen. I walk over to the front door and open it just in time to find Molly standing in front of me.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I ask, giving her a hug. She gives me a knowing smile and walks into the house to say hi to everyone else, even Callie. I’m about to ask what she thinks she knows when Ava comes barreling back into the living room, stopping directly in front of Molly.

“Hi, who are you?” Ava asks. I’m beginning to wonder if this girl has ever met a stranger. Maybe I need to give her a lesson on stranger danger.

Molly squats down to where she is face to face with Ava. “I’m Molly, and you must be Ava. I have heard a lot about you.” How has Molly heard anything about Ava? What the hell is going on now?

“Do you live here, Molly?” Ava asks in the sweetest little voice that I will never get tired of hearing.

“I grew up here, but I’m hoping I can stay here for a little while, I would love to get to know you, that’s for sure,” Molly answers her, sounding extremely different from the Molly we have all had to deal with lately.

“We would love to have you stay here as long as you want,” my mom says, coming in the room to hug Molly. I look up to see the tears in my mom’s eyes. “Finally my entire family under one roof.” She comes over to give me a hug and whispers in my ear, “We will get the rest of yours here, too, soon, I promise.” I wish it was only that simple.

After an amazing meal with my family, we are all in the living room trying to catch up on what has been going on with Molly. It’s a little strange seeing her here and not having her scream at any of us, especially Callie. Ava hasn’t been able to leave Molly alone. My baby girl is definitely a people person.

All I can think about is grabbing Molly and jerking her out of this room to ask her how she has heard all about Ava. I would assume my mom had told her about all of this, until I remember my mom doesn’t even talk to her much anymore.

Finally, after hours of talking, Ava has finally fallen asleep in Molly’s lap, of all people. I want to go snatch her up and hold her myself, but I need to ask Molly a few questions first and she is less likely to run with Ava in her lap.

“How did you know about Ava?” I finally ask after the conversations seem to be dying out around us. Molly looks down at Ava one last time, with a strange look of love and admiration to her before looking back at me.

“Margo came to see me,” she simply says, completely shocking me. I haven’t seen Margo in years. Margo is Trent’s little sister. She and Molly used to be friends in high school. I never could stand the girl. She always had a crazy crush on me and never tried to hide it.

“Why would Margo come see you?” She repositions Ava in her lap, being careful not to wake her and turns to look at me.

“I haven’t talked to Margo in years. Last night, she knocked on my door and asked if we could talk. I let her in and she started crying about how you were trying to ruin Trent’s life. She said she hasn’t seen him in a couple of years, but he called her last night and was crazy upset and she was worried about him. I couldn’t figure out why she was telling me about it until she started filling me in on his life now.” I nod my head at her, but don’t say anything, not yet. I really want her to get this entire story out before I start jumping to conclusions. When I don’t say anything, she continues. “She said a few years back, Trent and Maya ran off together, got married, and had Ava nine months later. They were so happy and in love until for some reason Maya decided to come back here and try to convince you Ava was really yours. He said she called him last night and he may have been upset and said some things to scare her. He said all he wanted was his family back, especially his daughter, but for some reason Maya was confused because you were probably brainwashing her.”

“They are not married,” I automatically say.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. It would have been really hard for her to marry someone else when she’s still married to me.” Molly smiles at me and looks back down at Ava.

“That’s why I came straight here. I didn’t believe a word she was saying, but after meeting this little angel, I have no doubt she is yours in every way. There are some serious Taylor genes in this family. Where’s Maya?”

“On her way home from Atlanta seeing Trent. She said she needed to talk to him without Ava there. I don’t know what to believe anymore,” I say, leaning my head back on the couch.

Molly gives Ava a quick kiss on her forehead before handing her to me. “I hope you know how lucky you are to get a second chance with her,” she whispers, a tear rolling down her face. I nod my head at her.

“Hey, I know it sucks you never met your biological family, but you will always be my sister and we will always love you.” She nods her head at me and takes a deep breath.

“I know. I wasn’t talking as a daughter this time though,” she says, confusing me even more tonight. She stands up and heads over to the stairs. “I’m thinking about staying a while if it’s okay with y’all. Do you know if the real estate office here is hiring?”

“You want to stay?” my mom asks excitingly. Molly nods her head and smiles.