BONUS #1 - Mother’s Day

~~~SPOILER ALERT~~~

Make sure you’ve read The Redemption before reading these bonus scenes.

~Rochelle~

The handwriting on the envelope doesn’t read Mama or Mommy, my favorite names and role in life. Even though the pink card is on a tray with a questionable breakfast disaster concocted by my youngest, CJ and my oldest, Neil, it’s not from them. I giggle remembering the laughter coming from the kitchen as Dex guided them to add what seems like the entire contents of the fridge to this plate of eggs. They came in and delivered the food with hugs and kisses, and then ran off to play.

This card is not from them though. It’s Mother’s Day, but my eyes meet Dex’s just as I slip it from the envelope. Looking at the card inside makes me smile. “Is this from you?” I ask.

“It is,” he replies easily, lying back on the bed next to me.

“Why’d you buy me a Mom’s Day card?”

“Because you deserve to be celebrated.”

My heart swoons and I slide down next to him on the bed and snuggle into his side. “Thank you.”

He whispers, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything.” I close my eyes briefly enjoying how good our life is, how good he’s made all of our lives. With my head on his chest, I open the card and read the printed text before I allow myself the treat of his written words.

To the woman who makes our house a home.

To the one who makes all things better.

To the lady who sacrifices her own needs for the betterment of everyone else’s.

To my love who taught our kids what that word means.

Happy Mother’s Day to the greatest Mom ever!

I glance up at him. His eyes are on me as his arms tighten around my body, holding me closer. I look back down and read,

Dear Rochelle,

You’ve given me more than I ever thought I would have. You’ve given me love, patience, and your trust. In return, I want to give you everything. I love you endlessly. You are an amazing partner, but an even more incredible mother to the boys who feel like my own. I love them as I love you. If we never have kids of our own, I’ll feel complete to be a part of this amazing family.

On this special day, I want to ask if I can be a permanent part of their lives as they’ve become such an important part of mine?

Love,

Dex

I sit up and look at him. His soulful brown eyes stare into mine as the question lingers between us. “What are you saying?”

With that smirk that makes me fall madly in love with him all over again, he says, “I’m saying as much as I want to marry you, I want to see if you will consider letting me adopt the boys?”

I gulp, stunned by the question posed, but also by the kindness of this man. “You want to raise CJ and Neil as your own?”

“I do. I love those guys.” He sits up. “They don’t have to take my name or anything. They’re Cory’s by blood. And I’m not looking to replace him like he never existed. I’ll always make sure they remember him—the person he was as well as the music legend he is.”

Tears fill my eyes and I drop my head into my hands as he continues. “I just want to be there for them the way a father would be, the way we are now, but legally. I want to be responsible for them and help raise them, do Dad stuff like sports and go to teacher conferences. I want to teach them how to tie a tie—”

Lifting up, I can’t hide my tears from him. He deserves to see my happiness. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a tie,” I tease, nudging him lightly with my elbow.

“Then I’ll wear a tie for you.” He kisses my temple. “We all will. Tonight for your special dinner.”

“I don’t care about the ties, Dex. I just, I can’t believe what you’re saying.”

“Is it too much too soon? I know we’re not married, but I thought we could do this at the same time. Become a family together in all senses.”

“No, not too soon. We’re going to married and you becoming their father would be amazing. Them having someone else they can rely on, someone in their lives that care as much about them as I do will mean the world to them, and to me.” I throw my arms around him and hold tightly to him. “This is the best gift you could ever give me. You caring for my children with the huge love you do for me, is more than I ever dreamed I could find. Thank you.”

He squeezes me just as tightly, if not more, and whispers, “Thank you and happy Mother’s Day.”

“Happy Father’s Day!”

Sitting back, he looks me in the eyes and says, “Happy Family Day!”

With a huge smile, I repeat, “Happy Family Day!”

 BONUS #2 - Mother’s Day

~Rochelle~

Clanging rang out through the house. I lift the eye-mask I had slipped on an hour earlier when Dex had gotten up. It was unlike him to wake up so early, but at least he let me sleep in. I was grateful for the extra hour. But the noise from the kitchen was loud and there was just no going back to sleep when my curiosity was piqued.

I got out of bed and put on my robe before making my way to the door. Stealth like, I maneuvered down the hall and peeked around the corner. Giggles echoed and Dex’s deep chuckle followed. It was the best sound in the world—all three of my guys together—laughing.

It was then that I hear it—the plotted plan. CJ says, “Mama will like this. She loves chocolate chips on her eggs.”

He loves chocolate chips on anything, including eggs, but for him I’ll continue to pretend to love them just as much.

Neil adds, “More whipped cream. It’s mother’s day, Dex. Don’t skimp.”

Dex laughs again. “I’m not skimping. I’m just not sure we should have put all this on top of the eggs. Whoa, slow down with the salsa, CJ.”

Oh good lord, what am I about to have to be served? I try to hide my own laughter while reminding myself it’s the thought that counts. When I hear CJ burst into a fit of giggles, then Neil, I know Dex is tickling them. He says, “You guys ready to surprise Mommy?”

“Yeah!” CJ shouts.

“Shhhhhhh,” Neil says, “you’re gonna wake her up, dummy.”

“No name calling,” Dex corrects.

“He started it,” CJ replies.

“I’m finishing it,” Dex says. “Now let’s go.”

I turn and hightail it back to bed, hoping I don’t get caught spying. I’d hate to ruin their surprise. I dive into bed and grab my eye-mask. Within seconds I’m lying with my eyes closed, my back to the door. I settle in just in time to hear the door open and whispers sneaking in the room.

Making a show of waking up, I stretch my arms out and groan. Then lift the mask slowly and jump, pretending to be surprised. “Oh! What are you sweet boys up to?”

“Happy Mother’s Day!” my two sweet boys yell in unison.

Their smiles match the happiness they bring me. When my eyes meet Dex’s I spot a mischievous spark. I give him a quick smile as the boys step forward with their plate of awesome. “Are those eggs?” I ask.

CJ stands proud of the creation. “And chocolate chips and salsa and pickles, Mama, because you like those things.”

“And strawberry syrup and ketchup.” Neil laughs because he’s old enough to know it’s kind of gross, but young enough to feel happy that I’m getting the things I love altogether. “Take a big bite.” He pulls out the e-pad to take a picture.

“Okay,” I say, looking down at the plate again while trying to maintain my smile. Dex laughs. “Delicious, huh?”

“There’s so much yumminess on this plate I’m not sure where to begin.”

Dex suggests, “Just dig right into the middle.”

“Oh, yeah… okay,” I say, giving him an evil look. I gulp hard and take the fork. Bracing my stomach for the onslaught of flavors that should never be mixed, I dig in. But my fork hits something sold underneath the concoction on top. I’m not sure I even want to know, the question leaves my mouth before I can stop myself. “What’s that?”

CJ and Neil start jumping up and down and clapping, which tips me off to more than meets the eyes. “We tricked her. We tricked her.”

I can’t say I’m not relieved I don’t have to eat that food, but now I’m curious to what is going on. “You did trick me, you little tricksters!” I grab hold of them so fast that they can’t escape. Pulling them to me. They are boisterous and wiggly and just amazing kids. I do my best to tickle them remembering the different tickly spot each has. When they are screaming for Dex’s help, I sit back, laughing just as much. They fall next to me and Dex finds a place on the other side of Neil.

The laughter stops and the birds singing outside are heard. We’re lying there with the sunshine coming, enjoying this family time, when Dex says, “I want to adopt Neil and CJ.”

BONUS #3 - Valentine’s Day

~Rochelle~

I miss him.

It’s only been two days, but I miss Dex so much. I never considered myself to be overly-dramatic, but Valentine’s Day has broken my resolve. Stupid heart-shaped candy boxes. I bought two… for myself this morning and as I look at them open on the bed in front of me, wrappers spewed everywhere, I sigh.

I’m weak, damn it! To chocolate… and that man.

Grabbing my phone, I touch the button and call him. Listening to the rings—One. Two. Three. Four. Voicemail. Ugh! I hang up though all I want to do is gush to him about how much I love him and pout about how much I miss him.

I lay in bed bemoaning my loneliness and feeling totally sorry for myself when I realize if I’m feeling like this, maybe he is too. I immediately text Beth to see if she can spend the night and watch the boys. While I’m waiting for a response, I look up flights to Denver. The band is playing a show there tonight.

Beth: My plans fell through, so I’m free, and happy to take my mind off my lack of a love life. I can pick the boys up from school too. We’ll make heart-shaped pizzas and eat lots of candy.

Me: LOL. They’ll love you more than they already do. Limit the candy though. It’s a school night. I have Valentine’s gifts for them set up in their rooms as a surprise. I owe you big time for doing this. Thank you.

My flight takes off at five and I’m landing in Denver before nine their time. The band should be taking the stage just about now. I wish I could make it to the concert because I still get chills when Dex launches the show with that first drumbeat.

An hour later, I’m in Dex’s suite. Tommy was more than happy to arrange to leave a key at the front desk because he says Dex is a moody bastard when I’m not around. I’ve got one short night to make the most of our reunion. Standing there, it doesn’t smell like him. He hasn’t spent time here. In a way I’m disappointed there doesn’t seem to be any part of him here, but I’m also glad that a hotel room has not become his home. He belongs with me and the boys back in LA.

Dex’s suitcase is open on the floor and it makes me realize I should have brought some clean clothes for him. On the desk in the corner, I spy a notepad and go and sit down. I write:

To the Man that Makes My Heart Race,

Though some days we aren’t together, you’re never alone. You’ll always be with me—even if timezones and cities separate us, I’m with you and you’re with me, in our hearts we will be.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I love you always,

The Woman Who Can’t Live Without You XOX

I tuck the note into his case, under a T-shirt, feeling so happy I came here. When I stand up, I smile, excited to start our night. I grab the lingerie out of my case and lay it out on the bed, and then hurry into the bathroom to shower off the day from traveling. After getting cleaned up, I spend some time applying my makeup much heavier than usual and styling my hair to be as much of a sex kitten as I can. I want to blow Dex’s mind when he sees me. No yoga pants or jeans for me tonight.

After ordering champagne, beer, and a decadent dessert from room service, I glance at the time. Twenty minutes until the concert will be over and Tommy promised to deliver Dex right afterwards.

Room Service comes and I usher him out as quickly as I can. As soon as the door shuts, I drop the robe and slip on the black lace one piece. It’s high on the hips and low in the cleavage, but it’s flattering and makes me feel sexy. I pop open the champagne and fill two glasses. The anticipation of seeing him again, surprising him on this sweetest of days, has me feeling giddy inside.

I start to hurry to make sure everything is in order and how I want it before slipping on totally inappropriate, but too hot to pass up fuck-me heels. I know he’ll love them. I move to the bed and start positioning myself, but I roll my eyes, kind of starting to feel ridiculous in this unnaturally pose. But then I hear the key in the card reader of the door and freeze. I’m as still as I can be, my heart in my throat, as I watch the entranceway. I suck in a staggered breath, then hold it along with my sexy pose.The door slams closed and I hear him sigh as if relieved to be back. Right when he turns the corner, he stops in his tracks… or the surprise of me stops him in his tracks.

Surprise morphs instantly as his gaze slides over my body. Dex leans against the wall with his hotel key still in hand and the smile that I traveled a thousand miles to see slides across his face. “What a coincidence meeting you here.”

It’s so good to see him, so good that all I want to do is run to him, jump on him and kiss him until we fall onto the bed for more. But I hold the pin-up girl pose a moment longer, hoping to tempt him to me. “It’s not a coincidence at all,” I say, holding the eye contact.

He tosses the key on the dresser and comes over. Dropping his jacket to the ground, he crawls up the bed until I’m forced to lay flat on my back. He’s above me, looking down and says, “This is the best Valentine’s present I’ve ever gotten.”

I stretch my arms above my head, wigging and wanting his hands all over me, and say, “I was lonely and today is made for lovers, so love on me, big boy.”

“Oh, Sweetheart, I’ll love on you alright.” Our lips meet and my body relents under his touch. As his finger rocks back and forth under my strap, he adds, “You’re so fucking sexy, but I want this off.”

Shifting, I lift up onto my knees and say, “Then take it off.”

The action is slow, and though I know he would love to look down and enjoy the show, he holds our gaze instead. The gesture is intimate and defining, the love he has for me shining through. His hand cups my breast when it’s exposed, then the other. As we come together, our fervor elevates, our movements pick up, a frenzy building between us. Within minutes, my love is inside me, his breath covering my bare chest as our bodies rock together. The room is heated by our passion and we become slick with shared emotions until we lose control in each other’s arms while still connected.

We fall into a heap, but turn to look into other’s eyes. He whispers, “You’re here.” I can hear the affection in his words.

“I miss the way you look at me and your scent. I miss your tattoos and running my fingers over your biceps, your laugh and your smile. I miss all of you, Dex. All of you and I just don’t like missing my heart.”

His hand touches my cheek, his fingers rough and wonderful just like I remember. “I miss my heart too. It’s never easy leaving you, but seeing you makes me forget all that. Seeing you completes me.” He shakes his head while closing his eyes. “I hate that I just said that. Such a bad fucking line.”

“Dex,” I say, trying to pry his hands away from covering his face.

“No. It’s out there. It’s horrifying and out there forever. God, you’ll never look at me the same now.”

“You’re right. I’ll look at you entirely different from this moment on.” He lowers his hands and looks my way, and I continue, “You’re the man who opened his heart to me and showed me how deeply one person can love. You taught me love has no boundaries, nor limits, just the capacity for openness.”

“Now you’re just trying to humor me,” he says, chuckling.

“If it takes away you being embarrassed over something that made my heart melt, then I’ll humor you.”

He slides his arm around my neck and brings me closer, kissing me on the forehead in the meantime. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

With our heads bumped together on the same pillow, he asks, “How long can you stay?”

“You’ve got me for seven more hours.”

Maneuvering on top of me, he spreads my legs and rests his body on mine. With his face just inches away and his eyes on my lips, he says, “Let’s not waste a minute.”