Page 34 of Heartbeat Harmony (Hearts in Hawthorne #2)

Chapter

Nineteen

E li awoke, blanketed by warm woman. He lay on his back, Autumn nestled firmly against his side. Her head rested on his shoulder, and her arm was slung over him possessively, just as his held her body to his.

Yesterday had been a day of revelations, culminating in them making love again after they had cooked dinner together.

He had kept to what he’d promised her, using the can of whipped cream, squirting it strategically across her satin skin and lapping it up, along with her.

His appetite for her was voracious. Though sex was a new experience for him, he realized he would not have appreciated it as much before if it had occurred with any partner but Autumn.

She was the difference.

He hoped she did not regret the words of love which had been exchanged between them. He certainly didn’t, but he knew he was coming from a headspace much different than she was.

She began to stir, and he marveled at every curve of her body.

Glancing up sleepily, she said, “Good morning.”

Smiling lazily down at her, he said, “Good morning, yourself.” He paused a moment and then added, “Thank you for yesterday. Not just teaching me how to make love to a woman, but the entire day together. It was the best day of my life, Autumn. Because I spent it with you.”

The back of her fingers brushed his cheek. “It was my favorite day, too. You’re an amazing man, Eli Carson. I can’t believe no one has snatched you up before now.”

He captured her fingers and brought them to his lips for a tender kiss. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you, Autumn Sutherland. I just didn’t know it.”

They made love slowly, taking their time, learning new things about one another with each touch.

Each kiss. Each sigh. He liked that she wasn’t shy about asking for what she wanted from him and found himself doing the same.

He realized communication between them would always be key, something she hadn’t experienced in her marriage.

Eli would be certain to make that a priority.

They lay together in the afterglow, their limbs entwined, basking in one another’s company.

They talked for a good hour, the conversation drifting from topic to topic.

She told him more about her life growing up in Hawthorne and being one half of twins.

He recognized how deeply family ties ran within her, and for a moment, he was slightly envious, having no experience close to that.

Then Eli decided it was time to fully open up to Autumn.

“I have a brother.”

She startled beside him. “What? You have a brother? Eli! Why didn’t you tell me about him?”

He shrugged. “There’s nothing for me to tell.”

Autumn seemed to sense how difficult speaking had suddenly become for him, and she snuggled closer, her palm over his heart. He placed his hand over hers, working up his courage to tell her.

“He’s younger than I am,” Eli began. “From what I can recall, I was five and he was maybe three when they took us away. Mom used to be gone all kinds of hours, leaving us alone, sometimes for days. Telling me that I was in charge. I remember making us peanut butter sandwiches. If there wasn’t any bread, I would spread peanut butter on crackers for us for dinner.

I’d wet a cloth and wipe his face, trying to keep him clean.

Combing his hair and then mine. Making sure I put shoes and socks on him. ”

“Were you placed in the same foster home?” Autumn asked quietly.

He shook his head. “They came to get us. The lady from the state agency told me I was going with her. Another worker was there and scooped up my brother. We headed to one car, and they headed to another.”

He paused, the memory of that moment emblazoned. “We broke away and ran toward one another. Hugged. Cried. As they pulled us apart, I told him to be good.”

Eli swallowed down the pain, seeing his little brother crying, his arms reaching out as he called Eli’s name as they were separated and placed in different cars.

“That’s the last I ever saw of him. I’m hoping he got adopted. Being younger than I was made that a stronger possibility.”

“You need to find him, Eli,” she urged. “I’m sure he would love to see you. What’s his name?”

Tears flooded his eyes as guilt overwhelmed him.

He made a strangled sound. Suddenly, a sob escaped, and he was crying.

Autumn wrapped herself around him, stroking his hair, trying to comfort him.

She didn’t ask him anymore questions and merely let him cry it out.

When his tears finally ceased, he felt physically and emotionally drained.

Meeting her gaze, he said, “I’m ashamed to tell you this, but I don’t know my own brother’s name. I know he had to have had one, but I don’t know it.”

He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. “When Mom left, she always told me to take care of my little buddy. She even called him Buddy. That’s all I think of. And I never cried about losing him. Until now.” He smiled at her. “It’s because I feel safe sharing everything with you.”

“You weren’t ready to look for him before now, were you?” she asked.

“No. I pushed everything about my past as far away as I could. The more the years went by, the dimmer my early memories have become. I know I loved him. I took care of him. He probably doesn’t even remember those first few years, though.

Three is awfully young. Think about it. What do you remember from the time you were three? ”

“Not much,” she admitted. “What I do remember is more from having seen pictures of when Summer and I were that age. I know I had a favorite Disney Princess dress I wore all the time because I’ve seen me wearing it in pictures.

When we were three, Summer and I took swimming lessons.

Then again, I have those pictures to refer back to.

As for actual memories? No, not so many.

More just impressions. The way my mom smelled.

Her wrapping me in a bath towel. Dad cuddling with me, telling me a story. ”

She hesitated. “Do you think he remembers anything about you?”

“I doubt it. Especially if he found a new family soon after we were separated. That family would have become his own. He would’ve had no ties to the past. We didn’t even have a favorite toy or blanket to take with us when we left. We came from nothing, Autumn.”

“You may not have had the time or inclination before now, but I’m encouraging you to think about looking for Buddy, Eli.

He may feel as if a part of him is missing and not even understand why.

I know not all parents tell their children if they’re adopted.

It’s more common to do so nowadays than when your brother had a chance of going to a new family.

My gut tells me, though, that Buddy does carry some memory of you and would love to meet you. ”

“I don’t have a clue where to begin a search, Autumn. How do I look for someone whose real name I don’t even know?” he asked, frustrated.

“You hire an expert to do that. Before we do so, there are some things we can do. Look for any information about your mom that we can find online. Find your birth certificate and hopefully your brother’s, using her name to search.

Contact the State of Texas and Child Protective Services.

Assemble whatever information we can, then hire someone to look into it for us. ”

He smoothed her hair. “You keep saying we .” He grinned. “I like the sound of that. I like being part of a we .” Eli hesitated. “I hope you don’t regret what’s passed between us. What we’ve said to one another. I’m not much of a prize. You could easily do better.”

Autumn kissed him softly. “Your past is your past, Eli. I don’t judge you on it.

I don’t regret a single thing. I love you.

I know I had some weird idea in my head about how my life should proceed after my divorce from Flint was finalized.

That I would focus solely on my career for a year or two.

Enjoy time with family and friends. Then I might think about dating. ”

She cupped his cheek. “But why put off the rest of my life when it’s right here in front of me?

Yes, most people will think I’m foolish to jump back into another, serious relationship so quickly, but my feelings are real.

True. Deeper and stronger than anything I ever felt for Flint.

Don’t think I’m constantly comparing the two of you.

I’m not. I only know that in my heart I don’t just feel this is right.

I know it is. I only hope you aren’t having second thoughts. That I’m not enough for you.”

“Never,” he told her. “I was attracted to you long before I said anything. I was afraid to speak up because I didn’t want to mess up our working relationship or the friendship growing between us.

I’ve hired two different couples who are working at Triple H in leadership positions.

The workplace is a common place where people do wind up meeting and getting together.

I don’t think the Bennetts or the Gentrys are doing any less of a job simply because they’re in love and married and working at the same hospital. ”

“I’m glad you’re going to tell people at Triple H about us,” Autumn said. “And I hope you weren’t speaking too impulsively when you asked if I want to move in with you.”

“If you think it’s too soon, I respect that. But the door to my house—and my heart—is open to you, Autumn.”

“Let’s give it a week,” she suggested. “Give us time to get used to our new relationship. If we still feel confident, I’ll move my things over next weekend.

That move is something I don’t want to announce to the world, however.

Where we live is our business. A small town loves to gossip about its residents.

I don’t mind Hawthorne knowing we’re in a relationship with one another, but I’d like to let our living arrangements stay private. ”

“How do you think your parents will react? Or West and Summer?” he asked.

“My brother and sister will know I’ve followed my heart.

Mom, too. They will understand. Mom is a romantic and already likes you.

Not that Dad doesn’t, but I am one of his little girls, one who’s been hurt pretty badly.

It’s going to take a little more for you to win Joe Sutherland over, I’m afraid. ”

“Then let’s commence Operation Win Dad today,” he declared. “How about I take your parents out to lunch?”

“That would be sweet.” She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “They’ll be at church now. I think I’ll go home and shower and change and then see if they’d like to eat with us. If they can’t, I’ll come back over here.” She smiled. “Because I want to spend all of Sunday with you, Eli.”

Reluctantly, he let her leave the bed and saw her to her car. He took Atticus for a quick walk and then fed the pup before jumping into the shower. He dressed in slacks and a sports shirt, per Autumn’s request. As he was combing his hair, a text came in. He picked up his phone.

We’re a go for lunch. I made reservations at the Hawthorne Inn for one o’clock. Come to my parents’ house at noon. We can visit a little and then go from here.”

He texted her a thumbs up, knowing he wanted to make a good impression on Joe and Meg today.

Yes, he’d already met them in a professional capacity, but this was different.

Eli put himself in Dr. Sutherland’s shoes, thinking if he had a daughter, he would want the best for her.

He wouldn’t want any man rushing her or taking advantage of her.

He needed to make certain Autumn’s parents knew his feelings were authentic and lasting.

Another text came in.

Asked West and Kelby to meet us at the inn. Think that might help smooth the way.

Eli liked Autumn’s brother and hoped they would become friends. Kelby Sutherland was also bright and personable. The couple would help keep the conversation moving if any lulls occurred.

He arrived at the Sutherlands’ house, anxiety filling him.

He’d always been confident, thanks to his high IQ, sailing through classes and medical training without thought.

Where his fellow interns and residents had fretted over surgical procedures, he had thrived under pressure.

It was what had made him so successful in managing a large ER.

Meeting his girlfriend’s parents as her boyfriend was definitely a different thing altogether.

Knocking on the door, his heart began racing. When it opened, Joe Sutherland stood on the other side. He stepped out onto the porch, joining Eli.

His face serious, the school superintendent said, “I made the mistake of not asking the last man who showed an interest in Autumn what his intentions were. And I still want to kill the sumbitch for what he did to her.”

“You don’t have to ask,” Eli replied, confident in his feelings regarding Autumn.

“I’m happy to tell you that your daughter is a remarkable woman.

One of the smartest, most capable individuals I’ve ever met.

She knows medicine. She knows people. And she’s claimed my heart, sir.

I will never hurt her. I will do my best to protect her and love her. ”

The older man studied Eli. “Love her? It’s already at that point?”

“Most definitely. I felt something for Autumn the first time we met.” Quickly, he added, “I did not let that influence my decision in regard to hiring her. You can ask anyone at Triple H. Autumn is terrific at her job. And I was smart enough to keep my feelings to myself and simply be her friend.” Eli paused.

“But we both want more than friendship.”

“You said love,” Sutherland repeated. “You mean it?”

“With my entire heart,” he said fervently. “I plan to stay at Triple H many years. I want Autumn by my side, both professionally and personally. I want to raise our family in Hawthorne and be a part of this community.”

Joe Sutherland shook his head. “I guess when you know, you know. Right?”

“You absolutely know. Your heart. Your gut. Your every breath tells you. Autumn is the one for me.”

Joe thrust out a hand, and Eli took it.

“West told me you two were an item. I can see you’re more than an item.”

“I would marry Autumn tomorrow, but I don’t want to rush her,” he admitted. “She’s suffered a lot of heartbreak. I want her to be sure about us.”

Joe chuckled. “Summer was the one who always flitted about. Autumn was the solemn one who knew her mind. If she’s made up her mind about you—and it sounds as if she has—then who am I to stand in the way of true love? Come inside, Eli. And welcome to the family.”