Scandalous (Book 1)

Part 8. Flashback

 As Erin wraps her robe around her freshly clean body, she makes her way into the walk-in closet and pulls out Christopher's baby book wanting to remember how much she loved being a new mother. She climbs on the bed and places his baby book on the floral comforter and smiles as she opens his baby book and sees his little hand and footprints.  She thinks back to how happy and excited she and Ross were to have a healthy and beautiful baby boy. 

"Before that wretched gold digging wench came into our lives, we were really happy," she whispers as she flips through each page seeing pictures of Ross sleeping with Chris firmly snuggled on his chest. After closing the baby book, she puts it back in the closet and thinks back to when her happiness was snatched away from her.

"After all of those years, it was ruined by someone who doesn't care who she hurts," she sighs as she lies across the bed caressing her belly.

"I know Elijah is so young and has more of life ahead of him than I probably do, and I know I need to have faith in him. But there is still a small part of me that can't help but wonder,-"

"Well, stop wondering, Erin," he says as he climbs on the bed behind her. His arms wrapping around to place his hand on her bulging belly. 

"Eli, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"I won't feel bad as long as I know you know I will never do to you what Ross did to you."

"I know I don't exactly like to talk much about my divorce and the events that led up to me divorcing Ross. It's no secret how much I loved him and how devastated I was when I found out what he was doing on business trips."

"Do you still love him, Erin?" She turns to look him in the eye and smiles.

"No, Eli, I'm no longer in love with Ross, and I feel no love for him. You are the one I'm now in love with. I just need you to be certain, have no doubts you're not only ready to be a husband, but you're ready to be a father. As much as I love Chris, and as much as I love being a mother, it's not always easy, it can be quite challenging."

"I love a good challenge. I have no doubts about you and this beautiful baby we created. Did we move things faster than most people, yes, but I don't regret it, Erin, and I never will.  I'm in this with you and our child all the way."

"You're curious to know exactly what happened with Ross and Tammy, aren't you, Eli?"

"Only if you want to tell me, sweetheart." 

"About three years ago Ross was going out- of -town more and more for jobs he could take care of here. At first, I didn't think anything about it, but then when I would gather all the laundry, I would smell a perfume that wasn't mine, and lipstick on certain parts of his clothes that shouldn't be there."

"Oh wow, yeah, I have a pretty good idea what parts on his clothing it shouldn't be there," Eli replies.

"Yes. I confronted him and of course, he lied. So,  I decided to make sure I was a few steps ahead of him when he told me he had to go out -of- town again.  I made sure to overhear where he was going, what hotel he would be staying in.


*Flashback*

"Okay, let's just see the real reason you're always going out -of- town," she huffs as she makes her way down the long hall. Once she is standing in front of the door, she quietly leans her ear next to the door. Her heart begins to race as she hears her husband's voice, and then a familiar female voice.

"Ross, come on, you know I can make you happier than your old wife. She doesn't do the things to you that I do to you. Come on, if you leave Erin, you will see how happier you will be with me. Don't we deserve a chance to be happy?" 

"I don't know Tammy, I've been with Erin for a long time. I just don't- think I can,-" she quickly presses her lips on his and begins to rub his bulge in his pants.

"Oh god, please tell me my husband isn't about to have sex with my dead best friend's daughter," she hopes and soon hears her hopes are being dashed as she hears the unmistakable moans coming from the other side of the closed door.

"Deeper and harder Ross, make me feel every inch of you ravaging my insides," Tammy commands him. 

"Oh god, I can't listen to any more of this."

  *End of flashback*

"Oh my god, Erin, Tammy is your dead best friend's daughter?"

"Yeah, and believe me, she is nothing like Cora was. Cora was such an amazing person. I often wonder if her knowing what vile things her daughter did helped put her in her grave. I think she lost her will to live, and Tammy didn't give a shit. She didn't even go to her own mother's funeral because she was too busy trying to bed my husband."

"Damn, Erin, I'm so sorry. I now have a better understanding of why it's so difficult for you to trust people."

"Ross allowed himself to be manipulated and lied to. He gave up what we shared for so many years for a backstabbing, bed-hopping, money-hungry tramp. I'm no longer angry, or hurt, or sad."

"You're not, why not?"

"Because, Eli, I'm now sharing my life with you and our child. There's nothing to be angry or sad about that," she softly smiles as she leans over to kiss him."

"Are you nervous about having to go back to court?"

"Nope, what I have on Tammy is going to ensure she loses everything. It's all about money and living a glamours life for her. I do hope this wakes Ross up and he never makes the same stupid mistake he made with her."

"Do you think Ross had a lapse in judgment and he was feeling like he needed someone younger to stroke his ego?"

"Yes, even if he regrets and he's sorry for what he did, it's too late for us. I'm exactly where I want to be, with you and our child."

"You're certain, Erin? You have no doubt it's me you want to be with?" he asks as he caresses her cheek with his fingers.

"There is no doubt you are who I want to be with, Eli."

"Great, because I have my cousin Rex coming here tomorrow to marry us."

"You what, Eli?"

"Please hear me out, Erin. Knowing how cruel and vindictive Tammy is, I have this sick feeling she is going to try and pull one of her shitty tricks next week in court. You and I, we have to make sure we have our t's crossed and our I's dotted. From everything you have told me about Tammy, she is going to do everything she can to make you look like an evil villain as she paints herself to be this perfect angel."

"Shit, Eli, you're right. Okay, so I have to put you being able to make any and all decisions with me. Medical decisions, financial decisions."

"I also thought about that. I think the best thing for me to do is sign a prenup, Erin."

"What? I wasn't planning on having you sign a prenup, Eli."

"I know, and I love you for that, but we have to make sure I don't come off looking like some young greedy con like Tammy. We have to have all of our basis covered, Erin. You need to contact your lawyer in the morning, get this all set up before we say I do."

"Okay, I will contact Mr. Palmer in the morning. Eli, you're worth much more than me, shouldn't I be the one signing a prenup?"

"Nope. I know how hard you have worked for everything you have, Erin. I also know how grateful you are for everything you earned. I will not ask you to sign a prenup."

"I really appreciate that Eli, but, how is your family going to feel about you marrying not only an older lady but an older lady with less than a stellar  background?"

"I already explained everything to them, Erin. They insisted all three of our lawyers are present with you next week. They will also be contacting your lawyer in the morning." 

"Thank you so much, Eli. I love you."

"I love you too, Erin. And when all this is finally over, don't you think it's time we get back to having some erotic fun together?" He asks causing her to grin.

"Don't worry, you will have your dom wife playing with you soon," she winks.