Songs for this chapter: 'A Song For Mama' by Boys To Men

Cris' POV

"Jake, you go to the left, and I'll go to the right. We need to find Kamea and fast!"

Chase's POV

As I walked back to my car, which was hidden out of view, I noticed my 'prize' was sitting by herself, crying.

"I could overpower her and kidnap her."

That is what I was about to do until I heard someone calling her name.

Jake's POV

"Kam! Where are you?" I heard crying, so I followed the sound of the cries. I dialed Cris's number.

"Cris, I found her. She is near the pond behind the gazebo."

"Jake, don't come near me! Don't touch me! Leave me alone!" 

"Kam, you can't be out here by yourself. There are dangerous people out here."

"I don't care! If they want me, here I am!" 

"Don't say that. You don't mean that."

Kam stood up from where she was sitting and screamed, "If you want me, here I am! Take me and end my misery!" 

I started walking over to her.

"Jake, I said don't come near me! Leave me alone!" 

I ran over to Kam, grabbed her, and hugged her. She kept banging her fists on my chest.

"Just leave me alone, Jake! Leave me alone, or else you will die next!" 

"Kam, I am not going to die! And I will not let you die."

I heard footsteps coming towards us.

"I hope it is Cris." It was. So, we traded places.

Cris' POV

"Sweetheart, you can't run off like that. What if you had fallen and hurt yourself or someone had hurt you?" 

She started banging her fists on my chest. "Who cares? Because of me, my mother is dead! She is dead, Cris!"

"I care! Kamea, you are my wife and mother to our unborn children, Día and Rocco. They care! How could I explain to them that their mom passed away if you were shot? I don't think I could do that again." 

"You're just saying that to make me feel better! Well, it is not working!" 

"Kamea, look me in my eyes."

"No! Why can't you and Jake just leave me alone?!" 

"Sweetheart, I am not asking." I put both of my hands on her cheeks. "Look at me. Listen, I know you are upset, but how could you say I don't care? Do you know how much that hurts hearing you say that? I freaking love you, Kamea! Jake cares about you too. I don't ever want to hear you say that again! Now, come on so we can go in the house."

"Why, so everyone can look at me and say, 'Oh look, there is Kamea. She is a mom killer!' No! I am not going in that house! I'll just sit out here by myself!" 

"Kamea, stand up!"

"What part of no do you and Jake not understand? LEAVE ME ALONE!" 

"Kamea, I don't have time for games! I am not leaving you out here! You are going into the house, and that is final! Jake, grab her hands." Once he did that, I got up and carried her.

"Cris, put me down!" 

"I will put you down once we are inside the house."

Chase's POV

I almost felt bad for trying to kidnap her. "Let me get out of here."

Cris' POV

"Jake, can you open the door."

"Of course."

I took Kamea upstairs to one of the bedrooms in the house and gently put her down. All of that screaming is not good for her. She cried so much that she fell asleep. I just laid down with her and held her tight.

"How does one console his wife after she witnessed her mother dying?"

I'm going to need help with this because I can't lose her or our babies. 

I saw Marco come into the room.

"How is Kam?"

"She is taking it really hard. Kamea blames herself for what happened. She thinks her family will hate her."

"Noeli passed out after Kam left. I put her in the bedroom across the hall. Kalani and his brothers went to the hospital. I'm going back to lie next to Noeli. I am pretty sure she is going to wake up crying. I need to be there for her. See you in the morning."

2 hours later.

Neither one of the ladies could sleep. Kamea tossed and turned the whole time. And, simultaneously, they both screamed.

Kamea shot up from the bed and just sat up and cried. "I can't sleep knowing my mom is gone. Who is going to be there for me when I need motherly advice about raising my kids? My heart is so broken." 

I got up from the bed and took my suit jacket off. Then, I got back in bed. I motioned for her to lay her head on my chest. "I am here for you, Kamea. And you know my mom will be there too. Talk to me. Please, don't push me away. My heart aches for you. It hurts seeing you this way."

"Every time we will celebrate our anniversary, all I am going to see are images of my mother dying because of me. My babies will never get to meet their grandma. It seems like every time something positive happens, then something horrible happens. I find out I am pregnant, and then Reed kidnaps me. We get married again, then, the same day, my mother is dead. What if someone tries to take you or my kids away from me? I wouldn't be able to make it without you." 

"Sweetheart, there are just so many sick, twisted people that love to see others suffer. I can't guarantee that won't happen. But I can guarantee that I will do whatever it takes to protect you and our four children. You, Noeli, and Kalani are my family. And Marco, myself, and my family will be there for you all."

I started rubbing her belly. "My mom adores you, and I have no doubt she will be there for you when you need motherly advice. So far, you are doing a fantastic job with Día and Rocco. You will be a great mom to our twins."

"I'm sorry for thinking you didn't care about me. I know you love me a lot. And I know Jake cares too. I lost my brother and now my mom. It hurts so much. Just seeing her lying there, motionless, I couldn't bear it."

"Let me help you. We are partners for life. Always remember that. Come on, let's go downstairs and get you something to eat and drink. We haven't had anything since the reception." We got out of bed and headed toward the kitchen.

"Sit, sweetheart." There was some food that we had put aside to eat later, so I made two plates for us.

"Can you make me some tea, if there is any here?"

"Sure." I walked over to the cabinet where it was and found some tea bags. "Would you like green tea?"

"Yes, thank you. Cris, what about our honeymoon? I don't think I can leave my dad and Noeli at a time like this." 

"I'll cancel it. Don't worry about it. We can go away when you are ready." We just sat there and ate our food. I called my parents and told them what had happened. I also asked them to bring our insulin. They said they would bring Día and Rocco over in the morning.

About 2 hours later, after we ate, we lay on the couch and just cuddled. We didn't say a thing. I just let Kamea cry and get it all out while massaging her belly and back. We both eventually fell asleep.

Sunrise - Sunday

I heard someone coming into the house around 8 am. The voices then came into the living room.

I whispered to my mom, "She is still asleep, and I don't want to move her to get up."

"We will take the insulin in the kitchen."

The kids came running into the room, but I quickly shushed them.

Kalani and his brothers came too. He came and whispered, "How is she?"

"She is taking it really hard and blames herself for her mom dying."

"I'll talk to Kami and Noeli together when they wake up."

Everybody left, so it was just the two of us. Shortly after they came, Kamea started tossing and turning and woke up crying. Kalani heard Kamea and rushed into the room. She saw him and lowered her head. We then sat up so her father could sit next to her. Noeli and Marco came in as well.

Kalani's POV

"Listen to me, Kami and Noeli. We will make it through this. Baby girl, Cris told me that you blame yourself for your mother dying."

"It is my fault. Mom would still be here if I didn't drop my purse." 

"It is not your fault, Kami, and you know it. If it weren't for your mother, that bullet would have hit you. Whoever did this wanted to see our family hurt - whether it was you or your mom. Of course, it is devastating knowing Jayde died. But imagine if it was you. Cris would not only lose you but your unborn babies as well. Día and Rocco would miss you. Noeli and I would miss you."

"But, people are going to look at me and call me a 'mom killer.'"

"Look at me, Kamea. If anybody says that to you, let me or Cris know, and they will be dealt with. That's a promise. And, if I hear you say it is your fault again, Cris is going to watch his wife get a beating. And Cris, if you hear her say it, let me know." 

"Yes, sir. I sure will."

"Kam, we could never hate you. We have to stick together. You are my big sister, and I love you very much," Noeli told her.

"Kam, Cris, and I will find out who did this. They will not get away with this. We love you both."

"Thanks, Marco. I love you all too. It just hurts to know she is gone." 

We heard little feet running in the room. "Daddy! Mommy!" Día and Rocco saw Kamea with tears in her eyes. The twins went over to her and hugged her. "It's okay, mommy. Don't cry," Día said and put her hands on Kamea's face to wipe her tears. We all started crying when they said that.

"Honey, you scared us when you ran off like that. Please, don't do that again. And it is ok to cry. Believe me. I will have my moments too. What Cris and I need you to do is focus on those two little angels growing inside of you. Understand?"

"Yes, daddy. I'm sorry I scared you all."

"Noeli, come sit next to me. I want both of you on each side of me. Your mom wants you both to love your men. Kami, love Cris, and let him take care of you. Noeli, love Marco, and let him take care of you. Those Fiore boys love you both very much. But, if you ever feel the need to talk to me, call me. I'll always be there for you."

My girls kissed my cheeks at the same time.

"Now, Val and Dominic want to see you over at your house with their families. They all want to see you."

Then, at the same time, Kami and Noeli said, "We love you, daddy." Kami walked over to Cris. And, Noeli walked over to Marco.

"Cris, can we go home now? I don't know if I could ever come back here again. I need to pack up my wedding dress and things I left upstairs."

"I'll help you, Kam," Noeli offered.

"Just let me know when you are ready, and we can leave."

"Thanks."

Kam's POV

Noeli and I went upstairs to pack my dress and things. I just stood there for a minute, looking at it and admiring its beauty. But then, my mind flashed back to the way our reception ended. I lost it again. 

"Kam lay down on the bed. I'll get Marco or Cris to help me." She went downstairs and came back with Cris and Marco. Marco and Noel packed everything and took it to the limo, which we still had at our disposal.

"Come on, love, let's get out of here. Everyone else has left and is on their way to our house."

Cris held out his hand to me, and I got up off the bed. We made our way downstairs and left the house.

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Meanwhile

Chase's POV

"So, did you finish the job?"

"I made the shot. However, it hit her mom. She knelt to pick up something she had dropped. Her mother eventually was the target."

"Ugh, why can't anything be done right? I want her dead! Is that so hard?"

I warned this chick about touching my prize. Her life ends tonight.

I walked into the room and approached her with a question. "How would you like to go out dancing this evening at my club?"

"Dancing sounds fun. I'm up for it."

"Good. I'll pick you up around nine o'clock." And then I left.

"You won't even make it to the club. Because, where you are going, you will be dancing with the fishes." 

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Cris' POV

In the short amount of time it took us to get home, Kamea had fallen asleep. I gave the limo driver a nice tip.

"Kamea baby, we are home. Let's get out of the limo and go inside."

I saw smoke coming from the backyard, so I am guessing someone is grilling food.

We walked into the house, and it was filled with people showing their support for Kamea and her family. She was overwhelmed and started crying. Alyshea Toscano came over and hugged Kamea.

"Kamea, we are so sorry to hear your mom passed. We will stay here with you as long as you would like. Cam and Cocoa heard what happened while they were on the plane back to Florida. They are going to fly back in a few days."

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Alyshea."

"Call me mom, honey."

"Cris, I am going to shower and change out of this dress." Then, Kamea went upstairs.

"Thank you so much for staying. Kamea is heartbroken and blames herself for what happened."

"You're welcome, Cris. My husband really cares about Kamea, like she is his daughter. He insisted that we stay. Whatever you need us to help with, just let us know."

"Thank you. That means a lot."

Kamea's POV

By the time I came downstairs, I saw so many of my family and friends. I saw Cris talking to Mr. Toscano and Mr. Dominic, so I walked over there. Mr. Toscano grabbed me and hugged me.

"I'm not going to ask how you feel because I know you are hurting. So, we will be here for you and your family. We saw the sniper who shot your mom, but he got away in a black Suburban."

Cris was pissed. "That Suburban has been nothing but trouble. About a month ago, we saw it following us around. Then, when the ladies came back from lunch, Kamea said it tried to run her down. Thank goodness Jake was there." 

"Excuse me, gentlemen, but I need to sit down. My back is bothering me."

I went to find a place where I thought I could get peace and quiet. So, I went to sit in the gazebo we have in our backyard. I just curled up and laid down, crying for what seemed like forever. The quiet didn't last long. Jake and Briana heard me and came over.

"Kam, why are you out here by yourself?"

"I needed to sit down, and I just wanted to be alone. I am on edge and didn't want to be around people. If anyone asks me how I feel, I'm afraid I am going to lose it." 

"Can we get you anything?" Briana asked.

"Just some water."

"Jake, you get the water. I'll stay here with Kam." Jake left, and Briana stayed with me.

"Thank you, Bri. You didn't have to stay. I am miserable company right now. I can't stop crying. It hurts." 

"In the brief time we have known each other, we have become great friends. What kind of friend would I be if I just left you by yourself? It's okay to cry, Kam. If you ever need a listening ear, I'm here for you. Don't ever feel like you will be alone throughout this time of grief. Both Tamia and I will be there for you."

"Thank you for being a great friend, Bri."

Jake came back with a glass of water and with Cris.

Briana and Cris traded places. "Come, love." Cris grabbed my hand and took me back into the house. He just led me upstairs to our room. "Lay down, and I'll be right back."

Before I lay down, I changed into my nightclothes. There was no way that I could go back downstairs. When Cris came back, he had my princess with him. She started rubbing my hair and back. Then, she went to the other side of the bed, got up on it, and stayed with me. She kissed my cheek and said, "I love you, mommy."

"I love you too, princess."

Cris' POV

"Those two beautiful ladies are my queens."

I couldn't help but smile while observing this beautiful scene. I took out my phone and snapped a picture. I sat on the chaise lounge and watched them sleep peacefully.

I must have fallen asleep too because I looked at the clock and it was after seven o'clock.

Kamea was still asleep, but Día was gone. I went to her room, but she wasn't there. I checked on Rocco too. He wasn't in his room. The twins are most likely with my parents.

I went back to Kamea, and she started tossing and turning again, so I went to lie with her. She opened her eyes.

"Sweetheart, I need you to eat something."

"But I don't want to go back downstairs."

"Go sit on the chaise lounge, and I will bring you something. But, you have to eat something for me, yourself, and our babies."

"Okay."

I went downstairs towards the kitchen. Quite a few family and friends were left. I spotted Andre and Marissa.

"Hey Cris, Uncle K left. He said tomorrow he is going to make the funeral arrangements for Aunt Jayde, and then, he will come over here."

"Thanks, Marissa."

"Is Kam okay?"

"No, she's not. My poor baby is broken and petrified that her family hates her. I reassured her, and so did Kalani. But I'm not so sure it helped. I was just getting something to eat for her and taking it upstairs."

"I'll go and talk to her." Andre and Marissa headed upstairs. Then, I ran into the kitchen to make a plate for Kamea to eat. I made one for myself, too, and then headed back upstairs. I could hear Kamea crying before I reached the room.

"Here you are." Kamea likes vegetables, so I got her some collard greens, salad, corn, and a small amount of mac and cheese. And a piece of grilled chicken.

"After we eat, sweetheart, we can't lay down. So, how about we mingle downstairs?"

"What if I start crying again?" 

"It is okay, Kamea. Everyone will understand."

"After we eat, I want to get on the treadmill in the exercise room."

"Of course.

****************************

Chase's POV

I specifically warned this chick not to touch Cris' wife. She goes and hires a sniper. Thank goodness he missed her before I could pleasure her.

"I should have grabbed her when I had the chance at the reception. Dang. I 'want' her, and nobody is going to get in my way."

I blew my truck horn several times before Candi finally came out of her house.

"Ugh, what took you so darn long?" 

"You're early. And, excuse me, but beauty takes time."

"In your case, you still need time," I muttered as I pulled out of the parking space.

She questioned, "Why are you so early anyway?"

"I figured we could go to Lookout Point for a few minutes. If you know what I mean." 

"We didn't have to go there. You could have come inside my house." 

"Lady, that mistake is never going to happen again," I muttered while gagging. 

I had one of my security guards follow me in another truck I would drive to my club because this one was 'accidentally' being pushed over a cliff. And a guard was in the trunk, ready to help me push the truck over.

We finally reached our destination. No other people were there, so that was good news. I needed to make this quick.

I put the truck in park. "I'll be right back. I need to get something out of the trunk."

So, I got out, opened the trunk, and let the security guard out. I then walked to the truck's passenger side and motioned for her to roll down the window.

"I seem to remember warning you not to 'touch' Cris' wife. So, why, at their wedding reception, did you send a sniper to kill her?" She started stuttering.

"W-wait! How do you know that was me, and h-h-ow did you get into their reception?"

"That is for me to know and you never to find out. Do you remember what I said if you hurt her?"

"Y-y-ou was going to kill me."

"Ding ding ding! You are correct, madam."

I backed away from the truck and waved goodbye. "Nice knowing you."

She felt the truck being pushed over the cliff. She tried getting out, but it was locked. "You won't get away with........."

That was her last word before she went, along with the truck, over the cliff.

"When are people going to learn never to mess with me?"

"Not sure, boss."

"Let's get out of here." The three of us got in the other truck and drove off.

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Monday morning

Cris' POV

Kamea was still knocked out when I woke up. I smelled food cooking downstairs, so that's where I went.

Mr. Toscano and  Alyshea had fixed breakfast for everyone. Día and Rocco were at the table eating. "Morning, daddy."

"Good morning, princess."

"Good morning, everyone. And thank you for fixing breakfast."

"You're more than welcome, Cris. I noticed the sign on the Keurig."

"When Kamea had morning sickness, she didn't like the smell of coffee. So, we just left it up until the kids are born in December."

I heard feet coming towards the kitchen. It was Kamea, with tears in her eyes.

"I felt the other side of the bed, and you weren't there. Good morning everyone."

"Good morning, mommy."

"Shot time, sweetheart." I grabbed the shot and administered it to her. "Ouch." And, then, I did mine. So, we just sat at the table, eating breakfast with the Toscanos.

We talked and laughed for a good while. A few times, I glanced over to Kamea and saw her smiling. Just seeing her smile put a smile on my face.

I glanced at my phone and noticed it was noon.

"Daddy! Daddy! Can we go outside and play?"

"Of course." They got up from the table and went outside.

"Why don't we all go outside and get some fresh air? It is a beautiful, sunshiny day."

So, we walked out and sat on the patio and watched the kids play. Kamea and I snuggled together. Then, I started rubbing her belly. Mr. Toscano even got up and went to play with the kids. They liked that. We heard a car pull up in the driveway. It was Kalani and his brothers.

"Hi, everyone. The funeral arrangements are set. The service will be on Saturday at noon at the funeral home. Then, the burial is to follow."

"We can have the repast here. I'll call for some limousines as well. Where are we leaving from to go to the funeral home?"

"Good question. Do you mind if we leave from here?"

"Of course not. I'll have the limousines sent here for Saturday morning."

"Thanks, Cris. I'll be right back out. I need to make some phone calls to both my family and Jayde's family."

"That means grandma is going to be here?" 

"Unfortunately, yes, sweetheart. But that uncle of yours will not! I will make sure of it. If she starts bothering you, let me or Cris know, understand?"

"Yes, daddy." Then, the three of them walked inside.

"Cris, please hold me tight?"

"Of course, love. Everything will be okay, Kamea. I will be there with you. I promise."

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