Forever Faith (Downtown Book 6) Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and resemblance to persons; living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Forever Faith

  All rights reserved.

  Published by: Tiffany J West

  Copyright © 2018 by: Tiffany J West

  Cover art by: Honey Touch Creations

  Photographed by: Kruse Images & Photography: Models & Boudoir

  Edited by: Elfwerks Editing

  Cover model: Lance Jones and Jami Watts

  eBook and Paperback format: Champagne Book Design

  This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the author.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  From the Author

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Other series written by T.J.West

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  From the Author

  To follow along with the characters and to know who they are, readers will need to read the other books in the series, starting with Forbidden Faith.

  Forever Faith is the last book in The Downtown Series and is not a standalone.

  “ANOTHER GREAT SHOW, MAN,” JUSTIN Heart says to me as we’re packing up our equipment at The Side Bar where we just played at in Las Vegas.

  We fist bump. “It went really well.” I smile as I put my guitar in its bag.

  Justin Heart and I became good friends during the New Year’s Eve Bash a few months ago. We really hit it off and got to talking about creating some new songs together, just the two of us. Since we’re not performing until our European tour this summer, I wasn’t ready to go on hiatus, but the guys were. Justin, being the lead guitarist for SINical, wasn’t ready to stay low either. So Whiskey Falls was born a few days later.

  We’ve been playing at a couple new, small dive bars, helping them bump up their clientele. The gigs remind me of when JINKS used to perform small gigs before getting signed with June. It feels good.

  “It’s been a blast, that’s for sure,” Justin replies.

  Once we say our goodbyes to everyone in the bar, we head out to our rental vans and place everything inside. “Maybe we’ll get together one more time after my honeymoon, before the tour,” I suggest. I slam the backdoor to the van.

  “Sounds like a plan. See ya at your wedding.” We shake hands.

  “See ya, bro.” Hopping into the van, I light a cigarette and then drive back to The Palazzo where Faith and I are staying. Faith wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t come to see us perform. I missed having her by my side.

  As I walk through the door, the suite is dark except for the Vegas lights coming through the window. Going straight for the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water and then head for the bedroom where I find Faith on her side, with her knees curled close to her chest. She doesn’t look exactly comfortable or quite asleep.

  Crawling up behind her, I wrap my arm over her and lay my hand on her stomach then kiss her shoulder. She’s wearing a thin white tank top that I could easily remove, but the way she’s been feeling lately, it wouldn’t be a good idea.

  “Hey, baby,” I say to her behind her ear, inhaling her fresh and fruity scent. She must have just showered.

  “Hey,” she whispers; her voice sounds raspy too.

  “How ya feelin’?” Not once have I seen Faith sick. She’s always in good health and keeps in shape, but this time it’s different.

  She rolls onto her back and places her hand on top of mine. “Still a little nauseated, but no throwing up since you left.”

  I kiss her forehead. “That’s good. You need anything? Ginger Ale, Sprite?”

  She pulls a small smile and nods her head. “Ginger Ale and some Saltines, please. The crackers are on the kitchen counter.” I give her one more kiss then head to the kitchen and find what my woman needs.

  When I get back the light on the nightstand is turned on and she’s sitting up against her pillows; her hair is up in a messy bun and her tits and nipples are gorgeously bigger than normal through that thin white material. Holy fuck me. “Here.” I hand her the drink and crackers.

  “Thanks, babe.” Sitting next to her on my side of the bed, she opens the package of crackers and then nibbles on the corner of one. “How’d the show go?”

  “Good. Justin and I were a hit.” I can’t stop smiling. It felt really good being in front of a low-key crowd again and not in some ten-thousand person stadium. It’s not that I don’t love my life with how it is now, I wouldn’t change it for anything, but not having screaming girls throw their panties or condoms at me while I’m performing is a nice step back.

  “Of course you were, my rock star.” Faith kisses my cheek.

  I grab hold of her hand. “Just wish you had been up to going. Missed seeing your beautiful face out in the audience.”

  “Me too.” She sighs, taking another bite of her cracker.

  “Have you thought about telling June yet?”

  “I’m not ready. I want to wait ‘til after the first trimester, and plus, I’m just afraid of telling her.” Two weeks ago we found out that we’re going to have a baby. It wasn’t necessarily planned, but Faith had missed a pill, and we both knew we were playing with fire, and so the chances of making a baby were pretty high. Well, we got our answer. At first we were scared shitless, but as we got more used to the fact that there was an actual little peanut inside Faith’s belly, we became excited, and of course, nervous. But ever since we found out, Faith hasn’t had the guts to tell anyone, especially not June. Her mother doesn’t even know yet. I’m not allowed to tell the guys until she’s ready.

  I squeeze her hand. “Baby, she’ll be happy for you. For us. Don’t jump to conclusions. June’s your best friend.” Considering June lost her baby a few years ago, I think Faith is afraid she’ll be rubbing her happiness in June’s face. I don’t see it that way, but what do I know? I’m just the guy who knocked up his fiancée. I’m one proud SOB.

  “I know. I just want to wait a little longer, that’s all.”

  “Whatever you want. I’ll support you.”

  She shakes her head. “Anyhow, with the wedding coming up next weekend, telling everyone about the baby is too overwhelming for me. One thing at a time. That’s how I need it right now.”

  It makes sense, but sooner or later we’re gonna have to tell everyone. But for now, I’ll be the loving and doting husband and father-to-be. I love Faith and will do anything for her. “I get it.” I turn her face so I can kiss her cracker crumb lips. Tastes good. “Gonna take a shower.”

  “Okay.”

  A couple days later, and four more days ‘til our wedding, the guys throw me a bachelor party at Whiskey Flats. They rented it out for the night. Since we’ve all found our soulmates, there’s no need to get dirty with shit like strippers. Just hanging with my brothers without the stress of the paparazzi hounding us is all I need.

  “A night out at Whiskey Flats with my bros. Let’s get this bachelor party started!” Wayne exclaims.

  I’m handed a beer as I take a sea
t close to the pool table. “Playing pool, some darts, and drinking beer—what else does a man need?” I comment.

  “Some pussy,” Wayne remarks, causing us all to chuckle with agreement. “Can’t end the night without it. Since Mel got pregnant, she’s been hornier than usual. Gotta take advantage of that before my little man is born.” He grabs us each a pool stick and hands them to us. Speaking of babies, I wonder if mine and Faith’s baby will be a boy or a girl? Wish I could tell the guys about our new addition. Just thinking of what’s ahead makes me even more excited.

  “He’s right. Let’s do this shit!” Slim claps his hands then goes over to the table and gets the balls ready. I’m ready to kick everyone’s ass.

  One game over and I strike it lucky—pun intended. “Damn, of course Lucky makes it in and wins the whole game,” Wayne whines like the sore loser he is.

  I laugh. “What can I say? You all suck.”

  Slim places a hand on Wayne’s shoulder. “Let it go, bro. He’s the one getting married.”

  Wayne points a finger at me. “Well, after you’re married, it’s payback, and you’ll be running through my ghost turds.”

  Shaking my head, I take a drink of my beer and laugh again. “Don’t get too cocky, you know I’ll always beat you.”

  “Whatev, dude. Let’s have a round of some Panty Man.” Wayne heads over to the bar and has the bartender make us some weird shot I’ve never heard of. “Here’s to Lucky and to the future Mrs. Jones. Congrats, bro.”

  “Thanks, man.” We all down the shot and wonder what the hell was in that nasty crap.

  “What’s in this stuff? Taste like shit,” Danny comments, reading my mind, and from the looks of things, everyone else’s.

  “Absolut Kurant Vodka, Cranberry Juice, and Sour Mix. Mel told me to try it.”

  Danny points a finger at him, giving him a nauseated expression. “Well, don’t listen to your chick ever again. I need a thing of whiskey instead. She havin’ you watch Twilight again or something?”

  Wayne sets both hands on his hips and tilts his chin up, like he’s ready for a boxing match. “So what if she is? It’s a classic.”

  Slowly, Danny shakes his head. “You’re beginning to scare the fuck outta me.”

  Wayne takes out a dart from the dartboard then points it at Danny. “Be scared, brother, be very scared, because this dart is gonna go straight up your asshole.” Sometimes I wonder about Wayne and his sensitive heart. He takes things pretty personally at times. Nah, he’s just a fucking bonehead.

  Danny laughs. “Take that dart threat to the board.”

  While Danny and Wayne set off for their dartboard tournament, Slim and Jason sit down with me at the table. We laugh when Wayne throws the dart and doesn’t make it on the board. He grunts to himself then takes another shot of his Panty Man. Douchebag, but gotta love him.

  “So, you haven’t talked much about doing music with Justin Heart,” Slim mentions.

  I shrug a shoulder. “We’re havin’ a good time. But I just don’t want you all thinkin’ it’s gonna be more than what it is. The gigs are small and fun, but JINKS is more important.”

  Slim places a hand on my shoulder. “Hey, we never assumed anything, bro. We’ve got some down time before the tour, so it doesn’t bother us.” He looks to Jason.

  “You asked us, remember? You’d never do anything without our say,” Jason steps in.

  No way would I hurt my family and go off to do something without them. It’s crazy to even think that. JINKS is as much a part of me as my right hand. “I’ll never do anything without your approval. You guys are my family. So thanks for supporting me.”

  Jason holds up his beer bottle. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  ALTHOUGH I WANTED TO WAIT and tell the girls about my pregnancy, I have a feeling the secret is going to slip out tonight at my bachelorette party up in my suite. Once everyone starts drinking, minus me and of course Melody, June is going to question me until I tell the truth. I’ve dreaded this night for weeks now.

  It’s early, which means my mom hasn’t arrived yet. She and Gary have been out of town and are arriving in a little while. Gary will go to Whiskey Flats to join the boys. Unfortunately for Phillip, he’s under the weather from what June told me and won’t make it. So the rest of my girls are here already getting their drinks on and dancing to the top one hundred hits from the nineties. I’m sitting on the couch along with June watching my friends having a good time. I’m especially surprised that Melody is out groovin’ to the beat from the Lenny Kravitz song “Are You Gonna Go My Way”. Shaking those hips and that big belly of hers has me laughing. Before I know it, that’s going to be me. Big and round. Melody, though, rocks her baby bump. She’s super gorgeous.

  After the song ends, Melody and Harmony make their way over to me and June. Melody sighs when she takes a seat on my white high back chair. I hear if you sit in a comfy, squishy chair, there’s no chance of being able to get back up. Oh the things I’m looking forward to in the coming months.

  “Your dance moves rocked, Melody,” June mentions to her.

  “Belly dancing you mean?” She laughs, patting her stomach. “This kid is gonna kill me before he even arrives.” Melody and Wayne are having a boy. They haven’t told us the name yet, even though we’re all dying to know.

  “Oh stop.” Harmony lightly smacks her sister’s shoulder.

  “No, seriously, Harm. My feet are swollen, I have heartburn and, indigestion, I pee twenty-four seven, and I fart more times than I’ve farted in my whole life. Wayne lights a match every time that I do. Fucking jerk.” We laugh while she groans. “Being pregnant is a nightmare. I won’t ever go through this again. Not. Ever.”

  “Tell that to your husband. The one who wants a dozen kids,” Harmony reminds her.

  “Nope.” She shakes her head. “I’m getting my tubes tied once the baby is born.”

  “What?” Harmony gasps. “No! You can’t do that.”

  “Ladies, ladies! Hello! This is Faith’s night. Can we please not do this?” June’s tone is an irritated one. I for one, didn’t mind their bantering, it’s always entertainment for me, but something about how June is reacting isn’t sitting right with me. Maybe it’s because she really wants me to have a party that revolves all around me.

  “I’m with her. Knock it off you two,” Lyric agrees, as she sits beside me.

  “Sorry, Faith,” Harmony says.

  I wave a hand. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Margaritas are ready!” Peta announces. She brings us a tray of glasses filled with margaritas and hands me mine first. Oh boy, here we go. How I so want to take one sip to make June happy, but this baby means more to me than a sip. I can’t do it.

  “You better have a virgin for me,” Mel jokes. Or maybe not. I can never tell if she’s joking or being serious and rude. Still, I find her attitude refreshing at times.

  “You know I do, crazy,” Peta laughs, handing her the virgin drink. Wish I had one too, but that’s my fault for not telling anyone about my pregnancy.

  “I need to make a toast,” June announces. She stands from the couch and then raises her glass. “Faith, I couldn’t be more excited and happy for you. Lucky is, well…lucky to have you.” She snickers with her pun. We all do. “You two are the perfect couple. Congratulations!”

  With these raging, out of control hormones, I’m almost ready to cry. “Thanks, June. I appreciate this party and I appreciate all of you. You’ve become my family and my sisters. I really do love you all very much.”

  “We love you too. Cheers,” June replies.

  Everyone else joins in. “Cheers!”

  As much as I want to drink, I put my glass aside on the table next to me. “Is the margarita okay? You didn’t even take a drink. That’s so not like you, Faith,” June says with concern.

  Then Peta suggests, “I can make it sweeter for you if it’s too tart.”

  “No, no, it’s fine. I’m just not really in the mood to drink.”
Hopefully my white lie is bought and we can move on.

  “That’s silly.” June scowls, and unfortunately doesn’t let my lie move on. “This is your bachelorette party, you have to be in the mood.”

  “Well, I’m just not.” I chuckle. But knowing my best friend, she doesn’t buy it. So it all begins now.

  June places her drink on the coffee table. “Wait. Just wait a minute. Are you pregnant?” she practically shouts at me. All at once, everyone stops their conversations and turns their heads toward me.

  “Who said they’re pregnant?” Harmony asks with curiosity and excitement.

  “Do I need to make you a virgin margarita too?” Peta asks next with a smile.

  “Faith?” June says my name, but with distress in her voice and pain in her eyes. Shit, I’ve hurt my best friend.

  Here goes nothing. “Okay, yeah, um… I’m pregnant.”

  “I suggest you get those tube tied, too,” Melody says, but gets a smack on the arm from Harmony. “I said it was a suggestion. Geez.”

  I want to laugh, yet I know it’s not the right time to do it.

  Now that the cat is out of bag, all my friends begin their squealing and hugging me.

  “This is so incredible! Congrats, Faith!” Harmony exclaims.

  Peta then says, “Wow, I’m so happy for you and Lucky. He must be over the moon.”

  “You’re going to be a wonderful mom. Congratulations. How far along are you?” Lyric asks.

  “I’m a little over six weeks.” I smile. I can’t contain it any longer. It feels really good to not have my little bundle of joy be kept a secret any longer. I guess it’s time to tell Lucas he can announce it to the guys. He’ll be so relieved. But one look at June and I know I’ve hurt her more than I thought.

  “And you didn’t bother to tell me?” She sounds so disappointed.

  “June—” She takes off for my room and doesn’t allow me to express how sorry I am. I excuse myself from the party and go after her.

  I find her at the end of my bed looking down at her hands. I didn’t think she’d be this upset over me not telling her. Sitting beside her, I wrap an arm around her back. “Hey, I’m sorry. I wanted to keep it quiet until I knew things were okay, just in case, you know…”