Binding Ties


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Series Information
 
 
 
 
 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
 
 
 Chapter 16
 
 
 Chapter 17
 
 
 Chapter 18
 
 
 Chapter 19
 
 
 Chapter 20
 
 
 
 
 Acknowledgments
 
 
 Other Silverbell Shore Books
 
 
 About the Author
 
 
 Also by Zoey Drake
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Binding Ties
 Copyright © 2023 by Zoey Drake All rights reserved.
 All rights reserved worldwide.
 No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any medium, whether electronic, internet or otherwise, without the expressed permission of the author. This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, locations, and names occurring in this book are the product of the author’s imagination or are the property of their respective owners and are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual events, locations, or persons (living or dead), is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author. All trademarks and trade names are used in a fictitious manner and are in no way endorsed by or an endorsement of their respective owners.
 
 Front cover image by Alexandra Silva
 Book Formatting by LJDesigns.
 Edited by Melissa Smith
 First printing edition 2023
 www.silverbellshore.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Series Information
 
 
 
 
 
 Silverbell Shore is a (fictional) town on the East-Atlantic coast where the sea meets the rolling hills. Founded shortly after the Civil War as a fisherman’s town, it’s home to billionaires with private beaches, hotels and country clubs. As well as your everyday person—doctors, cops, EMTs, firefighters, farmers, teachers, students, etc.
 Whether you’re sunshine or grumpy, light or dark, the seemingly quiet and quaint town of Silverbell Shore welcomes you and all your deepest, darkest, forbidden secrets.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I would like to dedicate this book to:
 Those who believe in true love. 
 To those who aren't afraid to fight for what they want even when the going gets tough. 
 To those who live every day like their last because you never know when that day may come. 
 To those who don't lose faith easily and love hard. 
 To those who open themselves up to others even though people constantly let you down. 
 To those who love stories about second chance loves, secrets, and small town life! 
 I see you and I appreciate each and every one of you! 
 Cheers, xo!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Chapter One
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The day Julian Ace McCormick walked out of my life, I was certain I’d never see the likes of him again. He’d always been destined for greatness, and I wouldn’t be the one who kept him from his dreams. 
 What was that old phrase? If you love something, set it free. Well, that’s exactly what I did and ended up breaking my own damn heart in the process. Some people say you never really get over your first true love, and I can attest to that… a part of him still lived with me, and I’d never forget it. 
 Now, five years later, he’s stood before me again… sure, he’s a little shorter at three and a half feet tall, not as muscular, either, but just as handsome as the man who helped me give him life. We made such a cute damn kid. The thought had me grinning like a kid on Christmas when they saw the mass of presents under the tree as I recall the same look Ben is giving me right now on Julian’s face. 
 “Mama…” A few quiet seconds ticked by…. “Mama?” His sweet voice trickled into my ears again. This time, there was inflection in his tone. His little brow was furrowed in confusion. I’m sure he doesn’t understand. I wish I could explain it in a way he would, but I also don’t. He doesn’t need to deal with my baggage of emotions. 
 I cleared my throat and tried to bring myself back to the present. “Yes, baby?” 
 His little mouth pinched as he cocked his head in question. “Why ya always look so sad? Somebody hurt your feelings?” 
 I tried to silently suck back the snot threatening to reveal itself to the world. Ugh. Why is this so hard? “Oh, I’m not sad, Benji. Mama just got something stuck in her eye.”
 He bit his bottom lip as his brow furrowed. “You say lying is bad.” 
 It was crazy how kids were always the best lie detectors.
 “I know, baby.” I said, ruffling my fingers through his soft brown hair. Little arms wrapped around my leg and squeezed. I sniffled, unable to help the feelings pouring through me. Most days, I was fine. I was happy. I loved my little boy and this life we’d created together. 
 But some days… I couldn’t help but look back and remember the past and how things used to be. How things were when I was with his father. 
 I wiped away the tears so they couldn’t fall before squatting down to look in his eyes, “You hungry, buddy?” 
 A grin widened his little cheeks as he responded. “Umm huh.” 
 I clapped my hands together and smiled. “All right, let’s make some breakfast. Any requests?” 
 “Pancakes?” He asked softly. “And bacon?” I couldn’t help but smile. 
 “Absolutely, bud. Wanna help?” He