Page 25 of Forbidden Love

“Forty-eight hours exactly. You need all the rest you can get. Nancy and Jared brought in some clothes for us. I haven’t left your room.”

“Thank you, Clark.”

“No thanks needed. I’m just sorry it took me three years to get you out of there. Maybe if I hadn’t run away…”

“Stop. None of this is your fault.”

I fall silent as I remember what’s happened over the last few years. I was controlled. I spoke when I was spoken to. I couldn’t even be emotional for the babies I lost previously. I lived through a nightmare. I hardly saw my family and friends. Even when I did, I wasn’t allowed to say much. I was like a prisoner in what should have been my own home, but it was more like a jail cell.

“Can I see her?”

“Who, honey?”

“The baby. Can I see her?”

“I’ll find out for you. I don’t see why not.”

Clark squeezes my hand and moves slowly out of the room. It’s like everything is happening in slow motion lately. Time has stopped. I’ve slept it away. It only feels like a moment ago that my waters broke in the ballroom. I wanted to protect my baby girl forever, give her a life she deserved, a life I had until I turned eighteen, but I couldn’t even do that right.

I know Clark told me Colton is locked away, but he won’t always be behind bars. He’ll get out somehow. Money talks. I know it does. I can’t help but worry about what happens then. He won’t let me walk away easily. He’ll be planning his revenge as I lie here.

“Hey.” Clark sits beside me again. “The doctor is going to sort it out for you.”

“Thank you. I’m so tired. How’s that possible when I’ve slept for two days straight?”

“Your body has been through a lot, honey. Sleep as much as you like. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I don’t think I’ve slept a full night in three years. I always slept with one eye open or napped during the day so I could be awake at night.”

“You don’t have to worry about anything ever again. You’re safe now.”

“Will you lie with me?” I ask wearily.

“Of course.”

Clark kicks off his shoes and carefully lies beside me. He wraps his arm around me delicately and nestles my head into his chest. I shouldn’t feel so safe in Clark’s arms, but I do. I always have and I always will. He’s my home. He has half of my heart and soul.

Right now, I just need some comfort to grieve. I can’t think past this moment. I don’t want to think about the future and what that might include for me.

***

I wake up as a noise startles me. I see two nurses pushing in a small crib decked out in pink. I must have fallen asleep in Clark’s arms. I just hope another two days haven’t passed.

“I’ll give you some privacy.” Clark strokes my head.

“No.” I catch his hand. “Please. Can you stay? I can’t do this on my own, Clark.”

He smiles at me and sits back down on the side of my bed, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and holding me close to his beating heart.

“Would you like us to lift her out for you?” asks one of the nurses.

I suddenly feel unsure of myself. I want to hold my daughter in my arms so badly, but I don’t know what to expect. I always thought I’d walk out of the hospital with a bouncing baby. I never planned for this. I didn’t expect it once I got past the first trimester. It was always the first twelve weeks I feared before this happened. Holding my daughter for the first time should be the happiest moment of my life.

“Yes,” I say croakily.

A small bundle of pink blankets is placed in my arms. I can see the beautiful little girl delicately cocooned in them. She just looks like a doll. She’s beautiful. Peaceful. Angelic. I can’t take my eyes away from her.

“Just give us a call when you want us to come back for her. Take as much time as you need.”

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