Page 71 of Landen

“I feel likecrap, and I cry at the drop of a hat. I am depressed, and I screwedthings up. I promised him that I would let him know the minute Ifound out I was pregnant, and I didn’t.”

“You didn’twant to burden him.” Her sister reminded her.

“That’sbull, and we both know it. I was afraid he was not coming back, and Iwanted to save myself from the hurt.” Taking a deep breath, sheclosed her eyes wearily. “Can you go and find him, please?”She looked from one to the other. “I need to see him.”

“Of course.”Brian bent to kiss her on the forehead before pushing out of thechair. “I am happy to see you are still with us.”

“I will comeand check in on you before I leave.”

“Thanks,Karen.” She smiled at her sister.

He came in slowly,his eyes on her face as he approached the bed. “I was givingyour family a chance to visit with you.”

“Was that whatyou were doing?” Lifting a hand, she waited for him to take it.“Sit, please.”

When he did, shecurled her fingers into his palm and drank in the sight of him. “Youshaved?”

“And took ashower.”

“I missedyou.”

“I missed youtoo.”

“I suspected Iwas pregnant a few weeks after you left. I was late, and I felt sickto my stomach. I left the gallery and went to a pharmacy and boughtthree kits. They all were positive, and I was giddy with delight. ButI wanted to make certain-”

“And you did.”He interrupted coolly. “You told your siblings. I am the manwho did this to you, and I specifically asked you to call me if therewas a chance - a chance, Tessa. Even the slightest inkling. You ledme to believe that everything was okay.”

“And that was amistake and one I am apologizing for. I have this thing about me;it’s annoying and impractical, but when I love someone, I wantto protect them.”

“From what?”

“You had a lotgoing on, and I wanted to tell you the news face to face.”

“You could havevideo-called me.” He pointed out. “And that was not yourcall to make. I am the one who should be protecting you.”

“I did what Idid because I thought it was the right thing to do then. I know Ilook awful-”

“You arebeautiful and always will be.” His fingers tightened on hers.“If you are fishing for compliments, there are better ways todo so.” He winced when she dug her nails into his palm. “Isee you are getting stronger.”

“That’sright, I am. About Scotland-”

“I already madethe arrangements. We leave as soon as you are discharged.”

Her eyes flashed athis highhandedness. “I have not said yes.”

“Darling, if Ihave to carry you to that plane, I will, but we are going toScotland,” he warned.

“And what willwe be doing there?”

“You will beresting and eating. Do you have any idea what it did to me when I wastold you fainted at work?” He asked hoarsely. “And when Icame into this room and saw you -” he shook his head. “Iblamed myself for putting you through all of this, and I am going todedicate my time to making sure you get back to your normal self.”

“I am carryinga baby inside me.” She reminded him mildly. “Normal willnot be the order of the day for me again.”

“As normal aspossible.”

Chapter 14

He made all thearrangements, and as soon as she was cleared to travel anddischarged, he only allowed her to grab some things from her place totake with her.

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