Page 46 of Two Hearts' Accidental Heroes

“Pregnant.” Rick cleared his throat. “We were careful, but…”

“I assume that you’re planning on marrying her?” Jake asked sternly.

“As soon as she’ll let me,” Rick muttered, becoming sheepish.

“She’s the one who’s being hesitant?” Jake asked, grinning. “I guess I thought…well. We’ll figure it out. I’m wondering if she’s going to want to go along with you when you need to start investigating? The thing is, she’s had experience identifying the places that have been transfer points for traffickers. Wes used to take her along and she’s probably the only one who can understand this list that he left for her.”

“Grace would probably be willing to come back in the fall or maybe at Christmas and stay through Spring to help take care of Johnny. I don’t think she could handle a baby though, although we should consider finding a sitter to assist Grace if she agrees to come and stay.”

“You know, both your brothers are here in town. Anya and Eric are living together at the family cabin on Crystal Rock Lake.”

“Yes. Shanna’s told me all about the remodeling. I think she’s left a message for Anya, but Shanna was worried that it only seemed to make Anya more curious.”

“She is,” Jake agreed, rolling his eyes. “Eric’s returning to active duty. I’m wondering if maybe Anya would be up for taking care of a niece or nephew? Maybe we could wait to send the two of you off after you’ve spent a month or two with the baby. The problem is, the longer we wait, the longer Shanna will have to remain in hiding.”

“I’ll discuss it with Shanna and see what she thinks,” Rick said. “That might work though.”

Jake shrugged. “Anya obviously loves her sister enough to dedicate her time looking for her. I’d say she needs some answers soon. She’s exhausted, which was why I just offered her the research job where she could spend her time at home. If I didn’t think Shanna was still in danger because of all the knowledge she has about the trafficking locations, I would tell her to go to Anya, you know. But if she revealed herself now, it would only put Anya and Eric in danger too.”

“I understand,” Rick admitted, heaving a sigh.

Chapter Twenty-Five

They spent a beautiful first summer together. Grace had decided to return to Ontonagon, but when she’d heard about their future plans, she’d promised to come back before Christmas to be with Johnny while they were on the road.

“You’ve both been wonderful parents to Johnny. Let’s hope that soon he’ll be able to meet your extended families. I’m hoping that the next time I see you two, you’ll be married,” Grace said firmly.

“About that…” Shanna said, looking nervously at Rick. “How would you like to be a witness at our wedding before you go home?”

“Praise be,” Grace answered emphatically.

Rick and Shanna both began laughing.

“I think she finally saw the logic in it too, since my health insurance will cover the pregnancy,” Rick said gruffly.

Shanna punched him in the arm.

“I love her like crazy too,” he admitted, grinning as he winked.

Shanna grinned back at him. “The feeling is mutual.”

They were married at the county courthouse another week later, with Jake and Grace as their witnesses, and Johnny excitedly holding both their hands.

“We’ll do this properly next summer,” Rick muttered. “I want my family here as well as Shanna’s.”

“I’d like that,” Shanna answered, feeling slightly nervous. What would they say about her past? She tried not to let it dampen her enthusiasm.

Shanna had been surprised at the classes that Jake had chosen for her to take online, which included Basic Forensics. She realized that Wes had always known she was collecting the bone matter along with the hair and debris from the trafficking stations and had apparently told Jake, who had gone along with her to the smaller cabin to fetch what remained. Since they had no idea how to find those particular paintings that had already been sold, Jake said he’d further investigate Wes’ records. The problem was, he’d been more interested in keeping track of how much each has sold for rather than who’d purchased them.

She felt good during her pregnancy, and when it was time to go to the hospital, Jake sent a car to pick them up and he and his wife went along with them to help keep an eye on Johnny.

Shanna was surprised at how well her pregnancy had gone. Of course, the last time she’d been assisted by some kind of midwife that Wes had hired, who hadn’t even offered her painkillers.

Shanna gladly accepted them this time around.

They named their little girl Anya Gretchen O’Neill. Now, her sister Anya would have little doubt about the fact that she was loved by Shanna.

“She’s perfect, isn’t she?” Rick asked softly, when they were finally able to bring Anya home. “It’s going to be awfully hard to leave her.”

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