Page 23 of Unexpected Love

Pain slices through me, and I clench my eyes shut so she doesn’t see the hurt. It’s not her fault, though. I deserved that, and I take it. “That’s the thing. I did want her. I wanted her more than you could ever know. I was just scared.” I stroke her cheek, and she lets me. “I’m going to regret that for the rest of my life.”

“I keep thinking about everything I’ve done. If maybe something I did caused this to happen.” I open my mouth to speak, but she shakes her head. “I know I didn’t, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

Neither of us says anything for a long time. Finally her eyes start to look heavy. “Thank you for coming,” she whispers right before her eyes drift shut. I don’t make a move to stand until her soft snores fill the room.

Slowly I stand and then head out into the living room, where Eli and now Carter are waiting. Carter stands and comes toward me. I’ll kick his ass if he tries anything; I don’t care if he’s almost as big as I am. He stops in front of me. “How was she?”

“Sad. Weepy. She just fell asleep.” I don’t miss Carter’s look of surprise.

“She’s sleeping?” I nod. “Thank fuck. She didn’t sleep last night. She’ll pretend, but as soon as she thinks we’re gone, she opens her eyes.”

“When I stepped out, she was snoring.”

Carter steps past me and disappears down the hall. He comes back a few seconds later and looks at Eli. “She’s out. I’m talking drool and everything.” He looks back at me. “What did you do?”

“Nothing, just told her that I was sorry and that I wanted the baby. I was scared, and she let me hold her hand while she talked. She thanked me for coming, and then her eyes closed.”

Carter excuses himself, and I can hear him talking to their parents. I’m glad she’s sleeping. It hurts to think that she’s suffering as hard as she seems to be. I’d love to take credit for her finally sleeping, but it was probably just exhaustion catching up with her.

Once Carter comes back into the living room, I ask both him and Eli to give me some time alone with her. “I don’t intend on hurting her. I just think we should talk, spend time together.”

“Fine, but only because I have to work in the morning.” He moves until we’re nose to nose. “If you hurt her, I don’t care if you’re a cop—I will end you.” Carter turns on his heel and heads over to Eli. “Let’s go. We’re not too far away if she needs us.”

They both just look at me as they head to the front door and out. I move toward the front window and watch them walk to their cars. After they’re gone, I step out to my own car, grab my bag, and bring it inside. I brought it just in case I ended up staying at her place.

I want her to get as much sleep as possible, giving her body a chance to heal itself. I put my bag in her bedroom against the wall and then step back out. A loud meowsounds from behind me. I scoop Ragnar up in my arms, and his purr vibrates against my chest.

“Hey, boy. Your momma is going to be okay. She just needs a little time, okay?”

That cat again answers me. I set him down and find a bag of treats. I grab him one, and he sits on his hind legs while he waits. She must sense them because Lagertha comes out a few seconds later and sits the same way. I find the remote for Chloe’s TV, turn it on, and then turn it way down. Flipping through the channels, I stop on a show about cars.

A while later, my phone dings. I pick it up and see it’s a text from Vi.

Violet: Hey you. I talked to Mom. I’m so sorry.

Joe: Thanks.

Violet: Mom says you’re there. How is she?

Joe: She’s finally sleeping. I just don’t know what to do or say to her.

Violet: Talk to Carrington or Damien. They miscarried before the twins, remember?

I totally forgot that my cousin and her husband had lost a baby. My aunt Bellamy, Carrington’s mom, also lost a baby, but she was toward the end of her pregnancy when it happened. Maybe they’d both be willing to talk to Chloe. Then she’d know that it’s possible to go on and have healthy children.

Joe: That’s right. Maybe I’ll give them a call. How are you?

She’s pregnant, too, so I’m sure all of this can’t make her feel good.

Violet: I’m great! I feel good. Of course now I feel guilty because you both are going through your loss.

Joe: No, don’t feel bad. I’m happy for you guys. It hurts Vi—it hurts fucking bad.

My phone rings, and I quickly answer it. “Hey.”

“I know it hurts. I’m so freaking sorry. Do you want me to fly up there? I could come see you both.”

“As much as I would love to see you right now, I just don’t think it would be a good idea. You’re pregnant, and I’m afraid it could upset Chloe to see you.”

“Oh God, you’re right. What was I thinking?”

“You were thinking about your cousin and…well, your cousin.” It’s too bad she wasn’t closer; I could use my best friend.

We don’t talk much longer before hanging up. Quietly, I walk down the hall and peek in on Chloe. Her quiet snores fill the room. I move around her bed, reach out, and stroke her hair out of her face. Even though she’s got bags under her eyes and she’s pale, she’s still fucking gorgeous.

She doesn’t even move.

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