Page 105 of Fatal Attraction

“I-uh… I don’t know. I just received a text from Harley saying to meet in the judge’s chambers ASAP.”

I shared a troubled look with Spike, who immediately fished in his pocket for his phone while I waddled like an overweight penguin across the kitchen to fetch mine from my purse.

Sure enough, I’d received the same text. A quick glance at Spike told me he’d gotten it, too.

“I wonder what’s going on,” I said a bit worriedly, letting out a slight hiss when my stomach randomly tightened up.

“Are you okay?” Phoenix was at my side in an instant.

“Yeah,” I nodded, blowing out a breath when the tightness eased off. The babies began moving, and I chuckled softly when a surprisingly tender kick met my ribs. “I’m fine. The babies are kicking my ribs.”

“Hey now,” he whispered as he got on his knees, popping kisses against my belly. “Be easy on Mommy. We have a big day today, so you two need to be on your best behavior.”

Spike finished with my fruit bowl and then opened the fridge, spraying some whipped cream on top. “Are you okay eating in the car?” he asked. “Whatever’s going on must be important, so we need to go ahead and get on the road.”

“That’s fine. Just grab me a water bottle and I’ll be good to go.”

He did just that and grabbed my purse for me while Phoenix escorted me out to the car. Once I was in, I sighed and balanced the bowl of fruit on top of my belly, groaning as the magnificent taste of pineapple and whipped cream aroused my tastebuds. Phoenix smiled lovingly at me and had the engine running just as Spike hopped in the back and placed my water in the cupholder beside me.

When we hit the road, I couldn't help but wonder what possibly could've happened for us to have to meet Harley in the judge's chambers when we were in due in court within an hour. I had to testify—we all did—and the more I pondered it, the more I began to wonder if Perry's new lawyer had somehow pulled some strings and managed to extend the trial to a later date. I fucking prayed that wasn't the case, because the trial had been put off before thanks to the prison gangs beating Perry to a bloody pulp about four months ago. If it was prolonged again, I had no idea what the hell I was going to do. Harley promised me as soon as the trial was over and once the babies were born, and of course, after my maternity leave was over and we had a trusting, suitable sitter for the babies, I'd start my new position as her ADA. Whatever the ordeal, Ineededthis to work out. I was far too close to having the babies and the last thing I wanted was for Perry's bullshit to get in the way of me moving forward with my life and career a second time.

The tightness in my stomach returned about halfway to the courthouse, and I whimpered, trying to breathe through the pain as I reached up and grasped the oh-shit handle.

“Charlotte?” Phoenix took his eyes off the road long enough to look at me. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

The pain eased off, and I could hardly get a word out before it hit me again full force.

“I… I think I’m having contrac—OH MY GOD!” Fluid rushed out between my legs like a pipe had burst, and Phoenix cursed loudly, then swerved fast when Spike screamed at him to keep his eyes on the road.

“My water,” I croaked, the panic settling in once I’d realized what this meant. “My water just broke.”

“WHAT?” Spike launched forward, taking in the mess still pooling out of me and saturating the seat. “But-but it’s too early,” he muttered. “They aren’t due for another month.”

“We have to get her to the hospital. Call Harley and tell her we’re not gonna make it.”

Phoenix stomped the gas, and I gripped the handle harder as another contraction emerged, stealing my breath away.

No, no, no!

Damnit, this couldn’t be happening right now.

I had to be there for Perry’s trial. I had to take the stand and testify against him in court.

“Harley said to drop her off but that we still have to be there.”

“What?” Phoenix said through a bare-toothed growl. “Are you kidding me?”

“I’m not,” he replied, sounding just as pissed if not more.

“It-it’s okay,” I finally breathed out, letting them know I meant it. “I’ll be fine. The doctor and nurses will take care of me until you can be with me and the babies.”

It shouldn’t have to be this way, but Perry’s trial was important and without their testimony, there was a considerable chance the trial would be extended another six to eight months, hell, maybe longer. We’d each waited far too fucking long for justice to be served against Perry and as much as I wanted and needed them with me, we couldn’t let the babies stop Perry from getting what he rightfully deserved.

“I’m not missing my child being born,” was Phoenix’s bitter response.

“It’s fine,” I promised him. “Labor takes time. I doubt I’ll be pushing them out first thing when I get there.”

“But what if something happens and you have to get a C-section?” he countered.

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