Page 55 of Chasing Liberty

“It’s…well, it’s just that…”

“You don’t really love me?” There was a hitch in his voice.

“No. Yes. I mean, I’ve become very fond of you,” she said in a whisper, looking up at the ceiling. “You make it too easy to be here, like this.”

“Easy? I’d like to hear more please.”

“This conversation would be better with a glass of wine.”

“Orange juice it is.”

She sighed. “Make it a big glass. And how about another slice of the cake too?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He looked back at her with a swoon worthy smile.

She grabbed his shirt discarded on the floor and dragged it on, tugging it down her hips.

She touched her lips still swollen from his kisses.

She felt a tugging sensation in her belly. Followed by two more. Maybe it was something she’d eaten.

He was whistling when he came back with a plate loaded with cake and a big glass of juice. She guessed she should probably not eat any more cake. Not happening. She’d always had a sweet tooth but being pregnant made it triple force.

“I’m a man who comes bearing gifts.” He strolled in and set the plate and glass down. “Now where were we?”

“Not so fast, cowboy. I’m digging into that cake first.” She used it as an excuse to drag their conversation out longer. “I’ll share. I know you have a fondness for dessert too.” When he didn’t answer she turned, and her smile fizzled. His color had turned pasty and he looked like he’d seen a ghost. “What? Are you okay?”

“Liberty?”

Something in his tone sparked her concern. “You’re scaring me.”

She followed the point of his stare. That’s when she saw what he had seen. She was bleeding.

“I’m calling Doc.” He was already grabbing his phone.

Chapter Fifteen

“Here you go, Wyler.” Doc set a cup of coffee on the table in the kitchen of the clinic.

Wyler stared at the contents but didn’t take a sip. Liberty was in the next room sleeping after she’d been given something to help her relax after the terrible events.

“I don’t understand. One minute she was fine and the next…” He couldn’t get the words out. When he saw the blood covering her legs he’d gone through a gamut of emotion. “I didn’t get her here in time.”

“Son, I’ve seen this many, many times. The baby had miscarried before there were any signs. Don’t beat yourself up. There was nothing you could have done—nothing that any of us could have done.”

Wyler picked up the cup and took a sip. “If that’s the truth then why do I feel like it’s all my fault?” He couldn’t get the image of the blood out of his mind. How he’d brought Liberty to the clinic, Doc performing an ultrasound, not picking up a heartbeat.

“It’s normal to feel responsible, especially when there are no answers to explain the loss of a pregnancy.”

He drank some more of the coffee, not because he wanted it, but he needed something for his dry throat. “Are you sure…I mean…”

Doc nodded. “I’m sure, Wyler.”

“Will she be okay?”

Doc leaned his elbows on the edge of the table, compassion feeling his seasoned eyes. "She'll recover. Just give her some rest and time to mourn the loss. You can consider trying again in a few months. The body recovers quickly." He was interrupted by his phone vibrating. Pulling it out, he said, "Excuse me, I have to answer this. She’ll wake up soon and probably would prefer to see you first."

Wyler eased the tension from his forehead, feeling the weight of the world settle on his shoulders. He entered where Liberty lay on the table, appearing delicate yet incredibly resilient. Quietly shutting the door, he settled into a corner chair, unable to take his eyes off her. Torn between the desire to embrace her, promising security, and the need to remain composed for her dependence, he struggled with his internal conflict.

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