Page 13 of Grid Search

The doctor nods his head and turns to walk out. My heart settles in my chest at her confession.

“I really did want to find you,” she says softly, and I turn to look at her. “I was just nervous and scared. I didn’t plan this.” She looks down as she fidgets with the fingers of her hand I’m holding.

“Lyn, we can talk more after we got out of here. But you need to know, I didn’t prevent this either. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango.” I rub my hand across her stomach. I can’t wait until I feel the baby moving.

“But it was my fault. I was on hormones before we got together. I had to try to have my ex’s baby.”

I rear my head back. “What do you mean?”

“His family had a clause in our prenup that stated I had to have his baby if he died or went missing while in the military, which he did. Before the divorce was granted, I had no choice but to fulfill the agreement. My attorney tried to fight it, but Sayler’s parents had a better attorney. I had to do one round of hormones and IVF. It didn’t take. Then I met you.”

“Are you divorced now? Were you divorced when we were together?” My gut clenches at the thought of another man possessing her.

“I’m divorced now. Sayler was already missing in action, and I was only weeks away from the finalization when we met. But I was still legally married. The good thing is this pregnancy wasn’t confirmed until after the divorce. My doctor in Tucson ran tests and did an ultrasound after the IVF, proving I wasn’t pregnant then. They can’t get their hands on my little bean.” She rubs her hand lovely over her bump, and I see the softness in her caress and want that too. I interlock our fingers over her abdomen.

“We can do this together.”

“Really?” She smiles, and tears rim her eyes again.

“Yes.” I lean over and kiss her forehead.

Lynae

They keep me in the hospital for a couple of hours, monitoring both the baby and me. After a meal, a bag of fluids, and my blood pressure stabilizing, they discharge me with the recommendation I follow up with my doctor. We walk out into the lobby, and I stop dead in my tracks. Ryker pulls on my hand that he hasn’t let go of.

Standing in the lobby are his parents and another woman.

“They’re going to hate me,” I whisper, and Ryker turns to me. “I didn’t know you were their son. I didn’t know Isla was your sister.”

“They don’t hate you, baby.” He cups my cheek, and I slowly close my eyes. “It’s all been a huge misunderstanding. But we will make it work. I promise you.”

“You’re sure?” I say as I open my eyes.

“Positive. They’re worried about you.” He turns and leads me to them.

His mom pulls me into her arms. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so glad you and the baby are okay. We were so worried.”

“I’m sorry.” I can’t help the apology falling from my lips. It’s a habit I can’t seem to overcome. I’ve always said it too much. I feel like things are always my fault.

Charlene leans back and smiles at me. “There is nothing to be sorry about. Isla said to tell you she’s excited to be an auntie again and will see you in a couple of weeks. I’m just glad that Ry got to you so quickly”

“I am too.” I can’t say anything else.

Ryker introduces me to the other woman with his parents. She’s his aunt JoAnna. She and his cousin Rowdy have houses on the property too. She explains that Rowdy, who is also a firefighter, is home with his girlfriend and baby. That Rowdy and Coral will come by to meet me soon.

I just nod and cling to Ryker. I’m overwhelmed by it all. I think he gets it because he stops everyone.

“I’m taking Lyn home. She needs rest. Did you get the door fixed, Dad?”

“It’s a temporary fix, but it’s better than nothing.”

Ryker leads me out of the hospital to his truck, where he helps me up into it and buckles me in. He kisses my cheek beforeclosing the door. I don’t know what’s going on, but I know we still have a lot to talk about.

When we pull up to my house, I notice the door is fine. “What door were you talking about?”

“The one into the garage. You were lying against the front door, and I didn’t want to break the French doors. Wait for me.” He gets out, and I watch him walk around the front of the truck.

In the couple of months since I last saw him, he’s become more muscular, and his hair is a bit longer. I find myself squirming in my seat, thinking of his scruff against my thighs. I remember everything we did, and I want it again. My body is one bundle of hormones and need.

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