Page 105 of Trial of Deceit

“I’m scared,” Ashari whispered.

He laid both hands atop hers.“You’re the strongest person I know, queen.You can do it for us and the baby.”

She nodded, his words filling her with the bravado she needed.

Jediah looked at Cedella.“Do whatever you have to do.”

Cedella said, “This early in a pregnancy, the chances of survival for the baby are very low—”

“Like it did low seh Malia wouldn’ survive the crash?”Jediah hissed.No emotion was in his voice.

Cedella’s smile faltered.“Mr.Richardson, I work for the family—”

“Iam family!”Jediah shouted, his eyes darkening.“If our baby dies because of you—”

“Jed.”Ashari squeezed Jediah’s hand.Despite how everything hurt, she gave him a gentle smile as his focus shifted to her.Positive he wouldn’t have another outburst, she told Cedella to do whatever was necessary for her health and the baby’s.

Jediah stayed by her side as she got induced.He didn’t even leave to clean himself of the blood and gunpowder residue.Cedella had insisted he clean himself when they arrived at the hospital moments ago, but Jediah refused.Cedella had grumbled before tossing a sterile suit at him.

When it was time to push, Ashari gave it her all, squeezing Jediah’s hands while he held it like a man.Never in a million years did she think she would’ve been in this situation.She was hired to put Jediah Richardson in prison, but he’d derailed that process at every turn.

And stolen her heart while doing so.

Finally, their child came into the world.Quiet as a lamb.

Cedella and her team rushed into action.Panting, Ashari’s motherly instinct beckoned for her to rush over and keep a closer eye on what they were doing to the baby, but she remained put.

There was nothing that she could do.

Her place was right here with her husband.

She looked over at him.Jediah stared at her, mesmerized.

“Strongest woman I know,” Jediah said through a dazed smile.

As she was about to reply, a nurse approached the bed.Ashari recognized the woman as the one who was oftentimes Kayon’s night nurse.Ashari couldn’t remember the woman’s name, and she didn’t try to.

“The baby is okay,” said the nurse.“Would you like to—”

Jediah smiled, about to eagerly nod his head when Ashari shook hers.His brows furrowed and he frowned at her.“Ash?”

Ashari looked down at her hand as she freed it from Jediah’s.“Can I clean up first?”she asked.

“Of course,” the nurse replied with a gentle smile.“Would you like help?”

“We’re good,” Jediah told the woman.“Go check if Bryony’s still in the waiting room.If she is, tell her to come and keep an eye on Cedella.”

The nurse’s brows furrowed.“You can trust Cedella—”

“Right now, mi don’ trust none a unu.”

“But—”

“Now, Dedrian,” Jediah hissed through clenched teeth while standing.

Dedrian nodded and powerwalked out of the room.After she returned with Bryony, Jediah scooped Ashari into his arms and moved toward the bathroom.He kicked the door shut behind them.

“Still in pain?”he asked.

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