Page 32 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
“No, thank you. That was the most incredible sight. I’ve seen stills and a video of Abbie’s boys. But to see it live—” Alex stopped before his emotions could betray him.
“I am so glad to see her moving.”
“You sure it’s a girl?”
Kimberly shook her head and walked into the bathroom. Alex tiptoed close to the door, hoping not to hear her crying. When no sobs sounded through the door, he returned to his seat. A knock came at the room’s door, and he said, “Come in.”
An older gentleman entered. “I’m Dr. Astor. Where’s your wife?”
Alex pointed to the bathroom.
“I understand from Mrs. Capps that you were wed earlier this afternoon. Congratulations. I am sorry to inform you that your honeymoon will be anything but traditional. For the safety of your wife and baby, you are not to have marital relations for the next month at least.”
Kimberly exited the bathroom, her face pink with color. She’d heard.
“Ah, Mrs. Hastings. I was explaining some restrictions to your husband. You are on bed rest. You may get up to go to the bathroom and sit up to eat. And to take three ten-minute walks a day. Just around the house, if you aren’t spotting. Lie on your left side as much as possible for the next four weeks. At this stage of your pregnancy, there is a good chance that as the baby grows, the placenta will move to a more desirable location. Mrs. Capps knows the drill. In four weeks, come in for a follow-up ultrasound at Dr. Potts’s office. Questions?”
“Anything else?” asked Alex.
“No. Just bed rest.” The doctor left.
Barbara returned with a wheelchair. “I’ll wheel Mrs. Hastings to the front door pickup area if you’ll bring the car around.”
Alex hurried off, looking for Mrs. Capps as he went.
She sat in a chair in the outer lobby, frowning. “Going home?”
Alex nodded.
Mrs. Capps joined him. “Astor kicked me out. Said my credentials weren’t up to date. Claims Dr. Potts didn’t sign some paper.” They reached the truck, and Alex held open Mrs. Capps’s door.
She paused before climbing up. “Your mother taught you good manners. I’m glad it is you who will take care of Kimberly.”
Alex drove around to the front of the hospital where Barbara waited with Kimberly, then got out and lifted his wife into the front seat. His wife. He liked the word, even if it was only temporary.
12
Her wilting weddingflowers lay on her nightstand.
Mrs. Capps finished helping Kimberly out of the dress. “Keep it. You may need to leave the house again.” She hung the dress in the closet and set the shoes below it.
Kimberly pulled on her favorite yoga pants and a T-shirt.
“Where are you going?” Mrs. Capps pointed to the bed.
“I was told I could sit up to eat, and I haven’t eaten since breakfast.”
“Fine, go eat.” Mrs. Capps followed her down the hall.
Alex stood in the kitchen, making his lunch. “Do you want a sandwich?”
Mrs. Capps shook her head. “I’ll be going now. Take care. I’ll check on you tomorrow.”
Alex followed her to the front door and locked it behind her. Kimberly eased into a chair, wishing for a nap as badly as food.
“Did you want a sandwich?”
“Right now I’ll eat anything without curry or jalapeños in it.”
