Page 19 of Sweet Escape
Mom sighs but doesn’t comment further. Pops is a good man, but he’s stubborn as hell.
“I’ll look into it,” Jax says. “Might be a good investment, but I need to crunch some numbers.”
The discussion dissipates when Griffin brings a massive platter of chicken and BBQ ribs to the table. I’m practically salivating at the sight. Our weekly Hayes family dinner is one thing I missed while I was in Colorado. It’s a long-held tradition in our family, and it will remain so for generations to come if I have anything to do with it.
“So, Wilder. How are you and Emmy Lou settling in?” Dad asks, bouncing the aforementioned toddler on his lap asshe makes grabby hands for his roll. He smiles and hands it over without fanfare.
She instantly shoves it into her mouth.
“It’s an adjustment,” I admit. “But we’re getting there. Emmy’s been running Mama ragged.”
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Mama says. “Have you filled out the form for the Blossom Festival yet? It’s due at the end of the week.”
My brothers and I visibly tense at the mention of the bachelor’s auction. None of us wants to participate, but we can’t say no, given that all of the proceeds benefit our mother’s charity for children’s mental health services. We’re locked in, whether we like it or not. It’s a necessary evil. All we can do is hope to end up with someone tolerable.
Last year, Jax was roped into a date with an insufferable woman named Jen who spent the whole date talking about her ex. Needless to say, he’s less than thrilled about the prospect of a repeat performance.
Personally, I’m more concerned about the rumor mill. I’ve done my best to stay hidden away at the ranch as much as possible since we moved back, only making time to stop in at Rosie’s on her slower days and taking care to avoid the sympathetic looks and whispers from people around town. They all knew and loved Jess. I’m not ready to talk about what happened with anyone, not even my family.
“We’ll get it done,” Griff answers for the collective. Thankfully, that seems to be answer enough… for now.
There’s a lull in conversation once our plates are emptied, and Dad stands to clear the table. He places a firm hand on my shoulder, his voice a gruff whisper when he says, “It’s good to have you home, son.”
Chapter 5
Birds are Terrifying
?One Number Away - Luke Combs
Olivia
I shiveratop the plastic exam table in a paper gown with what amounts to single ply tissue paper sticking to my ass and fidget with the ring on my finger. Any minute now, the doctor will come in and confirm the pregnancy.Or not. Hopefully not.
Somehow, I’m both cold and sweaty, a particularly revolting state to be in when you’re about to have your body poked and prodded. It’s likely a combination of my anxiety and the overly aggressive air conditioning, but it could be the pregnancy hormones. Who’s to say?
The door slides open, and a woman who can’t be more than forty with a glowing, dark complexion and a blunt black bob comes into the room. She flips through the pages on a clipboard.
“Hello, Olivia. I’m Doctor Patel. It’s so nice to meet you.”Her kind smile sets me at ease the moment she looks up from the page.
“Your lab results are back, and you are definitely pregnant. I hope this is happy news.” She waits for my response with the knowledge that not all pregnancies are intentional or welcome.
I nod. “It is.”
Another smile. “Great. Congratulations are in order, then. I think you’ll find I don’t do a lot of beating around the bush, so I would like to get straight down to it. I see in your chart that there is a history of preeclampsia in your family.”
I shift, the unforgiving paper crinkling with the movement, partially lodging in places I’d rather not think about. Her matter-of-fact tone is jarring, so it takes me a moment to answer. “Yes. My… my mom had it with me and my twin brother.”
“I’m very sorry to hear that. Significant advancements have been made in the prediction and prevention of preterm preeclampsia. It’s good that we are aware of the risks ahead of time so we can take the necessary precautions for you and your baby. Rest assured, there are a number of things we can do to reduce those risks.”She flips to the next page, scanning the rest of my medical history. “You’re also on medication for ADHD and anxiety. Is that correct?”
“Yes. I’ve been on them for roughly two years now.”
“With your family history, I’d like to recommend we take you off them until after the baby is born. There simply aren’t enough studies being done on the effects these drugs can have on fetal development, and as your doctor, I would be remiss if I didn’t present you with all of the information so we can make an informed decision together.” Her tone is clinical, devoid of any judgment. “Are you open to managing your mental health with a therapist rather than medication until after you give birth?”
Not a problem for me. I left them in Colorado and haven’ttaken any since. They're probably still sitting in the drawer, right next to my birth control. “Yes. Of course. Whatever is best for the baby.”
“Excellent. That’s all I have for you. Do you have any questions before we proceed with the exam?”
“No, I think that covers everything.”
