Page 7 of Defy
Chapter Four
BELLA
Ican't believe Logan is taking me to Seattle. When I came into work this morning, Jake called me to his office. He sat me down and confessed Logan told him about our situation. He also said he ordered Logan to take some time off and then ordered me to do the same. I happily agreed. I'm sure Logan has already talked to Jake about our upcoming trip. Logan and I need to decompress. This getaway is very much needed.
While sitting on a stool at the counter, placing an order for parts on the computer, I close my eyes and my skin prickles at the memory of Logan taking me in the bathroom. My husband owns me- mind, body, and soul. His body reminded mine what passion is supposed to feel like. It's been far too long since I have felt that.
"How ya doing darlin'?" Quinn asks from behind me, bringing me back to the present.
Looking at him over my shoulder, I give him a warm smile. "I'm doing okay. What about you?"
"I can't complain, sweetheart, though I'd be doing a hell of a lot better if a certain someone would feed me. I'm starvin'," he says rubbing his hand over his flat stomach. Rolling my eyes, I hop off the stool.
"Come on," I motion for him to follow me, "I brought leftover fried chicken and mashed potatoes from home. And if you’re a good boy there might be some chocolate cake in there for you too," I tell him as he follows me into the break room.
"Hell yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about. Bring it on, woman." Chuckling, I make my way to the refrigerator pulling out the containers I brought from home.
Most nights when I cook I find myself purposely making extra for Quinn and Jake and bring it in the next day for lunch. If by any chance I don't bring them something they both sulk around the shop the whole day acting as if I kicked their puppy. I suppose it's my own fault though. I spoil them, and they have become accustomed to it.
"I don't know how you eat so much, Quinn, and never gain any weight," I joke as I scoop potatoes onto the plate before placing it in the microwave.
"I'm a growin' boy, sweetheart," he grins sitting down at the table.
"You're a pain in the ass is what you are. But I love you anyway," I tell him setting his plate in front of him.
With a look of nothing short of brotherly affection Quinn says, "Love ya too, darlin'."
I sit in the chair across from him, with my plate, and we eat together in comfortable silence. Once Quinn has finished every bite of food, he pushes his plate away then leans back in his chair letting out a groan indicating his tummy is now full. After a few beats, he breaks the silence. "You excited for yours and Logan's trip to Seattle?"
"Yeah, I can't wait," I beam.
Leaning forward and bracing his elbows on the table. "You going to be good with going back to Washington?"
Of course. Quinn hasn't forgotten. It's exactly like him to ask and make sure I'd be okay. When Logan brought up the trip, I'll admit I was a little apprehensive about going back to the state where I suffered so much. "It's time to go back there and make some happy memories. I will not let what happened keep me from doing so. I promise. I'm okay. I've always wanted to go to Seattle. I already have a list of things I plan on dragging Logan's ass to go do."
Clearing his throat Quinn gives me a small smile. "Logan told me about what you all have been going through darlin'. I'm real sorry."
I drop my gaze to my lap and choke back the tears threatening their way to the surface. "Please don't be mad at him for talkin' to me. He was having a rough day yesterday, and we were in the break room having a beer after work and everything just sort of came out."
Expelling a deep sigh, I tell him, "I'm not upset he told you. You are family, and we don't have any secrets. Losing our baby was not something we intentionally tried to keep from everyone. It's just with Alba getting married and the announcement of her and Gabriel expecting again, it didn't feel right. You know."
"Yeah, sweetheart, I get it," he says with understanding.
Jake walks into the room, "Somethin' smells good in here."
Laughing, I point to the microwave, "Yours is in there."
When I turn my attention back to Quinn, he gives me a megawatt smile and a wink. I truly have the best family.
Leaving the shop at the end of the day, I climb into my car and head to the hospital. I have been calling Emerson daily to check up on the baby girl she told me about the other day. The one whose mother abandoned her. Today is the day she turns two weeks old. When I told Logan of my plans, he was completely supportive. With my paperwork and background check completed, today is my first day volunteering. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Though I know I may be spending time with other babies, she is the one I'm looking most forward to meeting. Something about her story is calling to me.
Stepping into the elevator, I press the button for the NICU floor. I give them my name once I arrive at the nurses station, they've been expecting me. I follow a nurse who introduced herself as Shelly.
"It's nice to meet you, Bella. Let’s get you suited up and sanitized." I pull on a yellow hospital gown over my clothes and following the strict hand washing instructions given by Shelly, then she leads me into the NICU nursery.
"Have a seat in the rocking chair," Shelly says pointing to a chair beside an incubator. I resist the urge to lean over and look in. Something inside me wants to wait until this sweet baby is in my arms before I look at her face. "Dr. Evan's has mentioned you have taken an interest in our Baby Doe."
Nodding my head, I answer her, "Yes, I would like to meet her if that's okay?" I say sitting in the chair.
