Page 120 of Wine & Whiskey
18
Chapter Eighteen
The chaosoutside the car fades into the background as Dr. Patterson’s number pops up on her phone. Evan’s injuries, Nick’s rage, her guilt, all displaced by the burning hope for the unexpected gift she didn't even know she wanted, yet can’t bear to lose. Her heart races as she taps the screen. “Hello?”
“Shae? This is Dr. Patterson. I have your results. Your levels are strong—a good sign for us at this point.”
Her worries float away with the tears streaming down her cheeks. It’s going to be okay. Their baby is going to be okay. “Thank you! Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. I knew you were anxious, so when I went over to the lab I sweet-talked the tech into running the test while I waited. I’m a mom too, and I know how difficult it is to wait for results.”
“I was so scared I couldn’t think of anything else. I appreciate you getting them for me so quickly.”
“Now, remember, we still need to do the second test on Monday to make sure they are increasing the way they should be. Why don’t you come to my office around noon? We’re closed for lunch and only my staff will be here, to ensure your privacy.”
This visit will be the way it should have been all along. Nick by her side experiencing his first of many dad moments. She’ll spend the rest of her pregnancy making up to him what he missed out on because of her misguided desire to protect him. “Okay. I’ll be there. Thank you.”
A flash reflects off the window, bringing her back to the turmoil surrounding them. Among the growing crowd of people congregating around their little drama, a teenage guy in a blue baseball cap snaps photos of her with his phone while a young, red-haired girl next to him hops up and down, shrieking and pointing at her. Max and Nick huddle in deep conversation. Evan lies sprawled on his back, his bent leg jiggling up and down, as three members of Nick’s security team lean over him, trying to rouse him.
One of the men fishes the car keys out of Evan’s pocket and tosses them to Max. He nods at Nick, and they sprint to where she sits. Max hops in the driver’s side while Nick squats down next to her. “You’ve got to get out of here. The police are on their way, and people are taking pictures. I don’t want you in the middle of this. Max is going to take you back to your house.”
She can’t let him push her away, extinguishing their rekindled connection. Not after the good news she just received. “Wait! What about you?”
Max starts the car and shoves the gear shift in reverse. “Come on, guys. We’ve got to go.”
“I don’t want to leave you, but I’ve been drinking and can’t drive. It has to be Max.”
“Why have you been—”
He yanks her seatbelt and straps it over her. “There’s no time. We’ll talk in a little bit.” He starts to push the door shut, but pulls it back a few inches and locks eyes with her. “Stay with Max.”
His fierce protectiveness continues to be a constant reminder of his love. He has to know she feels the same way. “I promise. I love you, Nick.”
He reaches in and caresses her cheek, the tension softening in his face. “God, sweetness, I love you too.”
As soon as the door shuts, Max pounds the accelerator and they fly backward before the car jerks forward from him shifting into drive. The squeal of their tires echoes across the concrete walls as they race around the corner, passing two police cars with their sirens blaring.
Once they exit the parking garage, he gives her a quick glance before returning his focus to the road. “Are you okay?”
She loosens her grip on the seat and lets out a deep breath. “Yes, a little overwhelmed, but okay.”
“Good. Then I can tell you how pissed I am about the stunt you pulled this morning. Nick went ballistic, and I was right there with him.”
Heat burns her cheeks at his reprimand. Always the good girl, she never stayed out late or snuck around. Her deceit disappoints herself as much as him. “I’m sorry. Evan talked me into it, but it won’t happen again. I’m not going to let him control me anymore.”
“Yeah, that guy’s a dick. I would have stopped you from marrying him myself.”
“I know you would have. You always save us from the trouble we get ourselves into. I’m not sure how you have a life of your own when you’re always babysitting us.”
“I don’t need a life.” He winks at her before breaking into a smile, relieving her guilt with his forgiveness. “I’ve got you guys.”
“I’m glad we’ve got you too. You’re like the big brother every girl wants.”
He shrugs. “I’ve been called worse.”
She smiles at the thought of them telling Max their good news. He’s as much of an uncle as Carrie is an aunt. And Marta like a grandmother. A baby strengthens the bond of any family, even one as unusual as theirs.
His fingers relax around the steering wheel as they get closer to her house, and he nods toward her. “I knew you guys would get back together.”
