Page 71 of Waiting for Devon
“I’m pregnant,” she murmured. “I’m pregnant.” Her heart came alive, and her soul flooded with joy. Reed had not abandoned her nor left her desolate and alone. He had blessed her with the most precious gift anyone could give—a new life. Devon trembled with happiness. She was carrying Reed’s child and a part of him would be hers forever.
Jack guessed Devon’s condition as soon as he saw her when she arrived at the hospital. He couldn’t mistake the warm glow in her eyes because it was the same expression he saw when she learned she was pregnant with their child.
“Are you going to tell Barrington he’s about to become a father?”
Devon sensed he kept his jealousy and sorrow at bay. “No, I’m not,” she answered as she perused a patient’s chart.
“Don’t you think he has a right to know?” Jack pressed.
“He doesn’t need to know at the moment. Please, Jack, don’t pressure me about this.”
Jack respected her wishes and dropped the subject. She surprised him, however, when she asked him to accompany her to her first appointment with Dr. Warren, a well-known OB/GYN in the Bay area. The doctor confirmed the date of conception, and after a lengthy conference with Devon about her previous miscarriage, instructed her to limit herself to an eight-hour shift.
Devon took special care of herself by starting on prenatal vitamins, eating as healthily and regularly as she could as long as her morning sickness lasted, and resting often. She also walked at a brisk pace in the coolness of the evening, either alone or with Jack when he wasn’t at the hospital, in order to stay in shape for the impending birth. Although Dr. Warren assured Devon there was no reason to believe she would miscarry again, the fear was always present, lying beneath the surface of her calm veneer. Most of the time she was able to control it, but as her pregnancy progressed, she prayed more often for the safety and health of her unborn child. Even though Jack took it upon himself to watch her every move, Devon didn’t mind. Nothing could mar her happiness.
As the weeks passed, Devon scanned the newspaper for the slightest word about the Barringtons. Today, as she ate a turkey sandwich and a small salad in her kitchen, her effort was rewarded. A bold headline on page eight of the main section of theSan Francisco Tribuneannounced the engagement of Blair Barrington to Antonio Gennaro and the engagement of Shane Barrington to Alana Turner. Photographs of both couples were included. Fortunately, the article made no mention of Devon and Shane’s previous ‘engagement.’ She suspected that was Jasper’s doing. It pleased her to also learn that Shane was now the CEO of Barrington Industries. So, Jasperhaddecided to step down and pass his legacy to his son.
However, another picture caught her attention and brought immediate tears to her eyes. Reed stood smiling next to a tall, willowy blonde whose sultry beauty filled Devon with jealousy. The reporter speculated about a third Barrington engagement on the horizon. Devon stared for a long time at Reed’s beloved face. The black and white photo did not do him justice. And then she noticed his eyes. Devoid of any emotion despite his smile.
Guilt swept through her. She did that to him.
Devon had not spoken to any of the Barringtons since leaving Dallas, but she felt compelled to call Blair and offer her congratulations. Hoping Blair would be at the clinic, she called the landline. “Blair, it’s Devon.”
“Oh, my God, Devon! Hi!”
Devon hesitated as sorrow overwhelmed her. “I’m sorry for not calling sooner.”
“It’s all right. I understand. We’re almost like sisters, remember? There isn’t anything you could do that I wouldn’t forgive.”
“Thanks. You don’t know how much that means to me. I’m calling because I read about the double engagements in the newspaper. I’m delighted for both of you. Please tell Shane I’m thrilled that everything worked out for him.” She paused. “How are Inez, Téa, and little Rafael?”
“They’re fine, but they really miss you. Everyone does. It’s not the same here without you. You were the heart and soul of this place.”
Emotion choked Devon, and she swallowed the heavy lump in her throat. “How’s Reed?”
Blair hesitated a minute or two before she answered. “He’s different.”
“I need to know…did he ever read my letter?”
“No. He ripped it into shreds.”
Devon’s heart dropped into her stomach, and it clenched with pain. “Is he serious about the woman in the photo?”
“Hardly. She’s his current flavor of the month,” Blair declared in disgust. “Next week he’ll be flaunting another woman. Lord knows, he’s been with four or five different women since you’ve been gone. I’ve lost count.”
“Don’t,” Devon begged. “I don’t want to hear anymore.”
“I don’t suppose you do. Of course, it’s not my place to tell you what to do, Devon, but you should have stayed and defended yourself, if nothing else. Running away made you a coward.”
“I might have after Reed and Jack rescued me if he had given me the slightest bit of reassurance that he loved me. Instead, he sent me home with Jack.” Devon paused. “Do you think Reed will ever forgive me?”
“Honestly? No,” Blair told her without mincing words. “You broke his heart as soon as he gave it to you, and you made a fool of him. You were right when you said he wouldn’t understand.”
“You’re being very candid.” Devon’s chest tightened with remorse.
“Shall I lie to you and fill you with false hope?”
“No. Take care of yourself, Blair. I wish you and Tony a lifetime of joy.”
