Page 36 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 24
“I’ll give the three of you a few minutes alone. Doctor, let’s give them some privacy.” Sarifena motioned for everyone to leave the room.
“He needs to be hooked back up to the monitor,” Doctor King started towards his bed, but Sarifena grabbed him.
“What the fuck, Heath. He isn’t going to die because the stupid monitor isn’t hooked up. Let’s go.” She dragged him out of the room, Christine and Rory watching with their mouths open.
“Did I hear you, right?” Anthony pushed himself up on the bed, “you’re pregnant?”
Rory sat on the edge of the bed, holding Christine’s hand, “Yes… you’re going to be a dad.”
Anthony’s eyes moved from her face to Christine’s, looking for any sign of anger. But all he saw was love. “You mean we’re going to be a family? Christine… are you ok with this? I know it isn’t something we talked about.”
“Anthony,” she ran her hand down his cheek, “I want a family. And while this might not be the normal way to do things… I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love Rory. And somewhere along the way, I’ve fallen in love with you.”
“I’m going to be a dad,” Anthony placed his hand on her stomach, “holy shit.”
Christine pressed her lips to his, “We’re so glad you’re back home. We couldn’t breathe with you gone.”
“Christine!” Rory whispered, “I was blind. I didn’t see the hurt you were feeling, too. Can you forgive me?”
Christine turned to Rory and pressed a kiss to her lips, “I would withstand fire or ice to protect you, Rory. You’re the love of my life. You needed me to be strong. That’s what you do for the people you love.”
Rory rested her head against Christine’s, “How did I get so lucky to have two people loving me?”
“We’re the lucky ones.” Anthony rubbed Christine’s back and squeezed Rory’s hand. “Lay with me. We can talk more after I rest.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you,” Rory glanced at Christine and then at Anthony.
“I was asking both of you. And there is no pain worse than thinking I’d never see either of you again.”
Rory moved to squeeze in beside him as Christine walked around to the other side. They wedged themselves onto the tiny mattress, each held in one of Anthony’s arms.
“I love you both.”
Rory listened as Anthony’s breaths evened out. Easing herself onto her elbow, she glanced at his sleeping face. Christine was watching her as she ran her fingers across his chest.
“I don’t know about you, but I have to pee.”
Rory burst out into a fit of giggles.
“Shit…” she snorted, burying her face into the crook of his arm, “I don’t want to wake him.”
“I’ll just hold it. I’m just glad to have him back. And I am happy to hear Dimitra is alive. It gives me hope we can find her.”
“We will find her.”
Rory snuggled against him. Slinging her leg over his, she locked it around Christine’s calf. Christine smiled and closed her eyes. It was surreal to be wrapped around Anthony with Rory holding her tight.
“Well damn… I’d say he was a lucky man.” Doctor Kind stepped into the room. “I was going to hook his crap back up, but I think he’ll be fine. You ladies let the nurse know if you need something. You know… we can probably move him to a bigger bed.”
“Maybe later. For now, we will just enjoy having him back.” Rory held Christine’s hand across his body.
“Doctor King,” Sarifena shook her head, “Leave them alone, Jesus.”
“Sarifena,” he smiled, “perhaps you could escort me to my quarters. I’d like to discuss something with you.”
“I’m not going to your room.”
“Are you afraid to be alone with me?”
Rory smiled, watching Sarifena struggle with a response. It was evident there was tension between her and the doctor.
“Of course not.” Sarifena glanced at Rory and Christine, “I’ve asked for you to be moved to a suite. Doctor King assures me Anthony will be fine. That bed looks uncomfortable, and I know you need to be close right now.”
“Thank you. We will move in a little while.”
“Come on,” Sarifena thumped the doctor on his shoulder, “You want to talk… well now’s your damn chance.”
