Page 104 of Free to Run
"Do that," I say firmly. Despite the walls between my family and I, I want him to know if there is a way for me to help, I'll do my best.
"Consider it done." Jared leaves a weighty pause between us before he adds, "I don't think it's going to be much longer before Cassidy has the babies. She was having contractions all night."
"Oh." I hope my voice holds the right amount of enthusiasm. This latest news just makes me feel more alone than ever.
Well, not entirely alone. I smooth my hand over my precious angel to comfort myself. "Keep me informed--about both Colby and Cass-- will you?"
"Of course. I'd do nothing else."
I look around my office. I find a dust bunny on a bookshelf demanding my immediate attention. "I've got to run."
With a sigh, Jared lets me go. For now. "Okay. We'll talk soon." Right before he hangs up.
* * *
The second callcomes in at 4:18 p.m.
“Jared, what’s up?”
“Cassidy had the twins!” His voice is pure excitement. “A boy and a girl!”
I close my eyes and feel the wetness seep out. I remember how I thought I would be there, jumping into Keene’s arms as his sister pushed our niece and nephew into the world. “I’m so happy for you, Uncle Jared,” I say softly.
“I’m just as happy for you, Aunt Ali,” he says back.
I shake my head. “No, Jared. I gave all that up, remember? I’m sure they don’t consider me that anymore.”
“Then you’re a fool, Alison. They ask about you every time I see them. They haven’t let you go any more than you’ve let them go.” His voice is direct, and it pierces my heart.
I’m quiet for a minute. “Do you…” I hesitate. “Do you think Cassidy would be open to a gift?”
“I think Cassidy would be open to a gift if you walked it into that hospital room. So would Keene,” Jared says bluntly.
“I’m sure Keene’s given up on me. I mean, come on. The first challenge and I run like a cat getting sprayed with water?” I scoff, rubbing my hand over my stomach.
“Ali, you don’t get it. That man would crawl over broken glass right now to find you. If I told him where you were, he would be down there in a matter of hours.”
“Not if he knew everything,” I whisper.
There’s silence on the other end of the line. “Did you meet someone in Charleston?” Jared’s footsteps are heard rapidly moving away. I begin to suspect he’s at the hospital.
“Not exactly,” I hedge. “I knew something before I left, and I didn’t tell anyone.”
“You’re talking to your attorney, Alison. You know I can’t tell him.”
“You swear?” I need this additional promise.
“Alison, I swear. I won’t tell Keene. I won’t tell anyone.”
Still rubbing my hand over the small knot in my lower stomach, I say quietly, “I had planned a special birthday gift for Keene, which is why I needed to get back into the house. I couldn’t have him finding it.”
There’s an eerie stillness over the phone. “What was it?” Jared’s voice is low.
I bite my lip.
“Ali? What was it?”
“My early pregnancy test and sonogram pictures of our child.” It all comes out in a rush. “No one else knows, other than my OB/GYN.”
