Page 56 of Fight for Me

Maria’s face split into a brilliant smile. “He’s over the moon and wants to tell the world. But I’m refusing to let him until we hit twelve weeks. I don’t want to jinx it.”

Anne squeezed Maria’s hand that rested on her lap. “It’ll be okay. Worrying won’t help things, so just enjoy it. Have you been having morning sickness?”

Now Maria grimaced. “It’s more like evening sickness. I’m okay until about three, then violently ill until about nine at night, when it magically disappears. Brian’s been a saint, making sure I eat before and after whilst holding my hair back over the toilet.”

Anne felt a rush of affection and gratitude toward her best friend’s husband. Yes, he was an introvert and as opposite from Maria as it was to be, but he doted on her and loved her to distraction. The thought caused an ache in her chest, but she brushed it off. This was Maria’s moment. No pity parties allowed.

“Have you told your parents yet?”

She shook her head. “Absolutely not. Mother would wrap me in bubble wrap and stick me in bed, then she’d hover and drive me batty. We’ll wait for the twelve weeks. You’re the only one who knows.” She sent Anne a sweet smile. “Because there’s no way I couldn’t tell my bestie.”

Just then she pulled up outside Anne’s apartment building so Anne was able to lean over and give her a tight hug.

“You need anything, you call me,” she said. “Especially if Brian isn’t around and you need someone to hold your hair while you toss your cookies.”

Maria’s face squeezed into an adorable grimace. “Don’t think I won’t,” she warned. “And get a better lock, or multiples, for your door. I don’t like the idea of you still staying here.”

“I’ll be okay.” She didn’t mention that she was going to hit up the senator for a firearm, a thought that had come to her on the drive over. “I can beef up my security.”

Maria’s gaze was skeptical, but she said, “All right. I’ll believe you. But if something happens to the future godmother of my baby, I’ll be seriously put out.”

Anne grinned. “Godmother? That would be an honor. When can I start spoiling her?”

“We don’t know if it’s a her!”

“Of course it’s going to be a girl! And she’ll be spoiled rotten by everyone.” Anne laughed. She unbuckled her seatbelt and gathered her things. “Call you tomorrow,” she promised, giving Maria a peck on the cheek.

“You’d better,” Maria called as Anne got out of the car.

Anne waved and headed inside.

# # #

Blane surveyed the new door on Anne’s apartment. He’d had one installed that was reinforced on the hinges and double deadbolts. Two sets of identical keys were in his hand. He dropped one set into his pocket just as the handle turned and Anne walked in.

They both stopped for a moment, staring at one another in surprise.

“What are you doing here?”

The question was simultaneous.

Blane recovered first. “You’re supposed to be at my house.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I was. But then I decided to come home. Now tell me why you’re inmyhouse.”

He gestured to the door. “You weren’t safe without a door. I got it fixed.” He handed her the extra set of keys. “For the new locks.”

They regarded each other, her somewhat warily.

“Thank you.” Manners were manners and she was impeccably bred.

“You’re welcome.”

An awkward silence descended.

“I’ll look into Madeleine today,” he said. “And her husband.” He needed to be taught a lesson, and Blane couldn’t wait to teach it to him.

Anne’s eyes widened in alarm. “You really should just leave it. I’ll get in touch with her and get her into a safe house for battered women.”

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