Sacha
The pain in my belly had finally begun to ebb. The emergency room doctors and nurses had been great, keeping me calm while they poked and prodded. My anxiety level had gone astronomically high as I imaged all sorts of problems with the baby, and how I might have been the cause. They had determined I was not in immediate danger, which was a huge relief, but had moved me up to Labor and Delivery for observation.
When Dr. Kapoor, who had been visiting another patient in the hospital, stopped by my room, I burst into tears. "What have I done? Please tell me the baby's going to be okay."
If anyone else but Dr. Kapoor had rolled her eyes just then, I would have wanted to smack them. But I trusted the woman implicitly.
"Don't worry, it'll only make things worse. The baby's fine. You have gestational hypertension. This happens, especially at your age. It can be serious, but we'll keep monitoring it, and you'll have to rest in bed for at least a week. Can you do that?"
"Yes, of course."
I didn't like the idea of lying around doing nothing, but sacrifice was what motherhood was all about. Better start practicing now.
Dr. Kapoor was still examining me when a familiar face appeared in the doorway.
"They said I could come in for a few minutes."
It was Gib. The concern on his face was genuine, and I warmed a little inside.
Dr. Kapoor glanced at him then back at me. "It's fine by me. We'll be keeping you overnight for observation. If all is well, and your heart rate stays closer to normal, you'll be released in the morning."
"Thank you, doctor."
"My pleasure." As she passed Gib to exit the room, she wagged a finger at him. "See that she does nothing but rest."
"Yes, ma'am."
He came to my side after I motioned for him to do so. I moved to sit up straighter in the bed, and he helped by putting the pillow against my back.
"Thank you, Gib. For everything. I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't followed me."
He shrugged. "Someone would have called the paramedics. But I'm glad it was me. Audrey gave me her car."
His hand reached for mine, and I clasped it. The warmth of him calmed my nerves. Thinking about what happened made me realize how foolish I'd been. Yes, he'd been presumptuous to assume I would be thrilled to find out who he really was, but I had overreacted. He hadn't ever lied, he'd just not told me all the details.
And he'd been there for me in more than one way this weekend.
"I'm glad too." I squeezed his hand and smiled. His brows arched, and the relief was obvious in his voice.
"I meant what I said earlier, Sacha. I'm sorry for how I handled it, but I really am in love with you. You. Sacha, with her sharp mind, quick temper, and gorgeous body. It's not only the idea of having a family with you, although for that, I am overjoyed." He leaned over and kissed the back of my hand. When he looked at me, his blue eyes glistened with tears. "I thought I'd lost you. And the baby."
The last words came out in a hoarse whisper, and he closed his eyes, bowing his head.
Still holding his hand, I shook it. "But you didn't. We're going to be fine. I have to take it easy, that's all."
I had underestimated the impact losing his wife and baby had on Gib. He was a strong man and could no doubt hold his own in just about any situation. But he also felt deeply, maybe too deeply. His guilt had consumed him and drove him into exile. But being with me, and now the impending birth of our child, had brought him back. He looked at me, blinking to stop the tears that threatened.
"I'm so glad. I want to help, if you'll let me." He released my hand and took a step back. "I understand if you don't feel the same about me. It's okay. Even if you never fall in love with me, I promise to take care of you and our child, to the best of my ability. I swear it."
My heart thumped. My greatest fear had been becoming involved with him, making a family, and a home, only to have it ripped from me when he left. Like my father, like Kevin.
But despite those fears, I believed him.
I was still trying to come to grips with the fact he was a freaking billionaire. It didn't really matter because I knew who he really was, inside. Plus, he was insanely hot, friendly, and talented. Not to mention romantic, strong, and sweet. The truth was, Gibson could have any woman he wanted, and he wanted me.
What was not to love?
I crossed my arms over my chest. "Well, you're too late."
His mouth hung open in the most adorable, surprised way. "Too late for what?"
"Too late to give up on me. I already fell in love with you. I just didn't want to admit it."
His bottom lip trembled as he stared at me. Seconds later, his mouth was crushing mine. We were making out in my hospital bed, with the door wide open. And neither one of us cared.
~*~