Chapter 14: What Needs to Be Done
Melissa
Warmth surges all around my body, and that fresh, faintly woodsy scent I love touches my nose. Pressing my cheek into my pillow, I’m so in love with this dream, I don’t want to wake up. It’s so vivid, and I miss him so much.
At last, after hours of tossing and turning all night, being restless and worried, tension gripping my shoulders, not knowing if I’ll sleep again… my whole body is relaxed. I’m so cozy, I want to stay here all day in this lovely fantasy of having him in my bed.
If only the morning light weren’t pressing against my eyelids. If only I didn’t have to work…
Stretching my arms wide, my eyes fly open when my fist makes contact with a warm, hot body. It’s not a dream!
“That’s some left hook you’ve got there.” Derek’s low voice ignites a burst of heat through my chest, down to my toes, and I dive into his arms. I love the sound of his laughter as he kisses my head
“You’re back! When did you get in?” My stomach is on his chest, and I’m holding his face as I kiss his nose, his cheeks, his eyes, his eyebrows.
He rolls us so that I’m on my back beneath him, and he’s propped above me, his forearms on each side of my head. “Early this morning.” Another (thrilling) little kiss. “Patrick and I agreed—no more hotel beds. We wanted to be with our ladies.”
Nodding, I slide my fingers into his dark waves as he peppers my ears, eyes, nose with kisses. “That six-hour drive is a little better than starting in Princeton.”
“A lot better. Especially now.” He dips his head and covers my mouth with his. The scuff of his beard against my skin is so sexy, it makes me laugh. I turn my cheek and wrap my arms around his neck, holding him close. Soft lips move up to my jaw then to my ear, where he whispers. “I can only think of one thing I like more.”
“Hmm…” I play coy. “I wonder what that might be.”
His head pops up, and sparkling blue eyes meet mine. “Applewood smoked bacon.”
“What!”
He laughs and claims my mouth again, tongues twining, heat flaring between my thighs. I want him so much. My chin pushes up, and I break our kiss. “Seven days is over my limit.”
“I agree.” His mouth is moving down, following the line of my neck. I’m in a sleep shirt and PJ pants, but that doesn’t stop him. Catching my breast through the thin material with his lips, he pulls my nipple, and the effect is excruciating.
“Derek!” I gasp, and in one swift movement, my top is off and his mouth is back on my now-bare breast. He pulls hard again, causing the tip to lengthen, and I’m so wet already. He’s got me right on the edge with only his kisses.
“Yes, seven days.” My voice is a shaky gasp. “Too long.”
Large hands span my belly, and he pulls up, inspecting the size. “Look at you!” He leans down to kiss the swell of our little baby. “How is your luscious mom treating you?” He speaks into my navel, and then he turns and presses his ear against it as if listening.
I can’t help a laugh, threading my fingers into his hair again. He looks up at me and smiles, the corners of his eyes lining in the most handsome way.
“You look very happy,” I whisper, holding him as his head rests on baby. “More than you have in a while.”
He rises back up beside me, resting his cheek on his hand and smoothing my hair off my face. “I feel like a weight’s been lifted.”
“Is it over?”
My question changes his expression to serious. “We handled the problem. You’re safe. It’s the only thing I’ve wanted since that day in October.”
I know what day he means—the day I went to his office so angry with him. I’d forced him to look at the evidence against Sloan.
It was an emotional act I’ve often wished I hadn’t committed. I’d filed away what happened to me in my heart, and I hadn’t considered how deeply that photo of my battered face would affect him.
“What happened?”
For a moment he doesn’t answer me. His eyes travel from mine up to the little scar and back again. “Will you accept for now that we fixed it so he can never hurt you again?”
My lips press together as I think about it. He’s here, safe in my arms. My fears over what might happen did not come true. Most of all, he wouldn’t tell me things were fixed if they weren’t.
I consider all of it and make my decision. “I’ll accept that for now.” Reaching up, I smooth my hands on his cheeks. “I love you so much.”
He leans forward and kisses me, gently at first, growing more forceful. He lifts up slightly and catches my lip between his, giving it a little pull. It sparks the desire that had only paused, and I’m pulling him to me, consuming him in a kiss so desperately hungry, it’s never satisfied.
He lets out a low noise and circles his arm around me, lifting and turning me so that my back is to his chest, my ass pressed into his pelvis. I barely have time to note his erection before he catches my thigh, moving it up and to the back slightly, allowing him to fill me with his enormous length from behind.
“Aaah!” My head drops back, and he grasps my clit, massaging as he thrusts into me.
“Oh, god!” I can’t stop another cry as his lips touch my neck, his beard scratching across the tops of my shoulders. I shiver at the intense eroticism.
He pushes into me hard as his fingers move nonstop over my sensitive bud. His mouth follows a line down the back of my neck, and sizzling waves of fire shoot down my inner thighs. I’m on the verge of screaming the pleasure is so strong. He doesn’t slow, and I’m hurtling toward the edge, eyes closed, only waves of pleasure shimmering through me.
“Come now.” His lips are a low vibration at my ear, and I moan. “Come.” And with his next thrust, my legs erupt into orgasmic shaking. I cry out, overcome by the powerful wave of ecstasy flashing through me.
My body tries to fold together with the pull of it, but he holds me up, still thrusting as my inner muscles tense and pull. I’m arching back against him moaning, unable to endure much more. He’s not far behind, and with a loud groan, he shoots off deep inside me.
Strong arms move from my shoulders around my ribcage, just above the swell of my stomach, and he’s holding me tight against him, hips gently rocking. My eyes are still closed as we move together, riding it out, gently slowing as we ease down from the stratosphere. A few more deep breaths, and we both curl forward like two hands closing together in a perfect embrace.
“Seven days.” His voice is low beside my ear, and a delicious wave of contentment moves in my torso.
My arms go on top of his, and soft lips touch the side of my neck behind my ear. Another wave moves across me. “I never want us to be apart again.”
“I meant it when I said we’d be together permanently after Baltimore.”
I scoot forward and roll onto my back to face him. “What will that look like? Will you be here?”
His soft lips press together, and I touch them with my fingertip. I know this is a difficult decision. “What if we split the time for now? We can each stay a week in both locations.”
“Will that work for you in Princeton?”
“If we start the week on a Wednesday. It’ll work in the short-term, and it’ll give Nikki a chance to find another job.”
My lips twist then. “I hadn’t thought of that. I hate for her to lose a good job.”
He exhales a laugh. “Working for me is a good job now?”
“You’re a very generous employer. Even if you are a hard-ass.”
He laughs, and I snuggle back into his arms smiling. We hold each other a few moments, savoring the afterglow. My entire body is completely relaxed and quiet. I’m in heaven in his embrace with notes of happiness pulsing through me on every heartbeat.
That’s when it happens.
I feel the faintest stirring below my navel like a little fish. Or it’s more like gas moving in my stomach, which should be embarrassing, but this is different. A second passes, and I feel it again. It’s unmistakable this time.
“Derek!” I pull back and grab his hand, pressing it hard against my lower abdomen.
“What?” Concern is etched on his face, and he props up on an elbow watching me.
“Just wait…” I whisper.
We’re both quiet, heads tilted as if we’ll hear a noise. Then I feel it again, the faintest little nudge.
“Did you feel it?!” I’m practically bouncing in the bed, I’m so happy.
His brow crinkles. “No?”
It doesn’t matter. I know it’s too small for him to feel anything yet, but I lunge forward, hugging my arms tight around his neck. “I felt him move! I can feel him moving! It’s just the faintest flutter, but I know you’ll be able to feel it soon.”
He hugs me back, pulling me tight against his torso. “I can’t wait.” I can hear the love in his voice, but when I look again, there’s a shadow over his eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
I ask, but I already know. I agreed we’d wait to discuss Baltimore, but I can sense what went down had to be pretty major. I’m sure it’s on his mind, and I confess, I want to know so badly. At the same time, I kind of don’t.
He blinks and whatever it was is gone, hidden behind the shield I know he’s learned to cultivate. We’ve only been together a few months, but already I’ve learned to hate that barrier that keeps me at a distance, away from what’s hurting him.
“Not a thing, darling, I’m excited.” Whatever just happened might bother me, but when he smiles at me that way, I melt. “I’m sorry I can’t feel him yet. When’s your next appointment?”
“Today, actually.” I push the side of his hair away from his cheek. “Dr. Mel works around my schedule. Want to tag along?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
The doctor’s exam room is warm, and I’m lying on the hard, leather table with my knees bent, turned so I can face Derek. He’s sitting at my head, elbow bent on the back of the table, smoothing my hair back.
“Seventeen weeks isn’t a particularly exciting visit.” I smile up at him, not wanting him to be disappointed.
“You forget. I haven’t been to as many of these as you have.” His touch is so comforting, I feel like I should’ve insisted on having him with me every time.
“I’ve only been coming once a month. You haven’t missed much.”
Just then Dr. Mel enters the room. She’s a bit older than me, with black hair and olive skin, and a personable disposition. We laughed at having the same nickname, even though her first name is Linda. Her last is Melendez, or Mel for short.
“I see you brought Daddy along this time.” She smiles, her dark eyes dancing as she shakes his hand. “Nice to see you again.”
“I was just saying it’s not such an exciting visit.” My voice is apologetic, and she snaps to business.
“We can move things up if you’d like. It’s early, but we can do the ultrasound, and I need to test for Down’s and other abnormalities.”
Now I’m sorry I said anything. “Why are you doing that? Do you think something’s wrong?”
She pats my arm in her confident way. “Not at all. It’s strictly routine. But we do have to draw blood.”
My nose wrinkles. “How much?”
“Three vials. We can save that part to the end. Let’s get started.”
She measures my stomach and takes my blood pressure, checks my hands and feet for swelling, and declares me fit as a fiddle. Then we’re off to the ultrasound room. The lights are dim, and Derek is close by my side as we prepare for the scan. We’ve opted for the 3D imaging, as it’s the most likely to show what we’re looking for.
“I’ve warmed the gel, so it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.” She spreads the clear medium across my belly and presses the probe against my skin.
We’re all quiet. I’m holding my breath waiting, and then it appears—his little face all beige on the screen.
“Oh!” My heart floods along with my eyes. His features are blurry, but I’m sure he looks just like Derek. Reaching over, I pull his daddy close. Derek’s eyes are shining, and he kisses me gently before turning back to the screen.
“Hang on and let me see what we can see here.” Dr. Mel moves the gun lower on my pelvis pushing against my skin and turning it to the side. The image on the screen shifts and wobbles, what looks like bananas pass rapidly in front of us.
“Legs… umbilical cord…” She studies the screen, brow creased, watching. We’re all fixed to the sepia-colored show. “Come on, baby…”
We’re waiting on the edge of our seats when she finally gets the view she wants. “All right! Here we are. Can you see this area?” She circles the screen with her pen, and we nod. “This is the spot.”
The probe moves almost imperceptibly against my skin and the doctor nods. “That’s it. Clear as a bell.”
Derek and I look at each other, and I hold my breath, waiting for his response. It’s not a word. He only catches my face in both hands and covers my mouth with his.
Dr. Mel laughs as our lips part, but just as fast, he’s kissing me deeply, again and again, and I can’t help laughing, too.
Elaine decided we had to celebrate. I didn’t tell her the sex—only that we knew, and she insisted on throwing a huge “Privates Unveiling” ceremony at her house. She even invited my mother.
By seven, the four of us are gathered in the Merritt-Knight kitchen raising glasses of sparkling wine in a toast. All except me, of course. I have my own personal bottle of sparkling apple cider.
“Take it easy on that stuff.” Patrick teases. “You know you’re a lightweight.”
“I’ll pace myself.” I wink as I toss back the glass and wince. It’s too sweet, and I’ll be switching to ginger ale for my next toast.
“Your mom said to start without her. She’d already scheduled a late appointment when I called her.” Elaine’s at the stove stirring fast, sautéing vegetables in a wok. We’re having her specialty Thai-fusion tonight because it’s my favorite.
“I’m surprised you’re doing all this. I thought you didn’t want to know.” I pick up a carrot and snap a bite off the end while I watch her work.
“No way! I have to know! How else will I plan the shower?”
“Are you feeling better? About your… situation?” I’d been afraid to say anything about the ultrasound since our sleepover and her big reveal. Of course, then I acknowledged she’d kill me if I stopped giving her my baby news.
“Actually, I am.” Her tone switches to controlled problem-solver, a.k.a., normal Lainey. “You were right. One month is way too soon to know anything. It’s also possible I was suffering from baby fever, between you and Kenny—”
“Did you say anything to Patrick?” My voice has dropped and I glance toward the living room, where Patrick and Derek seem to be having a serious conversation. They aren’t listening to us, and now I’m intensely curious to find out what they are saying. I want to know if it’s related to Derek’s mood this morning.
“He’s been busy wrapping up details from Baltimore, so we haven’t communicated much. Outside the bedroom.” She winks and lifts the wok, shaking the julienne-sliced vegetables onto a platter. Next in the wok go the long noodles.
I shake my head. “Has he told you anything about what happened?”
She stirs the noodles quickly in the vegetable stock. “He said it would be better not to tell me about it. We’re not married yet, so I’m not protected by any statues.”
“Lainey!” My voice is a cracked whisper. “That sounds really bad.”
She shrugs, continuing to stir. “We knew it wasn’t going to be good, right? They had to play dirty to find something to stick to your slimy ex.”
Closing my eyes, my chin drops. My brows clutch together. “I hate this so much. I can’t help feeling like it’s my fault. Derek was an honorable man before he met me, a hero—”
“Hey.” My friend catches my chin and lifts my eyes to hers. “You didn’t make Sloan hurt you. You didn’t send him to prostitutes. This is not your fault. And Derek is honorable. He’s so honorable he would never let some criminal get away with hurting you like that.”
Pulling my chin away, I turn back to the living room where the guys are still deep in conversation. “I was the one blind enough to marry him.”
“He tricked you just like he tricked the rest of us. It’s not your fault.” She spoons the noodles out on top of the vegetables. “You’re lucky you have a wonderful man now. One who won’t back down from doing what needs to be done.”
No words come to me, so I let it go. “Ready?”
“Help me set the table.”
Full stomachs, glasses of wine, we’re all in the living room lounging around the fire when my mother joins us. She takes a glass of red and sits on the couch next to Lainey. I’m standing in front of the warm, orange glow with Derek at my side beaming.
“So how shall we do this?” I look from one expectant face to the next.
Lainey pipes up. “How about two fingers it’s a girl, one finger it’s a boy?”
A quick look up at Derek and he grins, giving me a wink and a little nod.
“Okay… are you ready?” My hands go behind my back, and a huge smile spreads over my face.
“I think my heart is beating too fast.” Mom laughs and sets her wine glass on the end table.
“Just fucking tell us, dammit!” Patrick shouts, and then his eyebrows dart up. “Shit, I’m sorry, Mrs. Jones.”
“I was thinking that exact same thing, dammit!” Mom’s voice is a loud reply, and we all laugh then.
Derek leans close by my head. “On three?” I nod, and he counts.
One…
Two…
… Elaine squeals when he pauses.
Three!
Squeezing my eyes closed, I shoot my hand out in front of me. The whole room explodes with screams, congratulations, shouts, and laughter, and Derek’s arms are fast around my waist in a hug.
My arm is straight in front of me, and I’m holding up one finger.
It’s a boy.