CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
RAY
I wait outside the hospital entrance, watching the clock tick closer to six.
Alec told me they come together every evening to have dinner with Wynter. It’s a structure she needs, something stable to ground her.
As they approach, Lucy spots me first and her whole body stiffens. She doesn’t slow down, so I step forward. “I thought we could grab a coffee and talk,” I say.
“If it’s about what I think it is, forget it,” she snaps, trying to walk straight past me.
I move, blocking her path. Her patience snaps. “For God’s sake,” she mutters.
“It’s happening, Lucy,” I say evenly. “I’d prefer you get on board rather than stand in the way.”
Her eyes flash. “I hate men like you,” she spits.
“Men who think they can bulldoze through everything because they’ve got money and power.
” I don’t respond, I’ve learned quickly that if she’s got something on her chest, it’s best to let her express it.
“You’ve got a God complex,” she continues, her voice low but vicious.
“And maybe that works out there,” she gestures vaguely, “in your world, but not here. Not with real families who actually love each other.”
I swallow the words I want to say, knowing it’ll only piss her off more.
“And I get it,” she adds, softer but no less cutting. “You didn’t grow up with that, so you wouldn’t understand. But we love that girl more than you’ll ever know.” My jaw tightens. “And we won’t stand by and let you break her again.”
Silence hangs between us. I let it sit, because reacting won’t help. “If you love her like you say you do,” I say finally, “then hear me out.”
She glances at Alec, who gives a small nod. It’s reluctant, but permission all the same.
We sit in the hospital café a few minutes later. Lucy doesn’t look at me, her arms are folded tight across her chest, like she’s physically holding herself back from tearing into me again.
Alec offers me a small, apologetic smile.
“I’ve paid the fees,” I say. They both snap their attention to me.
“I know you didn’t want me to,” I add quickly.
“And I know you could’ve handled it. But I needed to do something to help, because as you rightly pointed out, Lucy, it’s mainly my fault she’s here.
” Lucy scoffs, shaking her head in disbelief.
“I owe Wynter,” I continue, “for everything I put her through. And I’m going to do whatever I can to make that right. ”
Lucy leans forward, her eyes sharp. “I came to see you because I thought you already knew about the baby,” she says.
“I thought you’d walked away from her knowing that.
” There’s something almost like regret in her tone.
“If I’d known the truth,” she adds, her voice hardening again, “I never would have told you. Because this baby doesn’t need a man like you in its life. ”
My temper flickers, and I fight to keep it in check.
“It’ll have more than enough with us,” she finishes.
“You don’t get to make that decision,” I say, my voice low. “This is my child too. And I’ll be part of its life, with or without your approval.”
Alec shifts slightly beside me, clasping his hands together. I have no doubt he’s picturing slamming his fists into my face.
“She was hurting before I came along,” I continue. “I didn’t know how bad it was, or why she ran to London. She didn’t tell anyone.”
“She didn’t run away,” Lucy snaps. “She needed a fresh start.”
I exhale sharply. “Same difference.” Her glare could cut glass. “She agreed to move in with me,” I say.
Lucy’s head snaps up. “What?”
Alec doesn’t look surprised. He just watches me carefully.
“But I’m not blind to the fact she needs her family,” I add, “so I’m asking you both to come too.”
Lucy lets out a disbelieving laugh. “You want us to uproot our lives because you’ve decided where she’s going to live?” she snaps.
“I’m trying to make this easier,” I reply. “She needs continuity. Same therapist. Same support. She shouldn’t have to start from scratch.”
“And what, you’ll just take care of everything?” she challenges.
“Yes.” The word comes out without hesitation. “I have staff,” I add. “Resources. She’ll be looked after properly.”
Lucy shakes her head slowly. “Why are you really doing this?” she asks.
I hold her gaze. “Because she’s having my baby.”
“You don’t know that,” she fires back immediately. “For all you know, it could be anyone’s.”
Something in me snaps. “She’s not like that,” I say, sharply. “You know she isn’t.”
Lucy doesn’t flinch. “How would you know?” she shoots back. “She wasn’t herself for a long time.”
“Are you saying Wynter is lying?” I ask, my voice quieter now, but edged. “That she’s been sleeping around?”
Lucy’s expression twists. “No,” she says after a beat. “God, no.” Her jaw tightens. “Although I wish she had.”
I nod once. “Then we’re done here.” Lucy stiffens at that. “Wynter’s coming home with me. Tonight,” I say, leaving no room for argument. “The doctor’s already arranging her discharge papers. Her care will be transferred to me.”
Alec shifts beside me. Lucy lets out a sharp laugh. “You don’t get to just take over, you’re not even next of kin,” she snaps.
“I already have,” I reply evenly.
Her eyes flash with fury. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Maybe,” I say. “But I’m also the one making sure she doesn’t fall apart again the second she walks out of here.”
I see the doubt mixed with fear in Alec’s eyes. He’s just as worried as I am about her. He knows this is for the best, deep down.
And I push on. “You’re welcome to come,” I add, my tone softening just slightly.
“Both of you. Tonight. Help her settle in. See where she’ll be living.
” Lucy stares at me like she doesn’t trust a single word coming out of my mouth.
“Look around,” I continue. “Stay, if you want to. I’m not trying to take her away from you. ”
Her laugh this time is quieter, sounding bitter. “That’s exactly what you’re doing.”
I hold her gaze. “No,” I say. “I’m making sure she has everything she needs.” I wait a beat before adding, “And whether you like it or not, right now, she needs me. She needs us all.” I stand. “You’re both welcome into my home any time. No questions.”
WYNTER
“Are you sure about this?” Aunt Lucy asks for what feels like the hundredth time.
I zip up my bag and nod, forcing a small smile. “I won’t make his life easy, Lucy, you don’t have to worry,” I say lightly. “I’m pregnant and a little unhinged, he’ll regret ever stepping back into my life.”
She doesn’t smile, instead she lowers to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’m serious,” she says, reaching for my hand.
The weight of it pulls me down beside her on the bed.
“I know,” I murmur, squeezing her fingers.
“I don’t want to stay with him, but staying in Stamford .
. . it’s too much.” My voice softens. “Everywhere I go, it’s him.
Me and Josh. Every street, every shop . .
. it’s like I can’t breathe without remembering.
” My throat tightens. “I was only back there a month,” I admit, “and it nearly broke me.”
Lucy’s expression softens, her thumb brushing over my hand.
“I know I have to face it eventually,” I go on. “I know I can’t run forever. But right now . . .” I shake my head slightly. “Right now, I need something different. Even if that means moving in with the father of my baby who,” I huff out a weak laugh, “can barely stand me.”
She doesn’t laugh. “You’re going to get your heart broken again,” she says quietly.
I look down at my hands. “It’s already broken,” I whisper.
“I don’t think there’s anything left to damage.
” The words hang there for a moment. Then I place a hand over my stomach, grounding myself.
“But this,” I add, “is different. I’m going to get better.
I have to. For this.” My fingers spread slightly, protective.
“I’m going to be a good mum,” I say. “Even if everything else is a mess.”
Lucy’s eyes fill slightly, but she nods.
“One step at a time,” I add, more to myself than to her. “That’s all I can manage right now.”
She exhales slowly, squeezing my hand again. “Well,” she says, her voice lighter, “me and your dad will be down all the time. Starting this weekend.” I glance up, surprised. “I’ll be back Friday through to Sunday,” she continues. “You can give me the grand tour of that ridiculous apartment of his.”
A small smile tugs at my lips. “The cock extension apartment?” I tease. That’s enough to drag a laugh from her.
At exactly six o’clock, Ray appears in the doorway, like clockwork.
I grab my bag, but before I can lift it properly, he steps forward and takes it from me without a word. I don’t argue, he likes to play the gentleman, even though we both know it’s an act most of the time.
“Thanks,” I mutter anyway.
I say my goodbyes to the nurses, forcing smiles as they wish me luck. Their eyes linger a little too long, like they’re not entirely convinced I’m ready to leave. Maybe I’m not, but I can’t stay here another night.
The air feels different the moment we step outside, like I can finally breathe again.
The drive back to his apartment is quiet, uncomfortably so. But I don’t have the energy to force polite conversation. Even after all that rest, I’m exhausted.
I stare out of the window, watching London blur past, my thoughts racing ahead of me.
There’s so much I want to say, so much I need him to understand. That I’m not broken. I’m not unstable. I’m just . . . hurting. But every version of the conversation I play out in my head sounds wrong, like speaking it out loud will make me a little more vulnerable.
“Your silence is too loud,” he says eventually.
I glance at him, a small smile pulling at my lips. “Just processing,” I reply.
He nods. “I’ve taken a couple days off,” he says after a moment.
I turn to him, my eyes narrowed in confusion. Ray doesn’t take time off. I study his profile, trying to figure out if he’s serious.