Chapter 44 Boo
Boo
Greer
“Huh?” Do they mean they saw my body? Although that isn’t ideal. They haven’t been leering at me as they’ve been trying to save my life.
“We saw you on Saturday.”
Saturday…today is Sunday—well, based on how light it is outside, probably Monday now.
“When? Didn’t we not have breakfast together because you two had plans to go biking or something?
Then I didn’t hear from you after that.” Not a single word or text.
It was complete silence on your end, even when I messaged.
“In the Ivy Café,” Havoc bites out.
“Did you wave to me? I don’t remember seeing you. I was pretty deep in conversation with Bram…” No. It couldn’t be. I want to laugh at the absurdity of all of this.
“Exactly.” Havoc stands up and walks over to the window. “The storm cleared up. I’ll call Leech and see if he can come over right away.”
Havoc never asked.
He just assumed. He’s back to treating me like all those other women. Judging me before he knows me. Except, I thought he was getting to know me. “Did you by chance bring my phone over when you saved me?”
Creed hasn’t moved. He hasn’t stopped staring at me. There’s just this thoughtful expression on his face, like his father gets sometimes. “There hasn’t been much of a signal.” He reaches over to the nightstand on the other side of the bed and grabs it. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” My phone is a satellite phone. Unless the conditions are really bad, it works virtually everywhere. I have a signal.
First, I need to check on Cordelia. “Hey. How are you?”
“Good. How did you fare through the storm?”
“I have a funny story to tell on the group vacation in a couple of weeks, but everything is fine. I wanted to make sure you were good.” Exhaustion creeps up on me. I lean back against the pillows and close my eyes.
“Perfectly fine. Though my parents almost called in a SEAL team to come rescue me when the power went out. It’s not like I don’t have two backup generators and a separate one in the casita, just in case something might happen to the main house.
They’ve already called me five times since we’ve gotten a signal back. If I disappear, call my mom.”
Her parents are the exact opposite of mine. “Will do. Can I ask for a favor? It’s a pretty big one.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I agreed to do this winter festival for charity.”
“Oh yeah. You mentioned that. I thought everything was done.”
“Basically. Would you mind finishing it up for me?”
“What? Why?”
“I’m going to have some things to do out of town. I’ll explain more later, but can I count on you?”
“Always. Anything you need.”
What I thought I needed was the man who just walked out of this room, except now he’s assuming the worst about me. And I’m done trying to prove myself to him or anyone. “Thank you. I need to make another call, but let’s have brunch as soon as the roads are clear.”
“Absolutely. Talk to you soon.”
“What are you doing?” Creed asks.
I almost forgot he was there. “Making arrangements so that my life changes don’t affect other people.”
He tips his head to the side. “You didn’t apologize.”
“Why would I?”
“Why is your life changing?”
That’s a massive question. “Because I want my son to grow up somewhere that I’m happy, and I need to figure out where that is.” I set my hand on my abdomen, and something flutters in my belly. “It can’t be.” Tears form in my eyes. “It can’t be.”
“What can’t be?”
“He’s alive. My son is alive. I just felt him move for the first time.”
“Really? Can I feel?” The excitement on his face is hard to ignore.
“Sure, why not.” I take his hand in mine and place it over the spot where the little flutters are.
Creed closes his eyes and concentrates. “I don’t feel anything.”
“That’s because it’s too soon. The first few flutters are only felt by the pregnant woman. As the baby gets older, you’ll be able to feel it,” Havoc says from the door.
Too bad Creed will have to find another pregnant woman by then.
“Leech is on his way. He should be here in a few minutes. I brought you another towel.” He’s so formal, so detached.
“Thank you.”
He walks over and replaces it without touching me and barely even looking at me.
It’s so tempting to laugh at how he’s acting over a simple but wrong assumption, but there’s nothing funny about this. Strangers assuming things that aren’t true is one thing, but a man who kisses you…who might mean something…no. He might be done, but so am I.
“Is there anything else you need?”
“No, thank you. If I think of something, I’m sure Creed would be able to get it for me.”
Havoc nods. “I’ll just go wait for Leech to arrive.”
“Dad is hurting. You know that, right?” Creed says as soon as he’s out of the room.
“Yes, I know. Your father seems to be hurt often.”
“Why did you say it like that?”
“Because it’s the truth. Excuse me, I need to make another phone call.” There’s no point in hiding this, since I’m sure eventually Bram will explain things.
“Greer, it’s nice to hear from you. How did you fare through this wild storm?”
“Pretty good. I was just sitting down, enjoying a cup of tea and getting some things in order.”
“Things? Did something happen? I don’t like the way you said things.”
“Everything is fine. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to finish planning your gang’s winter festival.”
“What? Why? Did something happen? You told Havoc, didn’t you? You’ve got to give him some time to react. Sometimes men say stupid things before their minds process things.”
“Actually, I didn’t have to tell him about the baby. He found out on his own.” More like he barged into my house and found out for himself, but close enough.
“And? Don’t keep me in suspense. Are you two a couple now? Is that why you won’t have time to work on the winter festival?”
“There’s no suspense to be had. And no, we aren’t a couple. I won’t be able to finish because I’ve decided to move. You don’t need to worry, though. I have a friend who will take care of everything. She’s even better at this than I am. My friend Cordelia, The Cake Lady.”
“What happened? He did something stupid, didn’t he? I’ll go talk to him.”
“There’s nothing to correct or fix. Havoc made a choice, and so did I. How about we have brunch once more before I move?”
“Where will you go?”
“I don’t know yet. I think I’m done with the cold, so probably somewhere down south. Kia has this small town that she loves. I might go there.”
“Greer, I think this is a mistake.”
If only it were. “We’ll talk later. I have another phone call to make.”
“Okay. We’ll talk soon.”
I click off and set the phone down for a moment to take a sip of tea. The shivers have almost disappeared. The exhaustion is real. I feel like I ran a marathon—at least this is what I would think a marathon would feel like if I ever took up running, which I won’t.
“What do you mean you’re moving? And what did you mean by we aren’t a couple? Weren’t you talking to Bram?”
The boy is so much more inquisitive than his father. “Yes, I am moving. Yes, I was speaking to Bram. And what do you think I meant?”
“I think Bram was asking if you and Dad were dating, and you said no.”
“Exactly.”
“Did we make a mistake?”
The hesitation and shock in Creed’s voice almost make me feel bad for him.
“I don’t think I’m going to answer that.
Not now. I’m sick of trying to convince men to love me.
I’m tired of not being enough for them to fight for.
A woman has her limits. I hit mine with Darrel after years of trying to give him the baby he wanted. And I hit mine yesterday—”
“Leech is here.”
How long has Havoc been standing in the doorway listening? I don’t even care. My eyes go to the doctor behind him. That man is FINE!!! Winnie would drool for days.
Leech steps forward, carrying a large bag. “Hello, I heard you were feeling a bit chilly.” There’s a friendly, professional smile on his face. “Havoc said you’re almost six months pregnant.” He sets his bag down on a chair and peels off his jacket.
Yeah, she definitely likes the well-muscled, brainy type. “I am. I was concerned that the baby might not have survived, but I just felt him move.”
“That’s a great sign. Let’s get you set up on the monitor while I check you out. Are you feeling any numbness or tingling…”
***
“Everything looks good. The baby’s heartbeat is nice and strong and steady. I do believe you made it out of your adventure relatively unscathed.”
“And with a tale to tell my friend.” I manage to smile and joke about one of the most painful nights of my life. This one is worse than Darrel.
“Exactly. If you start feeling anything odd or if something concerns you, just give me a call. I love any excuse to hop on my snowmobile.”
“Thank you, I think my regular doctors can take it from here.” I hold out a slip of paper that Creed gave me while we were waiting for Leech to monitor the baby. “You can call this number, and my lawyer will ensure that you are paid.”
“No payment needed.” He holds out a flat palm to me and looks at Havoc. “Everything has already been taken care of.”
“I must insist on paying my own bills.” There’s no way I want Havoc making up stories about this.
“Um.”
“I insist. Thank you so much for coming out to check on my son and me.”
“Havoc, what nonsense is this?” Bram shouts as he storms inside the house.
“This is my cue to leave.” Leech grabs his bag and strides out.
“She’s in here,” Havoc stares at me as he calls out.
“She?” Bram stops short at the bedroom doorway and stops short. “What happened to Greer? Why is she in your bed?”
“Your woman was unable—”
“My woman? You think Greer is my woman.”
This isn’t going to be fun. Might as well get it over and done with as fast as possible.
“That’s correct. Havoc thinks you’re my lover, and that he’s my side piece.
Or was it the other way around? It’s so hard to keep track of all of my conquests these days.
I’m in bed because it’s all so mentally taxing for my delicate female brain.
Now what would make this night absolutely perfect is if you two engaged in a brawl over my honor.
To which I will gladly choose to be forever true—ish—to the man who wins.
Well, until my hormones run rampant and I need to find another man to have my way with. It’s all so confusing.”
Havoc stands there with an inscrutable look on his face, while Bram gapes at me like I’ve lost my mind. Creed is the only one who looks like he’s going to laugh until his head explodes in a minute.
“I am not going to engage in fisticuffs with my brother.” Bram looks between the two of us. “I came here to tell Havoc that we were never dating. That it was all a rumor some of the brothers started, and you’re in love with him.”
“Why? Havoc doesn’t care about the truth, or he would have asked me or you before he gave up on us. There is nothing left to say. Now, I do believe it is time for me to go home. Would you mind escorting me there, Bram? I’m quite fatigued and ready to take a bit of a nap before I pack up and leave.”
Bram gulps a few times.
“Thank you, Havoc and Creed, for your assistance in my time of need. You saved not only my life but my son’s life, and for that I will be forever grateful. If you ever find yourself in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact my lawyer. He knows how to get in touch with me.”
***
I was wrong. Sleep eluded me. I might lose my mind if I stare at the ceiling any longer, but I don’t have the energy to get out of bed, even though I’ve been here all day after being in Havoc’s all night.
Don’t think about him. That part of your life is over. You have a plan. A carefully crafted, reasonable plan that will ensure your son’s happiness. That’s the only thing that matters.
The flutters changed everything.
This child, who was an idea…cells in a petri dish became so real. I’m going to be a mother.
The two of us are going to find happiness together, without Havoc or a meddling Creed.
Everything is going to be just fine. I close my eyes and picture our new home on the beach…the soft sand, the gently lapping waves, the salty air…why does the air smell like garlic?
My eyes pop open to a man’s face hovering over mine.
“Boo…Your husband wants to see you.”