Chapter 26
A strong, warm hand was holding her own. Steve .
Diane tried to open her eyes, but it was like they were glued shut. What the hell was going on? Then, like a movie reel, the backs of her eyelids became the movie screen, and everything came flashing back.
Volkov, Melanie, Natasha, Anya, the window, the blood, her arm, bullets. Scenes flashed in front of her mind’s eye. The hold on her hand tightened. Steve’s voice interrupted the horror movie playing out.
“Angel, it’s OK.” His voice was soft, close to her ear. “You’re safe. I’m right here.” His breath warmed her skin.
Again, she tried to open her eyes. Her eyelids were heavy, as if telling her she should stay asleep. She didn’t want to stay asleep. She wanted to see her husband and Megan. Oh, God, Megan! Was she OK? Her eyes flew open, and she gripped Steve’s hand.
“Megan?” Her voice sounded hoarse.
“She’s safe. He never had her Angel. She was safe the whole time.” Steve brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. The small action undid her. Tears came hard as the reality of the past few days hit her.
The bed dipped and Steve sat, pulling her gently into his arms. She cried with relief. She was alive, and Megan was safe. She cried for what Melanie and Natasha went through. She cried for little Anya. She cried at how unhappy she had been this past year. She cried with exhaustion. She cried for not being worthy of the most wonderful man in the world, though he was holding her. He’d saved her life.
Gradually, her tears subsided as the minutes passed. She went to wipe her face, realizing her arm was still in a sling, but it no longer hurt.
“You dislocated your shoulder. You passed out, and when you arrived here, Sophie thought it would be better to make sure you stayed out while they put the shoulder back. She gave you a light sedative and some morphine. She could then check you out thoroughly without causing you pain.” His soft voice washed relief into her.
“I’m at Westside? I’m not military.” This hospital was for enlisted only.
“You’re part of my military family. That makes you one of us. How are you feeling?”
“OK. Where’s Megan? I want to see her.”
Steve nodded. “She’s right outside with the team. I’ll get her.”
“The team are here?”
“Yes. Everyone. Raven, Nyx, Sam, the girls. I would have called your parents, but I didn't want to worry them as they don’t know what happened.”
Diane swallowed. She couldn’t do this. Not yet. “I... Just Megan.”
Steve nodded again. “I understand.”
He opened the door. A second later Megan was there inside the door, looking a little uncertain. Diane held out her good arm and Megan ran to the bed.
“Oh, baby, I missed you so much.” She squeezed her daughter to her side and kissed the top of her head.
“I missed you, too, Mommy. I’m sorry you got hurt.”
Diane had no idea what Steve had told her, but it didn’t matter right now. She was here. She was safe.
“I’m going to be just fine. Don’t you worry.”
“I know. Daddy said you’re the strongest person he knows.”
Diane glanced over at Steve, seeing him smiling. Strong was not a word she would use to describe herself.
“He said you’re going to need our help for a while because you have to keep your arm in that white thing.” Megan pointed at the sling. “We already decided who’s going to do what. I can’t cook, so Daddy is going to take care of that. I’m going to do dishes. Daddy and I will do laundry together, and he will vacuum, and I will dust. Then—”
“Pumpkin,” Steve interrupted, though Diane thought the rush of helpfulness adorable. “Mommy needs to rest. Maybe you can tell her about our plans a little later.”
“OK! I love you, Mommy.” Megan was bouncing. “I liked staying at Jessica’s, but I want to go back home now, with you and Daddy.”
Diane placed a hand on her daughter’s cheek. “I want that, too, sweetheart.”
The door opened and Dr. Sophie Summers came in smiling.
“Diane. It’s good to see you awake.” She stood beside Steve and Diane managed a weak smile back, feeling very overwhelmed.
“Steve,” Sophie said suddenly, “can you take Megan outside, please? I just need a minute with my patient.”
He frowned. “I can stay.”
“No. Nothing is wrong, but I need a minute. Won’t take long.”
Steve’s face said he wasn’t pleased, but he didn’t argue. Diane hugged Megan and Steve leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.
“I’ll be right outside.”
She nodded and waited until the door closed behind them and let out a sigh.
“Diane?” Sophie asked concerned.
“Sorry. It’s just a bit much. I... everyone being here...”
Sophie’s smile never wavered. “I understand. I do. They’re here because they care about you and were worried, but you don’t need to see them. I can send them packing.”
“Thank you, Sophie. I’m really glad you’re the one taking care of me.”
“Me, too. I’m so sorry about what happened to you.”
Diane smiled at the genuine concern in her friend’s voice. Sophie patted her hand.
“There is nothing serious. Your shoulder and arm will take a couple of weeks to fully heal. We can go over what you can and can’t do later. Three of the cuts from the glass needed stitches. The bruising is just that. Bruising. The cut above your eye wasn’t deep, so it will be good in a few days.”
When Sophie paused, Diane frowned. “There’s something else.” As a lawyer, she was well versed in knowing when someone was holding back.
“Did you know?”
“Know what?”
“We did routine blood work. Diane, you’re pregnant.”
Diane stared at her, the words echoed in her ears. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’d say your about eleven weeks along.”
“Oh, shit.” Another baby? She couldn’t handle her life as it was, how could she bring another child into it?
“Diane? Forget about me being your doctor for a minute. I’m your friend. Do you want me to get Kelly and Mira? They’re right outside.”
Diane shook her head. “No. It’s just a shock. Does Steve know?”
“No.”
“Can you not tell him? I’ll tell him, I just need a little time. It’s... damn... a surprise.”
Sophie squeezed her hand and Diane felt tears threatening again.
“Of course. I won’t say anything, but if you want to talk, I’m here. Ryan told me what happened. I’m so relieved the guys found you and you’re going to be OK.”
“Thank you.”
“Diane, I’m worried about you. Kelly and Mira are, too. You can talk to us about anything. We’re here for you.”
“Thank you,” she said again. “I can’t talk. Not yet.” She loved Sophie, Kelly, and Mira and she did know she could talk to them. But they weren’t the people she needed to talk to just now.
Sophie nodded. “OK. What do you need? What can I do to help right now?”
“Can I go home?”
“Yes. I can get you discharged.”
“Then I would like to go home with Steve and Megan.”
Sophie stood. “That I can arrange. I’m guessing you don’t want to see anyone else?”
Diane closed her eyes. “I appreciate them all being here. I do. Thank them for me. I will see them, but—”
“Not all at once and not right now when you just woke up. I get it. They can be very... er... overpowering.”
Diane opened her eyes, relieved her friend understood.
“Consider it done.”
“Thanks, Sophie.”
“Promise me you’ll call me, or Kelly, or Mira, if you need us?”
“I will.”
A minute after Sophie left, Steve came back into the room.
“Everything OK?”
Diane thought about the new life growing inside her.
“Yes. I’m fine.”
Steve pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed, grasping her hand in his.
“I was so worried. I’m so sorry I didn't protect you. I promised I would, and I let you down.”
She shook her head. “You didn’t. I knew you would come. I should never have gone there. I should have told you. I was so stupid—”
“You were not, and are not, stupid. When I saw that picture, I believed he had Megan, too. It wasn’t until I spoke to her that I was reassured she was safe. I understand why you did what you did. I saw the pictures and the texts. You must have been terrified and frantic, but you still thought to leave that note. And then in that video... Looking at the cats? It was damn smart.”
“You got that?”
“Yes, I did. We went to the house but must have just missed you. But it led us to Janssen’s car, which led us to find Ms. Costas and the sarin.”
“Oh, my god, I didn’t even ask. How is she? Natasha, Anya?”
“Everyone is fine. We found Melanie in Janssen’s car close to where the sarin was set to go off. Natasha and Anya are together, unharmed.”
“And Volkov?”
“In custody. He can’t hurt you, or anyone, again. He’ll be going down for a long time.”
Diane leaned her back against the pillow. It was over. Turning to face her husband she asked. “Who are the Aziz brothers?”
Steve’s face immediately tensed, and she knew without a doubt they were known to him.
“They’re connected to the group that captured Kelly.”
Diane gasped.
“Angel, I will tell you what I can, but not here. This isn’t the time or the place. Just know you are safe. The Aziz brothers are not even in this country. Sophie said you can go home, so how about we do that?”
“I’d like that.”
“Good.” He gestured to the chair. “Kelly brought you fresh clothes. Everyone sends their love, and they will come visit when you feel up to it.” He stood up.
“Steve?”
“Yes, Angel?”
“I love you.”
All the tension left his face. “I love you, too. Natasha told us everything that happened. I am so damn proud of you.”
Steve gave her some space to use the bathroom and get dressed. She stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Damn, she looked like shit. An ugly gash above her eye and her cheek was still red from where Volkov had hit her, and the bruise had darkened in places. She winced as she took her arm out of the sling. Steve had offered to help, but she needed these few minutes by herself. As she carefully slipped off the hospital gown, she frowned at the red gashes on her stomach, three of them with stitches. Her chest was bruised, and she shuddered, remembering being yanked back through the window. She could have hurt the baby.
Instinctively, she placed a hand on her still flat stomach. A baby. How had she not considered she was pregnant? The nausea, the tiredness. She was on the pill. She tried to think back to her last period and couldn't remember. She'd been working such long hours. Her sleep schedule was off and, damn, had she even been taking the tablet? The packet was in her purse. That she didn’t have. She sighed. Did it matter? She was pregnant. Could she do this? Did she want this? Did she have a choice?
Squeezing her eyes shut, with both hands on her stomach, her conversation with Natasha suddenly filled her mind.
Stuff doesn’t bring you happiness. People, love, experiences, bring happiness, and all you need is what’s in here.
Did she have all she needed in her heart? Becoming a lawyer had not made her happy. Being a mom did. Perhaps this baby was a sign.
***
S TEVE KEPT THE CONVERSATION light as they made their way home from the hospital. Diane was quiet. Perhaps it was just the aftershock of what she’d been through, but he sensed something else.
He wasn’t going to push her, but they needed to finish the conversation they’d started last night. So much had happened since then, but for him it only reinforced just how much he loved his wife and daughter. Their happiness was his number one priority.
Megan was chatting away about her time with Agent Jessica Adams. He hadn’t said too much to Megan about what happened to her mom other than she’d been accidentally hurt while working. Megan had seen him with bruises and cuts before, and while Megan had been upset initially, she had come around quickly. He’d managed to deflect further questions. He didn't want to lie to his daughter, but he wanted to discuss it with Diane first.
He glanced toward his wife. Diane looked to be fighting to keep her eyes open. It was late, and it had been a very long day. The sooner they got home, and he got both his girls into bed, the better.
Parking on the driveway, Steve opened the garage. Megan got herself out of the truck as he went round and helped Diane. Timing was probable that the morphine was wearing off and she was in pain, but she had refused any more painkillers. Together they walked through the garage, and he unlocked the door and led his family inside.
“Pumpkin, it’s late. Can you go and get ready for bed and brush your teeth please.”
“OK.” Megan ran up the stairs.
“Let’s get you into bed, too.” Steve placed an arm around Diane’s shoulders.
She nodded and they followed Megan upstairs. Diane let him help her get undressed and he put her in one of his Navy T-shirts that he knew she liked to wear. Megan came in to say goodnight.
“I’ll just tuck her in, and I’ll be right back.”
Though back in under five minutes, he found Diane asleep. She’d put a pillow under her arm to support it. Getting undressed himself, he slipped under the covers and snuggled her from behind, careful not to dislodge the pillow or touch her arm. She stirred and relaxed against him.
“I’m here, Angel.” He kissed her head and closed his eyes. It was early for him to be in bed, and he didn't expect to sleep yet but was happy to lay here and watch his wife.
***
M ORE TIRED THAN HE realized, Steve woke to find daylight breaking. Neither of them had moved during the night and Diane was still sleeping. Being careful not to wake her, he reached for his phone. Just after five on a Saturday morning. Megan wouldn't be up for a while, and he wanted Diane to sleep for as long as possible.
Quietly he got up, grabbed a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and left the room. He’d slept almost eight hours, a marathon for him, but now he was wide awake. He checked in on Megan and found her still asleep. Then he headed downstairs and put on coffee.
The team didn't train on the weekends unless an op was imminent and technically, he was still on leave. As he waited for the coffee to brew, he checked his messages. All of the team had sent texts wanting to know how Diane was and letting him know to call if he needed anything. He smiled. He suspected the girls would have texted Diane. Shit! Her phone had been destroyed. He would have to get that sorted out today.
As Steve poured his coffee, he saw the note Diane had left him yesterday. A wave of emotion took him by surprise. He was a lucky man to have his family back safe and sound, but although Diane lay in bed upstairs, he’d be a fool to think everything was suddenly resolved between them. What if this experience had made Diane resent his job even more?
They needed to talk today. He didn’t want any unspoken words hanging over them any longer. Diane almost being taken from him had been a huge wake-up call. He didn’t think he’d been a terrible husband, but he hadn’t been a great one, either. Diane deserved great. He could recall everything she’d said to him the night before last.
Feeling unseen. Alone. Not good enough. Living in his shadow. Jealous of the team and their friends. Unhappy at work. Thinking herself a terrible mother and wife. Him deserving better. Feeling pathetic. Not coping.
None of it was true, but that didn’t matter. If she was thinking it, she was believing it.
Somewhere along the way, his beautiful wife had lost her confidence. The woman he’d married had never had any doubts about herself. He was sure that woman was still in there. Whatever had taken that bright light away, he was determined to help her get it back.
When his phone beeped, he wasn't surprised to see Sam’s name.
You up?
Taking his coffee to the couch he rang his captain.
“Morning, Sam.”
“Morning. How’s the family?”
Steve heard noise in the background. “They’re still sleeping. Where are you?”
“Having an early breakfast with Dex.”
“You guys know it’s Saturday, right?”
“Says the man who is also up. Listen, we have some updates. Thought you might want to know. Plus, I have a little something for Diane. I don’t want to intrude, but if it’s good to stop by?”
Steve checked the time. Almost six. He doubted his girls would be getting up anytime soon.
“Sure, want to come now?”
“We’ll finish up here and see you in twenty. You want us to bring you anything?”
“No, thanks. I plan to make breakfast when everyone is awake.”
“Got it. See you in twenty.”
Almost to the minute, Sam and Dex arrived and made themselves comfortable in the family room.
“First,” Sam said. “Anything Diane needs, you let me know.” He held out a phone. “I took the liberty of replacing it.”
Steve didn’t hide his surprise as he took the phone. “Thanks, Sam. You didn’t need to.”
“It’s nothing, and I know there are a few ladies that are worried about her.” He said, waving his hand, dismissing it but Steve appreciated the thoughtful gesture.
“You’re not wrong. Kelly’s been driving me crazy,” Dex said.
“She’ll talk to them. She just needs a little time,” Steve said.
“I totally understand. You tell her to take all the time she needs. I’ll keep Kelly at bay.”
Steve smiled. “So, updates?”
“Good morning.” Diane’s voice took him by surprise.
“Angel. I thought you were still sleeping.” Steve jumped up and went over to her in the doorway.
“I slept nine hours, that’s double what I’m used to. I think I’m good.” She gave him a small smile.
Steve leaned down and kissed her on the lips and her smile widened.
“If you guys need to talk, I can get out of your way.” She was still wearing his t-shirt, but she had put on leggings. She looked sexy, vulnerable and cute at the same time.
“No. Come sit.” Steve led her to the couch. “Sam, whatever updates there are, I’m sure Diane would like to know, too. It’s not like she doesn't know what’s going on.” He waited to see if Sam would object, but Sam merely nodded.
“Of course. I’m very sorry about what happened to you, Diane.”
“It wasn’t your fault.” Diane relaxed against Steve’s side and placed a cushion under her arm. “How are Melanie and Natasha, and little Anya?”
“Ms. Costas is home and asked me to pass along her phone number to you. She said when you’re ready, she’d love to hear from you. I put the number in your phone.”
Steve saw the confusion on her face. “Sam got you a new phone.” He gestured to the table.
“Oh, thank you. That’s so kind.”
“You’re welcome. Anya is with her mother and the two of them are staying with a friend. Natasha has been very helpful in providing some background on Volkov and has agreed to work with the FBI. She will be allowed to collect some personal belongings, but the house, together with all of Volkov’s assets, are being seized and frozen, pending a full investigation.”
“And Volkov?”
“He’s in custody and won’t talk without a lawyer, but we have plenty on him now. Kelly, Mira, and our intel team were able to connect him to several deals with the terrorist organization. His inside man at the airport has also been arrested.”
“Reborn and the sarin?”
Sam turned his attention to Steve and Steve held his gaze. He wasn't apologizing for telling Diane about Reborn or the sarin. “She knows Volkov was about to hand her off to Aziz.”
Sam nodded and spoke again to Diane. “Yes. We are working right now on finding the leaders of Reborn. It may take some time, but we’ll get them.”
“Good,” Diane said simply.
Steve would probably get a dressing down for sharing too much, but Diane had a right to know. She’d been caught right in the middle.
“What about Anya? Will she stay with her mom now?”
“Ms. Costas is going to seek full custody, and she should get it. Turns out Volkov was blackmailing a judge to ensure the hearing would go his way. FBI uncovered that little gem. I won’t share what Volkov had on him, but it wasn't good.”
“That’s why he wouldn’t listen when I told him we didn’t have enough to win.”
“Correct. It didn’t matter.”
“That man has ruined so many lives.”
As silence fell on the room, Steve looked between Dex and Sam. There was more. This time Dex spoke.
“Diane. McCormick and Michaels were arrested late last night.”
Diane gasped and he squeezed her to him.
“How involved were they?” Steve asked.
“Dale—sorry, Diane—Dale is our FBI contact. Dale’s team went over everything you provided. There’s nothing to suggest they knew about what he was transporting, but there was enough there to suggest they were covering up wire transfers, and falsifying documents.”
“I can’t believe it,” Diane said quietly. She raised her voice and asked, “What does that mean for the firm?”
“It’s done. FBI closed it down. They will tear that place apart, and every case will be reviewed,” Dex said.
“And the other lawyers? The employees?”
“Everyone will be investigated and, if they were not involved, will be cleared without further action.”
“And Diane? She worked on Volkov’s case,” Steve asked. He didn’t want his wife to be the subject of an FBI investigation.
Sam addressed Diane directly, “Technically, you need to be investigated and cleared.”
“What the—” Steve blurted, but Sam held up his hand, cutting him off.
“Let me finish.”
Diane took hold of his hand and squeezed it. Damn, this woman was amazing. Wasn’t he supposed to be comforting her?
“Because Diane came to you and helped us from the beginning, no one believes she is involved. But to satisfy not just the legal procedure, but also the bar, we need to do this properly. Diane, you will need to give a statement. All you need to do is tell the truth. Dale is going to take care of this personally. He will have it signed off, and you cleared, as quickly as possible.”
Diane nodded beside him. “I can do that.”
“And this does not affect her being able to practice law?” Steve asked. “She shared information covered by attorney-client privilege with us.”
“Dale has it covered. Something about exemptions where there is criminal intent. Diane you probably know more about that than me.”
“Yes. When there is evidence to suggest harm is being caused to another or will be, as lawyers we have a legal duty to report it.”
Sam smiled. “That sounds about right. You reported it, and as a result was asked to supply the information. You did nothing wrong.”
“Great. I’m an unemployed lawyer.” Her voice held a hint of humor and Steve was relieved she was taking it so well.
“What you did helped us take down Volkov and stop what would have been a devastating attack,” Dex said. “You saved lives.”
Steve smiled as Diane blushed at the praise. Dex didn’t know it, but he had said exactly what Diane needed to hear.
“Daddy?”
Everyone’s head turned at Megan’s voice.
“Hi, Pumpkin, come on over here.” Megan grinned and came and sat on his other side.
“It’s kind of early for visitors, isn’t it?” she asked sleepily.
Steve chuckled.
“Megan, are you saying you’re not pleased to see me?” Dex asked in mock horror.
Megan giggled.
“It is early, Megan.” Sam said. “But we’re all done so we are going to leave you to enjoy your weekend.”
“Mmm. I have softball practice this morning.”
Oh shit. Steve had forgotten.
“Hey, Megan. Can Kelly and I take you to practice today? So your mom can rest, and Dad can look after her?” Dex glanced at Steve and winked.
“You want to come and watch me practice? It’s not a game.” Her brow furrowed in the cutest way.
“We can’t always get to your games, so yeah, we’d love to watch you practice.”
“OK. That would be cool.”
“Great. What time is practice?”
“Eleven,” Diane said.
“How about I leave you to have breakfast with Mom and Dad, and we’ll swing by and pick you up at ten-thirty. Sound good?’
“Okey dokey,” Megan said, giving Dex a wide smile.
Sam and Dex stood.
“I’ll see them out and be right back to make breakfast.” Steve kissed Diane and Megan and then followed the guys out.
“Thanks, Dex,” he said when the three of them stood on the driveway.
“No problem. I figured you might want a little space and time to talk.”
Steve nodded.
“Sam, I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
“I know it’s difficult not being able to share everything. Diane is one of us. She’s family. I trust her,” Sam said. “Take care of those ladies, Steve.” He turned and walked down the driveway to his car.
“Did he just say what I think he just said?” Steve asked Dex.
“I think he’s saying he trusts your wife, and he trusts you with knowing what you can and can't share.”
Damn. Sam was just full of surprises.
“So, Tracer? How was Sam about that?”
“He was fine. The man led us right to Diane. And him being on that plane stopped Volkov getting away with Anya.”
“He did. I’ll never forget it. Have you spoken to him since?”
“Yeah. He’s good and sends his best. I’ll tell you the whole conversation another day. Go be with your family.”
***
E LEVEN O’CLOCK ROLLED round quickly. After breakfast together as a family, they watched a quick show with Megan. Then everyone got dressed, and Dex was at the door right on time to pick up Megan.
Diane would have liked to go and watch Megan practice, but she was a little sore. She didn’t think sitting on bleachers for two hours would be comfortable. She also wanted a little time alone with Steve. They had a few things to talk about.
Steve walked toward her after seeing Megan off with Dex and Kelly. Warmth spread across her chest and into her heart. She loved her husband. Smiling, she held out her hand. Steve took it and sat down next to her.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“The shoulder hurts a little, but not as bad as I thought it would.”
“Good. But that’s not what I was asking about.”
Diane sighed and looked down into her lap.
“Angel?”
“Embarrassed,” she whispered.
“Why?”
“This is going to sound ridiculous.”
Steve’s hand under her chin was comforting as he tilted her head up to look at him.
“Nothing is ridiculous.” He lowered his hand from her face and smiled. “Tell me.”
“I feel different. I’m not saying I feel back to the old me. But after everything that’s happened, it’s opened my eyes to how I’ve been seeing everything. I mean, I wish none of us had to go through what we just did, but in some strange way, I’m glad I did. It’s like I’m seeing things differently.”
She waited for a reaction, but Steve was still looking at her tenderly.
“What are you seeing now?”
“That maybe I’m not as alone as I thought I was. That I have so much to be grateful for, and perhaps I’ve been focusing on the wrong things. When we were in that hangar waiting, Natasha was telling me these wise words that her mom had said to her. She said that happiness is a choice, and that stuff doesn’t make us happy. Love, people, experiences, and what’s in here does.” She placed her hand over her heart. “I think I lost my way a little and was focusing on the stuff more than what’s in here.”
“Those are wise words. You are loved by so many people, Diane. We are blessed to not only have blood family, but everyone at Onyx considers you family, too. As for experiences. Every day is a new experience for us, and we can create any experiences you want.”
She nodded. “I know. I thought becoming a lawyer would... I don’t know... complete my life and put me on an equal footing with all of you. I’m not even sure why I thought that because none of you have every treated me like I didn't belong.”
“Because you do belong. I don’t care whether you’re a lawyer, a bus driver, a stay-at-home mom, or a cat lady. It doesn’t matter to me, and it doesn’t matter to our family. I only want you to be happy.” He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. “Scratch that. I’m not sure I could handle a cat lady. I’m more of a dog guy.”
Diane smiled. “No cats. Got it. But I am an unemployed lawyer, so maybe I should learn to drive a bus.”
Steve laughed. “Angel, if that’s what you want to do, go for it.”
“You really wouldn't mind, would you?”
“No. I wouldn’t. But I know you dreamed of being a lawyer since you were little. Even when Megan came along, you never gave up. I’m not sure you’re ready to just dismiss it.”
“It’s not what I expected it would be. I don’t mind working hard, but I’ve never felt like I was proud of what I was doing at that firm, and it took me away from you and Megan too much.”
“Maybe it was just that firm. Considering, what they’ve done, I don’t think you can judge all firms by McCormick and Michaels. But there are other ways you can be a lawyer or use your skills. You don't need to decide now. Give yourself time.”
“I hated it, Steve. I think the more unhappy I got at work, the more it spilled over into every other part of my life. Why I started resenting you, everyone. Feeling sorry for myself and blaming everyone and everything around me.” She squeezed his hand tighter. “I’m sorry.”
He shook his head. “Don’t be sorry. I’m just upset you were suffering that long.”
“I didn't want to let everyone down. Everything my family did to make my dream happen. You and your family, too. The money, the childcare, the support. I didn’t want it to be all for nothing.”
“Angel, it wasn’t for nothing. You are a lawyer, which is a fantastic achievement. No one can take that from you. I wouldn’t change that. I remember the day you graduated like it was yesterday. I was so damn proud of you, and you were so happy. You were happy in here.” When his hand covered her heart, she fought to stop the tears that welled in her eyes. “The rest is just stuff.”
Diane placed her hand over his as he continued.
“You know, everything that’s happened made me see things differently, too.”
She frowned.
“In a good way.” he added quickly. “It’s made me own up to how I’ve been as a husband. I might not have been the worst, but I definitely haven't been the best. You deserve the best. I want to be that for you. I want to give you everything you want and support you in every way I can. I want you to be happy for yourself, and with me. Whatever we need to do to get that, I’m in. You and Megan are the most important people in my life. Everything and everyone come second. Including Onyx. I love those guys, but I’ve been kicking in doors for ten years now. I’m OK to walk away, if that’s what’s best for my family.”
Tears rolled done Diane’s face. She couldn’t open her mouth to speak. He would give up Onyx for her? Her heart felt about to burst.
“Come here. I didn’t mean to make you cry.” She went willingly into his arms and buried her face in his neck. God, she loved this man.
They sat in silence as the minutes passed. Despite crying, Diane felt better than she had in months. They were going to be OK. With Steve beside her, she was going to be OK. Straightening, she wiped her face with her sleeve then placed her hand on Steve’s cheek and kissed him. Not a gentle kiss, but a hungry, hot, passionate kiss that Steve eagerly returned. When she finally eased back, they were both breathless.
“I love you, Steve, and you are not leaving Onyx. I want you to be happy too, and Onyx makes you happy. They are a part of our family. Knowing they all came to Westside made me realize just how much. I can’t imagine you doing anything else, and I am still damn proud of what you do.”
Steve relaxed against her. “I love you too, Angel.” His voice was gruff as his hand stroked over her hair. “I feel like we’ve had a reset. You. Me. Megan. The three of us. The is the first day of the rest of our lives.”
“Um... yeah... the three of us.” She bit her lip.
“What? What is it?”
“Um... it’s four of us.” She watched him frown in confusion. Ignoring the discomfort, she brought her hands up and cupped his face. “I’m pregnant.”
When he tensed, she froze. Shit, she had never considered he might not be happy. What if.....
Her thoughts were interrupted by the biggest smile spreading across Steve’s face. “Holy shit! You’re not kidding? You’re sure?”
She smiled nervously. “I’m not kidding, and yes, I’m sure. Sophie told me yesterday. I had no idea. I think I missed my pill a few days. I didn’t do it deliberately, I—”
His mouth cut off her words and he squeezed her to him, kissing her quick and hard.
“I don’t give a shit how it happened. You have just made me the happiest man in the world.” He paused. “Are you happy?”
She nodded. “I am.”
He looked quizzical. “Diane?”
“I am happy,” she insisted. “I didn’t think I wanted another child, but now I’m pregnant, there’s nothing I want more.” She hesitated but knew she shouldn't hold back. “I am a little worried.”
“About what? Is there a problem with the pregnancy?” The worry in his voice was clear.
“No. As far as I’m aware everything is fine.” She sighed. “Steve, I’m an unemployed, pregnant lawyer. I’m not exactly a good hire. We have a mortgage, not to mention the other debt we’ve built up while I was going through law school. We weren’t worried because my swanky law firm salary was going to pay it down. I’m earning nothing. We have no money set aside for Megan’s education, and now there’s going to be another mouth to feed.”
“Oh, Angel. We will work it out.”
She wasn’t convinced.
“I earn more money at Onyx,” he said. “Yes, it might be tight, but we can look at refinancing or something. We will work it out. You are not alone in this.”
“This is a two-bedroom house, where will we put the baby?” Her mind was racing ahead, but it worried her. The baby couldn’t go in Megan’s room, it would keep her awake. It could maybe be in their room for—
“Stop thinking so hard. One day at a time. None of it matters. All that matters is that my beautiful wife is having a baby. Megan is going to be a big sister. Do you have any idea how excited she is going to be?” Steve was smiling so hard, Diane couldn't help but smile back.
“I can't wait to tell her.” She felt excited at the prospect.
“Me neither. Let’s enjoy this moment. We’re having a baby. Trust me when I say we will work everything else out. We are in this together.”
“OK.”
“OK?”
She smiled. “Yes OK. I can’t just stop worrying but I trust you that we will work something out. Together.”
“Good.” Steve reached for his phone off the table. “Mmm. We have about an hour until Dex drops her home. What would you like to do while we wait to take your mind off worrying?”
The suggestive tone in his voice told her exactly what he wanted to do. She was still worried, but taking her mind off it was an appealing idea. Heat rolled through her, and she moved to straddle him, wincing as she caught her arm.
“Maybe we should wait until the arm is a little better,” Steve said, holding her steady.
Diane shook her head. “No. I want you now. I’m fairly sure you can distract me from any pain.”
“Yes, ma'am. I can certainly do that.”