Chapter Twenty-Four
Another few months later after they’d celebrated Christmas together, Rick smiled at Shanna who was seated across from him at the kitchen table. Life felt good, Rick decided. Johnny was adjusting well and had already made several friends, so he was always excited when it was time to head off to school. Rick still liked to drive him there in the morning because he felt it was important to bond with him, but Johnny would come home on his own on the bus since he knew nearly everyone now.
Grace was content as well, but she was talking about going home, happy with her open invitation to return at any time.
Rick had set up a huge home office, transferring over some of the items that he’d had at the family home. While Johnny was at school, Shanna would spend the majority of her time assisting with the casework since it was mostly associated with the trafficking ring. Since she’d insisted on being part of the investigation, Jake had arranged for Shanna to have training, and Rick had a feeling that there would be some travel involved for the two of them eventually.
But Shanna was looking nervous this morning when she was seated with Rick inside the office. They were so in sync anymore, and now that the sexual tension between them had eased, it was a little easier concentrating on work these days, Rick had realized.
“Okay, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” he asked gruffly.
Shanna closed her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m having to tell you this, because we’ve been using protection.” She grimaced. “Except that very first night, I guess.”
“You don’t mean…?”
When she nodded, Rick’s jaw dropped.
“Are you mad at me?” Shanna asked, teary-eyed.
“Mad?” Rick emphatically shook his head no. “Of course not. Shanna, that’s great. I’ve always wanted kids. Of course, it might screw up whatever plans Jake has for us, but I’m thrilled. Really .”
She gave him a rueful smile. “I can’t help thinking that this time I’m going to have a chance to do everything right.”
“Get over here,” he muttered, pulling her onto his lap. “I can’t believe you thought I’d be mad. So, do I dare bring up marriage again?”
“I’ll let you know when we’re ready,” she said.
“Okay. Just remember, once we’re hitched, it’ll be forever. I’m not going anywhere, Shanna. How are things going with your shrink?”
“Good. She wants you to come in sometime with me too.”
“Anytime, babe,” he replied, kissing her deeply. “Just let me know when.”
* * *
Jake looked at him distractedly after Rick told him the news. “She’s what ?”
“Pregnant.” Rick cleared his throat. “We were careful, but…”
“I assume that you’re planning on marrying her?” Jake asked sternly.
“As soon as she’ll let me,” Rick muttered, becoming sheepish.
“She’s the one who’s being hesitant?” Jake asked, grinning. “I guess I thought…well. We’ll figure it out. I’m wondering if she’s going to want to go along with you when you need to start investigating? The thing is, she’s had experience identifying the places that have been transfer points for traffickers. Wes used to take her along and she’s probably the only one who can understand this list that he left for her.”
“Grace would probably be willing to come back in the fall or maybe at Christmas and stay through Spring to help take care of Johnny. I don’t think she could handle a baby though, although we should consider finding a sitter to assist Grace if she agrees to come and stay.”
“You know, both your brothers are here in town. Anya and Eric are living together at the family cabin on Crystal Rock Lake.”
“Yes. Shanna’s told me all about the remodeling. I think she’s left a message for Anya, but Shanna was worried that it only seemed to make Anya more curious.”
“She is,” Jake agreed, rolling his eyes. “Eric’s returning to active duty. I’m wondering if maybe Anya would be up for taking care of a niece or nephew? Maybe we could wait to send the two of you off after you’ve spent a month or two with the baby. The problem is, the longer we wait, the longer Shanna will have to remain in hiding.”
“I’ll discuss it with Shanna and see what she thinks,” Rick said. “That might work though.”
Jake shrugged. “Anya obviously loves her sister enough to dedicate her time looking for her. I’d say she needs some answers soon. She’s exhausted, which was why I just offered her the research job where she could spend her time at home. If I didn’t think Shanna was still in danger because of all the knowledge she has about the trafficking locations, I would tell her to go to Anya, you know. But if she revealed herself now, it would only put Anya and Eric in danger too.”
“I understand,” Rick admitted, heaving a sigh.