When Hannah slid into the car that afternoon, I saw Olivia waving at me from the door. I waved back and glanced at Hannah as we pulled out. “How’d it go?”
She nodded her head and gave a soft smile. “It was really good. She demanded answers when I came in. She’d figured some stuff out, but she had no idea about the whole story. She said there was no way she was letting me go maternity shopping with you though.”
“Why not? I have excellent taste,” I joked, privately relieved I didn’t have to go. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for Hannah, but watching her try on clothes, because hers didn’t fit anymore was last on my list.
“She said that’s something best friends did,” Hannah replied, then continued. “I didn’t tell her that you were my best, best friend, because a girl needs a best girlfriend too.”
My chest swelled at her admission. “I’m glad I’m your best, best friend, but Olivia can definitely take over the clothes shopping best friend duties,” I said, as Hannah laughed at me.
We got to the office for the ultrasound and told them we didn’t want to know the gender. They escorted us to the room and pulled Hannah’s shirt up. I’d been to most of her doctor’s appointments with her, so this was normal for me by then. She hadn’t had an ultrasound, since the first visit though.
“I’m going to squirt some gel on your belly and its cold,” the nurse chattered. “This ultrasound is to check the baby’s development and usually to determine gender. We will note the gender on the chart for the doctor, but y’all have requested not to know, so we’ll tell you when to look away.”
Hannah looked at me, as the ultrasound popped up on the screen. I didn’t know much about ultrasounds, but I recognized the baby’s head and body on the screen. The tech moved the wand around to get different angles, and we could see a tiny arm wave. I heard Hannah sigh, and I saw a smile on her face watching the baby float safe in her belly.
The tech asked, “Have you felt the baby move yet?”
Hannah answered her, “No, ma’am. I haven’t felt anything yet.”
“That’s not unusual for a first time mom. Give it a couple more weeks. It’s usually described as butterflies or popcorn popping,” the tech answered and continued, “I’m printing some pictures as we go. The doctor will go over the results at your next appointment, but everything looks good. You have a healthy baby.”
We were grinning like fools as we walked out of the office. We looked through the pictures when we got in the car, deciding which one we like best.
“I’m going to put it on my desk and show Olivia tomorrow,” Hannah said excitedly. I took one and slipped it into my wallet. I wouldn’t be putting it on my desk, but I wanted to keep one with me.
The next day, Hannah headed out with Olivia to find stylish maternity clothes, according to Olivia.
“Don’t wait up for us, big boy. We have a lot to accomplish today!” Olivia called over her shoulder, as they got into Hannah’s car.
“Remember she’s pregnant and take it easy on her!” I shouted back.
I headed over to Joe’s house to work on a table I was making. I figured the girls would be shopping all day, and it was a good time to work. I’d agreed to do the custom piece for one of Joe’s long time clients, and I wanted to get it finished before school started.
“Hey, Ford,” Joe yelled over the sander he was operating. I gave him a quick wave back before going to my area to work.
A couple hours later, Joe came over with a glass of tea. “Martha told me you needed a break and some cookies.” I laughed and replied, “I won’t argue with that.”
Joe smiled, “You wouldn’t win if you tried. Trust me, I know after fifty years with that woman.”
“Fifty years. Seems like such a long time,” I said, gulping the tea. She was right, I needed that and those chocolate chip cookies I saw sitting on a napkin.
“Blink of an eye.” Joe rumbled around a mouth full of cookie. I looked over at him and he continued. “It goes by in the blink of an eye. Seems like yesterday we were married and our first was born. Then graduations and our oldest got married. We were grandparents a couple years later. At the time, it all felt normal, but looking back, it was over before I realized it. You have to appreciate the moments. Love your life, because it goes by quick.”
His words hit me hard, because I’d been thinking about my life and Hannah’s. I dreaded going to law school, and Hannah didn’t want to give up the baby. I knew that without her telling me. Hell, I didn’t want her to give up the baby. It would tear us apart, but I didn’t know how to fix everything.
“I have something for you,” I heard Joe say. I looked at him, and he motioned me to the corner where I saw a blanket covering something. “I built this for my firstborn, back before I decided to make a living out of furniture making. None of my kids wanted to use it, but I had a feeling you might.”
He pulled the blanket off and revealed a beautiful stand up cradle, carved out of walnut. It was huge and built higher than most cradles, so it was easy to access. I nudged it and saw it had a smooth rock. I rubbed my chest where I felt a knot forming.
“I know you told me that Hannah was planning to give the baby up for adoption, but life has a way of changing on you. Thought I’d let you know the baby has a cradle,” Joe said, clapping a hand on my back, as I nodded at him, too choked up to reply. He understood, and gave me a few minutes.
Joe had been a big man like me, but time had caused him to stoop a bit, his leathered face showing the years, but his bright blue eyes were clear and wise.
“Sometimes, what seems like the hardest choice in the world is the simplest. Once it’s made, you realize all that fear and anxiety were for nothing,” Joe said, walking out to give me some space. I couldn’t help but run my hand over the cradle, the wood smooth as silk. I knew Hannah would adore it. I gave the cradle a gentle push, picturing a baby girl wrapped in pink nestled inside of it.
That night, Hannah gave me a fashion show of her new clothes, thrilled because they fit.
“They have elastic! Look! It’s so comfortable,” she said, pulling up her shirt and showing me the waistband. I laughed at how excited she was. “And I got new bras,” she continued, nodding her head sagely. “I don’t spill out of the new ones. Who knew your boobs get so much bigger?”
I ignored the mental images she was giving me, and nodded appropriately as she raced back in the bedroom to change again. I was happy for Hannah, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what Joe had implied. Could we raise the baby? Colt would find out eventually, but maybe by then he’d be firmly in the college life. Hannah would be sacrificing so much, though. She’d already given up her home and family. She had high school to finish and college. I knew she wanted to go to college. And how would I support us? Dad paid for the apartment, as long as I went to law school. Joe’s words drifted through my head again. The choice was simple, but could I make it?
“What do you think?” Hannah interrupted my thoughts and spun in front of me. She was wearing a pink dress that fit, but I could see it had room for her belly to get bigger. It had a scoop neck that allowed a hint of cleavage.
“Gorgeous,” I told her, because she was. She glowed with vitality and happiness. The pink set off her creamy skin, and the dress hinted at her curves and growing belly.
She broke out in a huge grin and threw herself on me. I caught her and fell back with her sprawled on top of me. My hand immediately cupped the slight mound of her belly.
“I still haven’t felt the baby move,” she murmured, disappointed.
“The tech said it could be a couple more weeks. Patience. I’m sure once this little one starts moving and kicking, you’ll wish it would give you a break,” I told her, smiling.
“Wouldn’t it be awesome if I felt the baby for my birthday?” she said, excited at the thought.
“I think that would be an excellent birthday present. Speaking of which, your birthday is in two weeks. What would you like?” I asked her, even though I already had a plan brewing
in my mind.
“Oh I don’t want anything. You’ve done so much for me already!” Hannah exclaimed, sliding next to me on the couch.
I laughed, “You’re getting something. That’s guaranteed. You better tell me what you want, or I’m going to have to guess. I was thinking jumper cables for your car.” I was teasing her, but I could see her eyes widen slightly, believing me.
“That’s a very sensible gift,” she replied, trying to be sweet and not hurt my feelings. I busted out laughing and she caught on, slapping my arm.
“You are terrible,” she laughed, “But I’m serious, you don’t need to get me anything.”
“Well, I want you to get me something, so it only seems right that I get you something,” I told her, joking.
“I have a few months till your birthday,” Hannah stated.
“You know my birthday?” I asked, surprised.
“Of course. January sixth,” she told me, without hesitation.
“Yep,” I laughed slightly. “Maybe I’ll get a baby on my birthday,” I told her, since Hannah’s baby was due on the tenth. Her eyes were wide and excited, as she realized what I meant, “Maybe you will. Now that would be an awesome gift!”
“You want to watch Grimm?” I asked her, knowing she’d say yes. I found out she was addicted to the show and would watch it repeatedly, if given the chance. I thought she watched it for the main guy, Nick, but turned out she was a fan of Monroe.
“Yes!” she said excitedly. “The one when Monroe’s parents meet Rosalee,” she sighed blissfully. “I love their story. They make it look easy, even when it’s tough. They accept each other and believe it will work.” She settled her head on my shoulder, as I turned the TV on and scrolled to the correct episode. I couldn’t help but wonder what our story would be.
“Another one?” I asked, as the episode ended, already knowing her answer.
“Yes! I’m hungry,” she told me, jumping up. “I have to pee too.” I laughed, as she dashed to the bathroom, surprised she’d made it through the entire episode.
I got up and took a few frozen cookies out to bake in the oven. Hannah loved making a batch of cookies and freezing the raw dough, so she could have fresh baked cookies whenever she wanted. I admit I’d thought she was a little crazy, but she was right. She was a cookie snob and made cookies from scratch, because the ones from the store couldn’t compare in her opinion. She was rubbing off on me. I was addicted to her cookies by then. Even Martha’s didn’t compare to Hannah’s.
She strolled back into the living room and curled up on the couch wearing my sweats. I shook my head at her, and she muttered, “I can’t help it if they’re the most comfortable thing to wear.”
I pulled the cookies from the oven and settled back on the couch with her feet in my lap. After I turned the next episode on, I started rubbing her feet. She gave a little moan, and I wasn’t sure if it was the cookies or the foot rub. When I asked, she said, “Both. You’re a good man, Ford Anderson.”
I laughed and snitched another cookie off the plate before she ate them all. By the end of the episode she was sound asleep, so I picked her up and put her in the bed.
As I looked at her sleeping, I realized that everything I’d ever wanted was right here in front of me. She was strong and smart, beautiful and compassionate, and she gave me courage to be more than I thought I could be.
Hannah
Chapter Eight
“What have you got planned for your birthday?” Olivia asked me, on Friday afternoon.
“Nothing. Well, Ford said he has something planned, but I keep telling him it’s not necessary. Seems crazy to celebrate my birthday under the circumstances,” I told her, finishing filling out a lease agreement for a new tenant. I wanted to wrap everything up and get out of there early. My birthday was the next day, but Ford and I were going to dinner that night. He kept hinting he had something up his sleeve, but I had no idea what it might be.
“Ford is a man of mystery. Also incredibly hot and so sweet he makes my teeth ache,” Olivia declared, grinning like the Cheshire cat. I looked up at her, as I giggled. “You could have had him,” I told her.
“Nope. That fine man was never meant for me,” she stated, giving me a meaningful stare.
“Don’t give me that look,” I told her, shaking my head. “I know what you think, but it’s not like that. We are roommates in unusual circumstances. Nothing more,” I lied unconvincingly.
“Uh huh. You tell yourself that. But when I’m proven right, you better name your firstborn after me,” she said, pointing her finger at me.
“And if it’s a boy?” I said.
“Gregory. If it’s a boy,” she told me, moving across the room, looking uncomfortable.
“Gregory? Where did that come from?” I asked, curious.
“Olivia Gregory Martin,” she said, giving an exasperated sigh. “My mother’s maiden name was Gregory. So I have a boy’s name as my middle name.”
“Wait a minute,” I said, holding up my hand. My mind was racing, as I realized something, and I couldn’t help laughing. “Your initials are OMG! At least if you use the standard in monogramming.”
Olivia rolled her eyes at me, but she couldn’t help but laugh too.
“That’s why you hate monogramming so much!” I shouted, connecting the dots. I’d come in with a monogrammed purse one day, and Olivia had gone on a rant for hours about the stupidity of monogramming.
“Oh no, monogramming is completely ridiculous and uncreative. Even if I didn’t have the worst initials,” Olivia said, and I could tell she was about to go into a spiel that might last the rest of the afternoon. My cell phone started ringing though, interrupting her. I didn’t recognize the number, but something told me to answer it. I held up a finger to Olivia, as I said, “Hello?”
“Hannah, it’s me. I’m not going to make it for dinner,” I heard Ford say. He sounded funny and it worried me. Ford would not miss dinner unless something was wrong.
“What’s wrong?” I said, frowning. Olivia was staring at me, aware something was off by the tone of my voice.
“Just a misunderstanding. I don’t have much time to talk,” Ford said, trying to soothe me.
“Then talk fast. What’s going on?” I said enunciating the last words so he’d understand I wasn’t hanging up till he told me. I had a feeling this was about me, and I wanted to know.
“I was arrested,” he said baldly, and I couldn’t say anything I was so stunned. “They had an arrest warrant and they picked me up at work. My dad knows and he’s on the way down here. I had one call and you’re it,” he told me quickly.
“What did they arrest you for?” I asked, knowing this was the question he didn’t want me to ask.
“Hannah, it’s not important. My dad will straighten it out. We’ll talk about it when I get home.”
“Tell me,” I demanded, my eyes burning.
“Statutory rape,” he finally answered. Angry tears slip down my cheeks and Olivia was kneeling next to me, patting me on the back.
“I’ll be down there in a few minutes,” I told him, shame and anger twisting in my gut.
“NO! This is not the place for you. Trust me. My dad can sort it out. I don’t want you exposed to this.”
“I’m the reason for this!” I shouted. I got a hold of myself and told him quietly, “I’m coming down there and I will explain. I will not allow this to continue. This could destroy your chance of being a lawyer.”
“Baby, it doesn’t matter. I’m only worried about you,” I heard him say and I smiled in spite of my tears, because I knew it was the truth. He was in jail, because of my parents, and he was more worried about the effect it would have on me.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” I told him, hanging up the phone immediately. I knew he’d keep arguing if I didn’t. Olivia was looking at me mouthing, “Arrested?”
“It appears that my parents have accused Ford of statutory rape. I need to go down to the police station and sort it out.”
I stood up, grabbing my purse. I heard Olivia saying, ‘Oh my God’ behind me and I couldn’t help but grin slightly. Those really were perfect initials for Olivia.
When I got to my car, I remembered something and turned around to go back inside. Olivia was standing right where I left her, still shell shocked. She gave herself a little shake, “Do you want me to go with you?”
“Well, I don’t know where the police station is” I admitted, a little embarrassed.
“I know where it is. I’ve been there a few times,” Olivia said, getting her keys and locking the door behind us. I couldn’t say I was surprised that she’d been there before. “Is it okay for both of us to leave? What if someone comes by?” I asked her, as we left the office, walking across the sweltering hot parking lot.
The Anderson Brothers Complete Series Page 7
