They drove to Claire's apartment, and Buck let out a sigh of relief when he saw her car. He took the stairs two at a time, stopping short when he found the door unlocked. This was not good. Clair would never leave the door unlocked. His stomach dropped when he saw the contents of Claire's purse strewn across the floor.
"Claire, are you here? Rose, honey? It’s Mommy," Annie called out.
The door to Maggie's room opened and little footsteps sounded in the hall. Sobbing, both girls flew into Annie's arms, trying to talk at once. They were impossible to understand.
"Maggie, honey, where is your Mommy?" Annie questioned as she held each girl.
"Da--Daddy, came." Maggie turned to Buck and ran to him.
He picked her up and held her tight, his stomach clenching in fear. "We need to call the police." Annie released her grip on Rose and pulled out her phone, dialing 911. He felt helpless at the thought of what Claire was going through. He could not lose her. He would not lose her.
Finally assured that the police were on their way to Scott's place and the Sheriff was on his way over to talk to the girls, Buck calmed Maggie enough to sit by Annie. He wished he could calm himself, but he couldn’t sit still knowing what was happening to Claire at this very moment. He paced around the room, which felt ten times smaller today. He ran his hands through his hair, wanting to bellow in rage. If Scott hurt her, he would kill him. It was that simple.
"Oh, God, the baby." Annie picked up the contents of Claire's purse and now stood holding a pill bottle.
"What are you talking about, Annie?" Matt crouched down beside her and put and hand on her back.
Annie looked up to Buck tears in her eyes. "Buck, Claire is pregnant. If Scott found this, he will kill her." Her bottom lip trembled.
Claire was pregnant? Fear gripped him, a fear like he had never felt in his life. Before he knew what he was doing, he had exited the building and was running for his car. Claire was having his baby!
As he drove, he knew in that moment Claire, Maggie, and the baby were his world. He had to do everything in his power to make sure they were safe. His phone buzzed, and he saw it was Matt. "Yeah?"
"Buck, where are you going?"
"Please, watch over Maggie. I am bringing her Mom home." He ended the call and tossed the phone onto the passenger seat.
He remembered how long he had waited for someone like Claire to come into his life. Then she’d arrived, bringing Maggie with her. Two rays of sunshine. He could not ever imagine being without the two of them. Now he would also have a baby with Claire. A tear rolled down his cheek. He had not cried since the day his mother said she couldn't see him anymore. Claire was his lotus, strong and beautiful. He sped down the highway, pounding a fist on the steering wheel as he imagined different scenarios, none of them pleasant. If only he had gotten done earlier or went and picked her up.
"I'm coming for you, Claire. I’m coming for you and our baby."
Chapter 28
Claire
There are times in your life that go by slowly. This was one of them. Deep down in my soul I knew death was coming for me. I could see the flashing red and blue lights. I could hear the sirens. I could see the sweat running down Scott's face. I heard the deafening sound as he pulled the trigger and felt the searing hot pain of the bullet as it entered my chest. Then I was falling forever as time seemed to stand still. Warm liquid soaked my clothes. In slow motion, I saw policemen barge in. It was almost like a movie. A horror movie. Scott doesn't put up a fight. He stares at me as they take him down to the floor and handcuff him. Is that remorse I see? Shock? Am I dying? Am I already dead?
Someone kneels beside me. Their mouths are moving, but I am unable to hear what they are saying. Darkness clouds my vision.
Chapter 29
Buck
He pulled up to the house he knew to be the one Claire had shared with Scott. Police cars lined the street. The policemen were moving across the lawn. Buck stepped out of the car, and a police officer ran over, ordering him to stay back. He looked the house, anxious to get to Claire. He heard the sound of gunfire, and his gut clenched in fear. Please, let Claire be okay. He pushed his way past the policeman, only to be restrained by another.
"I'm a doctor." His voice quavered, but now was not the time to break down.
The policemen were saying something to him, but his focus and eyes were on the house.
He watched as EMT's entered the house, and then Scott was being led out in handcuffs, guilt written on his face as he made eye contact with Buck. No, no, no, no! Buck fell to knees, shaking. He looked up to see the EMT's bringing her out on a stretcher and ran to her side without a second thought.
"Claire, I'm here."
"Sir, do you know the patient?"
"Yes, I do, and I also know that she is pregnant.”
The grim look on the EMT's face made Buck want to take over. "We’re taking her to St. Mary's, sir, if you want to follow." They loaded the stretcher, shut the door and took off with a screech of tires and siren wailing. Buck knew he needed to let Annie know what was going on, but he was frozen in place. He could tell by looking at her that she had a chest wound. She looked so pale and weak. It would be a miracle if she survived and an even bigger miracle if the baby did. He sprinted back to his car, throat burning from the emotions he was trying desperately to keep under control. This one day could end his family. The family he had yet to fully enjoy.
Chapter 30
Claire
Someone is sticking a hot poker in my skin and twisting it. The pain is so intense. I try to open my eyes but they feel glued shut. As I force one eye open, I hear the beeping of machines. I look down and see Buck, his head resting on the bed near my hip. His hand is wrapped in mine. His hair looks like he has been running his hands through it. A lot. My other eye finally opens, and I exam Buck's face. He apparently hasn't shaved in days.
I shifted in the bed, the throbbing pain in my chest causing me to suck in a sharp breath. Buck's head flies up at the sound. I see worry etched across his face. He brings up a hand and caresses my cheek.
"You made it." That's all he says. Memories from the night with Scott flood my mind. I was shot!. My hands instinctively go to my stomach.
"The baby is fine," Buck reassures and relief washes over me.
I gave him a weak smile. "I was going to tell you when we had dinner at Annie’s. So much for my surprise."
He looks at me with sincerity. "Claire, my Lotus. You have survived dark and painful things. You have fought your way to your own sunlight and have brought me so much joy and happiness. I am so happy to have a child with you. I love you, Claire. I love you, Maggie, and our baby."
Tears filled my eyes. "I love you too, Buck."
He stands over me and captures my mouth with his. I try to move closer to him, but the pain shoots through me. Buck breaks the kiss and smiles down at me. "I have to get the others." He bends over and places a kiss on my belly and leaves the room but stops at the door. "I love you, Claire." Warmth spreads throughout my body as I gaze at the man I love.
Epilogue
Claire
It's hard to believe it has been over a year since I was shot. Maggie just finished first grade. Buck takes her fishing like he promised. They go every chance they get. I even tried a few times, but I "suck" at it, as the two of them often remind me. Scott is in prison for a long time. Jenny, we found out, had her part in it, but I did not press charges against her. Luckily for us, she moved away. She was a just as much a victim in this as I was.
I hear the tell-tale signs that Will is waking up, and since Buck was on baby duty last night, I detangle myself from him to let him sleep and quietly slip into the nursery. William Matthew Buckingham is almost four months old. He looks just like his Daddy, with dark hair and blue eyes. William spies me through the wooden slats in his crib and a big smile--his daddy’s smile--spreads across his face.
"Hey, big guy." I reach down and pull him into my arms, reveling in his baby smell. We nam
ed him after his father, Buck having finally come to terms with making his name mean something good. I sit down in a rocking chair and listen to Will coo at me. When he has had enough cooing, he lets me know it's time to eat. I begin to breastfeed my darling little boy as Buck pops his head in.
"Good morning."
I smiled at him. "Hey, I thought you would sleep in a little."
"Not when today I get to marry the love of my life."
"If I show up."
"Oh, you'll show up. If not for the free food, for the two-day honeymoon with me worshiping every inch of your body."
My insides grew warm at the thought of spending two days naked with my husband. "Mmm, you know I really didn't have much else going on," I laughed.
Buck came over and kissed my head. "I love you Lotus."
Sometimes the life you want takes a while to get.
Sometimes you fall for the wrong man but then find the right one.
Sometimes the man you love will help save you.
Sometimes you have to leave the shattered pieces and move on.
Acknowledgements
A lot of people have helped me along the way, from my first critique partner to the amazing authors I have met along the way. Without your support and guidance I never would have gotten this far.
To my family Dan, Andrew, and Trevor I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for settling on quick meals and letting me pour into this book with little distraction. I owe you each your favorite meal!
My parents, Merry Ewert and Sheldon Green, you created me! Without your years of wisdom and constant acceptance I would never have become the woman I am today. Thank you! My step parents, Jerry Ewert and Rhonda Petroselli you have brought happiness into my life.
My sisters, Andrea, Kelly, Molly, and Tina, I love you always! You have been my backbone when I couldn’t stand on my own two feet. We may not see eye to eye or get to spend as much time with each other as we like, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you!
My former Boss! Jamie Kratz-Gullickson you have given me the opportunity to shine. You took a chance once and because of it I doing what I always dreamt of. You give hope and inspiration to those around you and you are one heck of an editor!
My coworkers, Teresa, Ashley, Angie, Jess, and Melissa, you ladies are the real superheroes of the world! You have brought me laughter to the point of tears and wetting my pants, compassion to the victims you serve, acceptance with all of our quirks, and the best lunchtime banter ever!
My editor Ellen Abernathy, you took a chance on me and improved so many things in my writing. Thanks for taking a book that was so rough and making it shine.
Zach Higginison the talented cover designer at Caedus Designs Co., thank you so much for being a creative genius.
Kristie Smits, you have been my biggest fan, you are a sister of my heart!
Nicole Nowicki, you encouraged me to continue and you were the first person I shared my story with.
Veronica Williams, you have helped me in so many ways. From your fabulous giveaways that have introduced me to many people, to your virtual friendship.
My Street Team, we are a young group but I can't thank you enough for your support. You are the heart of Bobbi's Beauties!
About the Author
Bobbi Jo Bentz is a self-published writer of romance, suspense and thrillers, is as much an avid reader as an enthusiastic storyteller and is a fan of Horror and Marvel movies. Aside from her writing, Bobbi Jo is passionate about hiking, feminism and a good cup of coffee. Known for her sense of humor, Bobbi Jo often finds ways to laugh, sometimes in the most inopportune moments. Yet, Bobbi Jo has a strong balance of positive energy with a recognition of serious issues. Working full-time as a family advocate at a local Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Shelter has enlightened Bobbi Jo on the emotions of victims and brought out the serious aspect of her personality. As she continues to be inspired by her work, hobbies and loved ones, Bobbi Jo will keep writing and releasing books.
http://bobbijobentz.wix.com/author
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