Rise: Populations Crumble, Book 2

by K. A. Gandy

  I hate the sadness that’s creeped into his tone, as if he’s some kind of pariah. “It’ll be fine, Patrick. You’re not in charge of everyone else, even if you are some fancy politician’s kid.” I give him my best saucy wink, and he shakes his head at my shenanigans.

  We round the corner, and Faith gives us an excited wave from the front walk. “There you two are! I’ve been dying to tell you all about the test results!”

  “I’d ask what held you two up, but I really don’t want the details,” Teddy drawls as he arches an eyebrow suggestively.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter, Teddy. We went back for our jackets. And you know I hate mornings, so hush.” I give him my best scolding look in response. I’ve really perfected it over the years of dealing with six brothers.

  “Poor Todd-from-Mairmont here has been waiting for ten minutes!” He waves his hands as if it’s the end of the world. “He’s probably out of coffee by now, and everything.” Teddy gives me a wink.

  “Don’t you worry, Mrs. O’Roarke, I’m a-okay,” Todd cuts in helpfully. “Are you all ready to head to the harbor? It’s beautiful weather today for sailing.”

  Faith latches onto my arm and drags me towards the shuttle door. “Ignore your brother, he wants to get a rise out of you. Now, about my tests yesterday. It’s too early to actually see anything going on in there, but they ran a whole blood panel, and they said everything is GREAT!” Her excitement really brings out her latent New Texas twang, and I can’t help but smile.

  “Also, the medical director said it’s perfectly normal to not feel much of anything yet, and I was so relieved to hear that. Oh! And, she gave me an entire bundle of expectant mothers’ ebooks to read on my mini-tablet!”

  Teddy cuts in, an urgent tone in his voice, “For the love of mama’s biscuits, DON’T let her show you the pictures!”

  The face he pulls makes me bust out laughing. I don’t even ask, just give Faith a fist bump. “Didn’t know you were such a weenie, Teddy!”

  He shakes his head and makes a disgusted face. “Fine, don’t listen. But don’t blame me when you can never eat spaghetti sauce again.”

  I look to Patrick in confusion, but he shrugs. Faith and I take the front loveseat, and Patrick and Teddy settle at opposite ends of the one behind us.

  She squeezes my hand so hard in her enthusiasm that the little bones in my hand grind together. “It’s so amazing, Sadie. After all this time, it’s like my own invisible miracle.” Her other hand flutters down to rest on her still-flat stomach.

  “I’m so happy for you, Faith. You are going to be an amazing mother. Are an amazing mother, already.” I amend my statement, because the change in her was instantaneous.

  “Oh Sadie, you just wait. It’s the best feeling, really. You’ll see!” She throws her arms around me, and I hug her back carefully.

  “Okay, time to get you folks sailing. We should be there in about fifteen minutes, but let me know if you need anything in the meantime!” Todd says, upbeat.

  Faith continues excitedly telling me all about HCG and beta indicators the entire drive to the small harbor where a gorgeous white sailboat awaits us. It bobs in the gentle waves, and the wind makes snapping sounds against the tightly rolled fabric of the sails as we walk down the dock and over to the gangplank.

  “Have you ever been sailing before?” I ask.

  She shakes her head. “No, but it sounded fun in the brochure. Oh, and we asked and they’ll cater lunch for us, too! This is definitely my favorite honeymoon location so far.”

  “Only your favorite location, huh? Not your favorite honeymoon?” Teddy waggles his eyebrows at her.

  Faith’s laugh is instantaneous and bright. “Hmm, I don’t know . . .” she says, giving him a cheeky smile.

  “Woman, you’d better think carefully about what you say next.” His tone is mock serious as he snags her from me, and wraps his arms around her waist.

  “It’s no contest. You’re definitely my best husband yet.” She taps him on the nose, and he leans down and steals her next words in a kiss.

  I look away, overwhelmed by their intensity. Patrick takes my hand, now that Faith is otherwise occupied, and we walk to the edge of the boat. Why is everyone else so capable of jumping into this, but I’m holding myself back? Is there something wrong with me?

  The captain of the sailboat greets us at the railing. “Good morning! You’ve chosen a lovely day for a sail. Allow me to help you.” He extends his arm to help me traverse the watery gap between dock and boat.

  I take his hand and step over, the motion of the boat hitting me as soon as my feet are planted on the deck. Patrick steps on after me, and a moment later Teddy and Faith have caught up and stepped onto the boat with us.

  The captain makes quick work of untying all the lines and heads up to the top deck where the captain’s area is located. In a few short minutes we’re pulling away from the dock, and towards the open water. The breeze is stiff, and I snuggle with appreciation into my coat. Patrick’s hand is warm in mine, and for the first part of the ride, we all lean against the railing and enjoy watching the deck hands busy at their work as well as the scenery.

  A crew member comes over, and offers us all fluted glasses.

  “I’m sorry, no champagne for me, I’m expecting!” Faith glows as she shares her news for the first time.

  The crew member gives her a polite smile. “We know, ma’am. We’ve got strict instructions for all honeymoon resort participants to only offer sparkling cider or grape juice.”

  She gives him a smile in return and takes one of the stemmed glasses.

  I force myself to speak as soon as the crewman is out of sight. “I’m so glad all your tests went well yesterday, and you’re both healthy so far. There’s something we need to talk to you guys about, too, that relates to your pregnancy.”

  Faith’s brow furrows and she looks back and forth between Patrick and me with worry. “What is it? Is everything okay?”

  I set my hand on her arm. “Yes, everything is okay.” I glance at Patrick, unsure how to actually break the news.

  He clears his throat. “It’s actually me that needs to share,” he says, giving my shoulder a light squeeze. “I haven’t been fully honest with you two, and I’d like to rectify that. My last name isn’t actually O’Roarke, and neither is Sadie’s. My name is Patrick Royce, and my father is the prime minister of the NAA.”

  It’s out there, blunt and open. Like ripping off a bandage, the sting takes a minute to register.

  Faith’s jaw drops, and simultaneously Teddy’s clenches. He locks eyes with me. “Did you know about this? Before you married him?”

  I worry my bottom lip between my teeth, and shake my head.

  His expression goes from surprise to fury in that split second, and he stalks forward towards Patrick. “You mean to tell me that you married my sister under false pretenses, let her send all those other men home, and now you’re springing it on her that you’re from the most prominent political family in the entire country? And what, she’s supposed to smile and pose for the cameras with you now, like nothing happened?” He hasn’t touched Patrick yet, but his posture tells me he wants to punch him. I’ve seen enough brotherly tussles to know he is not playing around. This could get ugly, fast.

  “Teddy—” I start, but Patrick squeezes my shoulder again.

  “Sadie felt the same way, when I told her. It is inexcusable for me to have kept it from her, but I’ve apologized and done my best to make it right. I don’t expect her to be some political trophy wife, if that’s what you’re thinking. The reason I live under a false name is to distance myself from my father’s political career. I have no desire to be the next prime minister or hold a political office.”

  Teddy’s eyes narrow with menace and his voice is low. “You and I both know that there’s more at stake here than deciding to run for office. They’re voting in the courts right now about making you the first ever prince of the NAA. Do you know what that would mean for
Sadie, for our entire family?”

  This time, I cut in. “Teddy, that’s enough.” His gaze snaps back to me. “I know you’re angry. Heck, I was mad enough to spit. But this is not in Patrick’s control. He doesn’t want to be a prince, he certainly didn’t call the media, and that’s not why we’re telling you this. There’s something more important.”

  “What could possibly be more important? You got a nuke button in your closet, too?” he drawled, accent getting thicker in his anger.

  “Your family’s safety. The media shouldn’t have gotten hold of the information about Sadie’s and my marriage. I have no way to know what other information they might find, or how they’re getting it. My parents haven't reached out, which means the leak hasn’t been located yet. If they find out where we are, this place is going to get swarmed with media, and possibly more kidnapping attempts.” He pauses, and takes in my somber expression.

  “Sadie is now both the only known genetically normal woman alive, and married to the prime minister’s son. We are telling you this so you can pull any strings possible, and get transferred back home to Georada. Do you think your brother Peter could pull some strings, and get you both sent home?”

  Faith’s face drains of all color as the discussion progresses, and she places a shaking hand on the railing. “I think I need to sit down.”

  Teddy quickly wraps an arm around her waist, and we all walk over to the seating area in the middle of the deck.

  “Faith, I’m so sorry, what can I do?” I sink down next to her and hold her hand between both of mine.

  She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Do you really think we’re in danger?” Her free hand presses protectively against her lower belly.

  I press my lips into a tight line and look to Patrick for that answer.

  “I hope not, but I wanted you to know and be informed of the potential risk. While I hope nothing comes of it, I can’t guarantee that.” He looks grim.

  “I think they’re right, Teddy, we need to try to go back to Georada.” Faith is solemn, but less pale at least.

  Teddy nods, a tight expression on his face. “What about you, Sadie? I’m supposed to leave you here with a man who lied to you, who put you into danger, and run off home with my tail between my legs?” His face shows his internal struggle, the torture plain as day.

  “Teddy, you may have come here for me, but you have so much more than me to concern yourself with now. Patrick and I are okay. I want Faith and the baby to be safe more than I want to keep you here with me.” I try to load my voice with reassurance, but he’s far from convinced.

  “I’ll make a few calls as soon as we get back to the resort.” He acquiesces, but I can read the indecision and fury in the stiffness of his shoulders, and the white-knuckled grip he has on the back of the seat Faith’s sitting in.

  The sailing trip now lacks the sparkling appeal it started with, and Patrick finds a staff member and asks that they take us back early. The shuttle ride home is equally somber, the only chipper one Todd. Although, if the rest of us were drinking sodas the size of a small bucket, we’d probably be a little more cheerful, too.

  As soon as Todd lets us off and starts to pull away, Teddy is all business. “I’m going to make some calls and get us transferred home one way or another. But Patrick, if anything happens to my baby sister because of you, I don’t care who you are, you will regret the day you lied to the Taylors and brought harm to this family. You understand?”

  I have never seen my lighthearted, jovial brother so cold and threatening. The change in him is jarring, and tears start to gather along my bottom eyelid. This is my fault; I should have told him the first day. Then at least he would have known before the stupid news got wind of it.

  Patrick’s voice is deadly calm in return. “Teddy, I swear to you that I will do everything in my power to keep her safe, just like I have from the day I met her. My name may have changed, but I have not. I hope you’ll see that in time.”

  They lock eyes, and the tension builds for a long moment as they stare each other down. Teddy gives a terse nod, before coming over to hug me tightly to his chest. I hug him back so hard it might bust a few ribs on a lesser man.

  “I don’t feel right leaving you here, Sadie. We’re going to figure something out so you can come home, too.” He tugs once on my ponytail, the same maneuver he’s done since I was a little girl chasing after him through the pasture back home, and a single tear makes its escape and trails down my cheek.

  I hastily swipe it away. “I’m so sorry, Teddy. I should have told you the first day, and I know it’s no excuse, but I didn’t want to ruin things for you and Faith. You seemed so happy, and I knew you’d go into overprotective brother mode. I needed time to process it for myself.” I scuff the dirt with the toe of my boot, and can’t bring myself to meet his eyes.

  He puts a finger under my chin and pulls my chin up. “Sadie Alice Taylor, this is not on you, and I don’t want to hear another word on it.”

  I nod, and he releases me. Without another word, he leads Faith by the hand towards their cottage. She tosses a small wave at me over her shoulder before they disappear past the guest house.

  Intensive

  It takes five days, but Teddy somehow manages to get a transfer put in place for him and Faith back to Georada, to the local pregnancy center. They do extensive testing for most of that time before agreeing to release her, so we don’t see much of them. Patrick and I mostly stay in our cottage, watching old movies on the built-in TV, and baking too much. I’m practically itching to get out and ride a horse, but there are no horses on the property, unfortunately.

  This morning, we’re supposed to meet them for early breakfast before Todd takes them back to the airport for their flight home. I’ve put it off as long as I can, but I finally shut the closet door and walk to the living room where Patrick is once again waiting with a cup of coffee. This morning, however, I’m too torn up for it to feel domestic.

  Patrick assesses my mood and gives me my space as we walk to the guest house. We follow the stepping-stone path to the front of the guest house, and round the corner to see Faith and Teddy already there, bundled in coats and surrounded by their bags. My stomach clenches tight as a fist at the sight.

  I feel wooden, the cold wind biting my cheeks forgotten as I walk over and hug them both tightly, one last time as the shuttle pulls in. Todd hops out of the shuttle, whistling a snappy tune that is at odds with our gloomy moods. Patrick and Teddy stiffly shake hands, and then it’s time. My eyes water, tears pooling dangerously close to the edge. Faith steps back, giving me a moment with Teddy.

  “I’m going to miss you, baby sister. I didn’t plan for it to turn out like this.” His voice is tight, and I realize that I’m not the only one fighting tears.

  “I didn’t either, big brother. But you’ve got two very important people to take care of now. And it’s time I learned to stand on my own two feet. I’ll be okay, promise.” I force a smile, for his sake. He shouldn’t be torn up about this, when I’m the one who chose Patrick. In that moment, it hits me like an express train that our lives have irrevocably changed. When I left the ranch, I thought I was going back home the same woman I was when I left. Now, such a short time later, both mine and Teddy’s lives have been altered permanently—no matter when I make it home, things will be different.

  “You’re stronger than you think, Sadie. Keep your head down, and come home soon. We’ll be waiting for you.” He gives me a bear hug, lifting my feet off the ground for a second before setting me back down.

  They board the bus, and the doors snap closed behind them. I watch, hands held tightly around my middle as the shuttle pulls out of sight, the separation leaving a hollow ache in my chest that feels far more permanent than the first time I was parted from my family.

  ✽✽✽

  We go in for breakfast and see two piles of luggage inside the front door. “Whose do you think those are?” I ask Patrick.

  “Maybe some new c
ouples arrived this morning?”

  “That would be nice.” It’s still going to feel empty around here, without Teddy and Faith.

  We walk through the French doors to the dining room, and I spot a long table with three couples seated. My eyes skip over the surprising presence of Odette and Dominic, past Emmett and Carolina, and land on none other than Nell and her personal mountain of tattooed muscle, Atlas. My jaw drops open.

  “Nell!” I half shout in my excitement, and she looks up.

  “Sadie! I’m so glad to see you!” She jumps up from her chair, and I run over and hug her before I think better of it. She doesn’t flinch away from the contact like she used to.

  When I first met Nell at the shuttle to the NLC, she was thin, wary, and running from her past. After a few months of good friends and good food, her inner light is shining through like the sun. Time with Atlas doesn’t seem to have hurt, either—the two of them are cozied up at the breakfast table like they’ve been together ten years, not two months. The tall, thickly muscled man looks like he could be a direct descendent of a Norse legend. And he owns a private security firm. I’m not entirely sure what that entails, but it’s a pretty safe bet that you want to stay on his good side.

  “I’m so glad to see you, too! What are you two doing here? I didn’t know you were planning to come to Mairmont!” The words tumble out in a rush.

  She grins. “We weren’t really planning anything, but, we decided we’d like to see some familiar faces on our honeymoon. Although, where are Teddy and Faith?” She looks around as if they’re going to be right behind us, and my heart sinks.

  “They actually just left,” Patrick says.

  “What? Where’d they go?”

  “Home. But, Faith is pregnant!” I say, my happiness for her shining through my pity party for myself.

  “Already? That’s amazing! Is she thrilled, or nauseous?” she asks, sitting back down.

  “Pretty thrilled. They both are.”

  “Well, hopefully the rest of us won’t be far behind them, pregnant and headed home,” she says, optimistically.