Into the Storm

Internally, I grinned. I had never gotten anyone pregnant before.

Daniel chuckled subtly. “Yes. That isn’t an issue. I don’t suggest over-strenuous positions … no acrobatics. But sex is perfectly safe.” He arched an eyebrow at me. “I think it’s safe to assume you can simply continue as you have been.” He grinned and winked.

Behind me, Rabbit giggled quietly at my discomfort and squeezed my shoulder. My hand drifted up to hold hers, squeezing it gently in return.

I smiled at Daniel in relief. “Good to know.”





Adam was waiting for us and we quietly shared our happy news with him. He was pleased for us and understood our need to keep it private for the time being. He informed us that he needed to get back to Toronto immediately, so once we got back to the house, he would get his things and depart. I looked at him, silently beseeching him to keep the latest news of Brian quiet for the time being and his silent nod told me he understood. Wordlessly, I handed him the vial from Daniel, knowing he would take care of what had to be done. Until we knew for sure what was happening, I didn’t want Rabbit stressing.

“Is Frank going back with you?” Rabbit asked as we made our way down the hall, my arm wrapped around her, holding her close.

Adam looked at her. “Does Brian wear the overcoat he had on yesterday a lot?”

Rabbit looked confused but nodded. “Usually, most days. Why?”

Adam smiled. “I think it’s safe to say Mr. James is safely back in Toronto and will remain there. His overcoat will come in very handy to make sure. I spoke with Frank. He is willing to stay here if you want or come back with me to help out with some, ah, checking I want done.”

“Take him back with you, I’ll have the security cameras on and the gate closed. If anything comes up, I’ll call the police.”

Adam nodded. “I actually spoke with the local precinct already. They know there is a situation, so if you call them, they’ll respond.”

We stopped by the truck. Adam regarded us briefly. “Lizzy, there is a restraining order on Brian being processed now. He can’t come near you. Nor can anyone associated with him.” Beside me, she nodded. “Joshua, I’m sure he won’t do anything. He is not going to risk bad press right now. Just be diligent, okay? And, stay in touch.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “I’m on it, Joshua. I promise both of you that Brian James is history.”

I lifted my eyebrow at him questioningly.

He smiled calmly at me. “Let’s go. I have an important meeting with a colleague this afternoon. It’s going to be very revealing.”

I relaxed. He was meeting with the asshole’s lawyer today. He was indeed on it and I smiled in understanding.

He grinned back. “You look after your family and let me handle this.”

I nodded. Nothing was more important than Rabbit’s safety or the wellbeing of her and my child. The gun and the phone were staying close and the gates shut.





I looked up from the laptop, smiling. Rabbit was sound asleep again, but her toes were starting to move, indicating she would wake up soon. She looked so peaceful when she slept now, and the only sounds escaping from her mouth were tiny little snuffles that made me grin. Beside her, Bear snored away loudly on the floor. Since Adam and Frank had left three days ago, our routine had pretty much been the same. Wherever one of us was so was the other. Rabbit was calmest when I was close and my touch soothed her. Simply having her close brought me a contentment I had never experienced before, so the intimacy was welcome. Rabbit slept a lot, with Bear a constant companion by her side. He seemed to sense something was different and had taken on an even more protective stance when it came to her, rarely leaving her side even when she slept.

Yesterday, when I had suddenly felt the need to paint, Rabbit joined me up in the studio once I had the loft warmed up with the heaters and had brought over some extra blankets. As usual, within ten minutes of her sitting down, she drifted into sleep, Bear at her feet, and I found myself sketching and shading, completely absorbed in my work. It wasn’t until she stirred a few hours later that I even moved from the easel. Crouched in front of her, I was pleased to see her looking more rested. She had gotten up and gasped in pleasure over the watercolor I had been working on. “It’s so full of light, Joshua,” she whispered. “Can we put it in our baby’s room?” My already full heart swelled and, wordlessly, I had taken her in my arms, only able to nod.

Our baby.

Our baby’s room.

There just wasn’t anything I could say to express the joy those small words brought me.

Her soft sigh drew me back to the present. She was waking up slowly. Her eyes opened and met mine and I smiled at her. “Hey,” I said smiling, rubbing her feet that were resting in my lap.

She blinked sleepily at me. “I did it again.”

Melanie Moreland's books