His face lowered to his chest. “I knew that last night, as soon as I saw his face and your expression when he arrived.”
“Thank you for saving him from John.”
“I don’t think your ex needs saving from anyone. Although you have to admit John has legitimate reasons for his feelings.”
Claire knew Harry was right, and she didn’t want to rehash any of that. “Still, thanks.”
“He saved you. I don’t want to even think about the injuries you endured because I didn’t answer his first call.”
“Harry, there are plenty of medals to go around; one is definitely yours!”
“Tell me – when?” His voice now distant, “Was it the night of the gala?”
“No!” She fought the urge to be defensive. “I told you, nothing happened that night.” She took a deep breath and continued, “It was the day he came to the condominium. I don’t want to discuss it, but the ultrasound confirmed the baby is two weeks older than it could be if you were the father.”
Harry nodded. Finally, he asked, “He already knew, didn’t he?”
“Yes, I told him this past weekend. I wasn’t sure I would, but I did.”
“What else happened this past weekend?”
Claire looked down. “Harry, I can’t tell you how much your friendship has meant to me; you’ve been so supportive. I understand if you want to hate me.” She looked up into his sad expression. His blue eyes looked distant. Her heart ached knowing she was the cause, “But, I hope you won’t.”
He stood and walked toward the door, “Are you ready to tell everyone? They want to see you.”
To Harry’s credit, he didn’t let on to the others that there were issues, or that he wasn’t the father of Claire’s baby. Immediately, Emily embraced her sister and began crying. Next it was Amber’s turn. Besides telling Claire how happy they were she was all right, they both told her how delighted they were about the baby. Both couldn’t wait to be aunts. After enduring everyone’s good wishes, Claire braced herself for comments about Tony’s visit.
She decided it was better to allow everyone their say. The comments started slow and continued with increased velocity. Finally, Harry stopped the barrage, “Are any of you interested to hear Claire’s point of view?”
Although she was grateful for his support, in a way, it made her feel worse. “I let him in. I wanted him here, because things have changed.” How could Claire make her chess pieces understand? “I’m not denying any of his past sins. However, some of what we’ve assumed were his I’ve learned weren’t. But, nonetheless, I’m very much aware of all he’s done. With that said, the baby I’m carrying isn’t Harry’s.” She waited while realization came to those around her. Amber went to Harry’s side and put her arm around him.
“I’ve known since last night,” Harry told his sister, “but I thought Claire should be the one to tell everyone. I’m disappointed, but listen; she’s still having a baby, that’s a miracle.”
“Anthony’s baby?!” Emily exclaimed. “How could you?!”
“Yes,” Claire replied defensively, “your niece or nephew.”
John didn’t speak. His eyes sent daggers toward anyone willing to look his way. Finally, he walked from the room. When the door shut, Claire exhaled.
Emily used the moment to attack, “I don’t know why you’re relieved John left. I’ll have you know, your attack, injuries, and probably your pregnancy would be all over the internet and television if it weren’t for John. He immediately set about with a do not disclose order against the hospital. Your newly found friend – lover – ex-captor -- I don’t even know what to call him, took away John’s life and law license, but your brother-in-law still managed to be here for you.”
“Please, tell him thank you. What does the press know?” Suddenly she thought of Meredith. Claire didn’t want her book under production.
Harry sounded as though he were describing an unknown news story. “The police and ambulance were called to your condominium. You went to the hospital in an ambulance. An intruder was taken from your condominium after suffering deadly gunshot wounds.”
“Could someone bring me my phone? I need to call someone.”
“It’s at the condo.” Amber replied. “You’re probably coming home today, can it wait?”
Claire didn’t know. She didn’t want Meredith publishing anything prematurely.
Their conversation was interrupted by the delivery of Claire’s breakfast. She opened each plate with reserved anticipation: eggs, orange juice, toast, and tea. As she inspected the food, Abbey reentered.
“Ladies and gentleman, I understand how happy you are to have Claire and baby Nichols doing well. But, she needs her rest. I’m restricting her to two visitors at a time.”
Harry spoke first, “I need to get to work. Claire, I wish you well, and I‘m trying. We both need some time.”