Catching Summer (Second Chances, #6)

“First and foremost, do you have my test results? They,” I began, flourishing my hand at Evan and Lara, “need to know that I wasn’t raped. They need to hear it from someone other than me.”

Angel glanced back and forth at them both. “She wasn’t violated.”

Evan squeezed my hand and instantly relaxed, while Lara squealed, “Thank God for that. I was going to find his room and cut off his dick if he had.”

Angel cleared her throat. “That wouldn’t be possible anyway.”

This time it was I who tensed and felt sick. “Why is that?” I asked, swallowing hard.

Blowing out a tired breath, Angel closed her eyes. “He’s dead. The syringe that you stuck him with contained a lethal dose of heroin. Judging by your police statement, I assume Dr. Parker was going to use it to kill Evan. He was also probably the one who killed Peter Trazinsky after he ran Evan and the others off the road.”

I put a hand over my mouth, covering a gasp. “Oh my God, I killed him.” I was prepared to do whatever it took to keep Evan safe, but I never realized how tormented I would feel to know I’d taken a life. My heart monitor skyrocketed out of control.

Evan grasped my face and turned me to look at him. “Sunshine, calm down. You didn’t know what was in the syringe. He deserved what he got. Don’t ever feel guilty for that. If this didn’t end with you, then he would’ve done it to someone else. He’s killed people, Summer.”

A tear fell down my cheek. “He was my friend. I trusted him.”

“And that’s what makes this difficult. But now he can’t hurt anyone else.”

“Unfortunately, I have to add to the situation,” Angel pointed out. We all looked up at her, waiting. “When we ran his blood tests, we found not only heroin, but high doses of a fertility drug that’s mainly found in Brazil. It’s most often given to men to significantly increase their sperm count.”

I clutched my stomach, swallowing down the bile. “I saw him inject a vial of something into his arm when he spiked my tea. It all makes sense.”

“What does?” Evan asked. They all looked at me for the answer.

“Before, Philip had told me about him wanting kids and how his wife could never get pregnant. Tonight when he thought I was asleep, he said he couldn’t wait to get me pregnant and to get Evan out of the way so we could be a family.”

“Which is why you had traces of another fertility drug in your system as well,” Angel added. “I assume he wanted to up his chances on getting you pregnant.”

“That son of a bitch,” Evan growled. “That fucker better be glad he’s dead.”

“What happens now?” I asked her.

“Well,” she said, coming to my side. “You’re not going to be in any trouble for trying to save your own life and Evan’s. Frankly I’m glad Dr. Parker’s gone, because if he wasn’t I’m afraid he would’ve made your lives a living hell, at least for nine months.”

“Why is that?”

Her lips pulled back into a grin. “He would’ve tried to claim your baby as his, even though he never slept with you. Now he can’t.” Mouth gaping open, I stared at her in shock. Even Lara and Evan were speechless. Angel chuckled. “Do you understand what I just said?”

I glanced up at Evan and then back to her. “I’m not sure. Can you repeat it?”

She brightened. “I said that you’re pregnant. When I examined you, I had a feeling then, but I wanted to get your blood tests back first to confirm. You’re only about three weeks along. As soon as you’re ready, I’m going to release you so you can get home and rest. You’re going to need it. Just make sure to make an appointment with your gynecologist first thing.”

“Oh my God,” I cried.

Angel smiled and started for the door. “While you’re processing all of this, I’ll give you some privacy. I’m sure you and Mr. Townsend have a lot to discuss.”

Lara cried even more and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’m going to be an aunt. This is amazing. I’m so happy for you, sis.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I nodded and wiped away my tears. “Do you mind giving Evan and me a minute?” She nodded and scurried out the door, shutting it behind her.

Evan sat down on the bed and pulled me into his arms. “I can’t believe this. I’m going to be a father,” he murmured. I listened to his racing heart and breathed him in.

“You’re not upset?” I asked, peering up into his eyes.

He brushed the hair off my face with a gentle touch of his finger. “Hell, no. We both knew the risks with what we were doing.” Placing a hand on my stomach, he leaned down and kissed my belly. “I’m ready for this if you are.”

“I sure hope so. Because there’s no way I can handle a boy if he’s going to act like you.”

Chuckling, he kissed me hard, smiling widely. “And there’s no way in hell I could handle a little girl like you, especially if she gets your looks. I’ll be sitting on the front porch with a shotgun every time her boyfriends come over.”

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