That was the hard thing. As the days passed, she started to wonder if Smoke still lived. It didn’t seem possible he could be dead. He was an escape artist. A dodger of death. Now, however, his presence seemed to have drifted away.
Sid pressed on. Perhaps the Drake was out of her life. After all, everything they’d told her was a lie. They’d lied about the baby. They’d lied about her dying. They had lied and lied and lied. Now, there was nothing to go on that would lead her in one direction or another. There was just silence. She missed the lies. She missed Smoke.
Where is he?
CHAPTER 23
“Oh Sid, I’m so excited. I wish you would let me put something in the paper. At least let me tell the church,” Sally said.
“No.” Sid avoided her mother’s eyes as she packed up her duffle bag in the garage apartment. “Besides, I’m pretty sure you’ve told somebody.”
“No one knows but me and your father,” Sally replied.
“And Frenchie,” Keith said, sitting on the sofa watching the morning news and glancing at the local paper.
“Frenchie is family. She won’t say anything.”
“Huh. It never ceases to amaze me how women think telling another woman that something is a secret somehow still keeps it a secret. It’s not a secret once you tell somebody else.” Keith crushed the can down on the coffee table. “Sid, do you recycle?”
“No.”
“Good. Sorting trash is one of the dumbest things man ever created.”
Sid’s parents went about their business as if nothing was wrong in the world. Keith watched TV. Sally tidied up the kitchen, humming a friendly tune. Having her parents around buffeted the pain she was feeling. She ran her hand over her big baby bump. She was full term. “You know, you could have met me at the hospital. I’ll be fine to drive myself.”
“Don’t be silly. You can’t drive yourself to the hospital and drive yourself back with the baby. That’s absurd.” Sally wrung out a wet dishrag into the sink and started wiping down the kitchenette. “Besides, I’m still kind of mad at you for waiting so long to tell me. You wait until the halfway point to tell me. That’s awful, Sid. Allison told me as soon as she knew.”
“No, I told you as soon as I knew.”
“Oh. Well, that’s beside the point. You’re the oldest. You should know better. I’m your mother, for heaven’s sake.”
“She knows that, Sally. You’ve told her fifty times since we got here.”
“You be quiet. What kind of man drinks a beer at six in the morning?”
“It’s not beer, it’s root beer. Besides, I’m celebrating. Having a boy will carry on my legacy.”
Sally rolled her eyes.
Sid zipped up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “I’m ready.”
“Keith, get up. Help your daughter with that bag. Where’s a gentleman when you need one?”
“I’m fine, Mother. It’s not very heavy.”
“Do you have a car seat in that awful car of yours?” Sally asked. “You can always borrow our minivan until you get something more accommodating.”
Sid’s nostrils flared. “I’m not driving a minivan. Ever. Besides, my boy’s probably going to be a rambling man.”
“Why would you wish such a thing?”
Sid rubbed her stomach. “I just have a feeling.”
Sally dried her hands off and said as she looked around the apartment, “This doesn’t look like the best place to raise a baby. No offense, but I don’t even see any baby stuff. You needed to have a baby shower, Sid. It was awful that you didn’t have one.”
“I did have one, here, with Sam and Sadie. A quiet one. We’re going to be okay, Mom.”
“If you say so.” Sally hooked her daughter’s arm. “Come on now. Let’s load you up into the van.”
“I’m not a piece of luggage. Besides, I’m driving and we’re taking the Hellcat.”
Sally looked mortified.
Keith’s grin was as broad as a bridge. “Shotgun.”
***
One doctor, one nurse, and a lot of pain. The doctor had induced Sid’s labor in the morning, and now the time had come to deliver.
“Push, Mrs. Smoke. Breathe and push!”
Sid strained. “I don’t think he wants to come out yet. I told you not to induce me.” She huffed, puffed, and pushed. “This is ridiculous.”
“It’s still going to hurt the same, whether it’s now or later.” Doctor Endicott spoke in a calm but very stern voice. He was as skilled and professional as they came. “You’re full term. It’s go time.”
“It’s go time? What is this, a football game?”
The nurse assistant let out a giggle.
Doctor Endicott cut her short with his eyes. He was an older gentleman with hawking good looks. He went about his business with humility and confidence. “Just keep pushing. The little fella doesn’t need to come to a stop in the birth canal.”
Sid groaned. “I should have done a C-section. I feel like I’m giving birth to a horse.”
“Well, we won’t know for certain until you push the baby out. Now push!”
Teeth clenched, she pushed through the blinding pain. She used her anger to give her strength. She was mad. Mad at Smoke. He should be here for this. She’d never imagined him not being by her side when something this important was happening. It left a pit in her. She couldn’t do Lamaze class. She didn’t have a coach. She didn’t have him to share the ultrasound pictures with.
“Push, Sid! The head is crowning.”
“I am!”
Even with the baby, she’d never felt so lonely in all her life. She’d been abandoned, but at the same time, she was wracked with guilt. It wasn’t Smoke’s fault that he wasn’t here. It was the Drake’s, the likes of Kane and Allison. They had taken Smoke away from her. Busted up her family. If she ever got the opportunity, she would make them pay.
“Keep pushing, Sid! Keep pushing!”
“Gaaaah-ugh!”
The pain shooting through every inch of her body peaked then fell. A draft of cool air washed over her.
“Waaaaaah!”
Catching her breath, she said, “Is that my baby?”
Doctor Endicott held the baby boy in his arms. He stared at the child with silent admiration. He gave a gentle nod, handed the little baby over to the nurse, and said, “He’s a gusty little one. A big one too. I’m guessing he’s about nine pounds and three ounces. Congratulations, Sidney. Welcome to motherhood.”
The nurse assistant cleaned up the baby boy and weighed him. “You’re right, Doctor Endicott, nine pounds, three ounces. I don’t know how you do it.” She swaddled the baby in blankets and brought him over to Sid. “Here you go, Mommy.”
Sid cradled the baby in her arms. The little boy had a headful of jet-black hair. She smelled and kissed his head. “Oh, you’re so beautiful.”
Doctor Endicott took off his mask and gloves. With a caring smile, he said, “You’ll be a fine mother. I’ll check in with you later.” He checked his watch and said to the nurse, “That’s five of them today, right, Mona?”
“We’ve been busy.”
“I’m starving. I’m heading down to the commissary, if anyone needs me. I’ve got a hankering for a hamburger and a milkshake. See you later, Sid.” He winked at her. “Enjoy that baby.”
Starstruck, Sid didn’t even see the doctor leave. She snuggled the tiny boy.
“Do you want me to notify your family? But I can only allow two.”
“Uh, yeah, sure. Please go ahead and send my parents in.”
CHAPTER 24
Being a mother was more hard work than Sid had imagined. The nights were long and sleepless half the time. She catnapped with the baby boy when she could during the day. She called him John, the name Smoke had requested. She gave him her father’s name, Keith, as a middle name. John Keith Smoke. She liked it. They all did.
Without having seen any of Smoke’s baby pictures, she thought their son looked like his father. Baby Jo
hn helped fill the gap inside of Sid. Her time was consumed, and she allowed it. Even so, it was hard—and sometimes when she wanted to be alone, her friends and family wouldn’t leave her be.
Sam and Guppy would stop by to help. She took long visits to her parents’ place. When Sally wasn’t showering the baby with love, she was trying to talk Sid into moving down to Florida. Sid considered it but didn’t let on. The pattern continued like this for weeks. Weeks that took months. Before she realized it, a year had gone by since she’d last seen Smoke.
She took John out of the backseat of her car—nestled in his baby seat and hidden by the blankets—and made her way into the grocery store. She latched the portable baby seat to the cart and wheeled it inside. Heading down the baby supplies aisle, she heard a familiar voice and found a familiar face.
“Hello, Sid. How are you and the baby doing?” It was Doctor Endicott. He carried a handbasket of groceries that included a carton of eggs, a box of pancake mix, some fruit, a bottle of wine, and a six-pack of sodas. He stood out among the crowd in a very nice gray suit. “Can I take a look?”
“Of course you can. After all, you delivered him.” She smiled at him and stepped aside. The cologne he wore stirred her. Doctor Endicott did everything with grace and refinement. His long finger tickled baby John’s chin. The infant giggled.
“He seems happy. It looks like the two of you are doing well together.”
“Thank you, Doctor Endicott.”
“Please, call me Steve.” His dark eyes were smiling. “Say, Sidney, I’ve actually given you some thought, and if you don’t mind me asking, has Mister Smoke stepped back into the picture?”
“Uh.” She paused and scratched her head. “I, well, no.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“No, you didn’t.” She bit her lip. “I mean, you caught me off guard, but it’s a fair question.”
“Actually, it was probably unfair. I just, well”—he made an uneasy smile—“I was hoping you might consider joining me for dinner sometime. You can even bring John along if you have trouble finding a sitter. I just feel like I would enjoy your company.”
Sid’s heart started to race. She felt drawn to the man. There had always been something about him that she liked, ever since the first time she met him. Everything he did or had was impeccable, from his hair to his clothing. “I, uh, well, I appreciate the invitation, but I’m just not ready to move on yet.”
“I understand. But when the time comes—and I hope it does—you know how to reach me. Take care, Sid.” He wiggled his fingers at John. “Goodbye, little fella.”
Doctor Endicott disappeared around the end of the aisle. Sid closed her mouth that was hanging open. I don’t know if I should be ashamed or delighted. He’s a good-looking man, and I’ve been without a man too long. She threw some diapers and wet wipes into the cart. Flushed, she checked out.
John Keith fell asleep on the way home. Sid swam through a current of emotions. It was starting to look like Smoke wasn’t going to return at all. She was going to have to move on. Smoke would understand. He’d want that. Wouldn’t he? It just didn’t seem possible that a man so alive could be dead. Lord help me.
Back home, she parked the car in the garage. She unloaded the groceries and placed them on the kitchen island. Flipping the light switch, she went back into the garage and took out John Keith. “How’s my little JK doing? Are you still sleeping? Good.”
She turned the dial up on the heat. Then she set JK, portable baby seat and all, on the bed. JK slept well in the baby seat most of the time. Over at the computer, she logged in. She went to YouTube and played Mozart with a background of rain at 432 megahertz. It was one of her favorite selections. Yawning, she slipped off her tennis shoes and hung up her jacket.
A soft knocking sounded at the front door.
I didn’t hear anyone pull up. She drew her Glock. It was late in the day, with the sun falling. She looked outside. A white sedan was parked in the driveway but not up close. It was a Tesla. No wonder I didn’t hear it. The knocking started again.
“Who is it?” she said, clearly but not loudly.
“It’s your sweet sister, Allison. I have a gift for my nephew.”
Sid flung open the door and stuck the barrel of the gun in Allison’s face. “And I’ve got a present for you. Goodbye.”
“Oh please, pull the trigger and make your son an orphan.” Allison rolled her eyes. “Just let me in. I have information you need.”
“All you have is a mouthful of lies.”
Allison held up a small white gift box with a black ribbon tied around it. “You don’t have to accept it, but you might need to sell it for money one day.” She pushed up her curly locks of platinum-blond hair. “By the looks of things, you’ll need it.”
“Are you alone?”
“I am all by myself. You should feel honored. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve driven?”
“Who cares?” Sid double-checked the outside and closed the door.
Allison made her way over to the bed and sat down.
“Where have you been? It’s not like you to stay away so long and be so quiet.”
Allison peeked at JK. “That bothers you, doesn’t it.”
“Where’s Smoke, Allison?”
“Ah. Well, I wish I’d come with more than just a gift, but I’m afraid I have some unfortunate news to share. Kane tried to transform your husband. Smoke didn’t make it.”
CHAPTER 25
“I’ll believe it when I see the body,” Sid said. A nest of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “Couldn’t you be honest for just one day? You want John alive as much as anybody.”
“I had my fun with him. He was blessed with a great deal of prowess. It takes a lot to impress a woman like me.” Allison made some baby sounds. “But alas, the good ones always perish.”
Sid marched over to the bed and pulled JK away from Allison. “Keep it down. I don’t want him waking up and facing a witch.”
“You’re so clever, sister. I could never keep up with your wit. But for all of your skills, you won’t be getting Smokey back. He’s gone, and with him gone, I wanted to let you know it’s best that you move on. Have you given dating any consideration? I bet you have. You aren’t so different than me. You can’t go too long without a man.”
“Shut up, Allison.”
“I would, but you know you were all too eager to hear what I said. Your husband is gone, and truthfully, we are very sorry for that. Even Kane’s disappointed. He had such high hopes for Smoke.” Allison opened up a small handbag and applied moisturizer to her lips. “I did too, but sometimes these things don’t work out and you have to start all over again. The Drake calls it the Quiet Time.”
“And here you are yapping away.”
“Sister Sidney, get on with your life. Take care of yourself and have more babies. You’ve been given a free pass. I suggest you stop nosing around and take it.”
“So you’ve been keeping tabs on me?”
“Sid, we know everything. We might have had a setback, but we are a far cry from crippled. The Drake will be back on top once the changes settle.” Allison got up, but she left the present on the bed. Showing the coldness in her blue eyes, she said, “He might not have a father, but at least he has his grandfather. That’s more than many children can say.”
“And what about Megan? Where is she?”
“She’s in private school, where she excels, thank you. She’s looking forward to meeting her little cousin. I told her we’d arrange it once you were ready.”
“I’m ready now. Go get her.”
“I think I’ll wait until Thanksgiving. Perhaps we can all sit down and have dinner together.”
“We as in who? Me, you, Mom, and Dad? Or did you have something else in mind?”
“Shifters don’t celebrate the holidays. I’ll be in touch. Soon.” Allison made her way to the door. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to meet
the right guy. Well, actually I’m not that sorry. I just wish he would have made it.”
“I don’t believe you. You’d have a body.”
“I don’t need a body when I’ve brought you ample proof. It’s in little John’s present. I don’t suppose he can open it, but you can do it for him.”
Sid scowled. Glaring at her sister, she said, “I can’t figure you out. Are you a shifter or not?”
“I am, the same as the others.”
“I’m curious what kind of monster you turn into. You’re scary enough already.”
“Perhaps I don’t change. After all, this body and face are already perfection.” Allison opened the door. “See you around, Sidney.”
Sid sat down on the bed. She picked up the gift box. I should throw it away. It’s just another game. She palmed the box, lifting it up and down. It’s got some heft to it. Screw it. She loosened up the ribbon and pulled the lid off. A black satin bag was inside. It clinked with metal as she removed it from the box. She loosened the neck of the bag and poured out the contents. “Whoa!”
Ancient gold doubloons glittered on the bed. She ran her fingers over the cold metal. The way it felt and shined sent a thrill through her fingers. “Well, that should cover college and then some.” Her eyes spotted another object that didn’t fit in. Her fingers trembled when she picked it up. It was Smoke’s wedding band.
CHAPTER 26
Arlington Cemetery. Sidney stood in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watching the Marines stand firm in the stiff wind. She was dressed in black and holding hands with Sam, who was dressed the same. Guppy was on the end of them, wearing a suit and tie. With her free arm, Sid held JK.
Sam sniffed and dabbed her eye with a handkerchief. The memorial was lonely and cold. The ground was wet from a recent rain. “I guess my brother would like this, considering that we don’t have any remains.”
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