Guarded by the Soldier

by Laura Scott

  “Oh, Ryker.” She suddenly understood him a little better. Losing his girlfriend and her child must have been the impetus for him to come searching for her and Aaron. He’d assigned himself as her personal guardian angel. “You don’t know that for certain.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  She sadly shook her head. “Ryker, you could have been anywhere other than Afghanistan. Try to place your trust in God’s plan for us. I’m sorry your girlfriend and her daughter died, but you must know they’re in a better place now. You need to have faith.”

  “It doesn’t seem fair that Cheri and Cyndi had to die so young. Why would God do something like that?” His expression betrayed his frustration and angst.

  “I know it’s not always easy to understand God’s plan. All we can do is pray for strength and guidance. We need to place our worries in His hands.”

  “Maybe.” His tone held a note of doubt.

  She squeezed his hand. “I am.”

  Ryker’s gaze turned curious. “Is that what you’ve been doing while you’ve been here in the hospital?”

  She was surprised by his question. “Of course. I’ve been praying nonstop since the moment Willa brought me into her church, welcoming me and Aaron with open arms. Praying brings me a sense of peace, as if God is assuring me that He’s watching over us.”

  “I’ve never in my life prayed with anyone, until you.” Ryker’s soft admission tugged at her heart. “I hope God continues to grant me the ability to keep you and your baby safe.”

  “He will.” She didn’t doubt it for a moment. “And I’m happy to hear you saying that. It means a lot to me that you’re discovering the power of prayer.”

  Her heart swelled with hope and love. Liv cared about Ryker so much, but reminded herself not to overreact. Having just learned about Ryker’s past, she understood that she and Aaron were nothing more than a poor substitute for Cheri and Cyndi, the woman and little girl he’d once loved.

  Still, she was blessed to have Ryker with her now. To have him staying at her side through the birth of her baby. Although, it was looking more and more like she wouldn’t be having this baby today.

  A knock at her door brought her out of her reverie. “Come in.”

  Ryker turned, putting himself between the doorway and her bed, but his protection wasn’t needed. Her nurse popped into the room.

  “Time for me to take your vitals.” As the nurse busied herself with the blood-pressure cuff, she glanced down at Olivia. “I hear Dr. Regner is planning to discharge you in a few hours.”

  “Yes. Apparently my baby is being stubborn and wants to stay inside a bit longer.” She rubbed her hand over her belly, avoiding the monitor strapped there picking up the baby’s heartbeat.

  “Well, that happens sometimes.” The nurse listened to her blood pressure, took her pulse then stuck an electric thermometer under her tongue. “Dr. Regner is preparing the discharge paperwork now, so if all goes well, you’ll be out of here in time for dinner.” The nurse winked. “Maybe you can get your husband to take you out someplace fancy.”

  Since her admission, the staff had assumed she and Ryker were husband and wife, and neither one of them had said or done anything to correct them. It seemed a bit dishonest, but Olivia didn’t want Ryker to leave, so she played along, forcing a smile. When the nurse removed the thermometer probe, she said, “Maybe I will.”

  “Absolutely. I’ll take you anywhere you’d like to go,” Ryker agreed, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles. A shiver rippled up her arm and she hoped he didn’t notice her innate response to his touch.

  “Aw, you two are so sweet together.” The nurse beamed, before turning and then leaving the room. “Call if you need anything,” she added over her shoulder.

  The minute the door closed, she glanced up at Ryker. “I can’t help feeling guilty about not telling them the truth.”

  “I know, but what’s the harm? Whether we’re married or not, I’m here to support you. And there’s no way in the world I’m leaving you alone.”

  “I guess.” She knew he was right, but secretly wondered if every reference to them as a couple made him feel a bit panicky.

  After all, this wasn’t exactly what he’d bargained for when he’d come to find her. Yet he hadn’t turned away.

  Just the opposite.

  He’d held her, kissed her and cared for her.

  The fact that she wanted more, wanted it all, was her problem. Not his.

  She needed to remember that once Kevin Blake and Harper Moore were in custody, she and Ryker would go their separate ways.

  SIXTEEN

  Ryker didn’t mind others assuming he was Olivia’s husband and the father of her baby. In fact, he rather liked it. Sure, he knew this was just a temporary situation for them. Once Olivia was safe, she wouldn’t need him anymore.

  But for now, he intended to be there for her. To support her through this. No woman should have to go through childbirth alone.

  Maybe once the danger was over, she’d continue to allow him to stop by and visit, to help her with Aaron. Having a new baby and a three-year-old would be stressful. Even if she was able to sell the house and use the money to live on for a while, she’d need emotional support.

  It was humbling to realize she felt safer here in the hospital, despite the way Seth had gotten to her. Maybe part of her feeling safe had to do with having access to immediate medical care. He made a mental note to ask Dr. Regner if she wouldn’t consider keeping Olivia at least overnight. If the answer was no, then fine. He’d work out some sort of plan with Marc Callahan and the Feds. Now that the FBI was involved, they should be able to keep a cocoon of security around Olivia and Aaron.

  “Ryker? Do you think I could talk to Aaron?” Her tone was wistful. “I haven’t been away from him for this length of time since we escaped from the motel room last Christmas.”

  With a nod, he pulled out his phone. “Sure, here’s Mike’s number.”

  She gratefully took the phone and asked Mike to use the app that allowed Aaron to see her face. “Hey, Aaron, how are you doing?”

  “Hi, Mommy.” Aaron waved and leaned toward the screen as if to see her better. “Where are you?”

  “I’m at the hospital, but your little brother or sister isn’t going to be born today after all. Guess you’ll have to wait a bit longer to meet him or her.”

  “I wanna baby brother.” Aaron’s steadfast belief in his ability to impact the gender of her baby made Ryker smile. If Olivia was right about having a girl, he hoped the little boy wouldn’t be too disappointed.

  “I know you do, but God is the one who decides if I’m having a boy or a girl, remember?” Olivia smiled at her son. “And you’re going to be an awesome big brother no matter what.”

  Aaron nodded. “Yep. Brodie and I are playing dinosaurs.” He picked up a plastic T. rex, showing her.

  “I’m glad you’re having fun. Be good for Brodie’s mommy and daddy, okay?”

  “I am good.” Aaron’s eyes widened with innocence. “You can ask them.”

  “I will ask them,” Olivia agreed firmly.

  “When are you coming to get me?” Aaron’s voice was plaintive.

  “Soon, baby. When the doctor says I can go home, we’ll come pick you up.”

  “Or Mr. and Mrs. Callahan will come meet us,” Ryker added. “We’ll let you know, okay?”

  “Okay.” For a moment Aaron looked as if he might cry, but then Shayla’s voice could be heard in the background. “Who wants to help make chocolate-chip cookies?”

  “Me!” Aaron and Brodie both shouted at the same time. “Bye, Mommy.” The little boy ran out of view of the screen, replaced by Mike.

  “He’s fine, Olivia.” Mike’s gaze was reassuring. “We’re keeping a close eye on him.”

  “I know you are. Thank you so much.” Olivia looked as if she might c
ry again. “We’ll let you know when the doctor discharges me.”

  Mike hesitated, then nodded. “Sure thing. Although it might be better for Aaron to stay with us for a while longer.”

  Ryker secretly agreed but Olivia looked distressed. “Oh, I don’t know about that,” she was quick to say. “He hasn’t been away from me overnight before.”

  “How about we talk about it later?” Ryker gave Mike a slight nod. “First we need to find a safe house of some sort. Hopefully the FBI has something we can use.”

  “Absolutely. Just give us a call. Later.” Mike disconnected from the call.

  Olivia reluctantly passed Ryker his phone. “I’m glad Aaron seems to be doing okay.”

  “I’m sure he’s having fun playing with Brodie.” He took her hand again. “How are you feeling? Any contractions?”

  “Not since just before Seth came in.” She looked from their joined hands to meet his gaze. “You really think the FBI will provide a safe house for me?”

  “Yes. You’re a key witness, Olivia. Your testimony of finding the bank-account information, and the fact that men employed by Blake-Moore came after you in order to get it, will assist in putting Blake and Moore behind bars.”

  “I guess.” She didn’t look convinced. “But we haven’t really proven that the men who came after us worked for Blake-Moore. I’m worried they’ll get off on some sort of technicality.”

  “They won’t.” He was going to do everything in his power to make sure that didn’t happen. “Try not to worry about that, okay? Just stay focused on your baby.”

  “I will.” There was a steely determination in her tone.

  His phone rang, and he recognized Marc Callahan’s number. “It’s Marc.” He released her hand and turned from her bedside. “Hey, what’s going on?”

  “We just started questioning the mercenary you captured at the motel. He gave us his name, James Corrian, but other than that, he’s not talking. Apparently he’s not willing to give up his bosses. A lawyer just showed up, likely paid for by the Blake-Moore Group.”

  He blew out a frustrated breath. “Corrian has to know that he’ll do a significant amount of jail time. Did you offer to cut him a deal if he talked?”

  “Yes, but he wasn’t interested. His trust in Blake-Moore is misplaced. Could be he’ll need to spend time behind bars before he realizes it’s better to provide evidence against them and save himself.”

  “Unfortunately, we don’t have that kind of time.” Ryker didn’t like where this was going. “We need those guys behind bars now, not in three months.”

  “We’ll keep trying,” Marc assured him. “Ludwig is flying in from DC to help provide resources to find Blake and Moore. Don’t forget, we have Willis, too. Maybe we’ll get more from him.”

  “I hope so.” But Ryker wasn’t really convinced of that. Seth Willis had come here to get the bank information for his own selfish reasons. It wasn’t as if Blake-Moore had sent him. The fact that he’d worked full-time as a hospital security guard was evidence that Willis had left the Blake-Moore Group. “When will you question Seth?”

  “Heading that way now.”

  Ryker glanced at Olivia who was clearly listening to his side of the conversation. As much as he wanted to shield her from what was going on, she deserved to know. “Good, keep me posted. Also, it looks like Olivia may be discharged from the hospital in a couple of hours. We’re going to need a safe place to go. Have anything in mind?”

  “Good question. I’ll see what we can come up with. Even if we just end up going to a motel, we’ll have an FBI agent assigned to her protection detail.”

  Just one? Ryker would have felt better with at least three additional men. Granted, he’d have Duncan’s help, too, so maybe they’d be okay. “I’ll let you know when she’s discharged.”

  Ryker disconnected and tucked the phone back into his pocket.

  “We’re never going to get anyone to turn on Blake-Moore.” Olivia looked forlorn.

  “We will. Just remember at the end of the day, everyone has their own survival instinct. Someone will turn on them.” He crossed over, pulled up a chair and sat down beside her. “You’re the one who told me to have faith in God’s plan, remember?”

  A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Yes, I remember. I guess sometimes it’s easier to give advice than to take it.”

  “Exactly.” She was so beautiful, he longed to kiss her. To hold her close, reassure her that everything was going to be all right. Anyone trying to hurt her would have to go through him.

  He didn’t mind putting his life on the line to protect her.

  The nurse returned for another set of vital signs. A few minutes later, the doctor came in. Ryker went to the far corner of the room to give Olivia privacy.

  “Still at three centimeters,” Dr. Regner announced. “I’m going to go ahead and discharge you. There’s no point in waiting. You’re not in active labor.”

  Ryker squelched a flash of panic. “I thought you wanted to observe her until dinnertime?” It was only three in the afternoon. He’d been hoping to stick around until five or six.

  “Relax, Dad. Mom and baby are doing great. You’ll meet your new son or daughter soon enough.” Dr. Regner glanced at her watch. “I have to check on another patient, but I would like to see Olivia back in the clinic next week.”

  “Understood.” Ryker hoped the danger would be over by then. “We can do that.”

  Olivia raised a brow, no doubt wondering why he’d included himself, but didn’t argue. “Thanks, Dr. Regner. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  “Of course. Now don’t hesitate to call if the contractions return. I have a feeling this baby isn’t going to stay put until your actual due date.”

  “And you’re sure it’s okay for her to be discharged?” Ryker couldn’t help attempting one more time to convince the doctor to change her mind.

  “I’m sure. The nurse will be in shortly with your discharge paperwork.” Dr. Regner turned toward the door. “Don’t forget, one week.”

  “I won’t forget.” Olivia’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes and he knew she didn’t want to go.

  He didn’t, either.

  When they were alone, Olivia said, “I guess this is it.”

  “It’s going to be okay.” He kept his tone confident as he pulled out his phone to call Marc. They needed a safe house ASAP. Then he filled Tony Seavers in on the plan.

  He wasn’t going to allow any of Kevin Blake and Harper Moore’s men to touch her again.

  * * *

  Olivia knew she needed to stay calm and strong for the baby’s sake. All along, she’d understood stress wasn’t good for her, and this latest bout of labor only reinforced her belief.

  Ryker was on the phone again, talking to Marc Callahan about securing a place for them to go. She stopped listening, deciding to talk to her baby instead.

  “We’re going to be fine, little lady,” she crooned. “I want you to stay inside where you can grow big and strong for just a little longer, okay?”

  The baby kicked, making her smile. She looked forward to the day she would hold her daughter in her arms and tried not to think about how it was unlikely she’d have more children in the future.

  Her gaze strayed to Ryker, wondering what he’d do once the danger was over. Would he find another single mother to rescue? How many were out there, needing his skills? She had no idea, but felt certain if there was someone in danger, Ryker would be all over it.

  He’d never hesitate to save others because he hadn’t been there to rescue his girlfriend and her daughter. It was disconcerting to realize she was a stand-in for the woman he’d really loved.

  “Yeah, we’ll take it. Thanks, Marc.” Ryker turned toward her. “Good news. One of the FBI agents in Madison is arranging for a hotel suite. It’s not far, roughly ten minutes f
rom here.”

  “I’m glad.” She couldn’t deny feeling relieved. “Does that mean Aaron can join us?”

  Ryker hesitated. “Maybe. Let’s get you settled there first, then we can discuss our options with Mike.”

  She nodded. The nurse entered the room with her usual cheery smile. “I’m going to discontinue the monitor on your belly and take your IV out, okay?”

  Liv wanted to protest about the monitor. She’d enjoyed seeing the reassuring beat of her baby’s heart on the screen.

  The IV came out first, then the monitor. Free of cables and IV tubing, she swung her feet around to sit up at the side of the bed.

  “Do you need help getting dressed?” The nurse glanced at her, then Ryker.

  Ryker made a coughing-choking sound. “I need to talk to Tony for a moment. Why don’t you help Olivia get dressed?”

  The nurse looked surprised when Ryker slipped out the door, but didn’t seem to mind helping Olivia off the bed and into her own clothes. Oddly enough, Olivia felt stronger now than she had before she’d been put in the hospital bed. Clearly, she needed to stay hydrated, even if that meant frequent trips to the bathroom.

  “Sit down. I’ll be back with a wheelchair.” The nurse left and Olivia quickly used the restroom while Ryker was outside. He came back with the nurse.

  “Duncan is going to pick us up in the corner of the parking structure not far from the doorway,” he informed her as she took a seat in the wheelchair. “We’ll need to give him about five minutes to get here.”

  “Five minutes?” The nurse frowned and looked at her watch. “I’ll take you down to the lobby. You can wait for your ride there.”

  “No need. I can take care of pushing Olivia in the wheelchair.” Ryker didn’t seem to like the idea of going to the lobby. “Just give her the discharge paperwork.”

  “If you’re sure.” The nurse hesitated, then shrugged. “Okay, that should be fine. Here are your discharge instructions, Olivia. Dr. Regner wants to see you in her clinic next week, so we made an appointment for you on Wednesday at one o’clock in the afternoon.”