by Kayt Miller
Pulling his chair up close to my bed, he asks softly, “Are you okay, baby?”
It’s literally impossible to stay mad at this man. I smile at him, “Yeah. I’m fine. They just want to observe me overnight to make sure I don’t have a concussion. I’ve got quite a goose egg on the back of my head.”
“I bet. You hit the floor hard. Look, Roni. I’m so sorry…”
“No, I'm sorry. I overreacted. Chalk it up to hunger and exhaustion. Please tell your mom and the others that I'm sorry I was such a raging bitch.”
“You weren’t a bitch, Roni. You had every right to be upset. I had no idea that Emily had told you I was having problems. I also had no idea mom would blab… wait, yes I did. My family can not keep a secret. I should have warned you about that.”
He has warned me. The only one he trusts is Emily. Or the only one he used to trust. She may have blown that with him. She certainly has with me.
“Well, I’ll let you get some rest. I need to get back to my room before they have a fit up there. I’ll talk to you later. I’ll call your room tonight from my room.”
I giggle at that idea. “Good. That’s good.”
“I’d give you a kiss if I could get any closer to you.”
I slide out of bed and place my feet on the cold floor. Leaning over I kiss his lips gently. He reaches up one hand to slide onto the back of my neck. Pulling me in closer, he deepens the kiss. “I really glad you’re okay, baby.”
“Me too. I’m glad you’re going to be okay too, Mick.”
“We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?” he chuckles.
I lean back over for another kiss but feel a wave of light-headedness hit me. I sit back down on my bed and close my eyes. This sucks.
“Okay. I’m off. I’ll call you in a little while.”
I slide back under my sheet and watch him roll out the door. Relieved that we are back to being friends, I shut my eyes and fall fast asleep.
Chapter 49: Roni
“Roni?”
“Dove? She must be exhausted,” my dad murmurs.
I blink open my eyes and see my mom and dad leaning over me like I’m a science experiment. “Hey,” I say huskily. “Why are you guys here?”
Mom speaks, “Hank called your father. He thought we should know.”
“Are you pregnant, Roni?” asks my dad stiffly.
“Dear Holy Mother Mary and Jesus,” I groan. “I’m going to kill Mick Flynn.”
“Oh, Mick didn’t tell us, Hank did.”
“Well, if I weren’t terrified of him, I’d kill him too.” I let out an exasperated breath. “In answer to your question, I don’t know. They’ve taken blood to see if I’m pregnant. It’s early so it may not say for sure.”
“Roni,” mom sounds like she’s about to lecture me. “You need to be more careful.”
“We used condoms, mom. I guess they were expired.”
They both blink down at me like they aren’t sure what to say to that. Are they picturing… Nah. I can’t go there.
“Does Mick know?”
“Know what?”
“About the expired condoms?”
“What! Of course! They were his condoms. He didn’t tell me until last night while he was under the influence of morphine. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t know now. The asshat.”
“I’m confused,” dad says rubbing his forehead.
“You and me both, dad. You and me both. You should go down and ask Mick to explain. This is all his fault. He should be the one getting the Spanish Inquisition right now.”
Mom giggles. “Oh, Roni. You’re so dramatic. But, Jeff, you should go down and read him the riot act. He needs to make our daughter an honest woman.”
“No! No! No!” I shout. “Do not pressure him into doing something he doesn’t want to do. I can’t stand the idea that he was forced into being with me. Please? Dad? Don’t.”
“All right, Dove. I’ll go check on him, but I won’t say anything, even in jest. Just don't get upset. We’re here for you. Can I bring you anything while I’m gone?” asks dad.
“Yes! Food! More food. All kinds of food. Lots of it.”
Dad chuckles and leaves my room. “I’m on it, Dove.”
I turn to look at mom and know what’s coming. “Now, Roni. Tell me everything.”
So, I do. I tell her about the Flynn’s, the possible baby growing in my belly, Mick’s words when he was under the influence of pain meds, and my fall.
“Well, the only thing we can do is wait on the test results.”
“Yep. That’s all we can do. Well, we can eat. I’m still so hungry, mom.”
We sit and watch some Real Housewives on the television and wonder how shows like this ever got on the tube. They’re almost as bad as the Kardashian’s.
Chapter 50: Mick
“Mick?” I look up and see a man standing in my doorway. He’s about my dad’s age, but he’s bigger than mine by at least two inches. He’s got silver hair and tan skin, which makes me think he works outside. Yeah, he reminds me a lot of my dad.
“Yes?”
“I’m Jeff McGonigall. Veronica’s father.”
I lean up attempting to show a little respect but I can’t. I raise my left hand to shake his. “Good to meet your, sir.”
“Call me Jeff, please. So, how are you feeling?”
“Good. Well, not bad, considering. Have you seen Roni?”
“Yes, I was just up there. She seems to be feeling better, considering…”
Uh oh, Dad sounds pissed. I think I know what this is about.
“So, you used expired condoms with my daughter?”
Yep. I knew it. “Um, yes sir. I believe so. It was an accident. I never…”
“What? You’d never want to have a child with my daughter?”
I’ve hit a nerve. Dad is going on the defensive, and I could end up getting a beat down. “No. That’s not what I was going to say. I would never have tricked her into having my baby. Not that I would mind if she were pregnant. I care about Roni. A lot. I see us together for the long haul. I’m just not sure Roni feels the same about me.”
Her dad scoffs. “She loves you. She told me when we were out looking for your accident. But, don’t tell her I said that. She’ll kill me.”
I laugh and smile big. She loves me? She loves me! “I won’t tell her, sir, I mean, Jeff,” I say with a smile that reaches from one ear to the other. “The trick now is to convince her I feel the same about her. I don’t think she’s got much confidence in me. My track record with her is not very good.”
“Just be steadfast and true. That’s all any woman wants. She wants to know you’ll stay true.”
That makes sense. Trust is really what he’s saying. She needs to trust me. “I’ll do what I can. I’ll do what she wants. I’m at her mercy, really.”
Jeff chuckles. “We are all the mercy of our women. It’s really true what they say, ‘Happy Wife Happy Life.'”
There’s that damn reference to marriage. I should run screaming at those words but a wife? Roni Flynn? Veronica Flynn? It sounds good. Real good.
“Well, son. I need to get Roni some food. She’s very, very hungry.”
“I know. Thank you for feeding my girl.”
“She was my girl first. Don’t forget that,” Jeff says chuckling. “She’s always been my favorite,” he whispers conspiratorially.
“I can see why.” I’d like to elaborate about her bitchy sisters but its best not to press my luck. “See you soon. Thanks for stopping by.”
Jeff lifts his hand to say goodbye, “Yep. Get well, Mick.”
I nod as he exits my room. He’s cool. I bet he and my dad would get along well. They’re cut from the same no-nonsense cloth.
Chapter 51: Roni
“Are you ready to hear the results of your blood test?”
I look up from my dry toast, bland tea, and oatmeal to see Dr. Franklin standing at my door. I’m supposed to be released from the hospital later this morning, so I’m not surpr
ised to see him. The announcement of my pregnancy test did shock me, however.
“Um. I think Mick should be here. I want him here. Can we go down to three so you can tell us both at the same time?”
Dr. Franklin looks at his watch. Give me twenty minutes, and I can meet you there. What’s his room number?
“311.”
“Alright, see you there. I’ll get an orderly to wheel you down.”
“No need. I can walk.”
“It’s hospital policy. You’ve gotta go down in a chair.”
I grumble and agree to the stupid chair. I wish I could put on some clothes. When my nurse comes in, I tell her the plan and ask for my clothing. She opens my tiny closet and pulls out my slacks and the pink sweater I was wearing. My underthings are in a plastic bag. “Need any help getting dressed?”
“Nope. Thanks, though.”
Dressed in my meeting clothes and socks, the orderly takes me down to Mick’s room. When we roll in, I notice he’s alone. It’s shocking, really. “You’re alone?” I ask surprised.
“Hey, baby!” Mick gives me his best smile. Well, all of his smiles are pretty great. This one is special, though. I get the feeling he’s really happy to see me.
The orderly leaves me and tells me to call the nurses’ station when I’m ready to go. I take that opportunity to get out of the chair and walk to Mick’s bed.
“Hard to believe, I know. But, I told them to all get on with their lives. Shockingly, they did as I asked. I’m sure they’ll start to trickle in later. I’m due for surgery in the morning.”
“You are? Your leg?”
Mick reaches out to me with his right arm with the new cast. He takes my hand in his and runs his thumb over my palm. “Uh huh. They’re going to need to put a pin in my leg and make sure it’s cleaned out. So far, no sign of infection so they want to get the wound closed up. The sooner that happens, the sooner I can leave. I’m getting sick of this place,” he chuckles.
“I know. I’ve only been here one night, and I’m ready. Can I get you anything?”
“Just a kiss.” He says sweetly.
I know I shouldn’t, but I want to kiss him too. I lean forward and brush my lips over his. He opens his mouth slightly, and his tongue touches my lips. I let out a little moan. The man is sex on wheels even in the hospital.
His good arm rises sliding his hand into my hair. He pulls me closer to deepen the kiss. I was the one in charge, but he’s now taken control. His kiss becomes almost frantic. “God, Roni. I’ve missed you so much.”
I look down in his lap and see his erection. “Apparently.” I snicker.
“All you have to do is walk into the room for that to happened,” he says pointing to his crotch.
I giggle again. “Good to know, Mick.”
“You should climb up on the bed with me, baby. We could snuggle.”
“And by snuggle do you mean have sex?”
“Yes. Definitely. I know I’ve got some broken bones but the most important one is still in working order,” he winks.
“You’re such a pervert, Mick. Jeez.” I laugh out loud then.
“But, I’m your pervert. So, you’re going to have to get used to it.”
That does it, I throw my head back and laugh so hard it hurts. “I missed you too, Mick. I’ve missed our friendship.”
“Friendship? Is that all I am to you? Your friend?”
Fun time over. Now it’s getting serious. “Mick, I’m…”
We’re interrupted by a swift knock on the door. Dr. Franklin marches in and says, “Ready?”
I blink at the doctor and then at Mick. “One second, Doc.” I turn to Mick. “Dr. Franklin took blood to see if I was pregnant. It’s only been ten days, so there’s a chance it’s too soon. He’s here to read the results. I wanted him to tell us together.”
“So, you haven’t heard the results yet?”
“No.”
“Can I say something before you read them, doc?” Mick asks.
Dr. Franklin nods.
Chapter 52: Mick
“Roni. I don’t care what the results are because I want you to be my girlfriend. If you aren’t pregnant, I’ll be disappointed because the more I’ve thought about it, the more I loved imagining you and I having a kid together. You’d be a great mom.”
She smiles at me, and I see the start of moisture in her eyes. I continue, “If you aren’t pregnant, I’m going to hope we are someday––soon. But, no matter what this is, I want to be yours, Roni. Just yours. You and me––a couple. I’m not saying we need to get married right away, but I like the idea of that. I like the sound of Roni Flynn. I love the idea, actually.”
A lone tear runs down her cheek. “Mick. I…”
“I love you, Roni McGonigall. I’m sorry it’s taken all of this,” his eyes sweep around the room, “for me to come to my senses.”
“Mick. I’ve, um, caught feelings for you too.”
He laughs, “You’ve ‘caught feelings’ for me too? Jesus, Roni. You crack me up. I’m going to go ahead and assume you feel the same about me. ‘Caught feelings’?” He laughs again. “I’ll wait until after the doc has read the results; then I’m going to insist you clarify that statement.
I nod, and we both turn our heads to Dr. Franklin who looks a little irritated. “Are we ready now?”
“Yes,” we say simultaneously.
“Let me preface this by saying that you’ll want to have another test taken in a couple of weeks, but this preliminary test does show low levels of hCG in your blood.”
We both continue to stare at the doctor.
“You’re pregnant, Veronica. Congratulations,” he deadpans.
We turn and look at each other. Roni literally looks terrified, and I’ve got the biggest smile on my face. It almost hurts, but I’m so fucking happy. “Roni! We’re having a baby together––you and me. How do you feel?”
“Um, uh, shocked. Scared. Nervous. Nauseous. Did I say scared?”
“Yes, you did.” I chuckle. “I’m a little scared too, baby. But, this is such great news. I really hoped you were pregnant.”
“You're kind of cavalier about all of this, Mick. This is a big deal. This is life altering stuff.”
“I can’t wait to tell everyone. I hope it’s a girl. No, that’s not true. I don’t care as long as she’s healthy. Or he.” I’m rambling.
“Okay, wait for a second,” she looks at me angrily. “I want this to stay between the two of us until we know for absolute sure I’m pregnant and we know the baby is okay. Can you keep a frigging secret from your family? From Emily?”
“Of course. Yes. I know what you’re saying. It can be between us until we’re in the clear.”
She looks at me like she doesn’t believe me. The truth is I’m usually the only Flynn that keeps everything secret. The fact that I’m excited to spread the word only reinforces how I feel about Roni and about our baby.
“So, should I move into your place or do you want to move into mine. Oh, hell. It’ll have to be your place until I can walk. I won’t be able to get a wheelchair up those metal steps.” Rambling again.
“Mick. I’m not ready for all of that. I’m not ready to live together. I need some time to regroup and think about all of this. This is such a huge thing.”
I must look surprised because she backtracks a little. “Mick. I’m not saying I don’t want to live with you, eventually. I’m just saying for the time being I need to let this all sink in.”
I nod. I know what she’s saying. I’ve had over a week to get used to the idea that I could have knocked her up. She’s only had a couple of days. “At least admit that you love me too,” I say smugly.
“I’m not ready to do that yet, either.”
“Your dad already told me, so you’re just stalling.”
“My dad? My dad told you I loved you?”
“Yep.” I pop that ‘p’ again. “So, it’s out there. Just say it.”
“No. I’m not going to say it right now.
First, I need to kill my dad. Then, I need a nap. I’m tired.”
She stands up from the edge of my bed and turns to leave the room. I know she loves me, and I'm an ass about it, but part of me is hurt she won’t say it. “I love you, Roni.”
“I… I’ll see you later. I’m getting released soon, so I’ll come down here before I go home to change. I’ll be here for your surgery tomorrow too.”
“Okay, babe. I’ll call you in a little bit,” I say sadly. That fucking hurts. My heart feels like someone stabbed me with a fork. I know she loves me. I just know it. She’s got to. Damn, I don’t like being on the other side of this. I’m usually the one who can’t commit. This sucks.
I just need to remember what Jim McGonigall said, ‘be steadfast and true.' I can certainly do that. Yes, I can.
Chapter 53: Roni
“Home sweet home.” The doctor released me right after telling me to ‘take it easy, not to exercise, not to return to work for a week, to eat healthily, and to call if I have any questions.
I laugh to myself because that’s all very easy to do. I don’t have a job. Check. I don’t exercise anyway. Check. I’m tired, so I’ll just lie around. Check. After the doctor’s warnings, it took several hours for all of the paperwork to get turned in. That’s why it’s four o’clock.
Hungry again, I remember the Thai food I ordered the other night. I grab it from the fridge and pour the contents into an oven dish. I press my oven on and set the pan in the over to warm, which gives me time to shower and change.
Cozy on my sofa, I eat. Even though it’s been a couple of days, it still tastes amazing. The spring rolls didn’t fare so well, but that’s fine. Chewing in a big bite, I see my answering machine flashing. I count. Three messages.
I stand and walk over to hit play. “Roni, it’s Bill Phillips. Can you please give me call on my personal number?” he lists off the number again, and I hear the next message.