“But you said you loved him.”
“I do.”
“Then I don’t understand.”
“I guess I just need to know that it’s me he’s with…and not…”
“Me,” I said quietly, feeling terrible.
“Yeah, I’m sorry, but I know he still loves you.”
“Molly, I love Logan with all my heart, but I swear to you, as much as I loved Logan, I loved Brian, too. It was real! A part of me will always love Brian.”
“That’s really not helping,” she said.
“You’re missing my point. I know Brian loves me, but I also know he loves you. Give him a chance to prove it. I’m sure he won’t let you down. Besides, a really smart girl asked me once, “What are you waiting for?” We both laughed then.
“Oh, and just for the record, Brian and I never…”
“Really?”
“I figured he wouldn’t tell you anything about our personal relationship. He’s too much of a gentleman.”
“He really never said much of anything about your relationship at all.”
“I figured that.”
“So, you two really never…after all the time you spent together?”
“No. So, he can’t compare us, okay?”
“I thought for sure you had.”
“We tried, once.”
“What do you mean, you tried?”
“His parents were out of town one weekend and I thought I was ready, so I threw myself at him.”
“I’m not sure I want to hear this.”
“Don’t worry. It was over before it started. The image of Chad popped into my head and I screamed at Brian to stop. Poor guy, I almost gave him a heart attack.”
“I’m sorry, Delaney.”
“Don’t be. Just love him, okay? Give him the chance to love you.”
“Well, his parents are gone a lot,” she grinned.
We made it to the station and she hugged me before I boarded the bus and headed off into the unknown. I waved at her, hoping that she and Brian would be blissfully happy together. They both deserved it. I thought they were perfect for each other, and I knew they had a great future ahead of them. I just wondered what my future held…and how any future I had could be worthwhile without Logan.
Chapter Thirteen: Aunt Vickie and Harley
The two hour bus ride did little to keep me occupied. Logan was always in the forefront of my mind, but I knew I had to focus on the baby now and what she needed. I needed a job, but who was going to hire a pregnant woman, with no experience, and who was only planning on being in town for a short time?
My aunt met me at the bus station. She squealed when I stepped off the bus and hugged me tight. “Wow, it looks like we have lots to talk about. Come on, let’s get you settled.” She was surprised to see my over-grown belly, but there wasn’t an ounce of judgment in her voice.
“So, who’s the young man, and when do I get to meet him?” She looked at me and saw the look on my face. “It’s okay honey, you don’t have to say a word. I’m thrilled to have you here. You can stay as long as you want with no strings attached and no questions asked.”
Aunt Vickie was my mother’s younger sister. They were nothing alike. My aunt was a free spirit, living her dream of being an artist. She made sculptures and sold them to large companies. From the look of her home, she was doing quite well.
“Wow, you’ve really changed things around here.”
“Yes, I’ve made some adjustments. I added a few rooms, too. I have you set up in the room down the hall from mine, upstairs. It has its own private bathroom and a beautiful balcony.”
“Thank you for having me and for not asking me a bunch of questions.”
“I figure you’ll get around to it eventually, and if not, that’s okay, too. I’m just glad you’re here.”
It was getting late and it had been a very long day. I ate a few bites of the tofu burger my aunt made and then started up to bed.
“I didn’t have time to go to the store today, but I’ll make sure to pick up some meat tomorrow. I’m not sure a vegetarian diet is right for someone in your condition.”
“I’m not picky. But, yeah I guess she does need protein.”
“She?”
“Yes, it’s a girl,” I said, stroking my belly.
She saw the look of pain in my eyes and she had to ask, “Where’s the baby’s father, honey?”
“Can we talk about this later?”
“Okay,” she said, wrapping both arms around me and pulling me close, “I’m just glad you’re here,” she said, sensing my anguish.
I was so tired of crying. It seemed like it was all I had done. There was nothing left. I let her hug me, then she led me upstairs and I thanked her and told her goodnight.
“I’m downstairs if you need anything, or if you just need to talk,” she said, letting me know she wouldn’t judge me, no matter what.
“Okay, goodnight.”
I sat down on the bed, opened one of my bags and pulled out Logan’s shirt. I put it on, even though I was no longer able to button it over my belly. I knew it was silly and it no longer smelled of him but I was so lonely I had to do something, anything, to make it through the night.
I woke up to the smell of hot chocolate and smiled, realizing it must have been a dream. I was back in Logan’s room and he was bringing me hot chocolate. “Good morning,” I said with a smile, which immediately faded once I opened my eyes and realized it wasn’t a dream, and it was my Aunt Vickie and not Logan standing over me with hot chocolate.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” my aunt said, holding a cup out to me.
“What time is it?”
“It’s 11:00 am. I thought you might be hungry by now.”
“No, not really,” I said, sitting up in bed. “I’m sorry I slept so late. I’m just tired, I guess.”
“That’s interesting sleep wear,” she said, looking at Logan’s shirt.
I pulled it tight around my chest and said, “It’s comfortable,” leaving little doubt that I wasn’t going to discuss Logan’s shirt or anything else concerning my current predicament.
“Okay. Well, I made breakfast a few hours ago, but now I’m thinking lunch is more in order. You two need to eat.”
I showered and dressed and met her downstairs a little while later.
“So, I told you I wasn’t going to push you, but curiosity has really gotten the best of me. I gotta know…something.”
“I guess that’s only fair, since you’re letting me stay with you.”
“I don’t expect you to tell me anything, Delaney. I just think you may need to talk and I’m here. But I am curious about the baby’s father, and why you’re not with him.”
“I was raped,” I said abruptly, like ripping off a band aid quickly. I realized it was a bit easier to say now, and I knew Brian was right…again.
“Oh my God, I didn’t know. I’m so sorry!” she said, starting to get up to comfort me.
“Please, don’t hug me, don’t cry, and don’t feel sorry for me. I’m fine.”
She sat back down and said, “Are you?”
“I will be,” I said, tears starting to form.
“There’s something else, isn’t there?”
“Can we talk about this later, please? I need to start looking for a job. I have a lot of things I need to buy for the baby.”
“You found one. I need an assistant. It’s getting crazy around here and I need someone to answer the phones, make appointments and help me set up some shows. Are you interested?”
“You don’t have to do this.”
“My business is here. You’re here. It works.”
“Really? Oh, thank you. I’ll work really hard.”
“I’m sure you’re going to be great and you’ll definitely be a huge help. But, I don’t want you getting over-tired, so when you’re done, you’re done. Deal?”
“Deal,” I said, smiling.
“That’s more like the Delaney I know. Okay, now can I ask just one m
ore question, and then I’ll drop it?”
“Yes,” I said, nervously waiting.
“What’s up with the shirt?”
“It belongs to…someone.”
“I figured that one out myself. Do you mind telling me who?”
“It’s…Logan’s.”
“Oh, that explains it. Who is Logan and why are you sleeping in his shirt?”
“He’s…um, he’s…” I couldn’t bring myself to talk about him, so I couldn’t answer her. I was tired of crying and I knew that talking about Logan would instantly bring me to tears.
“Why aren’t you with him?” she asked.
“Aunt Vickie, can we please not talk about this?”
“Okay. Let’s eat and then get to work,” she said, realizing I was at my breaking point.
“Thank you.”
I spent the rest of the day learning all there was to know about my aunts’ business. I was happy to be working. It kept my mind off of Logan.
“Wow, you catch on fast. I should have hired you ages ago.”
“Thanks, and thank you for the job. I really appreciate it.”
“Well, you’ve done a great job today. How about we go out to dinner tonight?”
“Yeah, okay. That sounds nice.”
We went to a Chinese restaurant and shared a nice meal. I know she wanted to ask me about Logan, but she kept her questions to herself. After dinner, we headed home. I was tired from a long day and excused myself to go to bed very early.
As I headed up the stairs I heard the phone ring. “Delaney, it’s for you. It’s your mom.”
“Hi Mom, how are you?” I said.
“I’m fine honey, how are you?”
“I’m okay. Aunt Vickie gave me a job, so I’m keeping busy.”
“Good, but don’t over-do it. You have to remember your condition.”
I looked down at my belly, “Trust me Mom, I remember.”
“Well, I called to see how you were, but also to tell you something else.”
“What?”
“Your young man came to the house today.”
When I didn’t say anything, she said, “He’s certainly a striking young man.”
“Yes.” I was shaking.
“He seems very determined to find you.”
“You didn’t tell him where I am, did you?”
“No honey, I didn’t.”
“Thank you. What did he say?”
“He said to tell you that he loves you.”
“Anything else?” I said as the tears started down my cheek.
“Yes. He said something about not believing one word of a letter you wrote.”
“Is that all?”
“No. He asked about the baby, and if you’ve been to a new doctor yet. He said to remind you that you’re due for your next appointment.”
“I know. I have to find a new doctor here.”
“Why don’t you just come home?”
“Because he’ll be back.”
“He told me that he was married and the story behind it. He also said he’s getting divorced. He seems like a very wonderful young man. He obviously loves you very much.”
“He is wonderful and I know he loves me,” I said, openly crying now.
“Then why? You obviously love him, and it’s evident that he’s madly in love with you. Why don’t you give him another chance?”
“Mom, I told you, it’s because I love him that I left.”
“This makes no sense, Delaney. If he’s getting divorced, then what’s the problem?”
“She’s not going to let him go that easy. She’s going to take everything from him if I go back to him.”
“He doesn’t seem concerned about any of that. In fact, the only thing he is worried about; is you.”
“I can’t let him lose everything. It’s all he has left of her.”
“I don’t think you’re giving him enough credit. He seems to really have his mind set…”
“MOM, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Please, I have to move on. I have a baby to think about. I wish it was his baby, and I’m sure you don’t want to hear that, but it’s true. But, since it’s not, I have to take care of her on my own. He’s not responsible, and it’s not fair to him. So drop it, please!”
“Why don’t you come home? You don’t need to work. I’ll take care of you,” she pleaded.
“Mom, I love you. But, please understand that I have to do this on my own. I need to work to stay busy. I can’t just sit around and let you take care of me and my problems. I have to take care of my baby…myself.”
“Okay, I’m not going to argue with you anymore. You do need to make that appointment though. Don’t forget. Please call me once in a while, honey. I miss you.”
I knew I was hurting her, but I had to do this for myself. I needed to stand up and be responsible for my own life and that of my child’s.
I hung up the phone and asked my aunt Vickie the name of her doctor.
“I go to Dr. Ambrose, but he’s a general doctor. I don’t think he handles pregnancies.”
“Oh, well I guess I’ll have to look in the phone book.”
“We’ll make an appointment, first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.”
“Delaney, why don’t you call him?”
“Not you, too,” I said, tired of fighting.
“It’s obvious that you love each other. Sorry, but I was listening.”
“I’m going to bed now.”
“Goodnight, honey. I’m sure his shirt is almost as good as the real thing.”
I stopped and looked at her, “It’s all I have. Goodnight.”
I made it upstairs and put on my nightgown. This time I just hugged the shirt to me until I fell asleep. My nightmare came back that night in full force. I woke up a few hours later soaking wet and shaking. I looked around to get my bearings and then heard some strange sounds in the house. I walked down the hall to investigate and walked right in to my Aunt’s room. I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized she was in bed, and she had company.
“Oh, no, I’m so sorry,” I said, covering my eyes and backing out of her room.
“It’s okay. Tabby must have opened the bedroom door, that stupid cat,” she said, throwing a blanket over herself and her lover. “I guess this is probably not a great time for introductions. I’ll see you in the morning, honey. Did you need something?”
“Um, no, sorry. I just heard…goodnight.”
The next morning I headed downstairs determined to be on time for work and ran right into my Aunt’s lover.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Hi,” I said, unable to look him in the eye.
“I’m really sorry about last night. I hope we didn’t wake you, or keep you up.”
“No.”
“I’m Harley. You’re Delaney?”
“Um, yes,” I said, trying very hard to stop picturing him without his clothes and in bed with my aunt.
“Good morning, Delaney,” my aunt said, stretching her arms above her head and smiling.
“Hi, Aunt Vickie.”
“So, have you two met?”
“Yes.”
We sat down to the best breakfast I had ever had. Harley was a master in the kitchen. I ate until I was stuffed full.
“Wow, that was wonderful! You can sure cook!” I said.
“And not just in the kitchen,” my aunt said, making me blush.
“I’m going out to the shop and get to work,” I said, suddenly feeling very much a third wheel.
“I’ll be out…later,” she grinned.
I walked outside and started toward the shop when I felt a cold, wet nose on my hand. I assumed it was my aunt’s German Sheppard, Harry, but as I turned to pet him, I saw Duchess. I froze where I stood and slowly scanned the yard. He was standing a few feet in front of me, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed over his chest. The sight of him still took my breath away.
“Not this soon,” I said, trembling.
“Why did you leave? And I want the truth,” he demanded, taking a step toward me.
“I told you why.”
“You’re lying. You told me you’d never lie to me, Delaney.”
“I’m not lying. Go home, Logan. Go home to your wife.”
“Delaney, I don’t know what this is all about, but whatever it is, we can work it out.”
“No, we can’t. How did you find me?”
“I have my ways,” he grinned, leaning back against the tree and crossing one leg in front of the other.
“Who told you where I was?” Knowing someone caved, and I wanted to know who I needed to yell at.
“Everyone.”
“What do you mean?”
“I asked your mom, but she tried to keep her promise to you and wouldn’t tell me…at first. Then I decided to go to Molly, but her mother said she was at Brian’s house. So, I went there and they both told me where you were. Then on the drive over, your Mom called and told me where you were. A while later I got a call from your Dad.”
“My Dad?” I asked, shocked. “I told them all not to…”
“He gave me directions.”
“Wow! My dad, really?” I said, completely surprised that my father would tell Logan where I was, far less give him directions.
“Why is it that everyone knows we belong together, except you?”
My aunt and Harley walked out of the house then, “Delaney, who’s your friend?” my aunt asked.
“Hello, I’m Logan Barnett,” he said, reaching out his hand.
“Logan. Hmm, I should’ve recognized the shirt,” my aunt grinned.
“Excuse me?” he asked, confused.
“How could you possibly leave…him? Wow!” she whispered in my ear.
“Logan was just leaving,” I said.
“Not without you.”
“That’s not an option. I told you, go home to your wife.”
“Wife?” my aunt asked, shocked.
“Delaney, what happened? Please tell me why you’re doing this.” he asked, taking a step toward me.
I stepped back and said, “Go home! Please!” I put up my hands as if to hold him back and willed myself not to cry.
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