by Faye Byrd
I lean back to get a closer look. “This is what you wore yesterday?”
“Uh, huh.”
“Dude,” I say with a grin. “Let’s get something clean just to be safe.”
He shrugs like he could care less either way. After finding him some clothes and getting him dressed, I freshen up myself before we make our way to the car. The ride into Midtown is uneventful, and by the time we’re parked, Blake has taken a twenty-minute catnap, but he wakes easily, excited to already be here.
After we both pass a quick strep test in the outpatient department, we make our way to the elevator. As we’re waiting for the doors to open, the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. I turn swiftly, anticipating the worst, but everything appears normal. The ding grabs my attention, so I guide Blake into the elevator, silently chastising myself for being so paranoid. But when the doors are only inches from closing, an eerily familiar form moves past them.
I’m so freaked out that I grab at the doors, intent on shoving them open and confronting her, but I can’t get my fingers wedged between the tiny space in time. I lean my head against the closed doors and replay the split-second image over and over, convincing myself that I’m just freaking out.
Luckily, no one stops the elevator before we reach our destination, and by the time we step onto Cam’s floor, the whole scenario makes me feel like an overprotective nut job. I shake my head at myself and guide the little guy down the hall to see his brother.
We enter quietly, just in case Cam’s asleep, but I should’ve known better. He’s sitting up, eagerly awaiting his brother’s visit. “Blake, come in. Get on my bed,” he says excitedly, scooting over.
I wave my hand to get his attention. “Hey, dude, you forget about me?”
“Nah, Daddy,” he says happily. “I ‘member you.”
I let out a small snort just as warm, inviting hands slip around my waist. My focus goes from Cam’s cute little self to the gorgeous woman standing before me. “Hi,” I say, leaning in for a PG-13 kiss. You know, the ones where you keep it chaste but are dying to deepen it the whole time.
“We come home in the morning,” she says when I finally release her lips. Her smile is as bright as the sun on an Atlanta summer day.
My smile matches hers as I lift her and spin her around in celebration, yet I can’t help but worry that my news will dim her light.
15 Intersection
Easy
Hearing that Kennedy is lurking nearby is both frustrating and terrifying, but it’s also something I have no control over. I can’t let that woman and what she may intend to do get to me. I have two boys that need me to be the best mother I can, and wasting time stressing over her doesn’t serve them very well.
Trystan, on the other hand, is stressing over it, even though his attorney has assured us there’s nothing more we can do. We have all the rights, and she has none, yet I understand his need to want to make her disappear. In his mind, he’s the connecting element. He somehow thinks if he hadn’t married her, she’d be a non-factor. And that is true, but Cameron also wouldn’t exist without her, so I can’t wish her away.
Since Cam came home on Monday, Trystan and the boys have spent their weekdays accepting furniture deliveries at Cooper and Kari’s house, stocking the refrigerator, outfitting the bathrooms and anything else they can to make them feel at home upon their arrival. We’re excited to have them join us in Atlanta, and even more appreciative that they’re so willing.
After parking at the airport, I make my way inside the terminal to await Kari and the boys. With her thirty-seven-week mark swiftly approaching, she wants to get here before she’s grounded permanently. Even for this short flight, she had to get a medical release. Cooper is finishing his last day before he takes paternity leave and is driving their SUV down tomorrow.
Not ten minutes after I’m inside, a large smile forms as I spot Kari. It’s been almost a month since I’ve seen her, and she’s absolutely glowing today. I rush toward her, spreading my arms for a warm hug.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” I say as I hold her tightly to me. I take to heart what she’s willing to do for my son, her nephew, and just her presence in my life fills my heart with gratitude.
When we break apart, her eyes are glassy, and she swiftly waves her hand, trying to prevent the tears from falling. “Ugh. Don’t mind me,” she says with a giggle. “I’m an overly-emotional pregnant woman.”
I hook my arm around her waist and lead her and the boys toward the luggage conveyor. “You can be as emotional as you want.” While we wait, I lean down and address the boys. “Hey, guys. Are you excited to be here?”
Carson snuggles closer to his mama’s leg, giving me a funny look, but Blaine huffs and crosses his arms. “I didn’t wanna leave my friends.”
“At school?” I ask, brushing a wayward strand of brown hair from his forehead. I know he started Pre-K just a few weeks ago.
“Uh-huh,” he says with an exaggerated nod. “I got five new ones.” He impresses me by holding up five fingers.
I glance to Kari as I speak, hoping I’m not overstepping. “Maybe your mama can get you in with Char so you can make new friends. Cam loves going there.”
Instead of looking upset in any way, Kari actually looks relieved. “I hadn’t thought of it, but that may just work. If she has a spot that is.”
“Yes!” Blaine exclaims, adding a fist pump for effect. “I can make new friends!”
“You sure can, sweetie,” I say as I poke his little belly and stand, focusing on Kari. “I’ll talk to Charlotte soon and let you know.”
“Thanks, girl. It’ll surely help to have some of their day otherwise occupied.” Her eyes perk up, and she moves to get her luggage.
I step around her and quickly scoop up the two bags with Ashby tags. “No, you don’t,” I say, giving her an apologetic shrug. “I’ve got these.”
“I’m not helpless, but thanks anyway.”
They follow me to my car, and we make the drive back to Peach Springs. Since it’s a Friday afternoon, the Interstate is pretty hectic, so I’m appreciative when we’re able to exit into my quiet little town that’s nestled on the outer fringes of a large metropolitan area. Cooper and Kari’s taste is a little more expensive than mine, so I direct us toward Spring Estates. It’s an exclusive, gated community just a few miles from home.
“There sure is a lot of green around here,” Kari notes as she looks around with a contented smile. “It’s nice.”
“It is. The heat took a little getting used to, but Georgia feels like home to me now,” I reply as I pull up to the gate and punch in the code. “At seventeen, it felt like moving was the end of my world.”
“So you weren’t raised here?” she asks, giving me a side glance. “I guess I just assumed you were.”
I shake my head and explain a little of my history to her.
“You were engaged?” she blurts when I get to my past with Richard. “Wow. I didn’t see that one coming. But I guess it makes sense. I did wonder why an attractive, young woman such as yourself would decide to have a child alone.”
“It’s just …” I sigh, searching for the right words. “I always knew I’d be married and starting a family by my mid-twenties, so when it didn’t happen, I figured who needed the perfect man to start a family. I was a successful woman by every measurement except the one that meant the most to me.” I shrug and glance her way as I turn onto their street. “So I changed it.”
“That’s pretty inspiring,” she says, her eyes on the road, watching as her home for the next few months comes into view. “Oh, look, guys!” she points excitedly. “There’s our new house.”
By the time we pull into the driveway, my brows furrow because there are several extra cars here, and I recognize each and every one. Not only is Amelia’s car here, but so are my mom’s, Charlotte’s and even Ryder’s.
Kari’s eyes go from their full driveway to me. “What’s going on?”
I snort. “Your guess is as g
ood as mine, but if I had to guess, I’d say Trystan has made a few calls.”
She rubs her round bump. “As long as he cooked for us all, I don’t mind one bit.”
A bark of laughter erupts as I switch off the car. “He does love to cook.”
Before we can get our seatbelts unbuckled, Ryder is rushing outside to open Kari’s door and offer her a helping hand. “Welcome to Georgia, ma’am,” he says with a neat little bow. “Allow me to escort you inside.”
Shaking my head, I get out and help Blaine and Carson from their seats. Before I’m even done, Amelia is at my side. “They have any bags?”
“Yeah, sure.” I hit the remote and pop the trunk. She’s back at my side in an instant. “So what’s going on here?” I ask as I set the boys loose, and they charge toward the front door.
“Just dinner,” she says, bumping her shoulder into mine. “Trystan just wanted to make sure Kari had a warm welcome. And well …”
“Well, what?” I ask, confused as to why no one mentioned this. Not that I mind. It just feels weird to be surprised right along with her.
“We all agreed with him,” she says with a shrug. “She may be able to save Cam’s life.”
“Oh, I know that,” I say, linking my arm with hers. “I just don’t know why no one mentioned it to me.”
“Maybe because it’s a little bit for you, too,” she suggests lightly. “Not that Trystan said anything of the sort, but I overheard him talking to your mom about Cam’s hospital stay.” She stops and faces me, grabbing onto my arms. “You’re not alone anymore, Easy. Cam’s father is here, a part of your life, both your lives, and you’re going to have to learn to lean on him. Especially if Kari’s baby is a match.”
“What were they saying?” I ask, irritation lacing my tone.
“Stop it,” she says, giving me a little shake. “They were just discussing how insistent you were on staying with Cam, and Trystan thought it’d be good for you to get to spend time with everyone after a rough weekend.”
My irritation fizzles instantly. He does worry about me and told me as much himself. I can use some happy family time, and it looks like that’s exactly what I’m going to get.
I tilt my head toward the door where my mother and Charlotte are patiently waiting. “Let’s go.” I link our elbows and start dragging her toward them. “I can’t wait to see what he cooked in the short time I was away.”
“I’ll give you a hint,” she says with a hint of her usual Amelia flair. “Mexican. And I’m not talking Tom’s Taco Mexican. I’m talking authentic Mexican.”
My mouth is watering by the time I step into my mother’s arms.
We end up having our last cookout of the season on the following Monday, Labor Day, and Tuesday is Kari’s first appointment with her new OB, who happens to be Dr. Sen’s sister. According to Kari, who hasn’t stopped singing her praises since the visit, Dr. Avni Sen has surpassed all hopes she had in locating a new doctor to entrust with Violet’s birth.
They’ve scheduled the amniocentesis for Monday, and I’ve made sure to take the day off from work. I may not be able to do much, but even sitting in the waiting room to offer support is better than nothing. She’s subjecting herself to an invasive procedure just to give me peace of mind; this is the least I can do.
“Easy.” Tasha’s voice sounds through the intercom. “I have Mrs. Perry on line two.”
I grimace but add cheeriness in my voice, though I already anticipated this call. “Mrs. Perry, this is Easy. How can I help you today?”
“Miss Wilder,” she starts in a scolding tone. “I told you this was the wrong shade of blue, and now that I see it on my walls, I’m embarrassed to admit this is my house. It’s disgusting.”
I pause to make sure she’s finished, and when she doesn’t continue, I say, “I apologize that you’re disappointed with the color, Mrs. Perry, but you are the one who selected it. My suggestion was for a blue-gray tone.”
“I don’t care who chose the damn color. I want it gone, Miss Wilder. Off my walls immediately.” Her tone is sharp, but she evens it as she continues, “Now when can I expect you?”
Taking a couple of deep, cleansing breaths, I center myself for a reply. “Mrs. Perry, I’ll be happy to have the painters come first thing in the morning, but only if you allow them to use the color I originally selected. Is that acceptable?”
“I suppose,” she says, sighing. “And thank you, Miss Wilder. I’ll trust your judgment next time.”
A pleased smile lifts the corners of my lips. “You’re welcome, Mrs. Perry. I look forward to your business.”
I end the call and rock back in my chair, remembering the first time I met Mrs. Perry. She was in line behind me at the bank when I charged in begging them to allow me the opportunity to pitch a new design for their tired lobby. Needless to say, the manager turned me away, but I somehow won my first paying customer. She’s been with me since the beginning, and as she ages, she gets more demanding, but I’d never turn my back on her.
A rap on my office door brings me from the memory, and a smile the size of Texas lights my face. “Come in. Come in.” I wave excitedly at my three guys. “What are you doing here?”
“We bring you lunch, Mama,” Cam says, pointing to the backpack Trystan is taking from his shoulder. “I not get ice cream yet, though.”
My eyes flick to Trystan, and we share a secret smile. “Is that so?” I ask with amusement. “It was very nice of you to bring me lunch first.”
Cam climbs into one of the chairs across from my desk. “Daddy said we had to.”
A chuckle rumbles from Trystan’s chest. “Dude,” he says, shaking his head. “You’re supposed to pretend you wanted to see Mama first.”
“Sorry,” Cam says as he scoots to the side so Blake can fit in the chair beside him. “I do wanna see Mama, though.”
“Yep, and we want ice cream, too,” Blake chimes in once he’s settled.
Trystan leans down and delivers a chaste kiss before motioning to the long sandwich and homemade potato chips he’s set on my desk. “I thought we’d eat with you today.”
“I can’t think of a better way to spend my lunch.”
Monday morning dawns gray and cloudy; the perfect accompaniment to my frazzled mind. Even though I’m not the one facing the procedure today, the anticipation of waiting for the results is doing a number on me. I want them, but I’m also afraid of them. I’ve almost convinced myself that not knowing is better than the deep disappointment knowing can bring.
Trystan grabs my fidgeting hands and stills them in my lap. “Please stop worrying so much. In just a few days we’ll know for certain.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I say, latching onto him like a lifeline. “I’m terrified that I’ve given this avenue too much hope.”
He pulls into an empty spot and switches off the car, turning to cup my face. “We can’t allow ourselves to think like that. At least Cam has a shot right now. And if this isn’t his cure, then we’ll keep searching until we find it. That’s all we can do.” He runs his fingers down my cheek. “I don’t want you making yourself sick over this. I’m here, and I’ll always be here.”
I lean into his touch, blowing out a breath, willing myself to release the excess tension along with it. “I’ll try.”
“Please do,” he says, giving me a quick peck before heaving himself from the car and coming to open my door. His eyes shift warily around the parking lot before he offers me a hand.
Ever since Kennedy skipped her arranged meeting with Katherine the Friday before Labor Day, Trystan has been driving himself nuts trying to figure out her intentions. She went from visibly seeking an audience to radio silence. In his mind that can only mean she’s planning something more invasive.
I take his hand, and when I’m standing, I lay my palm against his chest. “Hey,” I call softly, forcing him to look at me. “If I’m going to try and let go of my anxiety over this procedure, then you need to do the same when it comes to Kennedy
. She can’t hurt us unless we allow it.”
“I wish I could believe that.” His eyes make one more round over the parking lot before returning to me. “But I’m just not sure what’s she’s capable of.”
“As long as it isn’t violence, we can handle her,” I say firmly. “She has no legal standing. Any claim she makes will be overshadowed by her utter failure as a mother.”
He does the same thing I did earlier. He takes a deep breath and blows it out heavily. “You’re right.”
“It’s a gift,” I say cheekily as he takes my hand and laces our fingers together.
The walk into MUMC is filled with quiet contemplation, but we make it together as a strong unit. That’s what we’re here for after all. To show our support to a pair of family members who are going above and beyond for our son.
When we make it to the small waiting room in the OB/GYN section of the maternity floor, Cooper and Kari are already seated. Cooper stands as we approach, his usual light-hearted manner replaced by a more serious expression.
“Morning, bro, good to see you,” he says, reaching out to do a manshake with Trystan. “Easy.” He smiles and kisses my cheek before offering me the seat beside his wife.
I squeeze her arm as I sit. “How are you doing?”
She places her hand over mine. “Sweetie, there’s no need to worry about me. I’m not even very nervous. Dr. Anvi is amazing, and I trust her completely.”
My brows furrow. “But you’ve only had one appointment with her.”
“You’re going to get wrinkles if you keep that up.” She smooths her thumb up my forehead. “One, yes, but she also called me personally after I selected her and made the first appointment. She wanted to be sure I knew she had been filled in on everything that was medically pertinent, and that she was qualified to handle the continuation of my pregnancy.”
I tilt my head, impressed that Dr. Anvi made the extra effort but thankful as well. It proves that Dr. Sen’s dedication toward Cam’s case is a quality that runs in the family. I’m both awed and appreciative.