“Okay… Hmm… Gunther called a bit ago and said he was wrapping things up at Edge. He should be home within the hour. I can have him stop, buy a test, and drop it off—”
“No!” Elaina yelled. “Sorry… No, you can’t tell anyone. Please.”
“Okay, well… I can run out when he comes back, then drop it off. You don’t want Anne to know?”
“Not yet. She already thinks so poorly of me. If it’s positive, I’ll tell her. Can you stay with me while I take it?”
“Of course, and I don’t think she’ll be upset. I’m sure she will see it as a blessing. When Gunther gets home, I will run out. See you in a little while. Just try to calm down and relax.”
“Okay… Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Elaina hung up and flopped back on the mattress. She stared up at the ceiling and shook her fist. “You! I can’t believe this. I can’t believe you might have knocked me up!” She pulled the blankets up over her head and snuggled in, waiting for Cora to show.
Cora walked up the porch steps, the pregnancy test tucked away in the pocket of Gunther’s hoodie.
Anne saw her through the window before she was able to knock. Opening the door, she smiled. “Hullo, Cora. So glad to see you.”
“Likewise,” Cora said, returning the smile. “Is it all right if I run up and check on Elaina?”
“Of course,” Anne said, waving her inside. “But I’m afraid she won’t be good company.”
“I suppose not. I haven’t seen her since the remembrance, though. I thought I would stop in and see if I can get her moving.”
Anne nodded. “You’re a wonderful friend.”
“Thanks,” Cora said, blushing. She hated lying to her, but she saw no other way around it after promising Elaina she wouldn’t say a word.
“You know where she is. I can make tea or coffee…bring up a snack. Maybe you can coax her to eat a bite or two.”
“That would be lovely.”
Cora jogged up the stairs and headed to Elaina’s room. She hesitated at the door before knocking.
“Come in…” Elaina’s voice sounded weary.
Cora opened the door, the total darkness making her startle. She worried about what could be lurking right in front of her face. As she moved her hand around on the wall, hunting for the light switch, the bedding rustled.
Cora flinched, blinded when Elaina turned on the bedside lamp.
In this brief, yet grief-stricken moment, she understood Elaina’s pain due to dealing with her own and helping Gunther through his; however, each handled it differently. She knew all about the desire to curl up into a ball, hoping the clueless wouldn’t try to soothe away a pain they just didn’t understand. This need and desire, full of fear to live, seemed like the easy route to some, but Cora got it.
Back at the school in North Carolina, once she realized Peter would never be coming back, she hid those feelings from everyone. Well past the children’s bedtime, she would find herself crying, hoping no one could see her weakness.
One day, she took all that sadness, focused it, and became the caretaker of the community. She helped with first aid and childcare, shared her knowledge of homesteading, and was always available as a shoulder to cry on. Although she didn’t forget any of what she and her loved ones had gone through.
Swallowing hard, images of Peter flashed through Cora’s mind. The quiet ache further developed in the pit of her stomach, making her rub her abdomen. Images of the sickness and tragedy that tore Gunther and Quinn apart took over. She wished the persistent thoughts would burn out of her memory for good. Tucking them away was easier than battling them day in, day out.
She remembered feeling just like Elaina looked. Embracing the pain, longing to be alone to wallow in private. The need not to be functional for another minute in a life that seemed like a vicious cycle of knives cutting deeper with each stab.
Cora wanted to cry at seeing Elaina wilted within her own existence. Her hair knotted and greasy, her eyes bloodshot, her cheeks an unpleasant shade of red. She had thinned out even more, making Cora concerned for her overall health. If she didn’t take matters into her own hands, things would become more devastating for everyone, especially the man she loved.
If anything happened to Elaina, it would rock Gunther’s world once again, chipping away at the already cracked shell encasing the delicate, golden heart tethered to his troubled soul. Fearing for him, it was time to kick Elaina right in the ass, but Cora knew she needed to use a gentle hand. If she didn’t, Elaina would retreat further into the darkness, surely leaving the world once and for all.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped farther into the room, tilting her head to the side, trying to compose the right words containing empathy, not ridicule.
After another step, Cora stalled as the feelings settled on her shoulders, a burden she wanted to sweep away. This was not something anyone, no matter the strength in their body and power in their mind, could shake.
She gazed around the room, looking for evidence this situation was a figment of her own imagination, but the layer of dust covering every surface, except the bed and nightstand, told the real story.
The bedroom was so devoid of life, so full of darkness, even with the warm, low watt lightbulb shining under the cream-colored lampshade. The dim glow portrayed a beacon of life, telling Cora one thing…
There was still time left to live.
Time waited, dangled, screamed for someone to take hold and ride the ebbs and flows it most certainly would bring.
Regardless of the fear or sadness consuming her, Elaina needed to gravitate toward it. Instead, she refused to take a glance at the possibility this new life, without Henry, did have some meaning and purpose.
Staring at Elaina’s sunken cheeks, Cora knew time was running out for her and this insistent situation. The possibility of a pregnancy and caring for her son needed to take priority.
“Elaina…,” she whispered. “Oh, sweetheart.” Unable to stand the agony for another second, Cora rushed to the bed just in time to catch her before she folded up into ball. Rocking her from side-to-side, rubbing her back, Cora held her through the jagged breaths. “Shhh… I’ve got you. Just let it out.”
“I’m so angry with him. How could he do this to me?”
Tears pricking the corners of her eyes, Cora felt her own emotions heightening.
“Even while dating, we rarely used protection. Why now? Why this time? Why am I being tortured? Why am I the one left feeling empty? I have nothing more to give.”
Cora grabbed her shoulders and pushed her away, seeing only defeat in Elaina’s eyes. “You don’t even know if you are pregnant yet.”
“I know I am. I just do.”
“Here…” Cora reached inside the pocket of the hoodie and pulled out the test.
Elaina’s hands trembled as she took the box. “Will you stay?”
“Of course. I’ll be right here.”
She watched as Elaina stood, the gym shorts nearly sliding off her hips before she made it to the door. The sight was pathetic.
Cora rubbed her face with her palms. She, too, wondered why God dealt Elaina this cruel hand.
Minutes passed, plucking at all Cora’s nerves. She tapped her fingers on her legs, looked at her watch, tugged at the hoodie. Finally, Elaina came back into the room, test in hand.
“I can’t look.” She held it out to Cora, covering her eyes, waiting for a response.
Two lines as vivid as they could be.
Cora shut her eyes for a moment, then stood and embraced Elaina. Slowly, they sank to the floor, Elaina’s sobs shaking them both.
“It’s going to be okay. We’re all here to help you. You just have to let us.”
“Why? Why now?” Elaina leaned back, looking into Cora’s eyes, searching for an answer she would never get.
Cora reached for her face, holding it, swiping at the river of tears. “It’s a gift from above. This is your moment, your time to dig deep and
find the strength to be the mother I know you are.”
“He’ll never meet this child. He’ll never know. The baby will never know his or her father.”
“That’s where we’ll come in. We all have wonderful memories of Henry, even through the rough times.” She tucked Elaina’s hair behind her ears. “Gunther and I will be here for you every step of the way. We’ll figure this out. This baby is a blessing, not a burden.”
Elaina nodded. “Thank you. Your offer to help means so much to me.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Listen, I have to go before the kids sweet talk Gunther into something crazy, like a second dessert or staying up an extra hour.” Cora stood and helped Elaina up, then ushered her back to the bed. “Get some rest tonight. I suspect tomorrow will be a new day for you.”
After patting Elaina on the shoulder, she left the room and headed home.
Chapter 24
As dawn broke, Cora sighed and rolled over. She had trouble sleeping again. Her mind wandered, worrying over Elaina, but her thoughts soon shifted.
A small smile lifted her lips as she thought about all the little kisses and touches she and Gunther had shared lately. Feeling the urge to go cuddle up with him, she hoped he would be receptive.
Quietly, Cora walked into Gunther’s room. He was sound asleep, belly down on the mattress, his head buried in between the pillows, muffling his soft snores. Smiling, she shuffled to the bed.
Slowly, she pulled back the blanket and sheet, noting the naked state of his chiseled physique. Easing into the bed, she slipped under the covers. Just as she touched his shoulder, Gunther burst out of bed, taking the linens with him. He stumbled over a chair, teetering back and forth as he worked hard to hide his erection.
Finally catching his balance, he yelled, “Suffering hell, bird! Why are you always trying to give me a fucking heart attack?” Cora held her hand over her mouth, trying to hide her laughter. “Not funny. Christ.” Still clutching the blanket in front of himself, he stumbled over it as he walked back to the bed.
“Gunther… I’ve seen you naked before,” she said, giggling.
“Right.” He pulled the blanket off and tossed it back on the bed.
Her gaze traveled across his body, landing on his cock, which stood out proudly. “I came in for a cuddle. I can’t go back to sleep.”
After climbing back in, he rolled onto his side and hissed, pressing his hand to his lower back.
“Fuck…”
“Did you hurt yourself?”
“No. I’m going to need a good dose.”
“Let me eat, then you can hook me up.”
“’Kay,” he mumbled, scooting closer to Cora, resting his arm around her waist. “Mmm…”
“What?” she asked, running her fingertips up his arm.
“You’re warm.”
“You’re naked,” she purred.
“I believe we’ve already established that.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. “What’s on your mind, beautiful?”
Her cheeks flushed, but it soon faded. “I’m just worried about Elaina.”
“Yeah?”
“It’s been about two months. She needs to get moving. Do something. You know how I went to check on her yesterday?”
“Yeah?”
“I was shocked to see how pale and thin she has become. She’s weak, and it seems she has given up on living.” Cora paused, listening to Gunther’s heartbeat. “She has some other things going on, too. We need to help her.”
“I haven’t seen or talked to her since the shed incident.”
Cora ran her hands over his chest, enjoying the feel of his muscles flexing as he curled in closer. She debated on what to say without actually telling him Elaina was pregnant. “She’s probably dropped twenty-five or thirty pounds…which isn’t good right now.”
“What are you hinting at, bird?” Gunther groaned as he rolled onto his back. He rubbed his face, then threw his arms down at his side. “I should probably go try to get her up.”
“I know you have a lot on your plate, but maybe talking to you will help.”
He laughed. “Because I did a brill job last time.”
“It may work this time.” Cora moved back to Gunther’s side, resting her head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around her.
In an almost automated response, he began playing with her hair. “Let me shower and whatnot.” His stomach grumbled. “And food. Bloody hell. I’m always hungry.”
“What do you want to eat?”
“Hmm… Pancakes. Stacks of them.” Cora laughed at the boyish grin spreading across his face. “Oh… Do we have any apples and walnuts? Bacon and sausages, too. Wait! Bananas, sliced on top. Please tell me we have real maple syrup, not that corn syrup shit.”
She laughed. “You are too funny. I’ll whip you up a feast fit for a king.”
“Mmm… Now we’re talking. Got to feed the royal beast. Do we have any strawberries and blueberries?”
“In the freezer.” She gazed up and ran her fingers through his beard. When he smiled at her, she said, “This feels good.”
“It does.”
“I’m so glad we’re moving in this direction.”
“Me, too. Slow and steady.”
“Wins the race,” Cora murmured. She pushed up and pressed her lips to his. He ran his hand up her body and weaved it through her hair, holding her to his lips.
With a nip of his teeth and a stroke from the tip of his tongue, he kissed her with passion. In one swift move, he rolled them over and settled on top of her, pushing her thighs apart. Just as his blunt tip grazed her warm flesh, she broke the kiss with a gasp.
“This is not slow and steady.” She tapped him on the nose. “And you need your blood.”
“I need your pussy much more.” She lifted a brow. “Fine. Sorry.” He rolled off. “Wait until I have my dose. I might chase you down and throw you over my shoulder. Go all caveman on you. Fuck you so hard, you won’t be able to walk for days.”
She laughed and got out of bed. “I better get out of here before you can’t control yourself a second longer then.”
“Fucking right!” He threw a pillow at her. “Get out of here, sassy bird.”
She lifted the hem of her sleepshirt, exposing her naked ass. “As you wish.”
“Jesus suffering fuck…” He trailed off, staring as she swayed back and forth.
With a smirk, Cora dropped the hem and left the room. Gunther slapped his hands over his face and moaned, doing his best not to chase her down and fuck her senseless.
He rolled out of bed, pulled on some pajama pants, and headed to the bathroom for an ice-cold shower.
With Kate in tow, Gunther walked up the snow-dusted porch steps of Elaina’s house, making a mental note to send Silas over to keep the porch clear of any snow and ice.
Before he knocked, Gunther gazed down at Kate. “I just need you to hang with Nicky for a bit while I talk to Ms. Anne. Okay?”
“Yes, sir. I can do that.”
Gunther smiled and gently touched the back of her head. “You are turning out to be a wonderful young lady. I appreciate all the help you’ve been providing through everything.” He turned back to the door and knocked.
After a scurry of footsteps, Anne opened the door. Smiling, she said, “Hullo.”
“Hey. I was wondering if I could talk to you. Do you have a minute?”
“Of course. Come in out of the cold. I need to get some cookies out of the oven and check on Nicky. That lad is always getting into something,” she said, walking toward the kitchen. “Can’t leave him alone for a second.”
Gunther laughed as he and Kate stepped into the house. “Grey was the same. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to pry something out of his chubby little hand or his mouth.” They followed her into the kitchen. “Thankfully, Everette isn’t nearly as curious as he is. I brought Kate with me so she could watch Nicky while we chat.”
Anne opened the oven and pulled out two trays of cookies.
“That works. He’s in the family room.” She shut the door and tossed the oven mitts on the counter. Kate smiled and headed out of the kitchen.
Gunther escorted Anne to the living room, both taking a seat on the couch. As he gazed at her, he noted she was far too thin. Her pale skin and drawn lips read worn and frazzled. Something needed to change before it was too late.
“Tell me. How’s she doing?” he asked, taking her hand.
“Still in bed.” She sighed. “I can’t even get her to come downstairs. It’s almost Christmas and I would love to get a few decorations up, but I just haven’t had the energy.”
“I understand. We can arrange for Cora to come over and give you a hand, but it would be better if Elaina helped.”
“Yeah,” Anne whispered, her gaze shifting to the floor. Pulling away, she wrapped her hands around her upper arms and rubbed.
Gunther reached out and touched her chin. “How are you?”
“It’s been difficult. I didn’t think I would be taking care of a toddler at my age.”
“I feel that.”
“I miss him, Gunther. Everything about him.” She stared up at him. “Even his unsettled behavior. I miss holding him when he cried. I miss his laugh and smile. The energy he had when he was happy.”
“Of course you do. He was your son.” Gunther slid over and embraced her as she wiped away a few tears trickling down her cheeks.
“I’ve been so busy trying to keep up with Nicky and take care of Elaina, I’ve lost myself somewhere along the way.”
“We’re going to get that back for you. When Quinn passed with our second…” His voice caught in his throat. No matter how much time had passed, the scene was still vivid, playing on repeat in his mind. “Let’s just say it’s still difficult for me. I can’t even imagine what I would go through if I lost Joel, Grey, or Everette…or any of them. Allow me to go talk to her. Let me see if I can get her up and moving. Maybe I can get through to her this time.”
Anne nodded and waved her hand toward the stairs. “You know where she is.”
Gunther stood and headed up, pausing when he came to her bedroom door. He wanted to say so many things. Wanted to shake her, make her understand the weight she was placing on Henry’s mother. It wasn’t fair to Anne or Nicky.
Full Circle (Shattered Lives, Book Five) Page 19