by Lee Rose
She saw a figure by the window, but she couldn’t tell who it was. They were dressed in dark clothes with a baseball cap hiding their face. It was late and most people didn’t walk around the streets in the dark. The only thing open at night was the bar, but that was blocks away.
Hannah hurried to the back room and grabbed her cell phone and called the station. Billy usually worked nights. The phone rang and Billy answered. “Bear Creek sheriff’s office.”
“Billy, it’s Hannah,” she whispered, turning off her office light and going through her drawer where she kept a flashlight for emergencies. “I’m at the shelter alone and someone is trying to break in. I can’t see who it is but they are dressed all in black and fiddling with the lock.”
“Shit! I’ll be right there, Hannah. Stay in your office,” he stated, hanging up the phone.
Hannah could feel herself shaking. She thought about her baby. She couldn’t fight off an attacker and possibly harm the baby. She loved him or her so much already. “Don’t worry, baby. Momma will protect you,” she whispered, turning the flashlight on and looking around the office for a weapon. She heard glass break and her heart started racing wildly. All she could find was a broom and vowed to turn her office into an arsenal of weapons for the next time some asshole messed with her. If she had her rifle she sure wouldn’t be back here hiding.
She heard footsteps and raised the broom, the door slowly creaked opened. Hannah was about to strike the intruder when she saw it was Billy standing there with wide eyes.
He stopped in mid-step and said in an amused voice, “A broom?”
Hannah let out her breath and tried to get her heart to calm down, putting the broom down. “It’s all I had back here. If this keeps up, I’m carrying my rifle with me everywhere I go, just like a purse. Did you catch that asshole? I have a few things to say to him or her. I’m getting really tired of this crap.”
He shook his head with regret, walking toward her and grabbed the broom out of her shaking hand. “They took off running as soon as I got here. I was too worried about you alone in here to give chase. I’m sorry, honey, but they broke the door window.”
“At least you got here quickly. I was scared they’d find me in here. Usually I’m not here this late but I was sick all day and got behind on my work,” Hannah said, sitting down and leaning her head on her hands tiredly. “Maybe I should buy myself a handgun and keep it in the drawer.”
“You look pale. Shall I call Ben?” Billy asked, looking worried, and tried to joke with her. “And no guns please, you might shoot me next time. And here I thought the most exciting aspect of this job would be watching the ladies try to flirt their way out of speeding tickets.”
“I imagine they do try to flirt with you anyway. Will you call Jackson? I feel sick,” she said and got up to run to the bathroom, emptying the contents of her stomach out.
When she was done and finished washing up, Billy was there, looking concerned. “Jackson is on his way and he had Gracie call doc.”
“I don’t need a doctor,” Hannah protested, sitting down at her desk and leaning back in her chair, closing her eyes. She still felt weak and her legs felt like wet noodles. “I’m pregnant, not ill. It was the fright of being alone and worried I’d hurt the baby if I had to defend myself.”
Ben went and got a bottle of water from the break room and opened it, handing it to her. A few seconds later Dr. Wilson arrived with his black bag, looking serious, and headed straight for where Hannah was sitting. He had been the town doctor for years and knew just about everyone. He had a kind, patient nature and that made him well liked in the town.
“I’m sorry Jackson bothered you, doc,” Hannah said, putting her water bottle down on the desk. “I think it was nerves, that’s all.”
“No problem, sweetie. Pregnancy is rough on a woman and with all this added stress, I am worried about you,” Doc said, pulling a chair up next to her. He was an elderly man with gray hair and glasses. He grabbed her wrist gently and took her pulse. “A little fast, but I suppose that’s to be expected with everything that has been going on. I know you’re seeing Dr. Belle in Austin, he’s good. Everything okay?”
Hannah nodded, hating that everyone knew she and Ben were fighting. Dorothy was probably in seventh heaven baking Ben cookies and fawning all over him. She closed her eyes, willing herself not to get more upset than she already was.
“Your cheeks are red and you feel a little warm,” he observed, touching her forehead. “Do you have a headache? Feeling weak?”
Hannah nodded. “All of the above.”
Jackson and Grace came rushing in at that moment. Jackson looked angry but Grace ran straight for Hannah, hugging her tightly and looking scared. “Oh, Hannah. I am so glad you’re okay. She is okay, right doc? Should we go to a hospital?”
Hannah tried to smile, but couldn’t muster up the energy. She felt the weariness all the way down to her soul. “No hospitals, Grace. I was just scared and that’s why I threw up. A good night’s sleep and I’ll be okay.”
Doc looked a little worried. “Hannah, I’m worried about your blood pressure going sky high with all this stress. The headaches and dizziness are signs of that. Promise me you will call Dr. Belle in the morning and tell him what is going on. This is serious stuff, young lady, and could harm the baby.”
Grace gasped, hugging Hannah tighter, her eyes filled with tears. “I’ll make sure she does, doc, and I’ll take her to Austin myself if I have to.”
Doc took Jackson aside to talk to him. Billy leaned down and grabbed Hannah’s hand gently, looking at her pale face. “I’ll board up the door myself, little momma, so don’t you worry about that. Now let Gracie take you home and spoil you rotten. Just don’t let her bake you anything. She made me charbroiled brownies once when I had the flu and I felt obligated to eat them and got worse.”
Grace pushed her cousin’s shoulder and laughed. “I was thirteen and forgot about them being in the oven because I was talking to Sam Jensen on the phone. He was dreamy.”
Hannah laughed at them. “Thanks, Billy, and I won’t let her near the oven, I promise.”
“Hey now,” Grace joked, helping Hannah stand up and putting her arm around Hannah’s shoulders as they walked out of Hannah’s office. Jackson walked up to them and kissed his sister’s cheek with a grim expression on his face. “Grace will drive you home and promise me you will go straight to bed and not worry. I’ll help Billy board up here.”
Hannah nodded and hated the fact that her brother was worried. He had always been the one to take care of her. She was a grown woman yet here she stood, pregnant and her life in shambles. She followed Grace out to the truck, feeling tired and depressed. How had everything gone from so promising to so messed up? The night air was still warm despite it being late September and Hannah just wanted to shower and fall into bed and lose herself in a good night’s sleep. Ben drove up at that moment and Hannah groaned. “I can’t talk to him right now, Grace. I’m too upset.”
Grace opened the truck door and waited for Hannah to get in. A determined and fierce look appeared on her face. “You don’t have to. Jackson and Billy can inform him on what happened.” She closed the truck door and guarded it fiercely as Ben walked up to the truck, looking for Hannah.
“What happened?” he asked, a worried look on his face. He looked in the truck for Hannah, who was leaning against the passenger seat with her head back and her eyes closed. “What’s wrong with Hannah?”
“Billy and Jackson will tell you, Ben. Hannah is sick and I’m taking her home to bed,” Grace explained firmly with anger in her eyes. Jackson and Billy walked out at that moment and spotted Ben standing by Grace, but Grace was acting fiercer than a mama grizzly bear protecting her cub.
“Come inside, Ben, and we’ll tell you what happened,” Jackson said firmly, his hands on his hip.
Ben nodded barely glancing at him. “Okay, but I need to talk to Hannah first.”
Jackson shook his head in denial. “She w
as sick a few minutes ago. Doc was here and told her to go home and get into bed. She can’t take anymore upsets right now, so just let her go.”
“I’m not going to upset her, Jackson!” Ben yelled, turning toward him. “I just want to talk to her. I’m worried about her.”
“Well, talk to me because I have plenty to say to you.” He nodded his head at Grace, giving her the signal to go.
Ben felt angry as Grace drove away in Hannah’s truck. “What is your problem, Jackson? Billy, you should have called me right away.”
“I was going to, boss, just haven’t had a chance yet,” Billy answered, looking at Jackson and Ben’s angry expressions. “Um, I’m going to get some wood for the door.” He left before the two started fighting.
Ben stood there glaring at Jackson. Jackson explained that someone had tried to break in while Hannah was there but Billy spooked them off. “Hannah was shaky and ill, so I called doc. He is very worried about her health and the baby’s.”
“So why wouldn’t you let me talk to her? That is my baby she is carrying, Jackson,” he yelled out in frustration at the whole situation. Everything was snowballing out of control and he didn’t like the feeling one bit. He felt helpless and just wanted to fix everything but everyone was hell bent on protecting Hannah from him when she didn’t need to be protected.
“Doc said all the stress Hannah is going through is not good for her or the baby. I blame you, Ben. You continue to defend that crazy woman who follows you around like a puppy. Now people are spreading rumors around town that Hannah faked a pregnancy to trap you. If I ever get proof she is the one harassing Hannah and you still defend her, I will kick your ass, sheriff or not!” Jackson yelled back angrily. “I thought you genuinely cared for my sister but look at all this shit that is happening while you stand there with your head up your ass.”
Ben sighed, putting his face in his hands and rubbing his face tiredly. He hadn’t slept well in the last couple of days. “Okay, Jackson, I do take the blame for all this. My eyes toward Dorothy are opened now. I was a stupid, blind fool and I admit that. I have no proof Dorothy is responsible but I swear if I find it her ass will be sitting in a jail cell. I fucked up big time with Hannah but I love that girl, I always have. I need the chance to make it all better.”
Jackson’s eyes narrowed as if he wasn’t sure he believed Ben but he stayed silent for a moment. “Then act like it before you lose her and the baby for good, Ben.”
“Tell me about Hannah, please, Jackson,” Ben pleaded, his eyes full of worry and deep remorse.
Jackson relented and told Ben Hannah’s blood pressure might be skyrocketing due to all the stress and she needed to rest if she didn’t want to miscarry. Grace was taking her to Austin to see Dr. Belle in the morning.
Ben groaned, feeling the deep ache in his chest. He wanted nothing more than to kidnap Hannah and take her to his house until she forgave him. But knowing she was stressed and needed rest made him stay there and talk to Jackson. “Oh, God, all this is my fault. I reacted like an idiot to everyone telling me Dorothy was dangerous.” He told Jackson how Dorothy changed her hair color and was spreading rumors that Hannah was faking her pregnancy.
Jackson let out a few explicit words. “Grace told me about the rumors and how Hannah stood up for herself. I don’t like any of this, Ben. I already called a security company in Austin. I’m having cameras put up in the morning.”
“I told Dorothy if I heard any more rumors about Hannah she’d be the first person to get in trouble. I told her to stay away from me for good, but I’m not sure she’ll listen,” Ben explained, worry written all over his face. “Cameras are good. At least we’ll have proof because I can’t do anything with suspicion and rumors.”
Chapter Fourteen
Hannah sat in bed flipping through a magazine. Molly, who had been keeping her company by snoring at the end of the bed, lifted her head up and barked. Finally someone to talk to. Doctor Belle had insisted she take a few days off work and do nothing but rest. If her blood pressure didn’t go back down she would have to be hospitalized and that scared her. She loved her baby and would do whatever it took to keep him or her safe.
The first day had been fine. She slept the day away and realized how badly she had needed it. But now on the second day she was so bored of just being in her room. Jackson was outside working and Grace was at the diner, then off to the shelter with a promise to update Hannah on every single thing that had been happening there. She had phone calls from Amy, Richard, and Sammie and was touched by the thoughtfulness of her friends.
She heard a light knock on the door and said in desperation, “Come in and talk to me, please.”
Ida opened the door and peeked her head in. Molly sniffed her and let her pass through the door.
“Ben dropped off a gift for you,” she said, holding up a little pink bag with the name Johnson Bakery printed on it. “Jackson won’t let him up here yet. He said you have to agree first.”
Hannah eagerly grabbed the bag and peeked inside. Chocolate covered strawberries, her favorite snack.
Ida sat on the edge of her bed and smiled as Hannah licked her lips. “That’s the first genuine smile I have seen in days. Honey, it’s up to you if you want to talk to Ben or not. You know I stand behind you in whatever you decide.”
Hannah grabbed her aunt’s hand and squeezed it lovingly. “I know and I know I am blessed with a great family. I’m just confused about Ben. I love him and I know he loves me but what if we turn out like mama and papa? Always fighting, or worse, hating each other? I’m not sure I’m strong enough to survive that. Or put a child through that.”
“Oh sweetie.” Ida pulled Hannah into a hug. “You were still young when your parents died and yes, they did fight a lot, but they also loved each other so very much. I hated that they fought in front of you and Jackson but they were so passionate in every aspect of their lives, from their personalities to their love.”
Hannah did remember them always sitting on the porch swing holding hands as she and Jackson played in the yard or them disappearing on the horses for hours. She had been so focused on remembering the bad moments that she had forgotten the good times.
“Even through the arguments they always made up. They loved each other and you and Jackson so much, sweetie. If you love Ben, then try to work things out with him, open up and talk with him about how you feel. Love is scary but it is so worth it. I only had ten years with my Stanly but it was worth every day we had together. I’d do it all over again despite the pain of losing him so young,” Ida continued. Her husband Stanly had passed away from cancer. She had moved in temporarily with her older brother, Hannah’s dad. Then she had stayed around after the death of Hannah’s parents. “You’re a fighter, Hannah, and you’re fighting for yours and your baby’s future. Don’t let Dorothy win.”
“You’re right. Thanks for the talk,” Hannah agreed, sitting up straighter and feeling more hopeful. She looked down at her raggedy old T-shirt that she was wearing. “Give me a few minutes and let him up here.”
Hannah pulled a brush through her hair and changed into a long, ice-blue nightgown. When she heard Ben knocking on her door she sat on the bed and took a deep breath to dispel the nervousness she was feeling. This was a big moment. She had to decide if she and Ben had what it took to make things work or if it would be better to just let him go and stick with her decision. “Come in.”
Ben came in with a hesitant smile. He pulled up a chair and set it close to her bed. He looked tired, as if he hadn’t slept in a while. There were new lines of strain around his eyes, even his smile looked forced.
“How did you know I was craving those?” Hannah reached in the bag and grabbed a strawberry, pulling it out of the bag and biting into it with glee.
Ben smiled. “Grace told me when I called her to check on how you were doing. She’s the only one feeling sorry for me and who will talk to me. Your brother is trying hard not to kick my ass. Richard and Amy look at me like I’m the
big bad wolf. I had Mrs. Johnson at the bakery make them fresh this morning just for you.”
Hannah sunk her teeth into the treat and closed her eyes, munching on the strawberry. When she finished she said her thanks to Ben. “I’ll save the rest for later.”
Ben got up from the chair and sat next to her on the bed. He gently moved her golden hair out of her face and looked into her blue eyes. He looked at the dark circles under eyes and pale colored skin with concern. He kissed her forehead softly then her lips in a soft caress. “I am so sorry, Hannah. I may be a stubborn, blind fool but please never doubt that I love you and now our baby.”
“I know that, but…”
He put his finger on her lip before she could protest. “No buts. I vow right now to stand by you no matter what. You have my love and my loyalty and I am so sorry I didn’t act like it before. This whole situation is my fault. I know that and accept the blame. I will find the proof that Dorothy is behind all this. All you have to do is get better and not worry about it. I can’t live without you.”
“I thought you said she was innocent,” Hannah said, not sure if she believed Ben or not, but she was touched by his simple words stating that he couldn’t live without her.
Ben shook his head and with a voice filled with regret and raw emotion said, “No, I think she is completely delusional. I’m so sorry I accused you of not liking her because you were jealous. I was just frustrated because I felt backed into a corner by everyone. I have no interest in her, I just felt sorry for her and didn’t want to be mean at what I thought was just loneliness. But I swear I will not let her hurt you or the baby, I will protect you both with my last breath if I have too. I have Billy and Stan looking into the situation and Jackson had a security alarm company come out and put cameras up.”
Hannah had missed Ben and wanted him to be part of her life and the baby’s too, but could she trust him? Trusting people was scary. They could easily hurt you and break your heart. Hadn’t she already given him another chance?