Twenty Five
Hailey got dressed for dinner in one of the few outfits that fit her growing stomach. Pretty soon she was going to look like a belly dancer that ate too many donuts. However, when she went to meet Chuck back in the living room, he didn’t seem to notice. Hailey asked Chuck where they were going but he would only say that he found the perfect spot for their first night in Paris. He did, however, tell her that she should grab a sweater so either they would be outside at some point or he was just overly concerned about her health. She tried not to read too much into it and just enjoy the moment.
Hailey thought they would need to catch a taxi to get to dinner but Chuck surprised her by leading her out of the kitchen and into a garage. Inside was a non-descript family sedan that was apparently there for their use. He really thought of every detail. Hailey was glad that Chuck was driving. She suspected he was taking the long route to dinner so she could see the sights of the city but she wasn’t going to complain. In fact, Hailey was enthralled with looking out at the omnipresent Eiffel Tower when she felt the car slow down as Chuck parked on the side of the road.
Chuck got out of the car and came around to her side. He opened the door and helped her out. She noticed that they were in an urban part of Paris but there were fragrant flower bushes up and down the sidewalk and it smelled like heaven. She looked around for signs of the restaurant where they would be going but couldn’t pinpoint one. Chuck grabbed her hand and they began to walk along the sidewalk. It was a quiet evening but the sun had not yet set and it was peaceful to see the city still bathed in light as people were starting to wind down to spend time with their families before returning to work the next day.
They turned around the corner and Chuck stopped and just looked at Hailey. He had a grin on his face that said he was up to something and his eyes had an extra sparkle in them this evening.
“Why did we stop?”
“Because, my darling wife, I am waiting for you to see it.” Chuck nodded his head to her right. She turned and saw that they were standing at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The sheer sight of it took her breath away to the point where she had to take a step back to compose herself. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Suddenly she and her problems felt so small in comparison.
A chuckle came from her fake husband standing beside her. “I’m glad you approve! We aren’t actually eating in the Eiffel Tower restaurant, however. According to the Zagat guide, the best place to eat in all of Paris is actually the little crepe stand just under the Eiffel Tower. So I figured we would get as many savory and sweet crepes as we can stand and then have a picnic in the grass where we can look at the Eiffel Tower until you get your fill.” He put an arm around her waist as he steered her towards the crepe stand.
Once it was time to order, she couldn’t decide between the selections and so Chuck ordered one of almost everything on the menu and told her they could share. There were so many options. She had never even heard of lingonberry or boysenberry before! When they sat down with their spread, she was amazed to find that the crepes and the homemade whipped cream on top melted in her mouth. She had a horrible sweet tooth so she started with all of the sweet confections before she even tasted the asparagus and hollandaise savory crepe. Everything was so delicious that she may have even been able to eat all twelve crepes herself. Once she had filled her belly, she laid back in the grass to look at both the Eiffel Tower and watch Chuck eat.
“Mrs. Charleston, I do believe you look like you are getting tired.” Chuck wiped his mouth with a napkin and then compiled all of their discarded plates and various trash. “I think it’s time we get you home and put you in bed.” Hailey wanted to protest and stay there watching the Eiffel Tower all night but she could feel sleep tugging away at her and agreed.
Twenty Six
Hailey sat in her room, wondering if she did the right thing telling Erin about what she had seen in Chris’ office. She had been questioning the decision for three straight hours now, ever since they got home from the restaurant. Erin had been quiet the entire way home. Her grip on the steering wheel had been so tight that her hands were turning white. Hailey had been afraid to say anything. She had already done more damage than she could probably ever repair. Would she lose her friend over this? They were stuck together for at least the next few months since Hailey was carrying Erin’s baby. But she could still send her away in the meantime and then never talk to her again after the birth.
When they got to the house, Erin had mumbled something about taking a hot bath and left Hailey alone. Hailey was convinced that if she ran into Chris, he would see the truth written on her face so she took refuge in her bedroom. She thought she should probably pack her bag in case Erin decided she had to leave. That way she wouldn’t have to prolong the moment of her humiliation if the time came.
Hailey finished packing up her stuff and laid down on the bed. She casually flipped through the channels as she waited for the other shoe to drop. Just when she thought she couldn’t take the anticipation anymore, her door creaked open and Erin slipped in. She came and sat on the bed next to Hailey and just hugged her.
“I’m sorry, Hales. This isn’t your fault. Thank you for telling me. I know that was hard on you. I just can’t believe this is happening.” Erin laid her head down on Hailey’s stomach. “This poor baby deserves more than this. How can I bring a baby into a marriage where my husband lies and deceives me?” Hailey stroked Erin’s hair. She didn’t know if she had the right words to say but she would have to try.
“Erin, you’ll be a great mom. Talk to Chris. Maybe it’s a misunderstanding. If so, you guys laugh about this later and the three of you live happily ever after. If not, you dump him before he can do further damage and you and baby live happily ever after. But either way, you and baby live happily ever after.” Erin sat up and looked at Hailey.
“And you too. Right, Hales? You’ll be apart of my life either way right. You’re my best friend. I can’t do this without you.” Erin grabbed Hailey’s hand.
“Whatever you need, Erin. I’m here.” Hailey used her leg to kick the duffel bag under the bed, out of sight from Erin. She didn’t want her to see how quickly she was ready to jump ship before. Besides, it was like she told Erin, everything would be just fine. Erin left her room and Hailey snuggled up in bed to get some sleep.
____
Hailey woke up to a hand over her mouth and someone whispering in her ear. “Hales, it’s me. Don’t make a sound.” Hailey sat up to see Erin hiding in her room in the dark. Her senses were heightened and she knew something was wrong. “I talked to Chris. It’s true. Everything is true. I don’t have time to explain but he needs my money to bail him out. I said no and I think now we are both in danger. You need to leave first. Get as far away from here as you can and protect my baby. No matter what, keep the baby safe okay?” Hailey nodded her head as Erin pressed something into her hand. Hailey looked down to see cash and a passport.
“My parents used to have passports with fake identities for everyone because they were worried someone would come after us for the money and we would have to flee. I made one for you too. It was supposed to be a joke - like you’re really part of the family now. But you may need it. There’s a matching emergency credit card too. Grab what you can and run. There’s a taxi waiting for you at the end of the street. I think I subdued Chris long enough for you to climb out of the window and make it to the taxi. Go now.”
Hailey grabbed her stuff and opened the window. She looked back at Erin. “You’re going to be okay, right?”
Erin nodded her head and gave a weak smile. “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’ll find you once it is safe.” And with that Hailey fled. When Hailey reached the taxi, she took one last long look back at the house and hoped she was doing the right thing. She had a horrible feeling that she wasn’t going to see Erin again and she prayed she was wrong.
Twenty Seven
Hailey woke up to a horrible pain in her stomach. She sat up and saw that
Chuck was still asleep on the cot in the room. The pain seemed to relax and she took advantage of the moment to watch Chuck sleep. He didn’t snore but she could hear him breath in and out so deeply that he had to be resting peacefully. He was so handsome and so caring. He didn’t deserve to have his life turned upside down like this but she couldn’t afford to turn away his help either.
Suddenly the pain struck again and Hailey couldn’t help but cry out. Something was definitely wrong. This felt like contractions but it was way too soon.
“Chuck, wake up. Ouch. Chuck, please wake up.” Chuck began to stir and then saw her sitting up, grimacing in pain.
“Hailey, what’s wrong? Is it the baby? Is it time? I thought it was too early for that. What do you need me to do?” He was at her side as fast as he could move, which was pretty darn fast. She grabbed his hand and held on tight until the pain subsided.
“It is too early. I don’t know what’s wrong. I think I need a doctor.” She looked at him and they both knew the risk of going to the hospital. But the risk to baby was even bigger and the baby had to be the first priority.
Chuck was the one to make the decision. “Okay, I’m going to grab some stuff. Let’s go. We’re going to the hospital now.” Then he walked her to the car and helped her in. As he backed out of the garage, he said a silent prayer for both Hailey and the baby.
___
As soon as they got to the hospital, Chuck spoke to the receptionist in the emergency room in perfect French regarding the situation. Hailey thought she saw him hand a wad of cash over to the lady when she tried to hand him insurance paperwork but it may have been the pain clouding her vision. Shortly after a nurse with a sweet smile came by with a wheelchair to get her. Once she was in her semi-private room, everything around her was a flurry as the doctor came in and examined her. He and Chuck spoke in French back and forth very quickly. Then the doctor patted Hailey’s arm and left.
“What did he say? Is the baby okay?” Hailey was trying her best not to panic but not understanding the language around her was not helping. She could not lose this baby. She could not let anything happen to Erin’s baby. Because of her, Erin had lost her life and now she could not be the reason why the baby would suffer too.
“Hey, take a deep breath.” Chuck was by her side, stroking her hair. “The doctor thinks it is just Braxton Hicks contractions, you know, false labor. He wants to do some tests just to be sure and the tech will be here soon to take your blood. He said they will probably keep you overnight just to make sure they can keep you comfortable and keep an eye on you. I may have given him the impression that I am an overly concerned first-time father and very nervous. I just want to be sure you’re okay.” He smiled at her and she felt relieved that it sounded like the baby was going to be alright.
The tech came in to take her blood and clearly had eyes for Chuck. At first Hailey felt jealous of the petite brunette, who clearly had no qualms about going for what she wanted, but then she remembered that she had no claim to Chuck. He had simply gotten swept up in her crazy drama. They were not lovers and she was carrying someone else’s baby. If Chuck was interested in the tech, he should go for it. Once the tech was out of hearing range, Hailey said so.
Chuck looked at her like she said she planned to go to the moon. “Hailey, you don’t get it, do you?”
Hailey blushed. Clearly she was missing something obvious. Was he gay? Surely she would have caught onto that by now.
“I’m not just here because I feel like I need to protect Theresa’s granddaughter. I’m here because I’m trying desperately not to fall in love with you at every moment of the day.” Once it was out, Chuck felt like a huge weight was lifted off of his shoulders.
Hailey’s mouth dropped open in the most unladylike fashion. Had he really said that or did she imagine it with the pain reliever? No, she was pretty sure it was real. “I think you’re pretty amazing yourself.” She smiled at Chuck like he was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen and he couldn’t resist it anymore. He leaned down and just started kissing her and caressing her face.
“Ahem.” They both looked up to see a new doctor was standing in the door. “Mr. and Mrs. Charleston, is it? I do believe that’s how we got here in the first place, kids.” He grinned at them and Hailey was so relieved to have a doctor that spoke English that she didn’t even care that he had caught them kissing.
Chuck stood up and shook the doctor’s hand. “Doctor, you are correct. Do you have any news for us?” He did look like a worried first-time father. Hailey couldn’t help but wish they really were married and this really was their baby.
The doctor came closer to Hailey’s bed and took a glance at her vitals on the monitor. “Actually, everything appears to be fine. The pain you experienced was caused by Braxton Hicks contractions. The medicine we are giving you by IV is slowing them down and helping to give you some comfort. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. But since you are here, we would like to keep you overnight just to be sure we have them stopped.” He patted her hand and turned back to Chuck. “Mr. Charleston, we are going to move your wife to a private room upstairs for the night. You are welcome to stay with her overnight but I might suggest making a trip home first for the essentials. Mrs. Charleston will be in great hands here.” With that the doctor excused himself and left Chuck and Hailey alone.
Chuck grimaced at the car keys in his hand. “I know I should get us changes of clothes and toiletries but I am afraid to leave you here alone.”
Hailey grabbed his hand and closed it over the keys. “Go. I’m feeling tired from the meds and will crash out here in a minute anyway. I’m safe in a hospital. It would be too obvious if anyone tried anything here. It’s fine. Besides, the cottage is just a few minutes away. You’ll be back in no time.” She smiled at him but he could see in her eyes that she was getting tired.
Chuck finally gave in and kissed her forehead. “Okay. I’ll be back in no time. Don’t go anywhere without me.”
Twenty Eight
Chuck hopped in the car and pulled out of the hospital parking lot. He was anxious to get home and back as fast as possible. It made him nervous to leave Hailey alone, even if she was surrounded by doctors and nurses with magic red panic buttons. These guys after her were good and he knew he had to keep himself alert. He still didn’t understand how the mob had gotten involved. He had put out some feelers with guys he trusted and was hoping for some knowledge soon.
Speaking of knowledge, as soon as he had woken up this morning to find Hailey in pain, he knew exactly how he felt about her in his heart. He has never been so scared as he was in rushing her to the hospital. He was falling deeply in love with that girl. He was relieved to find that she seemed to feel the same. This situation was crazy. How do you date the person you are on the run with? Have a nice shootout followed by a romantic afternoon tea? Chuck shook his head. This was definitely a strange situation.
Once they were out of this, he would bring her to Paris on a real vacation. They eat croissants and make love like other young couples traveling abroad. It would be the magical vacation she had always dreamed of. Chuck smiled to himself just thinking about it. He couldn’t wait to get back to the hospital and be by her side. He knew he had a long night ahead of him sleeping on a cot in her hospital room but it was worth it.
As soon as Chuck pulled up to the house, he knew something was wrong. They had left in a rush but he was careful to be sure the garage door was completely closed. Now it was just slightly ajar. Not enough that the average person would notice - it was just a sliver of crack. But with Chuck’s training, he knew immediately someone had been there. He opened the garage door and and pulled in the car as if he didn’t notice a thing. As he turned off the car and got out, he made sure that his gun was readily accessible in his waistband. He went in the house and turned on the light. His stance was one designed to convey that he was relaxed but with his SEAL training he was ready to strike if danger approached.
He surveyed the ki
tchen and found that everything had been placed back where it belonged but he could tell it had been rifled through. Whoever had been here had been careful to try to cover their tracks but they were not as highly trained as Chuck. Otherwise they would have known that Chuck had purposely placed everything in the house so that he would notice if even a paper was moved. After he checked that the house was empty of whoever the intruder had been, he retraced the steps of this mysterious invader.
Mostly, it was Hailey’s stuff that had been searched. Probably searching for clues to see if she was still carrying Dalton’s child and to find clues of her next moves so they could snatch her. Clearly the Charleston’s would have to be abandoned and new identities would be necessary. He started a small fire and tossed those passports in. He was relieved to find that the secret compartment he had requested in the bathroom had not been disturbed. From it he pulled out their new passports. He quickly grabbed the rest of their stuff, including the laptop that the intruder had been unable to hack, and put them in the trunk of the car. He also went to the second hidden compartment in the guest bedroom and found that spare license plates for the car had been placed there to his exactly specifications. He quickly replaced them on the car so that anyone who had been surveilling them would be thrown off the track.
Last Chance Baby Page 7