“The twins are fine. Their heartbeats are strong and aren’t showing any signs of distress.” I think I hear Dr. Jaffri explain.
“We’re keeping her sedated for the time being. While bleeding and Braxton Hicks can happen during pregnancy, Emma’s blood pressure continues to be high.”
Whatever they’ve given me works through my bloodstream, pulling me back into sleep.
My eyes fly open at the sound of monitors. Awareness of my surroundings quickly settles in. Something slowly squeezes my arm-a blood pressure cuff. I peer up at the fluids running through the IV on my wrist.
“Good, you’re awake,” Dr. Jaffri says, stepping fully into the room. That’s when I notice that I’m in some sort of suite. My full-size hospital bed can easily fit two people. There’s also a tawny-brown leather couch with two matching recliners and a large flatscreen television. I can’t see where the closet is or how the bathroom looks. I just know this isn’t like any hospital I’ve been to. “Emma? Did you hear me?”
The look on Dr. Jaffri’s face tells me she’s been calling me for a while. “I’m sorry. What did you say? I was a bit distracted,” I tell her.
“You’ve been having these episodes more often lately, and while some women do experience pregnancy brain. I’d like you to note how often they occur. Your anxiety may also be the cause or help contribute to your lack of focus,” she explains.
I nod in agreement, then ask, “How are my babies?”
“Both are doing very well.” Dr. Jaffri pauses, grabbing a stool and sitting beside me. “I can only imagine what you were feeling last night. The good news is the bleeding wasn’t excessive. Some women experience spotting or even get their period while pregnant.”
“And the cramping?” The pain I felt at the engagement party was on a different level.
Dr. Jaffri offers me a warm smile. “Braxton Hicks. It’s fairly common during pregnancy. However, stress can make them occur more frequently. So, it will be essential that you bring your stress levels down for the next few months.”
Relief floods my body, causing the tension in my shoulders and throbbing in my head to ease. I need my babies to be safe and healthy, and the only way to ensure that is to stay the fuck away from the Fraternitas, the Heirs, and cunt-face Samantha Davenport.
“Whatever you’re thinking about right now, stop it,” she orders.
That’s easier said than done.
Taking a deep breath, I try to focus on my babies’ heartbeats and the peace I’ll find now that the Heirs are behind me.
As my heartbeat begins to slow, the door to my hospital room swings open again. This time, it’s Dad, Jamie, Kellan, and Kylan. “Ry,” the twins shout, running for the bed.
“Boys,” Dad warns, rooting Kylan and Kellan to their spots. “Remember what we spoke about before we came?”
They sigh, then lift their puppy dog gaze at me. “We just want to make sure you’re alright.”
Jamie steps between them, grabbing their hands, “You can still do that. We just need to be careful. Not too much excitement.”
“Emma, dear.” My eyes flick toward the door at the sounds of my grandmother’s voice. She’s carrying a vase of beautiful flowers. White lilies, red magnolias, and purple lewisias are arranged amongst baby’s breath and greenery.
“We’re so happy to see you awake,” my uncle says as he walks in with my grandfather and a giant stuffed bear hugging two cubs.
I can feel the tears threatening to spill over. “Come sit with me,” I pat my bed, urging my siblings over as I quickly wipe my eyes.
“Not too long,” Dr. Jaffri orders. “Our girl needs her rest.” Then she faces me, “If you can keep your blood pressure down for the next twenty-four hours, I will release you on the condition that you remain on bedrest for two weeks. But we’ll discuss it in more detail after your family visits.”
My grandmother places the bouquet on the table close to the window. “I like her. She has an excellent bedside manner.”
“Dr. Jaffri, it’s the best,” I confirm. “She’s kind but firm and has no problem telling it like it is.”
“You had us so worried,” Grandad states, kissing the top of my head.
Uncle Uilliam stands on the other side of my bed. “I think it’s time we find better ways to spend time with each other, niece.”
Giggling, I reply, “Yeah, let’s forgo any more exciting moments and keep our time together as most families do. Holidays, birthdays, and family trips.”
He snorts his agreement, and for the next few hours, I enjoy my time with my family without any thoughts of the men who shattered my heart.
Maybe there’s hope for me yet.
SEBASTIAN
Massaging my temple, I try to find the patience to deal with the nurse who’s just trying to do her job, but it’s taking everything in me not to wield the force of the Fraternitas in this hospital. “It’s been two days, and we refuse to wait any longer,” I state, clenching my teeth.
“Sir, this is outside of our con??”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, or it’ll be the last words you’ll speak as a nurse,” I spit. She has no idea of the tenuous hold I have on my temper. I never want her to find out, but Nurse Gloria is on thin ice. I’m her last hope. This may not be her doing, but she’ll be collateral damage, and I won’t bat an eyelash when she is.
“Mr. Grant, might I remind you that you were given specific instructions to stay away? Haven’t the five of you put Miss Bradford through quite enough?”
Nurse Gloria chastises.
Growling, I retort, “Since you know all our information, you should be aware that Samantha Davenport is no longer our anything.”
I can feel her judgment through the phone. “Mmhmm. So, now you’ve gone and broke multiple girls’ hearts.”
“Emma’s heart is the only heart we care about not being broken,” I snap.
Gloria is five seconds from being past tense.
“That sounds great, but that doesn’t change the fact that none of you are permitted to see her. That order is above my pay grade.” She sighs. “Just stay away. I’m sure you can all harass her once she’s home, though I don’t recommend any of you going near that girl again. You all have caused her nothing but heartache.”
My phone buzzes. I pull it out of the front pocket of my gray sweatpants while pretending to still be listening to Nurse Gloria’s eight-year lecture.
Rowan: Any luck?
He already knows the answer-we all do. There is no scenario where we would see her.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.