45. Forty-Five

Val

My cell phone rings, “Hello?”

“Val, it’s Carson. There was some trouble downtown. Chase and a guard have been taken to the hospital. I don’t know the extent of their injuries.”

“Oh, my God,” my head swims with the news. I weakly sit down.

“Are you home?”

“Yes.”

“Look, I’m headed to the hospital; why don’t I stop by and pick you up?”

“Okay, thanks, Carson.”

I look down at my hot pink lingerie, I had planned on opening the door to Chase wearing it. I go into the bedroom and throw on the first clothes I touch—a pair of jeans and a black shirt. I slip on some shoes and hear a car pull up in the drive. I pick up my purse and rush out the door.

As I approach Carson’s car, my eyes land on my Can-Am Spyder. I see the word ‘Bella’ airbrushed on the side of my motorcycle. I give a small smile, then turn and hurry to the car where Carson is waiting.

Once I’m in the car and Carson is driving to the hospital, before I can ask, he looks over at me grimly, “I wish I could tell you more, but I got the information secondhand. Dale, the guard, called Hawkins and said he and Chase were both shot. Chase was unconscious. That’s all I know.”

I nod my thanks, but I can’t don’t say anything. I’m trying my best to keep my emotions in control. When we arrive at the hospital, we go straight to the Emergency entrance. Carson goes to the desk.

“We’re here to see the two men that were shot at a vacant building downtown. Chase Knight and Dale Jones.”

“They are being treated right now. I can let the doctor know that you’re here. Are you family?”

“I’m Chase’s brother, and this is his wife. Dale Jones is my employee he was hurt while on the job.”

“Please have a seat, and I’ll let them know you’re waiting.”

We turn and sit numbly in the seat. As I go to sit, my head swims again, and I stumble.

“Val!” I feel Carson’s arm go around me, “Nurse!” he looks down at me with concern, “Val, are you okay? You looked like you were going to black out.”

“I’m fine, just... a little dizzy,” the nurse follows us as Carson helps me into a chair. The nurse looks at me and says, “Why don’t you put your head down between your knees? That should help.”

I do as she suggests, and it seems to help. I stay that way for a few minutes, and then I gingerly sit up. Carson looks concerned, and the nurse says gently, “News like this can be a shock to the system. We can take her blood pressure or have a doctor take a look at her.” She then turns and looks at me and says gently, “Unless there may be another reason for the fainting spell. Ma’am, is there a chance you might be pregnant?”

“Yes, I am. I just found out. I’ve been getting dizzy, but this is the first time I’ve felt faint.”

The nurse nods and then offers to get me some water. When she comes back with the water, she advises me, “You’ve got some color now. Be sure to stay hydrated.”

I take a sip, and I feel Carson’s eyes on me.

“Does Chase know?”

I shake my head. “No, I... I haven’t told him.”

Carson gives me a shrewd look, so I say, “Chase told me that he doesn’t want children.”

“Val, that’s what Chase says—but he started saying that when he was barely out of high school. His friend got a girl pregnant. The friend was young and he and the girl didn’t know how to handle taking care of an infant. Chase saw what his friend went through, and that’s when he made that decision.” Carson shrugs, “Just give Chase a chance to get used to the idea; he’ll come around.”

I nod, “I will. That is... if... if... Oh Carson, Chase had on one of the faulty vests.”

“Are you sure?” at my nod Carson goes pale, “Shit. Those vests are useless.”

“That’s all that he had in his spare gear.”

Carson leans over and clumsily pats me on the back. Oddly it does help calm me down. I smile my thanks.

We both look up at the doors open, and a doctor comes out, “Chase Knight’s family”

Carson helps me up, and we walk over to the doctor.

“I’m Dr. Casey. Mr. Knight is doing fine. He was shot in the arm, and we’re patching him up. He did lose consciousness when he was shot in the back multiple times, but luckily, the bullets never penetrated. He’ll have a lot of bruising, but otherwise, he’s fine.”

I sag against Carson when I hear the good news, “Can we see him?”

“Yes, I also heard you might know the other gentleman that was brought in.”

“Yes, I’m Carson Knight, his employer.”

“Mr. Jones is doing fine. He was shot in the leg, but we were able to get the bullet out. We’ll be keeping him overnight, and he’ll probably be on crutches for a little while. The police are in the back, questioning both of them right now. I’ll let them know you’re here. Once the police are finished, you will both be allowed to see them.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Carson and I go back to our seats.

I smile at Carson, “Thank God Chase is okay, and Dale too.”

“Yes. It’s very good news,” he pats my hand, “Val, about the baby, don’t be afraid to tell Chase. He loves you.”

I feel my smile falter, “I’ll tell him once he’s feeling better.”

A nurse comes over, “The doctor said you may see them now.”

We both stand and see two police officers exit the doors as we approach. We follow the nurse to a room.

We see Chase sitting up in the bed; his arm has a big patch of gauze, and his shirt is bloodied, but he’s alive.

He looks up and smiles at both Carson and me.

“So, you got shot, little brother. I’m glad you’re okay. You scared the hell out of us.”

“You just missed the police. They already have the men in custody.”

“Good. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. And so is Dale. He did well for a recruit.”

“Good. Val said you were wearing one of the new vests.”

“I was. But, I went by the office and grabbed one of the older ones before I went downtown.”

Carson gives me a searching look then looks over at Val, “Well, I’ll leave you two alone. I’ll go check on Dale.”

Chase looks over at me and then opens his arms. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around him being careful to avoid his injured arm, but I forget about his back.

“Ouch.”

“Oh, Chase, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad I walked away with only a bruise and a graze.”

“I was so worried. I’m glad you changed vests..”

“I know. Val, I swapped out the vest because I didn’t want to take a chance with my life. I want to stay around to be with you and... our baby.”

“You know about the baby?”

“Yes, I went to your apartment this morning. I saw the tests.”

“I’m on the pill. I never missed a day—“

He leans down and gives me a quick kiss, “It’s okay, Val.”

“But you don’t want kids. I know you don’t. I—“

“Val, it’s not your fault. It was probably that night at the hotel. Listen, I thought about my life with you and without you. I choose with you, even if that means raising a child.”

“Are you sure?”

He smiles. “It scares the hell out of me, I admit, but— My future is with you. I love you, Val.”

“I love you too, Chase. I always have.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I knew I loved you the day I—“

“Sent me a beating heart emoji?”

“Yes, I—“

“I knew it! Damn it! I should’ve left work right then and—“

“Chase? Why did we wait so long?”

“I didn’t want to lose you, Val. Your friendship means too much to me. I was ready to forgo having sex with you just because I didn’t want to risk our friendship.”

“I felt the same way, Chase. I— you’re my best friend. I was scared, too.”

“I was only gone for three months to think that you almost married someone else,” I feel him shudder as he cradles me in his arms.

“Chase, I couldn’t go through with it,” I say softly. “I went to see Tony that morning to tell him. Then when I saw— what I saw, I called you because I knew you’d come. I knew you would rescue me, save me, because you always do.”

“And I always will, Beautiful.”

I look up at Chase, “I saw my motorcycle, by the way. It’s perfect. You remembered.”

“You’re my Bella, now.” Chase suddenly frowns, “Val, are you happy about the baby?”

“Yes. I had already decided I wanted this baby, no matter what. But I was scared. I didn’t want to lose you because of it.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Babe. Not now, not after one year, not after ten or twenty-five years. You’re stuck with me, Val.”

Chase kisses me as I wrap my arms around his neck. We hear the door open behind us.

“Well, I see you’re feeling better.”

Chase raises his head, “Carson, I’m gonna be a father.”

“Congratulations,” Carson smiles over at me.

The nurse comes in and hands us Chase’s discharge papers. She warns him, “We’ve given you painkillers that should last through the night, but tomorrow, you’ll be very stiff and sore. Take your prescription; it will help with the pain.”

When Carson drops us off at the house, we wave goodbye, and as soon as the door closes behind us, Chase turns and takes me into his arms.

He takes his time kissing me slowly and lovingly. He then starts to unbutton my shirt, and when he sees my hot pink bra, I smile up at him.

“I planned on meeting you at the door wearing only my lingerie, but when I got the call from Carson—“

“Damn, sorry, I missed that. Val, you know what I said about being willing to forgo sex to keep you as a friend?”

“Yes,” I say breathlessly.

“I may have been willing, but I’m awfully glad I don’t have to,”

Then we’re both pulling off our clothes. Chase turns and I gasp.

“Chase, you’re back. It’s already black and blue.”

“Yeah, but it won’t be stopping me tonight. I can still make love to my wife.”

I see the need and urgency in his eyes.

Once we’re at the bed, I lie back and pull him down on top of me. He immediately spreads my legs and surges into me. As soon as he’s in full hilt, he pauses, “Val, Babe, I couldn’t wait,” he states hoarsely.

“Chase, talk... later. Take me... Now,” I move my hips up to meet his.

“So demanding,” he laughs as I grab his butt and pull him toward me.

“Is this what you want?” He pulls out and then surges back in. “I wanted to make this last, but—“

Then he’s done talking, as he takes me and makes me his.

Our climax comes swiftly, taking us both by surprise. I hear him shout his release in my hair as my body clenches uncontrollably around him. As we ride out the storm our lovemaking created, he rolls both of us to the side. Keeping us connected. I swing my leg over his hip.

We’re face to face, and he reaches down and cups my face between his hands, then slowly takes his time and explores my mouth and lips.

He whispers, “You taste so good.”

I run my hands through his hair as he says, “Val, you’ve never looked more beautiful, more precious than you do right now, at this moment, carrying my child.”

I look in his eyes, “So you’re getting used to the idea of being a daddy?” I bite my lip as I wait for his answer.

“It’s still scary as hell, but I can face anything as long as we’re together.”

I look into his intense blue eyes and see the same need, desire, and love that’s shining in mine.

”Me too, Chase. Me too,” I kiss him lovingly on the lips, ”Together.”