Page 1 of Ripple Effect

Present Day

Elizabeth

I’ve tried to leave this part of my life behind so many times. Over and over, I’m dragged back to rehash the memories of the worst days I’ve ever endured.How many times can I do it before I say no more?I think wearily. I’m proud to say I’ve moved on. It took years for me to get to where I am right now.

My husband, recognizing the tension whipping through my body, offers with complete seriousness, “We can leave.”

I snicker. “’Cause that will go over well.” I rub my hands up and down my arms, trying to warm myself.

He turns me to face him, and my slight baby bump brushes against his muscular abs. “Like I give a damn about that. Especially now.” His hand drops to caress my stomach tenderly.

I reach up and cup his cheek. Smoothing my hand back and forth over the bristles that tickle the inside of my palm, I murmur, “You need to shave.”

“I ran out of time. This gorgeous pregnant woman had her way with me this morning. I was a wreck when she was done.” His smile, the very first thing I noticed about him, makes my stomach flutter. Then again, maybe that’s our baby kicking. Either way, I’m flooded with gratitude.

Now.

“I didn’t notice you complaining,” I tease.

He gives me a look rife with disbelief. “I may be called many things, but I hope I’ve grown out of my idiot stage.”

Brushing my lips against his, I whisper, “I occasionally have to check. It took you a little longer than the average male.”

Just as my husband’s about to retaliate with some smart-ass comment, a door opens behind us. “Mrs. Sullivan? Dr. Powell is ready for you.”

Cal doesn’t let me go right away. “I’m right here, Libby. I’ve got you.”

“I know.” And I do; he’s more than shown me that.

Concern flashes over his face. He opens his mouth but closes it just as quickly.

“What is it?” I ask. I don’t have a lot of time before I need to be on the other side of that door.

Crushing me to him, he whispers directly in my ear, “You had a nightmare last night.”

Surprised, I lean back in his strong arms. “I did?”

He nods solemnly. “And I know today’s going to make things worse.” The tick in his jaw betrays his calm demeanor.

Knowing I’m putting the schedule at risk, I wrap my arms around him and hold him as hard as I can. Cal buries his head in my neck. “Even if they try to get to me in dreams, there’s nothing for you to be afraid of.”

“Why’s that?” His voice is raw with remembered pain.

I search his tired eyes, which I can now see reflect his lack of sleep. Probably because he was standing guard over his family. Kissing him briefly, I pull out of his warm embrace and make my way to the door. I pause there and look back. “Because just like the first time I woke from my nightmare, you were there for me.”

“I always will be. No matter what.”

Without another word, I follow the young intern down the hall. Another person greets us before saying, “I’ll take Mrs. Sullivan from here. How are you today?”

I smile and nod, but inside I’m screeching in maniacal laughter. Is anyone ever ready to have their emotions dissected like they’re a frog in science class?

It takes another few minutes before I’m settled facing Dr. Powell. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Sullivan.”

“Libby, please,” I correct him. I can’t do this if we’re going to stand on formality.

“Libby,” he returns. “We left off yesterday talking about your background; you’re an interior designer in the Washington, DC, area, correct?”

Smoothing a hand over my stomach, I nod. “Yes. A little less than four years ago now, my husband’s company was bought out. We decided to relocate with the new owners.”