Page 43 of Saddled in Secrets (Cloverleaf Meadows #2)

M y knee bounces to the erratic beat of my impatience.

It’s been hours since I’ve seen Colton. The paramedics managed to stabilize him in the ambulance, but he lost a lot of blood.

They couldn’t tell me how bad his injury was.

Not until he had surgery. Last I heard, he’s still in the operating room.

I stand and begin pacing again. There’s little else I can do.

Dad, Brody and Paisley are on their way but it’s a haul up to northern Minnesota.

People stop to stare at the gore splattered on my clothes.

Those stains belong to Colton and I’m not washing him off.

A harsh glare burns my weary eyes. It’s too white in this hospital.

Sterile like a fresh start that mocks me.

All I want is the life we were already building.

Another jab punches the hollow ache in my chest. I feel gutted. The stench of bleach and antiseptic burns my nose. At least they have a readily available pharmacy. With quaking fingers, I pop two antacids in my mouth and chew.

“Are those safe for the baby?”

My boots squeak on the tile floor when I whirl to confront the redhead. “I’m not pregnant.”

She saunters over, all leather and cautionary tales. “Sure about that?”

I chomp on my bottom lip. “No.”

“Had a hunch this was a new development.” She tosses a box at me. “Go squeeze the lemon.”

I wrinkle my nose. “Pass.”

“What else are you gonna do? Drive yourself crazy waiting. Might as well get answers.”

Which reminds me. “Who are you?”

Her smile is sharp like a dagger. “Been wondering how long it would take. I’m Frankie. We’re gonna be the best of friends.”

I snort. “Doubt it. Have you fucked my boyfriend?”

She hisses and claws at the air. “Such a brat. You can relax, Bee. Colton and I go way back, but not like that.”

The use of my nickname is almost as irritating as the old lady gawking at the blood on my face. “Give me that.”

I take the pregnancy test to the nearest private bathroom, which isn’t too far from the waiting area.

A quick glance at the directions is plenty.

The process is simple enough. After doing my business, the wait begins.

It almost pains me to wash my hands, but I’m not that desperate to keep every drop of Colton on me.

My gaze purposefully avoids the test until a solid five minutes pass. Just to be extra sure. The sinking in my stomach is unexpected. We weren’t planning it. The odds spoke for themselves. There’s nothing to be upset about. I nod just for the sake of acceptance. This is probably for the best.

But disappointment follows me back to Frankie. I plop onto the empty seat next to her. “Negative.”

“Let me see.” She opens her palm.

“We’re not at that level.”

Her fingers wiggle. “Just give me your pee stick. Consider it a second opinion.”

“Gross, but whatever.” I whip the test out of my back pocket.

Frankie peers at the little window closely. “Bitch, that’s positive.”

“It’s not.” Didn’t she hear me the first time?

“The second line is faint, but it’s there.” She taps a pointy nail at the evidence.

I blink, squinting hard. Shock freezes me. She’s right.

“Holy shit,” I exhale.

The grin she gives me is actually genuine. “Congrats, mama.”

But the truth hasn’t sunk in. “I’m pregnant?”

“You’re pregnant.”

I cradle my forehead as too many thoughts bounce around. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“Didn’t you have a feeling?”

“Well, yeah. Kind of. But it was more of a stretch. Something for Colton to grab onto.”

Frankie’s brows lift. “Are you happy?”

My reaction is cut short. The doctor that was on scene at Colton’s arrival appears from behind the illusive double doors. I’m on my feet and hoofing it toward him. He’s wearing a pair of navy scrubs. The color hides any evidence of blood, which I’m thankful for.

“Mrs. Keller,” the middle-aged man greets. “I’m Dr. Trustworth, one of the emergency surgeons on staff here at Cook County Regional.”

I paste on a waxy smile to cover my lie. “How is he?”

“Your husband is very lucky,” Dr. Trustworth begins.

“It was a fairly clean shot. From what I imagine was close range, the bullet could’ve done a lot more damage.

Mostly muscle and tissue was impacted. His spleen was barely nicked, but still required immediate repair to stop internal bleeding.

The impact almost got to his pancreas, which would’ve put him in much worse shape.

It’s a blessing that his lung didn’t get hit or collapse under the pressure.

The fact he can breathe on his own will greatly reduce his recovery time. ”

Relief whooshes from me and I almost collapse. “Can I see him?”

The doctor nods. “His surgery was a success. He’s resting now. You can sit beside him. He’ll probably be comforted by your presence.”

“Make sure to tell him the good news.” Frankie makes a large bubble over her flat stomach.

Dr. Trustworth clucks his tongue. “That can probably wait until tomorrow. He doesn’t need added stress.”

Which is exactly what I’m afraid of. A baby he purposefully tried to prevent might not be a welcome announcement. In the heat of a tragic moment is one thing, which didn’t make a difference. The ambulance and paramedics are what saved him.

But the woman who has a secret history with Colton scoffs, waving off the doctor’s advice. “Oh, I’m sure he’ll want to hear this immediately.”

An audible gulp betrays my nerves. If only I could share Frankie’s confidence.