He stood and walked toward the door, “Are you ready to tell everyone? They want to see you.”
To Harry’s credit, he didn’t let on to the others that there were issues, or that he wasn’t the father of Claire’s baby. Immediately, Emily embraced her sister and began crying. Next it was Amber’s turn. Besides telling Claire how happy they were she was all right, they both told her how delighted they were about the baby. Both couldn’t wait to be aunts. After enduring everyone’s good wishes, Claire braced herself for comments about Tony’s visit.
She decided it was better to allow everyone their say. The comments started slow and continued with increased velocity. Finally, Harry stopped the barrage, “Are any of you interested to hear Claire’s point of view?”
Although she was grateful for his support, in a way, it made her feel worse. “I let him in. I wanted him here, because things have changed.” How could Claire make her chess pieces understand? “I’m not denying any of his past sins. However, some of what we’ve assumed were his I’ve learned weren’t. But, nonetheless, I’m very much aware of all he’s done. With that said, the baby I’m carrying isn’t Harry’s.” She waited while realization came to those around her. Amber went to Harry’s side and put her arm around him.
“I’ve known since last night,” Harry told his sister, “but I thought Claire should be the one to tell everyone. I’m disappointed, but listen; she’s still having a baby, that’s a miracle.”
“Anthony’s baby?!” Emily exclaimed. “How could you?!”
“Yes,” Claire replied defensively, “your niece or nephew.”
John didn’t speak. His eyes sent daggers toward anyone willing to look his way. Finally, he walked from the room. When the door shut, Claire exhaled.
Emily used the moment to attack, “I don’t know why you’re relieved John left. I’ll have you know, your attack, injuries, and probably your pregnancy would be all over the internet and television if it weren’t for John. He immediately set about with a do not disclose order against the hospital. Your newly found friend – lover – ex-captor -- I don’t even know what to call him, took away John’s life and law license, but your brother-in-law still managed to be here for you.”
“Please, tell him thank you. What does the press know?” Suddenly she thought of Meredith. Claire didn’t want her book under production.
Harry sounded as though he were describing an unknown news story. “The police and ambulance were called to your condominium. You went to the hospital in an ambulance. An intruder was taken from your condominium after suffering deadly gunshot wounds.”
“Could someone bring me my phone? I need to call someone.”
“It’s at the condo.” Amber replied. “You’re probably coming home today, can it wait?”
Claire didn’t know. She didn’t want Meredith publishing anything prematurely.
Their conversation was interrupted by the delivery of Claire’s breakfast. She opened each plate with reserved anticipation: eggs, orange juice, toast, and tea. As she inspected the food, Abbey reentered.
“Ladies and gentleman, I understand how happy you are to have Claire and baby Nichols doing well. But, she needs her rest. I’m restricting her to two visitors at a time.”
Harry spoke first, “I need to get to work. Claire, I wish you well, and I‘m trying. We both need some time.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”
Amber came forward and hugged Claire. “I’m disappointed and confused. But more than anything, I’m happy you and your baby are safe.” Her smile sparkled, “I guess it wasn’t food poisoning, was it?”
Claire shook her head and smiled. “No, it wasn’t.”
“I don’t know your plans, but you can stay with me as long as you want.”
Claire remembered her impending argument with Tony. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do, but thanks for the offer.”
Once Amber left the room and Emily and Claire were alone, Emily spoke first, “What do you mean you don’t know what you’re going to do? Are you seriously considering moving back to that prison?”
Claire closed her eyes. “I don’t know. Tony wants me to move back to Iowa. I was resisting, but, after Patrick Chester, I just don’t know. At least on his estate, I’m safe and so is my baby.”
“Safe? Is that what their calling imprisonment these days?”
Claire regretted telling Emily the truth of her and Tony’s past. She thought of Tony’s recent words: You may think you’re ready for answers, but you’re not. Bits and pieces may help you understand. But, the blatant truth is too much. Claire tried to explain, “I can’t make you understand, but when I was there last week, things were different.”
“Right -- and once you decide to stay, I’m sure it will stay that way.”
“I’m going to call him. He’ll be here soon. The nurse said I can have two visitors. Emily, the choice is yours. When he arrives you can stay or go, but he’s coming. I want him here.”
The next time the door opened, an orderly entered carrying two large bouquets of flowers. The first one had a card which simply read: Tony. The second bouquet was from Courtney and Brent, with wishes for fast healing. Claire wondered if Tony told them about the baby.
Emily stayed until Tony arrived. When he did, she kissed Claire on her cheek and said, “We have more places to see today. I’ll check on you later.” She turned, made eye contact with Tony, and left.
He immediately went to Claire’s bedside, “Well, I seem to have that effect on all of your family.”
Claire’s eyebrows rose, “All? Did you see John again?”
“Briefly, he’s in the lounge down the hall.”
Wrinkling her nose in anticipation, “Did you two speak?”
“No.” Tony grinned, “I’m pretty sure if you ever decide to accept the ring I offered, he won’t give you away – again.”
Claire sat taller, “I’m not anyone’s to give away. And I don’t care any longer what others think.”
“Does that mean...” His brown eyes twinkled as he lifted her hand. When she smiled in response, she winced at the pain near her swollen eye. Tony’s voice hardened, “I wish that ass hole were still alive, so I could kill him.”
She rested her head against the pillows and closed her eyes to the pain. “It means ... we’re dating.”
Looking around the small room, Tony whispered jokingly, “This hardly seems public.”
Claire’s eyes sprang open. “I need to contact Meredith. I don’t want her to misconstrue this and think it means she can publish her book, but my phone is at the condo.”
Tony removed his iPhone from his pocket. “I have her number.”
Claire eyed him suspiciously, “How do you have her number? And now that I’m thinking about it, how did you have Harry’s?”
He looked down, “Before I answer, you must admit the information was useful.”
“Yes, I admit that. How?”