“She’s a Reeves, there will never behappy. Silas would never approve,” I mumble.
“Are you sure about that? Silas sure seems to have taken a liking to her, and as much as you think you’re hiding it, we all see the way you watch her.” Bryce slaps me on my back before stepping away. “Even better, I don’t recall any other nurse having a man on her full-time.”
“Fuck you, Bryce,” I call as I turn, going back into the building.
I return to the door of the room where I left her and knock gently, then wait for an answer. After what feels like a lifetime, the nurse pulls the door open. I step in, looking around the room for Tinsley, and find her lying on the exam table with a white sheet over her lap. She’s looking at a large screen to her right showing what looks like TV static. Dr. Hannah pushes some buttons on the machine, and the room fills with a quick whooshing sound. My eyes move from the TV to Tinsley and back, where I still don’t understand what I’m seeing. Tinsley lets out a sob, and my feet are moving.
I cup her cheek using my thumb to wipe away the tears. “Tesoro, is everything okay? Why’re you crying?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t lose the baby,” she finally whispers.
Looking between her and the TV confused, I ask her, “How do you know?”
Dr. Hannah looks over at me, softening a little. “The whooshing sound you’re hearing is the baby’s heartbeat. It’s very strong, and I’m not seeing anything to indicate you’re losing the pregnancy.” She goes back to clicking on the machine.
Tinsley finally looks away from the TV, seeming to finally realize that I’m there. “What’re you doing here? I thought you had left.”
I kiss her forehead before I say anything else, allowing myself to take in the way she seems to quiet my world before she sends me away again.
“I’m sorry for being an asshole. I couldn’t and wouldn’t ever leave.” Placing my forehead on hers, I continue, “I just needed to walk away so I didn’t continue to spew bullshit in my shocked state.”
Tinsley takes a deep breath, closing her eyes before she turns back to the TV, not saying anything. My heart sinks because I know that it’s going to take time and, shit, loads of groveling to remove my foot from my mouth.
“There was blood in my underwear,” Tinsley tells Dr. Hannah.
“You are measuring about nine to ten weeks. This means that you can still have some spotting, especially after a traumatic experience like falling down the stairs.” Dr. Hannah finishes whatever she’s doing and steps away from us.
Tinsley starts to sit up, so I wrap my around her back to help her. She gives me a small smile but doesn’t say anything.
“I’m going to have Nurse Chelsea take some blood. This will allow us to see what your hormone levels are. I’m going to recommend bedrest until you’re at least twelve weeks or until you see your OBGYN,” Dr. Hannah tells her, coming back over to sit next to the exam table.
“Would you be able to provide me with a list of OBGYN offices in the area? I’ve only lived here since October and have been working. I’ve been unable to explore the area,” Tinsley tells her, still twisting her hands in her lap.
“I can absolutely give you that information. Do you have any other questions or concerns for me?” Dr. Hannah asks her.
“I think I’m okay right now,” Tinsley smiles the first genuine smile I’ve seen all afternoon. She looks back at me. “Do you have any questions for her?”
I shake my head, still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that Tinsley is pregnant and if the math is right, there is no way that the baby belongs to anyone butme. Hell, even though I’ve fought it before today—as of this moment forward—Tinsley and her baby aremine. I kiss the side of Tinsley's head as my phone starts ringing. Reaching into my pocket, I pull it out and see Vito is calling me.
“I’m going to be right outside taking this call. Let me know when you're done and we’ll head home, Tesoro.” I kiss her on the temple before turning to walk out of the room, my head still spinning.
“What’s going on?” I ask him as I answer the phone.
“Do you not know how to answer the fucking phone?” he demands.
I pull the phone away from my ear, looking at it confused before placing it back and replying, “Have you forgotten who you called, Vito?” I growl.
Vito snorts. “I know exactly who the fuck I called.”
“Vito, at this point in my day, I suggest you choose your next sentence wisely and cautiously,” I snap.
Vito growls, “Kingston called. He wants to come to the farm and speak to you face to face or no deal.”
“Who the fuck is he to be making demands? You said it was delt with,” I hiss.
“Everything was fine when I left. After that, the deranged brother decided I was shady and didn’t like me, so now they’re demanding to come to the farm to solidify the deal.” Vito’s tone of annoyance is clear.
“Shit, when will they be here?” I question pinching the bridge of my nose.
