I try to push myself into a better sitting position only to wince as my twisted ankle protests the movement. The pain is intense, causing beads of sweat to form on my brow. But more than anything, I’m terrified for my babies inside me, praying they’re unharmed by my fall.
Not even two minutes later, Sebastian comes racing into the room. “Bellamy,” he shouts. “Baby, what happened?” His voice is edged with panic as he bursts over to me, Phaedra close behind him.
I try to force a smile and some composure into my voice. “Sebastian,” I whisper, relief washing over me at the sight of him. “I slipped on the flour and fell. I think I might have twisted my ankle.” And when he gets closer, his face right in mine, I say, “And I hit my hip and the side of my body.”
He blinks at me. “Let me see,” he commands, his face etched with worry as he kneels beside me. “Any cramps or anything?”
I bite my lip and give him a jerky nod, wishing I were far enough along to feel the babies move more inside me. I wish I were able to feel them now, so I’d know they’re okay. I’ve had flutters and bubbles, but that’s it, and it hasn’t been consistent or very often yet.
Fear swims in his eyes, but it’s quickly replaced with hard determination. “I’ve got you.” Gently, he runs his hands over my ankle, assessing the swelling that has already begun to form. “Does this hurt?” he asks as he presses gently on the tender area.
“Ow, yes,” I admit through gritted teeth.
“Okay, don’t move,” he orders softly, his eyes dark. “I’ll get the doctor right away.”
“I don’t want the children to see this,” I whisper, tears catching in my eyes that I sniffle down. “They called me Mommy. Said it was different from Mama. And they helped me make this whole, huge Boston meal. I don’t want to ruin that.”
“Oh, baby.” Sebastian’s blue-gray eyes hold mine, and he leans in like he’s going to kiss my lips, only to stop and kiss my forehead instead, making me frown. “It’s okay. I promise. Dinner won’t be ruined, and we’ll all eat it. But we need to get you and the babies checked out. Let me carry you somewhere more comfortable.”
Without waiting for my response, he carefully scoops me up, cradling me in his arms with the utmost care. The warmth of his body and the secure embrace of his arms around me comfort me in ways I didn’t realize I needed at this moment.
“Thank you,” I murmur softly, my eyes locked onto his as we make our way out of the kitchen and up the grand staircase. The children scamper after us, and I try to give them a reassuring smile as best I can, even as my heart sinks.
The parlor is softly lit, the golden glow of the evening sun streaming through the large windows. Sebastian gently places me on the plush couch, adjusting the cushions to ensure my comfort and elevate my ankle.
A twinge hits my side and I suck in a rush of air, my eyes pinching shut.
“What is it?” he asks.
I pant out a breath and shake my head. I can’t say it. I can hardly think it.
“Mon dieu, what happened?” Althea cries out, her voice wavering as she enters the room. My eyes open and meet hers, but I’m hanging on by a thread and she sees it all over me.
“I slipped and fell in the kitchen. I twisted my ankle and…I fell on my side.”
“I’ll ring your doctor now.” She pulls out her phone and makes a quick call.
Sebastian sits beside me, holding my hand and capturing my eyes. “Mommy?”
I hiccup out a sob, nodding as my face falls onto his shoulder. “Mommy.”
“Oh, love.” He kisses the top of my head, his hand holding me close.
“I’m sorry.”
“Apologize again and I’ll spank your ass the moment I get the all clear from the doctor.”
I choke out a laugh. “You think they’re going to give you an all clear to spank your wife?”
“If I tell them I need one, then yes.”
I nuzzle against him. “I’m sure everything is fine,” I insist, trying to comfort him as he anxiously runs his fingers through my dark hair.
“Until we know for sure, I’m going to worry,” he confesses, his troubled eyes filled with love as they meet mine. But there’ssomething else about him too. A hardness taking over. Or maybere-formingis a better word for it.
“I’m on hold,” Althea bemoans.
“Fuck this,” Sebastian snaps. “I’m taking her to the hospital. Have Javier call ahead, but we’re moving now and that’s that.”
