“No!”
“I told Elias I want to stay close to home.” I arched an eyebrow in warning.
“You forget, my little spitfire, we have the ability to use portals.”
My eyes widened in excitement. “That’s right! I hadn’t even considered using a portal for leisure.”
“Grease the palms of the right witch and you’ve got yourself a vacation.” He deposited me in a recliner in the family room at the back of the manor, beside the kitchens. On the coffee table in front of me was a tray complete with a citrus soda and peanut butter crackers. “I thought you might be hungry.”
I nodded enthusiastically and grabbed the crackers. “I am, but geez, I’ve been eating enough for four or five, not two.”
“You’re beautiful and perfect. If you’re unhappy with your weight after the baby is born, we’ll help you. You love to spar and fight, why worry? Any pounds will melt away.”
“I’m more worried about how I’ll look until they’re gone.” I eyed him, worried he might be turned off by my after-baby belly. Those things tended to take on a jiggly life of their own.
“Don’t worry on my account. I love you so much, Riley. I’d love you if you turned into a troll.”
I stopped munching on my cracker. “Are they real?”
“Yes, and uglier than any of the story books recount. Stinky, too.” He shook his head ruefully. “They give the Junta a job, trying to keep their presence quiet.”
I was about to ask more questions about trolls when the den door burst open, and Elias ran in, cheeks red. “It’s all booked!” he exclaimed.
“When do we leave?” I asked, excited about a few days to reconnect and hopefully finally forgive my husband.
“Tonight. As soon as you’re both packed.”
I jumped up and glanced at Anthony who was grinning from ear to ear. “Anthony, too?”
“Yep. We’re all going, and the healer will be here momentarily to hopefully clear your pelvic rest.”
I clapped my hands, thrilled. “What do I pack for? Heat or cold or rain or what?”
“Pack for a week of heat.” He grinned evilly.
“Are you going to tell me?” I asked.
“Nope. Now go.” He smacked me on the butt to get me moving. “Anthony and I will pack our own clothes, just worry about yours,” he called as I waddled from the room. I flashed him a thumbs up and trudged up the stairs. Unfortunately, my excitement didn’t lessen the pain in my lower back or pelvis.
***
Bags packed, shower taken, light makeup applied, I laid on my bed in a robe, waiting on the healer to make her way upstairs. She looked about seven hundred years old, and I wasn’t entirely sure what species she was. She rapped my bedroom door twice, then entered the room in all her wrinkled glory, her back stooped over, white hair secured in a bun, and gold-rimmed glasses.
Healer Rakesha grunted in response to my excited, “Hello!” She opened her black bag and took out a stethoscope, fetal heart monitor, and gloves.
Snapping the gloves on her age-spotted hands, she smiled. “Ready to have this baby, are you?” she asked with a raspy, overused voice. Almost like a long-time smoker.
I nodded, amused by her nature. She was simultaneously caring and not about to take any nonsense. “Yes, but it’s still early.”
She nodded her head and put some goo on her hand. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I pulled my feet back to give her access to check my cervix. I looked up at the ceiling, distracting myself by trying to guess where we’d be going. Maybe the Bahamas or somewhere else in the Caribbean.
She finished quickly. “All good, love.” I gave her a relieved smile.
Removing the gloves, she took a tape measure out of her pocket and measured my big belly. Then she turned on the heart monitor and I got to hear the steady, fast heartbeat of my baby boy.
She smiled at the tears in my eyes as I relished the sound of his heart. “Are you sure about the pregnancy timing?” she asked.
