“We’ve been together since September.” He watched Beau and Lacey look back and forth at each other, surprised at the news. “I’m sorry we kept it a secret. Mom knows—Monica’s actually staying there—but we just wanted time to ourselves without all the questions and then I don’t know, we just kept it quiet.”
“What can we do to help?” Lacey moved to his other side.
Chance chose that moment to walk over and nuzzle his head on Rex’s lap. “This is Chance. He showed up hurt at Mom’s door one day, and we took him in. I booked flights for us to leave tomorrow morning, but Beau, I was wondering if you could keep Chance until we get back?”
“Of course.” Beau reached over and scratched behind Chance’s ears. The dog nuzzled his hand and immediately took to him.
“How is Monica holding up?” Lacey dabbed at her eyes.
“I am worried about her. She is the strongest person I know, and she was broken. Her sister’s death is hitting her hard. Not many people know, but she had a brother who died as a child. Carrie was the only sibling she had left. She cried and cried until she fell asleep.”
Lacey put her arm around him. “Everyone deals with grief differently. What may have seemed broken could be a fracture waiting to heal.”
“I feel so helpless.” Rex ran a hand through his hair.
“Be there for her. Right now, she just needs your support and time to work through her loss.” Lacey spoke with the authority of a woman who understood the needs of another woman.
Rex simply nodded, not trusting himself to speak. After he worked through his emotions, he swallowed. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but could you stay tonight? She might need another woman to talk to.”
“Absolutely. That’s what family’s for.”
“Tom won’t mind?”
She gently moved her head side to side once. “I’ll call him in a few minutes and explain. He’ll understand.”
Beau stayed with Rex while he packed clothes and prepared for the sudden trip. Lacey took Monica’s keys and made a quick run to Stella’s to gather clothes and toiletries for her and returned before Monica ever knew she’d been there or left.
Close to midnight, Rex heard noise from the bedroom and instantly went to Monica’s side.
She looked up at him with swollen, puffy eyes. “Tell me it was all a bad dream.”
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered brushing her hair with his hand in soothing motions.
“The baby! I need to call Dad and find out about the baby,” she cried, becoming frantic.
“Shh, the baby is doing great. I spoke with your dad a few hours ago. He said little Emily looks just like her momma.”
“I want to go see her. I need to find a flight home.”
“It’s already taken care of. We fly out tomorrow at ten.”
“Thank you, Rex.” She breathed in deeply, but her body still trembled.
“Why don’t you lie down again. I’ll take care of the packing.”
“I’d rather get up and stay busy. Dreams about Carrie and nightmares of accidents filled my sleep.”
“Beau and Lacey are here.” Grasping her hands, he silently prayed that wouldn’t upset her more. “I had to tell them. Beau’s going to keep Chance until we come home, and I thought you might want Lacey’s company. I’m sorry, I don’t want to add any trouble for you, but you should know since they are out in the living room.”
“Oh Rex, I feel horrible. That’s what the special dinner was for. I wanted to tell you I didn’t care who knew anymore.”
He pulled her even closer. “That means everything to me. Just knowing how you feel is enough. I’m sorry we couldn’t have the dinner only because I’m sorry you had to receive the news you did. Would you like me to send Beau and Lacey home now? They are worried you’ll want privacy.”
“No, I’m glad they are here. I could use every friend I have right now. Give me a minute and I’ll be right out.”
“Okay, I’ll let them know you’re awake.” He gave her another squeeze then started out of the room.
“Rex,” Monica called out as he was at the door. He turned around, and with her hand on her heart, softly said, “I love you always.”
