The doctor stares at me with perhaps exasperation or a warning to calm the hell down. She removes the wand and turns off the machine before she begins to detach the cords connected to Isla’s finger.
Isla ignores me and speaks to the doctor. “Don’t worry. I’m taking my vitamins, ensuring I eat vegetables, no caffeine, not even any desserts with alcohol in the recipe, lots of sleep, and daily walks.” Isla seems to be proud of her habits.
“You're doing great.” She hands Isla some paper towel to wipe her stomach.
“Of course, and sorry I overreacted. I didn’t expect the contractions or for her to suddenly hate Jolly Joe’s cinnamon rolls,” Isla apologizes.
The doctor stands. “That is a travesty. How can she ever be a true Lake Spark citizen?” she jokes. “You did the right thing. If there is anything else going forward, then call right away.”
“Yep.”
The doctor begins to walk out. “You’re free to go. See you.”
With the doctor now gone, Isla and I return to a stalemate with our eyes in a stare down.
“A girl,” she whispers to herself.
An overwhelming feeling hits me, a need to assure her, but that anger keeps poking at me. I want time to process still, I’m not that type of guy who forgives so easily. She didn’t tell me for months, with no plan in sight that she would have.
"How?" I state more than I ask. I'm near numb from confusion.
A sound escapes her mouth. "The low pressure in the air from a hurricane increases your chances of getting pregnant."
My head perks up in astonishment. "Really?"
"No," she deadpans. I shake my head that, of course, I'm being an idiot. "We didn't cover it up, and I forgot a pill, so this is all on me."
I debate how to answer her. "I think a man is still involved in that equation, and that just so happens to be me. I’m moving to Lake Spark. That was already happening before I discovered your little secret. We have a big discussion ahead of us, but it can’t happen right now. I’m sure as hell not going to jump in as if you didn’t keep this from me," I snipe.
“Are you saying that you don’t want to be involved?” Disappointment floods her face. “It’s fine. I can do this alone; you have an out.”
I scratch the back of my head. “Isla, I’m pissed. No, furious. I need time to process. So I’m leaving and finding a strong scotch. We’ll talk when I’m ready.”
Then I walk away.
12
VAUGHN
Iseem to be engrossed with the deep blue water next to the deck and dock of Catch 22, the restaurant in Lake Spark that has a great steak. Although, I’m not hungry.
I’m waiting for my brother, Stone. I’m thankful he lives in Chicago and just had a meeting with his publisher first thing. Go figure, a former pro athlete is writing books. I called him last night saying I really needed to see him if possible, and with no hesitation, he said he would drive out to Lake Spark this morning. He should be here any minute, which gives me time to read an email from the real estate agent. I may not have gotten much sleep last night, but I’m comfortable enough to answer back and hit send.
I toss my phone onto the menu lying on the table just as my brother arrives.
“What’s up with you? That phone is getting the treatment of an empty beer can at a kegger,” he observes as he takes a seat across from me, leaning across to touch my shoulder as a hello.
“Sorry, I just bought a house.”
His face turns puzzled. “You only got here yesterday, and you already saw a house to buy?”
“Nope. Didn’t see the house, just purchased it, all cash. I’m sure it’s a great house, at least the pictures look like it.” I grab my glass of water to drink.
Stone gawks at me. “You what? That doesn’t sound like you.”
I tip my head slightly to the side and flash my eyes. “Well, a house is a small problem right now, and I need one ASAP. And quite frankly, I don’t particularly care if the walls are green or blue.” Or pink if that’s what Isla is going for.
Stone stares at me blankly. “Okay, what am I missing? You look like you’ve seen the eye of a storm.”
