Free Precious Lace (Lace #4) by Adriane Leigh Page B

amount of time. I didn't know if I’d washed my hair or my body, I couldn't remember, but by the time I stepped out I was pulling from a place of strength deep down inside. 
      If I had to raise our baby alone I would do it. I couldn't make Carter want us but I knew that I wanted this little baby and that would be enough. It would have to be. Carter's mom had done a beautiful job raising him, so I knew if I had to do it, it could be done. My heart tightened at the memory of his pain that night in the hot tub talking about his past. I hoped he wouldn't make that decision, but I had no control if he did. 
      I wrapped my hair in a towel and threw on my bathrobe before padding barefoot  to the kitchen for orange juice. Then I remembered I’d have to pick up some prenatal vitamins today and schedule a doctor appointment. I didn't know who to go to, but I’d find out and I’d manage. The thought crossed my mind that perhaps Carter's parents could recommend someone, but clearly that wasn't an option since I didn't even know if Carter would be in our lives at this point. I sipped my orange juice in the kitchen and gazed out the window lost in thought. 
      "Good morning, ma'am." An older woman stepped into the kitchen. 
      "Hi, I’m Eva." I gave her a small smile. 
      "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Morgan. I'm Joan, the housekeeper. Mr. Morgan told me you'd be down shortly." A warm smile brightened her face. 
      "Nice to meet you, Joan. Do you know where Mr. Morgan is?" I asked casually. 
      "I believe he went for a swim." She bustled in the kitchen wiping counters. 
      "Thanks." I set my glass in the sink before leaving the kitchen. 
      I didn't know if I should look for Carter; I didn't know if he wanted to see me, but then again I didn't know that I shouldn't either. And at the very least I was going to stick up for us, our little monkey and me, and I only hoped that Carter would too. I climbed the stairs to the fourth floor and exited onto the terrace and then climbed the small stairwell onto the roof. I turned the corner and saw the infinity pool open up before me to the Public Garden and the Boston skyline beyond. Steam rose off the heated pool and mingled with the cool November air. 
      The beautiful man that was my husband and the father of my child cut through the water with quick and confident strokes. His long arms sliced the water and his back muscles rippled with the movement. His broad shoulders glistened in the morning light and my eyes trailed down to his slim waist and the fitted black swim trunks he wore. His muscled legs kicked smoothly and soundlessly. He took my breath away. 
      I stood and watched him silently and rubbed my tummy though the thick bathrobe. A small smile played across my lips that I'd managed to land such a beautiful man, but my mind reminded me that he might be on the verge of throwing me from his life. I desperately hoped that Carter could break down the walls he always managed to build up to let our little monkey and me in. I decided not to ruin the beautiful moment and turned to make my way back down the stairs to the master suite. 
      I dried my hair and dressed to run some errands. By the time I went downstairs I saw that Carter's briefcase was gone so I knew he'd left for work. Joan confirmed it. My heart broke a little more at the thought that he hadn't said a word to me before leaving. 
      When I returned from the pharmacy with prenatal vitamins Joan was in the living room dusting Carter's beautiful paintings. I'd done some research before I'd left this morning on Boston obstetricians but the options were overwhelming. 
      "Joan?" I wandered up behind her.
      "Yes, Mrs. Morgan?"
      "Please, call me Eva." I gave her a warm smile. "I was wondering… Do you know of any obstetricians? There are so many to choose from, and I don't know anyone to give me a recommendation…" I trailed off. 
      "Oh, Mrs. Morgan are you and Mr. Morgan expecting a baby?" A bright