Free The Inner Struggle: Beginnings Series Book 7 by Jacqueline Druga Page A

Henry asked. “I mean, why is it important now.”
    “Because we look like liars, Henry. I have lied enough and I’m trying to change that.”
    “That’s great, El, but people are gonna believe what they want to believe. Us finding an explanation isn’t going to change anyone’s minds.”
    Ellen stared at him. “This is very different of you. Have you …. have you visited the baby yet?”
    “No, not yet. I looked at him but I didn’t visit.” Henry spoke softly. “Maybe it would be best if I kept my distance some from him.”
    “So this is why you don’t want to figure out how he was conceived. He’s your son.”
    “But he’s more Frank’s and you know Frank’s will make the baby live with . . .” Henry paused in his speech and his eyes took a far off look.
    “What is it?”
    “Nothing. El, I was thinking about something. Just listen to this. I know you want to help Dean. But maybe …. if I am going to give an understanding maybe you should consider having it with Frank.”
    “What? The whole reason we go married was so you could control the understanding and let me be with and help Dean. No.”
    “But listen to me, El. If the three of us are gonna raise this baby, I mean if Frank is gonna raise this baby, shouldn’t we all be in this together? Wouldn’t that be the right thing to do?”
    “No,” she shook her head, “Not with Frank. Come on Henry, he wouldn’t be a good one to have an understanding with. Besides, I’m going to be with Dean. We talked about this.” She brought her face closer to his. “You agreed. He needs me. End of story.”
    “What about after he done needing you?”
    “Henry,” she whined pressing her head back against the pillow, “I can’t with Frank. I just can’t. Let’s not talk about that again.”
    “You still love him.”
    “And you know that.” Ellen took on a subtle look. “I will never stop loving Frank. I’ve loved him all my life. But as far as being with him, I can’t.”
    “What about when the baby lives with him. Will you want to live there, El?”
    “Why are you going on about this? I don’t want to talk about this.”
    Henry opened his mouth to speak, but didn’t. He just stared in what was probably a rare tense moment between him and Ellen.
    “Whoa.” Frank’s deep voice broke the silence. “This is an odd thing. Quiet in a room where Henry and Ellen are.” He walked to the bed.
    “Which was short lived when you walked in,” Ellen said. “Why are you back?”
    “I told you I would be.” He neared the bed and glanced at Henry as he did. “I stopped by to see our son. Patrick told me you haven’t been there yet today.”
    “No I haven’t,” Ellen said.
    “Why?”
    “Because I don’t want to see him like that. Maybe tomorrow.”
    “Nope.” Frank held out his hand. “Maybe right now you’ll go and see him. You have to see him. It’s not right. Come on. I brought a wheel chair. I’ll take you down.”
    “Frank, no.”
    “El, yes,” Frank was insistent. “I’ll be with you.” He wiggled his fingers at her. “Let’s go.”
    Ellen reached up to them. “Just for a moment. I’m very tired.”
    “I know.” Feeling Ellen’s hand grab his, Frank braced her arm, moved to the bed, and helped her up. “You all right?” He saw her cringe.
    “Just a little pain.” She caught her balance leaning on Frank then she turned her head to Henry. “Henry, are you coming?”
    Before Henry could answer, Frank jumped in. “He doesn’t mind if we go alone, do you, Henry?”
    Henry sat up and slid from the bed. “I don’t mind. I’ll wait right here.”
    Ellen glanced at him then nodded. With Frank’s help she sat in the wheel chair. He whisked her away so fast, she barely had time to wave to Henry.
     
    “See,” Frank’s voice was a near whisper as he placed on the brake of the wheel chair. He had wheeled Ellen as close to the incubator as he could get her. “Look at him.” He saw the quiet look on her face, almost