Free Whatever It Takes by C.M. Steele

on the street when I had the chance, but it was too risky.”
    “I’m glad that you didn’t. He and everyone he knows have ways of getting around the police. It’s like they’re untouchable.”
    “Enough of the misery. Let’s enjoy the rest of our vacation.”
    “I say we enjoy it back in our rooms.”
    “Sweetheart, you know the way to my heart.”
    “Yeah, it’s not your heart I’ve learned my way around.”

Chapter 12
    “Spring’s in full swing around here,” I said to Laura as we began planting some flowers around the perimeter of the main house. It had been four months since my second chance on life, and I was out and about the house most days. Lately, I hadn’t been feeling too hot to be outside, but around noon, I seemed to improve.
    “Yes, it is, and these boys are going to come in running for food.”
    “They sure can eat,” I remarked. The men took Laura shopping once a week, and it was like they bought enough food for a month. Not with these guys around.
    “Yes, but you can’t lately, can you?” she asked suspiciously. I knew she could tell something was up. Twice this week, she looked at me funny. Both times, I was trying to choke down some food.
    “No, it seems that I really can’t hold much down.” I had dropped about five pounds in the past two weeks all together.
    “We’ll take a trip to the doctor’s office tomorrow.”
    “It’s kind of crazy that I get to go out now. I can’t believe that William held a town meeting, and everyone has kept their mouths quiet about my presence.”
    “Taking away funding can do that to people. Besides, the people that live here are good folks with kind hearts and strong moral character. They didn’t care for that man and his band of crooks.”
    “Do you think I should tell William yet?”
    “Tell me what?” I jumped to the side, dropping the pod of mums I was about to plant.
    Shit, the giant sneaks up on me all the time.
    “Didn’t mean to scare you, Ana.”
    “Sorry, I didn’t hear you coming.” I got up onto my feet, dusting off my pants.
    “So what don’t you want to tell me?” he asked with a raised brow and crossed arms.
    “Well, I’ve been a little sick lately, and well...we think I might be pregnant.”
    “Are you serious?” he asked excitedly. I knew that after his accident, he never thought that this would happen. I didn’t want to get his hopes up for nothing.
    “Very serious. It’s not certain, though,” I reminded him. “I still have to check with the doctor.”
    “When are you going?” He slid his large, rough hands around my waist.
    “I suggested we go tomorrow,” Laura added, reminding us that she was still with us.
    “I’ll go with you,” he told me.
    “But you’re busy.”
    “Did I stutter? I’m going,” he stated.
    “It’s just…what if I’m not?”
    “What if you are and I miss hearing it? I don’t want to miss it. Any of it.” The look in his eyes told me that this meant so much to him, and there was no point in raining on his parade.
    “Okay,” I said, smiling up at him.
    He bent down and kissed me before turning to Laura. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, Laura, I have to have a talk with my wife.”
    “Is she going to miss setting up lunch?” Laura asked with a laugh.
    “Probably.” I turned beet red. It wasn’t like she didn’t know what we did but pointing it out made me feel awkward.
    “Good man.” Laura had tapped his shoulder before William scooped me up in his arms for some afternoon delight.
    ~~~~~
    I was able to get in to see the doctor the next morning. William was up and jumping, ready to go to find out if I was pregnant. “Do you want to slow down a bit? The appointment isn’t for another two hours.”
    “Babe, I’m sorry. I’m excited. You’re not excited?” he asked walking to his closet.
    “I’m not myself in the morning. It’s too early for smiles.” I stood up to jump in the shower, and my nausea hit me like a Mack truck. I scurried to the bathroom