The Baby Between Them

Chapter Nine

Raegan threw her hand up in a 'Stop!' motion as the men burst into the room and then put her finger to her lips.

"I think she likes me." She whispered. A look of absolute awe on her face.

"How could she not?" Hunter whispered back as he walked over and stroked the baby's hair.

"You're a natural." Nash smiled, kissing Rae on the top of her head.

"What happened? Why isn't she crying anymore? Why didn't one of you come and get me?!" Abi demanded as she burst into the room. The three in there all turned and shushed her. Nash nodded towards the baby.

He moved aside as Abi walked over to her stepdaughter.

"You've got the touch Rae. She has been screaming non-stop since she was born."

"Why hadn't anyone given her skin to skin yet? You always tell me how important it is for a baby."

"You're right. It is so important, but her mother isn't allowed near her. That's why H..."

"That's why I was in here ReRe." Hunter said, cutting in. "I've been posted to her room to stop Sasha getting in, not that I think she'd try. It was just breaking my heart listening to her cry, which is why I came in and held her for a little while before you guys came up."

"A little while? You'd been holding her for hours Hunter." Abi gushed, looking up at him in admiration.

"I couldn't get her to stop crying though. That's all Rae."

"She just needed to feel the warmth of someone, that's all." Rae replied. "Can I give her a name?" She asked, looking up at Abi.

"Won't Rick need to do that?" Nash asked.

"I called him after her birth and told him what had happened. He came in at around two this morning, but only to pick Sasha up. He didn't even ask about the baby, so go ahead Rae. She'll need one when the authorities come for her."

"Authorities? What? Why?!" Rae spluttered, holding the baby tighter to her chest. "I'll take her! I swear I'll look after her. She's my blood!"

"I know sweetheart and I have no doubt you'd be an amazing mother to her, but you're only seventeen."

"Only for two more months! Then I'm legally an adult and can take custody yeah?"

"Rae... It's a huge responsibility."

"Hunter?" Rae turned her big eyes to him, pleading with him. "Can I legally take custody from my birthday?"

"Legally? Yes Rae, but not before then."

"She could be in hospital for that time yeah? I'll come and sit with her overnight and go to school during the day." She felt like she was clutching at straws, but she wasn't letting anyone take away her sister. She was hers!

"Once we get her weight up and get the withdrawals dealt with Rae, she'll be fine to leave. Aside from that, she's surprisingly healthy." Abi said. "She may be able to leave well before your birthday sweetheart."

"You can take her!" Rae turned to Hunter. "Or you and Dad!" Her eyes snapped to Abi. "Please... She's already been through so much. Don't let them take her away from me." She broke into heart wrenching sobs then and nestled her cheek against her sister's head, letting the tears fall.

"I'm going to call Mitch." Abi whispered, tears falling down her own cheeks as she turned and left the room.

Nash bumped his shoulder against Hunter's and gave him a 'what the hell man?!' look, to which Hunter replied with a pained grimace and ran both hands roughly through his hair. Nash frowned at him and shook his head, before squatting down beside Rae and the baby and carefully enveloping them both in his arms.