Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 44

"Dr. Newman is willing to wait a few more minutes. You're her last appointment today so..." Nurse Sofia Carter let her sentence fade as she watched the young mother-to-be sit so bravely in the chair, waiting for her extremely late husband. At first, she wondered if the girl was really married. So many of the young ones who came through the door pretended and created fantasy men to replace the dogs who ran out on them, but after one look at the diamond and her matching wedding band, there was no doubt in her mind. No one could create a fantasy that real, or that expensive.

"No thanks," Dawn answered as she stood. Having always been afraid of doctors, she was terrified. She wanted to wait for Nikolas, but she couldn't have the doctor wait forever. Postponing the appointment was out of the question. She needed to make sure her baby was okay. She would muster her courage and go through with it. "I'll see her now."

"Are you sure you don't want to wait?" Nurse Carter asked again. She could see how scared the girl was and maybe her husband really was on his way. She'd hate to see her go through the first time alone.

"Wait for what?"

Dawn turned as she heard his voice. Her face brightened and she released the air she had been holding. Nikolas came to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. He whispered against her ear, "I'm sorry. Sheba had to go in for emergency surgery and I lost track of time."

Dawn wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled him close to her. Resting her head on his shoulder, she said, "Okay. I'm just glad you're here."

"Wild horses or even sick ones couldn't keep me away," he said with a laugh.

Dawn laughed at his joke and said, "Oh, Nikky."

Nurse Carter watched the reunion with well-trained eyes. He finally showed up, she thought, good for him. With a professional smile, she said aloud, "I'll tell Dr. Newman that you're ready."

"Thank you," Nikolas said. After the nurse left them alone, he pulled Dawn to the plush, brown sofa. He could still feel her trembling against him. He rubbed her arms with gentle hands to calm her. "It'll be okay."

"I'm acting like a baby. I'm trying, but I just hate going to the doctor," she said, her eyes looking at her fingers as they played with the buttons on his shirt.

"I'm sure it won't be that bad. I'll be with you the entire time, holding your hand. Will that help?" he asked, placing a finger under her chin to lift her head. As her eyes met his, he cupped her face in his hand and caressed her cheek with his thumb.

"I guess," she said. She tried for indifference, but she couldn't keep a straight face. She laughed softly when he pulled her closer to him and whispered, "Tease."

"Excuse me," Nurse Carter said as she stood in the doorway which led to the examining rooms and Dr. Newman's office. "The doctor will see you now."

~*~

"So, how did it go?" the voice on the other end of the telephone asked.

"Well, it went okay," the young man answered hesitantly. He had failed his assignment miserably and he was terrified to admit it. His boss, although he's never seen him...or was that a her, he couldn't tell because the voice was always altered, was ruthless. The mysterious disappearance of the person who introduced him to this line of work told him to always be wary. The money was good, but it didn't come without a price. Now, as he stood quaking in his boots, he wished he'd never even gotten himself involved with this line of work.

"What do you mean by okay? Did you see her?"

"Yes. I saw her.."

"And? You are trying my patience, Maxwell!"