PURPLE HEART - Soliders Of Fortune [BOOK TWO]

Chapter TWENTY SEVEN

Sunday 'Sunny' Santos

...a few hours later...

The smiley Irish doctor drapes his stethoscope over his strapping shoulders, finally declaring my bill of health clean after running what felt like every test imaginable.. "So we'll book you in for your first sonogram in a few weeks.. And I'll send you home with some supplements for the wean, alright?"

"Si- yes, thank you, Doctor.." I nod, clutching my thin paper gown tightly around myself, feeling vulnerable and over-exposed.. After all, I am practically naked, alone in the room with the doctor after Max stepped out to take a call from his sister.. No doubt Verity is attempting to do some damage control to repair the rift she caused earlier at the lawyers office..

I am beginning to see the impulsive streak that runs through the three siblings, a stark similarity that they seem to share..

To me, impulsive actions always bore severe consequences and the fear of that alone had been enough to keep me from taking risks so many times when I should have rolled the dice..

But I am starting to realise I don't have to live like that anymore..

Peeling off his latex gloves and tossing them into the trash can by the desk, Saint smiles at me as he pumps two globs of sanitiser onto his hands, meticulously rubbing them together.. "So, how are ye' fairing in all o'this? It's my understanding you've been though rather a'lot, so if you ever wanted somebody to talk to, you know, confidentially.. I'm an excellent listener.."

The charming Doctor has kind eyes and a certain comforting presence that makes me want to open up.. "Well-" I twist my hands together in my lap, unsure of opening my mouth for fear of what truths might fall out.. "I always wanted children.. Obviously I didn't think it would happen like this but- I was taught to believe every act of creation is an act of love... God will love this baby, no matter how many sins Javier might have been guilty of.."

Saint smiles softly, warm and accepting, there is no judgement on his handsome face.. "A little faith can go a long way, Miss Santos.."

"My Abuela taught me that.." I frown.. "Actually,. she'd probably be pretty disappointed in me right now.. Pregnant and living in sin.."

The memories I have of my grandmother are few and fleeting.. I remember her teaching me how to cook, how to weave and how to sharpen an axe blade.. I remember she was loving and patient, and firm but fair..

I remember she used to say;
'El amor es el idioma universal del corazón'.
(love is the universal language of the heart)
And marriage is a sacred declaration of that love, vowed before God to witness..

But not my marriage.. My marriage will be a sham.. a fraud..

"You won't be a sinner for much longer though, ey?" He chuckles with bright optimism.. "Word is you and Angel are tying the knot.."