Gray

Chapter 32

Gracie Jean (Gray)

"The car seat is installed, and the bag's in the car also. All we need now is Mama and baby to get this show on the road," Reid chuckled. "Not much longer now." He ran his hand over my stomach and I smiled, but inside I felt like I was going to vomit. Ever since the day I had gone to the school to get my things, he had been erratic in his moods. I could feel the divide between us growing wider and it terrified me. What if he left us, or worse, what if he took my son away from me? He's the mayor, how the hell can I fight him?

"Gracie Jean, did you hear me?" Reid shouted, making me jolt.

"Oh, sorry, I got distracted," I mumbled, "What were you saying?"

He gave an annoyed huff, "I asked if you'd had any more contractions since last night?"

I shook my head, "No, I think those were just false alarms, but we can ask Dr. Greene today at my check-up. You're staying aren't you?"

He pulled me to him, a strange glint in his eyes, "I'm not letting you out of my sight until this little guy is born." His sentiment should have made me feel loved, but instead, it made my heart race with fear.

Sean

"So how are we feeling today, Gracie Jean?" I asked my patient. My nurse fully prepped her for the exam as her husband stood beside her. I couldn't help but notice the look of worry in her eyes and how she seemed nervous.

"I had a few," she started, but her husband cut her off.

"She had contractions last night. She's not taking them seriously, so I think we need an expert opinion." He glared at her when he finished. The poor girl sank back at his look.

I reached out and patted her hand, "How about we put the baby band on for a bit while you stay here? Mr. Reeves, can you go with the nurse to fill out some paperwork? Be sure and tell her the times you noticed your wife's contractions and her reactions, please." When he started to protest, my nurse cut him off and practically dragged him out.

Turning my attention back to the young woman I began hooking up the monitor belt to track the baby's heartbeat and see if we could catch any more contractions. Pulling my stool up to the bed, I looked over her chart and asked quietly, "Are you okay, Gracie Jean? Are you safe?"

Her eyes widened, "Uh, ye...yes." I gave her hand a soft squeeze, our eyes locking for a moment. I couldn't explain it, but I had the overwhelming urge to kiss her.

Shaking my head, I released her hand and told her, "If you need my help, please just let me know. I'm sorry if I read it wrong, but you seemed very nervous around your husband today."

"It's just stressful for us both. This is our first child, and his responsibilities as mayor, and...well you can understand, right?" I'm not sure if she was trying to convince me or herself more. "So, um, what do you think, are the contractions real or just Braxton-Hicks?"

"Well, you are only a few days away, so it could be either really, but you're not dilated any further than your last appointment, so Braxton-Hicks seems to be the most likely." She let out a relieved breath at my confirmation.

We both jumped as the door banged open and her husband stormed back in. "Well?" he demanded.

Smiling at him and fighting the urge to punch his smug face I answered, "Seems your wife was correct, sir. Her dilation still stands at one, so even though she's near her date, I feel confident they were false labor pains." I began unhooking the sensors as he tapped his foot impatiently. I swear the man practically growled at her when he shoved her clothes into her hands and told her to hurry to dress.

I was going to need to keep a very close eye on him during her delivery. Something was off and my gut was telling me this woman and her child were in grave danger.

Nate

I tossed and turned all night. Nightmares plagued me of a towering beast trying to harm a beautiful woman with silvery hair. Her eyes were filled with such fear as I jumped in front of her. I woke to the sound of her screams as she called out my name, begging me not to leave her, not to die.

Author's Notes:  Hmm...foreshadowing or a misdirect?