A Bad Boy's Gift

Chapter 42

The next few weeks are tainted by our loss. We cry together whenever we are alone and telling the kids was almost as bad as when I told Hudson about our parents. Only this time he actually cried.

Hudson has been making cookies and hot chocolate for me and bringing it to me in bed, while Molly has been reading a couple of chapters to me every night. Archer has been holding my hand while I sleep and helping me to the toilet. He takes the kids to school and their activities. We took the letters my father wrote to the solicitor and financial advisor and found out that my parents had left their whole estate to me, giving me the responsibility of sharing everything with Hudson. Luckily everything was handled smoothly and quickly and I'm now the owner of the house, grounds, cars and businesses that were all owned by my father.

My father was smart enough to not expect me to run the businesses, but did have someone lined up in each business to take the lead and involve me only when necessary. I do however plan to get in touch with them to touch base and hopefully become a part of each business. 

My appointment to have my cast off comes five weeks after the surgery for the miscarriage and it means I can get back to driving and swim teaching. A bit of normality is exactly what I've been needing. I'm fed up of sitting in bed, eating with just a fork, and being treated like I'm a China teapot. I'm grateful for the support, but I'm ready to get back to normal now.

Archer drives me to the appointment. It's been a couple of weeks since I last cried for the loss of our pregnancy.

"I'm looking forward to being able to drive again," I say, holding Archer's hand on my knee. "I'll be able to get back on the track." The thought makes me smile.

"Let's see what they say today; you might need some physio before they let you drive again," he squeezes my hand as we turn into the carpark for the hospital.

I get my cast removed, and they give me a quick assessment to figure out my strength and am given a green light to drive. Just in time for tomorrow's road race.

Archer sees the excitement in my eyes, and decides to take me for a celebratory McDonalds.

We enjoy our food in the car, and a thought crosses my mind.

"Did you hear from Beth? Or Adam?" I ask, taking a sip of my milkshake.

"Yeah, I spoke to Adam, told him we need to all sit down together but I refused to do it until you're feeling better. And luckily, Hudson hasn't asked if he can have Lucy over for dinner since you've been poorly. So, the sooner we can get this all sorted, the better," he says while stuffing his face with his fries.

"Can we sort it for this week then, please? I've got tomorrow off before I go back to swim teaching on Wednesday."

He takes out his phone, "I can ring him now." I nod, and he dials.

"Adam, hey... Yeah, she's feeling better. So, River asks if we can all sit down together tomorrow," he looks at me and I nod.

"At mine?" I suggest.

"At Rivers? If that suits you?" He starts stuffing his big Mac into his face, forgetting that he's the one having the conversation on the phone. "I'd say I'll send you the address, but you already know where she lives," he says, sarcasm lacing his voice.

I hear Adam chuckle on the other end of the phone before they wrap the call up and Archer tells me that it's all arranged for tomorrow. 11:00am.

Archer heads out to work after dropping me off, but before he leaves, I tell him that I will pick Hudson up from school. He seems concerned but doesn't argue with me, knowing I need to do this to get my confidence back.