Beastly Devastation (Brock Lesnar)

Chapter Twenty-One

          Mel came by this morning and gave the state inspection. I was surprised at how much she could accomplish in just an hour. She looked over the outside of the house, the barn, and surrounding area, before checking out the inside. She inspected every inch of the house, including the nursery that Brock and I had managed to put together overnight.

          She applauded us on our attention to detail and signed the consent for me to be the official foster parent of baby Grace. Without hesitation, Brock and I headed to the hospital to check on her. I also signed her birth certificate with her official name, Grace Lynn Dawson. The nurses were so happy to finally call her something other than just "baby girl."

          We also received excellent news from the doctor. All of Grace's test came back normal, which meant that she would be able to go home very soon. Now, all they had to do was make sure she ate enough and gained a little bit more weight. It seemed as if she could be home within the next week, if everything continued doing well.

          "Kate." Brock's stern voice made my heart sink. That tone only meant one thing, I was in trouble.

          I turned from the nursery window to face him. "Something wrong?"

          "I just got a text from Dana. He says that you asked him to do a little investigating on my ex this morning? Instead of helping you dig up my past, he recommended that we talk it out." I sighed, knowing I had been busted. "I told you last night to drop it. Why didn't you?"

          I could tell he was ticked, which meant, there was probably no good way of explaining myself, but I tried anyway. "I just thought that if I reached out to her, she might let you see them. I know you think that you aren't worth their time, but children deserve a father, they deserve to meet you."

          His face reddened. "Kate, I have been trying so hard to be a better man than I used to be, but you are barking up the wrong tree right now. Back in the day, I wouldn't think twice about breaking that window or throwing that medical cart down the hall in anger. I've changed but you're pushing my buttons. You know that I have a temper and I am trying my best not to lash out on you. Just please let it go! My past is none of your business." With that, he turned away and disappeared into the stairwell.

          I stood still and stared into the nursery window, wondering why I ever tried to help him. He had done so much for me and I guess, I was trying to repay him in some way. Apparently, that was a bad idea...

          After checking on Grace one more time, I told the nurse I was leaving for the day. She had my contact information if she needed anything, so I felt comfortable leaving her. Unsure of where Brock went, I headed down to the parking garage only to find that the truck was gone.

          He had left me here.

          I quickly called a cab and requested that they take me to the nearest Enterprise. I was tired of depending on him to take me places, I had a license, I just didn't have anything to drive, so I rented a Toyota Camry, knowing I'd need something car seat friendly until I decided what I wanted to buy.

          After thanking the sales rep for being so helpful, I pulled off the lot in the rental. It had been awhile since I had driven anywhere by myself but it's not like you forget how to drive.

          When I pulled up on the farm, I saw Brock feeding the cows. He turned to see who his visitor was and once he saw that it was me, he went back to feeding. I got out and walked into the house, dropping my purse on the counter in the kitchen. I grabbed a yogurt from the fridge and went to my room.

          I knew I needed to let him cool off so I stayed in there the rest of the day. I took the time to brush up on one of my parenting books and finished the last chapter right before sunset. It was then that I noticed Brock hadn't been inside at all since I came home, or at least, I hadn't heard him.

          Without another thought, I wandered aimlessly through the house, looking for any sign of him. He was nowhere to be found, so I stepped out onto the porch and looked toward the barn. Again, nothing.

           Assuming he was checking the fences before nightfall, I sat down on the hammock near the far end of the porch. Remembering how hard they are to balance, I thought of Dana and I spinning each other off them when we were kids. They were fun to play on once you got the hang of the balance issue.

          Laying back, I closed my eyes and listened to the animals say their goodnight's. The crickets began to sing and before long, I was asleep...