Charlotte released a deep breath and faced the gray-colored wall.
She felt the nurse stand behind her and sucked in a harsh breath. When she released it, she felt the injection pierce her sensitive skin. Moments later, little pinpricks of pain danced up her back, along with a burning sensation that made her want to scratch.
Abruptly, Charlotte yanked her jeans back on, and her hand moved to her butt to rub the sensitive spot. “When can I leave?”
“We’re just finalizing the discharge papers and waiting for the doctor to bring the prescription.” The nurse offered her a gentle smile. “I’m sure we’ll have you out of here in no time.”
But it still wasn’t soon enough.
Charlotte hated hospitals, and being in this one in particular reminded her of the long nights she’d spent by her dad’s bedside, praying he’d open his eyes. For days, she’d stop by after work and refuse to leave until well into the night. And she went to bed every night with a heavy feeling in the center of her chest.
Everything about this place reminded her of her dad and that dark period in her life. She never wanted to feel that helpless and angry again.
Slowly, she perched on the edge of the bed and gingerly rubbed her butt again. Charlotte drummed her fingers against her thighs and kept sneaking glances at the clock on the wall. Addison was a few feet away, a phone pressed to her ear while she whispered in muffled tones. When the nurse returned to take a blood sample, Charlotte reluctantly rolled up the sleeve of her sweater.
She inhaled sharply through her nose.
Then the nurse disappeared, and Charlotte was left alone with Addison, who was pacing and muttering to herself. Her mom returned, bags of food in hand and with Savannah in tow. Charlotte sat up straighter and glanced over at Addison, who gave her a thumbs-up and stepped behind the curtain.
“Look who I ran into.” Emily nudged Savannah, who was glancing everywhere but at her sister. “Has the doctor looked at you yet?”
“They gave me a shot to stabilize…things, and she’s going to write down a suppository I’ll need to take,” Charlotte replied, pausing to sniff the air. “What did you get?”
“I got you a latte with an extra shot of caramel syrup and a sandwich from that deli across the street. Had a hard time sneaking it in too.”
Charlotte’s lips lifted into a half smile. “You’re the best, Mom.”
Emily brushed her hair out of her face. “Everything is going to be okay, sweetheart. You and the baby are going to be fine, and you’re going to carry it to term.”
Charlotte cleared her throat. “I hope so.”
Emily rummaged through the bags. “I spoke to Liam when I was in the cafeteria about the contract you, Addison, and Mason signed. He said he can get another lawyer to look into it.”
Charlotte’s eyebrows knitted together. “Why were you talking to Liam about it?”
“I just want to be sure you know you have options,” Emily replied without looking at her. “I love Addison, you know that, but this is a little personal—”
Savannah snorted. “It’s not just a little personal. They crossed that bridge a while ago.”
Emily shot Savannah a warning look and pursed her lips. “Yes, it’s a sensitive topic, and I wouldn’t want your friendship to fall apart because of this.”
Charlotte leaned back against her elbows and winced. “I think we’ll be fine, Mom. We’ve already discussed everything.”
Including the clause that allowed Charlotte to be a part of the baby’s life if she ever wanted to.
It was a clause she didn’t like and didn’t need reminding of, especially when she sat up in a hospital bed, waiting to be released.
Being there was making her uneasy and anxious, as was the thought that her mother was talking to cousin Lily’s son.
She didn’t want any more lawyers involved.
The last thing she needed was to make things more complicated for herself or Addison. Right now, all Charlotte wanted to do was go home, curl up on the couch with some good food, and watch trashy TV till she fell asleep.
Anything other than that could wait until tomorrow.
Emily placed a hand on her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to upset you, sweetheart, but I think it’s smart to get a second opinion. When you’re feeling better, give Liam a call, and he should have someone lined up for you.”
Charlotte blew out a breath. “Okay, fine.”
