“Nick? Are you still here?”
He moved into her sight line. “I’m here. I haven’t left and I won’t.”
“I want to sit up.”
Her mother said, “I’ll raise the bed.”
She was brought upright and scanned the room. “Where am I?”
“In Memorial Hospital. Do you remember what happened?”
“I was at the clinic…I was attacked there.” It hurt but she moved her hand to her stomach. “The baby?”
“She’s gone, love.”
“Now I remember.” Tears coursed down her cheeks.
Her mother took her hand. “We need to concentrate on getting you healed.”
Noreen managed to gather some strength. “H-how hurt am I? There’s pain everywhere.”
“Do you remember what happened at the clinic?”
“Someone came. He slapped me and kicked me. I tried to protect the baby but I couldn’t.”
Eve squeezed her hand. “That’s enough for now. You need rest.”
She dozed…
When she awoke again, she was lying flat. She looked around and realized it wasn’t a dream. Hank Pierson had come to the clinic and killed her baby. He was deranged.
Nick was in the chair next to her. “Want to sit up again?”
“Yes.”
He brought the bed to an upright position again, then sat back down. His face was lined with worry, but he forced a smile. “Hello, again.”
She gripped his hand. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Of course I am.”
“Where’s my Mom?”
“She went to get coffee. She’s quite a lady. Strong. That’s where you get it from.”
“I guess.” She frowned. “Everything’s changed.”
“How so?”
“My life…it isn’t what I thought it was going to be.”
“I can see how you’d feel that way right now. We think maybe you should talk to a counselor.”
“Maybe. I certainly gave that recommendation to patients enough.”
“Sweetheart, one thing hasn’t changed. I’m still in love with you. I want a future with you.”
She softened. “I love you, too, Nick.”
