Page 121 of Halo

“I didn't want to bother you.”

“Rach …” I exhale heavily, shaking my head. “Where did you slip?”

“In the parking lot. I stepped on a patch of ice and went down so quickly. I barely even registered what had happened until suddenly it felt like something was ripping through me.”

I wince. “Is that what caused it?” I ask, turning to Larissa. “Her falling? Is that why the placenta separated?”

“It's likely,” she says gently. “A hard fall can sometimes cause the placenta to pull away from the uterus. I hate that this happened to you, but I'm so glad you were already here.” Larissa steps closer to the bed. “Alright, sweetie, I need to rub on your tummy and check your bleeding.”

While the nurse takes care of her, my phone vibrates in my purse. I pull it from a side pocket, and the name COWBOY glows across the screen. I smile, but now isn't the time. My thumb taps ignore.

“Was that Matt?” Rachel asks.

“No. I texted Mom when I checked in downstairs. I'll call them in a minute.” I shrug off my coat. “That was actually Nick. He's probably just now getting home.”

The corner of Rachel’s mouth curls. “I … don't think he is.”

“Why?”

“Because he just left here.”

I stare at her. “What do you mean?”

“He's the one who found me, Leah. Out in the parking lot. He found me and called for help. Then he came up here with me, did my anesthesia for the C-section.”

“Nick did? My Nick?”

She nods, hiding her budding smile. “He never left me. Even after they brought me in here, he sat with me.”

My heart flutters behind my ribs, and for a moment, happiness pushes through all the fear. I almost feel guilty for letting myself feel it.

You're a good man, Nick Crawford.

“I'm … not sure if he knew I was related to you. If he did, he didn't mention it. He was completely focused on me and the baby.”

“Dr. Crawford?” Larissa chimes in. “He's the best. He bends over backwards for his patients.” She lowers her voice. “I've seen him go toe-to-toe with some doctors to advocate for his patients. He's good people.”

Rachel squeezes my hand again and hums. “I get it now.”

“Get what?”

“Why you're falling in love with him.”

“Rachel.” Heat rushes into my cheeks as I catch Larissa sneaking a glance in my direction.

It's too soon—I know it is.

But … is it possible to love someone even when I'm not ready to be in love?

Gosh, admitting that would make it so real, like this is actually happening. A secret part of me is terrified that the second I do, this beautiful little fairy tale I've stumbled into will burst.

I just managed to fit what was left of me back together.

My thumb brushes over Rachel's hand as I gather myself. “So … can we finally talk names, or are those still a secret?”

***

“Lee?”