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“What’s your tattoo anyway?” Abilene asked. “I never got to really see.”
“Two sabers crossed,” I mumbled, not really seeing it as a big deal.
Growing up knowing it was a tattoo I’d eventually get sort of took the shock value out of it. However, I was extremely grateful that the Elders had modified the tradition of the belle also getting the mark of the sabers—because instead of just a tattoo, the belles used to get it branded into their skin. I seriously doubted I would have allowed any man to get anywhere near Abilene with a hot poker.
“I want you to get a doctor here immediately,” I said, finally done with cleaning between Abilene’s thighs. “I want to hear the baby’s heartbeat. I want to know that everything is all right, and the baby is in no danger at all.”
“It’s not that easy,” Mrs. H said. “I’ve been working on it since the last time you asked. We can’t use the Oleander doctor because he’ll tell the Elders. Hell… I can’t use a doctor within a hundred-mile radius of Darlington County because it will somehow get back to the Elders. I’m trying to find someone who is so far removed from any of the members of the Order and that’s no easy task.”
“Get Montgomery or even my dad involved if you need to. I trust them to keep it discreet,” I offered.
Mrs. H nodded. “I’ll find someone. But in the meantime, you need to rest easy that everything is fine. Abilene is in perfect health, there’s no spotting or cramping, and women function normally throughout their entire pregnancy with no issues. She doesn’t need to be babied.”
“You know I’m right here,” she said, waving her hands at the both of us. “You are both speaking like I’m not lying here in this bed… naked… I might add. May I have some freakin’ clothes please?”
She moved to get out of bed, but I quickly placed my hand on her leg and gave her a warning glare that was enough for her to freeze and settle back in like I had expected.
I quickly went to the dresser, pulling out a tank top and shorts I had known her to wear for bed.
“I know you both have a lot on your plate right now,” Mrs. H said. “And I want you to know your secret is safe with me. But I also have to warn you that the Elders have a way of knowing everything that happens in this manor. The Oleander has eyes in the walls.”
“We’ll be careful,” I said, helping Abilene get dressed whether she liked it or not.
“They won’t let Abilene continue if they find out,” Mrs. H reminded.
“We know,” I said.
Abilene slapped my hands when I tried to help put her shorts on. “I can do this myself,” she bit out. “Jesus, I’m not an invalid.”
Mrs. H chuckled. “Girl, you better get used to this. I know Beau, and when this man gets focused on something, he doesn’t let go. I can clearly see his laser focus is centered on you.”
I chose to ignore the rolling of Abilene’s eyes and instead said to Mrs. H, “I want us to start discussing the menu. I don’t want to overstep, but I’ve been reading about certain foods that are rich with the vitamins needed for the baby. And I’m a bit concerned Abilene isn’t maintaining a healthy weight. It says in the book a woman should gain—”
“We are not going to discuss my weight!” Abilene interrupted.
“You’re underweight,” I said, giving her another warning look. “And calm down. Getting stressed isn’t good for the baby.”
“First of all,” she said as she took a deep breath. “I’m not underweight. We also don’t want me putting on pounds while I have to be buck ass naked in front of everyone for the Trials. Second of all, it is not me who needs to calm down. You’re wired so tightly right now that I keep waiting to see your head pop off.”
Rather than arguing with her, I redirected my attention to Mrs. H. “Can you also do me a favor? I want to start getting my place baby-proofed. I don’t even know where to begin or who to call on this. Is there a way you can help me out?”
“Beau!” Abilene said as she leaned forward and took a hold of my forearm. “I understand you are a natural-born planner. I appreciate that you want the best for this baby. But you’re really starting to freak me the fuck out.”
Mrs. H stepped forward and patted my back. “I agree with the lass. You need to relax. You getting all worked up isn’t going to be good for you, Abilene, or even the baby. Don’t worry. I’ll work on the doctor. I’ll also help with the safety of the house if it makes you feel better. But right now, you need to focus on finishing this Initiation. You both need to really concentrate on what still lies ahead for you.” Mrs. H then looked at Abilene. “Can I get you anything?”
