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"What is going on, Baxter?" Using the same way we always address each other gives me a false sense ofnormalcy.
"Jaxon will explain everything when we get you home."
Home.
I can't decipher what he's keeping from me or why he won't just spit out why I got released. I doubt a judge randomly decided to let me go on a Sunday.
"You'll want Wes and Kiwi with you," he amends, averting his gaze.
My stomach flips. Why? What could be so bad that I need them both with me? Are the charges not dropped, and I got out on bail? Breathing becomes harder, and I close my eyes, concentrating. The little rational thinking I have left screams at me to keep it together, for Nugget's sake. No one will tell me anything, and I'm bordering between a panic attack and a temper tantrum.
The car comes to a stop. Opening my eyes, I recognize our surroundings. Jaxon parked the SUV in front of Wes's garage, another large SUV directly in front of us. Through the windshield, I see Lilly exiting the passenger side.
Marcus pushes open the door and shifts so he can take my hand and pull me out. My legs tremble, and I clutch his hand harder. He has to drag me after him. My body won't obey any mental cues. I'm home, yet I can't move. My feet hit the sidewalk when the door to the townhouse flies open, and Wes races down the steps—followed by my dog.
Tears instantly well up in my eyes, and all I can make out is a blurred form when I'm swept up in the pair of arms I have so desperately needed since Friday morning. I cling to him as sobs wrack through my body, and Echo whines at our feet.
"Fuck, Princess. What happened? Why are you here? Are you okay?" His words are spoken over an audible lump in his throat.
He pulls back and frantically scans me up and down. "Is the baby okay? Are you hurt?"
I shake my head, and his eyes widen. I realize his thought process, and I let go of him, cupping his cheeks with my hands. "She's okay. I'm not hurt."
He sags in relief. "Jesus, Princess." He leans his forehead against mine. "You almost gave me a heart attack."
"Let's take the welcome scene inside before we get an audience," Marcus exclaims from somewhere behind us.
Wes drapes his arm around my waist. He won't let go of me as much as I cannot lose contact with him. As he leads me toward his house, I find Lilly, Rhys, Denielle, Kiwi, Zeke, Mags, and a couple I haven't met waiting. My stomach plummets to my feet. I've handled everything life has thrown at me in the past, but the mere thought of meeting Wes's parents makes me want to run. A hand lands on my shoulder—Marcus—and Wes leans in to whisper in my ear. "You have nothing to worry about, I promise."
He lets go of my backside and interlaces our fingers. As we draw nearer, everyone smiles. Mags swipes under her eyes, and they start making their way back inside. I suddenly shiver, realizing how chilly it is.
The only people not following the rest are Wes's mom and dad. Both remain on the top step, waiting for us. With every step that brings me closer to them, I start squeezing Wes's hand harder until he grunts. I can't make myself let go, though.
Stopping in front of Mrs. Sheats, I look at everything but her. How can I face this woman? I'm pregnant with her son's baby because I forgot to take my birth control and just got out of jail.
A set of hands suddenly lands on my cheeks, and I involuntarily glance up. The woman's eyes are misty, and she smiles.Smiles.I don't know what to do.
"You are even prettier in person."
Excuse me, what?
She lets go, and I swivel to Wes with what must resemble a question mark.
He grins. "Told you. You have nothing to worry about."
Inside,I get sandwiched between Wes and Kiwi. Both have lost all sense of personal space. If they come any closer, Kiwi will end up in my lap with me on top of Wes. Mags is on Kiwi's other side and has her hand on me as well.
Denielle, Lilly, and Mrs. Sheats are on the other half of the sectional. Rhys stands next to Mr. Sheats behind the back of the couch. Marcus leans against the wall. He always keeps the entire room in sight—a trait I noticed long ago. I do the same.
Jaxon is the one remaining in the middle of the living room. He scrubs his hands over his mouth and looks at Lilly. "Have you filled them in?"
"No." Her expression is closed off. "I got here a minute before you and figured you should give everyone the report."
Report?
Jaxon shifts his attention to me. "I mentioned new information yesterday when we met."
My chest constricts.
