AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ariel: Hey Meagan, I need a quick favor. Can you come over to babysit Jonathan for a bit? I think I need to go to the doctor's office.
Me: Oh, God! What's wrong?
Ariel: Probably nothing, but it's my side.... tell you more when you get here.
Me: On my way out the door!
I hastily grabbed my phone and raced to Ariel's back door. As soon as her eyes met mine, a look of immense relief crossed her face. "Thank the heavens you arrived, Auntie Meagan!"
I was aghast. My hand clamped over my mouth as I uttered, "What's happening? This can't be...."
"That same feeling I experienced with my ectopic pregnancy is starting again. Thankfully, the nurse said they could see me immediately, and Guy is meeting me there."
"I hope that's not true!" I sprinted to Ariel, embracing her tightly, then grabbed Jonathan from his swing.
Before her departure, Ariel gave me an extensive list of instructions regarding Jonathan's recently developed crawling skills. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she encouraged me to supervise his activities and prevent him from any potential risks. "He's always so curious," she said lovingly, "Just make sure you keep an eye on him all the time!"
I happily nodded and reassured her with a gentle cooing voice, "Don't worry — I'll take excellent care of your son. So, you concentrate on yourself, and don't forget to keep me posted on what’s going on.”
Ariel's face lit up with a grateful smile, her eyes glimmering. "Meagan, I can't thank you enough," she added earnestly, "I love you."
"Sending you all my love," I uttered, blowing her a kiss. "Wish you the best of luck!"
I smiled contentedly at my delightful nephew as Ariel was driven to her appointment by Marcus, the guard on duty. We then proceeded to enjoy a plethora of toys and books, his bright eyes twinkling with excitement for every new experience. Finally, after tickling his tummy until he erupted into laughter, we took a break to snack on something delicious!
Seeing Jonathan gobble up his applesauce, my heart swelled with joy. Then before I knew it, the back door opened, and Ariel rushed in, wearing a happy grin. "It was just a false alarm," she said with relief. "It's only a pulled muscle I did while tending to the vineyard."
I spun Jonathan around merrily in my arms, relieved. "We’re so happy Mommy is okay!” I laughed.
"Let me whip up some lunch before you dash off."
"That sounds amazing," I replied, nodding in agreement. "I'm curious to know more about the vineyard. You told me you and Guy had started it as a hobby project."
Ariel beamed with exhilaration. "Things have been going extremely well," she bubbled, ushering us into the kitchen. "We've planted a variety of grapevines, like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It's been an absolute joy acquiring knowledge on winemaking and looking after our vines!"
As Ariel happily recounted the labor and commitment required to tend to their vineyard, I was captivated. She remarked that it felt like a blessing since bodyguards always accompanied them everywhere they went. Tending to the garden allowed them both to venture outside without leaving the estate.
She secured Jonathan in his swing and handed him some Cheerios. "Okay, why don't you go get yourself something to drink from the fridge while you tell me more about your session with the hypnotist? Did any new memories come up — other than what happened to Chelsea?"
As I bit into a crisp apple slice, I shared with Ariel my recent discovery. "It sounds silly, but sometimes, my clothes bring back moments I've forgotten. The other day, when organizing my closet," I began, "I came across an old swimsuit and..."
"Are you referring to the red one?"
"Yes, that's the one. I am thankful you packed my clothes when Guy shut down my apartment, but that thing should have been tossed in the trash." We both chuckled heartily.
"So tell me, what did it remind you of."
"Unearthing that red swimsuit brought back memories of Jill, a coworker I had all but forgotten. It was the same one I wore when we went to Coronado Beach. I remember it now, just like it was only yesterday!"
Ariel took a bite of her sandwich and continued our conversation. "I noticed Chase's Escalade parked there the other day. How've you two handled things since your unsettling experience in Catalina?"
"Let me tell you a secret that must remain between us," I whispered, giggling.
"Do tell! My lips are sealed." Ariel snickered, creating a big show of making a cross over her lips.
"Chase has completely stolen my heart — I think I'm falling in love! How amazing is that?"
"And you used to swear you hated him. Funny how cupid works..."
