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“Used to be.” I nod.
Beckett stutters. “Look, I get it. You’re turning to the guy who was there when I wasn’t. I can’t imagine what you went through last week.” With jerky movements he shakes his head. “But don’t throw everything away for a man you just met.”
“You broke up with me six weeks ago. I did nothing wrong. I don’t know what he is yet. But spending the week with him made me realize I finally felt a connection with someone who genuinely appreciated me. And if it weren’t for him—”
“Well?”
“Things might’ve gone much worse. He protected me. He stepped in for me even though he had no obligation. When my cards were blocked, and I was being followed and he stopped those men before they could finish whatever they were going to do.”
“Do you know what they wanted?”
“To send a message. That’s all I know.”
“Someone you’ve prosecuted? How do you know the message wasn’t for your new friend?” He gestures toward the back of the house.
“You don’t think I’ve gone over those timelines and possibilities?”
“You’re just stressed out after everything that happened, Elizabeth. You’re being rash.”
Chapter Fourteen
Riker
“How are things in Ohio?” Harper asks.
“Interesting, but my plane just landed like an hour ago.” Actually it’s been a bit longer, but we spent that time on the couch. “How’s whatever you’re doing tonight?”
“Chaos. As usual. Kenz is in class practicing for her solo this weekend.”
“So you decided to call and check up on me? This was partially your idea.”
She snorts. “Maybe, I slipped out to get some air, and thought I’d call, but if you’re busy—”
“I’m sitting in the back yard, watching Libby’s dog chase leaves. Someone stopped by to talk to her, so I’m sure I have a few minutes.
“Well, in that case…” She goes silent, then makes a humming noise. “Can I tell you something? You can’t say anything to Kenzie yet.”
“Sure.”
Her breath crackles on the speaker. “I’m pregnant.”
“Congratulations!”
“Ten weeks…”
Oh.My chest aches. That was when she’d miscarried last time.
“I’m just scared, and I’ve talked to Vincent about it. He understands—or tries to. That’s why we haven’t mentioned anything to Kenzie, but I just… You were there.”
“I wasn’t, really.” I’d come home the next day, after hearing about it on the plane.
“Yeah, but you know.” Her voice cracks.
“I do.” It had come without warning like a bolt of lightning.
I don’t know what to say, and I wonder if this is anything like Libby had felt when I’d explained my injury. I can’t guarantee everything will be okay. Who can?
Is that what I’m supposed to do anyway?
