A Randall Hero

“Yes, I just made the trip to the bathroom. But I didn’t intend to wake you up.”

“I was just napping, waiting for you to wake up. I fed Emma a bottle earlier. She did a good job.”

“I hope I get to feed her the next one. I haven’t done that yet.”

“You will, Lucy. I took her to show to my parents, also. They fell in love with little Emma.”

“That’s very nice of them.”

“Mom has it all arranged. She’s giving you my sister’s old room and there’s a little room next door for Emma.”

“No! No, John, I can’t move in with your family. It would be too dangerous. M-My husband may come after me.”

“I know that, Lucy. My dad and I will protect you, and Mike—the sheriff—came down to the hospital to assure you of his protection, too. You’ll be safe with us.”

“I can’t do that, John. You’ve given me so much support when I needed it, but I can’t continue to rely on you.”

“What do you think you’re going to do? Go back on the road? Your car won’t work without a new radiator, and Emma is too little to be out on the road. You can’t recover that quickly, either.”

“I don’t know what I’ll do, but…I couldn’t live with myself if I brought trouble on your head.”

“You don’t know the trouble you’ll cause if you take Emma away from my mother.” John grinned at her. “She’s been wanting a grandbaby so badly. They thought I’d hidden my girlfriend’s pregnancy until today.”

“Oh, no! John, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to cause you so much trouble.”

“Lucy,” he said, standing and moving to the bed so he could touch her. “Calm down. Mom and Dad weren’t upset. Well, they might have been upset for keeping such a thing secret, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t welcome my baby or her mother, if that were true.”

“But surely they were disappointed in you.”

“No, they’re not that way. And they’re happy to welcome you and Emma into the family. Like I said, Mom’s rearranging so you’ll be welcome.”

“John, I can’t stay here. I think my husband will come after me. I don’t want you to suffer because you took pity on me.”

“You’re not thinking clearly. You can’t run all your life. That would be terrible for Emma. Stand and fight now, where you’ve got support. It’s the only way.”

“I’m not sure.”

“It’s what Harry would tell you. He’ll be back in six weeks. Don’t run away before he returns, Lucy. Surely you can stay that long.”

The nurse walked in then with two lunch trays and put them on Lucy’s table. “Here’s your tray, too, John.”

“Thanks, Heidi,” John said.

Lucy looked at him after the nurse went back out. “Why do you get a tray? I mean, I think it’s great but I’ve never been in a hospital like this one.”

“Yeah, I told you everyone’s great in Rawhide.” He lifted the cover and took a sniff. “Mmm, we’re eating well today. Fried chicken from the café.”

“You mean a café provides the meals?”

“That’s right. Eat all your food so you can gain some weight. You need to get stronger.”

“I will. It’s so nice to have someone make my meals. If I were home, I wouldn’t get any food unless I prepared it.”

“Don’t worry. Mom will take good care of you.”

“No! I’ll cook and clean for her. If I go there, I can do things to make life easier for her.”

John smiled at Lucy. “Whatever you can get her to let you do is fine, Lucy, but your first job is to take care of Emma. And share her a little with my mom and dad.”

“Of course, if they want to see her,” Lucy said, sounding unsure of that.

John sighed. “Weren’t you listening to me, Lucy? They’re so excited to have a baby in the house. It’s going to be just fine.”

Lucy still worried.

“Eat your dinner before it gets cold,” John said, handing her a chicken leg.

She took his advice, knowing she needed to get her strength back. But, she wondered, when the time came, could she stay and fight?

Chapter Four

“Ready to go home, Lucy?” John asked as he entered her hospital room. He’d left her alone last night while he went back to the house to shower and get a good night’s sleep, but he’d been anxious to be with her again.

“I—I’m ready to leave the hospital, John, but are you sure I should move into your parents’ house? Babies aren’t always quiet.”

John grinned. He could imagine his mother’s reaction if he should ask such a question. “I’m sure, Lucy. Mom would never forgive me if I didn’t bring you there. And don’t worry about Emma’s crying. That’s music to Mom’s ears.”

“But your dad?”

“He’s an even bigger sucker for a baby’s cry. Emma will be truly spoiled.”

Lucy gave him a wistful look. “They sound lovely. I’m not sure that—I mean, I know Emma deserves the best, but—but I might irritate them.” She pleaded with her eyes for him to reassure her.

“No, Lucy, you’re as sweet and gentle as Emma. There won’t be a problem.” John bent to place a kiss on Lucy’s brow. He’d rather kiss her lips, but he was afraid he’d frighten her. She gave him another of those sad smiles that tugged at his heart.

He moved over to Emma’s bassinet. “Are your bags packed, little Emma?” he asked, gently touching the velvety-soft cheeks.

The baby kicked her legs, encased in a knitted one-piece suit.

John chuckled softly. “That’s my girl.”

Lucy remained seated on the edge of her bed. “I could find some place to rent until Harry comes. I really don’t want to impose.”

“I told you it’s no imposition. Now, you grab Emma, I’ll grab your bags and we’ll be on our way.”

“We don’t have a lot of luggage.”

“Not to worry. Mom’s been buying Emma a few things. You’ll need a moving truck the next time you decide to move.”