Two months ago,when I first found out I was pregnant,I was overjoyed.I thought this child was a blessing from heaven—meant for me and Lennon.
Yet,everything changed when I learned the child was not even his.And he…had never even touched me.
Lying on the hospital bed,I stared blankly at the night sky through the window.The anesthesia was wearing off,leaving a dull ache in my lower belly.Yet,it was not nearly as hollow as the ache in my heart.
The door creaked open.I turned my head slowly.Lucan Shepherd,Lennon’s older brother,stood there.
That was the same man I had called earlier at the auction.
He held a lunch box,still cool from the breeze outside.
“I’m sorry,”he said gently.“I had someone track your location.You didn’t sound right on the phone.I was worried.”
He placed the lunch box on the table beside me.“I had them make chicken soup with red dates.It’s good for your recovery.Drink it while it’s hot.”
I managed a faint smile.“It’s fine.Thank you…really.”
He sat at the edge of the bed,poured the warm soup into the lunch box with practiced ease,then brought a spoonful to my lips after gently blowing on it to cool.