Back Road Chances (Roughneck #2) (11 page)

Chapter 18

Moon

I was driving to Sam’s to grab a few things for her while she was at work. Kash was there for a couple of days so we were staying at my house. Which was fine with me. It was a huge fucking relief that we were together every night now. She finally gave in a few months ago and started staying over. But once she found out she was pregnant, I would be with her every night, whether she liked it or not. But lucky for me, she liked it. She was so stubborn sometimes; I didn’t want to fight about it. But I would if I needed to.  I wanted her to just move in with me completely. I’ve dropped hints but haven’t asked. But I would before the baby arrived or we got married of course, whichever came first. We hadn’t worked out a wedding date yet. But I would fucking marry that woman today if she would go for it.

As I pulled into her driveway, there was a car pulling out. It looked like Mackenzie’s car, but I couldn’t be sure. It was definitely a woman though. She had big ass sunglasses on and the windows were tinted so it was hard to tell. She was probably just looking for Sam, if it was her. Maybe she had the day off from work, who knows? I didn’t give it much thought until I walked in the house. Kash was walking out of his bedroom as I opened the front door. His shirt was unbuttoned and he was zipping up his jeans.  It was pretty obvious he just got laid. Sam would lose her fucking mind if Kash shit on another one of her friends. But I wasn’t even sure it was Mackenzie. She had a boyfriend anyway. He was an ass wipe, but still her boyfriend. It wasn’t my business, so I sure as fuck wasn’t going to ask. I would tell Sam if I knew for sure, of course. But I didn’t. That was my way of justifying it in my head if Sam found out I knew about it. Which I didn’t. Because I wasn’t even sure it was her. I think I was trying to convince myself right now.

“Hey what’s up bro?” Kash said, as he ran his hands through his hair. But he seemed a little nervous.

“Hey man.” I said.

“Is there anyone else here?” He said as he scanned the room.

“Is there supposed to be?” I asked and looked around.

“Nope,” he said, and let out a sigh and walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer.

“Wanna beer?” he asked.

“Nah, I’m good. Just grabbing some of Sam’s stuff.” I said.

“She won’t even come around when I’m here,” he said, and almost sounded a little butt hurt.

“I don’t know dude,” I said, and put my hands up in surrender. I wasn’t having this conversation with him.

“I’m not that bad,” he said with a shit eating grin, as he took a swig of his beer.

“I’m not the one you need to convince,” I said with a laugh and walked into Sam’s room.

It was the weekend before I had to go back to work and we were on our way to see my parents. We were going to tell them about the engagement. My momma was going to be so excited.

“Since we haven’t told my dad about the baby yet, can we wait to tell your parents, too?” Sam asked.

“Darlin, my parents know I’m not marrying you because you’re pregnant. They’ve been waiting for this for years.” I said with a smile.

“Please?” She said, and gave me that look I couldn’t resist.

“Whatever you wanna do,” I said. Because I was a puss who was wrapped about that beautiful fucking finger of hers. I would do whatever she wanted.

“Thanks, Moon,” she said and kissed my cheek.

When we pulled into my parent’s driveway, my nieces came running out the door. Lila, who was five, was in the lead. Her little curls bouncing as she ran. She was a cute little shit. Penelope was coming up the rear. She was only 2. She had wild blonde hair like my sister did as a kid. When I put the truck in park, they were both standing on the sidewalk jumping up and down.

“Their getting so big.” Sam said with a smile, as she stared at them.

We hopped out of the truck and the girls ran over to us.

“Uncle Moon!” Lila squealed as she wrapped her chubby little arms around my legs and I scooped Penelope up.

“Hey girls!” I said and looked towards the house. I could see my dad standing in the doorway just grinning. He loved his grandkids; I couldn’t wait to tell him about the baby.

“Did you bring us a present?” Lila asked.

“Lila!” Jen scolded, as she opened the screen door.

“What momma? He always brings presents.” She looked at her mother in confusion.

I turned around and Sam handed me the bag that was sitting in the truck. I handed both of the girls their new dolls.

“Thanks, Uncle Moon!” Lila smiled, as she hugged her new baby doll. My parents were the only ones who stilled called me Robbie.

“Tanks Unc Moo,” Penelope said, as she kissed the doll. And both of the girls ran back inside.

“Hey shithead,” Jen said, as she gave me a hug and then pushed me away as she walked up to Sam.

“Oh my gosh!” She squealed quietly, as she grabbed Sam’s hand and then pulled her into a hug. My sister had a fucking radar for anything shiny.

“Momma’s gonna freak out,” she said, as she looked back at me.

“You keep your big mouth shut so I can tell them,” I said, as I pointed my finger in her chest.

“Well you better do it quick,” she said, as she pointed to the house. My sister had a big mouth. She was part of the reason I got in so much trouble when I was a kid. It was like anything that came into her mind was forced to spill out of her mouth. But the truth is, she probably got me grounded enough to keep me alive. Who knows the shit I could have really gotten into if she had kept her mouth shut?

“Come on, darlin,” I said, as I grabbed Sam by the hand. She was smiling, and that smile made me smile. Damn, I fucking loved that woman.

The next morning, as I was putting some clothes on, trying not to wake Sam up, I couldn’t help but smile thinking about how excited my parents were yesterday when we told them we were getting married. My mom started to cry as she held onto both of us. My dad was proud of me; it was all over his face, even if he didn’t say it.

When I walked into my parent’s kitchen, they were sitting at the table having coffee. It was only 5:30 a.m. I really was turning into my old man; I could never sleep until daylight anymore.

“Mornin honey,” my mom said.

“Mornin,” I said, as I grabbed a cup and walked to the coffee pot.

“How far along is she?” my mom asked quietly.

“What?” I said, as I turned around and looked at her. She was smiling from ear to ear. How the hell did she know? My dad just chuckled quietly as he sipped his coffee.

“You heard me.” She said.

“How did you know?” I asked. I hadn’t told anyone.

“I had a dream about it a couple of weeks ago, and then one look at Sam confirmed it. A momma knows, son.” She said with a smile.

“We wanted to wait to tell everyone. Sam is worried y’all will think that’s the only reason we’re getting married.”

“Oh that’s just silly,” my mom said.

“I know, but she worries about everything.” I said. She had a tough exterior, but I knew the real Sam.

I heard the guest bathroom door close and I knew Sam was awake. My mom got up out of her chair and went into her bedroom. She came out a few seconds later with a yellow gift bag. My dad just shook his head, holding a smile, and stayed quiet.

“Let me talk to her,” my mom said, as she stood at the table.

“Mom, I don’t know.” I hesitated.

“Hush,” she said, as she playfully smacked the back of my head and walked past me. She knocked on the guest bedroom door and when Sam answered, she walked in and shut the door behind her.

My dad and I sat at the table in silence for at least twenty minutes. I was straining to hear what was going on in the other room. I was worried about Sam and what my momma was saying. I didn’t want Sam to feel bombarded. I didn’t want her pissed at me for not intervening. I knew my Mom loved Sam though; I needed to quit worrying so damn much.

I jumped when the bedroom door opened and my dad started to laugh. Ass. I looked over and could tell Sam had been crying. But she was smiling. My mom was right behind, and she was the same way. A tear stained face but wearing a smile. Sam walked up to me and sat on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.

“Mornin darlin,” I said, as she kept her face buried in my neck.

“I love you.” she whispered.

“I love you,” I said, as I forced her to look at me. I didn’t care that my parents were right there. I could tell they were both watching without trying to make it obvious.

“You ok?” I asked her quietly.

“Better than ok,” she said with a smile. Her morning eyes still squinty and her hair in a messy bun. She was fucking perfection.

Chapter 19

Sam

I made it through another fucking hitch. This one wasn’t so bad though, I spent most of my time at Lainey’s. I loved helping her with Emma. I was fascinated by her. Her grunts and groans. Her hiccups. Even her screaming fits. She was so fucking adorable. Not to mention that Lainey was an amazing mom. When I couldn’t get Emma to calm down, it’s like she would just fit against Lainey and go right to sleep. I knew that I would have that with my baby. I knew it made Moon happy, too. He was ready to be a dad. Just watching Moon with his nieces showed me, he was going to be a damn good one. I was ready for this new journey. I wanted to be his wife and have his baby. But what I wanted more than anything this very second was for Moon to get his ass home. I was sitting on my front porch with Patch, waiting. Kash was on hitch, so I spent the last couple of days at my house. But I was sure I would be back at Moon’s as soon as he got home. I avoided him as much as possible.

I could hear Moon’s truck coming down the road before I could see it. He loved that fucking truck. One of these days, he was going to let me drive it. My stomach was jumping with excitement. I was so excited I could almost do the happy dance. Almost. When his truck came into my view, I immediately jumped up and so did Patch. I met Moon at the driver’s side door. I couldn’t wait any longer. I jumped into his arms as soon as his feet hit the ground. Moon squeezed me tight and started kissing me all over my face.

“I missed you so, so much,” he said, as he kissed my lips, my nose, my cheeks and my chin.

“Me, too,” I said, as I squeezed him as hard as I could.

“I need to be inside you, right now,” he said, as he gave me those hooded eyes that melted me like butter.

“Right now.” I repeated after him. I loved him so much. He was perfect. This was perfect. Life was finally perfect.

It was dark. Something was burning. I couldn’t think straight. I felt myself start to panic. My heart was racing and my body started to tremble. It was so hot. I was trying to wake up. It was so dark. When my mind finally started getting clearer, I realized I was the one burning. My stomach was on fire. It was so hot. And warmth. Was I wet? Did I pee? What was it? Fuck, the burning in my back. It hurt so bad. I couldn’t help but cry out. I felt something jump beside me.

“Sam? What is it?” Moon said, as he jumped out of the bed and flipped the light on.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” He said, the fear in his voice causing it to shake.

My eyes were closed. It was too bright. The pain was ripping through my body. Why was I wet? It was so hot. I ripped the blanket off me just as my eyes adjusted enough to open them. That’s when I saw it. Blood. Lots of blood. Running down my legs, spilling onto the sheets. So much blood. No. No. No. This couldn’t be happening. Please God, no.

“Moon!” I cried, but I couldn’t look away from the blood.

He didn’t speak, but I heard rustling sounds. My back hurt so bad. Fuck, my insides were twisting. I’ve never felt anything like this. Please God, no. Please don’t let this be happening. I squeezed my eyes shut when a sharp pain ran from my back to the bottom of my stomach. I cried out in pain. This couldn’t be real. I felt Moon put a shirt over my head and put my arms through. But I had to grab onto my stomach. It hurt too bad.

“Baby, let’s go,” Moon said, as he scooped me into his arms.

“No. No .No.” I cried. Please God, no. Don’t do this.

My body was bouncing as Moon ran to his truck.

“Ahh!” I cried.

“I’m sorry baby, I’m sorry. I’m trying.” Moon whispered.

He put me in the passenger side of my car and buckled the seat belt.

“We’re going to the hospital, Sam. Just hold on, ok.” he said, his voice trembling.

My whole body was shaking. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. Please don’t take the baby, I prayed.  Please. I’m sorry for being scared. I’m sorry. Please don’t.

I heard the roar of the engine and my body started to tremble from the inside out. It was too much. This pain was too much. The fear was even worse. Please no.  It was dark again. So dark. And then silence.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

What was that? Where was I? My body was so heavy and I couldn’t force my eyes to open. What was that fucking beeping? I started to stir, but everything was heavy.

“Honey, try not to move around too much.” I heard a female voice. I didn’t recognize it. Who was she? Damn it, open your eyes. I couldn’t. I tried to speak but the words wouldn’t come out. My throat was so dry. I had to know where I was. Where was Moon?

“Where am I?” I finally whispered, after trying like hell to force a sound.

“You’re in the hospital, sweetie,” she said, as she gently patted my hand.

The hospital? I was confused for a minute. But not nearly long enough. That’s when the memories came flooding back. The pain. The blood. The fear. I put my hand on my stomach.

“The baby,” I whispered.

“Hang on just a minute, honey. Let me get the doctor real quick.” she said, and I heard her feet pad across the floor quickly.

I didn’t need the doctor to come in here. I already knew. I fucking already knew. Please be wrong. Please be wrong. My brain was so foggy. I felt my head sink into the pillow.

A second later I heard the door open. It seemed like a second, but it could have been an hour. Everything seemed to be buzzing around me, but I was in slow motion.

“Ms. Montgomery?” I heard a male’s voice behind me.

“Are you awake?”

“Yes.” I whispered.

“Can you open your eyes for me?” he said; he was in front of me now.

It took all my strength to force my eyes to flutter open. This room was so bright. I heard footsteps and then the lights were dimmed, thank God. It made it easier to adjust my vision.

“The baby.” I whispered again.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Montgomery.” the doctor said in a professional manner that didn’t match his words.

“Unfortunately sometimes these things happen. Medically, we can’t explain them. But the good news is, there was no internal damage and this won’t affect you getting pregnant in the future,” he said without any emotion, patted my leg and walked away. He just confirmed that my whole fucking world fell apart and then walks out of the room. If I had the strength to throw something at him, I would.

“I’m sorry, sweetie.” said the familiar voice from a few minutes ago. I looked up and there was an older woman with short, brown hair. She glanced at me with kind eyes as she replaced the bag of clear liquid running into my arm.

I expected to cry. But I didn’t. The tears wouldn’t come. I was numb. Frozen.

“I know it’s tough.” How the fuck would she know?

“But you have a whole room full of people out there waiting to see you.”

I didn’t want to see anyone. I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t deserve to have people around me that cared. I couldn’t protect my baby inside me. I didn’t deserve anything good.

“Sam?” I heard Moon’s voice behind me as the door opened slowly.

“I’ll leave you two alone. But my name is Sheila; you just push that red button if you need anything. And this button right here,” she said as she held up a grey tube attached to a cord beside me. “This is pain medicine. If you start having pain, push this button, it’s on a timer,” she said, and then walked away.

Moon stepped in front of me and bent down. He wrapped his arms around me gently and kissed my head.

“I’m sorry, baby.” he whispered.

“I’m sorry, Moon. It’s my fault, I’m sorry,” I said, as I stared straight ahead.

“No, it’s not, darlin.” he said with too much affection. Affection that I didn’t deserve. He wanted this baby more than anything, and I couldn’t give it to him.

“Please, just go, Moon.” I said with my eyes closed.

“What?” He said, but it wasn’t a question.

“Please go.” I said, unable to look at him.

“Don’t push me away, Sam, please,” he begged. I didn’t deserve him. I had destroyed everything we had going for us. I couldn’t handle this. I couldn’t handle how much I hurt him. I knew I did, even if he wouldn’t say it.

“I need you to go,” I said firmly. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t want him to go, but I didn’t deserve to have him with me.

“I’m gonna go out into the hall, but only because your dad wants to see you. But I’m not leaving you, Sam. I love you, and I’ll never leave you. I told you that,” he said, and then I heard his boots fade away.

A few minutes later I heard the door open again. I didn’t want to see anyone else. I couldn’t do this.

“Angel?” I heard my dad’s voice behind me.

Just the sound of his voice caused the tears to start falling. I was bawling as my dad came around to face me. He wrapped his big arms around me and held me as I cried.

“Angel, I’m sorry,” he said, and I continued to cry. My baby was gone. Gone. I would never recover from this, never.

“I wish you would have told me,” he said quietly, as he moved the hair off my face that was clinging to my tears.

“I’m sorry,” I said through my tears. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” he said, as he rubbed my back to sooth me. It was what he did when I was a little girl and used to have bad dreams. He was always there for me. My body started trembling and I couldn’t catch my breath.

“Sshh. There Angel, It’s gonna be ok.” he said. But it wouldn’t be. I would never be ok.

“It’s not, daddy. This is my fault,” I whispered, when I could finally form words.

“No, Sam. It’s not your fault,” he said sternly. “None of this is your fault.”

He didn’t understand. He would never understand; no one would.

“I love you dad, but I need to be alone. Please.” I begged.

“Ok,” he said quietly. “But Lainey is outside, waiting.”

“No, dad, please. I can’t. Tell them to go home. Please.” I said.

“Angel?” he said.

“Please,” I begged.

“Ok, I love you.”

I just shook my head and closed my eyes. When I heard the door shut behind him, I hit the red button beside my bed.

“Can I help you?” A voice came through the speaker.

“Can you please make sure no one else comes in here, please?” I asked.

“Yes ma’am,” said the voice through the static.

I grabbed the grey tube and pushed the button, praying it would take away the pain. I closed my eyes and willed myself to sleep.