Read Online Divine Charity by Heather Rainier - Free Book Online Page B

goes for all of us, Jessica. Far as Lydia, Clayton, and I are concerned, you could pose as Lydia’s niece who is coming to spend some downtime at the cabin while you prepare for this little one to be born. No one needs to know your private business.”
    “And you’re sure it’s not any trouble? It sounds like a lot of trouble.” She gulped. “I’m not sure how well I’d do in a helicopter.”
    Lydia took her hand and said, “It’s very plush inside. You’d be perfectly safe. And it’s no trouble at all. The cabin doesn’t get used often enough and we’d be happy to have you. And I could bring the girls out for a visit if you’d like,” she added, as Charity walked in and dropped her purse and jacket on Grace’s couch.
    Jessica’s eyes brightened a little. “I wouldn’t mind visitors.” Her gaze roamed around the gathering and settled on Val and Ransome and softly added. “Anyone would be welcome if they wanted to come.”
    Brushing her hair back, Charity went to Justin and gave him a kiss in greeting and said, “What’s up?”
    They filled her in and before the story was finished, Charity had joined Grace and Lydia at the table, concern filling her eyes. “You’re going to stay, right?” she asked Jessica. Justin had known the minute the story was out that Charity would want to help Jessica somehow.
    Jessica smiled and nodded. “I guess I am. Thank you all so much. I have no idea how, but I’m going to pay you back somehow.” She got up from the table and went to Val and Ransome and hugged them both at the same time. The hug was a long one and Justin glanced at Charity in time to catch the slight frown that knit her brow before she averted her gaze.
    Jessica looked up at both of the men and said a heartfelt thank-you before hugging them again, and then burst into laughter. Val and Ransome both looked surprised and Jessica said, “I guess the baby thanks you, too,” she said with her hands on her abdomen. “He’s been really quiet all day up until now.”
    Grace nodded as she stroked her own abdomen. “Maybe he sensed your nerves. You’re both in good hands now. I’ll contact my doctor, actually our doctor,” she said, gesturing around the room. “And let her know that you’re in town. I’ll see if she’d like to visit you with us to see how you’re doing medically.”
    Tears filled her eyes and Jessica sniffled and nodded. “Thank you. I can have all my OB’s records transferred to her tomorrow. I’ve been so scared. I think I’ve worried this entire pregnancy that Trevor would somehow figure out where I was. He’s—he’s crazy. I hope that this doesn’t come back to bite any of you…hiding me like this.”
    Chance shook his head and said, “You let us worry about all that. Just focus on taking care of that baby.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Grace insisted that Jessica stay with them for the night and they could make the move in the morning after a good breakfast.
    Justin stood with Charity, listening to his friends make plans and once again marveled at the way they looked out for each other, delegating the tasks that needed to be done to keep Jessica comfortable and safe.
    Val and Ransome flanked him and Charity, and Val said, “Just like that, huh?”
    Charity chuckled, evidently clueing in to what he meant about their friends closing ranks around them and this woman in need. “Yep. This is how it is around here, honey.” She squeezed Val’s biceps and then patted it. “We watch out for each other. And you’re part of this family now.”
    Val met his eyes over Charity’s head and his chest rose and fell with a silent chuckle. Justin just nodded.
    Yeah, that’s how it is. Welcome to the family.
     
    * * * *
     
    Trevor Dornan stunk of stale sweat and nerves as he picked the lock on the bitch’s apartment. It was his best chance to find his kid. He shot furtive glances up and down the hall, swearing retribution to anyone who came upon him.
    “Come on, son of a bitch.” He