Baby Makes Three

“Yes, I know that.” And I genuinely meant it. I had gone into complete shock when Zander attacked me at Libby’s house. We’d got into a bad fight, resulting in me throwing a vase at his head, but missing and breaking a window instead. Neighbors heard the crash and began knocking on the door, trying to check if everything was all right. Zander had made a run for it, escaping out the back door. And then I’d sat on the floor for a long time, in complete shock I guess, more scared than I had ever been in my life. I didn’t know what to do, and I was terrified for the baby. Even worse, I had been terrified to call the police or ambulance. I was in denial, and had fallen into the illogical thinking that if I didn’t say anything, I could pretend nothing had happened, at least until I snapped back to reality and was ready to face it. The next thing I knew, morning had arrived, and then police and an ambulance started showing up on the premises even though I hadn’t touched the phone.

“Joanna, you still there?”

“Yeah,” I said, snapping out of my thoughts. “Anderson is already on the case. In fact, he said he was going to see you about finding some of the best private investigators and lawyers to handle Zander.”

“Yeah, I’ve already started looking.”

“And Tobias, there’s something else.”

“Yeah?”

I waited for a moment, halfway hoping he would tell me that he already knew bec

ause Anderson had already told him. But from the way he quietly hung on to the line, I realized I didn’t have that luxury. I took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant,” I said and laughed nervously afterwards. “Hope you’re looking forward to being as doting of an uncle as you are a big brother.”

There was another long silence and I halfway thought he somehow hadn’t heard me.

“Wow. Congratulations, sis,” he finally said. “I’ll be looking forward to meeting my future niece or nephew.”

Whether he really meant it, or was just being polite, I couldn’t quite tell.

I looked up to find Anderson returning, giving me a reassuring smile.

“Well, I’m tired. It’s been a long day. I’m going to get some rest,” I said.

“Okay, I’ll talk to you later, Jo. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I said, and ended the call.

“Sounds like that went well,” Anderson said.

I nodded and smiled. “Yeah, it did. He’s really come around.”

Anderson came to my side and sat down, wrapping his arm around me and kissing my temple. “I figured you could use a relaxing bath after what you’ve been through.”

“Sounds heavenly,” I said, suddenly realizing just how stiff and achy my muscles felt.

“Come on,” Anderson said, gently taking me by the hand. I stood and let him guide me to the bathroom, where he had run a warm bubble bath that I already couldn’t wait to sink into.

I turned around, gently kissing his lips. He slowly began to disrobe me, tossing my clothes aside, and then holding my hand as I stepped into the tub.

I sighed as my body submerged in the warm water and I breathed in the fragrance of the bubbles.

“So,” Anderson said, taking a bath sponge and running down my back. “I’ve already talked to a few lawyers about what’s going on. They’ve advised me that I can’t—or that I shouldn’t, rather—set out to kill Zander on my own.”

I laughed. “Okay. I figured that much.”

“They’re more than willing to help me out on the case.”

“Good. And Tobias said he’s already looking into some lawyers and investigators too.”

“Yep,” Anderson said. “So to put it simply, Zander isn’t going to get away with this. His days of facing no repercussions are over. He’s about to learn the hard way that if he ever comes anywhere near you again… god help him.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead again. “Because no one messes with my family.”

Family. My throat closed up when I heard him say it, and my vision blurred with tears. After everything that happened with Zander and the revelation I was pregnant, I felt more emotional than ever. I leaned against him and let my head fall over his shoulder, closing my eyes.

“Thank you, Anderson. I…” My heart swelled with a potent emotion, and it dawned on me.

I was in love with him. I loved Anderson. And now, I couldn’t imagine my life without him, the father of my child.