Reckless Kiss

I let it go she avoided my question. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

“I think she was planning to tell you tonight.”

I rub my fingers over my eyes. It all makes sense now. That’s why she wasn’t drinking—I try to remember the last time I saw her drink alcohol. It was last weekend. She must’ve just found out. “I had no idea.”

“Fathers are often the last to know.” Winnie stands and walks to the window, looking out at the black night.

My chest is tight, and even though I’ve only known a few hours, I desperately don’t want to lose our baby. “Where’s the fucking nurse?”

A cheery young man has been popping in every hour or so to let us know the surgery is progressing and everything is fine. His updates are all the same, but his perky face is wearing on my nerves.

“Language, Deacon, please.” She turns, not seeming that offended. “Surgery takes time. You want it to take time.”

Noise outside the door draws our attention, and I look up to see Lourdes rushing in, her red-rimmed eyes round with worry. “How is she? Oh, God, I can’t believe this…”

“I can’t believe we’re back at the hospital.” Valeria reaches out her hand, and I take it.

Sofia is on her hip, and when she sees me, her little chin quivers. “I want Carmie.”

I reach for her, and she leans into my arms, putting her head on my shoulder. I close my eyes a moment, thinking about our baby, how it could look like this little girl.

My voice is thick. “I want her, too.”

My aunt stands and straightens her blouse. “Who are these people?” Her tone is decidedly unfriendly, and I hate her choice of words.

“Sorry…” I gesture between the women. “This is my aunt Winona Clarke. Valeria and Sofia are Angel’s cousins. Lourdes is her best friend.”

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Clarke.” Lourdes is apologetic. “I texted and asked if we could come.”

“I see.” Winnie lifts her chin with a sniff. “I’ll leave you with your friends, Deacon.”

“You don’t have to go.” Valeria’s hands are clasped, and I can tell she’s

been crying. “We don’t mean to intrude.”

“It’s late. Deacon will call me or text if anything changes.”

She leaves, and Lourdes frowns up at me. “Did we scare her away?”

The image of my aunt on the front porch holding a double-barrel shotgun in Beto’s face floats through my mind. “I don’t think she’s scared.”

I don’t know what’s going on in Winnie’s head—other than her prejudice is strong. At this point, I almost wish she’d pulled the trigger. The thought is bitter in my mind as the door opens and that asshole steps into the waiting room.

“I wanted to check on my sister.”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve coming here.”

“I’m sorry, Deacon.” Valeria’s voice is quiet. “Beto asked to come with us.”

I pass Sofia to her mother, not taking my eyes off Angel’s brother. “Get out.”

“You can’t keep me out.” He limps closer. “I’m her brother.”

“You’re the reason she’s in surgery.”

“It’s not true.” He holds out a hand like he’s so innocent. “I never wanted Angel to be hurt.”

“You only wanted me to be killed.” I’m slowly closing the space between us.