Page 26 of Worthy: Cassius and Faith

“No offense to my mother-in-law, but good riddance,” Cassius announced. “At least until she comes back again. And they always come back again.”

“I know.” I reached for his hand and laced my fingers through his. “Thank you, Cassius.”

He grinned at me. “You’re welcome, Mrs. Blackwood.”

I’d never visited the tiny island of Nantucket, but that was because it was for rich people. It was as lovely as I expected, with cobblestone streets, historic homes, and serene beaches with clear, turquoise water. It was charming and tranquil. The house Cassius rented for the weekend was stunning. It was situated on its own private beach-front compound, within walking distance of downtown.

On the short, private flight to the island, I decided to make the best of things. I decided to try to resume the easy closeness we’d experienced before Cassius had proposed. On our wedding day, Cassius had shown me every kindness. I would reciprocate. Maybe if I was good enough to him for long enough, he would someday return my feelings. Maybe if I showed him I was a loyal wife and tried my best to be a good mother—to not make the same mistakes my mother had made—maybe someday he would believe I was worthy of his heart.

With that plan in mind, I eagerly accepted his proposal to walk to town together to grab dinner, shop, and explore. We held hands as we strolled down Nantucket’s cobblestone streets. It was a beautiful evening. The shops and restaurants were charming, with flower boxes bursting with blue hydrangeas and other colorful blooms. Sailboats and yachts dotted the harbor. A cool ocean breeze swept my face, and I allowed myself to relax and enjoy strolling and holding hands with my new husband.

We stopped for dinner at a bistro. Cassius was uptight and adorable—he insisted on googling every ingredient in my menu choices to ensure they were safe for expectant mothers. “Tilefish is a hard no,” he instructed, even though I had no idea what tilefish was.

It made me see him in a different light: one of a man nervous about becoming a parent and one of a man who cared. It wasn’t the romantic connection I longed for, but it was something. It was a start.

After dinner, we held hands and browsed the shops. “I forgot—I need to check in with Gina,” Cassius said.

“Of course,” I said. “I saw a shop back there—I wanted to get a souvenir for Lucas. I’ll meet you back here.”

We’d passed a bakery, and it had given me an idea. I stopped and bought a souvenir, a small lighthouse statue, which I could give to my brother. But I was really interested in the shop’s bag, which could also store a small bakery box.

When I met Cassius again, he also had a small bag. “What did you get?” I asked.

“Something for Lucas.”

I grinned at him. “Me too.”

But we didn’t show each other our finds until we returned to the house. I revealed my lighthouse, and Cassius pulled out a small stuffed bear.

I reached out and touched its soft fur. “Aw, Lucas will love that.”

“It’s not actually for Lucas,” Cassius admitted. “It’s for the baby.”

“Oh, Cassius.” I clutched the bear to my chest. “That’s very sweet.”

He came closer and tenderly kissed my forehead. “Thank you for today.”

“Thank you. You did so much for me today—I can’t say thank you enough. I’m overwhelmed,” I admitted.

He grinned at me, and it was like the sun coming out. “Get used to it, Mrs. Blackwood. I’m just getting started.”

His phone buzzed, and he scowled. “That’s Gina calling me back. I do need to talk to her.”

“I’m going to take a shower. See you in a minute.” I kissed his cheek.

He smiled as he answered his phone and strolled to the study.

I took the opportunity to place the small bakery box in the kitchen on the island. I wrote his name on the box.

I smiled as I headed to the bathroom.

But suddenly, I felt a cramp in my stomach. I bent over, alarmed, but it passed quickly. I headed into the bathroom, but when I stripped out of my clothes, I discovered bright red drops of blood.

No. I went to the bathroom, hoping I was imagining things, kicking myself that I had ever had any negative thoughts about having a baby.

But there was more blood. Tears pricked my eyes as I felt another cramp. No, please, no. My vision tunneled, and I felt like I might pass out. I was so not good with blood.

I said a silent prayer. I thought of the small, stuffed teddy bear that Cassius had bought for our baby. I remembered the hope and tenderness in his eyes.

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