Page 45 of Rhett

Sofia's eyes fill with tears. “I was so worried. When I got that call...” She trails off, shaking her head. “I'm just so glad you're okay.”

I squeeze her hand. “Hey, I'm not going anywhere. You and this baby are my world, remember?”

She nods, wiping away a tear. “I love you so much, Rhett.”

“I love you too, baby,” I murmur.

Just then, a doctor walks in. “Ah, Mr. Ferguson, good to see you awake. How are you feeling?”

As the doctor begins examining me, I keep hold of Sofia's hand. She’s my anchor, right now and I need her close.

24

Sofia

I carefully arrange the pillows behind Rhett's back as he settles onto the couch. “Are you comfortable? Do you need anything else?”

He gives me a grumpy look. “I'm good. You don’t need to be taking care of me. You’re pregnant, you need to take care of yourself.”

I lean down to kiss his forehead. “This is what partners do. Aren’t we partners?”

It's been a week since Rhett was released from the hospital. The doctors said he needs to take it easy for at least another couple of weeks to fully recover from his concussion and bruised ribs. I've temporarily moved in to help care for him, and to ease my own worries. The accident was terrifying, and I still sometimes wake up in a panic, reaching for Rhett to make sure he's really okay.

“How about some lunch?” I suggest. “I could make us some sandwiches.”

Rhett shakes his head. “I’m not hungry, but you should eat.”

I rest my hand on my growing baby bump. At almost fourteen weeks, I'm just starting to show. Of course, I look more bloated than anything.

He notices me touching my stomach. “How are you feeling?” Rhett asks softly. “I know all of this must be stressful for you and the baby.”

Taking a seat next to him, I lean my head on his shoulder. “We're fine. I'm just glad you're home and recovering. But I won't lie, it was scary getting that call.”

Rhett kisses the top of my head. “This is why I’ve avoided attachments.”

We sit in silence for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. I can’t help but wonder, is he starting to regret being with me… the baby?

Despite the worry of the past week, I had felt a sense of peace being here with Rhett. Is he starting to think we rushed into this relationship and pregnancy.

All I know is that without a doubt that he's the one I want by my side through it all.

“Do you regret this or us?” I ask, my stomach filling with butterflies.

Rhett looks at me, his eyes widening. “What? No, of course not. Sofia, I love you and this baby more than anything.”

He shifts to face me, wincing slightly at the movement. “I'm sorry if I made you doubt that. I just hate feeling helpless and seeing you worry about me.”

I feel tears welling up in my eyes. “I was just scared when you said that about avoiding attachments. I thought maybe you were regretting us.”

Rhett cups my face gently. “Never. You and this baby are the best things that have ever happened to me. I'm sorry I scared you—both with the accident and my words just now.”

He places his hand on my small baby bump. “This job comes with risks but having you two to come home to makes it all worth it. I love you both so much.”

I lean in to kiss him softly. “We love you too. I'm sorry for doubting you.”

Rhett pulls me close, being careful of his injured ribs. “Don't apologize. I know this has been stressful for you. But I promise, I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me.”

I snuggle into his side, feeling the tension leave my body. “Good, because I don't want to do this without you.”

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