Page 48 of Unfaithful

Bobby certainly could cover for me in the office. I trusted her to keep everything running smoothly on my behalf.

Elsa was supposed to be discharged yesterday, but the doctor recommended waiting at least a week before traveling. Since Kim refused to let us stay at her house, I had no choice but to ask the hospital for an extended stay. Thankfully, the hospital wasn't too busy, so they agreed.

I glanced at Elena, crying in my arms, then at her mother, sitting there peacefully, watching the television. She didn't even glance my way, completely convinced I would take over and care for Elena.

Fuck, the thought of leaving Elena with her scared me to death.

I could only leave her to buy food, and even then, I'd rush back to the room, terrified she'd be crying and ignored—or worse, that Elsa would take her away.

Luckily, I had a bag of clothes in my car trunk that I brought with me. I didn't need to go outside to buy one. I used to spend a lot of time on construction sites, always needing a fresh set of clothes to change into. Otherwise, I'd be stuck wearing the same clothes for days.

I glanced at my daughter, softening my expression as I made a silly face at her. Her cries quieted into tiny hiccups, and for a moment, her lips parted in what almost looked like a smile—whether it was real or just a newborn reflex, I didn't care. A chuckle escaped me before I could stop it. How could her mother not love her? She was absolutely perfect.

With firm determination, I pushed myself to my feet and strode out of the room. Elsa didn't spare me a single glance.

Elena was still in my arms as I made my way to the nurse's station. I whispered soothing words to her, telling her I love her, and I would do anything for her. I kept whispering until I stood in front of the nurse's desk. The two nurses sitting there glanced up at me, then to Elena, worry and pity in their eyes.

Fuck. I knew how this must look. A helpless man with a newborn, struggling.

Swallowing hard, I asked, "Can I borrow your phone again? This time, I need to do a little browsing. Then make a call."

"Of course," Nurse Kathy said with a kind smile. She stood, stepping toward me. "Here, let me hold her. She seems hungry. Her mom pumped earlier.I can feed her a bottle."

God. That nearly broke me. The nurse cared for Elena more than her mother.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "Thank you." My voice came out rough, a little shaky. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem," she said softly, adjusting Elena in one arm while using the other to pick up her phone and unlock it for me. "Here,"

I took the phone from her. "I'll be over there if you don't mind," I said, nodding toward a row of seats a few feet from the station.

"Sure," she replied before walking away—probably to get the bottle.

I sat down and immediately pulled up a browser, typing in the name of Steve's firm. It popped up right away.

Without wasting time, I dialed the number. The call barely rang twice before someone answered.

"Hi," I said. "I need to speak with Steve Beckett. Tell him it's Cole Sterling."

*** *** ***

The train ride was a disaster. Elena cried for almost the entire two-hour journey, her tiny wails echoing through the cabin. I held her close, strapped snugly against my chest in the newborn carrier Nurse Kathy had recommended, rockingher gently, whispering reassurances she didn't even understand. I tried everything—soft shushing, gentle swaying, feeding her, checking her diaper—but nothing worked. She was inconsolable, and I could feel the weight of irritated glances from other passengers. Still, all I could do was hold her and pray she would finally drift off.

Meanwhile, Elsa just sat there, barely sparing Elena a glance except for the occasional look of irritation. I had given up on asking her to help. It was pointless. She wasn't going to lift a damn finger.

Before leaving, I found an ATM at the hospital and transferred money to Nurse Kathy, who helped me prepare everything—the baby carrier, the pre-made bottles, a fully stocked diaper bag with diapers, wipes, extra clothes, a pacifier, and a soft blanket—because Elsa didn't fucking prepare anything even though I knew she already had a bag packed back at her house. The nurse had taught me everything I needed to know about taking care of Elena. I owed her a lot, and I made a mental note to compensate her later.

As I was about to leave, Nurse Kathy looked at me with a mix of concern and disbelief. "I've been a nurse for nearly twenty-five years," she said, shaking her head. "I thought I'd seen everything, but this—this thing with Elsa—it still baffles me."

When we stepped off the train, I walked ahead of Elsa, having forced her to carry Elena's bag while I was carrying my own. It was the least she could do for her own child.

"Cole, don't walk too fast," Elsa complained. "I'm still hurting from the surgery."

That was complete bullshit. I checked with the doctor, and he confirmed there was nothing wrong with her. She should be able to move freely by now.

As we stepped out of the station and headed toward my car, I spotted a middle-aged woman with short red hair and a kind face leaning against it. In one hand, she held an infant car seat; in the other, a large bag that looked heavy. She carried it with ease. Shit. This woman was strong.

I offered her a smile before glancing at Elsa, who was staring at her in confusion.

---