Page 17 of A Perfect Holiday
“Ahhh, does that mean whatever trip wins, his significant other gets to be Mrs. Claus instead of an elf?”
“Correct.” Aubree nodded. “Fair?”
There was nodding and mumbling of “fair” all around. “Okay, everyone get in here.”
We walked over to where she was and put our hands in together and when Aubree called, “Break,” we all yelled and whooped.
Brax grabbed River Pearl around the waist and drew her close. “So, sugar, where did you learn those moves?”
She grabbed his chin and looked him dead in the eye. “Death taught me.” He threw his head back and laughed with the rest of us.
***
VERITY
The elevator door swished shut, and I leaned back against the wall, swallowing against the awful feeling of vertigo that washed over me. I shivered and rubbed my arms, trying to warm up. I was cold. So cold. And I felt as if one wrong move would send my stomach into open revolt.
It was time for my volunteer shift, and I kept myself going fueled solely by adrenaline and determination. They had toldme to report to the sixth floor. Opening my eyes, I stared at the flashing floor indicator lights, fighting to contain the nearly unbearable ache in my throat. I couldn’t let it run away with me, that awful pressure in my chest.
I had come to Lafayette to have lunch with Boone, and it had been wonderful. He’d taken me to this new restaurant he’d landscaped. While we ate he talked about what was going on at work, I couldn’t help looking around and thinking that he was such a nurturer, had such a way with growing things and people.
“You really do amazing work, Boone. You have such a gift.”
He shrugged. “I’ve always had a green thumb.”
I reached out and clasped his hand, “Not just with plants. You are so wonderful with Henry now his mom is gone, and he’s stuck with a mean, violent step-daddy.”
“I know. I wish there was something I could do about it, but what?”
“Just continue to be there for him.”
“I was thinking of having him come to the Santa contest tomorrow. He’d like that.”
“I think it’s a great idea,” I said, squeezing his hand. “Oh, that reminds me. River Pearl needs Duel’s letter to Santa and a picture. Could you handle that? I’ve got those costumes to make and my design work is piling up.”
“Of course. I’ll do that and get it to her.”
Anyone who ever met Boone loved him.
Yet there was something different. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. He seemed fine, but there was something off with the way he touched me, and the smiles didn’t quite light up his eyes the way they used to.
I had chalked it up to the stress of waiting for the tests. It was Friday, and we had been on pins and needles. It was probably just anxiety and worry about our impending news. Men usually had more trouble expressing themselves, since so many ofthem had been conditioned to repress their emotions. They were trained to be more instructional, to take charge, to make decisions, and to think without being sidetracked by emotions.
It was no surprise that he wasn’t himself.
About six months ago, Aubree had mentioned there was a shortage of volunteers at Lafayette, and I signed up for them to call me in when they needed me. It wasn’t often, but I was happy to help out.
When my phone chimed after I left Boone’s office with a kiss and a hug, I answered to find out they needed a volunteer. Then right after that, Doctor Hardy’s assistant called to have me come in to meet with Dr. Hardy. I hesitated and thought about going back to check with Boone, have him come with me to get the news, but suddenly, I couldn’t.
I knew it was going to be good news, and I wanted to be the one to tell him face-to-face that we were going to be fully functioning parents again.
But, when I had walked into Dr. Hardy’s Office her expression was closed and pinched. My stomach dropped to my toes, and I realized I had made a terrible mistake coming here without Boone.
“Verity, I’m so very sorry. In my expert opinion, your uterus has lost the ability to enlarge and with that comes enormous risks to you and any unborn child you conceive. I strongly recommend that you think about your options here, expand your family in different ways. Take steps to prevent any further pregnancies.”
“What? I was so sure…”
“All your tests came back glowing. You are quite fertile, and everything is healthy, except your uterus.”
