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  “Good news?” she asked as she took my hand.

  “The best. The baby is Banton’s.” I whispered as she hugged me. There was no flinching at her touch this time.

  “Oh, Chandler. I’m so happy for you,” she breathed as she kissed me on the cheek. “Poor Banton…he almost put his fist through the wall when John made him stay in the waiting room,” she said as she pulled away from me. “Are you going to tell him?”

  I sighed, bone-weary. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t do anything but fall back into the pillows, too exhausted to make any decisions.

  “Why don’t we both sleep on it and come up with the perfect way to tell him. In the meantime, let me get him before he tears the waiting room apart.” She giggled as I smiled sleepily up at her.

  “Brie, I love you,” I whispered as I shut my eyes.

  “I love you too, darlin’! One more baby and we can each have one! I’ve got dibs on this one,” she said, swinging the door closed. I barely got to shift in the bed and pull the covers up over me before Banton threw the door open and strode back in.

  “Are you all right? What did Dr. Renault say?” he asked breathlessly, sitting down in the chair beside my bed.

  “I’m better than all right. He just…he said I’m much better, and he talked to me a little. I’m so sleepy Banton.”

  Banton cocked his eyebrow, knowing I wasn’t telling him everything. He reached out and pushed a strand of hair off my forehead. “Then sleep, baby. I’ll be right here,” he murmured.

  “I need you near me. Please, will you hold me?” I asked as I flung the covers back, inviting him in. I opened my eyes briefly, and found him watching me warily, his eyes wide.

  “Are you sure?” I could barely hear his whisper.

  “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. Please, I need you,” I breathed out. His wide smile warmed the entire room as he kicked his boots off, pushing them under the bed. He sank down slowly beside me and pulled me into his chest as he lay back on the pillows. I snuggled into his chest, taking in his smell as I closed my eyes. I was home, safe, warm, and happy.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Good news and a nap can change a girl’s world view. I woke, refreshed and feeling so much more optimistic than I had when we’d arrived at Renault’s.

  Banton still dozed, his arms wrapped firmly around me, his face buried in my hair. I tried to move without waking him, but my ribs protested too much, and I cried out.

  “Hey, beautiful…you’re awake,” Banton breathed out, stretching. He pushed up in bed and then helped me turn.

  “I’m just so sore, everything feels broken,” I complained as he fluffed my pillows behind me.

  “Well, you look even better than you did this morning. Dr. Renault says your ribs and shoulders are healing nicely. I’m going to go and get you something to drink and then I’ll find Doc. I’ll be right back.”

  He pulled his boots on and hurried down the hallway, leaving my door ajar. I pushed up further in bed and then adjusted it so I could stand. I needed the bathroom. After I’d finished, I checked myself in the mirror. Banton was right, I did look better, but my hair was a mess. I ran my fingers through it, and then tried to tie it up in a loose braid as I supported myself against the sink.

  “Chandler? Where are you?” Constance’s voice called out through the door.

  “In the bathroom, I’ll be right out,” I called out. I opened the door, and found Constance sitting on the end of the bed, my suitcase in the floor at her feet.

  “I thought I’d bring you some things from Claudia’s. I know you like your own toothbrush,” she smiled, flopping back on the bed. She looked great, tight tan leggings, pale pink sweater, leather ankle boots and pearls. She looked every bit the wealthy deb.

  “Well, you certainly look classy,” I remarked as she smirked.

  “Umm, thanks.” She looked down at her clothes, and then grinned back up at me as I sat down on the bed next to her.

  “Going somewhere?” I asked as my eyebrow rose.

  “What is it with everyone? Mom gave me the third degree when I left the house earlier. Cade and Drew whistled at me, and Banton told me I looked really grown-up when I came down the hallway.”

  “Well, you and I have been living in a lot of tights and sweats lately,” I sighed as she reached out to tuck my hair behind my ear.

  “Well, it just so happens, Ty and I set a date, and we’re going to pick out some selections this afternoon,” she gushed as I leaned over to hug her.

  She squeezed me a little too tightly and my ribs protested.

  “Owh!” I gasped as she pulled away hurriedly.

  “Sorry.”

  She reached to my unruly hair again. “Do you want me to help you with a loose braid?”

  I nodded and she began to section my hair and loosely weave it.

  “Chandler, Banton told Momma and Daddy on the phone you had broken bones, and one of your lungs had been punctured. He also said he dislocated both your shoulders, and broke one getting you out of the ship. He said you almost drowned. My God, it’s a wonder you’re still alive.”

  I closed my eyes.

  “That isn’t all, is it?” she whispered as I shook my head. I opened my eyes again to look at her and she gasped, losing her grip on my braid.

  “Chandler, your eyes!”

  I shut them hurriedly. Everett was going to have to give me some charm lessons, and quickly.

  “I’m sorry, Constance. I should have warned you. I’ve transformed way past you. More bites, you know…” I trailed off, and then opened my eyes again.

  “They’re beautiful, Chandler…your eyes, I mean. I’m almost jealous,” she whispered as she rubbed my arm. “You’ve been bitten again,” she observed quietly, touching my neck. I shuddered.

  “And more. You don’t want to know,” I gazed at her, and she nodded. I could feel her emotions. She was tortured, not knowing what to say or how to comfort me. It seemed I was sensing that emotion from a lot of people.

  I took a deep breath.

  “I’m going to be okay. I have the most loving, understanding husband, and the greatest family anyone could ask for. I’m just ready to get home now,” I stated as she finished the braid, and then dug in her purse for a tie to secure it.

  The door to my bedroom opened once more, producing my husband, his eyes twinkling with secrets.

  “Baby, do I have some good news for you.” Banton’s grin deepened as Constance rose to greet him.

  After he’d kissed her on the cheek, he moved around her and sat down on the bed next to me. “You look great by the way,” he kissed me on the forehead as I smiled. He reached up and played with the end of my braid.

  What’s the good news? You got sidetracked,” I reminded him.

  “Um. Yeah, you can go home this afternoon. All your blood work looks good, and he said if you follow orders and continue your shots, you can go… on the condition that you stay in N’awlins at Claudia’s for a week or so,” he said as happiness spread through me like wildfire. I lay my head over in his lap and shut my eyes.

  “Chandler, are you all right?” He stroked my hair, concerned.

  “I’m just relieved. I’m so ready to get out of here,” I whispered.

  Sensing we might need to be alone, Constance waved at us.

  “Well, in that case, I’d better get my derriere in gear and get home to help everyone. It’s been a little chaotic with all the developments at Claudia’s. I swear bad-ass dad has twenty five more gray hairs!” she said conspiratorially as she winked at Banton and then dashed out the door.

  I turned my head and looked up at him. “What the heck is she talking about?”

  “Oh, I think there’s been quite a bit going on while we were gone. We’ll fill you in on it as soon as we get there tonight. Let’s just get you ready to get out of here, lady!” he said excitedly as he pulled me up into his arms. “I don’t know what Dr. Renault said to you, but I’m so glad to see you back to normal,” Banton wh
ispered against my lips. I nodded, letting him know it was all right to kiss me. He touched his lips to mine softly, caressing them back and forth, breathing softly through his parted lips. I met his kiss, softly moving my lips to meet his. He tightened his grip around me, and then broke away to place his forehead against mine as he gazed into my eyes.

  “God, I love you, Chandler Ann Gastaneau. Don’t ever scare me like that again, please?”

  “I love you too, Banton Matthew Gastaneau. Right back at you, now you know how I felt when I thought I’d lost you,” I whispered.

  He sat me upright, and then slid my bag around beside my feet. “Doc said you can shower and then get dressed. He will be in to give you discharge orders in a few minutes.” He watched me warily as I rose to get my suitcase.

  “Don’t lift that, here, let me,” he admonished, picking it up and placing it on the bed. He unzipped it and flipped the top back. I took out some clean lingerie and a long sweater and leggings. As I walked to the bathroom, I turned to find Banton following me.

  “Andie, do you need me to help you in the shower?”

  I shook my head. I wasn’t ready for him to see me naked yet.

  “I’ll at least have to unwrap your ribs for you,” his eyes darkened as he watched my reaction. I tried not to show it, but my heart began to race.

  “Or I can get the nurse,” he added quickly. He looked really hurt.

  “You could help me with my ribs,” I replied as he nodded cautiously.

  I placed all my clothes on the vanity in the small bathroom, and then closed the seat on the toilet and sat down on it. Banton helped me remove the sling I had around my right arm that helped me support my broken shoulder. He watched me as he moved to grasp my gown to pull it over my head. I nodded, and he pulled it up slowly, grasping first one arm, then the other, to support them as he removed the gown.

  I shuddered, feeling so exposed. He sensed my unease, and I could feel his nervousness as he carefully removed the bandages from my ribs. I held my breath as he brushed so close to me…I could feel his breath in my hair.

  “Chandler Ann, everything is going to be fine. I’m going to take care of you,” he whispered. “I know you can’t move to do this, so let me, and then you can slip into the shower.”

  Reaching over with one hand, he turned the shower knob, and then moved back over me.

  “Stand up, baby,” he whispered. I stood slowly as he knelt down and slid my panties down around my ankles. I shut my eyes and steeled myself against reacting. My heart was pounding so hard it hurt my ears.

  Banton stood up carefully in front of me and pulled me into his chest.

  “Andie, please,” he murmured. “Feel my heartbeat.” He pressed my head against his chest, folding his arms around me. “This is me, taking care of you. I love you, baby. I love you with all my heart. Please, calm down for me.”

  I could feel the warmth of his skin through his t-shirt. Taking a deep breath, I inhaled his scent, pulled back and nodded at him, not making eye contact. I relaxed as he held me close. Slowly kneeling back down he commanded, “Step, easy now,” as I slipped first one foot, then the other out. He stood back up and gathered my gown and the bandages. I opened my eyes, and his gaze never left mine as he opened the shower door and helped me in. As he closed it slowly, he handed me a rag and some body wash.

  “I’m right here, Chandler, if you need anything. I’m right here,” he repeated as I began to wash. As I soaped my body, I found bruises I didn’t even know I had. My ribs were still so sore I could barely run my own hands over them. I discovered I couldn’t move my arms to wash my shoulders or back.

  “Banton, can you help me with my back and shoulders?’ I asked.

  “Sure,” he answered quickly, opening the shower door. He pulled his t-shirt off to keep from getting it wet, and then poured a small amount of body wash into his hand. I closed my eyes…it was getting easier to let him touch me.

  “Turn, please. Lean in to the water.” He rinsed the soap off, letting the water flow down my neck and back.

  “All done. You’re doing great, Sweetheart,” he murmured huskily. I opened my eyes as he leaned in and placed a kiss on my forehead. He stepped away, and before I could ask, appeared at the door with a towel to wrap me in. He took another off the bar, and then as I turned, he held it up.

  “Okay if I help you dry off? I know you can’t raise your arms,” he said as he watched me carefully.

  I nodded, and he gently dried my shoulders and arms, across the middle of my back, and then my chest. I stiffened, my heart racing again.

  “Still okay?” he questioned as he paused.

  I nodded, and opened my eyes. He smiled down at me, and it was such a sad smile, full of emotion as he struggled with having to ask his wife if it was okay to touch her.

  “Legs?” he murmured as he started to kneel. I nodded again, slowly as he reached up and ran the towel slowly and gently down each leg, rubbing the towel in circles as he went.

  “All done,” he whispered, standing up over me. Leaning over, he placed a kiss in my wet hair.

  “Now, let’s get you dressed,” he said, reaching for my clothes. He knelt again, my panties in his hands.

  “Step,” he commanded as I placed my foot through the opening. I lost my balance just a bit, and I grasped his shoulder with my hand to steady myself. He looked up into my eyes as I placed the other foot in. He slid them up to the point where the towel ended. He paused. I held my breath and nodded down to him. He finished pulling them up, being careful to keep his hands on the outside of my hips, grasping my panties under the lace at the sides as he pulled them up. Not waiting for my reaction, he then turned and picked up the top. He gathered it up and then slipped it over my head, and then helped me work both arms through, being careful of my shoulders.

  “You’ve had practice at this, Lieutenant,” I teased him, trying to relieve the tension in the air.

  He grinned down at me, seemingly relieved at my comment.

  “Yes, I’m getting better at the dressing you thing,” he murmured as he caressed my cheek with his fingers. After he’d helped me on with the tights, I was almost able to breathe normally. He knelt beside the bed to help me into a pair of fur-lined booties, and then finished packing my things in the suitcase.

  Doctor Renault came in to see me off. “Remember, Chandler, to call me if you have any vision problems, cough up any blood, or have any other problems we’ve spoken of in the past,” he instructed as he glanced over at Banton. I nodded, not wanting him to say anything further about the pregnancy. He smiled, and then turned to Banton.

  “Son, thank you again. Please take care of this young lady. I don’t want to see her in here again for quite a while,” he said as he left out of the room.

  “Ready to go home?’ Banton asked as he held the door open for me.

  “Ready for Claudia’s, anyway,” I answered as he followed me out.

  * * *

  “Don’t we need to go by the pharmacy? I would think you need some strong pain meds,” Banton said, watching me. He’d taken great pains to place pillows around me and between me and the seatbelt, and I looked like I’d been packed into the car.

  “He didn’t say, I’ll call and check with him later,” I said, hoping he would drop it.

  “I don’t want your pain to get too bad before you take something, and I know you have to be having problems with your nerves from all the bites.”

  I shook my head.

  “I have stuff, from before that I can take if I need to,” I rushed on, seeming to satisfy him. He continued to watch me cautiously as if he sensed I had something to tell him. I’d been mulling it over and over in my mind, and couldn’t decide how I wanted to break the news to him about the baby. Nothing I could think of seemed special enough, but then it seemed silly to make a big deal out of it after everything we’d been through. Every moment was special with Banton.

  My eyes widened at the display of vehicles in front of Claudia’s when we pulled
up. Banton wheeled around hurriedly, and then pulled to the ally beside the house.

  “I didn’t call ahead to let them know when we’d be here. I know after everything that’s happened to you, you would prefer to keep this low-key, so I’m going to try to sneak you up the back stairs and keep you to myself for a while,” he murmured as he leaned over and kissed my forehead. I nodded in agreement. My emotional state was not one receptive to a large gathering where I would be the center of attention.

  Banton stopped me as I started to slide out of the seat.

  “Chandler, let me carry you up. That staircase will be hard with your ribs and everything,” he cautioned. He slid his hands carefully under me and around my back, and lifted me from my seat. He paused at the patio doors, checking to see if anyone was in view before stepping inside. As we slipped in Beau met us, his tail wagging furiously.

  “Shhh, Beau, quiet now,” Banton whispered as Beau followed us up the back staircase. Pushing the door open to our room, he crossed to the bed and sat me down gently.

  “Do you want the covers pulled back?” he asked as he fussed over me.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  He looked around the room and then back to me, a twinkle lighting up his eyes. “Seems as though we slipped through undetected,” he grinned and flashed his dimple. “I’ll run back down and get your bag, and I’ll be back in a flash.”

  “’Kay,” I mumbled, already scooting down into the pillows.

  Faint footsteps padded down the hallway and paused at the bedroom door. As the doorknob jiggled, I thought we were busted.

  “Beau, puppy! Beau, wherw are you?” Ava Grace called out. She swung the door open wide and stared at me for a moment.