Deeper than the Night - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,105
Not now. I'll keep in touch with you, I promise."
In a huff, Gail sank back on the seat and stared out the window. A short time later, she was asleep.
"Alex?"
"Hmmm?"
"I'm healing so fast because of you, aren't I? Because you gave me your blood?"
He nodded.
"That's twice you've saved my life."
He glanced at her briefly, then turned his attention to the road once again. He'd saved her life. Would he also be the one to take it from her?
The silence in the car lengthened, grew awkward.
Kara stared out the window, one hand resting protectively over her stomach. Alien or human, she already loved the child in her womb. She would fight Alex, Barrett, the whole world, if necessary, but no one was going to harm her child.
Feeling Alex's gaze on her face, she slowly turned to face him. When he spoke, she knew he'd been reading her mind again.
"You don't really think I'd hurt the child, do you?"
"No, not really. But I know you don't want it."
"Kara, that's not true." His hands tightened on the steering wheel. "I'd like nothing more thanto have children with you. Dozens of children. But I don't want to put your life at risk." He glanced at her again. "How do you feel?"
"All right. I'm nauseous in the morning, but that's normal."
"That's all? You don't feel sick or anything?"
"No." She scooted across the seat and placedher hand on his thigh. "Couldn't we be happy about this until we have reason to worry? I've never been pregnant before. I don't want anything to spoil it."
"I'll try," Alex said. He covered her hand with his. "But I can't promise not to worry."
"I love you, Alex."
"There's a small wedding chapel in Eagle Flats," Alex said. "Will you marry me, Kara? Will you be my wife?"
"Yes, Alex, oh, yes." She leaned toward him and kissed him on the cheek. "Everything will be all right. I know it will."
With a nod, he put his arm around her shoulders and drew herclose.
By the time they reached Darnell, Gail was resigned to staying with Mrs. Zimmermann, but she still wasn't happy about it.
As soon as Alex pulled into the driveway, Gail got out of the car and slammed the door, then ran into the house.
Kara squeezed Alex's hand as he helped her out of the car. "You look like you're about to be thrown to the lions," she remarked.
"I feel like it, too," Alex replied. He'd spent years avoiding people whenever possible. He wasn't looking forward to seeing Kara's grandmother again, or answering the questions that would inevitably follow.
"Well, come on," Kara said, grinning at him. "We might as well get it over with."
Lena Corley studied Alex through shrewd eyes when Kara introduced him. "You're the man from the hospital," she said. "The author."
"Yes. It's a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Corley," Alex said.
Lena Corley slanted a glance in Kara's direction. "Have you known my granddaughter long?" Lena asked.
"A few months."
"She said you met in the hospital. You donated some blood, I believe."
Alex glanced at Kara. "I. . ."
"Mrs. Corley, would you mind setting the dining room table? The dishes are in the cabinet against the wall." Nancy smiled as she gave Alex a little push. "Alex, why don't you make yourself at home? My husband will be here soon. Kara, would you mind helping me in the kitchen?"
Smiling his gratitude, Alex escaped to the living room.
Taking Kara into the kitchen, Nancy dragged her to the table and practically pushed her into a chair. "He's gorgeous!" she exclaimed. "Where on earth did you meet him?"
"It's a long story," Kara said.
"Give me the Reader's Digest condensed version."
"You're a married woman, remember?"
"Oh, I know, and I love my husband, but good grief, girl, he's out of this world!"
Kara couldn't help it, she laughed. "You've got that right," she replied. "Listen, I met him while I was in the hospital. We became friends, that's all."
"Friends?"
Kara felt her cheeks redden. "All right, maybe we're more than friends." She hesitated a moment. "Nancy, I'm pregnant."
Nancy sat back in her chair, her expression almost comical. "Well, I guess you are more than friends. When's the baby due?"
Kara shook her head. "I'm not sure." She was carrying an alien baby. Would her term be nine months, or would the time be longer or shorter?
"How do you feel?"
"Fine, except for a little morning sickness."
"It'll pass. Have you told Alex?"
"Of course, but my grandmother doesn't know, and I'd rather not tell her just yet."