Jenna bent her head and whispered into the little girl’s ear, so Jack couldn’t hear her.
“Uncle Jack is having a baby, too?” Lily positively beamed.
Jenna’s gaze fell on Jack and she nodded her head yes.
Stunned, tears rolled down Jack’s face as he bent over her and laid his head gently on her belly looking up at her. She ran her bandaged hand through his hair and smiled.
“You’re going to be a Dad.” Her voice almost didn’t get the words out, but Jack heard them loud and clear.
He lifted his head and kissed her softly. “Thank you. I love you so much. I’m so sorry I let you down.”
“No. You didn’t let me down. You were with me the whole time.”
“I should have been with you. Honey, I’m so sorry.” Jack gazed down at her lying beaten near death, holding on to his niece, and carrying his baby. He didn’t think this much love could fill his heart. It ached for her.
“In my heart, you were with me. You found me. It’s not your fault. I love you.”
Jenna’s eyes drooped closed, simply too tired for any more.
Jack scooped up Lily and took her out to her mother. Summer, Caleb, and Sam all turned to him expectantly. “She’s okay.”
“Jack’s having a baby, too, mama.” Lily beamed.
Everyone’s eyes went wide with shock. He’d never seen all of them speechless. “She’s pregnant. He took her and hurt her and she’s carrying my baby. I didn’t do anything to stop him. In fact, I made it easy for him to take her because I wasn’t there. She said he always managed to get her, but I thought she’d be safe.”
Summer took Jack into her arms and whispered into his ear. “This is not your fault. We’ll get him. He won’t get away with this again. We’ll all keep her safe.”
“I need to talk to her. Is she awake?” Sam asked.
“She’s in no shape for it tonight.” Jack tried to keep the anger and anguish out of his voice, but his words came out too harshly. “I’ll try to convince her to let the doctor give her something for the pain. Then I hope she’ll sleep through the night. I’m staying with her. You guys go home, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Sam gripped his shoulder. “I’ll light a fire under the sheriff and see if I can get anywhere with him. Be back first thing in the morning. The three of us will come up with a plan to put a stop to this once and for all. Go back to her, Jack. Don’t let her wake up without you there. I’ve seen plenty of victims, and she’ll probably have a rough night if she won’t let them knock her out.”
“Thanks, Sam. Thanks for coming, and thanks for helping. You too, Caleb. I don’t want to think about what would have happened to her if she’d been outside another night.”
They made their goodbyes. Before Summer left with her family, Jack pulled her aside and asked her to take care of a few small surprises for Jenna.
Chapter Forty-Six
* * *
JACK WAS ONLY gone a few minutes, but even in that short time Jenna was desperate to see him again. When he returned, the doctor and a nurse were checking on her. Only half awake, she struggled to concentrate on what the doctor said. Just seeing Jack made her cry again.
“Honey, you’re okay. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. Okay?”
She couldn’t help it. She clung to his hand and cried.
“Doc, what’s going on? Is everything all right with the baby?”
“Jenna’s in a lot of pain and she’s overwhelmed. I know your head must be pounding like bass drums. I want to give her some medication, but she won’t let me.”
“Jenna, please, baby. Take the medicine. You need to rest. I’ll be right here with you all night.”
“Jenna, what I’ll give you won’t hurt the baby. I promise. I’ll do an ultrasound right now, so you can see the baby is okay. Then, if you take the medication, I’ll come in and check on the baby during the night. The pain and stress you’re under is overburdening your system. It’s not good for you or your child. I’ll make you more comfortable, so you can sleep. Both of you will be better for it.”
Jenna noted Jack’s and the doctor’s concerned faces. Jack kissed her palm and held it to his cheek. “Please, Jenna. Take the medicine. Rest, so the baby can rest.”