won’t.”
Chapter 18
Sherri didn’t know how to feel about Lucas’s surge of protectiveness. On the one hand, she was grateful for his support, but on the other, she hated the feeling that she wasn’t in control of her life anymore. But they both agreed that it was the best thing for Sydney to not be in the center of the Trevor’s irrational behavior.
“Sweetheart, nobody thinks that you’re not the best mother in the world,” he told her. “But we all love you and Sydney and we want to make sure she’s protected. It’s just for a couple of days. She’ll have the time of her life, and he won’t be able to touch her,” he said persuasively. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Of course I do,” Sherri said for what seemed like the tenth time. “I just hate to drag your parents into my drama. And I feel like I should be the one to take care of this on my own.”
They were in the living room, long after Royce had left. Alexis and Jared were still there, giving their support while Sherri packed Sydney’s things. Jared had brought the bag downstairs and Alexis helped her get the clothing and other things together.
Finally Sherri took a deep breath and decided that it was for the best. “I just never thought it would come to this,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “I’ve been living my life the best way I know how and now this.”
Alexis sat down next to her on the sofa and took both her hands. “But you’re not in this alone, Sherri. Lucas and Jared and their parents are gonna make sure that nothing happens to you or Sydney, and that’s all that matters now. You’ve got us, sweetie, and that’s better than letting that idiot Trevor have the upper hand, isn’t it?”
“You’re right,” Sherri said, resolve coming back to her voice. “You’re absolutely right and I can’t thank you enough. You guys need to get some sleep. Go on home and I’ll call you later, okay?”
Jared agreed. “It’s definitely time for my bride to get some rest now that she’s sleeping for two,” he said with a sweet smile directed at Alexis.
It took a few seconds for his words to penetrate Sherri’s angst. “Sleeping for two? Lexie, are you... You’re having a baby!”
She and Alexis hugged each other tightly and tears of joy flowed.
“We had our first official appointment today.” Alexis sniffled. “That’s why we stopped by tonight. You’re gonna be an auntie!”
So the night ended on a high note with laughter after all. After Jared took Alexis home to bed, Lucas and Sherri were alone in the living room.
“You should probably get to bed, too, babe.”
“Just hold me for a while, okay?”
They lay down on the sofa and he pulled a throw over her body as he held her close. Even though she didn’t think she’d be able to sleep, in minutes she’d drifted off. He held her like that for the rest of the night.
* * *
The next day, Sherri found that sending Sydney to Hilton Head wasn’t as bad as she’d feared. The elder VanBurens came in the morning with Courtney and Gabriel to pick her up, and she was so excited at the unexpected treat that Sherri almost believed that it was simply a fun outing for her baby. Dr. and Mrs. VanBuren were so glad to see the child and so supportive that her fears were allayed all over again. After hugs and kisses and lots of goodbyes, she was alone again with Lucas, but he kept her spirits up. He dropped her off at the office and gave her a sizzling kiss goodbye, reminding her that it would only be a couple of days to the weekend when they would join Sydney and have a great time.
Work was definitely what she needed to keep her mind occupied. It was a long, busy day and she was grateful because she only had time to think about her patients. When it was time to go home, Lucas was right there to pick her up and everything seemed normal, except that Sydney wouldn’t be home that night. Lucas surprised her by taking her to the loft instead of the condo. He said he had a surprise for her and he hoped she’d like it.
When he opened the door to the apartment, she was stunned to see a big crate in the center of the room with two roly-poly puppies inside. Her eyes lit up with