Page 129 of Range
“Hm?”
“You’re yearning, Range. And, while this might not be what you care to hear, it’s strengthening your connection. Naturally. Back in time, some men were gone for months, out working in the mines or the fields or in another city at a factory. Some even went away to find better for the family they wanted to build.
“Wives and girlfriends stayed behind, writing letters and hoping they’d call if they had the opportunity. It made some connections crumble. Others, it made them unbreakable. Impenetrable. Sturdy. Tough,” she paused, “This is your foundation, Range. If your connection survives this, it can survive almost anything.”
“He’s kind, Roaman. And, thoughtful. He’s considerate. He’s protective. He’s smart. He’s loving. He has a niece. She has him wrapped around her finger. It is his will to protect her that landed him in prison. And while I want to hate the fact that he’s there, I can’t. I saw her little face and felt her arms around me. She’s precious. If he had the chance, I’d encourage him to do what he’d done all over again. This time, a little smarter. A little less emotional. And quicker.”
“Was her father hurting her?”
“No. He was selling images of her young body to sick predators so he could pay off gambling debts he found himself in.”
“He’s not a mindless criminal, Range. He’s doing for his niece what Chem would do for us in the blink of an eye. There’s no need to be afraid or second-guess your decision to pursue this relationship. He’ll be home. I know you will make certain of it.”
“I will, because it’s my job to. I clean messes, and he’s made a big one.”
“Knock. Knock.”
The impressionable, infectious-spirited doctor came into the room.
“Good morning, Ms. Childers. I am Dr. Grant. It’s nice to meet you.”
I sat up, straightening my posture and stiffening my spine.
“Good morning. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”
“My staff tells me you’re here with concerns of pregnancy. You had your last period a while ago it seems.”
“About seven weeks ago.”
“Okay. Okay. Well, I have news for you, Ms. Childers. We tested your urine, and I can definitely say you’re pregnant. If you’re having doubts and want us to perform a blood te–”
“That won’t be necessary,” Roaman inserted.
I’d gone numb. No words would form. But thoughts were present. Many thoughts. However, they were all useless.
“Okay. So, if you’d like to move forward with this appointment, we can start by taking a look at the baby and getting some measurements. If not, then we can postpone your first prenatal visit. I understand this can be a lot to take in, so let me know what you’re thinking and what you’re most comfortable with.”
“We’d like to move forward with this appointment,” Roaman clarified.
I was in no condition to choose.
“Great. Let’s get started. I’ll have more information about the baby in just a minute.”
Streaks of wetness fell from my face onto the paper beneath me. I lifted my shirt and tucked it underneath my bra.
So many emotions.
So many feelings.
So many questions.
So many things.
So many firsts.
So many more days until he was in front of the judge demanding his freedom again.
“I’m going to place this in your pants to keep them clean.”
