Page 141 of Range
“Egypt doesn’t have a choice. Next subject.”
“She’s just like you,” I claimed. “That’s what I remembered.”
He paused, again, nodding. A smile peeled my lips backward.
“Neither do you.”
He grabbed a skillet. His attempt to deflect was comical.
“You don’t have a choice.” I laughed. “Do you?”
He folded his lips into his mouth.
“I asked a question.”
He turned on the water over the sink, eyes penetrating my heart.
“No, Range. I don’t.”
“Was it death that she threatened you with?” I asked, desperate to know.
Teddy wasn’t forthcoming. It was imperative I probed.
“No.”
“Then what?”
“Death would be easier than living without her,” he confessed.
I placed my cheeks between my palms.
“How?” I wondered aloud. “How does one come to that conclusion? How does that become one’s reality?”
He tapped his chest. Right above his heart.
8:18p
Nightfall greeted me. I slid upward in bed, wondering how long I’d been asleep. I didn’t recall the moment I’d closed my eyes. Neither did I recall the moment Chemistry had vanished. Breakfast led to a tour of the home I was certain he’d already studied like a manual.
And then there was the discussion of Josiah’s innocence. Chemistry understood it didn’t exist. Chemistry also understood that fact didn’t matter. His freedom was the only plausible outcome. After tucking me in, Teddy pulled the drapes together and took a seat on the sofa across the room.
I stood and pulled the robe together, realizing I hadn’t changed out of my sleepwear. I chastised myself as I slid my feet into the slippers near the bed. I could hear Rhea’s voice in the back of my head, condemning me for my choices.
Sorry, babes.
Rest was the only thing on my to-do list for the day. I emptied my bladder and stood at the sink, staring back at my reflection.Lifting my shirt, I turned to the side. My slim frame displayed signs of pregnancy. My once flat stomach was experiencing growth.
A small, round pudge.
My chest caved. A smile exposed my teeth.
“Hi, little babies,” I whispered. “Mommy loves you.”
I rubbed my right hand over my smooth skin.
“So much,” my voice cracked. “Already.”
Life was happening all around me. It was also happening inside of me. Each day, my babies were growing and strengthening in the womb. My health was relevant to theirs.
