A/N: I have a very busy weekend ahead of me, so i can't promise any updates. But this may be able to hold you for now, i hope. Thanks again for the reviews! :)
My body begins to tremble as I think of what I've gotten myself into. I don't have to go, right? But I promised Maggie.
Thomas stands in front of me angry, while Maggie dances around in excitement.
I no longer have an appetite, and I place my orange back into the bowl.
"No. You need to eat Caroline. It's not just you," His voice is commanding. He picks the orange back up and places it into my shaking hands.
"Now, I need to go to work. Agatha will be in at 8 to begin cooking breakfast, would you mind keeping an eye on Maggie until then?" He asks.
Obviously he doesn't think much of me if he thinks I can't handle watching a 6-year-old for 15 minutes.
"I think I can handle that," I mutter as I begin to peel my orange.
He bends down and kisses my head, brushing his finger over my ear.
"I haven't been able to stop thinking about last night," he whispers as he moves a stray hair. I turn crimson and my eyes dart to Maggie, who's obviously ignoring us.
"Have a good day, Thomas."
"See you soon," he promises. He looks fabulous. An expensive grey suit, tailored perfectly to his body. His deep blue tie is a dead ringer for my eyes. He turns and leaves the room, and now I'm alone with Maggie.
"Does your father let you watch TV?" I ask, and her green eyes flash with excitement.
The day went fast, and I really enjoyed spending it with Maggie. She's such a bright, sweet little girl. Even baby boy seems to like her, as he kicked almost anytime she was near. As we watched TV Agatha came to greet us. She was very kind to me, something I somewhat didn't expect as most women are catty and ruthless towards me. She's an older woman, probably mid 50's. Her hair is a dark brown and it was almost too healthy. Her small stature made her loud voice off coming, but it suited her personality.
We all spent the day playing together, coloring, and cooking lunch. Maggie and I are curled up on the couch watching a movie as Thomas enters the room.
"How much TV have you been watching today?" His voice is stern, but his face makes it apparent that he's only joking.
She jumped up from where we lay and rushed into her dad's awaiting arms.
"I've missed you today, pumpkin," His tone melts my heart, and tears spring into my eyes. I wish so much for Grant to be that way with me and peanut.
"When are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's?" she asks, her voice high pitched and squeaky.
Thomas looks over to me, uncertainty feeling his eyes.
"I don't...I don't know. Why don't we ask Caroline if she feels up to it? She hasn't been feeling very well lately," Maggie shoots her eyes to mine, and clasps her hands together.
"Please Caroline? Can we go now?" she begs, tugging at my heart.
"Oh, well I guess." I smile, and she runs to me pulling me into a small hug. I don't mind when she touches me, not one bit. She's so innocent and pure.
She then darts from the room leaving Thomas and I alone.
"Caroline, I don't appreciate you undermining my authority earlier. I didn't want to say anything at the time because of Maggie, but from now on please don't interfere." His mouth is tight and his eyes are narrow, making me feel small.
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention." I whisper. "I feel responcible...for the issues between your family." My eyes well up as I try my best to explain.
"Oh god, Caroline. Don't cry sweetheart," he says as he rushes to my side, landing on his knees.
"This is not your fault at all honey, its Grants. Frankly I don't think he deserves to see you ever again, let alone so shortly." He rubs his finger across my lips, licking his own in the process.
"Come, let's go and get this over with," he says as he lifts me from the couch.
As we pull into the Reyce's driveway I feel as if I'm going to have a heart attack.
We exit the car and Thomas places his hand in mine as Maggie runs ahead and into the house.
"I won't let anything happen, Cari" he promises as we enter.
Once again everyone is sitting in the white room, seated in red couches. Lily is here minus Griffon, which is strange. I instantly begin to worry about him, as I didn't see how everything played out the other night.
Maggie ran straight into her Grandmother's arms, squealing with delight.
"Maggie darling, I've missed you so much!" Mrs. Reyce says as she grips onto Maggie.
"Hello, Caroline" She greets, and I say nothing. I have almost zero respect for this woman.
My eyes fix onto a very bruised Grant sitting on the couch, his body stiff.
"Caroline," he purrs my name, and I my heart instantly sinks. I can't let him get to me.
"Grant," I regard cooly.
Thomas tightens his grip on my hand and brushes his thumb over my fingers.
Grant notices and his face becomes tight, anger filling his eyes.
He stands and walks towards me and I take a step back, breaking Thomas's hold on me.
He doesn't stop however as continues towards me, placing his hand on my belly.
I stiffen at his touch, and flashes a smile.
"How's my son?" he asks, as he rubs his hand over my belly.
I look to Thomas, and he looks alarmed, and jealous?
I pull my stomach from his reach, returning to Thomas's arm.
I ignore his question as I attempt to stare at my feet, which are now barely visible due to my growing bump.
Maggie runs to Grant and jumps into his arms.
"Uncle Grant! I missed you so much! What happened to your face?" She asks as she runs her tiny fingers along the bruises.
"Well, sweetie. I did something very wrong, and I made a few people angry. I was punished for being cruel," he explains to her, although I get the feeling he's trying to use it as an apology to me.
I feel Thomas's hand tighten to the point it's hurting my fingers, and I yelp.
"Sorry," he whispers, as he brings my hand to his lips and plants a small kiss.
He's so romantic, but he has to know it's not bright to do this right in front of Grant.
"Caroline, we all have a few things for you and the baby," Mrs. Reyce says sweetly as she jesters to several presents wrapped in blue paper. They're beautiful, and they look professionally wrapped, complete with over the top sparkly bows.
"For what?" my voice is meek, never taking my eyes from the floor.
"For the baby boy!" Lily squeals, which is surprising as I haven't heard a word from her.
"Do I get anything?" Maggie pouts, pushing herself further into Grant's arms.
"Of course sweetie, I got something special for you," Grant coos. I can't help but wonder if this is all an act, or if he actually cares about Maggie.
Maggie pushes herself down and grabs my hand, guiding me to the stack of presents.
Grant follows closely behind and sits next to me, once again placing his hand over my belly.
I look for Thomas and his face is infuriated.
"Here Maggie, this is from me," Grant says as he holds out a present.
She rips the paper off and there's a small, expensive looking doll.
"Thank you Uncle Grant! You're my favorite!" she squeals, tucking herself into his lap once again.
I'm grateful, as he's no longer able to touch me.
"This is for you, baby," Grant says as he hands me a neatly wrapped box.
Reluctantly I pull off the paper and open the box. I pull out a small, beautifully crafted baby blanket. It's cashmere, I believe. It's so soft and feels warm. Wait, there's something printed on it.
As I unfold the blanket, the word becomes clearer.
REYCE
I drop the blanket into my lap, stunned. He's trying to claim my baby!
Everyone around me is admiring the gift, and I just feel like hitting Grant.
"Maggie, I have something I'd like to share with you," he says, and Thomas begins to step forward.
"Grant," He warns, attempting to pick Maggie from his arms. She smacks her hands away and tightens her grip around Grant's neck.
"Did you know that Caroline is having your baby brother?" He asks, his voice shaken. I can tell he's nervous. He better not be doing what I think he's doing.
"Grant, cut the shit!" Thomas barks, once again unsuccessfully trying to obtain Maggie.
Maggie shakes her head, and asks how.
"Because I'm your daddy, honey." And that's all it took for Thomas to yank Maggie from Grant's arm, and place her on the ground, then punch Grant's already bruise face.