Chapter 54
Phoebe's POV
This week we are headed to the Bahamas with my family. I am well into my third trimester. I am 30 weeks this week. I got cleared to fly. My stomach is the biggest it has ever been. Keeping up with a toddler has been interesting to say the least.
Nathan and I have our anniversary dinner tonight and then we leave tomorrow. I am trying to pick out what to wear, but it is hard when my stomach is the size of a basketball. I decide on an army green dress. It is snug around my belly and really shows it off.
Everyone tells me I am not that big for 30 weeks. My aunt said she was my size when she was 25 weeks. Either way I am in full nesting mode getting ready for this baby. The new house is well on it's way to being done. Our goal is to move in a week or so after we get back from the Bahamas.
Escala sold almost instantly. We have to be out of Escala by the end of the week we get back from vacation. We are a little stressed, but my parents said we can stay with them if there is a delay in the new house being done.
"You ready Pheebs," Nathan calls out. I slip on the dress and heels and walk out. We are going to Vergina. An italian restaurant. It is so good.
"As I will ever be," I smile and walk out.
"Look at you," Nathan says and leans down kissing me.
"Oh you flatter me," I say and he laughs.
"Pheebs, you look stunning," Claire says and I smile giving her a hug. She is watching Henry with William while we go to dinner.
"Thank you sweet girl," I say and she smiles.
"I think I have everything out. Bedtime is 7:45-8. Dinner is on the counter when he seems hungry. You know where everything is. You don't have to give him a bath I did that this morning. Besides that, have fun," I say and she smiles.
"I got him, Pheebs. Don't worry," Claire smiles. Henry runs into the room.
"Supaaa Henry," He has his cape on and is telling everyone he is a superhero. I laugh and place my hand on top of my belly.
"Come give me a kiss, superman," I say and bend down.
"Momma me no supa man me supa henry," he says and puts his hand out to the side as if to say it is the most obvious thing in the world.
"Ohh I am sorry super Henry. Now come give me a hug goodbye," I say. He gives me a hug and a kiss. He then bends down and kisses my belly. I smile.
"Bye buddy, you be good for Cece," Nathan says as he hugs Henry goodbye.
"Enjoy dinner," Claire says. Nathan gives her a hug and I wave.
"Bye guys," we head out.
Nathan and I get into the car and head to the restaurant. I get a cramp and suck in air. "You okay?" Nathan asks.
"Baby is using my ribs as a soccer ball," I say and he laughs.
"I am sorry, Bee. Take a deep breath," he says and I do. It helps a bit. Gosh I am ready to have this baby in my arms.
We drive to the restaurant and get seated. I get iced tea and Nathan gets water. I always tell him he can drink, but he says if I can't he doesn't want to. It is sweet of him.
"Are you ready to leave tomorrow?" He asks me.
"I am so ready. I need a change of scenery. I also am excited to get to see more of Ted, Liv, and Leo. I think Henry is excited to play with Teddy too," I say.
"That will be nice. It will be fun to see him with Leo," Nathan says and I agree.
"A whole year of marriage," I say.
"A year of marriage, two kids fostered, one adopted, and one pregnancy," Nathan says and I nod.
"Two pregnancies," I say and Nathan forms a tight smile on his face as he nods.
"I think that made us so much stronger," he says and grabs my hand.
"I think so too," I say. The waiter comes and takes our food order. I get the pasta carbonara and Nathan gets the bolognese.
"So the new house. What is the over under? Do you think we'll have to live with my parents for a bit?" I ask as I break off a piece of bread.
"I love your parents, but I hope not," he says and I laugh.
"I am in the same boat," I say.
"I think we will be fine to move in. I talked to Mia and the move in guys and they said it is doable," he says and I nod.
"I can't wait to see the nursery," I say.
"I know, Berk is so excited. She says she has all the stuff in her house," he says and I smile.
"It is crazy she knows the gender and we don't," I say.
"I know. It is killing me. Are we still set on our names?" He asks and I nod.
"Nora for a girl and Greyson for a boy," I say.
"I think those are great names," he says and I smile.
Our food gets delivered. I am putting a spoonful to my mouth when I hear Nathan's phone ring. He frowns as he pulls it out of his pocket. "It is Claire," he says. He answers it and I watch him.
"Calm down, sweetheart what?" he asks standing up. I stand with him.
"Okay, go get Sawyer in the security wing. He'll know what to do we are on our way now," he says and my heart drops to my feet.
"Claire, take a deep breath. Put Sawyer on the phone," I hear the one sided conversation and feel sick. Is Henry okay? Is Claire okay? Nathan throws down a couple hundred dollar bills on the table and we run out.
Nathan's conversation is one sided with sawyer. I am beyond confused. Nathan floors it out of the restaurant parking structure. "Okay we will be there in five. Have George take them to Ana and Christian's," he says. Oh no this can't be good. He hangs up the phone.
"What is going on?" I ask.
"Claire got a phone call from a blocked number telling her that they knew she was in Ecscala and that we weren't there and that she needed to come outside with the kid or they would come in," he says and I feel sick. Something is going on.
"Who was it?" I ask.
"We don't know. Sawyer is giving Taylor the phone. They are going to your parent's," he says and I nod.
We head toward Escala. We need to talk to Sawyer and Taylor. Our other security has Claire and Henry.
"Take a deep breath, baby. It is okay," Nathan says.
"No it isn't Nathan. Our kids are in danger. We don't know who is doing all of this and shit keeps happening," I say and feel panic.
"I know," Nathan says and puts his hand on my leg.
When we pull into the parking lot we head upstairs. The place has already been checked and cleared. When we walk upstairs, everyone is talking. The police are there and are searching the place.
"What do we know?" Nathan asks as we talk around the counter.
"The phone call came from a prepaid phone. I am trying to see if we can track it or get the IP address of where the call was made from," Taylor says and I nod. That is smart. The police officer comes up and I ask him what I has been on my mind all night. I know Taylor has filled him in on everything.
"Okay, could this be Claire's brother?" I ask.
"We don't know. He is still in jail, but he could have had someone make the call," the policeman says and I nod.
"Luckily, you all leave tomorrow. You need to stay away from Escala for the time being. We are going to have you driven out of here in a different car, so they don't know you left," Taylor says and I nod.
"Okay," I say. I rub my temples and feel Nathan rub my back.
"Our suitcases are-" I start to say and Sawyer cuts me off.
"I already got them out and taken care of. I also packed a diaper bag for you," Sawyer says and I smile at him.
"What did I do to deserve you?" I ask him.
"Keep asking yourself that," he says and I laugh. I give him a hug and sigh.
"We should go get the kids," I say.
"Good idea. Sawyer is going to take you," Taylor says and I nod.
We head out and get into the car. Nathan wraps an arm around me and kisses the top of my head. I snuggle into him. "I love you," he whispers into my ear and I nod. I know he does. My stomach growls and I smile down at it.
"Baby is hungry," I say.
"Shit, you didn't eat. I will make you food at your parent's place," he says and I smile. I know Gail will already have something prepared.
We pull into the driveway and I feel the need to run in and go get my kids. I stop and turn to Sawyer. I give him a big hug. "Thank you," I say and he hugs me tightly.
"I have always got you," he says and holds me tightly. Sawyer isn't going on the trip because he has family in town.
"Have fun with your family," I say. He smiles and kisses my head.
"Love you, Pheebs," he says and I head inside.
The first thing I see is my mom holding a sleeping Henry. His cheek is squished against her chest. I smile and walk over.
"He is out," she says and I nod. I kiss his head.
"Here Ana, I will take him upstairs," Nathan says. When she passes him to Nathan he barely stirs.
"Hi buddy," he says and I smile. When he carrys him upstairs I turn to my mom.
"Claire, is beside herself," my mom says and I frown.
"Why?" I Ask.
"She thinks it has something to do with her brother. She feels awful for putting Henry in harm's way. She thinks you guys won't want to see her again," I frown. Poor Claire. That is not the case at all.
"Your father is up there talking to her. She locked herself in the extra guest bedroom," she says and I nod.
"This is a shitshow," I say and my mom nods.
"I am sorry, honey. I wish I could take this all away," my mom says and I nod.
"Me too," I say.
"I should go talk to Claire," I say and my mom nods.
"Nathan told me you didn't eat so I will start making something," she says and I smile.
I walk upstairs and head to the guest bedroom. I listen to what is happening.
"It is okay to be afraid, sweetheart," my dad says.
"It is all my fault," Claire says and I can hear in her voice she is crying. My heart aches for her.
A hand touches my back and Nathan is next to me. I explain quietly what is happening. He nods and we listen.
"Claire, nothing you could have done would have stopped this from happening," my dad says.
"They don't deserve this. All they have done is helped me and I just keep burdening them," Claire says. Before I can blink Nathan has the door open. I frown and see Claire's tear stained face.
Nathan takes her in his arms. Sobs wracked her body. I look at my dad who comes over and hugs me. "I will let you guys talk," he says. I thank him and he kisses my head.
I walk over as Nathan holds claire. Nathan will always have the biggest soft spot for Claire. He is so protective over her. He holds the back of her head to his chest.
"I am sorry," Claire repeats.
"Shhh, it is okay," Nathan says rubbing her back. She is refusing to let go of him. This is hurting me to see.
"Let it out," Nathan says and rocks her softly from side to side. She grips onto him. I don't think I have ever seen her this upset.
"Here sit," Nathan says. She sits on the edge of the bed and we sit in front of her on the bench.
"Claire, none of this was your fault. Get that thought of your head," I say. She shakes her head still sobbing.
"I am so sorry," she says again. I look to Nathan who has the look of concern on his face.
"Claire, what are you sorry for," Nathan asks.
"I- I didn't tell you guys," she says. The baby kicks my ribs and I try to focus on what is going on infront of me.
"What sweetheart?" I ask.
"I got a phone call earlier this week from-from my lawyer. John, he made bail for good behavior," I put my head in my hands. Fuck. John is the one who beat Claire with her brother after she got raped.
"I'm so sorry," she cries and starts to get up. Nathan grabs her wrist. He pulls her into his chest again.
"Don't apologize," he says. I nod. I wish she would have told us, but either way this is not her fault.
"I should have told you, but I didn't want you to worry because you have the… the house and Henry, and and the baby," she is almost to the point of hypervenitalting.
"Claire, Claire stop," Nathan says. I grab a water bottle from the nightstand. I walk over and hand it to her.
"Take some sips," I say and rub her back. Nathan still has an arm around her. She does and takes some deep breaths.
"Claire, listen. You are our child. We worry about you like we do with Henry and the baby in Phoebe's belly. We love you like our own and want you to tell us stuff. You never have to think you are going to worry us," I say. Nathan nods and she wipes her eyes.
"We don't even know if these are related, so you do not need to worry Claire. Like Phoebe said, we love you so much," Nathan says.
"I am sorry, I am so overwhelmed," Claire says. I am sure she is.
"Give me a hug," I say. She stands and I hold her as best as I can with my bump. The baby kicks feeling pressure on my stomach.
"Was that…" Claire steps back. She has a smile on her face now.
"Yes, they are very active right now," I smile. I rub my stomach and am rewarded with a kick.
"Wow," she says and laughs.
"Claire, we love you and do not want you to think we are angry. We are so happy you are safe and are going to keep keeping you safe," Nathan says and I agree.
"We love you so much," I nod.
"You need to get some sleep. Why don't you sleep here," I say seeing how exhausted she is.
"I am not tired," she says and shakes her head. I can see in her body language she is afraid.
"Claire, you know there is nothing to worry about her. My dad has this place guarded and on lock down. No one can move without someone knowing," I say.
"Are you guys staying here?" she asks directing that question towards Nathan.
"Yes," Nathan answers before I can think about it. Okay I guess we are.
"Okay, I should probably call Susan and Will," she says and I smile, always thinking about others.
"My mom called her already hun, she said she'll get you in the morning," I say and she nods.
"Do you think your dad will let William come over? He'll be worried and I don't know," she says and refuses to make any eye contact.
"Yes, he is allowed sweetheart. Why don't you call him. Are you hungry, can we get you something," I ask. She shakes her head and thanks us.
We head downstairs when she calls William to give her privacy. Nathan stops me before we go in the kitchen and tugs on my arm pulling me to his chest. "Are you okay, baby," he stops and asks me. I didn't even have the chance to think about it. My mind has been nonstop go go go.
"Yeah, just shaken up," I say and look up at him. He cups my face in his hands.
"I will protect you. No matter what," he says and I nod.
"I know you will," I say.
"We are going to have a relaxing vacation. We are going to be able to forget all this shit. We will focus on Hen, the baby, and you," he says and I smile.
"I know," I smile. He pulls me into his arms and holds me. I feel the safest here. He kisses my head and rests his chin on it.
When we go into the kitchen my parents are talking to security. Nathan informs Taylor about John and he curses under his breath walking back into the office. "Why didn't an adult get a phone call about that? The lawyer should not be contacting Claire," my dad says and I completely agree that was out of pocket.
"I know. For now we need to focus on figuring this shit out, because someone is out to get us," I say rubbing my temples. Gail brings me a plate with a sandwich and chips. I smile thanking her.
"Eat," my dad and Nathan both say at the same time. The look at each other and laugh.
"I was going to, but now that you both told me I don't want to," I say and they both shake their heads looking at each other. I would be more stubborn if I wasn't starving. I dig into my sandwich and listen in.
"What we know is that the phone was made from a prepaid phone, the person knows you weren't there so they were watching and that you have a kid," Sawyer says. My stomach drops.
"We will figure this out. In the meantime, we will be going on vacation. Tomorrow we are getting dropped off at my office. The cars are going to stay in the front and in the back we will be taking different cars to SEA-TAC. After vacation, if nothing is found I want you guys staying here. Claire included," my dad says and I sigh rubbing my temples.
"I know it's not ideal, but we just want you guys safe," my mom says gently. Nathan is rubbing my back. I rub my hand over my bump. Oh this little one is coming into an interesting life.
"I agree, we are fine to stay here. We have our suitcases here. Thank you Christian and Ana," Nathan says.
"Of course, Nathan," my dad says.
Claire comes into the kitchen. She looks less upset, but I can tell she has been crying. I smile as Nathan puts an arm around her and she hugs him. Their relationship is what makes me hope this baby is a girl.
"Do you think we are in danger?" Claire asks us.
"No, sweetheart. I have full faith in my team and we have the police involved," my dad says and she nods. There is a knock on the door and we all jump.
"That is William," Claire says quietly and hurries over to the door. When she opens the door she flings herself at him and he is quick to hold her in his arms. I smile at the sight. It reminds me so much of Nathan and I.
I see Nathan turn away and I smile. "That's how I always felt," my dad says and I smirk. I know it was.
"Hi Uncle Christian and Aunt Ana, Hi Pheebs and Nathan," William says. He has a baseball hat on backwards and a sweatshirt with athletic shorts. He looks like a total lacrosse boy. He is such a cute boy. Ava is right.
"Hi Hun," my mom says and I smile.
"Is it okay if we hang out downstairs? We were going to watch a movie," Claire says almost quiet enough I can't hear her. I drop in before anyone else can.
"Of course, sweets," I say and she smiles. They walk downstairs and Nathan sighs.
"If situations were reversed you know you would want to be right there with me. Backwards hat and all," I say quietly to him. He cracks a smile at that and kisses my head.
"We are going to turn in, kids," my dad says. He comes around the counter and wraps me in his arms.
"You are safe, Bubs," my dad says and I nod.
"I love you," I say.
"I love you more," he says and I smile. I hug my mom goodnight and Nathan and I head upstairs. I sigh and sit on the edge of the bed. My hands find my stomach. I am exhausted.
Nathan stands in front of me. I am still in my dress that I am now ready to take off. Nathan passes me his shirt and I smile thanking him. I slip off my dress and bra and put on his shirt. He gets into his boxers and looks at me.
"You are so sexy," he says and I laugh shaking my head.
"I mean it, this pregnancy has just made me that much more in love with you," he says as we climb under the covers.
"Are you trying to get laid, Mr. Moore?" I ask him.
"Is it working, Mrs. Moore," He asks. I smirk and lean in kissing him.
We lose ourselves in each other.