Into The Sunset
Chapter 9
Author's Note : Thank my readers. I look forward and love reading you're feedback. Everything isn't what it seems. Stay tuned.
Brooke cradled the baby in her arms. Taking in his warmth. The smell of bubble bath on his skin.
He smiled up at her. Before laying his head back on her chest.
"He's beautiful. Whoever did this was in a desperate place Lucas."
"I don't think they should be charged with wanting better or more for their child." Brooke stated matter of fact.
"I understand why you feel that way. And i know having this baby here. Is bringing up everything we're still trying to sort through."
"But we have to do this the right way. For our sakes and his." Lucas replied.
"Okay. You're right. We shouldn't make any lasting decisions."
"But for tonight. We need things. Diapers. Formula. Clothes." Brooke stated matter of fact.
"I'll stay here with him and you go to the store." Lucas replied.
"I won't be long. You be good for Lucas." Brooke said. Looking to the little boy.
She carefully handed him off to Lucas. Grabbed her purse and went out the door.
...
Brooke's first stop was to the nearest baby store she could find. She had bought gifts for Haley and Peyton enough to know what kind of clothing items they would need.
Once she filled the cart with clothes, formula, diapers and toys.
Brooke went to the check out counter. Got checked out then left.
She drove home expecting to find Lucas waiting by the door for her with an upset baby.
But instead she found Lucas in their bedroom upstairs with the baby boy.
He was shielded by pillows on both sides.
Lucas looked to her. And left the bedroom. The door opened just a crack.
As the couple stood side by side in the hallway. Lit up by a single bedside table lamp.
"He fell asleep after you left. We'll call the police in the morning and make a report." Lucas explained.
"I got him two outfits. Some shoes. PJs. Some toys."
"I mean who knows how long he'll be staying. I want him to feel comfortable and safe. We have 3 spare bedrooms."
"We picked one out for the baby we thought we were going to have."
"Why not let him stay in there. Until we have more information.?" Brooke asked.
Lucas sighed deeply. "I don't like this. He shouldn't be comfortable here or feel at home. He isn't ours Brooke." He stated matter of fact.
Brooke glared at him. "I know that Lucas. I'm just trying to do what the person requested."
"Unlike you i can't seperate my heart from actions." She replied.
"Do you.? Him sleeping in our bed for the night. And you offering him a room to have makes it seem like you're getting far too attached."
"You're trying to fill a void. Learning about our fertility issues. Then out of nowhere a baby shows up.? Something isn't right here." Lucas stated matter of fact.
"Maybe it's a miracle. Someone made the hardest decison in their life and we get a chance to be parents. Why can't you just leave this alone. Let us be happy. Be a family!" Brooke proclaimed. The emotion in her voice thick.
Lucas knew this situation was hitting a raw nerve inside Brooke.
She didn't care about the details or facts. She saw this as her second chance.
"5 or 10 years down the line. We turn a blind eye to this. No one wins Brooke."
"I was there when the doctor told you there was no heartbeat."
"You cried yourself to sleep for days could barely function."
"You think i want to watch you hurt and go through hell like that again. I won't. You're my wife. You come first. I want to be a dad. But not like this." Lucas proclaimed.
"Just leave me alone." Brooke replied. Pushing past him. As she entered the bedroom. With the items she had bought from the store.
The rest of the night. Consisted of Brooke watching the baby sleep. While Lucas watched Brooke.
Neither of them slept. In the morning.
Lucas found Brooke feeding the baby.
The little boy was wearing a new outfit. And his gaze was locked on Brooke.
"I'll be back from the police station as soon as i can." Lucas announced.
"We'll be here." Brooke replied.
...
A short short to the police department later. Lucas asked to speak to an officer alone. He was lead to a quiet room.
It was there that Lucas explained how the baby had shown up on the doorstep of the home he shared with his wife.
At some point Brooke had fallen asleep and it was then that.
Lucas collected a DNA sample from the baby. Some hair and and some spit he collected on a cotten swab.
'I need these results as soon as possible." Lucas insisted.
...
A few days later. Lucas got the call he had been waiting for and they had found a match.
When Lucas was told the names of the biological parents. He didn't recognize them.
He asked what would happen to the child.
The officer explained. In north carolina.
Safe Surrender Law allows a parent to surrender a newborn up to seven days old to a responsible adult without the parent providing his or her name. Safe Surrender is legal and aims to prevent newborns from being hurt or abandoned.
...
She drove away that night after watching the couple take in her child. She knew it had to be this way.
She held out hope maybe she would come across him in town.
But she had to remain a stranger. It was the only way.