"I knew you should have let me drive," Steve grumbled as he hunched his shoulders against the wind and sleet.
Kayla chuckled. Thanks to her warm coat, gloves, and umbrella, the weather was not bothering her at all. She had been surprised when Steve had shown up at the Trauma Center and told her about joining Bo and Carly for lunch. Luckily, the Center had been slow and she had been able to leave. Now, after a delicious lunch, she was enjoying the brisk walk back to the hospital.
Clearly, the same could not be said for Steve. "Aww, is the cold getting to my tough guy husband? If you'd join me under the umbrella it wouldn't be so bad."
Steve cast a sideways glance, ducked under the umbrella, wrapped his arm around Kayla's shoulder, and pulled her close. "You're right, Sweetness," he said, kissing her cheek. "This is much better."
Their pace slowed as they huddled close together. "I still think it would have been better for you if I had driven," Steve repeated. "You shouldn't be out in this weather in your condition."
Kayla rolled her eyes. "I'm pregnant, Steve, not sick. Besides, it's only a few blocks and exercise is good for me."
Steve grumbled something she could not quite make out over the sounds of the wind and sleet, but which made it clear he did not agree with her logic. Kayla again chuckled softly. She was sure that Steve's protective instincts were going to be on high alert until the baby was born. Part of her loved that. The other part of her knew he was going to drive her crazy along the way.
It had only been a few days since she had found out she was pregnant, but Kayla was already relishing the changes she was feeling. While she did not welcome the morning sickness, she knew it was simply a sign of her child growing within her.
When she had been pregnant with Stephanie, each little change was a something new and unknown. This time, she knew what to expect and that allowed her to enjoy and anticipate it in a different way. And, this time, she and Steve were together and could share those moments. That was something they had missed with Stephanie.
After a few minutes walk, they reached the relative protection of the covered entrance to University Hospital. Shaking the sleet off the umbrella, Kayla folded it and entered through the automatic doors with Steve close behind her.
"Ahhh," Steve sighed, wiping the moisture from his face. "Finally someplace warm and dry."
Before Kayla could tease him further, she heard a voice calling Steve's name. She turned and saw Jack walking rapidly towards them. As always, she pushed down the automatic flash of discomfort she felt when she saw Jack.
"What's up, Billy Jack," Steve said as Jack reached them.
"Did you talk to Shane?" Jack asked, sounding a little out of breath.
"No." Steve looked curiously at Jack. "Should I have?"
Jack's eyes narrowed slightly. "Well, I called him a while ago. I-" Jack glanced at Kayla. "I got the information you wanted."
Kayla felt her pulse quicken at Jack's words. She was sure this had something to do with Alamain.
Steve stepped closer and lowered his voice. "What did you find out, Jack?"
Again Jack glanced at Kayla, but she could see Steve just nod for Jack to continue. "I found out the name of the company that bought the refinery site. It was a company called Jacaranda, Inc."
Kayla did not miss Steve's reaction to Jack's news. She could tell he recognized that name. But something told her she should not ask about it in front of Jack.
Steve turned to Kayla. "I need to go call Shane, Sweetness." Kayla nodded, but before Steve could move Jack reached out his hand and stopped him.
"Wait, Steve."
"Wait for what, Jack?" Steve asked, clearly irritated by the delay.
"Shane's not home," Jack replied. "He called me a little while ago and asked me to find you. He told me to tell you about Jacaranda, Inc., and then said to tell you that 'we're waiting for him.'" Jack shrugged. "He said you would know what that means."
Kayla's blood ran cold at the combination of Jack's words and the serious look on Steve's face.
"Thanks, Jack," Steve said quietly. Then he turned to Kayla. "I've gotta go, Sweetness."
"I can come with you." Jack looked hopeful. "I-"
"No," Steve said. "What you need to do is go back to work and keep your eyes open. I'll be in touch if I get any information that you need to know."
Jack looked taken aback for a moment, but then he sighed. "All right. I'll be at the office if you need me."
Steve nodded and then stuck out his hand. "Thanks again."
Jack looked surprised and then gave a wry grin. Shaking Steve's hand, he said, "I'm not sure what I did, since nobody will tell me anything, but you're welcome." Then he nodded to Kayla and headed out the door.
Steve turned back to Kayla. "Sorry to run off, baby, but it sounds like Shane and John need me."
"I know." Kayla tried to control the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. "Please be careful, Steve." Her hand unconsciously traveled to her stomach. "We need you."
Steve smiled, leaned down, and kissed her softly. "I'll be back before you can miss me." He kissed her again and then walked toward the door. Just before he reached it he stopped and turned back. He stared at her for a moment, before he smiled and offered a little wave. Then, with one last look, he turned and hurried out of the hospital.
Kayla stood rooted to the spot for several long moments. A tear slid down her face as she stared at the door. Finally, she willed herself to move and began to slowly walk towards the Trauma Center. With each step she said a silent but fervent prayer that Steve would return to her safe and sound.