Author's Note: Thank you for the reviews. Here is the next part. Please let me know what you think.
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Wandering the grounds in search of solace is an old habit of Evelyn's that until today she had abandoned. It doesn't bring the comfort it used to. In the days and weeks after Barrett's death she spent most of her time aimlessly roaming the grounds. Seeing the roses, he helped her plant, or tripping over the occasional toy he had left strewn through the yard made her smile. This morning she only notices the neglect of her once beautiful garden, the fire truck tracks that still haven't completely filled in from the night of the explosion, and the faded upholstery of the pool chairs. Sighing heavily, she opens the back door of the house and steps into kitchen. She isn't at all surprised to find Carmen lounging at the island, laughing as she reads something on her phone.
"Mrs. Powell, what are you doing in here?" Carmen asks, dropping her phone and sitting up straight. The Powells rarely enter the kitchen which is why Carmen so frequently uses it to hide away from them.
"This is my house; I can enter any room I'd like." Evelyn's words are measured, her eyes narrowed but her heart isn't in giving the maid a hard time.
Carmen notices the usual fire isn't in Evelyn's eyes and relaxes. When the red head really wants to voice her displeasure with Carmen's performance, her eyes almost glow. Sensing no imminent threat, Carmen props her feet back up on the stool and picks up the apple she had been snacking on. Evelyn rolls her eyes then tilts her head, watching as Carmen takes a bite of the apple.
"What?" Carmen demands, Evelyn's gaze making her uncomfortable. She doesn't like for people to watch her eat.
Evelyn startles, slightly embarrassed she has been staring.
"Where did you get an apple?" She asks, ignoring the embarrassment.
"I bought it at the store." Her tone is condescending with an edge to it. She forces herself not to roll her eyes.
"When are you going to the store again?" Evelyn nears the island, her eyes never leaving the apple Carmen has now placed on the counter.
"What do you want?" Carmen huffs, her feet dropping from the stool.
Evelyn again ignores the maid's attitude. She is much too surprised to find herself actually craving a food, especially apples, to acknowledge the helps' poor behavior.
Her entire life she has never been fond of apples, finding something about everyone's favorite fruit unappetizing until she was pregnant with Barrett. Then she still hadn't been fond of apples but she was obsessed with apple juice. The mere thought of the juice almost has her mouth watering. Apparently the cravings will be similar even if the pregnancies are not.
"Purchase apple juice." She tells Carmen heading for the door.
Carmen narrows her eyes. She has bought several odd items, some items she never wants to know what have been used for, but apple juice has never been on the list. If she remembers correctly, Evelyn doesn't even like apples. She only made the mistake of buying them once. Before she can question her, Evelyn is out the door. Carmen rolls her eyes then stands from her seat. So much for a relaxing morning.
In the three days since the disastrous dinner, Evelyn has found some form of peace. She realizes that no matter how much she misses Barrett, and even Deion, the pain, and the anger she feels towards Adrian, will not bring them back. She learned this with Barrett's death, but reliving the pain of having a child taken from her, momentarily erased that knowledge from her mind.
She feels much more centered and has actually allowed herself to begin unearthing all the emotions she is feeling about her pregnancy. Without a doubt she is happy. For so long she has wanted another child and finally she just might get that. Of course there is fear. Fear that she will miscarry, that something will happen and once again she will wind up childless, but she has forced herself past these thoughts.
After her unborn child, her first thought is Adrian. He is, without a doubt, the father. He deserves to know, but she worries how he will react. She doesn't doubt he will be happy, but the loss of Barrett destroyed him. Everyone always thinks it's the mother who will fall apart, consider ending her life to be with her dead child, and even though she did both of those things, it was Adrian who was hit the hardest by Barrett's death. Will he be just as terrified as she is about losing this new child? Can he allow himself to love this child without constantly fearing the tragedy that could be lurking around the corner to take this baby?
Of course he will be shocked by the news. Evelyn has had three days to process the news and she still finds it unbelievable. No matter his reaction, Evelyn has decided to tell him in the next couple of days. It is early in the pregnancy, but he has a right to know.
Once she tells Adrian, she is confident he will quickly announce the happy news to James. Adrian will see this as a way to hold onto their marriage, which it isn't in Evelyn's mind, but he could easily push James out of her life with this news. She doesn't expect James to stay; it isn't his child. He isn't obligated to hang around. It is disheartening, the thought of losing him, but again, she would gladly give up anything to have a healthy child. When and how to tell James is something she continues to work on.
Figuring out the logistics of announcing this news isn't the only thing that has filled her days. Whatever is currently happening with Peter/Marisol/Jesse triangle has the woman completely distracted leaving Evelyn to manage the business. It isn't as unpleasant as she feared it would be. It has actually helped her achieve some sense of equilibrium.
The time spent with James has also helped. He has been an absolute darling since the dinner fiasco. He blamed himself for the relaxing dinner he promised her turning into a nightmare. He has tried to make it up to her each night by taking her to wonderfully expensive restaurants, but her stomach has been much too sensitive for her to truly enjoy it. Still, it is the thought that counts and she absolutely adores him for trying so hard.
James has already left when Evelyn decides to start her day. He was called away in the very early hours of the morning when his sick parishioner passed away. She offered to go with him but he declined her offer, insisting she stay at home and rest. Besides, the family needed some time before they began accepting visitors. She understood, kissed him goodbye then dozed back off.
Stepping into the study, Evelyn wishes she had told Marisol she would work today. Adrian sits on the sofa reading the newspaper, a cup of coffee in his hand. She doesn't want to be alone with him and it is still too early for Carmen to be up. Choosing to treat him as she has the past couple of days; ignoring his existence entirely, she walks over to the bar.
"Good morning, Evelyn!" He smiles brightly. He really would like to talk to her about the other night. Apparently she is continuing to overlook him.
Evelyn is surprised to find a carafe of coffee sitting out but she doubts Carmen is the responsible party. More than likely, Adrian made the coffee instead of waiting on their maid. Why is it when she can't have something, she wants it even more? She leans over the carafe and inhales the heavenly aroma. So far, coffee is one of the only smells that doesn't nauseate her.
"What are you doing?" Adrian asks from the sofa, brow quirked, finding this scene rather perplexing.
Evelyn stands up straight, her desire for coffee allowing her to momentarily forget Adrian's presence. She remains with her back to him, refusing to acknowledge his word, but she feels his eyes on her.
"May I help you?" She asks turning to face him. Her tone is low, hopefully he can deduce her unhappiness.
He's pleasantly surprised she is speaking to him, even if it is in a short, clipped tone.
"I was simply curious as to why you're snorting the coffee?" He shrugs and places the paper down beside him on the sofa.
"I was trying to decide if you or Carmen made the coffee." She explains easily. She is curious.
"Surprisingly Carmen did," Adrian tells her, just as surprised by the fact as she is. "Before she left for the day."
Adrian rolls eyes at the obvious lie that is their maid's 'busy schedule'. Evelyn concurs on the likely falsehood, but instead of a couple of hours without Carmen as a buffer, she is now facing an entire day of being alone with Adrian.
"I think I'll have juice then."
It might be Carmen's job to make the coffee, but every time she has it is too weak for Evelyn's liking. Adrian is aware of this so hopefully he won't question her on skipping coffee. James has found it a bit odd she has declined her favorite part of breakfast for the past two days, but again she has blamed it on stress.
Evelyn returns to the study a few minutes later, a glass of what appears to be apple juice in hand. Adrian noticed a container of apple juice in the refrigerator when he went for a late night snack but he figured it was purchased for James. Evelyn has never cared for apples. She usually prefers orange juice to accompany her morning meal.
When Barrett was little she only allowed him one cup a day of very watered down apple juice. There has been a time Adrian has seen Evelyn drink the stuff, but he can't recall the exact occasion. It isn't important anyway. While she seems to be a bit more talkative and James isn't around, Adrian decides to try and have a conversation with her.
"Evelyn," he says carefully once she is seated on the sofa across from him, reaching for the part of the newspaper he has discarded.
Slowly her eyes rest upon his, her lips on the rim of the glass as she takes a sip of the juice.
"I want you to know I am very sorry for everything that happened with Deion," Adrian says, his tone soft and sincere.
He has spent the last three days sorting through everything that happened. He better understands why she was so hurt, why she has insisted on a divorce. He doesn't expect this conversation to lead to a reconciliation, at least not yet, but she deserves an apology. She deserves much more, but at the moment the most he can offer is his sincerest apologies.
Evelyn takes in a sharp breath upon hearing his words. She isn't prepared for this conversation. She has spent the past few days coming to terms with Deion's departure as well as trying to wrap her head around the news of the pregnancy. She isn't willing to abandon that peace just to make Adrian feel less guilty.
"It's the past," she says flatly, squaring her shoulders.
"Yes, but I still want you to know I…." Adrian stops when she holds her hand up.
"We are not discussing this, Adrian. I have made some semblance of peace with everything that happened with Deion and I do not wish to discuss it." She leans back against the sofa, noisily spreading the newspaper to obscure her view of Adrian.
"Ok," he agrees, realizing if he pushes it she will walk out.
The two sit in familiar silence reading the paper. With practiced ease they switch sections, not a word uttered between them. Adrian chances a glance at Evelyn, a memory flashing through his mind as he watchers her. Robe clad, hair messily piled on top of her head, the glass of juice in her hand as she brings it to her lips for an occasional sip reminds of him a different time. It is as though the past and present are one for a short moment. He can clearly recall her sitting across from him two and half decades earlier much like she is now. There is only one difference. At the time she had been heavily pregnant with Barrett.
Adrian's eyes widen and his face goes ashen as he remembers apple juice was one of the few cravings she experienced during pregnancy. Apple juice, almonds, and some pastry from a little shop that long ago went out of business is what she lived on during her pregnancy with Barrett. He would never forget those cravings. His eyes land on the glass of apple juice, alarm crossing his face.
"Why are you staring at me?" Evelyn asks, her eyes never leaving the newspaper.
Adrian doesn't respond; he's too busy thinking. Evelyn can't be pregnant. Two different doctors, both highly respected in their field, told them two decades ago that Evelyn would not be able to conceive again due to scar tissue from her cesarean with Barrett. Besides, after all of these years of marriage without any thought of contraception, the doctors must have been correct with their diagnosis. Still, she has been acting oddly recently, experiencing bouts of nausea and dizziness. She fainted just the other day. Adrian is sick to his stomach at the realization she might be pregnant with anyone else's child but his own.
"ADRIAN!" Evelyn snaps, her tone brash. Adrian startles out of his trance, looking at her in bewilderment. "What is wrong with you?" She demands.
"Why are you drinking apple juice?" It is the only thing he can think to ask. Evelyn squints in confusion.
"Carmen prepared coffee. I hate Carmen's coffee. There was juice in the refrigerator so I decided to have juice. Seemed logical to me." Evelyn explains to him patronizingly.
Why is he behaving so strangely? Why is he looking at her in such an odd manner?
"You…" Adrian closes his mouth. There is no good way to broach this subject but he can't just let it go. He has to know if his suspicion is correct or if he is losing his mind.
"Me, what?" Evelyn asks, her patience wearing thin. She just wants to sit quietly and read the paper. Why does that have to be so difficult?
"You," Adrian tries again but falters. She is going to harm him if he doesn't explain himself, but she's likely to kill him if he asks her if she's pregnant. "I'm just remembering another time when we sat like this treading the newspaper, you enjoying a glass of apple juice." Adrian looks wistful as he remembers a happier time.
"Don't be ridiculous. I rarely drink apple juice. Only when I…." She trails off, immediately aware of why he's been staring at her. Of course he would remember.
"Only when you're what, dear?" He asks from the edge of his seat.
"Oh God," Evelyn groans. This isn't how she planned to tell him.
"When you're what, Evelyn?" He asks again, this time more forcefully. He needs to hear her say it.
Evelyn sighs heavily, places the newspaper beside her and the glass of juice on the coffee table. It isn't ideal, then again nothing about this situation is, but she might as well tell him. He has already figured it out.
"Pregnant," she answers so quietly Adrian barely hears her.
"Say that again?" he instructs, wanting to make sure he can hear every word she speaks.
"When I'm pregnant. I only drink apple juice when I'm pregnant!" Evelyn says louder, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Aha, I knew it!" Adrian exclaims, jumping to his feet.
Evelyn is taken aback by his reaction. She knew this news would be shocking, but she didn't expect him to react like this. She isn't even sure what she would call this reaction.
"That bastard," Adrian growls, his face turning red with anger. Evelyn looks at him confused.
"What?" she is completely lost.
"James; Reverend Boyfriend. Supposedly all high and mighty but in less than a month he's shacked up with a married woman and knocked her up." Adrian is livid, pacing back and forth in front of the sofa.
For a moment Evelyn doesn't understand. She just sits there with a bewildered expression on her face. Slowly realization dawns on her. A look of amusement crosses her face.
"You fool," she laughs, stopping Adrian in his tracks.
"I'm the fool?" he asks accusingly. "You are the one that got knocked up by a preacher!" Adrian scoffs. Evelyn only laughs louder. "What is so damned funny?" He demands. Nothing about this situation is laughable.
"James isn't the father," she tells him between giggles.
"You've been having an affair?" Adrian accuses, narrowing his eyes.
Evelyn sobers at this question. He really doesn't understand. Dear God, how stupid can he be?
"You're the father, you jack ass," she spits, her eyes turning murderous.
Adrian stands there a moment with his mouth hanging open. He didn't hear her correctly. She has to be joking. There is no way she is serious.
"We…bu…are you sure?" Adrian pales, stumbling over his words. If she didn't appear ready to throttle him, this could be amusing.
"Adrian," Evelyn says concisely, reminding herself how shocked she had been. She stands from the sofa and takes a step towards him. "I am almost nine weeks pregnant. I've only known James four weeks." She explains, watching him as he does the math in his head. He still doesn't understand. "Almost nine weeks ago the Harts hosted their annual Memorial Day celebration." Evelyn sends him a knowing look. Even as drunk as she was she remembers snippets from that night, surely he does as well.
"Oh my God," he gasps, sinking onto the sofa. Evelyn sits down beside him and takes his hand in hers.
"Can you be more specific?" She asks, needing to know what he's thinking. He looks at her, his eyes flashing with a multitude of emotions.
"How did this happen?" he asks, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
"Really?" she asks drolly. If they have to have this conversation she is suing for full custody.
"Not that," he huffs, well aware of the actions that led to the pregnancy. "How did you get pregnant? The doctors said you wouldn't be able to conceive again and we've never worried about birth control." Adrian is babbling but she can understand. She had many of the same questions for Doctor Greely once the shock had worn off.
"It just happens," Evelyn shrugs, giving him the same answer she received.
Adrian sits there processing the news. After years of unprotected sex, and two doctors telling them they would never have another biological child of their own, Evelyn is pregnant. So many emotions are running through him; happiness, astonishment, fear. There are also dozens of questions.
"Is everything all right?" he asks, squeezing her hand.
"According to Doctor Greely everything is fine," she smiles. Adrian relaxes upon hearing this. He can't imagine losing another child. "So, how do you feel about this?" Evelyn asks, biting her lip nervously.
"This is the best news I've ever received," Adrian gushes, pulling her into an embrace. He's very pleased she doesn't tense or pull away.
"I think so, too," she agrees, tears stinging her eyes. She pulls away from the hug and wipes her eyes. "Hormones," she shrugs at his concerned look.
"No, I think those are tears of joy," he says, wiping away a tear.
"Probably," she nods. She didn't want to tell Adrian like this but she's glad he knows.
Adrian smiles at her and caresses her cheek, very pleased she is allowing the contact. Right now he just wants to touch her, to assure her that even though unexpected, he is just as happy about this pregnancy as she appears to be.
"Adrian," Evelyn says a few minutes later, their hands still intertwined.
"Yes?" He smiles at her lovingly, his eyes shining with wonder and adoration. Evelyn closes her eyes before she speaks.
"This doesn't change anything; I still want a divorce." She pulls her hands from his, scooting back as she braces herself for the outburst.
"You can't be serious!" Adrian exclaims, unable to believe she wants to continue with the divorce now that she's pregnant.
"I am," she tells him confidently. "You will be a part of this child's life but I still want a divorce. It would be best for the baby not to grow up in a home with two parents who are constantly hurting each other." Since she found out she is pregnant, her stance on the divorce has never wavered.
"Evelyn, a child needs both of its parents!"
"And this child will have both of us, just not together under the same roof." She isn't backing down but she also isn't going to argue. She stands from the sofa, stopping a few feet in front of Adrian.
"So you and Reverend Boyfriend are going to play house with my child? I won't let that happen!" Adrian is quickly to his feet unable to sit still any longer.
"James isn't in this equation, at least not yet," Evelyn admits. Adrian immediately brightens at this bit of news.
"You haven't told him yet?" Adrian almost smirks.
"Of course not!" Evelyn scoffs. "You are the father so naturally you're the first to know."
Considering the current state of their marriage Adrian is surprised by this.
"Well, after Genvieve," Evelyn adds dismissively.
"You told Genvieve?" Adrian seems almost as surprised by this as he was the news of the pregnancy. Those two have been sworn enemies since Evelyn leaked Genvieve's sex tape.
"You receive the news that you're going to be a father again and your two biggest reactions are to call James a bastard because you think he's the father, then you can't believe Genvieve knows. I'm rather insulted." Evelyn mock pouts.
"Hey, I'm over the moon about this baby, but this is unexpected." Adrian reaches for her hand, wrapping his fingers around it.
"That's the understatement of the year," Evelyn replies dryly.
For a while, after Adrian has calmed down, the two sit together on the sofa discussing the pregnancy. She tells Adrian about the sonogram, promising to show him the print out then begins detailing a blood test she will have performed around ten weeks to screen for defects and determine the gender. He peppers her with questions about the test and how she is feeling. She answers the questions as best as she can, all the while secretly worrying that something might happen to this child. Adrian also experiences this fear but for now they promise to focus on the fact that at the moment the fetus is healthy. Adrian also vows to himself to fight for Evelyn even harder. There is no way another man is going to take his wife and child.