Chapter 194: Her Enemy's Promise, Part 14, Where's Michael?

JAMES

Charlotte's enforced bed rest isn't well received. She doesn't cope well with inactivity. After another two days, I'm beginning to think I'll have to tie her to the bed. Not that I haven't done that often enough, but the circumstances were different.

I aim a finger at her. "You chose to get pregnant. You have to live with the consequences. If the doctor's say you belong in bed, that's where you're staying. No argument."

Head drooping, she submits, but then her eyes rise to mine. "Where's Michael?"

And I don't know how to answer her.

*****

After a week, the doctor's pronounce Charlotte is well enough recovered to come home, albeit with much wagging of fingers and warnings to 'Don't overdo it'.

As I drive up the mountain road, Charlotte sits beside me, very quiet. I lay a hand on her thigh. "You alright?"

She silent for a moment. "Is Michael at home?"

"He is, yes."

In a small voice, "Does he want to see me?"

"I'm sure he does. But I think he's worrying that yo