Vanessa
Today I was finally getting discharged, and I couldn’t be any happier. I was also glad the injuries were not severe, just a bruise on my face and a sore body. Alex got it worse than me and I still couldn’t believe how he was able to leave the hospital on the same day.
Not like he’s made of steel or whatever.
When Candice hung up the call, she told me what Clay had told her, and I was shocked. He stopped by the house yesterday to get my clothes after working, and when he arrived, Candice took Emily with her. They all needed a rest.
“I’m so glad to be going home today. Just one day in here and I was going crazy,” I said, honestly, as Clay helped me
ClayShe was so inviting. Despite her body being bruised, I couldn’t help but still want her, kiss her and make her moan my name again. As she bathed herself in the tub, she asked to join, but I just sat next to it, helping her bathe gently.Lathering her body, I leaned down to kiss her shoulder, bringing a smile on her face as she turned her head and kissed my lips while she wrapped her hand around the nape of my neck.“I want you, Clay,” she whispered. I pulled away, looking at her with concern. What if I hurt her?“I know what you’re thinking, and I’m no porcelain doll, so stop treating me like one.”
VanessaI paced back and forth, feeling guilty and desperate. If Clay doesn’t find her, I don’t know what I would do.“Vanessa, you need to calm down. Here, take this,” Candice said, leading me to the couch and handing me a cup of chamomile tea to calm my nerves. “Think of the baby. It’s feeling what you are.”I knew she was right, but I couldn’t help it. “What if something happens to her?”“We're in the middle of nowhere, practically. And she knows these lands. I don’t think anything will happen to her.” She tried to reassure me.“There could be wild anima
ClayAs we celebrated Vanessa’s freedom and her future, we heard another knock on the door. I went to open it and saw Jack Doyle, our town lawyer, standing there with a solemn gaze. Vanessa stood by my side with a big smile on her face as she greeted him.“Sorry for interrupting what I assume is a celebration,” he said, pressing his lips into a thin line.“Yes, it’s a celebration, but what brings you all the way here, Jack?” I asked, curiously, my heart pounding inside my chest. His expression turned even more serious as he took an envelope out of his suit pocket and handed it to me.“I’m sorry, Clay. You’ve been served.”
VanessaTwo days had gone by in a blur. Clay had to cancel his jobs yesterday to focus on getting his documents and preparing himself mentally for the custody hearing.As I was looking at myself in the mirror to make sure I was presentable with my buttoned up shirt and black pencil skirt, I could see Clay nervously putting and tying his tie up, but he was failing to do so.With a smile on my face, I approached him. Pulling his hands away, I took over to fix it for him.“You sure know what you’re doing,” he mentioned with a chuckle, trying to ease the tension he was feeling. But as he saw my serious expression, he apologized for indirectly bringing my married life into the
ClayI looked back at Vanessa as Sam kept asking questions that were sure to get Kelly to snap.“To give your lawyer a peace of mind, Miss Hill, Mr. Steele’s home was burned down in an arson. But he has a home, and as far as I know, it’s comfortable and has everything he and his daughter need,” he mentioned, putting emphasis on the last word. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair and I was glad Emily was not in the room to witness this.“Well, I have more commodities. Sarah and I…”“Oh, yes, Miss Sarah Steele. Before we get to that, here is the envelope given to me earlier.” He interrupted as he handed it to the judge. Was that what Candice gav
VanessaAnother week had finally gone by and we sat in the clinic’s waiting area, filling up forms and insurance information.Clay sat next to me, his legs bouncing up and down, nervous as he looked at every baby poster on the walls. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it in reassurance.“Hey, it’s going to be okay,” I said in a soft voice.“I know, but I’m still nervous. When I used to come here with Kelly, I was excited, but in the end…”“Clay, I’m not Kelly. I came here for a fresh start. You and Emily are it for me. I’m not leaving you, I told you that already,” I sai
ClayWe arrived at the house and I parked the truck in the driveway, turning the ignition off before getting out of it. As usual, like a gentleman, I walked around and opened the door for Vanessa, offering my hand to help her out.“Such a gentleman.” She teased, making me smile. On the inside, I was still nervous about having twins. I could barely take care of Emily until I learned how to, let alone another two.“Clay, stop thinking too much. We’re in this together and we’re going to be fine,” she whispered, kissing me. Her soft lips always comforted me. I was being such a coward about all this, I had to man up.“Yeah, I know. Let’s go inside. I&rsq
VanessaA few weeks have gone by and my belly was growing at a rapid pace. I looked like Candice did when she was five months pregnant herself. I woke up this morning feeling nauseous and vomiting, just as I have every single day.As I leaned against the toilet, I could feel Clay’s hand gently stroking my back. He was supportive through this first trimester.“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he kissed my head. I leaned against his shoulder, smiling and trying to forget the unpleasant taste in my mouth as I closed my eyes to take on his care and love.“Come on, Clay. Don’t be silly. We both made these babies, and to be honest, I don’t regret it. At all.”