“Aw, you two are so sweet together.” The nurse beamed, before turning and then leaving the room. “Call if you need anything,” she added over her shoulder.
The minute the door closed, she glanced up at Ryker. “I can’t help feeling guilty about not telling them the truth.”
“I know, but what’s the harm? Whether we’re married or not, I’m here to support you. And there’s no way in the world I’m leaving you alone.”
“I guess.” She knew he was right, but secretly wondered if every reference to them as a couple made him feel a bit panicky.
After all, this wasn’t exactly what he’d bargained for when he’d come to find her. Yet he hadn’t turned away.
Just the opposite.
He’d held her, kissed her and cared for her.
The fact that she wanted more, wanted it all, was her problem. Not his.
She needed to remember that once Kevin Blake and Harper Moore were in custody, she and Ryker would go their separate ways.
SIXTEEN
Ryker didn’t mind others assuming he was Olivia’s husband and the father of her baby. In fact, he rather liked it. Sure, he knew this was just a temporary situation for them. Once Olivia was safe, she wouldn’t need him anymore.
But for now, he intended to be there for her. To support her through this. No woman should have to go through childbirth alone.
Maybe once the danger was over, she’d continue to allow him to stop by and visit, to help her with Aaron. Having a new baby and a three-year-old would be stressful. Even if she was able to sell the house and use the money to live on for a while, she’d need emotional support.
It was humbling to realize she felt safer here in the hospital, despite the way Seth had gotten to her. Maybe part of her feeling safe had to do with having access to immediate medical care. He made a mental note to ask Dr. Regner if she wouldn’t consider keeping Olivia at least overnight. If the answer was no, then fine. He’d work out some sort of plan with Marc Callahan and the Feds. Now that the FBI was involved, they should be able to keep a cocoon of security around Olivia and Aaron.
“Ryker? Do you think I could talk to Aaron?” Her tone was wistful. “I haven’t been away from him for this length of time since we escaped from the motel room last Christmas.”
With a nod, he pulled out his phone. “Sure, here’s Mike’s number.”
She gratefully took the phone and asked Mike to use the app that allowed Aaron to see her face. “Hey, Aaron, how are you doing?”
“Hi, Mommy.” Aaron waved and leaned toward the screen as if to see her better. “Where are you?”
“I’m at the hospital, but your little brother or sister isn’t going to be born today after all. Guess you’ll have to wait a bit longer to meet him or her.”
“I wanna baby brother.” Aaron’s steadfast belief in his ability to impact the gender of her baby made Ryker smile. If Olivia was right about having a girl, he hoped the little boy wouldn’t be too disappointed.
“I know you do, but God is the one who decides if I’m having a boy or a girl, remember?” Olivia smiled at her son. “And you’re going to be an awesome big brother no matter what.”
Aaron nodded. “Yep. Brodie and I are playing dinosaurs.” He picked up a plastic T. rex, showing her.
“I’m glad you’re having fun. Be good for Brodie’s mommy and daddy, okay?”
“I am good.” Aaron’s eyes widened with innocence. “You can ask them.”
“I will ask them,” Olivia agreed firmly.
“When are you coming to get me?” Aaron’s voice was plaintive.
“Soon, baby. When the doctor says I can go home, we’ll come pick you up.”
“Or Mr. and Mrs. Callahan will come meet us,” Ryker added. “We’ll let you know, okay?”
“Okay.” For a moment Aaron looked as if he might cry, but then Shayla’s voice could be heard in the background. “Who wants to help make chocolate-chip cookies?”
“Me!” Aaron and Brodie both shouted at the same time. “Bye, Mommy.” The little boy ran out of view of the screen, replaced by Mike.
“He’s fine, Olivia.” Mike’s gaze was reassuring. “We’re keeping a close eye on him.”
“I know you are. Thank you so much.” Olivia looked as if she might cry again. “We’ll let you know when the doctor discharges me.”
Mike hesitated, then nodded. “Sure thing. Although it might be better for Aaron to stay with us for a while longer.”
Ryker secretly agreed but Olivia looked distressed. “Oh, I don’t know about that,” she was quick to say. “He hasn’t been away from me overnight before.”
“How about we talk about it later?” Ryker gave Mike a slight nod. “First we need to find a safe house of some sort. Hopefully the FBI has something we can use.”
“Absolutely. Just give us a call. Later.” Mike disconnected from the call.
Olivia reluctantly passed Ryker his phone. “I’m glad Aaron seems to be doing okay.”
“I’m sure he’s having fun playing with Brodie.” He took her hand again. “How are you feeling? Any contractions?”
“Not since just before Seth came in.” She looked from their joined hands to meet his gaze. “You really think the FBI will provide a safe house for me?”
“Yes. You’re a key witness, Olivia. Your testimony of finding the bank-account information, and the fact that men employed by Blake-Moore came after you in order to get it, will assist in putting Blake and Moore behind bars.”
“I guess.” She didn’t look convinced. “But we haven’t really proven that the men who came after us worked for Blake-Moore. I’m worried they’ll get off on some sort of technicality.”
“They won’t.” He was going to do everything in his power to make sure that didn’t happen. “Try not to worry about that, okay? Just stay focused on your baby.”
“I will.” There was a steely determination in her tone.
His phone rang, and he recognized Marc
