“Oh.”
“Mrs. Reaves can be overbearing, and Shelley was very non-confrontational. I’m sure she just kept putting that conversation off until it was too late. She was at their house in Granite Falls, trying to explain it to them when she went into labor. That’s why she had to give birth there and not in Asheville where her doctor was.”
“Do you think it would have made a difference?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. Her doctors at Granite Falls General are great, but Belinda thinks so. She blames me for that too. In fact, she blames me for everything, especially for not loving her daughter enough to marry her.”
“They sound like people who are in pain and will do anything to get what they want, regardless of who they hurt in the process. They sound like my husband.” She took a deep breath. “Paul wouldn’t stop until he won, and the gleam he’d get in his eyes when he did? Winning was almost more important to him than the prize. Maybe we should call the hospital and let them know we’re on the way and that you might be a few minutes late.”
“Good idea.” He took out his phone and started to dial.
“I think we both might need a lawyer,” she said when he hung up the phone.
“I have an appointment with mine tomorrow. If you want to tag along, you’re welcome. You can ask him if he can help you.”
She shook her head. “Thanks. But considering the part they added at the end where you were seen having indecent relations with a married woman, we probably shouldn’t be seen out together that much anymore.”
“I am not giving up my friendships. There was nothing indecent about my almost kissing you at the hospital.”
“What about what we did last night? And this morning,” she added with a grin.
“There was nothing indecent about that either.”
“I’ll call my lawyer and make sure he files paperwork so that I’m legally separated from Paul. I don’t know if that will help, but I don’t want my being with you to cost you your baby.”
“It won’t.”
“I wish I was as sure.” She was silent for a moment. “Do you think the Reaves have been having us watched?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve seen a man in a long dark coat on more than one occasion around the house. I’m pretty sure I even saw him this morning. Do you think he could be working for the Reaves?”
“Maybe.” The thought was disturbing. “Though I don’t know what that would achieve. I’m working on your kitchen, so my visit to you last night wouldn’t be a problem. Seems like a waste of time and money, if he was working for the Reaves. Any chance he’s working for your husband?”
Her eyes widened.
“Is your husband dangerous?” he asked and thought of the cash in her purse again. “Exactly what kind of trouble are you in?”
“None,” she insisted. “And he’s not dangerous.” But even as she said the words, he could see the doubt chasing across her face.
What was she involved in and could it hurt him in his battle for for his baby?
“Do you have time to drop me off at the house before picking up Bailey?” she asked.
He didn’t. “Don’t you want to come?”
She smiled softly. “I do, but I have a feeling the Reaves will be there, and I don’t want to give them any more ammunition against you. If they start digging, even just a little, they will find out about Paul. We need to keep up appearances, for Bailey’s sake.”
“Okay. I understand, but I don’t like it.”
She reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “That baby is all that matters now.”