Then, there was this glow. The rose in her cheeks. There were simple things she hadn't realized she'd been doing. Charlotte thrives on routine and is consistent. For example, she enjoys fruit, specifically strawberries and various melons, for breakfast. I personally didn't care for them, but the moment I saw her face almost dry heave by looking at the plate of fruit, I knew something was wrong. She narrowed it down to a bad batch.
I smiled and knew our careless night after my trip to Boston resulted in another Edwards baby.
Charlotte made the pregnancy look easy, though I would never discredit just how difficult it was. We were both juggling an inquisitive toddler who had no sense of fear. We never expected Amelia to be such a little daredevil. It wasn't uncommon to find her attempting to climb over her crib or reaching on the countertop for something she shouldn't be eating. I knew it drove Charlotte absolutely insane. When it comes to parenting styles, Charlotte is more disciplinary than me. Perhaps, you could say I have a soft spot for my daughter. When your child is surrounded by so much family, it's only natural she would be spoiled.
I break free of my thoughts, clutching onto Charlotte’s hand as the doctors examine her.
She was brought in only an hour ago after being found in a ditch where she gave birth to our daughter.
My mind refuses to push aside the image ofhimbeside her. So many questions were left unanswered, which only fueled the rage inside me. My heart is beating so fast, unable to slow down from the adrenaline pumping through my blood.
I’m supposed to focus on my wife and child.
But I want himdead.
My gut instincts warned me something was off for the last few months. It’s why I confronted him inside his office even though he flat-out lied to my face and made me look like I was insane.
Charlotte argued I was losing the plot. It started too many fights, so I learned to keep my mouth shut, not wanting another wedge between us. It didn’t mean I’d forgotten. I made sure he wasn’t anywhere near her.
But obviously, I fucked up somehow.
The baby is wheeled into the NICU so the doctors can examine her too. Charlotte’s eyes widen in panic, begging she go with her.
“Charlotte,” I whisper, caressing her cheek. “She’s going to be fine. It’s just precautionary.”
Deep breaths escape Charlotte’s dry lips as she nods while trying to calm herself down. The doctors continue to poke and prod, but my mind refuses to focus.
Suddenly, my parents rush through the doors. Mom reaches out her hand, quick to touch my arm as Dad goes into doctor mode.
“Honey,” Mom says softly. “Where’s the baby?”
“NICU,” I choke, unable to hide my anguish. “She’s going to be okay.”
Mom breathes a sigh of relief. “Of course, she’s going to be okay. Someone is watching over our family.”
Now is probably not the time to give Mom the complete rundown on how this occurred. The skin around my eyes bunch as I stare at Charlotte. Aside from some cuts and bruises, all her limbs are intact, given the severity of the accident and the damage to the car.
I should have been there. Why did I let this happen?
“Lex, you look tired,” Mom mentions with a concerned voice. “Why don’t you go outside and grab a coffee? I’ll be right here with Charlie.”
“I… I can’t leave now.”
Charlotte clears her throat. “Please get some coffee. It’s going to be a long night, and your mom is right here. I’m clearly not going anywhere.”
“I’ll check on the baby.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” Charlotte smiles weakly.
“Mom, please call me if you need me. I’ll be ten minutes.”
Mom nods as I kiss Charlotte on the forehead before stepping out into the corridor. The moment the door shuts behind me, the adrenalin rushes through me again. There’s a pounding in my ears, followed by the sound of sirens. My eyes shut tight, unable to rid myself of the memory of seeing Charlotte lying on the dirt.
“There he is,” a familiar voice says.
I lift my gaze to see Eric and Rocky walking toward me. I’m not surprised Eric is here but wonder why Rocky is, given he mentioned nothing about visiting the West Coast.
“Dude, what the hell happened?” Rocky questions with his arms crossed.