Page 53 of Laura's Safe Haven
Warm, fuzzy tingles of excitement continued to erupt inside Laura all the way into town the next morning. The night before had been filled with kisses she’d hoped would go a bit further and tender touches on the cusp of something more. Talks of the future that fell just short of promises.
She’d have given her right arm to stay curled up in bed with him all day, but that wasn’t an option. Not with everything else going on beyond the safe walls of Cade’s home.
Cade parked his truck in Mrs. Collins’ driveway. He lifted Laura’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Mrs. Collins wants to talk specifics about a possible shelter. Then we can figure out any changes she may want to make regarding the original plans for the pantry.”
“I’ll try not to put pressure on her,” Laura said and unfastened her seatbelt.
“Not sure you need to. She was pretty excited about your vision. And you’re right, not much needs done to transform the house into a shelter. The biggest expenses will probablybe furniture to turn the extra space into bedrooms and living quarters.”
Before she could respond, he jumped out of the truck and hurried around to open her door. She grinned as he took her hand and helped her down, linking their fingers on their way up the sidewalk to the front door.
The mid-morning sky was filled with white fluffy clouds. School-aged kids played in nearby lawns, their giggles joining with the chirping robins. Joy radiated inside her warmer than the mid-morning sun.
She couldn’t wait to hear the sweet giggles from her own baby. To see first smiles and watch first steps. To witness milestones as the years flew by. And for the first time since she’d found out she was pregnant, she could see a partner by her side, helping her raise that child with love and respect.
Cade’s gentle touch on the small of her back guided her up the stairs to the large wrap around porch and to the front door. He knocked, keeping her close as they waited for Mrs. Collins to answer.
“After we’re done here, what’s next?” she asked. A part of her wanted to suggest putting a pause on all the problems surrounding them.
“I’m not sure. We can figure it out later. I want to see how you’re feeling before we make any more plans for the day. You’ve had so much stress. That can’t be good for the baby.”
“Says the man who has a concussion.” She rolled her eyes playfully before turning more serious. “How’s your head?”
“Not too bad.” He knocked again and frowned. “That’s strange. She’s usually at the door before we’re out of the truck.”
“True, but she’s also always bustling around the property. She may have forgotten the time. Could be out back tackling the weeds or upstairs and didn’t hear you knock. Did you check tosee if the door’s locked? I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if we let ourselves in.”
Small towns were filled with folks who didn’t lock up at night—or at all, really. Mrs. Collins usually kept her home open to anyone in need, so stepping inside without her there to welcome them wouldn’t be a huge intrusion.
He knocked one more time, then pressed the bell. After a few seconds, he tested the handle. The door swung open. He glanced over his shoulder at her, eyebrow cocked.
She bypassed him and stepped inside. “Mrs. Collins?” she called out.
No response.
“Maybe you were right and she’s upstairs or outside,” Cade said. “Just in case, stay close while we look.”
His suggestion burst the bubble of happiness she’d been inside all morning. “Do you think something happened to her?”
He ran a palm up and down her arm. “I’m sure she’s fine, but I don’t want to take any risks. Let’s check the backyard first.”
Setting her purse on the side table, she stayed close to his back as they moved from the foyer through the kitchen to the back door. A quick glance outside showed nothing but overgrown grass and weeds Mrs. Collins had been combatting. A carriage house with rusted siding and broken shingles sat in the far corner of the lawn.
“Doesn’t look like she’s outside. Let’s try upstairs.” She struggled to keep her voice from shaking. There was no reason to think there was anything wrong with Mrs. Collins. But the pit in her stomach grew by the second.
Cade ducked his head in each of the rooms on the first floor before bounding up the stairs.
She trailed behind him. The baby inside her swollen belly insisted on pressing on her lungs, making each step harderthan normal. Taking a second, she rested her fingers along the smooth banister and sucked in a deep breath.
A tiny flutter stirred inside her. She stilled, roaming her palm over her stomach in search of where the sensation started.
Another flutter, like the flap of butterfly wings, moved her hand to her side. Movement against her touch confirmed what she’d felt, and her heart tripled in size.
The baby was kicking.
Grinning, she started back up the steps. She wanted Cade to experience this moment with her. She’d felt the baby move before, but he hadn’t. She wanted him to be a part of these special moments from the beginning.
“Laura! Call 911. Now!”