Jericho, Doc interrupted his thoughts. Rosie needs a good nights sleep. Weve determined that she doesnt have a concussion, but we havent got any place to make her comfortable here. What can you do for her?
Leave this place? Rosie folded her arms over her very generous chest in a self-protective move that stirred his own protective instincts even further.
There were no motels in Esperanza. The nearest one was a half hour away. It was too late to call anyone in town to find her a place for the night.
But what if those goons come looking for me again? Rosies voice was shaky and her eyes wild and frightened again. Will they? Do you think its possible?
Hell. It actually was a possibility that those men might double back and finish what theyd started. Rosie needed to be in protective custody. But where could he be sure she would be safe and comfortable? The deputys substation in town had only a small holding cell. That would never do.
Dont you worry, maam. Youre coming home with me. Youll be perfectly safe and comfortable there. Ive got a spare bedroom and its all made up. Had he really just said that? He stood up and stretched his legs.
Your spare room should be okay, Jericho, Doc said. But theres something I must tell you both first.
I havent said anything to Rosie about this yet, the doctor continued. Because I dont know if it might spark a memory and cause her some pain. But both of you need to know that there should be someone who cares about her and shouldve missed her by now.
Rosie sat forward in her chair. What do you mean?
While I was examining you, I discovered youre around two months pregnant. The doc said it carefully, gently, but there was no way to make that news go down easy.
No. She put a hand to her belly. Cant be. How could I forget something like that?
The doc went over to put his arm around her shoulders. Its possible that you didnt realize you were pregnant before you lost your memory. Two months isnt very far along. If you dont start getting your memories or havent found a family by the time youre feeling a little stronger, come on in and see me for prenatal instructions.
And in the meantime, watch your diet. No caffeine. No alcohol, and definitely no smoking. My examination tells me youve never carried a baby to full term before, but Im sure you wont have any trouble. There are just some things youll need to know.
Yeah, Rosie said. Like who I am and who the babys father is. She shot Jericho a rolled-eye smile.
It was such an intimate gesture. As though the two of them already shared some gigantic secret from the rest of the world. In that split second, her smile miracu-lously swept away one of the invisible
shackles to his normal restraint.
He could almost hear the snap of an old, half-forgotten anguish relinquishing its hold on him.
With a competent smile, he offered her a helping hand at the elbow. Lets go. All of this will look better in the morning.
She stood and he did something he hadnt done in so long he could barely remember the last time. As they walked out of the doctors office, he pulled her closer and they walked arm in arm together toward the truck.
Chapter 3
After taking a few steps past the wide front door, she spied a state-of-the-art kitchen, including dark granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, that appeared prominently just beyond the stone fireplace.
Decorated in tans, browns and natural woods, the place certainly looked comfortable. And since Jericho was sheriff, it should be safe.
But where were the feminine touches? The walls held few decorations, save for a large fish mounted on a brass plaque and a couple of birds, or maybe they were ducks, stuffed and stuck on wooden planks. A bronze statue standing on a hand-hewed coffee table was the only other decoration she saw. Even the kitchen seemed stark and empty. This was definitely a mans home. A single man.
Uh, she began. Arent you married? Wheres your wife? Why hadnt she thought to ask that before she agreed to stay here?
Im not married. He walked to the grand, airy kitchen and opened the refrigerator. You want something to eat or drink? There isnt much. I was, ah, supposed to be on my honeymoon tonight.
She relaxed a bit. At least he had a girlfriend. What happened? What stopped the honeymoon?
He turned from the open fridge. There was a shooting right outside the church. The wedding was called off.
Ouch. She winced and slid onto one of the barstools at the counter. I screwed it up, didnt I? Im so sorry.
Leaving the refrigerator door standing open, Jericho crossed the kitchen and leaned over the counter in her direction. He laid a hand on her shoulder and the electric jolt his warmth caused against her skin both shocked and surprised her.
Dont be too hard on yourself, he said. Seems the bride-to-be was about to call the whole thing off. Temporarily, anyway. Id bet she might even be grateful that you gave her the perfect excuse. He took his hand away and stared at it, as if he too had felt the sizzle.
With his hand gone from her shoulder, Rosie decided she could almost breathe again. You dont sound very upset. Are you heartbroken?