Pregnancy Plan (24 page)

Jillian threw herself back on top of him.
“Are you sure we have enough time?”

“
Not to do everything I want too, but
we should be able to work in a little morning delight.” His lip
closed around her nipple. The gentle tugging pulled all thoughts
but him from her head. With lightning speed, he sent her to the
edge of ecstasy and over.

Moments later recovering from the whirlwind
round of sex, she glanced at the clock. Maybe they should close the
store for the day. A whole day in bed with him might help them to
reconnect after yesterday’s argument.

She watched as he got out of bed. “I don’t
want to get up. I think you’re just going to have to convince me
it’s a good idea.”

Derek stared at her, his eyes glowing with
desire. She could see the battle of whether or not he should join
her wage war in his head. “How about if I make you breakfast? You
didn’t eat any dinner last night. You must be hungry.”

Her rumbling tummy agreed with his comment.
She laughed and agreed. “Okay, but only if you make me
chocolate-chip pancakes.”

He drew her up beside him, and kissed her
before heading for the closet. “Wouldn’t it be better to have bacon
and eggs? We want the baby to get the right kind of nutrition.”

She glared at his retreating figure. Not
again. Today she didn’t want to do what was right for the baby. She
wanted to do what was right for herself, climbing back into bed.
She stretched out on the sheets. “Fine, I’m going back to bed.”

“
What?” Derek stepped out of the
closet, fully dressed.

“
I’m not getting up if you won’t make
me what I want.”

He eyed her cautiously. “Okay, I’ll fix you
pancakes.”

Thrilled that he’d given in, she flew into
his arms. “I knew you would see it my way.”

He patted her on the butt. “Get dressed
before I make you pay for your breakfast.”

She walked away, smiling over her shoulder.
“But I already did that.”

He shook his head, picked up his shoes and
stepped to the door. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

Jillian wondered if she’d manage to get
coffee too.

****

Hours later, Derek glanced over at Jillian.
The blue golf shirt she was wearing was tight around her waist, her
hair had escaped the confines of her rubber band, and her shoulders
were slumped over the register.

It had been another busy day with just about
everyone in town coming through the store. She’d sat on the stool
he’d gotten for her to use when she worked the cash register, but
she still looked tired.

“
I have some paperwork to do. Call me
if you need any help.” She stepped away from the register and
walked down the main aisle to her office.

He was glad to see her take a break.
Most of the people who came into the store today had been talking
about the parade. He could see the hurt in her eyes every time it
was mentioned. The questions were endless, and even with John Paul
and Michael saying they would ride. Derek could tell she was
feeling left out of the festivities. He didn’t want her getting
upset again.
Better for her to hide out
for a while.

Back in her office, Jillian dug out the
candy and seeds for the baggies she needed to stuff for the parade.
She stamped the store’s name on each of the seed packages then
stuffed one in each of the bags.

There was no reason why she couldn’t be in
the parade, but she didn’t want to fight with him over it, so she’d
decided to let him have his way. After all, there were still other
activities that she could participate in. The picnic and baseball
game in the park were always a lot of fun.

Michael had said that he would be coming for
the day. It would give her a chance to visit with him. There was no
need to let this change of plans get her down. With Labor Day only
a few days away, she had to get the goody bags ready.

Happy with her decision to make the best of
things, Jillian filled the baggies. She wondered how much of
Michael’s decision to ride in the parade had to do with Karen Ann.
She hadn’t questioned her friend about it because of everything
else that was going on. But she knew they had been out a number of
times over the last month or so. Hopefully, it would work out. They
could both use a friend.

Not surprised by the knock on the door,
Jillian answered. “Come in.”

Expecting Derek, she greeted Karen
Ann, dressed in her usual T-shirt and blue jeans. Today’s shirt
read
Take me, baby.

“
What are you doing here?”

“
I was taking a break and I thought I
would come over and see how you’re doing.” Karen Ann pointed to the
baggies. “I can see you’ve been busy stuffing goodie
bags.”

“
Yes, this is my last one.” Jillian
held up the bag. “Do you think a hundred is enough?”

“
It should be. Last year we had some
leftover.”

“
I guess you’re right. But remember
there will be three of you giving them away.” Jillian stacked the
baggies in a large box.

“
Three?”

“
Yes, Michael called and said he would
do it.” Jillian watched Karen Ann closely. “You did say to invite
him.”

“
Great, the more the
merrier.”

“
Really?” Jillian said suspiciously.
“I was just wondering how you two were getting along.”

“
We’re doing okay, but there’s really
nothing to tell. Michael and I both want to keep it friendly,
nothing serious. Just fun.”

“
And is that working?”

“
So far.”

Jillian could tell Karen Ann wouldn't say
any more, so she changed the subject. “Michael is also planning to
play in the charity baseball game. Derek signed them both up and
paid the entry fee this morning. Are you playing?”

“
No, I thought I would sit it out with
you this year.” Karen Ann knew Jillian never played.

“
Great, now I’ll have someone to sit
with.” She pointed to the box. “Do you want to take these baggies
with you now or do you want us to drop them off at the school
Monday morning before the parade?”

“
Can you bring them over? That way I
don’t have to lug them around.”

“
Sure thing.” Jillian followed her
friend out of the office and shut the door.

“
What are you planning on doing for
the picnic?” Karen Ann asked as they started for the front of the
store.

“
We decided to eat at home and then
just take some snacks over to the park. Why don’t you join us after
the parade? We can meet back at the house and all go over to the
park together after lunch.”

“
That sounds good. My uncle will load
the horses so we should be done around noon.”

“
Great, we’ll have lunch waiting for
you.” Jillian paused by the front counter.

“
All right, see you later.” Karen Ann
waved to Derek and John Paul on her way out.

“
Why don’t you head on home, too, John
Paul? You’ve been here since ten this morning.”

“
Yes, take off. We really do
appreciate you coming in early this week.” Jillian supported his
suggestion.

“
What time do I need to be at the high
school the day of the parade?” John Paul stepped toward the front
door.

“
The parade starts at about
ten-thirty. Karen Ann and her uncle will probably be there around
ten.” Jillian walked behind the register and sat on the stool.
“Those things never get started on time so there’s really no need
to hurry. Thanks again for riding for the store.”

“
No problem, it sounds like fun.” John
Paul waved good-bye, and left.

“
We don’t have many customers left.
Maybe we can get out on time ourselves,” Derek commented as he
glanced around the store.

****

With that in mind, Jillian threw herself
into the paperwork she was finishing between customers and didn’t
see John Paul’s father come in, but suddenly he was right there in
front of her face. Ignoring the creepy feeling at the back of her
neck, she smiled and greeted him. “Good evening. Nice to see you
again, Mr. York.”

“
Wish I could say the same.” He
grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him.

“
Ouch, you’re hurting me.” She yelped
as he forced her to lean awkwardly over the counter.

“
Maybe it’ll keep you from butting
into other people’s business,” Martin hissed into her face. The
alcohol on his breath, hit her in the gut and a memory of him
striking his son flashed through her mind. Rage danced in the man's
eyes, and displayed the potential violence of which he was
capable.

Jillian tugged on her arm. His fingers bit
into her wrist. She couldn’t match his strength. His large hand
held her captive. She’d learned through the grapevine that Martin
had a drinking problem, but she hoped he wasn’t beyond reason. His
eyes were glassy and a few of his words did sound slurred, but she
couldn’t believe he wanted to hurt her.

She spoke softly, hoping to reach the
reasonable side of his nature. “Why don’t you let me go and we’ll
talk about this.”

He ignored her comment, yelling instead in
her face. “Who do you think you are, trying to solve my family’s
problems? That’s my job? You understand? Just stay out it!”

The odor emitting from his mouth, turned her
stomach, but she answered his question. “I was only trying to help.
Susan wanted a job.”

“
Who asked for your help?” he demanded
bitterly.

Unable to deal with his anger, she closed
her eyes against the pain in her wrist and the fury in his
eyes.

“
I can take care of my own.” He
continued to spit comments in her face. Unable to find an answer
with her mind confused and afraid, Jillian started to panic.
“Deeeerekkkk!”

The hot, stale breath rushing past her face
caused her to open her eyes. A shocked look crossed Martin York’s
face before he released her. Free, she stumbled back, grabbing for
the counter to regain her balance.

In silent horror, she watched as Derek
caught Martin York by the arm, turned him around, then slowly and
methodically started to beat the man senseless.

The scene before her eyes blurred in
Jillian’s mind like a B-grade movie. Derek swung a fist at Martin’s
face. The man took the punch then stumbled a little. A wild fist
swung back at her husband, missing its mark. Derek landed a blow to
Martin’s stomach. The man collapsed to his knees, out of
breath.

Jillian stared at Martin slumped on the
floor, glancing up at Derek, she noticed the cold rage in his eyes.
Before he could hit Martin again, she dashed around the
counter.

“
Derek, he’s drunk.”

She rushed into his arms, afraid that if she
didn’t reach him, she’d shatter into a million pieces. His arms
circled her, and she hugged him close, unwilling to let go. He was
the only thing that had saved her from Martin’s anger. “I was so
afraid.”

Derek words sounded in her ear but fear
still raced through her. “It’s okay, Jillian. I’ve got you.”

She couldn’t stop the tears from coming or
her body from trembling in delayed reaction. “He could have hurt
me.”

“
Jillian, he won't hurt
you.”

She leaned back in his arms. “He didn’t hurt
you did he?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m fine.”

“
Just wait until I catch my breath,
you bastard. Then I’ll make you pay,” Martin muttered from the
floor and she felt his hand on her leg.

She jumped.

Derek drew her away from the threat. “I
don’t think so.”

“
She had no right butting into my
family’s business,” Martin hissed.

“
And how, may I ask, did she do that?”
Derek pulled her farther away from the man on the floor.

“
She’s trying to fill my daughter’s
head with ideas of giving up my grandchild to your brother for some
measly job. Don’t tell me they’re doing it out of the goodness of
their heart. They want my daughter’s baby.” Martin stumbled to his
feet.

“
You’re right,” Derek answered calmly.
He held Jillian tight to his side.

Surprised at his admission, Martin stared at
him in shock. “You’re damned right, I’m right.”

“
But isn't that your daughter’s
decision to make? Shouldn't she get to decide to whether or not she
wants to keep her baby?”

“
What the hell does she know?” Martin
answered bitterly.

“
Well, personally, I think she’s
making a good decision to leave town, with your having another
child still in school here.”

Jillian could feel the muscles in Derek’s
arm bunch. He held her but she knew if Martin shifted any closer to
them, her husband wouldn't hesitate to deck the man again.

“
What the hell difference does that
make?”

“
Well, you know as well as we do the
way this town talks. Maybe Susan doesn’t want her brother to pay
for her sins.”

“
He would support his sister. After
all, we’re family.”

“
But why put him through that if she
doesn’t have to?” Derek stated the facts. “Susan hasn’t agreed to
let Jason and Kelly adopt her baby. She’s just agreed to be their
maid.”

“
But if she”—Martin pointed to
Jillian—“kept her nose out of our business. Susan would come home
and we could take care of her.”

“
You know that’s not true. Susan was
going off to school anyway. All I did was help her find a job, and
give her an option,” she responded in kind.