“Charlie.” Hope mumbled and her shoulders slumped.
With the threat assessed, Lucas stepped in front of Hope. He knew who Charlie was and had an idea of what he’d done to Hope. It took control to keep his voice level. “Can I help you?”
“Ain’t a damn thing you can do for me, son, but get in that car and roll out.” Charlie’s lips lifted in a sneer.
“That’s not going to happen. So walk away. Now,” Lucas growled.
Hope slid a hand over Lucas shoulder and down his arm, giving him a gentle squeeze on his bicep. He looked down at her and she half smiled then took a few steps placing herself between them.
“Leave Charlie…please.” She spoke softly and her body trembled.
“I told you you’re mine and there’s no way in hell I’m going to let a cripple take up residence in my home and what should be my life.” Charlie snatched at her arm yanking her to him.
All Lucas heard was her “Oh”. Time slowed as he watched her swing like a rag doll in the man’s clutches. She clawed at the hold Charlie had on her, arching her body to stay out of the grasp of his other hand. The man’s face held a deep flush and his free hand flexed as he reached out to get a hold of Hope. He raised his arm and Hope cowered, folding over her belly to protect her baby.
Lucas moved with a swiftness he hadn’t known he still had until he’d placed his hands over the firm grip of Charlie’s and was tugging Hope out of the bastard’s way. Charlie’s other hand came down, grazing Lucas’s shoulder as he freed Hope and she tumbled backwards. The fist that he’d formed as soon as he pulled Hope free clipped Charlie in the chin. Lucas watched as the idiot’s head snapped to the side.
Shrieks filled the air and Lucas was distracted by Hope’s screams. Then Charlie tackled him, catching him in the abdomen. They both skidded on the cement and rolled into the dead flower bed. In the dirt, they scrambled with Lucas landing on top. He took the body shots Charlie threw while making sure each of his blows landed on the man’s face and neck.
“It’s bad enough you fucking hit women. It was plain stupid to hit mine.” Lucas’s voice was guttural as he continued pounding his fists on Charlie’s body. The fight continued with them trading blows. Charlie’s swings slowed while Lucas’s increased. Anger ate at Lucas as he thought about the way Hope cowered before the man beneath him. He wanted to make sure she never bowed before anyone especially not Charlie.
As he raised his arm again someone grabbed it. He yanked but his limb was held tight. Lucas raised his head and realized the flashing lights weren’t Christmas bulbs. A bulky policeman stood over him with a scowl on his face. People milled about staring at him, some talking to the uniformed policemen. An EMT walked up to the officer that had yet to release him.
“The woman’s in labor and she’s asking for a Lucas.” The paramedic swiveled his head between Lucas and Charlie.
“I’m Lucas.” Lucas cleared his throat and watched both men.
The policeman dropped his arm. “I’m assuming you won’t be leaving town anytime soon.”
Lucas nodded slowly as he rose. Charlie lay in place, his face already swelling. He groaned as he turned on his side then stopped moving.
“Get out of here before I change my mind. My partner and I will be coming to the hospital to take statements. Merry Christmas” The officer groused.
“Thank you.” Lucas followed the EMT to the ambulance and climbed in the back.
Her pants had been cut off and a sheet covered her lower body. Lucas grabbed her hand, wincing at her grip and holding his forehead to hers. The paramedic called out to his partner. “I don’t think we’re going to make it to the hospital. She’s a hundred percent effacing.”
Lucas’s head snapped up. “We’re going to have the baby, here?” His heart pounded and he swallowed the excess saliva pooling in his mouth.
“Looks like you’re getting something special this Christmas, dad.” The paramedic’s eyes crinkled in the corner. “Better put a move on it, Nick.”
Lucas looked toward the cab and caught sight of an older man with a shock of white hair. He did a double take, sure he’d seen the old guy before. Hope yelled out and sweat beaded her face. He forgot about the driver.
“Remember to breathe,” Lucas whispered in her ear.
“You fucking remember to breathe,” she hissed back.
“A little faster, Nick, she’s crowning.”
“She’s too early. I’m not due till mid-January.” Hope started to cry.
“Shh, it’s okay. Kira is fine.” Lucas brushed her hair back from her face. “Right?” He questioned the EMT.
“So far, so good,” the man said from beneath the sheet. “Push.”
“Come on, baby, push,” Lucas encouraged.
Hope’s head came off the pillow as she locked her jaw and gritted her teeth. She grunted before falling to the cushion again.
The ambulance came to a sudden stop and the doors were flung open to a flurry of activity. Medical personnel pushed a gurney through glass doors, running toward them.
“You’re almost there. Push!” the paramedic yelled.
Hope rose off the cot and Lucas slid an arm under her back. Sweat poured off her, dampening his limb. Her cheeks hollowed with every breath.
Tiny cries rent the air. The EMT came from beneath the sheet with a small wiggling form in his arms. Huge dark curls covered her head and her skin was the color of a latte. Baby Kira had a set of lungs on her and screamed, letting the world know she had arrived.
Lucas stared at the baby then glanced at Hope. “She’s beautiful.”
Hope smiled at him and flopped down, her chest heaving. A nurse collected the infant, wrapping her in swaddling, and took off for the hospital. The paramedic backed out of the truck, pulling her gurney with him.
“Wait,” Hope asked the man.
He looked back at his partner who nodded and Lucas narrowed his eyes. If he wasn’t mistaken it was the old man from the tree lot. He rubbed his eyes and looked again. The old man met his stare and winked. Lucas reared back.
“Lucas.” Hope’s voice was soft. She turned her head on the pillow to look at him.
“Yeah.” He traced her brow with his thumb.
“I love you,” she whispered.
He slid his thumb along her bottom lip. “Thank you.”
“Why the thank you? You saved me.”
“Not really, you gave me a reason to live, a family. Those are gifts I never anticipated receiving. So when we get home I have my own surprise waiting for you. Merry Christmas, baby.” He pressed his lips to her hair.
The End
About the Author
Kassanna is a strong believer in love at first sight and happily ever afters. After meeting her husband in November and marrying him three months later in February, the two have survived and mostly enjoyed every adventure life has thrown their way. Ten years, two children, a couple of dogs, and a wild turkey that came out the woods and somehow adopted them, the adventure continues.
Writing has always been her passion but fate sometimes has other roads that must first be taken. Navigating the road less traveled was not only unexpected but in the end extremely rewarding. Her books are mainly contemporary romance but she has delved into the paranormal and plans on expanding into other areas as the ideas come to her. Right now, she is enjoying life and seeing her work come into fruition makes it that much more pleasurable, especially when her books make others smile. Kassanna wouldn’t have it any other way. She can always be found at her website http://flavorfullove.com/ or her blog http://kassalot.wordpress.com/
Trademarks Acknowledgment
The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
iPod: Apple Inc.
Army Strong: United States Army