Midnight Lies: The Wildefire Series (21 page)

Samantha nodded and dashed toward the kitchen, where she’d left her cellphone. Savvy
couldn’t lose this baby, she just couldn’t. Not again.

Quinn paced back and forth across the clinic’s small, utilitarian waiting room. He
had placed Savannah on a waiting gurney and given her care over to someone else. Being
on the outside, waiting for word, was an unusual experience for him. One he didn’t
like. But this wasn’t his hospital or clinic.

Savannah was inside the exam room and Sam was with her. He’d never seen Sam so scared.
He didn’t know the story behind the loss of Savannah’s baby ten years ago, but apparently
they were afraid the same thing would happen again. Women were much tougher than they
looked, and he knew from experience the Wilde women could handle a lot. He just hoped
to hell that this time they didn’t have to. Having Savannah lose this baby would hurt
Sam, and if there was one thing he wanted to make sure of, he didn’t want Sam hurt.
Ever again.

Quinn closed his eyes. The kiss … before Savannah had come to the door. It had felt
so damn good, almost as if things were back on the right path. Now he didn’t know.
What he was sure of was that he wouldn’t let her go again. Not without a fight.

A tall broad-shouldered man in khakis and a light blue shirt burst through the front
door. The stark expression of fear on his face told Quinn his identity immediately.
This was Zach Tanner, Savannah’s husband.

Offering a silent nod of acknowledgment—introductions could come later—Quinn said,
“She’s in exam room one.”

With a curt nod of thanks, Zach continued his run, going through the door and out
of sight. The fear and urgency were understandable. If it had been Sam on that exam
table, Quinn knew he would feel the same way.

Soft footsteps and then a slight hitching sigh caught his attention. Quinn stood,
realizing Sam had come out of the room. “How is she?”

Tears flooded her eyes and Quinn immediately thought the worst. “The doctor said it
was just a normal discharge … mild spotting. That many women have the same problem
and go on to have healthy babies.”

“He’s right. I’ve seen it happen dozens of times.” He frowned when he saw no relief
in her expression. “What’s wrong?”

“That’s exactly what she was told the first time. She can’t lose this baby, Quinn.
It almost destroyed her before.”

Unable to just stand there and not hold Sam, he went to her. Approaching her slowly,
in case he’d misread their earlier kiss, he held out his hand to touch her shoulder.
With a small sob, she flew toward him; Quinn opened his arms and enclosed her in a
strong, steadying embrace. Her face was buried against his chest, her golden-blond
hair gleamed like silken sunlight, and her soft, slender body pressed against his.
Quinn knew there was no place on earth he’d rather be right now than here with Sam,
giving her whatever comfort she needed.

Samantha savored the strength of Quinn’s arms. He held her as if he didn’t want to
let her go, offering her everything she wanted and needed right now. What would she
have done without him today? He had been a rock. Though she wasn’t prone to panic,
the fear on Savvy’s face and the knowledge of what could happen
once again had almost frozen her in terror. Quinn had been the calm, solid solution.
He had taken charge.

Pulling slightly away, she smiled up at him, wanting him to know whatever happened
between them, she would always be grateful for his strength. “Thank you, Quinn.”

His smile self-deprecating, he shrugged. “I was glad to help, small though it was.”

She shook her head. “It wasn’t small. You were calm and rational. Savvy needed that
and so did I.”

Blue eyes roamed over her face as if drinking her in. She saw so much of the man right
now, perhaps more than she ever had before. Quinn was usually so very controlled that
he was almost impossible to read. But right now, his expression showed caring, affection,
and perhaps something even stronger.

“I know this isn’t the right time or place, but I have to say it again, Samantha.
Give us another chance.”

“I—”

His fingers touched her mouth to keep her from speaking. “Don’t give me an answer
right now. Let’s do this. I’ve got three days left before I have to go back to Atlanta.
I know your sister needs you and you’ll have to be there for her, but let’s spend
time together.”

Panic flared within her. If he tried to seduce her, she would cave, she knew that.
That kiss today proved she had absolutely no willpower when it came to Quinn Braddock.

As if reading her thoughts, he said, “No physical expectations, I promise. Let’s just
get to know each other better.”

How could she say no to that? How many times had she wanted him to just talk to her,
tell her about his background, his past. Even if nothing came of this, she couldn’t
resist the temptation of learning more about this man.

“Okay.” Biting her lip, she said something she sincerely
hoped she didn’t regret. “Since I need to be at the house to watch over Savvy, why
don’t you stay with us? There’s more than enough room.”

The bright smile he gave her made her catch her breath. Quinn was often humorous and
would occasionally laugh, but rarely did he smile. If she hadn’t already been totally
enamored of him, that smile would have sent her over the edge.

“I’d like that.”

Before she could respond, a sound behind her had her pulling out of Quinn’s arms and
turning.

Zach stood at the entrance to the waiting room. “She’s going to stay here a little
while longer and then I’m going to take her home. Dr. Watson said he believes she’s
going to be fine but he wants her on complete bed rest until her OB comes back next
week.”

Samantha nodded. “That sounds like good advice. I’ll wait on her hand and foot, Zach.
Whatever Savvy needs, I’ll be there for her.”

“Thanks, Sammie. I’ve got a deputy out sick with a stomach bug, so I’m shorthanded.
Maybe you should call Bri and see if she can come help out, too.”

Yes, she had to call Bri and let her know what happened. Knowing her sister, she’d
be on a plane to Mobile within the hour. As much as she would like to have Bri home
and out of harm’s way, she would tell her the truth. That getting the information
to put Cruz away was important. Even though she didn’t want her sister in danger,
she trusted Bri. Samantha could take care of Savvy, but only Bri had access to Cruz
to gather the needed information.

Glancing up at Quinn, she said, “I have to go home and get Savvy’s room ready.”

“I’ll take you home and then go grab my things.”

Looking mildly amused at what he must have surmised
from Quinn’s statement, Zach nodded. “I’ll bring Savannah home as soon as she’s released.”

Quinn and Samantha went through the door together. Her mind on the many things she
had to do to make sure Savvy had what she needed, she was getting into his car before
she realized that they’d been holding hands since they’d left the clinic. Having her
hand in his had felt as natural and easy as if they had been together forever.

Another wave of fear washed over her but she pushed hard against it. Fear had controlled
too much of her life lately. She was being given the chance to get to know Quinn,
something she hadn’t thought she would ever have. No matter what happened after he
left, she wanted to have this time with him. And if this turned out to be a mistake?
Then she would just have to deal with the fallout.

“I feel like such a fraud.”

“Why?”

“Because I feel fine.”

Despite Savvy’s brave words, Samantha knew the truth. Her sister might feel fine physically
but the shadows in her eyes said something else. She was terrified. And though Zach
had been the rock Savvy needed him to be, Samantha saw a man equally frightened. Couldn’t
they catch a break? After all they’d been through, Savvy and Zach deserved total happiness.

Tucking her blanket a little snugger over her sister’s feet, she winked. “Well then,
milk it for all it’s worth. Once Little Bit arrives, you’ll be wishing for these extra
days of rest.”

“Do you really think so?”

The question broke her heart. Savvy was so strong, one of the bravest people she knew.
To have her ask that
question showed how much reassurance she needed. Samantha was determined to give her
all she could take.

“Absolutely.” Leaning down so her sister could see the sincerity of her words, she
said, “You will have this baby, Savvy, and it’s going to be healthy and beautiful.”

Smiling through her worried tears, Savvy added, “And totally spoiled.”

“Beyond redemption. This kid will want for nothing. I can promise you that.”

“Thanks, Sammie. You always make me feel better.” Moving slightly to get more comfortable,
she asked the question Samantha had been dreading, “Did you get in touch with Bri?”

“Yes, she wanted to come right away but I convinced her to stay.”

“I’m glad. I’d hate to put the Wildefire Agency’s work on hold. Keeping Lauren safe
and getting that creep put away for life is our priority.”

“True, but taking care of our sister comes before anything else.” Before she could
object, Samantha added, “I told her I could handle everything here. After all, the
only thing I’m doing right now is keeping an eye on Blaine Marshall and looking for
any more newcomers in Midnight. That doesn’t take much time, especially when I can
get the information with a meal at Faye’s once a day.”

“Speaking of newcomers, let’s talk about Quinn.”

“What about him?”

Savvy snorted inelegantly. “Don’t give me that, Samantha Camille. I may have been
upset earlier but I know what I interrupted. You guys were wrapped around each other
like you couldn’t get close enough.”

Heat swept through her, and though she told herself it was a blush of embarrassment,
she knew that wasn’t true. Just the memory of Quinn’s mouth on hers, his hard body
pressed into her, his arousal seeking to fit itself
into her softness, caused her entire body to flush with need.

A soft laugh brought her out of her lusty thoughts.

Knowing her face was probably beet red, she tried for a wide-eyed innocent “What?”

“Let’s just say if Quinn were here right now and I wasn’t, he’d be a very satisfied
man.”

Samantha shook her head, unsure once more. “Oh, Savvy, I don’t know what I’m going
to do.”

“Remember what you used to tell me? Don’t overanalyze. Just let it happen.”

“I invited him to stay until he has to go back to Atlanta.”

“That’s wonderful!”

“He said he wanted us to get to know each other. Nothing physical … just talking.”

“That sounds perfect, Sammie. Isn’t that one of the problems you told me you guys
had? That you never talked enough?”

“Yes … but …”

“But what?”

Samantha plucked at the blanket covering her sister, unable to look in her eyes as
she confessed, “What if I fall in love with him even more?”

“Is that possible?”

“I don’t know. Even when I only knew a few things about him, he could consume my thoughts
like nothing else. If I discover he’s even more wonderful than I think he is, I honestly
don’t think I can let him go.”

“Maybe you don’t have to.”

Samantha stayed silent. How could she explain her fears without sounding like a wimp?
Here Savvy was, her child in jeopardy, possibly her health, and she was trying to
make Samantha feel better. Admitting what a coward she was in the face of her sister’s
strength was too embarrassing.

Standing, she unnecessarily tucked her sister’s blanket even tighter. “Maybe … we’ll
see. Now, is there anything special you’d like for dinner?”

Her eyes blinking sleepily, Savvy shook her head. “Surprise me.”

Considering her limited talents in the kitchen, Samantha figured any surprise she
gave Savvy wouldn’t be a good one.

Going to the door, she opened it and looked back at her sister. “Everything’s going
to be okay. Believe that. Okay?”

Her green eyes wise beyond her twenty-nine years, Savvy nodded. “I never thought I’d
ever have Zach back, so I know miracles happen.”

“And this will be another one. I promise.”

“You’re right, Sammie. Everything is going to be fine. I just have to believe.”

Closing the door, Samantha leaned against it and fervently asked for that miracle.
No one deserved it more.

“How is she?” Zach strode down the hallway toward her, worry etched on his face.

“She’s falling asleep. Says she feels fine.”

Zach pushed his fingers through his hair, something she figured he had done a lot
in the last few hours. “I’ve asked Brody to come back and help out at the station
until my deputy gets back on his feet. I need to be with Savannah.”

“I know you do, Zach, but hovering over her might make her more nervous.”

“You’re right. I’ll do my best not to.” He shrugged. “I just feel so damn helpless.”

So did she.

She moved away from the door, toward the stairway. “Why don’t you go sit with her?
I’m going to see what I can find to fix for dinner.”

“Don’t worry about that. I called your aunt Gibby.
She’s already got Faye fixing up a load of food for us. All we have to do is throw
it in the microwave.”

Samantha blew out a relieved sigh. Not just because she wouldn’t have to cook, but
also because when Zach had mentioned Gibby, she’d feared that meant her aunt would
be cooking a meal for them. She adored her aunt, but one thing Gibby could not do
was cook. Somehow, though, she had never caught on that people hated her cooking.

“I can go pick it up at Faye’s.”

The doorbell rang and Samantha tensed. That was probably Quinn. Now that the time
had come, she was both eager and fearful of having him stay here.

“You want me to get the door?” Zach asked.

She shook herself from her stupor. The last thing they needed in this house was more
drama. Whatever happened between her and Quinn, she didn’t intend to involve anyone
else.