“What is that?” Ryan asked hesitantly.

“That’s the heartbeat,” the doctor stated.

The machine printed out a picture, which the doctor handed to Ryan. “That’s the embryo.”

Ryan leaned on my pillow next to my head. A huge smile crossed his face.

“That’s our baby? I’m going to be a father? Oh, Tar!” He kissed my forehead.

I was so scared to see how he would react. Nervous visions of him being angry and fleeing the emergency room were instantly replaced by calm and joy. I was so relieved that he seemed okay with the news. Our life had just made a monumental turn in a new direction.

Doctor Willsten spoke to another doctor on the other side of the curtain. I could only make out several words, some of which were “continue to monitor” and “possible placental abruption.” When he returned to speak to me, his face was stoic.

“Ms. Mitchell, we have a private room ready for you now. We’re going to move you to the neo-natal wing. We’ve noticed some abnormalities on the ultrasound. We’re going to continue to monitor you overnight just to keep an eye on things. The impact from the accident was centered on your abdomen and we’re concerned about your well being. If all goes well, you should be able to go home in a day or so.”

I was wheeled into a room with two beds but they assured me that I would have the room to myself, considering our status. Random nurses kept passing by my door, all gawking in my room to get a look at Ryan.

Ryan pulled the guest chair over to the side of my bed and took my hand in his. “Honey, what happened?”

I swallowed hard, trying to remember the details of the last few hours. “I was leaving for the airport; I came down the alley. Just as I was ready to cross Mulberry, I saw Angelica sitting in her car.”

“What? Are you telling me she’s out of jail?” His voice bellowed his anger.

“Yeah. She was sitting in her Plymouth. I was terrified.” My lips trembled. I felt like crying.

“She was on the other side of Mulberry where she always parks. Just when I got to the edge of the alley she pulled up to the stop sign. I thought she was going to run me down.” I scratched my fat lip. “I ran across the street. I was so stupid. I was watching her instead of looking where I was going.”

Ryan softly kissed my cheek. “I love you so much.”

“I probably look horrible.” I wanted him to stop staring at me for a minute. I attempted to place my new blue cast over my eyes. “Ow,” I cried out.

Pain immediately shot into my shoulder when I moved my arm, forcing me to remember additional parts of the accident.

“You were hit by a car! I don’t care how you look. I’m just glad you’re alive.”

I tried to smile. “Do I look like you did when you fought those bad guys?” I held the ice pack closer to my lip.

He smiled and nodded. “Yeah! Just a little! But your makeup looks real.” He trailed his finger over my cheek.

Of course we weren’t alone for long. Two young nurses came into my room, smiling frantically at the sight of Ryan.

“Hi there! My name is Kerry,” a slender brunette wearing bright purple scrubs announced. “This is Natalie. We’ll be taking care of you tonight.”

Natalie was busy writing their names and the date on the dry erase board on my wall.

While they tended to me, Ryan was off in the corner, making phone calls. He called his parents and spoke to his father. His parents were going to take the first available flight out.

I heard two men speaking briefly outside my door. Then a man in a suit knocked on my door and allowed himself entry.

“Ms. Mitchell, I’m Walter Krause, Hospital Administrator. How are you feeling?”

I was hit by a car. How do you think I’m feeling? This was just like the stupid questions that Ryan got asked every time he had to do an interview.

“I’ve been better,” I muttered, looking at the IV that they inconveniently stuck in the top of my hand.

“Yes, well, I want to let you know that we will do our best to provide you with privacy while you are a patient here, but I hope you understand that we cannot guarantee policing all the corridors.”

There was nothing in place to prevent any stranger from walking into the hospital and into my room.

My eyes flickered back to Ryan as he ended his call quickly.

“Mr. Krause, Ryan Christensen.” Ryan held out his hand. “I have hired private security for Taryn. You’ll inform me directly of any considerations or difficulties during her stay. I do not want you or any other member of your staff to concern her with those details. She needs to rest and heal.”