Chapter 17 - TOO EARLY
Khloe was admitted within the hour.
Her blood pressure had risen dangerously.
The trauma, stress, and pregnancy had combined into a situation Dr. Cole did not want to risk.
Marcus came as soon as Julian called him.
He remained outside the room.
He did not ask to enter.
Khloe learned that from a nurse.
For six hours, doctors monitored her.
Then the contractions began.
Too early.
Khloe gripped Julian’s hand.
“No.”
“Not yet.”
Julian stayed beside her.
“Listen to Dr. Cole.”
“I’m only thirty-one weeks.”
“I know.”
“She’s too small.”
“Khloe.”
“I need more time.”
Dr. Cole entered.
“We’re going to try to stop the contractions.”
“And we’re giving medication to help the baby’s lungs in case we can’t.”
Khloe nodded through tears.
Outside, Marcus heard enough to understand.
He sat in the same hallway chair he had occupied after the attack.
This time, he did not care about the company.
The investigation.
His father.
The headlines.
He cared about the woman behind the door.
And the little girl he had not met yet.
Hours passed.
Near midnight, Julian stepped outside.
Marcus stood immediately.
“How is she?”
“Stable.”
“The baby?”
“Still inside.”
Marcus exhaled hard.
Julian studied him.
“You look terrible.”
“I deserve worse.”
“That isn’t useful tonight.”
Marcus leaned against the wall.
“Can I see her?”
“She hasn’t asked for you.”
Marcus nodded.
“I’ll stay here.”
Julian started to leave.
“Julian.”
He turned.
“If something happens.”
“Nothing is going to happen.”
“If something happens to Khloe, save her.”
Julian’s face hardened.
“Do not ask me to choose between my niece and her child.”
“I’m not.”
Marcus’s voice broke.
“I’m telling you I know what she would ask.”
Julian stared at him.
Then returned inside.
At three in the morning, Khloe woke and asked one question.
“Is Marcus still outside?”
Julian nodded.
“Yes.”
“Send him in.”
Marcus entered quietly.
He stopped several feet from the bed.
Khloe looked exhausted.
Smaller somehow.
But her eyes remained clear.
“Come here.”
He approached.
She held out her hand.
He stared at it before taking it.
“I’m scared.”
She whispered.
Marcus’s eyes filled with tears.
“So am I.”
Khloe looked toward the monitor.
“If she comes tonight.”
“She’ll be okay.”
“You don’t know that.”
“No.”
He squeezed her hand gently.
“But she has you.”
Khloe closed her eyes.
For ten minutes, they sat without talking.
Not husband and wife.
Not yet.
Just two terrified parents.
Eventually the contractions slowed.
By sunrise, they stopped.
Dr. Cole entered smiling.
“The baby stays put.”
Khloe laughed through tears.
Marcus lowered his forehead against her hand.
And for one brief moment, forgiveness felt dangerously close.
Then Khloe remembered forgiveness and reconciliation were not the same thing.
She gently pulled her hand away.
Marcus understood.
He stood.
“I’ll be outside.”
May you like
This time, Khloe nodded.
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