Chapter 177

“Thanks for this baby.” She felt his lips move against her temples.

The hurt was gone from his eyes, its been replaced with a satisfied slumberous look.

MEgan felt a deep satisfaction, knowing that she could bring him peace and that he trusted her enough to pour his heart out to her.

They strolled back towards the mansion. Jon’s heart felt lighter and he thanked the lord for sending him this woman walking next to him! She was his angel in disguise, his saving grace.

That night Jon held her so close all night long.

~~

Everyone was sitting at the dinner table enjoying breakfast, except Jon. He was rushing through the meal. He had made himself a solemn promise last night. He would be there for Dot even if it killed him. Hoping that she might be discharged today he wanted to be there.

A thought had crossed his mind this morning and he wasn’t sure if he should discuss it with Megan or Dorothea first. Somehow he knew he should Megan first, but he was unsure at how she would react.

Megan saw Jon’s silence but didn’t comment. She knew he was still in a dark place at the moment and only he could work it out for himself.

Jon wiped his mouth with the serviette and stood up.

“I gotta go. I’ll see you later, You sure you don’t wanna come with baby?”

She shook her head.

“No, I’m sure. I’ll see you later.” She stood up to walk with him towards the door.

Richie watched as the couple left the room. This was ripping Jon apart! Megan was suffering due to that too! God he wished the damn investigator will get his ass in gear!

Megan leaned into him and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

“Say hi To Dorothea. You know I would come with you but I don’t think my presence will do any good.”

“Thanks baby. Thanks for understanding. I love you!”

His arms held her close and he stood like that for a few moment, his eyes close, thankfulness threatening to spill over.

She waved as he pulled away.

Richie was still in the dining room when she entered.

“How are you darlin’…really?”

She sighed, trying her best assure him with a smile but the smile quivered and he wasn’t fooled.

“I’m ok, Rich. I feel sorry for Jon. He isn’t taking this well and he has this crazy idea that all this is his fault.”

“Ok wont cut it sweetheart. You are trying to be the strong one right now and you know what? You shouldn’t be, you should be spoiled and pampered, not the one trying to keep everything together. You’ve always been an expressive girl, have you even realized that you haven’t had any emotion on that sweet face of yours? I’ts not healthy for you or the baby.”

Tears brimmed her eyes and he stood up, walked around the table and took her hands in his.

“You don’t have to pretend with me Megan baby. You are there for Jon in his time of need and I’ll be here for you, k?”

She sniffed and nodded.

Richie smiled at her, taking his hands from hers , he patted his shoulders.

“See? They are broad enough to handle a few tears.”

A gorgeous smile broke through her tears.

“They are broad alright.” She leaned forward and pecked him on the cheek.

Just as she tried to move away he pressed his huge  palm at the back of her head, bringing it towards his shoulder.

She relaxed against his huge warm frame.  He radiated strength, something she needed so much, holding onto him she felt her body absorbing some of it.

“Thank you Richie. I might use these shoulders of yours more than you know.”

“You just shout and I’ll be there sweet thing. I’ve got your and Jonny’s back..always!”

~~

Jon walked in, a gigantic flower arrangement in his hands.

Dorothea was lying on her back, a weak smile on her face. She was still deathly pale but there was no sign of tears.

The doctor smiled and acknowledged Jon’s presence.

“Jon! Come quick. They’re doing a sonar again. Listen to the baby’s hearbeat. See? There he is..little muchkin! “

Jon stopped dead in his tracks. Was he ready to meet this baby? What if something happens to it?
Faking a confident smile he walked towards Dorothea’s outstretched hand.

The little heartbeat galloped like a horse on full speed. It was unbelievable!  At first Jon couldn’t make anything of the strange blob on the screen, but he doctor pointed out the features. Jon was mesmerized.

“Everything looking ok then?”

“Everything looks hundred percent! We still want to keep her in a few days though. Her bloodcount is still a bit low, so we want to make sure she has fully recovered before she goes home to you. Would you be ok, sleeping alone for a few more nights?”

Dorothea looked at Jon. Jon was speechless. He flashed the doctor a foolish grin. The doctor took it the wrong way and laughed goodheartedly.

“Don’t worry mr. Bongiovi. She’ll be back home in no time, WITH a healthy kicking baby.”

“Thanks, doc.”

The doctor excused himself after signing her file and suddenly they were both alone.

Dorothea’s face was blooming.

“The baby is going to be ok Jon!”

He lowered his face towards her, wanting to plant a soft kiss on her cheek but she moved slightly and it landed on her lips.

Jon pulled back.

“Dot I want to ask you something. You scared the shit out of me the other day, I’m just glad you and the baby are going to be ok. Seeing as this is a high risk pregnancy I was thinking. Would you be prepared to move into the cottage on the grounds. Megan’s parents moved out a while ago and I’ll feel better if you are close by if anything happens. I don’t say there will be problems, but just in case.”

Jon wasn’t sure what he saw in her eyes as he waited for her answer.

“Are you really happy about the baby surviving this Jon?”

“More than you’ll ever know sweetheart.” Naked truth burned in his eyes and Dorothea felt a flicker of hope.

“Then I’ll move into the cottage.”