Phantom Child book 6

Phantom Child

Copyright © 2017 by George H. McVey All rights reserved. 

Cover design by Samantha Fury/Fury Graphics

 No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer who may quote brief excerpts in a review. 

This book is a work of fiction. The author created names, characters, places, and incidents either from his imagination or using them fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental or used fictitiously.

This book was written by a human author, not an A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) This book cannot be used to train an A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) how to write a book.

Introduction

Deborah Begley is beside herself. She’s pregnant from a one night stand. Her father, Reverend Begley, is convinced the child’s father is Heath Gladstone whom he forbade her to see six months ago. Now, finding out she’s pregnant, he tosses her out on the street in November in nothing but the thin pajamas she’s wearing. What’s a girl to do? No house, a baby daddy who won’t even acknowledge the child is his, no clothes and the temperature is dropping as fast as the sun. She feels lost and abandoned. Doesn’t anyone want her and her baby? 

Heath Gladstone feels lost. Ever since Reverend Begley attacked his cousin, his dad hasn’t allowed him to hang out with Deborah Gladstone. They weren’t in love but dating over the last four years had made them friends. Now, his dad called accusing him of getting Deborah pregnant and demanding he do “the right thing” and marry her.  No one will believe that the child isn’t his. What’s a guy to do? When he hears Begley kicked her out, he sets out to help his friend. Can love grow out of friendship and a feeling of obligation to help? 

Can a young woman who feels unwanted and a young man who feels the pressures of family and obligations make good parents? Can they find love? And, when the worst happens and lives are threatened can the ghost of Grandpa Harold save the day, or is it too late for the Phantom Child?

Dedication

I dedicate this book to the children of my heart. You know who you are because I’ve called you one of my kids and told you that you’re mine. While blood may not make us related, you are each my children. Our unique relationships are the basis for Heath’s declaration and acceptance of Deborah’s child in this book. Know I love each of you. 

Acknowledgement

My thanks this time goes to many people. To my wife, Sheri. I knew when I saw you that first time; you were the one for me. Now, thirty-five years later, that is still true. You, my love, are still the one that makes my heart sing. The one I’ll love until my very end.

Next, let me thank my beta readers on this project. I have a group of twenty-two who faithfully help me with each new manuscript. Each of their opinions and suggestions made this a better book. 

Thanks also to my editor on this project, Carolyn Leggo. She’s been a friend and reader for years and I am blessed to have her help on this project. As I always say, any mistakes found in this book are mine alone. I probably changed something at the last minute. 

To my cover creator, Samantha Fury, as always, you take my vision and turn it into a perfect expression. 

More than thanks, go to my friends and family. You know who you are, the people I ignored as this project took on a life of its own. I appreciate your understanding and kindness in not holding it against me. 

Finally, to you, the reader. Without you, there would be no point in what I do. I give life to my characters, but you share that life and make it more real. I hope this book brings you enjoyment.

One

"Mrs. Begley, could you wait in the waiting room? I need to speak to Deborah alone and examine her to determine what's wrong with her. I'll send for you as soon as I'm done." 

Deborah watched as her mother frowned. "I think I should stay, Doctor. After all, I am her mother." 

Doctor Todd smiled. "Yes, I know you are. However, Deborah is eighteen and an adult. HIPPA regulations make it plain that I can't have you stay for her exams anymore." 

"Fine, Doctor, but her father will not be too pleased about this. He doesn't even want her to see a male doctor, but you were the only person with an opening today." With those words, her mother huffed out of the room and shut the door fairly hard behind her. 

Doctor Todd looked up at Deborah, who was sitting on the side of the exam table holding a pink plastic basin against her upset stomach. He smiled at her. "Okay, I asked your mom to leave so you could answer my questions honestly. Deborah, how long have you been feeling sick in the mornings?"

"A couple of weeks."

"Um hum, and do you feel ill any other times during the day? Or is it mostly when you first get up? Do certain smells make you feel ill?" 

Deborah thought about it. "It is mostly about the first hour after I get up and yes, any fried food smell makes me sick to my stomach." 

The doctor nodded and made notes on the iPad in his hand. "I see. Are you feeling tired and worn out more? Do you find you can't seem to get enough sleep?" 

"Yes, I'm constantly tired, and I fall asleep just about anytime I stop moving. What do you think is wrong with me?" 

"I need to run a couple of tests, but Deborah, I need you to be perfectly honest with me. Is there any chance you could be pregnant?" 

Deborah stilled as the words of Nick Nash came back to her from a month ago. "There's nothing to worry about Deb, no-one gets pregnant the first few times they have sex. Trust me, this will help you tap into the passion for your music." 

"Umm I don't know. Maybe?" 

"Let me ask this, then. Have you had sex at any time in the last couple of months?"

"Yes, but you can't get pregnant the first few times you have sex, right?" 

Doctor Todd sighed. "I'm going to guess you didn't use any form of birth control, did you? I know you aren't on the pill. Did you go by the health department and get a spermicidal foam, or the sponge, or make the guy use a condom?"

Deborah was getting worried. She couldn't be. Daddy would kill her. "No, he told me not to worry. No one got pregnant the first few times." 

"Okay. Well, that's not true; it only takes once for a woman to get pregnant. I'm going to have Nurse Houlihan come in and take some blood, and I need you to give us a urine sample, but I don't think you're sick, Deborah. I think we're going to find out that you're expecting."

With those words, the doctor left. Deborah felt stupid. She should have never let Nick talk her into having sex. She had been so afraid that she'd get pregnant, but he had so much experience and had been convincing that she wouldn't. If she was, what would she do? Daddy was going to ask Mom what the doctor had said. If her Mom didn't have the answers, then he would demand them from Deborah. What would he do when she told him she was going to have a baby? How could she have a baby? She was only eighteen.

The college she was going to was a denominational run school. They wouldn't allow an unwed mother to enter. I'm in so much trouble! She thought. She prayed that Doctor Todd was wrong, but deep down inside, she knew he wasn't. Then she leaned over the pink container and lost what was left in her stomach. 

Heath Gladstone rolled over and looked at the clock. It was almost noon. Time for him to get up and start getting ready for his internship with Mike Brady at Brady Architecture and Construction. He wouldn't have to go far to get to the job site at least. Mike had assigned him to work on the construction project right here at his brother's remodel and expansion project.

This job site made it easy on Heath until school started after the holidays. He rolled out of bed and headed to the shower. At least he didn't have to work tonight. Maybe he'd see if he could find someone to hang out with. All the guys hadn't returned from college yet. He was the only one who hadn't gone off for the fall semester; but with the opportunity to do some hands-on work as an intern for Mike, he'd decided to go that route. Mike's internship paid, and it gave him a reference when he got out of college with his degree in architecture. Mike had a great reputation in Colorado and the surrounding states, especially in historic building additions and renovations. 

He'd call up Deborah and hang out with her, but ever since her dad had attacked his cousin Mysti in church, his parents and hers had not allowed them to see each other. Which was really strange for him. For as long as he could remember, his dad and Reverend Begley had been pushing the two of them together. They'd both agreed that while they didn't really want to date, it wasn't so bad hanging out with each other. They didn't have romantic feelings for each other, but they had been the best of friends. He missed hanging out with her. 

Deborah should have been a stuck-up holy roller, but she'd been sweet and funny and seriously talented musically. She could play some serious rockabilly and old-school rock and roll on both the piano and guitar. She'd also been smart and had helped him pass English lit and chemistry. Without her, he wouldn't have had the grades to get Mike's internship. However, the Rev's crazy behavior prevented them from even talking with each other.

He didn't want to hang out at the house with his mom and dad, and the cottage was almost as bad. There he had to watch his sister Leanne and her new boy toy playing suck face all the time. Or worse, hide the salami. He didn't want to go to the diner either. Anything he did there would get back to his dad. Since all his pals were still out of town, maybe he'd drive up to the ski resort. There wasn't any snow yet, but maybe there'd be some single ladies up there, and if not, he'd hit the skate park they set up during the off season. They'd had that freak snowstorm in October, but the weather had been unseasonably warm since Halloween. 

Heath hit the shower and dressed in a T-shirt, work jeans and his steel-toed boots. He grabbed his hard hat and a breakfast sandwich that Leanne had left for him. He'd have lunch at the Inn; maybe his big sister would be experimenting again today. He loved when she was working on her menu. He got great food, and he thought his sister got good feedback on her new menu. Heath knew he was going to hate it when she and Harry finally opened, and then the free food would stop. Well, not completely; as long as he was working the night shift at the Inn, he'd get a complementary dinner. Now if he just had someone to share it with. 

Maybe he'd call Deborah, anyway. He could go by her place, the worst that could happen would be her crazy father would yell at him, and that butt-ugly dog would bark. However, maybe he'd be able to help his friend get out and have a decent evening. He knew most people avoided her during the weekends to keep away from her dad. If nothing else, he'd bring her over to the cottage and they could watch some Netflix. He'd make Leanne and Lucas go do something else for the night. However, for now, time to move construction supplies.

Two

Deborah sat in the car listening to her mother. She was just as upset as her mom was, but didn’t know how to calm her down. “I just don’t understand Deborah. How can you be pregnant? You’re a good girl. I thought you were going to obey God and stay pure for your marriage bed. How can you be with child?” 

Deborah opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say anything, her mother went on. “What are we going to tell your father? He will not take this very well. Oh, and what about school? The Bible School won’t take you now. Maybe we can send you to Sister Wilfred’s Home for Wayward Girls and Unwed Mothers. I know she has connections to get unwanted children to adoptive parents.”

“I’m not giving my baby up.”

Her mother looked at her in shock. “Well, you can’t raise it by yourself. Think of your reputation. Think of what that would do to your father’s ministry. No, you’ll just have to put the child up for adoption. That’s the only choice.” 

Now Deborah was getting upset. Once again, her mother, just like her father and grandmother, wasn’t listening to her. It wasn't as if she had meant to get pregnant. Her mother was right in that it would be hard for her to raise a baby on her own. She probably wouldn’t get into Bible School, but she could go to the community college and get her basics out of the way. She’d have to get word to Nick, too. He probably would be willing to help. After all, it was his baby, too.

No matter what, though, she wouldn't give her baby to some couple she didn’t even know. Other girls had babies without a husband and they made it work. Look at Violet Snow. She’d been raising Tyson on her own for three years and she did alright. Granted, she had help, but Deborah could get help too. She had her family and there were people in Gladstone that would help her. Heath’s family, well maybe not Mayor Hal, but his sister, brother and sister-in-law, they seemed to be okay with her. Mysti and Pastor Lex had told her to let them know if she ever needed anything. They’d help her, she was sure. No, she wasn’t going to let her parents take her baby away from her. 

“I’m not giving my baby up for adoption, Mother. I messed up, I know, and now I’m going to have a baby. But girls have babies all the time. It doesn’t have to ruin my life.” 

Her mother frowned and shook her head. “Just you wait, young lady. Your father will set you straight. He certainly was right about that Gladstone family. First that witch casts a spell on that nice Pastor Cayden, and now you end up pregnant with that Heathcliff Gladstone’s bastard child. There must be some kind of demonic force at work in that family to bring about the fall of two of God’s precious children.” 

Deborah was going to open her mouth and tell her mother that the baby wasn’t Heath’s. She closed her mouth, saying nothing because she knew her mother wasn’t really listening to her. Like always, she heard what she wanted to hear and nothing else.

They pulled into the driveway. “You go to your room and rest. Your father will be home in a few hours, and then you’ll have to face the consequences of your actions. He is going to be so upset and disappointed in you, Deborah. I don’t look forward to trying to tell him what the doctor said.” 

Deborah sighed and got out of the car carrying the paper bag from the Doctor. It had a couple of sample bottles of prenatal vitamins in it, and a referral to a local OB/GYN. She rushed to her room, hoping to avoid her grandma and brother. It would be bad enough having to face her father when he got home from the church office, or visiting, or whatever he was doing today. He must be visiting because he had taken Billy Sunday to work with him. She was glad, that dog was a nuisance. Just as she passed EJ’s room, he opened the door. “Well, what did the doctor say? You dying?”

“No, I’m not dying.” 

“Well, is it something I can catch? If so, stop breathing on me and go away.” 

“No, you can’t catch it either.” 

He looked confused. “Well, something’s been making you sick. Maybe Mom should take you to another doctor.” 

She sighed and pulled the bottle of vitamins out of the bag. “I’ll be better in a few months. Well, at least I’ll stop feeling sick, anyway.” 

He looked at the bottle and his eyes got huge and he laughed. “Finally, Dad has someone else to fuss at for being a bigger disappointment than me.” 

Deborah shook her head. “I’ve still never been put in jail, EJ. If Dad and Mayor Hal hadn’t convinced Sheriff Gibson to let you go, they would have sent you to Juvie.”

“Maybe so, but you're not the perfect little church girl and preacher’s kid anymore, sis. You’re the little tramp that got knocked up by Dad’s enemy’s kid.” 

“Heath isn’t the baby’s father.” 

EJ laughed even harder. “That’s even better; who is the baby daddy, Deborah, or do you even know?”

“Yes, I know who the baby’s daddy is. You don’t know him. He was part of the paranormal team that left.” 

“Dad’s gonna have a cow. I can hear it now. You’re gonna get sent to those demon possession people when he finds out.”

Then he headed down the hall. “I hope I’m home by the time he finds out. This will be better than MMA on pay-per-view.” 

Deborah hung her head and hurried to her room. EJ was right, her dad would blow a gasket when he found out who the father was. She’d just not tell them. She pulled out her phone and looked for Nick’s contact info. Deborah sent him a text asking him to call her when he could. She needed to let him know he was going to be a father. Hopefully, before her mom told her dad that she was pregnant. 

Deborah knew when her father came home. He started bellowing the moment her mom told him what the doctor had said. She could hear him as he raged, heading toward her room. Then her door slammed open, and he stormed over to where she was sitting at her desk. He yanked her up by her hair. “Pregnant! You broke God’s law and fornicated with that Gladstone boy. Did you take him into your body here in my house, you harlot?” 

“Daddy, Heath…” 

Her father slapped her hard with the back side of his hand across her mouth. “Don’t you even speak to me, you whore of Babylon! You take your immoral ways and get out of my house.” 

He grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her toward the door. “Go on. Get out. You are no daughter of mine. You’ve slept with one of those demon loving Gladstones. I will not allow you to corrupt my holy residence and presence with your sinful and wanton ways. God commands us to put away the evil things and be pure in his presence. You instead lay down with those that worship the devil! Get out of my house now, demon lover!” 

Her mother gasped from the hallway. “Obadiah, no. Let me contact Sister Wilfred. She’ll come get her and take her to the home for wayward girls.” 

“Be quiet, woman! I will not allow this demon’s whore to live one more moment in my house!”

She turned and started pulling clothes out of her dresser to put in a bag. She would leave and go to Pastor Cayden. He told her to come see him if she need anything. So had Mysti when she’d played at their wedding. Her father grabbed her and hurled her toward the door. “Get out! You don’t need clothes. A whore does not need to dress. Go tell your lover to take care of you. He can keep you naked in his bed, since that is what you chose.” 

“Obadiah, she needs clothes and the medicine the doctor gave her today. Please calm down and let’s think about this.” 

Her father turned from her to face her mother. “What is with you, woman? Has a spirit of disobedience taken up residence in you as well? I told you to shut up! Go to our room and pray for God to forgive you your willful disobedience!” 

Her mother shrank back and then quickly turned and did as she was told. Leaving no one to stand between her and her father. He whipped back around to face her and pulled his belt out of his pants. Deborah knew if she didn’t get out before he was done, he’d start beating her with that belt. She pushed past him and tore down the hall and out of the room. Exiting the house at a dead run, she didn’t stop running till she hit the next block. She was in a pair of sleep pants and a t-shirt. She had no shoes, jacket or even a change of clothes. But she slowed and kept heading toward the center of town. She just had to get to Mysti’s tea shop and down the alley to the buzzer for her and Pastor Lex’s apartment. If she could do that, they’d know what to do. She wrapped her arms around her belly. Now she wasn't only a single mother, she didn’t even have a home anymore. Pregnant and homeless, what would happen to her next?

Heath had just gotten out of the shower, washing off the dirt and sweat from his long day on the construction site. Tomorrow was Saturday, and he’d be working beside Mike, going over blueprints and writing up proposals and budgets for another project that was about to open for bids. That was the part of the job he liked. He was learning things other architecture students weren’t. The business side of construction and architecture. He was just drying off when his phone rang. It was his dad’s cell number. What the heck? Mayor Hal hated using that cell phone. 

Heath answered. “Hey Dad, what’s up?” 

“I thought I told you to stay away from that Begley girl.” 

“You did and I have.” 

“Don’t lie to me Heath, Reverend Begley just called and tore me up one side and down the other. Seems you got his daughter pregnant.” 

“But..” 

“Don’t but me. I’m disappointed in you, boy. Not only did you disobey me, but you didn’t even use protection. What were you thinking?"

“Dad, I haven’t…” 

“Well, it doesn’t matter what you were thinking, does it? You’ll do right by the girl. Begley has tossed her out. You get in your truck and go find her. I’ll call your cousin’s husband and have him plan to wed ya tomorrow. I’ll have Kevin go back in and get a marriage license printed up. We will have it by tomorrow when Lex does your wedding.” 

“Dad, I didn’t sleep with Deborah? What are you talking about? You want to make me marry her?” 

There was silence on the other end of the phone, and Heath looked down to realize his dad had hung up. He dropped the phone on his bed and pulled on his clothes. He might not be the one who got Deborah pregnant, but one thing penetrated his overloaded brain. Crazy Reverend Begley had tossed her out of his house. Knowing that twisted old bastard, she was probably walking down the street. Heath might not be her baby’s daddy, but he couldn’t let her wander around trying to find a place to stay. She could stay here till they figured something out. 

Heath grabbed his car keys and tore out to his old 1982 Pontiac Trans-Am. He hit the road flying. He knew she’d be walking, and if she was pregnant, that wasn’t good. Heath drove over toward the parsonage, and then he'd start driving the streets till he found her. He might not be in love with her, but she was his friend, and it sounded like she needed a friend tonight. Heath laughed. At least his loneliness tonight was going to be beaten.

Three

Deborah was so tired. Having walked six blocks so far, her feet hurt. It felt like all her energy was running out of her legs. Still, she kept trudging along. She had ten more blocks to go to get to Pastor Lex and Mysti’s apartment. Just have to keep moving till I there and hope they will let me in at least for a few minutes to rest. She thought. If not, this was Phantom Horse, not Denver; she’d just curl up on the bench in front of Mysti’s store till she rested. 

Looking up, she saw a very familiar looking black sports car coming her way. She smiled. It was Heath’s car. She knew because it looked like the one from that old TV show, the one with the talking car. It even had that little red light that ran back and forth. Heath had been ecstatic the day the kit came in the mail. He’d hooked it up himself. Maybe he’d give her a ride to Mysti and Lex’s place. 

The car slowed and pulled over to the side of the road she was walking on. The window came down and Heath looked up at her. “Jeez Debs. He didn’t even let you get dressed? Hurry and get in. You look like you’re about to fall over.” Then before she could do what he’d told her to, Heath was climbing out of the car and sweeping her up in his arms. 

“Put me down, Heath.” 

He shook his head. “I don’t think so, Debs. You didn’t look like you could even make it around the car.” 

Then he carried her around to the passenger side, opened the door, and put her in the seat. “Put on the seat belt. We have to keep you and the baby safe.” 

She dropped her head. The only way he could know about the baby was if her dad had called and fussed at him or Mayor Hal. He shut the door and hurried back around, got behind the wheel. “Okay... So apparently I got you pregnant, which is pretty impressive since I don’t remember us having sex or even making out.” 

“I’m sorry you got accused. Daddy wouldn’t even let me talk. He just threw me out of the house.”

“Hey, you aren’t alone there. Hal wouldn’t listen to me either. Anyway, let’s go get some food and then we’ll figure out what we’re going to do.”

“I’ll be fine if you’ll just take me over to your cousin Mysti and Pastor Lex’s apartment. I’ll see if they can help me.”

“Don’t worry about that. You can stay with me for a few days while we sort this all out. Maybe your dad will calm down in a few days.” 

“I can’t stay with you, Heath. Everyone will think the baby belongs to you if I do.” 

Heath glanced over at her. “Who is the father, anyway? I know it isn’t me, but I didn’t know you were dating anyone.” 

She shook her head. “I’m not. I don’t know if you know him. He worked for the Paranormal Encounters show.” 

Heath looked at her again. “Well, I know it wasn’t Lucas, because he spent all his spare time in Leanne’s bed. Please tell me it wasn’t Vi’s stupid ex-husband before he drove into the river.” 

She shook her head. “EWW yuck, he’s old, Heath. You should know I wouldn’t sleep with a guy as old as your brother.” 

“Well, was it that Austin dude? I mean, he seemed to be taken with that Madison chick, but you might have been able to turn his head. You are pretty hot yourself.” 

Deborah blushed. She didn’t think she was hot. Heath had said nothing like that to her when they were ‘seeing’ each other. Nick hadn’t said that either, just that she needed to experience passion to tap into it in her music. What they’d done hadn’t really done anything for her. She'd not felt passion with him, but their experiment sure got her pregnant. “No, his name was Nick. He was one of the camera guys.” 

“Oh yeah, the one they called Nicknack because he bought nicknacks for his mom. I'm surprised Deborah, he didn't really seem like your type” 

“That's him, and he wasn't my type. He said that experiencing passion would help me be a better musician. We only had sex once, and like an idiot, I believed him when he told me I wouldn’t get pregnant.” 

They pulled up into the grocery store parking lot. “I’m going to go get some stuff to make sub sandwiches for us. That’s pretty healthy, and simple too. I’ll grab some fresh fruit too. You just stay here and rest, okay?” 

She nodded. She wasn’t going to argue with him. Not while he was being so kind to her. He should have run the other way, considering he got accused of getting her pregnant.

Heath pulled his phone from his pocket the moment he got through the doors of his Uncle Harry’s grocery store and called his cousin Mysti. 

“Hello Heath, You need to take some deep breaths and release the negative energy you’re carrying right now; I can feel it over the phone.”

Heath laughed. “Mysti, I don’t think deep breaths are going to do it this time. Listen, I need your expertise.” 

“What’s going on and how can I help you?” 

“Has Dad called Lex yet?”

“I believe they talked a few minutes ago; why?” 

Heath sighed. “Long story, but the short version is Deborah’s pregnant and Begley kicked her out of the house in her pajamas and nothing else.” 

“Oh, that poor girl. Why is that your problem though, Heath? We both know the baby isn’t yours.” 

The things his quirky cousin knew always surprised him. “I need your medical knowledge. She mentioned that when she saw the doctor today, they gave her some pills and Begley didn’t even let her get them. You wouldn’t know what they were, do you?”

“Hmm, probably prenatal vitamins. There should be some at Daddy’s store in the vitamin aisle. Also, you might want to look for some folic acid. Pregnant women need lots of that, too. What are you planning to do, Heath? She’s going to need more than some vitamins and food.” 

Heath didn’t even ask how she knew he was at the grocery, or that he was planning something beyond just feeding his friend and making sure she had the meds she and the baby needed. “I don’t know yet, Mysti. For now, I’m going to take her to the cottage, feed her, make her take a hot bath, and put her to bed. When I caught up to her, she was walking down the hill barefoot and in her pajamas. She could hardly lift her legs. She was so tired.” 

“Well, after you get her to bed, come by here. She’s going to need ginger tea in the morning, and I know you don’t have any at the cottage. You can talk to Lex then, too.”

“Okay, but it might be late. Until I know she’s okay, I don’t want to leave her alone. I swear I want to drive up there and kick that fat old psycho’s ass for this. I don’t care who he is. Throwing his pregnant daughter out on the street with no shoes, clothes or her medicine is beyond cruel.” 

“I understand how you feel, but let me remind you, as Lex did me the Sunday the Reverend came after me. You don’t want to go down the path of darkness, because it is so hard to come back to the light afterwards.”

Heath shook his head. “Umm, Mysti, that sounds like something you’d say, not Lex.” 

“Well, he didn’t use those words, but the meaning is the same. You leave Begley to God and fate. Karma always comes around in the end. Begley will pay for all the evil he’s been doing.” 

“Yeah, well, I hope I’m there to see it.” 

Mysti laughed. “I think when you come I’ll send some calming tea for you, too.” Then her voice changed and got all monotone, like it did when she had a vision, or whatever she did, telling people something she shouldn’t know. “Allow yourself to see your friend through the eyes of the man you’re becoming, and not the boy you’ve been. If you do so, you will see she has the potential to be much more than just your friend. Let the scales of childhood fall off your eyes and see her as she truly is; a lovely woman with a gift that could make any man proud to claim her as his own. It’s time to put away childish things, Heath, and become the man you were created to be.” 

Then her voice changed. “So get her settled and come over. I’ll have the teas ready for you to take home with you, and I’ll make sure Lex is around if you want to talk to him.” 

Heath didn’t say anything, as his brain was still trying to figure out what the first part of her little chant had meant. He’d seen Mysti do this too often to think it didn’t mean something. 

“Yeah okay. Will do. Thanks for the info.” 

“Anytime, Heath. Bye.” 

Then she was gone. Heath stuck his phone in his pocket and headed for the vitamin aisle. He’d make sure Deborah had what she needed, even if it took every penny he made this summer working for Mike. For some reason, she’d been given to him to protect and care for. So, he’d do the best he could to do so for her and the baby. He was a Gladstone after all, and Gladstones took care of the people they cared about. And he cared about Deborah. She was his best friend, after all. Now to feed her and her little peanut.

Four

Deborah watched as Heath went into the store. She sighed. She was so tired. The doctor had told her she’d feel less energetic than usual, and that it would probably get worse as the baby got bigger. She was supposed to keep active, but rest when her body ordered her to. She knew she shouldn’t let Heath take her home with him. By taking her to the cottage where he was living, Heath would make everyone even more convinced that he was the guy who got her pregnant. It wasn’t fair that he was going to be blamed for something he’d never done. Well, at least not with her. He was a Gladstone after all, and the girls talked about what a great lover he was in the locker room. She didn’t know if he had played around or not. Officially until August, the two of them had supposedly been a couple. Granted, it was to keep their parents happy. She just didn’t think Heath was the type of guy to have a “girlfriend” and jump into another girl’s pants.  

Her phone rang, and she looked to see it was Nick. 

“Hello.” 

“Hey Debs, what’s up? Your text said you wanted to talk to me?”

“Yes, we need to talk. Do you remember telling me that no one got pregnant the first time they had sex?” 

“Yeah sure.” 

“Well, it turns out that’s not true.” 

He chuckled. “Oh well, good to know.” 

“I don’t think you understand what I’m saying to you, Nick. I’m pregnant.” 

There was silence on the other end of the phone, then a sigh. “What’s that got to do with me?” 

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “What’s it got to do with you? It’s your baby.” 

“You don’t know that. It could be that guy you told me you’d been seeing, or someone you hooked up with after a gig.” 

“I’ve only had sex one time, Nick. With you. This is your baby.” 

“You can’t prove that. All you have is your word against mine, Debs. I don’t know what else to tell you.” 

“How about you tell me you’ll help take care of it?”

“Sure, get an appointment at a clinic and I’ll pay half. Just tell me when and how much the doctor wants to get rid of it.” 

Deborah was shocked. He thought she meant she wanted him to pay for an abortion! “That’s not what I meant, Nick. I’m not getting rid of this baby. I meant you should help me take care of the baby’s needs and be a father.” 

He laughed, actually laughed at her. “That’s never going to happen, Debs. I’m not father material. Just go to the clinic and get rid of it. You’re not ready to be a mom, and I sure as hell ain’t gonna be no dad.” 

“But it’s your baby.” 

“Again, I don’t know that. I mean, you put out for me. How do I know you haven’t put out for every guy in that Podunk town you live in? Don’t try to pin this on me. I mean it, Debs, get rid of it or leave me alone.” 

Then the line went dead. She called him back, and it just rang and rang. He’d not stepped up. He’d refused to be held responsible for the baby. Now, what was she going to do? For the second time tonight, she felt abandoned and all alone. Unwanted, alone, and carrying a baby all because she gave in one time. She put her face in her hands and wept.

Heath came out of the grocery with a buggy full of healthy supplements and food stuff. He got the makings for a garden salad and fresh fruit for her. Yogurt and milk, whole wheat bread and deli cut meat for the sandwiches. Then, when he’d gotten the vitamins and folic acid, he’d picked up several cases of protein shakes as well. He stopped short of unloading when he caught sight of Deborah through the windshield. She was sitting with her face in her hands, and her body shook with the strength of her sobs. He pushed the cart to the back hatch but didn’t open it, instead he came around and opened her door and knelt beside her. 

“Deborah, what’s wrong? Why are you crying, honey?” 

She looked up at him, and his heart broke. Her eyes were all red and swollen, and where before she had looked just tired, now she looked broken. She held up her phone. “Nick called. He said that I should get an abortion. I told him it was his baby, and he said I couldn’t prove that. That he’d pay to get rid of it, but not to help take care of it. I don’t know what to do. No one wants me or my baby.” 

Then she put her head in her hands again and started wailing. Heath bit his tongue to keep from swearing. That son of a bitch! How dare he make Deborah feel worthless. Oh, how he wished he could get his hands on both Nick and Reverend Begley; he’d stomp both their asses into the pavement. He reached out and pulled Deborah into his arms. It was awkward as all get out, kneeling beside the car holding her close, but she deserved to be comforted, cared for, even, heaven help him, loved. His mind went back to his conversation with his cousin just a few minutes earlier. “Let the scales of childhood fall off your eyes and see her as she truly is; a lovely woman with a gift that could make any man proud to claim her as his own. It’s time to put away childish things, Heath, and become the man you were created to be.”

God help him, but he wanted to become that man. Not for himself, but for the woman he held in his arms. Deborah Elizabeth Begley, the kindest, most beautiful woman he’d never let himself see. He didn’t think, he just held her close and stroked her short jet black hair. He held her and tried to comfort her, to let her know she wasn't alone, that she was wanted, damnit. Heath knew without a shadow of a doubt that he wanted her and her baby, even if no one else did. 

Slowly, her sobbing stopped, and she clung to his shirt like she was afraid to let go. His hand, that had been stroking her luxurious black hair, moved down the side of her face to her chin, and he tilted her head until he could see her chocolate brown eyes. She had been crying so much that her eyes were swollen and red and her nose was running.

Heath wiped her nose with his clean handkerchief, one of those habits that he carried from when his mother dressed him. Even with her face swollen from crying, Heath could see how pretty she was. She had perfectly proportioned lips with a plump lower lip that begged to be sucked and nibbled, and a perfect, thinner, bow-shaped upper lip. His heart picked up speed, and for the first time in his life he realized he wanted to kiss Deborah. He looked deep into her eyes. “That’s not true, Deborah. I want you, and I want your baby.” 

Then he did what he wanted to do since pulling her into his arms. He let his head dip down and captured her lips with his own. Kissing her with all the newfound passion and desire that had sprung up in his soul for her. 

He only gentled the kiss and pulled back when she had relaxed into him and returned his kiss. As he pulled back, she searched his face. “You want me? Why? You’ve never wanted me like this before.” 

He smiled as he stroked her face. “I know Deborah. All I can tell you is that for the first time in my life, I can see you for the beautiful woman you are. I would be stupid to let you go and have someone else win your heart.” 

He kissed her again, and then slowly pulled away. “Let me load the groceries, and then we can go to the cottage and talk. Just know this. You aren’t alone and you are wanted. We’ll figure it all out, but for tonight you just need to rest and take care of you and the peanut.” 

She giggled. “Peanut? Did you just call my baby a peanut?” 

“Yep, Deborah’s wiggly little peanut.” 

She smiled and leaned back. He brushed her face again and then shut the door and quickly got the groceries in the car. He’d take her home, feed her, get her in the soaker tub, then in the bed. Then he’d go talk to Lex and Mysti, and figure out how he was going to take care of his girl and her baby.

Five

By the time Heath had pulled into the drive at the cottage, Deborah was sound asleep. He shut off the engine and smiled. She was curled up, leaning her head against the door. Her feet tucked beside her in the bucket seat. She snored. Heath hadn’t known that before now. It wasn’t a loud snore, but a cute little sound. Sort of like a kitten’s purr mixed with an electric weed eater on slow speed. He got out of the Trans-Am as quietly as he could and came around to her side of the car.

He carefully opened the door, holding her upright while he slipped his arm under her legs and cradled her upper body against his chest. Then, slipping his other arm behind her, he carefully lifted her out of the car. He smiled as Deborah snuggled up close to him; her face nestled into his chest. She sighed and squirmed even closer. She murmured in her sleep and his smile deepened. “Kissed me, wants me, kisses so good.” Well, that certainly would stroke a guy’s ego. 

Heath carried her up to the door and struggled just a bit to get it opened. Then he came in the cottage and could see Leanne and Lucas cuddling on the couch. They looked and saw him, and Leanne stood and came toward him. “Who are you carrying, little brother?” 

He whispered to her. “It’s Deborah. That bastard Begley found out she was pregnant and tossed her out of the house in her pajamas. The son-of-a-bitch wouldn’t let her get clothes, shoes or even a jacket. I picked her up four blocks from her house, and she was almost beyond being able to stand, let alone walk.” 

Leanne’s face was shocked. “She’s pregnant? I thought you two weren’t seeing each other. How in the world did you get her pregnant?” 

“It doesn’t matter now, does it? All that matters is she’s pregnant, and she and the baby are my responsibility. I’m going to take her up to bed. Then I’m going to fix her something to eat. I’ve got groceries in the car. Then I’ll get her a warm bath run and give her some of my old sweats to sleep in and wash her clothes.” 

Leanne shook her head. “Go get her in bed and I’ll have Lucas bring in the food, and I’ll fix something she can eat. You are going to be in for it when Dad finds out about this.” 

“Dad knows. He’s the one who called me. Begley called him to fuss. I’ll talk with you in a minute.”

Heath went up the hall and into the master bedroom. After putting Deborah on the bed, he went to chat with his sister and her lover. He knew everyone was going to be convinced the baby was his, but he didn’t care. His words to Deborah at the store were honest and heartfelt. He wanted both her and the baby. If that meant he had to claim the child, he would. He was going to take responsibility for the baby and its mom. That included making sure the bastard that knocked her up knew he would have no rights down the road. He’d have to talk to Bernie and see what he’d need to do to claim the kid and keep Nick from ever having any parental rights. 

He stepped into the kitchen to see Leanne tossing some cut up fresh fruit in some of the yogurt he’d bought. She put that in a cup, and then she made a couple of slider sized roast beef sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes and some sliced avocado. She’d put one of the protein shakes in the blast chiller, and was getting it chilled quickly. 

Then she put everything on a tray and turned to look at Heath. “Now, what is going on, Heath? I know for a fact you can’t be Deborah’s baby’s daddy. You moved in here after Harry’s marriage, and you haven’t seen that girl the whole time you’ve lived here.” 

That was a preview of Phantom Child book 6. To read the rest purchase the book.

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