Chapter 8 - Labor and New Foundations
Three weeks later, the Boston skyline was dusted with the first white snowfall of November.
Garrett Vance remained behind bars at the Suffolk County House of Correction, his bail repeatedly denied after forensic auditors uncovered an additional four million dollars in stolen corporate tax withholdings. Vanessa Cole, terrified of prison, had accepted a plea bargain that turned state’s evidence against him, burying Garrett under a mountain of federal conspiracy charges.
Emily sat in the newly renovated corner office of Carter Harbor Properties, reviewing architectural blueprints for the Gloucester harbor expansion.
Suddenly, a sharp, white-hot spasm clamped down across her lower abdomen.
Emily gasped, clutching the edge of the mahogany desk. The breath caught in her throat. She tried to stand, but her knees buckled under the weight of a violent second contraction.
The office door clicked open. Roman Vale walked in carrying a roll of industrial marina surveys.
He dropped the cylinder the second he saw her face.
""Emily?""
""Roman..."" she wheezed, her forehead beaded with sweat. ""My water... it broke. It’s too early. I'm only thirty-four weeks.""
Roman was beside her in two long strides, his arms catching her around the waist before she could hit the floor. ""Breathe. Slow breaths, Emily. Look at me.""
She looked into his steady gray eyes, finding an anchor in the midst of panic.
""Don't let anything happen to her,"" she cried, gripping his lapels with trembling hands. ""Please, Roman.""
""Nothing is going to happen to either of you,"" Roman said with absolute command. He lifted her effortlessly into his arms, carrying her out of the executive suite, down the private elevator, and directly into the back of his waiting armored SUV.
""Massachusetts General Hospital,"" Roman barked to his driver. ""Run every red light. Now.""
The ride across town was a blur of blaring sirens and blinding snow. Inside the vehicle, Roman held Emily upright, allowing her to crush his fingers with every bone-shattering wave of labor.
""You're stronger than this pain,"" Roman whispered fiercely against her ear as she groaned in agony. ""You took Garrett's empire down in one night. You can do this. Hold on to me.""
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""I'm scared, Roman,"" she wept. ""What if I can't do this alone?""
""You're not alone,"" he replied, his voice unyielding as he pressed his forehead gently against hers. ""You will never be alone again. I swear it to you.""
