Hunting Sawyer

Now

The next week Blake showed up at Joe’s bar. I guess he made a mess of things. The patrons all fled. He left several holes in the walls and shattered a window. He busted up the jukebox and held Joe up by the throat against the back wall. Joe wouldn’t have ever told me that, but the town gossip always makes it way into Tessa’s shop.

Apparently, the cops showed up and he took out all six officers. Not killing them, but he definitely made a scene before making his exit. Now Blake was a wanted man.

Hearing the story, the color drained from my face and my hand instinctively dropped to my belly – willing my son not to be the evil that personified his father. Again, more pronounced, I felt my baby lean against my touch and the alien feeling of his little hand running across the inside of his womb. Almost like he was promising me things would be okay. That he wouldn’t be a monster.

Abhorrent. An abomination.

Not my child.

But later that night, in the safety of the basement, on my cot with the blanket pulled up over my round belly, I was terrified. I was scared that Blake would find me. That he would find my son. And I tried to have the moxie to think I could do something to protect us, but he was a madman. A madman that had already threatened to kill me and our unborn child.

I tried to rest at night, but the thought of what could happen made me break out in a cold sweat and my heart pound in fear. I tried desperately to control what I could, trying to strategize through scenarios so I felt prepared when that time inevitably came. My dreams were filled with fight or flight adrenaline and I knew this wasn't good for the baby. So I tried to divert my focus again toward being smart and aware, all so I could protect my child.

A few more weeks passed and no word from Blake or his cronies. I tried to retain my focus and my calm, and that was the tricky part - but at least now, we had a plan. Tessa had a cousin who was looking for help a few states over. Once the baby was born and I was healed up, I’d take Joe’s truck and drive it as far as it would take me. I’d get to her cousin’s place, and she would get us grounded with lodging in their guest house and I’d work in her salon part time until I gained her trust. I still had several months, by the book, and she had a couple girls leaving her shop to chase their own dreams.

I didn’t have formal training, but neither did Tessa, and look how successful she was. I could do this. I could make a life for myself and support my son.

Speaking of him, he was so damn active. I thought he was running a marathon on my bladder or counting how many ribs he could break. I’d been testing out names, but hadn’t officially decided on anything yet. I still had time. But I was pretty certain. There was one that felt right.

Tessa loved to give me her opinion. Grayson, Liam, Harrison, Oliver, Logan…the pressure was never ending. I would just laugh at her, that was the only way to not hurt her feelings. Keep it light.

We had just ended an exhausting day with more clients that I think we’d ever taken. I was doing one last sweep, and she was checking the books for the next day.

“f**k, Sawyer.” She huffed and I threw her a look. “Sorry- f**k, MOXIE-” she corrected, dramatically. “I can’t believe how much business we’ve pulled in. What am I supposed to do when you skip town on me, for real this time?” I rolled my eyes and heaved a sigh.

“You’ll do exactly what you did before me. Kick ass, take names, and do damn good hair.” I laughed and she returned the gesture. Her whole face lit up at the compliment. But it was hidden behind a sad smile. Tessa had become more than just a boss. She was a friend. More than a friend, she saved us at our most vulnerable.

“Yeah, but it’s way more fun with you!” She chuckled and it struck me straight in the heart. Tessa and I made a great team. Just like Joe and I made a great team. It hurt, that I would have to lose all the people I loved. But I rubbed my hand over my belly and remembered, he was all worth it.

“Maybe…. but you’ll be way better off when my drama is far from here.” I giggled and traced circles around my cramping stomach. I’d been on my feet too long today and my belly was hard from the exertion.

“I’m seriously proud of you Sawyer.” Tessa met my eyes with a determination. “You need to know how incredible you are. And you need to be proud of yourself. You are a force, girl. A serious force.” Tessa was hardened unlike I’d ever seen. And it made me feel strong. Validated. Proud.

And with that swell of emotions, I felt a pop. And down my legs poured warm, gushing liquid.

My water broke.

I was barely halfway through my pregnancy and my son was coming….now.