Softly at Sunrise

Chapter 15

Rachel had never been so grateful to live behind the gates of the compound. She was extremely thankful for the timing and that she and Ethan had moved from their old house before the incident at the school because the media had camped out in their old neighborhood ever since she’d been released from the hospital.

It was a complete zoo in the small town where Frank’s hardware store was, and he’d had to close it down after only one hour in operation the day he reopened after the gunman’s arrest.

Once again, Rachel found herself in the media spotlight, only this time she hadn’t returned from the dead. She’d merely flirted with death once again.

The only article she’d glanced at had mentioned that she had nine lives. Maybe it was true, but she wasn’t going to waste time dwelling on all the ways she’d cheated death.

For the past few days, she and Ethan had sequestered themselves in their new home. Marlene and Rachel’s sisters-in-law had taken turns bringing them home-cooked meals, and so Ethan and Rachel had remained indoors, soaking up the fact that they’d survived a close call and Rachel was suffering no illeffects from the scare.

“Baby, Ma just called,” Ethan said as he ambled into the living room.

Rachel had kept the television off ever since they’d gotten home because they couldn’t flip through the channels without coming across a mention of the near-shooting.

The police had made multiple trips to the compound because Ethan refused to take her out where they’d be mobbed by media.

She’d told her version of the incident so many times her ears were numb from listening to herself.

“Oh?” Rachel asked, turning her attention from the book she’d been reading.

“She informed me that they’ve given us enough alone time to recover and that they’re converging tonight for the housewarming party they’d already planned.”

Rachel froze, sure she had a deer-in-the-headlights look. “Tonight?” She glanced around the living room in horror. Nothing was clean. There were boxes everywhere.

Ethan held up his hands. “Don’t freak. Ma wouldn’t do that to you. I mean just come over when she knows we’ve been moving and stuff’s not clean. She’s rounding up the daughters-in-law and they’re coming over in an hour to clean and cook.

Rachel stared at him, utterly appalled. “And that’s supposed to make it better? I’m supposed to sit and watch them clean my house and cook for a party we’re having here tonight?”

“That’s precisely what you’re going to do,” Ethan said sternly. “I don’t want you overdoing it.”

Rachel sighed, and Ethan plopped down on the couch and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“Everyone’s worried about you. They just want to do something to make you happy and to celebrate our move. I think they think you’re sad over leaving the old house.”

She pressed her lips together and puffed her cheeks out before allowing the air out in an audible pop.

“Does it still bother you that I’m not bothered by leaving?”

Slowly he shook his head. “Your reasons made sense. How can I fault you for being honest? And I want you to be happy. If having a new house in a safer location makes you feel content and secure then I’d have to be a complete asshole to begrudge you that.”

She turned into his chest and hugged him fiercely. “We’re going to make some great memories in this house, Ethan.”

He kissed the top of her head and ran his fingers through her hair. “Yeah, we are. Starting tonight.”

The house was alive with chatter, laughter, and the warm smiles that only came from being with family.

All of the Kellys were present and accounted for. Even Rusty and Sean, honorary members of the Kelly clan, were there.

Rusty had cornered Rachel as soon as she’d arrived, concerned for Rachel’s pregnancy. Rachel had assured her she was fine, but she hadn’t shared the fact she was having twins. She’d save that surprise for when they made the official announcement.

She knew Ethan’s brothers knew, but they were keeping it quiet, not wanting to ruin the big surprise.

It was as if the entire family had made a pact prior to arriving at Ethan and Rachel’s that no mention of the incident at the school would be made.

There was no conversation about the gunman, the media, or even KGI’s involvement in ending the stand-off.

Wanting her curiosity—and her fears—appeased, she cornered Sam while the others were piling food onto their plates.

“Did KGI get into trouble over the hostage situation?” she asked anxiously. “Ethan said they didn’t want you going in and that you did anyway.”

Sam smiled, a rueful glint in his eyes. “Let’s just say that we exchanged quite a few words. But because of the way it all went down and where the media was confined to, S.W.A.T. was already making a move in after the children were released, so they got the credit for taking Winstead down. Which is fine. It keeps KGI out of the picture. The chief wasn’t happy. The mayor was pretty pissed. The sheriff looked like he’d swallowed an egg. They were probably all shitting their pants, worried that we’d screw up and they’d take the fall.”

Rachel shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

He blinked. “What the hell do you have to be sorry for? Did you honestly think we’d sit on our asses while you were at the hands of some deranged ass hat?”

She grinned. “No, I’m sorry that people are so stupid. But I’m glad you didn’t get arrested or anything. It would suck to have to visit you in jail.”

His soft chuckle rose, and then he took her elbow and turned her toward the table where Marlene had set up the food buffet style.

“Let’s go get something to eat before my brothers devour it all.”

He didn’t have to tell her twice. She took a plate and piled it high with food. Truth was, she was starving, and she hadn’t felt queasy for two whole days. It was enough to make her want to take a chance and enjoy every single bite she had tonight.

As everyone ate and conversed, Ethan found his way closer to Rachel until the two were standing side by side. When she finished with her plate, he took it from her and set it aside before lacing his fingers through hers.

He gave her a look so filled with love that she could scarcely breathe. She was warmed to her toes by the contentment that rested so comfortably on him.

It was time. Everyone who mattered to them was here. In their new home, a place that would be the foundation of their future.

Ethan cleared his throat and then called for attention. Conversation hushed, and all eyes were directed at Ethan and Rachel. Butterflies—excited butterflies—danced around Rachel’s belly. A belly that would soon expand to accommodate the two tiny lives nestled there below her heart.

“Rachel and I have something we’d very much like to share with the people who mean the most to us.”

He glanced down at her, his brow raised in question as to whether he should tell or if she wanted to. She smiled and squeezed his hand before nodding that he should tell.

He took a deep breath, his smile growing so broad that his teeth flashed.

“After much thought and consideration, endless soul-searching, finally being at peace with the decision, and feeling that Rachel was ready for such a step, we decided to start trying for a baby.”

The smiles were instantaneous. Marlene leaned over, punched Frank on the arm, and whispered in a loud voice, “I told you!”

Rachel smiled and jittered in Ethan’s grasp. She was as giddy as a kid at Christmas. She loved the way Ethan was drawing it out for maximum effect. She wanted to savor this moment for as long as possible.

“What we didn’t count on was it happening so fast,” Ethan added with a grin.

Everyone went silent. Eyes were wide. Knowing smiles were on Ethan’s brothers’ faces. Shea smothered her own reaction, clenching her fingers into excited fists. She looked as though she’d start bouncing up and down on Nathan’s lap.

Frank’s brow furrowed. “Does that mean what I think it means?”

Ethan chuckled. “Yes, Dad. Rachel is pregnant.”

A chorus of whoops went up, and Ethan let it go for a minute, but when the family started to get up and swarm toward him and Rachel, he held up his hands.

“Just a minute. There’s something else you should know.”

Marlene’s mouth flapped open, and she stared between Rachel and Ethan as if trying to decide if it was good news or bad news. She stopped halfway over to where Ethan and Rachel stood, and Frank came to a halt beside her, sliding his arm around her.

Ethan glanced down at Rachel, love warm and alive in his gaze. He squeezed her to him, and in the background, Rachel could hear the soft sighs from those who stared at the two of them. But her focus was on Ethan and the promise in his eyes. The promise of a wonderful future so bright she could barely imagine it.

Then he looked back up at his family, his face about to crack under his enormous smile.

“We’re not just having one baby. Last week we learned that we’re having…twins.”

A series of gasps, exclamations, and sounds of complete surprise echoed across the room. Excited babble. Joy and enthusiasm danced tangibly in the air.

Marlene could no longer contain herself. She converged on Rachel, her hand waving excitedly in the air as squeals of excitement burst from her lips.

“Oh baby,” Marlene exclaimed as she pulled Rachel into her arms. “What wonderful, wonderful news. I’m so happy for you and Ethan.”

“Thank you,” Rachel said, returning her fierce hug.

“How frightened you must have been through all of this,” Marlene said, sympathy shining in her warm, brown eyes.

Frank pushed his way in and gathered Rachel into a huge hug, but he was extremely gentle, careful not to crush her. He kissed her cheek, and when he spoke, his voice was clogged with emotion.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Frank said. “What a blessing two more grandchildren will be. You take good care of yourself, young lady. I’ll be watching.”

Rachel grinned. Oh but she was about to burst from the joy of it all. “I know you will.”

“This calls for a toast,” Sam called out, holding his glass high.

The room went silent again as the oldest Kelly son smiled in Rachel and Ethan’s direction.

“You’ve long been special to us all, Rachel,” he said.

Everyone was quick to agree, their smiles as bright as the sun. She basked in those smiles. At the love and acceptance that shined as brilliantly as a million stars.

“You’re also one hell of a kickass woman. I don’t know of many other people as resilient as you. And even after all you’ve endured, you’ve still remained the sweet and loving Rachel that we all fell in love with all those years ago.”

Tears burned her eyelids until she gave up trying to hold them at bay. Sam was so serious, giving her no doubt he meant every single word.

Donovan broke in, looking directly at Ethan.

“If your children—Rachel’s children—inherit even one half of their mother’s spirit and determination, then you’ll have yourself two children who’ll never be beaten down in life.”

“Hell, they’ll rule the damn world,” Garrett muttered.

Laughter swept through the room, relieving some of the solemnness.

“Thank you,” Rachel said, her voice as watery as her eyes were. “I’m so grateful for you all, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She looked directly at Marlene and Frank, her love for the older couple so powerful that it was hard to even put into words all she felt and all she hoped for.

“My hope for my children is that I can be the kind of parent that you are to your children and to the people you offer that unconditional love and support to.”

“I’ll second that,” Ethan said, wrapping his arm around Rachel.

Rachel looked around the room, at every single face. “My babies will be the luckiest children who ever lived to have such a wonderful family. I’ll never forget how much you’ve helped me overcome in the past few years.”

Sean cleared his throat. “Rachel, honey, just do me a favor, please? Given all that you and I have gone through together, when you go into labor, make sure I’m nowhere in the vicinity.”

The room burst into laughter, and Rachel laughed along with them. She closed her eyes, simply absorbing the vibration of so much joy.

She was no longer a victim of the past, held prisoner by the demons who haunted her mind. She was moving beyond that, into a future filled with the promise of brighter days and happier times.

She was a Kelly. And she was loved.