Anthony couldn’t help but sigh when he saw how obedient she was being. He furrowed his brows and gently scooped her up, heading to the hotel next to the hospital.
After her shower, Charlotte sat quietly on the bed while Anthony dried her hair, his face serious. She gave him a tiny, reassuring smile. “The baby’s fine.”
“You think I’m worried about the baby?” Anthony set down the hair dryer, helped her into some warm clothes, and knelt in front of her. His gaze locked on hers. “Are you uncomfortable anywhere? Headache? Anything?”
The last thing he wanted was for her to catch a cold. Pregnant women couldn’t just take any medication. If she got sick, she’d be the one to suffer.
“No,” Charlotte replied, shaking her head. She took Anthony’s hand and placed it gently on her belly. Her eyes shimmered with a smile. “See? Everything’s good.”
Truth was, she had lost control a little tonight because of Shirley. But it hadn’t crossed the line. She and this baby weren’t as fragile as everyone thought.
“And you’re still smiling?” Anthony touched her chin, exasperated but gentle, shaking his head. “You’re quick to admit when you’re wrong. But let’s be honest, you’re just as quick to do it again, aren’t you?”
Charlotte leaned back on the bed, propping herself up, a lazy smirk playing on her lips. “So are you going to let me off or not?”
“Do I even have a say?” Anthony let out a long breath and grabbed her shoes, slipping them on her feet. Resignation colored his voice.
“Nope.” Charlotte’s answer was blunt. As soon as her shoes were on, she stood and naturally fit herself into Anthony’s arms, brushing her cheek against his chest. Her voice was low and soft. “Shirley’s one of my only real friends. I can’t stand by and watch another friend die for nothing.”
Anthony heard the pain in her words and knew instantly she was thinking of what happened in Lamplighter Village all those years ago.
“That’s over now,” Anthony whispered, hugging her tighter. He kissed her forehead and softened his tone even more. “There won’t be any more tragedies like before. You’re powerful enough to protect the people you care about now. If your friends could see you, they’d be so proud.”
“Yeah.” Charlotte nodded and shifted in his embrace, sliding her fingers between his. “Let’s go see Shirley,” she murmured.
***

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