Beautiful Bounty(27)

“You’re right doll face.” Lou shook her head. Although she was terrified for her daughter, and her future, she wasn’t worried at all about the house, or the money. She could start over. Again. She’s done it many times, but a mother didn’t want a child to have to go through these struggles. And now she had another child on the way. No one knew yet. She wasn’t far along. It was also the reason she hadn’t really smoked the cigarettes, but she wasn’t willing to share that news just yet.

The morning she had gotten the call from Ronnie at the police station, before Ronnie had called, she had taken a pregnancy test. Thirty eight and a new mother again! Her mind reeled. She looked forward to telling Jay that night. And even though he would be shocked at first considering his history, she knew once the shock passed, maybe even a little guilt, he would be over the moon with happiness. He would love this child, and worship the second chance at a family he had been given.

A glance at the drawer where she hid her stash of contraband, made her guilt return even more. She needed to take care of herself and this child. Ronnie was right about that. She needed to take care of herself for Ronnie, and this new baby. For Jay. She got up and opened the drawer, grabbed the cigarettes and lighter and threw them in the trash.

“It was a stupid momentary weakness. Don’t tell Jay, please. He despises smoking,” she winked at her daughter conspiratorially. “I won’t lapse again.”

She gave her mom a smile. Her tone was stronger and just that gave Ronnie hope. She needed the resilient woman her mother had always been by her side in this fight. Her mom had always been a rock her whole life and she needed that more than ever.

“I need you to fight, Mom,” she voiced her concerns. “I need your faith, and I need your strength. I hate that I am causing you this worry. But, I hate to say this; I need you now more than ever.”

“I’m here for you. Always. And as for my faith, and strength, you have that too baby girl!” Steel was in Lou’s voice now, and as the words left her mother’s lips, Ronnie was engulfed in her embrace and it was like iron.

Momentary weakness gone, she told herself. Strength and courage were what they both needed now. Her daughter would not have to ask her twice.





Nikko was up early, but waited until nine o’clock before leaving the hotel. The place he was staying at was near Ronnie’s and her mom’s, and a nearby bakery was convenient. He didn’t want to show up empty handed. His momma had always told him never to pop in on someone without a friendly gesture.

Leaving the Italian bakery, his box of goodies by his side, he was surprised at how much he was looking forward to seeing Ronnie again. It hadn’t even been a day.

Nikko laid on the accelerator pushing his classic Cutlass just slightly above the speed limit in his haste to get to Ronnie’s house. He pulled into the gravel driveway, the tires crunching and announcing his arrival. As he got out of the car, he saw Louisa peek through the curtains, and she had the door open for him by the time he reached it.

“Well, this is a surprise,” she called out in greeting, eyeing him suspiciously, especially the white boxed baked goods.

Nikko gave her a flash of white teeth and his most winning smile. “I told Ronnie I’d stop by while I’m in town. I am stuck here until Monday or Tuesday,” he answered her simply.

Louisa gave him another guarded look, but opened the door wider allowing him entrance. “Ronnie’s in the shower, but she should be out shortly. I’ll put on a fresh pot of coffee. We are expecting her lawyer, Ronald Stimson, later on this morning.”

“Oh! He’s good.” Nikko recognized the name. Knew he was an excellent defense attorney from one of the finest firms in Tampa, and one of the most expensive. His eyes widened in surprise.

“He’s somewhat related to one of my dearest friends,” she offered in answer to his unasked question while she began to set up the coffee pot for round two. Nikko took a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island setting down his box of goodies. He heard the shower running and would have to make nice with Ronnie’s mom. But the sound of the water running, and knowing Ronnie was in there naked, had his mind wandering.

“When will he be here?” he asked, trying to make casual conversation.

“In about an hour.” She glanced at the wall clock in the kitchen as she set out the cups while the coffee brewed. His thoughts kept flying to the bathroom. He was having a hard time concentrating, and that wasn’t like him. Lou spoke, suddenly interrupting his shameful thoughts.

“What are you really doing here, Nikko?” she demanded. The edge in her voice threw him momentarily off guard, that and his wayward thoughts.