Rachel woke to the welcoming aroma of fresh brewed coffee, and though she desired a cup, she lay there for a few more minutes. It surprised her that she felt as rested as she did knowing she must’ve had a restless night. She remembered vaguely, Mack whispering in her ear and holding her close. He had a sleepless night, she was sure.
Just when she threw one leg off the bed, Mack entered with a cup of the strong heavenly brew she smelled a few minutes before.
“I knew you’d want this as soon as you woke. There’s some clothes I think you can get by with on the chair in the corner and I’m fixing a light breakfast. So when you’re ready, come join me in the kitchen.”
She smiled at him as he left her and began to drink the hot caffeine. She wanted more immediately upon draining the cup, but decided to get dressed first and borrow the toothbrush she found in the guest bath, before joining Mack.
“Thank you, Mack, for everything, she said as she entered the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Mack from behind. “I’m not sure what I ever did to deserve you, but I am so thankful to have you in my life.”
Laying the stirring spoon down, Mack turned and kissed her long and hard. “I am thankful for you. It amazes me that you still don’t realize how wonderful you truly are. That’s just one of the reasons I fell in love with you. Now go sit so we can eat.”
“Right after I pour me some more coffee. Would you like another cup?”
“No, thanks, I already had three this morning,” he answered just as his phone rang.
“Hello, Yes, this is Mack Sterling. Okay, thanks for letting me know. I’ll get back to you sometime later this morning.”
Mack fixed two plates of scrambled eggs and fruit and as he carried them to the round table off the kitchen, he said, “that was the medical examiner. They are releasing Thomas’s body for burial. I’ll need to get on the arrangements later this morning.”
She covered his hand with hers and said, “I’m so sorry Mack. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“No, I’m the only family Thomas had and I doubt he had many friends. I don’t want to leave you alone today though, but since you’ll be at work most of the day, you’ll be safe.”
“Uhhh, I forgot to mention. I took a couple of days off to help you. But don’t worry about me. I’ll stay in my apartment and won’t answer the door. You do what you have to.”
“I’m going to change, then we’ll pick up your car and I’ll follow you back to your place and see you safely inside.”
Mack made a quick phone call from the privacy of his bathroom and felt more in control when he hung up, after making a couple arrangements. Quickly changing into jeans and a polo shirt, he pulled on socks and shoes and joined Rachel.
Her car was exactly where she parked it over twenty-four hours before. She got shivers up her spine as she opened the driver’s door even knowing Mack stood not even a foot away.
“I’ll follow you. Lock your door and keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks suspicious.”
Nodding her head, Rachel did lock her doors and when Mack was no longer behind her car, she backed out of the parking spot and felt relieved when she saw him pulling directly behind her and follow her down the parking ramp.
Neither one of them lived far from the hospital, so little time passed before they both pulled into her apartment complex, with Mack pulling in right next to her before she unbuckled her seatbelt.
Holding her car door open, he helped her out and prayed she wouldn’t get mad when she found out what he did.
“Rachel, Mack, over here. We’ve been waiting.”
Rachel, startled, turned quickly and pulled herself together when she saw Sher and Lynn approach her. Sher was Glen’s wife and Lynn was married to Rick and they both were Mack’s and her new friends. Confused, Rachel looked to Mack for answers, but before he spoke, Sher hugged her tightly and said, “As soon as Glen told us what happened, we had to come see you and make sure you are okay. I hope you don’t mind?”
Lynn hugged Rachel and said, “We’re here for support and whatever else you need.”
“Why don’t we all go inside? “ Mack suggested, and when they settled in Rachel’s living room, he said, “do you women have plans for today? I have some errands I can’t put off, and I’m not comfortable leaving Rachel all alone.”
“Mack, I will be fine. I’m sure Sher and Lynn have better things to do than babysit me all day.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Rachel, and we won’t be babysitting you. We will be visiting and spending some quality time with our new friend. Please let us stay, besides Hannah’s also on her way and we really want to spend time with you and talk baby talk.” Sher smiled.
Rachel couldn’t resist laughing. “ I think you three women’s visit is exactly what I want today. Thank you for coming.”
Lynn sat down next to Rachel and hugged her, “That’s what good friends do. We are always there for each other. And we needed some ‘girl time’ too.”
Mack’s lip curved into a broad smile. “So, I’ll leave you now, but I’m taking you to dinner tonight. Any chance you ladies and your husbands will join us?”
“We’ll let you know later. Sometimes they get so wrapped up, we never know what time they’ll come home.” Sher said.
Rachel stood and walked Mack to the door and gave him a long, lingering kiss before closing and locking the door.
“I am very glad you came over, even though I think a little behind-my-back arranging went on. I do need to get out of Mack’s clothes and into my own. Excuse me for a minute, please.”
When Rachel left the room, Sher looked at Lynn and said, “I think she’ll be fine after a few days. We both know the process, and she is a strong woman and with our help and of course, Mack’s love, she’ll be more than fine.”
Sher didn’t mention to Lynn how her stomach felt. Even being pregnant, she knew the signs of a storm about to come into their lives.