CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY

After a heavy dinner and a stressful day, I took Jamie to hang out in front of the lake, watching the half-moon's reflection dance on the soft ripples of the usually calm lake.

Dad and I spoke to the contractors to bring in more men to work on the house my parents insist they build of us, but the expression on Jamie's face every time says a different story.

She wants to accept the house, but there is something lingering behind her smile, that causes it not to reach her eyes.

"You're not happy about the house mom wants to build, are you?" I ask my wife watching her eyes that's glued to the scene in front of her and a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Turing to face me with a confused frown, "of course" she responds, expressing surprise at my question. "Why would you think that?" Jamie continues with genuine concern.

Chuckling, I lowered my eyes for a brief second before meeting her gaze.

"I just get the impression that you have a sadness every time the topic arises." I explained, watching her reaction and she looked away towards the lake, with a thoughtful expression.

Laughing nervously, with her eyes on the lake, Jamie continues, "it's just the cabin" she looks back at the cabin we are presently residing in, her eyes moist and glassy with unshed tears. "It's been home all my life and I know it's been long here before my parents married, but gramps built around it and kept improving on the structure and extensions." Jamie was saying, her eyes resting on me with a smile.

Her smile widening, "I just wondered if we could build on it,?" She requested hesitantly, peeking at me from lowered lashes.

Leaning closer, I pulled her head on my shoulders, "Jamie, we're a team and we're in this for the long haul. If remaining at the cabin and extending it, is what your heart desires, then so shall it be." I assured her, making promises I made on our wedding day.

Jamie remained silent and I had to turn her to make sure she didn't fall asleep on me.

"Hey" I shake he lightly, "what's still bothering you?" I asked gently.

Lifting her head gently off my shoulder, "Logan, I'm approaching my seventh month soon and Dr Morris suggested he do a C-section." Jamie was saying and I tensed.

I was about to interrupt Jamie, but I remained quiet, allowing her to continue.

"I know we had this conversation before, bit thus time, it's much more urgent." Jamie takes a deep breath as she continues to speak, with her eyes downcast.

"I'll be giving birth soon and I need to be stress free." She lifts her eyes upwards and meets mines.

Jamie's eyes are dark with emotions, I couldn't begin to read, but fear was definitely a main contributor to her present feelings.

"I need for you to end this threat that's hanging over my life." Jamie says, her gaze intense, her voice firm and steady.

"My child cannot be born in the middle of this life." Jamie continues and I allow her to speak. I know she would have given this much thought and her words are a result of her decisions after thinking our problems through.

"I want my child to enjoy this place" Jamie indicates the lake. "I want us to resume our careers and a healthy home environment." Jamie pauses and stare at me.

Whether I make a comment or not, Jamie's mind and heart is in one accord, so she won't hear anything I have to say, otherwise.

If I'm being honest, I kept delaying in hopes of my grandfather's redemption, but it's not a possibility, yet.

"You need to do more and do it faster, because if the baby comes earlier, it would be difficult, all around." Jamie grabs my face, to stare into my eyes.

"I understand" I responded quietly.

I held her hands that palmed my face, pulling them downwards on my knees.

Staring at our joint hands, I lifted my eyes to hers, "but you have to understand this," I started, my voice clear and precise. "Getting it done quickly, goes only one way, but you are not allowed to question me, not now, not after." i explained with the same clear and no nonsense tone.

Jamie appears taken aback with either my comment or my tone, but either way, whatever I do, will resurrect demons and I will not introduce her to them.

Blinking nervously, Jamie nods slowly as if she's unsure, but I must have my ground rules to work with, ensuring that neither Jamie nor my mother will be privy too.

"Okay" Jamie agrees, her voice breaking, but she still agrees.

"Good" I responded, taking out my phone and sending a quick message to the man whose holding Angela hostage.

I was going soft all this time, hoping she would budge, but she's determined and now my wife is even more determined, especially with our child's life at stake.

Keeping my eyes glued to the phone as I wait for a rapid response.

I opened my phone as I felt a vibe, clenching my jaw as I read the affirmative.

They had no mercy on Gwen, now it's time for their own to feel it, especially as Angela isn't considered missing, yet.

"Who is that?" Jamie asked, still sitting in the same place.

Without answering her, I raised and index finger, wriggling it side to side, as a reminder. No questions!

Swallowing deeply, Jamie nods and fear is clearly evident, but I already pushed the button.

If Angela is smart, she'll talk but if she's smarter, she'll remain silent and die with her secrets.

"You ready to go in?" I asked Jamie and she nods quickly, again breathing out fear.

Instead to wheeling her in, I lifted her bridal style and walked briskly across the lawn towards the cabin, again using the back entrance.