Chapter 8

Jake and Tina were hard at work tying down all of Tina’s things and Bette’s suitcase onto the truck. It would be a two-day drive to Bette’s house in LA, but everything was planned out. Jake had even made them reservation at a motel to spend the night.

Bette and Carolyn were sitting in the kitchen eating some bagels. "So Jake’s transfer will go through in two weeks?" Bette asked spreading the cream cheese over the bagel.

"Yeah, Tina had really gone to work getting her badge mailed to her along with her ID. She really wanted to get on duty right when you got to LA, but Jake is not in a rush he probably wants to take in the sights first. You know and because of the whole Bryon thing the LAPD is allowing them to remain partners," Carolyn said, "evidently you’re not Bryon’s only victim."

"Really?" Bette said in shock.

"Yeah, evidently he left a trail of girls in a bunch of other states, man I wish we were Texas I’m sure that prick would have gotten the death penalty," Carolyn said.

"God he’s a monster," Bette said.

"And you’re having his baby," Carolyn said.

"This baby is not his, it’s mine," Bette said firmly.

Carolyn sighed and said, "I understand that, but please keep an open mind. I understand that you don’t wanna kill an innocent baby, but there are other options. I mean that baby will be a constant reminder of what Bryon did to you, there are plenty of families who would be willing to adopt that child."

"I understand that and I considered it," Bette said, "but no matter what I want that baby in my life."

"So Jake and I will adopt him," Carolyn said.

"You would do that?" Bette said incredulously.

"Jake is open to it," Carolyn said.

"I’ll keep it in mind Caro," Bette said, "I honestly think the moment I see that baby I will fall in love with him. I don’t see that baby as Bryon’s spawn, I see him as my miracle. This baby and Tina and you guys have given me a reason to live. Raising this baby will make me stronger and knowing I’m not alone fills me with hope."