Chapter Fourteen
Eight Months Later
"Careful, Sera. This way, " said Rhett as he guided a thirty-four weeks pregnant Sera towards the front porch of the house. They had just returned from a doctor's check up. She was doing excellent thanks to the care and love that the whole family showered upon her for the last eight months.
Her parents did call her a few times but she didn't pick up their call. She was disappointed with her own family.
River's dad enrolled both of them into online classes to complete their graduation. River helped Rhett with the family business and helped at the ranch too.
They were the biggest dairy producers in the vicinity. Rhett was also into horse rearing and sales. He trained the horses thoroughly before selling. At twenty-eight, he and Rex headed their businesses. Ryder and Ryan who were five years younger, too helped them. Rihanna, who was two years younger than her siblings, taught at an elementary school. In the evening she used to give private tuitions before but left at granny's insistence.
"Sera how's the little champ doing inside?" Asked River's dad with a smile.
"He's always hungry and always kicking me, uncle Kevin," she laughed. The ultrasound report informed them that she had a baby boy inside her. She already thought of a name for him. Zion. Starting with a Z after Zachary's name.
River's dad laughed. River came in exhausted from work, "God, I need a vacation," she said, going into the kitchen. She returned after a minute carrying a huge pitcher of lemonade and bringing it to the table. Rihanna brought glasses and poured everyone a glass.
"Thanks," said Sera, thankfully drinking it all up.
"More?" Asked Rhett and she nodded. He filled her glass and grinned at her. Ruth looked at them and whispered conspiratorially into granny's ears.
"Why can't he marry her instead of waiting for Adelaide? It's so obvious that he cares for Sera."
"I know. Did Adelaide get married already?" Asked granny.
"No, not yet, " said Ruth.
They both sighed heavily and granddad looked at them suspiciously.
Suddenly Sera's face contorted with pain. "Are you ok?" Asked River and everyone looked at them. Rhett kneeled down beside her in panic. River's mom came worriedly towards her.
"What happened sweetie? Are you in pain?" She asked in concern as Sera felt immense pain in the region of her uterus.
"I was getting a throbbing on and off pain since returning from the doctor but it was bearable. Now it's worse, aunt Kathy," she said as a gush of water fell down her legs much to her embarrassment.
"Her water bag just burst. Rex, start the truck. River you can pack her essentials and come to the hospital. We can't wait a minute. Rhett you need to carry her to the truck. Let's go," said River's mom.
Rex, Rhett, aunt Katherine and uncle Kevin took her to the hospital. They admitted her immediately and then took her to the OT while her family waited outside.
After five minutes, baby Zion Reynor was born but since he was born prematurely, he needed to be kept in the NICU for several weeks.
Sera was taken to her room to rest. She was heartbroken that she couldn't be home with Zion sooner because Zion's weight was a little below normal.
The next few weeks, all her family members came to visit her. When they all left, she thought about how different her life would have been if she were married to Zachary. Zion wouldn't be called an illegitimate child if she were together with Zachary. Tears pooled at her eyes. What answer would she give Zion when he asked about his father?
Rhett and River spent more time with her to cheer her up but the thought haunted her. She didn't want Zion to be called an illegitimate child, an unwanted child.
At last Zion was strong enough to be taken home. Rhett carried him home as River escorted Sera. They had prepared a nursery for Zion right next to Sera's room.
Granny and granddad were ecstatic to see baby Zion. For months they had patiently waited for his arrival.
"He resembles Zachary a lot," said River's mom and Rhett looked closely.
"Yeah your right," he said, with a grimace.
Rhett carried baby Zion as if he was his to love, his to cherish. Rhett bonded with Zion just like a dad would. He had found a new lease of life, a new meaning to his otherwise dreary existence.
Sera watched everyday how he played with Zion, feeding him, cleaning him, bathing him, taking them for check ups.
"Marry her already, Rhett. You're already his dad, " said granny, getting frustrated when he wouldn't give Zion to anyone.
Rhett stilled and looked at everyone. He pondered over it and liked it immensely. It was true that he didn't love Sera but she was far better than the other girls and she and Zion needed someone to take care of them and he needed them to fill up his lonely life.
For the next three months, he kept thinking and rethinking over the idea. He wanted to ask Sera but didn't find the courage. He knew she still loved Zachary but maybe for Zion's sake, she would agree to marry him.
Sera regained her strength and wanted to start working. She applied to a few job openings nearby.
"Why don't you join us just like River?" Said uncle Kendrick and the others supported him.
"Ok, can I start tomorrow?" Asked Sera and it was decided that she would join their businesses and work just like River did.
As the days passed and Zion grew bigger, Sera was more and more worried about his future. She didn't wish to be a burden on River's family any more. She had to think of Zion's future, save money for his education.
A year passed by and Zion started walking on his own. He had grown very close to Rhett, almost inseparable. He started talking in his baby language and everyone simply adored him. He started looking exactly like Zachary, a replica actually, only younger. Sera felt a tug at her heart every time she saw him. Her heart saddened that Zion could never have Zachary's love. Maybe he had already married his fiancée and had a child or two with her. He might have completely forgotten about Sera.
Last week, Rhett had asked her to marry him, for Zion's sake. She didn't have any other option left and agreed to marry him. Last night, a small engagement ceremony was held and they got engaged to each other. Sera felt her eyes well up with tears.
"I'm sorry Zach but I can't pull any longer. I don't want Zion to be called an illegitimate child when he starts Montessori school," she whispered looking at the distant mountains from her window.
