With his strong arm wrapped around my waist, he said, “Don’t you start flirting with my wife, man. I deal with enough of that shit from the other guys just so they can get a rise out of me.”
Bronson threw his head back and laughed as I giggled, the mood shifting, becoming lighter.
“I love that sound,” Pax said, turning his head to look at me in awe.
It felt good to laugh, but seconds later, I was serious again. “I need to see my baby girl,” I whispered, my heart aching.
“I know,” Bronson told me, but his facial expression said he was sorry even before he said it. “I’m really sorry, but I need you to give a statement to the cops before we can head back. Can you do that?”
My stomach dropped, but the only answer I could give was yes, so that’s what I told him. I knew the faster I did what was needed, the sooner we could be on our way to Italia.
I spotted the others that had come with Paxton and Bronson still working with the police. I appreciated everything the guys had done to find me.
Taking a deep breath, I said, “I’m ready.”
With sorrow filled eyes, Bronson replied, “I’m also sorry this happened, Capri. But I’m working with the police since I am still on the force, even if in another city, and I’ll get everything handled.”
The man was amazing and had done so much for me. I would make it my mission to help him find happiness like I had.
“Thank you, Bronson, that means a lot.”
He gave me a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes as he scanned my face. Luckily the EMT had given me a blanket, so my open dress and body were covered up.
I tipped my head back and took another deep breath.
“I’ll be right by your side the whole time.” Pax leaned in and kissed my temple.
As long as Pax was with me, I think I could maybe do anything.
* * *
I’d woken up startled.
Paxton’s hand rested on my arm. “Easy, darlin’, it’s just me,” my husband said softly. “We’re at the hospital.”
After everything I’d gone through, I woke up scared that being saved was all a dream and that I was still in the cabin. But I was safe. And I was about to see my sweet girl.
“Italia,” I whispered.
“Yeah, baby, let’s go see our daughter.” His hand left my arm and softly caressed my cheek. “Wait right there until I come around.” He released me and climbed out of his side of the car.
“I’m pretty sure I can get out of the car on my own,” I mumbled.
Bronson and Lyric chuckled from the front seat. I’m sure Rowan and Kace would be laughing along with them if they weren’t in another vehicle.
“Let him baby you,” Lyric said. “The man was going out of his mind with worry.”
That made me feel terrible. I loved when Paxton took care of me and my comment was more on the playful side. I believed the guys knew that but still wanted me to know how Paxton felt. It wasn’t that long ago that Lyric was pacing the floor with worry about Ruby so the feeling may still be fresh in his mind.
My door opened and Pax reached out his hand. Placing mine in his, I got out and we walked very slowly into the hospital. I wasn’t moving too fast after getting the crap kicked out of me and having just had a baby.
The birth of my daughter was the blessing I was holding onto in that moment.
When we reached the neonatal unit and my eyes landed on Italia, I couldn’t control the tears that streamed down my face. But they were tears of joy. My sweet baby was doing okay and even out from under the lights.
I turned to Paxton. “Can I hold her?”
“They're going to let her stay in the room with us tonight,” he told me.
