“So, I haven’t been seen by a doctor yet—”
“I gave Grizz names,” he starts, concerned now.
“I know. It’s not his fault. It’s mine. I’ve just been nervous about it. You know, it’s a very vulnerable thing, and I just don’t feel comfortable.”
“There were women on the list,” he says softly, his hand coming to touch my arm.
“I know, and I should go see someone, but… if everything feels okay, that should mean I’m fine, right?”
He shakes his head. “Not necessarily. Likely, yes, but you just never know. It’s best to get a full exam done.”
I sigh, looking over at Grizz.
“There’s more,” Lucian says. “I can see it in your eyes. What aren’t you saying?”
“It’s nothing bad,” I say quickly. “I just… want to… uh, move forward in my relationship with Grizz.”
“Oh,” he says, sounding slightly surprised. Like maybe he thought we’d already done that. “Well, in that case, I highly suggest seeing someone, sweetheart. Getting checked is important, to make sure your body is ready for that. And please don’t be offended by this, but I also suggest contraceptives. At least for a little while. Give your body time to heal before you have another child.”
“Lord, I wasn’t thinking about that,” I say with a laugh.
He isn’t laughing though. “It’s okay if you do. Grizz is a good man. This club… they’re good people.”
“I have too much to deal with right now. Another baby? I can’t begin to imagine. Dorothea is enough work.”
“I can understand that. Look, how about I do some more digging for you? I have a friend who works in New Hampshire. Well, she used to. It’s possible she doesn’t any longer, but let me see if I can get in touch with her.” His hand is on my shoulder again. “I think it’s best you see someone in an office. Getting out will help in more ways than one.”
I give him a kind smile.
“It’s like you read my mind.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Grizz
Halloween was a success, as it usually is. I think every kid from the town came by to get candy. Maybe it was because we were handing out full candy bars, or maybe it’s just because the community trusts us. Our charity events are always a good turnout, but I thought maybe that’s because it benefited them in some way. Whether it be fixing up the school or the library or whatever else needs help. Kids can get candy anywhere, but they came to see us, and that’s just really cool. And also, maybe I’m looking at kids a little differently this year, since I have one of my own now. Before I know it, that’ll be Dorothea out there Trick-or-Treating.
“I can’t wait until she’s big enough to eat candy.”
“Don’t say that,” Anastacia says, swatting at my chest. “She should stay little forever.”
I pull her to my side, and we stare down at our baby sleeping soundly in her bassinet. “Then you’ll miss all the good stuff. Her talking. Telling you she loves you. The hugs and kisses.”
“And the arguing and shouting. The periods. Hormones.Boys.”
“Whoa,” I say. “Let’s not go there.”
“See,” she says, nudging me a little.
I kiss her head and we stay there for another moment before I tell her I’m going to take a shower so we can go to bed.
I bring my sleep shorts into the bathroom with me, start the shower, and get undressed. When it’s hot, I step in and get to scrubbing myself clean.
The soft squeak of the door tells me someone has come in. Sometimes Anastacia comes in because she has to pee and doesn’t want to go upstairs, but usually she says something… she hasn’t said a word. I wait a few beats, not moving as I listen to what she could be doing. I don’t hear a sound. Maybe it wasn’t the door? I pull back the curtain and nearly fall on my ass. Anastacia is standing not three feet from me, completely naked and hot as fuck.
“Holy fuck,” I rasp out.
“Can I join you?” she asks softly, almost shyly.
