“I messed up,” he admitted. “It kills me to know you were up here so upset all day. I’m so sorry, Jess. I promise, I’ll talk to you about everything from now on.”
“Thank you.” She wiped the tears that had trekked all the way down to her jaw. “I didn’t cryallday up here. I was so angry, I did some rage laundry.”
“Rage laundry?” Hawk laughed. “God, you’re so damn cute even when you’re mad.”
“I ran out of steam though, and that’s why I was crying when I gave up and told Adrienne to come get me. I didn’t want to put the laundry away.”
“Text Adrienne and get a rain check. I’ll put away thelaundry. Then maybe we can get to my favorite part of arguing.”
“What’s that?”
“Make-up sex.”
It was Jessie’s turn to laugh as she wiped her eyes and took out her phone.
Thirty-One
Lachlan nodded at Hawk for the millionth time. “I know the rules. She’s coming with me to the shop, and then I’m to get her out to the ranch because Ma and Mae need her final sign-off on baby shower shit.”
“It’s not shit, Lach. It’s important,” Jessie’s voice filtered out into the living room from the bathroom. Hawk heard her feet padding down the hall before he saw her, belly first. “Don’t laugh,” she scolded as he bent down to give her a kiss. “I feel like I’m about to tip over any time I stand up. Bee is getting so big.”
“She’s healthy. And so are you. Two things I am extremely grateful for.” Hawk smiled, tapping the device around her wrist. “Nausea level?”
“A three this morning, but barely noticeable with how excited I am for everything coming up.” She smiled up at him. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and help you pack up the truck? I have all that stuff in the fridge I made for today, and don’t forget about the ice cream in the freezer.”
“Jess,” he grumbled. “I’m perfectly capable of puttingfood in the cooler and driving it out to the ranch. Go with your brother.”
“I don’t need to carry anything down. I could just direct you.” Hawk watched her smile fade as her eyes landed on the bookshelf. “What is this still doing here?” Jess grabbed the vase Dakota had given her off the bookshelf and walked into the kitchen.
Hawk heard the vase make a thunk as it hit the bottom of the trash can. Fucking finally. He hated looking at that damn thing.
“Did you just throw that away?” Lachlan laughed as she walked back into the living room.
“Yep. I’m still mad at Dakota. I don’t need that kind of energy in my home. Sorry I kept it for so long.” She looked at Hawk, who couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s no problem, Pretty Girl. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t absolutely love seeing that.”
She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head. “Are you sure I can’t stay to help?”
“Absolutely not.” Hawk crossed his arms over his chest. “All the girls are going to be at the ranch waiting for you by the time you’re done at the shop, and you don’t want to be late.”
“Eee!” she squealed. “You’re right. I want to be out there with them.”
“Ouch,” he laughed.
“Oh hush. It’s going to be a good day! Right, Lach?”
Her brother sighed, holding out his hand. “Right. Come on, preggers.”
“Ew. I don’t like being called that.” Jessie wrinkled up her nose and Hawk laughed beside her, before lifting her chin and kissing her.
Lach rolled his eyes, but her brother still offered Jessie his arm for balance as they walked out of the apartment and down the hall.
“I know things are strained with Dakota right now, but does that mean you’ve decided not to go forward with having him buy into the shop?” she asked as she huffed and puffed until they made it to the elevator.
“He needs to shut his mouth and figure some shit out, and fast. But if he can do that, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be a good decision to let him buy in. Someone else to shoulder the monetary burden. Someone to bring in more business.”
Jessie sighed as she let go of his arm, digging her fingers into her back as they rode down to the ground level. “I just worry?—”
