“It didn’t feel right without Lach.”
Hawk saw her face fall. Things between them hadn’t been better since Lachlan’s accident, but Hawk had been there when Dakota tried to apologize for everything. Jessie agreed to try and put it behind them for the sake of her brother, but Hawk knew his girl. She was struggling with it. And he wouldn’t hesitate to put Dakota in his place if he even stepped one toe out of line with her.
“Actually, Lach was the one who suggested doing all this to Jessie. He could see how bad everyone needed a little time to decompress.”
Her brownie-free hand squeezed his thigh.
“True. Everyone did need this.” Dakota sighed. “Look. Iknow I said it before, and we agreed to move on, but I’m sorry for what happened at Davney’s. I was out of line, and I fucking knew it then. I want things to be good between us, Jess. Youaresomeone I feel protective over. I’m sorry I took it too far.”
Jessie crossed her arms over her chest and shrugged. “And what would you like to say to Hawk?”
“Iamsorry, man. I was an asshole. Anyone with some sense in their head can see that you are good for Jess.”
Hawk nodded, holding his hand out. Dakota took it, and the two of them embraced for a moment.
“I’m still not over how much of an asshole you were or how mad I am at you, but everything with Lachlan… it feels yucky to hold on to a grudge,” Jessie sighed.
“Thank you.” Dakota smirked. “I was back at the shop yesterday, Blue Jay. The police cleared the scene.”
“God. I don’t know how I’m ever going to go back there again. If Lach can’t?—”
“Hey. He will.” Dakota stood, placing his napkin on his paper plate and walking to the trash bag they’d set up next to the coolers. “He’s going to be fine. Looks a little more like a robot right now, but once he gets the rods out and loses the leg cage, he’ll be the old Lach.”
Hawk could feel the air around Jessie shifting. Changing. And he fucking didn’t want dip-shit Dakota ruining what he had planned for the rest of the day.
“Feel up to taking a walk with me, Pretty Girl?” he asked.
He’d checked his watch every ten seconds for the last hour, as one by one, his sister, Stone, Lily, Sloane, Gage, Lacy, and Emma all disappeared. They would do an amazing job, and Hawk was so thankful they were happy to help.
“Sure. I think that brownie from Emma put the baby right to sleep. But we probably only have a few minutes until the sugar kicks in and she’s bouncing around.”
Hawk smiled, his heart rate jumping as the small box in his pocket felt heavy against his thigh. “Let’s take advantage of it then.”
Jessie laughed, her voice dropping as she watched Dakota walk over to the table where her brothers were shooting the shit with Gunner and Seb. “I don’t think we’ll be able to do anything too naughty, Hawk. Everyone is still around.”
God, this woman. Suddenly, the box in his pocket wasn’t the only hard thing poking around. “I wish I was talking about that, Jessie. But this is just a walk. I’ve missed my girls today. I want some time just for us at the springs.”
“That does sound really nice. I should tell your sister thank you for organizing all this before we walk though.” Her head swiveled around. “Have you seen her? I swear, she took off with Stone ages ago and I haven’t seen her since. The same with Sloane and Gage. Did they all leave without saying bye?”
“Maybe they had the same idea as you.”
“Oh good lord. I hope they know to look out for poison oak.”
Hawk just chuckled as he scooped her hand up and they walked up the path he knew led to a very special spot.
“Are you doing okay?” Hawk asked as he looked over Jessie’s flushed face a few minutes later, wincing as she started digging her hands into her back. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect plan after all. No amount of happiness was worth her being in a bunch of pain… or going into labor early.
“Yeah! Of course. There’s actually this special little spot at the end of this trail. I just need to catch my breath and then I want to show it to you.”
“I can’t wait to see it.” Hawk hid his smile as he stepped behind her, wrapping his hands low under her belly. Jessie leaned back against him, and his arms took over carrying the weight of Bee for a moment.
Jessie groaned. “God. I swear, that’s almost better than sex.”
Hawk chuckled. “I’d say let’s compare out here, but now I’m worried about all that poison oak you mentioned.”
“Don’t worry.” Jessie turned her face, pressing her lips against his neck. “I know all the places to avoid.”
“My needy baby mama. She’s going to have to wait, just a little while longer. I want to see this special spot of yours.”
