The mid-wife leans over. “A beautiful baby girl,” she whispers. “We’ll just get her checked over, and then I’ll bring her back to you.”
I sigh in relief, and Drifter leans down, placing a tender kiss on my head.
I squint my eyes, still groggy from sleep and pain relief.
It takes a few moments to get my bearings as I scan the room. Then I spot Drifter standing at the large window, his back to me, his frame casting a shadow over the bed.
I remain silent, watching as he rocks our daughter gently, his whole body moving as he quietly shushes her small whimpers.
And then I hear him sniffle. “I am so sorry, princess.” His voice cracks with emotion as he leans in and kisses the top of her head. “Your dad is a terrible man, and he’s really messed-up,” he continues, making his way over to the chair in the corner of the room,
I close my eyes so he doesn’t realise I’m awake. I don’t want to break this moment. “I let your mumma down. I let you down. But I vow to you that I’m going to change. I’m going to be a better man for you and your mum. You both deserve better.” I hear a strained sob escape him as he tries to stifle it. “God, if anyone ever hurt you like I’ve hurt your mum, they won’t be standing.”
She lets out a little cry, and I open my eyes., I try to stretch out on the bed, but the pain ricochets through my body. The pain relief is clearly wearing off.
Drifter clears his throat. “You okay, beautiful?” he whispers, trying to hide the fact he’s been crying. I nod, and he makes his way over to me. I grimace as I try to lift myself up.
He places our daughter back in the crib beside us. “Wait, let me help.”
He reaches over to offer his arm for support, slowly pushing my back ‘til I’m upright.
“Do you need some more pain relief?” he asks, almost as if reading my mind.
“No, but I do need a piss.” I laugh, and he shakes his head in amusement.
They removed the catheter as soon as I could start moving my legs and getting up off the bed.
Once I’m sitting on the side of the bed, he slides on my slippers before supporting my weight and helping me up. I hobble across to the bathroom, stiffness radiating through my body. He opens the door for me and whispers, “I’ll wait out here.”
I shake my head. “Please, don’t go,” I say, scared of being left on my own whilst I’m still unsteady on my feet. He nods and helps me use the toilet. I brace myself as the sting burns like nothing I’ve ever felt before.
“Thank you,” I whisper, washing my hands as his hand rests at the base of my back to stabilise me.
He helps me back to the bed, and our daughter cries out. He lifts her to me, and she nuzzles into my chest. I reach in, releasing my breast to feed her. She suckles, and he sits in the chair beside the bed, watching with what can only be described as complete admiration.
“You’re incredible, you know that, right?” I meet his eyes and smile. “No, seriously, you’re a pro. I’m so fucking proud of you right now. You’ve made my heart full.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, looking down at this beautiful little girl.
“Hell,” he says, and I look up again. “I love you.” His voice is thick with emotion, his eyes filling with tears.
“I love you too,” I whisper. He reaches over, squeezing my leg.
CHAPTER TWENTY
DRIFTER
Today is the day our daughter is finally coming home. She’s made some amazing progress and the doctors are truly amazed by her. I’m not, though, because she has Hell as her mum, and that woman is capable of anything.
Although Hell had been discharged weeks ago, she’s spent all her nights at the hospital. I had spent as long as I could there, but I was also busy making sure everything was set in place for them coming home.
I had already taken action and had the club whores removed from the club. I’d put it to the vote in church, and although the men were pissed at first, they understood.
Clay and Rock were in full support. The clubhouse needs to be a safe space for the kids, too. The brothers helped move the women over to the strip joint, and they were told that under no circumstances were they to bring them back into the club. If they want to get their dicks wet, they’ll have to find pussy somewhere else.
I have plans for the lounge area where the club girls used to hang out, too, but it’s going to be a surprise for Hell, so the area has been completely off-limits to everyone else.
I pat Clay on the back, taking a seat next to him at the bar. Hazel passes me a bottle of water, and I take it gratefully. She doesn’t even ask me anymore. I’ve been clean since we brought Hell back from the rival club. I was serious about staying clean too, for Hell and for our little girl. I can’t be the man they need unless I’m sober.
