“Nothing was stopping me from getting to you,” I croak and push back the damp strands of hair clinging to her cheek. “You’re safe?”
She nods. “I’m safe.”
I turn to the nurse, hands never leaving Harriet. “How is everything? Blood pressure, heart rate. What about blood tests?”
“Ah, Harriet mentioned you’re an EMT. There’s no need for blood work, and all other vitals are exactly where we wantthem to be.” She flicks a switch on the machine. A steady thrumming fills the cubicle, one of my favorite sounds next to Harriet’s laugh. “Baby’s heartbeat is strong, and we have no concerns about their movement. You should be able to go home soon. I’ll keep you monitored for another ten minutes and make the call.”
The nurse gives me a sympathetic smile before leaving us alone.
My next move is instinctual, the final check to assure me she’s safe. The softness of her full lips ground me. She huffs in surprise before sighing into the kiss, and the tiny noise delivers an air of calm into my overworked lungs.
She’s safe.
She’s in my arms.
She’s breathing.
This isn’t a call. History isn’t repeating itself.
I pull back an inch, scanning her flushed face.
“Hello.” She laughs breathlessly.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
She worries her lip. “I’m sorry for all the drama. We’re honestly fine. The truck took the brunt of the damage, but the EMT wanted me to get checked out just in case.” My hand falls to her stomach, and she answers my silent question. “They’re good, Warren. Kicking and punching right before you got here.”
Fingers spread wide, I level my breathing, waiting for a small thump or tap.
I frown. “I don’t think they like me.”
“They adore you.”
This tiny human knocked me on my ass when they first made their existence known. They still do, only now, it’s blended with something new, the same thing that shines in Harriet’s eyes as she watches me.
Love.
After a few minutes, Harriet sighs. “They’re making me out to be a liar.”
“It’s fine. They’re probably tired. As is their mama.”
“Okay, Miss Thomas.” The nurse returns and reads the screen before unstrapping the belt from Harriet’s waist. “I’m happy with everything if you are. Any sudden pains, bleeding, or anything doesn’t feel right at all, you come right back.”
“I will. Thank you so much.” Harriet swings her legs off the bed, but they don’t get the chance to hit the floor. “Warren! Put me down.”
“Yeah, not gonna happen.” Ever. I turn to the nurse. “She shouldn’t be walking, right?”
She rolls her lips in amusement. “Dad’s a protective one, huh?”
“You’re telling me.” Despite her grumblings, Harriet hooks an arm around my neck while I grab her purse from the side.
“A few minutes off your feet will be nice. Plus”—the nurse leans in—“don’t pretend you’re upset. Look who’s carrying you.”
Harriet’s annoyance holds no weight. Her breath hitches when I hike her higher up my body. “He’s notawfulto look at. C’mon, let’s go find Parker and get out of here.”
“Found her.” I turn toward the voice. Parker eyes us both suggestively. “This is veryAn Officer and a Gentleman.Should I give you two some privacy?”
“Shut up.” Harriet giggles.
