“You’ll survive.”
Other people might mistake his words for being curt or flippant, but I know he means them to his very core, and believes them deeply. He knows I can make it through whatever happens, and that warms me even more effectively than his sexy rumble.
“I will,” I agree. “I will, I will, I will.” If I say it often enough, with conviction, I might believe it.
“Damn right you will.” He polishes off his yogurt and licks the spoon. “You’re going to be a kickass mom.”
“Thank you.” Maybe it’s silly, but his statement, combined with the yogurt, leaves me feeling better than I was before.
It doesn’t mean I depend on him, I assure myself as I finish eating.Just that we know each other well and he’s a pro at talking me off a ledge.
Lord, I hope that’s true.
10
Seth
The most important day of my recent life begins much the same way as any other: with a gym full of men—and two young women—grunting as they swing kettlebells, lift weights, and punch bags. I absorb myself in the repetition, and help Devon throw the switch kick he loves but hasn’t quite mastered over and over again, then I spar with one of the women who moved here to train with Harley. She has a powerful punch and killer instinct but her foot work is all over the place and she possesses the grace of a lumbering bear. That’s okay. A few months partnered with Harley and she’ll be moving like a deadly ballerina. My baby sister isn’t for the faint of heart.
Things take a turn when my alarm sounds over the speakers, reminding me that I’m due to pick up Ashlin and take her to the clinic. Despite having had her explain to me numerous times that the procedure is simple and she won’t even be sedated, I refuse to let her drive there on her own. What if she feels shaky afterward? Or gets a blast of emotion like she did after our last visit to the clinic? I want to be there for her should the need arise. I park outside the kindergarten building at the school and head to reception, where I ask the man behind the desk where to find her.
“You her boyfriend?” He assesses me as though he’s scoping out the competition. “Thought she was single.”
“I’m her ex-husband.” I cross my arms and resist the primal need to stake a claim by telling him she’s about to bear my child. I’m not sure when she intends to let her colleagues know, or if she already has, but what she chooses to do is her business. My jealousy can suck it.
“Huh.” He leans back. “In that case, I’m not sure I should tell you where she is. How do I know you’re not a threat to her?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” If I thought he actually wanted to protect her, I’d appreciate it, but the kid is a poser. I grab my phone from my pocket and dial her number. When she answers, I don’t bother with a greeting. “What room are you in?”
“Seth?” Her breath hitches. “Where are you?”
“Reception.” I glare at the little fuckwad who thinks he’s a man. “The guy here is afraid I’ll hurt you, so he won’t tell me where you are.” The kid’s eyes widen, and he makes a slashing motion for me to end the call. I don’t.
“Down the righthand corridor. Second door on the left.”
My lips curl into a satisfied smirk. “Thanks, babe. See you in a moment.”
“Happy now?” I demand, then pivot in the direction she told me to go and walk away. A few seconds later, she appears in one of the doorways and beams.
“I’m so excited,” she whispers. “But really nervous too.”
“There’s a thirty percent chance you’ll be pregnant after today,” I say, hoping the reminder will buoy her.
“I know!” She clasps her hands in front of her chest in a praying motion. “God, I just hope I’m not disappointed.”
A niggle runs along my nerves. I want to tell her it’ll all be okay, but it might not. In fact, she’s more likely to not get pregnant than to get pregnant, and while I want to support her, I won’t blow smoke up her cute ass.
“If it fails, we can try again.”
She sighs. “Let’s not think about it.” She starts walking, and I catch up in a few strides. “Bye, Harry.” She waves to the reception guy as we pass. He gives me a shitty look, and I give it right back. She shakes her head, but doesn’t comment.
I escort her to my car, and manage not to give in to the urge to hold her hand during the drive, but as soon as we enter the clinic, I slide an arm around her and adopt a protective stance. Come what may, I will do everything in my power to be here for her. The fact she doesn’t tease me speaks to her level of anxiety. We wait for all of two minutes before she’s invited into a back room. My woman is pale but determined. I crack my knuckles and pace restlessly, waiting for her to return.
Time seems to move through a layer of molasses. Finally, the doctor appears in the corridor and gestures for me to follow her. I hurry over and go to Ashlin’s side. She’s sitting on the edge of the bed, fully clothed. “How are you doing, baby?” I smooth the hair back from her face so I can see her properly.
“I’m good.” Her mischievous smile tells me she’s more amused than anything else. “I think you took it harder than I did.”
I can’t deny it. “Hey, if my discomfort makes you smile, it’s worth it.” I kiss her cheek, hoping she won’t mind. Given the circumstances, I need to touch her. “Seriously, are you okay?”
