“Oh, I did. You look so different, the hair, the eyes, but I’d recognize you anywhere. I’d never forget what you’ve done to help me, Jo.”
“I’m sorry about your sister, but I’m glad you survived.” I couldn’t help looking back at the girls. “Yours?”
She nodded. “Annabelle and Ashley. Twins.”
“That’s amazing. They’re so pretty.”
“Thanks. Those little suckers take up all your time and take over your life. As you can see I can’t even work like I used to. I have to take them with me everywhere. Fuck, I can’t even go to the bathroom when I want to. But without them…I can’t picture my life.”
I wanted to ask so many questions. How did she manage to live this life with three children? How could she have babies without any fear in the first place? How, in all the chaos, all the Night Skulls’ mayhem, did she seem so happy? But I couldn’t utter a word.
“Why are you really here, Jo?”
I didn’t know why I was suddenly crying. “I’m pregnant.”
“That’s great.” She squeezed my hand gently. “Congratulations.”
“I don’t… I’m so confused and lost and don’t even know how I should feel.” I stared at her through the tears. “I never thought I’d even consider that, but…I don’t know if I should keep it.”
“All of these feelings are understandable and expected. I was terrified the first time I got pregnant. The second time was even scarier.”
“You… Wait, what?”
“Before the twins, I was pregnant. I found out after I’d broken up with Dusty. I was so scared, and I had all these emotions that you’re talking about. I was even angry at Dusty for getting me pregnant. Our men are crazy when it comes to owning their women. I’m sure you know that.”
More than I should.
“I was so done with the Night Skulls and thought about ending the pregnancy just so that I wouldn’t get caught in the club’s life. But I couldn’t bring myself to do anything but protect that baby. Deep down, I was nothing but happy. I felt guilty about it, but I was so fucking happy.” Her eyes misted. “Had that baby survived, I know for sure my whole life would have changed.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Cameron. I had no idea.”
“I didn’t even get to see it. Not even on an ultrasound.” She averted her gaze, a sigh snagging in her chest. She went to check on her girls—or to hide her tears. “My point is, give yourself some time before you make any decisions. Don’t let the life or a man or fear determine your course. Once you hear that baby’s heartbeat, listen to your own gut and do what you really wanna do for you and for it.”
Her words poured on me like cold water on a hot summer day. I wiped my tears and rose from my seat. “Thank you, Cameron. That was very helpful. I’m so glad I came here.”
“Me too. I wish there was a way we could still be friends, but you know.”
I nodded in understanding. “If I can ask for one favor, who is your Ob? I haven’t had a chance to see a doctor yet, and I’d rather see one outside of Houston, for now.”
She laughed under her breath. “I have a better idea. Come with me.”
CHAPTER 21
Jo
Owl, the older man I saw with her at the event, Doc’s friend of a friend and Cameron’sfather, kept an ultrasound device at their place. She was kind enough to tell him to use it on me.
A little guilt and anger washed over me as I lay down on the bed for doing this alone even when it was my idea. Cameron held my hand, but I was still nervous. Nothing about this pregnancy was anything I imagined. Not the way I conceived it or the first time I was about to see it or hear his heartbeat. I felt I was robbed out of so many key moments of my life. Everything felt so wrong.
Until Owl put the not-so-fun wand in my vagina, and immediately a heartbeat echoed from the device.
I gasped, and then tears burst out of my eyes. “Oh my God.” It was real. I was pregnant with Tirone’s baby. “I’m having a baby.”
Cameron was right. Once I heard that rhythm, I didn’t care about having a normal life with a husband that would write down with me a baby plan and come with me to appointments. I didn’t care about how stable my life was or even the danger that could sneak upon us at any time. I would protect that baby no matter what. I would die so it could live no matter what.
Cameron smiled at me. “It’s so tiny.”
Owl adjusted the screen so I could see. He pointed at a little spot that looked like a bean on the monitor. “Heartbeat is strong. You’re about three weeks pregnant.”
